Helping the museum

THUMBS UP: The Brown County Historical Society Museum is getting its World War I exhibit ready, and it is getting lots of help from some of the descendants of the folks involved.

This week Jay Pfaender, a grandson of Albert Pfaender, the city attorney who was removed from office by the Minnesota Commission on Public Safety during the War in Europe, loaned the museum a loving cup his grandfather had received from his men for service in the National Guard on the Mexican border, which took place the previous year. It’s a nice artifact and demonstrates how someone who had served his country loyally could be so quickly labeled a seditionist.

It should be a very interesting exhibit.

Earth Day Plus

THUMBS UP: Today is Earth Day, and if that isn’t enough to get you up and out of bed with a smile there is no shortage of events today, from the March for Science-New Ulm to the ECFE Kids Fair to the Women’s Expo to the New Ulm Bike Expo. The Cub Scouts are holding their Pinewood Derby, Turner Hall is holding its Party of the Year, and Cathedral High School is holding its prom.

Fortunately, it promises to be a lovely day if you want to get out and hit all these events.

Business bill

THUMBS UP: The Minnesota House passed a bill this week to prevent cities in Minnesota from creating their own business regulations. The bill will be reconciled with the Senate bill and sent to the governor for his signature or veto.

The bill is a response to cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul passing their own minimum wage laws, requiring businesses to provide benefits like sick leave and family leave above and beyond state or federal regulations, and so on.

It seems reasonable to have one set of rules for businesses, especially small operations that exist on tight margins. A business in St. Paul should expect to comply with the same regulations as one in St. Peter. Patchwork regulations create confusion and a tough business environment.