THUMBS DOWN

Political violence on the rise

On Wednesday, conservative activist Charlie Kirk was murdered while giving a speech at Utah Valley University in Orem. This is just the latest in politically motivated violence. In June, Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband were murdered in their home. Last year, there were multiple assassination attempts against Donald Trump. This is a level of politically motivated violence the United States has not seen in many years. At the same time, school shootings continue to occur frequently, with another shooting occurring at a Colorado High School Wednesday. It is disheartening to say the least and a real threat to democracy. At what point does the violence become so pervasive that it effectively silences part of society or worse, numb to these tragedies.

THUMBS UP

Firefighters raise funds for National Fallen Firefighter Foundation

On Thursday, a group of firefighters from Nicollet, Courtland and Lake Crystal participated in a special remembrance of the 343 firefighters killed in the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001. Firefighters climbed the steps at POET Bioprocessing 15 times, which  is equivalent to climbing 110 stories of the World Trade Center. This was a powerful way to remember the first-responders who gave everything to save lives on that day 24 years ago. In addition to the remembrance, Nicollet firefighter Peter Finken used the event to raise $3,800 for the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation, an organization that honors fallen firefighters and supports their families. 

THUMBS UP

EDAs collaborating for to help southern Minnesotans

On Tuesday, the New Ulm Economic Development Authority (EDA) made an agreement to allow the Mankato EDA to administer the Bring It Home Rental Assistance program on New Ulm’s behalf. 

The a new program started in Minnesota that provides additional voucher assistance to communities. New Ulm already has a surplus of vouchers, while Mankato was in need of greater renter assistance. 

Mankato will take over administering some of New Ulm’s rental assistance following an agreement between the two cities’ Economic Development Authority (EDA).

On Tuesday, the New Ulm EDA approved a memorandum with the Mankato EDA that would allow Mankato to administer the Bring It Home Rental Assistance program on New Ulm’s behalf. This simple agreement will give the Mankato region greater assistance. This is a great example of organizations from different communities working together to help each other. EDA Chair Michelle Markgraf praised this collaboration as EDAs working to make southern Minnesota stronger. It is a simple agreement, but will do a world of good for those in need.