A new festival in town
THUMBS UP: Most every city in Minnesota - whether the population is 900 or 2,500 or 10,000 - has a festival its residents can look forward to each summer. Marshall's been somewhat of an exception until Sounds of Summer came along, then went away and is now back again. And it looks as though Marshall will be getting deeper into that summer festival mood by adding another one this year. On Tuesday, the city council approved a request by Western Community action to move ahead with plans to put on SkyFest, an event that, you guessed it, includes an air show, as well as many other events for adults and children. It makes sense for Marshall to have such an event, given the fact that it's home to a nice-sized airport. There are legitimate concerns about putting on an event, most notable public safety. Sgt. Jeff Wenker of the Marshall Police Department said staffing that weekend will be tricky as some officers have already been granted their request for time off. Plus, there are no reserve officers and some local law enforcement will be working at Cottonwood's Coming Home Days. It's our hope this is nothing more than a small hurdle that will have to be overcome so WCA can provide the city of Marshall with a memorable festival.
Mather running
THUMBS UP: Interim Lyon County Sheriff Mark Mather came across as rather humble when he spoke with the Independent earlier this week, saying, "I still feel that I have something to contribute." That goes without saying. Mather, who took over the post on an interim basis after Joel Dahl retired, should give himself more credit. He's been working in law enforcement in Lyon County for 15 years - ever since he was a cop in Tracy. He was hired as a deputy sheriff in 1989 and eventually became chief deputy. Mather's worked well under increasing budget restraints and is currently seeing the county through a major change in its emergency radio system. He also will continue to work on other projects, including an "e-charging" system that will connect law enforcement with the Lyon County attorney and district court.
Outdoor baseball
THUMBS UP: Twins fans and baseball purists had been waiting for Monday, April 12, to roll around for quite some time. On that day, Twins baseball returned to the outdoors when the home season began at new Target Field. Many people worried that weather will be a factor with no retractable roof. Well, weather should be a factor when it comes to baseball. That's what tarp is for.