Habitat needs help

SIDEWAYS Thumbs: It's too bad when a successful organization such as the Redwood River Habitat for Humanity Chapter is in need of volunteers but organizations periodically endure such needs. Habitat has built houses in Marshall, Cottonwood, Balaton and other area cities and now, has plans for a house in Wabasso. The chapter needs help in its store, help with roles as liaisons to churches and the community and help to build houses. Let's not let this past history of good projects end. If you are looking for a place to volunteer, Habitat could be that place.

Hecker in trouble?

Thumbs Down: Twin Cities auto dealer Denny Hecker has become the new Tom Petters in the media recently. Seems each day another allegation is reported or new details emerge. Hecker is alleged to owe about $767 million to creditors but somehow seems to have managed a lavish lifestyle including owning property, boats and expensive cars.

Local cafe remains in Vesta

Thumbs up: Supporters of the local cafe in Vesta burned the mortgage this week. Supporters rallied a few years ago to raise money to keep the cafe open and recently secured a new operator. The local commercial club owns the building and area residents support it.

Anderson to run for governor

SIDEWAYS Thumbs: Former state auditor Pat Anderson announced she will run for governor of Minnesota. While it's always good to have another Republican join the race, Anderson is not a fan of programs such as JOBZ which has been used in rural areas because rural officials believe it levels the playing field to attract new business and help existing ones expand.