Military veterans deserve extra help

THUMBS UP:

Southwest Minnesota State University and Minnesota West Community and Technical College are doing their part to provide educational opportunities to military veterans. A national survey ranked SMSU third among all institutions in its small public university class in providing those services. Minnesota West was ranked second in the category of small community colleges. “When they complete their military service, they often know they want more education but aren’t sure where to go for finding it,” SMSU Veterans Resource Officer Justin Guggisberg said. “We’re here to help.”

It’s not over yet for RTR district

THUMBS SIDEWAYS:

Many people residing in the Russell-Tyler-Ruthton School District area are relieved the $35 million building bond referendum election is history. Unofficial results show voters approved the referendum 985 to 575. For the time being, no more campaign mailers. But hold onto your hats. The winds of discontent are still blowing as a lawsuit over the referendum is still brewing at the Lyon County District Courts. Superintendent Dave Marlette said he was “almost more excited about the turnout than the results.” Well, the referendum sure stirred things up in the RTR area.

Tough times get tougher for farmers

THUMBS DOWN:

More bad news on the agriculture front was reported Monday by the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis survey. After years of low crop prices, more farmers in the Midwest are filing for bankruptcy.

Losing big supporter of conservation

THUMBS SIDEWAYS:

Southwest Minnesota lost one of its biggest supporters of outdoor conservation Sunday. Gerald “Jerry” Bue died and will be remembered through the 2017 dedication of a new Wildlife Management Area called Bue-tiful Acres. It consists of 167 acres of land in Lake Marshall and Sodus townships. Bue’s family donated a significant amount of land for Bue-tiful Acres. Bue was one of the 12 original game managers in the state. Bue’s legacy will live on through Bue-tiful Acres.