Fixing the health care system

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The health care landscape is changing at a rapid pace throughout the nation and right here in southwest Minnesota. This week the Independent reported on the closing of DaVita Dialysis Center in Marshall by the end of the month. Patients needing that type of care still have nearby options. DaVita will still operate centers in Pipestone, Montivideo and Redwood Falls. And Avera Marshall Medical Medical Center also offers the service with patients already transferring to that facility. In a statement, DaVita cited the Marshall center was “financially unsustainable” and blamed government medical programs that don’t cover the cost of patients. Health care should be the No. 1 issue leading up to the 2020 presidential election.

Good news for Marshall taxpayers

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Marshall taxpayers continue to receive good news with the bonding of the school district’s building project. A financial adviser with Ehlers, Inc. said interest rates have declined quite a bit in the past few months. “So the total tax levies on the bonds are $5,382,000 less than what we had in the pre-election estimates,” Jodie Zesbuagh said during Monday’s school board meeting.

Reviving a Canby landmark

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It’s always encouraging news for southwest Minnesota downtowns when a retail landmark comes back to life. The city of Canby was awarded a $10,000 grant in the spring to complete architectural drawings for a project to renovate the historic downtown theatre building. The city is moving forward to plan for construction. The theater, with a total seating capacity of 600, is located in the center of Canby’s downtown district. Canby’s efforts to keep the theatre have already led to a renovated marquee with lighting and a steady supply of popular new movies.