Old Glory gives us a needed lift

THUMBS UP:

These are tough times for most of us – both economically and mentally. We all needed a lift. Motorists driving through downtown this week found it in Old Glory flying high again above Main Street. The U.S. flag that was taken down from its flagpole at city hall when demolition of the building’s walls took place weeks ago. Thanks to Marshall Parks superintendent Preston Stensrud and Brennan Companies workers, the flag appeared on top of the structure again this week, facing Main Street. Seeing the U.S. flag returning to rightful spot gives us all hope that we will beat back this virus and jump start our economy.

Not a time to send voters to polls

THUMBS DOWN:

There is plenty of fault to share in the decision to hold the Wisconsin primary election Tuesday. To make people of all ages stand in long lines during a pandemic is irresponsible. That election should have been delayed. Even mail-in voting faced glitches. Hundreds of ballots were discovered at post offices after the election.

Getting creative during a pandemic

THUMBS UP:

One of the positive trends developing since the COVID-19 pandemic exploded across the globe is the community-driven parades popping up in many places and in southwest Minnesota. Firefighters in Cottonwood and Wood Lake have held several parades the past two weeks for children unable to celebrate birthdays.

No need to panic over toilet paper

THUMBS DOWN:

The Associated Press moved a Q&A on toilet paper Thursday. It posed the question: What does toilet paper have to do with a global pandemic? The answer: Nothing. But it said millions of people have been panicking about their household supply. Which proves in times of crisis, we see the good and worst in people. We are seeing so many first responders and grocery workers showing up for work and putting their lives on the line. Then there are people who exhibit selfish acts of hoarding and leaving some people with nothing.