Cheers to the emergency personnel -- firefighters, police officers, emergency medical responders, linemen, even tow truck drivers -- who work even in the coldest weather.
Though the cold snap hadn't brought any major fires to the area as of Friday, Alexandria firefighters weren't so lucky.
At 11 a.m. Friday, after battling a blaze since 1 a.m. at the SunOpta soybean beverage plant, four additional fire departments were brought in to help -- making a total of 11 fire departments involved.
The fire was under control but clouds of smoke continued to pour out of the structure, which sustained damages in the "excess of millions" according to the Alexandria Police Department.
Because they were dealing windchills of 30-below, firefighters were being urged to take breaks in the fire station and rehydrate.
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Emergency workers have to work in all sorts of foul weather and difficult conditions -- we owe them all a big "thank you."
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Jeers to the U.S. House of Representatives for voting to repeal the Affordable Care Act (often referred to as ObamaCare). It was a symbolic vote, since it is not expected to pass the Senate or White House, but we wish the House would work to improve the law rather than trash it completely.
While hugely complex and admittedly flawed in several areas, the law does a lot of good things.
It ends the worst of the insurance company abuses -- like dropping customers after they get sick or injured.
And more importantly, it is the only tool available -- a bridgehead, if used properly -- for taming out-of-control healthcare costs.
It needs to be improved, not thrown out completely.
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Cheers to all the state lawmakers, county and city officials and interested parties who attended the invasive aquatic specie summit in Detroit Lakes last weekend.
Of the area legislators, only Rep. Mark Murdock of Ottertail did not attend.
Those who did attend included veterans Paul Marquart, Kent Eken, Rod Skoe, and Bud Nornes -- and we were glad to see newcomer Sen. Gretchen Hoffman of Vergas was there.
It's important that legislators be as informed as possible about issues they may be required to act upon.
It's not fair that locals have been left to fend for themselves on the issue of aquatic invaders like flowering rush.
It is clearly an issue of statewide importance, and research and eradication efforts should be at least partially funded by the state.
