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Et Cetera …

New businesses open

There has been some exciting news on the business front in Fairmont this week. Fairmont Butcher Block announced it will open in the former Olson’s Locker building on Winnebago Avenue. And Ambiance on Albion quietly opened its doors on Thursday, in the site once occupied by Serenade’s and, prior, the Sirloin House.

It’s good to see these developments, and we know that area residents are going to want to check out these new endeavors. We wish good luck to the proprietors of these businesses and hope they have many years of success.

GHEC wins new grant

The Granada-Huntley-East Chain school district has received an additional $10,000 grant to reinforce its Positive Behaviors Interventions and Supports program, which is meant to teach young people discipline by positively reinforcing them rather than simply applying negative consequences.

GHEC has had the program in place since August 2015, and has gotten the all-important buy-in of administrators, teachers and staff, all of whom implement the principles of the method.

Kudos to GHEC on the grant, and for making a positive difference for kids.

Security panel needed

Martin County commissioners this week voted to establish a security committee for the courthouse. It also will examine other security issues, such as those involving the County Attorney’s Office.

Commissioners have done the right thing to try to ensure safety for county personnel. While greater security measures may be common at state and federal level, as well as at school buildings, there are fewer safeguards at county and city offices. That is because these offices are open and accessible to the public for a reason: they are places that serve citizens. Part of that service, though, must include security.

State offering Band-Aid

Minnesota lawmakers are trying this year to put a Band-Aid on a gushing wound, namely the skyrocketing cost of health insurance. The state may use some reserves to help lower premium hikes for some 100,000 residents. Obamacare is to blame.

But the big-picture problem is the affordability of health care, and insurance. How can costs be lowered? The same way they are everywhere: innovation, competition, surplus supply and more information for consumers. This requires the federal government and states to shed mandates and regulations in favor of the free market.

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