Churches’ rights denied

If you hold a mass protest in Minnesota, and even throw in a little arson and looting, the authorities will stand aside and never speak once about limiting gatherings to 10 or fewer people because of COVID-19.

But if you wish to exercise your constitutionally protected right to practice your religion, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will come down on you. So some churches are suing Walz, challenging his executive orders on 6 feet of social distancing and mandated mask wearing at church services.

We can’t blame the churches for trying. Not sure they will win, but their rights are being violated.

School zeroes out fees

We extend kudos to Fairmont Area Schools, where school board members have voted to suspend student activity fees for the coming school year. With sports seasons jumbled, games reduced and people facing economic hard times, the school has done the community a service.

The decision is not expected to have a significant effect on the school budget, given fewer games, less need for supervisors and reduced transportation costs.

The decision likewise applies to other activities, including the fine arts.

Apology not forthcoming

Fairmont City Council member Tom Hawkins recently said he would apologize if it could be shown that discussing one’s political campaign (for City Council) at a council meeting was inappropriate. Hawkins had joked about his run for re-election when another council member was admonished by the mayor for doing the same. The other council member did say she was sorry.

Not Hawkins. This week, even after the City Attorney clarified that politics should be kept out of council meetings, Hawkins’ promised apology never materialized.

Raising their profile

For businesses struggling in this time of COVID-19, getting the word out about who you are, where you are and what you offer may be essential to success and survival. The proper marketing makes that possible.

Enter Visit Fairmont, the Fairmont Area Chamber of Commerce and the Fairmont Economic Development Authority, which plan to participate in a Google marketing program to promote local businesses.

Officials say many local businesses could use a simple update to their information, as well as training and support. We look forward to seeing the results.