Good opportunity

The COVID-19 virus is real. Governor Walz has shut down bars, restaurants and fitness centers. He is pausing social gatherings and organized amateur sports. The Minnesota State High School League revamped the sectional football playoffs for one more round of games played last night. Teams like Fairmont were given the opportunity to play one more game. People will question this decision by the MSHSL. While we recognize and respect peoples’ concerns, the positives from playing this game are numerous. Statistics show that transmission from athletic competition are minute. Players have worked so hard for many years to play this last game, lifelong lessons were learned, and friendships were cemented for a lifetime. The memories of this last game will be relived at class reunions for years to come.

A helping hand

Pathway for Hope, a pilot program now being offered at the Fairmont Salvation Army, seeks to address the root causes of poverty and help families overcome challenges like unemployment, unstable housing, and lack of education.

Krystal Stover, case manager for the Fairmont Salvation Army, is leading the way to help people overcome obstacles to their success. Job skills, a strong support system, and simple encouragement are essential, yet many people don’t receive those. Giving people a hand up, rather than just a handout, is an admirable goal, and we applaud these local efforts.

Good move

Fairmont Area Schools are once again following guidelines from the Minnesota Department of Health and extending distance learning for all students through January. With the rising number of confirmed positive COVID-19 cases, coupled with several upcoming holiday events, this is a good move.

Brown shared that the schools are short on staff, making it difficult to run a building. That, along with public safety, led to the recent decision. We commend Superintendent Joe Brown and the Fairmont school board for recognizing the potential dangers following the upcoming holiday season.

Great example

The Prairie Star Quilt Guild recently completed a service project, sewing over 70 quilts for chemo patients in Fairmont’s chemo department. Led by Guild President Carolyn Seidel, the group made it a point to reach out and help some of the most vulnerable and hurting members in our community.

As the holidays quickly approach, this is an example to live up to. May we all find some way to help our fellow man, and be grateful for people in our lives who care.