Star Herald doles out thumbs for trails, construction, philanthropy and more

It’s time again for the Star Herald news team and contributing commentators to share another round of Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down for a number of issues, good and bad, in the community.
Thumbs up — to the completion of the Chris Ashby Trail and the meaningful dedication ceremony in October. Our hearts go out to Barb and Gene Ashby who have been living without their son since 2006 when he died in a car crash at age 16, and we as a community are grateful for their generous contribution in Chris’ memory.
Thumbs down — to the loss of one of our little Main Street trees in front of Sterling’s. They have added a touch of green and a touch of class to the downtown streetscape, especially with their festive lights. A gust of wind one stormy day put an end to one of them and to years of nurturing and watering.
Thumbs up — to persistence and diligence in seeing the apartment process through on the former Sharkee’s and Mert’s properties along Hatting Street and South Highway 75. It’s been more than six years in the making since the city took action to clean up blight and address a local housing shortage.
To see shovels turning dirt at the groundbreaking was gratifying for the whole community, but especially for city leaders, developers and investors.
Thumbs down — to MNDOT’s suggested round-about at the intersection at Main Street and Highway 75. Considering funding is so tight for desperately needed Highway 75 repairs, why is the state spending money to study a round-about that would destroy our recent boulevard improvements on those four corners.
Thumbs up — to our Cardinals boys’ and girls’ cross-country teams for their performance at state, and to our Hills-Beaver Creek nine-man football team for its road to success. What exciting seasons for these teams.
Thumbs up — to the Hardwick Fire Department and its role in “Maxing their Community” through the current fund drive through the Luverne Area Community Foundation.
Fire department members recently raised $4,200 for LACF, which put Hardwick over the $5,000 threshold for LACF match of $5,000 to create a $10,000 endowment that will support projects and community improvements.
 
* * *
On that note, check out our front-page story this week about the LACF’s “Max Your Community” fund drive, which combines the wonderful Red Arrow tradition with a new countywide challenge to invest in your community.
A Thursday, Nov. 11, KQAD radiothon out of the LACF Main Street office culminates the fund drive to raise $100,000.
For details, contact Emily Crabtree at the LACF office: 507-220-2424 or email emily@LACF.org.