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Thumbs up to bridge opening. After several months, construction has finally coming to an end on the Oakland Avenue bridge project, one of six bridges being replaced by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Traffic will remain single lane on both eastbound and westbound sides of Interstate 90 for clean-up, but still it’s nice to be able to drive across it once again.

Thumbs down to bridge delays. We’re not entirely sure how you blow past a deadline of several months, but that is the case for a telecommunications company still hasn’t removed its infrastructure from beneath the Fourth Street NW bridge. Lumen had until March 24 to remove the infrastructure per MnDOT, but won’t get it removed until Oct. 31, delaying the start of the bridge’s demolition and construction. For a community that is dealing with detours and headaches, this is unfortunate to say the least.

Thumbs up for Veterans Memorial renovation. The supports that will hold the pavers at the memorial have begun to be placed this week, marking another step closer to completion for a project that means so much to veterans. At the same time, we encourage you not to forget about the project. Funding for the $220,000 project is nearly complete at 97%. Please consider helping to support this worthy project if you haven’t already.

Thumbs up for county win-win. On Wednesday, it was announced that Mower County has established a health plan with the help of HELPCare Clinic in Austin, Self Fund Health and North Risk Partners. Not only is this a boon for county employees, but it will also be a boon for taxpayers as savings from the plan is expected to be over $200,000 less than the previous plan.

Thumbs up for being involved. You may have seen the pictures from the Austin Bruins visit to Austin High School where they played floor hockey with the Unified PE classes. Not only is it an important addition to the community any time the Bruins visit those who support them, but it’s fantastic experience for the students in the Unified PE classes as well, providing a well-rounded experience for all involved.