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Thumbs up to new Matchbox opportunities. The Matchbox Children’s Theatre has made and taken advantage of opportunities where it can, and it’s done so again with the creation of the Summer Troupe program through a SEMAC grant. Not only is this giving another opportunity to aspiring actors, but it’s also hoped it will create a groundwork for a future that will put the MCT on a stronger footing.

Thumbs up to the inclusion playground. Our neighbors to the west celebrated a big milestone this week with a groundbreaking of an inclusive playground in Albert Lea. This will serve Albert Lea to be sure, and also a hub for children and families throughout southeast Minnesota. We also hope it is an example of similar such projects in other areas.

Thumbs up for the Hall of Fame. Earlier this week, it was announced that Hayfield Activities Director Chris Pack was inducted into the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference in recognition of his baseball playing days at Southwest Minnesota State from 1995-98. While many know Pack as coach of the Hayfield boys basketball team, he was a dominant pitcher in his day with the Mustangs and later would be a standout pitcher for the Austin Greyhounds.

Thumbs down for politics as usual. As we progress to the primary and the general election afterwards, we’re still being reminded, seemingly from all sides, just how terrible politics has become and how fleeting the truth can be these days. Clearly voters need to be reached, but it is sad and often infuriating how petty and personal this arena has become — most notably on the presidential stage where barbs and hate are being tossed about like candy at a parade in the most un-American celebration we’ve ever experienced.