Thumbs up, thumbs down
Published 5:02 pm Friday, January 10, 2025
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Thumbs up for making progress on EAB. The City Council on Monday night approved awarding a bid for the removal of trees affected by the emerald ash borer, marking yet another step in the process of approaching this problem that will have a direct impact on how Austin looks over the next few years. It shows that the city is willing to meet this challenge on several fronts in order to mitigate the issue.
Thumbs down to rumors. This week, rumors that the Mower County Jail would be closer came to the forefront. In short, they were not true as asserted by the Mower County Board of Commissioners and County Administrator Trish Harren Gjersvik. What is happening is a site study that will help the county best approach the use of its facility in the future. Pursuing and stating these kinds of rumors can be damaging, especially when it’s known that commissioners have their contact information listed and are available for constituent questions. Before spreading rumors, always do your due diligence and research.
Thumbs sideways for Herald buliding demolition. This week we posted pictures of the start of demolition of our old building where the Herald editions were put together for 53 years. It’s a bittersweet moment, much like any structure that has served a significant purpose in a community’s history, but at the same time it shows progress. As we addressed the issue of needs regarding our current purposes, it became apparent that this building, which has ties to Austin’s past, was not usable, but with its demolition comes a new space for the city to utilize and we hope in the end it makes Austin a stronger community, whatever the future purpose is.
Thumbs up for groundbreaking. On Jan. 22, Austin Area Arts will hold a ground breaking for the Historic Paramount Theatre renovation and expansion project, which is open to the public. Consider coming down and celebrating this moment with them, because the Paramount for years has been at the center of arts in Austin. After the renovation, it will be the center for a whole new future for the arts.