Editorials

On the surface, fairs are all about tasty treats, games and exhibits.
But the real work on the Northern Minnesota District Fair in Littlefork began many months ago as fair board members began planning, 4-Hers started projects and vendors scheduled time for the event.
The 87th Annual Northern Minnesota District Fair opened Thursday, but truly kicks off today with a variety of attractions and events. The traditional favorites of fairgoers — the animal exhibits and shows, mud runs, and food stands — will remain the same or similar to previous years.

Thumbs up to the Ranier City Council for taking issues concerning the international railroad bridge to Canadian National Railroad. The council wants CN to consider leaving the lift bridge in the up position when not in use. The reasons are for boater safety, such as if a boat’s engine stalled in the rapids it could collide with the bridge. It is also national security issue to avoid possible illegal crossings in or out of the country.

Thumbs down to anonymous Web poster Agitated Grad for criticizing the VFW baseball program without full knowledge of the situation

Everybody has baggage from their past.
But putting that past history in perspective is important when it comes to an employee of a company that owns and plans to develop property between Rainy River and Minnesota Highway 11 East.

Each day brings experiences that help to change the way we do things.
Young drivers make changes to the way they drive after experiencing car accidents or witnessing violations. And cooks learn to crack eggs into a bowl separate from the flour after contaminating a recipe with a bad egg.
Staff at The Daily Journal have experiences every day that either remind us of why we established policies or motivates us to review the existing policies and makes changes.

By Ward Merrill, Backus Community Center

Thank you, Beckie Aitken!
It is with mixed emotions that board members and Backus supporters bid farewell and thank you to Beckie and Pastor Tom Aitken this summer.
Both have been involved in Backus during their 16 years in the Falls.
Tom has entertained audiences numerous times on the Backus stage, most recently as Alexander Baker in the musical comedy "Old Koochiching." His brewings skills were a highlight of the recent "Ethnic Food Festival" as well.

As oil and fuel prices skyrocket, new technology is needed to help the United States wean itself from outside sources.
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is right when she says we need homegrown energy that will create new jobs and fuel in our future. Klobuchar is a part of that effort as she helped secure funding for a plasma gasification facility proposed for Koochiching County. Her work, and the work of many others, is appreciated on this front.

Thumbs up to Brandon Hartzell for playing all 45 holes — 186 strokes — at the Smokey Bear Invitational with the same ball.

Thumbs down to the city of New York for approving the demolishing of Yankee Stadium.

Thumbs up to all the high school kids who volunteer their time for summer programs for the younger kids. It's great to see the older kids being role models for the younger children. It's great that they take their time to invest in the lives of other kids. It's great that they spend their summers doing something they enjoy plus something that will help someone else.

This summer’s weather should be a reminder that it’s important to know what to do during severe storms.
Last Friday’s thunderstorm produced high winds that knocked out power, downed trees and fences and caused damage to structures. We were lucky. It could have been worse.

Last week, I discussed how readers may contribute photos. The logical follow-up is how people may contribute material other than photographs.

Wireless Internet service in the great outdoors? Like illegal drugs, just say no.
Itasca State Park became the first state or federal park facility in Minnesota to offer wireless Internet service when it was launched in May.
The experiment was prompted by slumping park attendance and the knowledge that fewer people are enjoying the great outdoors.