County rightly upset

Faribault County commissioners are justified in their anger about construction delays at the new law enforcement facility. Several contractors have not been diligent in getting their work done, according to the county's construction manager. That has meant that a project that was several weeks ahead of schedule has bogged down, putting it three months behind.

It is good to know that the construction manager and the county are prepared to fire the contractors in question, not pay them and hire someone new to get the job done.

County makes cuts

Martin County's elected leaders faced the tough task of being forced to trim at least $180,000 from their 2010 budget this week. Commissioners stepped up and acted responsibly, identifying $212,000 in cuts from a variety of departments and services.

Commissioners will approve a preliminary budget by Sept. 15. We hope if they have the chance to reinstate any funding, it will be for the sheriff's office, and roads and bridges. While this may not be possible, we believe these fundamental services deserve first consideration.

Opportunity awaits

There is good news out about the Midwest (and Minnesota) economy, and we hope those businesses still worrying about the future will take note of what their fellow businesses are saying.

According to the Business Conditions Index for Mid-America, Minnesota's index hit a regional high in August. The survey involves supply managers and other business executives. The improving outlook means more fresh business activity is beginning. Those with plans to expand or add jobs should consider coming months to be an opportunity.

Schroeder was family

There is something special about a newspaper photographer's relationship with a community. When the photographer is talented and stays around a long time - like former Sentinel photographer Bob Schroeder - he becomes the recorder of history for the family that is a city.

Schroeder passed away this week at age 86, but his 32 years spent snapping photos for the Sentinel will forever be part of local legend. He loved his job and he was good at it.

After he retired, Bob still stopped down to the Sentinel to say hi. We appreciated his wisdom, his humor and his insights into the Sentinel of the past. We'll miss him.