Pork exports restored

We congratulate pork producers throughout the region for the recent news that China has agreed to again accept American pork imports. The Chinese government had been standing between pork producers and Chinese consumers, all because of the misnamed "swine flu" that has been circling the globe.

Pork producers have had a difficult enough time without this kind of irrational panic adding to their woes. We thank those industry advocates and government leaders who pushed the Chinese to relent.

Blue Earth Area wins

Blue Earth Area school district is enjoying some success after voters overwhelmingly approved an excess levy referendum this past week. Nearly 82 percent of votes were cast in favor of the initiative, which represents a five-year extension of an existing levy. This should mean no tax increases for district residents.

As we have noted before, this is not the ideal method for school financing, but citizens need to recognize that the state is essentially forcing districts to propose these excess levies. Doing so keeps Blue Earth Area in solid financial shape for years to come.

A boost to learning

This week, the Martin County Library announced it has received "Young Explorer" learning stations through the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation. The stations will go to branches in Sherburn, Truman and Welcome.

We offer our congratulations to the library system, and know the stations will be used to help children with literacy and school readiness, in addition to familiarizing kids with technology.

We offer our thanks to IBM, which donated the $2,100 stations, and to SMIF for its role in getting them to Martin County.

Boy found alive, safe

Nothing is scarier for a parent than a lost child. That nightmare became real recently when a 2-year-old boy went missing in a corn field in rural Faribault County. It's possible the little guy followed a cat into the field.

Numerous police, fire and rescue agencies responded to the scene, and thankfully the boy was found by his grandfather without suffering any injuries.

We extend our thanks to those who responded, and our good wishes to the family and the boy who were reunited.