Upgrades look great

Things didn't go perfectly for Fairmont Area Schools as it completed renovations this past year, but the end result speaks for itself. Voters put money into the schools, which are now in much better condition, and will be in even better shape following work next summer.

A lot of the work taking place is not visible, but vital. At the same time, there are showcase examples of improvements, including a gleaming gym floor, along with new bleachers, and the new track and bleachers at Mahoney Field.

More optimism apparent

We are heartened by the opinions of the local bankers and real estate agents who, along with others, recently offered their thoughts on the local economy.

Unemployment is down to 6.9 percent from a high of 8.1 percent in April. Foreclosures have fallen. Banks continue to lend money and refinance home loans, given low interest rates. Houses continue to be listed and sold. Pork exports should be improving, given China's decision to buy American pork again.

We know things haven't been great and are not perfect now. But we know there is more optimism locally these days.

It's a complex matter

The city of Fairmont faces serious issues at the Cardinal Park softball complex, but finding a resolution has become a problem for the community as a whole.

The city-owned park, used by the school for softball in April and May, has several problems: fencing in disrepair, fields too close together, old lighting, etc. Estimated repair costs are $133,000.

Given state aid cuts, the city says it can't do much now, and that it might prefer a new site altogether. At the same time, co-ed softball is growing in popularity. Solutions may lie in shared burdens, but this will have to include fund-raising, it seems.

Poor showing by citizens

Martin County earned something of a black eye this week when a trial had to be canceled because of a lack of potential jurors. We hope citizens take note and learn the lesson that those on jury duty have to show up if our justice system is going to work.

Potential jurors in Martin County are on-call for four months at a time. They must call in every week to see if they are needed. Penalties for not doing so include contempt of court charges. We expect this situation to be remedied quickly.