Editorial: We see bad and good news

Bad news has dominated the local headlines in 2008.

A bomb threat. An explosion. A murder.

This is not the way anyone wanted to start the new year. No one can dispute that the news has been ugly in Pretty Red Wing.

Yet, we encourage citizens to consider the good coming out of these events.

"Good!?" you might gasp.

Consider this: Law enforcement has delivered three successes on the three consecutive weekends. This is good news.

Weekend 1: A bomb threat empties Red Wing High School on Friday afternoon.

Thanks in part to a strong, cooperative relationship between the school district and Red Wing Police Department, authorities had suspects in custody that same afternoon.

Weekend 2: An explosion shakes Prairie Island.

The Goodhue County Sheriff's Office quickly gets to the bottom of what turns out to be privately staged event. We contend that the relationship of trust that the sheriff's department, the tribe and the Prairie Island nuclear plant continue to build was integral in resolving this case. Once again, authorities quickly had the situation in hand.

Weekend 3: Joel Rafael Diaz Albelo, 27, is shot and dies.

This time, authorities arrested one man within hours. They soon had two others in custody.

Red Wing police, sheriff's deputies, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the State Patrol collaborated. They share the praise for quick, swift action that removed homicide suspects off the streets and helped keep citizens calm. Witnesses and neighbors assisted, too.

Obviously, officers used sound investigative techniques in all three cases. We stress, however, that they also made the most of their relationships with each other and the public.

That we have capable, competent and efficient law enforcement is the good news. This is the solid infrastructure that should lead to better days, quieter headlines and safer streets for all us in 2008 and beyond.

Tags: enforcement, law, crime, editorial, eagle, republican, opinion