Schools are key to quality

Soaring high: Goodhue County residents know the value of great schools. That's probably the No. 1 reason Zumbrota-Mazeppa voters this week joined Red Wing, Lake City and Cannon Falls districts in having passed a levy referendum since 2006.

Friendly competition between neighbors may have contributed to passage, too. School spirit only goes so far, however, when you're asking people to tap their pockets for five years.

While the sad truth is that state and federal funding continues to fall woefully short, we're proud to say that area residents support quality education. They understand that quality education contributes to quality communities and quality of life.

That quality starts with them. Well done, Z-M voters.

Soaring high: Wednesday is Veterans Day. Take a few moments to thank the veterans you know, whether they're neighbors, relatives or friends. We mustn't forget their service and sacrifices.

Don't crash land: Goodhue County 4-H continues to soar high ... how high and how long, however, may depend on public pressure. Once part of a robust local Extension Service, 4-H essentially is all that's left, and the program’s on the potential chopping block now. Will county commissioners deal Extension a final blow with the 2011 budget? We'll all know soon.