Editorial: Thumbs

To biodiesel plant near Glenville.

In case you missed it last Sunday, a good, local success story was in the Tribune. We were saddened back in 2008 to learn of the closing of the SoyMor biodiesel plant after what had seemed like a promising renewable fuels market. Many biodiesel plants across the Midwest closed, too, because of the sudden high cost of soybean oil. The Renewable Energy Group bought the plant in 2011 and began a $21 million renovation project. The upgrades were completed in June. It now can rely on an array of resources, not merely soybean oil. Any feedstock high in fatty acid will do. Company officials praised the community for its dedication to agriculture, which is true through and through.

 

To the end of summer.

Alas, astronomical summer goes until Sept. 21, but meteorological summer ended Aug. 31, which makes sense because it always seems like God flips a switch after Labor Day and everything cools off. One day we are wearing shorts and T-shirts, and the next jeans and sweatshirts. One day people are swimming and skiing, and the next the docks come out and people are watching football. Autumn is a fine season — perhaps the best for Minnesotans — but the problem with autumn is it is followed by the ever-dreaded Minnesota winter. And we don’t want to think about that. Instead, let’s at least enjoy some more outdoor grilling. Yum yum.

 

To meteorologists at the National Weather Service.

The heat advisories and warnings issued across much of Minnesota, South Dakota and Iowa might have seemed like typical summer weather to some folks, but meteorologists were wise to err on the side of caution. People generally can tell it is hot and humid outside, sure, but there is a point where just stepping outside in the morning won’t give people an idea what the day holds. It becomes prudent for meteorologists to inform the public that it is so hot and so humid — more oppressive than usual — that strenuous outdoor activity is not advised. Good call, weather experts.