To the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

For years this Editorial Board pestered MnDOT to resurface U.S. highways 65 and 69. And last summer, the agency did just that, and we are grateful. MnDOT clearly deserves a thumbs up. We often would point out the difference in road quality once crossing into Iowa. On each highway, Minnesota had a better sign, but Iowa had a better roadway. Well, in 2014, that no longer can be said. Thank you, MnDOT.

 

To civil war in South Sudan.

It’s horrible when leaders use tribal or ethnic differences to manipulate power. In South Sudan, Dinka and Nuer were living together in a democracy one week, then the next the president, a member of the Dinka tribe, and his military were slaying the Nuer and looting their homes, all because the president’s chief political opponent, the vice president, was Nuer. What’s more, both tribes are largely Christian, a religion that calls on its followers to love their neighbors. The people of South Sudan and similar developing countries want to move past tribal factions and exist as nations, where long-term peace can bring outside investment and long-term prosperity.

 

To Wells Concrete and the United South Central School Board.

What a smooth move by the USC school officials — scooping up 840 seats from the Metrodome for $40 a seat. And kudos to Wells Concrete for donating material to create a permanent, stadium-style seating structure. The blue Metrodome seats will fasten onto the concrete risers. We look forward to seeing the new school this fall, of course, and it will be fascinating to see the Metrodome seats at the football field next year. They have been indoor seats, but they surely were sturdy enough to be outdoors, too.