It looks like the rockets red glare on the Fourth of July in Minnesota will have to wait as our faithful servant, Governor Dayton, vetoed the fireworks bill last weekend. He cited safety concerns from fire officials as the main reason for his giving the bill the thumbs down.

I would venture a guess more people are injured or burned from flare-ups from their charcoal grills in a summer than are hurt lighting off fireworks. Our neighboring states will continue to profit from this decision. Granted, I haven’t lit off any fireworks since I was a kid, but I don’t see the problem in giving people some choices if they are so inclined.

No action as of this weekend on the Vikings Stadium bill. I have a sneaking suspicion the lawmakers are putting this off as long as they can due to the fact the legislative session has to end as per the state constitution by May 20th. Besides, this is an election year and many of the incumbents don’t want to lose votes from their constituents if they vote one way or another.

This really reminds me of the old expression I heard a hundred times when I was in the service, “Hurry up and wait!” I have learned from past experience anything having to do with any form of government takes time. The only exception to this is if you owe them money; just be late on your taxes and see how swiftly the wheels turn.

New Richland will be having a city-wide cleanup day this coming Saturday, May 5. It is a really good time to get rid of stuff you don’t want around any more. You may even luck out and get to see the Casual Observer down at the City Maintenance Garage. This event has been well received in the past; just hope we get some cooperation from the weather.

This Saturday is also the NRHEG Prom. Please students, have the time of your life, but make the right choices so you can get home safe. Graduation is right around the corner. You don’t want to miss it!

I have been somewhat following the Senser trial up in Minneapolis. I feel sorry for the family of the man who was killed. All of this could have been avoided by a simple rule we all should follow. Keep an eye on your gas gauge. These days, unless your fuel gauge is broken, there should be no excuse for running out of gas. I had a roommate years ago who called me at 1 a.m. for a ride because he had run out of gas. “Doesn’t your gauge work?” I inquired of him.

“Yeah, but I thought I could make it.”

I pulled my big, powerful body out of the sack and drove the 20 or so miles to retrieve him.

“Don’t ever call me again if you run out of gas, because I won’t come and get you,” I told him. It never happened again.

If I am not mistaken, I think the State Patrol can issue tickets if you run out of gas on the freeways, because it is not considered an emergency.

Happy Cinco de Mayo everybody! Stay casual…