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Thumbs down to tech attack. Unfortunately, a ransomware attack on the network of Mower County played havoc this week, forcing the county to shut down systems into Friday. Unfortunately, it shows the downside of tech and those who are willing to sit in the dark and who try to take advantage of others. Fortunately, the county has support through third party cyber security efforts as well as state and federal authorities who are looking into things.

Thumbs up for a new fundraising opportunity. Earlier this week, it was announced that a new golf tournament will help raise money for cancer research at The Hormel Institute. On Aug. 18, the Institute will partner with Nu-Tek BioSciences for the inaugural Ribbon Research Open charity golf tournament. The event will take place at the Austin Country Club and will hopefully prove to be another successful source of fundraising for important work in the years to come.

Thumbs up for supporting housing. The Austin City Council agreed to support a new apartment project being developed by Three Rivers Community Action, who has successfully developed two projects in Austin already. The city agreed to contribute a sum not to exceed $400,000 that would support the Cedar View project land acquisition. Already The Hormel Foundation, Mower County and Austin HRA have contributed large amounts to the project showing a committed front to bring more affordable housing to Austin.

Thumbs up swift action after horrible shooting. The manhunt for Vance Boelter, the man who shot and killed Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, along with shooting Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, came to a fairly swift end Sunday night. There isn’t anything good we can say about the shooting itself because it took the life of two people and severely injured two others, but at least now Boelter is in custody and now justice can move forward.

Thumbs up to a straight shooter. Congratulations are in order for Nathan Martinson, a member of the Austin High School Clay Target Team who took the Top Overall Title for Class 3A recently at the state meet in Alexandria. He locked up the title with a 100-straight shoot to secure the championship.