OUR VIEW: Week in review: The best and worst

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CHEERS to news that the economy in nine Midwest and Plains states rebounded from a weak December. An Associated Press report published last week in The Daily Republic noted that the economy is poised to continue growing in the coming months, according to a survey of the region’s business leaders. A Creighton University economist said that farm income has driven much of the region’s success, and he also said that despite what is predicted to be somewhat slower growth to begin 2012, South Dakota will continue to add jobs and businesses — especially those connected to agriculture — will expand their business activity. We hope such predictions become reality.

HISSES to the sad tale that unfolded last week in Madison. A retired teacher, Norm Johnson, was shot to death in his home. Being held in connection to the murder is Carl Ericsson, of Watertown, who is accused of shooting Johnson over a 50-year-old grudge that dates back to when the men were high school classmates. What a sad end for Johnson, who by written accounts was a great athlete in his youth and was a great teacher and coach until his retirement.

HISSES also to the cold-blooded killers who took the life last year of Ronald Johnson, a guard at the state penitentiary in Sioux Falls. Rodney Berget already has been found guilty of taking part in the murder, which was conducted by inmates who were trying to escape. Instead of showing remorse, Berget blamed the killing on his own hard life and also on South Dakota’s capital punishment laws — i.e., Berget said that Johnson was killed because the inmates knew they would either escape or be put to death, which they prefer.

CHEERS to the athletics postseason excitement that’s sure to come to the region in the coming weeks. Whether your favorite sport is hockey, wrestling, gymnastics or basketball, end-of-the-year tournaments are looming and with them come a great deal of entertainment. There’s nothing like a full gymnasium when the season is on the line; not only is it fun for those in attendance, but it’s a great lesson about life for the participants. We wish all of the region’s athletes luck in the coming weeks, and remind them to relish these opportunities.

Tags: opinion, updates, editorials