By Mike Odello Guest Columnist
There’s an immense amount of hate for local things out there from the Morris Uncensored page on Facebook right now: businesses, board members, people who live here, etc. When I first moved here, Sue Dieter had a great letter about how it’s easy to hate a town that you don’t engage with. It really inspired me to attend local events and meet new people. Anyway, my point is that there are many things to be thankful for in Morris. Here is a partial list:
I’m thankful for:
Prime steakhouse! People complain about the cost here, but my daughter and her boyfriend had dinner there a couple of weeks ago for under $40!! No alcohol, but still impressive. It’s hard to get out of McDonald’s for much less than that!
Stevens County Fair! I challenge you to find a better fair or town celebration within 45 minutes! Free parking, gate, entertainment, and SOOOO many food choices! Also fun to support those local groups. You might even find one you want to join…
Gas prices are generally the same at whatever station you choose. No need to shop around! Go to the one with the stuff you need!
Stevens County Medical Center has our own emergency room and surgical capabilities right in town. Where my child was born, and my back pain was put to rest!
University of Minnesota is right in town, where you can see touring groups and student work. There are so many students who are “First Gen” trying something no one in their family has attempted. This school also gets recognized many times every year for value and environmental impacts!
The businesses here are amazing! Give them a chance to make it right, and they will bend over backwards to make it right! I have too many stories to share all of them here, but the list of businesses that have bailed me out WAY above and beyond includes, but is not limited to: DeToy’s, Taco Johns, Morris Food Shop, Town & Country, Ace, and of course Sarlettes.
This community supports the local public school each and every time they need help! You can see the results in our latest addition and the support at every Friday night home football game! This town knows the value of education.
Our public school somehow is able to prioritize music, sports, agriculture, technology, and college prep classes ALL AT THE SAME TIME!!! Test scores are excellent, and students are successful in college AND the workforce.
We have a City Library with passionate staff. They are more than willing to help you with how to log in to your email AND pick your next favorite read (or game, or movie, or…)
So, for all the haters posting anonymously on Facebook, here’s me publicly attaching my name to my words: I love Morris. Is it perfect? No. Is it great? Yup. Embrace what IS great, and town will embrace you. Talk to the businesses that made a mistake with you. Don’t tell Facebook. Give them a chance, and you may be surprised!
