LAUREL — To the Lakeshore Business Improvement District Board for seeking to resume Bloomin’ Days next year after a hiatus in 2010. This is a tough economy, so it’s understandable that it was difficult to raise funds this year. But the board plans to get an early start on planning and fundraising for a 2011 event. We encourage the board to rally support for a resumption of the event next year. Special events can draw new people downtown and expose them to the fun restaurants, bars and shops that make a day or evening downtown enjoyable.

LAUREL — To Kenosha County for moving its juvenile offenders to a facility in Washington County, rather than housing them in Racine County. This move will likely result in an annual savings of $200,000. Having our juvenile offenders in Washington County makes for a much longer commute for the families of the juveniles but the county should be applauded for finding a lower-cost provider in these tough economic times.

DART —- To the University of Wisconsin Regents for approving a four-year $1,200 tuition increase at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. This increase would come on top of any statewide tuition hikes approved by the regents. The UW-EC plan starts with a $300 per year increase next year that climbs to $1,200 by the 2013-2014 school year.

The university plans to use the money to hire 50 more faculty and staff, cut class sizes and provide more financial aid. Why does UW-EC need to have an additional revenue stream above and beyond that provided by the state and through regular tuition? Tuition has been increasing more quickly than inflation for many years and this plan only compounds the challenge students and families face paying for college education. UW-Eau Claire needs to live within its means.