City and library officials cut the ribbon officially opening the new Staples City Hall and Staples Public Library on Feb.25. Kirsty Smith (pink jacket at left), director of the Great River Regional Library, held one end of the ribbon while State Librarian Suzanne Miller, Minnesota Department of Education, held the other end. Friends of the Staples Public Library president Gloria Palmer and Staples Mayor Chris Ezler cut the ribbon while Todd County Commissioner Gerry Ruda (far left) and City Administrator Nate Mathews (third from left) assisted. Photographer Pat Miller is behind Etzler. Several hundred people toured the building or took part in other activities held Thursday, Friday and Saturday to officially open the city’s new building. See more photos on page 12a. (Staples World photo by Brenda Halvorson)