Thumbs up to young riders
Thumbs up to the young members of the Rainy River Riders Saddle Club pictured on Monday’s edition of The Journal. Each of the youth barrel racers wore helmets, which shows a respect for the sport, as well as recognition of the potential for injury.

Thumbs up to rescuers
Thumbs up to Ranier residents Jeff Hamilton and Dan Klocek, who jumped in a nearby boat about two weeks ago to rescue people who had been thrown from their boat and were floating down the Ranier Rapids after the boat crashed onto shore. According to reports, this is Hamilton’s second save from the rapids. About four years ago he pulled a couple area residents from the water after their boat wrapped around a pillar at the bridge and sank.

Thumbs up, Thumbs down
Thumbs up to the high school kids and young adults who umpire the Little League games. Thumbs up to them for being conscience as they perform their jobs. Thumbs down to the parents who criticize them at the games; even professional umpires make mistakes.

Thumbs down to loose pets
Thumbs down to folks allowing their pets to run loose in the city. Having unleashed, unsupervised dogs standing in the middle of the street is a recipe for disaster.

Thumbs up to Byrne Johnson
Kudos to Byrne Johnson, who for a whole year now, has generously and faithfully provided The Daily Journal readers with rich Rainy Lake history and the personal slice-of-life journal entries of his father, Don Johnson.
Through the eyes and writings of this Rainy Lake maverick, we not only witness the evolution of our past and have it on record, we also recognize that some of the struggles in life just keep recycling — with a bit more technology.
Don’s perspective on Borderland values is still pertinent and applicable. And both of his sons, Buck Johnson and Byrne Johnson, are walking treasures of information about this northern territory.
Thanks Byrne.

Thumbs up to men’s garden club
Thumbs up to the members of the International Falls Men’s Garden Club, who volunteer their expertise and time to create more attractive areas around town.
Their efforts are enjoyed by everyone.
Most recently, they worked with Falls High School students to create a garden at FHS. This role modeling provided the basics which could become a life-long, healthy interest. And thanks also to the city of International Falls, which sees this as a worthy investment to make the lives of its citizens a little bit more pleasant.