Thumbs up to hunters, nonhunters
Thumbs up to hunters and nonhunters alike for making this firearms deer season one without incident, locally. No hunters, or nonhunters in the woods at this time, were reported lost or injured in Koochiching County. And thumbs up to county law enforcement, which was ready to answer a call for help if needed.

Thumbs up to legislators
Thumbs up to Minnesota Sen. Tom Saxhaug and Rep. Tom Anzelc for being available to their constituents before and after legislative sessions. This week “the two Toms” met with local officials on a variety of issues in preparation for the Jan. 6 start to the 2009 session.

Thumbs down to Giants receiver
Thumbs down to Plaxico Burress, the New York Giants’ star receiver, for accidentally shooting himself in the leg. He was charged with illegal weapons possession. He carried a gun into a New York nightclub in the band of his sweatpants. The gun discharged, shooting him in the thigh. Sweatpants don’t sound like a logical way to carry a gun.

Thumbs upto block grants
Thumbs up to a bill proposed by Rep. Tom Anzelc which would allow counties to decide how to spend block grants they receive, instead of legislators making those decisions. Also thumbs up to Anzelc for planning to author the bill, which would be his first bill that would have a state-wide impact.

Thumbs up to city lights
Thumbs up to the city’s gorgeous display of lights on all the trees on both sides of the street along Smokey Bear Park. A drive through the twinkling passage at night provides a mystical, magical feeling that makes one feel proud of International Falls.

Thumbs down to light punishment
Thumbs down to the likely punishment that the Associated Press predicts will be a “suspended sentence” for a group of young people who allegedly participated in the disgusting and inhumane treatment of vulnerable residents in an Albert Lea nursing home.
The implications of the degrading actions of these youths goes beneath the surface of the damage that was done to the defenseless elderly. Individuals who are capable of this kind of abuse embody a dark and dangerous character, that will surface again later in society to harm others.
These crimes should not be viewed lightly. With a guilty verdict, the harshest sentences should be imposed, followed by vigilant attention to the criminals actions after their release.

Thumbs up to holiday decorators
Thumbs up to people who decorate for Christmas. It's so nice and festive to see homes lit up with holiday lights and Christmas cheer as you drive around town.

Thumbs up to parade
Thumbs up to the International Falls Area Chamber of Commerce and the city of International Falls for organizing a great “‘Twas the Lights Before Christmas” parade event last Friday.

Thumbs down to aggressive shoppers
Thumbs down to the Long Island shoppers who, in a rush to purchase “Black Friday” bargains, trampled and killed a Wal-Mart worker. The actions of the people at the front of the line, just behind the doors, should remind us of how material our society has become.

Thumbs up to early childhood council
Thumbs up to Gov. Tim Pawlenty for establishing the State Advisory Council on Early Childhood Education and Care. The council will advise the governor on policy impacting relevant issues. Stephanie Corradi of Bemidji is one of the 14 members appointed by the governor. She is a licensed home childcare provider and community volunteer with teaching experience.

Thumbs up to regional airports
Thumbs up to the International Falls-Koochiching County Airport Commission, a member of which came out of a regional airports meeting Monday in Minneapolis with a pledge of support to continue flights from representatives of the newly merged Delta and North West Airlines. The bottom line is the primary factor, and the recent high fuel prices hurt passenger numbers, but the regional airports were able to show the need and potential for out state service.

Thumbs up to Rorems
Thumbs up to dog trainer and handler Dave Rorem and his support team for winning the National Retriever Championship in November. The Rorems have a passion for the sport and Dave has long wanted to compete in the highest level trials in the United States. He, and the dogs he has handled, have already won the Canadian version of the championship.