It ain't Mayberry, but we have plenty to be proud of

The Star Herald editorial staff from time to time publishes a list of what we call “Thumb Up and Thumbs Down” to call attention to matters in the community that could use improving and deserve some praise.
We set out to compose one for this week but we found that we were pleasantly short on Thumbs Down entries for the article. Either we’re eternal optimists here at the paper, or we really do live in a great community with plenty to be proud of.
For example, looking at the pages of this week’s Star Herald alone, we have news of railroad and other infrastructure improvements, student accomplishments, a new deputy at the Sheriff’s Office, e-Learning opportunities in the Hills-Beaver Creek School District and progress on the Luverne district building project. The list goes on.
Is it Mayberry here in Rock County? Far from it.
We have only to glance at the weekly police log to get a glimpse at heartache in our homes, and for the second week in a row, we have a full page of obituaries, each of them no doubt representing sorrow and loss.
But if there were ever a place to find support, it’s right here in Rock County where our residents have the biggest hearts and most generous pocket books.
We have letter to the editor, for example, from the Bloodmobile hailing donations from a recent drive. Thank you notes in our classifieds listing reveal grateful sentiments from those on the receiving end of generosity.
And we never have to look far to find civic groups and organizations working behind the scenes with their armies of volunteers to make sure help is there for those who need it.
So, to our readers this week, Thumbs Up to all of you for all you do.
 
To submit ideas for Thumbs up or Thumbs Down material, call 507-283-2333, email editor@star-herald.com or send written correspondence to the Star Herald at 117 W. Main Street, Luverne, MN 56156.