Thumbs up, thumbs down

Thumbs up... to Howard “Butch” Herring, who has served as Pittsburg State director of Police and Parking Services. Herring will be retiring from PSU after 32 years on the job, and will be succeeded by PSU Police Sergeant Mike McCracken. We applaud Herring for his long tenure at PSU and wish him the best in retirement.
Thumbs up... to local residents for lending a helping hand to provide relief to those affected by Hurricane Gustav. Area electric companies, as well as the National Guard and others, have been sent to the Gulf Coast area to help get life back to normal. We appreciate those who go out of their way to lend a helping hand in times of need.
Thumbs down... to thieves who stole 26 state flags as they were displayed on the dam of Farlington Lake in Crawford State Park on Labor Day. It is sad to see people have no regard for these symbols of our history. People with any information regarding this theft are encouraged to call the park office at 620-362-3171.  

Jacob W. Brower, for The Morning Sun