Thumbs up ... to Pittsburg High bringing in University of Kansas professors to discuss the First Amendment to students. The rights granted under the First Amendment are some of the most precious given to Americans, and the sooner these principles can be imparted to our youth, the better versed they will be when they reach adulthood.
Thumbs up ... to Pittsburg State and new head coach Tim Beck for rallying for a 31-20 victory Saturday at Central Oklahoma. Hopefully, the Gorillas can move to 2-0 with a victory Saturday at home over Chadron State (Neb.).
Thumbs up ... to good weather forecast for this weekend’s Little Balkan Days. Temperatures will not be as hot as they have been recently, and the precipitation chances are pretty low.
Thumbs up ... to local teen Betty Noonoo, for representing Pittsburg well as a youth ambassador to Australia.
Thumbs up ... to Big Brutus marking 25 years in West Mineral. It was something to dance about last weekend as well.
Thumbs down ... to software expense costing the Crawford County EMS over the next nine months. The county is looking at two options, both of which are a major expenditure. Good luck trying to find an acceptable path on this issue.
Thumbs down ... to the Air Force officer who decided to “swing” but neglected to tell his sexual partners that he was HIV-positive. Putting people at risk for his pleasure is inexcusable. This is 2010, not the “swingin’ ’70s.”
Thumbs up ... to New Orleans’ willingness to try to get back to where it was before Hurricane Katrina, which marked its fifth anniversary this week. Here’s hoping that it can get back to the vibrant community that thrived for many years.
Thumbs up ... to Painting the Town Red. Showing spirit for Pittsburg State is worthy of praise. It is nice to travel up Broadway and see the variety of ways this theme is expressed: from balloons, to animated signs, to Gus pictures everywhere.
Thumbs up ... to Chicopee being recognized by the Kansas Department of Transportation and getting on the official state map.
Thumbs down ... to Roger Clemens. Lying to Congress is not acceptable behavior for a role model for youth. He might have been a great pitcher, but his off-field behavior threatens those achievements. He’s not the only one. Look at Denny McLain, Pete Rose, Jayson Williams, and the list could go on and on.
Thumbs up ... to the teaching of fire safety in Pittsburg schools. Informing students about fire safety is crucial, as all too often there are instances of carelessness with fire that lead to injuries and deaths.
