While there may be light at the end of the tunnel, the country’s economy is still weak, people are still losing jobs and homes are still being foreclosed upon at a massive rate.

In Mower County, however, there are some bright spots that are worth mentioning.

At the library, officials are reporting record numbers of visitors, and for this year’s summer reading program, involvement more than doubled as 750 kids signed up compared with 350 last year.

The more our students and their parents take a proactive approach to reading, the better our schools will be now and in the future.

In fundraising, despite the recession, the Mower County Relay for Life surpassed its goal of $95,000 to raise more than $98,000, the largest amount the county has ever raised.

This shows a dedication to both local fundraising efforts, support for the American Cancer Society and for those who have cancer or who have lost their fight.

In education, Riverland Community College officials are anticipating record-setting enrollment this semester. As of this week, enrollment is up 51.5 percent from this time last year, as reported in today’s Herald by news editor Katie Johnson.

Sometimes it’s so easy to dwell on the negatives that we forget to look at the positives.

But in Mower County, there are plenty out there, and each one contributes to making our communities better places to live.