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Thumbs up to good bourbon. It was recently announced that The Traditionalist Classic Straight Bourbon Whiskey, distilled at Four Daughters Vineyard and Winery, was one of 16 distilleries from across the nation to be awarded the gold medal at the Annual Judging of American Craft Spirits. While Minnesota is probably not considered a hotbed for American whiskey and bourbon, awards like this continue to contribute to the state’s growing distillery market.

Thumbs down to Adams clinic closure. While the reasons make sense for Mayo Clinic, the news late this week about the Mayo Clinic Health Systems transitioning services from the Adams site to Austin is unfortunate. Granted, many were already seeking health care at different sites, but it’s a sad addition to a painting of the challenges of rural healthcare.

Thumbs up for impactful poetry. On Wednesday, Hormel Foods honored the three winners of the Hormel Foods Black Leaders & Allies Advancing Cultural Knowledge (BLAACK) sponsored Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Capstone Event, one of which was Austin’s own Yvanna Lopez. The contest, the entries and the young poets themselves continue the demonstrate the lasting impact of the famed Civil Rights leader.

Thumbs up for caucus turnout. Despite the wicked weather that moved in Tuesday night, those that showed up to take part in caucuses should be lauded for their commitment to take part in the grassroots process, an important part of the political machine that ensures local voices continue to be heard.

Thumbs up for more state competition. This weekend four Austin Packer swimmers and a wrestler competed in their respective state tournaments and while the results were unknown at the time of this writing, we want to wish them a hardy congratulations for their postseason success and for continuing to represent their community.