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Thumbs up to Packers football for paving the way. On Friday morning, work began on the Veterans Memorial downtown to remove the pavers ahead of the planned renovation project. While there were a number of volunteers helping with the work, it was nice to see members of the Austin Packer football team being a part of that. It’s important that youth have that kind of connection to the past, but also to have a stake in their own community.

Thumbs up to better stream health. Dobbins Creek continues to be the focus of a long term study on water health and a team led by Brenda DeZiel was back in town to survey the fish and habitat in the stream. There were several indicators that Dobbins Creek health is improving meaning that efforts to help with that process have been working. That’s something to be proud of.

Thumbs up to food heroes. This week Hormel announced this year’s cohort of 10 under 20 Food Heroes, young people from around the country who are stepping up to do their part with food insecurity. It’s another indication that we can be putting a bright future into the hands of our youth.

Thumbs up for disaster assistance. Mower and Steele counties were part of 19 counties that have been cleared to request individual assistance in the wake of June’s flooding event. This will clear the way for more help for those adversely affected by the flooding brought on by the large amounts of rain we received toward the end of June.