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Thumbs up to continuing to entertain. Not having the Paramount Theatre available for shows for the better part of this year due to its renovation and expansion project will put something of a dent in Austin’s programming, but thanks to a spate of three shows under the name of the Paramount Goes Dark Mini Performance Series  those opportunities will help fill that void, with shows slated to take place in both Knowlton Auditorium and Frank W. Bridges Theatre.

Thumbs up for community pride. On Feb. 5, Riverland Community College is pulling out all of the stops for its No. 1 nationally ranked Blue Devils basketball team and we hope you take advantage of the opportunity to see a really entertaining team in action. The Blue Devils Fan Appreciation day will feature free admission while seating is available, free swag for attendees while supplies last, halftime putting contest with a chance to win $100 and free hot dogs, chips and drinks for Riverland students while supplies last. Get the family and come on down to Riverland for a fun night and good basketball.

Thumbs up for citizenship classes. The news earlier this week that Austin Adult Learning and the International Institute of Minnesota were partnering to get as many qualified community members their citizenship as soon as possible over the next couple years is terrific way to welcome people not only to our country, but to our own community of Austin and Mower County. It’s another step by our area to ensure that everybody has a place in Austin.

Thumbs up for frigid dips. While this year’s efforts as part of Paint the Town Pink are well under way, one of its biggest events, Plunging for Pink, took place this past Saturday. Jumpers braved the frigid cold of East Side Lake on a chilly but sunny afternoon all in the name of raising money for a terrific cause.

Thumbs up for family involvement. Earlier this week, Lyle-Pacelli’s Landon Meyer was recognized for scoring 1,000 career points, joining his dad, Brock Meyer, who is also a Lyle 1,000 point scorer. These types of connections are fun to report on and bring to the public because it reflects not only a family connection, but a regional connection that people can trace down the line.