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Thumbs up to helping out. The Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative had several linemen head to North Carolina to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and proves that organizations from our state will help whenever and wherever needed. It’s something this country could see more of these days.

Thumbs up to more local talent. The announcement that there will be another show to follow up the popular first show of the Mower County Grown series is another win for local and area entertainment and another win for those who come to listen.

Thumbs up for cutting a rug. It was nice to hear the Cotillion Dance Club here in Austin is growing again in popularity. For over a century, this club has been a promised date night in Austin and we hope it provides many more date nights in the future.

Thumbs up to another year of Bruins. The Bruins are celebrating 15 years in Austin this season and kicked off their home schedule Friday night. The Bruins and Austin has proven to be a winning formula over the years, providing hockey fans an exciting night and showing off the longevity of a program that has given so much back to Austin.

Thumbs down to Hurricane Helena. The aftermath of the hurricane that roared over Florida and into the southeastern United States tells a heartbreaking story, and one that frankly, can not be ignored any longer. These storms are getting stronger and more powerful because of a changing planet and should be a wake-up call for everybody.