UP: To the winners featured in the 2018 Wood Whispers creative writing magazine. From photography to cover design to poetry, these young people demonstrate the importance of combining creativity and skill to create something wonderful. The middle- and high school students honored in this year’s edition should be proud of their contribution.

UP: To the upcoming Ohio River Sweep 2018, on June 16. The event is an opportunity for local residents to take care of the river that does so much for us — particularly as this year’s heavy rains have washed so much trash down to the river, to be caught up on its banks. Sponsors DuPont and Chemours are just two of the many organizations that will take part in the event — those interested in doing so can go to OhioRiverSweep.org for more information.

UP: To the local organizations that will be decorating graves in area cemeteries in anticipation of the Memorial Day holiday Monday. Groups such as the Corps of American Veterans, a veterans and family-oriented motorcycle club, will be placing flags on graves that go as far back as the Revolutionary War. “We want to make sure every veterans’ grave has a flag,” said club president Butch Shepard. Given the rich military history of local families, there will be plenty of work to go around for anyone who chooses to help in this endeavor.