Editorials

Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down

UP: To those local graduates -- high school, community and technical school, college or graduate school -- who are this spring embarking on the next phase of their educations and/or careers. What has been accomplished is admirable, but what lies ahead is full of possibility and promise. Never stop learning. (And please celebrate safely.)

UP: To Peoples Bank Foundation's donations last week -- $12,000 to the Southeastern Ohio Port Authority to support its mission and $1,000 to the Belpre Soccer Club to help with installation of a drain system for its fields. Engaged community partners are an important part of what keeps so many local organizations afloat. Thank you, folks.

UP: To Ashley Smith, an American history teacher at Parkersburg South High School, who was among 50 fellows named by the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation in its annual competition. Smith's fellowship will fund up to $24,000 of each course of study toward a master's degree. Congratulations on such an honor.

UP: To the Wood County Narcotics and Violent Crimes Task Force, which worked with the West Virginia State Police to arrest and bring 43 sex charges against a Wirt County man last week. We are fortunate to live in a region that is served by such a group of law enforcement officers and professionals working together toward a common goal.