The Tribune

Thumbs-up to area public properties that opened up their ponds and lakes for a free weekend of fishing in Indiana. Local venues included Starve Hollow State Recreation Area near Vallonia and Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge east of Seymour. We also offer a thumbs-up to area parents, grandparents and others who made time to take young ones out to fish.

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Thumbs-up to the Crothersville Middle School boys track team on winning the school’s first Southern Athletic Conference title at the middle school level.

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Thumbs-up to area residents who give blood through the American Red Cross and the Indiana Blood Center. The donations of blood and blood products is a valuable community service for those in need.

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Thumbs-up to area coaches who stage summer youth sports camps. The events offer area youngsters an opportunity to have fun and to hone skills in a variety of sports, including basketball, football, soccer and others.

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Thumbs-up to the family of Sarah Steinker Stephens and other donors and supporters of Seymour’s newest park, Steinker Platz, in the downtown area. The small park, called a pocket park, is a marked improvement over the gravel parking area left after a fire in 2009 destroyed two buildings on South Chestnut Street. The new green space is attractive and should be a great place to enjoy lunch, a snack or just some down time.

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Thumbs-up to Seymour High School pole vaulter Ben Coomer, who earned a medal in the state track and field tournament at Bloomington. Coomer, who graduated this spring, finished eighth in the state meet.

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Thumbs-up to Southern Indiana Center for the Arts and its supporters for offering Summer Art Camp again this year. The weeklong sessions offer a fun and educational experience for area children.

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