Willing workers

Thumbs-up to everyone who pulled together and helped out their neighbors after storms passed through the area early March 1, leaving 1,000s without power, damaging homes, businesses, barns and other outbuildings and covering roads with water.

A related thumbs-up to the crews from Duke Energy, their subcontractor, Pike, and Jackson County REMC for all of their hours they spent working to restore power. It can be a dangerous job. And another thumbs-up goes to the police, fire, ambulance personnel and street and highway department workers who helped clear roads and perform other needed services in the aftermath of the storm, including rescuing motorists caught in high water.

Best of show

Thumbs-up to Immanuel Lutheran School’s eighth-grade boys basketball squad for winning the Indiana Lutheran Schools Athletic Association state tournament and the St. John’s Lutheran School Sauers eighth-grade girls basketball squad for winning the association’s girls tournament. The Warriors defeated Lutheran South Unity of Fort Wayne 45-39 in the title contest at Concordia Lutheran High School in Fort Wayne. Immanuel is the first team from a school south of Fort Wayne to win the title. In their final game, the Raiders defeated Emmanuel St. Michael of Fort Wayne 43-30 to give the school its fourth title in the seven years the girls tournament has been played.

Thumbs-up to the Seymour Middle School wrestling team for winning the Tri-County Tournament in February. The Owls defeated Columbus Central, Columbus Northside and Jennings County for the school’s first Tri-County Tournament championship in 13 years.

Qualified

Thumbs-up to the Seymour Archery Club for advancing to the National Archery in the Schools Program’s state tournament in Indianapolis by winning the Region 8 title. The club, which also qualified for state a year ago, has grown from 24 members a year ago to 45 this season.

Thumbs-up to the STEPS Dance Center Opal mini variety team for earning a bid to The Dance Summit on May 6 and 7 at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. A performance by the eight-girl squad was one of five out of 93 during the Just-Dance! Indy competition on Jan. 21 that qualified for The Dance Summit.

Flooded

Thumbs-down to those motorists who ignore warnings about flash flooding and drive into high water. It’s an offense that can be lead to a fine, and it’s one that occurs every time there’s flooding in Jackson County.