Spreading the word

Thumbs up to the employees of Seymour Cummins Engine Plant for bringing awareness to domestic violence by writing messages on shirts. On Oct. 27, the 100 shirts — representing victims of domestic violence in Indiana, from children to adults — were clipped onto the clotheslines by Cummins employees, local government officials, local law enforcement personnel and Turning Point Domestic Violence Services staff on East Fourth Street Road in front of the plant and along East Tipton Street. A Halloween costume contest fundraiser at Cummins also raised $1,215 that was donated to Turning Point, which serves Jackson County and surrounding counties.

Remembering our heroes

Thumbs up to the veterans, veteran organizations, local schools and others for organizing Veterans Day events throughout the county over the past few days. Today is Veterans Day, which is Nov. 11 each year, so remember to thank a veteran for all of the sacrifices they made to ensure our freedom. There are several Veterans Day events planned for today. The list includes a free early bird meal from 8 to 10 a.m. at American Legion Post 89 in Seymour, followed by a ceremony at 11:30 a.m. and a free lunch afterwards; free soup and sandwiches from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the VFW Post 1083 in Crothersville; a ceremony at 11 a.m. at the veterans memorial at Gaiser Park in Seymour presented by VFW Post 1925 in Seymour; and a soup supper and euchre tournament free to veterans that starts at 4:30 p.m. at the senior citizens center in Freetown. That event is sponsored by the Pershing Township Lions Club.

Committed

Thumbs up to Jackson Superior Court I Judge AmyMarie Travis for being recognized for her commitment to higher education and longtime service by Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Loretta Rush during an annual education conference. Travis recently completed the Indiana Graduate Program for Judges, which is a limited attendance educational experience for appellate and trial level judicial officers that offers an in-depth and intensive learning experience and requires attendees to commit to one week of coursework for two consecutive summers.

Democracy at work

Thumbs up to those who decided to run for municipal offices in Brownstown, Crothersville, Medora and Seymour and those who voted for them Tuesday. The decision to put your name on the line to seek a public office may not be an easy one, but it’s an important one — along with voting — that separates America from many other places in the world.