Brave

Thumbs-up to Seymour teen Macie Fletcher for saving the lives of a woman and three children after the house they were in on May 27 on North Walnut Street in Seymour caught fire. For her bravery and courage, the 17-year-old Seymour High School graduate received Jackson County Sertoma Club’s Service to Mankind Award, the club’s highest honor.

Dreaming

Thumbs-up to those at the Toyota plant at Walesboro for making it possible for 6-year-old Kaly Hudson to visit the Happiest Place on Earth — Disney World — through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Hudson’s grandparents, Jerasu and Marshall Hudson, escorted the Seymour girl, who was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy, to the Magic Kingdom in Orlanda, Florida, in early July. Spinal muscular atrophy is a genetic disease that causes muscle weakness and deterioration.

Working toward success

Thumbs-up to the 720 mini and regular Jackson County 4-H members and members of the FFA chapters for taking the time and effort to complete projects for the Jackson County Fair, which begins Sunday and ends July 29. The parents of those youth along with their leaders, fair board members and many other volunteers also deserve a thumbs-up for their efforts to make the fair the success it is each year.

All-Star player

Thumbs-up to recent Brownstown Central graduate Gavin Bane, who strapped on his football helmet as a Brave for the North-South All-Star Classic on July 14 at North Central High School in Indianapolis.

Littering

Thumbs-down to the people who take their food and drinks to the city parks in Seymour and parks in Brownstown, Crothersville and Medora and then leave behind the wrappers, cups and other leftovers. A related thumbs-down to those who leave dirty diapers, syringes and other trash in the parks. All of those items have to be picked up by city and town workers, which takes them away from their other tasks.

Failure to pay

Thumbs-down to those who fail to pay for their utility services, which leads to higher utility for everyone who does pay their bills.