thumbs up / thumbs down 07/24/08

Thumbs up to the Ranier City Council for taking issues concerning the international railroad bridge to Canadian National Railroad. The council wants CN to consider leaving the lift bridge in the up position when not in use. The reasons are for boater safety, such as if a boat’s engine stalled in the rapids it could collide with the bridge. It is also national security issue to avoid possible illegal crossings in or out of the country.

Thumbs down to anonymous Web poster Agitated Grad for criticizing the VFW baseball program without full knowledge of the situation

Thumbs up to Ron Peterson for volunteering to decorate the Ranier Park and community building for the city’s August centennial event. The city council approved his request in thanks for their silent support of his county permit application to blast rock near the Highway 11 overpass.

Thumbs down to the driver of the vehicle who didn’t stop for a girl and her dog in the pedestrian crossing Tuesday on Third Street near Backus. This girl did everything right: She stepped into the street and waited for vehicles to stop. All did, except for this vehicle. Luckily, there was not a tragic ending to the story.

Thumbs up to the Top of the Nation softball tournament as a fun community event.

Thumbs up to all the players and the ticket buyers who participate in the win-win performance of the upcoming “Summer on the Border” Friday, which will promote local entertainment and at the same time create revenue to improve the auditorium in the Backus Community Center.

Thumbs up to the dedicated and compassionate members of the Borderland Humane Society who diligently look out for those who cannot speak, especially with their recent request to Koochiching County for a much-needed animal shelter in Borderland.

Thumbs up to the Falls High School Indian Education students for representing themselves well at the Falls School Board meeting Monday. The students were poised and spoke from the heart for a program they believe in.

Thumbs up to coach Roger Jerome and the Falls VFW baseball team for a successful season