Column: Thumbs Up

Good-size crowds show up for good cause

Thumbs Up for the considerable number of people that support events such as the Rotary Club’s wine tasting. During a time of economic challenges, seeing good crowds that contribute to worthy causes and groups is always a plus.

Smith makes difference in lives of youngsters

Thumbs Up to retired Troy High School boys basketball coach Tony Smith. A coach, teacher and friend to many in Troy and Libby, Smith continues to make a difference in the lives of youth. We wish the coach well in retirement and embracing more time with his family.

Online Eagle Cam entertaining, educational

Thumbs Up to the Eagle Cam that entertains and educates their online visitors. The Eagle Cam has been online since 2005 and caught on in terms of popularity. During last year’s nesting season, more than 20,000 viewers watched the eagles from Feb. 22 through July 7 – a period during which two hatched eaglets took to the sky.

Agencies come through to help snowmobilers

Thumbs Up to emergency personnel who responded to the call of two missing snowmobilers in China Basin. A number of agencies were involved in the effort, including David Thompson Search and Rescue out of Libby, Eureka’s Can Am Search and Rescue, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Forest Service, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the U.S. Air Force.

OK, no state playoffs, but still good seasons

Thumbs Up to the Libby boys and girls basketball teams as well as the Troy boys basketball teams for putting together such good regular seasons. The ball didn’t bounce the right way come tournament time but the Loggers and Trojans should remember all of those significant victories. The Troy girls also had their moments with a young squad and we look forward to seeing them take the court next season.

(Brad Fuqua is managing editor of The Western News. He can be reached at: thewesternnews@gmail.com )