Thumbs down: To all the unsightly weeds growing tall along the curbs in Anderson. Residents, if the weeds are along the sidewalk near your home, please take a few extra minutes to include the grooming with the rest of your lawn.

Thumbs up: To all the public fireworks displays for the Independence Day celebrations in Madison County. The brilliant bursts of color brought enjoyment to residents of all ages. You could tell by their smiles. Thank you to all the sponsors and contributors who make these spectacular shows possible each year.

Thumbs up: To CSX for its upgrades to some of the railroad crossings in downtown Anderson. Drivers and bicyclists appreciate the smoother rides across the rails. We hope the work continues on other crossings.

Thumbs up: To Mounds State Park for the improvements to its pool area and bathhouse, including a new splashpad, tube slide and diving board. The splashpad area and renovations to the 28-year-old pool add accessibility for handicapped visitors, according to the staff.

Thumbs up: To the city of Anderson for hosting the annual concert of the Anderson Symphony Orchestra and salute to veterans on June 29 at Shadyside Memorial Park. An estimated 5,000-plus people brought their blankets, chairs and picnic baskets for the free event to celebrate the Fourth of July.

Thumbs up: To the staff at Anderson High School who will be distributing new and gently used school uniforms to families in need before classes start again. The uniforms can be dropped off this month at Bestway Cleaners at either of its Anderson locations, 706 S. Scatterfield Road or 2716 Nichol Ave. If anyone has questions about the project, call Amy Howie at (765) 641-2037.

Thumbs up: To the members of the Elwood Ladies Auxiliary for taking action against unsightly abandoned properties. The building commissioner says there are more than 400 empty houses in Elwood. So, Michelle Daniels and about a dozen friends have been tracking down the owners and asking them to maintain their properties according to city ordinance.

Thumbs up: To the organizers and participants of the recent FBI forum on civil rights in Anderson. More than 50 people, including members of the public, police and others working in criminal justice, attended the informative daylong seminar that was coordinated by the Madison County branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.