Thumbs up: To Elwood’s Mary Beth Dunnichay for achieving excellence by securing a spot on the U.S. women’s synchronized diving squad at the 2008 Summer Olympics. All county residents should cheer on this phenomenal young woman and watch as she makes us proud in Beijing.

Thumbs up: To the annual running of the brats. Hoosier Park’s Wiener dog races on Saturday signaled the end of another great standardbred season in Anderson. And while there were several long shots, all competitors came down the stretch like champions, extending themselves for the sake of competition. And none of them pulled up short.

Thumbs down: To property owners who neglect their investments here in Madison County, especially the numerous such eyesores in Anderson. One such building collapsed recently, as no one was there to monitor the structure’s condition. It’s unsafe for residents and an eyesore in a city that’s trying to attract new businesses.

Thumbs up: To the renovation project now under way at the Anderson YMCA. The landmark structure is a jewel of the city, something to treasure and hand down to future generations. It is not only full of history and accomplishment, but it is also one of the few historical downtown buildings still standing.

Thumbs up: To the city for revamping the electric trolley and putting it to use for the free downtown transit system. Not only is the move needed at a time of record-high fuel prices, but it is also a reminder that government can work quickly and for the good of the people.

Thumbs down: To Richard Hudson for panicking the public and causing an uproar for law enforcement by allegedly abducting his lawyer, tying him up and leaving him at Rangeline Nature Preserve. It was a cowardly and vicious act, made all the more galling by the fact that it happened while the city and the man’s attorney were trying to do him a favor. His recapture Saturday morning was a relief for all.

Thumbs up: To the wide-ranging effort from several districts to rescue a man trapped by the collapse of a trench wall Friday night. Fire departments from Anderson, Carmel, Fishers, Chesterfield and Indianapolis responded to the scene, working for hours to free the man. The heroic effort is an example of the caring Hoosiers demonstrate in time of crisis.

Thumbs up: To another fun-filled, enjoyable Lapel Village Fair this weekend, hosted by the Lapel Community Association. With the cost of traveling this summer, such pleasant activities are more valuable and important than ever.

Thumbs up: To state Rep. Terri Austin, D-Anderson, for being vice chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures’ Transportation Committee, a national transit policy group. Her selection means that the transportation issues of her constituents here in east central Indiana will be that much better represented. Congratulations, Rep. Austin!

Thumbs up: To the Federal Emergency Management Agency for recognizing the extensive damage that was done in Madison County by recent streaks of severe weather. Homeowners, renters and businesses with such damage can apply for help from FEMA by calling (800) 621-FEMA.

Thumbs down: To a dangerous manner of fundraising that we would like to see stopped. Two weeks ago, at three different intersections, members of different ball teams were seen in the middle of busy intersections collecting money when motorists stopped. These were elementary school-age children. There was adult supervision, not in the intersections, but on the side of the streets.