THUMBS DOWN: To reckless drivers. Riding too close to the driver in front of you, making right turns on red without stopping first, running through yield signs and stop signs, texting while driving, speeding and more are unnecessary and illegal acts that can result in tragedy in an instant. Getting to your destination a few seconds earlier is never more important than your or someone else’s life. Remember that the next time you get behind the wheel.
THUMBS UP: To Dave LaPlante, Moody Air Force Base Firefighter of the Year. The husband and father of two has been fighting fires for more than 25 years and has been described as "the best we have" by Moody Deputy Fire Chief Steven Seward.
THUMBS DOWN: To those in the community who know something about the recent armed robberies and other crimes but refuse, for whatever reason, to share that information with the police. We live in a society where the average person believes that they should stay out of other people's business or that harm will come to them if they talk. First, this crime wave is all of our business. It affects each of us, directly or indirectly, and it's truly impossible to know where those "bad guys" will strike next. It could be your home or place of business. Second, the authorities have made it possible to report any information anonymously. It's time for the "good guys" to take a stand.
THUMBS UP: To the Valdosta City School System Tomcat Wrestling Team. They won the Tomcat Invitational recently, earning 70 points. Five team members won their respective weight classes. Also, thumbs up to the Valdosta High School Wrestling Team for winning the Hornet Classic in Adel. Seven team members won their respective weight classes, while five others finished in the top four.
THUMBS UP: To everyone who entered the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority Home for the Holidays decorating contest. Homes were judged in six categories — Reason for the Season, Originality, Humorous, Lights Extravaganza, Most Animated and Neighborhood — and the winners will be announced soon.
THUMBS UP: To the Valdosta Fire Department for participating in Shop with a Firefighter. A total of 11 local children were paired with a firefighter to shop for gifts for themselves and their family. All of the children were victims of fire this year. The Wal-Mart Foundation donated $1,000 and a private donor gave an additional $100 to make the event a success.
