THUMBS UP

Youth, the saying goes, is wasted on the young. The same can be true of education.

Sometimes young people don’t take advantage of their educational opportunities and it isn’t until they reach adulthood they realize the error of their ways.

For these people, and for any adults seeking academic improvement, the Carver Education Center is a valuable asset.

Recently the Carver center received visits from four representatives of Oklahoma State Department of Education’s Lifelong Learning Section. They conducted interviews, observed classes and reviewed materials.

The panel’s conclusion? Carver Educational Center is doing a good job.

Thumbs up to Carver Education Center and its staff.



THUMBS UP

Enid Community Foundation recently hit a milestone, hitting $11.4 million in assets.

This is quite a jump from the original $1.8 million challenge grant from Sisters of Mercy in July 2000. Sisters of Mercy formerly owned St. Mary’s Regional Health Center and shortly after the sale of the hospital wanted to leave a gift to Enid. Sisters challenged Enid to meet the grant and use the money for the community.

As of Dec. 31, Enid Community Foundation has more than 90 funds created for the benefit of community organizations.

Thumbs up to Enid Community Foundation for accepting the challenge of the Sisters of Mercy, and taking it to new heights.



THUMBS UP

Autry Technology Center opened its doors and showcased all it has to offer last Sunday.

Autry Tech offers more than 3,500 full- and short-time classes in subjects ranging from agriculture to transportation distribution and logistics.

All were on display during the open house, and a limited tour was offered of the James W. Strate Business Development Center, currently under construction. When completed, the center will serve as a business incubator, empowering entrepreneurs.

Thumbs up to Autry Tech for all it does, and will do.



THUMBS DOWN

Everyone looks forward to getting their mail every day, even if the postman only brings bills and credit card applications.

But residents in the 1700 to 1900 blocks of North Kennedy haven’t received their mail for the past week because of the danger posed by dogs on the loose. They have had to pick up their mail at the post office.

If these dogs have owners, the owners need to be fined and they need to keep their animals at home. If the dogs are strays, they should be rounded up by animal control.

Thumbs down to the whole situation.



THUMBS DOWN

Lynne Neveu, a former Enid resident once stationed at Vance Air Force Base, loves her horses.

Recently, however, shortly after she moved to Stillwater to begin studying animal science pre-veterinary medicine at Oklahoma State University, somebody stole her two mares — Maggie and Dharma.

Neveu, as you might expect, is devastated.

In the old West, horse thieves often were hung from the highest tree. All we can do is give whoever stole Neveu’s horses a thumbs down.