THUMBS UP

Several area leaders were honored this past week for their service to the community.

The Greater Enid Chamber of Commerce gave its annual accolades during their banquet, and we congratulate those who were recognized for their service.

Julia Nelson was named Ambassador of the Year. Park Avenue Thrift was honored for its contributions to the community, as was the Enid Public School Foundation.

Bill Shewey received a Lifetime Achievement Award; Mary Stallings was named Citizen of the Year, Kathy Janes was named Business Person of the Year and Corey Groendyke was named Volunteer of the Year for her efforts in starting the new Enid Farmer’s Market.

All these individuals are deserving of these honors and our thanks for helping make Enid a better community to work and live.

THUMBS UP

Every year, a group of young people from Garfield County are called together to do community service.

They are called the WildHorse Gang, and are organized by Gini Zaloudek as a way to keep kids occupied and out of trouble.

One of their main projects is an aluminum can drive, which raises money for the local Kremlin swimming pool to stay operational. This pool is a popular community gathering place, and without the help of these young people, might not exist.

We applaud the WildHorse Gang and all their supporters.

THUMBS UP

Thumbs up to planting trees in Enid.

The new Enid Loves Trees program will give businesses and organizations the opportunity to provide planting sites around town.

This is an excellent opportunity for local civic groups, church groups or service organizations to donate to a worthy cause. The sites are visible to the public, and it would give great visibility to organizations that help support our community.

Continental Resources has sponsored the first planting site. We hope to see other businesses and groups follow Continental’s lead and sponsor additional plantings.

THUMBS UP

Thumbs up to the beginning of wheat harvest — finally.

We don’t really expect much, but at least our neighbors to the north are finding their crops weren’t as damaged by freeze as they thought they might be.

We’ve missed seeing the combines and harvest trucks around, because that really signals the beginning of summer in northwest Oklahoma. We’re glad to see them rolling again.

A word of caution — be careful these next few weeks as the harvesters do their job. They will be coming in and out of town and on county roads, so be careful and watch for their trucks. Let’s all have a safe and productive wheat harvest.

THUMBS DOWN

Thumbs down to what appears to be an early heat wave.

Temperatures locally reached or hovered around 100 already.

We, in northwest Oklahoma, are used to hot, dry summers. But, we usually suffer 100-degree temperatures around mid or late July, not mid-June.

The forecast calls for pretty hot temperatures to continue. Residents are advised to take precautions from the heat. Also, check in on any elderly or ill neighbors to make sure they are coping well with the heat.