THUMBS UP

In most small towns, much of community life revolves around two institutions — the church and the school.

Supporting the local schools is a passion for many in small towns in northwest Oklahoma, and Kremlin and Hillsdale are no exceptions.

The Kremlin-Hillsdale Academic Enrichment Foundation recently presented more than $13,500 in grants to teachers for projects and classroom activities.

The grants have been given since 2002 and, for the second time, every request was granted this year. The foundation has raised more than $155,000 since it began collecting funds in 2001.

Thumbs up to the Kremlin-Hillsdale Academic Enrichment Foundation and all who contributed to benefit students in the Kremlin-Hillsdale school district.

THUMBS UP

As any mom knows, caring for a toddler is at once a joy and a challenge.

For young mothers who have no one to turn to for advice, MOPS, or Mothers of Preschoolers, can be a lifesaver.

The MOPS program offers young mothers a chance to gather and share their joys and concerns, as well as to listen to speakers address issues facing mothers of young children.

MOPS began in 1973 in Colorado, and has expanded across the country. Enid has chapters at First Baptist, Emmanuel Baptist and Oakwood Christian churches. Call the churches for information.

Thumbs up to this valuable resource for moms who are coping with the joys and challenges of raising toddlers.

THUMBS UP

In the story of “The Little Engine That Could,” a small engine pulled a long train up a big hill without any help from bigger engines.

Enid’s own little engine, the Kiwanitrain, recently got an assist from a company that owns much bigger engines, Burlington Northern Santa Fe.

BNSF Railroad Foundation donated $5,000 to Enid Kiwanis Club to upgrade and restore the Kiwanitrain, plus the carousel, at Meadowlake Park.

The track will be restored and 6,900 worn out ties will be replaced. Two large display wheels will be replaced and one car will be made accessible to those with disabilities.

Thumbs up to the BNSF for its generous donation to one of Enid’s popular summer attractions.

THUMBS DOWN

A great deal of effort, and money, is being spent to develop the Cherokee Strip Regional Heritage Center into a showplace for the rich history of this area.

But now more money will have to be spent to erase the history of some of the area’s more destructive residents.

Vandals broke a window in the historic Glidewell House, windows and a door were broken in other Humphrey Heritage Village buildings and a large heritage center window was broken.

As if that weren’t enough, the vandals also stole a 1910 replica American flag that was in the village’s school building.

The damage won’t delay the heritage center’s planned opening, but is, in the words of center president Andi Holland, “a sad nuisance.”

Vandalism is a stupid and pointless crime. Thumbs down to whoever did this and we hope you are caught.