Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Thumbs up for honoring MLK Jr. Hormel Foods, for the 14th year, held its capstone event for its annual Dr. Marti Luther King Jr. Essay Contest on Wednesday. As in past years, the young winners read their essays which showed a profound insight of MLK Jr.’s legacy — for all to find inclusion within the United States. It’s always an inspiring event.

Thumbs up for CEO event. Once again, the Mower CEO program gave us reason to have faith in the youth coming into their own, as those involved in the program are busy bringing together this year’s fundraising event featuring Martin Zellar, Mary Kate Kestner and Riley Olson. Bringing a show together is never easy, but these students are looking like old hats.

Thumbs up for music education. In just a few days, MacPhail Center for Music Site Director Cheryl Berglund was honored on Thursday for her work in music education throughout Austin and she’s more than worthy. We need educators like this that provide opportunities for everybody to find their own gifts and continue the act of passing these types of things on.

Thumbs up for Summerset. We’re a ways off from its 57th season, but with the release of summer shows comes another reason to look forward for theater lovers with a pair of shows that will have people looking to secure their seats at Frank W. Bridges Theatre as soon as possible.

Thumbs down for the decision not to run again. Earlier this week, Sen. Tina Smith announced that she would not run again in 2026. While it’s understandable that she has made this decision for personal reasons, It’s worth remembering that Smith has been a force throughout her years advocating for Minnesota and the Austin area, oftentimes by reaching across the aisle to do things for the benefit of the state.