Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Thumbs up for collecting the rain. For another year, through Mower County Recycling, people have the opportunity to purchase rain barrels, collecting rain through downspouts for use in their gardens, raised beds and flowers. This is a perfect way to cut down on water consumption as well as making use of the nature around us.

Thumbs up for tennis courts. With the Austin Public Schools Board approving a bid for Paulson Courts, work can proceed on reconstruction of the tennis courts this summer. Not only did the project come in way under bid, but it will also fix existing degradation to the courts that could cause injury. When it’s completed, tennis and pickleball enthusiasts will have a brand new surface on which to play.

Thumbs up to big finishes. The Southland robotics team Micah Johnson, Liliana Johnson, Nolan Kiefer and Cameron Byran claimed a title recently in state competition, a first for the Southland program, which has been one of the leading programs in Minnesota. At the same time, the program continues to demonstrate the benefits of being involved in robotics and how it can foster growth of the student for the future.

Thumbs up for state swim title. This past weekend, Austin boys swimmer Brent Dahl claimed a state title in the 100-yard backstroke, something he has been eying all year. He is the second Packer this year to claim a state title after Alayna Kennedy defended her diving championship from last year with her second this past fall.