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Thumbs up for more trout fishing. This Thursday, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources visited Austin for another year of stocking Wolf Creek with trout, providing local anglers the continued opportunity to fish for trout right here in the heart of Austin. With the stream trout season opening Saturday and a high in the 60s predicted, we suggest you break out those fishing poles.

Thumbs up for teaching excellence. It was announced Thursday that Austin High School band teacher Christof Dundas was among 12 finalists that are up for Minnesota Teacher of the Year. Regardless of what happens from this point forward, it’s worth noting how high of an honor it is for Dundas to be recognized on the state stage.

Thumbs up for first time achievement. Austin High School senior Callie Hillman accomplished a first when she won not only first place in the Junior Duck Stamp competition, but also Best in Show for her painted portrait of a pair of mallard ducks. A truly worthy accomplishment by a talented artist.

Thumbs up for continuing the race. While it’s notably sad that the Noon Kiwanis Club had to fold in September of last year, it’s continued its reach of good deeds by donating their Pinewood Derby track to the Boy Scouts so that they could continue hosting races in Austin for years to come and in doing so enables the continuation of a deeply-rooted tradition for children and their families.

Thumbs up for a first. The Austin boys volleyball team hosted its first match Tuesday night as a Minnesota State High School League-sanctioned sport and the reception was amazing. Student cheer section, vibrant fan section and plenty of fast-paced volleyball opening a new era in Austin.