Praise to Donna’s Truck Stop for putting in a security system that makes it such a safe place to be.

Praise to the trucking industry in general for cleaning up its act, making it more family friendly.

Praise to programs such as Hi-Q for putting academics on a level playing field with sports.

Praise to those who truly help those in need by not giving panhandlers on the street money, but instead donate, volunteer and work with government, faith and social service groups to get them back on their feet.

Praise to the Marysville School District for placing such an emphasis on positive behavior in the schools. Those efforts lead to an improved learning environment for all.

Praise to Marysville for its creative idea of having an all-age prom. What a romantic way for couples who met later in life to celebrate a tradition of youth that they missed. And if you are lucky enough to still be with the one you went to prom with, what a wonderful way to rekindle the romance.

Praise to Arlington for its recent gathering on homelessness. There are great things going on in both of our communities, and meetings like that one that bring on the entities together are very helpful. Praise to all the athletes who competed in the winter sports. Special congratulations to Tristan Emery of Arlington and Keith Pablo of Marysville-Pilchuck for both placing second at state in wrestling.

Praise to Code Enforcement and Marysville police for continuing to be tough on drug houses and squatters. It means so much to the neighbors.

Raze that we can’t figure out a way to get them out of town, instead of just moving to another area.

Praise to the Evangel Classical School for its effort of taking a step back to move forward when it comes to education. It may not be for everyone, but it certainly is nice for families to have options.

Praise to Marysville-Pilchuck High School auto teacher Chuck Nichols for his involvement in the “Don’t Drip and Drive” program. Not only it is great for the environment, but it’s great for participants, too. He gives free advice on needs of your car. Can’t beat that.

Praise to Angie Kyle and Rachel Harrington for going to the Houston Space Center and bringing back fun ways to teach science in Arlington.

Praise to the new Marysville Strawberry Festival royalty. Make us proud this parade season.

Praise to the Tulalip Tribes TERO pre-apprenticeship program for providing tiny houses for the homeless in Seattle.

Praise to Fanny’s Restaurant and community supporters who have helped raise money for employees without work after the fire at The Village Restaurant.

Praise that three car dealerships and a farm store are coming to Marysville. We love to see family wage jobs coming to town.

Praise to those who put on and attending the anti-bullying event at the Tulalip Resort Casino recently. Those heart-breaking stories make people realize their actions do have lasting consequences.

Raze to drivers who no longer stop at stop signs. They are not even “California stops.” They are not even yield stops. They are I’m King of the Road stops, acting like no one else is on the road. They are dangerous. Not stopping needs to stop.