Praise to the county for considering three of our local standout leaders for the county council. We would have great representation on the council if one of them were picked.

Praise to mayors Jon Nehring of Marysville and Barb Tolbert of Arlington for their foresight on the year 2017.

Praise to the first Arlington Youth Council for its contributions to the city.

Praise to Jodi Lawrence of Arlington, who despite her own personal problems was strong enough to help the homeless with a free hot meal before Christmas. We hope others in that community work with her to do even more.

Praise to the Marysville Shoultes Gospel Hall for sharing the real meaning of Christmas with its neighbors.

Praise to Cheryl and Ray Hammer for the 37 years they provided trees to families in Marysville. Sad to see the tradition go by the wayside.

Praise to the food banks in Arlington and Marysville for the meals they provide to families and toys they provide to children around Christmas.

Praise to all those involved in the new food commons at Marysville-Pilchuck High School. What a great addition to a great school.

Raze that the death penalty will not be considered in the case of accused killer John Reed. Patrick Shunn and Monique Patenaude of Oso were not given that choice.

Praise to Marysville police for a drug bust where some squatters were residing. The children are now safe.

Praise to the students on both sides of the issue at Marysville Getchell High School. They are learning how active, peaceful participation in government can lead to positive changes. Praise to the Marysville School District for its panic button program it is developing to make our schools safer.

Praise to Allen Creek Elementary for using calming methods at the start of school. More local schools should give that a try.

Praise to everyone who participated in The Marysville Globe-The Arlington Times Christmas Lights Contest. We decided to take it on since neither community does it anymore. We hope readers drove around our communities and saw how much work people put into their displays and how good they made us feel.

Praise to Marysville Municipal Court Judge Fred Gillings for helping 10th Street’s mock trial team. He gave some great advice.

Raze to the robber who struck two Subway sandwich shops in Lakewood and Smokey Point.

Praise to Sheila Bussey of Marysville for allowing us to show others her amazing indoor Christmas display.

Praise to Marysville and Arlington public works departments for being so well-prepared for winter. There have been few major problems so far.

Praise to companies that have started hanging lights for customers around Christmas. Not only does it give them work but it helps mostly the elderly enjoy having lights strung up when they thought they may not be able to.

Raze to the driver who ran off after colliding with a school bus. Here’s to catching him and holding him accountable.

Praise to the Holiday Tour of Lights for another great season.

Praise to Marysville and Arlington for their annual Christmas gatherings that set the mood for the holiday season.

Raze to the Arlington man arrested on sex charges allegedly involving a relative. Deplorable is a term being overused nowadays, but not in that case.

Praise to Arlington for taking another look at its hotel-motel tax distribution. The tax is paid for by tourists and should go to events that bring in tourists. Local events should try to attract tourists if they want a piece of the pie.

Praise to Kris Passey, a former publisher of The Marysville Globe-The Arlington Times. He died of cancer late last month. He was highly respected statewide for his work for open records and open government. His work here helped make these communities what they are today.