Praise to Walt McKinney for his decades of service to the Marysville Police Department and the Marysville Kiwanis Club. We will miss you.

Praise to Cedarcrest Middle School for their wonderful play, “The Trial of Santa.”

Praise to all of those involved in getting the Regional Apprenticeship Pathways set up at Marysville-Pilchuck High School. Preparing students for careers is just as important as preparing them for college.

Praise to everyone involved in the Toy Store and Marysville and Arlington food banks over the holidays. It always feels good to help, but especially that time of year.

Praise to Arlington for getting power cots so first-responders can not only help more people more safely, but also keep themselves from being injured.

Praise to the Universal Life Church in Tulalip volunteers who helped city of Marysville employees clean up a home that had been an eyesore and a public nuisance. Praise to all of those who are a part of and support Leah’s Dream Foundation. Helping kids with disabilities celebrate just like other kids is so fun to watch as it lifts their self-esteem.

Praise to Arlington for its salmon art project. What an enjoyable way to decorate a road.

Praise to Snohomish County for fixing up Wenberg Park at Lake Goodwin. The beach, swim area, dock and boat launch facilities will make it a great place to hang out this summer.

Praise to those who helped police catch two thieves.

Raze that they did it by firing weapons during the busiest time of the year, scaring many half to death.

Praise to Arlington detectives for making an arrest in the robbery of a fast-food joint.

Raze that the other suspect has not been caught yet.

Raze that state unfunded mandates are still a problem.

Raze also that we taxpayers have to foot the bill no matter who mandates it.

Praise that Arlington schools are working to make math a positive mind-set.

Praise that Marysville police already are experts in de-escalating violent situations, even though statewide a new law was passed requiring even more training.

Praise to the Healing to Wellness Court in Tulalip. Congratulations to the first graduate. We hope there are many more.

Praise to everyone who put up Christmas lights so early and then kept them up so late. They really brighten the community.

Praise to the Snohomish County Drug Task Force and Marysville police for the drug arrests right across from our office. We feel much safer now.