Hearts and feet

Multiple cheers -- 104,000 of them, to be exact -- for everyone involved in last weekend’s Relay For Life. That’s how many dollars were raised in the 14th annual cancer fundraiser in Coos Bay. The relay has become an American cultural phenomenon. As an expression of defiance and perseverance, it inspires  laughter and tears. Walk on.

Wait your turn

Jeers to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which spent $386,000 helping Jeff Merkley win Oregon’s U.S. Senate primary. It’s not Merkley’s fault, but the national party has no business butting into the Oregon primary. The national party should have sat on its hands till Oregon Democrats chose their candidate.

Bark in the park

Three cheers and a nice tummy rub to the Coquille Dog Walk Committee. The group is working doggedly to fence a chunk of vacant ground for a pooch playground. Nothing is more gratifying than to see a community -- large or small -- work together for community enhancement. 

Let’s all pitch in

Re-cheers for the Bay Area Recycling Team. The volunteer group is putting about 50 recycling bins at local schools and other places to promote environmental awareness among youngsters. Great strategy! Teach them young, and they’ll remember. And maybe they’ll goad their parents to join in.

Fiery patriots

Jeers to anyone who behaves irresponsibly with fireworks this summer. Mishandled pyrotechnics can start devastating fires or dismember the unwary. Noisy firecrackers deprive neighbors of sleep and terrorize innocent pets. Celebrating America’s birthday is great fun, but think before striking that match.

Fair and warmer

Kudos to the folks working on preparations for the Coos County Fair. Hometown fairs are a joyous summertime tradition. This one will feature “community days,” highlighting each of the county’s towns. This idea could become a great new tradition. Also new: a set of colorful canvas big tops for livestock shows. It’ll be an “in tents” experience.

Tower power

Cheers for the opening of the Mill Casino-Hotel’s new tower. Adding 92 guest rooms plus handy meeting areas will make the Mill an even stronger asset for Bay Area tourism. Along with the gaming tables and slots, the meeting facilities will put the Mill in the running for conventions and other lucrative gatherings.

Get out of jail free

One more time, jeers for the drying up of federal timber revenue, which is inflicting  havoc on Oregon’s county governments. The latest travesty: Biker gang leader Justin “Mooch DeLoretto” served just one day of a year-long sentence. The county couldn’t afford to keep him. Hey, Congress – give us a little help here.

Bark in the park

Three cheers and a nice tummy rub to the Coquille Dog Walk Committee. The group is working doggedly to fence a chunk of vacant ground for a pooch playground. Nothing is more gratifying than to see a community -- large or small -- work together for community enhancement.