THUMBS DOWN: To those Valdosta residents who celebrated the Independence Day holiday with lots of illegal fireworks. Chief J.D. Rice of the Valdosta Fire Department said recently, “... if a firework can project into the air, you cannot buy it in Georgia.” Or at least you cannot buy it legally in Georgia, as there are still roadside stands that sell them. These fireworks are not safe in untrained hands and are especially unsafe in the hands of someone who has had a little too much alcohol to drink. Valdostans would be wise to remember what it was like when all fireworks were illegal in Georgia because those days are likely to return if such careless behavior continues.

THUMBS UP: To everyone who participated in the American Cancer Society golf tournament at Stone Creek on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Ashley Paulk, chairman of the annual tournament for 28 years, said recently, “It’s hard to find a family that hasn’t been touched in some way by cancer.” The American Cancer Society uses funds raised to help prevent and treat cancer. Because of its efforts, 11 million-plus cancer survivors across the nation will celebrate a birthday this year.

THUMBS UP: To investigators with the Valdosta Police Department and Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office for their efforts to work together to solve a string of recent robberies in the area. Teamwork led authorities to a Greenville, Fla., man, who was arrested Tuesday.

THUMBS UP: To Tommy T. Thomas for having the opportunity to serve as deputy under secretary of defense for military community and family policy at the Pentagon. The Hahira native credited those who were active in his life as a youth for teaching him the importance of having a strong work ethic and spiritual values, as well as serving his country. Thomas has been at the Pentagon since May.

THUMBS UP: To Captain Guy Nickum and Captain Monica Nickum of The Salvation Army. The couple recently transferred in to the Valdosta location on the heels of outgoing Salvation Army commanders Warren and Cindy Jones, who were transferred to Sapulpa, Okla. The Nickums met each other as kids at Salvation Army camp. They both have parents who were officers in The Salvation Army. The duo looks forward to serving the needs of the Valdosta community.