Thumbs up: To residents of the Genoa area and others who raised more than $11,000 in donations and grants to purchase a new K-9 dog for the Genoa Police Department. The value of K-9s – which can track and run down fleeing suspects, find drugs and evidence, and defend their handlers – is undisputed, but the dogs don’t come cheap. Genoa has a small department with a tight budget, but the generosity of the community has once again made a K-9 unit a reality. Hats off as well to the veterinarian offering to provide the dog’s medical care for free or at a reduced cost and to the retailer offering free food.

Thumbs down: To drought. The hot, dry conditions that have gripped the Midwest are spreading, with more than half the country experiencing drought conditions – the most widespread drought since the 1950s. As farmers – who rejoiced a few months ago about getting crops sown in the unusually early spring – cut down withered crops and worry about their losses, consumers should brace themselves for the impact to reach the grocery store this fall.

Thumbs up: To members of the Kiwanis Club of DeKalb and other volunteers who gather once a week at Oak Crest DeKalb Area Retirement Center to sew “trauma dolls” for children who might feel scared during a trip to the hospital and need comfort. Children can draw on the dolls to show doctors where they may feel pain, and doctors can use the dolls to explain medical procedures. The first batch of 25 dolls arrived at Kishwaukee Community Hospital last month. The group hopes to grow the project and serve more than 25 children each month.