A huge, big blossom to our locally-owned community banks that did not take TARP funds, as did the large banks. It saddens me that another locally-owned community bank has been sold with its profits and jobs leaving our community. To keep our local economy vibrant and growing, everyone needs to support our local community banks for they account for 58 percent of the loans to families, small businesses and farms. - J. Lewis

A bouquet of blossoms to Ms. Deb Tschanz, third-grade teacher at Abraham Lincoln Learning Academy. I am the mother of three children, all who have had the good fortune to have Ms. Tschanz as their teacher. I have never met a more dedicated teacher in my life and I am very happy she has been recognized with the Allan B. Holtshopple Award for outstanding teacher in our school district. - A very grateful parent

Huge blossoms to the vets who presented the flag for the GCFN Truck/Tractor Pull Sept. 22. Hoping to have 10 veterans present the 15x25 flag, we were overwhelmed to see 25 vets surrounding the flag. Thank you Wisconsin Viet Nam Vets Chapter 3, Monroe VFW, Monroe American Legion, Oregon/Brooklyn VFW and Iraqi War Vets (apologies for any units missed). Kudos to the Juda/Brodhead FFA choir who sang the National Anthem. - Green County Fall Nationals