New location

Cheers to the volunteers who labored for three weeks to open the new Science Zone, an interactive children's science center, in the basement of Mossholder's. The Science Zone opened at the Nicolaysen Art Museum in 1997 but outgrew the space and in 2005 moved to the Sunrise Shopping Center until last May, when rent became too expensive.

Animal cruelty

Jeers to Thomas Sage Hallock, who faces animal cruelty charges after a particularly shocking incident. Police say the 32-year-old Casper man killed an African gray parrot, "Smokey Joe," after it bit him while perched on his finger. Hallock allegedly threw the bird against the wall, breaking its wings, then stepped on its head.

Wyoming's best

Cheers to the Casper Star-Tribune's "Super 25" high school football players, whose outstanding play during the past season was honored Friday night at the Parkway Plaza at our annual banquet. Special cheers go to the players' families, who supported their efforts all year long, from practices to playoffs.

Deadly illness

Jeers to the swine flu, which has caused the deaths of 10 people in Wyoming this year. The latest flu-related death was a Park County man who died last week. State health officials say people still need to take precautions against the H1N1 flu, including getting recommended vaccines, staying home when they're sick and washing their hands frequently.

Working together

Cheers to the Northern Arapaho Tribe and the city of Riverton for agreeing to work together on such issues as zoning and land-use planning and economic development efforts. After a boundary dispute that saw the tribe's lawsuit dismissed, they have also agreed to enter into mediation on future disputes instead of going directly to the courts.