Thumbs up to state Department of Environmental Conservation forest rangers for their efforts rescuing four hikers who became disoriented while hiking last weekend in the Zoar Valley Multiple Day Use Area. Two women, one from Silver Creek and one from Forestville, and two children got lost, contacted 911 and their coordinates were relayed to the rangers. A regional swift water team was deployed, but was unable to reach the group due to rocks in the stream. Rangers John Kennedy and Nathan Sprague then proceeded to hike in with crews on each bank to pinpoint the hikers’ location. The group was located early Sunday morning and taken out by raft. All were in good health. EMS met the hikers at the parking lot, where they were evaluated and released. It’s good the women had the good sense to call 911 when they did, and kudos to the DEC Rangers who helped this potentially harrowing story have a happy ending.

Thumbs down to yet another stolen gun showing up in Jamestown. Earlier this week, two Jamestown residents were charged after detectives with the Jamestown Metro Drug Task Force reportedly saw the two assaulting an individual. They then got into a vehicle and drove away before being pulled over by officers on Lincoln Avenue, where officers reported finding methamphetamine and a sawed-off shotgun in the vehicle. City police said the gun was stolen from Ohio. Unfortunately, it’s common for stolen weapons to end up being confiscated locally. This most recent incident is also an unwelcome reminder that people who want guns will find a way to get their hands on them even in a state with strict gun laws.

Thumbs up to the Clymer United Methodist Church for opening its doors to host Clymer Central School’s baccalaureate services. The Clymer United Methodist Church announced it will take over the decades-long tradition that was formerly held at the school on June 23 at 7 p.m. Most baccalaureate services are held in churches, so it’s good to see the longstanding tradition of baccalaureate in Clymer will continue in a new home.