We would like to take this time to recognize those who have made a positive impact in Lawrence County in recent headlines:

• To Debbie Osborne, retiring after 22 years as activities director for Sanctuary of the Ohio Valley retirement home. Beginning as an activity assistant and moving into the director’s position, she livened up things for residents and took care of their needs. Osborne was honored with a surprise party by staff on Wednesday.

• To Lawrence County 4-H, and members James Wyatt Besco, Levi Martin, Nate Elli, Caitlyn Johnson, Ericca Wall and Allison Rogers, who, after winning first place with their projects at the Lawrence County Fair, went on to compete at the Ohio State Fair this month. Rogers won an outstanding ribbon for her scrapbooking project, which put her in the top 20 percent of those competing, while Martin received an honorable mention.

• To the Lawrence County Commission, who approved a motion this week to give $10,000 to the Ironton Senior Center, with Lawrence County Clerk of Courts Mike Patterson agreeing to pay half. The funds will help to improve services for the seniors who use facility and will be put to good use.

• To the Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine of Ohio University in Athens, who set up at the Briggs Lawrence County Public Library on Tuesday for a community health fair with nurses checking blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose levels. All were done free of charge.

• To teachers and faculty of the county’s schools, where students returned to begin another academic year this week. From instruction to protecting the children, the work of those who staff the schools is vital in shaping the leaders and citizens of tomorrow and always should be commended.