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Published January 21, 2013, 06:27 AM

OUR VIEW: Week in review: the best, worst

Hisses and cheers from the week that was, from Big Brothers Big Sisters to Alpena's growth to Alexandria's new library.

By: Editorial board, The Daily Republic

CHEERS to the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Mitchell. The organization is working on a new program that will match five elementary students with mentors for school-based mentoring.

It also is seeking experienced mothers to mentor young moms at Second Chance High.

These are great plans and we hope Big Brothers Big Sisters — which is relatively new in Mitchell — has success with them.

CHEERS to Link Snacks Inc., which has added another community project to its list of projects completed in Alpena.

Last week, The Daily Republic reported that the jerky maker footed most of the bill for a 19-mile natural gas line that comes to Alpena from north of town.

The project will not only help Link Snacks make Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, but it also will be of great benefit to the community itself. This is the latest town improvement undertaken by the jerky maker.

CHEERS to a program at Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield that is raising money for charity. Some inmates there are part of a program that allows them to tack on $1 to special meals to benefit charities. In the past few years, inmates in Springfield have raised $4,230. Obviously, the prisoners have their own issues and demons, but their participation in this program shows they have hearts.

CHEERS to the new library in Alexandria. The $1.2 million project is completed, following great civic cooperation. The library is a great smalltown success story, and we’re happy for the many people who made it happen.

HISSES to the obesity epidemic that has its grips on the nation.

We know there are many factors at work here, and it should not rest entirely upon the shoulders of the soft drink industry.

Last week, Coca-Cola began addressing the issue and touting its low-calorie alternative drinks, and we suspect others will follow suit.

Again, many factors — including economic factors — are playing a part in America’s growing waistline, but it’s nice to see that more discussions are taking place.

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