Thumbs down: to local business news that isn't entirely abysmal, but close. The unemployment rate fell in Watauga County for the most recent data available, down from 7.5 percent in November 2010 to 7.2 percent in November 2011 — yet still in the county there are 1,726 people looking for a job. Similarly, local construction continues to be swayed by the economy. Homeowners are building, but at 90 single-family detached homes in 2011, we're a long way from the 374 single-family detached homes in 2006. The difference in total construction costs is about $75 million — to the negative.
Thumbs up or thumbs down: you decide. Snowfall may be in the forecast for this weekend, but overall snowfall this season has been the polar opposite of last year. Do you like to play in the snow: thumbs down. You don't own a four-wheel-drive vehicle: thumbs-up. Is there a happy medium?
Thumbs up: to helping in the High Country. We may not have as much snow — yet, at least — as last season, but  it's still been cold. Helping Hands Wood Lot, a ministry of Grace Lutheran Church of Boone, gives away between 500 and 600 loads of wood annually — but they can't do it without help. Anyone willing and able enough to cut, split and stack firewood on Tuesday mornings, weather permitting, is welcome to help. Meet on the property of Hunger and Health Coalition on Health Center Drive. 
Thumbs up: to guiding them well. January is National Mentoring Month across the nation, and has been for the past 10 years, but mentoring has been a passion in the High Country since an organized group, Western Youth Network, developed in 1985. Most recently, this group is organizing The High Country Mentoring Collaborative. Make a difference as a mentor. Call (828) 264-5174.