Silver Dollars & Wooden Nickels

SILVER DOLLAR: To Carson City Sheriff Ken Furlong, whose department made a string of burglary arrests recently that he said may signal a drop in those types of property crimes. And Furlong shared the credit with residents who've phoned in tips of suspicious people in their neighborhoods. That kind of shared community vigilance can only lead to good things.

SILVER DOLLAR: To Gov. Brian Sandoval for dismissing speculation about his possibly winning a spot on the GOP presidential ticket. As governor, Sandoval has been doing good things, and we'd like to keep him around.

WOODEN NICKEL: To President Barack Obama for an address to news executives last week in which, according to an Associated Press account, he depicted the November election as a choice between a Democratic candidate who wants to help people succeed and Republicans who would abandon a basic compact with society and let most people struggle for the benefit of the rich. That doesn't sound like the nonpartisan, cooperative tone he pledged during his first campaign.

SILVER DOLLAR: To Lyon County schools for seeking - and winning - a $4.23 million state literacy grant. "This is the largest grant we've ever gotten," said Superintendent Caroline McIntosh. "We're pretty excited." McIntosh and her district staff should also be proud for what they're doing for Lyon County.

SILVER DOLLAR: To Carson City sheriff's K-9 Officer Troy, the four-legged law enforcer with a knack for finding drugs. Due to medical issues, Troy is going to take early retirement. With a salute and a Milk Bone, we thank him for his service.