We offer a huge thumbs down to the terribly sad event of Saturday, with the death of Pat Miller in a two-vehicle crash.

It was sad news, unexpected, tragic and painful to the thousands of people who loved, knew or met Pat. She was a rare person, someone who didn’t just talk a good game — Pat acted. She worked. She got things done.

That’s why we also want to provide a big, big thumbs up to her life and the example she set for others.

Her friend Gary Lucus noted that Pat played a crucial role at the Hughes Pittinger American Legion Post No. 26.

“She was the glue that stuck it together,” he said.

Commander Ron Miller, who was not related to Pat but was a friend for three decades, said she was the major force at the post. A former commander, Pat had settled into the role of adjutant, organizing and then pushing to get things accomplished.

Powell Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jaime Schmeiser said Pat was always there for her adopted community. A Pennsylvania native, she came to Powell during her time in the Air Force. Pat grew to love Powell and was committed to make it a better place to live.

“She was such an incredible person,” Schmeiser said Tuesday.

We agree. Thanks, Pat. We salute you for your dedication to Powell.

Her sudden loss was a jolt to the community. The pain is real and raw. But that will lessen over the days, months and years. The work she did will be remembered and should be replicated.

Thumbs down as well to the one-vehicle crash that injured six Cody residents Sunday night.

Four wrestlers, as well as the father and sister of one of them, were injured in the accident in the Wind River Canyon. Five were seriously hurt and remain hospitalized.

The only shining light in this is the spirit of the local wrestling community, which has pulled together to support the six injured people. They are raising money to help the people who are hospitalized as well as their families. If you want to help out, call Shannon Canfield at 307-899-6066.

Thumbs up to the interesting discussion on building a new hotel or motel in Powell.

On Tuesday, the Powell Economic Partnership Inc. brought together two dozen people to discuss ideas and options for building a new facility in town. It will not be easy — developer Greg Anderson had a study done in the last few years that spotlighted the challenges.

Anderson said while he didn’t want to be a “wet blanket,” he also did not want to give people false hopes. His thoughts and insights were important and appreciated by the PEP committee members.

But there appears to be a path to getting one built in Powell. It will take people willing to invest, either as an investment or as a way to support the community, and locals who will put in the hard work to prove to them that this can work.

But we feel it can happen, because of the new Yellowstone Building on the Northwest College campus as well as the multi-purpose building that will open later this year on the Park County Fairgrounds, as well as locals determined to provide more events and activities in Powell.

Add in smaller factors, such as conventions, sporting events, law enforcement training and other times when people will visit here, and there seems to be a demand for new rooms in town.

We liked what we heard at the PEP meeting and feel with enough effort and spirit, the first new motel/hotel in more than 30 years can and will be built in Powell.