By Staff
Recycling should continue
Editor,
Curbside recycling in Hartselle is an apparent success. It is reported that curbside participation in our town is one of the highest in the area.
Some 442,960 tons was collected in our town from January through September. During this time frame, participation increased from 68 percent to 72 percent.
So I have one silly little question.
Why do three of our city councilmen want to hear from us before they vote to continue the recycling program as it is today?
It may be me but it appears that the tonnage and participation numbers are speaking pretty loud, and quite clear. It is working. It ain't broke. Why have a hearing gentlemen when these numbers reflect a success with the program.
I hope you handle the proposed property tax issue, and educate us on why we need it, where the money will go, in a better manner than you are handling the recycling issue.
Randy Cavnar
Hartselle
Look at cutting park and rec, good for all
Editor
If only the mayor and city council would have developed a solid game plan on how they could best control sales and utilize the (voluntary) liquor tax revenue and then presented it to the towns people so that they could digest it, we probably would not be faced with mayor Clif Knight's proposed 10 mill (200 percent) property tax increase.
Editor:
The property tax increase is absurd, as a sales tax increase. Look at Decatur. Last week there was an advertisement in the Decatur Daily, asking its people to shop in Decatur. I think Decatur is worried that its people will seek bargains elsewhere. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure that one out.
In the short time that I have lived in our fine town of Hartselle, I have noticed personal agendas take a forefront in place of real city needs. How about the mayor and his council redirect a large portion of the funds that now go to the Parks and Recreation to student academics our future leaders, or maybe to upgrade our eyesore of a downtown area?
Oh! Mercy not the ball fields. Easy solution, have students participating in sports donate some of their free time along with their parents in maintaining the playing fields they so proudly play on.
Edward Forster
Hartselle
Students have privacy rights
Editor:
I have sat back for a week now and listened and read about all the people wanting the names of children who might or might not have failed a drug test at Hartselle High School and find it absolutely appalling. Appalling in the fact that those children who do fail, have the right as juveniles in this state to anonymity. It really concerns me as to why people are so nosy that they want the student's names entered into the public to chastise these children.
These are the same nosy parents that we all went to school with that smoked marijuana, drank, took speed among other things but tried to hide it from others. Would they have liked their names published inside the paper for all to read? Some of those same people are teaching our children in schools in the city of Hartselle today. I agree these children need to be in some form of counseling and or other programs. I do not agree that me nor anyone else has the right to view the children's names at anytime. Chill.
Children will be children, and when it comes to teenagers, I was one as well experimented with things and situations as all teenagers have and will continue to do. I turned out to be a good person, good parent and have a great love for all people in this world. Black, White or polka-dotted we all, rich or poor, deserve as children to make our mistakes and, with guidance, grow up to be responsible mature adults.
In my opinion when you punish these children publicly for people to view them in a lower manner than before we are asking for these children to be humiliated and shamed. How therapeutic is that supposed to be?
I often wonder what happened to our well-mannered children? They have gotten so ill mannered and ungovernable. Could it be due to the fact that we as parents just let the system raise our children? We as parents let the system set rules and laws that punish our children instead of finding the best possible solution? The last time I remember it wasn't the system that was there when my children were born. It was God, the doctor, nurses and myself. Nobody else. Yet we let the system set rules, tell our children how long their pants can be, what kind of jewelry they can and can't wear, all along sitting back and just letting it all happen. Seems funny to me I never have sent my children to the next door neighbor's for a spanking. How silly of me.
Robyn Hitt
Hartselle
Don't let alcohol ruin the holidays
Editor,
The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration, not for the sorrow that alcohol causes.
Too often holiday celebrations are turned into excuses to overindulge in alcohol. Many people do not take the time to be aware of the facts concerning alcohol consumption and the consequences connected to it.
Drunk driving is one of the leading factors in fatal car accidents-and the most preventable one.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, alcohol is involved in 41 percent of all fatal crashes. In 2001, Alabama had 994 fatal accidents, 376 of those were alcohol related (38 percent).
Let us all work together to have a safe and joyous holiday season. Encourage guests and family members not to drink or, if they choose to drink, to have a designated driver.
For non-alcoholic beverage recipes, send a self addressed stamped envelope to: Council on Substance Abuse-NCADD, 828 Forest Avenue, Montgomery, AL 36106.
Deborah Soule
Executive Director
Partnership for a Drug-Free Community, Inc.
Huntsville
Businesses thanked for help
On behalf of the Publications Organization, I'd like to say thank you to The Hartselle Enquirer and to you, Ms. Leada DeVaney, for your continued support of our efforts. Recently, the organization has been working to publish Tiger Tracks, a quarterly literary arts newsletter that features the creative and informative writing efforts of Hartselle High students.
In addition to support from The Enquirer, many area merchants provided support by purchasing ads in our newsletter. I'd like to thank the following businesses for their support: Hartselle Basketball, Hartselle Wrestling, Ann's Barber Shop, Interior Accents, The Emporium, Country Classics Antiques, Buy-Rite Drugs, White, Bryant, and Associates, Creative Systems, Inc., Gold Mine Jewelry, Eddie Preuitt Ford, J.I.T. Supplier Mall, Russell Forest Products, Edward Jones Investments- Rob Payne, Lace' N' Lace, Silhouettes, First American Bank, Reeves Peach Farm, and Hartselle Band Boosters.
I'd like to thank the community, as well. You're always supportive of our school and its programs. Look for Tiger Tracks at these area businesses.
If you have any ideas or would like to advertise, we welcome readers and patrons.
Jerome Ward
Hartselle High
Scouting is
good for all
Editor:
Hi, my name is Chase Clemons and I am going to tell you about how much fun it is to be a member of Troop 336.
I have been a member of Troop 336 for almost two years.
During that time we have gone camping, repelled off 100 foot cliffs, climbed mountains, rode bikes, played capture the flag , gone swimming and rafting and much , much , more.
Being a Boy Scout teaches me to be friendly, honest, loyal, kind, courteous, respectful and obedient. I have earned three eagle required merit badges and hope to achieve eagle rank. Currently, I am the patrol leader of the Dragon Patrol.
Joining the Boy Scouts was the best thing I ever done.
Chase Clemons
Hartselle