Thrill-ride incident leaves you wondering
With more news coming out about a 12-year-old girl’s free-fall from an amusement park thrill ride in Wisconsin earlier this summer, Editor Don Whitten wonders why so many people choose to strap themselves in for such dangerous-looking rides, much less allow their youngsters to get on or in the ride. (August 20, 2010, Page 4A)
Letters to the Editor
Curt Kennedy writes to suggest that the mascot for Ole Miss athletic teams be a horse named Rebel. He points out the positive qualities of the animal and notes that it could be a back-to-the-future type thing since a horse was on the field for a UM football game some 37 years ago. (August 20, 2010, Page 4A)
Welcoming the arrival of a new year
News Editor Jonathan Scott wishes everyone a Happy New Year, and then proceeds to explain that many of us look at August and the start of school as the beginning of the year more so than January. He points out the changes locally at this time as students return to town for classes at Ole Miss and writes that we all need to be ready for the start of a new year. (August 19, 2010, Page 4)
Always look to practice the Golden Rule
A couple of recent phone calls reminded Editor Don Whitten about the Golden Rule – Do unto others as you would have them do unto you – and how we all probably need to use it a bit more to help our neighbors and possibly set the stage to get a little assistance ourselves down the road. (August 18, 2010, Page 4)
Look of the Square changes through the years
If you haven’t been to the Oxford Square in a few years – or a lot – it may have a different look. Gone from not all that long ago are drug stores, hardware stores, grocery stores, dry cleaners, et cetera. Editor Don Whitten takes a look at some of the comings and goings on the historic Oxford Square and the blocks that make up downtown Oxford. (August 16, 2010, Page 4)
Well-intentioned law needs one change
Many care packages to soldiers, sailors, marines, et cetera on bases and in action both near and far have long contained the same items: razors, toothpaste, wet wipes, paperback books, cookies and cigarettes or smokeless tobacco. Those last two items aren’t allowed to be sent through the mail any more, however, because of the PACT (Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking) Act. Editor Don Whitten argues that the ban should not affect the brave men and women standing in harm’s way. (August 13, 2010, Page 4A)
Kids watching, listening even when we don’t know it
Children’s brains are like sponges and they pick up on so much going on around them, things both good and bad. Staff Writer Alyssa Schnugg found out just how much her 4-year-old knew about 911 and taking care of herself years ago, and she’s seen more examples lately with youngsters alerting adults about house fires at neighbors. (August 12, 2010, Page 4A)
Coveralls Behind The Door
Local columnist Jimmy Reed pays tribute in a memorial to a dear friend, Tony Fratesi, who, like his family, worked his way up the ladder and always remembered to help others along the way. (August 10, 2010, Page 4)
Tracking down those cell phone numbers
Did you get one of those yellowbooks thrown in your driveway recently? Did you look inside to see if your name was there along with your phone number and address. If you weren’t there, it could be because you’re a part of that growing segment of the population with cell phones and no land lines. Editor Don Whitten relates some of the problems that not having everyone’s name, number and address handy creates. (August 9, 2010, Page 4)
Letters to the Editor
Harley Garrett writes about the death of local World War II hero Virgil “Bill” Appleton and passes along an e-mail he received that makes his point about the special man the community lost. (August 9, 2010, Page 4)
