Published: April 19, 2008 08:26 pm            

Letters to the Editor 4/20/08

Offering thanks to all

To the Editor: We at the Richland United Methodist Church want to express our sincere thanks to all the following companies that so freely gave of their time, expertise, and services to helping our church erect a 40-foot-high cross on the church lawn: Brad at Haynie Drilling Company who dug a 36-inch hole, 10 feet deep. Mr. Haynie even sent his crew out a second time to redrill as the hole caved in due to rains. Walter and Joe at Corsicana Sign and Crane lifted the 50-foot long cross into the hole. These gentlemen gave technical suggestions as to making the structure stronger. Greg at Sherwin Williams Paint Stores who offered advice on the proper painting method. Mike at Transit Mix who was flexible with his scheduling of concrete delivery. Allan, AJ, and Samantha Luzadder who welded the H beams together and painted the cross. Darwin Myers at Texas Department of Transportation who personally inspected our location site.

We received advice and reduced prices cheerfully from all of these local businesses voluntarily. It is a testimonial to Corsicana that we have such considerate merchants who are willing to interrupt their busy schedules to give back to the community and help a small church.

The Richland United Methodist Church has had a continuing congregation since 1847 — created only 11 years after the fall of the Alamo. The cross is a tribute to those that have served the church in the past through good times and difficult times, as well as those that will serve in the future.

From all the members and friends in the congregation, we thank you for helping us raise The Richland Cross. This was a large endeavor for our small but growing church, and we invite you to view it on your next trip to our community.

May the cross of Richland be a constant reminder to our members, to the citizens of our community, and to travelers on Highway 14 of God’s love for each of us.

Joy and peace,

John Bruce Thomas, lay leader

Richland UMC



In support of Rice bond

To The Editor: When I began teaching fifth grade in Rice 11 years ago, a high school was being added to a kindergarten to eighth grade only school district. My first classroom was in a building down the road from the elementary, because the high school wasn’t complete, and there wasn’t room on campus for the new grades that had been added. It was definitely a memorable first year.

Since then, our elementary has gone from two teachers per grade level to three. We now have morning and afternoon pre-k classes. The fourth and fifth grades are in portable buildings that have been “temporary” since the junior high grades were still here. We are growing by leaps and bounds...

The plan for the third through eighth grade intermediate school is excellent. On one side would be third through fifth grades and on the other sixth through eighth. This would keep the elementary and junior high students separated while allowing the teachers from both sides to collaborate and work together efficiently across grade levels.

Although I live in Corsicana, I choose to have my children attend school in Rice. The small school size was a factor in my choice. If the numbers continue to climb, will I change my mind? Absolutely not! Growth requires change, but so does education. This district will continue to be just as outstanding regardless of a higher student population.

Someone recently asked me an interesting question: If money was no object, and I had my choice of any school, where would I send my children? My answer? Rice — yes, I have that much faith and pride in this school system. On that note, I encourage all registered voters in the Rice school district to vote for the school bond on May 10. Our children deserve it.

Cindy Pair

Fifth grade teacher

Rice Elementary School



Brick streets questioned

To the Editor: It was with great anticipation that I opened my morning paper when I received it this afternoon and read the great news that the brick streets are now being addressed by the city council. Lo and behold, the bond issue won’t cover the lowest bid for one block. I am sure they will find a way, like taking from other bond packages to make up the difference and then stick it to us next year by raising our property taxes ...

When are the merchants downtown going to wake up and enter the 21st century? They are making supreme efforts to encourage our citizens to shop downtown and to attract the tourist trade from I-45. In the years that I have lived in Corsicana, I have failed to see any deep tracks down the exits of I-45 toward downtown. However, I early on learned to get to other shopping centers for my purchases in order to avoid downtown, with the exception to make a trip down to the post office to buy a roll of stamps when Brookshire’s is sold out. Why? With the constantly increase in the cost of labor at the auto repair shops, to replace shocks and front alignments from navigating the tank traps of downtown brick streets, I can’t afford downtown shopping. Wake up, Corsicana, this is 2008, not 1910. If we want to attract new businesses or industries, cover up these abominations with asphalt and move forward.

Ted Rich



In support of candidates

To the Editor: I encourage the voters of Precinct 1 to return Tom Wilson to the city council on May 10.

In dealing with Tom I have found that he has no agenda other than good for the City of Corsicana.

He has handled responsibility from the local to the state level with the same even-handed approach that he has shown as a councilman. His leadership is needed during these volatile times to insure that the right things are decided for Precinct 1 and the City of Corsicana.

George Walker



To the Editor: The upcoming election on May 10 is very important for the citizens of Corsicana. Candidates will be chosen to make important decisions for the city and schools.

I hope the voters of precinct one will give Dennis Thornberg careful consideration for their council member. He has the education and extensive experience in business and management necessary for a member of the city council. Furthermore, he has been actively involved in many community affairs for years and is highly motivated to help make Corsicana an even better place for all citizens.

Please remember that early voting begins April 28.

Ben Nowell

Grateful for support

To the Editor: I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who came out to share during the ninth anniversary celebration for me at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church on March 29 for my appreciation banquet and April 4-6. Thank you to Pastor Mark Luera and First Christian Church of Corsicana and Dr. V.K. Jones, our banquet speaker. This year’s anniversary chairperson, Sister Christi Jones, and everyone who purchased a ticket to the banquet, thank you.

Thanks to Straightway Missionary Baptist Church, Pastor A.E. Smith, Freedom Fellowship Church, Elder Jessie Williams, Greater Renfro Memorial COGIC, Elder William Lewis, Jr., Pilgrim Rest Primitive Baptist Church, Elder G. R. Moore, Mount Olive Baptist Church, Pastor A.C. Cox, all of Corsicana; Faith Temple Ministries, Pastor P. A. Rischer of Fairfield; Passion For Christ First Community Church, Bishop R. C. Pritchett, David’s Chapel Baptist Church, Rev. Solomon Roberson, and New Jerusalem Institutional Baptist Church, Rev. J.H. Strong all of Dallas. To the many other friends and family who came from near and far to celebrate with me and my family, thank you so very much. Finally to the officers and members of the Sixth Avenue Baptist Church, I thank you so very much for all that you have done. I love you all.

My prayer to God is that He will continue to bless you and your church families. “I Believe God.”

Yours in Christ,

Bishop K.D. Davis Sr., pastor



A benefit for the children

To the Editor: In regards to the volleyball tournament for Child Advocacy Center...

For those of you that missed it, you missed a great event.

This is the first year that the county volunteer firefighters have been involved with the tournament, but I must say we had a blast.

On behalf of our players we would like to thank Scott Stephens for all his hard work putting this together as well as all the volunteers who assisted him with the tournament.

It’s not a matter of win or lose but that you get out there and have a good time as well as assist with raising funds for a very worthwhile cause.

If you missed out on the fun watch out for it next year. It’s a great afternoon of family fun.

We look forward to it again next year and plan on being there once again. To all the volunteer firefighters out there that participated with our team, thank you as well. You worked hard, played hard and I must admit had a lot of fun.

Thank you all,

Robin Ratliff

        

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