How far will Scott City go to cut noise?

To the editor:

I see that the train whistles in Scott City are in the paper again. It seems that people need to get a clue that Scott City is on a major route for the railroad industry, hence the main line that goes through the middle of town. It seems to me that would be a significant indication that trains go through town, and with trains there will be noise.

What is going to happen when a driver is killed by a train either by trying to run the gate or the gate malfunctions? The family will sue the railroad and quite possible the city, since there may be a law on the books stating that engineers can't sound whistles between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. If the city council is going to restrict noise at night, what about the people who live within 500 yards of the interstate? Will the council try to stop 18-wheelers driving by Scott City or airplanes taking off from the airport because of the noise? What about the teenager who drives through town with his stereo turned up?

If it bothers me, can I complain to my councilman, even though as a teenager he listened to his stereo at a loud volume? I know, because I used to ride around with him.

If you don't like the noise, soundproof your house.

TOM GILMER

Scott City