Speak Out 1/1/12

Reason for season

IF Christ had never been born we would always have winter, but not Christmas.

Crowd patriotism

THOSE at the Southeast Missourian Christmas tournament Monday night got to participate in and witness an inspiring display of patriotism. Before the Advance vs. Delta basketball game, the fans sang the national anthem in unison after the recorded version failed to play over the loud speaker. After a brief moment of awkward silence while waiting for the song to begin, a woman (who I later found out is the Advance High School choir teacher) initiated the singing of the national anthem by encouraging those near her to begin singing. Those singing soon grew in number as nearby sections joined in, and eventually the entire crowd was belting out "The Star Spangled Banner." It was great. Thanks and compliments to all those who sang.

Jackson team

IT was great when I opened my morning paper and saw a picture of the Jackson girls basketball team that won the tournament. However, it was unfortunate that the whole team was not included in the picture.

Talented musicians

LIVINTALES' tribute to the Trans-Siberian Orchestra was fabulous. I hope we will be seeing more of this group in the near future as they are a very talented group of musicians. The special effects were very professionally done as well.

Construction update?

ON Sept. 22 the city announced the contract for phase I of Veterans Memorial Drive. At that time the contractor promised 15 to 20 men working on this project daily. On Nov. 1 roadblocks were put up and detour signs were installed. Since then some dirt has been moved and several trees knocked down but that was about it. Now the road blocks are gone but the detour signs remain and there has been nothing done on the project at all. Just wondering what is going on and where are the 15 to 20 men?