SPEAKOUT

Need Jackson taxi service

I WISH that someone would seriously consider starting a cab service in Jackson. They need one badly. There are a lot of seniors who are no longer driving. They need to be taken to the doctor, grocery store, hospital, stuff like that. They could get out a lot more if there were cabs working here.

More student fans

Regarding the Cape Central students at the basketball games: Regardless of if we agree or disagree with the administration's policy on yelling at the games, there should be a way to motivate better student attendance at these basketball games. I think a workable solution would be to offer an intramural sports program for students who do not play on the high school athletic teams. If this could be accomplished, and I realize in some sports it cannot be accomplished, I think you would raise the interest level of those students who participate and see better overall attendance at the games between other schools. There are many other 5A high schools in the state of Missouri who have success with an intramural program. This would probably require extra scheduling from the athletic department and the athletic director and his staff. The final results would help students develop self-esteem and a better appreciation for sportsmanship and better overall attendance at the high school games. If the administration feels that the Saturday school has been a successful avenue for discipline, let's try to appropriate an intramural program to stimulate better interest of students and see if participation in these athletic events would definitely improve.

Wanted: pickle recipe

I'M WONDERING if anyone has the recipe for the old-time salt brine pickles. If they do, I would appreciate if they would call that in to Speak Out.

Air ball yelling

I'D LIKE to comment about the Central-New Madrid ballgame the other night when the high school principal reprimanded students for yelling air ball. I think the principal used very poor judgment in that particular call. You know, situations are not all black and white, and I think he needs to join the 21st century. That's not a display of poor sportsmanship at all. I'd much rather have students yelling air ball instead of obscenities. It's just an expression of good, clean support, and I think it was very poor judgment on his part in reprimanding those students.

I AM a loyal fan of Cape Central basketball. I think the administration was wrong for not allowing the students to say air ball, to cheer loudly and to hold placards at the game. CHS administration should be reminded that these are the good students. The kids are supporting their friends on the team and their school. The troublemakers aren't attending the games. They are out on the streets at night. Let's work with our students and promote a fun atmosphere so they can have an outlet for cheering and having a good time at games.

Likes D.C. columns

IN THE Jan. 17 Missourian, Jon Rust had a wonderful article about the Kansas City school district and the judge who ordered the school plan that he put into effect and is still insisting that it grows. I note that Attorney General Jay Nixon has taken that to the Supreme Court, and I just hope and pray that the Supreme Court will rule in favor of the Missouri. And in the mean time, I'd like to say Jon in Washington, keep up the good work. Thank you a lot.

Hill was wonderful

CONGRATULATIONS, SEMO University for having Anita Hill here for the Martin Luther King celebration. She was wonderful. She was a inspiration to us all. To those people who have negative things about her, why weren't you there to see if she was really what you think she is? Isn't it close-minded to judge without hearing her?.

Pets are nuisances

I LIVE in Scott City, and I'd like to know how people can let their dogs and cats wonder around to aggravate the neighbors? They get in our trash, the cats get on our cars and mess all over the cars. When we get our ground ready for the garden, that is where the cats come and do their job. It is disgusting. I would be ashamed to let my dog or cat aggravate my neighbors constantly. It is absolutely dangerous to take a walk in Scott City. Dog catcher, please make your rounds often.

Redistricting issues

MY QUESTION is why a year ago when the school tax issue was put on the ballot to build a new elementary the main issue was not the overcrowding in Alma Schraeder and Clippard but with the condition of May Greene School. The school board stated that May Greene was not structurally sound, had outdated wiring and not enough electrical outlets to support computers and should be closed because the cost of renovating the school would be more costly than building a new school. Now that the bond issue has failed twice, the issue is no longer regarding the safety of our children in an outdated building. The new redistricting issue seems to be more of a scare tactic in order to pass the bond issue. If parents are afraid enough of their children attending May Greene, they will pass the bond issue.

Equal history

I WISH to advise that my parents were of German-Irish ancestry. My neighbors' parents of American Indian and Scotch ancestry. We believe their history should be taught in grade and high schools along with black history. We're very serious.

Beautiful rainbow

WHAT A beautiful surprising rainbow Tuesday morning 7:05 in the west. Did you see it? Thank you, Lord.

Vandalized mailboxes

THERE HAVE been so many mailboxes that have been damaged by vandals the last few months. I wonder if the young people who are perpetrating that crime know that postal inspection services works closely with the local police in the investigation of damage to mailboxes. Willful damage to mailboxes and to mail, of course, are federal crimes, felonies, punishable by fine or imprisonment or both. Young men should be very cautious when they're out destroying other people's property, especially mailboxes. It could mean a prison term.