Letters policy



The News Courier encourages letters to the editor. Submissions should be no more than 400 words and should include a name, address and telephone number for verification. Submissions that do not meet requirements are subject to editing. Send letters by noon on Thursdays to PO Box 670, Athens, Ala., 35613, or e-mail to kelly@athensnews-courier.com.



Fishing rodeo made kids smile

Dear Editor:

In a day and time where selfishness is often the norm rather than the exception, the Limestone County Sportsman’s Club Fishing Rodeo for kids was a shining exception. My daughter and I were so blessed by the selflessness we saw exhibited there by the Sportsman’s Club, and all the other volunteers who gave of their time to make a child’s world happier for a day and help them make special memories for a lifetime.

The rodeo is put on each year at no charge to the children or their parents, yet the club, through the efforts of donations from people such as Shoney’s and Krispy Kreme doughnuts, Arby’s and money from the own club members pockets, makes sure that every child there goes home with a nice prize and a bushel full of special memories.

When we arrived, the staff at the registration table was very kind, and after signing in, we selected our spot to fish. While we were there, there were members of the Sportsman’s club, wildlife management, and others who were circulating around to help any child who needed anything. They also came around with bottled water and gave it to anyone at no cost. The club was not trying to make money. In fact, they spent their own money to invest a few hours of happiness and a lifetime of good memories in the hearts of the children and parents that were there.

After the fishing was completed, the club gave prizes to those who won different categories while fishing and then they provided hamburgers and hotdogs with all the fixings, soft drinks, doughnuts, lemonade, tea, all this at no charge. What a shining example of generosity and service to us who brought our children to enjoy the fishing rodeo.

After everyone had finished eating, the club gave tickets to each child there, and they drew tickets for prizes until each child there had a least one prize and many went home with several prizes that had been donated by the generous sponsors and club members.

Ralph and Shelby Padgett, Ed Sevigne, and all of you who worked so hard, thank you so much. I wish I knew each name to list so we could thank you individually. Thank you so much from the bottom of our hearts for making this a special day for our family and our community. You are a blessing and it was a privilege to be a part of the Limestone County Sportsman’s Club Fishing Rodeo for kids.

Thank you for giving so much of yourselves-you truly made it a special day for all of us who had the blessing of being a part of the fishing rodeo this year.

Sincerely,

Mitzi and Hannah Beth Evans

Athens





They went above and beyond

Dear Editor:

I spent the night with my elderly mother on Aug. 17 in the Holland’s Gin community.

On the morning of the 18th, I was up early and went outside to get The News Courier. Once inside the house, I realized that I left my glasses in another room. I opened the door to enter the living room to retrieve my glasses when I noticed something lying on the floor.

It was a snake! It was approximately two feet long and had its head risen as if it were in the strike position. I froze in my tracks for what seemed like eternity. I slowly stepped back, closed the door, and ran outside to find something that I could use to kill the snake. Needless to say, when I returned with a garden hoe, the snake was nowhere to be found.

I began making many calls to friends and businesses trying to solicit help. During my dilemma, I noticed two white trucks in the driveway. I ran outside exclaiming how glad I was to see them in hopes that they were there to help me find the snake when I noticed the emblem on the side of the trucks said, Athens Utilities.

I proceeded to tell them what was going on and they could tell that I was upset and didn’t really know what I was going to do next. I went back into the house and within a couple of minutes the doorbell rang. It was the three men from Athens Utilities with shovels in their hands offering to help me with the snake problem. I welcomed them inside and they began their search and soon found the culprit and removed him in two pieces from my mother’s home.

The three men were Terry Hendrix, Tony Jarrett, and Mike Webster. I cannot imagine what I would have done if they had not been such kind, gentlemen that came to the rescue of my mother and I by volunteering to help when they certainly had no obligation to do so.

Their willingness to help strangers in a time of need is to be highly commended and my mother and I thank them from the bottom of our hearts.

Sincerely,

Beth Lewter Johnson

Athens



Letter had false accusations

Dear Editor:

This letter is in response to a recent letter from Ryan Amptmeyer regarding illegal aliens. I proposed an illegal alien ordinance to the Athens City Council in early June and take personal affront to Mr. Amptmeyer’s letter’s false accusations.

The illegal alien problem has become a major economic problem for our nation and, potentially, a major criminal problem. It is not, and was not, the intention of my proposed ordinance to criminalize anyone due to the color of their skin. Hispanics are considered white, while 1,400,000 Orientals and people from India are also in this country illegally.

Further, my proposed ordinance, for Athens, had nothing to do with landlords or realtors activities. Contrary to Mr. Amptmeyer’s accusations, I am not in favor of ethnic cleansing or a blasphemer and am not disrespectful of God.

Mr. Amptmeyer should overcome his own personal prejudices before falsely accusing others of misdeeds and prejudicial intents.

I want to thank all those who have called and spoken to me personally supporting my position on this matter. I have been told that I don’t realize how many people in Limestone County agree with my comments.

Sincerely,

Quentin D. Anderson Sr.

Athens