Letters to the Editor 2-18-09

To the Editor:

In light of last week’s events, we are reminded of how kind so many of you were to our family during the time of our mother’s passing in November.

The cards, the food, the flowers, the kind and uplifting words, the hugs, and the tears that you bestowed upon us meant more to us than we can express in words. Just as with last week’s events, you could see the kind of community we all live in. I don’t know if we can ever appreciate Williamsburg enough for the type of community it is. Last week, we saw people coming together and helping one another through a time of crisis after the storm. It was just how you came through for us when our mother passed away.

You were there, going above and beyond what is expected.

This is such a special place. When our family first moved here in 1971, it didn’t take Mom long to decide that this is where we would stay. We wouldn’t be moving anywhere else. She knew it was a special place to raise her four children. One of the things that will always stand out in our minds is something one of our uncles from Bristol said in November when he was here for Mom’s funeral. He was overwhelmed with the outpouring of love he witnessed from the people of this community, and he said, “Now I see why you all never left.” He was right.

The people are the reason our family put down our roots here so many years ago, and why we are still so proud to be citizens of this wonderful town. The way you rallied around our family when we needed you-just as you rallied around each other last week-shows that Williamsburg more than feels like home. We thank heaven it is our home. That is why we are all sending this letter to take this time to express our deep gratitude and say a very heartfelt “Thank You” from all of us from the bottom of our hearts! Our mother would be so proud!.

MAYOR RODDY HARRISON AND FAMILY: MARIA, MANDY, GINA, EVERETT, KELLY, SCOTTY, LEAH, JACOB, AND MEGAN

To the Editor:

I’d like to thank Judge Pat White for taking his duties as the principly responsible party for emergency management in Whitley County seriously. As Judge Executive he advertised for a qualified person to fill the position of County Emergency Management Director. This was a first in my memory as this position can be filled at the sole discretion of the Judge Executive & commonly becomes a patronage job. Danny Moses is now our EMD & has excellent qualifications with years of experience at the rescue squad.
It should also be noted that Judge White is making an effort to reinstitute an obscure group called the Local Emergency Planning Committee. Whitley County has been in noncompliance with the requirements of this committee for years. It is essentially a “sunshine committee” designed to serve as a connection between the average citizen & emergency management personnel. Safety personnel from the railroad & manufacturing concerns throughout the county are expected to be involved but anyone can attend & participate. I would hope some Amateur Radio operators might be there.
The meeting is next Wednesday, February 25 at 10:30 at the courthouse.

BUTCH HOUSMAN
WILLIAMSBURG