JEERS: I truly think it is terrible that Texarkana, Texas, is not taking more responsibility for the stray or lost animals. We need an animal shelter that will keep animals more than three days. Too many animals are being killed at the Arkansas animal shelter as things are now. We pay plenty of taxes and I don’t see why some of that money can’t go to save the animals.—S.A., Texarkana, Texas



JEERS: To the board of directors at Texarkana College for whatever excuse they had not to extend Mr. Frank Coleman’s contract. The man has dedicated most of his life to improving Texarkana College. The Gazette recently printed a story of how assets had more than doubled at the college over the past 10 years. Mr. Coleman certainly played a vital role in those accomplishments. It’s a shame that a man of such exemplary character and dedication be dismissed over accusations that have not been verified. Paying someone $35,000 to get a list of possible candidates to replace him is ridiculous.—D.R., New Boston, Texas.



CHEERS: To Ted Thamert for the ad in which he spoke out against “Pro Choice.” The only one who does not have a “choice” is the unborn baby. We believe that the “blob” is alive from the moment of conception. Otherwise, how could it grow to the point where it is considered a “live baby?” We need to pray and then let our vote speak for us.—J. & T.A., Texarkana, Ark.



CHEERS: To the Texarkana, Ark., Fire Department for their bravery and tireless duty to Texarkana! October is Fire Safety Month. A special Cheers to Firefighter Tom, Firefighter Vince and Firefighter Will for demonstrating fire safety to the kindergarten classes at Trice Elementary.—P.M., Texarkana, Ark.



JEERS: To the “Twin Cities.” Is there any advantage to having one city divided into two by a state line? It sounds interesting but that is about all I can say for it. We would be much better off if it were just under one city government. Our “cities” do not grow at an equal rate. One school system is superior to the other. One has lower local taxes while the other has no state income tax. Now, one of the few things that they both need to support is going by the wayside. By this, I mean the animal shelter. The animals need help from both sides of town. I do not understand what is causing this but we as citizens need to encourage both city governments to do what they can to solve this situation.—J.T.M., Texarkana, Ark.



JEERS: To Central Christian Church for their recent decision to dismiss their current minister during Pastor Appreciation Month. Talk about adding insult to injury. Regardless of circumstances, the timing was all wrong. Shame on the board for their actions.—M.G., Texarkana, Ark.



JEERS: To City Council and Larry Sullivan. I am distressed, dismayed and confounded over the Texarkana, Texas, City Council’s decision to stop supporting the animal shelter. Those of us who love animals would gladly pay additional taxes if it meant dogs and cats would not be euthanized in 72 hours. I have always been proud that I live on the Texas side of State Line, but right now I am ashamed. There is a saying to the effect that the greatness of a nation is measured by the way it treats its animals. So how are we being measured?—C.K., Texarkana, Texas



CHEERS: I would like to give a big Cheer to the petite lady who is helping the appearance of our streets and public places on the Arkansas side of the city. She devotes her time and her personal resources to this much needed activity. The mowing, weed eating and litter pickup seems to be a never ending task, but Ramona Flowers sticks with it. The latest place I have observed Ramona’s crew at work is on Arkansas Blvd. where the difference they have made is very obvious. If businesses and property owners would pitch in and not wait for the city or Ramona and crew to clean up, we could really make Texarkana shine. Ramona, keep up the good work—it is not going unnoticed.—J.W.T., Texarkana, Ark./



JEERS: To all the “Yellow-Dog” Democrats, fed up Independents and Republicans who vote a straight Democratic ticket without considering the local races. “Throwing the bums out” is a good idea for the national Republicans, but locally the Republican running for re-election as district judge is much more qualified than his Democratic opponent.—S.W., Hooks, Texas.



CHEERS: To Winthrop, Ark. You recently treated me to an evening I thoroughly enjoyed. Experiencing the parade you held downtown last Monday evening was like a breath of fresh air. The floats were fun and creative. You could tell there had been a lot of love, time and effort put into them. The children were so cute in their costumes. Again, such creativity. I have been to parades in much larger towns that did not have nearly the charisma that yours did. Your pride in your town and your elementary school was on full display and it was a wonderful thing to be a part of. I really enjoyed the food afterwards, too. It was the best deal I’ve had on a dinner since last time I ate with my Mama. I hope you get to keep your school because it is easy to see that it and your children are the very center of your community’s being.—B.P., Wake Village, Texas