CHEERS: To the City of Texarkana, Texas, Parks & Recreation Department. When I called to voice my concern about some issues I had, I actually got a call back from the director. I try to be very pro-active in my community and I usually never hear back when I have an issue with our city leaders. It is nice to know that at least one of them still cares about the citizens and (is) willing to listen to my griping.—P.R., Texarkana, Texas



JEERS: To those who light up the churches and movie theaters with their cell phones. Despite repeated warning, they can’t seem to survive the length of a service or movie without experiencing the need of being wanted. Maybe their phones fill a void in their lives. I guess if they won’t turn off their phone for God then they certainly won’t do it for Depp, Damon or Dicaprio.—E.L., Texarkana, Texas

 

CHEERS: To the Texarkana, Texas, City Council. I was overjoyed this morning when I read the news item on Page 1 of the Gazette that they were considering an ordinance to ban the chaining or tethering of animals. Surely it won’t have a problem being adopted. I could never understand why we didn’t already have such an ordinance because that practice is extreme abuse, causing not only extreme mental anguish for the dogs but physical pain from deeply imbedded chain links in the flesh of the animals. I have seen such wounds firsthand and it’s a horrendous sight. Please, Texarkana, lets protect these loving creatures who are so loyal and love us with all their heart from those who are cruel to them.—H.K.J., Wake Village, Texas



JEERS: It would be comical, if it were not so serious—so deadly serious. I am referring to the way grown men race up and down State Line with total disregard for law enforcement and posted speed limit signs! And I have to assume that the reason for it is to attract attention to themselves. From around 7 p.m. until around 9 p.m., each and every evening, they can be observed racing each other up and down this street. I would estimate that some are traveling as much as 80 miles per hour. They can be heard from one end of this street to the other; back and forth they go continuously. Some innocent people have already been killed on this street because of this and others will also surely be killed—it’s just a matter of time. I am amazed that the merchants on this street are not up in arms about it because people are afraid to venture out onto this street for fear of their lives! This is an example of a street that has been “taken” over by lawlessness.—E.W., Texarkana, Ark.



JEERS: To the Arkansas side officials for the waste of taxpayers’ money for the Sparks in the fairgrounds display. The city council raised our water rates but still waste our money on these fireworks. The money could be put to better use in the animal shelter. The Texas side stopped this waste of money on fireworks several years ago, they put their funds to better use. We need council members who will put our money to better use than to blow it up in smoke with the fireworks. It is disgusting they waste our money this way.—D.M., Texarkana, Ark.



CHEERS: To Steve Mitchell and KTXK radio, for their fascinating interview with a local Iranian math teacher. It was great to hear a local newsperson discuss current international events with a valued member of our local community. The interview gave us a wonderful insight into a culture and society far removed geographically, but one which is very relevant to America, and yet can be difficult to understand. Keep up the great work, KTXK.—M.L.S., Texarkana, Texas