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Letters To The Editor

Square needs cleaning:
Dear Editor,

As a citizen of Holly Springs I am concerned about the beauty of our town square. Walking around the square, I see litter everywhere; name it, I have seen it (cigarette butts galore, fast food containers, newspaper and all other kinds of litter). Even in the concrete planters, there are cigarette butts and waste paper.

If we are trying to become a Main Street program, we need to first clean up our town.

New business will not want to come here if our town is dirty.

Remember the slogan we used to have, “Holly Springs is Too Beautiful to Litter.”

Thanks to the VFW

Have you thanked a veteran who has served our country in the armed forces lately?

During the Memorial Day holiday weekend, I drove through Hill Crest Cemetery and saw the many small American flags waving silently in the hot summer breeze.

It brought a lump in my throat to know so many had served to keep our country the land of the free. They were the brave ones willing to lay down their lives for our freedom.

Thanks to the VFW members and all who helped put these American flags on these graves. You deserve to be complemented.

Sincerely,
Wanda Boyd

City pool:
Dear Editor,

On Tuesday, June 3, 2008, Mayor DeBerry informed the Board of Aldermen that the city pool would not be open again for the second summer. The reasons were due to the inability to secure insurance within reason and lifeguards and water safety instructors (Red Cross certified). He said that the cost of getting the pool repaired for safety would be prohibitive.

The mayor indicated it would cost more than one hundred thousand dollars. Dr. W.A. McMillan, asked the mayor and board to reconsider its decision to close the pool for the hundreds of young people who would have no alternative for recreation and learning to swim. The mayor informed the citizens and board that he had investigated all angles and found personnel and cost impossible.

McMillan asked the mayor and board and if they would permit a volunteer citizen committee to study the cost of repairs, insurance, lifeguards and certified water safety instructors needed to open the pool this summer.

It was agreed to permit the committee to do its study and report back to the board. The committee (see below) met several times and investigated all aspects of concern. The committee attempted to make its findings, in writing and orally. The mayor gave Roy Reed 30 minutes to say why the pool should not be open, based on incorrect data. He said he has been looking at the pool for years but he has never met the director of the pool, nor did his investigation involve the person who knew the pool best (the director).

The mayor permitted the committee to present its written report, but refused to let the committee make an oral report (he said the board can read). Mr. Reed did not have a written report, he said what he thought the mayor and board wanted to hear.

The report below is factual and timely. If we want our pool to be open for our children this summer, we should talk with the aldermen to request reconsideration of the order to close.

Since the aldermen do not have children who would use the pool, they don’t have the same concerns. Our committee will approach the board again at their next meeting. We trust that they will study the committee’s report.

Report to the Holly Springs Mayor and Board of Aldermen
RE: Opening of the Holly Springs swimming pool, 2008
From a volunteer citizen committee

(Committee members -- Dr. W. A. McMillan Sr., Lieutenant Jeffries, Alfred Moore, Victor Donald Street, Dr. Paul Lampley, Harvey Paine, Naylond Hayes, Albert Jones, Travis Isom, Mrs. Ronnie Robinson and State Rep. Kelvin O. Buck )

The committee met several times, visited the pool area, conversed with parents, investigated insurance companies and pool builders. The committee and parents and other citizens, like the mayor and board, are deeply concerned about the welfare of the young people of Holly Springs.

We prayerfully hope that the mayor and board of aldermen will review the findings of the committee with an open mind and reverse its decision to close this much needed facility for our youth.

If approved, we hope that the pool will meet all legal, health and safety requirements and be ready use by July 1, 2008.

Note: Mr. Travis Isom, a certified Red Cross Water Safety Instructor assures us that he can have certified lifeguards within one week (see proposal).

Below are findings and recommendations:

Have the Maintenance and Recreation Department clean the pool area (FIRST CLASS)
1. Insurance for three months by Craft and Wynne (see contract) $00,886.12
2. Repair of pool by Lieutenant Jeffries, (see proposal) -- $12,500.00
   a. resurfacing top deck,
   b. resurfacing bottom deck ,
   c. patch walls,
   d. plaster top edges on pool
   e. raise floor 15” for little children
3. Alum. fence, paint for fence, paint and painting -- $00,400.00
4. Lifeguard chair -- three on hand -- need one -- $00,200.00
5. Metal   ladders, need four -- $01,400.00
6. Rope, floats, etc. -- $00,400.00
7. Repair motor/pump house,    $00,700.00
8. Miscellaneous : $01,513.88
Total $17,000.00

Dr. W.A. McMillan Sr.

Adoption center full:
Dear Editor,

The Marshall County Humane Society Adoption Center is at its maximum right now with all of its kennels and cat rooms full. Until we can adopt out some of the animals, we are unable to take in any new ones.

About two weeks ago, a gentleman contacted our president and asked her to take three puppies whose mother had been run over and killed. She explained that since they did not have their eyes open, they would have to be hand fed. He said he would do it so she took him to the center and gave him formula and instructions on how to mix and feed it. On June 23, these puppies were left at the center in a cardboard box.

They were left with no food or water in over 90-degree heat. They did not survive.

We are in the process of installing video cameras and will prosecute anyone dropping off animals there. If you need help, then help us by volunteering your time. It takes two of our dedicated volunteers (most of whom have full-time jobs) about three-four hours a day, every day of the year – hot, cold, dry or wet – to clean the kennels, exercise the dogs, provide food and water and take care of a rescued horse that is also at the center.

Please do not dump any unwanted animals at our Adoption Center or the newly opened spay clinic in Byhalia. The clinic is run by a vet and staffed by some of our Humane Society volunteers and is only open on Mondays by appointment.

To have your pet spayed or neutered call 662-252-6196 and leave a message with your name and number and someone will call you back to set up an appointment and explain the costs and rules.

To become a volunteer or for all other questions, you may call our “Hot Line” and leave a message at 662-564-2900.

George Kahrs
Holly Springs

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