Editor’s Note:

Well, good job “fixing” the railroad crossing on highway 77! And by 'fixing” I mean there was nothing wrong with it and now it’s like hitting a pot hole every time you cross it.

You used to be able to go right over without slowing down and now it might as well be a speed bump. At least it is when there is not a train blocking the road… [

Editor’s Note:

As

someone who has to cross that particular railroad crossing several times a week (if not at least a couple times a day), I’m with you. I’m not sure what kind of work they actually call themselves doing there, but it’s definitely not an improvement, especially heading from Marion toward West Memphis. I can tell you that was all the railroad’s doing and not a project done by either city. As for the last remark you made, I hope you saw the story last week about County Judge Woody Wheeless’s complaints regarding slow and stalled trains blocking the road. I assure you that you are not alone in your frustrations in that regard]

Happy New Year!

[Editor’s Note: Thanks! And to quote John Lennon, “Let’s hope it’s a good one, without any fear.”] Well here we go again, another wet Friday, another wet paper.

Almost $40 a year and I still have to go BUY a Friday paper if I want a dry one. [Editor’s Note: While I’m definitely very sorry your paper got wet, if you'll come by the office, we’ll happily give you a replacement at no charge. I do apologize for the inconvenience] Dear. Marion Police Chief, I think your officers need some investigative training. Recently there was a rash of automobile break ins in Angelos Grove, including two thefts of firearms. The officer that came seemed to have little interest in investigat- ing the theft on $5,000 worth of shotguns and an $700 handgun.

When the Marion police left an Arkansas State trooper came and did an extensive investigation including interviewing possible witnesses and checking nearby establishments to see if the cameras showed anything. Should we just call the State Police instead of the Marion police? [Editor’s Note: I can ’I speak to the circumstances you describe, as I was not there, but the only time I needed to call upon the Marion Police Department, they were very thorough. Someone had gone through the cars in our driveway at home one night and the officer, even though it was 2 a.m., took the time to get statements from us and took an account of everything missing.

He even took fingerprints off my truck, so if everything transpired as you say, perhaps there are other details to the story?] I am unable to get an the e-edition to The Times. It says, “Your account currently does not have the subscription needed to view this edition.”

However I have paid through 6 months. I was able to get Friday's edition. I would certainly appreciate your fixing this matter. Sincerely, Charlotte Wicks.

[Editor’s Note: I will give your name to the circulation department. Sorry you were having trouble. Perhaps it was “tecnical difficulties.” If you continue to have trouble, please call up here and someone will assist you] Just curious, a lady Greyhounds scholarship includes what, books and tuition? I assume there is no on campus housing so is there an allowance for housing? I would really love to see the college start a baseball team. Jr. College baseball teams in Arkansas are rarer than the Ivory-billed Woodpecker, with only two Jr. College teams offering baseball. Surrounding states, Tennessee has 10, Missouri has 11, and Mississippi has 13 and they have produced a large number of athletes that have gone on the play college ball and some, even proball. Quite a few of these schools are located

within proximity of West

Memphis. There are a large number of high school baseball players in the East Arkansas area that would be available for a two year program. These young men are high-character student athletes who may only need those two additional years to prepare for a chance to play higher level ball. I realize that what we need is a high level donor or quite a few smaller donors, willing to fund such a program. A Jr. College Baseball program would be an asset to our community and provide further educational possibilities for student athletes.

[Editor’s

Note: This is actua//y

a great idea. Having grown up around here, I can assure you this area has produced some fantastic baseball players, including some that have gone on to play professionally. I have no doubt that our local high schools alone could field a junior college-calliber baseball team year after year. And of course, you 'd also be able to draw student athletes from around the region the same way the Greyhounds basketball program does to great success. There would definitely be the need for support from the community.

Southland has poured a lot of money into the college and I'm sure with the new fidl-fledged casino coming soon, it would be feasible for them to help get a baseball program up and running. And I’d go ahead and include softball and/or volleyball into the mix. Again, you 'd have to look no further than right here in Crittenden County

to fill the rosters]