Letters to the editor

Thanks for supporting the Teen Angel project

Dear editor:

The holidays are over, the New Year is in full swing and we are all settling into our less hectic daily routines.

But before we forget our holiday spirit, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Nevada for its overwhelming support of the Teen Angel program. As a result of the caring and giving support of the citizens of Nevada, we were able to ensure that all 75 youths signed up to receive Christmas gifts were indeed provided for. Each "Teen Angel" received a gift valued at $25, and due to the monetary donations, we were able to purchase an entertainment package for each Angel which included $10 gift certificates to Wal-Mart, Cinema 6 and Capri Bowl; and $5 gift certificates to Pizza Hut and Del Way Drive-In.

Thank you, Nevada, for helping spread the holiday spirit to area youths. By your unselfish act, you made the difference in someone's life.

Thank you.

Terri Meyers

Teen Angel coordinator,

and the staff at Evergreen Memorial Chapel

Applauding Kraft for efforts

Dear editor:

It is a shame when an individual or individuals are criticized for questioning practices of city government. Isn't this the democratic thing to do? I applaud Joe Kraft, who could have stayed home and enjoyed his retirement but rather has been concerned enough about the welfare of this city to become involved.

Additionally, State Auditor Claire McCaskill and members of the state auditor's office will discuss the findings and recommendations contained in the audit report and answer questions about the audit.

The date is Feb. 7, at 7 p.m., at the Nevada/Vernon County Community Center.

We would hope that not only the public, but also the City Council members and representatives from city hall will be present to hear the findings.

Janet Wray

Nevada

Children's production breaks CCPA records

Dear editor:

On behalf of the Board of Directors of The Community Council on the Performing Arts I would like to thank the community of Nevada for their overwhelming support of this past weekend's performances of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. In the 30-year history of CCPA, this production broke all records.

On Friday night, amidst the snow and sleet, when we had to start turning people away because all seats were filled, it became apparent how popular this show would be.

We posted a "This Performance Sold Out" sign 20 minutes prior to our final Sunday performance.

The success of this show is attributed to The Nevada Daily Mail for their front page article, Dr. Charles Nash for his rave review, the 32 performers who worked tirelessly to bring such memorable characters to life, Michele Strawn, who transformed 13 children into those wild and crazy Oompa Loompas, and last but not least, this community, who said this past weekend that they value the arts, and will support their community theater.

We look forward to bringing you more "Sold Out" performances for children, for adults and for our community.

Thank you, Nevada.

Kim Bessey,

president,

CCPA Board of

Directors

Vote 'no' on Sheldon bonds

Dear editor:

I would like to submit (in my opinion) facts that were missing from the front page story, Sunday, Jan. 31, some of which was a rerun of the story that ran Oct. 22, regarding the Sheldon School bond issue. Voters in the Sheldon School District, once again on Tuesday, Feb. 8, will vote whether to increase the school levy by 15 cents and approve constuction of a 6,300 square-foot Sheldon Center for FFA Agriculture Science building costing $200,000.

This bond issue will increase the school levy by 15 cents per $100 valuation. The Sheldon School levy presently is the second highest in the county at $3.92. An additional 15-cent increase will make the levy $4.07.

Property tax assessments, as mandated by state law, automatically increase every two years. This year the cost index will rise from 176 to 185.

Water bills for Sheldon City residents are going to increase $11 per month to pay for the bond issue they passed in November.

The Sheldon school district has already received about $500,000 in grant money.

Sheldon FFA enrollment is around 30 students. Total Sheldon school enrollment has not increased much in the past 20 years.

This is a special election, with one issue on the ballot, that will cost the Sheldon school district approximately $1,000. Why wasn't this issue placed on the regular school election ballot in April and this expense saved? If the school district has money to waste, why are they wanting to increase our taxes?

This building proposal would be a good idea, if it were downsized to the financial resources of the district and the actual needs of the students.

A 6,300 square-foot building is overkill for such a small student population.

A building one-half of the proposed size would be adequate and affordable, would require far less in utility expense and could be constructed without a huge tax increase. This proposal was defeated in November and until a building plan -- one that can be constructed without a tax increase is proposed, vote no next Tuesday, Feb. 8.

Janie Claflin

Sheldon