Fall Cleanup

I spent the better part of two days trying to decide what was the most important theme for this weeks article. In the end it was clear, that I needed to put away a couple of the least important items on my desk of ideas. My pallet of great thoughts is like the weather, neither summer nor fall. The closet is full because you still have warm weather clothing as well as attire you will need on colder days.

One of the first items on my list has to do with the liquor license recently applied for by the local restaurant, known as “Cherry Street Grill.” At the outset, I must admit that I have never been to this restaurant, but I plan to visit it in the near future.

The issue appears to have been successfully dealt with by the City Council. It would not even be an issue if there were not some council members who think that they need to have more control over who can and cannot have a license to sell alcoholic beverages.

The question in this case as I understand it was a moot point. The restaurant in question, had met all the requirements to be issued a license by the State of Missouri. Legally that is all that is needed. The city can issue a local license, but I have it on good authority, that the state license supersedes that of the city.

I think we need to look at this from a different point of view. Our city needs good restaurants. From what I have been told by many of the regular customers of this restaurant, they really like the food and service there. Many of them also have stated that this business is not in anyway like a bar or tavern.

Actually they mostly like to serve an appropriate wine with the dinners they serve. This is a normal and necessary business practice in the times in which we live.

Recently a couple of friends took me to visit a restaurant named “Bongos” in Stockton, Mo. The food was excellent, and the wine list was extensive. I was further amazed to find out that there are already three good restaurants in Stockton that serve similarly fine food and drink. There is also a fourth restaurant going in to business in the near future.

Stockton has a population of just over 1,400 people.

Granted, they have many guests who visit because of the lake; but still, such a small population base that supports this many restaurants is amazing.

One thing I found out is that when a new restaurant wants to open their doors in Stockton, the city government and the local residents do not put any roadblocks in their path. Perhaps we should take a few lessons from the city fathers from Stockton. If you are a council member, you should do any and every possible thing to encourage new business. Any other agenda is foolish and I hope the voters of this community will display the proper reaction to any candidate who votes otherwise.

My next desk clearing issue is with our local community appearance. One of the individuals who took me to dinner is a former resident of this city.

They have lived away from here for around 20 years. They come back and visit regularly and keep up on many local issues.

One issue they mentioned to me, hit me pretty hard.

They voiced their surprise at how poorly Nevada has maintained its appearance in recent years. At first I was offended, but as we rode around the town and they began to show me what they took issue with, I came to agree with them.

There are so many buildings in disrepair. There was yard after yard in which the lawns were not mowed. This was not just at residential properties; many of the yards in question were businesses right along the highway.

There were sidewalks that were almost nonexistent, with grass growing in the cracks. Block after block, they pointed out to me the seeming lack of care for our city and how it looks to others.

So here is my thought for this week. Instead of wondering why we don’t have more good things happening in our town, let’s try and make the changes that we can make that will enhance the city.

Why don’t we start today with a plan to clean up this town and make it a showplace.

If the yards aren’t maintained, let’s enforce the city ordinances that are already on the books. Let’s put together a large committee whose sole purpose is to make Nevada the most beautiful small city in the area. Think of what others see when they visit our town. Imagine if these same people were to visit your home, would you want it to be clean and presentable? I harken back to my old football mentor, Chuck Shelton. He always said that the “esprit de corps” was important. He further explained his thinking this way. “If you look good, you feel good, you play good!” It is no different for a community. If we have our town clean and ready for use, others will notice. If, on the other hand it looks like no one cares, then no one else will either.

It is a way of life which is a choice we can either make or ignore. But the people have to demand it, and they have to be willing to work for it.

My desk is now a little less cluttered. It makes me feel better.

Our town will feel better if we do the same.