SILOAM SPRINGS — Still a small home town

I’ve always loved living in Siloam Springs. I came from Phoenix, Ariz. The people of Siloam have always been there to help when their needed. When a family can just let someone come to their house and drive out classic convertibles for a parade of kids that’s a caring and giving family.

Pete Allen lets the kids just come out and use his collection of convertibles to take them around town in their homecoming parade. I know all the other parents appreciate him and his family also.

Thanks Pete for caring about all our kids.

Dog joke not funny

Jeff Della Rosa’s article, “County judge holds meeting in Siloam,” published on Oct. 14, was brought to the attention of the American Humane Association today. As an organization that has advocated for the protection and humane treatment of animals for 132 years, we want to take this opportunity to express our serious concern for the humane treatment of stray and unwanted pets in Benton County. We find Judge Bisbee’s change of position on opening an animal shelter to be unacceptable. Additionally, the judge’s joking recommendation to “shoot ‘em” when asked what to do with stray animals is absolutely appalling. The issue of housing stray and unwanted pets is a very serious one for any community and should be regarded as such by Bisbee.

American Humane supports the judge’s proposal to enact an animal control ordinance in Benton County. A well-written ordinance will serve to protect both the pets and citizens of the county. However, we also strongly believe that every community has an obligation to ensure that stray and unwanted pets are provided with shelter and adequate care until such time as they can be returned to their owner, adopted to a new home or humanely euthanized by injection.

Allowing homeless animals to roam the community or killing them by any means other than injection is inhumane and intolerable in a civilized society.

We strongly urge Bisbee to reconsider his position on establishing an animal shelter, and we urge the citizens of Benton County to demand humane treatment for their stray and unwanted pets.

There is more than one option available that would provide an acceptable solution to this matter. The county may find it more feasible to contract with another local animal shelter to provide services rather than opening its own shelter. American Humane would be happy to provide guidance or assistance in this matter.

Debrah Schnackenberg

Vice President

Animal Protection Division

American Humane Association

VFW is back in

action

I have recently assumed the position as commander of VFW Post 1674 in Siloam Springs.

Over the years, the membership has dwindled and little has been done to keep our building in repair.

Members of our organization are men and women who have served in the armed forces in a combat zone during a declared war or incursion.

As former airmen, Marines, sailors and soldiers we took an oath to protect and preserve the constitution of the United States and its people at whatever risk necessary. None of us think we are heroes.

We did what was asked of us at the time.

We do understand that times are extremely tough right now and we are all being tested to the limit, especially financially. I have recently sent out a packet to some local businesses asking for financial or in-kind donations to help us in re-roofing our building and some other much needed repairs.

Our organization at the post, district, state and national level have many educational programs that help not only veterans and their families but the community, including National Citizenship Education Teacher Award, various programs for volunteers with awards, Voice of Democracy for students in grades 9-12 with scholarship money available, Patriot’s Pen for 6-9 grade students with savings bonds for winners, Scout of the Year program, programs to install smoke detectors and giving food baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas to those who need them.

On Oct. 24 from 3 to 7 p.m., we are sponsoring a chili dinner at the post at 830 S. Lincoln St.

The event is free. We are asking for a donation of whatever you can afford.

Stop by, visit with some of the veterans that have kept America safe and free over the years and take a look at what we are doing.

Steve Milbourn

Commander VFW Post 1674

Thanks for the help

The Siloam Springs Senior Activity Center would like to thank all who made our 32nd Annual Chili Supper a great success. Thank you to those who attended and to those who bought tickets for their employees to attend. Thanks to those who donated money, yet didn’t attend.

Thank you Ben E. Keith Foods, Pricecutter, Walmart, Allen Canning, IGA and Highland Dairy for donating food items and Bell’s Office Supply for donating the chili bowls.

Thank you to all the volunteers who made and donated pies and who helped out at the event. Thank you to the Herald Leader for its coverage – the pictures were great, Gary.

Last but not least thanks to my great staff who donated many extra hours to pull the chili supper together.

Kathy Patterson

Senior Activity Center Director

Opinion, Pages 4 on 10/21/2009

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