Girls should be commended

Chris Lewis of Galveston sends this Cheer for Savannah Lewis and Jessica Varnell’s concern for the animals at the Kokomo Humane Society:

“Most recently, two 10-year-old girls (Savannah Lewis and her best friend, Jessica Varnell) from Galveston, went around a Galveston neighborhood selling handmade jewelry to raise money for the animals at the Kokomo Humane Society. They were able to raise at total of $60, which they took to the Kokomo Humane Society.

“While there, they learned of volunteering opportunities and they are anxiously looking forward to working with all of the animals this summer. They both received thank-you letters from the executive director, Jean McGroarty, of the Kokomo Humane Society.

“I feel that this needs to be mentioned, because it seems that so much of what we read about is not good news. These girls came up with the idea on their own, and for this I believe that they should be commended.

“It’s still good to hear that children want to do something positive for their community. Who knows? Maybe this story will cause others to become more active in seeking new ways of impacting their communities.

“Also, we would like to thank all of the families that contributed to this very worthy cause.”

Shame on Treasurer Mourdock

Cynthia Schmitt of Kokomo sends this Jeer to state Treasurer Richard Mourdock:

“Two years ago, my husband and I transplanted our lives from Syracuse, N.Y., to Kokomo, Ind. My husband is a tool engineer with Chrysler (25 years), and I left a 29-year career with Syracuse University to make this move with my husband.

“I am 48; my husband is 51. You can imagine the difficulty and stress of leaving the region where we had resided our entire lives and the sadness in leaving all our friends and family. However, over the past two years my husband and I have grown to like our new home in Kokomo.

“We purchased a house. We found a wonderful church. We volunteer in our community, and we support the local merchants in many ways. We had become proud Hoosiers.

“However, I can honestly say that I’m currently not so proud to be a resident of this state. Treasurer Mourdock, your actions in attempting to block the sale of Chrysler assets to Fiat are unfathomable. And Governor Daniels’ obvious support of your actions is even more unfathomable.

“We know of a dozen other Syracuse transplant families that are establishing themselves in Kokomo. I cannot speak for them, but I can tell you: If Chrysler were forced to shut down in Kokomo, we would no longer be supporting this state’s economy. I just pray that we can stay in Indiana long enough for our son to finish his degree at Indiana University.

“Shame on you, Treasurer Mourdock, and shame on Governor Daniels.”

Goodbye, Columbian

Don Alley of M&M; Ice Cream sends this Cheer:

“To the principal, good teachers and children of Columbian School: We thank you and wish you the best. We will miss you.”

Another bypass isn’t needed

William Jason King of Kokomo sends this Jeer for the U.S. 31 Kokomo Corridor Project:

“I’m not understanding why in the world Kokomo would want a $30 million bypass around the city! Anderson tried this and now it has a bypass that is never used.

“It will take just as long to go around Kokomo as it would to go through!

“First of all, a bridge at each intersection would free the traffic up, and the cost would probably be a lot lower.

“I have seen a lot of good houses going down the drain. For what? We are going to lose virtually every bit of traffic that would stop for a night or a bite to eat.

“All we need are bridges at each intersection with an on/off ramp at the major roads. It would keep the town of Kokomo on the map. This town needs to be driven through. It is a major piece of our history.

“Shame on the state for taking homes away from people and using our tax dollars for a decline in our town. We are not Indy!”

'The students will never forget’

Lisa Manfred, coordinator of the Eastern Destination ImagiNation team, sends this Cheer:

“The Eastern Elementary School and Eastern High School Destination ImagiNation teams each recently placed in the top 20 in the global finals in Nashville,. Tenn. Without the generous support of the community, this opportunity to compete on the international stage would not have been possible.

“A huge thank-you is extended to our six major sponsors: Howard County Recycling, Century Fields, Harvey Construction, the Town of Greentown, Eastern Elementary PTO, and Mr. and Mrs. Jim Hart.

“The teams also appreciate the extreme generosity of other patrons and friends: Mr. and Mrs. Ross Deardorff, Century Villa Healthcare, Mr. and Mrs. David Comfort, Gibson Trucking, Circle Pizza, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Cowan, Mr. and Mrs. Coleman Walker, Mr. and Mrs. John Miner, Lynn Smeltzer, St. Joseph Hospital, Schillinger and Associates, Harts Shoes, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hart, Padfield Auto Body Shop, Mr. and Mrs. Ron Newhouse, and Elaine Manfred.

“Still other contributors include: First Farmers’ Bank and Trust, Brad Howell Ford, Hasler Stout Funeral Home, Plevna Implement, Shrock’s Dri-gas, The Wyman Group, Markland Family Dental, Heartland Dental, Dr. and Mrs. Hua Meng, American Legion Auxiliary, Donna Crusore and Amber Reed, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Rubow, Mr. and Mrs. Donny Hill, Mr. and Mrs. Ron Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Hart, Mr. and Mrs. Jay Freeman, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Parrish, Lisa Hill Insurance, Advantage Lawn Care, Sherry Hord, Jim Speidel, Meurer Maintenance, Kathleen Oten, Scooters’ Pizza, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Sucesen, Mr. and Mrs. Roger Higginbottom, Mr. John Martin, Mr. Bruce Price, Mr. and Mrs Robert Haverstick, Terrell’s Auto Service, Big Lots, Mr. and Mrs. Michael Walker, Angie Cox, Mr. Walter Wimmer, Sharon Etchison, Brian and Sarah Walker, Mr. and Bill Colwell, Mr. and Mrs. Steve Deardorff, Naomi Eason, Mr. and Mrs. Evan Bagley, Dr. Melissa Jarrell, MAC Sales, Mr. and Mrs. Terry Wray, Mr. John Kerlin, Kokomo Grain, Mr. and Mrs. Todd Oman, Julie Wohlford, Mary Schaefer, Mr. Mauer, Eastern School Corp., and all the parents of the team members.

“In addition, there were numerous individuals in the community who purchased ‘stock’ in these students to help with their fundraising, and all gifts were very much appreciated to make this opportunity possible. The students will never forget the lessons learned from this experience!”