The Morehead News - Letters to the Editor

Nominations sought for everyday heroes
I am gathering nominations for a follow-up to my Kentucky’s Everyday Heroes book, released this year. As in the first project, I’m looking for Kentuckians who "have successfully overcome extreme personal challenges and/or have given of themselves to others in an exemplary fashion"
American Legion Post 138 salutes Armed Forces Day
Armed Forces Day is celebrated on the third Saturday in May. The day was created in 1949, and was a result of the consolidation of the military services in the Department of Defense. It was intended to replace the separate Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard Days.
Conference thanks
The 21st annual East Kentucky Leadership Conference was held April 24 & 25 at the Morehead Conference Center. More than 200 leaders from across the region, including citizens, local elected officials, legislators, state-wide office holders, and the lieutenant Governor, participated.
Don’t rely on government to solve problems
I am writing this letter in response to Ms. Tonia Noe-Rose’s column in which she describes her (unfortunately common) despair at the high prices of food, gas, and housing. What many people do not recognize that this “recession” is actually a readjustment
Soldier post office appreciates patronage
I want to say thank you to all my customers from Carter and Rowan County for your patronage. Even though the Soldier post office is small, we offer all the services of a bigger office.
Truth being told?
I am a WW 2 veteran and still remember that it took only six weeks to train for war. We were then fully equipped and sent to war for whatever the future held. Bush and his generals have taken seven years to train the Iraqis
Volunteers recognized by Gateway program
Do you know someone that goes out of their way to donate time to others without expecting anything in return? If so, April 27-May 3, 2008 is the week that you will want to recognize and thank those people.
Support local volunteers
Do you know someone that goes out of their way to donate time to others without expecting anything in return? If so, April 27-May 3, 2008 is the week that you will want to recognize and thank those people.
Thanks for the help
The volunteers of the community center would like to say thanks to Rowan County Judge Executive Jim Nickell, Rowan County Fiscal Court, Rowan County Road Department, William Lagan, Kathy Coffey (Gray Hawk Construction), and to all the volunteers who helped clean up the exterior of the historical Halderman School.
Don't rely on government to solve problems
I am writing this letter in response to Ms. Tonia Noe-Rose’s column in which she describes her (unfortunately common) despair at the high prices of food, gas, and housing. What many people do not recognize that this “recession” is actually a readjustment from the over-spending boom of the 1990’s.
Recycling center undergoes changes
I’m a student at Morehead State University. I have been volunteering for the past two semesters at the Community Recycling Center. They are busy bees there and a lot is happening.
National Day of Prayer events
One of the most impacting events in Rowan County, in my personal experience, is the National Day Of Prayer, which we observe annually as a community on the first Thursday in May.
No excuse for animal abuse
I am sick and tired of ignorant humans who don't deserve to own an animal. These people deserve the same treatment they gave their horses.
Proud of Rowan County schools
I have just finished reading the April issue of the newsletter published by the Rowan County Schools. What a thrill it is to read about all the successes happening in your schools.
Fighting cancer
This year in Kentucky, more than 22,800 people will hear the words ‘you have cancer’ and nearly 9,400 people will die from the disease. These statistics are why I am an American Cancer Society Relay For Life volunteer.
‘Hillbilly’ comment not accurate
On March 27, the Louisville Courier-Journal announced on its website that Gov. Beshear was conceding defeat this legislative session in his efforts to bring casinos to Kentucky. In an attached comment responding to the article, one individual suggested that had it not been for the “hillbillies” the casino effort would have passed.
Cancer results from multiple factors
President Nixon declared war on cancer in 1971. It was said that a cure would be found within five years. Thirty-seven years and billions and trillions of dollars later, we have more cancer than ever. Fighting cancer has become a big business. More people today make a living from cancer than die from it.
Let women run the country
The nineteen hundreds is now history, and we are following the same pattern as we did in the entire nineteenth century. War, war, war, and rumors of war. Our young boys and girls are dying and their bodies are being torn apart, for WHAT?
Thanks to elected leaders
I would like to take this opportunity to give a public THANK YOU to our elected officials, and community leaders who heard our public outcry for a reconsideration on keeping our Ombudsman Program, which represents our dear ones in the Nursing Homes, with Legal Aid for the Bluegrass.
No sense of history
It's a shame Larry Breeze doesn’t seem to have the sense of history and memories of the "true" Morehead over the years and those of us who grew up here. How can a city be so blind as to tear down one of its historic landmarks all in the name of "progress"?
Reconsider change in ombudsman program
My name is Steve Schultz. I am a resident of Life Care Center of Morehead. I serve my fellow residents as Vice President of the Resident Council. When I heard of the Gateway Area Board of Directors plan not to renew the contract of the local Ombudsman program, but to bring it “in house,” I was both sickened and angry.
Keep nursing home ombudsman with Legal Aid
I'm writing to let the public know what is going on with funding for the Nursing Home Ombudsman program (Cheryl Barber) through Legal Aid of the Bluegrass. Gateway ADD has been funding this program but currently has decided to keep the funding for themselves.
Fundraiser was successful for SCV
The members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, 5th KY Infantry Camp # 2122, Morehead would like to thank the following people and businesses for their donations, making our 1st annual chili supper fundraiser a success.
Volunteers sought for PRIDE Spring Cleanup
Another spring is unfolding across Southern and Eastern Kentucky. As the Redbud trees begin to blossom, I urge all citizens to help in removing unsightly trash from Rowan County’s roads, streams and hillsides during our annual PRIDE Spring Cleanup, April 5-19. Recruit your friends, family and neighbors to help.
5K Run/Walk Against Child Abuse set
I would like to invite everyone to mark your calendars for Saturday, April 26. We will be holding our 3rd Annual Buffalo Trace Children's Advocacy Center 5K Run/Walk Against Child Abuse in Maysville.
Assistance with UNITE auction commended
An auction of forfeited items conducted on Feb. 16 at the London Community Center raised $30,583 to be used by Operation UNITE for anti-drug efforts in Southern and Eastern Kentucky.
Citizens can help renew Haldeman
An idea was born. Citizens of Rowan County and especially those who had a passion for the Haldeman community got together and after much brain storming and many meetings formed the Haldeman/Hays Crossing Foundation to rebuild the historical Haldeman school building that was recently destroyed by fire.
RC Christmas thanks
This letter is to extend gratitude to all those who provided assistance with the 2007 Rowan County Christmas event. Thank you to ALL of the businesses and individuals who made contributions, whether they were monetary donations, food and/or supply donations, or simply volunteering time to help out.
You can help stop colon cancer deaths
Last year, 2,570 people were diagnosed with colon cancer in Kentucky. Thankfully, my father wasn’t one of them. About seven years ago, my father asked my mother to make him an appointment to have a colonoscopy. He did this even though he wasn’t experiencing any problems.
Enforce immigration laws
Is it just me, or does anyone else find it amazing that our government can track a single cow right to the stall where she sleeps in the state of Washington? But they are unable to locate (some say 20 million) illegal aliens wandering around our country.
What is 'change'?
Change. That seems to be one of the magic words thrown about on the national political scene today. This single word has the power to excite people—even to the point of fainting at the mere appearance of a “change-agent.” With so much excitement over “change,” I thought it behooved me to check my dictionary.
Many offering assistance with dogs
The number of homeless dogs in our county is extremely high and our Canine Shelter simply cannot handle the intake. The dog warden, Jimmy Hale, does an excellent job in a difficult position as the number of abandoned dogs continues to exceed the number of local adoptions. However thanks to public awareness and the work of many members of our community this is changing.
Register your team for Relay For Life!
The Relay for Life is a family oriented event where participants raise money and awareness for cancer research. The money we raise is used for many programs including research for new medicines, treatments, prevention and services for patients. We would like to have teams from churches, businesses, community groups and family teams.
City needs impressive sign
I read recently the fine article that Jack Ellis wrote on the signs at Morehead. He asked me to share this information with you. In August of 1953, I was assigned to March Air Force Base in Riverside, California.
Glass is accepted at recycling center
The Morehead Recycling Center is now receiving glass – that is, glass bottles and jars only. Yes, thank you for coming back to us. Just around the building, to the back, on the gravel road, you will find bins for different color glass. Separate your glass and throw it in.
The assault of downtown parking lots
Our downtown, once the economic and social heart of our community, has survived (barely) the construction of I-64, which resulted in our business center moving to the interstate. Many people have worked very hard to revitalize downtown; as a result improvements in downtown have been occurring. However, growing demands for parking have resulted in housing areas, green space, and retail locations being paved.
Free software available
This is referencing the Feb. 12, 2008 issue of The Morehead News. An article from Darla Hunt, Assistant Professor Information Technology, regarding Microsoft Office 2007. Since I considered that you may be actually promoting a Microsoft Product that costs the average individual close to $200 or more, maybe someone should hear about an equivalent product that costs $00.00 (free).
Impressed with Coach Tyndall
I’ve been an MSU basketball fan for 45 years, and I want to praise the job Coach Donnie Tyndall has done thus far. As I’ve watched Coach Tyndall’s team, I am so impressed with what I’ve seen. I attended the press conference when he was hired and heard the typical promises you hear from new coaches; and I thought to myself, “We’ll see.”
New pet facility praised
This is just a short note of appreciation to a new business that most certainly has made my rather crazy life a little less worrisome.
Local student selected for People to People Program
Hello, my name is Jason Ogden Jr.; I am a freshman at Rowan County High School in Morehead. I was recently accepted to participate as a member of the People to People Student Ambassador Program, which will be traveling to Washington D.C., Spain, France, and Italy this summer.
State image at stake
It’s no wonder (state) Representative Gooch thinks Kentuckians don’t believe in global warming. While he dismisses the information available to him, Garry Barker dismisses the basic tools of communication in his recent “Head of the Holler” column.
Stand up for freedoms
Time to stand up for America, and we’ll be doing just that on March 15, 2008 in Washington, D.C. Our patriotic group, referred to as “Eagles,” will be mustering in support of our troops and in opposition to anti-America crowd that has SURRENDER as their goal.
Reason for no early dismissal explained
The transportation staff of the Rowan County Schools would like to thank parents, faculty, staff, and students for their cooperation and understanding regarding transportation of students to and from school during this past week’s inclement weather period.
Proud parent of a Marine
I would like to take this opportunity to thank The Morehead News and Stephanie Ockerman for the article published about my son Chase Williams. It brought great joy to my heart to see his face, although it was by picture.
Thanks to girl scouts for support of soldiers
On behalf of the soldiers of the 2-397 BN, thank you for the card and cookies you provided showing your concern and support for our efforts defending the freedom of our country.
Soldier to Soldiers Project
It has been some time since I have sent out a report on the Soldier to Soldiers Project. First off, I want to thank the following for their monetary and merchandise donations, which we could not operate without:
Make state a cleaner place
I moved back here about five years ago and have since been exploring the wonders of the “outback” of the rural areas as well as the tourist attractions. When visiting most generally you want to see the fabulous horse farms for which Kentucky is most noted. They do make a very good impression on the short-term visitor. It is only when you extend your visits to other areas that you “see” what Kentucky really has to offer.
Thanks to MSU for positive change
Several months ago, I wrote regarding the poor air quality in Morehead and Rowan County as a result of the university’s smokestack. Now, I would like to be the first to congratulate President Andrews on a job well done.
RSVP dinner a success
The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program’s 2007 Christmas dinner was a huge success. The event was attended by more than 300 volunteers and guest from the 5 Gateway counties. The dinner is held each year as a way of thanking the volunteers in Morgan, Menifee, Rowan, Montgomery and Bath counties for their volunteer service to the community.
Quick rise to unfavorable reputation
Here in Kentucky at the famous coffee house the loafers are saying that the reason President Bush visited the Far East is to see if they needed any more jobs. That he had a few left here in America.
Life Care workers sometimes unappreciated
I felt a need to write this public thank you to the following people, because so many times, many good works go unnoticed, and unappreciated.
Print donated for donation to center
The Haldeman/Hayes Crossing Community Center Board met Jan. 8 at the Fire Department building and got off to a good start with several donations.
Reader says thanks for help with family pet
I would like to thank the firemen and the electrician that helped me on Dec. 30, 2007. On Christmas Eve my cat Bubba, who is a house cat, got outside while I was gone and I could not find him until the morning of Dec. 30. I went out to start my van to go to church when I heard Bubba cry out to me. I talked to him and followed his cry until I found him in a tree about 40 to 50 feet up.
Help fund community building
Recently a historic site in our community, the Haldeman High School in Rowan County, which was built in 1937, was burned to the ground by undetermined cause. The school was not in use at the time and owned by an individual. The community was pulled together to try and purchase the building and rebuild what was destroyed by fire.
A Christmas wish
This year, I would publicly like to make known my Christmas wish. All I want for Christmas is the return of my grandmother. Stella “Gladys” Kidd disappeared on August 6, 1990 shortly after cashing a check for $56,000 at U.S. Bank, then known as People’s First Bank. She requested cash despite the warning from the bank teller that she should get a cashier’s check. She wrote letters to her children telling them goodbye and disappeared.
No fair trade with China
I read in your news paper Friday, November 30, 2007- the story as you told it, about Morehead discussing business opportunities with China. It made me sick, to read your beautiful story about China and all the time I was reading the story I was thinking about what the Chinese Government is doing to America, to you and your grandchildren.
Praise for helpers of Morehead Tomorrow
On behalf of Morehead Tomorrow, I would like to thank all the individuals and downtown businesses that helped make the 2007 Hometown Holiday a huge success. Without their assistance and cooperation this event would not be possible.
Dog owner pleads for animal’s return
I am the “desperate owner” whose ad with pictures of my dog, JR, has been running in the classified ads in this paper for several months. First, I would like to express my gratitude to this newspaper for running my ad for so long—and for all the people who have tried to help me find JR and who have offered me other pets, Thank You. Though he has been gone since July 19, I just can’t give up yet.
Make recycling easier
As a student at Morehead State I received credit in a course doing community service at the Community Recycling Center. Due to a limited budget the Community Recycling Center has few employees. Considering the lack of available funds, the progress of the Morehead CRC is commendable. CRC employees work long hours and are left to deal with messes made by others every day.
Lack of tutoring period hurts deserving students
As a concerned student at Rowan County Senior High School, I am writing to hopefully open the discussion of bringing tutoring back at the high school. Tutoring has in previous years been a class period that works as a study hall for students, but was eliminated this year. I realize that there were problems with some students abusing this privilege and wasting the tutoring period; however, there are many students who used their tutoring period to complete homework assignments.
Recycling is important
Communities across America are beginning to understand the importance of recycling and are slowly becoming recycle towns. Recycling helps the environment and helps make recyclable products cheaper for individuals.
Seeking facts on Mocabee
I am seeking information on Gova Mocabee, buried in Parker/Turner Cemetery, Elliottville, Ky. I believe he was a merchant and postmaster in Elliottville.
Thankful for palliative care
Since November is National Hospice & Palliative Care Month, this is an ideal time for my mother, Shirley Anderson, and me to say a public “thank you” for St. Claire Hospital’s excellent Palliative Care team: Dr. Ann Colbert, Medical Director; Jan Johnson, Social Worker; Rhonda Elliott, secretary; and nurses Judy Buelterman and Sheila Brown. These caring professional have made a huge difference in our lives!
Veterans thank Ponderosa
I’d like to thank Ponderosa Steakhouse for inviting us for a free meal at their home.
Reader thankful for precious find
With the Thanksgiving season upon us, I would like to share about a gift my father gave my son Craig, many years ago, which turned up at our local Goodwill store and how very thankful I am to have it back within our family. A family member purchased a ceramic jar from the Goodwill, that belonged to my son, for a very small price, but for me this jar is priceless, and I don’t believe that the finding and purchasing of it was just by accident or a coincidence.
Helping strangers a way of life
I was in town last week for my son's football game on Saturday and visited an auto parts store to pick up some coolant for my truck. In front of the store was a man looking under the hood of an old car that didn't look to be in very good shape. As I walked by the man, he looked up and asked if I would help him jump-start his car.
Not all with firearms are hunters
I recently read Tuesday’s letter to the editor “Use caution with firearms,” and I was appalled! I feel as if I’ve been racially slurred. A hunter did not shoot B-Jay the dog, an annoyed neighbor, maybe? This was an inhumane, negligent act by someone who doesn’t deserve a right to possess a firearm, and they certainly have not attained the title of hunter. I sympathize with the owners; however, not everyone carrying a firearm is a hunter.
Search efforts appreciated by lost campers
Two weeks ago my friend and I were camping in the Clear Creek Campground in Salt Lick with our families. We are both fifteen years old. We made the mistake of going hiking without telling our parents. Unfortunately, we got lost in the woods after dark. Our parents contacted the campground director, who notified Bath County Rescue Squad and Salt Lick Volunteer Fire Department.
Use caution with firearms
On Monday, Oct. 29 somewhere between 3:30 and 7 p.m. our collie B-Jay was shot. The hunter can wipe that smug smile off their face and stop thinking that B-Jay should not have been in the woods. He wasn’t! He was in our driveway!
Coats and food drive a success
On behalf of Habitat for Humanity, Christian Social Services, MSU Corps and AmeriCorps, we would like to thank the citizens of Rowan County for making generous donations to the Make a Difference Day Drive for Food, Coats and Tools, which ended on Oct. 27. Through your contributions, we were able to collect 770 8-oz servings of food, 8 coats, and a box of 16d nails.
Compassion in Morehead
I came to Morehead a couple of weeks ago for the first time to visit my brother who has relocated there. Upon leaving your area about 15 miles out I had a flat tire (new tire). Some very nice man took the time to stop and help.
Modern society not doing children any favors
We should all be concerned about what we are teaching our children from Kindergarten through high school. They enter school at the age of five, and by the time they finish the fifth grade they have already seen ten thousand murders on television and elsewhere.
Support for accident victims appreciated
On Wednesday, Oct. 24, three members of the VanHoose family were involved in an automobile accident. My sister and my niece were seriously injured but received wonderful care on the scene, at St. Claire Medical Center, and at UK Hospital; fortunately my brother-in-law only suffered minor injuries. Within the first hour after the accident they were added to several prayer chains in the community and it continued to grow as the hours passed.
Front-page picture offensive
I have been a loyal subscriber to The Morehead News for 30+ years and always look forward to getting it in my mailbox no matter where I live. The people of Morehead can take pride in their hometown newspaper. I also take pride in being from eastern Kentucky.
MS Walk huge success
I would like to follow up and report that the local MS Walk has raised over $23,000, the most ever for Morehead.
Letter writer was right about immigration
Cheers to Cliff Barker on his Oct. 9 letter to the editor. I agree with everything he said. I have been thinking on these same lines for years. He just beat me to it! For immigrants to suppose we should change our culture to suit them is ridiculous.
Relay 2008 kick off lunch
The Rowan County Relay for Life committee for 2008 would like to take this opportunity to invite everyone in the county to attend our Kick-Off Luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Rowan County Public Library community room. It is a very informal lunch/meeting. We are serving chili and peanut butter and pimento cheese sandwiches. You can come and talk to the committee members about volunteering, having a team, or just to ask about the American Cancer Society.
Memories of Haldeman High School
I drove over to Haldeman recently, a couple of days following the tragic fire that virtually destroyed the one remaining landmark in the Haldeman community, the Haldeman School.
Immigrants should adapt to America
After reading that the state of Florida changed its opinion and let a Muslim woman have her picture on her driver’s license with her face covered, it made me doubt the Americanism of the leaders of the state Florida even more than I did after the first Bush election. "Immigrants, not Americans, must adapt to America.”
Disappointed football mom
It’s football time. For the first five weeks of the season and during the long preseason, the football boosters have done the things that boosters do. We have fundraisers including car washes, bake sales, sell ads and banners, and more. We grill hundreds of hotdogs to feed hungry boys. We have organized and attended pep rallies and have our pre-game tailgating to try to relax a few minutes before kickoff after a busy week of getting prepared. It takes hundreds of dad-and-mom hours and we do this willingly because we love our sons. We could not do all of this without the support of our town.
Only a few benefit when masses should
Did I read my paper right? In last Friday’s edition it stated that the Tourism Commission paid almost three-quarters of a million dollars for a one-acre, all but abandoned (and pretty useless for anything else besides parking spaces) lot. Then even though it has been made clear it is not for sale, offered only $95,000 for the Freight Station building. That is an insult. The Freight Station building is a piece of our history. It is not just a mere liquor store. Fellow citizens, this building is a part of our heritage. If this building is demolished and replaced with an empty parking lot, a tangible, irreplaceable part of Morehead will be lost forever.
Community Charity Fair
At 6:30 on Monday, November 20th the 14 local charities that have participated in the rowanreview.com Feats for Charity Scavenger Hunt will cumulate the event with a
Community Charity Fair open to any nonprofits in the community.
Religious demonstration offensive in manner
Regarding the photo published on 8/31, pg. A-2 depicting a member of a soul winning group at MSU. They were wearing a t-shirt that read “no homos go to heaven”. While I might respect their intentions, their tactics were undesirable.
School threats not taken seriously
In response to your story about threat being taken serious. I would have to disagree. Mr. Murray told the press that letters were sent home with the students to the parents about the threats.
Put justice center downtown
I want to state my absolute support for locating the new Rowan County Justice Center in the center of downtown on Main Street.
Softball team has few church members
I have been attending Johnson First Church of God for many, many years. In all of those years, I never realized that we had a church softball team. I overheard a conversation about 2 weeks ago that the Johnson softball team was playing in the church league tournament during the upcoming week. In my golden days, I was very athletic and enjoyed softball and baseball very much so I wanted to check out our team. I asked the young gentlemen when and where this tournament would take place and I made plans to check it out.
Vote out pro-tax officials
Communism–government controlling all production and consumption.
Thanks, but no thanks....
A couple weeks ago the Morehead News ran a letter that thanked MSU and its employees for denying health care benefits to domestic partners and the children of these couples. The letter went on to condemn UK and U of L for “using our tax dollars and student tuitions to fund domestic partner benefits for their employees”.
My life with MS
My name is Rick Whelan, I'm 39 years old. I'm a husband and father of 3. I have Multiple Sclerosis.
Annexation plan illogical
School board says no, Rowan High School and McBrayer say no, technical college says no, bus garage says no, Morehead City Council and Mayor vote yes.
Walk for MS needs teams
The Morehead Walk for Multiple Sclerosis will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2007. The walk will be at the City Park and registration begins at 9:00 a.m.
Don’t subsidize coal companies
Many Kentuckians now acknowledge that the mining and burning of coal is neither cheap nor clean. Increasingly, we understand that the true costs of coal are unacceptably high, especially in terms of the harm done to our mountains, streams, forests, health, global climate and political process.
Stand for marriage, not partner benefits
Many citizens of our Commonwealth are unaware of the battle in Frankfort over the "domestic partner benefits" issue.
Thanks to those assisting with Templeman memorial
In May of this year, I called upon Mike Gray of the Lane-Stucky-Gray Funeral Home to purchase a small memorial stone for my great-uncle William Templeman, brother to my great-grandfather, Enoch G. Templeman.
Community support needed for CSS
Where would you go if your family faced a serious financial crisis? Every day families in our community come face-to-face with financial, social, and spiritual needs. Annually, Christian Social Services helps almost 1,500 families.
Extra interchange in Rowan not necessary
Some local leaders have used recent construction delays on the route 32 connector as an occasion to push for the old “third Rowan interchange” project.
Road improvements on connector exceed expectations
Be careful what you ask for, you just might get it. That is the adage that I could not help thinking as I sat at a standstill in traffic, time after time waiting to get from point A to point B, or from point B to Reno’s and back to point A.
Twin Knobs fees create difficulties
I questioned the overlap of fees allowing walking into Twin Knobs for exercise. The Forest Service parking tag extends beyond the concessions season, which ends Oct. 31.
Local history celebrated this month at Hayes Crossing
Since the Hays/Haldeman Community will be celebrated the 27-28 July, I would like to share other information with you.

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