Calling 911 costs $400
The following letter was mailed to Cherokee County Commissioners Dan Eichenbaum, Jan Griggs, Randy Phillips, Cal Stiles and Gary Westmoreland.
A bill for services rendered, i.e. 911 help, shocked my wife and I for being billed what we considered a free service. Every time 911 came out to assist me physically getting up from a fall, they were courteous, asked if I needed anything else or to be transported to the hospital. I told them I was physically OK, but unable to get up because of the weakness in my legs due to multiple sclerosis. After transferring me onto a chair, they asked me if I was OK and if I required more help.
Calling 911 was the only way I could have been lifted to a chair because my wife was unable by herself without extreme injury.
When 911 left, they did not say, “By the way, Mr. Goings, you incurred a $100 bill for the 911 call.”
Commissioners, we have not received any notification of the changes to 911 service. After a little research, we found out that the commissioners took it upon themselves to vote for a charge for 911 assistance.
We did know the commissioners voted for an increase in the property tax (millage) rate. This increase in charges is reflected by the settlement on lawsuits against the Department of Social Services.
Each commissioner knew increasing the millage rate would not even come close to covering the lawsuits. The cost of $100 per 911 call for help should never had occurred without a vote from the citizens.
As a citizen of Cherokee County, the least the commissioners could do was write that 911 will now cost to be used. There are going to be many citizens learning about your billing process, just like me, after receiving $100 charges in the mail.
My bill was $400. That should scare everyone who uses the 911 service.
Paul Goings
Murphy
On IRS and getting irons
When Marty Robbins came out with his hit song “Big Iron” way back when, about a gunslinger with a big iron on his hip, my husband played it so much we memorized every word on the album. It was how come I’d know guns were called “irons” in the old days.
As soon as I heard the IRS needed 80,000 income tax experts hired, I said to myself, “Self, that ain’t no force of business accountants, that there is a police force of hired guns.” I thought, “Aho!” (that’s Native American for “Amen,” watch out), so that’s how they tear up the U.S. Constitution and come for my shotgun.
Just now on the morning news, they reveal the prerequisite for being a new IRS hired hit man is you must be armed and ready to use deadly force.
I’m so glad I have a very strong feeling that God Almighty is going to have to be the One and will be the One, who will solve this, the Commander in Chief of our Army … and our Constitution.
Betty Luckey
Murphy
The writer is author of the book Jesus’ Mountain.
‘True ideals’ of journalism
The following letter was sent to Cherokee Scout Publisher David Brown.
I applaud your integrity reflected in your Aug. 10 statement on voting.
In our community, you are hopefully making a difference and a positive contribution in the face of persistently negative pressures that threaten our democracy.
You are fulfilling the ideal of true journalism.
Dr. Joseph H. Keffer
Murphy
Trash turned into charity
On behalf of the Women of Murphy Presbyterian Church, we would like to thank the generous people of Cherokee, Clay and Graham counties for their support of our 37th annual Trash & Treasure Sale. We exceeded our expectations, and as a result numerous local charities as well as some overseas missions will benefit.
In addition, we would like to thank our local businesses for their support. The Cherokee Scout went beyond expectations and printed our photo, as well as adding an article after the deadline.
Also, our local news stations sang our praises, and Renewed Hope came as soon as the sale was over and helped us clean up after our sale.
We are indebted to everyone who helped us.
Susan Spaulding and
Women of Murphy
Presbyterian Church
Murphy
‘Circus is one-sided’
I read with growing frustration and disbelief the guest column from William Cooper that was published on Aug. 3. To begin with, there was no “insurrection” on Jan. 6, despite months of searching for one. No one has been so charged.
Then this gentleman (an attorney) cited as his prime example the disproved hearsay testimony of Cassidy Hutchinson. No attempt was made by this collection of President Donald Trump haters (on the investigating U.S. House committee) to verify her testimony or even question her comments.
This whole circus is one-sided, seeking a predetermined conclusion and avoiding any witness that may disrupt their program.
As an attorney, Cooper should have been aware that the Secret Service members, in constant contact with Trump, have stated that no event such as stated in Hutchinson’s testimony occurred.
We may be a divided nation, but that does not excuse such cherry-picking of facts and statements to reinforce a weak argument.
In conclusion, I suggest that if indeed Cooper is an author, his work product must be fiction, since he seems to have difficulty seeking balance and fact.
David Bock
Murphy
More autism sign thefts
This is a second autism warning sign stolen in the Pine Log community. This has been an ongoing problem for many years with “sign collectors.”
To whomever is doing this (who may not can read), it will come back to you when one of your loved ones is hurt or killed by oncoming traffic due to drivers not realizing there may be a child who randomly, without notice, darts out into oncoming traffic, who, due to autism or another medical condition, didn’t know better.
You may think, in your stupidity, you got away with this and no one will find you out. These particular signs are rare, and people do know.
Either way, God sees all,
and your deeds will not go unpunished.
Anyone who knows anything about this incident, feel free to contact your local police department. Stealing signs is still a crime, even in this day and time.
Becky Payne
Pine Log