Pets need more help
The Valley River Humane Society has much to be thankful for, yet we can always help our shelter even more. Covering three counties – Cherokee, Clay and Graham – takes lots of hard work, food and medical supplies.
Besides volunteering the shelter is in need of bath size towels and sheets in any condition, Purina One Dog Chow, paper towels, 13- and 33-gallon size trash bags and bleach.
At this time we’d like to thank all those who donate to the thrift store. Also these individuals who donated supplies to the shelter – Robert, Kendra and Kate Martin.
The sponsors for the kiddie carnival/game area coming up Saturday, Sept. 17, at the Pet Celebration on the Hayesville Square are Susan Wells of Murphy, Ron Stonssell of Murphy and Trish Chapin of Hayesville.
Special thank you to New Digs for Dogs for supplying the funds and Tri-County Office Supply, which helped us with new seating in the break room area. They provided sturdy chairs and helped us with budget friendly decisions.
Support the animal shelter. Drop by and help. Bring in supplies or call Carol at 837-2304.
Kirsty, the director, will appreciate your caring. These animals need our help.
Spay and neuter your pets. Identify them with a collar and tag or microchip. Adopt from shelters and rescue groups.
Don’t forget the Pet Celebration. See you there.
Debbie Graham, Murphy
The writer is a volunteer with the Valley River Humane Society in Marble.
Seek truth where it is
Thank you, Cherokee Scout, for giving our community a place to share our thoughts, especially for the two letters published Aug. 31. One by Tamara Phillips, who asks us “to use the gift of God wisely;” and another by Mary Mason, claiming that our country is “falling to communism and taking the middle class with it.”
One letter full of hope, and another full of fear. I think if Ms. Mason had more accurate information, she might feel much better about being an American in 2022.
In her letter, Ms. Mason claimed our country is spending $80 billion to aid Ukraine. This is not true. The latest word from the U.S. Department of Defense website (Aug. 24, 2022) reports that the U.S. is spending $2.9 billion to aid Ukraine. Vladimir Putin’s Russia attacked Ukraine and is waging a vicious war on civilians who are standing up for their freedom. In this fight, we support the good guys and should feel proud of that.
Also, Ms. Mason claimed that President Joe Biden “is weaponizing the Internal Revenue Service to war against the middle class with 80,000 Stasi terrorists locked and loaded.” Wrong again.
Please read Bloombergtax.com for the truth. Thanks to passage of the Inflation Reduction Act – by 2031, the IRS will hire up to 80,000 new agents, to include enforcement, customer service, legal and IT experts with the goal of examining corporate and high-income tax cheats.
Remember, former President Donald Trump’s tax cut was a handout to the richest corporations and wealthiest people (see americansfortaxfairness.org). Trump’s tax cut was mostly at the expense of middle-class families.
We live in a good community, filled with many kind and loyal Americans. Thank you both for reminding me of how we can come together if we use our gifts wisely and seek the truth.
Joan Tidwell, Murphy
Write-in for our future
During the primary election in Cherokee County, 29 percent of the voters headed to the polls to cast their votes on who they want to represent them. Once the votes were cast, the commissioners who won their seats all did so with less than 45 percent of the vote – meaning the majority of the voters wanted anybody other than who won.
Doing the math, that 45 percent of the 29 percent means that less than 12.5 percent of potential voters decided who will decide the direction of our county. How is that real representation, when those who win can’t even get the simple majority of the minority of voters to get in office?
It isn’t.
In November, you will have a choice for the District 1 commissioner seat. You can have the same old, can-kicker we have suffered with for a decade, or you can vote for the official Republican write-in candidate, Jeana Conley, to get fresh eyes on the future of this county.
Conley has worked hard to bring in the School of Innovation. Cal voted against it, and the $15 million grant to help fund it.
Conley worked hard to try for a $50 million grant to build a competitive high school. Cal voted no again.
Cal tore out the go-kart track in Andrews. Cal has repeatedly failed to secure the airport. We just had a big tax increase to pay for mistakes that were made while Cal was in office. We can’t afford four more years.
In the nine years I have lived here, I have watched this county slip further behind the surrounding counties in jobs, education, economic development and tourism. I want my children to want to stay here and have a reason to do so.
Write in Jeana Conley for District 1 commissioner.
John Worden, Murphy
EMS should be paid for
I read your article about ambulance fees (Sept. 7 edition of the Cherokee Scout) with interest.
Recently, I called 9-1-1 to have my wife checked out for a near-fainting episode. The guys were great, and agreed with me that she was OK for me to take her myself to the emergency room. I am a retired registered nurse and Lt/ PM from a large city fire department.
Imagine my surprise when I got a bill for $500 for our one service call.
In my 25-plus years as a professional, I have never been involved in charging for a refusal of service. All this does is discourage citizens from calling 9-1-1. I’ve always felt that’s what I pay taxes for – and if transport is needed, I fully expect a charge.
What’s next? Will the sheriff’s office charge if I call for a prowler and deputies come out? Will the fire department charge if I call for a brush fire?
I’m very disappointed in this county service.
Mark Ripplinger, Cherokee County
Just what happened?
Just a simple old man who wants to know what the hell happened between 9-11 and 1-6?
I mean, America lost two great buildings. The enemy did that day what they couldn’t do in two world wars. We were united.
The American flag inspired everything from work boots to condoms. Now everyone scampers from place to place like rats, angry all the time.
Road rage – shooting kids – trying to get the advantage of everything. Hate.
People used to have sayings like, “Don’t let the tail wag the dog.”
Now we have small tails all over America. And they are wagging America every day. Until it is so tired.
It will be like the rabbit caught by a snake. It will run and heave and struggle until it gives up. Thus being eaten.
Steve Ledford, Ducktown, Tenn.
Good things in Andrews
We have noticed how the Town of Andrews has been this summer.
There are less overgrown empty lots, as town mowers have done a great job with lawns. Thanks to all the businesses and retailers who support the flower landscape and hanging baskets. They stay so fresh and lively. Throw in decorations during holidays, flags, Christmas lights and Nativity scenes. Thanks to all involved.
It looks good and feels secure to see all the new black police cars patrolling and monitoring area parking lots and streets. Thanks to the town administration and police department. Also, thanks to the fire departments and Emergency Medical Services.
There are lots of great helps and encouragements available. The Andrews Public Library folks are so helpful, especially to me with my very limited computer abilities and always needing copies made. I have noticed a lot of visitors come to the library needing help and information. The library staff is always courteous and kind.
Thanks to Kandy Barnard for the local history articles; they bring back many great
memories. Thanks to the people who participated in the back to school prayer at the flag pole and walk around prayer on school property. Keep praying for our schools, teachers, bus drivers, students and others need the prayers of blessing and protection.
Isaiah 52:1 and Romans 10:15 say, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring news and the gospel of peace.” Prayer is so involved in that we are also organizing a pastor/leader prayer venue to all who would like to be involved.
Enjoy the refreshing of fall weather coming up, and enjoy the beautiful fall colors. Remember they all reveal God’s glory, and hopefully bring us to be more in awe of him remembering his love through his Son, Jesus.
John Piercy, Andrews