Letters to the editor

Ironic

To the editor:

What irony - to have the sane letter on liquor-related driving deaths from Michael Legel appear in the Times the same day (“Keep booze away from teens,” July 15, Daily Times) as the front page article on the AMVETS losing their liquor license.

Irony has to be coupled with disgust over a system that merely taps the knuckles of those found guilty of selling liquor to minors.

The AMVETS license to sell liquor was suspended for three days.

Only three days? That is meaningless in a community that has lost lives of a number of youngsters in recent months because the underage operator was driving under the influence of liquor.

If the penalty is to have effect, its size must have meaning.

As the “Mikado” says, “The punishment must fit the crime.”

If it doesn't, no wonder people lose respect for the law.

George H. Beres

Eugene, Ore.

Thanks

To the editor:

I just had to drop you a note this year to publicly thank you for the news coverage of both the Tazewell County and Mason County fairs (both of which run concurrent Junior Fairs.) It was great to read a daily story and see all the results in special weekend editions.

It's a nice reminder that there is still a rural life in both counties as well as a continually developing urban life.

The 4-H works hard to try to assist in the informal education of the nations youth. Most of that work is carried out through families and volunteers. We can see it is alive and well in both counties.

I'd also like to take this space to say thank you to all the volunteers and staff. This list includes 4-H staff, parents, leaders, alumni, judges, superintendents, council members, foundation members and HCE (formerly Homemakers Education Association) members (who run the food stand and booth), Jr. Fair board members, Pekin Park District board and employees, and Farm Bureau staff and members who return year after year to make sure these programs continue, thanks!

It is also good to see everyone each year at our annual fair “reunion,” adding new friends to the long list of volunteers. I look forward to seeing you all again next year, if not sooner.

Thanks again, as we continue to “make the best better,”

Vivian Deppert Gerrietts

Local 4-H leader in Green Valley and Tazewell County 4-H and HCE volunteer

Green Valley

Thanks!

To the editor:

On behalf of the Pekin Girls American Youth Basketball tour, we wish to thank the many people and businesses for their generous contributions and support this summer. We are very proud of these girls accomplishments.

Our sincere thanks to: Doug Orrick, Chris Kegley, Rob Rademaker, Sean Masterson, Boys & Girls Club of Pekin, Pekin Union Mission, Ductbusters, Pekin Insurance, Herget Bank, Missy's Corner Cafe, Wal-Mart, Kroger, County Market, Huck's Convenience Store and all the patrons who supported our tag day.

Once again, thank you to everyone for your support.

The parents, players and coaches of Pekin Girls AYBT

Pekin