Editorial
In our view: Outcome inevitable
Residents of Treece, Kan., say they welcome blood tests and air monitors to test for lead, because they believe it means they are being heard.
Today, we would like to help raise the volume for those 100 people who live in this forgotten community. A mile away is Picher, Okla. That former mining town is nearing its end as buyouts progress and city services shut down. Along the way, nearly $125 million in taxpayer dollars were spent on testing, yard cleanup and federal studies.
The current estimate to relocate the residents of Treece is $3.5 million. We see little reason to prolong the inevitable.
Cable television was knocked out in last year’s tornado, and crews have gathered up the lines with no plans to replace them. The phone system is antiquated. Houses won’t sell and the banks won’t lend money for refinancing or for improvements.
Everyone assumes a federal buyout is on the way. U.S. Rep. Lynn Jenkins, R-Kan., had introduced a bill calling for the spending of about $3.5 million to buy out the remaining residents of Treece. A hearing has yet to be set.
An EPA cleanup, already under way, will spend considerably more than the worth of the town. Why are those dollars being spent now?
Instead, let’s funnel resources into getting residents relocated and shutting down the town.
We all know how this story is going to end.
- Editorial
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In our view: Qualified for the job?
Voters in Jasper and Newton counties will be making decisions on several key positions on the local level. Among them are the presiding commissioner races in each of the two counties.
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Voices: Ensuring a safe place
When we think of our community, we want to think that we live in a safe place. This is one reason why people live where they do. On Aug. 3, the city of Neosho will be asking the voters to approve a tax levy that will go to fund city services.
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Voices: Operate ‘leaner’
How gullible do these local businesses think the citizens of Neosho are?
It is quite all right for these businesses to support an increase in property taxes. While they may state that this increase will affect them, it will, in truth, have very little impact upon them. -
Voices: Integrity and work ethic
I am writing this letter in support of William “Bill” White. He has donated countless hours as past president of the Joplin Swim Team, where I was fortunate to serve on the board of directors with him for the last four years.
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Voices: Qualified candidate
Aug. 3 is almost here and we in the 129th District have a very important decision to make.
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Voices: Way of life
Jim Stone’s recent column in The Joplin Globe shares with readers the “need to stop parroting the words of pundits ... to honestly listen to each other ... and pursue a dialogue that actually makes our nation progress.”
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Voices: Missed opportunities
I see the friends of Gary Nodler are out in force now. Of course, the fact that Gary Nodler has been a state senator all this time is not due to any exceptional ability on his part. Rather, no one bothered to challenge him until his term limits ran out.
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Voices: Blunt’s election ads
Congressman Roy Blunt’s political ads promise to “clean up” government and reduce spending that has put the United States in debt. They sound like they are for a “new” candidate.
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Voices: Vote for a fresh face
With the elections drawing near, the ads ramping up, the door bells ringing, the signs are a-flying, and everyone drawing opinions, why would you vote for a fresh face?
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Editor's note: Campaign letters
The Joplin Globe wants to hear from candidates vying in the Aug. 3 election and their supporters and critics.
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