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Monday, December 20, 2010
Friday, December 17, 2010
Looking for Love?
Are you looking for love? The Blytheville Humane Shelter will most likely have the perfect match for you. Today I was fortunate enough to have been given a guided tour of the facility and I must admit, I was amazed at how dedicated the employees are in their love for these animals. They are true champions for the cats and dogs they house there.
Upon entering the facility, I was greeted with warm welcomes and smiles from all of the staff members. They're very forthcoming in helping you in any way they can. Although I didn't know any of the staff members, I immediately felt as though I was among friends... That's how warm and inviting they are!
The humane shelter building has 16 kennels, and animal control has 24 kennels for a combined total of 40 kennels all together. While walking through the kennels, I happened to notice that not all of the kennels were occupied... and that's a positive thing.
Unlike shelters of years past where you would have a limited choice of animals from which to choose, this is no longer the case. Thanks to the digital age in which we live, the Blytheville Human Society is wired and ready to help you find the exact pet you're looking for. All you have to do is to log on to http://www.petfinder.com/ and search for the cat or dog of your dreams. I have no doubt that should you be looking for a specific breed, the good people at the Blytheville Humane Society will be happy to assist you in your search. The Blytheville Humane Society can also be contacted on facebook.
Although separate operations, both the humane society, and animal control are currently operated from this one facility. Should you choose to adopt a cat or a dog, there will be a $69.00 fee which will cover all vaccinations and spaying/neutering.
If your looking for great bargains in clothing or household items, feel free to visit the Humane Society Thrift Store. When I shop there, I most always leave with something. The best part of making a purchase at the thrift store is you're helping feed and care for the animals. I encourage you to go by and check it out. The thrift store is located at 2530 Arizona street on the old Blytheville Air Force Base. Their hours of operation are Friday and Saturday from 9am until 1pm. They can be contacted at (870) 532-6698.
The shelter is always happy to receive any donations that you are willing to help them with. They will even give you a receipt so you can claim the donation on your yearly taxes, so it's a win win situation for both you and the shelter. Should you go out to the humane society and find it closed, don't worry, just leave your donations on the porch of the facility and they will be picked up by an employee when they return or open the following day. Just be sure and package your donations in a box or plastic bag so the contents won't become soiled by weather.
Needed items include:
Cleaning Supplies
Liquid Ajax, garbage bags, paper towels, toilet paper, sponges, bleach, mops, brooms, hand soap, dish soap, and laundry detergent.
Storage Containers
Garbage cans, simple plastic storage containers of all sizes.
Office Supplies
Pens, markers, staplers, staples, scissors, envelopes, printer paper, filing folders and 3 ring binders.
Other Important Needs
Litter boxes, kitty litter, dog/cat shampoo, puppy/kitten shampoo, dog/cat food. Old blankets, throws, or comforters are needed as well as they are used for bedding.
Remember, should you witness or know of anyone who is abusing animals, please contact your local law enforcement and/or your local humane society so the proper authorities can address the issue.
Although separate operations, both the humane society, and animal control are currently operated from this one facility. Should you choose to adopt a cat or a dog, there will be a $69.00 fee which will cover all vaccinations and spaying/neutering.
Cleaning Supplies
Liquid Ajax, garbage bags, paper towels, toilet paper, sponges, bleach, mops, brooms, hand soap, dish soap, and laundry detergent.
Storage Containers
Garbage cans, simple plastic storage containers of all sizes.
Office Supplies
Pens, markers, staplers, staples, scissors, envelopes, printer paper, filing folders and 3 ring binders.
Other Important Needs
Litter boxes, kitty litter, dog/cat shampoo, puppy/kitten shampoo, dog/cat food. Old blankets, throws, or comforters are needed as well as they are used for bedding.
Remember, should you witness or know of anyone who is abusing animals, please contact your local law enforcement and/or your local humane society so the proper authorities can address the issue.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
BBQ
Hungry for some BBQ? Blytheville has its own little gem tucked away in an inconspicuous corner behind the Hay's grocery store located on main street. Don't let the little red nondescript trailer fool you. This is the workshop of a man who is serious about his bbq.
If you're looking for ambiance, this is not the place for you. However, if you're looking for great food, ample portions, and a good price, then you've found it. The establishment caters to carry out orders only.
BBQ is all they do, and they do it well. They literally pile the meat on the bun, in fact so much so, it's difficult to keep the meat from falling out of the bun... but that's a good thing!
You can order sandwiches, or bbq by the pound. Sandwiches are complimented with coleslaw and bbq sauce. Equally, you can ask for the coleslaw and sauce to be put on the side and they will gladly honor your request.
While pig sandwiches may be their best seller, they also offer their customers pig salads, and chopped bbq plates. You can also get side orders of baked beans or chips to compliment your meal. Drinks of various flavors are available to wash down these tasty treats.
As for prices, you would be hard pressed to find a better deal for your money. In my opinion, their prices are more than fair and very reasonable for the amount of food you receive. Go by and give them a try... Your taste buds and your wallet will thank you!
BBQ is all they do, and they do it well. They literally pile the meat on the bun, in fact so much so, it's difficult to keep the meat from falling out of the bun... but that's a good thing!
While pig sandwiches may be their best seller, they also offer their customers pig salads, and chopped bbq plates. You can also get side orders of baked beans or chips to compliment your meal. Drinks of various flavors are available to wash down these tasty treats.
As for prices, you would be hard pressed to find a better deal for your money. In my opinion, their prices are more than fair and very reasonable for the amount of food you receive. Go by and give them a try... Your taste buds and your wallet will thank you!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Stolen Police Car
How brazen are the criminals becoming? An article in tonight's Courier News shows that they are increasing in their boldness. Who in their right mind would resort to stealing a cop car? Knowing that criminals are first and foremost opportunists, the officer should have known better than to leave his car running without locking it first! The culprit who pulled this stunt will be bragging about stealing a cop car for years to come. It's nothing more than a feather in this delinquent’s hat.
Why the police chief declined to acknowledge if a weapon was in the car or not is beyond me. I personally believe that the general public has a right to know if a weapon was stolen or not. As for the chief not wanting to advertise what may or may not be in a patrol car, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what equipment is associated with being a peace officer. All one has to do is to turn on the television.
I have little doubt that the justice system will most certainly make an example out of the person or persons responsible for this. As for the officer, he has to bear some of the responsibilities himself for being negligent in securing property (car) which the tax payers have entrusted him with.
Once again, I implore the mayor elect James Sanders to take swift action in curtailing the activities of the criminal element once he is sworn in to office.
Why the police chief declined to acknowledge if a weapon was in the car or not is beyond me. I personally believe that the general public has a right to know if a weapon was stolen or not. As for the chief not wanting to advertise what may or may not be in a patrol car, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out what equipment is associated with being a peace officer. All one has to do is to turn on the television.
I have little doubt that the justice system will most certainly make an example out of the person or persons responsible for this. As for the officer, he has to bear some of the responsibilities himself for being negligent in securing property (car) which the tax payers have entrusted him with.
Once again, I implore the mayor elect James Sanders to take swift action in curtailing the activities of the criminal element once he is sworn in to office.
Greyhound Bus Station
While driving around Blytheville earlier today, I happened by the old Greyhound bus station. The inside of the station was busy with workers applying their skills of various expertise in order to bring the old girl back to her grandeur of years past.
Once an eyesore, this magnificent building is making a comeback. Built in 1938 by architect Ben Watson White, the Greyhound bus station has served Blytheville well through the years. Back in the day, it was an economical, yet efficient way in which to travel long distances for the common citizen. Didn't have a car, or a commercial flight was out of the question if not impossible? Take the Greyhound bus.
I can only imagine how many families in this area have stood in front of this bus station waving goodbye to their loved ones as they sent them off to military duty, some of which never did make it back home. I for one, remember boarding the bus at this very depot en route to Army boot camp. The image of my parents waving goodbye to me is still as vivid today as it was in 1982. Mixed emotions from fear of really leaving home for the first time coupled with the excitement of seeing the world cluttered my mind.
My journey to Germany where I was stationed for 4 years all began at the entrance of the Blytheville Greyhound bus station. My travels included various parts of England, France, Holland, and Switzerland. I owe a lot to this bus terminal. Tried and true friends that I hold dear to my heart and keep in touch with on a regular basis to this day all began on the steps of this building.
I'm glad that our city government saw fit to save this building. It is believed to be only one of three art deco style Greyhound bus stations existing today, so Blytheville is truly blessed to have such a treasure, and it makes our community unique.
I encourage you to drive by and take a look at the station if you haven't done so recently. Think of the history that this beautiful structure holds, and how many families lives it has touched in the past. It truly is a piece of art. The bus station can be seen at 109 N. Fifth street.
I can only imagine how many families in this area have stood in front of this bus station waving goodbye to their loved ones as they sent them off to military duty, some of which never did make it back home. I for one, remember boarding the bus at this very depot en route to Army boot camp. The image of my parents waving goodbye to me is still as vivid today as it was in 1982. Mixed emotions from fear of really leaving home for the first time coupled with the excitement of seeing the world cluttered my mind.
My journey to Germany where I was stationed for 4 years all began at the entrance of the Blytheville Greyhound bus station. My travels included various parts of England, France, Holland, and Switzerland. I owe a lot to this bus terminal. Tried and true friends that I hold dear to my heart and keep in touch with on a regular basis to this day all began on the steps of this building.
I'm glad that our city government saw fit to save this building. It is believed to be only one of three art deco style Greyhound bus stations existing today, so Blytheville is truly blessed to have such a treasure, and it makes our community unique.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Crime
While reading the Courier News today (12/14/10), I was taken aback by the shear number of crimes that had happened over the weekend. Two incidents really caught my attention as they involved a group of men wearing bandannas in order to obscure their cowardly faces.
The first crime involved four suspects, two of which were brandishing guns which they used to force their way into the residence and rob the homeowners of items that they had worked so hard for.
The second was strikingly similar except this time, they simply kicked in the front door.
I ask, what has become of our little town? Where in the process are we failing as a community? Some would say that the problem lies with our elected officials and the police department, while others will hold the parents accountable for not properly policing their children.
I personally believe that both of the above reasons are only the tip of the ice burg. We need more community involvement from our neighbors and friends. I know that when I was a child, I couldn't make a wrong move without my father or mother knowing about my misdeeds prior to me even walking in the door.
I hope that our new mayor elect James Sanders will make the issue of crime a priority in his administration and combat the criminal element and the effect that it's having on our town. Because of crime, our working citizenry is relocating to places like Jonesboro and Dyersburg to raise their families, and in the process, taking their money with them.
As a community, we need to rally together and solve this issue before it becomes totally out of hand. This requires working together hand in hand with our police department, and getting to know your neighbors. Then, and only then, will the tide start to change for the better. Are you on board with me? I hope so!
The first crime involved four suspects, two of which were brandishing guns which they used to force their way into the residence and rob the homeowners of items that they had worked so hard for.
The second was strikingly similar except this time, they simply kicked in the front door.
I ask, what has become of our little town? Where in the process are we failing as a community? Some would say that the problem lies with our elected officials and the police department, while others will hold the parents accountable for not properly policing their children.
I personally believe that both of the above reasons are only the tip of the ice burg. We need more community involvement from our neighbors and friends. I know that when I was a child, I couldn't make a wrong move without my father or mother knowing about my misdeeds prior to me even walking in the door.
I hope that our new mayor elect James Sanders will make the issue of crime a priority in his administration and combat the criminal element and the effect that it's having on our town. Because of crime, our working citizenry is relocating to places like Jonesboro and Dyersburg to raise their families, and in the process, taking their money with them.
As a community, we need to rally together and solve this issue before it becomes totally out of hand. This requires working together hand in hand with our police department, and getting to know your neighbors. Then, and only then, will the tide start to change for the better. Are you on board with me? I hope so!
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