Letters to the Editor

To the Editor:

As we celebrate 100 years of building girls of courage, confidence, and character, I want to take a moment to thank all of our volunteers for their contributions to that important mission. Last year, Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland had a nearly 18 percent increase in its girl membership -- an exciting change that could never have been realized without the help of our volunteers.

Whether it's their first year or fifth decade giving time to mentor and change the lives of girls, our volunteers put in countless hours to make a difference. They are often present for the first time a girl conquers a fear, meets a goal, or learns something new about the world -- and it is because of their commitment, generosity, and heart that girls in our jurisdiction can continue to challenge themselves to learn and grow safely and productively.

On April 22 each year, we celebrate Girl Scout Leader's Day -- a day in honor of the volunteers

across the country who give their time as girls' mentors, supporters, and advocates. We are grateful that they continue to prioritize this organization as one worthy of their time and talent.

Anne Soots, Interim CEO

Girl Scouts of the Missouri Heartland

To the Editor:

An article written by the Salina Journal and published in The Fort Scott Tribune recently brought back something to my mind that has always been very important.

Salina is a first-clas city, and as such, is a regional hub for business. Therefore, it attracts, for example, retailers and restaurants to locate there which in turn creates such things as jobs, a greater tax base and more sales tax which is quite beneficial to the city and the county where it is located.

Records will show that any county in Kansas that does not have at least one first-class city has greater financial problems because of the loss of population and lower tax base.

In the past when we were recruiting business to come to Fort Scott or helping existing businesses to expand, we always pointed out to them that even though we were smaller than some in population, Fort Scott was a first-class city.

It is true today as it was then to be a first-class city it had to meet the following criteria:

* Good hardworking, educated citizens.

* First-class local health care services.

* Well-managed city government.

* Outstanding educational system from kindergarten through two years of college.

* Great local recreational programs and facilities for all age groups.

* A number of churches to choose from.

* Good access to major highways for shopping, etc.

* Well-trained and equipped firemen and police officers.

* The service provided by a local radio station and a local daily newspaper.

We are blessed to be able to offer a first-class city to prospective businesses and industry, the citizens in our city, Bourbon County and all of our neighbors and we need to keep it that way.

Gene DuVall

Fort Scott