Opinion

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Doorway for jets

I am a pilot and an airport businessman who is against the proposed new airport ordinance. My concern is for my friends and neighbors in Douglas County because our county is not providing a complete and honest picture on the airport. Fear-mongering tactics have been employed to claim we desperately need FAA funding and must go to any lengths to retain that funding or taxpayers will foot the bill. This is false.

Then there was one

In protest, I am reluctantly withdrawing from the Sept. 8 airport ordinance debate. With a long career in executive management, and much time aviating and studying political goings-on at Minden airport, I have seen a relentless stream of bias on airport matters. The Sept. 8 debate structure is no different. It will not provide the electorate with a fair and balanced picture so I can not support it.

Hard position to defend

Mr. Burnes' letter of Friday related to the airport ordinance, whereby he dropped out of the "con" debate team, is sad but to be expected. Trying to defend an unreasoned position is difficult and obviously frustrating.

Progress by any other name

In the last two years, more Douglas County students have attended schools on the federal watch list for No Child Left Behind than in the previous five years combined.

Lord's Prayer more than a simple prayer

The Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6:13-19 is probably the most familiar prayer in the Bible. It is venerated for its pure simplicity, needing little explanation. A closer look however, reveals it may be profound as well as simple. It is comprehensive of all major themes Jesus taught.

Parks and rec classes for September

Douglas County Parks & Recreation offers activities and classes for children to seniors. Registration is required for all classes. Information at 1327 Waterloo Lane, Gardnerville, or 782-9828.

Upcoming activities at the historical society

There are just a few days left for you to enter the August photo contest. Send us your best photo of what August in Douglas County looks like to you by 4 p.m. Aug. 31. You can take a photo in to the Gardnerville museum or you can e-mail it to the address below. Our judges will pick a winner which will be announced in next week's column.

Arts & Entertainment for Aug. 27

The deadline is Wednesday to submit local arts and entertainment information in this column. Contact People Editor Sharlene Irete at sirete@recordcourier.

Scout creates animal shelter project

Steven Hennefer joined the Boy Scouts in the first grade. Since then he has been working diligently toward earning the prestigious Eagle Scout award. Only three of 100 Scouts will make it to Eagle Scout by the time they turn 18. To achieve this goal, Steven has spent a lot of weekends attending educational workshops learning more about the extensive requirements. At 14, Steven is one of the youngest to fulfill the criteria to reach this prestigious group of young men.

In the Spotlight for Aug. 27

The Town of Genoa seeks volunteers to help make candy for the 90th annual Genoa Candy Dance Arts & Crafts Faire, held on Sept. 25-26. Candy making begins 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Saturday, and continues 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday through Sept. 15. Volunteer information, Genoa Town Offices, 782-8696.

A different Angle

My grandson and I went to a political rally to hear Sharron Angle speak Aug.13. We both had some concerns regarding some of her statements but realizing her opponent's reptilian style of doing business, including political campaigning, our concerns would be addressed.

Get out and howl with Big Bad Wolf

You know you've been wanting to dance in the park all summer and this is your last chance for the year. Get out and howl with Big Bad Wolf tonight in the season's last concert in the park.

Bring back our lights

It is a sad world that we live in when someone feels the need to steal something form someone else. Last night, Aug. 24, under the cover of darkness, some coward chose to enter our front yard to steal our recently purchased lovely solar landscape lights ... all eight. They had the audacity to come right to our front door. We take pride in our yard and home and feel very violated.

Fairgrounds water rate increase outrageous

We recently received a notice from the county that our water rates will be going up effective Oct. 1. We didn't realize just how much they were going up until we found out that we were not in the East Valley Water District, as we thought, but instead in the Fairgrounds District. To say that the difference between the two district increases is substantial would be to understate it.

Too much for water

After doing a little reading about the upcoming water rate hikes for the local Douglas County water systems, I was very surprised to see that the rates are going up so much, especially for the fairgrounds district. If you live in that district, as we do, you will see your monthly base rate go from approximately $15 to $62.89 per month. That is a hike of 419-percent. That should get everyone's attention, and that is just the base rate.