Speeding under control, so focus on thefts, vandalism

Published 12:00 am Sunday, January 25, 2009

I received a call informing me that one of my trucks parked at my office on Clay Street had been broken into. The back window was broken to gain entrance.

As I headed down Indiana Avenue toward home to get the keys, I got a speeding ticket from two police officers for doing 50 in a 35 mph zone.

Afterward, I got the keys, took the truck home and came to work the next day to find another one of my trucks had the front and back windows broken out. The dash was also taken out. I drove it to the shop.

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On the way I noticed cars being pulled over by another set of two police officers on South Frontage Road. And, as I went past Wal-Mart and Bowmar Church, I noticed more police had more cars stopped giving them tickets. Later, an elderly lady living on Social Security told me that she and her husband were doing 50 and were pulled over near a lighted sign saying the speed limit was 45 when it was blinking. It was not blinking. She said she figured if blinking was 45, then not blinking had to be more. No one would guess it to be less, but she said the policeman told them that the speed limit was 35.

She also said people coming from south of Vicksburg could take the Natchez Trace, shop in Jackson, and miss getting tickets in Vicksburg. It’s hard to drive 30 on a four-lane highway.

Recently, a property I was remodeling was broken into. A window glass was broken out, a big-screen TV, wiring and air unit were stolen. I have also been approached in two different parts of town by a gang and also had a truck stolen and wrecked while parked on Washington Street.

I’m glad we have plenty of police officers handling speeding. I don’t believe those speeders, who probably work every day, are the ones causing me problems. I heard we are going to get cameras to catch speeders. Maybe we need cameras so the police could spend their time on gunshots, drug sales, breaking and entering, vandalism, etc., taking place. Maybe we could pay so much a year — sort of like an annual pass for tickets — and give officers some relief or free up some of their time. These are good officers and seem to be hard workers. I believe their direction should be changed.

Doug Upchurch

Vicksburg

Seal borders, legalize drugs

Regarding your Jan. 13 editorial, “Demand: U.S. drug users fuel bloodshed in Mexico,” and your Dec. 10 editorial, “Still deadly,” the simple solution to Mexican drug trafficking is apparent to all. President Obama should order his new national security team and our troops now guarding Iraq’s borders to close our borders — and yes, they can be closed.

In my opinion, you should be printing articles about Border Patrol agents Ramos and Compean as they sat in prison for doing their jobs protecting our borders from illegal aliens and drug smugglers (until their sentences were commuted by President Bush last Sunday.) Instead, we read that the drug problem in Mexico would be solved if Americans would quit buying the drugs?

Although the legalization of booze was fought by all the people growing rich from clandestine liquor sales, a tremendous amount of crime was eliminated and tax money collected when booze was legalized. The same effect can be expected if drugs were treated in an identical manner.

Betty Davis

Vicksburg

Signs enhance Redbone safety

With reference to last Sunday’s letter objecting, I for one am very thankful for the three-way stop at Singing Hills and Redbone roads.

I have driven Redbone road for 25 years, and I drive past Singing Hills five days a week at 6 a.m. and have had many close calls over the years of people not stopping at the sign that was provided. At least now there is a three-way stop, so I will be stopped for those that don’t stop when entering Redbone from Singing Hills.

Thanks for my government looking out for me.

Sammie Loper

Vicksburg

Keep local folks working

President Barack Obama in his inaugural address said, “Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age.” This is a very sad commentary on our country’s financial leadership. So few have affected so many!

Vicksburg is unique in weathering these difficult financial times.

Our county and city leadership have done well in moving Vicksburg and Warren County forward. Many take exception to decisions made, but we move on. Now we need to join hands and pull together like never before. We need to use local professionals (doctors, lawyers, accountants, insurance agents, etc.) when problems arise if at all possible.

We need to shop in our city and county. Considering gas cost I think our small-business owners are fair with us in their pricing. Corps of Engineers, restaurants, antebellum homes, gambling casinos, the military park and the ever-changing Mississippi River add to the versatility of our community. Many have lost their jobs and we don’t want to lose anyone who does not want to leave.

The City of Vicksburg and Warren County need to establish an employment fund to give as many unemployed as possible  a job. Everybody who wants to work should have a job. Paving, a new sports complex, etc., are very important.

But our most important asset is the friendly folks of Warren County and we should support them in this time of great need.

Samuel B. Heltzel

Vicksburg