Vicksburg claims to be the red carpet of the South, however, on Jan. 1 my brother, Jake Stachovak, was attacked as he ventured into town for a hot meal and laundry after his long paddle down the Mississippi River, which originated at the beginning of December in Portage, Wis.

Apparently he was sprayed in the face with a substance by two juvenile thugs for no reason other than being in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was able to stumble into a gas station only to be handed a phone to call 911 himself after he asked for help.

It is sad to think that he was able to safely spend countless hours navigating treacherous waters, wing dams and barges along the river only to then be attacked by animals in your city.

If this is what southern hospitality is all about, I will respectfully stay up here in Wisconsin where we treat one another with true kindness. Vicksburg: If you want to continue to keep the “red carpet” status, you better call a rug doctor, because your town is dirty!

Aaron Stachovak

Manitowac, Wis