So ... the repaving of Quintard Avenue has ground to a halt with almost no progress. Not even one lane is done. “Downtown Anniston” a.k.a. Noble Street downtown is just as crummy as ever. The “bypasses” are stopped in mid stride. The only thing that seems to be going on is that the incinerator is getting ready to burn without precedent.
The supposed “escape” path down Highway 109 is dead in the water. Apparently someone doesn’t want us to live cleanly, safely or efficiently. Why and who? The new state-run ABC Store is up and running. Apparently someone doesn’t want us to drive soberly. Why and who?
It’s as if Alabama and Calhoun County in particular have drifted into a Twilight Zone. What a fantastic place to live!
John Tidball
Saks
On-line
I grew up in the Anniston area and have always tried to keep abreast of the happenings in Anniston and the surrounding cities in Calhoun County. When the on-line services were free and readily accessible, I went to your Web site, religiously. I could read the obituaries and see if any of my childhood friends had succumbed. I have a sister in California and a brother in south Alabama who also enjoyed reading The Anniston Star via the Internet.
We go way back when The Star was across the street from the courthouse. I believe you have let the almighty dollar get in the way of getting the news out to faithful readers of your newspaper. After all, the local newspaper should be the news leader and main source of community events.
Give us a break — bring the free on-line service back to your readers.
Bart Trammell
Indian Springs
Whining
It’s no wonder Alabama is always struggling in trying to get things going right. On every corner there is some person whining about how much better things are in Georgia and other states. If you think these other states are so much better to live in, there is a remedy that will cure your complaints. Just move there but don’t be alarmed if you find your living expenses are a bit more and your taxes are higher. I have lived in Alabama all of my life and have done my share of traveling to other states. I am always more than happy to get back home. A little more optimism and less pessimism about our state could make a great difference.
Martha S. Sims
Bynum
Accused
It is my understanding that a trial date has finally been set for accused murderer Phillip Fondren. If my info is correct the trial comes more than a year after the murder he is accused of. It appears to me that our justice system moves slowly.Everyone says the accused has rights. It appears to me that his victim had rights also. I believe when you are witnessed performing such a crime as murder that you lose all your rights until you serve time for your crime or are given a death sentence.
Instead of giving rights to the accused, our justice system should hold the rights of the victim first and foremost above any rights that the accused may have.
With the elections coming up, our candidates have more to answer for than just our school system.
Tell the people of Calhoun County why accused murderers are freed to walk our streets. Now tell us what you intend to do about it.
Genie Pembrook
Bynum
