Letters to the editor

Letter of thanks

Dear editor:

On behalf of the Vernon County Salvation Army Board, we would. like to thank Ramey's, Wood's and Wal-Mart for allowing LIS to have the kettles and bellringers at your store. We would also like to thank the churches, businesses and individuals who braved the elements and rang the bell to assist in our fund-raising efforts, Most of all we would like to thank those of you who opened your wallets and your hearts and gave so generously.

We assist those in need throughout the year but 99 percent of our funds are raised between Thanksgiving and Christmas. We could not do what we do without the help of so many people. Hopefully you will never need our help but if you do we will be there. Happy Holidays! And God Bless.

-- The Vernon County

Salvation Army Board

Debate tournament a success

Dear editor:

The 21st Annual Nevada High School Forensics Festival was held last weekend and was a complete success. The festival directors are always mindful of those to thank but this year, even more so than in years past, we want to make public mention of how many people were instrumental in making the tournament as fine as it was.

For the first time, this tournament was completely run by volunteers and a large thank you needs to be offered to Mr. Chance Wistrom, Nevada High School principal, and his staff, who made that possible with their complete cooperation and assistance. We want to thank Mr. John Fox, a college student with expertise in areas where we needed help, who volunteered his time for the entire tournament. A very special thank you needs to be offered to Mrs. Tina Sitz and her family for taking on the daunting task of providing the hospitality room for the out of town debate coaches, their transportation staff and all of the many volunteer judges who participated in this year's tournament. We thank Ms. Shelly Swopes of OOPA and her staff who provided a great concessions menu for all the visiting debaters. We also want to thank the Nevada High School custodial staff for taking another huge event in stride and for being so pleasant about it.

As always, the forensics program is deeply indebted to the many individuals who gave time out of their weekend to voluntarily judge all the various competitive events that the tournament offered. The tournament truly cannot happen without them.

As time was running short and the plea went out for more judges, we were astonished at the number of citizens who stepped up to help. We hope each enjoyed being a part of this Nevada High School event and will want to take part in next year's festival.

Lastly, we'd like to make mention of the speech and debate students that we were fortunate enough to get to know.

Throughout the tournament, we were impressed with their knowledge of the jobs to be done and their willingness to do them. They are a great group of kids and they deserve a great speech and debate program.

-- Erin Allen, Kitty Scarborough,

Norlene Hillier, co-directors

of the 2006 Nevada Forensics Festival