Letters to the Editor

The Rawlins County Square Deal welcomes letters to the editor. They will be judged for brevity and good taste and will be subject to editing. A letter that may be libelous will not be published. Letters to the editor must be signed.

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The Square Deal's email address is
squaredeal114@sbcglobal.net

Snap, pop crack(down) on fireworks

By Tara Fields

?Every year it scares us when we see kids — little kids — holding fireworks in their hand, waiting for the perfect time to release so that it blows in the air.
Smaller kids, who see the older kids foolishly messing around with explosives, wait for the day when they feel brave enough to do it themselves.
It’s almost like a rite-of-passage.
Fun for kids.
Anxiety attack for adults.
As we grow older, those daring tricks — even popping a balloon or breaking open a can of crescent rolls — can be nerve-racking.
(Maybe that’s why Moms seem to always leave that kind of “fun” for the kids, who enjoy the anxiety of it all).
For anyone who has had even a Black Cat explode in his hand, the fun goes away and the fear replaces it. The deep burning, throbbing and discoloration followed by the eerie numbness, waiting for the appendage to suddenly fall off, is a memory never to be forgotten.
Kids don’t have to have that memory.
Parents need to supervise.
Don’t give them a lighter to ignite the fireworks. Make them use the punks, which ignite the fuses more safely. Don’t let them hold the fireworks in their hands, mouths or even between their toes. Shoot them off away from crowds. If they don’t listen, take the fireworks away and tell them next year they might be old enough to handle it.
If you don’t believe the danger of mishandling, Google “fireworks injuries” under the images section on the internet. We were going to include an image to hammer home the point, but, quite frankly, the aftermath belongs in a gory film, not the Square Deal.
We’re not trying to be fuddy-duddies. We just like watching your precious children walk by the office — on two legs — and wave at us through the window — with all 10 fingers — after the smoke clears.

— Letters to the Editor –

Reader requests leash on practices

?To the editor:

?I would like to make an appeal to the Rawlins County Hospital administration and board members.
It is my opinion that the collection practices of the law firm you have hired should be looked at. I have had several payment arrangements in the past that never seem to last.
Furthermore, I have been to court four times or more without reaching an agreement.
Last week in court, this law firm seized the cash in my pocket, down to the last penny. Also, my payment offer of $50 a month was refused.
In my opinion, this law firm will do anything to make life a living hell. I am asking the hospital administration and board to put a leash on their law dogs.

David Reuber

Rider supports 'right to repair'

To the editor:

?The Motorcycle Riders Foundation strongly supports the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (HR 2057) and urges Congress to swiftly pass the legislation in order to safeguard individual vehicle ownership rights today and in the future.
We believe that consumers are entitled to the right to choose how their motorcycle, car or other type of vehicle is maintained or upgraded. The point of Right to Repair is to protect the freedom of American consumers to choose how they take care of their vehicles, be it in their driveway or at a trusted repair facility, and to ensure that they have access to all the information required to complete service and repairs.
Vehicles, including motorcycles, are becoming increasingly complex with the addition of more and more computer technology, and that is only going to increase in the future. Ready access to accurate service and repair information from the manufacturers is essential to the safety and well being of the entire American motoring public.
We encourage all motorists to visit www.righttorepair.org to send a letter to each of their congressional representatives, urging them to support the Right to Repair Act by adding their names to the growing list of co-sponsors.


Jeff Hennie
Vice President of
Government Relations Motorcycle Riders Foundation

Active Duty Military Personnel

Editor’s Note: The following addresses of active duty military personnel, along with information about their Rawlins County ties, were provided by Virgie Burk.
We encourage everyone to remember our armed services personnel with cards and letters, not just during the holidays, but also throughout the year.
The Square Deal is pleased to publish addresses of servicemen and women on active duty who might enjoy hearing from hometown friends. Submit addresses to the Square Deal, Box 371, Atwood, KS 67730 or email to squaredeal114@sbcglobal.net

Sgt. Dean Stark, c/o Katie Stark, 23 Southern Oaks Dr., Ft. Stewart, GA 31315.

Alex Bebb, son of Dean and Marlene Bebb. His address is: ?Alex Bebb, HHC 3-509 IN, FOB Orgun-e, APO, AE 09311.

Justin Antholz, son of Michelle and Robbin Antholz of McDonald, is now serving in Iraq. He would enjoy hearing from family and friends. His address is PFC Antholz, Justin R., 1st LAR Bn H&S Co, Co. Office 40595, FPO AP 96426-0595.

SPC Paul Andrijeski, DCO 50 NSB 2 FOB SPICHER, APO AEO 9393. Son of Kathy Vap and grandson of Evelyn Vap.

Tim Reidy, 58 Terra Court, St. Mary’s, GA 31558. Wife: Julie Burk Reidy. He has no address; Julie will email message. Julie’s parents are Elmer and Rita Burk; grandmothers: Agnes Burk and Lucille Sramek.

Maurice Pianalto (Civ), M7 Aerospace, A Co 249th Avn Reg, APO AE 09391. Son of Margaret Pianalto.

CPL Morgan Waterman, 2nd BN 3DMAR 3DMARDIV, Whiskey CO PLT, Unit 44065, FPO AP 96607-4065. Son of Donnie and RosaLee Waterman and grandson of Ray and Rosa Trail and Lila Waterman.

PFC Jayme Hestermann, HHC STB BDE 41D, APO AE 09378. Son of James “Dino” and Roxane Hestermann and grandson of Ray and Rosa Trail and Bud and Betty Hestermann.

Cpl. Jesse Davenport, PO BOX 823, Indian Head, MD 20640. Son of John and Dora Davenport.

PFC Ricky Alan Musgrave HHC, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, APO AE 09390. Son of Virginia Musgrave Cahoj.

SRA Tommy K. Smith, 5519 Lucky Lane, Wichita Falls, TX 76306 (Sheppard AFB, TX 76311). Son of Phyllis Reed.

CW3 J.D., Souchek, ACO TASK FORCE, 165th MI B.N., APO AE 09354. Son of Frances Souchek.

AB Mark A. Brown, 6989, 621 F Ave # 15346, Sheppard AFB, TX 76311-7500, e-mail brownm4@gimail.af.mil. Son of James and Robin Brown.

Jacob Vrbas, 1201 SW Harrier Circle #103, Oak Harbor, WA 98277. Son of Jerry and Kathy Vrbas.

Judy Lynn Harris, US Embassy, Health Unite, APO AE 09316. Daughter of Lee and Marion Morales.

PFC Zachary Walker, C/ 4-23 Inf. Regt, APO AE 09319, Son of Cecil and Connie Marintzer Walker and nephew of Bud and Vicky Mumm.

1LT Aric Harris, Task Force Tornado, Camp Bondsteel, APO AE 09340. Husband of Jamie Wilkinson Harris and son-in-law of Cheryl and Greg Wilkinson.

Sgt. Ronald D. Stark II, 22 Dearborn Circle, Fort Stewart, GA 31315. Currently serving in Iraq. Mail will reach him at above address. Son of Ardis Stark of Atwood and the late Ron Stark. Grandson of Ada Schruben of Atwood.

S-Sgt. Joshua Woody, 2704 Gray Fox, Jacksonville, AR 72076. Son of Steve and Lisa Woody.

1st Lt. Abram Woody, 206 Rickenbacker, Laughlin AFB, TX 78840. Son of Steve and Lisa Woody.

PFC Kelly R. Simmonds, MRB-Co. A/Bldg. 5641, Unit 731, Bldg. 6038, Doughboy Loop, Ft. Dix, NJ 08640-9001.