Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, March 13, 1994 TAG: 9403150173
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE:
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
I couldn't help my family because I am a lineman for a power company. Our families were carrying the home load by themselves because I and the other linemen were working day and night to restore your power. So, the next time the power is off, and you and your families start to get upset, think about the families who do not have their husbands or other family members with them because that person is working to get your power on.
The lineman didn't make the storm happen. We are only human and have to eat and sleep to be productive. Most people were very understanding, but some were very angry. The next time an outage occurs, instead of fussing about what you DON'T have, look around and thank God for what you do have. To our families and customers who were patient, we extend our thanks; for the angry people, we do the best we can every day.
M.B. Albert, and fellow linemen for Virginia Tech Electric Service
Blacksburg
Bury those utility lines
In the wake of the recent ice storms, I've read letters in several newspapers from people chastising the power companies for not keeping tree limbs trimmed away from power lines. The answer is not to cut huge paths of destruction through our forests and neighborhoods but to demand the utility lines be buried.
The power companies will continue to spend millions to repair the damage year after year and continue to cut down our beautiful old trees to install new power lines. Disaster after disaster will occur, leaving thousands without power for days or weeks.
Our alternative is to lobby that the millions of dollars be spent to put in undergound lines. This also will improve the looks and property values of our towns and neighborhoods.
If you support underground power lines, please write to: State Corporation Commission, Energy Regulation Division, P.O. Box 1197, Richmond, Va. 23209.
Meredith McGrath
Floyd
Uncle appalled at verdict
This letter is written concerning the murder trial of Kelly Floyd Marshall. He murdered my niece, Tabitha Jo Bell, who was seven months pregnant. The jury convicted him of second-degree murder, even though he confessed to the murder. Commonwealth's Attorney Phil Keith and his assistant, Skip Schwab, had every aspect of this tragic murder laid out in detail, and nothing short of first-degree murder should have been considered by the jury.
I am appalled that my niece's life and that of her unborn child meant so little to this sick society. Marshall will probably serve no more than seven years for, in his own words, "blowing Tabi's brain out" over a domestic dispute. I've seen people serve more time for a drug conviction.
This sends a clear message to murderers: "If you need to commit murder, Montgomery County is the place to do so."
I hope the jurors can sleep at night and get on with their lives; it's more than my family will ever be able to do.
Jo Thomas
and Tommy E. Thomas
Dublin
English Meadow thanks rescuers
The residents and staff of English Meadow Retirement Residence wish to thank fire and rescue workers who offered assistance in the fire and disaster evacuation on Feb. 11. We would also like to thank the many volunteers, including those from St. Paul United Methodist Church,who helped transfer residents to the Christiansburg Fire House. Life Bible College staff and students were on hand to comfort residents during this disaster. During our five-day stay, we were greeted and fully supported by the Ladies Auxiliary. Town Manager John Lemley and Fire Chief James Epperly worked diligently to assure a smooth transition of a home away from home for 50-60 residents and also staff. Our volunteer firemen offered their support and help daily.
Pastor Mike Vest, Faith Missionary Baptist Church, was unable to hold regular services on Sunday morning, Feb. 13, but came to the fire house to conduct worship services and to comfort our residents.
I would like to thank our dedicated staff and their families for the many hours they worked to care for our residents. Most of our staff were without utilities at home and worked at personal sacrifice to themselves and their families.
Carol Bower, director
English Meadow Retirement Residence,
Christiansburg
Devious solicitations
There seems to be an increasing amount of devious soliciting in the mail these days. The new technique is to barrage you with "You've Won!" "You're a finalist!" "Hurry! Hurry!"
Do these companies believe we are so gullible that we conclude "... all I need to do is place an order and I'll win $7 million."
These catalog companies take maximum advantage of our foolishness. "Purchase is rarely required, but in the past our regular customers have been our biggest winners," they say. After placing an order you figure next time you hear them, you're a winner.
Not true.
Mailing after mailing encourages you to place an order, check the envelope color, move a sticker, stand on your head ... it's all ridiculous. I have been bombarded by close to 30 mailings from one company in the past year and still no one has won, though I'm always the computer-picked instant winner if. ...
I did place an order after the second mailing, partly because I wanted something and partly because of the chance of winning. I fell for it. After 30 mailings I sent them my own sweepstakes form saying, "Hurry, send $1 million today and I'll place my own personal order ... if you're assigned number matches the number in my head!"
Jon Hager
Blacksburg
Concerned about I-73
We are writing to express our deep concerns over the proposed routes for Interstate 73. Suggestions include lengthy routes that would result in tremendous expenses and questionable use of tax money.
It is understandable that this way may provide temporary jobs and possible revenue to the Roanoke area - but at what cost? - and not just in dollars.
Consider the cost of the beauty of the country that cannot be replaced. We, as individuals and as parents must draw the line as to what may be bought. The scenic routes involving the Catawba Valley will have a serious impact on the agricultural community. Not long ago this area was designated as a Virginia Byway.
This is not only a functioning agricultural community but a recreational haven as well. Hunting traditions are experienced by generations and landowners often choose to create their final resting places in these mountains.
Montgomery County has poorly informed taxpayers of the possible changes and the tremendous impact this may imply. This is inexcusable and for many will not be forgotten.
A question we continue to ask is "Why expend so much money when so many other needs are vast?" Do we really need another interstate between Blacksburg and Roanoke?
David and Tina McPherson, James and Evelyn McPherson
Blacksburg
Fortunate to live in Radford
During the recent ice storms we were reminded again of how fortunate we are to live in Radford where we have one of the best electrical departments in the state. William Willis and his crew are to be commended for their untiring efforts in restoring electrical power in a minimum amount of time under adverse conditions.
We are truly grateful for the dedication and hard work of our city employees in their continuing efforts in cleaning up the storm debris. Under the leadership of City Manager Robert Asbury, we were spared an extended disruption of services.
William Lorton
Radford
by CNB