Farming practices worsen flooding (06/24/08)

To the editor:

While people return to their neighborhoods ravaged by floodwaters it is important to understand how farming practices contribute significantly to these devastating flood events.

Many chemicals applied to land and certain tillage operations result in the soil having a lot less water holding capacity. Soil erosion also as a consequence of these practices allows sediment to accumulate in waterways and thus reduce rivers' water carrying capacity. These factors risk increased potential for severe flooding. Returning farmland to more pasture and cover-crops and using less "soil killing" chemicals (all the "cides") will allow rain a chance to percolate into a healthier soil where a bigger "sponge" will hold this water for crops for future use instead of the water flowing down a field tile or flowing over the land eroding earth's precious life sustaining soil.

Fellow Americans let's take responsibility for our soil, rivers, and neighborhoods! Promote sustainable farming practices which will do more than anything else in reducing the risk of flooding.

Mark Grieshop

Decatur



Help needed

To the editor:

I am writing in regards to a young man who passed away before his time. Chad Street was born Sept. 16, 1971 and passed away Oct. 27, 2007 from ALS (Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis), better known as Lou Gehrig's disease.

Chad enjoyed spending time with his family, riding motorcycles, and hunting with his dogs.

I have started the J.C. Bikers group in Jay County with some help from a small group of people. We would like to have a memorial ride for Chad.

Chad's wife, Lisa, and his mother, Jean, felt this would be a great way to honor chad and give to the ALS organization of Indiana. This organization assists families affected by Lou Gehrig's disease.

We are looking for sponsors to donate $100 to have their business name on the back of the t-shirt. We will be satisfied with any amount and hope that you can help. Please make checks payable to J.C. Bikers.

If you have any questions, call me at (765) 768-1825 or (765) 744-7224.

If you have any questions regarding Indiana ALS please contact the executive director at (317) 915-9888 or e-mail her at [email protected].

Checks may be mailed to J.C. Bikers, 4946 S. Arlington Ave., Dunkirk, IN, 47336.

You may also make donations at Crossroads Financial Federal Credit Union during business hours.

We will be ending the memorial ride with a hog roast and door prizes. If you would like to donate a door prize, please contact me. Sponsor money and donated items are due July 26.

Andrea Weekley

Dunkirk

Benefit thanks

To the editor:

The Brown benefit held May 17 for Richard was a great success. Maybe you prayed for us, bought tickets for the meal, donated or worked. Whatever your part was to support the benefit, it will not be forgotten and we would like to thank you.

Names would be too many to mention of everyone who stepped up to the plate to support us, but we would like to say a special thank you to Jerry Fifer at the Moose Lodge for allowing us to hold the event at the Moose, and for his help.

A special thanks also to the Judge Haynes staff. Special thanks to Vicki Foudray and her helpers for cooking and serving an awesome meal.

And thanks to everyone who stayed for a good time party with "Fat Alice." Everything was good.

Again, a big thank you.

Louise Harter, Terri Franklin and Richard Brown[[In-content Ad]]