Judo club: Thanks for great year

To the editor:

All of us at Judan Judo would like to thank our community of supporters for another great year. Many things have happened this year. In May, our program was given the opportunity to again host the Indiana State Judo Championships, which drew competitors from all over Indiana and surrounding states.

The support of local businesses made this event very successful. In June, a group of students went to Japan, where they were able to observe and practice Judo in its country of origin. Our trip to Japan was dramatically changed at the last minute due to the H1N1 virus. Many members of our community stepped forward to rescue through their generous giving.

Thanks to the many individuals, businesses and service groups that made this trip a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. In July, several Judan athletes traveled to Florida to compete in the USA Judo National Championships. For many this was their first taste of Judo at national level.

We came home with two medals: Kelci Bostic, 2nd; Isabelle Minnich, 3rd, and many memories to share. On the international level, Kelsi Bostic went to the Junior Pan-American Championships in Equador, bringing home the bronze.

We would like to thank the Fourth of July Committee, the Tri-State Tractor and Engine Association, and the Jay County Solid Waste District for their support in our fund-raising efforts.

Since Judan Judo opened in Portland in 1977, we have done our best to provide a year-round program that attempts to be a place "Where all children can be champions."

And since Judan Judo is a not-for-profit organization, our community has helped make this possible. This past year would not have been the success it was without the support of this community and our parents who have spent countless hours fundraising.

Thank you for all your help and contributions.

Vickie Daniels and

Brad Daniels

Judan Judo

Why?

To the editor:

I'll try this again. I wrote a letter about the jail but did not make the paper.

Most people would not let a contractor start a job, especially one worth several million dollars.

I still think the old Wal-Mart would have made a nice jail. It was out of downtown with plenty of space for parking.

What are we going to do?

Buy another property for parking?

Richard Haffner

Portland[[In-content Ad]]