WCMessenger.com Opinion: Letters to the Editorhttp://www.wcmessenger.com/opinionThe latest Letters to the Editor from WCMessenger.comen-gb30 Jul 08 11:14 AMCopyright Opinion29 Nov 08 8:40 AM A shared stadium is the answer http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/letters/EkkZAZylkZcjzgevio.phpThere is a group of community supporters attempting to raise sufficient funds to replace the real grass of the Decatur High School football field with artificial turf. This would bring significant improvements to the playing surface, but at a cost of $800,000 to $1 million. The cost could be recovered over eight to 10 years of reduced maintenance costs. Headline was misleading http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/letters/EkkZZEEFEEEUGsMmzR.phpI sent a letter to the editor last week bragging about the newly formed Citizens' Police Academy. I spent some time putting my words together to try and make my point. When the letter was printed, my headline was not used. The headline instead read "Citizens on patrol." Turf is not needed http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/letters/EkkZZEEkluwrhChRVg.phpIf economic times were not so bad, the artificial turf (for Decatur High School) idea would be humorous. Turf makes no sense http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/letters/EkkZZEEkuAyteWJTJJ.phpReal or fake? Now that's a million dollar question. Citizens on patrol http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/letters/EkkZuVZpEugrPkxwpC.phpWe have just completed the first Citizens Police Academy offered by the city of Decatur. The program is designed to open lines of communication between the community and the police department. Photo captured Panther Pride http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/letters/EkkZuVyAlpzEQBoWiL.phpPictures have the power to capture a moment of a memory and to create an image that can stand alone by replacing the words necessary to convey its importance. Hospital provided excellent care http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/letters/EkkZEpVuVZuWJevMdX.phpI am writing in honor and appreciation of the Wise Regional Health System. Sissies volleyball team made history http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/letters/EkkZEpVuEkliPwINXY.phpI would like to say "way to go" to the Sissies volleyball team and coaching staff. You have a lot to be proud of. Kudos to the election office http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/letters/EkkyZZuFEZkdrGkCYQ.phpThank you to our election administration office. Dennis Hudson deserves recognition http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/letters/EkkyZZukAEDjwYksSL.phpI have lived in Decatur all of my life - more than 60 years - except for three years in the Army in the late 1960s. My mother is 86 years old and was born and has lived here all her life. We have seen many changes in Decatur, some for the worst and a lot for the good of the town. Statistics are insulting http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/letters/EkkyVpkukZgRRBYphv.phpUpon my arrival in Wise County in 1994, I heard of the rivalry between Bridgeport and Decatur. Not being from this area, I thought the "friction" was similar to that of many Texas school rivalries. But since I have lived here, I have come to realize the genuine air of superiority that Decatur maintains not only with Bridgeport, but also with other surrounding communities. Thanks for your support http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/letters/EkkyVpkupkBxkmTgmT.phpI would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every person that supported my dad, Wise County Constable Dennis Hudson, in seeking re-election in this year's local election. So many of you contributed by volunteering to campaign for him, displaying signs, writing letters to the editor or providing signatures and monetary donations. I cannot tell you how much we appreciate your efforts! Voter turnout was great http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/letters/EkkyVpkFZkqeQqSnDB.phpPrecinct 15 in Runaway Bay has about 1,100 registered voters. The turnout on election day was 467, and the number of early and absentee voters was about 300. The numbers show that about 67 percent voted. This exceeds the state and county number which was about 57 percent. Good job, Decatur band http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/letters/EkkyEyZpFuYrOfpvdC.phpI had the wonderful opportunity of getting to see the Decatur High School band in action at contest a few weeks ago, and I must say that I am extremely impressed. Get on the bus http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/letters/EkkyEyZppEHJtlOpbJ.phpIt's post Election Day in America and the founder's claim, "We hold these truths to be self-evident that all men are created equal" has been endorsed and validated in a big way by a large cross-section of Americans of all creeds, ages and persuasions. Why was his race listed? http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/letters/EkkVlAyAuAcosQyxlu.phpIt was so nice to see the article on David Minor - until I turned to the second half on page 8A. Thanks, emergency teams http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/letters/EkkVlAyllZVraZBdnU.phpThank you to all the emergency teams who responded to the fire at Westwind Manor Oct. 29. Your dedication is often overlooked. Matthews was a great man http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/letters/EkkVVykkFATQqLiSJD.phpI really enjoyed the article this past week about Ivan Matthews. No one that I can think of deserves to be recognized and remembered in such a fitting way. A Silent Day http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/letters/EkkVkAEkkuwqwqifed.phpMy name's Katie Rodden, and I first learned about the Silent Day movement on my family vacation to Washington D.C. this summer. Congratulations Decatur High School Band http://www.wcmessenger.com/opinion/letters/EkkVkAEEAZFcpYaxUV.phpThe DHS Band advanced to Area Finals on Saturday for the first time in school history. After the preliminary contest, we were in eighth place overall. We marched again later that evening in a very stout finals competition. We finished the evening in 10th place.