Comments on tree chopping incident
Dave,
I just read your editorial that spoke of the tree incident. I only have a couple comments. First,
one must be careful when cutting extra-curricular programs. In a town the size of Minonk, there aren't
many things for kids to do now as it is. It would probably be unwise to take away the few
extra-curricular programs that do exist. Afterall, bored kids with too much energy are probably more
prone to random acts of violence, vandalism, and stupidity. I found your suggestion of character
recognition and prior approval to play sports interesting and somewhat disturbing. As conservative as
I am, I still find the thought of exclusion due to background or personality to be a bit offensive.
Perhaps this stems from my own experiences, but the first questions I would have to ask are how do you
determine a potential student's character and who has the ego, vanity, and audacity to believe they are
qualified to make this judgement?
Eric Olson
Editor's reply: Eric. The best way to judge a person's character is by their actions. If someone commits
an act of vandalism, that is a bad reflection on a person's character and can be used when judging whether
that person should have the priviledge to represent our community on a sports team. I certainly didn't mean
to imply that a particular person can pass judgment on someone else based on his opinion alone. There are accepted community
standards by which people can be judged.
People need leadership
Dave,
I read your editorial and the emails about the tree. The things that
come to mind are that
we "parents, community, educators and" whomever are failing our kids.
It's about goals, leadership
and purpose. Where did chopping on the tree fit into any of this?
Where did the fight downtown fit into goals, leadership or purpose?
I made several mistakes in my life that I wish I hadn't. Looking back
if I had stuck to my goals, used things
and behaved in keeping with their natural purpose I never would have
made those mistakes.
I believe that people are good naturally and that they just need
leadership.
John Hawk.
Please save the tree!
Mr. Uphoff,
I am writing to advise the citizens of Minonk about a recent incident that happened on 5th st. This
past Friday night after the football game my husband and I were awakened with a thud sound from outside.
When we got up and peeked out the window we saw about eight or nine teenagers with a long handle ax
attempting to chop down a tree on the east side of our house . They call this tree the "smoking tree"
because all of the kids that smoke make there trip to the tree before and after school to smoke. The
tree does not belong to us but I like to think that all trees belong to everyone! I was able to locate
a police officer and word has it that he located four of the culprits responsible. The reason I am
writing is to make everyone aware that "our" tree is going to need to be repaired or it will surely die.
It seems that the citizens are getting more of a kick out of my husband hollering at the kids to stop
than realizing that eight or nine teenagers were out and about this night with an ax!
Do they really think that the tree would be the only victim this night? Isn't it enough that the
cemetery has already been desecrated? The vandalism needs to be stopped. Please save the tree.
Rita Lovell
Anyone remember Moulton Street?
Dave, Your writing on Streator was so graphic and interesting that I could almost remember the few visits my friends
and I made there. My only claim to fame was that I was born in the hospital there; and many years later my youngest daughter was also born there. I spent more time in Bloomington where I did have a really sweet gal friend for awhile as well as dating some girls from ISNU and the Catholic Hospital. I believe there was a nefarious side to Bloomington though which some of "not to be named" gentlemen and boys too, found interesting. I believe (or at least I was told) that MOULTON STREET (sp?) was a grand place to spend time and "meet" refined women. It was described to me as being in the south end of Bloomington on "that" street and comprised of three big old houses. I was also told you would recognize the places by the inconspicuous crimson lights. Maybe some of the old timers, who can still recall, can fill in details of a place that must have been breathtaking with its unique interior decor.
At least this is what I heard at the time!
Albie Johnson
Editor's note: Somehow I don't think that anyone who remembers Moulton Street in Bloomington is
going to respond to your request for more memories of that area.
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Reminder for class of 93 reunion
This is just a reminder to the Fieldcrest Class of 1993. We need to have your
RSVP's in by September 19th for our 10 year class reunion. We did our best
to try and reach everyone. Please refer to the invitation on how to respond
back or email christinec@alphacommunitybank.com. Thanks
Leann Judd and Christine Cunningham
Police have cited tree choppers
Dave
I read your editorial regarding the vandalism to the smoking tree that some
young people attempted to chop down on a Friday night after a football game.
My department investigated the incident and obtained statements from the
people who were involved in the incident. A copy of the police reports and
statements were then faxed to the Woodford County State's Attorneys Office
for the State's Attorney to review and charge the subjects who were
responsible with the appropriate charge.
My department has done all it can do at this point. It is not as you stated
in your editorial that we have not cited the individuals involved.
Bill Butler
Chief of Police
Minonk, Illinois
Editors' reply: I did not say that the police did not cite the individuals. I stated
that I thought that they should be cited and I am glad to hear that they have been cited.
In the future I will check with the Police Department first before making a statement.
What crime did the tree do?
I read your editorial about the damage to the smoker's
tree. I just can't believe that some kids would go as
far as to get an axe and go over to the school and try
to chop down this big, old tree. What crime did the
tree do???
Are they THAT opposed to smoking that there was an
urgent need to chop down the tree?? Even if they had
some kind of gripe with the kids who DO smoke, what
does chopping down a tree do?? Well, it leaves a
stump. Okay so now we have a smoker's stump. Are the
smoking kids going to disperse quietly and go away now
that the tree is gone? No. They are going to sit on
the stump and smoke.
Did the problem go away?? No.
Was the situation fixed?? No.
By the way, what exactly IS the problem?? And how,
exactly, is the tree involved?? Hmmm...
I certainly hope that the vandals' parents are going
to be responsible for the care that the tree is going
to need in order to survive. Nothing like a good
expensive bill to remind you to watch your kids and
know where they are.
Vicki Olson
Upset over tree chopping
In response to Rita Lovell's editorial on the vandalism of the tree at the corner of 5th and Maple, I
have to chime in on this one. I was made aware of the damage to the tree on Tuesday, September 2nd.
Our custodian, who incidentally was picking up trash strewn on the ground by clueless students, told me
about the damage to the tree. I emailed the city administrator, Trent Smith, and told him of the damage
and the importance of applying some dressing (perhaps by Spring Green) to the wound before the tree
succumbs. I suspect Trent and the City of Minonk will heed the concerns of citizens who do care about
trees and other esthetics. I hope that the perpetrators of this despicable act, are properly reprimanded.
Perhaps their caring parents would like to foot the bill for a replacement tree of similar size?
Michael Stagliano
Minonk
Editor's note: A mature tree of this size is irreplaceable.
Editorial on Streator triggers memories
Dave,
While I can not conjure up memories of the glory days of Streator, I read with uncanny enthusiasm your
recollection of the work ethic and down home good times. As a teenager and young adult growing up in
a town (in upstate New York) similar in size to Streator, I can relate to the hard work and hard/fun
play. Yes, many of the ole hangouts have vanished replaced with new campy lifestyles replete with
laptops, long cars and tall houses.
Ah, the good ole days.........?
Michael Stagliano
Minonk
Streator people proud of their town
Hi Dave,
As much as I agree on many comments on Streator in your editorial, there are a few things you may
have left out. Streator people are very proud of their town ( something many Minonk folks could use as
an example). I had the pleasure of working with and the honor of supervising many Streator people in
my job for many years. I found them to be very hard working and loyal. They will not take a lot of
crap from anyone but they were always willing to give you the shirt off their back. I have many good
memories and friends in Streator and I salute their resolution to always take the bad with the good
that comes to their town.
Jim "Chop" Jacek
Editor's reply: I agree that Streator people are proud of their town. I did not intend to belittle the
people of Streator. They are good hard working people who have remained loyal to their community in spite
of the hard times that have befallen the city.
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