I drove into Portsmouth one morning last week just to see what was happening at Gallia and Waller. I picked up Stan Workman, a long-time friend, and along with my wife, we headed for Hickies in New Boston. I cannot get within 25 miles of that area without a stop at that place. There happened to be a high school choir eating and was just finishing up. Shug, as always, had them bless us with a Christmas song. Delightful.

But the sad part was when we left, and got back to Gallia and Waller. The old big building we knew as a great school was being knocked to the ground. Could not help but think of the many successful people that went through those hallways. We just wondered if they knew it was being torn down, would they also come back and shed a few tears.

The old town is a changin'.

Dave Miller

Reynoldsburg

Citizen upset with the garbage fee hike in Portsmouth

The residents of Portsmouth should strike against the sanitation department and not set out their garbage, for raising the fee. They would not hesitate to go on strike if their income was to be lowered because of the city's debt.

Jerrie Sutherland

Portsmouth

Special Olympics' thanks Shawnee State for basketball clinics

As Scioto County's Special Olympics' coordinator, this letter is an acknowledgement of the gratitude that I, Steve Zeune and Bill Adams, public information assistant, have for Shawnee State helping us during our first full season of Special Olympics.

On Nov. 28, the SSU's men's basketball team graciously hosted a basketball clinic for both the Scioto County's student and adult basketball teams.

As for people who have been planning for our upcoming season, we couldn't be more pleased for what the men's team had done for us, by allowing us to train with them.

The sport of basketball is universal. There are no barriers. When people are on the same court, relationships may develop by learning about one another by player's stories.

There are so many ways to be educated beyond the classroom, and to have the opportunity to spend some time with strangers, and learn about who they are. It is a privilege to all because one can learn by listening to their experiences.

As for us, it was a treat and an honor to be on the same court with a collegiate team. We hope that we can make this an annual event because it benefited all of those who were on the court, the Special Olympians, the Shawnee State Bears, the coaches and the volunteers who support all three teams.

Also, a special thanks goes out to some of the Shawnee State students, who are volunteering their own time to help us out throughout this season with our different sporting events. Without your assistance, we wouldn't be able to make this season such a successful one.

Shawnee State is helping out in the community, and by partnering with the Scioto County's Special Olympics program, it shows to the community what a respectable institution Shawnee State University is.

Steve Zeune and Bill Adams

Portsmouth

Potter's House Ministries thanks Wheelersburg students for food drive

I would like to personally thank the Wheelersburg School (K-12). These kids had a food drive and donated half of the food to The Potter's House Ministries in Sciotoville, to give to the less fortunate.

It came at a time when help is hard to find.

People in Scioto County are going hungry and these kids did a great job. They separated boxes (meat, vegetable, fruit). There were about 1250 items. I'm a volunteer at PHM and was so touched. Everyone at The Potter's House Ministries would like to thank each one of the students and Ellen Bell for a job well done.

Margie Price

Sciotoville