Where did she get her facts?
To the Editor:
I am writing to the editor after several letters in the Argus about the CJC. Where did Ms. Heather Gray of the Spring Grove Herald get her facts? Iím curious when she says that a small group of vocal opponents are fighting this project. That may be so. Most people probably figure it wonít do any good. From the ones Iíve talked to, they donít want the jail packed into the courthouse location. It is like packing 10 pounds of crap in a 5-pound bag.

I believe as many others do that a new jail is needed, but not in the location of the courthouse. You talk of the future, 40-50 years from now what will you do then - tear down 10 more houses and a couple of business buildings to make room for expansion? Now is the time to build for the future at a site on the edge of town with room to grow. It didnít take long to find a new location for the county shop. Hmm, I guess I am wondering how someone suggested that the 2.5 acres extra on that site be used for the jail, but no, that was not big enough. Instead we will jam it in this small area next to the courthouse (the size of what). Not even a third of the parking thatís needed would be available.

In Ms. Grayís letter, she says we need 30-40 acres on the edge of town. Thirty to forty acres, I thought we were going to jam it in at the courthouse. Make room at the courthouse ñ move the new building away. For the most part the commissioners have been doing a good job on other county business. For some reason, they continue to push for the courthouse location.

It has been stated that the people of Caledonia need to take a stand. I agree, and they have. My hats off to the city council members and mayor for finally taking the stand. I donít think tearing down more houses and business buildings and eroding the cityís tax base is in the interest of citizens of Caledonia.

I went to high school in La Crescent. A new school area. There was nothing. You talk of your mythical lands; look at that area now in 35 years and itís surrounded by homes. Donít you think that the edge of Caledonia is going to move a little in the next 30 years? Look at all the new houses going up out there. Somehow they have found a way to get sewer and water and other utilities. We as responsible persons need to move with this growth. I again hope that the commissioners will consider moving the project to a site on the edge of town.

Itís not only the people of Caledonia that will be paying for this jail. Itís the people of Eitzen, Freeburg, Brownsville, Hokah, La Crescent, Spring Grove, Houston and the farmers and people in the rural areas, and the ones way out here in Reno.

Ken Schaller
Brownsville, Minn.

Opportunity is here now

To the Editor:
To many Houston County citizens, the relief of stress from the prior location of the CJC has been excellent medicine. (Especially for the senior citizen.) As Charlie Warner (Argus Editor) so effectively stated in the Argus on Oct. 3, "It is time to move on and make lemonade from lemons."

While the CJC is one opportunity to make lemonade, we also have a 100 year opportunity to assist many of our neighbors who have been flooded with lemons and need our help to make tons of lemonade.

There is one major basic need that is now greater than ever - FOOD. Support your local food collectors to include churches and food shelves. If nothing else, send them a donation. We are near thanksgiving and other holidays.

This year the needs will be greater than ever, especially for senior citizens. Did you know that the poverty rate for a family of one (including one senior citizen family) is $10,210? Did you also know that in rural areas, the majority of senior citizens receive less than $10,210 in social security before deductions for Medicare expenses, etc?

If you were lucky enough not to obtain damages in recent months, thank God and help your neighbor. The need has greatly grown this year. Relieve the stress of many. Give food and money. Do your best. The need has not and will not vanish in the near future.

Larry Salm
Caledonia, Minn.

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Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475

E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com