TO THE EDITOR

Yesterday, I had a conversation over the idea of building a new school in our county. We discussed the letter written several weeks ago by Miss Leah Guillebeau. Miss Guillebeau made her argument against building a new facility and cited numerous reasons why she felt this way. I felt like holding a pep rally in her honor and yet, many have criticized and ridiculed her comments and ideas. I continue to agree with Miss Guillebeau and strongly oppose building a new and "improved" high school for Lincoln County. Some of our own teachers agree they are praying they retire before a new school is built.

I love this town. I love everything about it, including the beautiful old school house that has graced the corner of Sunrise Drive and Goshen Street for so many years. I love history and I love architecture. I love the charm and warmth of our high school. I have visited and worked in the surrounding school districts and I absolutely hate the institution-like structures that are replacing the "blackholes" that have provided educations to thousands of successful graduates over past generations. They are like prisons, cold and hollow. Teachers from Thomson and Greenbriar agree they hate their classrooms.

Yes, I am very nostalgic. Like Miss Guillebeau, it excites me to think that one day my children may walk down the same school halls where I once learned. Learning is the sole purpose of school buildings isn't it? I know many of you have heard the old phrase, "You can't judge a book by its cover!" How true that is. Yet, some feel that by building new walls it will change what is occurring within them. Certainly we will have a beautiful and modern structure, but will it really matter if we have so many graduating that will continue to live in poverty? Who cares what the school building looks like if the students can't read a job application or pass the graduation exam? Who cares if we have new labs, new restrooms, etc., if the kids can't compete on the CRCT?

Every time taxes are raised on behalf of the school, we hear about all the federal funding being cut and how the local governments are having to make up the difference. Right now teachers are struggling to have the basic necessities. I know of one child with special needs in Lincoln County who has been told she can only have two hours of instruction each day because the teacher's class is already full and there is no money to hire an extra teacher. So really, who needs a new building when children's basic needs are not being met? There are other, more elaborate programs that would truly benefit our children that we don't have because "we don't have the funds." I have expressed interest in having foreign language taught in the elementary school, but I've been told there is no money for that. And, yet, now we are discussing building an entire new school.

Supposedly, the funds for a new facility will be coming from taxes from new property developments in the county. Certainly, there are more critical ways to utilize these new funds that may be coming our way...like education. I know our school needs modifications and changes, that is expected. Any school, whether its two years old or 200 years old will require maintenance and upgrade. So make them. No one questions that need, but to think of completely starting over is just excessive spending of money that should be spent on more important necessities.

Teachers please know that I know how hard you work. It's because of you that we have a great school system already. I registered my little girl for kindergarten two weeks ago and I'm excited about the things she will learn. She is the one I am concerned for when I see so many other needs that should be and must be met before thinking of building an entire new school facility. Mr. Remsen and anyone else on the board who shares your thoughts, stand firm. We have

bigger fish to fry!

LEIGH BEGGS Other needs should be met TO THE EDITOR

I commend the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners for granting an exemption in the waste disposal program to those who qualify on a financial basis.

Lincoln County may recall that I appeared before the commissioners this past August and petitioned them to seek ways to mitigate any onerous aspects of the waste disposal program. One such aspect was that some folks didn't have the wherewithal to pay for a year's service at one time. I struck out before the commissioners. The most important factor was that I was swinging when I struck out!

Now the commissioners have acted responsibly and compassionately by extending a helping hand to citizens who can use a helping hand. And I am as inclined to praise commissioners as I was to criticize them. No commissioner ever stands so tall as when he stoops to help the needy!

I was apprised that some non-commissioners who had input into the waste disposal program were not in favor of any exemptions. Shame on each and every person who felt this way. Fortunately for Lincoln County, the commissioners were able to enact the exemption.

Although my stock at the courthouse is not soaring, I extend to the commissioners the gratitude of my blessed Lord: "Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto

me."

ELTON LAWSON Pleased with commissioners actions TO THE EDITOR

"Lizard isn't that much Trouble" March 23 issue of The Lincoln Journal, perpetuates the myth that reptiles make good pets. In fact, they have specialized needs that are difficult for the average pet owner to meet. They may soon outgrow their tanks and their welcome. Reptiles that escape or that are let loose might die from starvation or exposure, but in Georgia's warm climate they can thrive, endangering local ecosystems.

Some reptiles can inflict serious injury, and even the tinniest turtles carry Salmonella bacteria, which can be spread to people and cause serious illness. You don't even have to touch the animals to get sick Salmonella can live on surfaces for days. The health risk is so great that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that reptiles be kept out of homes with children under five and anyone with a weakened immune system, and it is illegal to sell smaller turtles as pets in the United States.

Animals that grow to seven feet long and sprint 35 mph don't thrive in the home. Reptiles are fascinating to study, but it's best to leave them in the wild where they belong.

RICHARD RICE STATE PROGRAM MANAGER

THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF

THE UNITED STATES Leave them in the wild