Sunday, Oct. 7, 2001

By Staff
Glen Deweese: A giant has fallen
To the Editor:
A giant has fallen. Mortality reached out and claimed a truly great Christian man. Glen Deweese was not one the monied Deweeses of Neshoba County, rather he grew up at Dixon plowing a rented mule on the "man's" land on some of reddest, poorest hills of Mississippi. I was born in the same socio-economic group (poor) except that we owned a pair of black mare miles, Ole Bell and Ida.
From there, Glen reached the heights of the political, business and social worlds. He was an humble man of character, in touch with the common man. He was my friend, confidant, advisor, and next door neighbor for years at the Neshoba County Fair. His children and mine grew up in the sawdust, sand and mud. I have always considered Amanda one of my children.
Last year at the fair, Glen brought me a carton of Eskimo Pies. I asked him if he ever dreamed he could afford an Eskimo Pie any time he wanted. His reply was, "Bill, in my wildest fantasies never would I have thought that possible." He always enjoyed saying "I have the cheapest gallon of milk in town after 11 p.m."
Late last Friday I came in from 10 hours on a 4620 John Deere, tired, dirty and weary. I put on the tea kettle and checked my messages. Dick Hall had called to inform me of Glen's death. I made my cup of tea, got in my recliner as dusk began to settle in and closed my eyes.
For some time, in almost a trance, I relived some of the highlights of our 35 year friendship. As full awareness returned, darkness had cloaked my hill. I felt warm, sweet rivers of tears on my dirty cheeks, not of sorrow or sadness. My whole being was in a cocoon of peace and tranquility, all traces of fatigue were gone. God is good.
Had Glen never left the farm and died plowing that old mule he would still be of the stature described above, because, most importantly of all, Glen was a family man. I watched his and my children and grandchildren over the years. His lovely Amanda and my Flint are mentally and pictorially recorded from toddlers to being parents themselves.
To his family … I loved Glen and I love you. Glen, my life is better because you were my friend. And please, Glen, when you talk with the Big Boss Man, put in a good word for me, pretty please.
Billy Minshew
Carthage
Help needed in Poplar Springs Estates
To the Editor:
As a Navy Veteran and 11 year resident I am dismayed at the lawlessness occurring in my neighborhood regarding the illegal use of All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and unlicensed dirt motorcycles on city streets and trespassing on private rights-of-way. Specifically, 11th Avenue and the powerline/gas pipeline that extends between 11th Avenue and Highway 39N.
I am certain that this problem is occurring throughout the City of Meridian so I know your frustration.
I have been particularly sensitive to trespassers on the right-of-way since the 19th of March, 1996, when my house was burglarized and all of my sweetheart's jewelry stolen. The detectives indicated the perpetrators came via the right-of-way. I suspect they used some type of ATV or dirt bike to get away.
Regardless, ATV and unlicensed dirt bikes are on my "watch list." The good folks in the Meridian Police Department Communication Center (JoAnn, Joyce, et al) can certainly attest to my persistence in calling whenever I see or hear them on 11th Avenue or the right-of-way.
Well, my persistence paid off last night when six trespassers were apprehended by Officer Ricky Roberts. We communicated via cellular phone as to their whereabouts until such time as Officer Roberts was able to catch the trespassers. Mind you, Officer Roberts accomplished this on foot, in the dark, and over less than smooth terrain. I call that dedication!
If you happen upon Officer Roberts please tell him how much you appreciate his efforts. Come to think of it, if you see any officer, please let them know how much we appreciate them especially with an understanding that they are underpaid and that their department is understaffed.
As to my call for help, please report these offenders to the police at 485-1893. I can use all the help I can get. I know our police can as well. ATV or unlicensed dirt bike use on city streets is illegal. Period. So is trespassing (no written permission from the landowner or lease holder to be on the property)!
Get involved pick up your phone and report violators. Perhaps your effort might also help stem the apparent epidemic of robberies in our city. If we are all more aware of what is taking place around us we just might help our police catch more of these law breakers.
Let's take back our neighborhoods from individuals who know better but choose to break the law anyway.
L. L. Panek
U.S. Navy (Retired)
Meridian
Roads need mowing so drivers can see
To the Editor:
On a recent Friday, I was driving home from work when my day took a turn for the worse. As I got closer to my home, I passed what appeared to be a dog on the side of the road. Knowing it was the same color as my dog I turned around. Sure enough, my pet had been run over. I had not seen him in the road before, he was probably passing through.
At first, I was so mad at the driver who had hit him. Thinking to myself, he is a white dog and they should have seen him. But a couple of days later, traveling down the same road, I realized, the road was so grown up you couldn't see a cow standing there, much less a foot tall dog.
The road I am talking about is Martin-Kemper Rd. but there are others. I notice in town and other places
in the county there are main roads with weeds 4-5 feet tall growing on the sides. I know county workers are busy and are taking care of other things, but I ask you to please, put mowing on the top of your list.
To some people, dogs are just animals. But mine are my family. I lost a friend that Friday and I believe it would have been prevented if our roads were kept mowed and clean.
Al Davis
Collinsville