Smokers to blame for litter, not KDMC

Reporter Carrie Stambaugh (March 15) wrote a very informative story regarding smoking in Central Park. A quick summary of the story shows that (1) there are thousands of cigarette butts that continue to litter the east side of the park, (2) Sean Murray, director of Ashland's Parks and Recreations Department, states that “maintenance and labor” — meaning money to pay workers — “is devoted to the smoking issue” and (3) two smokers admit that it is a "mess/nasty" but the hospital should be responsible for policing the park.

The crux of the story also tends to lay blame on the hospital. I disagree.

Why should the hospital take care of the problem? Even though no smoking is allowed on hospital property, how does this dismiss personal responsibility? Is there some force that won’t allow smokers to clean up after themselves?

As far as I know cigarette butts aren't exempt from littering laws. I believe it would be difficult to walk 50 feet in any direction in downtown Ashland without encountering spent butts. Cigarette butts have been identified as the number one source of litter in both the U.S. and the world (for more info go to www.CigaretteLitter.org).

The sooner we can get rid of this type of litter, the safer and more appealing our area will become.

Joe Barker, Catlettsburg



Dog should have been confined

Although I am not the driver who struck the Jack Russell with their vehicle, I still sympathize with the couple who lost their beloved pet.

However, I must ask: If the dog was the “love of your life,” why was she permitted to be in the street? Why was she not safely behind a fence or on a leash?

Although I’m sure the driver feels badly, he or she owes no apology to the dog’s owners. The car was where it belonged; the dog was not.

I live in Catlettsburg in a neighborhood where dogs just run free. Because of this, I can barely walk my small dog on a leash in her own yard. The larger dogs try to start fights with her, use the bathroom in our yard, knock our grandsons down when they are out, and tear into our garbage.

There are leash laws. The Catlettsburg Police Department has really been trying to enforce them. I do not understand why people get pets just to let them run wild, become a nuisance or, worse yet, get hit by a car or bite someone.

Melissa Smith, Catlettsburg



Story on soldiers’ return inspiring

What a truly heartwarming story (March 6) about the homecoming of the 201st! We owe these individuals and their families a debt of gratitude that we will never be able to repay. They not only prevent countless casualties during their missions, but they protect our freedom and some give the ultimate sacrifice in doing so.

I was especially moved by Spc. Joshua Henderson’s answer to his father, a Vietnam veteran, as to why he would want to go into a combat situation: “Daddy, you fought for me; now it’s my turn to fight for you.”

Spc. Henderson and the others are our most courageous and patriotic citizens.

The story also reminded me of the simple things we take for granted — like out favorite food item!

Glenna Conn, Ashland



Bill would deny secret ballot

The EFCA — the Employee Free Choice Act — strips American workers the right to a private ballot when voting whether or not to join a union. This is not good for our country, our employees or our company.

Anthony Whitfill, Harned