Speakout 12/26

The lives of four local families were affected yesterday (Monday) when the incident occurred at Santi Oil. We as family and friends do appreciate the job of your staff for keeping the public informed when these tragic accidents happen. Without trying to cause controversy in the community, we as family and friends would like for anyone with questions to know that Santi Oil is one of our community's most compliant and helpful in this matter. The four guys who are involved have one thing to be thankful for and that is the fact that not for one moment has Santi Company in any way been rude, demanding, and they have been in close contact with the families to offer any help they can. One of the men is still in intensive care and the second worst burn victim is why. Todd Kennard, a volunteer firefighter for Scott County in the past, was blown from his location and when he noticed the other guy on fire, instead of trying to get out, he refused to leave the fire until (Robert) he got the other guy out and the fire put out from his clothing. He then found out he was also burned and needed medical attention himself. Not only can your paper not know of the emotional status when this happens to a person, but to just know we still have heroes like Mr. Kennard. Today, he is home recovering with facial, neck and ear burns, but his most asked questions are, "Are you sure the other guys are OK?" His employer (Santi Oil) has told the family that they do not want any of them to want for anything - anything they need to please let them know. Staff members have called numerous times to check on him and his family. God bless them. Most employers like that are gone, but we in this community should be aware of the kind of people they are. I just wanted to let you all know we appreciate you and, hopefully, these families will still have a wonderful Christmas with their families and are praying that the one in ICU will improve enough to be home, also. Thank you and have a great holiday.

I want to comment on the Elks youth free-throw contest. I'm real appreciative it is back, however, it would be nice if they didn't do it on the Thanksgiving weekend when most children are gone. It would be real appreciative if they could do it before Thanksgiving or after, where more kids could participate.

This is to the lady who drives around Morehouse with the little boy standing up beside her. You almost hit me this afternoon and, if I can find out who you are, I'm going to report you. I was coming up Highway 114 in Morehouse when this happened. The little boy was standing right up against you. You better get the child in a safety seat before I report you to the highway patrol.

This is about Charleston and the people cleaning their yards up. All they have to do is rake the leaves up and leave them out at the curb. the city does a fine job of picking them up. I live in Charleston and work full time like many others, but on the weekends I have time to get my leaves up and keep my yard clean. But the people I live by, especially out here at Plainview, never rake a leaf. Why don't they get off their lazy butt and rake the leaves instead of letting them blow on everybody else.