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Letters to the Editor

Lousy location for aquatic center, vote no

To the editor: I have been reading, with great interest, the recent letters to the editor regarding the new pool scenario. The people submitting their comments have done a considerable amount of research which I happen to agree with wholeheartedly. The suggested location is terrible. A very dangerous intersection for youth to be traversing constantly. Very high-priced property that needs to be purchased and has not parking — only that will be leased. What happens when the lease expires? That location should be used for additional commercial development, i.e., apartments, stores, ...

Aquatic center proposal a good investment

To the editor: For over 33 years I considered a significant part of my role, as manager of the local radio station, as being a local proponent of all things Marshall — our businesses, the celebrations, sports teams, organizations and promotions. It wasn’t always easy — as I carry a fairly conservative perspective — but it was my job. My criteria for each was always one image or optics. Did it look good to citizens of Marshall? Was it provocative and memorable for visitors to our community? Primarily, would it enhance Marshall’s position as an area leader? The new aquatic ...

Show kids we believe in our future

To the editor: Like Mr. Jim Muchlinski, I also have fond memories of our current pool. Though those memories were formed decades later, they are basically the same. Walking and biking with my friends and family to the pool. Laughing and playing in the water. Getting a sweet treat at the small Dairy Queen on our way home. I know there are thousands of other people living in this community with similar fond memories. It’s truly a wonderful thing. I remember when the big slide was being built when I was a kid. Those were exciting times. And you can be sure my friends and I were among ...

Sink or swim

To the editor: As we approach the Nov. 7 vote on the expanded municipal pool I have a few questions. First, Marshall has a $100 million, or so debt already. Do we want to add 20% more to that? Next, is the Red Baron center paid off? That is what the ½ sales tax was for. Third, Marshall has city-owned property already. Why spend a half million for a spot on two busy roads? Fourth, if this is a good idea, why not do it in stages as money is raised or becomes available? If we committed to an upgrade of the existing pool, I would support it. As the work was being done, the summer ...

New aquatic center is change for the better

To the editor: As a life-long resident of Marshall and 31 years with the Marshall Fire Department, including 18 years as fire chief, I know the importance of how giving back to our community strengths it. Soon, we will have an important decision to make that can further strengthen our community. The city of Marshall has been studying a new aquatic center for many years. They have repaired, refurbished and patched up the 87-year-old pool to the point that a major investment is needed to ensure that families can have a place to congregate — as a community — 50 years into the ...

YMCA has made my life much richer

To the editor: I didn’t think it would be difficult when I agreed to write a short article sharing some of my thoughts and memories about the Marshall Area YMCA. As it turns out, though I have over a decade of experience with the Y, working in many departments for the first 13 years it was open, I don’t have a lot of clear memories about it. That bothered me at first. I spent several days thinking, trying to come up with stories. But then I realized that the beauty of our small town Y is that I don’t remember much about it. I don’t have a lot of memories of the building or ...