The reason I’m not even older and more broken down is thanks to the Korean War.

My Mom and Dad tied the knot June 9, 1950 and I might have come along a little sooner than 1954.

However, after they got hitched it was only 16 days until the Korean War began.

With Dad a newly commissioned Ensign in the U.S. Navy he was shipped off to Admiral Arthur Struble’s’ flagship the USS Missouri as a communication specialist, which he wasn’t but was about to get a  lot of on-the-job training.

He served two stints in the Korean War.

That’s why I’m not older than I am right to this day.

jdm

I’ve had some complaints from citizens about the appearance of the planter boxes on Main Street.

The complaints have been about the wood chips floating away revealing the water lines and not looking sharp.

City Manager Sam Demel had an explanation when I phoned him earlier this week.

Demel said if the city would have spent the $80,000 on the plants, half of them would have floated away just like the wood chips and the other half would have died because the irrigation system installed is a drip type of system.

Demel reports we need a different type of irrigation system with sprinklers.

Demel reports there needs to be grass grown in the planters to hold things in place.

That’s grass with a root system that can withstand Oklahoma winters and summers.

So the long term plan is on hold until the city can find out what they are dealing with and then put in the grass for the long haul.

Stay tuned.

jdm

Still with the city...

Demel also told me they have the results of the investigation into asbestos at the old Purcell Municipal Hospital.

There’s good news and bad news.

There is some asbestos but not a terrible amount.

Demel reports that now when they bid the asbestos out for removal they know where the higher levels are located making it easier for expulsion.