GLASGOW — Dear Editor,

Another beginning to a new school year is once again upon us. As the Barren County and Glasgow school systems prepare, all welcome the challenges. I now have been a resident of Barren County for the last 30-plus years and observed many changes in both school systems. Advancing the “learning” experience has always been at the forefront of both school systems. In addition to revised curriculums, teaching methods, facility improvements and staff placement, educators will share with you that a major element in the success of any school is the involvement of the family unit.

I recall the words of the late Mr. Jeff Foster, principal of Happy Valley Elementary School (I affectionately call “Mr. Jeffrey “T”) shared with me on more than one occasion. “The key to a total learning environment is founded in the participation of each family member.”

When individuals repeat the statement, “what are the schools doing?,” I find the answers can be found in what Mr. Foster firmly believed, “come on in and get your feet wet.”

I do not have any family members in either school system, but as Mr. Foster recognized, I too have a firm belief that the importance of the family ingredient is essential to all aspects of the “learning” environment. I can attest that both school systems, from the central offices to the classrooms, continue to strive to reach the the goal of educating our students to the highest degree.

Yes, they are all “our” students. I miss Mr. Foster and his spirit lives on in the hallways of Barren County and Glasgow school systems. The best school year for one and all.

Joe Ganci

Glasgow

Professionals, friend help save family

Dear Editor,

A few weeks ago, we had a kitchen fire.

We have the best fire department, policemen, ambulance crew, plus search and rescue in the state.

I want to say thank you to each of these brave men and women for the work they did. Thanks to them, damage was at a very small amount. Most of all, no one was hurt.

A very special thank you to Mike Wiley for getting myself and my dog, Smokey, out safely at his own risk. He was almost overcome with smoke. They administered oxygen to him for about 30-45 minutes.

Jimmy and Betty Decker

Glasgow

The plug-in cars are coming to Kentucky

Dear Editor,

There has always been considerable historical controversy about the famous Midnight Ride of Paul Revere on April 18, 1775. In the outskirts of Boston, historians credit Revere with riding to Concord and warning American settlers that “The British Are Coming … The British Are Coming.”

In the 235 years that have elapsed since that time, Great Britain has become one of the most loyal allies of the United States.

Today, we literally stand at the edge of another revolution: motor vehicle technology. Recently, BMW announced that, following along the path of the $110,000 all-electric Tesla Roadster, they intend to be the second highway-legal electric vehicle on the American road, and in meaningful numbers.  

BMW intends to produce an all-electric “plug-in” Mini Cooper that will be called the Mini-E. While the Mini-E is not available in showrooms, BMW is using 450 specially selected Mini-E drivers who will lease their cars, initially, for $850 per month. The Mini-E can go more than 100 miles on a single charge, and has no tailpipe emissions.

In a nation with 246 million internal-combustion engine vehicles, other automakers seem ready to roll out more “plug-in” or electric vehicles before the end of the year. In an attempt to attract average Americans, Nissan will roll out it’s $30,000 Leaf subcompact in October or November. General Motors will offer its Chevrolet Volt plug-in around the same time. The “plug-ins” are coming.   

Aside from practical issues, “plug-in” automakers are continuing to cut costs and improve battery performance to make the vehicles more attractive to average consumers. Auto analysts say a lithium-ion battery pack powerful enough for a “plug-in” subcompact adds $10,000 to $12,000, or more, to the manufacturer’s costs.

Perhaps cost isn’t the only issue, either. In the frigid climates of northern U.S. states, lessees of the Mini-E have complained that the power gauge fell to zero after just driving their vehicle 55 miles, when it is designed to complete 100 miles on a single charge. The villain: cold weather. BMW acknowledges that a vehicle’s range can drop as much as 30 percent in frigid weather.

But these significant cost and climate obstacles aren’t preventing automakers from jumping into the “plug-in” market. BMW also announced that its next electric car, called the ActiveE, will undergo consumer testing this fall and may be ready for mass production and the showroom in 2011.

And so, it is crystal clear: the “plug-ins” are coming. What remains unclear is this: how are they going to pay their fair share for the use of the city streets, county roads, and the highway system?

Stan Lampe, President

Kentuckians for Better Transportation