Sound Off for March 9

Lights, please

Two nights in a row I have been on Highway 603 from Waveland to I-10. The first night I noticed there are a lot of street lights not working. The second night I counted them -- 39 (yep, I counted 'em -- 39) are not working. And, after turning east on I-10, three out of four lights on the freeway entrance are not working. Does MDOT ever send anybody out at night to see how things are? Just asking.

Anchor business

Outrageous complained about spending a lot of money for a big company to create over a 1000 jobs, when no small business gets that treatment. Large businesses are anchors for small businesses. Look at it this way, if the shipyard on the Coast shut down tomorrow, large numbers of small businesses in the immediate area would close shortly thereafter. the same is true of the opposite. When a large business moves into an area, small businesses, restaurants, gas stations, small stores, etc., spring up. It is a snowball effect improving the overall economy and tax base.

Really good show

Farewell Downton Abbey! All good things must come to an end and after six great seasons this superb PBS Masterpiece Theater series ended Sunday night. Great writing, great acting -- combined with a splendid ending was bittersweet.

Thanks!

We (both retired guys) were dining at a local Mexican restaurant and noticed a young lady in uniform alone at a nearby table. I started a conservation with her. She was from Oregon and joined the Navy after 9/11 and recently transferred to the Seabees. We had an enjoyable conservation and told her we appreciated her serving our country. When we asked for our check we were told that she had already paid for it. We were shocked. Thank God we shook hands and told her we appreciated her service as she was leaving, not knowing that she had paid for our meals. She sure made a couple of old guys very appreciative and made our day. Thanks!

Much appreciated

I want to express my deepest thanks and appreciation to the many who stopped to render assistance to me after the traffic accident this (Tuesday) morning at the intersection of U.S. 49 and Dedeaux Road. Your concern for my well-being and the trouble you took to assist me were overwhelming and so refreshing. You have given me a new feeling of faith in mankind and pride in our city. To the first responders and the fine officers of the Gulfport Police Department, thank you for your (almost) immediate response and actions. To all: You are all worthy of praise and emulation. I thank God for each of you and pray for His blessings upon you.

This story was originally published March 8, 2016 at 4:14 PM with the headline "Sound Off for March 9 ."