I’m on my soap box again, so bear with me
Rhonda Smyth - Rhonda's Remarks
One of the most important things we, as residents of Estill County, should do is to present ourselves in a positive light when visiting other counties.
Unfortunately we are starting to get a bad reputation as a people by the way some fans act when they attend high school sports games, both away and at home.
Recently when Bourbon County played Estill and lost after six overtimes, the coaches told law enforcement they were afraid to leave our gym while Estill fans were still there.
I know it had to be an exciting game with emotions running high, but did we act so badly that the other team was frightened by us?
Then at Madison Model some Estill fans acted so badly they were asked to leave. What is up with that?
I have always been proud of the way our kids behave when they go other places. The high school band’s behavior is always above reproach and people have commented on how well behaved and polite they are.
And I haven’t heard about any bad behavior from our high school sports teams either. It seems the bad behavior is all coming from adults in the stands, the spectators.
The best way to lead is by example. Is this really the example we want to set?
Winning is good but winning graciously is better and nobody likes a poor loser.
What happened to good sportsmanship? I think we need to try a little harder to not only be good hosts, but also good visitors.
That’s all I have to say about that for now.
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While I am up here on my soap box, irritating people I might as well once again address what I call “traffic etiquette.”
When there is no sign telling you not to, you can always turn right on red but you have to stop first. This doesn’t mean slow down and just go on. You are supposed to stop.
The first stop light after you cross the old bridge into Irvine, you have to stop and let those who want to turn left onto River Drive from Main Street turn…if they have the green arrow. If the light is red for both vehicles going in opposite directions, then the one that is turning right on red has the right of way. Simple, right? Then why doesn’t everybody do it?
Stop signs mean stop too, just like red lights.
I was driving from Ravenna to Irvine one day and this car came down one of the side streets. The driver didn’t even look to see if there was anybody coming, he just ran right past the stop sign like it wasn’t even there, entered River Drive directly in front of me causing me to have to hit my brakes hard to keep from hitting him.
While I am talking about River Drive, the center lane is for TURNING, not passing.
Another thing that bugs me is that when there are three lanes that gradually go to two lanes, people who hurry up and pass the car in front of them. The nice thing to do is to wait until they ease over into the other lane too.
This happens to me every time I come back from Richmond just before you get to Reges Road where the lanes go from three to two. Some idiot will try to squeeze me out before giving me a chance to get over.
Are we in that big of a hurry?
Another thing, why don’t people SLOW down when the road conditions are slick with rain or snow? Beats me.
Good manners should always include proper driving etiquette. Traffic laws aren’t there to inconvenience you, they are not only for your safety but also for the safety of everybody who is on the road with you.
Take care. Please.
•••
I just read a press release about the Jefferson County schools superintendent.
It was a complaint that his yearly performance evaluation wasn’t accurate and that he was only given a positive evaluation because he was a “good public speaker.”
Several of the schools in that county didn’t reach their adequate yearly progress goals required under “No Child Left Behind” and he is paid a whopping $260,000 a year. It stated that there are a lot of children being “left behind” yet he still gets a great evaluation.
I think we are extrememly blessed in this county to have Bert Hensley as a superintendent. It is obvious that he cares about our children and wants them to have the best education possible.
Our schools are meeting their goals.
He is also a good business man and the schools finances are in good shape.
He earns his salary as well as a great evaluation.
Now, I’m done. I got it all off my chest.