Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on March 21, 2008 at 5:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Man O' Man or Woman O' Woman, looks like we need at least three or four more levels of committees.

Posted by supertrucker47 (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 6:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

THE ISNT GOING TO LISEN.AND WHATS THE SENSE IN HAVING A BOARD IF YOU CANT MAKE THE DESISSIONS YOURSELF WITHOUT HAVING TO ASK THE PUBLIC?BUT ANYWAY HERE IT GO"S.WHY DONT THE CITY BUILD A PUBLIC POOL?OR A SKATEBOARD ARENA?OR A PUTT PUTT GOLF CORSE?OR A GO CART TRACK?THESE THINGS WOULD BE A PLUS FOR TOURISM AND THE CITYS TERRIBLE ECONOMY.THE CITY COULD ACCUALLY MAKE SOME MONEY OUT OF THE DEAL.IF THE CITY CAN SPEND OVER 2 MILLION DOLLARS BUILDING A WORTHLESS CONVENTION CENTER THAT COST THE TAX PAYERS ENORMOUS AMOUNTS OF MONEY,SURELY THEY COULD BUILD ON ONE OF MY IDEAS?NOW LETS SEE IF THEY HEARD ME?

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 6:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Just when and where did it become government responsibility to entertain (“recreation”) us? It has been bad enough that people expect government to feed them and house them. Now people keep demanding that government provide recreation too. No wonder the police have such low salaries and the streets are full of holes. Money that doesn’t go into alderman pockets is begged in order to entertain the general public. Maybe we should go whole hog and demand that the politicians provide us with maid service too.

Posted by inocentbystandr (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 7:25 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Why can't the spoiled little kids these days go climb a tree or play in the yard. As for a public swimming pool, we have one that stretches from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. That's where I learned to swim so why can't the kids today.

Posted by thetinman (Keith Reynolds) on March 21, 2008 at 7:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)

HMMMMM, Mississippi is the leading state as far as Obesity goes. Why not build a recreational facility like a Boys and Girls Club with emphasis on physical fitness and a commitment to keeping young minds off things like DRUGS.

Swimming, whats the deal with the big giant pool at Dunken Park?

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

thetinman, your suggestion would only continue the cycle. The kids and parents would not be so fat if they were not receiving food and recreation at government (public) expense. If they were running around scratching for food, the weight would drop right off. And we would save tax dollars in both categories. Unless the mayor and aldermen decided to pocket the savings instead.

Posted by youneverknow (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Parent's my Mother alway's found something for me to do.
Wash baseboards, clean the yard . Cut grass.
I am 60 and you didn't tell your sweet Mama you were bored.
Believe me to this day i am never bored. I think it's a state of mind. Parent's let their children be lazy---why is that?

Posted by beammeupscotty (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 8:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I think we should build a complex big enough to host the olympics Spend build more give it to me

Posted by supertrucker47 (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I AGREE SOMEWHAT THAT WE DONT HAVE THE PLACES FOR OUR CHILDREN TO GO TO AS WE DID IN THE 60S AND 70S.IN THAT TIME THERE WAS A GIRLS AND BOYS CLUB IN EVERY CITY IN THE USA.RECREATION WAS PROVIDED AT THIS CLUB.AND ALSO MANY OTHER ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS.BUT NOW I BELIVE IN ORDER TO PROVIDE RECREATION FOR THE COMMUNITY YOU MUST PROVIDE IT FOR ADULTS AS WELL AS OUR CHILDREN.PARENTS NEED TO GET MORE INVOLED WITH THERE CHILDREN AND PARTISAPATE IN ACTIVITIES WITH THEM.IF THE CITY CARES ABOUT ITS PEOPLE AND THERE TOURISM THEY MUST PROVIDE RECREATION FOR EVERYONE.THATS WHY I SUGGESTED A GO CART TRACK,A SKATEBOARD ARENA,A PUTT PUTT GOLF CORSE,A PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL.WHATS WRONG WITH THESE IDEAS?THIS IS RECREATION WE ARE TALKING ABOUT ISNT IT?TY

Posted by Whisper (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 9:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Well if they are gonna do this. I want something for the big kids too. If all ages have a place to gather and have some fun. Maybe we can work out some of our differences. Maybe work off some of this anger that I see in these blogs. If it's large enough, it might just bring folks in from other towns to enjoy. People could sell their handcrafts. Vendors could serve local favorites. Come on Natchez, if we can't get along. How in the heck can we expect our country to do it. Isn't it time? Take a deep breath and smile at someone today.

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)

So far we've had the horse barn and arena, softball fields, convention centers, golf course, swimming pool, and tennis courts.

With the equestrian activities the city could have revenue from stall rentals and usage fee of the arena

With the Softball fields, baseball fields, it is my understanding that the city foots the bill and doesn't even ask for any usage fee.

The golf course was leased and managed privately and this seemed to be the best method. The tennis courts received private donation from the casino and was refurbished with city employees managing a pro shopand collecting usage fees. I think the city continues to loose money on the tennis court.

The swimming pool was used extensively, I think there were usage fees, but finally fell into disrepair and was closed. Another failure.

For the most part these have historically failed and been a liability for the city.

City gov't should not be involved in providing recreation. I think the best method is to long term lease property to a private entity that will build, maintain, and manage whatever activities they think will be desired by the community.

The city will turn a simple operation into a nightmare of red tape. Bureaucrats cannot run a business, which a recreational service must be.

The City cannot even decide without an army of people how to do a simple survey. It's foolish even to think of soliciting the ideas of surrounding counties. It also foolish to not include county input as that is where the money is. The city needs to check it's budget and see if it can maintain a facility as you know people will not want to pay useage fees. Everyone wants recreation but they don't want to pay.

If the city cannot advertise without creating taxes, how will the city pay for this? More taxes? I am strongly against any taxes to pay for a recreational complex.

Natchez is not financially stable enough to even consider a risky venture of this nature.

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Negotiate with YMCA to come back here.

Get a recreational company to come here.

I wonder if anybody sees this the way I do.

I think this is a typical Democratic tactic for re-election.

I'll give you free recreation for your vote.

The city could never pay for the construction, the continuing maintenance, and the proper staffing, of a desirable recreational complex.

Let's stay away from this and focus on taking care of what we have at the present time. I think the city has it's hands full with what it has now.

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 10:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

youneverknow

you have the right idea

take care of what you have

it's not about getting what you want

but wanting what you got

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 10:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)

my church has lots of activities

there are private recreational services

In most other cities the local colleges, universities, and high schools have recreational facilities that can be used for a small fee. Why not work with C0-Lin the help Co-Lin get a facility, they need one BAD.

city should not compete with private enterprise, such an endaevor would stifle private enterprise by depriving families of an opportunity to start small business

not to mention forcing the city into a great debt

this is a stupid idea- city financed recreational complex

Posted by destiny (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Hey everyone, I feel just about like all of you do. It's election year again, so we have to start putting up with this same ole puff of smoke that will disseminate as soon as the election is over. Don't worry, it won't last to much longer. As you say Natchez at this time should hold on to whatever money they have and let it draw interest for the time being. We really don't know whats ahead of us until the federal and local elections or over. If and when they do decide to do something, like some of you said, boys and girls clubs would help out a whole lot. The problem with something like this in Natchez is just like every thing else. It gets taken over by bullies, wantta be young thugs that are taken to the center when it opens and not be picked up until it closes. It's just free baby sitting services for most of the parents and they are going to ride that train for as long as possible. That's what happened with the swimming pool at Duncan Park. The parents found it to be a good place to drop the kids off while they spent the day at the boat or the corner bar. If ever it is refurbished and re-opened it should have stricter rules and enforced to the max. But like everything else that's free in Natchez (or at cost) it goes to pot. The little hoodlums take over and deprive most of the kids enjoyment. Natchez will never be able to have anything decent for the kids until the state sponsored scumbag freeloading parents stop using the facilities for free baby sitting. If I have stepped on somebody's toes or appear to be "negative", I'm so glad because you are probably one of them that causes all the problems for the rest of the kids in Natchez. It's time for the decent parents to take control and demand stricter rules to be enforced on all play grounds, etc, throughout Natchez.

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 11:06 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Destiny- wow, I didn't think of that aspect. Considering that important reality, along with the financial side, taxes, etc. the only way a rec facility can work safely and civilly is by private rules and proper enforcement. A public facility would have to have a squad of police there constantly, it would never work. A public service would be a total waste.

How has the water park facility Natchez operates turned out? I have never been so I don't know. Is it a gang hang out, are girls safe there?

Posted by LdyBreez (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Anyone ever play Sim City? In the game, you start out by building some kind of power plant, houses, and streets. The people move into the houses, the citizens start complaining about jobs a few move out, so you build an industrial area, businesses move in and the people are happy people move back in. Then the industrial area screams it needs ways to move it's products and a couple move out. You build rail ways and maybe even a port or air port. Industrial area is happy and more move in. More citizens move in and start screaming that more stores and businesses are needed in the down town area. If you city grows big enough, the citizens start screaming about recreation, you build parks etc, more people move in and are happy. The better you are at keeping both the industrial area and the citizens happy the bigger your city grows. During all of this, you have to read the paper, check the city budget, set taxes, maintain roads, build fire and police stations, hospitals etc... if you do not maintain these people and businesses alike move out.
Hey I have an idea, lets give prospective candidates a copy of Sim City, see how well they do at the game and that would give us some indicator of how well they would be at the job.

Posted by Whisper (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 11:19 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I agree that we have lost things or interest due to lack of parental guidance and responsiblity. Look at the school system. Man remember when, you had those teachers. That could just give you THAT look. And you knew when you got home it was gonna be bad. Now the poor teachers can't even blink wrong without a lawsuit pending.
Now I am not talking about everybodys kids. But there are way too many of them. That are just set loose every where, of ALL colors. Sorry but I blame the parents. By letting them run wild through stores etc. And act up as I have seen so many do. You are not doing them any favors.
If I acted up in public. Right then,,,, my Mom dropped what she was doing. And we went to the car, or home. If I wanted to jump around and act like a kid. Well there were places for that like home and play grounds.
I don't want to hurt anybodys feelings. But for the parents that don't teach your children discipline now. And since you do have children. Don't practice it yourself. Your causing more problems than you can ever know.
And if I have stepped on any toes as "Destiny" said. Well good. Because I have been stepped on, slammed into, run over, and had things knocked from my arms. From kids let loose in public areas. If you are gonna have kids. Show them some respect and raise them the best you can.

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 11:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

We used to have a great time at the YMCA on Canal St.

Boy Scouts met there

nice wooden floor basketball court.

All kinds of stuff.

Seems like the city could make an arrangement with the Y. Just buy one of the old big buildings in town that are vacant, like the old Sears or Wal-mart buildings. These buildings are in desperate need of repair, the absentee landlords (well Wal-mart building is actually owned by the Parkers, but it is managed by an absentee manager, ) are letting these buildings fall in. But they can be repaired and utilized. Better yet, mitigate between a recreational company and the owners to push a deal along for the community. The city doesn't have to get involved in real estate development, ownership, and operation. I think the city's duty would be to facilitate a negotiation, to draw in some interest and bring parties together that could make a recreational complex happen.

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 11:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Whisper you are so right.

It's sad when you have to tell a parent how to behave. Or catch their kids and then hand the kid to the parent, when the parents just let their kids run free, thinking their little angel would never break merchandise. That or just don't care. I often see kids left unattended in cars.

Whenever I see a parent that does make the effort to straighten their child out, I support them, and tell them thank you, and when I see a well behaved family of beautiful well behaved children, I tell them how proud of them I am.

Posted by Whisper (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

And to add another little something. It's teenagers too. If they run wild as small children. How do you think you can handle them when they grow older. I'm sure some of us can remember the days when. If you acted out in public, raced around in your car, or the big one acted rude to someone. Man before you could get home. Mom or Dad already knew about it. And something waiting for you when you got there. When did "some" parents stop having pride in their children? When did this slip away to the level that it is at today.
We didn't have this stupid gang stuff. There would be a few bad apples running around. But everybody knew who they were. And usually where they were at all times. So if something did happen around town. Most everyone knew who to look at. It didn't take months of investigation to figure it out.
Both of my parents worked. Just as many do today. But they found the time. To instill what was expected in me at all ages. When my teen aged step son told me one day. That he was gonna call child welfare on me for grounding him. I picked up the phone and handed it to him.

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 11:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Kroger,
I believe you are right on. I had coffee with a buddy this a.m. who is on the recreation committee. One of the items that is on the draft survey is a equestrian center. This would be not just for trail rides or rodeo activities but for dressage and hunter jumper events. This would bring folks with big money the equestrian center to help pay for the complex. There are other activities I saw on his survey like go carts and a skate board area. But I think the idea of a survey is good because we may think of something they have not.
Also, we do not have to negotiate for the YMCA to come back. The Mayor and a committee have been working with them over the last year. The Y is very involved. I really think this committee is finally going to get our area what we want. I know for sure they will be looking at these blogs, along with town hall meetings and the surveys in the community.
As for the Democratic comment, I am a card carrying, hard headed, died in the wool, Republican. I have to admit ( as I have on this blog) that when I ask myself a while back the old Ronald Regan question “Are we better off than we were 4 years ago” the answer is YES.
As a human being I must be true to my belief. There are positive things happening here. Give credit where it is due. I am at a loss as to why when negative comments are posted (when they are based in rumor and mistruth) the rest of us so called Christ followers allow it.

Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 1:46 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Everything new that is being built in Natchez is based on tourism or gambling, neither of which children or teens are interested in.
I think back to the 50's & 60's of all the things children had in Natchez. There was the Duncan Park swimming pool, putt putt golf, the YMCA, the Duncan Park Canteen (which was there in the late 70's) the bowling alley, movie theaters, the Hideaway skating rink & I could go on forever.
All kids want to do these days is run the streets or stay inside with their noses pressed to the tv or computer. Let's get these children something that will hold there interest.
Back in the days I was growing up if we weren't at one of those places we were busy building go carts, tree houses, homemade stilts or just playing cowboys and indians. I was lucky enough to be raised near the bluff which provided many hours of advertures. I doubt the Garden Club allows kids to even play on the bluff these days.

Posted by destiny (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 2:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

For all the posters. I was gonna write out all your names, but you know who you are. I have certainly enjoyed all the posts I've read today. All of them seem so positive and all of you seem to be in one accord. I hate to demean anyone, but like the old saying, if the shoe fits---. KROGERS, since my babies have all moved away I don't get to visit the parks as I once did, so I don't know what has happened with the water park but I can lay good odds, it's gone with the wind like all else they try to have for the kids. So many hard working people who donate their time and effort and love for the children of Natchez have to watch as all of it is destroyed by the hoodlums. Like I said in another article, all who can, go to the FREE EGG HUNT and watch what takes place. The adults are worse than the children. Check it out , see if I'm right or wrong. You will see for yourself it's only one instance of what takes place for the children in Natchez after so much hard work goes into the preparation by all the devoted people.

Posted by rushinghjr (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 3:23 p.m. (Suggest removal)

(Dixiemama) Yes, I remember those "Good" ole' days. The Duncan Park Canteen right next to the Pool! I graduated from Natchez-Adams High in 1965 and the canteen was there before the lste 70's!

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 3:43 p.m. (Suggest removal)

hit or miss

thanks for the info

so where's the money coming from ???

Posted by prettybrowneyedblackgirl (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

innocentbystander, what an ignorant comment. Who wants to risk their life by swimming in the MS river. You should count it a blessing that you're still living and that you didn't get taken under by one of the many currents in the river. It would be nice for the recreation department to consider reparing the old Duncan Park pool, try getting a building simialr to the YMCA that could maybe offer classes and recreational activites like basketball, tennis, pool tables, parenting,cooking classes, sewing classes. Something to keep our children and youth out of trouble.A building where parents can recive benifical information on troubled kids and kids who are not troubled, but just need a decent place to have safe fun. Some people have these things in churches, neighbors, friends or family members. The ones who don't can simply pack their bags and go out of town to experinece these things. But what about the people who can't afford to? Yes, recreation is difinetly badly needed.

Posted by NatchezEnema (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 5:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)

We don't need to spend any money on recreation! This town is broke, can't even keep the streets fixed. The ymca will not come here because the town is not big enough. And if it does the city will have to come up with most of the funds which it doesn't have or raise taxes. If you want to play or go to a rec center go to church. Most of the big churches have gyms or rec centers and it's SAFE! We had a pool in duncan park and the boyz in tha hood took care of that. You will never find a city that has great recreation and not have a strong economy. Great rec facilities are a by product of great economies. Anybody who thinks we need to go for recreation before getting a good economy is putting the cart in front of the horse. If we do, they will fall into disrepair as they have in the past. Take care of business and it will take care of everything else!

Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 5:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

((rushinghjr)) I just figured out who you are.

Posted by Krogers (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 5:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

that's right Enema

Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 9:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Ok dixiemama, I graduated in '66, so chances are we know each other if you graduated around then! lol Sometimes I think it would be good to all get together with our usernames on tags with our real names and just see who we're actually talking to! I lived just up the street from the old Hideaway rink, used to walk there at night with never a problem, walked to Immanuel Baptist Church, over to friends homes in the neighborhood, went to the pool almost every week during summer, rode bikes, belonged to the summer reading club at the library and actually read books - those were the days! My husband grew up in Morgantown and rode his bike to the schoolgrounds in the summer to play pick-up baseball, or tag football. Why can't kids do that anymore? We raised ours in the country and they always had something to do out here - ride horses, garden, hunt, climb trees, fall out of trees, and so on. There are a lot of things kids in town could do, if their parents paid attention to them. Oh, well, that's like beating a dead horse I guess. Many parents today will not take any responsibility for their children or even their own lives.

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 11:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Natchez enema, once again please check your facts. FYI, YMCA’s all over the country operate in all kinds of buildings (church and school gyms, VFW halls and $30,000,000 facilities). The Mayors exploration committee involved many in the city. The YMCA is committed to a partnership in Natchez and has deemed Natchez a viable place of operation. I personally believe a partnership with them in the area of programs would be great.
Kroger, as for how this will be paid for, I am certain it will take many revenue streams and there are many we can pursue
We have great things happening in Natchez. We live in America. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. But not at the expense of the hard work of wonderful people who are giving their time to make things better for all of us. The misstatements about the work taking place in Natchez is harmful and I am willing to bet those making such negative statements are operating on hear say. Please get out and volunteer your time to make things happen rather than sitting around with the “down in the mouth syndrome”. You will be surprised at how much better you will feel.
Finally, tomorrow is resurrection day. It may be a perfect time to explore what life really means.

Posted by dixiemama (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 11:26 p.m. (Suggest removal)

((freedom42)) More than likely I would know you. I would have graduated in '66, but was held back a year so I didn't make it until '67. We probably started school together at Carpenter #1 on N. Union.
Every Saturday that I didn't go to the Ritz, Baker Grand or Clark theater I would ride my bike to the DP swimming pool.
Our grandkids will never know the freedom we had. We had "good clean fun" as my Grandma called it.
At least we have our memories to cling to, that's something no one can take away.

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on March 21, 2008 at 11:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dixiemama and freedon42, the recreational complex is the perfect opportunity to give our kids and grandkids memories similar to the ones we have of growing up in Natchez. It seems we all want the same things. This project would definitely be a way for us to leave a legacy of lasting memories. Have you ever thought how hard our parents and grandparents worked in our city to give us those memories? Have we failed our children because we chose not to be involved?

Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on March 22, 2008 at 12:29 a.m. (Suggest removal)

OldGrandDad where do i sign up for the maid service???LOL....

I think a zoo would be great!!! Look at what Pigeon Forge has.. It has grown so much over the last 15 to 20 years....Any age has things to do...Natchez wants to be a tourist town then they will have to do things so children of all ages has things to do...

Posted by bear45 (anonymous) on March 22, 2008 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

The County already has an Equestrain Arena on Foster Mound Road, why not just add stables and maybe another arena or two to the already existing Arena, and let the city and county both benefit from the money that is made because there ae a lot of different events that can be held at the Arena and there are a lot of people here interested in this type of Activities....... The events can be held year round so it would keep the Arena busy and in working order at all times.....

Posted by youneverknow (anonymous) on March 22, 2008 at 8:22 a.m. (Suggest removal)

freedom i grew up on Blue Bird drive and also graduated in 1965. I used to Skate every time the door's opened.

Posted by hitormiss (anonymous) on March 22, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bear45,
That is exactly what is being discussed.

Posted by natchezrecreation (anonymous) on March 22, 2008 at 3:58 p.m. (Suggest removal)

The Natchez Recreation Planning Advisory Board is a group of volunteer citizens working toward a common goal of unprecedented quality recreation for the City of Natchez.
The input of all citizens interested in this project are needed to insure its success. Information will be collected using a comprehensive survey, which will also include a comment section. The data that will appear on the survey is being collected at this time. Views from this website are taken into account and added daily. For more information or to add a new program to the survey please contact us via email natchezrecreation@gmail.com
Thank you all for your time and efforts.

Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on March 22, 2008 at 4:01 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Sounds like everybody agrees that Natchez needs something more for the cdhildren to do. I am with yall on this one. No arguments from me.

Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on March 22, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. (Suggest removal)

youneverknow, dixiemamma, and I really need to get together! I KNOW we know each other! My kids are grown and probably none of my grandkids will ever live here, but other kids who are here deserve good memories. I have done scouts, 4-h, Church, and just about everything else involving kids, so I hope to be able to help this generation too.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on March 22, 2008 at 6:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)

redusmfan, I agree the kids need something to do. They can help out around the house. They can pick up trash and clean up spray painted buildings or whatever. Maybe that will work the fat off the little miscreants. But every venture that I ever remember that was done "for the kids" has failed. The problem is not that they have nothing to do in their spare time. The problem is that they have too much spare time. Put 'em to work. Preferably hard labor.

Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on March 22, 2008 at 9:12 p.m. (Suggest removal)

bear45 - the county does NOT have an equestrian arena off Foster Mound Rd. The Dixie Riding Club did that with some help from the county, but the county (to my best knowledge) does not own or get any revenue from that. We need a larger area to have stables and indoor arenas, as well as a whole lot of money.

Posted by redusmfan (anonymous) on March 22, 2008 at 9:31 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Grand dad, I understand your thinking, but when I come to natchez to visit and bring my kids, I am not coming down to put them to work, I do that around here. Plus, many other children are like mine, in that they do there chores and them need something to stimulate their mind. I understand that you are probably 110 years old and think all kids today are lazy, but mine helped me clean a yard that had overgrown bushes in it and fix a broken door on their aunts house. They are 9, 10, and 12. then, afterwards, we had promised them a trip to Pump It Up in Flowood as a reward for the hard work. They worked their butts off and earned the trip.

Not every child is going to do labor. But mine do. And they have daily chores, like clothes and dishes and hauling out the garbage.

Posted by OldGrandDad (anonymous) on March 22, 2008 at 10:33 p.m. (Suggest removal)

redusmfan

"I understand that you are probably 110 years old"

HA...!!! Yes, I get more grumpy with every passing year.

But seriously, to the kids in places like St. Joseph and Jonesville, Natchez is THE PLACE to go. And I know the kids in Lake Providence who want to go out to a movie must drive at least an hour to a larger town. Natchez has a LOT more than many smaller communities.

I've always figured the kids in Jackson say "There's nothing to do here..." Its the common mantra.

I just don't see this as a problem for government at any level. But the politicians (again, at any level) will involve themselves if they see a chance to make political hay.