May 26, 2011: Our readers write

Graduates, remember alcohol education
I have been a DARE officer for nearly eight years with the Hardin County Sheriff’s office. This year, my very first fifth grade class is graduating from high school. I am so proud. Kids from Lakewood, Rineyville, Upton, Sonora and Lincoln Trail elementary schools are taking that big step toward adulthood. I’m writing to remind each of you to remember the things that I, your teachers and parents have taught you about the dangers of drugs and alcohol.
Graduation and prom are exciting times. Please be safe.
Remember the lessons about alcohol. It causes slowed reflexes, poor coordination  — simulated with the “drunk goggles” — and bad judgment.
Don’t make a poor decision at this time in your life that could have disastrous consequences. Don’t let your friends endanger themselves either. I have faith that you will remember. Enjoy life, celebrate it.
Thank you so very much for letting me be a part of it.
C. Bud Baumgardner
Hardin County DARE officer
Elizabethtown

Act fast
On May 12, while shopping, I unknowingly dropped my wallet in a parking lot. To you who found it and have chosen not to return it to me I say, “Keep the money, if you need it, but please do the decent thing and put the wallet, with the rest of it’s contents, in a U.S. Post Office Mail Box. They will see that it is returned to me.
Nothing but the money is of any use to you. All card companies have been notified. All other necessary precautions have been taken.
To the public a word of wisdom, learned the hard way: Never carry all of your important cards in your wallet or in one place. I suggest using a card case for medical cards and all other cards one doesn’t use on a daily basis. After a day and a half of work, I now feel I could write a book on what to do if your wallet goes missing. Thank goodness I knew Rule No. 1: Act fast. To wait is to compound the problem.
Lois Shinkle
Elizabethtown