Unkempt storefronts, sidewalks and noticeable landscape areas provide the visitor with an outlook that this is an uncaring community. Weeds growing in the cracks of the sidewalks and edges of buildings of business operations that one would think are attempting to attract customers or clients. Trash laying everywhere.

      In my youth, storekeepers and professional offices in the city's main business district took pride in their surroundings. The sidewalks were swept once or more per day, trash was removed, and weeds were not allowed to grow. Not only their building, but also the sidewalks including the curb and gutters were well kept. Today it is not that way.

      Drive into town on the main highways and what is really visible is the trash and weeds. Curbs are overgrown and storm drains appear to be clogged with debris of all sorts.

      What has become of the self-pride and self-respect along with the respect for visitors and potential customers?

      Comments are made that the sidewalks and curbs are "city property" and it is the city's responsibility to maintain them. That may be, however, the employees of the city do much more and a better job than could be expected of them due to the limited amount of manpower and resources that is available for them.

      Appearance and Pride fall on the shoulders of the occupants of the property.

      Personal property areas have a different look in many cases. A lot of the residents of the city have well maintained yards and surroundings. It is very sad to see those that do not make much, if any attempt. Some of these properties, if and when they mow the grass, the clumps and clippings are all over sidewalks and curbs. Trees, shrubs, bushes, and weeds are allowed to hang low over sidewalks, clumps of weeds grow up through the cracks making them unsafe to walk on.

      The downturn of any city or business district shows up in various ways. Empty buildings that once housed thriving business are in disrepair and the owners seem to think it better to let them decay and destroy the surroundings than to rent at a reasonable rate or sell at a more appropriate price. Do they really think that there is more value to be had in the decline of a business district and city? If the business district declines, where will the value be in any building located therein?

      Could it be that this is the onset of the devastating effect that has taken over other small towns and communities that have followed the same path as urban blight has in many metropolitan areas? Is "Ghost Town" on the horizon?

      Is this just one man's opinion? I think not.