Wal-Mart’s taxes increased

Perhaps if Wal-Mart had not been hit with such a large increase in property taxes they would not mind other people/businesses using their property rent-free. Recycling is a business, a profit motivated business, and perhaps the only business where the raw material is given free of charge (except for transportation cost). I am sure Sumter County is not the only county that has rewarded their largest retailer with increased prioperty taxes.

Mike Young

Americus



‘Appalled’ at renaming of Souther Field

I was appalled that the powers that be should agree to change the name of Souther Field to Jimmy Carter Regional Airport. It seems that the underhanded ways of doing things in Washington have trickled down to Americus and Sumter County. There is way too much history here to be forgotten. Souther Field has been a landmark in our area since 1918. It was named for Maj. Harry Souther who was a pioneer of aviation during World War I and was killed in the line of duty. The first 25 cadets arrived on May 29, 1918, with 25 additional cadets reporting each week thereafter until the signing of the armistice. At the end of the war the field was deactivated and the surplus aircraft were sold to citizens with the famous pilot Charles Lindbergh purchasing a Jenny for only $500. He later made the first solo flight across the Atlantic in his Spirit of St. Louis.

Graham Aviation leased the airport in the 1940s for training purposes. Between 1943 and 1944, there were 2,073 pilots who trained at Souther Field including American and England’s famous RAF pilots. Many area citizens worked at Souther Field making their contribution to the war effort. Another little known fact is that in late 1944, German prisoners, who worked on area farms, were housed at Souther Field.

In 1978 Judge Griffin Bell presented a plaque to Souther Field commemorating Charles Lindbergh’s 1927 flight across the Atlantic. In 1992, a seven-foot statue of Lindbergh, which was made by University of Georgia professor and sculptor William J. Thompson and commissioned by Sumter County Historic Preservation Society, was dedicated and stands as part of the airport’s Lindbergh monument.

With all these facts President Carter, who has had many honors and places named for him, should reject the name change leaving history as it is lets keep it Souther Field!

J. D. Stripling Jr.

Americus



Disagrees with Americusairport renaming

To the powers that be and President Carter:

Please read Carolyn Joiner's letter in the Oct. 1 edition of the Americus Times-Recorder. I agree with her entirely and I am sure you were not thinking when you decided to steal Maj. Souther's legacy from him and his descendents to award it to President Carter. I hope you think this through as there are countless other ways we can honor President Carter. You would not rename the Pope Center for President Carter?

Please use common sense and do the right thing; don't conduct business like our current U.S. Congress.

Mary W. Davis

Americus