Letter from the FBI

Getting a letter from the FBI is a little like having a police car come up behind you on the highway.  Even when you aren’t doing anything wrong, haven’t done anything wrong and don’t plan to do anything wrong… it makes you nervous.  We received one of those letters today from the FBI talking about potential terrorist activity as we approach the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.  The letter included a flyer with a list of potential indicators and best practices concerning construction sites.  Most of them are common sense, but the reminders are good.  I’ve scanned the flyer and included it to the right.

It is best we don’t forget, lest it happen again.

New Trees

New Maple at ECC

The Culver Tree Commission purchased new trees and they were installed over Memorial Day Weekend.  Their funds are limited so the number of trees planted this year was fewer than in the past years.

Easterday Construction Co., Inc. has lost several trees along our street scape and the Tree Commission has slated one of our trees, a Wild Cherry, for removal.  We’re not the prettiest face on the street, but I do think our large Oak trees along the street add character.  When I was growing up there was a huge tree in the center of our loop drive, but it has been gone for more than 20 years, recently replaced by a volunteer Tulip Poplar.

For those of you that don’t know, the Culver Tree Commission accepts donations for the purchase of trees.  I spoke to Tree Commissioner Dick Brantingham several times over the past few years about starting some replacement trees along our street scape.  This year we received two Maple trees and a Honey Locust. 

Tulip Poplar in circle drive at ECC

We made a tax deductible donation of $100 per tree to the Marshall County Community Foundation in the name of the Culver Tree Commission.  I would consider that a bargain.  On top of getting a nice tree planted, the Culver Fire Department takes care of watering the new trees in the first year.   (If you’re interested in taking advantage of this and helping the Culver Tree Commission next year, contact Dick Brantingham or Mike Stallings.  You can also contact the Town Hall to let them know you’re interested in helping.)

When I first moved back to Culver, I lived on Ohio Street in the house currently occupied by the Wesley United Methodist Church Thrift Shop.  One of the nice things about that location was the beautiful tree-lined street.  We have several such streets in Culver.  Thanks to the efforts of the Culver Tree Commission, we will have more in the future.

ABC – Mike Pence

Congressman Mike Pence

Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) Michiana Council had a presentation from Mike Pence to discuss how his goals, if he becomes governor, would align with the free enterprise goals of ABC.  He related several personal anecdotes on why he believes that Right-to-Work should be one of the number one goals of his administration.  He expressed his belief that on many of our issues, it was a matter of educating the public.  His opinion is that educating the public on issues should be one of the governor’s priorities.

He spoke elequently and made  a strong case for ABC’s support of his candidancy.  There appears to be only one other candidate at this time, but there may be more.  If others decide to try their hand against Mr. Pence in the primary, they will find a formidable opponent.  I think it’s likely that he will be the Republican candidate for governor.