The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
What Can Nature Teach Us?
Dear Editor:
The other day after some enjoyable reading in the book of Hebrews, I decided to go back to Genesis for some adventure and mystery.
I had only gotten partially through the first chapter, about to the place where God created all the animals, all the fish of the seas and the birds of the air, when as people sometimes do, my mind started wondering.
I was thinking of how harsh this winter has been and how spring seems to be ready to make an appearance.
I was thinking of grass beginning to green, lillies and tulips starting to force their way out, demanding the warmth of the sunshine and commanding an audience to enjoy their splendor.
Then I thought about the birds of spring who are finally coming home.
I know that it will be only a short time before the birds will begin dancing their finest dance to persuade their potential loves to accept them.
Some will put on a ruffled display of grandeur that rivals the finest dressed kings.
And some sing a song that is so beautiful that one cannot help but to stop and listen.
All the animals around us, the squirrels, rabbits, chipmunks, and so many others out there that we rarely see, begin twitterpattering.
Even the fish of the seas search for mates in the ways the Lord hath taught them. And soon, as has happened for time immortal, new generations of life appear.
I begin to think of just how many species of birds, animals, mammals, and sea life there really are, not to mention the insect world that also have their own pattern of attraction so that the cycle of life continues.
I would wager a guess that not counting the insect world, there's probably upwards of 100,000 different species, give or take.
Then I thought, wow! That many different kinds of species, all falling in love and creating life once again. Then I also thought that there's only one species of human and we should be doing the same thing.
It is widely agreed upon that all the species throughout the earth and seas are considered dumb.
After giving this statement some considerable thought, I wondered why all the difference species haven't figured out that their supposed to be gay, when we have.
It looks like we're the dumb ones, and there's 100,000 species to one that proves it.
Quentin Peterson
stronghurst
Importance of the U.S. Census
Dear Editor:
Every ten years the United States government conducts a census to determine how many people are living in the United States - a particular state, county, etc.
This information is used for many purposes including determination of political boundaries (legislative districts) and federal financial resources for infrastructures and services for hospitals, schools, senior citizen centers, emergency services, public works projects, etc.
The data collected is used for many purposes and benefits many organizations - that is why it is extremely important to accurately complete and return the census form.
If you do not do so, it is as if you do not exist.
Schools benefit from the accurate information in that their federal money is guided by the data collected through the census.
Federal monies are used to support the Title I Program including the Illini West Reading Program which assists all students.
Carthage Elementary, La Harpe Elementary, and Dallas Elementary School Districts are also affected by the census and the resulting federal monies it generates.
In these economic times, any monies received are appreciated and used to provide the best educational opportunities possible.
By now everyone is aware the State of Illinois is not able to meet its financial obligations to schools, so we will turn to any source we can to have resources for students.
Therefore, we are relying on the federal government to help make up the deficit.
This appeal is going out to everyone in our communities asking that you please take the time to complete the census form accurately and return it.
Your assistance is greatly appreciated!
Respectfully,
Mike Mauzy, Jr.
Illini West HSD#307
Superintendent