I have questions and some suggestions that my sound foolish, but who knows, maybe something will help.

First, am I the only person who finds it odd that the state seems to be finding so many problems with small towns lately?

Everything our county judge and others try to do to help the situation gets knocked down.

Yes, I’m sure there are safety factors that need to be dealt with. So, why can’t we as a county build our own jail? We have plenty of empty spaces, something we are well known for in Texas. We have many talented contractors, drafters, etc. If they cannot help do the building, they could offer supplies and supervision to volunteers willing to do the labor.

The sheriff is not asking for a mansion. All he would like is technical equipment to help catch the “bad” folks and more deputies to do the job.

Howard County could pick a vacant lot, build a simple cinder block jail with room for expansion if needed on down the road.

I don’t want prisoners to freeze, suffocate or starve while visiting our facility, nor do I believe they should be pampered with a fancy jail.

Second, many of the jail cells are housing addicts or first-time offenders. While considering a jail, Howard County would be wise to think about a rehab facility for young offenders.

If we could employ at least two certified counselors, the counselors could train volunteers to help these people. If we only reached a few and helped get them out of the system, it would be a start.

Putting addicts in jail cells and continually running them through the system is not accomplishing anything. Just think, folks, one day we might not have to worry about enlarging a jail.

Yes, everything I’ve suggested depends on one main thing — volunteers. It’s the only way it can work.

We have so many churches in our area with great programs. Addicts are not going to walk into the buildings. We must go out to them.

We have a committee to help beautify our area, but if we don’t’ do something about these other problems, all the things we try to do to make our area pretty will be destroyed.

We raised $40,000 to have a spectacular Pops in the Park celebration. It was lovely and very patriotic. It was enjoyed by all. If this can happen, then why can’t we unite and solve our other problems?

As I said, these are only questions and suggestions. People much wiser than I am can probably come up with better suggestions and answers. We need to help ourselves.

Dean Kraus

Big Spring