Our Viewpoint
Join the fight Friday with Relay for Life

In May of 1985, a Tacoma, Washington doctor did something that changed the face on the ongoing fight against cancer.

He walked.

Dr. Gordy Klatt wanted to raise money for a local cancer office and spent 24 hours circling a football stadium track as he ran and walked more than 83 miles.

When the night was over, Klatt had raised $27,000 to fight cancer. While he was circling the track, he envisioned an event in which teams would take part in the event.

The next year, 19 teams took part in the event and $33,000 was raised for the cancer society.

This Friday night, Jasper County residents will show their support for cancer patients in the area as they participate in the annual Relay for Life event around the courthouse square.

Teams have signed up to walk around the square, starting at 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. Saturday morning.

Tents will surround the courthouse grounds and booths will be open as everyone is encouraged to attend the annual, fund-raising event.

But this is far more than just a weekend activity.

For many, this event is a celebration of their fight against cancer, a celebration of their success story in their battle with cancer.

We all can share in their celebration by participating this Friday evening on the courthouse square. This is one battle that we have to win.

Roses go to….

t The Jasper Bulldog baseball squad for a strong season on the diamond this year. The Dawgs defeated Silsbee 5-3 last Friday to move into a first place tie with Bridge City.

t Jasper ISD Board of Trustees for selecting Bill "Butch" Dean as their sole finalist for the Superintendent of Schools post.

t JISD honor roll students for another job well done.

Thorns go to….

t Seven of 15 stores in the Kirbyville and Buna area that sold tobacco products to a minor during an undercover sting operation last Wednesday. Cigarettes are a gateway drug and these stores need to shape up.