Window opens up new opportunity for Jasper
Our Viewpoint

They say that when one door closes, a window opens.

This week, Tiger Truck finally closed the door on Jasper in a decision that was clearly expected for the past couple of weeks.

But on the same day that Tiger Truck slipped out the back door in Jasper, the federal government made a strong investment in this community with the announcement of an Economic Development Administration grant for $800,000 for a regional vocational training facility in Jasper.

This facility has been in the works for the past few months. According to an EDA official at the check presentation Monday, the grant should not have worked this year.

But through the hard work of the retiring Tom McClurg of the Jasper Economic Development Corporation, the grant was quickly moved through the process and was approved at just the right time for Jasper.

Too often graduating students who don't attend college fall through the cracks without set career plans. This new technology center will allow for career options and help further and start new careers.

This community once again came together for a common cause and success was found at the end of the chase.

Roses go to….

t The U.S Postal Service for dedicating the Woodville Post Office to fallen Iraq veteran Chuck Fortenberry in a classy ceremony Monday morning.

Thorns go to….

t Tiger Truck. The Dallas-based company arrived in Jasper March 12 with a ton of hoopla. They exit with an email and faxed letter. Something doesn't smell right about this company and their dealings. In the end, maybe Jasper will be all the better without this company in our backyard. It will be interesting where Tiger lands and what sweetheart deal they receive.