03/31/2024
Local elections April 2nd Cabool 📢
Get out and vote. Every vote counts in this election.
From the desk of James Gray
The time to change is now, the means to change is April 2nd. A decision is going to have to be made
on whether we stay where we are at or start laying the foundation for growth. The choice will be
made by the voting public on which direction we take. The Celebrate Cabool event on March 23rd
was a great success with over 200 people showing up throughout the day and exchanging
thoughts/ideas. The live entertainment, Southern Edge, was great. When we host this next year, we
hope more people will attend. City Hall was invited, so it doesn’t matter about your politics – it was
an event to celebrate Cabool. Thank you to all those that helped as well as the supporters for
showing up and showing their concern for our town.
We’re getting mixed messages on several things that are happening in Cabool from the public, such
as the new sidewalks. The ones installed by MoDOT look nice, but the people who plan to use them
have issues with the hills-and-dales when walking the paths. Of course, Garst Street was made so
we can’t drive a school bus out there – all in all I believe that the contractors from MoDOT did what
they were told to do. We need to look at any blueprints for future plans so they can be seen by the
general public and thoughts can be shared. The workload on the electricians is heavy, they’re doing
the best they can on trimming the trees from power lines. Remember, the work they are doing
(adding/changing telephone poles, etc.) have priority over tree work. I suggested we try to find a
grant or outside help like how Intercounty Electric subcontracts others to trim trees every 7 years –
how would we feel about that?
The YMCA will not own Cabool pool and will hold a management position only. The city pool will still
be maintained and have a say about pricing, so I was told. The holding pens for strays are licensed
and now it’s up to the animal control officer to take it from here – as per the council meeting held on
March 18th. The shoulder lines were addressed at the same meeting, in which I’ve yet to receive
word on. The right turn lane at Town & Country was also brought up, and I’m still told it can’t be
done. The idea of using community service people was mentioned, and again, I was given excuses
for why we can’t. Utilizing this resource would be good business, it would take one Cabool
employee to watch them as they mow ditches/yards, etc. while others can do more important
tasks.
Concerning the trash at Cedar Bluff Apartments, I drive through at least twice a week and cannot
see the problem. There are no diapers in yards, garbage/beer cans ... only some children’s toys
scattered around, which they know to move on scheduled mow days. I don’t understand why
people would want restrictions and make it so little kids can’t have toys to play with outside – or
why bikes/balls can’t be left on porches. Are they wanting to pass ordinances so children can’t play
in their yards? What are your thoughts? The ordinance for cars in people’s yards in Cabool… I
understand that having a bunch of old cars in someone’s yard is an eye sore and lowers property
values. But I also understand that some people build cars as a hobby or are helping fix up
friends/families vehicles. Some people have old trucks for lawn ornaments. So just like the yards
that need to be maintained, I believe in fairness that we give a leeway warning and time for them to
fix it up and help them if we can.
