CHEERS

... to the New Albany-Floyd County Consolidated School Corp. Board of Trustees for naming the new football stadium at Floyd Central “Ron Weigleb Stadium.” What a great honor for a man who gave everything he had as head coach at the school for 20 years. And thankfully, he was able to live long enough to enjoy the news of the school board’s vote before dying of cancer May 30. Those former players and friends of Weigleb’s who pushed for this should also be commended.

With that said, it’s time for the school corporation to mend fences with former Floyd Central coach Joe Hinton, who started the basketball program at the school. The legendary coach led the Highlanders to two state finals and numerous sectional and regional victories. The basketball court at the school should bear his name. It would be the right thing to do. He started with nothing and built one of the state’s most successful programs in his 30 years at the school. It’s time to honor him.

— Region Editor Chris Morris



... to the recent announcement by Chris Coyle that his family’s company, Coyle Auto, is working to transfer the historically significant Coyle building located along Spring Street in New Albany to public ownership. The four-acre site is being considered for a new government center to serve the people of New Albany and Floyd County. Saving and reusing our historic downtown buildings, versus letting them become derelict, seems like a wonderful way to keep our downtown alive.

— Tribune Photographer Kevin McGloshen



... to Indiana columnist Morton Marcus for his recent column on urban entryways published June 10, 2009, in The Tribune. I’ve long said that entry into New Albany is lacking in aesthetics and a plan for visitors driving across the Sherman Minton Bridge. It is improving — no more “For Sale” painted on building tops, the new Scribner Place, and the amphitheater are positive steps.

However, there is a lot of work to be done — with signage especially. (How about a signage ordinance? To restrict billboards along the entry? How about upgrading the “Welcome” rocks to say “New Albany” instead? These are just a few ideas.) But Marcus makes a great point that our entryway speaks volumes about the entire state, not just New Albany. We are the front door for many visitors and I agree with Marcus when he says that New Albany’s entrance is far from eliciting a sense of pride or an “enriched experience.”

— Tribune Publisher Steve Kozarovich



... to Jim McCain of Weatherall Co. Inc. 106 Industrial Way for use of his building during the recent closure of the puppy mill in Harrison County by the Indiana Attorney General’s office and the Humane Society of the United States.

Also, cheers to the city of New Albany for the Dumpster, J & J Pallet Co. for 100 pallets, Applebees along Grant Line Road for providing lunch for all volunteers one day and the New Albany-Floyd County Animal Shelter staff for going above and beyond to make this happen.

— Tribune Reader David Hall



... to David Hall and all of the volunteers and supporters of the New Albany-Floyd County Animal Shelter for their involvement in the recent puppy raid. Don’t take this local organization for granted. Its involvement was not only good for the animals. Their responsible and professional procedures represent local residents well. Thank you.

— Tribune Publisher Steve Kozarovich



JEERS

... to New Albany City Councilman Steve Price for a lack of self-awareness. In response to the upcoming request for more New Albany police officers to combat the crime epidemic in the city, Price stated, “Right now, I’m in a conservative state of mind because we’re bleeding red ink.”

Actually, Mr. Price, that conservative state of mind is long-term. It was among his campaign pledges to constituents when he was re-elected. I believe he promised to watch out for our nickels and dimes. That’s good because I’ll need to have something to give the criminals.

— Tribune Publisher Steve Kozarovich

Do you have someone or something to cheer or jeer? Submissions should be sent to Publisher Steve Kozarovich at steve.kozarovich@newsandtribune.com or by mail at 303 Scribner Drive, New Albany, IN 47150.