Letter to The Editor:

Not so many weeks ago I wrote a letter to this editor in regards to the salvation of the Clark County Courthouse. I really expected, if not a lot, some, response from this community as to their thoughts on the destruction of the courthouse. Whether pro or con I expected some interested people to speak up with their opinions with letters to the editor. But not one, not one person rebutted with a letter to the editor with a single word. I was quite shocked, surprised and disappointed that no one had an opinion on this subject to put in the paper. Not one person had the courage to tell the citizens of Clark County what they thought about the annihilation of one of our greatest historical landmarks in my opinion. I inquired as to why people were silent and was told, this not a quote, that people of this county are worried about what the neighbors might say. They might step on toes if they wrote a letter to the editor of a paper and signed their name to such an outrageous opinion.

Several weeks later I found out this is not correct, the citizens of this county do have opinions. They just aren't bold enough to put their opinions in the paper for everyone to read. People around this county like to voice their opinions over cups of coffee or bottles of beer. What about the people who are not within ear shot? Not everyone is drinking coffee or drinking beer.

Every one in the county should be heard. Some of us want to know what you have to say. I prefer speaking out in the open for all to here, not behind doors where only a few are present. My opinions are mine and I will speak them loud and clear.

I can not believe that a majority of people in Clark County are going to stand by while part of our county history is reduced to rubble and dust, just to please a few. This will happen because people don't care enough to vote to save the courthouse or will vote to destroy the courthouse. If we want to save our courthouse we all need to be registered to vote so our opinions can be heard in writing.

I just finished reading, "A New Courthouse? Questions and answers for your consideration." It sounds like a lot of excuses and hot air to me. I want to know who wrote it, there was no author mentioned. I want to know what it cost the courthouse commissioners to pay someone to write all of those excuses and numbers. I would like to address question & answer number 12. QUESTION: Can a group step forward to take care of the old courthouse? ANSWER: Yes.....[skip forward] Such a group should submit their proposal to the commissioners no later than six months AFTER COMPLETION OF THE NEW COURTHOUSE for the commissioners to evaluate. Now--it might be me but it sounds like the new courthouse is a done deal and it's not even Nov. 3rd yet. No one have voted anything, at least not on a ballot. How can that be?

Is this letter full of emotion? You betcha!! It makes me sick to think of that that grand ol' lady is being disregarded and some people of this county want to tear her down. Our ancestors fought to have that building place in Kahoka. It's not like Kahoka was the one and only place chosen for our county seat. I'm not only fighting for our children future but I'm fighting for the respect of our ancestors. Our ancestors chose this part of the country, they chose this county, they chose this town and they chose this courthouse for their futures and for the futures of their children for a reason. How can we just throw that away.

OUR ANCESTORS ARE SPEAKING TO US IF WE WILL JUST LISTEN. WHAT IS RIGHT IS RIGHT AND KEEPING OUR COURTHOUSE IS RIGHT...

Nancy Ostrander

Kahoka, MO

Oct. 19, 2009