<center>Letters to the Editor</center>

Support local law enforcement officers

To the editor:

Suicide is a desperate act that leaves shock and desperation in its wake. Such was the case with the suicide of Officer Jim Jones. The community of Williams was shocked; the Jones family was devastated.

The suicide of one’s spouse and one’s parent is not a devastation easily overcome. For us, the townspeople of Williams, however, the shock has worn off. Most of us have gotten back to life as usual. It would be easy to put the incident behind us and go about life as usual.

I am asking that we not do so. I am asking that we instead come together as a community to do all within our power to prevent the repeat of such a desperate act. I am asking that we join together in devising ways to let our law enforcement officers know we recognize and appreciate their willingness to serve us, even to the point of putting their lives on the line.

I am asking that we join together to make it clear that the hostile acts (such as vandalizing police cars) directed against law enforcement officers are the work of a very small minority. I ask us to join together in making a clear statement to our law enforcement officers that we truly support them and respect their dedication to our community.

We can begin this effort Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. at Community United Methodist Church in the Fellowship Hall. Chief Frank Manson will give us ideas as to how we can support our law enforcement officers.

Anyone interested in being involved in this effort is invited to attend. If you have any questions, please contact me at 635-2511.

Rev. Joyce Steiner

Community United

Methodist Church

Band appreciates superior fans, support

To the editor:

The Williams High School Marching Band would like to publicly thank all of the band volunteers for their help at Eastern Arizona College. The band would like to thank Phil, Kiel and Liz Hernandez for driving a van that carried instruments, uniforms, and luggage and for being great supporters.

A big thanks also goes out to John, Cam and Ginger Holmes for helping load and unload equipment and getting the swords on the field for the sword fight. Last, the band would like to thank Patty Mayfield for sleeping in the gym, driving a van of equipment and being an outstanding “nurse.” You were all superior fans.

Overall, thank you to everyone who has supported the band in any way from financially to encouragingly screaming your head off at half-time shows. We really appreciate all of you who continue to cheer on and support the WHS Marching Band.

WHS Band Students

Williams

Resident enjoys the children at Halloween

To the editor:

I would like to thank all the children who came to our house on Halloween. The laughter as they walked to the door. The smiles they shared. The costumes were great and best of all, the special words they all shared. Happy Halloween and thank you!

A special thanks to all the parents who took the time to bring them. We had 60 plus in a three-hour fun evening and hope to see them all another year.

Betty Schaffer

Williams

Paint the town red by saying ‘no’ to drugs

To the editor:

It is time for the Flagstaff and Williams celebration of Red Ribbon Week! The Williams Alliance Against Drug Abuse will be collaborating with Citizens Against Substance Abuse, Northern Arizona University, the Flagstaff Governor’s Alliance Against Drugs, the Flagstaff Police Department, Williams Parks and Recreation Department, and the Williams Police Department to commemorate National Red Ribbon Week. This year’s festivities will begin on Monday with a rally at the NAU dome and culminate with the Red Ribbon NAU football game on Nov. 20.

The Red Ribbon Campaign began in 1985 as a united effort after Federal Agent Enrique Camarena was murdered by drug traffickers. Then, as now, the Red Ribbon became the universal symbol to reduce the demand for drugs. It is a visual reminder of a united commitment to work towards a drug-free environment in our community.

The sponsors of Red Ribbon Week would like to invite the students of Williams, this includes public school, home schooled, charter, and private school students to participate by submitting essays or posters that carry a drug free message. Submissions will be judged by WAADA members and prizes will be awarded. Students should include their name, teacher’s name, school and grade with their submission. Submissions can be made at the city recreation center. The deadline for submissions is Nov. 17 by 3:45 p.m.

Elementary and middle school students are also invited to participate in the kick off RR Rally at the NAU Dome on Monday from 4-5:30 p.m. Elementary and middle school students will be admitted to the NAU football game on Nov. 20 free of charge if they wear their red ribbon. Ribbons will be distributed to the students during RR week.

We invite all community members to proudly wear a red ribbon during the week of Nov. 15-20 to demonstrate their support for a Drug Free Williams.

Feel free to call me at (928) 779-5361 if you have questions.

Connie Leto

CASA Executive Director