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Hello again. My hand is much better than the last time I wrote.

A touch of winter had arrived. Saturday, October 28 to Sunday, October 29, 2023, we received 5 inches of rain. This is great for our streams and rivers and ponds. The part I do not like with this cold front are the night time temperatures in the 20s.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR IDENTITY IS STOLEN Last month my mail stopped coming. Apparently somebody had gone and changed my address. The post office clerk warned me that my identity had probably been stolen. What would scammers want with my address?

NURSING HOME IN YOUR FAMILY’S FUTURE? PREPARE IN ADVANCE I’m taking care of my ailing mother right now but if she doesn’t get better, she might have to go into a nursing home. I am worried that would not be good for her. What would you advise?

HELP TO CUT HEALTH CARE COSTS My aunt can’t afford her diabetes medication, so she keeps reducing her dose. She’s not feeling well as a result.

Dear Editor, The Morning Star Waterboard election (July 28th) was a failure because they didn’t follow their bylaws and policies. People were outraged because they had to sign their ballot. How much do you think that cost us? Now they are going to attempt a second election and they still are not following their bylaws and policies. Policy #10, page 3 : *Ballots should give instructions as to how many VOTES should be cast and list the candidates in alphabetical order by last name.* Further down the page it states * All water uses present at the MEETING should be checked against the current water users list as they enter with one BALLOT handed out per water user household (as per MSPWA bylaws).* Policy #10, page 4: * Verbal instructions for the voting process should be given to the water users in ATTENDANCE, including the announcement of the seats that are available and the number of VOTES that should be cast.* Further down the page * The highest number of VOTES will go to the first designated open position. The second highest number of votes will be the winner of the second designated open position and so on*. Bylaws, Page 9, Article 7, Section 1: * The annual election meeting shall be held in the TOWN OF MORNING STAR at 6:00 p.m. on the 2nd Tuesday of each July*. Looks like they missed the July election so now it’s being held in September. Nowhere does it mention mailing out ballots to everyone. Absentee ballots can be mailed if requested. Last year at the election in Morning Star every eligible voter was able to vote for 3 seats with 3 different colored index cards. So let’s not make this election more expensive and complicated than it should be.

My doctor says he needs to operate on this knee that’s been giving me trouble. I better make some changes to the house, so I can still get around while I’m recovering.

Dear Editor, As citizens in a democracy we have the right and the responsibility to participate in our government, especially with regard to the issues that directly concern us. There is no more important issue than the future of our public schools. The LEARNS Act, passed by the legislature in March under the guidance of Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, threatens that future. The 145-page bill was rushed through the legislature and voted into law on March 8, but there has been much debate since then over the provisions of the bill, and whether it is the best thing for students, schools, and teachers. A group known as CAPES (Citizens for Arkansas Public Education and Students) has begun a drive to accumulate signatures on a petition that would put the LEARNS Act on the ballot in November, 2024, giving the people of Arkansas a chance to vote whether or not to retain the bill as law.

Dear Editor: I would like to thank all that came to my assistance on the night of housefire on June 14th. The 911 operator who kept me on the line until help arrived. Special thanks to Jeff Hensley, my neighbor, friend and hero. His quick wit for pulling my car out of harms way. Sheriff’s Department for being the first ones there, Marshall Fire Department, Petit Jean for their prompt response. Charmaine Seaton, the Red Cross for their prompt response. Laura Ragland for leaving clothes and pajamas on her mailbox, Phyllis Hensley for bringing me clothes, shoes and comfort. Shawna Leber for clothes, food, comfort and concern. Ashley Morris who went above and beyond to help me in my distress. All the other friends for their well wishes and concern and comfort. So proud to live in this community. So thankful and grateful. God bless all.

My nursing home colleagues are talking about a recent Supreme Court case. Why? The decision is a major win for residents.