Topeka Capital-Journal, The: Letters to the editor

Revisit history

Recently, former congressman Dr. Bill Roy, in a local newspaper column, had the following comments to make about historic Lecompton in comparing it to Arrow Rock in Missouri:

"Arrow Rock does not have nearly the history of Lecompton, site of the slavers' capital in early Kansas. Nor is the site any prettier. Lecompton is a worthwhile stop now, but with some further state commitment and some private entrepreneurs it could out distance Cabela's as the number two tourist site in our state."

We certainly agree with Dr. Roy as during the past two years Lecompton has been visited by visitors from all 50 states and 20 foreign countries.

Territorial Days will be June 27-29 with the pre Civil War Battle of Fort Titus re-enactment on June 28 and 29 at 1:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to experience the rich history of Lecompton and the political birthplace of the Civil War.

PAUL M. BAHNMAIER

Lecompton

Support pays off

Back in 1990 Sherman Parks Jr., president of the USD 501 school board, asked the question: Why does 501 not have baseball and softball? All other schools in the area has these successful programs. The answer was that we do not have the funds to operate these expensive programs.

A group of parents then raised the money to start these programs at Topeka West, Highland Park and Topeka High. Last month in Salina, those efforts were rewarded with a state championship team in 5A baseball from Topeka West. Some of these players also played basketball and football, finishing third and second in the state playoffs. It was a great day for Topeka and Topeka West athletics.

Thanks to the support of USD 501and the administrations of the three high schools, we finally had a champion in baseball. My regret was that Sherman did not live to see this happen.

The soccer program also came into being during this same time period. Topeka High and Topeka West teams have had much success. Topeka West girls soccer team finished fourth to Shawnee Heights in four overtimes in state playoffs. The Topeka West boys soccer finished third after losing to the eventual state champion Goddard. Another group of parents have been done proud by these achievements.

Dr. McFrazier, then at Topeka West, and Stan Seidel at Topeka West saw these programs put in place. Also Dan Dryer had a role in this program. Many graduates of these high schools have obtained scholarships and have done very well in their sports.

Thanks to all of those who thought sports were important for our youth and their futures.

JACK SHUTT

Topeka

Toughen seat belt law

Recent articles provide Kansas lawmakers with a golden opportunity to save Kansans millions of dollars. As a bonus, they can save families needless pain and grief. Now that we officially rank 48th among 50 states in per capita seat belt use, our senators and representatives in Topeka have a compelling reason for putting some teeth into our weak, often disregarded seat belt laws.

Our state definitely needs a primary seat belt law. The current $10 fine tacked onto some other violation is slightly effective at best. Compare that with the facts that two-thirds of teens killed in collisions were not buckled, and the 15 to 20 age group is the least likely to buckle up. Those statistics by themselves ought to be sufficient incentive for parents and educators to demand corrective action from those we have elected to office.

When we get our legislators to pass adequate seat belt use laws, how will that save us millions of dollars? Consider this: In addition to the $580 extra we are each paying for the higher hospital and insurance rates we are paying each year, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians, there are also the funeral costs we could be saving.

There will always be people who refuse to use their seat belts, just as there are those who refuse to use motorcycle helmets, despite the potential great cost to themselves, to their families and to us as tax and insurance payers. As all the solid evidence proves seat belt use save lives to a major extent, it seems logical that nearly all intelligent, self-respecting Kansans will buckle up consistently.

The rest of us have a choice: We can play Russian roulette and die, or we can choose to promote and support adequate seat belt laws as we also set positive examples for our families and others that save lives and prevent serious injuries.

Our people in Topeka are money-oriented. They know a million here, and a million there, so after a while they are starting to talk about real money. Because of that fact, now is the time when more parents, educators, and those who have had a friend or relative killed or seriously injured in a car crash must become proactive.

Without further delay, we need to effectively convince our state senators and representatives that strong seat belt laws are essential because far too many loved Kansans have already needlessly died or suffered greatly. While you're at it, remember to remind them that buckled seat belts save our money, too.

AL VOPATA, orientation and mobility specialist

Wichita