Didn’t attend the horse show this past Saturday night, but did drive past it while it was in progress. Judging by the number of cars that were parked over there it must have been a real success. I have talked to several who did attend and they said it got the season off to a real good start. This activity along with all the other activities in and around Latimer Park should make it the busiest place around this summer. The ball programs for the youngsters are in full swing and the pool will be opened for swimming in just a few more days. From the looks of things, the park will be the place to be.
Several of us have a favorite gathering place here in Baldwyn where we try to solve more of the world problems and make sure that all the gossip gets a good sendoff. I have reference to the “66” service station under the management of Jack Hamblin Jr. and Mort Gardner. If you haven’t been present during one of the bull sessions you just haven’t lived. Anyhow, I was talking with Jack one day this past week and he said that there had been more traffic on Highway 45 in both directions that week than he had ever seen and Jack has been doing business on Highway 45 for a long period of time. The three-lane road built through Baldwyn a couple of summers back is coming apart much faster than normal and the maintenance costs on supporting Highway 45 must be tremendous. As I mentioned last week, I haven’t heard any news concerning construction on the four-lane in this area recently so I don’t know just what the status is.
Farmers were getting in a big way this past week. The north wind didn’t help very much as it kept things much dryer than normal. I think most farmers and gardeners would welcome a few good showers to soften things up.
The current session of the legislature is now history and as to whether it was successful or not depends on a particular individual’s point of view. There were several things that I favored that did pass, but there were several more- a vote on a constitutional convention in particular- that didn’t make the grade. Few if any people are alive who were living when the present constitution was adopted way back in 1892 so I for one believe that it could stand a little updating. There should be some way around to spread the various measures that come up over a controlled period so that everything doesn’t come to a head all at once and many measures die in the process. I noted that the governor has intimated that he will call special session to try to resolve an issue concerning county government that failed to reach the floor. There should be some way that issues such as this could be resolved during the regular session and thus avoid the added expense of a special session.
There seems to be quite a bit of building activity in and around Baldwyn. Several new homes are under construction and some of the business buildings are beginning to shape up. The Farmers & Merchants Bank expansion is the center of attraction in the downtown area. It is fast taking shape.
Bernard Coggins was a longtime Mayor of Baldwyn.