To the Editor:

I recently received my new garbage payment coupon book from Mills Bros. Garbage Service and noticed a new page with some interesting and previously unknown information. The first page informs each individual about the new rules and regulations for picking up your garbage for 2008.

1. This rate is for up to 5 bags or 2 standard size cans per week.

2. This rate is for one household only. If you allow anyone else to put their trash with yours and not pay the bill, you will be responsible for the bill.

3. The monthly rate is for regular household trash, any additional garbage will be charged accordingly. (example: yard waste, appliances or cleanups)

4. If you need special cleanup you can call us and we will come out and price the cleanup for you.

I remember reading the article in the paper about Fiscal Court allowing our rates to go up but I do not remember anything about the above changes. I am very concerned that these new changes are sending us back in time when people were dumping their trash on the side of the road and on their own property and burning their trash. Our county spends a lot of money and time on cleaning up these dumps and has laws against dumping on your own property. I think a lot of people will have to resort to doing this again because they cannot pay extra for more than the allotted trash per week. It is also a shame to think that some people will start burning more trash and add to the pollution and damage to our environment.

I hope the white truck will continue to operate at no cost to those signed up on garbage pick-up (even though garbage pick-up is mandatory county wide and not everyone is signed up). I also hope the city will still take bags of leaves, the county will have a tire amnesty week, the county will still have the annual free week long drop-off at the Bell County Solid Waste and all the other programs offered by the county.

Our county is working hard to create jobs by attracting businesses to our industrial park and presenting different tourist attractions. We know from past experiences that neither one of these is going to come and stay nor return to our county because of our dumps and trash problems.

Our county needs a recycling center now more than ever. There are several groups and our Fiscal Court that are working to bring this to a reality. Everybody needs to support this effort and do their part when it is implemented.

Shelia Miracle

Pineville, Ky.

Middlesboro native enjoying new website

To the Editor,

I want to tell you that I'm thrilled with the new site and can't wait to explore all the new features.

It's been forty years since I've seen my hometown of Middlesboro and it's so nice to be able to read at least some of the paper everyday. The expansion will be much appreciated.

(A little light background color, IMHO, would be nice while you're at it.)

Hopefully, I will get to see Middlesboro again but, it's not likely. So I will continue to thankfully enjoy the Daily News and remember as best I can.

Thank you for a job well done and Best Regards.

Larry Collingsworth

Portsmouth, Va.