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OPINIONS
Editorial: On the new Ritter Park playground, stimulus checks and changing gas prices
Construction on the new Ritter Park playground is moving along. On Wednesday, workers installed artificial turf at the swingset and performed other work in getting the new play area ready for use this fall.
An island now occupies the low area that used to flood after every rain. A wooden bridge connects the island with the service road through the park. The new play area will also feature a zip line, benches, climbing boulders, fabric shade, a hammock and stepping stones. It will be completely handicap friendly and include activities for children of all abilities.
The estimated total project cost is $322,580, which was raised through public and private funds. The Junior League of Huntington raised about $100,000 for the project.
The new play area was badly needed. The existing one will be retained, and it has served area children well since it was installed about 20 years ago. The new playground will make the play area a safer, more attractive place in what is undoubtedly the Tri-State's favorite park.
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The federal government has money it wants to give back, but tens of thousands of people have yet to file the necessary paperwork.
As of June, more than 49,000 West Virginia retirees and military veterans had not filed to receive their economic stimulus rebates. That number included 2,500 people in Cabell County and 1,300 in Wayne County, according to Sen. Jay Rockefeller. In addition, about 1,600 people in Lawrence County, Ohio, and 1,400 in Boyd County, Ky., had not filed.
Individuals have until Oct. 15 to apply for their checks, which can range from $300 to $600 per person.
People who may qualify but who have not yet received a check or applied for one may call the IRS Rebate Hotline at 866-234-9887, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program at 800-906-9887, the local library or by visiting www.aarp.org/money.
The money is in the federal treasury, waiting to be mailed. There's no sense letting it go unused.
The price of crude oil, which drove the pump price above $4 a gallon this year, is falling. At one point Tuesday, crude fell as low as $105.46, its lowest level since April, according to The Associated Press. Crude has dropped about $40, or 26 percent, since surging to a record $147.27 on July 11, according to the AP.
It's too early to predict what this will mean for gasoline prices between now and the Thanksgiving holiday, but it indicates that some relief on energy prices could be on the way.
