9. People don't lock their doors at night.

8. There is no rush hour traffic.

7. Many houses have character.

6. You don't have to keep up with the Jones.

5. The downtown has many charming, victorian buildings.

4. The sewer plant is modern and multi-functional.

3. Minonk is on the verge of a new growth.

2. The city has an internet webpage to provide a forum to discuss issues.

9. There is no place in town to have door keys made.

8. There are not enough employers to cause a rush hour.

7. Many characters have houses.

6. The Jones are on welfare.

5. The charming, victorian buildings downtown are empty.

4. The sewer system periodically floods out basements.

3. Minonk has no plans for its future growth.

2. Many people are complacent and do not participate in open forum discussions on the internet.

1. Minonk has no hard-core agitators.

This Fourth of July has special meaning in the wake of the new war on terrorism. We should be thankful that we live in the greatest country in the world. Our country can only be as strong as the communities that make up this great land of ours. I urge everyone to help keep our country strong by being actively involved in community affairs and strive to make Minonk a great place to live. Have a happy Fourth of July in Minonk.