Several years ago, when we first came to Russell County the competitive environment between Jamestown and Russell Springs was very obvious.

Some forty years later, it still seems to be surviving very well.

This imaginary line between Russell Springs and Jamestown was very obvious then, was very obvious long before that and will probably continue to be so several more years in future.

The late publisher and founder of this newspaper, Andrew Norfleet, wrote several editorials calling for Jamestown and Russell Springs to combine forces, merge all governments, do away with the divisionary line, do away with both names and become one city, known as  Lake City.

Was a good idea then, is a good idea now, but likely never to happen.

We do not have to change names and remove boundary lines, but we certainly should do what is best for the community, and the best for the community is to work together.

We can see issues coming to the front involving the 4th of July Celebration when there really should be none.

There is nothing to mandate certain events have to be held to the north of the division line or to the south of the line. But, everything indicates the event could better serve the community with both cities working together.

One of the strongest organizations in the county is our Chamber of Commerce. Several years ago, there was a Chamber of Commerce in Jamestown and one in Russell Springs. Business leaders from both communities joined to formed the Russell County Chamber and has for several years served this community in a very professional manner.

The 4th of July celebration could be another instance. There are several areas where the joining of forces and efforts could be very promising and progressive.

While composing these thoughts, we are sitting at the desk used by the late Andrew Norfleet, we can hear him whispering to us now.....Lake City is still a good idea.