Letter to the Editor: Dubois County rises to the occasion in avian flu response

It’s the middle of basketball season and we’re experiencing some amazing displays of teamwork. But I’m not talking about on the hardwood. Rather, I’m speaking of the events unfolding on our poultry farms.

From neighbors to neighbors; from farmers to the marketplace; from the firehouse to the courthouse to the Indiana Statehouse; from City Hall to Washington, D.C., there has been a common focus and unified effort which most Americans will never encounter let alone understand.

Because of the avian influenza outbreak hundreds of people from across the country have descended upon our community and, for the time being, our home is their home, too. I’ve heard firsthand how friendly we are compared to other places their work has taken them. They’ve shared stories of amazing planning and preparation, extraordinary collaboration, hands-on problem solving and quite a bit of “rural ingenuity”.

I think the last term refers to the fact that not all knowledge comes from a book!

Through it all, politics has taken a backseat to benevolence. We are working together for the common good. While acknowledging some of our citizens are facing an immediate and ongoing crisis, we must also give thanks for our ability to rise up and respond in true Dubois County partnership. I believe it’s what we do best.

Though I have lived here all my life I have never been any more delighted to say that this is my home. I hope you’ll join me in a moment of gratitude.

Terry Seitz
Mayor of Jasper