'The Pulse' returns Oct. 25 with three more topics

In an attempt to stimulate and promote discussion of the issues affecting Putnam County and the world at large, the Banner Graphic introduced "The Pulse of Putnam County" back in September.

Things got off to a positive start with the Saturday, Sept. 27 issue, as readers commented on subjects such as a U.S. 231 bypass, a possible Greencastle community center, the Stellar Communities grant, retails spaces in Greencastle, downtown parking and local gas prices.

Since the first issue, though, comments have been slow to roll in. While readers are still encouraged to comment on any of the original issues, we are introducing two new topics for the next issue of The Pulse, along with a new once-a-month format to give readers time to ponder the subjects and give their thoughts.

In addition to the new topics, we are also inviting your comments on local gas prices, a topic introduced by a reader in the inaugural issue.

The next issue of The Pulse is set for Saturday, Oct. 25, with subsequent issues set for the last Saturday of each month.

New monthly topics will be introduced near the beginning of each month, although readers are encouraged to also send us their comments to the previous month's questions or their responses to other comments.

Readers may submit their thoughts and comments to the Banner Graphic Editorial Department, in care of news@bannergraphic.com, or at P.O. Box 509, Greencastle 46135.

Gas Prices in Putnam County -- Unfortunately, fluctuations in gas prices are something motorists have to deal with everywhere. It seems, however, that those fluctuations almost always leave prices in Greencastle higher than in nearby communities like Crawfordsville or Plainfield -- often 25 to 30 cents more per gallon. What's your take on the higher prices here in Putnam County? Do you wait to fill up until you are going to a neighboring county? Does keeping gas tax funds here in Putnam County sway you to pay more?

Road Conditions -- Those gas tax funds go toward funding road improvements right here in Putnam County. Go to almost any county meeting and you will hear complaints about road conditions in the county. However, with funding from the state stretched thin, local officials insist they are doing everything in their power to take care of our roads. Recently, the state and county highway departments have increased their use of chip and seal for maintaining existing roads. How do you feel about the conditions of roads in Putnam County -- at the state, county and city/town level? In your view, is chipping and sealing a good solution for preserving roads that otherwise would not be serviced at all? Do you have any creative suggestions to funding road maintenance and repair in Putnam County?

Ebola -- With reports on the Ebola virus increasing in the national media by the day, are you concerned that the virus is a threat here in Putnam County? Should the United State take steps to limit or restrict travel from countries where the outbreak is known to originate? Would you be inclined to alter travel plans to an area (abroad or stateside) where infected patients have been?

Check out the Sept. 27 comments at http://www.bannergraphic.com/story/2122842.html