WEDNESDAY'S LIST . . . of beans 'n greens 'n other things: THIS NEWSPAPER has long been one of the best in what is called "community journalism." Such as the New York Times and Time Magazine and enough Associated Press awards to pave a good stretch of Noble Street attests to that.

Even at that, there are defining "stories" from time to time that are beyond excellence in service to the community.

Such was Laura Camper's front-page story Sunday on the deterioration of our "underground infrastructure." Simply put, the story was about the terrible condition in which we find our long-neglected water and sewage systems.

If you didn't read it, go back and do so.

* * * IF YOU have "inside" business with the Regions Bank branch on U. S. 431 in Saks, hope you get to deal with Rhonda Webb.

I doubt she's listed as one of the bank's assets, but she sure should be.

* * * A LOCAL street sign that always gets my attention is "Jamback Road" which runs off old U.S. 78 in Oxford.

I'd like to know where, when, how, and why — anything you can tell me — on "Jamback."

The e-mail address and phone number are at the bottom of today's "column."

* * * MY SUNDAY rant on why I hate "dirt" got a quick reply from a lady that began with:

"George . . . quit your moaning and groaning about your yard and patio . . ."

From there she told me of recent rains flooding her back yard in "water over my ankles in less than 10 minutes."

Her name is Martha Sims, she's 86, has a bad knee, lives on Beck Road in Bynum, and spent the night of her flood with a son. She got to my "moaning" with:

"Life is a little rougher when you get past 25, but hang in there. It's great to be here at my age and I am a new great-great-grandmother to a beautiful little girl . . . have a good day and faith that God is going to take care of our country."

You gave me a lift, Martha . . .

* * * QUOTABLE: "My wife has a slight impediment in her speech. Every now and then she stops to breathe." — Jimmy Durante * * * BIRTHDAYS: Mar. 28 — Jerry R. Easson Sr.; John "Hank" Burton and Morgan Silvers; Mar. 31 — Lauren Holder; Apr. 1 — Walter Reid; Apr. 2 — Mike Clopton.

* * * TOP TEEN: Meet Kaitlyn Danielle Ledbetter, a senior at Piedmont High School where her perfect 4.0 GPA has her ranked at the top of the Class of '10 and center stage when the valedictorian address comes at spring graduation.

Kaitlyn is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, on the National Honor Roll, and a member of the National Society of High School Scholars.

The road has been tough, a course study of Advanced Placement in English, U. S. History, and Government. The reward will be an Advanced College-Preparatory Diploma.

Wrapped into all that is golf . . . team captain and All-County honors.

Then there's the band and majorette co-captain.

Aaron Studdard, one of her teachers, says "Katie is the type of student teachers love to teach. She is self-motivated, hard working, and respectful. She makes our jobs just a little easier. You couldn't ask for a better student."

Proud parents are Alan and Debra Ledbetter, Oakhill Drive, Piedmont.

Let's hear some applause . . .

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George Smith can be reached at 239-5286 or e-mail: gsmith731@gmail.com