What happened to the lions?

I am wondering where the lions are on the Lions Bridge in Franklin. Now all four of them are missing. Please fill us in where our lions are on the Lions Bridge.

Editor's note: Franklin City Manager James Lukas says city officials "certainly recognize the importance of the lions to our community." One of the lions was destroyed in September 2008 by the winds from Hurricane Ike. "Since then, we have been working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency regarding the lion's replacement," Lukas explains. "The replacement process could have been expedited if we used city funds, but we thought it would be beneficial to pursue federal funding. Therefore, with that funding now in place, the one lion that matched the damaged lion was removed in early February to make a casting. The other two lions were removed ... to be refurbished, sandblasted and painted so that all of the lions will again match one another. I anticipate that all four lions will be back guarding the bridge by the end of this month or early May at the latest."

I am very disturbed after seeing Middletown High School's musical "South Pacific" this past weekend. I counted 29 curse words in this production. I am shocked that the directors and school administrators would allow this. I took my children to see this play and now wish I hadn't. The cast was great but I just don't agree with the sexual overtone and profanity. It could have been taken out for a more family-friendly show. Shame on you, directors. Next time you plan on having a R-rated musical, please post this information beforehand so my young kids won't be subjected to this.

I want to say "thank you" and "God bless you" to Elmon Prier for his update on teacher and music legend Bob Mucha. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you keeping the rest of us Middies informed.

Our politicians want to do away with Ronald McDonald because he's feeding our children propaganda about food. The next thing you know they are going to want to kill the Pillsbury Doughboy. ...

The only way the name Ronald Reagan and the name Barack Obama should appear in the same sentence is to say that Obama is the exact opposite of Reagan.