After replacing the mailbox, I called per his request. He asked how must it cost to replace the mailbox and I told him $32 (and change).

His first response was, "Is that all?" Then he said he would immediately reimburse me rather than waiting for an insurance settlement from the accident.

He sounded very sincere, but when I told the Hooksett Police that I expected reimbursement (based on the phone conversation), they laughed. I wondered why they were so skeptical but now know why.

I mailed the parent a copy of the receipt for the new mailbox and have waited patiently for almost two months with no reimbursement.

The issue is not the $32. I'm just wondering why someone would make such a commitment and then sacrifice their integrity in order to save themselves $32?

Editor's note: This letter was edited for content.

Daryl Dreffs
Hooksett

Most communities in the United States have experienced some level of flooding due to spring rains, heavy thunderstorms or winter snow thaws. When high waters are present, vehicles do not have to be completely covered in water to have sustained water damage.

If you've driven through high water or your car has been flooded, there's a good chance that you may have damaged your vehicle. A thorough inspection by a professional technician will keep your vehicle in good working order and could save you from a serious situation down the road.

The Car Care Council suggests the following guidelines to check for damage due to water intrusion or contamination:

. Check interior carpets, upholstery and door and trim panels for dampness. If they are wet, then the vehicle will need professional attention. Don't leave the carpet to dry or mildew and nasty odors will form. Seat brackets, motors and modules should also be checked for rust and proper operation.

. Pull the engine oil and transmission fluid dipsticks and differential plug. If the fluid appears milky, diluted, is no longer its original color or is beige in color, then it is likely the pans contain water. Driving the vehicle with water present may damage the internal parts and require extensive overhaul or repairs. Some synthetic differential fluids may appear to be milky but are not water contaminated. When in doubt, let a professional make the evaluation.

. Check the air filter for water. If it is wet, replace the air filter and change the oil.

. Check the undercarriage, bumpers, radiator area and frame for mud, grass, dirt, debris and rust. If any of these are present, have the vehicle washed and cleaned as soon as possible.

. Have the brake system checked by a professional.

. Check the exterior lights for moisture and water. Replace headlights and bulbs that contain water.

. Listen for abnormal noises while the engine is running. Make a note of where the noise is coming from and take the vehicle to a professional automotive technician as soon as possible. Pay particular attention to the alternator, serpentine belts, starter, power steering unit, air conditioner and wheel bearings.

. Inspect the suspension joints and lubricate as necessary. Many newer vehicles are lubricated at the factory for life; however, these joints should be checked for rust.

The Car Council is the source of information for the "Be Car Care Aware" campaign, educating consumers about the benefits of regular vehicle maintenance and repair.

For more information, visit www.carcare.org.

Rich White
Executive Director
Car Care Council

Folks I talk to think the project has been stopped. I wish that were the case.

The proposed site is on a very high bluff overlooking the Merrimack. The site is surrounded on three sides by the river. Two of those sides involve bluffs that are eroding toward the proposed site at a rate much greater than the report by the co-op.

Aries Engineering, not part of the co-op, has presented evidence that the banks have been eroding at a rate approximately 50 times that reported by the co-op.

At that rate, your grandchildren may see the time when the Merrimack is once again totally polluted and unusable as a water source or for recreation due to a landfill failure.

Billions have been spent to clean up the river. To consider putting a landfill in this precarious spot is unfair to the New Hampshire population all along the Merrimack who have come to use this river recreationally and in some cases as drinking water. With the exploding growth in New Hampshire, we will be relying more and more on the Merrimack as a source of drinking water. This project must be stopped before if gets approval!

Please tell others about this proposed assault to our river and do what you can to oppose it. Logon to www.oxbownh.org for more information.

Carol M. Breault
Penacook