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Dear Editor:

One of Blount County's prized assets is under attack. Maple Lane Farms, which provides fresh produce, entertainment, and a place to go where you can experience the peace and transquility of a true country atmosphere, is being sued by one lone person who apparently doesn't like music and doesn't want anyone else to enjoy it either. We understand this individual is in her 80's and we can only hope that our hearing is as excellent at that age ourselves, so that we can look forward to actually hearing music being played in the opposite direction half a mile away.

We can't help but wonder if there is an ulterior motive in this attack. Something is wrong here, folks. Think about it. If you have ever seen the school buses pulling in with the excited children who just can't wait to experience a real working farm and the parents and children enjoying some wholesome quality time together, you would understand what we are in danger of losing. It's been close to 25 years ago that Bob showed us the run-down farm he had just purchased, so we know first hand the work and dedication that has been required of Bob and his parents to make this property the scenic show case it is today.

At that time, there were no subdivisions around this property, so this would seem like a case of buying a property next to the airport and then complaining about the noise of the airplanes. Farming is a difficult job that requires constant attention and back-breaking labor and we believe it's a shame that the hard working farmers are being denied the right to make a living. We need to work together to keep this precious farm land out of the hands of developers.

June and Smokey Almond
128 Chestnut Lane
Maryville, TN 37801