Wal-Mart made my day! Yes, Wal-Mart. I have been anxiously awaiting the grand opening of the new Wal-Mart in Newburgh for months. Our family shops at Wal-Mart at least once a week and that shopping is mainly done by me. For the past 6 years I have been driving to the west side and Boonville Wal-Marts in order to avoid the east side at all cost. I live on the east side but the closest Wal-Mart is always dirty, understocked, and loud. I have to add 30 minutes to my shopping trip because of the long lines. My hopes were extremely high during my recent trip to the new store. They did not disappoint me!

Upon entering, I was given a map and a shiny, brand-new, clean shopping cart to fill up. I didn't think I needed a map for Wal-Mart but I ended up using it more than once. The store was set up in a completely different arrangement than I have ever seen. The shoes were on display just like a department store would showcase each style. The aisles were at odd angles but in a good way. The sporting goods area rivaled more expensive specialty stores. Perhaps it was because of the fact that the store has only been open a few weeks but everything I looked at was well stocked. The difference between this Wal-Mart and others that I have shopped at was the way in which they actually displayed their products instead of just stocking as many as they could onto generic shelves and racks. The clothing area for women and children was very well stocked and appealing.

We didn't wait in line longer than 5 minutes but we were in the store for over an hour even though my list wasn't very long. I couldn't help wandering around and browsing each department.  I left happy and extremely satisfied. I am looking forward to future grocery shopping there. It makes my life and shopping a little easier and much more enjoyable.

Is it just me or did local news exaggerate the meth lab fire at Motel Manor in Boonville?  All over the head lines was EXPLOSION, when really it was a small mishap that caused minmal fire damage.  Just seems like poor reporting, when a more accurate headline would have read 'Meth Fire At Motel Manor'.

After seeing video of room 14 where the reported meth production was taken place I didn't notice any damage, besides some light fire damage.  Not that this justifies what was going on, personally I'm glad the meth makers are accounted for.

In addition, I was not aware that meth makers made their product in hotel rooms.  Is this common place?  If it is, how much of a threat does this create for regular patrons of small motels/hotels?  From what I understand Meth production has the ability to cause a real explosion capable of killing, injuring, or at least creating sizable structural damage to buildings.