This year's Relay for Life is in the books and from all accounts, Friday night's celebration of cancer survivors and memoriam for those that have succumbed to cancer went well.

Each of the teams who participated in this year's Relay did an excellent job of doing what was necessary to raise funds for cancer research as the $100,000 goal was well surpassed. Joan Reynolds, the Relay board and the many volunteers are to be congratulated for another solid effort this year as are the many sponsors who made such a success possible.

One item that needs some fine tuning for next year is the "Mizz Relay" pageant. Generally the most popular event at the Relay, future contestants need a crash course on what's appropriate and what's not. While most of the contestants conducted themselves with plenty of good taste (considering the circumstances), some of them got a little out of hand and made some bad decisions on how to act.

I understand the pageant is all in good fun and helps raise money for cancer research, but some of the inappropriate conduct is uncalled for, especially with young children in the crowd. Hopefully next year the contestants will leave the "rated R" conduct at home.

n n n

If you haven't been out to one of Main Street's concerts in the park, Thursday would be a good day to go. Local musical icon Rock Killough and Probate Judge Steve Norman will be doing some pickin' (and I'm sure some grinnin') in the park across from City Hall.

The concerts are a great way to spend a spring afternoon and the 6 p.m. start time gives everyone a chance to get home after work, grab a lawn chair or blanket to sit on and get to the park.

n n n

Charlie Haigler and the folks at Greenville Motor Company are in the last phases of expanding their showroom on Interstate Drive. Sales Manger Ken Gibson tells me they've added about 2,000 square feet to their building for offices and an expanded showroom. Gibson, who says business is going good, also said they have considered expanding out the back door of the building too, but they're holding off on that for now.

n n n

Butler County's unemployment situation continues to improve as the latest figures we reported on recently show the county under 7 percent. That's good news considering the Hyundai suppliers in the county are still not at full employment meaning there are more jobs to be had.

The question I have is what rate is indicative of full employment for Butler County? While I don't think we can get down to the 3 percent range as is the case in Shelby County, I feel like the 5 percent range is achievable, especially if the retail environment continues its growth rate.

n n n

In case you were not able to attend the reception for Wisconsin Sen. Russ Feingold several weeks ago, you missed a song sung in honor of the senator and his former wife Mary. The Feingold's announced their divorce shortly after returning to Wisconsin from Alabama.

The words were penned by local attorney Calvin Poole and were sung by him and local banker Jim Dunklin as part of their "redneck skit." I've been asked to publish the lyrics of the song "The Senator's Blues," sung to the tune of Bruce Springstein's "Fire," so here they are.

Ridin' in my car- just me and my spouse;

Turn into the parking lot- of the Bates Turkey House;

She said Russ baby- you know that I luv ya;

But I can't stand, al this W (dub-ya);

This is something I really hate;

Alabama is a real red state;

It's the worst place I've ever known;

Ain't nothing here but mobile homes;

Get back in the car- turn the radio on;

Stop off by the pawn shop- for a real quick loan;

Get back on the Interstate;

With the stars up above ya;

And we'll forget- all this W (dub-ya)

Dennis Palmer is publisher of The Greenville Advocate. He can be reached at 383-9302, ext. 125 or by email: dennis.palmer@greenvilleadvocate.com.