By: Duane Ballard

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

Whether we like it or not, the two wars we are in now is going to put our work into jeopardy. The Iran war is raising fuel prices to limits we haven’t seen. As Labor Day just passed, it set a record for fuel prices. With no end in sight, you can be assured that the prices are not coming down anytime soon.

Who wants another vehicle if they can’t afford to fill their tanks now?

The tariff war we are in with Canada is going to hit the prices of all the trucks this Local is centered around. If you can’t afford the rising prices of fuel, then you probably can’t afford the rising prices of a new vehicle.

The mid-term elections are only a few days out. make sure you vote for candidates who support the working class and auto industry. Do your homework and research the people who are going to help and further the working-class people who make this country great.

Speaking of voting, everyone should have the UAW International ballots in their hands. If you have not received a ballot, then you must call 855-433-8693 and request one. I do know there have been a few who have not received one. Don’t wait to call. These are time sensitive to get them back.

Local 659’s annual Trunk or Treat is scheduled for October 25th, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 3:00p.m. This is always a great time with all the ghosts and goblins.

If you would like to donate some candy to give away, you can drop it here at the Union Hall. Better yet, you can decorate your car or truck and make those cowboys and princesses real handy with the treats you pass out.

On a good news front, after almost a year, we finally received a permit to put in the dock at Blue Gill Landing. It has been a long road to get us there. Being that it is so late in the year and the prep work that needs to be done, we are scheduling a put-in date of early next spring. I am super excited to see all the kids fishing off the dock at our annual Kid’s Day in June.

As the summer ends and fall begins, there are a lot of changes coming. After a hot, dry summer, my guess is leaves will be changing sooner than we normally get. I see a lot of soy beans are already starting to loose their leaves.

Fall, to me, is the most beautiful and colorful time of the year. The view and smell of another season should not be hoarded by one. Get a kid outdoors and ask them questions of what tree looks the prettiest. Ask them if they can smell fall in the air. Also, ask them how school is going after the summer and enjoy good conversation as you enjoy the great outdoors.