A hodgepodge of news and notes this week.

First, we are getting significant reports of people’s credit/debit cards being charged illegally.

Credit/debit card theft is a significant problem that is costly to the consumer, to the card providers and to the businesses where items were illegally purchased.

Here are a few easy tips to help keep your card safe:

•Always sign on the backs of your credit cards right away on receiving them. This little act may be insignificant but it can save you much trouble later on.

•Put your credit card in another place aside from your wallet, perhaps a zipper in your purse or a money clip in your pocket. That way if your wallet gets thieved, the person won't have access to your credit card info.

•Keep your invoices for a comparison with your credit card statement. If something isn't correct, you should contact the issuer right away.

•Rip up or shred all bills that would have any private info on them. A couple of things that you must not do to help protect your identity. One. Don't give out any private info to anyone, this is including Credit card info, social security numbers, passwords or any kind of account number.

•Don't lend your Visa card to any person. Don't keep any of your account numbers, visa cards or any sorts of receipts scattered around anywhere. Never give private info out over the telephone, the majority of these telephone calls are con's and will just use the info that you give them.

If you come across anything remotely suspicious, immediately call your credit card provider.

Quilts in Red Boiling Springs

I like the plan to create a walking trail in Red Boiling Springs. The plan, which incorporates quilts to tie the trail together, is the type of original, outside-the-box thinking that is required for small towns to achieve success.

Vision 2020 and the RBS City Council should be commended for following the recommendations of Carolyn Whitaker and approving this project.

It has the advantage of being unique, interesting, something that will appeal to a niche population, something that should be a draw, and it is reflective of rural, small-town life.

There’s a lot of work to be done on revitalization, but the simple fact is creativity - as shown here - can overcome an awful lot of hurdles.

Way to go team

There is a lot of excitement surrounding the victories enjoyed by the Macon County Junior High School football team. They had a fantastic year and I wanted to take a moment to offer my congratulations.

You may contact Clay Morgan at 666-2440 (office), 670-3658 (cell), or via e-mail at cmorgan@heartlandpublications.com.