I lived in Steelville for 20 years. My family is still there. I have noticed several rundown buildings that are owned or have been owned by the same person. If the city is in need of funds, why not start charging and enforcing the owners of these properties a strict fine.
Several of the homes behind the jail and the one across from the library, I know that the same person owns at least three of the buildings. It is sad to see them run down like they are. Members of my family have lived in these properties several years ago. My grandfather used to plant a wonderful garden across from the library; now that property is falling apart and there is a “danger” sign on the front porch.
My great grandmother used to  own the home behind the jail. It looks like they are putting a new porch on it, but that home has been empty and neglected for years. The houses on Highway AA that are still in city limits that have been empty and are just running down another shame. Why has the city let the town go downhill the way it has?
Fix up the parks and clean up the town to make it attractive. I used to love driving around Steelville; now it saddens me to go up and down the once attractive streets that are so run down.
Roseann Weaver
Via e-mail