Logging on Wolf Creek
Dear Editor:
I support the upcoming logging on Wolf Creek even though the log trucks will rumble past my door. The targeted forest acreage is in bad shape, what the old-timers call dog hair. It is thin or let burn. Several recent logging projects on Wolf Creek in the near vicinity have had very nice results. I have every confidence this project will also be a great good. I hope Mr. Wooten and his corporation of environmental experts demanding better will not become the enemy of the good.
Dan Aspenwall, Winthrop
Going to the limit
Dear Editor:
Anyone remember back in October when an Okanogan County deputy was pulling people over left and right on Twin Lakes Road by the school complex? Well I was one of those folks who received a $583 ticket for driving 50 mph in what the deputy claimed to be a 20 mph zone. I pointed out to the deputy that the sign said Speed Limit 20 mph, with a second sign saying “when children are present.” His point was that “children are present in the building over there.” I then pointed out the ridiculousness of his point which gave him reason to say that I was “argumentative,” which is exactly what I was. After he handed me my ticket I asked for clarification on when the speed limit was 20 mph. He stated that they enforced the 20 mph speed limit during school hours. I asked about after-school activities when there might actually be children present, and he said they would not likely enforce that speed limit at that time. This was a perfect moment for me to again emphasize the ridiculousness of his position. He informed me again that he was not going to argue with me, and that he did not write the laws.
The problem is that he also had not read the laws! I went home and did my research, called his supervisor, filed my contested ticket form, and today I had my day in court. It turns out that the “when children are present” sign really does mean that children must be present. And not inside a building!
The disheartening part of this whole saga is that the deputy’s report, which the judge read aloud in court, stated that there was a group of kids riding bikes by the driveway entrance to the high school. This was simply not true and the judge dismissed my case readily despite that report. My guess is that he has already dismissed a number of these contested tickets.
In conclusion, I encourage everyone driving by any school complex to please respect the 20 mph speed limit, “when children are present!”
Marcia Ives, Winthrop
Keep the roads open
Dear Editor:
The people who live up Texas Creek Road no longer have an emergency exit in case of a disaster. The road up Texas Creek and French Creek has been illegally gated. It has been done by greedy and selfish people, Gamble Land and Timber. This is public land that belongs to all of us. This road has been a public thoroughfare for over 100 years and a county road for 62 years. This is wrong and must be stopped. Please help protect what is yours. Make a contribution at www.gofundme.com/okanoganopenroads. For information, email okopenroads@gmail.com.
John Ulving, Carlton
