In response to Mushin’ Martin
Run, Martin, Run!
We love dogs too. They love to run. We’ve volunteered for Iditarod, Yukon Quest, and Mt. Bachelor sled dog races. You get to know the great mushers — the ones with the best cared-for dogs. Mush on, Alyssa and team!
~ JC Thorp, via Facebook
In response to a Liberty Utilities’ photo of a fallen tree over 89 on Jan. 13 posted to the Ink’s Facebook page
Gridlock and 89 Don’t Mix
Here is an example of why you would not want to put even more people inside of Squaw Valley. This is supposed to be an emergency road to ingress and egress in case of emergencies. This is not a freeway … with many lanes … Something like this heightens the danger to anyone on either side of this fallen tree … to an even greater degree.
~ Carol A. Stollorz, via Facebook
In response to Joe Zuiches Remembered as Quiet, Passionate Outdoorsman
Remember Joe
I grew up with Joe in Pullman. Word of his death spread through Facebook, and the reaction has been a stunned, incredible sadness. I remember him as a quiet guy with a wicked sense of humor. He would deliver a funny line, almost under his breath, and then follow it with his signature smile. My thoughts go out to his wife, Mikki, and their son. RIP Joe Z.
~ Holly Herbison (Busch), Seattle, via online
In response to Dogs, Woman Pepper Sprayed in Alpine, But Who’s at Fault? (Published April 2012)
End of Story
Charges against me, Cutter, were dropped and I did not attend the court hearing. On the day of the attack I was defending myself against (three) large attacking dogs and was terrified. I chose to not continue with charges against Trent for chasing me in her truck although the police notified me that I was within my rights to do so. Trent did have to appear and was fined for allowing her two Rottweilers to unlawfully roam and assault people in public streets. The owner of the pit bull vacated his rental quickly and before authorities arrived but they still found out about his dog and [sought to charge him as well]. It is within a pedestrian’s rights to prevent attacking dogs from confronting or biting them in public streets; in this case, three dogs. Since that time, there have been other dog bites and the county enforced a crackdown with dogcatchers, putting an end to the packs of roaming dogs. A few neighbors have expressed and shared their own horror stories of bites, torn clothing, and fear while out in the neighborhood before the crackdown. I would like to add that the local law enforcement was wonderful and I can’t thank them enough for their effort to solve the problem.
~ Ione Cutter, Sacramento, via online
What Makes a Local in Winter
Think you’re a real local? Here’s a checklist for you.
Real Locals don’t drive exotic, expensive high-tech SUVs with on-board computers that malfunction and disable the all-wheel drive.
Real Locals drive pickup trucks and Suburbans that get them home every time.
Real Locals have two sets of tires. One set, the all-seasons, is for summer. The other set, the studded snow tires, is what gets them through winter.
Real Locals have a snow blower AND a snow removal contract.
Real Locals are kind to their snow removal contractor.
Real Locals don’t try to keep a tight schedule, they just leave earlier.
Real Locals don’t panic and scream when things aren’t going their way.
Real Locals don’t steal snow shovels or firewood.
Nobody said it would be easy living here. I would say about 30 percent of this town has no business being here at all.
If that describes you, it’s time to learn the ways of the mountains or maybe come back during better weather. Snow country doesn’t adapt to you, you adapt to snow country.
~ Leigh Holgate, Truckee, via letter
