Updated February 2, 2012
Editorial
Spartan sports improvements show hope for future success
MIn addition to the great new facilities Spartan sports teams now have access to as part of the newly-opend Forks High School addition, it seems the teams are on the upbeat in many ways.
The boys basketball team led by coach Scott Justus is close to making the Southwest Washington League-Evergreen Division playoffs this year. The team thrilled the stands filled with community supporters last Saturday when they defeated Elma. Their tight defense and high scoring made it a memorable game.
The show of force by the long line of young wrestlers who took part in the demonstration by the Forks Wrestling Club last Friday prior to the Spartans match against Rochester showed much hope for the future. If you could bottle the enthusiasm of these young wrestlers you’d really have something.
The girls volleyball team and girls basketball team also showed promise this winter season.
Forks High School Athletic Director Mark Feasel has been a pleasure to work with. He has kept us informed on school sports and is always open and friendly when we’ve talked to him at athletic events.
Local residents who haven’t seen the new high school work out room and practice gym, located at the rear of the new high school addition, right behind Spartan Gym, should take a peak. The facilities have all the appearance of a college facility and should both provide a boost in Spartan spirt among the athletes and improved physical training for the teams. This was made possible in great part thanks to the extra state funding the Quillayute Valley School District’s oversight of Insight School of Washington which provided millions of extra dollars to the school construction budget.
Our front page this week is part of our goodbye to long-time City of Forks staffers Dan Leinan, Vivian Morris and Cindy Pederson. All three have been great to work with over the years and will be missed.
Commentary
Click here to listen to a segment of Mayor Bryon Monohon's talk before the Forks City Council regarding the murder of Laranda Konopaski and other local issues.
State of City of Forks talk: Setting the record straight
By Mayor Bryon Monohon
City of Forks
Well, I really got misquoted in the State of the City speech the other day or truly had words that were attributed to me that weren’t mine. For those of you who said “Those quotes didn’t sound like you at all!” Thank you. For those of you who called up and said “What’s the deal?” Thank you. For those of you who continue to let me know that I’m number one with you I understand. Here’s a short summary of what the speech really was in shortened form. It should be noted, too, that considering our crime spree and the homicide that I really couldn’t go up and say that everything was rosy and wonderful as much as I try to stay upbeat or I’d just be a big phony.
It is important in these challenging times that we remember who we are as a community and continue to do things the “Forks Way” as we’ve done them for years. This year’s City Budget has a lot of pictures from the 1950s as a reminder. This is a community of wonderful and giving people and we must remember that this is a strength and that we must not allow ourselves to be hardened in tough financial times. I talked about how we are all rich to live here. I also pointed out that there continues to be a shortage of quality housing in our region.
Recently, we’ve seen many behaviors that are contributing to some of the crime issues that we are now facing. Teenagers continue to roam the streets in early morning hours. Some people are in-and-out of jail on a regular basis and it is not a deterrent for them since the legal system releases them quickly. This is frustrating to all of us. I listed some behaviors and actions that have come up on a regular basis that the police deal with. These included driving under the influence of something or other, several different sorts of traffic infractions, and instances where the police are put in difficult situations where they are called and are then made to be the bad guy for showing up.
I find and am told by many citizens of this community and visitors that our crime statistics are unacceptable. Murder is particularly tragic and unacceptable. My condolences go out to the Konopaski family. Laranda was working hard to better her and her daughter’s lives and by all reports was a wonderful person. Our police force has made great strides this last year and Chief Price did a good job during the all too short time he was here. It is taking way too long to hire the new chief for a variety of reasons that we have not had that much control over. The force continues to do very good work and works closely with all other agencies and all other agencies are welcomed in our community and were valued participants in capturing the fugitive.
Recently, I ran a contest for Twilighters asking the things that they liked about Forks. Winning entries talked a lot about their love and respect for the Quileute Tribe, how Forks was a warm, real and caring community and how we should continue to promote logging and fishing as economic and tourist draws. Many businesses in town were singled out for being particularly friendly and providing good service, product and value.
At that time the floor was opened for questions of which I can remember talking about my unhappiness about the Wild Olympics Campaign and how the City has worked with the Congressional staffs on a variety of issues.
Well, that’s the speech. So, in conclusion as I began, let’s continue to do things the “Forks Way.” That’s not my way or necessarily your way but what is the best for this community. I’ll see you somewhere in town and I’ll continue to fight for your right to tell me what you think of me even if I didn’t say it. Heck, even my mom wouldn’t talk to me after that article ran let alone my wife.
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