To the Editor,

My wife just tried to call me on her new earpiece cell phone.  It works about like crap tastes.  Like every liberal do-good legislation, it makes the situation it proposes to protect us from, worse. 

Senators running for Washington State Senate say they are the “most Alex Deccio” like.  Deccio voted for the bloated budgets that are going to require tax increases to keep the State out of bankruptcy because of Democrat spending.  They all need to be kicked out. 

To all the Teamsters and other union members, it’s time to dump your leadership.  The Teamsters Union and all other unions are the largest contributing entities to the Democrat Party and being such, is helping to elect members of the House and Senate who are working to get you laid off because they refuse to allow drilling for more of our own oil off the coasts and production of shale oil and other oil production including increasing our refining capability.

To all the retirees, you continue to vote for Democrats who are killing any chance I have for Social Security.  My Social Security has been SPENT by Congress long ago.  Now they steal my money to fund your retirement to keep you placid.  The President proposed a solution, and the Democrats shot it down and you fell for it.  My personal IRA gets me about 3 1/2 percent on my return.  Social Security will give me a negative return on my money taken by the thieves in Congress by the time I retire, when I’m what….80 friggin years old.   Give me a break right across my head will ya!  And give me my money back!

When we continue to vote in liberal communists, I am losing faith in the American people.

Thomas Mitchell
Selah, WA

Up Crusher Canyon Road, just past the end of the new sidewalk, is a draw on the north side of the road with a stand of trees that has hosted a red-tailed hawk nest for years.  Following a recent City of Selah annexation, the stand is now within the city limits. This year, not only has the nesting pair returned to the nest, but a juvenile hawk born last year has also returned with them.  The juvenile is the same size as the adults, but is more vocal, hoping someone else will feed it.

Pictured: Two Redtail Hawks, parent and fledgling, sit in a nest above Crusher Canyon Road. Michael Martin photo.

To the editor,

My name is Karissa Brandhagen and I have a Father’s day story to tell that means the world to me and my little sister.  When I was three years old my dad decided to take a path that led him away from my mommy and me. Our world turned upside. I don’t know how my mom did it but she kept me safe and secure and told me everyday that my daddy loved me very much and someday he would realize all that he missed. That leads me to my story about my stepdad, Dan Dimick, my mom, Trina Dimick, my baby sister Courtney Dimick and myself.

To the Editor,

Kids in Selah at both John Campbell and Lince Elementary Schools deserve a great big “congratulations” for their hard work week after week in the Mileage Clubs, held weekly at their schools during lunch recess.  As volunteer coordinator for John Campbell’s club, I was impressed beyond words at the perseverance and great attitudes displayed by the kids as they walked and ran their way around the playground, earning awards for each 5 miles completed, all the while improving their fitness.  We had nearly 100 percent participation from students in grades 1-4, with 174 students (plus one teacher, Mitch Richards) earning the free T-shirt  awarded for completion of 25 or more miles, and eight students earning a 50 Mile Club cap as well!  When you see these bright green Mileage Club T-shirts and caps, be sure to congratulate these kids!

Thank you to the parents and grandparents who volunteered to track student laps, serve water, encourage runners, and make awards, spending many hours a week to encourage the kids in their fitness goals.  Teachers and staff at both schools gave excellent encouragement and support as well.  Thanks also to both school PTO programs and as well as many local corporate sponsors who donated incentives and funds to cover the cost of the T-shirts!  Corporate sponsors include Brian Harris Used Cars, Clark Custom Remodeling, Coffee at Tiffany’s, Domex Fruit Co., Helm’s Hardware, Java Jitters, McDonald’s, Morton Supply, Pinnacle Plumbing, Red Apple Market, Royal Bavarian Bakery, Selah Fitness Express, Selah Gym Kids, Selah Kiwanis Club, Selah Subway, Tamaki Law Firm, Teriyaki Grille, and Torkelson Construction.     

I was pleased to serve our kids in this great fitness program, along with Diane McDevitt , coordinator at Lince Elementary.  Thank you Selah, and great job kids!   We look forward to next year and welcome your continued support.

Dana Kuhn,
Selah Parent and Volunteer

To the editor,

First, I am not racist nor feminist and certainly do not think I know it all. I am female, politically informed, and concerned about where our country and society is headed. The recent campaign results have increased my concern. None of the candidates has ever verbalized a serious word of what or how they will confront the many problems we as a nation are facing.

Only vague hints at vague solutions. It is going to take more than a presidential term or two and some very tough decisions. The biggest hindrance is the fact that the president has little to say; it is Congress who makes the rules and passes the legislation. It will take more than movie star looks or tears; it will take guts and I have yet to see that. The next hindrance will be we, the people. We are spoiled rotten. Any solutions are going to hit us hard in the pocketbook and the lifestyle. Life as we know it will never be the same. Some people can handle that; most will not want to.

At present, I will not vote for Obama. He is too young; not yet dry behind the ears and inexperienced with the ways of our enemies. Also, do you realize due to his age how many years we will be paying his pension, health care, and secret service protection? It is something to consider.

I don’t think McCain will take us too far from the path we’ve been on. He is too soft-spoken and there doesn’t seem to be any fire to the man...and fire is what it will take. I think, for me it will hinge on whom each selects as a vice-presidential running mate and what they can bring to the mix. I will be watching closely between now and November and will not be swayed by sweet or soft words or vagaries. I want guts and fire!

Joanne Sapik,
Selah

To the editor,

As the Selah Athletic Director and the tournament director for the 2008 2A Fastpitch Softball Championship Tournament, I would like to publicly thank the City of Selah and the numerous individuals that gave their time and support.  It was because of these individuals that the tournament was a success.  Sixteen teams (243 female athletes and 76 coaches/staff members) participated in the two-day tournament at Carlon Park. 
Jeff Glaspie and his crew did an outstanding job preparing the fields for play before and during the tournament.  There can be no better fastpitch facility in the state of Washington or a grounds crew that takes more pride in their work.

The tournament ran smoothly and on schedule due to the tireless effort of the announcers and scorekeepers that worked a total of 28 games over the two days.  Their efforts helped spotlight teams’ and athletes’ successes on the diamond and provided stats and scores to newspapers and the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association. The Selah fastpitch coaches provided support throughout the tournament as field supervisors and hosting the hospitality tent for coaches, officials, and tournament staff.

Thanks to Mayor Bob Jones and his crew for preparing the dinner Thursday night at the Selah Civic Center.  It was a great way to welcome the teams to Selah and start the tournament.

A special thanks goes to the city staff and community members that met weekly for several months to plan and organize the tournament.  Without their expertise and help, the tournament would have never gotten off the ground.  It was also because of them that varsity and junior varsity fields were prepared for teams to practice on Thursday.

Thanks to the crew of 12 officials and the umpire-in-chief who worked hard to make sure games were officiated fairly.  All games were competitive and positive sportsmanship was recognized.

I appreciate the hours and help both the pass gate and ticket gate crews gave.  These individuals made my job easier and were a great help to participants and fans alike.  Thanks to the crews that worked the concession stand and souvenir booth.  The efforts of these individuals created a positive atmosphere and helped make the tournament enjoyable.

Finally, thanks to Danny Speer for introducing the participating teams and Laura Steiner for singing the national anthem during the opening ceremonies.

Selah should be proud of Carlon Park and the community members (too numerous to name individually) that worked behind the scenes to make this tournament a huge success.  If Selah is awarded the privilege to host the tournament next year (and for years to come) it will be because of their efforts and the facility that has been built.

Mike Lewis, CAA
Selah Athletic Director

To the editor,

The recent Washington State 2A Girls’ Softball Tournament held at our very own Carlon Park (May 23-24) was a huge success and an absolute “feather in Selah’s cap.”  All weekend hundreds of fans and athletes from all over the state got to see what a wonderful city Selah is and had an opportunity to help our local economy by eating and shopping right here in town. 

Our community owes a special thanks to Selah School District Athletic Director Mike Lewis and to all the community volunteers who donated hundreds of hours to make certain this event was a huge success.

I also want to thank the City of Selah for providing an absolutely first-rate facility and for the hours upon hours they spent preparing a softball facility that is second to none in this state.   Time and time again I heard fans from participating schools comment on both the quality of the tournament and on how beautifully prepared the fields and facilities were.

In every respect this was a “class event” thanks to Athletic Director Mike Lewis, to our legends of volunteers, and to the cooperation and generosity of the folks from the City of Selah.  This tournament shows how the city and the school district can and does work together for the benefit of our great community.

Congratulations to everyone for a job well done.

Larry Parsons,
Superintendent
Selah Schools

To the editor,

A couple weeks ago your paper ran a story about Annie and had mentioned the coin drive that would be going on John Campbell Elementary. I just wanted to let you know what a great response we had from the kids.  They brought in $2,504.44 to be donated to the A-T Project.  Pizza Hut donated a pizza party to the winning class from each grade level. 

Janet Lydin
Selah

To the editor,

The state softball tournament held here May 23 and 24, was without a doubt a great team effort of the City of Selah, the business community, members of the Selah school district officials, grounds people and anyone who had anything do with making it the  best state tournament in the last 20 years and maybe ever.  Our fields were the best in the state and our caretaker was the greatest.

With this state tournament Selah may be placed on the map as the City of Softball.

A great deal of thanks should go to Mike Lewis  who was the coordinator, Jeff Hagler, who I believe was the coordinator for the city and the leaders of the city for making things happen.  A BIG THANK  YOU.

Our businesses who gave in many different ways; one example, Magic’s Pizza stayed open nearly two extra hours so a coach could feed his  team––they were really impressed––so am I.  Thank you.

I just wanted to thank each and everyone who had  a part in making this happen.  This is a lot different than the first time we went to state and I was asked what is Selah. Now they know it is the home of softball and a community that is second to none.

Bill Powell
Selah

To the Editor,

I attended this year’s Selah Community Days. I had a great time having a pancake breakfast at the Civic Center with my fam-ily. I enjoyed watching the parade and visiting with friends. We talked of past Selah Community Days, remembering events and friends, some no longer with us. Although a lot has changed, some things were still the same. Selah Community days takes a lot of time, energy and
money. I want to thank all the people who help make this hap-pen. I am glad we are still cel-ebrating this wonderful event.

Former Selah Princess 1969
Kathy McPherson Hamil