Letters to the Editor 11/30/2005

To the Editor:

I wish to respond to an article concerning a statement from Art Davis of Davis Tires (The Nugget, November 16, page 1).

While I think that Mr. Davis has his customers’ best interest at heart, his statement “There is no doubt that if you have to go somewhere in the winter studded tires offer the best traction” is not accurate.

I offer three quotes from the State of Oregon Department of Transportation: “Studded tires are only effective in improving traction on ice at or near the freezing temperature.”

“Studies show that studded tires offer no advantage on snow covered roads over winter tires that have adequate tread.”

“In recent years, technological advances in tire construction have led to the development of tires that are more effective than studded tires on ice and provide increased traction in snow and on wet of dry pavement.”

In light of facts to the contrary about the effectiveness of studded tires is it ethical to use them and make all taxpayers shoulder the expense of road repair?

B. Graham

s s s

To the Editor:

We have been reading with interest in the last few months, articles in The Nugget about the completion of the new Lodge at Suttle Lake. Having some limited knowledge about this project, we found it somewhat strange that none of those stories mentioned Dan and Don Richter of Richter Brothers Construction.

We know they have been working on that project for quite some time. Now, the November 15 Nugget and November 26 edition of The Bulletin had articles on new construction projects in Central Oregon that got awards from the Central Oregon Association of Realtors for some outstanding projects, including the very beautiful Lodge at Suttle Lake.

A photo and small paragraph with particulars about the project, but again there was no mention whatsoever of Richter Brothers Construction. We are aware that Dan Richter and Rhonda Sneva had a parting of the ways. However, the Lodge was about 90 percent complete at this stage.

Chuck Newport of Sisters came in at this point and did a fine job in finishing the lodge.

An industry award is a recognition of the craftsmen and professionals involved in a project and carries with it a certain prestige. Dan and Don are not people that toot their own horn, but we would respectfully submit that credit be given where credit is due.

The Richter Brothers deserve some mention and recognition for their substantial involvement in the design and construction of the new Lodge at Suttle Lake.

Hans & Kay Teufl

s s s

To the Editor:

Congressman John Murtha’s House Joint Resolution 73 is well worth supporting. It states: “The deployment of United States forces in Iraq, by direction of Congress, is hereby terminated and the forces involved are to be redeployed at the earliest practicable date…The United States of America shall pursue security and stability in Iraq through diplomacy.”

Congressman Murtha knows first hand what war is like and he visits every week with soldiers injured in Iraq. He knows the price we are paying, and he can see the futility of continuing the occupation of Iraq. His resolution deserves our support.

Over half the casualties in the Vietnam War occurred after the Tet offensive when it became clear there was no possibility of success in that military operation.

Let’s not make the same mistake in Iraq. We know already that chaos and violence will only increase as long as U.S. troops remain there. It’s time to remove them as targets and as catalysts of further destabilization.

Bill and Jane Stevens

s s s

To the Editor:

For the past 10 years the Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department has created a Christmas light display for the enjoyment of the Sisters community.

This year the crews at the Department were excited to add a life-size snowman and snowflakes to the display. Unfortunately on the evening of November 21 someone took it upon themselves to steal the snowman.

The Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department works very hard to give back to the community during the holiday season: ensuring that all children have gifts to open on Christmas day and providing a beautiful Christmas dinner for folks that may not have a place to go for Christmas.

While we still believe that Sisters is a wonderful place to live and work, it saddens us that someone would take something away from our community.

We ask that anyone who has information please contact Deputy Mendoza at the Deschutes County Sheriff’s office or if you have our snowman, please replace it as soon as possible.

Julie Spor

Sisters-Camp Sherman Fire Department

(Note: The snowman was recovered unharmed).