Let’s Just Let Schuler’s Name Fade Quietly Into The Landscape
I have just the place to name after former North Idaho College president Barry Schuler. It’s on the southern edge of the Art on the Green area at the college campus. You know, the spot President Barry ordered dolled up at taxpayers’ expense - after it was cleared of wild shrubs, weeds and mosquito larva - for (drum roll, please) his daughter’s wedding. We could call it Schuler’s Garden. That would be more appropriate than renaming the performing arts center in Boswell Hall after Herr Schuler - an action supported by a few but opposed by the student body and faculty. On the other hand, the NIC Sentinel editorialized that a soccer field on campus should be named after Schuler. The editorial closes: “However, if Schuler had such a questionable reputation, maybe it’s better that we not name anything after him.” Bingo.
Gentlemen (and women), start your engines
Frankly, I’m glad to see the double-nickel go the way of the dodo bird - no matter how “deeply disturbed” President Clinton is about it. The feds never had any business micromanaging state speed limits, particularly in the West where a 55 mph limit along some wide-open stretches is a driving bore. When the law goes into effect Dec. 8, Montana will have no speed limit (which is a bit drastic), while the limit will jump to 75 mph in Nevada and Wyoming. The state of Washington can do motorists a favor by raising the limits on Interstate 90, outside the Spokane business core, and on four-lane U.S. 395, outside the Tri-Cities, to a more realistic 60 or 65. Now, if Oregon would only raise the 55 mph limit on most of U.S. 97, I could shave a couple of hours off my annual visit to the Golden State.
Marv Jr., Allen Cox, R.I.P.
For the second time this month, Sandpoint has lost a community leader in his prime. Three weeks ago, an automobile accident killed Allen Cox, 47, a tireless promoter of his community, tourism and the arts. His family owns the Edgewater Resort and other properties. Allen was a big man in a little pond but didn’t flaunt it. Now, cancer has claimed Councilman Marv Vandenberg Jr., 45, a social worker known for treating constituents and clients fairly. He proved he wasn’t afraid to stand against the council when he joined Councilman David Sawyer in opposing a massive annexation later declared illegal. Of course, Marv came from good political stock. His father, Marv Sr., now is serving his ninth term in the Idaho House of Representatives. Sometimes, unfortunately, it’s true: The good do die young.
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