Construction Workers Act Like ‘Weird,’ Rude Juveniles

I’ve never whistled at a girl. Honest. When I was teenager, maybe I would have - if I could have. My ol’ man could whistle with the best of them (but I don’t think he whistled at girls either). When it comes to whistling, I’m all thumbs. Unfortunately, some of the guys constructing the Paul Bunyan building next-door aren’t similarly handicapped. At least three of our women reporters complained Monday morning that they have been targets of wolf whistles coming from the construction crew. All three described the experience as “weird.” Hmmm. The words “rude” and “juvenile” come to mind, too. One of my colleagues couldn’t believe she’d set the boys off since she’d arrived at work in casual, unflattering garb. Said she: “They’re acting out the stereotype that you have of construction workers. You’d think they’d have better sense than to whistle at someone who’s going to work next-door.” You’d think.

George LaValley, R.I.P.

George LaValley, former Harrison mayor and Kootenai County planning commissioner, is the latest in a long line of good people we’ve lost this year. George died Tuesday after a lengthy bout with leukemia. Last year, he crowned his long career as a planner by suing Kootenai County commissioners. Why? They had voted to allow machine shops above the Rathdrum aquifer, our sole source of drinking water, without requiring them to be hooked to a sewer system. George rightly feared that our drinking water could be contaminated by heavy metals. The suit still is pending. Said George at the time: “That’s my last hurrah. I’ll be going out with a bang.” Indeed, he did.

Friesz catches breaks, good and bad

John Friesz, the former Coeur d’Alene High School superstar, finally got a good break - before he got a bad break. After winning a job as Seattle’s starting quarterback by leading the Seahawks to a 4-1 record when he was at the controls, Friesz was rewarded last week with a two-year $4.2 million contract. He passed up the opportunity to earn more money as a free agent next year because he wanted to stay in the Northwest. He also wanted to settle his contract quickly to concentrate on Sunday’s game with Detroit. So, he signed his contract Saturday. And then broke his leg in a 17-16 loss to the Lions. A missed field goal in the closing seconds by Seattle kicker Todd Peterson capped Friesz’s up-and-down week. Now, he probably is out for the remainder of the season. Injuries also cost him his starting job in San Diego. He came back then. He’ll come back again. But we’ll sure miss this class athlete until then.

, DataTimes MEMO: D.F. Oliveria’s “Hot Potatoes” runs Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can comment on the items by calling (800) 344-6718 or (208) 765-7125 or by sending e-mail to daveo@spokesman.com.