County needs to do more about Canyon crime

I want everyone to know of an incident that happened in Martin City late Nov. 30 or early Dec. 1. It is not the first incident that has happened up here by the same gang of criminal youths. I find it a shame that these few delinquents can ruin property, put people in fear of physical harm and steal items.

I had the pickup I drive (a 1989 Ford Ranger that I’ve driven for 16 years and kept in good shape) pushed out of the driveway and taken for a joy ride, going through yards, jumping it down on the ball field and breaking a fence, breaking windows in one home and finally left when it was stuck. Probably a Godsend, as others that had theirs stolen were torched. It ruined the bumper, front quarter panel, broke off the rear view mirror and ruined the two studded back tires.

Officers came to my door at 4:30 a.m. and asked me where my pickup was. When I said it was in the driveway, they said no and were checking my coat and boots and asking me why I was up at 4:30. Well, I get up at that time.

They took me down to where it was but did not check for evidence — a coat, two stocking caps and gloves. Tracks from the pickup led right to one of the offenders’ homes. The pickup is a 1989 Ford Ranger and licensed and has insurance on it. It was in a private driveway

I have lived in Coram for 15 years and then in Martin City since 1984. When we first came here, it was a clean blue-collar and small-business community. The Great Bear Wilderness plan has changed this. There is no work in the timber industry, and Anaconda Aluminum is gone. Most of the original people have either died, retired or moved. Now there is an influx of more people on public assistance, no jobs or live in gated communities. I still consider 80 percent of the people to be good community members

I have worked as a cleaning lady, photographer, teachers aid and artist and still do. I pay property taxes and my share of quarterlies. I feel with the moneys that are brought in by property taxes, fines, tobacco tax, liquor tax, license plates and gambling that we deserve more help.

I would suggest a satellite office for social services, clinic for the sick, deputy on the police force that can be up here in minutes, and counseling offices for AA and mental needs.

I am trying to contact the county attorney and county commissioner for this part of the county to see what can be done. Any input from the community would be greatly appreciated. Pending complete investigation of the incident with the pickup, I will not comment on it. I will comment on it to the commissioners and county attorney.

If I can be of any help with others that have been violated, please call and let me know, as any input could be important. I suggest a satellite office as Kalispell is 24 miles away and many do not have a car and there is no bus service.

Monica Short lives in Martin City.