An apology, and other news
It is sometimes hard to imagine that I have been writing this column for over 30 years. Mostly, it has been fun writing about North Fork Events, commenting on issues and sprinkling in a little history when things are slow. There are a couple of things that aren’t fun.
The most difficult is reporting on the deaths of North Fork residents. If I knew them well, I usually try to write something about their time on the North Fork. If I barely knew them, I can’t, or shouldn’t, say too much.
This year, we have suffered several losses. Mike Foreman, Tom Sliuter, Fowler Carey and Sue Sullivan all passed away and the North Fork is poorer because they are gone. Each of them contributed to the community in different ways and each of them are a part of who we are as a community. The same is true of any that I have missed. In the end, our community is a reflection of all of those who came before and those who are here now.
The other most difficult thing is when I report something in error. If I say something wrong about someone, that can shoot back with their own letter to the editor. Sometimes, they call or write me directly. If it is a difference of opinion, I don’t feel bad. The exchange of opposing views is a good thing. When I get facts wrong, that is something else. Recently, I did just that and I deeply regret it.
I wrote in this column that the Forest Service should have informed North Fork residents about their plans for the Ford Schoolhouse at the Winter Interlocal, but did not do so.
WRONG! They did inform us at the Interlocal and I and others forgot it. They did not deserve my tirade and I apologize for my comments.
The North Fork community has long been interested in restoring and preserving the school and we look forward to helping with Forest Service efforts. Current plans are to remove additions to the building that were put on after the school was closed, clean out the building and restore it to its original appearance as a school. I hope that means the interior as well as the exterior. Anyway, I apologize for my misinformation.
Nice little spring snowstorm we had last weekend. Wind blew down trees and the ground was white again. I heard of at least one rollover on the road, but apparently no serious injuries.
Spring surprises are not common on the North Fork, but they are not rare either. I can remember snowstorms every month of the year. July and August snow is the worst and can really spoil an outdoor picnic or river float.
Larry Wilson’s North Fork Views appears weekly in the Hungry Horse News.