Letters to the editor

Shearer on target with letter

Editor:

Mr. Shearer hit the nail on the head. The point about the true meaning of gun-free zone is, as he mentioned, really killing zone. Killing zones prove that gun control works best for those who have no intention of obeying the law. Announcing that a zone is gun free is basically an invitation to someone looking for innocent targets just where they can be found.

Imagine the case where carrying a concealed weapon is permitted in a particular area and no one is carrying. The possibility that anyone in the area could be armed would in itself be a deterrent to a nut job with intention to commit a violent act.

The fact is, if you are licensed to carry and abide by the rules and laws by disarming yourself when in a restricted area, it's foremost in your mind that you are vulnerable. The act of disarming while in a restricted area means the weapon is not in your direct control. If it is stolen and used to commit a crime where does the responsibility fall? On the person that followed the rules or those who made the rules?

The paranoia about what appeared to be a rifle brings up the question; where is common sense? Mr. Shearer's point about the damage that could be done in the minutes required for law enforcement to arrive makes the point that there is no absolute security. To expect law enforcement to be everywhere to protect everyone is totally unreasonable.

Publishing the reaction of law enforcement's follow up to the "might have been a rifle" report has telegraphed the fact they can be diverted from a target very easily. If a nut job wants to attack school 'A' without interference just report that it appears that a weapon has been seen near school 'B.' The last time I checked it is not illegal to have possession of a rifle. What would have been the result, in this case, if law enforcement found the person in possession and determined no law was broken?

Both Bob Beers and Mr. Shearer have it right about concealed carry on a school campus or most any other place. Legislators, school administrators and anyone else who restricts licensed concealed carry in any form assume the responsibility for the security of those in the restricted area. If you have faith in their ability to provide protection when needed, I have a piece of the Brooklyn Bridge you may be interested in acquiring.

Richard Frost

Minden

Good work

on water line

Editor:

On Jan. 2, I attended a joint meeting between the Minden Town Board and the Douglas County commissioners, at the CVIC Hall.

At that meeting the subject of a water line, proposed by the Town of Minden, to follow Heybourne Road from Buckeye Road north to the southwest corner of the airport was brought up for discussion.

Commissioner Kite mentioned this had been an item of discussion for about 11 years but never really considered due to other priorities. He also stated the major problem being one of "the devil is in the details."

Town board member Ross Chichester volunteered, with the assistance of Town Engineer Bruce Scott, to try to spearhead the task of getting the details worked out with the county. Commissioner McDermid volunteered to assist Mr. Chichester at the county level.

Now, approximately 11 weeks later, the commissioners and the town board have approved an agreement.

Per Commissioner Kite, "I don't think anything done between the county and the town benefits more residents than this."

I think town board member Ross Chichester deserves a big thank you for making this happen.

Sanford E. Deyo

Minden

Fortnightly

sponsors

scholarships

Editor:

Members of Fortnightly Club met recently to discuss disbursing funds earned at our annual fundraiser. Fortnightly's fundraiser is an annual holiday ritual for many Minden residents. The fundraiser was held last November and was a great success due to the support of so many individuals and business owners. We at Fortnightly could not contribute to worthwhile organizations without the support of so many local businesses who make donations to our event. These local businesses donate year after year and should be recognized for their continued generosity. Please thank these businesses for their support of our community: A Wildflower, Adele's, As You Like It, Chris Bashaw, Bing Materials, Barone & Reed Food Co., Battle Born Wines, Carson Valley Inn, Kim Coates, Casino Fandango, Carson Valley Golf Course, Carson Valley Swim Center, Chatom Vineyards, Dr. Peter Costa, Cruisescape Travel, Curves, David Walley's, Natalie Duffy, Eagle Valley Golf, Edgewood Golf, Eldorado Casino, Embassy Suites, Especially For You, Fifth Street Salon, Dave and Diane Gamble, Genoa Lakes Golf, Harrah's Lake Tahoe, Ironwood Cinema, It's About Time, Joyce's Jewelry, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, Les Schwab, Jann Fagnoli (Mary Kay Cosmetics), Merry Maids, Sherry Lugone, Northwest Martial Arts, Peppermill Casino, Purple Avocado, Reno Air Racing, Ridge Tahoe, Rock'n Girls & Guys Party, Saletti's Restaurant, Silver State Roofing, Starbucks Minden, Stor-All, Shear Heaven, Soar Minden, Taylor York Salon, Tumblewind Antiques, University of Nevada, Reno, Athletics, Wild Island, World Gym.

We are pleased to announce that with the money generated at our event we were able to sponsor scholarships to Douglas High seniors, scholarships to Girls State, Douglas County elementary school literacy programs, general upkeep of the CVIC Hall, City of Refuge, The food closet, The Family Support Council, Kids & Horses Therapeutic Riding Center, and Austin's House.

Thanks to all those who made donations and to those who attended and purchased items. Your support greatly helps our community.

Donna Harker

Minden