Cheers: To apple-themed license plates. According to its website, the state Department of Licensing offers more than 60 specialty license plates, supporting efforts as diverse as Washington lighthouses and volunteer firefighters. So it might seem unusual that none of those plates support one of the state’s signature industries — apples.
That likely is about to change, with the Legislature sending a bill to Gov. Jay Inslee that would establish plates supporting the state’s tree fruit industry. The Washington Apple Commission will contribute $6,300 for startup costs; the plates will cost $40 initially and $30 for annual renewal. Proceeds will go toward college scholarships for students whose families work in the tree fruit industry. “This bill provides me an opportunity — and the stakeholders an opportunity — to discuss the importance of our tree fruit industry in the state of Washington and the economic benefits,” said state Sen. Brad Hawkins, R-East Wenatchee.
Jeers: To panic purchasing. For some reason, toilet paper has become a symbol of the current coronavirus outbreak. Stores locally and around the world report shortages of tissue as shoppers stock up. One Australian newspaper went so far as to print eight additional pages in a recent edition — emergency toilet paper, they said.
Undoubtedly, toilet paper is a necessity. And it’s better to be prepared rather than unprepared in the event of a lengthy quarantine. But there is a fine line between preparation and panic; we recommend local shoppers remember that the people behind them in the store will need toilet paper as well.
Cheers: To safety improvements. The state Department of Transportation will add a concrete barrier along the center of Highway 503 from Northeast 154th Street north to West Main Street-state Highway 502 in Battle Ground. The 3-foot-high barrier will stretch about 2 1/2 miles along the heavily traveled road.
The project has been in the works for some time but, unfortunately, was not completed before a March 6 crash killed three people. State officials say that stretch of Highway 503 has seen an 8 percent increase in traffic over the past five years, and three fatal crashes have been reported. We hope the barrier will help prevent future tragedies.
Jeers: To bad decisions. A 66-year-old Sunnyside man reportedly attempted to bribe a state trooper to avoid being arrested following a car crash. The man ran a red light and struck another vehicle before being taken to a hospital and questioned.
Reports the Associated Press: “The man repeatedly offered a trooper amounts up to $2,000 to avoid being arrested, despite being told that was illegal.” The suspect was booked into the Yakima County jail on suspicion of attempted bribery, driving under the influence of intoxicants, driving while his license was suspended and driving without a court-ordered ignition interlock device. It sounds as though attempted bribery charges might be the least of his worries.
Cheers: To listening. Clark County officials have planned a March 25 forum to discuss regulations on equestrian facilities. The issue has become a contentious one, with some neighbors complaining about burdens created by such businesses — like increased traffic — and owners saying county requirements are draconian.
There likely is no easy solution, with the needs of neighbors and business owners being drastically different. But officials are wise to open the discussion and consider both sides of the issue. All competing interests should be considered, and opening a public forum is the first step.
