Letters to the editor: Some thoughts on recent local news

I always read the Pine Knot with interest, but the latest issue was an emotional rollercoaster for me. I was happy to see the Christmas fireworks canceled. As a local curmudgeon and dog owner, I cringe when Generous Jerry pitches his tent in the Super One parking lot and my neighbors rush to give him their monthly grocery allotment for their firework displays, which go on for days.

Christmas is theoretically a religious holiday, and fireworks are just superfluous. If we need another display, make it for the Chinese new year, and set them off in the Hong Kong parking lot. Not far enough away, but anything more distant from me is appreciated.

I was saddened to see the obituary of my classmate and lifelong friend Gerry Joseph. We lost contact when he moved away, but I will always remember him as a great guy.

I was concerned when I read about Pastor Jeff. I don’t know him, but I have seen a couple guys being intubated, and my son, who recently experienced it, assures me it is just as frightening for the patient as it looks.

I was puzzled by the move for a roundabout at Washington and 14th Street. I haven’t heard of any fatal accidents there like the Hwy 33/I-35 intersection.

I don’t mind spending tax money on important things like public schools, but what problem are we solving? Roundabouts are expensive. Maybe we wouldn’t have had a problem there if we didn’t have to put in a Kwik Trip and more stop signs on Washington to accommodate it. We already had a plethora of Kwik Trips. And there’s one for your thesaurus: A gaggle of geese, a murder of crows, and a plethora of Kwik Trips. You’re welcome.

Ken Johnson,

Cloquet