conswsab.html

The Enterprise, White Salmon, WA., June 1, 1951, page 1

CONSOLIDATION OF WHITE SALMON AND BINGEN STUDIED BY GROUP
Stray Dogs, Liquor Among Other Topics Discussed by Mt. Adams Study Group

The Mt. Adams Study Group in continuing its evaluation of all communities arrived at the conclusion almost unanimously to consolidate the two towns of White Salmon and Bingen. It was not surprising that some of the strongest advocates of this move live in Bingen. It was brought out that such a move would give greater efficiency, a closer understanding between the two towns. Such financial waste as each town maintaining a separate police force, Fire Department, justice of the peace exist under the present condition.
It was suggested by many that the combined town of White Salmon and Bingen have a new name with the present names used only for zoning purposes.
A beautiful name should be selected by the citizenry which should typify our location in the world famous Columbia Gorge.
It was brought forth that an overwhelming majority of the two towns favor this move - all except a few die-hards. As Bill Bates, commented, "As soon as all the old die-hards die, we probably will be able to accomplish something in this community."
In considering the advisability of a dog pound for the Bingen and White Salmon area there was split opinion among the discussion groups. Many did not realize that a stray dog has a short life in this community. Because there is no dog pound the officers of the law have no alternative than to shoot the luckless pup. Knowing that this is a rough manner in dealing with man's best friend, there appeared to be no other solution unless we wanted to invest some money. One suggestion of was to approach Bob Meresse who has a fine kennel and make financial arrangement with him to hold the dogs for a reasonable time. One member aptly brought forth, that while John Splawn loves dogs, he didn't have room for them at his home.
Mrs. Hilts reported for the committee on health with a most detailed document concluding their research on the health of the area.
"It is not the intent of this committee to offer for consideration as a moral issue, the subject of liquor. However, as a factor in the welfare of the committee, it must be considered. The police officers estimate that 90 percent of all law violations in this area involving a drunkeness; 75 percent of all cases of juvenile delinquency involve liquor. For purposes of this survey, beer and light wine will be considered as liquor. One of the reasons for this is the official attitude of the Washington State Patrol in respect to drunken driving."
"The State Patrol regards the man who had one or two beers to a greater menace behind the wheel, then the man who is actually drunk. Reasons for this are based on extensive research by the National Safety Council and other agencies. The man who is drunk knows that he is drunk, he drives slowly because he is afraid of wrecking his car or being arrested for drunken driving. He weaves across the road, making it apparent to other drivers that he is incompetent, whereupon they give him a wide space or report him to an officer. The man with a beer or two, however feels good. He is confidant of his ability to handle his car at 70-80 MPH although in medical fact his reactions are already noticeably slower."
The report continued. "There are in this area, 16 liquor outlets distributed as follows: one outlet in Glenwood, Trout Lake, BZ Corners and Husum. In White Salmon, one state liquor store, two taverns, one grocery store and one private club - a total of five. In Bingen, four taverns, one public cock-tail lounge, one grocery store, one private club; a total of seven."
"The officers of all levels states that there is a lack of cooperation in enforcing existing laws, on the part of the citizenry, liquor dispensers, and the liquor commission itself."
"We have to many dispensers for our size, it makes the sale highly competitive. Tavern keepers sell to persons obviously drunk; when they get thrown out of one place, they go to another and be served."
"In one case cited, a man thirty, already drunk, purchased beer and took it out side to a car parked directly in front of the tavern and filled with minors, the oldest 16."
Concerning juvenile delinquency a doctor says, "I'm terribly concerned about the sex conditions among our high school students. I wish I could talk to the mothers of some of these girls, but they wouldn't believe me."
A law officer says, "The parents say sure they know the neighbor children are doing things they shouldn't be, but Johnny never does."
The health committee draws no conclusions from these statements merely presents them for your thoughtful consideration. However this question is inevitably asked - are we any worse than other places? This we would have no other way of knowing with the accurate statistics available. The ultimate goal of this group is the betterment of our own community. Real betterment must come from a desire more vital than merely to be "no worse than other places."
Next Tuesday the Mt. Adams Study Group will meet at the high school cafeteria and the subject to be discussed it is "Recreation" and the discussion will be led by Hank Williams.