Sentencing of Young Man Outrageous
This is in reference to the Guadalupe Solis-Diaz sentencing by Judge Nelson Hunt. It is outrageous for Hunt to sentence this young 16-year-old kid to 92 years in prison. I can’t imagine how Hunt can justify this sentence.
I agree his crime deserves punishment, but no one was hurt. People who commit murder don’t get a sentence half that much. Hopefully the Court of Appeals will use some common sense and reduce this sentence.
I understand that Hunt is retiring soon. That will be a good thing for the Superior Court!
David Critcher
Chehalis
Chehalis Schools Should Honor Teacher, Coach
Recently I was saddened to hear of the passing of Coach Don Lakin of W.F. West High School. You would have to look hard and far to find a teacher and coach who had a greater and more far-reaching impact on so many coaches and athletes in the state of Washington.
He’s truly a legend of legends. Many people didn’t realize that Lakin was himself a world class runner. Along with being a world class runner, teacher and coach, he was a world class person. I first met Lakin when I was in high school in the mid-1970s. He was truly one of the hardest working and most dedicated coaches I’d ever been around.
In 1982 and 1983, I was fortunate enough to be one of his assistants with the track and field team. Coach welcomed me with open arms, took me under his wing, and introduced me to the world of high school coaching. He was instrumental in getting me started in coaching education, which eventually landed me on several international coaching staffs. I wasn’t the only one though. Some of his assistants have gone on to teach and coach themselves. His web of influence is beyond imagination.
Lakin started the Chehalis Activators Classic. That meet didn’t just cater to elite athletes. Lakin set it up so that kids of all levels could compete and have a chance at success. Everyone was valued, in his eyes. If it meant staying up until midnight to give a student-athlete a chance to compete, Coach was all about that.
A meet of that size and magnitude was unparalleled when it came to impacting such a wide variety of talent. Lakin believed in everyone, not just the superstars.
The Lakin family has been in Chehalis for many years. The Lakin name is an integral part of the history of Chehalis and the Chehalis School District. Don, his wife Rita and their daughters are one of the finest families anyone will ever meet.
I’m not sure if the Chehalis School District has plans to name anything after Lakin. I hope it considers it. The track itself might be a great place to start or perhaps, the Don Lakin-Chehalis Activators Classic, serving doughnuts of course. No one is more deserving.
Bryan E. Hoddle
Chandler, Arizona
Torture of Cat a Disturbing Indicator
Concerning the torture of a cat, this type of story never ends, and I hope the lawmakers will not say it’s only a cat or a dog.
I may be old school, but as like most people I’m beyond fed up with young people these days. Our criminals are getting younger and definitely out of control, and what are we doing about it? With my past experience, lot of these types of people, young or old, start with things that cannot fight back, and a lot of these people have seriously injured or killed another human.
I have traveled to other countries and I can tell you they don’t have all these problems with young people. I’m not saying they don’t have problems, but our country is so out of control when it comes to young people.
We can’t keep going in this same direction. I have experienced, like everyone else, kids especially have absolutely no respect when it comes to anything. This is absolutely inexcusable. This is our future generation. I’m to the point where I will even pay more taxes to somehow bring justice to our young people. I’m way beyond frustrated with these scums, and especially these parents who will not take responsibility for their youngsters.
We definitely need to see our laws change. I have experienced things that go just in our neighborhood, and these youngsters just get a slap on the hand. My children are grown now, but I am a firm believer in following the law and respect of other people’s property. We are way too soft with our laws. People cry every time when something terrible happens but then it’s all forgotten, too soon.
My gosh, what is it going to take? We don’t have to look far. Our young people are a mess and I will say I have seen so many parents these days who don’t see any of this. It’s time. We are way overdue. Let’s get moving and do what we need to do. As far as I’m concerned, just with this case, of torturing the poor cat, whoever was responsible, they need to pay for this horrific act.
People like this, I’m sure, this is not their first time. They just were not caught. Next time it will be people.
Suzie Crim
Kennewick
