The Spokane plague peaks in summer

Eight years ago, the federal government put Kootenai County on a path where wastewater discharge had to meet the highest water quality standards in the country, as our neighbors in the west complained about the phosphorus content, which was affecting their water quality downstream.

In short, Spokane didn’t want our pollution, and they took some pretty drastic steps that resulted in higher rates for everyone over here flushing a toilet or turning on a faucet.

But our Washington brothers apparently weren’t finished yet. They also found a way to send their pollution to us.

You’ve seen evidence of pollution for quite some time – human sewage, if you will. It manifests itself in vandalism, drugs, brawls, and other forms of crime in downtown Coeur d’Alene, with the foul smell usually strongest in summer.

That’s not to say that behind every white license plate there is a young Hellion obsessed with shameful acts. The vast majority of Washington visitors are law abusers, which do more than harm our economy. But there are exceptions – and, thank God, solutions.

On the July 4th holiday weekend, an increased police presence from Coeur d’Alene was unmistakable throughout downtown, particularly at City Park, City Beach and Independence Point. Those on patrol were friendly, smiling, and even waving from time to time. But they also had a clear hint that nonsense would not be tolerated.

And guess what? The community came relatively unscathed by the three-day celebrations, a triumph not only given the tragic shootout in City Park two days ago, but also the increasing drunkenness and aggressive behavior in the area that summer.

Capt. Dave Hagar was one of the patrols, a senior division leader who chose to serve the people instead of serving himself a satisfying sarsaparilla or two at home. This commitment is duly noted and greatly appreciated. We believe that the heavy police presence at the center of potential problems was precisely why there was so little of it.

Still, it’s annoying that Spokane pinned it to us twice, not once. Vengeance is not what we seek; Sending our delinquents to an unpunished party in Riverfront Park wouldn’t do any good.

We just have to be satisfied with living in a place that attracts relaxation seekers as we want it and which we could easily do without.

A place Spokanites could happily call home.