Letters to the editor for June 14

Loosening Alaska hunting rules is wrong

This is my first ever letter to an editor, but here goes. I am absolutely devastated by the most recent actions taken by the current administration in our nation’s capital. The Interior Department has rolled back prohibitions regarding sport hunting practices on Alaska National Preserve lands.

It is now legal to bait bears with donuts and bacon grease, enter and kill bear sows and cubs during denning season, and use dogs for hunting. Also regulations have been relaxed for hunting wolves and coyotes, including pups during weaning season. For more excitement, hunters can now kill swimming caribou from motorboats.

The Interior Advisory Council has been filled with celebrity hunting guides, reps from rifle and bow manufacturers, and wealthy trophy-hunter sports people. I question if this is just another example of reversing anything Obama signed or maybe a gift to enthusiasts who like to kill animals for personal bragging rights, or maybe just to reward wealthy donors.

I urge everyone to vote in November — but remember your vote is not just for one individual. You will also determine members of Congress. And those outcomes affect who becomes appointed government agency officials. There are real consequences.

Signed, a 76-year-old former life-long Republican.

Linda Guluarte, Shelton

Some bosses do care

Lines of Denmark, Troels Engholm’s business, has been a staple in Tumwater for over 10 years. It started as a small boutique (a husband and wife team, Troels and Carina) selling apparel, footwear and accessories from renowned international brands.

After a number of years, they came to a mutual decision to close their retail boutique (except for two times a year) and sell to brick-and-mortar stores. The outcome was a success.

As of a couple of months ago, the future was looking bright -- sales were strong, hiring was up, team morale was at a high. And then with a snap of the fingers, it all went quiet. The COVID-19 pandemic hit and work stopped. All the departments were affected: sales, shipping and office administration.

Although things were bleak, Troels kept a positive attitude, while attempting to keep the team — aka “extended family” — together. Unfortunately, though, the layoffs were inevitable. During this phase, his commitment to our customers and the staff was and continues to be unflappable. Service (albeit virtual) with a smile all the way!

And although the future is uncertain, his loyal staff (some of which have been around for over 15 years) will always be grateful.

Kamelia Davis, Tenino