The Bee publishes letters from readers across the Gallatin Valley. Letters are edited for length, never for truth, because we wouldn’t know where to start.

The North 19th Speed Situation

I am writing to express my mild concern regarding the driving habits on North 19th. Recently, I have noticed that while the speed limit is 45, most folks drive 30, except when they are aggressively tailgating someone who is actually going 45. It seems we are collectively trying to reach the highway as slowly as possible, while simultaneously being very upset that we are not there yet. I moved here from Billings twelve years ago, so I consider myself a local, and I just don’t understand why we are all in such a hurry to be stuck in a line. We have plenty of time.

— Silas Thorne, Belgrade

The Co-op Bulk Bin Etiquette

I have been a member of the Co-op since 1984, back when it was just a shelf in a garage. Lately, the bulk bin section has become a theater of the absurd. I watched a young man in a very expensive Arcteryx jacket spend ten minutes debating which organic lentil was “more authentic,” despite the fact that they were all grown in the same region. Meanwhile, the line for the register stretched back to the kombucha tap. It’s lovely to have such nutritious options, but perhaps we could spend a little less time pondering the spirit of a grain and a little more time moving the line.

— Brenda Halloway, Bozeman

Where did the field go?

I went to pick up a sandwich at the strip mall near the intersection yesterday, and I was shocked to find that a new four-story luxury condo complex has sprouted where a hay field was on Tuesday. It is truly remarkable how quickly we can build homes for people who aren’t from here, while my neighbor in the original trailer park is still waiting for his fence to be fixed. It is a testament to modern engineering. I suppose if we keep paving over the grass, we won’t have to worry about mowing it anymore. It is all very efficient.

— Todd Miller, Four Corners