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 speed limit on Jackrabbit
I am writing regarding the drivers on Jackrabbit Lane. Everyone seems to be in such a hurry to get to the grocery store or the coffee shop that they have forgotten how to use their cruise control. Yesterday, I was going the perfectly reasonable speed of thirty-five miles per hour, as I often do to enjoy the scenery of the new self-storage units, and a large truck behind me honked three times. It is very stressful to be honked at when one is simply trying to maintain a consistent pace. If we all just drove ten miles under the limit, perhaps we would have more time to look at the mountains.
— Martha Halloway, Belgrade
Elk in the garden
I noticed that several elk have taken up permanent residence in the backyard of the new luxury condo complex on North Seventh. They seem very comfortable among the decorative xeriscaping, which is a nice change of pace from them eating my hostas in the historic district. However, I am concerned about their safety. With the new four-story structures blocking their view of the Bridgers, they look quite confused when they try to migrate toward the Co-op. I hope the developers consider installing a small crossing signal, as it is only fair that the wildlife gets to enjoy the amenities we have built for them.
— Silas Thorne, Bozeman
The wind and the patio chairs
It has been a fairly breezy week in town, as is tradition. My neighbor, who moved here from California last summer, insisted on keeping his wicker patio set out on his porch without tying it down. By Tuesday, his side table had migrated all the way to the I-90 off-ramp, and his loveseat is currently wedged against my shed. I would like to remind everyone that if an object is not bolted to the foundation of your house, it is essentially a sail. Please secure your furniture so that my yard does not continue to become a collection of other people’s outdoor lifestyle choices.
— Brenda Vane, Livingston