A concerned visitor

Dear Editor,

How I look forward to my annual October visit to your lovely town! It is such a place of beauty with the beautiful fall leaves, the scenic Kootenai River, and the attractive downtown area. I especially love your scenic little park and was thrilled to see several new businesses opened during this year’s visit. It was such a pleasure to spend the afternoon visiting the interesting shops and eating a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.

While on my walking tour of Main Street, as I approached the police department, it was dismaying to see several storefronts vacant and, frankly, looking very derelict. I remember from last year’s visit that this area looks exactly as it did then. Frankly, the whole area is an eyesore and seems a shame for the other store and restaurant owners who try so hard to make everything so attractive.

I just wanted to share an outsider’s point of view with you and the community. It would certainly behoove your lovely town if these particular storefronts could be restored with at least clean windows and perhaps some attractive displays in them.

Patricia Williams

Sarasota, Fla.