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Return joy to angel on earth

To the editor -- Lois Champoux, cancer survivor, cancer mentor, friend and angel here on earth, is truly a person to admire.

The Aug. 10 article is a delightful tribute to Lois as mother and "saint with ALS" by her son, whose concert in Yakima allowed Lois to see her son playing a music venue as part of the indie band, Italian Bombshell.

I first met Lois about 10 years ago when I joined a group of cancer survivors mentoring newly diagnosed cancer patients at Wellness House here in Yakima. The soft-spoken lady with the beautiful welcoming smile became a model for me to follow in our mentor training. Lois became a symbol for all the good that Wellness House has done for those needing support and love during difficult times.

Eleanor Roosevelt once wrote: "Think as little as possible about yourself and as much as possible about other people. ... Put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give."

When helping others, Lois held joy in her heart and a smile on her face. Now it is time for friends and family to return that joy to Lois as she continues to live the life of saint, wife, mother and mentor for all of us who love and appreciate her kindness.

BETTY LEADON

Yakima

Grateful for Pacific Power

To the editor -- Kudos! To the Pacific Power line crews.

On Aug. 1 on a windy day, two large neighboring trees came crashing down onto my fence, taking the power lines down with them. Hot wires were tangled in the branches and onto my driveway, totally blocking the way in and out of my house. Thanks to my Pacific Power heroes! The dedicated men were working in the dark, windy, top of the power poles. Others were replacing the wires, etc.

We need to support these dedicated workers. If you see the road crews working, slow down. If they are standing in the snow waiting for parts, take them out some coffee. If you have trees on your property endangering the power lines, give them permission to enter your property. Help change policies that make it hard for them to do their work.

Our people in Eastern Washington often are having to work with antiquated equipment, yet we have contributed to the dam projects for many years. They have sold our power to California and outsourced many jobs. The answer in no increase in taxes or rate hikes. Everyone needs to get involved.

This 77-year-old lady is so grateful and appreciative for the wonderful service we receive in our Valley.

MARY WANS

Naches

I-82 vs. I-90 repairs

To the editor -- In response to "Highway Praises and Potholes" (Letters, July 25), I'm responsible for the repaving project on Interstate 82, which received praises for a "masterful job of resurfacing," as well as Interstate 90 Snoqualmie Pass, which was described as "deplorable."

I agree the project on I-82 is "beautiful." Granite Northwest did a great job. I am also very aware that I-90 "continues to deteriorate." It is a challenge to keep pavement smooth and stripes bright with heavy use and severe weather.

Compared to replacing an 11-inch concrete section on I-90, the 2-inch asphalt overlay on I-82 was a fraction of the cost. I-82 was becoming a safety hazard due to rutting and aging surface. Once asphalt reaches its useful life, it becomes brittle, cracks, lets water in, and then potholes accelerate in the winter.

Concrete pavement, like on Snoqualmie Pass, lasts longer and withstands winter abuse better, but it is very costly to replace. A major project to replace concrete pavement on five miles of Snoqualmie Pass is planned to begin in 2010. We would like to fix all rough spots on I-90, but right now we don't have the funding. With high gas prices, revenue for highway projects is decreasing.

DON WHITEHOUSE

WSDOT South Central Region Administrator

Yakima