In the last two weeks, the sale of the famous Chicken George’s Prairie Maid Drive-in has been big news, as well it should be since it was our version of McDonald’s and Arctic Circle during the 60s, 70s and 80s.

There’s no doubt that everyone that has driven past the Prairie Maid the last 17 or 18 years has said to themselves, “I wish that place was open again.”

To hear that it’s going to be turned into a parking lot is a crying shame.

Grant County has lost so much since the day some tree hugger yelled, “Save the spotted owl!” Money for our schools from timber receipts have all but gone, and kids have to make up the difference to take elective classes and sports.

I think it’s a great deal that the Grant School District #3 is buying the Prairie Maid and it’s property. Build your parking lot, but why not fire up that grill, change the oil in the deep fryer and put your seniors to work in there for work study program and make some money to support some of the school’s needs?

Hey, if a timber cutter for Hines Lumber Company can make a go of it for almost 30 years, I’m sure a school district and the people of Grant County can make the Prairie Maid’s Prospector burgers and fries fill our stomachs once again.

Dean Porter

Pendleton