By Bonnie Hackel
WINNEMUCCA - Wasn't there a movie called "The Killing?" Seems like I remember that; maybe an Alfred Hitchcock movie?
I thought for quite a while before I titled this column. However, September was a hard month for Reno/Carson. And even though we are 160 miles away, give or take a few miles, what happened in Reno impacted me. I can't help but think it did some of you, as well.
It started with the IHOP killings. Four killed, five including the shooter and seven wounded. Theses were innocent people just eating a meal and chatting and having a good time. That's how I think of an IHOP. Then the gun shots; the pandemonium, the unbelievable happened.
I'd think hard before I went to another IHOP. It happened once; it could happen again.
Then, the unbelievable events at the Reno Air Races. I sat, transfixed, in front of my TV from 4:30 p.m. until I don't remember when. I know it was late into Saturday evening. How could this happen? The pilot who "caused" this tragedy was a good pilot. He has been flying for years. Yes, he was an older gentleman however; it's my understanding that there was a strict physical assessment before he flew. He must have been OK when he started.
Then, after that there was the motorcycle gang shooting that killed one man. And that one happened, I think, near one of the casino's in Sparks. I think that was all in this particular spree.
There is talk of cancelling the Air Races and Street Vibrations. I have to take a minute here to say that the Air Races started in Cleveland, Ohio, just about 70 miles north of my home town. OK, so I'm claiming a bit of pride for that!
But cancelling these two events? I'm not sure about that. Yes, both had tragedy connected to them this year. One a lot more than the other. I don't want to seem callous. I am sorry for the lives lost and the injuries sustained. But cancelling the events?
Why? They both bring in lots of money to the Reno/Carson/Sparks areas and probably some outlying areas too, like Fernley. Do you want to lose all that money? I know; I know that does sound callous. But is it really?
Things happen and life goes on is the saying. Maybe the Air Races could have a memorial for those who lost their lives or were injured during that event. Somehow recognizing what happened this year. I actually think the best way to honor these people is to continue the event.
As for Street Vibrations, well I have mixed feelings here. It was two gangs that created the problem there. Actually two gang members that created the problem. I have my own feelings about motorcycle gangs. They aren't all bad and indeed they do some good deeds. I still have mixed feelings about Street Vibrations. It brings money to the area and that's a good thing.
Thank goodness I don't have to make a decision about this!
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