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[Bruce A. Smith]

Peace - No, Peace

Yup, that's a real possibility, especially since Trump is tied in the polls with Hillary.

Anybody want to take bets on when the Sons of Anarchy take to the roads and scare everybody off who don't pay their bounty or kiss their asses? We already have weapons in open carry at Ariel and "normal" people turning around and going home, saying, "Not for me, guys."

Do you think I'll be welcomed at Ariel next year? If so, should I bring a firearm?

I've raised this issue with my fellow journalists: If Trump is elected, is civil war far behind?

[Shutter]

Peace - No, Peace

Yup, that's a real possibility, especially since Trump is tied in the polls with Hillary.

Anybody want to take bets on when the Sons of Anarchy take to the roads and scare everybody off who don't pay their bounty or kiss their asses? We already have weapons in open carry at Ariel and "normal" people turning around and going home, saying, "Not for me, guys."

Do you think I'll be welcomed at Ariel next year? If so, should I bring a firearm?

I've raised this issue with my fellow journalists: If Trump is elected, is civil war far behind?

Lets keep politics out of this.....

[Bruce A. Smith]

Then what? We stick our heads in the sand and don't consider the cultural events of our day as having an impact on Norjak?

What do you suggest if I'm covering the Whatever at Ariel next year and a biker dude doesn't like my attitude or doesn't want me taking pix, pushes me to the ground and starts kicking. What do I do then? Call the cops? There's no cell phone reception in Ariel. It's total "Deliverance Country."

I suspect that a Trump presidency would encourage violent behavior all across the American spectrum.

[georger]

I understand Shutter.  Remember, I got banned from the DZ thread because I lost it with Blevins.  I hear you loud and clear, Blevins has done some unsavory things.  No doubt about it.  Maybe nearly losing my eyesight  has changed my outlook.  I can't see wasting a lot of time and negative energy on a guy who isn't even here anymore.  What I do know is that the Ariel restoration is most likely a good thing, and I have offered to help out in any way I can.  Bryan told me he wants to accomplish just one thing -- to build a memorial to his mother and to the tradition that she built.  Nothing wrong with that.  In fact, it's a good thing.  I am going to stay out of the controversy with Blevins and Bryan -- I heard all about what they have said and done.  Will my opinion change any of that?  Not.  I have more important things to do and think about -- like finding a new job, formalizing my own theory about the Cooper Caper -- finally, and planning my next field trip to Cooper country.  Being there in person is the best.

Ariel store history –

‘The Ariel Store was built in 1929 to serve as a post office, grocery store, and tavern for the workers building the nearby Merwin Dam across the Lewis River.’ (ref. Bruce Smith)

1971 - Germaine Tricola (feminine form of Germain): owned and operated the store in 1971. The Tricola family purchased the store in the 1960’s. Germaine and her husband lived at Woodland, Wa. - her husband worked for Boeing in Seattle. Soldiers and searchers looking for DB Cooper used the store as a watering hole and meeting place during the 20 days they searched for Cooper in March and April 1972. The first ‘Cooper Days’ occurred at the Ariel store in November 1976.  President Carter heard about this and called to wish them well.  ‘Cooper Days’ at the Ariel store was not an annual event; by1986 there had been approximately 11 Cooper parties at the Ariel store.

1980 - The Cooper money find at Vancouver renewed interest in the Cooper hijacking. The Tricolas wanted to retire and began looking for a buyer for the store and sold the store to Dave Fisher, an area resident, in late 1983. Ha Ha Ha Paperback – 1983 – Amazon  by D B Cooper (Author)

1983/1984 – Dave Fisher store owner:  Sp Agent Dick Thurston dropped in to see the Ariel store and said “The case is still open”. An announcement to this effect was posted in the store sign by Agent Thurston, all in good humor.  Only an informal gathering occurred at the store that year.   

1984 – The “DB Cooper Debacle Dinning-In Party” – held at another location.   This consisted of officers and members past and present of the 318th Fighter Interceptor Squadron McChord AFB, and friends and family, who had scrambled a pair of  F106’s in a futile attempt to track and spot Cooper bailing. This event was attended by a number of dignitaries.  This event did not occur at the Ariel store.   

1986 -  Richard ‘Dick’ Purdy (39) purchased the store.  “ This will be the 11th party  held at the store - if Tosaw finds Cooper this will be the last party”, Dick said.  Nov 29, 1986. Richard Tosaw and other dignitaries attended this party.

c1989 - Dona Elliot  -  a long time resident of the area purchased the Ariel Store. She owned and operated the store/tavern until her death (2016?). She continued the tradition of hosting a Cooper Party at the store. 

2015 - Dona Elliot died. Her son (?) Bryan Woodruff took over the store. No vita on Woodruff.

2016 - Adventure Books of Seattle RobertMBlevins (socalled; its actually in an apartment at Auburn WA) convinced Woodruff to form an 'association' with the goal of a fund raiser and BBQ toward rebuilding the store/tavern to bring it up to code. There is some talk about starting a Cooper Museum there.  Prior to this the people calling themselves 'Adventure Books of Seattle or  R&G Enterprises at Auburn, Washington" have no known association with the store or its prior history and owners.   

[Shutter]

Then what? We stick our heads in the sand and don't consider the cultural events of our day as having an impact on Norjak?

What do you suggest if I'm covering the Whatever at Ariel next year and a biker dude doesn't like my attitude or doesn't want me taking pix, pushes me to the ground and starts kicking. What do I do then? Call the cops? There's no cell phone reception in Ariel. It's total "Deliverance Country."

I suspect that a Trump presidency would encourage violent behavior all across the American spectrum.

Trump, and Hilary have no impact on the Cooper story. these are current political events that don't belong. nothing but trouble follows with political comments.

I don't know what to tell you about the reception in Ariel, that's out of my hands. I guess Duane Weber didn't take this into consideration while building all the towers surround his jump zone.

I've never read anything bad, violence wise, about Ariel. most bars can get unstable at a moments notice. I lost count of the fights I had while working in a bar in the early 90's. I even witnessed a shooting with a loss of life right in front of me.

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[georger]

Then what? We stick our heads in the sand and don't consider the cultural events of our day as having an impact on Norjak?

What do you suggest if I'm covering the Whatever at Ariel next year and a biker dude doesn't like my attitude or doesn't want me taking pix, pushes me to the ground and starts kicking. What do I do then? Call the cops? There's no cell phone reception in Ariel. It's total "Deliverance Country."

I suspect that a Trump presidency would encourage violent behavior all across the American spectrum.

Trump, and Hilary have no impact on the Cooper story. these are current political events that don't belong. nothing but trouble follows with political comments.

I don't know what to tell you about the reception in Ariel, that's out of my hands. I guess Duane Weber didn't take this into consideration while building all the towers surround his jump zone.

I've never read anything bad, violence wise, about Ariel. most bars can get unstable at a moments notice. I lost count of the fights I had while working in a bar in the early 90's. I even witnessed a shooting with a loss of life right in front of me.

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One of the main problems at the Store/tavern is people interfering with traffic; its location right on a main street to, and a short distance from the turnoff to, the Merwin Dam. People sometimes spill out of the bar on to the street interfering with traffic and sometimes the bar people 'aint too friendly'.

The other obvious issue is the building itself. It does not meet code and in spite of what Blevins say it may not be easy to bring it up to building code.  Then there is the issue of its liquor license now suspended. One of the parties at the store is a chronic alcoholic now in recovery, some say. Who would a new liquor license be issued to? Then there is the mixed-use issue of running a socalled 'museum' (perhaps eligible for public funds) at the same location as a tavern. Then there is the issue of a Food License. In order to make and serve food the store must meet current sanitary and food service requirements in order to meet licensing requirements. Then there is the issue of an apartment license (living quarters for Woodruff) ................  and the list goes on. The store was grandfathered in during Dona's tenure. Now that Dona is gone all of that ended. Maybe Robert & Gayla Enterprises has a solution to all of these issues.  They have conquered every other obstacle - why not these!

It's a dog's life!    But some people think there is redemption in hardship.

[Shutter]

to me, I don't see anything out of the ordinary. the Fort Lauderdale beach was like that for years. all the bars on the strip had hundreds of people in and out of the bars mixing in with traffic. people drunk screaming from the balconies of the hotels. police patrolled on horseback and would plow your ass down on the sidewalk. when the whistle blew, get the hell off the sidewalk 

allowing this to occur in one area vs a strip is a little different. control is needed in the bar. I've seen pictures of them out in the street. it can become a liability issue quick. I realize Bryan is trying to continue with his mother's legacy, but they have a long road ahead, and nobody is certain she can be replaced. it's just part of life, things change. also, taking drinks outside is an issue. Florida requires seating outside in order to serve, or have open containers outside the bar. our license was till 2am, if one drop was on the bar at 2:01, you can lose your license.

[georger]

to me, I don't see anything out of the ordinary. the Fort Lauderdale beach was like that for years. all the bars on the strip had hundreds of people in and out of the bars mixing in with traffic. people drunk screaming from the balconies of the hotels. police patrolled on horseback and would plow your ass down on the sidewalk. when the whistle blew, get the hell off the sidewalk 

allowing this to occur in one area vs a strip is a little different. control is needed in the bar. I've seen pictures of them out in the street. it can become a liability issue quick. I realize Bryan is trying to continue with his mother's legacy, but they have a long road ahead, and nobody is certain she can be replaced. it's just part of life, things change. also, taking drinks outside is an issue. Florida requires seating outside in order to serve, or have open containers outside the bar. our license was till 2am, if one drop was on the bar at 2:01, you can lose your license.

"Nobody is certain she can be replaced" ...

This State was full of places like this a short time ago. Now government (county, state, local, etc) has wiped them all out ... and for what!? All it takes is somebody wanting your land, your location so they can set up their own bar, etc etc etc. Many places succumbed in economic downturns through the years and people could not hang on. It always seems to come down to 'whose ox is getting gored' from a million different directions over time. Entropy. Need I remind people of this State's loss of small farmers and small towns over the years, in the whole Miswest!

Nobody gives any guarantees in life.

Dona had a good long run. And she probably poured her heart into it at times, just keeping it alive, like millions of other people do in their lives too.

 

 

[Shutter]

we have countless businesses dropping here. 95%, if not more of the bars are gone back when I was working in one. the bar where I worked is a car stereo place now. the pub up the street is gone, along with countless others. small business owners struggle now. I've been struggling for a long time. it's tough. fuel cost, insurance, hell, if I don't pay my yearly corporation fee of $125, they zap you with a $400 late fee costing you $525 to keep it. most will allow it to dissolve and pay $89 for a new one. you have to close the bank account, and open a new one. things don't happen overnight when trying to succeed...

[georger]

we have countless businesses dropping here. 95%, if not more of the bars are gone back when I was working in one. the bar where I worked is a car stereo place now. the pub up the street is gone, along with countless others. small business owners struggle now. I've been struggling for a long time. it's tough. fuel cost, insurance, hell, if I don't pay my yearly corporation fee of $125, they zap you with a $400 late fee costing you $525 to keep it. most will allow it to dissolve and pay $89 for a new one. you have to close the bank account, and open a new one. things don't happen overnight when trying to succeed...

did you escape the hurricane? I watched it pass through: You are not allowed to view links. Register or Login

[Shutter]

No hurricane down here? we had a storm below us that went into the gulf, but it didn't affect south Florida...I think that one turned into a hurricane. I tend to forget about them once they pass...

[MeyerLouie]

Then what? We stick our heads in the sand and don't consider the cultural events of our day as having an impact on Norjak?

What do you suggest if I'm covering the Whatever at Ariel next year and a biker dude doesn't like my attitude or doesn't want me taking pix, pushes me to the ground and starts kicking. What do I do then? Call the cops? There's no cell phone reception in Ariel. It's total "Deliverance Country."

I suspect that a Trump presidency would encourage violent behavior all across the American spectrum.

I first attended the Ariel party in 1989 and have gone several times since.  Not one time have I ever heard of any pushing, kicking, or disturbance.  "Deliverance Country"?  Have seen lots of smart, bright, famous people show up there, and the locals are pretty nice folks for the most part -- most of them still have all their teeth and I've never ever heard anybody say "squeal like a pig".  I have never encountered or witnessed any trouble of any kind, ever.   Also,people on their way to Merwin Dam drive through pretty slowly, because they are wondering what the heck is going on and why so many people are having fun.

I understand Shutter.  Remember, I got banned from the DZ thread because I lost it with Blevins.  I hear you loud and clear, Blevins has done some unsavory things.  No doubt about it.  Maybe nearly losing my eyesight  has changed my outlook.  I can't see wasting a lot of time and negative energy on a guy who isn't even here anymore.  What I do know is that the Ariel restoration is most likely a good thing, and I have offered to help out in any way I can.  Bryan told me he wants to accomplish just one thing -- to build a memorial to his mother and to the tradition that she built.  Nothing wrong with that.  In fact, it's a good thing.  I am going to stay out of the controversy with Blevins and Bryan -- I heard all about what they have said and done.  Will my opinion change any of that?  Not.  I have more important things to do and think about -- like finding a new job, formalizing my own theory about the Cooper Caper -- finally, and planning my next field trip to Cooper country.  Being there in person is the best.

Ariel store history –

‘The Ariel Store was built in 1929 to serve as a post office, grocery store, and tavern for the workers building the nearby Merwin Dam across the Lewis River.’ (ref. Bruce Smith)

1971 - Germaine Tricola (feminine form of Germain): owned and operated the store in 1971. The Tricola family purchased the store in the 1960’s. Germaine and her husband lived at Woodland, Wa. - her husband worked for Boeing in Seattle. Soldiers and searchers looking for DB Cooper used the store as a watering hole and meeting place during the 20 days they searched for Cooper in March and April 1972. The first ‘Cooper Days’ occurred at the Ariel store in November 1976.  President Carter heard about this and called to wish them well.  ‘Cooper Days’ at the Ariel store was not an annual event; by1986 there had been approximately 11 Cooper parties at the Ariel store.

1980 - The Cooper money find at Vancouver renewed interest in the Cooper hijacking. The Tricolas wanted to retire and began looking for a buyer for the store and sold the store to Dave Fisher, an area resident, in late 1983. Ha Ha Ha Paperback – 1983 – Amazon  by D B Cooper (Author)

1983/1984 – Dave Fisher store owner:  Sp Agent Dick Thurston dropped in to see the Ariel store and said “The case is still open”. An announcement to this effect was posted in the store sign by Agent Thurston, all in good humor.  Only an informal gathering occurred at the store that year.   

1984 – The “DB Cooper Debacle Dinning-In Party” – held at another location.   This consisted of officers and members past and present of the 318th Fighter Interceptor Squadron McChord AFB, and friends and family, who had scrambled a pair of  F106’s in a futile attempt to track and spot Cooper bailing. This event was attended by a number of dignitaries.  This event did not occur at the Ariel store.   

1986 -  Richard ‘Dick’ Purdy (39) purchased the store.  “ This will be the 11th party  held at the store - if Tosaw finds Cooper this will be the last party”, Dick said.  Nov 29, 1986. Richard Tosaw and other dignitaries attended this party.

c1989 - Dona Elliot  -  a long time resident of the area purchased the Ariel Store. She owned and operated the store/tavern until her death (2016?). She continued the tradition of hosting a Cooper Party at the store. 

2015 - Dona Elliot died. Her son (?) Bryan Woodruff took over the store. No vita on Woodruff.

2016 - Adventure Books of Seattle RobertMBlevins (socalled; its actually in an apartment at Auburn WA) convinced Woodruff to form an 'association' with the goal of a fund raiser and BBQ toward rebuilding the store/tavern to bring it up to code. There is some talk about starting a Cooper Museum there.  Prior to this the people calling themselves 'Adventure Books of Seattle or  R&G Enterprises at Auburn, Washington" have no known association with the store or its prior history and owners.   

Great history and legacy.  There are so many hurdles to get over to make the Ariel restoration happen, to keep the dream alive.  Bryan has his work cut out for him.  There are so many ways one can contribute and help -- making a financial contribution, offering to take a load of supplies down, getting donations -- large and small, running interference at the courthouse and city hall, and on and on.  Offer to help, no need to criticize.

[Shutter]

I still believe Bryan needs to step up and take charge. Roberts not the only one lending a hand, or that can do things that will benefit the cause. I told Bryan a lot of good things could of been done on this end, but when someone tells him things that were not true, and it angered him, we then come to a point of no return.

we are all busy in life, but I don't see anyone speaking for someone else when so much help is needed. Robert has said a lot of things that were not true, and taken completely out of context. Bryan asked in an email "what is Roberts problem" and there is always "two sides to a story." I told Bryan the same exact things that I've told people here. Robert was banned due to his behavior, and the stunt he pulled when the forum first started, and all of the crap in the last 3 years he has stated. I can't work with someone like that, it's very simple.

we are here yet again, talking about things that never should have gotten this far if Robert wasn't in the mix. the pot could of only been stirred by one person in this whole ridiculous matter. I also told Bryan that Bruce is Bruce. I don't think it was fair, or right to exclude, or ban him from Ariel. Bruce has a well known Cooper website that reaches a lot of people, and could benefit the cause. Bruce claims to have been invited several times, and yet we have Robert screaming police at every chance, including the banning of anyone taking Bruce? someone is lying here....

Personalities are hard to change. I just don't see any good with the current status. Robert can be a nice guy, but only when you fit into his world. he has ran off countless people on the DZ, as well as people on his own website.

the bottom line here is, nobody wants the Tavern to fail. concerns were brought up, and discussed about it's future. that's called a mature conversation. now, I did make fun of Robert with the fundrasier, but I knew he would fail. I'm sorry for being right about that, but it is what it is. I can't stress this enough that Bryan needs to come forward and try and resolve this matter. I told Robert he needs to make things right with Bruce, but it appears to be the opposite.

[georger]

I still believe Bryan needs to step up and take charge. Roberts not the only one lending a hand, or that can do things that will benefit the cause. I told Bryan a lot of good things could of been done on this end, but when someone tells him things that were not true, and it angered him, we then come to a point of no return.

we are all busy in life, but I don't see anyone speaking for someone else when so much help is needed. Robert has said a lot of things that were not true, and taken completely out of context. Bryan asked in an email "what is Roberts problem" and there is always "two sides to a story." I told Bryan the same exact things that I've told people here. Robert was banned due to his behavior, and the stunt he pulled when the forum first started, and all of the crap in the last 3 years he has stated. I can't work with someone like that, it's very simple.

we are here yet again, talking about things that never should have gotten this far if Robert wasn't in the mix. the pot could of only been stirred by one person in this whole ridiculous matter. I also told Bryan that Bruce is Bruce. I don't think it was fair, or right to exclude, or ban him from Ariel. Bruce has a well known Cooper website that reaches a lot of people, and could benefit the cause. Bruce claims to have been invited several times, and yet we have Robert screaming police at every chance, including the banning of anyone taking Bruce? someone is lying here....

Personalities are hard to change. I just don't see any good with the current status. Robert can be a nice guy, but only when you fit into his world. he has ran off countless people on the DZ, as well as people on his own website.

the bottom line here is, nobody wants the Tavern to fail. concerns were brought up, and discussed about it's future. that's called a mature conversation. now, I did make fun of Robert with the fundrasier, but I knew he would fail. I'm sorry for being right about that, but it is what it is. I can't stress this enough that Bryan needs to come forward and try and resolve this matter. I told Robert he needs to make things right with Bruce, but it appears to be the opposite.

Bryan took Blevins on, and in doing that Bryan became responsible for Blevins. That assumes Bryan is still in charge and Im not even sure that's the case. All I know is the store has it's own history up through Dona and beyond that Im not sure of anything. Except the "Venom Magnet" has a proven history of failure and deception and hate. Why anyone would want to take that on is totally beyond me! Unless of course someone is looking for trouble - then they have made the right choice and its too late to back out! Life goes on in any event, with or without Blevins and usually in spite of him.  Blevins can't live forever even with his remote seeing! 

[Shutter]

the whole thing is ridiculous anyway you look at it. we have a guy who's butt still hurts from being banned 3 damn years ago? anyone else would of moved on long ago. hopefully Bryan will get the store/tavern up and running, but I do have concerns. they haven't even opened for business, and look at the mess already created, why, what purpose, or reasoning can help this cause?

I've never been banned from a place I never stepped foot into, or intended too? I'm too far away...Bryan has my email, and is more than welcome to come here and open the window for fresh air to this stagnant problem. I'm not going to do anything further with the issue.....