Code of the West

“Don’t squat with yer spurs on!” is part of the old cowboy Code of the West that is filled with funny and seemingly obvious practical statements! Though this article isn’t that, it does include some practical ideas. Several years ago the Stevens County Commissioners drafted a document with the Code of the West title in an effort to enlighten the hoards of greenhorns that seem to be migrating out of the crime ridden city and away from its hustle and bustle. It may have also been a subtle attempt to offer some humor for the bulk of their more seasoned citizens. Take the time to google this topic and have a good laugh! Included are some of the ideas and quotes from that document that will either give you a good laugh or enlighten you depending on whether yer one of them there city slickers.

“It is important for you to know that life in the country is different from life in the city. County governments are not able to provide the same level of service that city governments provide.”

“The fact that you can drive to your property today does not necessarily guarantee that you, your guests and emergency service vehicles can achieve that same level of access at all times.”

“There can be problems with legal aspects of access, especially if you gain access across property belonging to others. You can experience problems with the maintenance and cost of maintenance of your road. Additionally, there are many miles of county roads that are not maintained by the county – no grading or snow plowing. In extreme weather, even county maintained roads can become impassable. You may need a four wheel drive vehicle with chains for all four wheels.”

“Extreme weather conditions can destroy roads. Many large construction vehicles cannot navigate small, steep, narrow roads. If you plan to build, it is prudent to check out construction access. School buses travel only on maintained county roads that have been designated as school bus routes. You may need to drive your children to the nearest county road so they can get to school.“

“Natural disasters, especially floods, can destroy roads. Unpaved roads generate dust. Dust is a fact of life for most rural residents. If your road is unpaved, it is highly unlikely that the County will pave it in the foreseeable future. Unpaved roads are not always smooth. You will experience increased vehicle maintenance costs when you regularly travel rural roads.”

The list goes on and on. To most country folk, this list seems ridiculously obvious, even though it may be quite helpful for some newcomers. I figured if my California-born-neighbors could last more than three winters that they would shed the label of greenhorn. They moved out in the summer of their fourth year!