Some recent online comments about the accident at the Bayfield Giant station on Memorial Day weekend have led me to want to comment also.

In this day and age, technology is not the only thing that can change in a nano-second. As it has been forever, so can lives. Personally, I think "breaking news" is most often overrated. I think we all need to slow down a bit and focus on the things that are truly important. Always remember that most things you do or say in everyday life or online will affect actual human beings around you.

I for one am extremely thankful that the Bayfield Marshals office saw fit to thoroughly investigate the accident before releasing sensitive information to the local newspaper. In turn, the Pine River Times was able to report the news ACCURATELY and in a way that was respectful to all the parties involved. In turn, my family, already grief stricken and overwhelmed, were able to contact dozens of family members and friends in order to relay the news in a personal way before they had to hear it otherwise.

This is why we live in and LOVE our small community of Bayfield. Our sincere thanks go out to everyone who we come in contact with every day here. We are so fortunate to have the love and support of this community as well as our amazing public servants.

Thank you to the Marshal's Office, Upper Pine River Fire, the staff at Mercy Medical and the Pine River Times for your professionalism and compassion.

Jack Allenbaugh, Lori Allenbaugh and family

Bayfield