As Olhava plods forward through the heat of the pre-summer sun, it seems as if most members of Poulsbo First have settled down considerably and have forgotten that Wal-Mart is still going forward in the city’s northwestern edge.

Few are still making a stand to the corporate Goliath, which area Davids were trying so hard to slay earlier. Work has yet to begin on the mega store itself thanks to appeals but it seems the former Citizens To Stop Wal-Mart simply tired of swinging its stone.

This is a natural response after one tries to go toe-to-toe with the legal tycoons of the business world. In such instances, everyday citizens are vastly overpowered.

Permit appeals have stayed the wolves for now, but they are still at the gate. It’s only a matter of time until they find a way in.

Concerns as to whether Wal-Mart will stick to its word on agreements are certainly well founded. The company’s poor track record and seemingly endless list of violations shouldn’t sit well with residents of North Kitsap.

We applaud those few who are still in the grit of battle on this one — they are truly the champions of small business in the North End — but caution them that they are indeed dealing with the wolves on this one.

Those still swinging must remember to keep their eyes open at all times, or the ironclad guarantees they seek will never come to fruition.