In 1996 I got a speeding ticket in Oregon (I lived in Idaho). I ignored it. Maybe 10 years later in Utah they found it and I had to pay it, but it was just the original amount.

Once in Salt Lake I got a parking ticket in a paid lot (I didn't pay, figured no one would check). I got a letter in the mail from Seattle saying I owed like $75 (the parking was $3, yes I was cheap and poor at the time). I sent a letter back with a check for $3 and explained that is their only provable damages, and that by cashing the check they agreed and the matter was closed. They cashed the check.

Now in neither case did I get a court summons, so I have no idea what kind of wrench that throws into it but skipping court usually results in an arrest warrant, no? I'd call and get more info but its completely unreasonable to expect you to fly back and incur hundreds in expenses to fight a $35 ticket. I'm sure they know that, which is why everyone pays.