Editorial

Nothing is as constant as change

Letters to the editor

Concerned Citizens to meet Jan. 12

Editor,
We are writing to let all residents of the Mission Valley know there is a new group of concerned citizens who are getting together to discuss just what is going on in Washington D.C. and in Helena.
We are extending an open invitation to anyone who is interested, to join us for a kick off event Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 6 at the Community Center in Ronan.
Most of us are small business people, ranchers, or other hard working people who have expressed worries about our country’s deficit, out of control spending and huge congressional bills that seem to be working their way through the United States Congress without having actually been read.
We are very concerned about how the economic decisions being made now will impact our lives and the lives of our children and grandchildren. As a single voice, we all feel powerless but maybe if we get enough people together we could be heard.
At this first event we invite you to bring a potluck dish and come with your thoughts and ideas. We are aiming for an informative monthly get together with guest speakers and reports from study groups.
For our Jan. 12 get together, we have lined up the coordinator of a similar group in Hamilton to tell us how they got started. They now have from 300-500 attend their monthly meetings.
In addition, Dan Cox will do a presentation on the Federal Reserve and Jim Thayer will talk about 15 minutes on the Constitution. All three speakers should be very interesting and informative.
For more information, or to be notified of upcoming events, you can email us at fedupinmontana@gmail.com.
Terry Backs
Robert Stark
St. Ignatius
Keith Baker
Polson

Let the debates begin

Editor,
The Constitution is a set of principles which were not written to rule citizens, but put chains on the federal government. Our founders wisely created an environment that allowed for freedom to pursue happiness and to succeed or fail.
They also wanted the Constitution to create a government that was far from tyranny (Ruler’s Law), but has a minimum of laws to prevent anarchy (No Law).
Each politician in Washington swears an oath to uphold the principles of the Constitution. We find, however, that an overwhelming number of these public servants are not upholding their sacred oath, either through ignorance or their quest for power. Thomas Jefferson warned that “we the people” would need to be responsible to hold these public servants to their oath.
This requires that as responsible citizens, we must also learn the Constitution and understand the restrictions it places on the federal government. It was written in simple language so the people could understand and it is only a handful of pages.
Recently, reporters asked our representatives to cite the part of the Constitution that gives them the authority for their support of a bill. They became evasive, or admitted they were not sure. Some admitted they don’t follow the Constitution, or brazenly stated they have the authority to decide what is good for the people.
If citizens are not knowledgeable and vigilant, then we will continue to lose what is left of our freedom and liberty. We can no longer relax and expect representatives to do, or even know, what the right thing is.
A growing number of people sense something is terribly wrong. Arm yourself with a copy of the Constitution and spend a little time with it. Then, get involved. Let the debates begin and restore state and the individual rights.
Andrew Speer
Polson

Many braved the storm to show support

Editor,
We want to offer a heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who supported the Kiley Heffner benefit that was held on Sunday, Dec 13.
Thank you to all the businesses that donated items and to all the volunteers who made the day a success. Even with the snowstorm and minimal turn out, you all helped us raise more than $4,000 to help the family with expenses.
We had hundreds of items for the silent auction and lots of monetary donations. A special thanks goes out to each of you who braved the snowstorm to come hang out with us.
If you would still like to help out, you can make monetary donations at 1st Interstate Bank in Polson (Kiley Heffner Account) or mail to 49573 U.S. Hwy. 93, Polson, MT 59860.
Thanks again for all the support.
Amber Ashby
Polson
Raelynne Peterson
Pablo

Quilt raffle winners announced

Editor,
We are happy to announce that Celie Aylesworth of Ronan was the winner of the 2009 Sew and So quilt raffle.
Because of her and your local support, the Sew and So Club donated $550 to the Ronan Fire Department and $550 to the Ronan Senior Citizen's Center Meals on Wheels Program.
We appreciate that the volunteer firefighters provide a great service in our community. We thank you for your continued support.
Sandy Baertsch
Ronan

Quilt raffle winners announced

Editor,
We are happy to announce that Celie Aylesworth of Ronan was the winner of the 2009 Sew and So quilt raffle.
Because of her and your local support, the Sew and So Club donated $550 to the Ronan Fire Department and $550 to the Ronan Senior Citizen's Center Meals on Wheels Program.
We appreciate that the volunteer firefighters provide a great service in our community. We thank you for your continued support.
Sandy Baertsch
Ronan

Bell ringers represent area churches

Editor,
This Christmas season, when you shop at Super One Foods or WalMart, the bell ringers for the Salvation Army you see, will represent the Polson Ministerial Association and the Polson Area churches.
Over the past several years, the Salvation Army has assisted with the Helping Hands Fund, a project of the Polson Ministerial Association, by providing vouchers for those who have emergency needs. The Helping Hands Fund serves individuals with food, lodging, rent, utilities, propane/fuel oil, bus tickets, personal care items and meals.
In the past, Bell Ringers were paid which was not found to be profitable. The Salvation Army funds available each month through Helping Hands Fund are a direct result of donations raised by the Kettle Campaign.
The individuals ringing the bells from Nov. 27 though Dec. 23 are volunteering their time. Of all funds donated during the Christmas Kettle Drive, 90 percent will stay in Lake County.
So please, when you see a Bell Ringer, put whatever you can afford into the kettle to help us raise the additional funds necessary to sustain our help to the needy throughout the coming year.
Linda Greenwood
Polson

Festival of Trees receives generous support

Editor,
Thanks to the many businesses and community members who made this year's Festival of Trees a success.
The celebration in support of the Lake County Youth Home is a testament to the generous and caring nature of our citizens.
Merchants, organizers and participants, thank you, thank you, thank you. We are truly blessed to have such generous support for the young men and young women who need and appreciate the stability you've helped to provide.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Lake County Youth Home, Merry Christmas and thanks.
Mac Swan
Chairman
Polson

Lake County Youth Home Board of Trustees

Editor,
I am writing in regards to an article in the Dec. 10 issue. I would like Bethany Cajune to know that she has the support of many people in her community, even if she doesn't know it.
I personally am horrified by her ordeal upon voluntarily reporting to Lake County Detention Facility. For her to be denied her medication is unconstitutional and an outrage.
I am currently on Subuxone and have been since 2003. I know all too well the struggle with opiate addiction, but I also know how Subuxone has made a better life possible for so many people.
I know what withdrawal feels like while pregnant, but unlike Bethany, I was in King County Jail in Seattle, Wash. where they understand the importance and necessity of a pregnant woman receiving her medication immediately because she could suffer a miscarriage and certainly undue stress to the fetus.
I am glad she did not take this sitting down so that hopefully nobody else will have to suffer as she did. I don't think it should stop there though. I believe that nobody should have to go through withdrawal when they are being treated by a doctor and an addiction counselor, whether they are pregnant or not.
Brandy Unruh
St. Ignatius

Gardeners provided much needed support

Editor,
Even here in our paradise, this last year was a rough one for many. I wanted to thank the people at our local food pantries who volunteer and work a difficult job with limited resources trying to help the families and children who are in need.
I also wanted to thank the volunteers and the gardeners who share, the ones who share each year, and the ones who made a point of planting a little bit more this year for the Flathead Reservation Plant a Row for the Hungry Campaign. Thanks to the Flathead Reservation Human Rights Coalition and the Gardener’s Alliance group, for all their efforts and support.
And thanks to the folks who offered resources we weren’t able to use. We had more lands than hands this year, but your generosity is appreciated and gives hope for the future. For 2010 I am sending wishes for fine weather, just enough rain, happy times in the sun with the bees buzzing and loved ones and friends around to help, vigorous germination and productive harvests. As we start to dream of spring with the new seed catalogs, remember we will be planning a new seed-swap/plant-share in a few months. Thanks again
Cheryl Wolf
Polson

Food drive was successful

Editor,
The Arlee businesses would like to thank all those that donated for our food drive.
We collected 178 pounds of food for the local pantry. The grand prize winner for the gift basket drawing was Lillie Willison. Maxine Doney was the second place winner and third place winner was C.C. and Ralph. Happy holidays.
Debra Wolverton
Arlee

Remember these holiday traffic tips

By Marlene Rorvik
With the holiday season often comes heavier traffic in Lake County. It’s important to get yourself ready to handle driving in a large amount of traffic. Many of us become impatient behind the wheel. We’ve all had situations where our patience is tested while driving.
Remember that especially young drivers may not be ready to handle driving in large amounts of traffic. Having your teen give you pointers while you’re driving might be a great exercise for the both of you.
This holiday season, Early Childhood Services would like to remind you to follow a few extra safety tips. During long trips, take several breaks. Get out of the car and get some fresh air. Make sure you get enough sleep and check road conditions. If you don’t like the road conditions, don’t drive.
Expect that other drivers will make mistakes. Take a breath, and move on. You will make mistakes too. Forgive yourself, and don’t let a mistake ruin your day. Remember to give enough distance between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Driving defensively will add to the safety of yourself and your passengers.
Don’t forget to wear your seat belt. When the light is yellow, remember to slow down and stop. Running red lights causes crashes. Give yourself extra time to get to your destination and don’t get distracted. You should ever talk or text on your phone while driving.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2008, 64 percent of passenger vehicle occupants from ages 13 to 15 years old and 55 percent of those 16 to 20 years old who were killed in traffic crashes were not using restraints. Research has shown that lap/shoulder belts when used, reduced the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent and the risk moderate-to-critical injury is reduced by 50 percent.
Among passenger vehicle occupants over age 4, seat belts saved an estimated 13,250 lives in 2008.
Let’s keep our families safe in Lake County. Make it a point to buckle up every trip, every time.
(Marlene Rorvik, from Early Childhood Services, is supporting Seat Belt Safety.)