Former Ronan clerk apologizes for actions
Editor,
I would like to apologize to the City of Ronan, community, family and friends for the unexcused actions that have taken place over the years. I take full responsibility for my mistakes. Not only was the community affected, but my ex-coworkers that I considered true friends. The loss of my friends is truly a life sentence. I hope one day they will accept my apology.
When it came to managing my own emotional life, I was out of control for desperately pretending otherwise. I projected an outward image, “I’m okay, I can take it,” etc., because of the fear of judgment until it was almost too late.
The City of Ronan was the victim in this case. But I felt after listening to the radio and newspapers, the information was one-sided. Knowledge is power. The misleading information was hurtful to my family and myself. It pictured me as a dreadful person. In the beginning, nothing was mentioned about my depression, no criminal record (not even a speeding ticket), my willingness to fully cooperate, and the apology letters that I sent out. My story took headlines before a man charged with homicide and who has a criminal record.
Our 14-year-old daughter went to her school library expecting to just read the story but was saddened to see her mom’s picture as top headlines in the local paper. For my daughter that just started a new school and is trying to fit in, it was unfair. It may be your job, but please remember there are other victims in your stories.
Becoming accountable can at first be painful but is ultimately very cleansing. It is hard to admit but everyone makes mistakes. Big or small. It is who learns from their mistakes that count.
I do have a couple of questions for the City of Ronan. A year after my termination, why did the city open two cell phone accounts in my name and by mistake forward the bill on to me to pay? I was told you had to have a social security number or signature to open accounts. The city did have my social security number on file.
Why weren’t the constant verbal harassment complaints I had filed against a former employee ever addressed? Who gives the city the right for the ongoing hacking of my personal email account months after termination? Criminal? Good question.
For those people who have depression, mental conditions, or feel like your life is out of control, please learn from my mistakes before it is too late. I will work to resolve my flaws. I will find a solution and I will be committed to the end. Knowledge is power.
Note: Mayor Aipperspach stated “that the city will feel the impact.” The city has theft insurance. They received their money minus the deductible when I pled guilty. The insurance company will receive the restitution until paid in full.
Danyel McCrea
Polson
Zone Cafe says thanks for support
Editor,
First, thanks from the Zone Cafe to the newspapers for their great coverage of our first anniversary and the weekly notices. Second, thanks to the kids who attend and have been very responsible. Third, thanks to the volunteers, the “crew.” Without you there wouldn’t be a Zone. Fourth, thanks to all the businesses that have been so gracious with donating items for the contests we hold, our Christmas party and now our anniversary. I know how many times you are asked to give and we are very grateful. Also, thanks to all the individuals who have donated. It’s all put to good use.
The Zone’s first year anniversary was a Thanksgiving day for us to the Lord, and those who took the first steps. Especially our strongest forerunner, Marilyn Humphrey and Lake City Bakery, for making starting grounds in our community for the Zone. The Zone is busting at the seams and we are in need of a larger building. We would appreciate any contacts. Please contact Sika at 675-0642, or Marilyn at the bakery.
One final note: A mother dropped off her two kids. As they went inside, she drove around the block and when she came by again, the kids were out front. She promptly had them get into the car and took them home. Congrats, Mom, for checking on the kids. Parents, we all need to know where our kids are and what the are doing. Parents, please step up to the plate. We’ve had enough tragedies in our communities.
Thank you again.
Sika Ulutoa, Zone director
Pablo
Picture showed poor judgment
Editor,
I was appalled to see a photo of Colton Wilson, a minor, printed in the Leader. It’s bad enough that the prosecuting attorney has to try to make a name for himself by trying a child as an adult, but for a reputable paper to put a picture of a child — yes, a child — in handcuffs and chairs in the paper is heart rending.
That doesn’t excuse anything that was done that night, but remember, there are two sides to a story. Did anyone stop to think about a lopsided fight between an adult male who is also a Marine, trained to kill (who had recently returned from a war zone) and a 16-year-old kid? What about getting help for this child instead of locking him up, or worse yet, spreading his picture across the paper? Whatever happened to privacy rights of minors?
I know this much, the attorneys who are prosecuting him as an adult will never get the votes of my husband or me in the next election. Where is your sense of compassion? Studies have shown that teenagers have not developed that part of the brain that makes for good judgment, therefore they do make mistakes.
Let’s at least do them the courtesy and compassion of treating them as minors and/or keeping their names and pictures out of the newspapers.
Robin Hoffer
Charlo
Clerk’s resignation isn’t necessary
Editor,
The recent dramatization of Clerk of Court Julie Knutson’s unfortunate illness and present inability to work has really gotten disgusting, and I hope the citizens of Lake County can see through the smoke that is being blown around.
I am always amazed at the downright cruel behavior that comes from some human beings, but I guess I really shouldn’t be. The same slanderous accusations stated on the local radio station and in the recent letter to the editor from Catherine Young are unfounded and can be substantiated as such. Mrs. Knutson has kept a detailed day planner from the very first day she began her position.
She has kept the commissioners updated on a regular basis. If there were concerns about her job performance, they would have brought it to her attention, which they have not. Mrs. Knutson has maintained her integrity and ethics throughout this situation and plans to continue to do so. She is in a position of being unable to work due to health problems. She should not have to consider resigning her position any more than anyone else. She has rights and deserves to retain her position and health insurance while she is undergoing testing and surgery, if needed, to restore her health and return to work, if possible.
If the tables were turned, the other clerks would not be required to resign their position. According to the Leader story of March 15, the present clerks are capably handling the office, have hired another temporary clerk to help fulfill duties and are receiving assistance from Flathead and Sanders counties several days a week. If one of the other clerks were stricken with an unfortunate health issue instead, I’m sure that Mrs. Knutson would ensure the office was running smoothly, even if had meant working evenings and weekends. I would be happy to come in as a volunteer and answer phones, so Ms. Fricker and Ms. Rensvold can use the restroom or have lunch.
I also feel that if Ms. Fricker or Ms. Rensvold were the one who was ill, the Lake County Bar Association would not have taken issue with the “possibility of a court backlog.” They wouldn’t have any reason to and don’t seem to have a reason to now, as stated in the Leader article. They seem to be concerned, for some strange reason, about something that hasn’t happened. The day that both clerks were “sick” was planned ahead of time, as they reported to the commissioners’ office the day before that they would be “ill” the next day. However, neither one reported that news to Mrs. Knutson, so she could have made arrangements herself.
I am incredibly disgusted and saddened by the obvious agenda and shameful antics being played out against someone who is quite ill and doesn’t need the added stress. It all leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth for the petty politics of this pretty little town, but I am not surprised.
Una Rose Graham
Polson
Jump Rope for Heart nets $5,933
Editor,
We would like to thank you for the wonderful coverage of our Jump Rope for Heart event. Also, thanks goes to the Polson Community for its part in making the Jump Rope for Heart event a success again this year. A total of 73 Cherry Valley and Linderman students participated, bringing in donations of $4,933. Wal-Mart will give a matching $1,000 grant, which brings the total to $5,933.
We thank Bayview Dental and Rob Alfiero for the donation of prizes. Super I gave a case of oranges and Showboat Cinemas provided popcorn for snacks. Glacier Bank counted the cash and provided a cashier’s check.
We are also very grateful to the volunteers who came to help at the rope jumping stations, registration, counting the donations, and in serving snacks.
Last of all, we would like to express our gratitude to all, who so generously donated their money to support the children in their fundraising endeavors.
Nancy Hemphill
Millie Nesladek
Micki Stanley
Jump Rope for Heart
coordinators
Polson
Harvesting Hope staffers say thanks
Editor,
The Montana Project to End Violence Against Women with Disabilities thanks everyone who participated in our Harvesting Hope events in Polson on March 5-6.
We would like to express gratitude to everyone in the Polson area for welcoming us to the community. We especially like to thank the Lake County Health Department for generously providing space to host the event.
We also thank Jenifer Blumberg and the Domestic Violence Education and Service (DOVES), as well as Heather Tovar and the Western Montana Mental Health Center for their assistance in coordinating these programs.
Again, to everyone who participated or helped coordinate this event, we thank you for your commitment to this important issue.
Ian Elliot,
Montana Center on Disabilities
MSU-Billings
Nicole Gray,
Montana Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence
Helena