Letters to the editor

April 30

Safety should be first on 35

Well, are we all so very surprised about the tandem cement rig crashing on the east lake route? We knew it would happen again, but hopefully for us, not so soon. Especially so for those living in these parts of the south lake! All the letters of protest, and hearings voiced comments made no difference at all, the state of Montana not long ago ruled that the east lake scenic byway was to remain open to the heavy haulage no matter the consequences to the general public who for obvious reasons were vehemently opposed - if you noticed. I guess now we know from where comes the clout when it comes to priorities at the state transportation level. Maybe it’s time for a class action law suit against the state originating from we the people over this issue?  Or do we still need to live thru more accidental proof of need, or God forbid deaths? Seems we the people are always ending up holding the short end of the stick when it comes to rights or the common good. Are you sick of this mentality or arrogance by government also? If so, be heard over this matter!

Will Elliott, Polson

Trade fair thank you

The Lake County Democrats would like to thank all those who visited our booth at the Mission Valley Trades Fair. The free raffle basket, which was donated by Family Foods in Pablo, was won by Pam Moriarty of Polson.

Jackie Ladner, Polson

Volunteers need respect

With community-sponsored baseball and softball season upon us, I’d like to take a moment to pass on some friendly reminders to parents, spectators, and supporters of these youth sports programs:  One, the coaches, assistants, umpires, league officers, and other participants are all VOLUNTEERS. They are usually parents with full-time jobs and their own family obligations, and they are dedicated to doing the best job they can for our kids. Two, coaches are not babysitters.  Parents, not the coaches, are responsible for making sure their children get to and from practices and games safely.  It is not the coach’s responsibility to keep track of your child. Three, the coach is the coach. The one in charge of the team. It is her or his call as to what position your child will play and when. If you have an opposing opinion, well, I guess you should have volunteered to be the coach. Four, the amount of time and effort involved in creating and maintaining a successful program is monumental and often times very stressful. There are a gazillion details to tend to from pre-season preparations to setting up and running practices and games, and the last thing a coach, umpire, or other volunteer deserves is getting chewed out or bad-mouthed by little Suzie’s or Johnny’s mom, dad, or grandparent. The main goal of youth sports programs is to instill in our young people the value of sportsmanship, teamwork, and a positive attitude. By behaving negatively, you are contradicting those efforts.

Thankfully, most of the folks who have kids participating in these sports programs are very respectful and appreciative. Regretfully, however, there are a few each year whose actions and words diminish the efforts of those who have given of their time so selflessly.  And, not surprisingly, it is most often by those who have not offered up any of their own time to the program(s).

So the next time you’re at a practice or game, take a quick moment to show your gratitude with a “thanks,” a wave, or even a simple smile. I guarantee that the coaches, umpires and other helpers will appreciate it.

Marine Johnson, St. Ignatius

Mack Days is worthy, fair

I am the wife of the macman and I am very close to what goes on with the Mack Days tournaments and I am just compelled to tell the folks that this is the most fisherman friendly tournament that we have fished in and it accomplishes the management goals projected for the Flathead Lake.

But, on a personal note and just as a watcher of their dedication I have seen the sincerity of Barry Hansen, Cindy Benson and Mountain Wahl in their management of these contests. They work really, really hard and they are diligent in their fairness in all aspects of the events. They are just good people.

One of my customers here at Zimmer’s came in and said he wasn’t going to fish anymore in the tournaments because, “They are all fixed.” It just hurt my feelings because nothing could be further from the truth. I hope everybody gets behind these tournaments and we all enjoy the fun.

Paula Zimmer, Pablo (My husband now calls me, “the macmam”)

Raptor Days thanks

We just wanted to take a minute to thank the people who came out to the Sitting Duck for the morning raptor presentation and Kids workshop. With the weather being a bit chilled, we still enjoyed a morning of making wild birdfeeders. We also wanted to thank the Mountain Lake Lodge for offering us the use of their beautiful conference room for the afternoon research presentation, and the great outpouring of interest and support that we received from all of those who joined us. It looks as though 2009 will be a great research season. 

We would like to take a minute and recognize all those who offered their support and services to make this all happen, The Sitting Duck, Mountain Lake Lodge, both in Woods Bay. Sterling Rope, the Wild Classroom, Polson’s Click Here Design, and the news agencies that made the raptor day notice available to the public. The public seldom understands how far the local papers go to ensure that nonprofits can get their services out. Thanks to you all, your support is appreciated.

Byron Crow, Montana Raptor Institute for Research and Education