Think before a U turn
It is the sincere hope that all in the community enjoyed the holidays. We certainly did in our household.
We continue to note, stop, and at times, issue tickets for U turns, or really a J hook style turn, in the 100 and 200 block of First Street East and on Main Street in the 200 and 300 blocks, as well as on several side streets in the adjacent area. Signs are, and have been, posted for some time on this. The reason is solely a safety concern in the business district. If you were in an accident due to committing a turn such as this, no doubt a citation would likely be issued.
As you head into Polson and as you exit off Montana Highway 35 and prepare to turn right onto U.S. Highway 93, if you encounter the traffic signal showing red arrows, you are to stop. If you observe a simple red signal lamp you may make a right hand turn after yielding to oncoming traffic.
We have had two accidents by the old Regatta Pizza Restaurant. Both could have resulted in serious injury, however the occupants of both cars were able to walk away. In one incident, the driver was either inattentive or fell asleep. As a result, the driver ended up leaving the highway, crossing a parking area and driving inside the building. Fortunately, both occupants of the car walked away nearly unscathed.
The second was a driver that struck a light pole, knocking the pole to the ground, which resulted in doing considerable damage to his vehicle. He was lucky because he escaped injury. The accident, as of this writing, is still under investigation.
We caution people to be sure they report accidents. The rule is: If it results in serious property damage or injury it’s mandated by law. Second, and probably of more importance, is a safety concern for those responding. If the driver and/or passengers walk away and we cannot locate them, then a heightened state of awareness on the part of responders occurs. We don’t know whether a person may have walked away, then collapsed and is out in the elements and needs assistance.
In Polson, a local and very active service club presented Don Dubuque one of their organization’s highest achievement awards, The Paul Harris Fellowship Award. Mr. Dubuque was instrumental in fund raising monies to purchase wheelchairs for people in Third World countries. Word has it that through his efforts and those of contributors to the cause, a large shipping container of wheelchairs was sent overseas. Mr. Dubuque has been involved in many, many worthy causes that benefit Polson as well. He is indeed a first class person. Family members attended the luncheon honoring Don.
At the end, Don received a standing ovation for his good deeds and works. He is a very special person and we keep he and his wife in our thoughts as he battles cancer.
Polson lost one of THE finest educators I have ever known when Principal Steve York left for a position with the State of Montana Department of Education. His position as deputy director is a salute to my previous statement. Having worked with him going on eight years, I learned over time just how special he was to the community, the school system and most of all the students, faculty and staff of Linderman. The picture in the Leader at his parting reception says it all. Drive by Linderman and note the farewell message on their signboard. It says so much about this wonderful individual. He truly will leave a void. They say no one is irreplaceable. He may be replaced, but oh what shoes the next principal will have to fill to equal his energies and commitment.
The former mayor of Polson and chief executive officer of our St. Joseph’s Medical Center is assuming the position of administrator of the Montana State Hospital at Warm Springs.
The stories about our own Barry Webb in the print media were superb. Barry is an icon in our community. In fact, so much so we gave him special honorary powers these last seven years as our day shift beat police officer. We also keep Barry in our thoughts as he works to get better.
The other day there was an open house for the newly constructed home located on Polson’s east side. The beauty of this project, and the house is a beauty even in it’s rough hewn stage of construction as our own youth, along with their instructor, are the builders. This project has many local contributors of materials and several significant anonymous cash donors so this project can occur. The assistant chief John Stevens and I were fortunate enough to view last year’s “teen” built home, which is such a testament to this programs success. We lift high our coffee cups in salute to them for a job more than well done.
On the lighter side of things, although sad because of the large expense incurred by a local merchant whose business has suffered acts that are either vandalism or attempted burglaries over the last few months, and has placed a plywood sheet over the large window that was shattered. They hand painted a message on the plywood covering the broken window that states, “Prices so low they’re breaking in.” Pretty tough to have a sense of humor when you’re being victimized.
Polson is such a great place with so many good folks. Our younger generation is the best. The old three percent rule applies in that in any group of people of significant size three percent will cause you the headaches.
’Til next time I leave you with this thought: “It’s nice to be important, but so much more important to be nice. . .” Stay safe.