Summer Update

Cops' corner

Welcome summer.

I trust all are still not praying for rain. At least not in the amount and duration of the month of May to mid June.

Having been gone overseas with my bride of 45 years during the month of May appreciation for this good old U.S. of A. was beyond words. We were treated superbly by the Europeans, which just reaffirmed the advice we received by a world traveler prior to our departure and that was they just wished to be treated as we hoped they would treat us.

Seems the Golden Rule follows those lines closely.

I truly missed the Polsonites, especially those who love nothing more than to deliver verbal advice (in a fun way) on how to run the department.

Special things occurred during my absence and I want to comment on them if I may. Unfortunately, I will miss some. However not intentionally, so please excuse me if  I overlook your or others’ accomplishments, new adventures in life or the good deeds and works so many in Polson do.

The big shock was noting the departure of Editor in Chief of the Valley Journal, Jim Blow. Now there is a classy guy and I join others in wishing him the best as he follows new trails in his life.

I was saddened to see Joe McDonald, founding father and President of Salish Kootenai College, retire.

Over the years, from its infancy to today, he lead the way. The college is well-respected in Montana and beyond our borders.

It has grown from very few students and a hodge-podge of buildings scattered around this area to a beautiful, well-groomed and maintained campus, thriving with excellent programs, faculty ancillary workers and students.

Yes, Mr. McDonald, you do indeed need a rest after all your accomplishments, however, your leadership style, soft, convincing approach to the challenges, and working with others to solve the challenges will long live on. It is only fitting you received the many accolades and had a new edifice named after you.

Election results are in and the outcome made some happy and some not so happy. A person who runs for office or holds public office has to have a true wish for the betterment of their community, county, and  state.

They also need asbestos underwear. We are so fortunate that people are willing to and wanting to serve their fellow woman or man. We may not agree with them, but they are following the course they feel is the best. Isn’t that something we all need to do? I know in this area I, at times, stumble along the way, but my mission in this life is to do right.

Girls track and softball brought home the gold. Special enough that the fire ladies and laddies gave them the ceremonial ride throughout town as a salute to their fine representation. Boys’ track brought pride to us also, as did our tennis team.

Our young people in rodeo competition brought us fine recognition as well. Again, for a person that can become jaded by this career, I am one who only needs to look to our youth and their parents, grandparents, educators and mentors to realize how special these kids and young adults are.

Speaking of educators, did you add up the years of the retiring people from the Polson School System? There will be and are some mighty big shoes to fill for those that take over the reins left unattended. Alas, we are all replaceable, however, there are those I have had the good fortune in life to know that a good argument could be made against that statement. I am sure you know many yourself.

Well, let’s share some info on law enforcement matters. Fireworks are now upon us. This indeed is a time of the year when aggravation of a good number of community members surfaces.

We, being the messenger, often are the recipients as are 9-1-1 dispatchers. Here are some of the excerpts from our city ordinance.

If you are going 30 miles an hour in a 25 mph zone, it will take 140 feet to come to a stop. Not very comforting if a child runs out in the street or an errant bicyclist suddenly appears. Even though it may be their fault, the stress of the incident will live on.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend and reflected on why America,  even with its  blemishes  (not major in most cases), is the best place to live. And remembered how blessed we truly are.