Letters to the editor

March 11

Drug problems need more attention

Many thanks to Toni Young, Barb Monaco, Soroptimist International of Polson, Mr. David Whitesell and Polson School District No. 23 for bringing Ron Clem and his daughter, Carren, to speak to our community schools about drug and alcohol abuse on Feb. 22-23. Ron and his daughter shared their firsthand experiences as a "family in crisis" when Carren became addicted to meth and was raped as a fourteen year old. In addition to our middle school and high school, Ron and Carren were scheduled speakers at St. Ignatius and Charlo High Schools and the reception at all four schools was phenomenal! Mr. Whitesell sent out a phone blast that covered more than 1,900 teachers and parents of students in School District 23, encouraging them to come and hear the Clems talk about kids making choices. The event was free for students and parents throughout the day, including an evening presentation and, personally, I was very disappointed at the apparent lack of concern and lack of attendance on the part of parents with students in these two schools. There was a smattering of parents overall but what a powerful message you missed.

If we as a community do not think there is a drug and alcohol problem in our valley, think again. Some of this abuse opens the door to sexual and labor slavery. If you don't think that is a real problem, do a little research. Flathead County, our next door neighbor, has the highest incidence of human trafficking in the state of Montana. Human trafficking is the third largest illegal money maker in our country behind No. 1 illegal drugs and No. 2 illegal arms. It has reached such high proportions in Flathead County that the "Flathead Abolitionist Movement" has been created in Kalispell. A group of students at Flathead High School have been instrumental in forming this organization and have hosted a panel discussion on one occasion and an educational video for the community on another and both were well attended. You can get more information on this fledgling organization by going to facebook.com. Ron and Carren created "Teens in Crisis" in Kalispell because they're finding this problem is so insidious and is destroying families.

People, please pay attention to what is happening, right under our noses, to our children. Drug houses are everywhere, creating easy access to drugs and these drug dealers are recruiting young men and women who use drugs to recruit more youngsters to further their monetary gains. Some youths are, literally, selling their bodies and souls once they're hooked and young people should not have to be dealing with those kinds of decisions. Pay attention, people!

Dorothy Ashcraft, president, Soroptimist International of Polson

Ann Zabel work priceless

It was so nice to see Ann Zabel! She is truly a gifted saddlemaker. Her dedication to excellence in her work is evident. Anyone who has one of her creations should hang on to it because one day her beautiful pieces will be sought after for a number of reasons. First, she is a female saddlemaker, not many as talented as she is around. Second, her work is just that damn good.

I want to wish her good luck and much success, I know how hard she works! She lives and breathes leather.

Here's a little saying I heard somewhere: "Say it in leather, they'll love ya forever!" Love ya Anne! Take care.

Missing the mountains,

Laurie Jean McDonald, Los Angeles, Calif.

Polson Kiwanis thanks

Polson Kiwanis Club thanks the community for its support at the annual Kiwanis Buffalo Burger Fest on Feb. 9. We are indebted to VFW Post 2986 (and its commander, Don Lilly) for allowing our use of its facilities, kitchen and upstairs meeting room at 423 Main Street, Polson. We flipped 300 burgers, served with potato and green salads, along with pies for dessert.

Additionally, we thank the following Polson High School Key Club members for helping Kiwanis serve up meals at the Buffalo Burger Fest: Annie Venters, Sarah Devlin, Henry Ho, Trevers Moll, Chelsey Cree, Riley Grogan, Katherina Medlund, Nick Grogan, Madeline Hewston, Chelsea Chowning, Jordan Hindshaw, James Larson, Dani Howlett, Jaime Morelli, Marisa Binder and Jordan Gochis. Sponsored by Kiwanis, the Key Club prepares these young people to be leaders and serve their communities. Kiwanis appreciates Key Club's advisor, Donna Olson, in guiding their efforts, as well as her help at the event.

The purpose of Kiwanis International is to serve the youth in our communities and the world. As a result of the Buffalo Burger Fest and its participation with the Polson Lions Club at the Flathead County Fair, Polson Kiwanis Club is able to give college scholarships, financially assist Key Club members in attending training at conferences, provide funding to the Polson High School music program for musical instruments, donate covers for the swimming pools for the Boys and Girls Club in Ronan, and contribute in numerous ways to the youth in Lake County.

Lake County, thank you for helping Polson Kiwanis Club continue to promote our youth.

Denise Peterson, Kiwanis Secretary

Respect for "real" progress necessary

In response to Will Elliott's Feb. 25 letter to the eidtor, "Quarry a sign of the times,": I am also writing this letter as a non-tribal "white guy." I don't know how long you have lived in Polson, but maybe you should take the time to learn about the culture of the people you choose to live among. Chief Cliff is one of the few remaining ancient sacred/religious monuments left for the Kootenai people. After defeating the Native Americans and driving them onto reservations, "in the name of progress," the U.S. government outlawed their religion and what little remains is due to the courage of those that practiced covertly at the risk of severe repercussions. Now once again, "in the name of progress," you want to take what is left of their religion away from their current and future generations. Look around you at the hills and mountains.

Are you telling me there isn't anywhere else to procure these materials? I'm sure there is! Just because you don't understand the hurt in Amlu's heart doesn't mean you need to blow off his beliefs as unimportant, He's not alone! There are many of us, both tribal and non-tribal who share his feelings.

I'm guessing, Mr. Elliott, you are not a religious man. But if you were how would you feel if your church's parking lot were dug up for highway sub-grade and it's stones removed for erosion control all "in the name of progress"?

Joe Usher, Elmo