Letters to the Editor

Polson, you’re awesome!

I would like to take this opportunity to give the community of Polson my heartfelt thanks for the amazing happenings at the Live Locally Fun Run last Saturday morning.

I have had some incredible experiences growing up in Polson, but nothing will compare to what happened to me on Saturday. I was already honored to have the race organizers name me as the benefactor of the fundraiser; little did I know how much more there was in store for me. Racers and supporters continued to appear and said wonderful and encouraging things to me. Many folks did not even enter the race, yet contributed financially.

When I thought it could not get any better, at the conclusion of the race, Fred and Amy Kellogg of Country Pasta announced that they would make a donation of $10,000. This gift and all of the racer support and donations are going to make life so much easier for me in the coming year. I give the community of Polson my promise to do everything I can to make the next Olympic team and represent not just the United States, but the community I love the most.

Thanks Health Care Plus and Country Pasta for making me your benefactor, to the Polson High School volleyball team for monitoring the course, and special thanks to Heather Knutson and Sara Hartsoch Bird for all of your hard work.

Melinda Owen

Polson

Property tax issues

In a few days we will be getting our property tax values in the mail — a subject that can and will upset a lot of people — but before you set out for the courthouse to pay your taxes and you’re upset — think about this — it’s the Department of Revenue that came up with the property values, not Patti Duford Kugler and her staff.

They are there to do their jobs and be very helpful. Their job is hard and not easy at times. Let’s all make their conditions fair in times that are hard for all of us!

Denny W. Wilson

Polson

Fleming for HD12

There are many reasons to vote to re-elect John Fleming, Montana House District 12. Please take the time to visit his website (http://www.johnfleminghd12.org) and read for yourself what John believes in and is trying to accomplish for Montana and our district. Please do not take as fact what you read or hear that comes from those misrepresenting his record. Let John speak for himself.  

Earlier this election season John visited our home during his door-to-door canvassing. He assured us at that time that he was committed to running a positive and respectful campaign — one that focused on his record and his platform and that would not attack his opponent. Every couple of days now my wife and I received direct mail pieces from both John, his opponent and the Montana Republican Legislative Campaign Committee. The comparison is striking. John has honored his word to us. Every piece of mail we’ve received in his name is respecting the positive campaign he promised to run. And in light of the countless personal attacks on him and his record, that is no small feat.

This demonstrates a morality and code of ethics that we believe all elected officials should possess. We will vote again for John Fleming and urge all those in District 12 to do the same.

Martin Mumma

Polson

Friends in deed

This year, devastation has been bombarding us from around the world with great needs from all over for a helping hand. Our hearts grieve for the losses due to hurricanes, earthquakes, or mine disasters across the world. We cheer for the successes as in the Chilean rescue of miners buried for so long. The importance of giving and sharing (of thinking of others in need) is not lost in the stress of our over-stressed lives... our daily concerns, the uncertain times we are living in. What a blessing when so many are struggling.

This has been a tough year for many of our neighbors and still we find the members of this community pitching in, remembering to think of their neighbors’ needs. Thank you for being an inspiration in how to work together to help/give to others, in sharing what you have. Everywhere it seems our community finds ways to keep us going strong in our mission to keep people, families from going hungry in Ronan, Charlo, Pablo and Moiese areas. From food, including fresh vegetables and fruits from home gardens, to those who volunteer their services, to those providing necessary monetary funds... We are blessed by your generosity. Ranchers, farmers, home-makers, groups, organizations, businesses. All find a way to help. Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are truly ‘friends in deed.’

What a great gift we receive not only in time, effort and money, but in the heritage many are teaching our children. Yes, children learn what they live and what we do frequently influences them in a far greater way than what we say. Our children and the ones to follow will be the future of our country, the future of our world. So the investment is not only being made for our neighbors in need, but in the future of all we hold dear. There is hope!

We are watching them grow. As our young people supported and celebrated their school teams at homecoming, they were also giving and supporting other peoples’ needs by collecting food on their float once again. How precious is the gift. Your generosity and thoughtfulness is much appreciated by your neighbors.

Let me give a quick reminder about the Town Pump’s 8th annual “Be A Friend in Deed” campaign and how to stretch our donation dollars further. The Town Pump has done much throughout our state with this program. Through the end of November, for every dollar donated up to $5,000 within our community, they will match with the same amount. You can donate at our local Town Pump or send donations to the Bread Basket @ P.O. Box 346, Ronan before the end of November.

Thank you!

God bless you!

May you have a warm hearth this winter.

Chris Shrider

Bread Basket Secretary

Kendley for sheriff

On Nov. 2, you will take to the voting booths and elect a new sheriff. There is really only one choice and that is Steve Kendley.

Steve will break up the “Good Ole Boy” system that has been in place there for many years, make officers accountable for their actions and bring stability to the office of sheriff. I don’t think you will have to worry about Steve Kendley returning to your phone calls like the last administration, Steve will make sure your rights as an American will be protected. Keep in mind that the office of sheriff should be non partisan, just like the judges of our court system.

Steve is honest and a man of integrity. He has the experience to bring the office of sheriff back to being respected and dedicated to the people of Lake County. I urge voters of Lake County to elect Steve Kendley as your next sheriff.

Ken Scott

St. Ignatius