Letters to the editor
Thanks for a
wonderful carnival
Whitefish Winter Carnival was a wonderful month long celebration! None of the activities could happen without the enthusiasm and support of the committee, the business community, and all of the fantastic citizens of Whitefish and the surrounding area!
Special thanks to all the parents who supported their kids to make OUR ONE SNOW EVENT, The Yeti Snow Skate a success! Thank you a hundred times for Trains, Trees, and Skis, Celebrating the Whitefish Centennial!
Joe Abbrecia,Lin Akey, Peggy Sue Amelon, Carol Anderson, Howard Austin, Mary Austin, Bee Broadcasting, Mary Behrendt, Bee Bickel, The Big Mountain, Big Mountain Golf Club, Kurt Blades, Ray Boksich, Emma Braunberger, Barbara Brown, Bulldog Saloon, Burton Snowboards, Judy Canzona-Gephart, Gary Carmichael, City of Whitefish, Paul Coats, Lori Collins, Weston Conat, Cyber Hills, Mike Daigle, Allison Deaver, DePratu Ford, Dire Wolf Pub, Rick Donahue, Don K Chevrolet, Mark Dowaliby, Mike Dowaliby, Dale Duff, David Elliott, Gary Elliott,The Engraver, Kris Feuhrer, Dave Filler, First Interstate Bank, Flanagan's Central Station, Flathead County Sheriff's Posse, Flathead Travel, Sean Frampton, Fun Beverage, Martin Gilman, Susan Gilman, Glacier Bank, Katie Goble, Golden Agers Center, Bjorn "Ice Bear" Ryan-Gorman, Ilsa Ryan-Gorman, Great Northern Bar and Grill, Great Northern Brewing Company, Luke Haberern, Haines Drug, Jenny Havens, Bill Hileman, Steve Howke, Inspiration Lighting and Integrated Queue, Scott Izett, Diana Jennings, Nikki Jennings, Judy, Cathy Juno, John Kalbfleisch, Aric King, Kintla Copy and Creative, KOFI, Joey Kositski, Norm Kurtz, Pat LaTourelle, Lindsay Family, Leah Lindsey, Ted Lund, Charlie Lyman, Mac McCracken, Mike McCracken, Nancy McCracken, Tom McCrea, Angie Meehan, Midway Rental, Carlene Moes, Moguls, Jim Mohn, Moose Lodge, Maura Morberg, Mountain Mall, The Mountain Trader, Mountain West Bank, Mum's Flowers,Tim Murphy, Holly Nash, Nelson's Ace Hardware, Don Nelson, Northwind Shirt Co., Mark Ogle, Renee Olson, O,Shaughnessey Center, Parkside Credit Union, Scott Ping, Jordan Porter, Ryan Porter, Premier Snowskates, John Rawlings, The Remington, Mike Robinson, Rotary, Rocky Mountain Lodge, Rocky Mountain Images, Rocky Mountain Painting, Ron Rosenburg, Patricia Ryan, Stellan Ryan-Coats Sage Spa, St. Charles Catholic Church, Tom Sander, Mark Schmidt, Randy Schwickert, Susan Slatter, Sleep Medicine Center, Hilary Smith, Sportsman and Ski Haus, Ross Strausser, Stillwater Photography, Stuart Jewelers, The Stube, Stumptown Art Studio, Stumptown Snowboards, Kristin and Joe Tabor, Frank Tetrault, Jim Trout, Truby,s, Frank Vestey, VFW, Village Greens Golf Club, Village Shop, Jan Weaver, DeNae Weimer, Anita Welch, Karla West,
Western Building Center, Whitefish Chamber of Commerce, Whitefish Credit Union, Whitefish Lake Golf Club, Whitefish Lake Golf Club Restaurant, Whitefish Parks and Recreation, Whitefish Pilot, Whitefish Police and Fire Departments, Whitefish Figure Skating Club, WHS Key Club, Whitefish School District, Think snow for 2006!
Sincerely,
The Whitefish Winter Carnival Committee
Future of Whitefish River at stake
Recent publicity indicates that consultants have been hired and public meetings are taking place regarding the long term future of Whitefish. Apparently none of these discussions involve the Whitefish River. Currently, the outlet of Whitefish Lake apparently consists of a gravel bar and rocks which apparently limit boating from the river to the lake, and which apparently hold back some of the lake water to maintain a higher lake level. shouldn't Whitefish planning include the possibility of maintaining the Whitefish River level the same as the Whitefish Lake water level for some distance downstream? Shouldn't the river be developed to present lake access along this additional river frontage, and to beautify the river as it flows through Western Whitefish?
Apparently downstream irrigators have water rights on the river. If the rocks and gravel bar were removed, and if a water control structure were built several thousand feet downstream from the present lake outlet, the river could become an extension of the lake, all maintained at the same water level to that point, and no water would be diverted from the downstream users.
The river front is one of the best features of many cities, and Whitefish has make a small step in developing the tiny park along the river on Second Street West. Shouldn't planning for the future include these possibilities?
Robert Hurley
Glasgow
Disastrous decision stripped citizens of right
The gravel industry must be subject to regulation everywhere in Flathead County. The County (the citizens) had that authority until former Flathead County Planner Forrest Sanderson's disastrous decision stripped citizens of that right. Now citizens have gone to local district court to defend their property rights against a bully industry.
Rep. Mike Jopek (D-Whitefish) has introduced a bill (HB591) to clarify the law that prompted Sanderson's opinion. However, it remains to be seen whether the Montana Legislature will stand tall against the narrow and selfish interests of the gravel industry. The Legislature should make sure that the changes uphold the status quo that county's have the authority to regulate gravel pits everywhere.
Industry lobbyist Cary Hegreberg was quoted in the press stating,"Sand and gravel operators are willing to impose reasonable [conditions] upon themselves, but they aren't going to abandon the right to extract value from their property." Noble sounding words until one reads between the lines.
The gravel industry does not currently have the 'right to extract value from their property' without first applying for a Conditional Use Permit. That application triggers a public hearing where they must establish that the proposed gravel pit won't damage adjoining property rights. The county can grant or deny the application. The right to mine is granted only with the issuance of the Conditional Use Permit.
In a nutshell, the gravel industry wants to use HB 591 to weaken existing standards to permit mining where now they must apply for a Conditional Use Permit - anywhere not specifically designated 'Residential'.
Take for example the one year old JTL/Klempel pit on Coverdell Road in Bigfork. That pit was authorized by the County's Board of Adjustment after lengthy debate. The Board granted a Conditional Use Permit for just one year of operation for the purpose of rebuilding Highway 82. That length of operation represented a compromise between what JTL and the Klempels wanted, and what the neighborhood wanted. The mine operators got one year of profitable mining, the neighborhood got the assurance that they would again enjoy the full value of their property (including peace and quiet), and the community got an improved Highway 82.
However, the industry wants more than what was granted to them. Without further regulation by the County - or clear laws from the legislature - the JTL/Klempel pit sits poised to triple the volume and remain open indefinitely. Neighbors would be prevented from defending their property rights. Neighbors will never know when they will be able to fully enjoy again the traditional uses and value of their land.
The Legislature must uphold the higher standard and protect the rights of neighborhoods. This means understanding the gravel industry's power grab and its implication for adjoining property rights, monetary values, and quality of life.
Yes, Legislators, clarify the law, but make sure you maintain the status quo when you do. Keep our 'good neighbor' the gravel industry a good neighbor. Keep him regulated.
Wendy Anderson
Kalispell
Another wrestling rebuttal
Let me start by saying that I don't even own a motorcycle nor do I live in Whitefish. However, the letter about the Whitefish Wrestling Team was appalling.
First of all, it was something fun for them to do for their pictures. Each sport organization in the high school picks what they want to do for their picture that year. I hardly think it can be compared to the gangs in LA or the Bronx. It's young men having fun and posing for a photo. Plain and simple. I find it very hard to believe that anyone would honestly think that posing for a picture would turn them into criminals. So because I let my son dress up like a bum for Halloween means he's going to become one?
"Motorcycle gang-tough?" What does that mean exactly? I know several older people that love riding their Honda Gold Wings and cruising around in the summer. I hardly think they're "tough." Just the fact that one can so easily judge and categorize a group based on their attire and choice of transportation is the only thing "idiotic and warped" that I see about the situation.
As far as Psychology 101; how you paint your children doesn't refer to letting your child have fun. How parents raise their children is going to determine what kind of person they are when they grow up. Certainly not what theme they chose to go with for their high school wrestling photo. Perhaps we're overlooking the part of psychology that encourages parents to let their children express themselves and be creative. Just because they made this choice for their photo doesn't make them any less sportsman like. I'm sorry, but I can't find any evidence to support a correlation between motorcycles and sportsmanship. If you can find any connection whatsoever, please let me know. Perhaps we should ask the Arena Cross performers that are going to be at the Majestic Valley Arena what their view points on sportsmanship are.
However, by your portrayal, they should be feared, so perhaps we better not talk to them. Who knows what could happen! They might be from Chicago or Phoenix!!! Then what would we do?! If I were to go by your advice and opinions I wouldn't be able to take my children out to see that.
"Let's hold responsible in courts of law the creators of this image." Are you serious? You're actually promoting more frivolous law suits in this country that we as citizens end up paying for in some way, shape or form? Why would anyone be charged in a court of law for orchestrating this photo? If one of the wrestlers commits a crime it will be of his own accord. The fact that you would suggest the photo as being the culprit is just feeding the idea into their heads that if they commit a crime, they'll be able to blame a photo that they took, and therefore will be able to get away with whatever they did. People are responsible for their own actions. You can't blame misbehavior on a theme photo. That's just ridiculous.
I could continue going on about this letter that has upset everyone that I know and have talked to about it. But I will end by saying this: As a part of this community, I am embarrassed that the "rankled" opinion was being expressed, and the lack of support for local children. As a mother, I would much rather have my children grow up to ride motorcycles than be bigots.
Alex Engler
Whitefish
Whitefish is choking on
its own success
As a frequent visitor to Whitefish and as a subscriber to the Whitefish Pilot, I am pleased to learn that the community is investing in its future by developing a master plan.
As you consider various options, I hope that the townspeople will consider rerouting Highway 93 away from your charming downtown area. Whitefish is literally choking on its own success, and your air quality is suffering from it. It's hard to stroll downtown or walk to the health food store without being subjected to diesel fumes and unhealthy levels of automobile exhaust.
I am especially concerned for the health of your children, many of whom attend Central School, which is located at the corner of a busy corner intersection of the Highway 93. Research recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine (Sept. 9, 2004) has documented that spending one's childhood in a community with polluted air affects lung development as much as having a mother who smokes. Airborne carbon particlulates, nitrogen dioxide, and acid vapors all contribute to substantially diminished lung capacity. These pollutants are the by products of primary fuel combustion from gasoline and diesel powered vehicles. Experts believe that even relatively small amounts of air pollution have fairly large long-term and cumulative damaging effects on the lungs.
I know that Whitefish has many young families with small children, including my daughter, son-in-law, and my new granddaughter. I also know that Whitefish parents care deeply about the well being of their children, and the families who choose to live in Whitefish do so for the wonderful quality of life enjoyed by its residents.
I hope that the new master plan will reroute the highway and preserve your wonderful corner of Montana for the generations to come.
Cheryl M. Reichert, M.D., Ph.D.
Great Falls
Customers deserve
fair energy rates
Montana customers deserve a reliable source of energy at fair and competitive rates. But if NorthWestern Energy has its way, they could end up with neither.
In 1999, PPL invested three quarters of a billion dollars in the future of Montana with no guarantees. As one of the many generators who sell power in the state, PPL Montana plays by the same market rules as everyone else. In fact, PPL Montana is the reason that electricity rates in Montana have remained stable.
Between 1999 and 2002, NorthWestern's energy customers paid 2.25 cents per kilowatt-hour for electricity supplied by PPL Montana. As a result, customers were insulated from the extremely high Western market prices.
PPL Montana now supplies about 60 percent of the electricity NorthWestern sells to its customers at an average price of just under 3.2 cents per kilowatt-hour, which is the lowest priced supply in NorthWestern's current portfolio. This fixed-price obligation continues until mid-2007 and once again demonstrate PPL's commitment to provide a reliable source of energy at competitive prices.
Last summer, when NorthWestern asked for bids for its electricity, called its "default supply portfolio," PPL Montana was one of 44 bidders. We submitted a number of competitive offers to give NorthWestern a wide array of contract alternatives, several of which were placed on a short list deserving further consideration compiled by the independent third-party NorthWestern hired to evaluate the bids. One of those offers was a proposal to provide all the NorthWestern's default supply needs at a price we believe would provide the lowest cost, long-term supply of electricity of Montana customers.
Rather than focusing on the needs of electricity users and choosing the most competitive bids, NorthWestern continues to promote offers from its own affiliates and uneconomic generation alternatives which may not reflect the true cost to consumers. Unfortunately, NorthWestern's actions may lead to Montana customers paying more than necessary for their electricity. Maybe it's time customers have other choices.
PPL has been a consistently reliable source of economic electricity to Montanans. We stand ready to work with default supplier and customers in Montana, because this is where we live and where we want to sell our power.
Bradley E. Spencer
PPL Montana, President and Chief Operating Officer
Editor,
Recent news articles regarding Full Day Kindergarten reminded me of the time many years ago when others and I worked with our school board in another community to successfully implement a half day public kindergarten program. We, too, were regarded as socialists, communists, and given labels unfit for print. Now we see the same mindset of those who would oppose a full day kindergarten setting as part of the equation for quality education for Montana's kindergarten students.
I wish to be included with parents, school administrators, wise legislators, and others who support such effort. Times have changed and the curriculum for the young learners is more demanding with limited time of the half day. Research has shown that test results indicate that children in full day programs, on average, make greater gains in both reading and math skills enabling them to be better prepared for first grade. That is why today many states provide full day programs in their schools.
Many students are not necessarily arriving from their homes or leaving to go home before and after school. Quite often they are shuttled to and fro by bus or day care providers, many of whom are caring and responsible. However, I believe this can be stressful for the children while interfering with their learning.
A full day kindergarten would allow the teaching of the core curriculum when the children are most alert followed by time for a more relaxed, creative, and literary setting to stimulate further learning. Children with individual needs could be given special attention by teachers with the extra time provided. One only has to visit a classroom to understand the quality of learning that takes place in our public kindergartens.
I would urge those of you who support a full day kindergarten (HB 47) to contact your legislators today.
Nancy Van Natta
Kalispell, Mt