Patrolling up the North Fork

Larry Wilson / For the Hungry Horse News

After three weeks of fall weather I am reconciled to the fact that summer 2010 is over. Best hope now is that the weather will clear off and we will have a long, warm Indian Summer.

In any event, the rubber raft is stowed for the winter, my wood shed is full and several summer residents have already fled to warmer climes so although I will miss summer I am prepared for whatever comes next.

Big push for food donations by the North Fork Landowners Association is the October meeting, but the stockpile was growing at the September meeting as summer residents prepared to leave for the winter.

This is the second year that the NFLA has supported the Columbia Falls Food Bank. North Forkers who leave for the winter always have leftover nonperishable food items which can be disposed of and have real value to the Food Bank. In addition, many North Forkers also make cash donations so that the Food Bank can fill special needs. One item that is always in short supply is baby food.

The Border Patrol agent in charge, Dave Abellglen, spent more than an hour at the last landowner meeting explaining the mission and authority of the Border Patrol. He also answered questions from landowners and at least from my point of view, did an excellent job.

He said that his officers are subject to speeding tickets just like anyone and that agents would be subject to the same fines plus possible loss of driving privileges. Speeding jeopardizes the safety of his officers and others and adds to his budget for vehicle maintenance.

Priority mission for the Border Patrol is anti-terrorism. This involves intelligence from other agencies and other governments. They also focus on any illegal entry to the U.S. Of people and goods.

Within 25 miles of the border, agents may stop vehicles and enter private property. They may not enter homes. Needless to say, they use discretion when patrolling the area, and act only with probable cause.

Biggest problem in this area is low flying aircraft. Dave handed out cards on how to contact the Border Patrol if residents observe suspicious activity.

A plus of increased Border Patrol activity is increased patrol by local law enforcement. Federal funds have paid for the visible sheriffs' cars and also include city officers riding with Border Patrol agents. It is always safer to have two officers in a vehicle, especially in remote areas where backup is difficult or impossible.

What do you think?