It's true: Every single vote counts

Lake County's vote recount saga has been fascinating to watch, with legal and political drama similar to the Florida recounts that marked the 2000 presidential election.

Granted, this is just a measly legislative race, but it is so much more than that: At stake is the balance of power in the Montana House of Representatives.

The latest recount results put the race between Democrat Jeanne Windham and Constitution Party candidate Rick Jore in a dead heat with 1,559 votes apiece. A tie vote means the governor will name the winner, and until January that means Gov. Judy Martz, a Republican, would probably name Jore as the winner. If the tie vote stands until after incoming Gov. Brian Schweitzer takes office, then he would likely name the Democrat as the winner.

If Jore wins, Republicans have a 50-49 advantage in the House, and a majority on House committees. If Windham wins, the balance will be split evenly. Committees would be equally balanced and Schweitzer would choose the speaker of the House.

Windham contends that the race should not be a tie at all because five ballots counted in Jore's favor actually appear to be marked for both Jore and the Republican candidate. A judge will soon decide on her claims.

There are lessons here that also came from the Florida recount: Every vote is important, and voting properly is important.

During the holiday season, sorrowful stories seem to resonate more deeply.

But few stories could be as wrenching as that of the two Marion teenagers who were violently orphaned by their parents' murder-suicide last week.

After watching their father shoot their mother, the 13-year-old girl and 15-year-old boy are faced with the daunting task of picking up the pieces of their lives.

They are going to need plenty of help and loads of community support in that effort.

To help the children, the fire department auxiliary has launched a fund-raiser. Primarily the auxiliary hopes to raise money for the teens, although other items - such as CDs or video games - might be welcome diversions for the children's sorrow.

Donations may be mailed to Marion Fire Department Auxiliary, P.O. Box 1301, Marion, MT 59925. Donations should be designated as contributions to the McKinnon children.

Plenty of donations - and everyone's prayers - are certainly in order for these young victims.

The Community Concert series has entertained the Flathead Valley for more than 60 years, but in recent years it has suffered from increasing competition and changing tastes.

Now, the Flathead Valley Concerts Association is in danger of disbanding if more lovers of music, dance and high-caliber entertainment don't step forward to help out.

Over the years, a small cadre of supporters have made sure that "the show went on," but now there is need for fresh ideas, more money, and new blood.

It would be a shame to see such a good part of our community die because of lack of interest. Anyone interested in becoming involved or donating to the concert association should contact association president Cathie Bell at 257-2073.