Newcomer pleased with law response
Safety first is a catch phrase often heard in the workplace, in schools and at home. When it comes to feeling safe and staying safe, knowing how to protect ourselves and our family, and knowing that if we need it, help is just a phone call away makes all the difference.
Cheri Malmquist had just moved to Kalispell last month from San Juan Island in Washington. Shed only been in the area for a few days when she found herself the victim of a threatening incident on the property she leases. Frightened for her safety and that of her horses, Malmquist says she put her hand up in front of the individual and told him to stop right there. She then dialed 911.
She reached Flathead County Sheriffs Office dispatcher Margory McClaren. After contacting the officers, McClaren helped keep Malmquist calm, comforted her and advised her to take care of herself, stay in the house and lock the door.
A short time late Deputy Kirby Adams and Cpl. Bill Emerson arrived and took control the situation. They did a great job, Malmquist says. I felt protected and once again safe at my home.
As a new resident of the Flathead, Malmquist is grateful for the wise counsel and quick response she received from the Sheriffs Office. My experience has made me extremely comfortable in knowing that I am protected by caring, mature and consummate professionals, she says. Im proud to now be a resident of a place that has these fine folks protecting me and all of us that live here. I just want to say publicly, Thank you. Job well done … youre the best!
The American Karate Academy in Whitefish packed a punch in September during its fund-raiser for St. Judes Childrens Hospital. By putting their hands and feet together for a kick-athon and break-athon, AKA students raised more than $3,100 for St. Judes.
The hospitals mission is to find cures for and treat children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases, without regard to a familys ability to pay.
Nearly 8,000 kicks were thrown and countless boards were broken on Sept. 24 at the Whitefish Mountain Mall by the students, ranging in age from 4 to 58. Their efforts not only spotlighted their enthusiasm, but their compassion and perseverance, exemplifying what the martial arts are and should be about, says Janie Green, senior instructor at the academy.
The event, now in its second year, also showcased a Safety School Expo. Many representatives of local police, sheriffs and fire departments were on hand to teach children safety skills that will help keep them out of harms way. Booths and demonstrations also focused on stranger awareness, bully-busting and kids self-defense techniques.
Numerous business and private sponsors and volunteers contributed to the success of the event. Both Jeff and Janie Green thank everyone who participated and all the families who turned out for the event.
If we as a community can come together and help just one child to stay safe, then weve done a good thing, they say.
The Greens also thank everyone who turned out for the academys pancake breakfast earlier that morning. Nearly $1,000 was raised for the AKA Scholarship Fund.