Swimmer thanks many supporters

Six was the magic number for Ron Stevens. After five previous attempts he finally conquered swimming the length of Flathead Lake on Aug. 16.

"It was an amazing day," Stevens writes in a letter to the Inter Lake. His years of training of bicycling, kayaking and swimming paid off when the crowd cheered him as he stepped onto the shore 12 hours and 25 minutes later at Wayfarers State Park in Bigfork after swimming 28 miles from Polson Bay.

He thanks his crew of two, Michelle Fleming for her persistence in rising at daybreak and protecting him with her kayak from getting run over by a boat during his long training swims, and also for keeping him hydrated and fed during the main event; and Andy Apple who piloted the boat that kept close to him all the way. He was also grateful for Burgertown's burger right after the swim: "It tasted great!"

Stevens had many sponsors that did their part to help him accomplish the goal he's had since 1977.

He became only the second person - Paul Stelter was the other - to swim the length of the lake.

He also had family and friends encouraging him every mile of the way. "I especially thank all the coaches I've had throughout the years, Stevens writes. "You know, in a way we all swam the lake that day."

Since being crowned the 2006 Northwest Montana Miss Pro Rodeo Queen, Tara Camden, 20, has had plenty to keep her busy.

Only three weeks into her reign and she's traveled to Libby to ride in the Nordicfest Parade, to the Sanders County Fair rodeo in Plains and this weekend is attending the Manntana Classic Reining and Futurity Show at Majestic Valley Arena.

Camden thanks the many sponsors of this year's pageant.

Their support makes the pageant possible every year.

"The pageant teaches contestants something new every time they compete," she writes. "and teaches young women to present themselves and their ideas in a positive manner."

"I look forward to representing Northwest Montana and the sport of rodeo throughout my reign," she says.

Already having an associate's degree in accounting technology from Flathead Valley Community College, Camden, a native of Kalispell, plans to pursue an associate's degree in business administration.

Camden will compete for the title of Miss Rodeo Montana in January 2007.

Weekend fund-raising events for Hurricane Katrina survivors include a yard sale today at 1045 E. Fourth St., Whitefish.

Proceeds also go to Doctors Without Borders and the International Rescue Committee.

And Glacier Park Boat Co. is donating the ticket cost from today's boat rides on Lake McDonald to relief efforts.

Boats depart at 1:30, 3:30 and 7 p.m. Call 888-5727 for details.