The changing of the county guard
Inter Lake editorial
Gary Hall became county commissioner six years ago because voters weren't satisfied with the performance of his predecessor, Dale Williams.
Despite Williams' obvious dedication to the job and his mastery of the arcane workings of county government, he had ruffled too many feathers to serve more than one term. Ironically, Hall found himself in the same position, and so today his successor, Jim Dupont, is being sworn in as the new commissioner.
Both Williams and Hall personified the kind of attitude that voters say they want in a public servant hard-working, independent minded, and not afraid of controversy, yet looking for solutions rather than headlines. But it turns out that hard work is not enough insulation against the shock that particular interest groups feel when their ox is gored. Hall's genuine desire to balance the interests of property owners and county residents in general led to him being a target for anger from both sides.
Jim Dupont, a popular ex-sheriff, may be able to break the pattern that seems to have taken hold in recent elections. He certainly knows the ropes of county government, so there should be less of a learning curve. He also can bank on a certain amount of good will that his years of service have earned him.
But the job of county commissioner is a daunting one.
It is also largely a thankless one, so we want to take this opportunity to bid farewell to Gary Hall and thank him for his years of service, and to wish Jim Dupont well as he begins his new job.
If you're heading into the woods for winter recreation, beware: Avalanche danger is increasing.
A new storm expected today could push the Northwest Montana avalanche danger rating beyond "considerable" to "high," according to local avalanche awareness experts.
So far it has been a quiet season around here for snow slides in the backcountry, but that's not true elsewhere.
On Sunday two avalanches claimed the lives of eight snowmobilers near Fernie, our neighbor just across the border in Canada. Avalanches also have killed five people in Colorado and Wyoming.
The prospect of avalanche danger should cause all outdoor recreationists to be extremely cautious when they head into the mountains.
The Rev. Darrell Newby has taken a leap of faith to create a much-needed ministry to the elderly and others of any age who "fall through the cracks."
His appointment as a health-care chaplain through the U.S. Missions Department of the Assemblies of God Church is the first ministry of its kind in America. It's a timely venture for the former Columbia Falls Assembly of God pastor, with a growing senior population not only in the Flathead but nationwide.
Nursing-home residents undoubtedly will benefit from this kind of ministry that brings smiles and a message of hope to those who sometimes feel forgotten by their friends, families and even their churches.