Access better in theory than practice

Inter Lake editorial

It currently functions as if it came from a Soviet central planning ministry, but the design for accessing Glacier High School is actually pretty good, if it ever gets fully implemented.

School officials downplay the current situation, saying it's been working OK, but we don't think so. Anybody who wants to get to the school from the east on Reserve Loop Drive gets to drive clean past the school on a pretty substantial detour to reach either of the school's only two entrances.

By design, there are supposed to be six entrances - including four to reach the school's main south parking lot - from a road that has yet to be built. The construction of Wolfpack Way was supposed to be funded by commercial development on state trust lands neighboring the school, but development in that area has dried up in the current economy.

So, the situation is unlikely to change anytime soon unless the school district can come up with enough money to build at least part of the road from Reserve Loop Drive. Where there's a will, there's a way. The school needs better access.

The American spirit is typified in two ways by the Wounded Warrior Project, which helps wounded veterans and their families adjust to civilian life after military service.

First, it represents the charitable spirit which is our underlying strength, and second the veterans who are assisted by the program inspire us all with their bravery and persistence as they beat the odds.

A number of servicemen who lost arms and legs in Middle East conflicts were among those who came to Whitefish last week to enjoy skiing and snowboarding on the Big Mountain.

Noah Galloway, who lost his left leg and left arm in Iraq, was typical of the warrior spirit demonstrated by the vets. "I'll try anything," he said. "Just take me to the top and push me down."

This program, like the similar Camp Patriot program based in Libby, helps to ensure that our current-day veterans will not be forgotten like some of their predecessors. They've already given their best to their country; now it's time for the rest of us to give back to them.