Locals quash school threat quickly

Quick work by the Kalispell Police Department, in conjunction with the FBI and other local police and school authorities, made the best of a bad situation this week when online threats resulted in the arrest of a Kalispell man for malicious intimidation.

There is no way to know for sure what might have happened had no arrest been made, but we don’t ever want to be in a position to find out. 

What we did find out is that when local authorities were alerted that a local man was posting threats against grade-school children, schools themselves, and the Jewish community, they sprang into action immediately, worked overnight, found their suspect and had him arrested before the end of the next day.

No one can take anything for granted any longer about how serious an online threat is intended to be. If parents, students, or anyone else see posts on social media that suggest violence, it is imperative to let authorities know right away. 

Don’t take a chance when our community’s safety is involved.

Salute to Special Olympics 

A grand winter sports tradition turns 20 early next week when the 2015 State Winter Games for Montana Special Olympics return to the Flathead Valley.

More than 350 athletes are expected to march in the kickoff parade Sunday afternoon in Whitefish and then compete Monday and Tuesday at Whitefish Mountain Resort.

Both the parade and the competition are always heartwarming events, capped by the particularly inspirational medal ceremonies.

The public is invited to all the Winter Games events to see these determined athletes in action.

This year’s 20th anniversary of the games being hosted on Big Mountain is especially meaningful to three local athletes.

Sara Maldonado, Kristin Twet and Jamey Herron, residents of the Lighthouse Christian Home near Somers, have competed in all 20 Special Olympics Montana Winter Games at the Whitefish ski area.

We salute them and all the other Special Olympians who will compete next week.