Honoring state's fallen troopers

Two Montana Highway Patrol troopers who died in the line of duty in Northwest Montana during the 1970s were honored last week with separate dedication ceremonies.

As a fitting memorial, signs have been placed at locations on U.S. 93 south of Kalispell and near Eureka, dedicating sections of the highway to the fallen troopers.

Richard Hedstrom had served the Highway Patrol for just 18 days when he was struck down by a drunk driver in 1973 as he wrote a warning ticket for a motorist on U.S. 93 near Kalispell.

Michael Ren met his death in 1978 near Eureka following a high-speed pursuit that ended when the motorist got out of his vehicle and fatally shot Ren.

These ceremonies were a solemn reminder that law enforcement officers, like all first responders, put themselves in harm’s way on a daily basis. Sadly, three other sections of highway in the Flathead Valley already are named for troopers who died in more recent years while on duty. We salute each and every one of these valiant public servants.

Great run for Finberg, C-Falls

Cary Finberg has decided it’s time to pass the torch for the Columbia Falls Wildcats basketball program after what is surely one of the best runs in state history.

Finberg is stepping down after 19 seasons at the helm of the boys program, although he will continue to coach the Wildkat girls.

When looking back at Finberg’s trophy-filled career, his five Class A state championships come immediately to mind.

But his sterling success could best be summed up by different statistics. His teams also twice placed second at state and four times won the third-place trophy.

That means his teams played on Saturday night at state 11 times — and only lost two of those games!

Credit the kids, of course, but you also have to give kudos to the coach for Saturday-night supremacy. (Finberg’s teams also won nine divisional championships, which also were won on Saturday nights).

Columbia Falls is surely sad that their hall of fame coach won’t be on the sidelines for boys games any more, but there’s little doubt the girls will bear watching and the boys program he built into the best in the state will continue to impress.