Letters to the editor May 27

A legendary coach

Fifty-two years is a long time to spend doing anything. Most folks would be ready to hang it up after 20, maybe 30. But not Coach Dan Hodge. For half a century, he’s been out there — rain, shine, snow — giving his all to high school athletes, and asking for nothing in return but their best effort.

I want to thank Coach Hodge for his unselfish commitment. He’s shaped more than just athletes — he’s shaped people. 

Back when I was at Bigfork High, running track and trying to keep up with the best, Coach Hodge was already a presence at Flathead. Even then, you could feel the respect his athletes and competitors had for him. It wasn’t just his knowledge of the sport — it was the way he made every kid feel seen and valued, the way he turned a season into a journey you’d remember for life.

There’s no way to measure the impact of a coach like Hodge. He’s spent thousands of hours on fields and tracks, in buses and weight rooms. He’s given up weekends, evenings, and family time so kids could chase dreams. Most of all, he’s given generations of athletes a model of what dedication looks like.

So congratulations, Coach. You’ve gone way beyond wins and losses. You’ve built a legacy that’ll last long after the last whistle blows. Thank you for everything. Congratulations Braves Track 2025.

— Craig Smith, Kalispell

Medicaid isn’t up for debate

As a Montana resident and a concerned community member, I’m writing to speak out about something that should never be up for debate: the importance of Medicaid.

Medicaid isn’t just a program — it’s a lifeline. For thousands of Montanans, especially single parents, it’s the only way to afford doctor visits, emergency care, prescriptions, and mental health services. Without it, people are forced to choose between putting food on the table and seeing a doctor. That’s not a choice anyone should have to make.

Single parents face some of the toughest economic challenges in our state. Many work multiple jobs and still can’t afford private insurance. Medicaid allows them to take care of their children’s health needs without drowning in debt. It also helps those children thrive in school and stay out of the emergency room — which saves our state money in the long run.

Medicaid also serves veterans, seniors, rural families, and people with disabilities. In a state as large and diverse as Montana, with many underserved areas, access to healthcare shouldn’t depend on your ZIP code or paycheck.

Let’s be clear: cutting or restricting Medicaid doesn’t make Montana stronger. It punishes the working class, deepens poverty, and increases long-term costs on our health care system.

We need to protect and expand Medicaid, not gut it. Because when we support access to healthcare, we support stable families, strong communities, and a healthier future for all Montanans.

— Penelope Jones, Kalispell