|
December 3, 2009
Ronan volunteers deliver a hometown Thanksgiving feast
Jim Blow/Valley Journal
Daylin Coughren focuses on the next spoonful of mashed potatoes coming his way from mom's steady hand.
Valley Journal
The gentle, often jovial idle talk between friends and neighbors mixed easily with the wafting aroma of roasted turkey on Thanksgiving at the annual Community Dinner in Ronan. Good food, good conversation and good music filled the Ronan Community Center last Thursday for the sixth annual Community Dinner, put on by a group of dedicated volunteers and key members of the Ronan Chamber of Commerce.
More than 300 people from throughout the Mission Valley sat down to enjoy a free turkey dinner with all the trimmings amongst neighbors. That's not counting the many dinners taken home for family members and friends who could not attend the dinner.
Diners enjoyed a traditional Thanksgiving feast and a lot of conversation at the dinner table while music from the Pettit family entertained them for the first several hours of the meal. Other musical performers included the Romero family.
Described by organizers as "a gift from one to another," the dinner was put on from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., but there was a lot of volunteer effort before and afterward to put the event together.
The Ronan Community Volunteers were joined this year by...........
For the full story, click here
Tribal council election: Ronan candidates profiled
Valley Journal
Sorrell, Lankford vie for Ronan seat on Tribal Council......
For more of this story, click here
Tribal council election: polling places listed
Valley Journal
The general election for CSKT tribal council seats will be held......
For more of this story, click here
St. Luke foundation raises money for digital mammography equipment
Kate Haake/Valley Journal
Mammographer Marlys Healy demonstrates how a mammogram is done using the analogue equipment at St. Luke Community Healthcare Radiology Department. The hospital is seeking the funds necessary to upgrade the equipment to a digital unit.
By Kate Haake
Valley Journal
RONAN — According to the National Cancer Institute, one in eight American women will develop breast cancer in their lives. And in the arduous fight against the disease that touches so many, St. Luke Community Healthcare Foundation is doing their part in battling the debilitating disease.
The foundation is attempting to fight cancer one digital mammogram at a time by raising money to purchase a Selenia Digital Mammography Unit. The digital mammography unit will be an added improvement to the already state of the art radiology department at St. Luke Community Healthcare.
“We want to do what’s best for the patient,” Radiology Manager Steve Sivak said. “We are ranked very high in how we do mammography today.”
Sivak suggests that although their analog mammography equipment is up to par, the department is looking forward to the benefits that digital mammography equipment will bring.
Sivak pointed out the differences between the digital and analog mammograms are striking. The digital mammogram offers a clear picture of the calcifications inside the breast, which in an analog mammogram of the exact same breast, are nearly impossible to see.
“Digital is good because it makes the image perfect,” Sivak said. “(It) also allows the image to be manipulated.”...........
For the full story, click here
November 26, 2009
RMS students spread early Christmas with ‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’
Kate Haake/Valley Journal
Ronan Middle School students presented the play, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” last weekend at the Ronan Performing Arts Center.
Valley Journal
A gang of anxious Ronan Middle School students welcomed in the Christmas festivities a little early this year with their rendition of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.”
“It was impeccable Saturday,” Director Rita Tingey said. “Saturday went off without a glitch.”
Brittney Mock starred as Mrs. Bradley in the comedic play as well as Emilee Starkel and Bradly Findly as Beth and Charlie Bradley respectively. Mr. Bradley was played by T. J. Webb.
The play tells the story of human nature during the Christmas season, and breaking down the walls of prejudice that hinder the true spirit of giving during the holidays.
When the responsibilities of the church’s Christmas pageant fall into the lap of Mrs. Bradley, she is a little reluctant to take over duties of her predecessor, Mrs. Armstrong.
Situations seem to worsen when...........
For the full story, click here
H1N1 immunization walk-in clinics offered
Valley Journal
The Lake County Public Health and CSKT Health Departments receive H1N1 vaccines on a weekly basis. Free walk-in clinics will be held on Tuesdays, 1-4 p.m. at Lake County Public Health in Polson and Tribal Health in Arlee, Elmo, Ronan and St. Ignatius.
The Health Departments will continue weekly clinics throughout the valley as vaccine availability allows.
Pregnant women, persons who live with or provide care for infants under six months of age, health care and emergency medical services personnel, persons six months to 24 years of age, and persons aged 25-64 years who have medical conditions that put them at a higher risk for influenza-related complications.
These medical conditions include...........
For the full story, click here
November 19, 2009
Ronan community gathers to honor veterans
By Kate Haake
Valley Journal
RONAN — Patriotism was ablaze last Wednesday night at Ronan Middle School, as a local salute was given to all those who served in the military services defending the interests and freedoms of the United States.
The Veterans Day Patriotic Celebration included motivational speaker and singer Linda Lanier and involved many local veterans in the program.
Veterans and non-veterans alike congregated in honor of all those who served in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.
Earlier in the day Ronan American Legion Commander Ed Ganieany led a crew of veterans and two currently serving reserve personnel through Ronan and Pablo schools, giving the students flag-folding presentations. Ganieany explained what each fold meant as two military personnel from the Missoula National Guard Detachment folded the flag, respectfully and properly.
“We live in the most patriotic and proud community in America,” Ganieany said. “It’s the only place to live.”
Ganieany, an Army veteran had moved back into the area after living in Colorado and Alaska. He served in the...........
For the full story, click here
August 27, 2009
Ronan man charged in fatal stabbing
By Jim Blow
Valley Journal
RONAN — A Ronan man is in custody following a fatal stabbing at a bar in Ronan on Aug. 16.
Allen Metzger, 52, was arraigned in Justice Court in Polson last Tuesday, Aug. 18 on charges of deliberate homicide and carrying a concealed weapon. Judge Chuck Wall ordered Metzger held in Lake County Jail without bond and referred the case to district court.
According to an affidavit filed by the Lake County Attorney in Justice Court, Ronan Police officers interviewed Metzger at a Ronan residence about an earlier altercation with the 50-year-old victim, James L. Finch, in the restroom of the Valley Club. Metzger told the officers that he had just stabbed a guy in the Valley Club Bar.
Court records state that a witness said Metzger had earlier told him he had stabbed Finch and showed him a double-edged, five-inch knife that appeared to have blood on the blade.
Police officers took Metzger in custody and were advised by the dispatcher that a victim named James Finch had been admitted to St. Luke Hospital with a stab wound. Finch was transferred by life-flight helicopter to Missoula where he later died.
For more of this story, click here
August 20, 2009
Ronan elementary school implements new reading program
Erin Gallagher/Valley Journal
Soon these new StoryTime textbooks will be used to teach the students who occupy these chairs at K. William Harvey Elementary School.
Valley Journal
RONAN — Though Alice Cooper may have popularized the notion of "no more pencils, no more books" during the summer months spent out of the classroom, Ronan's K. William Harvey Elementary School opted to invest in even more books this summer. In fact, they bought a whole new set of books to go along with a new reading program they will be teaching kids with from now on.
The new program is called StoryTown, and it follows a completely different model than its predecessor, a program called Success for All. Under Success for All, students were grouped into different reading levels according to their skills. The groups would then relocate to a different classroom with a different teacher when it was time to work on reading.
Under StoryTown, students will stay with the same teacher all day. Teachers will spend 30-45 minutes instructing their class as a whole group before splitting them into three groups. The groups, which are determined according to skill level, will spend another 30-45 minutes working amongst themselves.
K. William Harvey principal Dave Marzolf said the new program's format will "target all learners," as well as help teachers get to know their students better.
When the search for a new program began about four months ago, a curriculum committee was developed to scout out and choose the program best suited for Ronan elementary students. After extensive research, which included visits to area schools to learn about the programs they used, the committee selected StoryTown out of a pool of four different program choices. (br)
Marzolf said the committee "thought the stories in the text were best suited to the children" based on what the students know and are familiar with.
For more of this story, click here
Chiefs’ first football game moved to Polson
By Aaric Bryan
Valley Journal
RONAN — The Ronan Chiefs’ first home game against Browning, scheduled for Aug. 29, has been moved to a new location. The new track surface that surrounds the new football field in Ronan will not be ready for traffic, so the Browning game has been moved to Polson.
Kickoff of the Ronan-Browning football game is 7 p.m., Aug. 29, at the Pirate Sports Complex.
The Chiefs’ first home game on their new field is scheduled for Sept. 4 against Stevensville.
Crew putting final touches on Ronan’s football field
Jim Blow/Valley Journal
Using clamps, a work crew pulls a section of artificial turf into place after stitching it to a neighboring section.
By Aaric Bryan
Valley Journal
RONAN — When the Ronan High School students get back to school this year a new football field should be waiting for them.
The construction crew is putting the final touches on installing the Chiefs’ state-of-the-art football field. The ProGrass synthetic turf field is scheduled to be installed by Wednesday, Aug. 26.
The ProGrass synthetic turf is made of polyethylene, monofilament fibers. Sand and rubber pellets are also mixed in with the fibers to give the plastic grass a more natural feel and create a uniform surface.
Unlike Astroturf, which was put down on concrete with a foam pad between the grass and concrete, the ProGrass is put down on the soil and will give like natural grass.
Jim Benn, Ronan athletic director and head football coach, said that the artificial turf is actually safer than grass because it is a flat and even surface and players won’t have to worry about lumps or holes in the turf.
For more of this story, click here
August 13, 2009
Ronan trustees adopt new budget despite lack of reappraisal data
Valley Journal
RONAN — Despite the delay in receiving property reappraisals from the state, Ronan school trustees took action at Monday night’s board meeting to set the stage for the upcoming school year budget.
Although specific levy amounts cannot be determined until the state Department of Revenue provides updated property taxable values for the Ronan School District, the board approved a total elementary school budget of $6,697,237.13 and a high school budget of $3,223,318.76. The only issue unresolved is the actual mill levy amounts to be assessed to property owners in the district, which cannot be computed until the revised taxable values of property are received from the state.
The delay in receiving the reappraisal information, which Ronan School Superintendent Andy Holmlund expects to arrive sometime in late August, forces the school district into a bit of a legal bind. Holmlund explained to the board Montana law requires a number of budget actions by specific dates, including:
• School trustees must meet to consider all budget information before Aug. 15.
• The final school budget must be adopted no later than the fourth Monday in August and before fixing of the tax levies for the district.
• Trustees must deliver the adopted budget to the county superintendent within five days; and
• County commissioners must fix levies for county and school purposes on the fourth Monday in August (Aug. 24).
However, the delay in receipt of the updated taxable values prevents the meeting of those deadlines, Holmlund said. Therefore he recommended the district move ahead and adopt the final budget amount to comply with state law (20-9-131, MCA) and authorize the district clerk to calculate the mills upon receipt of the updated taxable property values. ”
For more of this story, click here
August 6, 2009
Jim Blow/Valley Journal
Junior dairy showman Megan Wieder smiles at the judge while holding her bovine, Frosty, steady during the dairy showmanship judging at the Lake County Fair last week. Wieder earned the Junior Grand Champion Showmanship award and went on to compete in the Junior Round Robin against other large animal showmanship champions.
County fair spotlights youth projects, skills
By Kelly Moore
Valley Journal
Keeping up with local tradition, the Lake County Fair’s wholesome lineup of activities, exhibits and competitions kept area residents busier than ever.
“I thought it was an excellent fair. We had lots of entries and lots of people,” MSU Extension Agent Nori Pearce said.
The fair board worked hard this year to promote community involvement in the fair, and it seems to have paid off.
“Overall, I think our exhibits are up,” Pearce said. Fair Secretary Brianna Lake confirmed the numbers, saying that this year’s 256 entries were about 200 more than last year.
For more of this story, click here
Pioneer Days full of old-fashioned fun
Jim Blow/Valley Journal
Tyler Weuderoth ends his sheep ride with a face plant in the rodeo grounds, but the youngster bounced up and raised his hands in victory to an appreciative crowd at the Kiddie/City Slicker Rodeo.
By Kelly Moore
Valley Journal
RONAN — Last week was one of the busiest in Lake County, especially Ronan, with a full schedule of fair events all week long.
Not to be outshined, the Ronan Pioneer Days packed in more events than ever to keep visitors busy having a good time.
The volunteer-organized celebration got rolling on Friday with the Kids’ Fishing Derby that lasted from the early morning until noon in the city park. That evening locals enjoyed the Bull-O-Rama and the first street dance of the weekend on Main Street with music from Blue Onion. The Pheasant Lounge and the Second Chance Saloon sponsored the dance.
The night wrapped up in time for everyone to rest up for Saturday’s packed lineup of festivities.
The day started off with a pancake breakfast sponsored by 4-H clubs on the fairgrounds and the 3-on-3 Jamboree took off in full swing. Before heading to the Kiddie/City Slicker Rodeo, families could participate in the Mission Mountain Classic Run or the EAA Young Eagles Flights at the Ronan Airport. Adults also competed in a volleyball tournament in the city park that kicked off at 9 a.m.
For many who crowded the city of Ronan for last week’s full schedule of events, an easy favorite could be the Kiddie/City Slicker Rodeo.
Families started to fill the venue before 10 a.m. to make sure their kids signed waivers and signed up before all the limited spots in the festivities filled up.
Hundreds filed in to soak up the entertainment, and from the shaded stands to the dusty arena floor, laughter dominated the scene.
To mark the start of the kiddie rodeo, kids started lining up for a turn to ride the sheep. Sixty children took turns on the top of one of many sheep and had little trouble waiting for their few seconds to shine.
Many rides came to a quick conclusion with a rider left in the dust, but a few managed to hang on long enough to make it across the arena. David Peck provided the sheep.
For more of this story, click here
Wild ride
Ronan Pioneer Days Rodeo offers would-be cowboys and cowgirls a chance to ride a buffalo
Aaric Bryan/Valley Journal
Polson’s Dana Jilek comes crashing to the ground after her 1.9-second ride of a buffalo at the Pioneer Days Rodeo in Ronan Sunday.
By Aaric Bryan
Valley Journal
RONAN — It takes a special person to ride a buffalo. One must have excellent coordination to balance on the razor thin spines of the huge beast as they violently buck around the arena. But it’s not superb athletic ability that separates the buffalo riders from the rest of us – it’s lack of intelligence.
“I want to introduce you to six of the stupidest people,” Pioneer Days Rodeo Announcer Joel Warren told the spectators of the overflowing grandstands in Ronan Sunday. “They’re going to ride buffaloes.”
Polson’s Dana Jilek was one of the six brave souls entered in the final event of the three-day rodeo. After watching the wild buffalo ride last year, Jilek painted herself in a corner by telling her friends that she wanted to try her hand at breaking a bison.
“I told too many people. Pride then took over and I had to do it,” Jillich said.
While Jilek’s 1.9-second ride was no match for Travis Jeppesen’s winning ride, she said it was fun once she stopped shaking.
For more of this story, click here
July 23, 2009
Tim Ryan, 'Exile' highlight Writers Night
By Kelly Moore
Valley Journal
RONAN — Last Friday the 22nd Annual Tim Ryan’s Mission Valley Golf Tourney and Writer’s Night rolled into Ronan and brought with it a full gamut of all-star entertainers.
“It went just fantastic. It was the biggest crowd we’ve ever had out there,” Ryan said.
Hundreds of people filled the lawn outside the Mission Mountain Golf Course Clubhouse where they could relax in the cool summer shade with a hearty dinner from Cheri’s Kitchen Catering.
The family-friendly event kept visitors of every age entertained for hours while everyone from local entertainers to internationally renowned bands took the stage.
“I mean, we’ve had some great acts over the years … every year is great, but this year just seemed to have a special twist to it,” Ryan explained.
This year was the first year for Writers Night to feature a full band, as opposed to the usual lineup of hall-of-fame writers.
The recently reunited Exile played a 90-minute set of crowd pleasers that included hits like their 1978 chart-topper “I Want to Kiss You All Over.”
Ryan said the visitors enjoyed their stay in Montana’s Mission Valley and can’t wait to return next year.
“They just love the people here in the Mission Valley,” Ryan said. “Everybody had a blast.”
Part of the deal is that everyone who volunteers time to play in the Writer’s Night benefit gets an expenses-paid vacation in Montana.
“We took them up to Glacier (National Park) and everyone of them is like, ‘Tim, you have to bring us back here,” Ryan said.
The entertainment was only part of the scholarship fundraiser, as golf teams were busy all day teeing off in one of Montana’s largest and oldest golf tournaments. A total of 49 teams, each with five players, took to the green this year for the golf scramble.
“It went very smoothly and we didn’t have any hiccups as far as I know,” Ryan said.
This year’s event brought in $10,000 to go toward scholarships for local students. Ryan and his wife started the event in 1987 out of inspiration to give back to the community where they both grew up. With help from sponsors, the program has awarded more than $105,000 to students in the Mission Valley.
This year’s recipients were Amanda Bartel, Sadie McMillan, Wyatt McCollum, Kelsey Cable, Cara Gravagno and Jordan Rohrich.
“For such a small community, we really survive on our sponsors,” Ryan explained.
These include Community Banks, Brian Beck’s Montana Hardware, Lake County bank, Melre Jore and family, Ronan Telephone Company, Ronan Dodge, Mission Mountain Country Club, Stuarts Napa, the Topel family, the Horner family, Glen Wunderlich, ASCAP, the Wold family, and Dennis and Nila Anderson.
Golf Scramble results:
1st gross
State Farm – Jeff Andrews, Jason Nistler, Matt Olson, Julia DiGiallonardo, Joe Andrews
2nd gross (tie)
S&K Electronics/Stuarts Service Center/Malt Shop – Mike Durglo, Jim Durglo, Dennis Courville, Tony Incashola, Manny Marquez
Lake County Bank #1 – Roger Wallace, Lloyd Phillips, Cody Phillips, Gary Blackman, Fred Gariepy.
4th gross
Anderson Broadcasting – Jen Orchard, Tom Orchard, Brandy Sturm, Dean August, Rich Forbis
5th gross
Bingo Palace – Jow Howlett, Jim Lehman, Mark Sherman, Jacob Howlett, Ian Ray
5th gross
Pizza Café – Jim Bykari, Tim Anderson, Gail Barrett, Dave Devore, Burt Cannon
1st net
G&L Propane – Richard Jackson, Keith Jackson, Charlie Culpepper, Kyle Starkel, Joe Stevens
2nd net
SKC – Bud Moran, Audi Moran, Joe Finley, Darren Finley, Bryce Finley
3rd net
Franks Meats – Stacy Courville, Megan Ruhkala, Marvin Courville, Frank Arlint, Jan Arlint
4th net
Rocky Mountain Sign Works – Josh Ridgley, Randy Wright, Neal McDermott, Bruce Weir, Curt Rhine
5th net
Ronan Telephone Company – Vicki Weishaar, Steve Lucas, Teri Shaw, Cheryl Hackman, Rick Kiehn
6th net
Foster Funeral Home – Clarice Anderson, Shelly Howlett, Ellen Bigsam, Chad Ostbuy, Lance Hawkins
July 23, 2009
Burglars continue to target Ronan
By Kelly Moore
Valley Journal
RONAN — Ronan police are currently investigating a rash of residential burglaries in the city. Eight burglaries have been reported in the last month – a number relatively high when compared to the 19 that police saw in all of 2008.
“It’s definitely a sign of the times with our economy and everything,” Ronan Assistant Chief of Police Art Walgren said, noting that he’s also aware of burglaries that have occurred in the surrounding county area.
The burglaries investigated by the RPD have all occurred inside the city, but with little consistency. Walgren said that some homes have been struck during the day and some during the night.
Earlier this month, police reported that they believed at least one of the suspects to be small in stature and possibly a juvenile.
Right now the RPD is working with the Lake County Sheriff’s detectives following up on a few leads.
“There’s a pretty good chance that they’re related, but we don’t know for sure,” Walgren said.
In the meantime, Walgren said residents can protect themselves by keeping doors locked and windows shut when they aren’t home and keeping areas well lit at after dark. He also recommended keeping expensive items out of plain sight.
“A lot of times thefts are crimes of opportunity,” Walgren explained, saying burglars often hit homes that are easiest to break into.
Anyone with information about any of these burglaries is highly encouraged to call the Ronan Police Department. Anyone seeing suspicious activity around houses or other buildings should call Lake County Dispatch at 883-7301 or 911 if it is an emergency.
July 23, 2009
Ronan judge seat to remain vacant
By Kelly Moore
Valley Journal
RONAN — After accepting a resignation from long-time city judge Glenn Frame on June 22, the Ronan City Council recently decided not to hire a new judge to finish his term.
Mayor Kim Aipperspach explained that court secretary Jennifer Rolfsness would handle regular tickets and the Polson city judge could take on arraignments.
“We can probably just hire an area judge for a few possible trial cases on an hourly basis,” Aipperspach added.
The seat will remain vacant until after the November elections, when Frame’s term expires. So far, three people have filed for the four-year position at the elections office – Justin Bartels, Lauri A. Johns and Thomas F. Paro.
At the same meeting, Ronan Water Department manager Mark Clary requested a budget amendment to purchase a valve exerciser for the city.
“If you don’t turn the valves every so often, it gets gummed up and you can’t turn it when you need to shut water off,” Clary explained.
Apperspach added that the machine would also prevent valves from breaking when they are cleaned manually.
The machine will cost $49,500 and Clary plans to make a down payment with $24,750 of excess saved out of the department’s current budget. The remainder of the cost will be covered in future budgets. The council approved his request.
Clary, who is also the fire chief, also explained that the Ronan Fire Department is purchasing a larger chassis for the Jaws of Life equipment that is currently housed on two separate vehicles.
He explained that the department has spoken with neighboring fire departments interested in possibly purchasing the older trucks, but can’t move forward because the vehicles are registered to the city.
Clary noted that the trucks were purchased by the department with donated money and are only registered to the city for insurance purposes. The council voted to allow the fire department to handle the selling of their truck.
County Commissioner Bill Baron also told the council that the county has arranged to have dispatch services for the city lowered back to $20,000, but Ronan will have to pay $20,000 for the last year of services in which they withheld payment during negotiations.
The money in question will be paid in $5,000 increments over 4 years.
“I think $20,000 is a screaming deal. You couldn’t possibly touch that if you were trying to do it yourself,” Baron said.
Baron also presented the council with a breakdown of services that showed how much of the countywide service is attributed to Ronan.
Council member Dick Jungers thanked Baron for the breakdown, saying that the council has been asking for the information for five years.
“I’m sorry you never got a set because that’s easy to punch out on the computer,” Baron said.
The council also approved an open container permit application from Russ Sherman for the 1969 Ronan High School class reunion on Aug. 2 and from the Ronan Pioneer Days Committee for next weekend’s Pioneer Day’s festivities.
“I don’t see any problem with it. We’ll have plenty of people out for the events already,” Ronan Assistant Chief of Police Art Walgren said.
The next city council meeting will be Monday, July 27 at City Hall.
July 9, 2009
Local raises money for diabetes research
By Kelly Moore
Valley Journal
 Courtesy photo
AnnaMarie Leafty poses with the students in Scott Graham’s fourth grade class at K. William Harvey Elementary School. The class raised helped raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. RONAN — On Aug. 24, AnnaMarie Leafty will
July 9, 2009
Local raises money for diabetes research
By Kelly Moore
Valley Journal
Courtesy photo
AnnaMarie Leafty poses with the students in Scott Graham’s fourth grade class at K. William Harvey Elementary School. The class raised helped raise money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
RONAN — On Aug. 24, AnnaMarie Leafty will take to the road in pursuit of a cure for type 1 diabetes. Every year the local woman raises money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in conjunction with a 100-mile bike ride.
“The purpose is to raise money for research in helping find a cure for type 1 diabetics,” Leafty explained.
Diabetes is a disease that hits Leafty close to home. Her 15-year-old daughter, Catherine, was diagnosed at age 9. Working closely with the JDRF to educate her and her family about Catherine’s disease, Leafty found out about the ride for the cure and felt inspired. For the third year now, Leafty will hit the road in honor of her daughter to ride 100 miles in one day.
This year Leafty will travel to Killington, Vt., but in past years she’s ridden in Whitefish and Death Valley.
“I think deep down it means something to her that her mom is doing something,” she said. “But I don’t do it just for her. I ride in honor of Catherine, but there are five type 1 diabetics in our district.”
She said that she continues to hear about other families in the valley that deal with the everyday challenges of the disease.
In order to participate, Leafty must raise more than $4,000 every year and this year was the first year she raised money in Ronan schools.
Leafty said she spoke briefly to students in the classes at K. William Harvey Elementary and was greatly impressed by the students’ efforts.
“These kids have such a caring heart,” Leafty said. “I was just so touched.”
According to Leafty, the students at the school raised just shy of $600 to go toward her efforts and they did it all with their spare change.
“It helped tremendously with the fundraising,” Leafty said of the students’ efforts.
Leafty said that she is continually amazed by the people who have contributed to her fundraising every year.
“Most of the people who have donated in the past still are giving and some are even giving more,” Leafty said.
She did admit, however, that some people have told her that they can’t donate this year because of economic difficulties. Leafty understands when people can’t give, but explained that even the smallest contributions make a difference.
Those interested in supporting Leafty in her ride for JDRF can make donations two ways. If making donations by check, make it out to JDRF and sent it to Leafty at 15 7th Ave. NW in Ronan.
Online donations can be made with a credit card by visiting www.ride.jdrf.org and clicking “donate” and then entering her name.
Donations are tax-deductible and a receipt will be sent to the donor.
Leafty also noted that although he has no family members with Type 1 diabetes, local Joe Piedalue also participates in the rides every year.
“He’s just doing it to support me and other Type 1 (diabetics) in the valley,” Leafty said.
June 25, 2009
Crabfest benefits parks, fire department
Berl Tiskus/Valley Journal
Jack Collins fished a net full of crab legs out of the pot at Ronan City Park for hungry diners at the Crab Fest held on June 19. By Kelly Moore
Valley Journal
RONAN —Ronan’s Biennial Crabfest scurried into town last week and loads of people braved the cooler temperatures to enjoy all-you-can-eat crab in the Ronan City Park Friday, June 19 at 5 p.m.
All the proceeds of the event benefitted the City of Ronan Parks and the Ronan Volunteer Fire Department.
Diners purchased tickets for $25 for adults and $10 for children under 10 years old. Ticket vendors were Ronan Cit Hall, Community Bank, Valley Journal, Ronan Telephone Company, Ronan Power Products and Main Street Gallery.
The crab crack was the first event to be sponsored by the Ronan Area Chamber of Commerce. The next general chamber meeting will be July 2.
June 25, 2009
Ronan city judge resigns
By Kelly Moore
Valley Journal
RONAN — On Monday, the Ronan City Council accepted a letter of resignation from long-time city judge Glenn Frame.
According to Ronan Mayor Kim Aipperspach, Frame resigned on account of health reasons.
“He’s had heart attacks and strokes in the past year and coming back and forth has just gotten to be too much for him,” Aipperspach said. “He was trying to finish out the year, but couldn’t do it.”
Aipperspach said that the council will make a decision at the next meeting as to where to go from here.
“We’ll probably look at appointing or hiring another judge from the other areas here in the valley,” Aipperspach explained.
The council will first have to evaluate the city’s case load to determine what the city will need to fill the vacancy until the elections this November, when Frame’s term is up.
In his letter of resignation, Frame thanked the people of Ronan for electing him to serve the city for the last 14 years.
In the same city council meeting, trustees approved the first reading of the ordinance to create a board of parks and recreation commissioners for the city. The ordinance, revised Monday, calls for six board members to serve either two-year or three-year terms. These will include one city council member, three city residents and two persons at large.
The second reading of the ordinance will be at the next meeting and, if accepted, will go into effect Aug. 13.
Council members also heard from city employee Dan Miller about purchasing state surplus equipment. Last year the city purchased a chip sealer for road maintenance and repair. On Miller’s recommendation, the council agreed to purchase a roller.
The city will pay $2,500 for the roller as well as the cost of transporting the implement to Ronan.
City clerk Kaylene Melton also requested the council allow her to move monies in the Fire Department budget to pay for damaged and worn out turnout gear. She also asked to pay out the holiday hours accrued by the Ronan Police Department. Both requests were approved by the council.
The council also voted to approve an open container permit request for an adult softball tournament during Ronan Pioneer Days.
The next city council meeting will be at 6 p.m. July 13 at City Hall.
June 18, 2009
Ronan city council to close street for concert
By Kelly Moore
Valley Journal
RONAN — Despite the heated public input from a handful of local citizens and business owners, the Ronan City Council approved the street closure for a July 3 concert in downtown.
One block of Main Street will be closed to host Highway to Hell, the AC/CD tribute band.
Main Street business owner Frank English presented the council with a petition signed by upwards of 30 other Ronan business owners who were leery about the location of the event.
“Everyone that signed that isn’t against the rock concert, they just want to know why it’s not at the fairgrounds,” English said.
Burland explained that the Main Street location emulates “small town America.” He also said that the businesses on Main Street would benefit from the exposure of possibly thousands of people viewing their storefronts.
English expressed concerns that business owners would have to deal with possible damages and cleanup caused by the large crowd.
“I just don’t think Main Street is ready for 10,000 people … I just don’t think this is the right place for it,” English said.
Hardy explained that Burland is contractually obligated to pay for cleanup and would be liable for any damages. Mayor Kim Aipperspach also added that 10,000 is not the expected crowd size, but the crowd size limit.
“I was a little bit skeptical at first until I went to the meeting,” Hardy said, referring to a meeting of emergency response entities. Hardy listed a number of backup and support personnel that Burland has agreed to pay for.
After much discussion and public input, the council approved the street-closure by a unanimous vote. |
.jpg)
