Letters to the Editor
Crime(stopping) pays
Flathead Valley Crimestoppers needs your help. Crimestoppers is a non-profit organization that solicits anonymous tips to assist Flathead Valley law enforcement in solving crimes. If the tip leads to arrest, Crimestoppers pays from $50 to $1,000 to the anonymous informant for the information.
Crimestoppers exists to serve all the law enforcement entities in the Flathead Valley including: the Flathead County Sheriff, Kalispell City Police, Whitefish City Police, Columbia Falls City Police, the Drug Task Force and the Montana Highway Patrol.
Tips received by Crimestoppers have led to the successful arrest and conviction of many criminals, for both felonies and misdemeanors. While the details of these successful cases cannot be shared due to the potential of putting informants at risk, the range of the cases is significant. Crimestoppers tips have led to arrest and conviction in cases ranging from vandalism, property damage, theft, robbery, burglary and assault, to sex crimes, drugs and murder. Tens of thousands of dollars worth of stolen goods have been recovered successfully as a result of tips phoned in to Crimestoppers.
As a member of the Board of Directors of Crimestoppers, I am asking for your support for this non-profit organization. As you consider your year-end giving to the many worth-while organizations in the Flathead, please consider a tax deductible gift to Crimestoppers. Donations can be mailed to: Flathead Valley Crimestoppers, P.O. Box 1719, Kalispell, MT 59903.
In addition, the Board is planning a fundraising “Cabin Fever” dance in late February or March. Look for details on that in the future. Be assured your contributions will be used effectively to assist law enforcement in continuing to make the Flathead a safe place to live.
And if you or others have information about crimes from mailbox bashing to murder and need to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers at 752-8477 (752-TIPS). Thanks for your support of the Flathead Valley’s law enforcement agencies.
Allen Chrisman
Watch your pets
Our pets and animals rely solely on us for their safety and comfort, especially during the winter months. They are particularly vulnerable during frigid cold weather, and with just a few extra precautions we can help make sure that they stay safe and healthy.
We can help our pets remain happy and healthy during the colder months by following these simple guidelines that are provided by the Humane Society of the United States:
Don't leave dogs outdoors when the temperature drops. Very young and very old dogs and all cats should never be left outside without supervision during extremely cold weather.
No matter what the temperature, windchill can threaten a pet's life. During these cold days and nights, pets are happiest and healthiest when kept indoors. If a dog is an outdoor dog, he/she should be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his/her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should be turned to face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.
Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make sure water isn't frozen and use plastic instead of metal.
Warm engines in parked cars attract cats and small wildlife, who may crawl up under the hood. To avoid injuring any hidden animals, bang on your car's hood to scare them away before starting your engine.
Antifreeze is deadly poison. Be sure to wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach.
And lastly, probably the best prevention for pets and companion animals is to keep them inside with us during the cold weather.
Cindie Jobe
Kil