Top of the list

In a letter to the editor in the Whitefish Pilot two weeks ago, Marcus Brainard criticized Jackie Fuller and questioned her leadership as an athletic director. To "blame" Ms. Fuller for retirements is ludicrous.

Our school district has excellent administrators, educators and coaches who are dedicated to serving our students.

Jackie Fuller is at the top of that list when it comes to working with our schools, our community and most importantly our children. Jackie is extremely dedicated to her job and puts in a tremendous amount of time serving as Whitefish High School athletic director.

For Mr. Brainard to personally attack Jackie Fuller in a public forum without having all the facts is unacceptable. Perhaps Mr. Brainard would be better served to meet with Jackie personally to discuss his concerns.

Karen Jacobson

Whitefish

Pig wrestling

I'd like to pose a respectful question to Whitefish and our educated and caring Flathead Valley communities. Why are we not understanding "pig wrestling" to be cruelty to animals? And why is it being permitted when other activities involving the abuse of animals are not allowed by law?

The animal used for this 'sport" does not have a choice. It is trapped and chased around a pen in mud that makes it difficult for it to run safely without falling. In this state of stress and fear, squealing in distress and unable to see clearly, with stinging mud in its eyes, mouth and nose, the pig is chased, grabbed at and harshly pushed and squeezed by human arms and legs.

Grasping hands pull at its body and limbs, then the heavy animal is lifted unskillfully and manhandled backwards into a container — undoubtedly causing bruising and injury to its legs, muscles and skin — at the same time as being deeply stressed and exhausted.

Surrounded by frightening loud shouts and cheers, the pig is unable to understand that this is a human "game" and that it isn't in fact going to be intentionally killed, although the stress might later accomplish that result and it will very likely be injured.

I truly believe that collectively we know better. Come on, we know this is simply not acceptable or kind treatment of animals. Please stand up and say no to this and similar cruel treatments of animals in the name of "fun." As a community of responsible and thoughtful individuals, please think about what this really means for the experience of the animals.

Whitefish and Flathead Valley, please set a better example and teach our community's children a healthy respect for animals. Stop the cruel activity of "pig wrestling" and choose activities that support a kinder, responsible approach that considers the well-being and happiness of animals and people.

Michele Carbery

Whitefish

Downtown changes

I have been following with great interest the articles in the Whitefish Pilot about the proposed changes downtown and would like to share my story.

I lived in Whitefish in August-December of 1970 when I was 12 years old. I live in Vancouver, Wash., now. Even though I lived in Whitefish for a short time, it had a profound effect on my life. I didn't want to leave when it was time to come back to Portland, Ore., and I always dreamed of going back to Whitefish.

I returned to Whitefish many years later during Thanksgiving week of 2007 for a vacation. The town still had the same charm it had in 1970, all those years ago. The Haines drug store was still there (I know it no longer is). I remember going there after school (Central Middle School) in 1970.

Being in Whitefish again was like reconnecting with an old friend. I hated to leave and cried most of the way home.

I came to Whitefish again this year. My fianc and I got married at Glacier National Park on April 11, and we spent two weeks in Whitefish on our honeymoon. I wanted Whitefish and its people to play an important part in this most special event in our lives, and it did.

In April, I was just learning of the proposed changes to downtown. Being someone who has had a lifelong love affair with Whitefish, please reconsider the proposed changes. Yes, the sidewalks could be re-paved, as they are cracked and lifting in places, but please don't make drastic changes and turn it into "every other town." I already live in one of those towns. The next time I come to Whitefish, I want it to be basically how I left it.

There is one thing that hasn't changed since I've known Whitefish, and I'm sure it can't be changed by any physical changes that are made to downtown. It's the wonderful, friendly, fun, caring people who are Whitefish. They make us feel at home every time we're there. To those of you who don't want your town to change, I support you. Don't fix something that's not broken.

Joni Foster

Vancouver, Wash.