Hi-Line Darts & Laurels

Laurel — Mail carriers will conduct their annual food drive on Saturday. There is always a need for food at area food banks, but the need is stronger now than ever. The letter carriers food drive raises more food for food banks than virtually any other event. Help them out by leaving some food near your mailbox. You won't miss the food anywhere near as much as the recipients will appreciate it.

Laurel — And speaking of the food bank, Penny Velk has stepped down as the manager of the Havre Food Bank. For years, her name has been synonymous with the food bank. Lots of people have had enough to eat because of her selfless dedication. People always felt safe donating to the food bank. They knew the money or food would be put to good use under Penny's supervision. Best of luck in your future, Penn

Dart — Don't expect the plight of Robert Webb to generate much sympathy from the public. The two-time convicted child molester and two-time drunken driver was shoveling grain in a work detail at Montana Sate Prison, when he broke his toe. He said prison officials didn't move fast enough to get him medical attention. All of this caused him mental and physical trauma, Webb said. Now, prison officials are responsible for taking care of people in their custody, but we don't think the mental and physical trauma is quite worth the amount he is suing for: $2.2 million. How about the children he molested? Maybe they suffered enough to get the $2.2 million.

Laurel — Herman Handstede drives the Disabled American Veterans bus to Fort Harrison, giving rides to Hi-Line vets who need medical attention. On a recent run, two of the vets he was transporting became ill. He provided first-responder attention and took them to a hospital where they are recovering. He was recently honored by the Havre Public Schools Community Education program and will later be saluted by DAV.

Dart — It has certainly taken the city of Havre enough time to respond to Evelyn Krause, who is upset that a burned-out house in her neighborhood has been left unattended, attracting vandals. Something should be done about this house and other community eyesores. If city officials don't have the authority under existing laws, new laws ought to be enacted and enforced to give them the right to "encourage" landowners to keep their properties up to standards.