Letters to the Editor

Applaud law enforcement 

Since the late 1800s a member of my family has been involved with law enforcement through each generation in some shape or form. The first was my great-grandfather as a constable in Mitchell, S. Dak.

I have worked with police in this town in years past and with other departments across the state. My brother recently retired from the department in Rockford, Ill., and I also worked with vice in that particular city.

I guess the reason I am writing this is to assure this department that, as a member of this community, I have the greatest respect for the positions of police officers and would gladly step in to assist in any way I could to ensure their safety.

As a community we should all do that. Are there bad cops? Yes. But the majority are great men and women who are doing a very difficult and dangerous job. I applaud them.

Kerry West

Staples, Minn.

Relay = hope 

Relay for Life represents the hope that those lost to cancer will never be forgotten, that those with cancer will be supported and that one day cancer will be eliminated.

A small group of volunteers are dedicated to making these goals come true at the Staples-Motley Relay for Life on Friday evening, July 22, beginning at 5 p.m.at the Motley fairgrounds.

Relay is a family friendly event. We celebrate with food, games, music and silent auction starting at 5 p.m. At 7 p.m. the program begins with a speaker educating the audience about what it is like to have had cancer. There is a walk honoring survivors and one for caregivers.

We remember those surviving cancer and those lost to cancer by lighting of the luminaries at dusk. We fight back taking action against cancer by getting active, eating right, not smoking and by protecting our skin from the sun.

Teams, organizations and individuals join together to raise funds for the American Cancer Society for cancer research, education programs, advocacy and services to local people who have cancer. 

Relay is symbolizing the battle waged around the clock by those facing cancer so Relay lasts all night for the teams. The goal is to engage more community members in these efforts. 

Bring your family and support the cause Friday evening, July 22, at the Motley fairgrounds.

Barb Peterson

Staples, Minn.