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Reader's Alley

By IR Staff - 09/27/07

Letters to the editor

Picture not needed

I am troubled by the front-page picture of the 17-year-old boy who accidentally started the fire.

Granted, it was a horrendous fire, and he did a very stupid thing, but he is a minor and I don’t think he should be publicly humiliated in this way.

High-school kids are frequently guilty of poor judgment, and even those who do malicious vandalism usually aren’t pictured on the front page in prison garb. I have a feeling that this will haunt him for the rest of his life — and he hasn’t even had his day in court yet.

Whatever happened to the standard that used to be followed, when even the names of minors were withheld. I think you were wrong to print this picture.

Mary Jo Olson

312 Holter

Capitol the best site

Concerning the article by Tom O’Connell about the museum site:

He is right on that this treasure should be on the campus grounds. If it gets too far away from the Capitol, the beautiful Capitol would be the loser. This building, in its remodeled state, is a must see for visitors, just as much as the museum. It is gorgeous.

I have been afraid that the museum would be “stuffed” into the Great Northern, which would be a total disaster.

B. J. Buda

1 Mueller Court

It’s county’s decision

The Montana Heritage Commission would like to clarify information about the Law and Justice Center proposed for Virginia City.

I have read several letters referring readers to us for comments and requesting a change in the plans for the Justice Center. Please know, this project is under the sole jurisdiction of the Madison County Commission.

Public comments and concerns about their proposal need to go to the Madison County Commission, P.O. Box 278, Virginia City, MT 59755.

The MHC manages the state historic properties in Virginia City and Nevada City. We understand that many residents are concerned about potential changes to the town. However, the decision on the county’s proposal will be determined by the voters of Madison County. I greatly appreciate everyone’s interest in our historic sites.

Paul Reichert, executive director

Montana Heritage Commission

101 Reeder’s Alley

Current rating: 2.6 with 9 ratings.

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Reader Comments:

TACoulter wrote on Sep 27, 2007 2:39 PM:

" How Just is Justice I was recently involved as the plaintiff in a small claims court case here in Helena, I was seeking restitution for my purebred yellow lab getting pregnant by a dog that was loose in my neighborhood. My case was heard in small claims court, I had five witnesses that seen the dog in question in or around my fenced yard while my dog was in heat. The defendant had no witnesses, and openly admitted that her dog had escaped her yard. Her main defense is that she was a single parent living with her parents, and it would be a financial hardship if the judgment was in my favor. I was awarded $2000.00. The plaintiff appealed the courts decision. She did not believe that her dog was the responsible party. Due to an error by the clerk’s office, before an appeal could be filed, the case would need to be reheard in small claims court. During the retrial, I had my four other witness appear, and they stated that they had seen the dog in question in or around my fenced yard while my dog was in heat. The defendant brought one witness, he also openly admitted that the defendant’s dog escapes the yard. Again the defendant brought-up several time, her financial situation. The defendant also requested a DNA test to hopefully prove her dog’s innocence, and requested that I pay for half of the test. The test came back positive that the dog in question was the father. The court ruled in the defendants favor. With five eye witnesses and a positive DNA test, I appealed the decision to district court, the ruling for the defendant was upheld. My conclusion: If you are a rich and famous ex-football player you can get away with murder. If you are a financial unstable single parent living with your parents, your dog can get away with rape. "

t_mt wrote on Sep 27, 2007 9:40 AM:

" In response to the "Picture not needed" letter. This young man is 18 years old which makes him an adult, if he was 17 he would not have been in jail. In the picture, that would be his appearance in court, thus he did have his day in court. I suggest all the facts be gathered before you point fingers and yell at people for doing what they have every right to do. "

montanadude wrote on Sep 27, 2007 8:32 AM:

" Chad Hunter Truscott was 18 years of age when he started the spring meadow fire. His age was clearly identified in the first sentance of the story along with his picture. As an adult, he can enjoy all the publicity he can get for his crime. He knew this when he turned 18, all of us know that. Hopefully, folks like Mary Jo Olson can get all the facts correct before making unfounded comments for publication. Take the time to read the story carefully and not just to look at the pictures. "