The City is considering selling the rights to rename Denton Field after some company. Now, I can understand the reasoning behind this but it still bothers me. Denton Field was named to HONOR a person. Selling the name seems so crass to me. Big Corporate Field just isn't as hometown as a place named after a person.

Maybe I am old and who the heck remembers Glenn Denton and why not go for the bucks. I'm not a sports person so maybe the sports folks are all for this.

What is your opinion?

In my opinion, I wouldn't mind it being named "Walmart Field" if it meant making big bucks to improve it and the city. But thats what I think.

I don't know who Mr. Denton was but, would tend to lean toward retaining the name. Sometimes money is more beneficial to the giver if it is anonymous.

Glenn Denton was my Great Uncle who was a WWI Veteran and hero. The field was named after him because he organized baseball in the area. From what the family story says. Amorette if I am wrong please correct me. Why should Miles City change the name for some company? It seems to me it has been doing just fine with the name it has. Glenn Denton is buried at the Custer County Cemetary and there are still relatives of his living in Miles City who have played baseball and football on that field. It would be a shame for another landmark in Miles City to be sold(Not in selling the field but in the name). Its bad enough that they are tearing down the old laundry.

[This message has been edited by Jeff Newby (4/15/2011)]

As one who sold poppies for Mr. Denton to help pay my way to Boys State and worked for several years for his daughter and grandson, I must express my vehement opposition to such a callused and disrespectful idea. The name of the field should NOT be changed. Shame on the city for even considering such a proposal. The field is named after Mr. Denton to honor him for all of his work and dedication with legion baseball and many other things the man did for this community.

I want to know when this issue will be discussed at the next city council meeting, because I intend to be there to give the perpetrators of this nonsense the verbal ass-kicking they deserve for proposing such crap. I will also be informing Mr. Denton's family of this this plan. If you persist with this plan, you damm well better have a good attorney, as the coming lawsuit will cost you a hell of a lot more than you ever make from whatever corporate funding you get.

The youth of Miles City ought to be taught what their fore-fathers did locally to give them the opportunities they now enjoy. This is the perfect opportunity to tell Mr. Denton's story and impress upon them what hard work and dedication to a community can accomplish.

This plan needs to be abandoned immediately!

[This message has been edited by Richard Bonine, Jr. (4/15/2011)]

It seems to me that even if you renamed it, the public would still call it Denton Field.

Just ask the Metra park guys...

I still say "Foster Drug " now and then !!!!!

No poop. I'm with Mr. Bonnie.
He loved the game so much he wanted others to play to. I always imagined Mr. Denton as like the Doc from Field of Dreams, maybe he had a dream to fulfill of playing in the bigs but never got to, so he helped a small town play ball. To show thanks, the town named a park after him.......and now some sob wants to take that away from him.

Where do we send protest letters, petition, what do we do?
They can't be serious, are they?
If so, then my only reply would be " You're kill'n me Smalls"

[This message has been edited by ABE (4/16/2011)]

Ironically the "Youth of Miles City" don't all care about Denton Field Richard. Only the sports inclined do. For all I care, as I said, we can name it walmart field and it will be the same to me. A field where kids play sports.

It would sum up the complete sell out of a persons legacy to a community.

They more than likely don't care about the field as much as they do the advertising. Let them fund it all they want, but tell them that the name remains as is, and they can only advertise where there are currently bill boards, and see their helping hand pull away.

[This message has been edited by ABE (4/16/2011)]

I've sat in Denton stadium every week there was a Cowboys game for the last four years and many times in the past fourteen years that I've been here. This is the first time I knew the history behind the name! I'm not all for advertising but I do see the need for cash strapped municipalities to get some needed improvements. The current fundraiser to replace bleachers in nearly funded 100%. NO tax $$$. That is the only way improvements get done in this town because we have no money or it goes somewhere else, but that's another issue.

Billings schools renamed their stadium Wendy's Stadium. It is still refered to Wendy's Daylis Stadium. I'd like to see the Denton name remain on the sign but I'm ok with adding whatever company wants to pay the bucks. I'd just get a 10 year deal and get the $$ up front so if the comapny gets into money trouble like the metra deal we're ahead.

What they need to do is sell the name of the ballpark and keep the name of the field. Wal-Mart Park at Denton Field.

MR, I know what you mean. Amorette still calls it Foster Drug also, even if she is giving directions to an out of town visitor. Maybe we need a sign ordinance where you name all the name your business was been along with what you call it now.

"Big Bucks?"

Exactly how much money would any business be throwing at this field sponsorship?

I want to add Mr. Denton to the Ghost Tour. Anyone know his date of death off-hand so I can look up his obituary. I know some things about him but need more details.

And Maysel was a delight! (That is Mrs. Denton for the uninformed.)

What we need is a plaque on the wall at Denton Field to explain to the youth of this town why the place was named what it is named. I think all buildings/bridges/ whatever named after a person need a big plaque explaining WHY the building was named what it was named. Unless it was because someone gave a whole lotta money.

Amorette: Mr. Denton died in the early 80's before November of 84 which is when I went to work for his grandson. Maysel died in the Mar or Apr of 1987.

I sent you an email with the contact information of the grandson Marc.

Is there anyway, that in addition to the ghost tour, you could put an article in the paper about Mr. Denton? It was 23 years ago tomorrow that Mr. Denton's son-in-law died in an airplane accident flying from Miles City back to Manhattan, KS.

What a shame the old cow town is that desperate for bucks.

Says the guy named Denton.

All I can say is everyone needs to stop being afraid of change. If nothing changed this entire town would fall apart and be lost. Things will be torn down, things will be rebuilt, new people will be coming. We can not keep delaying the inevitable. The more we fight change the more we kill this town. Look at the old buildings on main street buy the park, yea they are cool because they are "old" but they are locked up and falling apart. No one can even see inside them, what good are they. Its sad that nothing new can come here to bring new jobs, and make this town look nicer without so many people fighting with the "well its been here forever". Things will have to change, take some beautiful pictures and frame them so that everyone can remember or see what it was like. If we shut out the world we will end up like those locked up buildings, with no one able to come in, and rotting away to nothing. Just my opinion for what its worth.

Echostar Communications Corp. will give everybody free TV service for ten years if you change the name of your town to "Dish".
A town in Oklahoma changed its name to Viagra for free concert tickets.
I forget, what did General Miles do that was so great?

I don't think adding a sponsor name to 'Denton Field' is a bad idea, as long as its used to fund some kind of improvement to the facility.

I wouldn't support it if the intent is to remove the name Denton from Denton Field, or if the proceeds aren't actually invested back into field improvements.

Once again the answer is a relatively simple one.

Problem: Keep the name "Denton Field" *but* need to generate revenue using the name.

Answer: Send invoices to "Dentons".

...for instance, a quick google search offers the following http://www.dentonvacuum.com/ A revolutionary new vacuum system, surely they would love to keep their existing <wink, wink> sponsorship!

...Denton, Texas http://www.discoverdenton.com/ you know how wealthy some of those Texan cities are right? Maybe we'll get lucky here.

...Cool! A ski area! http://www.skidenton.com/ Cool refreshing sponsorship dollars all year long!

Anyway, you get the idea. Send 'em all a bill! See who ponies up and ..... DON'T CHANGE ANYTHING! They think they're already the sponsor!

What a kneeslapper for us all! Just don't tell Richard Bonine about it...what ya don't know won't hurt you, right?

Oh, and Jeff Denton? Unless you're directly related? Send in a check!

Cheers!
FH

It's interesting that the opposition seems to come from "older" citizens, and the "younger" writers on here tend to think it is fine to change the name. As time gets further from the original time, reason,or person for the name, it seems the less important it is.

Let's look at some names in MC that can be changed since the reason for the name is long gone (or at least sold for the naming rights):

City of Miles (already aptly pointed out)
Spotted Eagle
Fort Keogh
Olive Hotel
Frank Wiley Field
Denton Field
Bender Park
Wibaux Park
Washington School
Jefferson School
Garfield School
Lincoln School
Milligan House
Stower Street
Strevell Street
Haynes Avenue
Tompy Street
Comstock Street
Leighton Blvd.

Many more......

"You have to know the past to understand the present." - Dr. Carl Sagan

Great. Okay Frank, what's it gonna cost me to keep my kids thinking the baseball park is named after me? lol
You forgot the famous line of childrens pajamas. That could be worth a lot.
And "Custer" county, Cory.

[This message has been edited by Jeff Denton (4/16/2011)]

Cory Cutting wrote:

Spotted Eagle

I grew up hearing it referred to as "Crazy Chicken". I've slipped and called it the same in fairly recent conversation and was not misunderstood, so I can't be alone in that one.

Could'nt they still add denton in the new title or naming of the field. (Just and idea)

At first blush I was opposed to the idea when I first read it. Then somebody mentioned Wendy's Daylis which I think works out ok.

Dave, we called it Speckled Sparrow.

How bout "Sponsors Sports Park" @ Denton field?

Problem Solved.

You guys are missing the point. What do you think that this is going to bring in dollars wise? Maybe you can throw in the ice skating rink, tennis courts and etc. Maybe get $5,000 or $10,000? What Miles City has is history and if you start selling that off, you're selling you sole.

Perhaps someone in the "Joe Whalen building @ City Hall" can tell us when the council will meet on this issue and who purposed it?

[This message has been edited by Richard Bonine, Jr. (4/18/2011)]

Would you ask them if I can have the big sign? It would look great in my back yard and I know my kids would NEVER sell it.

"My least-hated, favourite fish would be sole. That way
you don't have to see the eyes. Sole has no eyes."

But! Believe it or not, this could drift right back to Miles City because the next line is " I'd like to be home with my monkey and my dog" and I have early 1950s home movie footage of a monkey rasslin' a St Bernard puppy in Miles City.

Also have footage of a two legged goat, but don't know what that has to do with any of it.

Compromise: What would be wrong with Pepsi Denton Field or MDU Denton Field. If the money went to bettering the facility for the youth of MC Glenn Denton would be the first to vote for it.

I agree with the compromise. "Denton Field at ________ Park" would be OK. Something like that. That seating area behind home plate could use some work.

What would it cost to buy the name rights and just leave it Denton Field?

Really? How much money would any company in Miles city really be willing to pay a year for naming rights? 1K, 2K, probably not anymore than that. They have to look at return for the investment, and to be honest is anyone really going to buy more Coke or go to Wal Mart or buy more tires from Tire Rama because their name is on a sign at a baseball field? Probably not. Greed is the only thing driving the thought of selling naming rights and to be honest whatever the city might get won't even begin to pay for the work that needs to be done there. My guess would be the most likely business to pay for the rights would be Red Rock because they profit the most from what goes on at the field, and I really do not see that happening. Now back to spotted Eagle I remember it as Spotted Dog or Speckled Pheasant

Denton Field at Bonine Park?

Take up a Bonine collection. A few bucks from each kid should do it.

Bob Netherton II wrote:

Denton Field at Bonine Park?

Nah, I don't think so. Maybe Freese ice arena at Denton Field.

~~~~~
Where are the people that can answer the questions I have asked??? Why is nobody in the "Joe Whalen Building @ City Hall discussing the true intentions here?

It would be fun to know what kind of money we're talking about here. And Richard is right, this idea most certainly could be replaced with charitable donations. But like the Fun2U project, it can't be funded WITHIN your community. We have to find a way to reach out to those who have money and would be generous to this cause. Most of those folks caught the first bus out of town the morning after graduation and haven't looked back. Something has to attract their attention and sympathy. This website isn't it, unfortunately.

A fair question, Richard. The Public Service committee of the City Council will be hearing this matter today at noon in City Hall. The memo I prepared for the committee is as follows:

April 15, 2011

To: Members, Public Services Committee
From: Mayor Joe R. Whalen
RE: Selling of Naming Rights to Denton Field

Councilman Ahner and I were approached in my office by Kelly Reid, a coordinator of the Knights of Columbus Mon-Dak Badlands Bowl group, on April 8th with news that the fund-raising effort for improvements at Denton Field is surpassing expectations.

In addition, he advised us that an individual has offered to contribute an additional $125K to facility improvements if the City will name the football stadium after his father. The name of both the potential donor and his father will remain anonymous until a decision is made by this committee and/or the City Council as to whether the naming rights of Denton Field are for sale.

Granted, the opportunity for a sizable contribution doesn't often come along. However, the committee should keep in-mind that city facilities belong to all of Miles City, that there are other options for raising improvement funds, that the value of a contribution is relative to a contributor's net worth, and that the City is in a strong bargaining position when it comes to selling the name of one of its facilities.

I recommend that if the council decides that it's in the best interest of the city to sell naming rights to Denton Field, that it prepares a counteroffer to optimize the value of this opportunity.*

*Followed by Ed Kemmick's recent CITY LIGHTS column in the Sunday Gazette: http://billingsgazette.co...9ec7a.html

Depending upon the decision of the committee, the City Council may take final action as soon as next Tuesday evening.

Joe

Denton Field was named to honor a man. Selling those rights is not honoring someone. It is prostituting someone. I imagine the name will change, because money is more important than honor, but it will be a sad day so see another piece of our history destroyed in exchange for money.

Honors are earned, not purchased.

But $125,000 sounds about right for a little honor.

Wow, now we know a little bit more. I wonder if the person whose name will replace Glenn's is from the Miles City area.
But you know, for that kind of money I'd rather offer to change the name of the county or the town. Before it's forced by political correctness. A lot of our native peoples are not real impressed with the feats of certain army generals. Think about it. It might be worth a lot more than a lousy $125,000. Then as soon as that person passes on it could be sold again.

They better fork over better than $125,000 for the naming of the field, either that or it better look like Dickinson's field. I would also think the new name should be revealed to the public long before voting takes place. I would hate for our new facilities be named Shipley Field or something like that. Shouldn't the naming rights be sold off correctly so they could go to the highest bidder not somebody discussing things in secret with the council and mayor? Or is this something that is out in the open?

It appears that once again I have over-reacted to the "muddled meanderings" of little Miss Stardust. I apologize for my harsh comments.

Mr. Mayor... thanks for your response. The letter sheds much light on what is truly going on.

It seems like the baseball field could be separated from the football field and the name of the baseball field could stay as Denton Field. The football field could be renamed as "Fr. Patrick J. O'Reilly" field or "Ray Reid" field or whatever. As long as Mr. Denton remains singularly honored for his contributions to baseball, I could be supportive of the renaming, assuming it is named after an individual and not a company.

Glen Denton had more to do with MC baseball than football. Why is it necessary to rename the field? Dr. Rauh didn't ask for his name to label the field while donating lights and improved bleachers. I dare say the community ought to provide any funds necessary for improvements, etc. Since the field is primarily used by the schools, it follows that the citizens should support the field. It's such a shame that a man of Glen's stature is relegated to a forgotten past, mostly, I suspect by those who have moved to MC in the recent past. I fear for their parents and grandparents.
By the way, it's Wendy's Field in Daylis Stadium. Wendy's paid for the material and installation of the artificial material laid on the field. Thank God for the history Amorette provides in the paper, which is limited.

[This message has been edited by Bill Zook (4/20/2011)]

Mr. Mayor,
Tell him for $125,000 I'll change my name to whatever he wants.

I lose brain cells reading this.

On a personal level this is a tough debate. Having coached and played countless games at Denton, it is a second home to me. The blood, sweat and tears that have been poured on that field by so many in this community is without value. Is the debate really about naming a complex after an individual or is it about what we are trying to do today for the youth of our community?

I ask this for two reasons...first and foremost, there are a myriad of individuals whom I have had the honor of working beside or playing under that Denton Field could be named after:
Harry Griffith
Dr. Rau
Pappy Neese
Bo Laird
Brandon Patch
etc. etc.
These people have paved the way for so many and have either bent over backwards with their hands and/or given so much of their time that it equates more so than any dollar amount.

Secondly I would be shocked that if Glen Denton were still alive that he would scoff at someone wanting to make improvements for the betterment of the sports and youth in Miles City...obviously I am not trying to speak for Mr. Denton, so this is just my feeling.

So my point is that I am all for having a donor make playing conditions and a nicer complex for the youth of the city and if that means that we change the name of the field, (whether we keep 'Denton' in it or not) I believe we are doing it for the right reasons.

I have a unique perspective on this from various levels and understandings and it is a difficult issue. In the end, I think that if we were to turn away a gift that has a stipulation that will more than likely positively effect a lot of people and 'potentially' disrespect less is somewhat a non issue to me. I guess if the field were named after me and someone came in and wanted to pour in money to improve and wanted to erase my name from it...I could care less...it isn't about me, it is about the many people that this could impact on a positive level.

Now if the field was in great condition and didn't need improvements and someone's sole purpose was to simply throw some money to change the name of the field, then that is a whole other situation. However, I don't feel that is the case here.

I will leave you with this comment...if these people would pour in more dollars, buy some land, build another complex somewhere else in town that the community would use for baseball and football and named the field XYZ Complex...Denton Field may or may not see anymore blood, sweat and tears poured over it again. That would be a shame...Denton Field has rich histories of championships and great athletes' footprints all over it. There is a characteristic of Denton that cannot be matched...it is unique, it is as Harry Griffith said many times, "A Diamond In a Goat's A$$!"

My $1.95 opinion that more than likely doesn't matter...

Coach Brabant
Miles Community College Head Baseball Coach

PS. Like someone mentioned earlier in a post...I highly doubt that I would call it anything other than Denton anyway. Heck, I still call Dehler Park, Cobb Field.

Richard Bonine, Jr. wrote:

It appears that once again I have over-reacted to the "muddled meanderings" of little Miss Stardust. I apologize for my harsh comments.

What was "muddled?" The City is selling off the rights to naming Denton Field. I was correct. Granted, they are selling off for more than I expected and I would like to see open bidding on selling off our history so we could get maximum bang for our selling out but I was right.

[This message has been edited by Amorette Allison (4/20/2011)]

Open bidding should put it back in your price range, Richard.

How long should the new namesake expect to see his name on the sign for $125,000? Surely he would realize that the next philanthropist that walks in could do the same thing. The name changes on the Winston Cup racing class so often I can't keep up with it.

Unless my reading comprehension is failing me drastically the city is not selling anything.

A possible donor has submitted an unsolicited bid for the naming rights and that offer will be discussed by the council.

Jeff Denton wrote:

How long should the new namesake expect to see his name on the sign for $125,000? Surely he would realize that the next philanthropist that walks in could do the same thing. The name changes on the Winston Cup racing class so often I can't keep up with it.

Who cares? If sugar daddies want to line up and drop money on $name_this_week Field, then Miles City should probably swallow its pride and take it.

I mean, whomever this Glenn Denton person was, I'm sure he'd rather have kids playing sports in as nice of facilities as the city can afford than see his name on the marquee.

Hey, you could probably take some of the money and install a nice plaque or something in a prominent area, so that people under the age of 60 would know just who Glenn Denton was.

[This message has been edited by Bridgier (4/20/2011)]

Amorette Allison wrote:

What was "muddled?" The City is selling off the rights to naming Denton Field. I was correct.

Yes, you were "correct". However, had you shared the details that the mayor shared, like the interest was primarily in the football part of the field, I would have maybe spoken a little less aggressively and tempered my speech by using black type instead of red. Lesson learned... until next week anyway.

Bridgier wrote:

I mean, whomever this Glenn Denton person was, I'm sure he'd rather have kids playing sports in as nice of facilities as the city can afford than see his name on the marquee.

Mr. Denton probably would feel that way. His family, however I suspect would be rather upset by the name change. Perhaps someone should ask them. $125K would be chump-change to his family. If asked nicely, they might contribute.

BTW the plaque explaining who Mr. Denton was should be for those under 45, not 60.

[This message has been edited by Richard Bonine, Jr. (4/20/2011)]

Actually, Amorette, Richard is correct. If you re-read your original post, it is a bit misleading.

Amorette Allison wrote:

The City is considering selling the rights to rename Denton Field after some company.

That does not appear to be the case.

Amorette Allison wrote:

Big Corporate Field just isn't as hometown as a place named after a person.

It appears that, should this occur, the field would continue to be named after a person.

I will always call it Denton Field! However I may also be ok with Rauh Park or something like that if it is going to be a better facility. Invesco is still Mile High to most! I also don't think 125,000 is enough to change the name!

After hearing a presentation from a spokesman for the Knights of Columbus, the Public Service committee decided to take no action and to make no recommendation to the City Council on the naming (or renaming) of any facility until the community has been fully briefed on the idea through an upcoming OpEd in the Miles City Star.

The idea, of course, is to develop a strong sense of either community support or opposition re: a name change/improvements at Denton Field. You can be certain that this thread will also serve as both a distribution point and an important part of the feedback presented to committee members.

Would it be possible to have the contributing family consider changing their family surname to "Denton" and then happily take the 125k?

The only additional outlay would be the need for two plaques instead of one.


FH Denton

It really is a shame that people are so smitten with the idea of $125,000 dollars and forgetting the people who have done so much for the city of Miles City and sports. There is a list of names above who did exactly that. But I suspect that their families don't have the money to put their name up at the park. That or people just donated when they were alive not expecting naming rights. One such person that I can think of was Bill Newhouse. Don't take this wrong. But Miles City has little ways to honor people who have given it a life time of making it better. Naming facilities after people such as that is one way.

So I would suggest that the city take a close look at this person that they are thinking of renaming the field for and see what they have done to better the city. To the family that is making the offer. I would suggest that if you feel strongly about honoring your father, donate the money in your fathers name without expectation. Let the people of Miles City decide what is an appropriate way to honor him.

Rename the entire area... the tennis courts, the skating area, the other field (I can't think of the name...) the baseball field, the football field, Jaycee field, the pool... the whole thing.....

Call it "Riverside Park". Google maps shows the entire area as "Riverside Park".

Then name each area ______________ @ Riverside Park.

So Denton Field @ Riverside Park is the baseball field.

Joe's Family Name Field @ Riverside Park is the football field.

Jaycee Field @ Riverside Park

Name the tennis courts for someone if they want to put up some cash that goes to improving that area.... ___________ courts @ Riverside Park.

Laird (or Rivenes) Pool @ Riverside Park ("the Oasis" honors no one, but Sig Laird put her life into that pool, and using Rivenes honors her work and her family in an important way).

Now everyone who wants some naming rights can give money to an area that is important to them, the city gets money, the area gets improved, no area loses its history, and the city still honors the deep history of the Riverside Park area. This allows much more opportunity to honor citizens that have made an impact on a certain area in MC.

Heck, you don't even have to take money to rename an area. Just doing it to honor someone can be done.

I just threw this together, but really like the idea.

[This message has been edited by Cory Cutting (4/20/2011)]

Montana1 wrote:

It really is a shame that people are so smitten with the idea of $125,000 dollars and forgetting the people who have done so much for the city of Miles City and sports.

I don't think anyone (aside from me) is smitten with 125K. That's a lot of money, though. I think they should sell the name unless the community can come up with 125K. I'm sure you can get mc.com to help the ex-pats donate.

As an individual born and raised in Miles City, I feel it necessary to respond to this topic. I am a son of Scottish immigrants, a product of the Miles City public education system, and a graduate of Montana State University - Bozeman.
I was a friend of Glenn Denton. To me he is the epitome of what a community would hope and expect a person could do to benefit that community. I had the opportunity to benefit from the educational, social, and athletic aspects of growing up in a small town in Eastern Montana. Although I chose other avenues of education and employment, I still have a bonding relationship with my home town. Glenn was a valued member of our community, and worked, and volunteered in many capacities. His service in positions at the Miles City Star, radio station KRJF, and with the Miles City youth baseball program should not be forgotten. He and his wife, Maysel, made important contributions to the welfare of Miles City.
As a member of Gordie Spears "All 1930-1980" All Star Legion Team, I did have the opportunity to interact with Glenn Denton for several seasons. He was an individual totally dedicated to betterment of Miles City as a community. My feelings are that his name should not be removed from the title "Denton Field".
My opinion may be somewhat skewed by the fact that I too have a baseball field named in honor of my participation in the community of Ceres, California. I was the varsity baseball coach at Ceres High School for 37 years. It is with extreme pride and humility that I accepted this honor. I will be throwing (lobbing) out the first pitch at our "Art McRae Tournament" next Monday, 4/25.
Whatever the decision of the community and the "powers at be", we strongly suggest that the name of Glenn Denton not be removed from the facility.

Its hard to believe that people are willing to sell their towns history. Yeah $125,000 is alot of money but Miles City should not compromise the history of the town for it.

Don't leave out my dad jeff, he spent many years in that program, built the press box, ran the program for many years and dad was the one who went to bill newhouse with an idea to start a multi state tourney there, which was bulit up to be a very succesfull tournament. He also worked hard to get a regional legion tourney there also. That being said, i dont think they should name it after anyone else but glen denton but i am not opposed to a denton/combo name

AG,

Where do you get a list of Gordie Spear's "All 1930-1980" All Star Legion Team? I wouldn't might seeing that. In fact knowing what Gordie did for covering sports in Miles City, I wouldn't mind seeing the list posted at "Denton Field" in the ball park in honor of him.

Mr. H. is right, his late dad should be honored here too, and even his brother! Surely more names will come up. Is there a Wall of Fame or something similar for displaying photos of these people, and the athletes, too?

What would be nice is like a "Hall of Fame" for DENTON FIELD. Have like a plaque with players names and those of the ones who have made great contributions to the field and the sport. Of course someone will complain that it will cost to much money.

It would cost too much money, Nostradamus.

Anyone have an idea who this family is that is offering up the money? Maybe the individual deserves something some where and the $125k is just a nice offering. One I could think of is the Connor's family for there mom and dad for their work as a sports reporter for the Star and coach at MCC. But ultimately I think it is the people of Miles City who should decide what that honor should be.

If you want a good example of people who have donated to something in Miles City, go look at the lobby of the hospital. Many people donate a lot of money and only recieved a plaque. Maybe Sid Rammer should have required that his name on the hospital when he donated the property. Come to think of that, what did Miles City do to remember him?

[This message has been edited by Bill32 (4/26/2011)]

It can really tick people off to be forgotten when credits are given. So if there is a Wall of Fame, or Hall of Fame, or something, it's gonna have to be big. There were a lot of people who made baseball what it was and is in Miles City.
I'm not sure what was meant by a "too much money" to create some sort of public display at Whatever Field. There should be a study done to figure out what is proper and what the cost would be. Selling the naming rights should cover that cost and get it done first. Wouldn't that make people feel better about the whole thing?

[This message has been edited by Jeff Denton (4/26/2011)]

Bill 32...In response to your inquiry about Gordie Spears' 1930-1980 American Legion All Star Team-it is in the archives of the Miles City Star, August of 1981. The current sports editor "slosh", I believe could probably research it. If not, I do have the article and could mail a copy - don't know how to "scan and post". AGM

Here is what I want to know....All of you who are so against the renaming of Denton Field what have you donated to the Bleacher Fund? For all of you who are so against the renaming of the field are you ready to donate out of your pocket to match what this group is willing to donate to cover the upgrades that will be done? For all of you who are SO against renaming the field do you still have kids that use that field? If so then how could you be ok with the condition it is in and if not then go take a look and sit in those bleachers for two hours, use the wonderful restrooms or excuse me outhouse, and try to make out what they are saying over the speaker system. Maybe then you might have a little bit of different outlook on this whole issue. No matter what is decided it will not be to dishonor anyone but simply to better the field for the future youth. Miles City prides itself on being a supportive community but when it comes time to help they seem to shut their doors or turn the other way. For those of you who have donated then I apologize and this rant is not meant for you. People are so against change but yet when there is an opportunity for them to avoid it they turn away because it will come out of their pocket. Mr. Denton was a generous man who donated a large amount for the field because no one else would and here we are again in the same situation. Let whomever it is that WANTS to donate that large amount of money be honored with their name on the field. We as a community weren't able to come up with the money so let this person make Denton Field something this community can be proud of again and not embarrassed to host games on. Take my two cents for what it's worth but they had to be shared!

I still think my idea was great... but no one commented on it... anyone? I think it opens opportunities to improve the entire area!

If helping kids is important, help them but don't demand someone kiss your backside to prove they want the money.

Honor can be given. It cannot be purchased.

I think the OFFER of $150,000 is quite generous. I don't see it as a demand at all. Whoever may be making this offer is interested in honoring a family member that evidently did lots for this community, and Denton Field in particular, while also funding the many improvements needed. Maybe we should wait until that generous family is revealed, and then make a decision. I have 2 ideas as too who that family may be, and both, in my opinion, would be worthy of the honor. I personally don't see any butt kissing going on at all. Just a generous offer to improve the facilities, at no cost to the city or school district. Denton Field is a gem of a facility, and if this is whats needed to lengthen it's usefullness for several more decades, then I say go for it. It's apparent that the city and school district can't or won't make the needed improvements. Let somebody that wants to help make it happen. If Denton Field falls into serious disrepair, and it may be there already, then the money that comes into town because of Denton Field will disappear, harming everyone in town.
Question? What was the fields name before it became Denton Field? Or has it always been named Denton Field? Sorry if that info was posted above. If it was, I missed it.
I also think if Mr. Denton were alive today, he would gladly accept the name change as a conduit to improved facilities, helping kids in Miles City for years to come. I didn't know the man, but that sounds like the kind of man he was.

Cory, I liked it.

It was called City Ball Park. It was named after Glenn Denton in 1966. And I still believe honors can only be given, not bought. But my ego isn't so huge I require a building to be named after me before I do a good deed.

I was only seven at the time and had never yet been to MC but I heard how pissed Mr.Ball's family was when they took City's name down.

Sorry if it's been mentioned, but what exactly did Mr. Denton do that 45 years of having his name on the field is insufficient thanks for?

Stop getting in the way of Amorette's progress.

I'm sure it involved a metal bat.

Glenn Denton dedicated much of his life to sports, baseball in particular. I wasn't aware that honoring someone had a time limit. I guess once a person is mostly forgotten, there is no point in honoring them any more. Can't make any effort to explain to someone who that person was.

So, why bother naming something after someone at all? In a few years, the honor and the person will be forgotten. Take it back to City Ball Park. Take the name off all the streets and bridges and number things to be efficient. Then no one will have to ask "who was this person and why should I remember this person?"

My biggest complaint is still this is not about honoring the guy with the checkbook. This is about the guy with the checkbook buying his name on a building because he wants it there. This isn't about helping the kids, which Mr. Denton did. It is about one man's ego. Progress isn't the issue. Ego is.

Amorette Allison wrote:

So, why bother naming something after someone at all? In a few years, the honor and the person will be forgotten.

I can think of 125,000 reasons. You realize there is going to be quite a bit of change once the sign is paid for? People, some of them youth, might benefit.

So you would take 125K away from the sports program because you don't want to indulge someone's ego?

Screw Glenn Denton. All that matters in this world is money. Right. Got the message.

[This message has been edited by Amorette Allison (4/28/2011)]

This has turned into a pretty lively discussion. Several quality thoughts and ideas have been floated. Please, keep the comments coming. The Public Services committee is meeting next week and we'll print all of your comments made by Tuesday for review by the City Council.

It's a sensitive issue. Please try to stay constructive.

Thanks.

Joe

First, I think that we have gotten too emotional here for a real idea to take hold. This family has come along and wants to honor their loved one by donating some money for a name on the field that apparently the person appreciated. Now we don't know who the family is, so lets not get all huffy. We might find out the name and then be all about honoring the person plus getting the money.

Amorette, its not about ego.... chill out a bit! I usually side with your view, but you are overreacting here I think. Now you may know who the family is thus driving your anger. But from where I sit, your cheese is sliding!

If I had money, I wouldn't mind honoring my father... who was at one time a father of the city. But few alive now, and definately not anyone young, would remember that. But in the 50's and 60's, my father was on the council, was a leading businessman, and was on the very first Legion team in MC in 1939 (along with Speer and Lee). If I had the cash, I'd certainly be doing something to honor him. Nothing wrong with wanting to do that.

If your beef is with taking away 'Denton' from the field, my previous suggestion fixes that.

Let's come up with some ideas that allow the city to honor residents, get some cash, and maintain the history. We're not getting anywhere right now.... and since the Mayor is reading and listening, we ALL have an opportunity to have an influence on our hometown no matter where we currently are. Get your idea caps on folks!!

Nobody wants to throw Denton under the bus Amorette. But if lots of money doesn't appear quickly, the entire argument will be mute. Without an influx of cash, from somewhere, the place will be unfit for use by kids in a short time. I don't see the city or the school district stepping up to make the needed improvements. Obviously the city is short on discretionary funds, as is the school district. I just don't see any other way to make the needed improvements. But I am willing to listen to any ideas regarding funding for those needs. The field itself has always been outstanding, both baseball and football fields, but if the surrounding amenities suck, and unfortunately they do, even a perfect playing surface is not enough. The concession stands, the bathrooms, the complete lack of dressing rooms, and several other things need to be addressed. An older stadium like Denton Field needs love and care, not to mention an expensive upgrade every few decades. Based on the popularity of this thread, I'd say the love is there, but Denton Field needs more than just our love and fond memories to remain a viable venue.

Yes this is all about money, which is desperately needed in your town. Key words, desperately needed. Desperate people will do worse than dishonor heroes when push comes to shove, huh?
It's pretty neat that your local government will acknowledge it hears our voices and will consider our opinions. Miles City is lucky.
I suggest there will be a clearly written contract indicating how long the next name will be on the field. If $125K were spread out over 45 years, that's about $2800 a year. Pretty cheap price for top billing in such sponsorship, isn't it? This should be bargained for, what is it really worth?
And seriously, as I said from the start, my only regrets would be that I can't claim the place is named after me. As if anyone ever believed that other than my kids...
Amorette, you'll have to get over it, come on, your town needs to thrive somehow, not languish in historical doom. I have no doubt a building will be named for you, and perhaps soon. It won't be real big, but hopefully will be warm, lighted, comfortable, private, vandal-proof, deodorized, security guarded and professionally maintained. Your dream come true, bless you.
You all really should consider changing the name of your town, or county. I'm not joking. It could bring HUGE money, and make history.

Being from the younger generation in Miles City I have no clue who Mr. Denton is, and has horrible as it may sound I don't care. I have never sat at Denton Field and wondered why it was named what it is, but I have sat there and thought wow this place really needs improvements. Do you think that people from out of town really care who or what our field is named after? No. If we provide a nicer field just think of the events it would bring to Miles City. More events = $$$$! Yes Miles City needs money, we need to bring people to own town to support our local businesses. It does no good to keep Miles City's history if there is no Miles City. I fear that one day we may become "Terry". If we do not come up with ideas to improve the same thing will happen to us. Times are changing, as scary as that maybe for some people to except we have to roll with it.

[This message has been edited by Chelsee (4/29/2011)]

Mr. Mayor, members of the Public Services Committee, City Council Members,

WASSUP???

Sincerely yours,
FH

For the record, I have no idea who is buying the honor. I just don't like the idea that honor can be bought and sold. However, I bow to the masses. Money talks. Honor means nothing. I get that now.

Right, dear. Chelsea put it best, representing her generation. They don't care. I might ease up a bit on trying to make a difference in this (their) world.

I don't feel it has anything to do with honor verses money. I think Mr. Denton can still be honored in many ways (as others have suggested above). If he loved the game as much as said he did, he would want the field to be improved for the better of the players and fans; for the game to be enjoyed in a comfortable nice appealing environment. To me it would be a bigger embarrassment to have a field falling apart named after me rather than have my name on a plaque at an updated enjoyable field. Just a thought.

It's not about honor or money, it's about the sports program. After all, Mr. Denton worked to have a better sports program, not to have his name on the field right? People who knew him have already stated that he would probably prefer to improve the stadium over having his name on it, so why is it more important to commemorate his work than to continue it?

No need to reinvent the wheel here with my comment. Levi is right on track.

Hmmm..... What's in history then. Maybe there is a company out there who would willing to pay $250k for the naming rights of Miles City. Maybe someone like Hooters and they could name it Hooterville for all the people passing by. Maybe another $100k to have all the women in town wearing skimpy little orange short.

On the serious side. What gives the next generation the right to sell out earlier honors imposed on deserving people just because they don't know the name or accomplishments just because someone rolls into town with a bucket of money. If you want the money that bad, go work with the family and figure out another worth while way to honor that person.

To whoever is offering the money, you are doing no more than prostituting a town. Not the best way to honor your father.

Jeff Denton wrote:

Chelsea put it best, representing her generation. They don't care.

They don't care about the same things YOU do. There's a difference.

Also, I agree with Levi.

Changing the name of a baseball/football field in no way compares to changing the name of our town and making women wear provocative clothes. I by no means am saying that Mr. Denton should be forgotten and should never be honored or spoken of. I just feel this is an improvement our town would benefit from. It is unfair to hold back on town upgrades due to something as little as a name. I am also not implying that my generation does not care about the history of our town. The history of our town and the history of a field are on two different levels; to compare the two is unfair.

History is history. Yes we should be educated about what happened in the past but in order for our town to grow and prosper we have to move forward.

[This message has been edited by Chelsee (4/29/2011)]

I live in King County, Washington, which in 1852 was named after William Rufus de Vane King:



In 1986 Rufus was kicked to the curb in favor of this guy:



So much for honoring Rufus.

http://www.kingcounty.gov.../logo.aspx

I wonder how much MLK donated.

Bill32 does make a good point. You know who makes good money? Pimps.

On April 20th Cory Cutting proposed some ideas which have not generated much comment. I would suggest that those interested in this subject revisit that post.

I think it's important for the city to consider not only the current offer but to address the precedent that their decision will set for the future. It's likely that another offer of similar type will occur in the future so establishing a comprehensive approach to this issue at this time makes sense.

Mr Cuttings' approach suggests a framework that could allow for other investments in the Riverside Park area by interested contributors. It also suggests that the city could choose to honor an individual or family for contributions other than financial.

The currently popular issue of naming rights strikes me as both crass and realistic in that public entities are likely to be under significant fiscal pressures for years to come so coming to grips with how to handle them is a task crying for a comprehensive approach by the City.

Glenn Denton was my uncle. His wife Maysel was my grandmothers sister. Both couples, Maysel and Glenn Denton and Hugh and Iva Newby (Maysel's sister, my grandmother) were active community members.

Maysel and Glenn Denton were life long community contributors improving education and the value of learning as well as baseball and the value of wellness for the community. It grieves me to think now that a life time of building the very foundation for which Miles City was built can be so callously pushed aside. The lure of money seems to have brought out some of baser responses that humans can exhibit... that of greed. I am adamantly opposed to the removal of my uncle's uncle's name from the baseball field. I can be contacted by those opposed to the renaming of the field to support this effort and contribute to solution finding.

I was born and raised in Miles City, graduated for CCHS in 70 and lived and worked in Miles City for years. Please reply to me here and I can give my contact information to those opposed to the removal of my uncle's name.

Christine A. Gregory wrote:

The lure of money seems to have brought out some of baser responses that humans can exhibit... that of greed. I am adamantly opposed to the removal of my uncle's uncle's name from the baseball field.

Big, big eye roll.

I'm curious. Would Mr. Denton, or does his family, support the "ego" involved in demanding that his name remain at the expense of the facility itself and the kids and their sports programs? What good does it do to insist that his name remain on a wall that is soon to crumble? The outrage here is premature considering the name of the benefactor has not been released. Perhaps the person being proposed has done as much, or more, than Mr. Denton. I didn't know the man, but can't imagine that anyone who cared as much for the community and kids of Miles City would prefer the vanity of his name being attached to the field to having a viable program and facility the kids could actually use for years to come. As has been stated, the restrooms, locker rooms and grandstands are all in terrible shape. Is this really what he would want? I would argue that that would be the ultimate example of ego should the answer be yes.

Buck said:

...a bit of change

I think you're hitting the ball with the bat in this one, little comment.

I think the letter to the editor in the Star last night pretty well covers the plan and, the suggested name.

Jeri, most of us don't get the Star, nor do they put letters to the editor online, so...

Why keep us in suspense?

Sorry, It is very long so, will give you a synopsis. The headine is "Denton Rehab Needed"...written by Kelly Reid of MC. He points out their 3 phase plan to renovate the Field, starting with bleachers, No. One. They have received some generous contributions for that. Then, they have been approached by John Connors with an offer to give Denton Field $125,000 to do Phase Two. It comes with a request to honor his father, Dan Connors, by changing the name to Connors Stadium.

It is a very good article and someone more skilled than I could possibly scan it and put it on here. Kelly says that if you have any questions, please call him at 853-4820.

Hope this helps.

How about Connors Stadium at Denton Park?

[This message has been edited by Buck Showalter (4/30/2011)]

I would so love to have a full page scan of that, I could print it on the 24 incher and frame it. "Denton Rehab Needed" indeed.
Please tell us who the Connors are.

I would be happy to give my paper to a person who is capable of copying the article. Call me at 234-7230.

The article points out that Dan Connors was a very important part of sports history here in Miles City and did as much to influence the youth of Miles City as anyone. His football teams were very influential in Miles City football history. The go on to say that "We knew Mr. Glenn Denton and he was a great man; nobody means any disrespect and his contributions to Miles City will not be forgotten."

John Connors is from Miles City and was the CFO of Microsoft Corporation at one point in time.

I know him, and have met him on many occasions, such as bumping into his family at a bowling alley. He is a good guy.

I can't claim to be his BFF (I'm not), however, as far as I know he previously offered to help the city build a new pool via a very generous donation (which was turned down by those in control at the time).

To throw my 2 cents worth in, which isn't worth much, I would say I don't see any problem with renaming as long as the original Denton Field is preserved (such as "Acme Park at Denton Field" or whatever), and also that it makes sense from a fiscal standpoint (no 45-year licenses).

In general, if someone offers $125K (even if from the dreaded Wal-Mart), then IMO it should be taken seriously, and a solution to all issues should be addressed. I don't see why that cannot happen. If MC fails to do so again, then I would seriously have to frown upon those who control the strings.

<msg deleted>

[This message has been edited by Joe Smity (4/30/2011)]

Someone mentioned, Denton Field at Connors Stadium???? Wendy's Field at Daylis Stadium seems to work okay. Maybe there would be room for a "History Wall" in the new "Digs"???? Just some thoughts.

HELLOOOO..... I think I have given the best and most useful answer to this problem...... but everyone seems so interested in just arguing! (thanks Art for the support!)

Connors Field at Riverside Park.

Denton Field at Riverside Park.

Rivenes Pool at Riverside Park.

Scanlan Lake at Riverside Park.

Jaycee Field at Riverside Park.

Tedesco Field at Riverside Park.

oOOPS...SORRY, Cor. No argument here. I guess the important thing is that it gets renovated. One could always say..."I am going to the baseball game in the field across from the Legion"!!!

Cory: you forgot one, Freese Warming House @ riverside park.

Richard, now that was funny.

How about Denton Field on the baseball side and ------- field on the Football side. After all- all of the proposed improvements are for football only, other than the artificial turf with a football grid in it year round.

That's the idea Brady. They didn't change the name of the whole field when they named the pitching area after Brandon. This isn't rocket science. Just some simple marketing.

The phases as listed: #1- BLEACHERS: Total estimated cost $225,000, #2- SPEAKERS, PRESS BOX, ENTRYWAY, FIELD: Total estimated cost $100,000. #3-BATHROOMS AND LOCKERROOMS: Total estimated cost $300,000. As per newspaper article. Seems to be a very large endeavor. Don't forget that if you have any questions you can call Kelly at 853-4820. Just added this for those who have not read the article.

Since Dan had nothing to do with baseball, renaming the baseball field after him seems particularly out of place.

Goodness, these repairs needed are adding up to $3/4 million? This is a lost cause, isn't it? I had no idea.

For God's sakes... Who cares? If the Connors family wants to honor a man for his good deeds in the community and help that community out, let them.

Or maybe they could sponsor a few basketball tournaments for the Shamrocks. While more appropriate, only about 25 years behind.

With all love Amorette, I gotta say "get a grip here".

Amorette Allison wrote:

Since Dan had nothing to do with baseball, renaming the baseball field after him seems particularly out of place.

Is anyone purposing to do that? Near as I can tell the effort is focussed on the football field. Renaming the football field after Mr. Connors is a fine thing to do. The baseball field can remain Denton field. Everyone should be happy.

I was happy to read the post concerning the letter to the editor relative to "Renaming Denton Field". As a 1952 graduate of Custer County high school and after receiving a degree from MSU Bozeman in 1956, my time spent in Miles City was limited to family visits and class reunions. I was fortunate to gain five years of summer employment with Northern Pacific and Milwaukee Railroads while attending college. My last work in Miles City, before being drafted by the Army in October of 1956, was "icing down" potato trains from Idaho.
I did not know Dan Connors or his John son, but it appears that Dan made many contributions to Miles City and would certainly be worthy of having an athletic facility named in his honor. I don't know the conditions being presented from Attorney Reid and John Connor. My initial post was supporting the position that Glenn Denton's name should not be removed. For reasons previously expressed, I still support that premise.
I think a plan based on the proposals presented by Cory Cutting should be given strong consideration. I also believe that the tenet presented that Glenn Denton would choose 1) removal of his name and facility improvements over 2) leaving his name on a deteriorating, unsightly, and unsafe facility is a moot point. It is unfathomable that any of us, with an athletic facility named in our honor, would choose the second option.
I would also like to thank Mayor Whalen for monitoring this thread and offering to print and present viable options to the decision making body.
I would also like to thank the Webmaster for hosting and managing this informative site.

I still want to know why it is necessary to rename Denton Field at all? Why can't John just write a check? Why does he have to dishonor one man to honor another?

But, it isn't up to me. Since everybody is doing it, selling out must be the right thing to do.

I knew John with both the good things that he has done for Montana and the bad things. A $125,000 to John is like one of us donating $500. John just do the right thing by donating the money and see what the people of Miles City do to honor it. No strings attached.

Amorette, with all due respect...

When the people that bought the laundry were still a mystery and their motives/uses unknown you labelled them "money grubbers." The building had/has to be torn down because it was deteriorated very badly - no reflection on the people after all.

People are expressing opinions about keeping a MC youth facility (ball park) that balance honoring one person, possibly an additional person, and they're all "sell outs."


I hope you've never made a post scolding anybody about judging Miles Citians harshly and that we're all very friendly except a few bad apples that make us look bad?

It takes a lot for me to say all of that but your fear of change is showing in some awfully harsh ways.

Calling me names and lying about me doesn't change the argument. I am not the subject.

The subject is, why does John Connors want to dishonor Glenn Denton? Couldn't he donate the money without that condition? Would Dan be happy to hear that one man's legacy must be shunted aside in order to grant him one? The Dan Connors I knew (and my mother was one of his wife's best friends) did not strike me as a egotistical fellow who wanted his name on things. He wanted what was best for kids in Miles City, without conditions.

I am sure the City will toss the legacy of Mr. Denton aside for the money. I just hope that the legacy of Mr. Denton is offered to the highest bidder and that it is made clear, that legacy will only last until the next high bidder comes along.

One last time: (this reminds of gay marriage arguments where no one actually answers the question asked, just attacks the person asking it.)

Why does John have to change the name of Denton Field? Could he donate the money without that condition or would his check bounce because it can only go to "Connors" Field? Could he give the money, acknowledge his father's goods works, and find another way to honor Dan without casting aside those who went before?

Why do donations have to have strings attached? Has the concept of a good deed as its own reward vanished from our culture? Why couldn't the check be written just to do something for sports?

Does anyone have the answer to those questions? Not because I am asking them but because they need to be answered.

Amorette Allison wrote:

Calling me names and lying about me doesn't change the argument. I am not the subject.

Wow.

Amorette Allison wrote:

The subject is, why does John Connors want to dishonor Glenn Denton?

Double wow.

You're bent. Now someone called you name.

[This message has been edited by Buck Showalter (5/2/2011)]

There you go again. Worry is the price you pay for something that may not happen.

Nobody is officially purposing that Glenn Denton's name be removed from anything. That is a fig-newton of your imagination. Mr. Denton's interest was baseball. As far as I can tell his name will stay on the baseball stadium. How is he being "dishonored" if he share some of the area with Mr. Connors? The truth is he is not being dishonored.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with John wanting to give some money with the caveat that the football part of the area be named after his father, who frankly has a pretty stunning record on that field. If he just gave the money, his father's story would not be told. After just a few years, the memory of who gave money to fix up something would be forgotten.

And frankly, fixing up the football portion of the field and NOT giving credit to those who were involved, gives Mr. Denton credit for things in which he had no involvement.

Further, the 501c3 poverty mentality that you project on nearly every project that comes along is pretty disheartening. This is unfortunately one of the attitudes that make MC a good place to be from. Frankly, it likely turns a lot of expatriates off who might want to give money to help there hometown. Who wants to give money to something and undergo the crap that you've put up here. Perhaps this is something where you need to be part of a family that has completely left the community to understand the dynamic.

[This message has been edited by Richard Bonine, Jr. (5/2/2011)]

Amorette,

The suggestion that seems to be taking hold would not replace Denton's name with anyone elses. There are 2 different areas in the park, and naming one for another honorable man is a fine idea. The only way to answer your question of "Why can't the money just come with no strings?" I ask you why not? If I was going to give a heck of a lot less cash than that I would ask for something nice. There's nothing wrong with asking for something for the money.

But what I see happening with your argument is the same as before. The question is not getting answered to the same as how you feel, so you just keep digging the hole. If you are that upset by this concept, go to the council meeting and object.

But after all of this, John may very well say screw it and not do anything with the money because it causes so much conflict. That's what I would say. Hopefully, a rational thought process can both honor these men and get much needed help for the community. Let's be happy that can happen and say "Thank You" to someone with the ability to help that is willing to do so.

Thank you John for your offer! Honoring your father is not only a wonderful idea, but much deserved. Both of your parents were great people who did great things for Miles City. Miles City is lucky to have been blessed with their influence.

Just a personal observation from someone sitting on the sidelines of this discussion. My only experience with Denton Field is taking pictures at some of the football and baseball games and one funeral that have gone on at the field. The photos will not change if the field changes name nor will the future photos change so the name is of little concern to me personally even though it is to Amorette. My comment is more of a question. Why was there no official mention or discussion of a possible name change until Amorette posted here? If there was no shame in what they were doing, why hide in the dark doing the deed making no publicity until after it was going to be a done deal?

Being a second generation journalist and having lived in Belgrade, MT. where and when the state had to step in and force the mayor and city council out of office for doing deals in the back room of the mayor's restaurant, the secrecy is what Amorette is going on about in the first place. Trying to avoid controversy is no excuse for doing public deals on public property out of the public's view. Dan Connors was a good man, a good coach, a positive force in the community and Amorette grew up knowing him and his family, Sue worked with and was one of Amorette's mother's best friends. If this had been done in public view from the start she may have well been on the other side of the issue. Instead the whole idea is given a bad feel because it leaked from a back room somewhere.

Richard and Cory.

Steve, you have the benefit of knowing Amorette's concerns better than the rest of us, which leads you to this conclusion. Unfortunately, it is impossible for us to come to the same conclusion because her original post contained nothing in regards to the issue of secrecy (and was actually incredibly misleading and inflammatory), and the bulk of her posts express outrage at the lack of honor, greed and ego in the proposal. We do not have the benefit of listening to her opinions at home. We are left to decide her intent based on what she types here. And quite frankly, this whole argument has become very irrational.

This thread is, and was from the start, titled "Renaming Denton Field".
It's too bad it isn't/wasn't called "Part of Park to be named for Legendary Football Coach".
It just started off on the wrong tone, didn't it? Why? I'm starting to worry about the honesty and intent of some people. Sooner or later I take everything they say with a grain of salt. Everything.

Sounds like they want to sale out Miles City's history for top dollar. To MARY B, its not about vanity for one persons name its about the history of Miles City and what Uncle Glenn did for the community. If we sale out the history what is there left. If the people of Miles City want the name changed thats fine it just wont be home for me anymore. After serving 21yrs in the military I have always called Miles City home. In dark times when I needed to remember where I was from and to make sure I survived to return to the community that raised me and the town I missed and loved to start giving away the history just makes me sad.

Perhaps if the City Council and the other parties involved that started this issue were a bit more open in their intent, this wouldn't have become such an inflammatory discussion.

Weren't some of the same parties involved this time in the group that tried to influence the council members some months back? I remember hearing scuttlebutt about secret meetings with groups of council members to arrange for the purchase of the west half of Riverside park. I seem to remember hearing about a sports complex or some such, wanting the city to issue bonds for the construction of such but relinquishing the ownership of the land to this group.

I don't fault Amorette for her concerns. Given the how open and above board your City Council is with their plans and dealings (they meet at the Eagles, right? Or is it the 600?) perhaps people should have a greater degree of skepticism in their local governments (How's that County Ambulance working out btw?)

[This message has been edited by Joe Smity (5/3/2011)]

And if that was how this conversation had been originally presented, I think it would have taken a very different course.

"something" ballpark at Denton Complex
"ice skating rink" at Denton Complex
"Tedesco" Field (is it even called this anymore?) at Denton Complex
"Connors" Field at Denton Complex
"parking lot" at Denton Complex

Doesn't this satisfy everyone? Mr. Denton can still be honored for what he did and other people can be honored for what they have done.

In this case people need to put emotion aside and look at what is best for the complex itself. I haven't been to Denton Field in probably 10 years, and back then it needed repairs. I can only imagine what it's like now. The baseball seating was never comfortable and was my Grandparents biggest complaint while watching the grandkids play baseball there.

[This message has been edited by ringin10 (5/3/2011)]

Some people need to settle down and get a grip.

You can't sit on bleachers held together with memories of a prior age; you can't power the lights with the hopes and dreams of baby unicorns.

All this stuff needs money.

No one's name is going to disappear. It may have to share some space with another name on some signage, but it will still be there, an eternal cipher to subsequent generations.

So no one is being disrespected. History and tradition aren't being sacrificed upon the altar of filthy lucre, life will go on, and Miles City may even get something nice out of the deal.

Truly, a tragedy all around.

Jeff N., when you are home (because it's still your home after Miles City decided not to "sale"out) make sure to blanket yourself in that history while visiting Denton to shelter yourself against the decay. I'm personally a fan of the head in the sand approach.

I appreciate the fact that everyone wants to improve the field. But I still struggle with the idea that someone could come in and "buy" the rights to honor someone. And to create a licensing agreement so that the name can't be changed for 45 years, come on. This isn't an Nike agreement with Jordan or Tiger, it's Miles City. I wonder what would have happened if others who did good things in Miles City had required licensing agreements with naming rights. Say the property that the Randall family or the money and time that Doug Phair had donated for the soccer fields. Wonder what would have happened if ego had gotten in the way there.

So I still say that honor is not for sale. John do the right thing, donate the money in your fathers name with no strings attached and see where it goes from there.

P.S. - I do like the suggestions given in this forum of ways to increase the possibilities for honoring people in Miles City who have done so much for the town. But let it be an honor, not a price tag.

Denise Selk wrote:

and was actually incredibly misleading and inflammatory

All I did was note what was on the committee agenda. That's it. That was all I knew. I'm sorry I didn't know the whole story but the whole story wasn't released to the public. I wrote what I knew. The single line on the agenda. How that was 'misleading' and 'inflammatory' I don't know, since all it was was the single fact of the agenda item.

And, for the last time, IT IS NOT ABOUT ME! Get a grip, people. My opinion is obviously worth spit but we still have decisions to make that are unrelated to ME. As fabulous and important as you make ME out to be, the lawyers will need to get involved now.

Okay, we have agreed to sell naming rights. Now what?

1) Do we accept the first bid or do we negotiate?

2) If we decide to accept bidding, do we have open bidding, like an auction, or closed bids, like for buying city equipment.

3) Do we accept whatever conditions Mr. Connors wants to put on us or do we give him conditions he has to meet, like a plaque telling the entire history of the complex with all the relevant names on it?

4) How long do the naming rights last? One year? Five years? In perpetuity? We need more money. What if the Denton family comes back next year with $150,000?

5) How will this effect further fundraising? Will people demand naming rights before donating? Will be people be offended by what is being done and refuse to donate?

6) Does community consensus enter into it or is it entirely checkbook-based?

7) Should these discussions be open to the public or kept on the Q.T. until the deal is done?

There are still LOTS and LOTS of questions be answered before any further steps are taken.

Long term thinking, people. It's what I do. Yes, we need money now and here it is but we will need money next year and the year after that and have to have a procedure and mechanisms in place for selling naming rights because this is how things are done now.

Pondering and extrapolating what is known/unknown/guessed...

Amorette Allison wrote:

the lawyers will need to get involved now.

What information would the City likely let citizens have input on in all of this? Or, do we know it's definitely been kept under the table or does it just look like a bad PR move to be having talks internally?

What particulars exist, if known, in the accepting of donations or the naming conventions of the field have been presented by lawyers? Are there stipulations that outright make some options impossible?

What, if any, stipulations might there be about the current name NOT being altered at all (in other words - is there a chance that there's a clause that does not allow changes to the name of the field, period)?

What could the City make decisions on by itself, purely as a course of duty? In other words, is there anything (other than good community relations) that the City MUST work with citizens or is the City obligated, legally, in any way to handle the possible donation and naming on its own with zero citizen input?

Amorette Allison wrote:

How long do the naming rights last? One year? Five years? In perpetuity?

Is there anything currently in place for the Denton name that would make all this a moot point?

Amorette Allison wrote:

Does community consensus enter into it or is it entirely checkbook-based?

Somewhat circular to what I was pondering above already, but is there anything other than positive-PR that the City has to oblige in doing this? Or, is this well within the realm of something the City could do with zero outside input if they didn't care about public reaction?

I may have missed it in this thread, sorry if so, but is there a timeline going on with this? Is it still preliminary or is it so far gone into whichever done-deal it's impossible to influence now?

To paraphrase Richard from above:

And this is why Miles City can't have nice things.

Bridgier wrote:

To paraphrase Richard from above:

And this is why Miles City can't have nice things.

Perhaps a Grand Poobah could be elected to make all decisions across the board without all the jumble of thinking/over-thinking.

His/her term would last one year and THEN the citizens would vote on whether they did a good job or not. If they did well - they step down and go back to life. If they did a lousy job - they're voted off the island and must live in Glendive.

I'll donate $1,000,000 to Miles City if they will change the town's name to Glendive Jr.

The City is considering selling the rights to rename Denton Field after some company.Big Corporate Field just isn't as hometown as a place named after a person.

Okay, we have agreed to sell naming rights. Now what?

I don't know how to do the little boxes - but both above statements are from Amorettes posts.

1) Did the city agenda say this exactly? I find it hard to believe. From what Mayor Whalen has said the city was approached about renaming the FOOTBALL portion of the field and it would be named after a PERSON.

2) Is this true? Did I miss something somewhere? Has the city decided to rename the field?

Again I will state that Cory's suggestion seems to be able to please everyone. Why can't this be presented to the city as an option?

For $125,000 you can purchase the name of a certain part of the complex for the length of 5 years. Thats $25k a year that can be used for improvements, etc. After the 5 years has been completed they can re-up the contract or the city can reserve the rights to rename the field whatever they want.

The agenda for the Public Service Committee (who is charge of the parks) said, and I quote, "Selling Naming Rights to Denton Field."

That was it. No other information. Everything else came out after I started this thread. So it was neither "inaccurate" or "inflammatory." It just was.

The Public Service Committee (of the City Council) decided to take no action until further discussion. Partly because, at the time, the donation and renaming was anonymous and who the field was to be named after was unknown.

So, no action has been taken although much information has been revealed that should have been out front from the beginning.

And to put the box around things, write the word quote in square brackets at the beginning and /quote in square brackets at the end. Instructions are below the reply field.

Me thinks Denise Selk (one of my favorite posters) took a cheap shot at Amorette by characterizing her initial post as "misleading and inflammatory". It did mention the possibility of a corporate donor at a time when the donor had not been identified so while a reasonable possibility that was speculative, but to suggest inflammatory was a major reach.

In fact the initial post has resulted in a lively discussion which is what a political forum should do. And I believe the views expressed should be considered by the decision makers.

I must beg to differ Art. An excerpt from the original post:

The City is considering selling the rights to rename Denton Field after some company.

There is no speculation here, no suggestion, no mention that the information being provided may not be certain. It flat out stated that the City is considering it. Couple that with numerous other posts, as Dan Mowry pointed out (the Miles City Laundry building discussion being the most recent), and I stand behind my assertion that yes, according to the word's very definition, this original post served no other purpose than to inflame the masses with half-truths. Why not, like the laundry building discussion, wait to obtain the facts before posting?

This is in no way a character assassination of Amorette. She is normally one of the posters I most enjoy. I just happen to believe that the most productive conversations stem from a foundation of fact and not emotion, rumor and bias. But, to each her own.

church

I posted what was printed on the Public Service Committee Agenda. That was ALL I knew. If the agenda item had said "Connors family donation to rename football field," I would have just shrugged. When I asked at the time, no one at City Hall or the Star knew what was going on. All the information came trickling out slowly.

How my telling the truth and giving the public information they had a right to know makes me the villain is beyond me. I am not a soothsayer so I didn't know what was going to come out more than a week later.

I am very saddened to be accused of unethical behavior when I only wanted the public to be in a discussion about a public topic. I am also saddened that this somehow became a personal attack on me rather than a discussion of an issue that was VERY BADLY presented by the Knights of Columbus and John Connors. Had everyone been upfront and honest in the beginning, this wouldn't have happened. How other people's secrets became my fault is, again, a mystery to me.

The laundry building has nothing to do with Denton. Zip. The building was structurally unsound and once I learned the due diligence had been done and the owners had taken everything into consideration, I supported their decision 100 %.

In the future, I will not inform the public about items that should be public knowledge. If things are done behind closed doors and I know about it, I will keep it to myself. I know that this all became about ME somehow and I will withdraw from the conversation.

Unfortunately this post on, "Miles City.com", has turned into a "he said/she said" scenario. The topic, a very important issue, is being sidetracked due to personal feelings. A decision making body is being asked to weigh in on a topic of paramount importance to its community. Its task is unenviable and very important. We hope that its' members are able to sift through the myriad of responses, analyze the data, and arrive at a conclusion that has the best interests of Miles City in mind.
In my humble opinion, I would expect that ideally the naming of any facility would be a heartfelt, no strings attached arrangement. I would also hope that the decision would be based solely on the contributions of that individual to his/her community. Being realistic, and in this age of large scale personal and corporate funding, I know that this is not always the case. There are most likely numerous Miles City individuals, including Dan Connors, who would be worthy of such an honor. I can readily accept and appreciate the pride that John Connors has in proposing this offer to the city of Miles City. Certainly the city in general and the facility specifically, will benefit from this generous offer.
That being said, it is with a very dedicated appreciation of Glenn Denton, and his contributions to the betterment of the community of Miles City, that I would again recommend that his named not be removed from this facility.

Amorette Allison wrote:

I am very saddened to be accused of unethical behavior when I only wanted

You're lost. http://www.milescityhome.com

Amorette Allison wrote:

I am very saddened to be accused of unethical behavior when I only wanted the public to be in a discussion about a public topic.

You weren't informing the public about a public issue, you were spreading false rumors based on your incorrect assumptions.

[This message has been edited by Levi Forman (5/4/2011)]

AMMORETTE! You did nothing wrong....those are words...people put the meaning to them. Out of your control!!! Look at all of the great ideas that came out as a result of the issue!!!! Interesting logic that may never be heard (read) elsewhere.

You have to think that there are many folks out there who are really only interested in a place for the kids to play sports and will like whatever "they" call it.

...And, maybe I took this serious when you all were just having fun!
Naivete'!!!!!!

Against my better judgement I'm going to post. I sincerely hope it not only clears up some points but also brings it back to what the subject it about (although I kinda' doubt it.).


Amorette, I also enjoy your posts and passion for history and preservation. No doubt it's a large part of "what" and "why" you post. Miles City benefits a great deal from it. I, personally, benefit and enjoy it, too. I wouldn't have purchased your three books on MC history had I not.

My other post was meant to point out that your passion does carry some side-effects and that, if you could be mindful of them, your passion would go back to being wonderfully contagious rather than adversarial or biased in presentation.

I could quote or link-to times where you point out in others what you perceive as their faults, motives, or slants as you challenge them to be more even-handed in their views and representations. It would then be equally fair to bring to your attention when your inspired passion causes personal views to sway your choice of words and presentation of topics. I don't think it's necessary and since I'm fond of you I don't want to add to this pile-on any further. So, it's a measured point I'm trying to make with respect and sincerity.

If any person would broach a strong subject with personal assessments or speculations mixed in amongst the facts it does, indeed, risk turning it into the topic being about them, to some degree. The messenger becomes the interpreter. Both reactions are very human.

As for never posting again, et al, well - I suppose that's a route you could take and if it's going to continually have such strong emotional bias then maybe it'd be for the best, I don't know?

However, I'd rather think that you had this brought to your attention during an emotional topic (Miles City history, future and honor of a beloved landmark) that we all feel strongly about, too, and maybe it's just stinging a little? I don't like that, either.

I hope you don't stop posting. I hope you don't have your passion deflected.

Perhaps just a self-reminder about presentation and choices of words? If you feel passionate in bringing topics up chances are others feel passionate in reacting.

I enjoy your contributions to the forum and how you represent the historical culture of MC. So, I hope you're not entirely putt-off.

Anyway, sorry for the long post.

Back at the barnyard...

I want to give a hypothetical here and see what you all think. Let us say that the city passes the funding/namechanging/etc of Denton. I am assuming that these phases are going to take a bit of time to complete and that a majority of them cannot be done during the 4 months (winter) that the field is not being used. So that leaves the other 8 months when the field is being used to make these changes/fixes. Making these changes are going to have requirements that will not allow the use of the field...so my question is, what time of year will these changes be made? Here are the choices:
1. (August-October)During the fall and Cowboy football season
2. (May - July) During the summer and the Mavs season
3. (March - May) During the spring and the Pioneers season.

Am I missing or not seeing something here?

I might be late to the party, but I knew Glenn Denton quite well, in fact he was my Grandpa. I was unaware until just recently that the City was considering a name change of the sports complex to Connors Field or something like that.

I was not so suprised by that as I was by the lack of knowledge of the history of the old ball park. There were a lot of championship teams came out of there back in the day and even the Little League World Series (Legion) was played there. To this date Miles City is I believe still the smallest town to ever host that event. Most of those things all happened under the guidance of Coach Denton. He was Mr. Baseball in Montana and brought a lot of recognition and I'm sure money into the area back then. I also believe he was involved with the formation of the then 9 State Tourney which may have expanded by now, I haven't kept up. I know he did not like the fact that the Tournament was sponsered by a Brewing Company. He was old school in that regard.

The new generations need to know of the hard work and sacrifices of the men and women who built that whole area which is what the Range Rider Museum does such a great job doing. The same should be true of the Ball Fields and other facilities in the area.

My take on it is that the history should be posted somewhere so folks can be proud of the legacy of Denton field and all it stands for and I would be happy to contribute to seeing that doen. I have no problem with the Football field being named after Mr. Conners especially with the nice contribution being made to improve that facility. Grandpa Glenn was all about Baseball that's his legacy and if you think about it, common sense would have you name each facility for the men who helped make them great.

Money talks and the rest walk, is the bottom line, but to have a donation given only if that person can have their way is not a donation it's a bribe. I don't think that is what the family has in mind who is making the generous offer. They I am sure will be reasonable in there attitude to all this and compromises can be made.

Money is tight everywhere but I need to ask a question. Does Miles City have a city sales tax? If not why not? You have a cash cow out on the Interstate exchange with a lot of people stopping to buy food fuel and stay the night. They need to be contributing to the infrastructure of your town. A portion of that can go to the parks and Rec and all of a sudden there is some money available along with the donations to help keep things up to snuff. Just saying......

Long rant, my vote is to let each field be named for the people who helped make them famous and Glenn Denton's name should be the one on the Baseball field. Thanks!

Money is tight everywhere but I need to ask a question. Does Miles City have a city sales tax? If not why not? You have a cash cow out on the Interstate exchange with a lot of people stopping to buy food fuel and stay the night. They need to be contributing to the infrastructure of your town. A portion of that can go to the parks and Rec and all of a sudden there is some money available along with the donations to help keep things up to snuff. Just saying......

No, they don't have a sales tax. Montana law does not allow it.

Whitefish has a city sales tax that brings in a bunch of money. Of course, most of its visitors are outrageously wealthy, though. At this point its citizens are, too. I'm trying to picture Miles City ever being anything like Whitefish... it's just not working.
Perhaps a "bed tax" would work?

"Perhaps a "bed tax" would work?"

Last time I stayed in Miles City there was a $1/night city bed tax. I'm pretty sure some portion of those funds go to help pay for facilities that draw visitors to Miles City.

If I recall correctly, the current mayor tried to promote a local option gas tax but the citizens wanted no part of that.

As Flathead County's cash cow continues to become more tourism-based, it's government struggles to come up with new ways to horn in on the money it brings. We keep hearing that a sales tax is the answer. I say YES but only if the locals can glean a tax refund/rebate/relief. That way only the aliens and tourists and out-of state (and country) luxury home owners are paying it.
Miles City needs something unique to draw in more tourists. Maybe something rodeo-related, like a Bucking Horse sale... year-round. Just think.
edit-correction- Whitefish calls it a "resort tax". It's a two percent sales tax. Since 1996 it's brought in $19 million. Two thirds of it pay for street maintenance. 25% of it is "given" to native residents as property tax rebates. Five percent to City parks. And five percent to administration.

[This message has been edited by Jeff Denton (5/16/2011)]

Back to the original topic, close to a done deal. from Miles City Star
By ELAINE FORMAN
Star Staff Writer
On Tuesday the Miles City Council unanimously approved a move to change Denton Field to "Connors Stadium at the Denton Sports Complex" for 25 years in exchange for a $125,000 donation offered by the late, longtime coach Dan Connors' family.
Now a resolution must be written up and passed.
A public hearing will be held before any final decision is made.
The money would be used to make improvements at the field.
Kelly Reid, part of the effort to replace the football stands, said the complex would include Jaycees Field and Tedesco Field.
Councilman A.C. Ronning said the money is something the city really needs to repair the field.
Councilman John Uden said the field is in terrible shape and there isn't enough money in the city to address it. He added that Connors and Glenn Denton were two outstanding sports figures.
There are many people who have voiced support both sides of the issue in recent months

Steve Allison wrote:

On Tuesday the Miles City Council unanimously approved a move to change Denton Field to "Connors Stadium at the Denton Sports Complex" for 25 years in exchange for a $125,000 donation

I thought the plan was for the baseball field to retain the same name (e.g. "Denton Field") and the football field to take on a new one (e.g. something like "Connors Field")?

Or perhaps the other way around ("Denton Field at the Connors Sports Complex")?

Also, doesn't 25 years seem a bit long for $125,000? Wouldn't 10 years be more appropriate?

I think it works out to about a nickel per month for each resident in the city. I won't factor in the outside-the-city-limits county residents as I'm sure they don't use the facility.

I think they are working in the right direction on the naming of the fields. I might still suggest that the Baseball field be named after Coach Denton just because he was all about baseball. He played semi pro ball back in his youth when a lot of towns in Nebraska would have a team and those kids would get paid to play. The story goes that he had the chance to go to the Big Leagues when a scout saw him play. He must have only been 17 or 18 but his parents forbade it because he needed to get a real job and work. He played the shortstop position. He bought me my first ball glove which I still have and my kids all started out with it.

On the City sales tax thing, I know everyone up there is allergic to sales taxes but a city tax would not add that much to the cost of a sale. Most city sales taxes run around 1.5%. The idea is to take advantage of the traffic from out of town that goes through there everyday of the year. It adds up in a hurry. Where small towns have done that in other States along a main corridor they have been able to lower property taxes and have some nice facilities for the City to offer its residents.

About the sales tax part of this thread. I believe Richard is right that they are illegal but they made a special Resort tax for towns that over a certain percent of their business is tourism. If I remember right it is somewhere around 60%. It was a law Whitefish and West Yellowstone pushed for.

Furthermore, now Kalispell is considering a "transaction fee" of five cents per retail transaction within city limits. It's not a tax. Yeah.
They think it will lower our property taxes. I'd go for that. I wonder if MC folks would.

http://www.digitalballpar...enton.html

I don't post very often so this will be my only response on this issue. I feel that the primary purpose of naming a facility or geographical location after specific individuals or groups pf individuals is for historical purposes. However future generations, for the most part, only recognize the name and not what these individuals have contributed to a community. I would go out on a limb a and venture a guess that the largest majority of our youth today and virtually all out of town guests that visit Miles City have no idea who Glen Denton was. All across our great state one can find Point Of Interest signs, most of which can be found at our rest areas along our interstate highways, to educate travelers as to important landmarks in Montana. Without these informational signs these landmarks and names of historicall important individuals would be lost to the generations. Likewise without educational signs in Miles City our grandchildren and great grandchildren will only recognize a name and will have no idea how important Glen Denton and Dan Connors were to youth athletics in Miles City. Likewise many of our local residents and very few visitors to Miles City have any knowledge as to how Miles City acquired it's name and that Gen. Nelson A. Miles was a highly respected general in our military command in the late 1800's and that after leaving Miles City he subsequently was assigned to Washington, D.C. as the conquest of all the U.S Army. Once again our community has been remiss in not providing informational signs so tha people can be educated with regards to this part of our city's history. In short I would suggest that name become only names to future generations without the ability to educate these generations as to the historical importance these individuals (Mr. Denton and Mr. Connors) were to the advancement of youth atheletics inMiles City. These names will now be available in Miles City for all to see and it has now become our responsibility to make available to everyone the historical information (simliar to the historical point of interest signs) so that everyone can be educated as to the possitive influences the men had on the youth of our community. One other observation and that is how, in most cases, we tend to loose sight of how important the wives of these gentlemen were to their accomplishments and to our community. I did not know Mrs. Denton however it was my priveledge to know Sue Connors who, in my opinion, was one of the most gracious and most respected ladies I have ever known. The Denton's and the Connor's had to feel a true love for the youth of Miles City which, in my opinion, is one of the most admireable traits any individual can exhibit. For history both Glen Denton and Dan Connors will now be honored by future generations and to argue about whose name appears at which location is counter productive to the honor these gentlemen are due by our community. I really do not feel that either of these gentlemen would be very pleased with these arguments.

P.S. Please forgive a few errors is spelling in my previous post. All of my fingertips are numb from an upper spinal injury and typing on my IPad is difficu.lt at best. None the less I hope you all get the intent of that post. (this was typed by the old hunt and peck method. -- LOL)

John

Sorry, I lost focus. Can you repeat everything after, "I don't post very often"?

@Jeff Denton:

I forget, what did General Miles do that was so great?

Not to hijack the thread, but Gen. Miles was actually quite a remarkable fellow. It's been a while since I studied him, so my facts may be bit off:
1) fought tooth and nail with the military and government contractors to deal with fraud and unsuitable provisions for his soldiers and the Native Americans.
2) successfully waged several campaigns to subdue various Native Americans in Montana and the southwest.
3) treated Native Americans with more respect and dignity than most
3) despite making enemies in the military throughout his career, he attained the highest position in the Army (Commanding General of the United States Army), the last person to hold that post.

The reason that he isn't more well known, is that he did step on a lot influential toes, both in the righteous service, and in the rampant political in-fighting that was commonplace between the Civil War and the Great War.

Eh... I liked my naming idea better. It had a better sound and flow to it.

At the going rate of .57 per hour, I would like to be first in line to purchase 2 hours of naming rates in 25 years. Please call it "Frank Hardy's High-fallutin Hawaiian Hot Dog House!"

I have already mailed in the $1.14.

Sure wish I lived there, though. For the price of the stamp, I could almost have a whole hour more!


FH

So I assume these are the misplaced "customer service representatives" at "Frank Hardy's High-fallutin Hawaiian Hot Dog House"

No, those are the Oasis Babes. These are the Hot Dog Girls:
sorry, couldn't make it link. Never mind.

[This message has been edited by Jeff Denton (5/18/2011)]

Richard- Hu-la-la!!

Jeff- Is this it?



Cheers!
FH

No, Frank, the one I was trying to link featured four bikini babes who looked like they could eat a lot of hot dogs...

Disappointed to see the town selling it soul for so little. This isn't an honor for Dan Connor, it's something being bought for him. That's if it who it is being bought for. I don't see the name Dan in front of the proposed "Connor Field".

If those poor girls are mis-placed, I have a place for them.

Disappointed to see the town selling it soul for so little.

Waaaaaaaaa

I would like to thank the Miles City council for adding my Dad's name to Denton Field. I think the honor is well deserved. One of the best things this debate has brought up is that people are also finding out who Glenn Denton is and what he contributed to young people in Miles City. Never in this process did our family or my brother seek to dishonor this man. I hope that people recognize that.

As far as my mom and dad go. They both came from Western Montana to Miles City and planned on staying there for a couple years but something happened. They fell in love with the community and luckily for my six brothers and sister they decided to stay. Miles City is a special community and they recognized that. Both my parents dedicated themselves to the community and the community in turn treated our family incredibly well.

I know that there are so many others that also deserve recognition...Bob Nees, Vern Kailey, Ed Rohloff and Cary Veis also come to mind.

I also think my brother John has unfairly been criticized on this board. John was not born with a silver spoon. He is an incredibly hard worker that earned his place in the world. I am equally as proud to call John my brother. If people want to ask about it being "bought" maybe they can also tell his story. How a kid that graduated from Custer County High School and the University of Montana could work his way to being CFO of Microsoft. That could also serve as inspiration to some young kid. John has never forgot where he came from and the people that helped him in his life.

Our family loves Miles City and the people that live there. Thanks again for this honor.

Kevin Connors

That was really nice, Kevin. I wish you had been in on this from the start. The VERY start.
I think everybody here loves Miles City that much. They just aren't able to do anything about it.
There are a lot of people with roots there who did very well for themselves. All elsewhere, as far as I know, other than a few silver spoons we all know. Just think if they all would care enough to give back something. Or even knew what was needed.
Thanks, Kevin.

I did not go to SH but I did know Dan and respected him alot. He deserves to have something named after him with out any compensation. However I think it is great that his son John is donating much needed money to fix up up this field of memories. I barely knew Glen Denton but from what those who did know him have said about him I think he would appreciate this contribution also. I stand by my vote on the council to accept this money and the naming of the the football field after coach Connors. leif Ronning

Buck,

If you are wondering what soul is, take a drive downtown or out to the A&W and Buttry's. Granted that the downtown is coming back a little. But money came to town and people followed.......

I think it had more to do with the Interstate, but call it soul selling if you'd like.

Kevin,

Thanks for your post. I'm glad to see that some improvements will be made at Denton.

I fear for the future of Miles City since so many will avoid "change" at the expense of letting the city fall to ruins. I don't want to see that happen.

[This message has been edited by Former (5/30/2011)]

To the Connors family,

It is great that you are honoring your father in this way. Dan was a great coach, teacher, and commissioner but most of all he was one heck of a father. He had to be, as he did quite a good job raising such a fine family. I say this knowing that your mother was also a most tremendous mother also. You are truly blessed to have had such fine parents. I remember several conversations with your father when he was commissioner and was always amazed how well he delth with the many demands, complaints and interesting situations that arose. He was a classy man (must have been the Irish in him).

I want to say thank you again, not only for remembering your old hometown, but more importantly your father. This is what makes America such a great place. When childeren honor there Mother and Father.

I look forward to visiting with you the next time your in town.

While I applaud the Connors family for their generosity, Denton Field will always be Denton Field, regardless of what the sign may read.

What is unfair? How about someone's role, as a board member, in the death of Montana Power and electricity deregulation in Montana. For some background info, see http://www.cbsnews.com/st...9719.shtml
and also http://www.mtstandard.com...mode=story.
While these tactics are unfortunately considered "business as usual" and even glorified by the likes of Goldman Sachs and others in the Wall Street crowd, they inevitably create havoc in the lives of "middle class" Americans. Whether it is big business or big government, it is ALWAYS us in the middle that get screwed.

I am convinced that money and power can, and usually does, change people. I've witnessed it many times. Many business moves are rationalized as being acceptable, "Eat or be eaten". But quite simply, we become greedy. Soon, not much giving is done in an altruistic manner, it is usually done for reducing tax liability or name recognition or some other self serving purpose. Of course, you will get many arguments against this foolish thinking, but if you pay attention, it's usually from birds of a feather flocking together.

So I'm not sure what is unfair. John has obviously been very fortunate in his life and I'm sure he worked very hard for what he has, but he has also, at least in part, been involved in creating significant distress to many along the way. In this one particular case, I'm sure that he and the rest of the Montana Power board did not want what ultimately happened. But for the relatively small monetary risk these wealthy people individually took on and to put the livelihoods of hundreds of employees and thousands of ratepayers on the line for a gamble, I think classifies as unfair. Especially since the employees and stockholders did not have a say in this gamble and lost big in the end. This saga can be spun a lot of different ways, but anyone that truly understands this ordeal knows the significance of its outcome and it was bad, really bad. So it seems, life just isn't fair.
But it still seems that we will take what these people are willing to give, regardless of whatever their true motives are, and tagging their name on the "donation" seems a reasonable condition for their good will.

After all, if we don't take it someone else will, and that's how the game is played...rationalization...right?

While I applaud the Connors family for their generosity, Denton Field will always be Denton Field, regardless of what the sign may read.

I agree. Many years ago the stadium where the Jazz play was renamed the Energy Solutions Center. No one calls it that, it will always be the Delta Center.

I have been away for a while, but wasn't the complex, at least part of it named after Roy Slusher? Whatever happened to his legacy?