Last night there was a horrible accident in our neighborhood. I feel that Miles City needs to make some changes to prevent other accidents of this kind from happening.
1. Sidewalks
2. Bike path
3. 1 DUI Check point a week
4. Police must spend 1/2 of their patrol time in neighborhoods.
5. Required lights on bicycles if they are ridden at dark.
6. Mandatory helmet law for bicycle riders.
Accidents do happen and we can't protect everyone all the time but we need to make an effort. The drunk driver was not driving down Main or Haynes, he was driving down Lincoln. We do not see the police in our neighborhood unless we call them and that is not what tax payers are paying for. Does anyone else have any idea's? My prayers are with these children and their families.

It sounds as though a drunk driver hit a child or children riding their bikes. Can you tell me more about who was involved on the bikes?

All I know is that they were 11 and 13 and things did not look good at all. They did life flight only one out. Head trama on both. They were riding home after the movie. I do not know if they were brothers.

"We do not see the police in our neighborhood unless we call them and that is not what tax payers are paying for"

Um, no sadly - you can prove that by doing some research on our very underfunded police department. You are probably wrong about the police not patrolling your neighborhood - you just haven't seen them.

If you want DUI checkpoints, then we will need to get together and send more funding to the department.

I agree with you this was a horrible accident, and I to wish the victims the very best.

The man who hit the 2 boys was not under the influence of alchol. He was using his cell phone and dropped it. He decided to grab it without pulling over and plowed head on into 2 of 4 boys bicycling. One of the boys is doing ok in the local hospital. The second boy is not doing as well, where doctors in Billings concluded his best chances were to send him to the Denver trauma center.
Most states have adopted strict laws requiring hands free devices to operate a motor vehicle while operating a cell phone. And those are done so because of congestion, along with other reasons. Lets get a grip voters. We are not even heavily populated and still we nearly lost lives because of cell phone related distractions. Like many things now days, abstinance seems to be the safest, but lets be real. Cell phones are likely here to stay. Before we go all or nothing, we need to become aware of the possible problems, act responsibly now, or lose this privelage.
When I talk with my best friend, I dont ever want to hear him say "MY BOY IS NOT BREATHING!" ever again.
The boy Denver bound is doing better than those closest had expected, but his condition remains serious.
(on a good note, this boy gave attitude to the nurses briefly while in x-ray before going to Billings)
Gods speed, my friend.

Damn cellphones...

If I might ask, who were the children who were hurt?

This is very tragic and hit too close to home for me! My daughter who is 8 yrs old and I went for a bike ride lastnight and I decided to take the cemetary loop route cause it was a good ride and lots to look at. The whole entire ride I was drilling her with bike safety and how to watch for cars because they don't always watch for you. I also told her that this route was not a safe one in the dark or at dusk, which was the time we were riding. I was on edge, nervous, and aware of everything around us the whole time and didn't get to relax and enjoy the ride.
When we returned home we complained about our rears being sore and talked about the ride. A half an hour later heard on the scanner about this tragic accident and I couldn't help but sit and think that that could have been us! Very few people driving care about the people who are trying to enjoy the outdoors and pull over toward the middle to give them some room. Especially when you are riding out towards RMC and Horizon, those cars are flying and they don't even care!!
I like the idea of bike paths. The idea of making the dike into a paved path would be awesome! Anyway, I could go on for hours about how people drive in this town and don't care about watching or slowing down for the kids. But there are also the people who truly make a bad mistake too. I feel for the families of these children and for the driver of the vehicle too. May they all recover quickly!

It is hard to refrain from using your cell phone when you see our own law officers driving with a phone up to thier ear. I belive that the officers do pull over to talk, but I haven't see one do so yet. It would be nice to get laws passed banning the use of phones while driving. Just my 2 cents.

Please keep us updated Chris if you possibly can! Just love that little boy! Always had a smile and a big wave for us. My prayers and thoughts are with the family. Hope the other boy is doing well also and he is in our prayers also.

Very little to update. Toes and fingers moved in Denver. This is where no news is good news. A long row to hoe. Ettiquette prevents me from posting a minor's name. Details may be in the Star. (apologies for the spelling hack)

"1. Sidewalks
2. Bike path
3. 1 DUI Check point a week
4. Police must spend 1/2 of their patrol time in neighborhoods.
5. Required lights on bicycles if they are ridden at dark.
6. Mandatory helmet law for bicycle riders.
" - Roxanna

I spoke with the Police Department today regarding these issues.

There is ALREADY a LAW REQUIRING property owners to maintain sidewalks on their boulevard. It is NOT the City's responsibility to create them, but the massive non-compliance and expense makes it a wriggly-stickly can of worms to enforce.

A bike path would certainly improve biker safety in some areas of town, but is impractical in most areas of town due to homes, streets and sidewalks already in place.

The Police Department does not have DUI checkpoint routines. They are easy to setup and primarily require overtime pay. Unfortunately with the under-manning, the existing officers are already working many hours and taking more time away from their families is hard.

The officers are already directed to and are in fact making a presence in the various neighborhoods. More presence would require more officers.

There is ALREADY a LAW REQUIRING night-time headlights. The ordinance considers a Bicycle a vehicle and there are certain laws that still have to be obeyed such as direction of traffic and lighting.

With so many laws already discarded by the general public, I can see a helmet law being equally disregarded and impractical to enforce.


I hope that helps answer your questions.

Is there an update on the little guys?

ok, well let us see....where was Dad? It was 10o pm and the boys were riding their bikes? Who does that???? Are we sure the Dad was looking out for the safety of his boys? No he was not!!!! Neglect in being the caregiver of an 11 year old boy and the neglect of a driver using his cell phone. I think if the Dad did his part in having some what of a watchful eye out for his children on a daily basis this would never have happened. God help him.
I am not saying "I told you so" to the Dad, but I am saying you reap what you sow..... just a principle in life. You will suffer unimaginable consequences when you are not looking out for your children first until they are responsible and on their own....18 maybe? Not 11, on a bike, no helmet and in the dark at 10:00 p.m.!!!!
Where was his state of mind at the time of this horrible moment?!I know you are saying "you can't always have an eye on your children 24/7. Leave the poor guy alone, he's suffering enough...he is the boys Father. Does not every Father love his own child?" I have seen and heard of the neglect of these children by their Father for many years and it make me want to have saved that child from his Dad first and not the driver.
God be with the child, his wonderful caring Mother and may his Dad be transformed by the renewing of his mind.
I do hope his Dad is not eaten away with regret, but becomes a changed man by only the grace of God.
This is a deal breaker. The dad should never be allowed to be caring for the safety of his children again....

anyone? anyone?

They call them accidents because they are accidents. The last thing the dad needs right now is condemnation. If you have never made a mistake, go on. Give him all you've got. If you knew of problems and stood by and did nothing, ask for your own forgiveness. I'd say it would be better use of everyone's time to pray for the recovery of the boy that was seriously hurt.

Seriously raleigh do you even know this family???? My son is best friends with the older boy & dad may not be a saint but he does take care of & watch his kids better than most.And don't you think if he was soooo bad why would they want to be here with there dad??? My heart goes out to mom as I've been where she is with my own boy & my prayers are with both parents. We all make mistakes the last thing dad needs is a guilt trip from someone.

Hey "Raleigh",since you're obviously a perfect parent[if you are indeed one]maybe you should tell everyone your name instead of hiding behind a keyboard.The boys were coming home from the theater,riding on the correct side of the street and it's the Dad's fault that a pickup came all the way across the street to the wrong side to hit them?Your warped logic sickens me.

Raleigh,

As the parent of a 3 1/2 year old boy, what you said was brutally low and ill-informed. That's the nicest thing I can say about your post.

Raleigh,

Bare with me I am going to be one of those people that copies and paste. Your exact works are.....

"I have seen and heard of the neglect of these children by their Father for many years and it make me want to have saved that child from his Dad first and not the driver."

My question to you is why did you sit back for so many years and watch such neglect take place? If you are so concerned why didn't you reach out to help this family?? Not just the children but the father as well?

Parenting is not an easy job we all make mistakes and I am not afraid to admit that but that doesn't mean I don't love my children any less than another parent.

The only perfect person in this world is God and he should be the only person to pass judgement onto others and he is the only one we have to ask forgivness.

Instead of pointing fingers and laying blame on this family you and the rest of this community should pray for the families and all the children that were involved in this horrible accident.

I have to agree as a parent of 4 teens there is nothing wrong with walking home after the movie the problem lies with stupid adults who are to damn busy with the phone conversations then watching the road while driving and I do understand everyone make mistakes so I am not throwing any blame though it sounds that way. We need to drive more careful in the darker areas because as GOOD parents our kids are still going to sneak out or be out and 10 pm at night is actually a cool and normal time for kids to be out, there is friday night bowling, movies and alot of stuff going on then epecially in the summer, and last curfew set by parents and the city is 12 midnight in this town last I checked so if you have the ***** to throw stone do it face to face with the person or parent you are throwing them at otherwise look at those you can prove are not good. I also know this family do to my kids and friends so I also take offense to your post of knocking them. My prayers and thoughts are with them in their time of need and would do anything to help if asked

Update: Still no real good news, but the news isnt getting worse. The next 24 hours is going to be the most critical. Seems swelling in the brain is stopped or at least not progressing. Heavy concern still remains about vision. Still to many things up in the air to know the extent of his injuries but the thing to focus on is he has made it this far and he is a fighter. I will post as information becomes available.
Correction: The driver of the vehicle has been charged with Vehicular Assault, a felony. Legal minds tell me this indicates either the driver was under the influence or intentially struck the children.
I am going to focus on the subject at hand and not even comment on the post above as it doesnt belong here (that and the fact I cant seem to get my head that far up my ass).

[This message has been edited by Chris Peterson (edited 8/2/2007).]

My family's and my thoughts and prayers are with the families of all involved. We hope that the boy in Denver can pull through this--any word on how the other boy is?

The more I think about this, the sicker it makes me. I try to picture myself in the childrens parents shoes and it almost brings me to tears and I dont even know who the kid is. Afterall, I almost went into cardiac arrest when my child slipped and fell on the playground at school the first day of school last year and had to get stiches in his elbow. I cant even imagine what the family is going through. We send all of our prayers and love from the whole community of Miles City to the family and child in Denver. Please keep us informed as to any progress.

Yes I know the family well. Yes I am a parent. Yes I have done much to help the children get out of that invironment, but we all have seen what the law can shut their eyes to. Yes I have compassion for the Father and the suffering he is going through. Yes I know the father is not a saint, as we all are not. No I am not perfect. And yes I know the curfew is 12 midnight. (although not for an 11 year old)And you ask me why the boys want to be with their Dad. Oh Please! We all know children love their parents regardless of their own father's character. And yes children do sneak out of the house on occasion...but not as likley to if the parent is teaching them about making good choices. Regardless, we are not perfect and we really can't avoid what we cannot predict.

I have only gotten a glimps of this man's character, and if you know him better than i do why on earth would you let your child be over to their house????? God forbid!!!!!!!!!

Yes, pull together as a community and support the family in time of their need. But please know the habits and choices of your child's friend's parent. Don,t throw caution into the wind as he did.

Yes pray for the healing of the boy, but also pray for future protection of their soul body and spirit. May they grow up to be men of valor, despite what they have witnessed in theit short lives.

Just a very relevant note. The night before the accident the Mother pleaded with the Father to not let the children out on their bikes or anywhere else after dark.
The intuition of a Mother? ...the neglect of the Father?

I do hope for the recovery of this family, and my own forgiveness of the father.

I don't think you're helping your cause, Raleigh. Best to stop digging.

opinion brian. Isn't that why you are commenting?

I understand and respect your opinion. But in speaking from experience from the minority viewpoint, I am trying to do you a favor by mentioning that it might not be to your benefit to go where you're going with this issue. Just trying to help.

Few know the family as well as I. In fact, I know of no other. Makes me wonder if you are speaking of the same family. I think not. You can tell much about parents, and the quality of parenting reguarding children. Both parents are outstanding individuals, and it shines from both children. From the way they both articulate, the way they treat others, or the faith which leads them along their path in life, these are NOT signs of a bad environment. Take your bashing somewhere else. Start your own thread. Leave this one for the kids who are hurt.

you have got to be kidding me chris, Then how can you let your "friend" whom you "know so well" do what he's been doing for many years in front of his children!!!!!! Treat his only wife the way he did in front of his children. Do you know this imature man the way the mother of his children did. Get your own head out of your own ass and quit looking at him as the victem/hero!!!

He let his children out of the house at dark with no helmet on!!! What don't you understend about that! Their Mother more then begged him not to do this the night before! No fault.......just neglect. Do you understand that Chris?

I love those kids so much, I am sick about what happened. Do Not Get Me Wrong. But why are you in such denial about the Dad? What was he thinking and God forbid, doing when all this took place?

I hope their Mother never leaves them alone with him again. NEGLECT IS ABUSE!

I don't know who you are, but let me set you straight on a few things about OUR family. I have been living with this DAD and these wonderful boys for a little over 2 years now. I will become their step-mom, and the DAD's wife June 21, 2008. Not only is he a wonderful dad, but also a wonderful ex-husband, son, brother, and friend. You say you know this family, but you've only caught a GLIMPSE of his character? What kind of person are you to catch that glimpse you think is so terrible while he is loved and supported by so many? He is a good citizen, always there to help anyone in need. And his children come first and foremost at all times. He had pizza just delivered and was waiting for the boys to get home from the movies, which, they get to do sometimes. They have ridden their bikes and have been riding them in this town for years on this same road. They know to watch for cars, wear light clothing, have reflectors, etc. And they do have a 10:00 curfew, which due to circumstances beyond their control, were not able to abide by.
The man was driving on THE WRONG SIDE OF THE ROAD. If the first two boys would not have swerved to miss HIM, they also would be in very bad shape. The last boy just didn't expect a car to be heading for him on the wrong side of the road head on and didn't quite swerve quick enough. So please, put your efforts toward something more productive, buddy, because you are WAY off course. Kind of like the other offender.

My favorite book:

"Brave New World" Aldous Huxley (1932)

Your answers are in that book.

Yup... raleigh is another sad case of too much parenting by James Dobson.

Dear lori aka (Anna nicole Smth),

Wishing you the best life with Earl.

Wake up and and smell the Budweiser.

I do know hin and i am sure you do too!!!

raleigh,
YOU "Wake up and and smell the Budweiser." I don't care for soymilk and rice crackers thank you.

The topic of this thread was senseless. I am glad to see you keeping on topic.

I really don't think this is the place to expose peoples internal family lives. There are still some things America holds dear, and that is one of them. The ONLY thing we should know in this public forum is that (some) family had a tragic accident that involved (some) circumstances.

There is a reason names are not used on the scanners.

Just because we bash each other politically and get a little heated sometimes does not mean that we don't have respect for each other's viewpoints. We get hot, but still appreciate that people will speak up and share their thoughts. But politics and philosophy is where it needs to STAY. Specific Family structure - Taboo in my book.

If I were you, I would read three books before posting again:
1. Brave new world (posted earlier - short - 90 pages, three copies at MCC and Public Library)

2. What the Buddha Taught - Walpola Rahula - a good day read
http://www.amazon.com/What-Buddha-Taught-Expanded-Dhammapada/dp/0802130313

3. The Holy Bible - Many copies available - I'll give you one. It's a little longer to read.

That should keep you for a few months.

Come back when you have questions on it - and you will...

Raleigh reminds me of Chipmunk...I don't miss his caustic remarks. I was enjoying this forum. Maybe Raleigh could start his own just for tearing people down. If he's not too busy telling people how to live.

AMEN, Mr Brandt!
The young man treated locally is satisfactory condition.
Final update from Denver today (more or less a brief summary)
Extent of injuries is secondary to treatment of the swelling due to head trauma. With swelling under control, they will begin explorering the extent of damage as early as tomorrow. They are keeping him sedated through tonight to keep him comfortable. He is on a respirator as they dont want him breathing on his own until more is known. He is a mess but he is still with us, thanks to some quick action by members of our community and EMT's.
Thank you to the people in the van who called 911. Thank you to the young man who kept it together through these frightening moments to flag down the van and then catch to driver to bring him back to the scene! It wasnt an accident you decided to ride with them moments before this tragic incident.
Thanks and God bless all for your support and understanding through this.

"He let his children out of the house at dark with no helmet on!!! What don't you understend about that! Their Mother more then begged him not to do this the night before! No fault.......just neglect. Do you understand that Chris?"

How would this have prevented the guy from running into these children?

I heard this in a movie once "pull your bottom lip over your head and swallow", maybe this would keep us from reading your ranting stupidity.

Raleigh seems to be engaging in personal ad hominem attacks at the fathers expense here without giving him a chance to defend himself.

I don't know the family but from what I've read here it seems the one who was at fault was the driver of the pick-up truck and not the father who "Neglected in being the caregiver of an 11 year old boy" by "letting his children out of the house at dark with no helmet on".

I used to ride my bike all the time at night without a helmet on. Does this mean my parents were neglectful? Not at all. They knew I was safe and that I was just having some fun. Nothing more, nothing less.

Raleigh I doubt anyone expects to be plowed into by a driver going the wrong way, picking up a dropped cell phone off the floor of the truck. Perhaps if this father had been given a crystal ball to see the future he might have done things differently. But seeing as how he most likely did not have one there was no way he could've anticipated something like this happening.

I'm sure this father already feels bad enough without you throwing him under the bus. Let it go Raleigh and pray for the kids and the entire family, including the father.

[This message has been edited by Kyle L. Varnell (edited 8/2/2007).]

thank you for keeping us updated and I am sorry for the ********* who pretend to know what they don't. I have seen as many children ride around town with no helmets as I do with no seatbelts in cars. so before anyone throws blame they better check their own lifestyles and ways of life cause I bet everyone one hear has drove drunk at one time or another, been talking on a cell phone while driving, or not buckled their child or self in a car properly. So as I said those who live in glass houses should not throw stones. otherwise everytime your child has recieved a bump bruise scratch or fallen then you to must be a bad parent. ACCIDENTS happen no matter what we do to prevent them, thats why they are called ACCIDENTS!!!!!!!
Now instead of wasting your time being **** lets turn that effort into praying for their recovery, ya think.

Raleigh: Don't let the door hit your ass on the way out. Goodbye and good riddance.

For everyone else: Raleigh will no longer be participating in the discussion forums.

Regards, Larry
MilesCity.com Webmaster

[Breaks out Champagne] Thank GOD!

My prayers, too, go out to the families and friends of these boys. But, please remember the young man, and his family, who was driving that night. Remember that this was an accident. He did not intentionally run these boys over. He will have to live with this the rest of his life. If any of you have never been distracted while driving then I guess you haven't driven more than once in your life or are too pompus to admit it. There have been many accusations posted here, both against the driver and against the boys parents. Please, people, this was a tragic accident. I lost a child in an accident several years ago and the rumors that went around after were very hurtful. I don't know if anyone knows exactly what happened that night. Were the boys single file or spread out? Were there more than one on a bike? We could go on and on with the questions and accusations. It seems Chris knows the most, but I don't know if he was there when it happened or not. I do not live in Miles City but I have heard many rumors. So, please quit telling what you don't know (I'm sure Chris will keep us all updated as he is updated) and pray more for all the victims in this accident--the boys on the bike, the driver and all the families.

Billings Gazette Aug.3,07 Lee R. Hartley was administered a field sobriety test which indicated alcohol consumption and impairment. Now the driver is a poor victim. What a crock of road apples. Liberal think speak at its best. Nice spin Betty

What does Liberal/Conservative slant have to do with anything here, Jay? Gad!

Could we just get the finger pointing out of this thread and collectively pray for all the people involved in this....Finger pointing serves no purpose whatsoever except to further upset the community......

Here's the story in its entirety, Jay. Tell me how you see any slant at all, please.

Driver accused of hitting boys
By Gazette News Services

MILES CITY - A Miles City man faces a charge of negligent vehicular assault after striking two boys riding a bike, causing them "serious bodily injury," court records said.

Lee R. Hatley, 27, was driving on a city street shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday when he drifted to the right side of the road, hitting a bicycle the two boys were riding, police said.

Police said they smelled alcohol on Hatley's breath and administered field sobriety tests, "which indicated alcohol consumption and impairment," the records stated.

Miles City police are still investigating the collision with help from the Montana Highway Patrol. More charges may be pending, officials said.

The ages and conditions of the boys were not immediately available.

[This message has been edited by Brian A. Reed (edited 8/3/2007).]

No, Jay, I am not a liberal. But I am a compassionate person. Maybe that is because I have endured heartache in my life and because I have made mistakes. If I had hit someone I, too, would have failed a field sobriety test, and I don't drink. The Gazette article said he drifted to the right. Another post said he was driving on the wrong side of the road. Did he drift or did the boys drift? Did the boys get hit from behind or head-on? Were the boys on the correct side of the road? Was there more than one boy on a bike? We could go on and on. It is still an accident. The driver did not intentionally run into the boys. It does no one any good to throw accusations. At a time like this all involved need support from family, friends and yes, even bloggers. Lets say another pray for those involved and add a line or two for those that need to learn compassion.

"The driver did not intentionally run into the boys...."

i suppose its true that hardly any DRUNK DRIVER ever intentionally wants to cause harm...

jeesh...

look.. imho... it doesnt matter where the boys were in relation to the car and the road.. it is our responsibility as drivers to be alert to any and all possible things when we are driving... sure as heck cant do that when buzzed or drunk... driver had drank.. driver drove.. driver hit...

spped limits are 25 on that street... that street is well lit at night... if the driver was observing the road like he was supposed to, those boys would be home right now...

Good news this morning from Denver, our boy is doing better with every passing hour. He is responding to his family and knows they are there. Thanks for all the prayers as we continue to pray and hope for the recovery of this sweet little boy.

Like Dave said, the driver did it. Why in hell should I (or anyone) feel sorry for this dolt.

Lori and Chris-
Thanks for all the updates; my family and I do not personally know the families involved, but considering kids are involved (and being a mom to a 2 1/2 year old), it's 'nice' to hear how they are doing in all of this.
Thanks again--

I am so glad that the boy in Denver is doing well and hope the other boy is, too. I am praying for complete recovery for them and emotional healing for all their family. I am also praying for the driver. Yes, it looks as if he was in the wrong and he will have to live with that the rest of his life. And, no I don't know him. I just hope and pray that he gets the help and support he needs to get through this and be a better person and make better choices. And he'll undoubtedly get punished through the judicial system, as he should. But, when we lose our compassion for others, even those that make mistakes, then we lose a part of ourselves. I hope we all learned from this tragedy. I know that I thought about it every time I went to adjust the radio or something out the side window caught my eye as I was driving yesterday. How many times have I been distracted and been just plain lucky. And I hope everyone that has had a drink--even one beer--and then drives thinks about this in the future.

I refuse to stick up for the driver, but I also refuse to stick up for the victims. None of you were there, so everyhing is based on the "he said" she said" rumor mill. We have plenty of drunk drivers in MC, as well as to many kids who don't respect/pay attention to the traffic. I will shed no tears for niether of the two. Just my 2 cents.

Two kids get plowed into by a drunk driver looking for his cell phone on the floor of his pick-up and you say you won't shed a tear for them?

And I thought the North Pole was cold.

George Washington Carver:
How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.

Some people think only intellect counts: knowing how to solve problems, knowing how to get by, knowing how to identify an advantage and seize it. But the functions of intellect are insufficient without courage, love, friendship, compassion and empathy.
Dean Koontz


..Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength......
Eric Hoffer (1902 - 1983)

[This message has been edited by Linda Morgan (edited 8/5/2007).]

"...We have plenty of drunk drivers in MC, as well as to many kids who don't respect/pay attention to the traffic. I will shed no tears for niether of the two. Just my 2 cents...."

Do you really think this way?

What exactly is your take on life?

Why bother puttin your "2 cents" in?



anyways... whats the update if any on the kids?

Look at the thread titled Roc Lives. That will give you information on the boy in Denver.

[This message has been edited by Mary De' (edited 8/6/2007).]

Thank you to Miles City for your thoughts and prayers through this tragic journey. I have peace through the holy spirit. As we face each new day the Lord and his ever so present angels will guide Roc through his recovery. His condition is slowly improving daily and the road ahead will be long. It is in Gods hands.


God Bless you all,
Rocs mom,
Patty Williams

To the Williams family,
Thanks for keeping us updated on your child.
Prayers are coming all the way from Houston for your child and your family.
Vicky Strom

Thank you for sharing the George Washington Carver quote: "How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving, and tolerant of the weak and strong; because someday in life you will have been all of these."

It will serve no purpose to place blame by any of us. The situation will be handled by other agencies and the consequences will follow for everyone involved. What we can all do is look for ways to make positive changes where changes are needed. There are many facets to this situation and I am sure many people are looking at it from different angles and with ideas to increase public safety, decrease accidents, and respond with compassion for just some of the issues: distracted driving, impaired driving, street construction and signage, sidewalks and bike paths, parenting strategies, local activities, support for increased law enforcement and emergency responder personnel and training, local communication methods, acknowledging and supporting the many local families which have suffered tragedies, and so many other directions this incident can propel the community. It has been interesting to read the opinions and comments. I believe we should find ways to improve our community and try to find some way to use tragedies for something positive some how. I don't know any of the individuals involved, but they will all remain in many people's prayers.

Does anyone know of any action to create any community improvements or to help the victims involved? Thanks.

I want to pass on my thoughts and prayers to the families of all involved and the community of Miles City. Tragic accidents such as this are never easy on anyone. We all must band together and do what we can to help those in need at this time. Caring and compassion never hurt anyone. There will be many difficult days ahead and much continued support will be needed. Lets all do what we can to ensure the journey ahead will be as smooth as possible for these individuals. My love, thoughts and prayers are with these families.

"None of you were there, so everything is based on the "he said" she said" rumor mill."

I love how facts are based on rumors. This thread went from a drunk driver to a person retriving a cell phone to a drunk driver retriving a cell phone.

It is a very sad thing that happened, but as I was not there and don't know the real facts, I will not feed into the rumor mill. Oh, but wait, I guess we have the always truthfull Billings Gazette to get our rumors from.

K.D.
Please just stop. You are not making things better. Positive thoughts are needed now.

Best news yet! Roc was removed from the respirator yesterday and is breathing on his own today. He sat up in bed and had his first real food today. Way to go Roc!
Sheldon,the other injured in this has broke one arm in atleast 2 places, nearly lost his ear and sprained his leg. Also suffering from a concussion, he remembers nothing of the accident. Probably just as well.

For those of you who wish to help the Williams family with expenses, an account has been set up with the Stockman Bank under the name of Roc Williams. There are also donation points around town. I am finding out details and will pass it along.

Thank you Chris for the update and the information on helping out with medical expenses. I hope all that can pitch in will find it in their hearts to do so. Get well soon Roc.

Roc took a stroll!! Hey, it was only to the rest room, which you may think it is a bit personal....but I dont think so. Not in this case anyway. He is walking, communicating, eating! What next? A discovery flight? Keep it up Roc! We'll see ya soon!
Please do not loose sight of the fact where the medical bills are soaring above $300,000.00, that doesnt cover the expenses of the parents being there for Roc. You cant really place a value on that, but you and I know if Wayne and Patty werent there, it would certainly be empty for Roc. If all you can give is a prayer, that is ok, but if you have an extra few dollar or change rattling around, this is where giving counts. Placement of the donation locations will be available this afternoon. And remember, if you want, you can go right into Stockman Bank to donate. Tell them it's for Roc.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you. There is nothing worse than watching your child lying in a hospital bed and feeling so helpless. So glad to hear he is making so much progress. Every little step is a great accomplishment in a situation such as this!

Have the parents checked into staying at the Ronald McDonald house near the Children's hospital? We stayed there last year when our daughter was in Children's and I cannot say enough about how wonderful it was. Many organizations provide free meals several days a week. And the nightly rate was very cheap.

[This message has been edited by Carol Bean (edited 8/9/2007).]

Roc spoke briefly today on the phone with his brother as he was having breakfast with his dad. I saw photos today for the first time taken as he was in ICU. It was the first time I saw him since the boys rode by my house moments before the incident.
THIS JUST IN!! ROC IS BEING MOVED OUT OF ICU!!!!!

Just a thought...Have the parents thought of setting up a care page to keep the community and friends updated? They can update the condition of Roc, and people may also send their thoughts and prayers, which can be a tremendous boost during this difficult time.

carepages.com

Thank you for your input Carol. The RM house is an awsome resource indeed. If I'm not mistaken, Patty is already high on the list, but as of a few days ago, they were full. That will change, I am sure. Also thank you very much for the carepages.com.

[This message has been edited by Chris Peterson (edited 8/10/2007).]