We bid a fond farewell to our friend and colleague Gladys Shay, who passed away Monday after a long life well spent tending to family, community and her loyal readers.

Gladys was the quintessential weekly newspaper journalist. She worked with Hungry Horse News editor Mel Ruder from the day he founded the paper in 1946 until the mid-1970s, and then came back as a columnist for many years under other editors. She also played an active role in social and civic life in Columbia Falls for decades.

She was an unceasing reader of newspapers, and a generous source of news tips, compliments and the occasional criticism to her colleagues. Looking back, most of her emails to us in the last 15 years had “Congrats” in the subject line, but her succinct philosophy regarding the ups and downs of the news business bears repeating:

“Always flattered when receiving a complaint. Shows someone read my article. Never was awakened by a reader with a compliment!”

Gladys will be missed by all who knew her, and by those who had read her as well. It was fitting that her obituary in Thursday’s paper signed off with the traditional symbol (—30—) that marked the end of a story in the days of hot type.

Goodbye, Gladys.

Local students pitch in for some good causes

Last week a couple of events underscored the value of community spirit.

On Oct. 23, a host of Flathead High School students — around 500 of them — turned out around town for the school’s first service day.

Orange-clad students representing 16 activities, clubs and sports spent the afternoon raking, picking up garbage and painting fences.

The next night, Flathead and Glacier High combined forces during the crosstown football game to raise money for 2-year-old Thelma Mae Briney, who is battling a rare form of kidney cancer.

Football players had Thelma Strong stickers on their helmets and the game became a focal point for donations to Thelma and awareness of childhood cancer.

Both the service day and Thelma Strong campaign were wonderful examples of youths pitching in for good causes.