Opinion: Ice rink crew appreciates community support

The board of the Mission Valley Ice Arena Association (MVIAA) extends sincere thanks to the many generous local donors, businesses and organizations whose support has helped realize the dream of an indoor ice arena. Thanks to this remarkable community effort, construction has begun.

Following initial fundraising by our all-volunteer MVIAA directors, developer Mike Maddy generously donated a commercial lot by the Mission Valley Aquatics Center. Greater Polson Community Foundation and numerous other organizations are providing invaluable support.

MVIAA qualified for a Montana Commerce construction grant funded through lodging taxes. Danell “Bumper” Thingelstad is managing the project with local service providers whenever possible, keeping our investment in the community. Bret Richardson of Stonefly Financial is our fiduciary.

Mission Valley Ice Arena will provide programs for youth and adult hockey, ice dancing, skills clinics, curling, performances, tournaments and public skating during colder months. Off-season, the facility will accommodate a variety of non-ice community events.

This project is truly a community achievement, made possible through the generosity, hard work and commitment of many. We are deeply grateful to everyone who's contributed time, resources, expertise and encouragement along the way.

– Volunteer MVIAA directors: Jamie Buhr, Linda Greenwood, Devin Huntley, Hilary Lozar, Charlie Mizia, Carmine Mowbray, Joel Onsager, Steve Todd and Chuck Wall