Newest member takes dip

Ron Klin, 69, and twin brother of “Polar Bear” Rick Klin, took the plunge in the Kootenai River at 2 p.m. Saturday and became an official member of the Polar Bear Club. Klin was born with Cerebral Palsy, a disorder of groups that can involve brain and nervous system functions. Klin resides at the Achievements Montana Avenue Group Home in Libby. He told his caregivers he wanted to become a Polar Bear. He would be unable to attempt the feat without the help of others. However, Alternatives caregivers Kelda Latham-Bennett, Pam Rhodes and Amanda Demessemaker were up for the challenge. The women carried Klin into the chilly waters, and with the help of brother Rick, Klin was dubbed a Polar Bear.  Klin was wisked from the river to his wheelchair to be dried off and warmed up. He wore his brother’s polar bear beanie-hat for warmth. Klin was asked if he would get in the river and do it again. “Yes!” Klin said.

**In the Friday, Dec. 9 edition of The Western News and printing error was made — the Achievements Montana Group Home assisted Mr. Klin, not the Alternatives Montana Group Home.