Good morning. Happy International Credit Union Day. It’s also Get Smart About Credit Day. Seriously. I can’t decide which one to celebrate. Dapper Dan Testa is on assignment this morning, so, once again, I’m filling in on the buffet line. We visit with the father of two children who were kidnapped by their mother in March and are still missing. Lido Vizzutti has an audio slide show on the first football game between Glacier and Flathead high schools, so you can relive all the rivalry fun. John Frandsen writes a guest column on the relationship between Whitefish and Flathead County Commissioner Gary Hall, saying it’s time for some “rational discourse.” On our Columbia Falls prep page we talk to senior football player and wrestler Michael Hader.
In state news, Lee Newspapers reports that the U.S. Senate has approved a measure to prevent Montana’s unofficial slogan, “The Last Best Place,” from being trademarked. The Associated Press has story on how several coal-fired plants proposals have been scrapped out of “concerns over global warming and rising construction costs.” Robert Struckman at NewWest.net reports that Big Sky Airlines is now also focusing on Boston skies. And Ted Sullivan at the Bozeman Daily Chronicle writes on the first Montana sex offender sentenced to life in prison under the federal “two strikes and you’re out” law.
Finally, a Grey Parrot has become an unlikely rugby fan. “He talks, he swears at the ref …” the bird’s owner said, “he’s not the prettiest bird but he’s a lot of fun.” Sounds like it. One day ‘til Friday.