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Tuesday Buffet: Doughnut to Supreme Court, New State Spending, No Pets-on-Lap Driving

By Beacon Staff

Good morning and happy National Teacher Day.

On the Beacon this morning, our top story is once again about the never-ending saga of legal battles over the “planning doughnut,” with the Whitefish City Council last night voting to appeal a district judge ruling, taking the case to the state Supreme Court. In Kalispell, the city council voted last night to purchase a small piece of land as part of the city’s airport expansion. A 26-year-old man died in an apartment fire in Libby. The man who died in a motorcycle crash near Whitefish has been identified as Douglas Knudsen.

In state news, a Helena judge says he will hold a new hearing on the 6-year-old school funding lawsuit to determine if the state is living up to its constitutional obligation to adequately fund schools. The search continues for two inmates who escaped from the womens’ prison in Billings. State agencies have submitted a request to the governor’s office for an increase in general fund spending of $413 million, to hire 245 new employees. Looks like its going to be another fun Legislature. Montana’s highest ranking National Guard officer, Adj. Gen. Randy Mosley, announced his retirement, and said the state’s Guard is stronger than ever.

And finally, a law in the California Legislature may prohibit people from having pets on their laps while they drive – but lawmakers say the bill has nothing to do with Britney Spears. Have a great day.