Good morning and happy National School Nurse Day.
It’s a gray morning in the valley and the new Beacons are on the stands. Our top story this morning looks at the fallout from the recent fuel spill along Highway 35, and whether restrictions for truck traffic along the east shore of Flathead Lake is necessary. Myers Reece looks at the surge in storage unit businesses around the valley – an investment many call “recession-proof real estate.” A Whitefish woodworker crafts Shaker-style furniture out of native woods. And business columnist Mark Riffey criticizes the lack of Web sites among many local restaurants.
Former MSU basketball player Branden Miller was sentenced to 125 years for his role in the murder of Jason Wright. In Great Falls, a decorated veteran of the Iraq War was arrested for the accidental shooting of a fellow airman at a party. Montana received its third bond rating upgrade since last year. U.S. Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., is holding a series of hearings to look at revamping the U.S. healthcare system. In other MSU news, athletes there are losing scholarships and practice time over failing to meet NCAA academic requirements.
And finally, the Missoulian has a great feature about a Rock Creek woman who trains dogs to live in Bangladeshi villages and detect tigers. Have a great day.