Good morning. Today, in 1861, a federal income tax was levied for the first time in the United States.
On the Beacon this morning, Dan Testa reports on last night’s Kalispel City Council meeting, where a proposed special parks maintenance district drew both criticism and support. And two University of Montana economists are reducing their growth forecast for Flathead County, now anticipating significantly slower economic growth than they predicted at the beginning of the year.
In other news, Missoula County has obtained some documents related to private negotiations that occurred between the U.S. Forest Service and Plum Creek Timber Co., which holds easements for use of Forest Service roads. Residents along the border are stuck between a push for better national security and a need to improve a lackluster rural economy. And Montana’s wheat crop draws positive reviews as an anticipated 90.7-million-bushel harvest is delivered.
Finally, a hotshot firefighter battling the 4,700-acre LeHardy fire in Yellowstone National Park was back to work Monday, only a day after being roughed up by a grizzly bear escaping the blaze. Happy Tuesday, folks.