Good morning and happy 85th birthday Bob Barker!
On the Beacon this morning, the upper classmen on the Glacier High boys basketball team are providing the experience to lead the team to a colossal season. The state has awarded Community, Counseling and Correctional Services a contract to build a 40-bed pre-release facility in the Kalispell area. Two Evergreen men sell Christmas trees and donate the money to local charities that work to help needy kids get warmer clothes. A Ronan man with a long rap sheet has been sentenced to eight years for burning a jailer by throwing hot coffee on him.
In state news, a new report doubts the effectiveness of the Montana Meth Project. The Yellowstone Club opens today, despite ongoing legal wrangling over financing for the exclusive resort for the ultra-rich. In light of the economy, Gov. Brian Schweitzer is rewriting his budget proposal for the 2009 Legislature and cutting out tens of millions of dollars in spending. Tired of waiting for national reform, the Helena City-County Health Board is launching its own project to provide healthcare for the area. Bankruptcy lawyers in Bozeman are keeping busy. The family and friends of late Butte state Rep. George Groesbeck gathered yesterday to pay their respects.
And finally, check out the hottest new item in Italy, where nativity figurines of President-elect Barack Obama are flying off the shelves. Have a great weekend.