Good morning; on the Beacon today, from Bigfork to Whitefish, from Class B to AA, the Flathead Valley has no shortage of championship contenders heading into this weekend’s state cross country meet. Kellie Danielson, who became president and chief executive officer of Montana West Economic Development in Kalispell earlier this year, is tasked with finding ways to bring new business to the Flathead Valley in a time of uncertainty. Small towns report they are having a hard time finding and keeping police officers, and often lose them to places that pay better. The Montana Land Board agreed Monday to increase fees for state land leased to cabin sites but also agreed to extend the length of the leases.
U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg says the nation needs to maintain its land-based nuclear missile arsenal at current levels — both as a shield against foreign adversaries and to protect local communities that could be hurt economically if the missiles were removed. The Montana Judicial Nomination Commission has received 11 applications for one soon-to-be vacant spot on the Montana Supreme Court. A rug store owner whose building was significantly damaged by a deadly natural gas explosion in downtown Bozeman has sued NorthWestern Energy. Classes are back in session this week at schools in Anaconda. Memorial services for Elizabeth Clare Prophet of the Church Universal and Triumphant are scheduled for Thursday. And John S. Adams at the Great Falls Tribune reports on how Montana’s medical marijuana community is applauding a new Obama administration policy that says federal prosecutors should not target marijuana patients and suppliers in states that allow the use of medical marijuana.