Good morning; on the Beacon today, the first contract was awarded for the U.S. 93 Bypass project to Utah-based Ames Construction. The Flathead County Commissioners voted in numerous amendments to county zoning regulations in hopes of clarifying zoning processes in the future. Beacon photographer Lido Vizzutti profiles the Hugh Rogers WAG park in Whitefish – a dog park with numerous amenities including a doggy water fountain. Kitchen Guy Chef Jim Gray recounts his love for Oregon wineries, with one vineyard in particular. October home sales across the country rose over 10 percent – the highest level in over two years – as first-time buyers rush to take advantage of the expiring tax credit. Whitefish is considering special zoning regulations for potential medical marijuana shops.
Tensions run high in the Libby city government as accusations of “coward” and “nut” run amok, as well as restraining orders. A Hutterite colony near Billings cut their turkey production in half this year because of the recession but the turkeys remained popular regardless, causing a fowl shortage. The University of Montana Grizzlies beat the Montana State University Bobcats over the weekend during the annual cat-griz football game, which left the Griz with a perfect record on the season. Roughly 1,200 UM employees are facing two-year pay freezes due to budget shortages. The state government does not know how many vehicles it owns and is planning to fix the problem with a $65,000 software system. And congratulations to Great Falls native Raphael Graybill, who was just named as a Rhodes Scholar.