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HIGHS & LOWS

By Beacon Staff

Butte native Bryon Wilson is having a good week after winning a bronze in men’s moguls. Meanwhile, the Revenue Department is facing another lawsuit over property taxes.

HIGH
GORDON CAMPBELL – The administration of the British Columbia premier announced a ban on mining and drilling in the Canadian Flathead.
BRYON WILSON – This Butte native won a bronze medal in mogul skiing at the Vancouver Olympics.
JIM LYNCH – The director of the state transportation department unveiled a highway watch program for the east shore of Flathead Lake to improve truck traffic safety.
WILDCATS/KATS – Columbia Falls boys and girls basketball teams are dominating Northwestern A division, and are undefeated in conference play.

BETWEEN
STATE COAL – Montana’s attempt to sell leases on the Otter Creek tracts near Wyoming received no bidders, with coal companies and Republicans saying the price is too high. Lowering the price, however, could cost the state tens of millions. The all-Democrat Land Board has some tough decisions to make this week on a thorny issue.

LOW
MAX BAUCUS – The Montana senator unveiled a bipartisan “Jobs Bill” but Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid promptly rejected it in favor of a slimmer bill less bogged down with pork for business groups and doctors.
REVENUE DEPT. – More lawsuits against the state over property reappraisal, as the Farm Bureau Federation and Taxpayers Association contend agricultural property tax increases were phased in incorrectly.
LAKE TROUT – The 10-year management agreement on this fish is set to expire, and anglers are butting heads with the Confederated Salish-Kootenai Tribes and Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials over whether gill-netting is necessary to control the population.
STATE PENSIONS – The Montana Pension fund lost a quarter of its value in 2008 and 2009.