Work is moving along on the U.S. 93 alternate route. Meanwhile, the Flathead County Fair Board is under fire after dismissing the fair manager.
HIGH
BARACK OBAMA – The president’s job approval rating is holding steady at 53 percent, according to a new Associated Press poll, even as Congress’ approval drops to an abysmal 22 percent – though “steady” is a relative term in this fickle political environment.
WOLVES – The wolf population in the Northern Rockies rose last year, but by the slowest rate in 15 years, according to a new report.
COLUMBIANS JAZZ – The C-Falls high school jazz group has been invited to play in the Monterey Jazz Festival’s gathering for young musicians.
BYPASS – Warm weather has made for unexpectedly pleasant working conditions and a rapid kickoff to progress on the Kalispell Bypass a.k.a., U.S. 93 alternate route.
BETWEEN
MEDICAL MARIJUANA – The recent vote by the Kalispell Planning Board to recommend against allowing new dispensary businesses in the city indicates a controversial debate over how municipalities will handle this issue is just getting started.
LOW
BRIAN SCHWEITZER – The Democratic governor had a rough week after local governments cried foul over Commerce Department grants he put on hold. Then the state employee overseeing the grants claimed he was forced out by Schweitzer’s administration.
RANDY VOGEL – Republican Congressman Denny Rehberg’s new state director is charged with poaching an elk, and the political ping-pong is well underway…
BRAD MOLNAR – An examiner found the Republican public service commissioner violated state ethic laws by accepting illegal donations and using state office equipment for campaign purposes, recommending a $5,750 fine.
FAIR BOARD – A group of frustrated residents is calling for the resignation of every single member of the current board after it voted not to renew the Flathead fair manager’s contract.