Stephen Naethe of Pablo continues to dominate the Mack Days tournament. Meanwhile, Kalispell City Council bans new medical marijuana businesses.
HIGH
BRIAN SCHWEITZER – The governor’s administration successfully negotiates lower lease rates for agencies renting space across the state, saving more than $3.4 million.
CONRAD BURNS – This former Montana senator is regaining strength and recovering well from a December stroke.
CENTURYTEL – Acquiring Quest Communications in a $10.6 billion-deal, CenturyTel will become a landline telecom giant serving 37 states.
STEPHEN NAETHE – This Pablo teen is dominating the Mack Days tournament, having caught the most fish (765), the largest fish (41 3/4 inches and 30.4 pounds) and the two smallest fish (240 mm and 206 mm).
BETWEEN
TOURISM – Experts predict a 2 percent increase in tourism in Montana, spurred by the Glacier Centennial celebration. That’s good news for the economy, but will depend on how much visitors are willing to spend when they arrive, and how wildfire season shapes up following a dry winter.
LOW
CONGRESS – A few weeks back this column optimistically declared bipartisanship could resume on financial reform, but apparently, no such luck. The filibuster threats are once again flowing fast and furious!
MEDICAL MARIJUANA – Kalispell City Council votes to ban any new medical marijuana business from setting up shop in city limits.
FLATHEAD LAKE – Poor snowpack is causing an April runoff forecast for the lake at 66 percent of average, with nearly full pool expected by the end of June.
ASIAN AUTOS – A new poll finds slightly more Americans prefer U.S. cars over Asian automobiles, 38 percent to 33 percent.