Flathead events center gets new roof

| June 14, 2005 1:00 AM

The Daily Inter Lake

Flathead County's new fairgrounds event center will be getting a new roof this week.

Fairgrounds Manager Jay Scott said that when the $1.2-million building was built, some of the roof panels were misaligned, and some pre-drilled holes didn't line up properly.

"The roof is leaking," he said. "It's considerable enough to require that the roof be replaced. It isn't feasible to go and repair it."

Scott said a new roof will be built over the existing roof.

County Administrator Mike Pence said the county won't have to pay for the repairs. Some disagreement exists about whether the building contractor or subcontractor is responsible, but one or both of them will pay for the work.

Scott said some landscaping work also is scheduled to be completed this week along the Meridian Road side of the events center.

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In other news, the Fair Board recently denied a request to allow beer sales at the fairgrounds. The request came from Club Boxing promoter Bob LeCoure, who is looking for a new venue for the event.

During a meeting last week with the county commissioners, LeCoure said Club Boxing involves weekly bouts during a 26-week season.

The program recently completed its third season in the Flathead and fourth season in Montana. It previously had been held at Majestic Valley Arena, but LeCoure said that venue might not be available this winter.

He was interested in moving the event to the fairgrounds if beer sales were allowed.

"If we pull the beer sales out, the profit margin goes down considerably," LeCoure said.

However, fairgrounds Manager Jay Scott said during the Fair Board's regular meeting last week that the board reaffirmed its commitment to keep the fairgrounds alcohol-free.