Protecting grizzly bears important

The grizzly bear mortality count in the Northern Continental Divide ecosystem is at 24 so far, and by years end it could approach last years unprecedented count of 34. Its one of those things where a person can easily say, oh well, not much we can do about that.

But there are things that can be done, especially when you consider that 11 of the bear deaths were illegal kills. That category includes outright poaching as well as mistaken identification by black bear hunters. This is clearly an area where more can be done.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to boost the reward for information leading to the arrest of people who illegally kill grizzly bears. Its about time. And its way past time for judges to crack down on bear poachers, with far more than wrist-slapping fines.

Shelley Burton of Kalispell has won six of her eight professional boxing matches.

Her ninth fight next week will be the biggest of her life when she challenges undefeated Leatitia Robinson in a world-title bout in Edmonton, Alberta.

Her opportunity to reach the top of the boxing world comes barely two years after she began her professional career after a stint of club boxing.

Now the former standout athlete at Bigfork High School is poised to achieve her dream of a world championship.

Good luck in the ring, Shelley.

And good luck, too, to the Flathead Braves as they continue their quest for a state football title on Friday night.

The Braves are on a roll winning six straight games heading into their state semifinal game against Helena Capital.

If they can extend their current streak on Friday, the Braves advance to the Class AA championship game.

Lets hope Flathead keeps rolling in the playoffs.

Go, Braves!