Habitat homes help our neighbors
Habitat for Humanity Flathead Valley has embarked on an ambitious plan to build 18 homes over the next three years. With affordable housing a growing concern in the Flathead, it's good to see a high-profile nonprofit such as Habitat stepping up to the plate to provide decent housing for families of modest means.
It's not a giveaway program; Habitat homeowners put in 500 hours of sweat equity and repay interest-free loans.
Habitat officials acknowledge it will take team work to build that many homes in that amount of time. Up until now, the organization has averaged about one house per year. Habitat has shuffled its organizational structure for better efficiency and intends to step up fund-raising.
Leaders also are reaching out to other agencies and government leaders to make good on the goal. The local Habitat chapter will need an unprecedented outpouring of volunteer help and money to make it happen. Flathead Valley is brimming with good neighbors who go out of their way to help others, so let's get to it. Let's help Habitat make the American Dream come true for some of our own.
Apparently, the Bush administration is neglecting "clean coal" development in the West as an alternative energy source, but thankfully the slight has not escaped notice.
Sen. Craig Thomas, R-Wyo., teed off on Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman last week for offering a budget that excludes funding for clean coal technologies - including the coal-gasification technology that has been touted by Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer as a potential economic boom for Eastern Montana.
The administration's energy budget apparently emphasizes programs related to biofuels and reduced emissions. That's a fine and dandy long-term pursuit. But if America really wants to get serious about alternatives to foreign oil, the government must also pursue the huge coal resources that Schweitzer says could eventually lead to energy independence.
The masters of the mat have built a dynasty.
Flathead High School wrestlers topped the state again last weekend, grappling to the Class AA state championship in overwhelming style.
The Braves rolled to their second straight state title and third in the past four years. They did it by piling up 347 points (103 ahead of the nearest opponent) with 18 state place-winners, nine finalists and three individual champions.
That wrestling dominance certainly qualifies as a dynasty.
The Braves weren't the only ones from Northwest Montana to make statements on the mats at the state meet. Polson finished third in Class A and had three individual champions, while Columbia Falls and Libby each had individual champions.
All in all, it was a good finale for all our local wrestlers.