Libby gets a shot in the arm
Inter Lake editorial
Some extremely encouraging economic news is coming out of Libby these days - namely, that Stinger Welding is moving ahead with a bridge-building plant that is expected to employ at least 204 people.
The state of Montana stepped up this week with $5.7 million in grant and loan funding to boost the conversion of an old lumber-mill site into Stinger's manufacturing operation.
And what an operation it will be: A 104,000-square-foot facility that will make bridge parts and expansion joints for the Coolidge, Ariz.-based Stinger.
The first welders (eventually 70 to 80 welders will be needed) are being hired now and some work will begin next month in an existing building at the Libby mill site.
The full facility is likely to be in operation early next year.
Stinger's project promises to deliver plenty of well-paying jobs 'starting pay is more than $13 an hour) to an area that sorely needs them, since Lincoln County is saddled with a 12.9-percent unemployment rate.
Lincoln County, hard hit by the decline if not virtual disappearance of timber and mining - its former economic mainstays - deserves to have something go right economically, and Stinger Welding seems to fit the bill.
GLACIER PARK International Airport is closing down for three days a week, but there's no need to panic.
The closure doesn't have to reflect a decline in traffic.
In fact, it's the large amount of traffic through Glacier Park International that makes it vital to repave the 19-year-old runway to make it absolutely safe for passengers.
So the airport will be closed Tuesday through Thursday starting next week and continuing until Aug. 28.
Yes, it seems strange to have the airport closed during our busiest season, but that's just the nature of the paving business. Asphalt has to be put down when the temperature is above 45 degrees and it is dry. In Montana, that means summertime.
So be patient, put up with any small inconvenience this may cause, and then be glad we don't have to worry about it for another 20 years.
FESTIVAL AMADEUS is not just about Mozart, but that composer's music provides the inspiration for a week of performances of high-class classical music in Whitefish.
The Glacier Symphony and Chorale produces the annual event, and music director John Zoltek works with many volunteers for months to put together an ambitious program featuring top musicians.
Do yourself a favor and plan on attending one of the remaining events: a chamber concert tonight at the O'Shaughnessy Center or an orchestra concert Friday or Saturday at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. Visit www.gscmusic.org for more information or call 257-3241.