Sewer agreement is good news

Inter Lake editorial

We're glad to see that the state of Montana and the city of Kalispell have reached an accord over sewer-line expansion at the north end of town.

At one point last month, state environmental overseers indicated reluctance to approve new development plans in northern Kalispell because of concerns over the city's sewage capacity.

That raised the prospect of a major roadblock to further development at that end of town.

However, subsequent talks between city and state officials apparently will allow Kalispell to continue its current procedures for dealing with sewage concerns in preliminary plats.

That's good news for Kalispell and its growth to the north.

More than a dozen Flathead Valley artists are busy showing and selling their work this week at the Western Art Week shows and C.M. Russell Art Auction in Great Falls.

This level of participation by local artists is a testament to the level of talent that abounds here in the Flathead.

The sales numbers might not be as good as last year's record-breaking Russell auction, but we hope all of the exhibitors do well. As one Russell auction organizer put it: "Art is a strong investment… the value is there and it's going to appreciate."

The art community is an important part of our Flathead economy and part of the appeal that brings visitors here. Some of us may not have the means to invest in art right now, but support for the arts can be shown in dozens of smaller ways, from a donation to the nonprofit Hockaday Museum of Art to attending a local theater production.

It was refreshing to see a social-studies class at Glacier High School participating in, and winning, a competition that promotes greater understanding of the U.S. Constitution.

The Center for Civic Education's "We the People" program helps students to explore the foundations of the American republic. In this time of increasing skepticism about our federal government, it is important for the people to realize ultimate power rests with them.

Too few schools are teaching civics these days. Let's hope, however, that the students at Glacier help spread the word and become role models for others in the community.

To support the students in their trip to D.C. for the national competition, you can contact instructor Richard Hildner at 758-8600. Contributions are tax-deductible.