A bravo for Bigfork theater

Inter Lake editorial

Fifty years of excellence, excitement and energy.

That about sums it up for the Bigfork Summer Playhouse, but this year's season promises to be one of the best yet.

In addition to a sparkling repertory schedule that includes "Singin' in the Rain," "The Wiz," and "Smokey Joe's Cafe," visitors can look forward to a spacious, elegant new lobby in the Bigfork Center for the Perfoming Arts. In a drive spearheaded by the center's foundation, the community chipped in to fund the $1.1 million renovation.

It's always a must-do for summer to stop in and see at least one show at the Playhouse. This year it should be standing-room only. Bravo.

The Flathead Valley has had its share of dispiriting layoffs and shutdowns at important, high-profile businesses, but the valley has some hidden economic strengths that come to light every now and then.

That happened last week, when a local businessman talked with the media for the first time about an impressive barrel and firearms manufacturing business that has been quietly operating on the west side of Kalispell for the last two years. And it is an operation that is poised for growth.

McGowan Precision Barrels and the American Gun Co. will soon relocate to a much larger building on U.S. 93 South of Kalispell with plans to expand its work force from a dozen to as many as 100 skilled machinists and artisans. And it plans to do so with the help of a new machinist program at Flathead Valley Community College.

There are, of course, other types of small, innovative businesses in the valley that have emerged in recent years, strengthening the economy with diversity. It would be good to see more.

Whitefish said good-bye to an old friend this week as Haines Drug - the quintessential corner drugstore - closed its doors after 98 years. Haines was a downtown gathering spot, a place where friends chatted in the aisles and knew all of the clerks by name. It was small-town Americana at its best.

As Haines is relinquished to the history books, a new drugstore, an attractive-looking Walgreens, has just opened. Many of the Haines pharmacy employees have been hired by Walgreens. We wish the new business well.

Change is one of the constant driving forces that forever requires communities to cherish the old and embrace the new. Good-bye Haines; hello Walgreens.