If you've got to have a tornado...

Big tornadoes are few and far between in Montana, but you have to admit that when we get one, we do it right.

The twister that demolished the roof structure of the MetraPark arena in Billings was reported to be the biggest one in that city since 1958. Fortunately, despite the potential for tragedy, there were no lives lost in Sunday’s weird weather incident.

And Billings is demonstrating the hearty pioneer spirit that distinguishes Montana from a lot of our sister states. In spite of the destruction done to the Metra, the venue is pushing forward with its summer schedule of events, including a taping of the popular “Antiques Roadshow” this weekend.

The Flathead Valley is home to many exceptional people, and now we can add one more to the list. Kalispell’s Kacie West, 21, has been crowned Miss Montana and will compete in the Miss America pageant in Las Vegas in January.

West swept the awards at the state contest, winning in the evening gown, fitness, interview and talent competition. Those are noteworthy accomplishments, but so is West’s platform of addressing the problem of underage drinking. As a resident adviser at Montana State University, she has helped organize healthy alternatives to underage drinking on campus, from movie nights to dance lessons. She’s the perfect choice to represent Montana on a national stage.

Good luck, Kacie.

Another exceptional neighbor of ours is Jerry Boschee, the affable Glacier High School teacher and coach.

Boschee, who heads the girls’ track program at Glacier, recently was inducted into the North Dakota High School Track and Field Hall of Fame.

During his high school days in Killdeer, N.D., Boschee won eight individual state championships, including two relay titles, and placed in 13 events at state.

Track prowess runs in the family: Boschee’s daughter Lexy, who just completed her sophomore year, already has won three individual Class AA state track titles.