A daily taste of top news stories: Thursday Buffet: Business Grants, Bypass, Sunshine (!)

Good morning; on the Beacon this morning, a local economic development group, along with Flathead County officials, is working to entice new employers and additional jobs by competing for state grant monies. The Montana Department of Transportation has about two months to secure remaining right-of-way easements – or come comfortably close – on the south portion of the U.S. Highway 93 bypass in Kalispell before taking stimulus money elsewhere. A new report says that Native American inmates were subjected to group strip searches before and after sweat-lodge ceremonies at the private Crossroads Correctional Center in Shelby. And the weekend of Whitewater Festival in Bigfork, one of the best ways in the valley to kick off summer, is upon us this weekend.

In other news, after an eight-month investigation, authorities arrested a Georgia fugitive in Bigfork on Tuesday and charged the woman with abducting her teenage son. Industry leaders say a White House directive to accelerate biofuel development could be a needed shot in the arm for Montana's renewable-energy firms. A state representative from Livingston who sponsored a successful House bill challenging federal gun laws is getting national media attention, including an appearance on Fox News.

And, if you're having trouble making it through the work week, just take a look at this weekend's forecast! Definitely something to look forward to!