Monday: DeWit Sisters, Ravalli Real Estate, Partisan Pancake

By Dan Testa, 1-12-09

Good morning and happy birthday Jack London.

On the Beacon this morning, the controversy over harvesting trees killed by beetles for use in log homes demonstrates just how difficult timber sales can be for the U.S. Forest Service. Annette Strean, a Whitefish native, came back from a condition that forced her to stop singing, and she's stronger than ever. The DeWit sisters could lead the Columbia Falls basketball team to state. The Glacier High School boys swim team dominated Saturday’s five-team invitational meet in Kalispell. Montana's traffic deaths declined last year, a welcome break in a trend of increasing fatalities. Gov. Brian Schweitzer and Montana's federal delegation will be participating in the presidential inaugural parade on horseback. And the Ravalli Republic reports on how the Bitterroot Valley real estate market has been hit hard by the economic downturn.

And finally, it happens ever session, but here's a rundown of some of the sillier bills being introduced in the 2009 Legislature, including the official state pancake and official state love song. Have a great start to your week. [End of article]