Thursday: Libby Declaration, Gravel Pit Expansion, Custer Toy

By Dan Testa, 6-18-09

Good morning; on the Beacon today, the EPA has declared a public health emergency in Libby. The state has approved expansion of the Spoklie gravel pit near Glacier Park. Flathead County leads the state in enrollment in the Children's Health Insurance Program. And Wild Bill Schneider views the passage of a bill allowing concealed weapons in parks as yet another demonstration of the gun rights lobby's power.

Montana forester Tom Tidwell is the new head of the U.S. Forest Service. The recession is causing a run on welfare programs by Montana families in need of food stamps or other assistance. The inclusion of a George Custer action figure in some McDonald's Happy Meals has offended some Native Americans. And the cleanup of Bozeman's downtown explosion is under way. [End of article]