By TOM DIDDEL
Upswing in Missoula’s Economy Equates to the Expansion of Some Businesses
From the new downtown Peak Health and Wellness Center, to the Top Hat’s renovations, Missoula is feeling the pressure of the nation’s downturn begin to release its grip. Low interest rates and softer prices have allowed many local businesses to enlarge. (read more) Top Hat Renovation Peak Downtown
Flathead Lake’s Spring Mack Days Are Just around the Corner
Twice a year anglers head to Montana’s biggest lake to help control the population of lake trout. Spring Mack Days and Fall Mack Days give anglers the chance to compete for prizes and land some of Flathead’s enormous fish all while helping the health of the lake’s ecosystem. The event runs from March 15 through May 19. (read more) registration
Missoula Officials Discuss Possible Effects of Sequestration
The Federal Government’s inability to avoid the self-imposed across the board spending cuts that were designed to force what law-makers refer to as a “Grand Bargain” could result in less money for programs in Missoula. From students who have to look for federal tuition money elsewhere, to local non-profit programs that rely on federal money to keep their doors open, the results of the government’s inaction could have far reaching effects over time. (read more) Possible Effects
Missoula Police Force Accuses Fellow Officer of Sexual Harassment
A lawsuit filed this week by detective Chris Shermer accuses his superior, Lt. Sandy Kosena, of sexual harassment. Shermer’s lawsuit claims that Kosena approached him from behind, touched him inappropriately, and whispered innuendo in his ear. City Attorney Jim Nugent stated that the allegations in the suit are false. (read more) Lawsuit
11 Year Old Surprises Burglar in her Home
An 11 year old Rattlesnake resident returned home from school to find a female intruder in her family’s home. The incident happened on the 100 block of Columbine. After confronting the burglar, the girl called her mother who returned home and discovered some of her jewelry missing. (read more)
Missoula County Commissioners Sign New Vendor For Fair’s Carnival
Last year’s carnival at the Western Montana Fair left many people disappointed. The Vendor used ran into problems with equipment showing up later than expected and rides they were unable to get running. Missoula County Commissioners hope to resolve these problems by contracting with another vendor for this summer’s annual Fair. (read more)
Each week, Tom Diddel recaps the week’s most talked-about stories in Missoula. Visit the Make it Missoula News & Opinion section for more talk of the town.
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Tom Diddel has lived in Missoula on and off for nearly thirty-eight years. He enjoys skiing, hiking, and many other outdoor activities. He holds a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Montana and is currently working as a Freelance Writer and a Para-Educator.