A week's worth

By the Standard Staff - 05/15/2005

Thumbs up to Billie Shovlin, Butte Central athletic director, and Silver State Helicopters for working out a plan to dry out the Butte softball fields just prior to the LaVern Combo Invitational. Silver State used two helicopters to hover over the infields for about an hour each to dry them out. Twenty-eight softball teams were in Butte for the event.

Thumbs down to the Butte School district for not releasing reasons for its recommendation to not renew Butte High School Principal Glen Johnson's contract. Not knowing the reasons a key public figure may be let go is damaging to that person and the public trust.

Thumbs up to the Heart of the Divide Humane Society's efforts to raise funds for a new Butte animal shelter. But, both Butte and the group should work together to build one, unified shelter.

Good luck to former Butte Chief Executive Jack Lynch as he works through his new appointment as acting mayor of Spokane. Not an easy job to step in to.

Thumbs up to retired bankruptcy judge Jack Peterson for ruling in favor of 23 former Montana Power Co. whose pensions have been cut. The ruling means the case will be heard in Butte, rather than Delaware.

Thumbs up to the Montana congressional delegation for securing the future of Malmstrom Air Force Base in Great Falls. Though there were some cuts, the base will continue operating. The base is a potential site for expansion of the MSE Mariah supersonic wind tunnel project.