Laurel — A host of people and community groups have made the Christmas season happier for area children and families. The Salvation Army, the Jaycees, the Bergren family, the Boys & Girls Club, a host of church groups and too many people to mention volunteered time and money to assist people who couldn’t afford to buy gifts for their children or meals for themselves or their family. It’s a great community that has so many good people.

Laurel — Federal prosecutors are beginning an investigation of Western Tradition Partnership, apparently for its role in some Montana election campaigns. A PBS Frontline investigation strongly suggested that the nonprofit organization became way too involved in political campaigns. An public airing of WTP is needed for everyone's sake, particularly the voting public.

Dart — Mike Chilinski, 52, of Jefferson, will spend the next five years in a state prison. Nobody likes to see someone carted off to jail, but Chilinski has a debt to pay society. Prosecutors discovered that he had mistreated 176 malemutes in his custody. Several died.

Laurel — Laurel —Many of the malumutes in Chilinski's case mentioned above have found homes and many more will soon. The stories of the mistreatment struck a chord with a lot of big-hearted Montanans who have adopted the animals.

Laurel — Robert Heppner will step down as superintendent at Box Elder Schools. Heppner is the senior school superintendent in Hill County. He has served Box Elder and its students, staff and taxpayers well. Box Elder officials say they will miss him. Darrin Hannum, the high school principal, will step up to Heppner’s role.