Our View: Hi-Line darts and laurels, May 30, 2014

Laurel — United Way of Hill County’s Day of Action will be June 21. This year, United way is asking people to gather at VanOrsdel United Methodist Church to help package macaroni and cheese and bean and rice meals for the Havre Food Bank. The food bank provides an invaluable service to Hill County, especially families who are in need of food. It would be great if people could spare some time to stop by, work with neighbors, have a good time and help out a worthy cause.

Dart — Kris Hansen has taken a lot of controversial stands in her four years in the state House. If people want to criticize her for her positions on budget issues, tax issues or social issues — go to it. That’s the vibrancy of democracy. But a leaflet that was mailed out last weekly a dark money group is full of inaccuracies and distortions. One of the silliest allegations is that she supported allowing Gov. Steve Bullock to spend tax revenues from the Bakkens in any way he wanted. We don’t recall any legislation like that in the last legislative session, and if there were any such legislation, Kris Hansen would have been absolutely the last lawmaker to support it. We wish we could say this is unusual. Similar leaflets have been filed in communities around the state where two factions of Republican are going head to head. We expect more in the general election. We suspect voters will be more discerning than to pay much attention to this.

Laurel — High school graduations took place last weekend. The ceremonies were different at each of the area schools, but all were moving ceremonies with solid advice to the graduates. Our congratulations to the graduates. We expect to be seeing a lot of good things from you in future years.

Laurel — Speaking of graduates, it was heartening to see the number of students were receiving scholarships from community groups along the Hi-Line. The cost of attending college is getting more expensive, and community groups seem willing to help area students make through this important aspect of their life. Thanks to all those who have spent time fundraising for these scholarships.