Our View: Hi-Line darts and laurels

Laurel:

From the Kiwanians who will flip pancakes for the breakfast that is one of Havre’s most enduring traditions Saturday morning, to the Scouts who will march in the parade Saturday, to the softball players who will work and play through the night, to the ladies who will display their lovely quilts at the Mat Corner, to the volleyball players at Havre High School and at Montana State University-Northern, to the Friends of the Library who provide one of the best bargains you can ask for — a bag for books for a buck — to the Shriners who sell raffle tickets for a side of beef, to you and many, many more, thanks for your volunteer efforts that make Festival Days what it has become: a very special weekend in a very special community.

Dart:

Dean Kelly, principal of Natrona County High School in Casper, Wyoming, has got to win the award for dumbest principal in Wyoming. He resigned his post when the district wisely and rather quickly decided he shouldn’t be principal any more. It seems to welcome new employees, Kelly had returning employees dress up as cheerleaders, then introduce new employees by making demeaning comments with references to homosexuality and masturbation. Such practices violate the district’s anti-hazing policy and policies on common sense. Students who took part in such acts of poor taste would be cooling their heels on detention or on a nice long suspension. Kelly will be reassigned.

Laurel:

Artitudes Gallery is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The organization and its store have been valuable to the community by giving a place for local artists to showcase their work. There is an awful lot of talent along the Hi-Line and you much of it at Artitudes. Thanks to the Artitudes members who have done such a good job over the last decade.

Dart:

Why don’t people mow their lawns? Most people, of course, do. But a sufficient number don’t, and the city of Havre has to mow their lawns for them to keep neighborhood property values up. City workers have become familiar with some of the yards. The city bills the homeowners $150, or $200 for large lots. The city raked in $4,800 this year. The bad part is that city workers have to do this while they could be doing work on other projects. The good part is that the city makes a profit on the deal. That relieves the taxpayer burden a bit.