Our View: Hi-Line darts and laurels

Laurel — Saturday morning, a group will walk from Community Fitness Park to Montana State University-Northern. The Autism Fun Run and Awareness Walk will be held Saturday morning to let people know about the condition that affects so many people. Research into the cause and potential cures for autism are moving forward, but not fast enough. Show support for the effort to fight the disorder. Join in Saturday’s walk.

Dart — A scandal developed when it was discovered how long the wait periods were for veterans seeking VA medical care. Now it looks like things are nearly as bad for Native Americans. The waits seem to be longer in rural areas with high unemployment rates. Does that sound like Rocky Boy and Fort Belknap? It’s hard to tell exactly how long the waits are, a study by the General Accounting Office has determined, because Indian Health Services does such a bad job monitoring them.

Dart — The Montana University System has spent a lot of money defending its position in the MSU-Northern Dean Randy Bachmeier case. That hasn't worked too well yet. The latest hearing officer’s ruling is that the university owes the dean $195,000. The university now plans to spend more money on appeals, rejecting compromise offers from the Bachmeier camp. The cash being spent on awards, lawyer’s fees and travel expenses would have been better used on scholarships for Northern students. We hope all sides will come together and work on a compromise. It will save money and hopefully ease tensions at Northern.

Laurel — For an awe-inspiring view that explains a lot about Native American culture, stop up at MSU-Northern’s Armory Gymnasium Friday night or Saturday. The Sweetgrass Society, a group of Native students, will put on their annual powwow. If you have never seen a grand entry, be there at 7 p.m. Friday or noon Saturday It’s an experience you won’t forget.