Laurel — Getting people to donate their blood is not the easiest task. Yet, the folks at the American Red Cross have been very successful over the years in collecting blood that is used to save people’s lives. They will hold another drive on March 11, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at St Jude Parish Center. It seems like there is always a shortage of blood. If it’s been a while since you gave blood, or if you have never done so, this would be a great time to walk in, or better yet, call 800-RED CROSS and make an appointment.

Laurel — High school pep bands — from North Star to Havre to Chinook — have added a lot to the excitement at basketball games from the start of the season to the district playoffs. Thanks to the teachers who conducted the bands and the hard-working kids who did such a great job.

Dart —  Last year, 200 sick dogs were removed from the property of Laura Kapo of Ballantine. The court ordered her to have no more animals on her property. Now she’s asking District Court Justice Susan Watters to have permission to bring goats on her property so she can use the milk. Sounds like a bad idea. She’s proven herself unworthy to own animals once. These defenseless creatures deserve some protection from society.

Laurel — A spirited debate on taxes, gun rights and schools took place at the Hill County Electric Hospitality Room Thursday night. Bear Paw Development Corp. and the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored a give-and-take where constituents and three state lawmakers could exchange thoughts on state issues. Exchange thoughts they did. Thanks to the lawmakers — Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, Sen. Greg Jergeson and Rep. Kris Hansen — for taking the time out during their only three-day weekend of the legislative session to hear from the public. And thanks to the public for coming out with their ideas.