Our View: Hi-Line darts and laurels

Laurel — The Wahkpa Chu'gn Buffalo Jump has been around for 2,000 years, and we hope it will be around for another 2,000 years. It has a lot of lessons to teach us about those who lived on what we called the Hi-Line two millennium ago. In another 2,000 years, we hope, there will be an interpretive center at the site, and it will still be named the John & Anna Brumley Interpretive Center. John Brumley, a Havre High School student 50 years ago, became the modern-day discoverer of the site. He and his wife, Anna, have become the heart and soul of the place. Saturday, to the surprise of the Brumleys, the center was named in their honor. It was a fitting tribute to those who have worked so hard to preserve the historical landmark.

Dart — The shirt once worn by Chief Joseph, who was defeated at the Battle of the Bear Paws, was sold at auction last week for $877,000. The new owner can now boast that he or she owns the historical shirt. But it's troubling to us that lots of people have made money buying and selling it over the years like it's a trinket. The legitimate owner, it seems to us, is the Nez Perce tribe.

Laurel — Sens. Max Baucus and Jon Tester have introduced legislation to ensure that there is money for the Rocky Boy's/North Central Montana Water Project. We don't know if their plan is the best, but we sure hope that some measure to ensure the future of the water project is approved. The project has made great progress over the last decade, but it is still about one-fifth finished. The project has already made a tremendous impact on the lives of people who have benefitted from having fresh, safe water. Just ask anyone in North Havre. But lots of areas still need the water that the project can ensure.

Laurel — Many downtowns have tried to convert empty department stores in shopping centers with small, generally locally owned businesses. Some have succeeded, many others have not. The Atrium Mall in downtown Havre is a success story. It has become a commercial, shopping and social center. It celebrates it's 35th anniversary this weekend. Happy birthday.

Laurel — Recycle Hi-Line has been a bright spot on the scene for some time now. They offer practical ways for people to save money for themselves while helping the environment. They will now hold monthly recycle drives. People with cardboard, newspapers, metal and electronic waste will be able to take this recyclable waste to the parking lot at 1st Street and 5th Avenue starting Saturday, Aug. 5. Among other advantages to recycling is that it leaves more space in the landfill, thus extending its life and saving money for taxpayers.