Wednesday Buffet: DNRC Sued, Plane Crash Rescue and Thief Calmed by Tea

Good morning and happy birthday to Fred Savage, the star of Wonder Years.

On the Beacon this morning, a Rollins rancher has filed a lawsuit against the DNRC for “malicious prosecution” and “harassment.” A local man rescued two injured men from burning wreckage after a plane crash south of Kalispell. Barack Obama criticizes talks between Plum Creek and the U.S. Forest Service. A Libby woman died in a rollover accident. And Mark Riffey gives us his thoughts on high fuel prices.

Elsewhere in state news, the U.S. Forest Service is reviving the Mineral Peak fire tower. Forty years after his death, a Montana war veteran’s remains have been identified and will be returned to his home state. FEMA won’t repair a heavily-used bridge in Livingston, leaving the city scrambling for $550,000. A new heart procedure was successful for a Billings woman, who is recovering quickly. A well-known bear is staying close to home in Lincoln. Videotaping candidates running for office has become an increasingly popular strategy in Montana politics. In Butte more than 70 employees are appealing the county’s wage system.

And finally in Japan, a woman calms a knife-wielding thief by making him a cup of tea. Have a great Wednesday.