Good morning; on the Beacon today, Montana Transportation Department Director Jim Lynch talked about the intractable problem of fatality rates on the state’s highway system at a dedication ceremony for fallen troopers in Kalispell. Candidates for Kalispell City Council took questions from the Beacon on why they’re suited for the job. The Glacier Park International Airport Authority Board, sticking by its decision to privatize its airport security force, met with local federal security workers who are worried about job security. And Wild Bill talks with the makers of a new documentary about an infamous 1967 night in Glacier National Park when two women were killed by grizzlies.
A Missoula jury on Wednesday awarded $3.2 million to a woman suing the maker of a bone-strengthening drug in a decision that could have a bearing on hundreds of cases against the company nationwide. Montana will resume its gray wolf hunt in parts of the Absaroka Range this Sunday with the start of the general deer and elk hunting season. The Missoulian’s Rob Chaney previews the conditions for the big game season. David Ortley, a justice of the peace from Kalispell, and Peggy Probasco, a state child-support enforcement attorney from Butte, are two of the attorneys seeking appointment to a future vacancy on the Montana Supreme Court. More fun in Hardin: The former vice president of First Interstate Bank in Hardin will spend six years in federal prison for stealing more than $1.6 million from the bank to cover gambling and other losses racked up by her husband. And casinos on Indian reservations that still allow smokers are doing big business. Republican U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, seeking his sixth term, reported having about $734,000 cash left in the bank on Sept. 30, the largest war chest in the 2010 Montana congressional race. Gov. Brian Schweitzer and NaturEner USA officials celebrated the completion of the state’s largest wind farm south of Ethridge on Wednesday.