Page 25 - Flathead Beacon // 7.8.15

BUTTE
4. Two Churches Closing After a Combined 250 Years
Two Butte churches that have been open for more than 100 years are closing their doors for good.
The Montana Standard reports Trin- ity United Methodist Church and Moun- tain View United Methodist Church will host their final services July 12 after a combined 254 years of serving church-goers.
Pastor Ron Martin-Dent says the closures are inevitable due to a lack of resources to support the buildings and the pastor’s salary, as well as a dwindling congregation.
Both Trinity and Mountain View churchgoers are mostly retired and older adults, many of whom grew up in the church.
Pastor Kama Hamilton-Morton says older churches now have to figure out how to serve a new community, as young families look to more progressive, mod- ern churches.
Both Hamilton-Morton and Mar- tin-Dent will lead Sunday’s final services.
HELENA
5. Second Lobbying Complaint Contends CSKT Omitted Reports
A second complaint has been lodged with the state contending the Confeder- ated Salish and Kootenai Tribes omitted reports of their lobbying efforts at the Montana Legislature this year.
Walter Morris of Twin Bridges and Terry Threlkeld of Gallatin Gateway filed the argument with the Commissioner of Political Practices last week.
Morris and Threlkeld say the CSKT should have disclosed in lobbying reports their contributions to the lobbying orga- nization, Farmers and Ranchers for Mon- tana. FARM acted in favor of the Flat- head Indian Reservation water compact that passed through the Legislature this session.
The complaint is similar to one brought by Flathead County Republi- can Chairman Jayson Peters against the tribes in April.
The tribes denied wrongdoing in a response to the April complaint and said that grassroots lobbying, like FARM’s activities, is not required to be reported.
HELENA
6. Ronan Woman Dies in Crash
Authorities say a 24-year-old Ronan woman was killed in a single-vehicle crash north of Helena.
The Independent Record reports Danella Hiday was headed west on High- way 200 near the top of Rogers Pass when her car drifted off the side of the road the afternoon of July 2. Montana High- way Patrol Trooper Alicia Williams says Hiday overcorrected, and her car crossed both lanes of traffic before going down a steep embankment.
Williams says Hiday, who was not wearing a seatbelt, might have been speeding at the time of the crash.
BOZEMAN
7. Americans for Prosperity Montana Names New Director
Conservative group Americans for Prosperity Montana has hired David Herbst as its new state director.
A statement released Tuesday says Herbst most recently helped with the campaigns for Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke.
Herbst says he’ll work to stop reckless spending, repeal regulations and make Montana a better place to do business.
The organization’s statement says for- mer director Zach Lahn’s new job will be to raise money for the national organiza- tion. Lahn led the organization’s efforts to oppose Medicaid expansion, which the legislature passed in April.
He says Herbst is the right leader to build the Montana chapter and spread the word about economic freedom.
The state chapter is part of a national political network backed by industrialist billionaires Charles and David Koch.
GREAT FALLS
8. Thunderstorm Causes Crop Damage, Power Outages on Hi-Line
A strong thunderstorm that blew across northern Montana brought strong winds and large hail that caused prop- erty and crop damage and power outages along a 300-mile stretch of the state from Cut Bank to Fort Peck.
The National Weather Service says straight-line winds blew at speeds of up to 72 mph and hail as large as tennis balls fell, uprooting trees, flatting crops, damaging buildings, breaking windows and, in northern Hill County, picking up 1,000-pound straw bales and tossed them around.
The Great Falls Tribune reports two Hutterite colonies north of Havre reported crop damage while Hill County farmer Bim Strauser says the wind blew apart his calving barn.
The strong winds knocked over power poles, causing power outages for about 8,000 people.
The Havre Daily News reports Havre’s fireworks show was postponed due to the storm.
BILLINGS
9. Montana Man Killed in Fireworks Accident
Yellowstone County officials have released the name of a 32-year-old man who was killed in a fireworks accident in Billings on July 4.
Coroner Lt. Bill Jones tells The Bill- ings Gazette that Nathan Vannatta of Billings died of blunt force trauma to the neck.
Police Sgt. Harley Cagle has said a mortar that was launched from a tube struck and killed Vannatta at about 10:30 p.m. Saturday.
Fireworks are illegal in Billings. No citations were immediately issued
DEPARTING FROM LAKESIDE MARINA
DAILY CRUISES AT 1pm EVENING CRUISES AT 7 pm
Sunday through Wednesday
ADULTS $22 CHILDREN $10 UNDER 6 FREE
Reservations Only For Groups Of 10+ DISCOUNT WILL APPLY
Arrive 30 Minutes Prior to Departure Also Available For Private Charters
BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE AT:
WWW.FLATHEADLAKEBOATTOUR.COM
406-844-BOAT (2628)
MUSIC ON THE WATER!
“Old Sap”
Wednesday, July 8th, 7pm
You’re sure to enjoy this folk, old time blues and Americana style music with banjo and guitar combos.
“Mathias”
Sunday, July 12th, 7pm & Wednesday, July 15th, 7pm Bozeman-based singer/songwriter “Mathias”, plays an eclectic mix
of covers and originals. Having performed extensively across Big Sky Country for the past decade and a half, Mathias is now taking his unique blend of folk, rock, and funk around the world, most recently returning from a tour in Southeast Asia.
“Luke Lataurette”
Tuesday, July 14th, 7pm
Popular local singer/songwriter performing original and popular tunes”
Music included in ticket price. Advance ticket sales available online.
JULY 8, 2015 // FLATHEADBEACON.COM
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