Page 8 - Flathead Beacon // 12.31.14

8 | DECEMBER 31, 2014 NEWS
FLATHEADBEACON.COM
Just
Sayin’...
“NCIS has initiated an investigation to determine the merit of the allegations.”
Cdr. Ryan Perry, spokesman for the Navy, in response to an allegation that Robert O’Neill of Butte, the former Navy Seal who says he killed Osama Bin Laden, may have revealed classified information.
“This is a city of courage and character, having faced and overcome the toughest challenges and I’m absolutely confident as you are that spirit is still alive and well in this city.”
Vice President Joe Biden speaking at a memorial service for two New York City Police officers. Since the shooting, tensions have been high between the police and its mayor, who some accuse of not doing enough to support law enforcement.
“Thanks to the extraordinary sacrifices of our men and women in uniform, our combat mission in Afghanistan is ending, and the longest war in American history is coming
to a responsible conclusion.”
President Barack Obama speaking about the end of formal combat operations in Afghanistan.
Empire Builder Back on Track
Amtrak passenger train through Montana returns to its regular schedule
By JUSTIN FRANZ of the Beacon
Nine months after its timetable was adjusted to deal with booming freight traffic and track construction, Amtrak’s Empire Builder through Northwest Mon- tana is getting back on schedule.
Amtrak and BNSF Railway an- nounced late this month that beginning Jan. 12 the Empire Builder between Chi- cago and Seattle and Portland would re- turn to its original schedule that has the train calling on the Flathead Valley in the morning and evening, rather than at night like it has for much of 2014.
The schedule implemented in April added three hours to the eastbound trip and 90 minutes to the westbound trip in
an effort to help the train make connec- tions in Chicago. The eastbound train, No. 8, arrived in Whitefish at 4:26 a.m., in- stead of its regular 7:26 a.m., and the west- bound No. 7 arrived at 10:26 p.m. instead of 8:56 p.m. Although the schedule may have helped the train make connections at its end terminals, it wasn’t popular with towns like Whitefish. Officials with the Whitefish Visitors and Convention Bu- reau said the schedule was inconvenient for travelers arriving in the early morning before anything downtown is open.
Amtrak officials say returning to the old schedule will not only help communi- ties in the Flathead Valley, but as well as those in Washington, Oregon and Idaho.
“Local community and business lead- ers depend on the Empire Builder and see Amtrak service as an important pub- lic transportation link,” said DJ Stadtler, Amtrak’s executive vice president and chief operations officer. “We will work closely with BNSF to fulfill a commitment
to Amtrak passengers and our communi- ties to operate this train on schedules our customers expect.”
One of the reasons for delays on the Empire Builder route is the huge increase in freight traffic, particularly crude oil out of North Dakota. In order to ease the congestion, BNSF spent $1 billion on in- frastructure improvements across its northern corridor. BNSF also recently an- nounced plans to spend more than $6 bil- lion on capital improvements across its 32,000-mile system in 2015.
Railroad officials have pledged that BNSF will do more to keep the Empire Builder on time.
“BNSF has a long history of hosting passenger service on our freight network. The investments we are continuing to make will improve reliability for all of our customers, including Amtrak,” said DJ Mitchell, vice president of passenger op- erations for BNSF.
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COMFORTABLE COUNTRY LIVING
Passengers unload from an Amtrak
train after its early morning arrival to the Whitefish Station. BEACON FILE PHOTO
Thank You and Happy New Year!
There are many places with mountains, forests, and lakes , but those who live here make this a very special place. There are so many that make The Flathead a safe and positive place to live and raise a family, you are appreciated and respected. We would like to acknowledge a few:
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The Kalispell Police Department their leadership, officers, and staff
The Flathead Sheriff’s Department leadership, officers, 911 center, and staff
All police departments in The Flathead and your staff that keep you safe
The Montana Highway Patrol and their committed staff
Kalispell Fire Department and all other cities and Volunteer men and women Our outstanding and committed Health care providers, including ALERT and all EMTs Our Teachers and their staff for challenging, counseling, and keeping our kids safe
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From Denise, Shannon, Sean, Kevin, and
Ryan Nalty to you and your family, a heartfelt Thanks!
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