Wednesday: Flying Fortress, Planner Petition, Shepherd Casualty

By Dan Testa, 7-01-09

Good morning; on the Beacon today, American Dream Montana is leveling allegations against the county planning director and his staff, including violation of state open record and meeting laws and misuse of public funds. One of the largest Christian mission organizations in the world is based out of an old Air Force base above Lakeside. On June 26, one of the only fully restored B-17s in the world, the Sentimental Journey, landed at Glacier Park International Airport as part of an annual summer tour around the United States. A 52-year-old Somers man has been arrested on suspicion of shooting his 18-year-old son in the stomach. Kalispell City Council approved the employment contract for the new city manager Monday on a 7-2 vote, over the objections of some on the council and in the public who questioned whether the salary and other benefits in the package are too generous.

Sgt. Terry Lynch, 22, of Shepherd was killed Monday in Afghanistan by a roadside bomb. Much of the country is enjoying a mild fire season so far. A federal appeals court has dismissed a lawsuit by environmentalists that challenged a timber sale on the Lolo National Forest. A fire Tuesday destroyed a fireworks stand in Havre. And Smith's Food and Drug stores are expanding their beef recall out of E. coli concerns. [End of article]