Weekend: Red Hats, July 4 Boat Crash, ‘Mad as Hell’ Docs

By Dan Testa, 9-11-09

Good morning; on the Beacon today, Bigfork High School is one of six schools in Montana participating in a new class, having made the switch from Class A down to Class B. Be on the lookout for crazy headwear and mirth – the Red Hat Society ladies are about to descend on Kalispell in all of their colorful glory. Authorities say the fatal collision of two boats on Flathead Lake on the Fourth of July involved boats that were overloaded and without navigation lights on. U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg's state director, Dustin Frost, is improving from the brain injury he suffered two weeks ago in a late-night boat crash on Flathead Lake. Authorities have released the name of a Canadian man who died in a motorcycle accident in Glacier National Park: George Stephen Zlatnik of Okotoks, Alberta. And columnist Mick Holien believes Missoula deserves just as much consideration to host the Football Championship Subdivision National Championship game as Chattanooga, Tenn.

Yellowstone National Park is on track for its busiest year ever. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials say weather and a reduced number of yearlings could hamper elk and deer hunters this year. Democratic congressional leaders predicted passage of health care legislation within a few months despite undimmed Republican opposition. The "Mad as Hell" doctors are passing through Montana pushing for universal public health care. Helena attorney Ron Waterman, who unsuccessfully ran for the spot of Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court last year, says he is seeking the seat being vacated with the upcoming retirement of Justice John Warner. Two studies are being proposed to look at the military and its impact on North Central Montana. And the Indian Trail fire grew by 1,000 acres to 3,400 acres Thursday, making it the largest fire in Montana so far this year. [End of article]