By TOM DIDDEL
Campus Police Save Man in Clark Fork
Police from the University of Montana rescued a transient man who fell into the Clark Fork River near the popular “Dog Park” area north of campus. The intoxicated male was floating against a log jam in the river. The man was unable to grab a rescue rope thrown to him by officers, forcing the quick thinking UM police to go into the water and physically pull the endangered man to shore before he slipped beneath the log jam. (read more) more links: river rescue, proactive approach to Missoula’s transient program
Lolo Woman Attacks Roofers on their Own Ground
Workers were attacked by a woman on the roof of a two-story home in Lolo this week. The woman, who police believe was under the influence of drugs, physically assaulted the men who were working on the home on Lewis & Clark Drive. The Sheriff’s office, Missoula Rural Fire District, and an ambulance all converged on the scene. (read more)
Judge Denies Motion for Continuance in Holm DUI Case
Brian Holm must appear on April 16th for a court hearing and will not be allowed a continuance. Holm, a Lolo man, was convicted in the 2010 of killing pedestrian Brian Beaver with his vehicle will under the influence of alcohol and various drugs. Holm was allowed a continuance while he petitioned the state Supreme Court for an appeal. The appeal was denied, but Holm was able to avoid serving his sentence while he had a heart-valve replaced in Minnesota. (read more) more links: case history, more on Holm’s case
Vann’s to Close Store in Missoula
A Missoula landmark retail store is to close its doors after over fifty years in the Missoula market. Local appliance and television store Vann’s, now Vann’s Acquisition, made the decision to close its Missoula location after the company and the store’s founder Pete Vann were unable to come up with a compromise regarding the building’s rent. (read more)more links: Vann’s headquarter relocation
Montana Republicans and Democrats Clash in State Senate
Campaign reform in Montana was at the heart of a heated debate between state Republicans and Democrats. Senate Democrats attempted to make a motion to halt business on the Senate floor until Shannon Augare (D-Browning) returned. The motion led to Republicans accusing Democrats of trying to stop a vote that would eliminate same day voter registration, a bill Republicans contend would improve the integrity of the state’s election system. State Democrats are opposed to the bill warning it is a form of disenfranchisement. (read more)
Each week, Tom Diddel recaps the week’s most talked-about stories in Missoula. Visit the Make it Missoula News & Opinion section for more talk of the town.
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Tom Diddel has lived in Missoula on and off for nearly thirty-eight years. He enjoys skiing, hiking, and many other outdoor activities. He holds a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Montana and is currently working as a Freelance Writer and a Para-Educator.