By TOM DIDDEL
Montana Family Leaves Singapore frustrated over Inquest into Son’s Death
A software engineer’s death in Singapore and questions about the way in which he died led his parent’s, Rick and Mary Todd of Marion Montana to the island in Southeast Asia looking for answers. The Todd’s left Singapore before the coroner’s inquest into their son, Shane, was completed. The couple cited frustration and a lack of faith in the process. Shane death was ruled a suicide after the American software engineer’s body was found in his Singapore apartment. The Todd’s lawyer stated that they would be seeking a US congressional investigation into their son’s death. (read more) other links: local
Big Sky Honor Flight takes over 80 WWII Montana Vets to DC
The number of WWII veteran’s is dwindling as we speak making the Big Sky Honor Flight more important with each passing trip to our nation’s capital. The honor flight takes veterans to DC to see some of the nation’s most important war memorials, including the World War II commemeration. The tribute, which was completed in 2004 at a cost of nearly $200 million dollars, was even more awe inspiring than many of the visiting veterans had hoped. (read more) more links: US WWII Memorial
Snowy Thursday in much of Western Montana
While the calendar reads late May, mother nature seems to think is still Winter. Thursday’s cold front coupled with the moisture that moved into the area produced some impressive snowfall amounts in the higher elevations. The late season snow caused some power outages in the Flathead area as trees that had started their summer growth became over laden with the heavy wet snowfall and branches began to break over power lines. (read more)
South Side Kmart to be torn down and replaced by Cabela’s and Kohl’s
As Missoula’s economy begins to see signs of recovery, two big national stores plan to move into the city’s south end of town. Both Kohl’s and the outdoor supply store, Cabela’s are scheduled to move into the old Kmart building. The new retail complex is going to be named, “South Crossing” and will likely bring more traffic to the area. The increase in might mean a new traffic light will be in order for the intersection at Brookes Street and Dore Lane, an intersection that has become a dangerous crossing for vehicles in recent years. (read more) other links: South Crossing
Woman attacked by Moose near Blue Mountain
A woman walking her dogs on a popular Missoula hiking trail was attacked by a mother Moose on Thursday. The hiker, who was taken to a local hospital after the attack, was attempting to control her dogs after they began to attack the animal. The Moose then turned her attention toward the woman and appears to have charged her. The woman did not sustain any life-threatening injuries. However, authorities warn that pets should be kept under control around wildlife, especially during the spring when animals are near their newborns. (read more) other links: Moose
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.
***************
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.