By TOM DIDDEL
Missoula man arrested after day long stand-off
35 year-old Jason Kirchner appeared in court Tuesday afternoon after he kept authorities at bay during a stand-off triggered by the report of an assault. The incident began around 7:30 am Monday morning when police were told of a physical assault by Kirchner. When police arrived on the scene to investigate the allegations, Kirchner locked himself inside his trailer and warned authorities not to approach. Kirchner allegedly fired numerous shots throughout the stand-off, fortunately only a police robot trying to deliver a phone was hit. The man who reported the initial assault told investigators that Kirchner and his girlfriend, who was also arrested, had been using drugs prior to the stand-off. Kirchner faces 60 years in prison if convicted. (read more) other links: video
Polson man in jail for raping and drowning another man
The death of an Elmo man over the summer has resulted in a Polson man’s arrest. Melvin Madplume Jr. Madplume is currently being held in Lake County Jail for the rape and drowning of 26-year-old Lawrence Kenmille from Elmo. Madplume turned himself into authorities this week after an arrest warrant was issued for him. Madplume is currently being held without bond. (read more) other links: video
Two new laws go into effect on Oct. 1st aimed at illegal drugs
The first of October ushered in two new laws passed to help regulate drug use in Montana. The first law establishes a limit for the amount of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol that can legally be in a person’s system when they are operatig a motorvehicle. Before the law was passed, officers went off of field sobriety tests to determine if a driver who had used marijuana was too impaired to drive. The second law that goes into effect in the first week of October 1 is targeted at designer drugs. Designer drugs in this case were designed to mimick the effects of an illegal drug, but because they are not named in any law they escape the arm of the law. Drugs such as bath salts and spice fit into this category and the new law is aimed at curbing their use and distribution. (read more) other links:
Missoula looks to fight cancer with area’s largest cancer center
Patient’s diagnosed with one of the four biggest types of cancer will soon have a viable treatment center here in Missoula. According to Dr. Randall Gibb, who specializes in female reproductive cancers, “The four big cancers that most people experience are breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer and believe it or not very typical to this area are melanoma, or skin cancer.” With thousands of Montanan’s diagnosed with some form of cancer every year, the center is poised to receive an abundance of patient’s who would have otherwise had to travel out of state for treatment. (read more)
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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.
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