Your daily look at news, upcoming events and the stories that will be talked about today.
BARRY BEACH ATTORNEY RESPONDS TO RACICOT
Attorneys for a Montana prisoner serving a 100-year murder sentence are disputing a letter opposing his release by former Gov. Marc Racicot, who was the special prosecutor who tried the case against Barry Beach. Racicot wrote the state’s parole board there has been no change in Beach’s circumstances since to justify a new investigation. Beach attorney Terrance Toavs says Racicot failed to mention a district judge found enough new evidence to release Beach in 2011 while awaiting a new trial. That order was reversed by the state Supreme Court.
SOLICITOR GENERAL TO RESIGN TO FOCUS ON CAMPAIGN
Montana Solicitor General Lawrence VanDyke says he is resigning at the end of May to campaign for a seat on the state Supreme Court. He’ll first have to receive an order from the high court that he can run in the election, after a district judge ruled he was ineligible because of his five-year inactive status with the state bar while he practiced law in Texas. VanDyke joined Attorney General Tim Fox’s staff in January 2013.
GREAT FALLS LAWMAKER SUED
Republican Rep. Jesse O’Hara of Great Falls is being sued by two constituents who say he should give up his legislative seat because he moved to Florida. O’Hara says he is maintaining an apartment in the district and won’t be moving permanently until the end of the year. O’Hara says he believes the lawsuit is in retaliation for his recent criticism of Republican Party leaders whom he called extremists.
SOUTHERN MONTANA ELECTRIC BANKRUPTCY HEARING
A bankruptcy judge is to consider a key report to Southern Montana Electric Generation and Transmission Cooperative’s reorganization plans. The Friday hearing in Great Falls is one of two that could resolve the wholesaler’s financial problems after 2 ½ years in bankruptcy.
ELK-KILL PERMITS ON HOLD
Montana officials say no elk-kill permits will be issued this season after a legal challenge to their plan to reduce the spread of disease to cattle. The Park County brucellosis plan approved by Montana wildlife officials last month aims to separate elk and cattle to stop the spread of the disease, which can cause cattle to abort their calves.
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