by Joleen Tadej

Two people were injured and one person was killed in separate bear attacks that occurred early Wednesday morning at a national forest campground east of Cooke City near the northeastern corner of Yellowstone National Park.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officials are investigating the attacks at Soda Butte Campground in the Gallatin National Forest that are believed to have occurred about 2 a.m.

by Boyd Hartwig

The Packer Meadows Fire exhibited some single tree torching Wednesday but remained at approximately 150 acres as firefighters continued to improve and construct fireline. Three helicopters made bucket drops along the fire perimeter, assisting suppression on the ground. As temperatures increased today the fire became more active and continued to consume fuel along the edges and within the perimeter. Smoke, blowing west to east near the Highway 12 corridor, was visible from Missoula in the early afternoon.

by Boyd Hartwig

Forest Service Road 300.1 --- the railroad grade near the Dominion Creek trestle on the Superior Ranger District --- is closed while crews begin renovation and construction work on the Dominion Creek tunnel and trestle.

The closure, in effect through Oct. 15, does not affect bike use or vehicle parking for the Route of the Hiawatha.

Sen. Max Baucus introduced a constitutional amendment restoring Congressional authority to regulate political contributions, and Sen. Jon Tester voted for the DISCLOSE Act, which he co-sponsored. Both legislative actions Tuesday were in response to the recent Citizens United ruling by the Supreme Court.

by Ellen Simpson

The term “public interest” is tossed around a lot and we should think about what it means. Groups sue to stop the construction of a generating plant, transmission line, highway project, or a timber sale and say that the lawsuit is being brought because of “public interest”.

This greatly bothers me because I have not asked anyone to represent me in stopping projects meant to improve the quality of life in Montana, provide jobs, and manage forests. As a member of the public with an interest in promoting not hindering activities, I object to some group saying it is operating on my behalf. These people do not represent me or my best interest.

by Boyd Hartwig

Firefighters are responding to the Packer Meadows Fire, a ten acre fire approximately three miles northeast of Lolo Pass that was reported at about 2:30 p.m. Monday afternoon by a fire lookout on the Clearwater National Forest.

The fire is burning actively and is currently being suppressed by about 20 firefighters, as well as two large air tankers and one helicopter. Additional resources may be called to the fire as needed.

by Nicholas Schwaderer

Moore Lake: A drive-in, no-hike lake

For those with little desire or ability to make the physical trek, or with limited time, Moore Lake is an ideal trip. Ever since I was a tyke, St. Regis’ Moore Lake was synonymous with local adventure and recreation. The hardy 14-mile drive up the Little Joe never stopped the lake from having that ‘hometown hangout’ feel.

by Jennifer Lawson

The Governor’s Office of Community Service announced the 2nd annual state-wide ‘Fire Ready Montana’ initiative. This initiative promotes ‘fire-wise’ tips and family preparedness steps for all Montanans.

‘Fire Ready Montana’ is featured on the website: http://ready.mt.gov and the public can now follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/ReadyMontana for fire ready updates and events.

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia will deliver a lecture at the Hager Auditorium in the Museum of the Rockies at Montana State University at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 28. The title of his lecture is "Constitutional Interpretation." Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. The Hager Auditorium seats 220.

by Boyd Hartwig

The Siegel Fire is now in a monitoring status.There are areas of the fire that will continue to show smoke throughout the summer until the available fuels are consumed. The expectation is that on hot, dry days -- especially when there are winds -- smoke will be seen from the interior areas of the fire. The fire will be well interior of control lines, however.

These are areas where the terrain is too steep and rugged to safely allow firefighters to operate and helicopters will be used to perform bucket drops as needed over the summer.