Ellington

Rapid population growth gives Montana 2nd US House seat

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's recent population boom will let the state regain the second U.S. House seat it lost nearly 30 years ago, according to U.S. Census Bureau figures released Monday.

Road closures approved for Ignite the Nites

Libby City Council last week unanimously approved road closures requested by the Igniters Car Club for its annual summer car show.

Water, sewer resolutions get hosed

Twin proposals aimed at making it easier for mobile home park developers to hook into Libby’s water and sewer system met quick fates on April 19.

Canadian man is suspect in armed encounter, illegal border crossing

A Canadian national suspected of illegally crossing into Montana near Eureka and arrested after an armed encounter with a Border Patrol officer and pursuit through the woods appeared in federal court on criminal charges on April 23.

BNSF lawsuit underscores challenge in diagnosing after effects of vermiculite mining

Patricia Denny and her husband, Jeff, had hoped to one day get an RV and travel the country. Instead, Jeff has been forced into retirement at age 54 by a lung disease caused by the asbestos that’s polluted the small town of Libby, Montana, for decades.

Governor proposes amendments for worker vaccine bill

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has proposed amendments to a bill that seeks to prevent discrimination based on vaccine status that appear to try to address concerns raised by health care organizations.

Troy poised to create cemetery committee

Troy City Councilors came to the informal conclusion that the best way to manage the municipality’s cemetery would be to form an advisory committee.

Vince Backen turns the page with latest venture

When Vince Backen lands in a foreign port, one of his first stops is almost always the local bookstore.

Bits 'n pieces from east, west and beyond

East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact. A recent sampling:

Libby mayor urges improved responsiveness

Libby Mayor Brent Teske called on his colleagues on city council to improve their lines of communication earlier this month.

Legals for April, 30 2021

Julie Ann Pickett

Julie Ann Pickett of Libby passed away Feb. 27, 2021, in Kalispell. She was born July 10, 1956, in Libby. She was the youngest of three children born to Robert “Bud” Wayne and Rae Louise Vinion (Leavitt)

Donoghue faces revocation of suspended sentence

Kathleen Marie Donoghue faces the revocation of her suspended sentence after failing to report to her probation officer.

Local lawmaker's invasive species bill gets governor's approval

Gov. Greg Gianforte signed off on a bill sponsored by a local lawmaker designed to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species last week.

More than 600 burn permits issued this month

The Lincoln County Health Department has issued 603 burn permits since the start of the management and residential burn season, officials say.

Men cited over helicopter poaching of wolves

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Two Montana men have been cited over illegally poaching two wolves from a helicopter in the Big Hole Valley.

Montana marijuana legalization bill passes in Senate

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana Senate on Friday passed a bill to implement a recreational marijuana program in the state, which would reserve tax revenue from sales for addiction treatment and statewide conservation efforts.

Kalispell lawmaker promotes false vaccine conspiracy theory

A longtime state lawmaker from Kalispell promoted a false conspiracy theory about COVID-19 vaccines on Thursday during a public debate in the Montana Senate.

Duane Hagadone, founder of Hagadone Corp., dies at 88

Duane B. Hagadone, a private but devoted family man and an icon of publishing, real estate and hospitality, died Saturday at his winter home in Palm Desert at the age of 88.

Hecla officials promote reclamation efforts at Troy mine site

In celebration of Earth Day, officials with Hecla Mining Co. last week touted their reclamation efforts at the Troy Mine.

Misinformation fueled showdown at informational meeting for Knotty Pine project

U.S. Forest Service officials had to shut down a public meeting on a forestry project last week after it devolved into a shouting match.

Chamber wants say over what groups use nearby parking lot areas

A burgeoning feud between two local outdoor markets bubbled over during a Libby City Council meeting last week.

Plans emerge to revamp Troy skate park

Zach McDougall has high hopes for the Troy skate park.

Wildlife management plan likely to pass by resolution

After much consideration, Libby City Council likely will adopt its proposed wildlife management plan as a resolution rather than codify it as an ordinance.

Gianforte signs bills sponsored by local lawmakers

With just days left in the state legislative session, a series of bills sponsored by Lincoln County representatives received Gov. Greg Gianforte’s signature.

Golf cart ordinance passes muster

The third time’s the charm for an ordinance allowing golf carts on Libby streets under certain circumstances.

Blanton sentenced following jury trial

A Eureka man found guilty of aggravated animal cruelty with a firearms enhancement for shooting a dog last year has received a suspended, three-year sentence in Lincoln County District Court.

Elias Westlund

Damon and Ayana Westlund welcomed a baby boy March 17, 2021, at 11:33 p.m.

Elliott Hayes Bland

Kylie and Ward Bland welcomed a baby boy Feb. 12, 2021, at 2:53 a.m. in Kalispell.

Dawson Ivan-Dean Haughton

Joseph Haughton and Sarah Sullivan welcomed a baby boy on Feb. 21, 2021, at 9:30 p.m.

Texas administrator selected as assistant principal of elementary school

Libby Public School Board members have settled on a candidate for the assistant principal position at the elementary school.

Legals for April, 27 2021

Payton Stoner and Sydney Stevenson

Payton Neale Dhillon Stoner of San Diego, Calif., and Sydney Marie Stevenson of Libby were wed in Missoula on April 9.

William McAfee

After a fierce battle with cancer, William "Bill" McAfee, a longtime resident of the Yaak, passed away April 14, 2021.

Yaak WINGS Benefit to return in May

After curtailing their event in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the organizers of the Yaak WINGS Benefit are moving full steam ahead with preparations for this year’s fundraiser.

Deliberate homicide suspect pleads not guilty

The Trego man accused of shooting and killing his adult son earlier this month pleaded not guilty in Lincoln County District Court on April 19.

Emergency abatement launched after workers uncover contaminated mine tailings

Officials with the Lincoln County Asbestos Resource Program have launched an emergency abatement project after workers uncovered contaminated mine tailings on a Fifth Street property.

Deal struck between golf club, City Hall

Libby City Council met the Cabinet View Golf Club in the middle this week, agreeing to offer the organization a $541,000 grant if it repays $1 million of an outstanding $1.54 million loan.

Kendall's wife and an alleged accomplice charged in connection with his escape

The wife of Jeremiah Kendall and a friend both face felony charges for their roles in the felon’s short-lived escape from custody.

Ruth C. Fore, 78

Ruth C. Fore, 78, of Troy passed away April 15, 2021, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho. She was born April 11, 1943, in Muskegon, Mich., to Glen and Agnus (Eggert) Snell.

Norman M. Coon

There will be a graveside service for Norman M. Coon at 1 p.m., May 1 at the City of Libby Cemetery. Lunch to follow at the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Bits 'n pieces from east, west and beyond

East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact. A recent sampling:

Gianforte signs bill giving elected officials power over health boards

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has signed a bill that subjects emergency decisions by local health boards and health officers to approval by elected officials.

School board plans to shop Asa Wood site around

Administrators with the Libby Public School District hope to put the defunct Asa Wood Elementary School on the market in May.

Lady Loggers rally late to beat Wildkats

Mounting a stunning late-game rally, the Lady Loggers beat the Columbia Falls Wildkats 13-12 on April 21.

Grizzly victim knew risks of living with bears, friends say

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Grizzly bears are part of life in the gateway communities bordering Yellowstone National Park, and backcountry snowmobile guide Charles "Carl" Mock knew well the risks that come with working, hiking and fishing among the fear-inspiring carnivores, his friends said.

Voter ID bill becomes law

A push to revise voter identification requirements culminated earlier this week when Gov. Greg Gianforte signed Senate Bill 169.

Legals for April, 23 2021

Ordinance committee tweaks proposed golf cart ordinance

Libby City Council’s ordinance committee lent its support for a third time to a proposal that would legalize golf cart usage on local streets under certain conditions.

Jameson Lane Watters

Vernon Waters and Brooke Slaven welcomed a baby boy Dec. 10, 2020, at 5:55 p.m. Jameson Lane Watters weighed 7 pounds, 14 ounces and was 18-and-a-half inches long. He was delivered by Dr. Jana Hall.

Zoe Mae Davis

Tyler Davis and Misty Mays welcomed a baby girl on Jan. 26, 2021, at 6:01 p.m.

Mathew Holcomb-Lake Jr.

Mathew Holcomb-Lake and Ashley Nunley welcomed a baby boy on Feb. 2, 2021, at 5:23 p.m.

Vaccine requirements spread in U.S., sowing concern on overreach

COVID-19 vaccination requirements are fast becoming facts of life in the U.S., spreading business by business even as politicians and privacy advocates rail against them.

New vehicles top sheriff's office capital improvement plan

In a first, Sheriff Darren Short submitted his office’s capital improvement plan to the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners on April 7.

Planning begins for future of detention center

Constrained by limited funds, commissioners say Lincoln County is years out from building a badly needed law enforcement and detention center.

Interest in vaccination dips across county

With more than 4,000 county residents fully immunized and another 6,167 awaiting a second dose, health officials say they are seeing lessening interest in weekly coronavirus vaccine clinics.

Trips to Libby landfill jumped in 2020

County health department officials saw a spike in use of the Libby landfill in 2020. The increase in trips corresponded with anecdotal reports of an influx of new residents and jump in property sales last year.

Making it hard to put initiatives on the ballot is a mistake

One of the best things about our great state of Montana is how easy it is to express our opinions. Being able to put initiatives on the ballot is a right we have as Montanans.

Real estate prices soar across county

Lincoln County has seen a slightly more than $100,000 spike in average real estate sales prices since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

Under The Big Sky Festival to return in 2021

After an incredibly successful inaugural festival in 2019, the Under The Big Sky Festival is moving forward with concert dates planned for July 17 and 18 at Big Mountain Ranch east of Whitefish.

Chronic wasting disease test developed by scientists

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Scientists have developed a new way to test live animals for chronic wasting disease that holds promise for one day detecting the illness in the wild.

Buzz around Colstrip is fueled by misinformation

Every session we have bills that create new potential for Colstrip, those bills are constantly surrounded by media misinformation that is meant to confuse and mislead lawmakers and the public. This session is no different, and the current bill in question is state Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick’s Senate Bill 379.

Thanks to the many people staffing our vaccine clinics

Just a wee note to thank the wonderful nurses, helpers and volunteers who are working hard to vaccinate everyone against COVID-19.

Rosauer's employees went above and beyond

I would like to thank Scott Erickson, manager of Libby’s Rosauer’s location, for the “above and beyond” service by your store employees.

Gary Raymond Allen

Gary Raymond Allen, a long time resident of Montana, passed away April 9, 2021, in Colville, Wash.

Eugenia Vache' Cline, 87

Eugenia "Jane" Vache' Cline, 87, passed away April 8, 2021, at the Schneidmiller Hospice House in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Legals for April, 20 2021

Kendall back in custody

After more than a week on the run, Jeremiah Kendall is back in custody.

Budget committee takes first crack at fiscal year 2022

Libby City Council’s budget committee has recommended a set of counter-offers to union-proposed amendments to the municipality’s upcoming financial roadmap.

Wildlife management plan stuck in limbo

Libby officials are tentatively planning a meeting with FWP representatives to finish hashing out the city’s wildlife management plan.

Semi-retirement didn't last long for Brad's Burgers owners

When Dale and Kathy Merkt opened Brad’s Burgers in December, everyone thought they were crazy.

Board votes to lift mask requirement in May

After months of debate, Libby Public School Board members voted in favor of lifting the district’s mask requirement early next month.

Tennis team struggles against Whitefish

The Logger tennis squad faced staunch competition from their Whitefish counterparts during an April 13 match in Libby.

Libby Loggers warming up for season's start

Guided by a core of seasoned sluggers and bolstered by a crop of rising talent, the Libby Loggers are eager to get their uniforms dusty during their first games of the year later this month.

Paul found guilty on marijuana charge by jury

A jury in Lincoln County this week found John Hugh Paul guilty of felony operating a non-commercial vehicle under the influence of marijuana.

Kendall fled home arrest on April 7

Jeremiah Kendall broke the terms of his house arrest as early as April 7, when law enforcement officials watched him flee his property on a four-wheeler, according to recently filed court documents.

Albert G. Chapel, 83

Albert G. Chapel, 83, passed away April 9, 2021, at his home in Troy. He was born July 24, 1937, in Troy to Charles and Ruth (Hudlow) Chapel.

LeMar E. Lindsay, 90

LaMar E. Lindsay, 90, of Libby died April 11, 2021 at Hidden Meadow Memory Care in Columbia Falls.

Bits 'n pieces from east, west and beyond

East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact. A recent sampling:

Craig Steven Rode, 55

Craig Steven Rode, 55 passed away March 13, 2021, in West Chester, Ohio. He was born to Wilbur Rode and Susan (Lee) Pierce in Benson, Minn., on Sept. 20, 1965.

Beverly Jean Hamann, 88

Beverly Jean Hamann, 88, was born Feb. 7, 1932, in Froid and passed away Oct. 29, 2020, after a long illness with Alzheimer’s disease.

John Clivious Chewning III, 75

John “Bud” Clivious Chewning, III, 75, passed away Sept. 18, 2020, at home with his family by his side.

Legals for April, 16 2021

Montana Tech will study ground at collapsed mine

BLACK HAWK, S.D. (AP) — Experts from Montana Technological University will soon begin to analyze the what lies underground in Black Hawk neighborhood where homes have been evacuated because ground over an abandoned mine collapsed.

Legislation allows lottery winners to remain anonymous

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana Lottery sent out its first news release Friday listing major lottery prizes won this week without including the names of the winners, following a new law allowing prize winners to remain anonymous.

Officials: Yellowstone-area grizzly bear deaths up from 2019

BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — A Montana state report made public this week showed that grizzly bear deaths in parts of Yellowstone National Park increased last year and were higher than the 10-year average, wildlife officials said.

The time is ripe for a convention of states

Before discussing the topic of a convention of states, it is important to see where our nation is at on the path of our political journey with respect to history. Especially now, as we have a political class that is openly embracing Marxism.

$17M in US money available for Montana rental assistance

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana has a new program to provide rental assistance for people who have lost income and are at risk of housing instability due to the pandemic, Gov. Greg Gianforte said Tuesday.

Montana Veterans Affairs to open $12M primary care clinic

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana VA Health Care System has announced plans to open a $12 million primary care clinic at a medical center in Helena where veterans will remain in a single appointment room and each provider will come to them in a "one stop shop" approach.

Liberty on Parade to return for second year

Libby’s take on the Fourth of July holiday will return this year, but with a different date.

Golf cart ordinance revisited

Libby City Council is looking into allowing golf carts on local streets in some fashion for a third time in recent memory.

Wood reflects on half-century career

Tom Wood has seen a lot in his nearly 50-years with the Libby Volunteer Fire Department.

Lady Loggers topple Eureka

Braving cold and snowy conditions, Libby tamed the Eureka Lady Lions 16-8 last weekend.

Forest Service projects waiting in the wings

U.S. Forest Service officials are continuing work on a slate of projects designed to increase local timber harvests in the coming years.

Commissioners tackle vacant elected positions in county

Lincoln County Commissioners took the first steps towards filling elected county administrative positions left vacant.

Lawmakers OK bill giving elected officials power over health boards

A bill that would give elected officials the power to change or shoot down emergency rules adopted by local health boards was sent to Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte's desk this week after passing both chambers of the Republican-controlled Legislature with mostly GOP support.

Blackfeet Nation reopens after strict pandemic closures

BROWNING, Mont. (AP) — On March 15, 2020, just two days after COVID-19 entered Montana, the Blackfeet Nation declared a state of emergency.

Ann King Wilson, 84

Ann King Wilson passed away April 7, 2021, in Libby, following an extended period of declining health. She was 84 years old.

Legals for April, 13 2021

Kendall a no-show for start of 20-year sentence

Jeremiah Kendall, on house arrest since his March 29 sentencing, failed to turn himself in for the start of his 20-year bid behind bars with the Montana State Prison on Friday.

Tentative plans for mobile home park on Education Way

Libby officials are in the very early stages of reviewing a proposed mobile home park off of Education Way.

Frances George Rieley, 88

Frances George “Bill” Rieley, 88, of Libby passed away March 5, 2021, of natural causes.

Daines, Tester secure funding for rural schools

Montana’s two senators, Steve Daines and Jon Tester, have helped secure over $12 million for rural counties by reauthorizing critical federal funding.

Family of missing man seeks justice after body discovered

Authorities believe they have recovered the body of a Troy man missing since last summer.

Court documents offer new details on Trego shooting

A Trego man is being held without bail after allegedly killing his 31-year-old son early on April 5.

Resolutions aimed at spurring mobile home developments tabled by city council

City councilors in Libby tabled April 5 twin resolutions aimed at lessening the cost to future mobile home park developments in the municipality.

Libby City Council deems golf club debt deal subpar

Libby City Council rejected the Cabinet View Golf Club’s debt forgiveness proposal April 5, moving to negotiate better terms of repayment of an outstanding $1.54 million loan.

Bill to deregulate accessory dwellings dies in Montana Senate

Despite bipartisan support, a bill that would prohibit cities and counties from limiting construction of accessory dwelling units appears unlikely to advance after its first hearing before a Montana legislative committee.

Rabbit Tracts partnership receives approval

State officials have approved a local forest management project, which aims to build a partnership between private landowners and county, state and federal officials.

Lady Lions roar over Lady Trojans

Despite building an early lead, the Lady Trojans fell 34-11 to the Eureka during their April 6 home game.

Mask talk heats up as date to lift policy nears

The longstanding debate over lifting mask requirements within the Libby Public School District became increasingly complicated in recent weeks.

Montana governor catches COVID-19, shows mild symptoms

BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte and first lady Susan Gianforte have tested positive for COVID-19, the governor's office announced.

Bits 'n pieces from east, west and beyond

East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact. A recent sampling:

House rejects bill calling media 'slander machines'

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The Montana House narrowly rejected Wednesday a measure that sought to prevent media outlets from reporting on news that lawmakers deem defamatory.

Legals for April, 9 2021

Gianforte signs bill banning sanctuary cities in Montana

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte signed a bill Wednesday banning sanctuary cities in the state, despite the fact that Montana does not currently have any sanctuary cities.

Election integrity a hot topic in Helena

Amid the slew of bills that have cycled through Montana’s legislative chambers this year, state Sen. Cuffe (R-Eureka) said there’s one issue that has dominated his constituent’s attention: voting and election regulations.

Sheriff's Office Blotter

The law roundup is compiled from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office incident log. It is not meant to serve as an exhaustive account.

FWP looking to hire at area parks

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks are looking for full- and part-time hires at several Flathead Valley parks.

Officials seek funding to weed out invasive plant species

Local experts say they have a shot at nipping the spread of an invasive weed in the bud, but they need financial backing from the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners.

Sheriff's Office Blotter

The law roundup is compiled from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office incident log. It is not meant to serve as an exhaustive account.

Troy receives grant to bolster police patrols

Troy City Councilors approved a grant that will bolster the municipality’s police force during the summer season.

Hagen pleads not guilty to multiple charges

The Libby man accused of stealing from several area stores while armed last month has pleaded not guilty to all charges in Lincoln County District Court.

Red Cross looks for volunteers

For the past four years, Red Cross volunteer Scott Fairfield has helped families in Lincoln and Sanders counties recover from home fires, wildfires, flooding and whatever else nature throws their way.

Lauer elected new Libby fire chief

The Libby Volunteer Fire Department saw a changing of the guard during their annual elections held April 1.

Troy awash in pandemic relief funds

Local government coffers stand to receive a windfall from federal legislation aimed at curbing the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

15-year-olds can get learner's permit without driver's ed

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana is starting a temporary program to allow 15-year-olds to get a learner's permit without having to take a driver's education class, Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced Friday.

Trego man arrested after allegedly killing his son

A Trego man faces a deliberate homicide charge after allegedly killing his son in the early morning hours of April 5.

Body found near Shannon Flats believed to be that of missing Troy man

Authorities believe they have recovered the body of a Troy man missing since last summer.

Fort Belknap Indian Community sues to stop mine work

MALTA, Mont. (AP) — The Fort Belknap Indian Community has sued to halt a Bozeman-based mining company from assessing whether rock at an old mine in the Little Rocky Mountains contains gold.

Vaccine passports are latest flash point in COVID politics

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Vaccine passports being developed to verify COVID-19 immunization status and allow inoculated people to more freely travel, shop and dine have become the latest flash point in America's perpetual political wars, with Republicans portraying them as a heavy-handed intrusion into personal freedom and private health choices.

Missoula man drowns in Lower Thompson Lake

A Missoula man, formerly from Plains, drowned in Lower Thompson Lake last week. According to the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the man was identified as Michael Larson, 71, of Missoula. At about 12:41 p.m.

Legals for April, 6 2021

Smoking Gun BBQ comes out blazing

When Jeremy Canary opened Smoking Gun BBQ in August, he was concerned that the pandemic might hamstring his business.

Youthful Lady Trojans squad looks forward to softball's return

After sitting out last year’s season, the Troy softball team is set to come back swinging.

Loggers shine in doubles despite loss

Although the Loggers boys and girls tennis teams fell to their Hamilton counterparts last week, Libby came away from the season opener with victories in the doubles categories.

The Western News owes us an apology

We would like to personally thank The Western News and Daily Inter Lake for throwing the Silver Spur under the bus with this article (“Commissioners, Troy officials met in violation of state law,” March 30)!

Montana taxpayers should not foot bill for liberal agenda disguised as COVID relief

Over the course of 2020, Congress passed five bipartisan COVID-19 relief packages. Republicans were in the majority in the Senate and President Donald Trump was in office. As Republicans, we committed to working in a bipartisan manner to deliver needed relief to Montanans and all Americans struggling because of this historic pandemic.

Targeted COVID Package Will Reopen Our Economy

One year into this pandemic, Montanans are finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Montana launch ship's bell tour for new Navy submarine

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A ship's bell for the new USS Montana nuclear submarine was unveiled at the Capitol this week, marking the beginning of a nearly yearlong series of presentations throughout the state.

Study: Grizzlies should stay on endangered species list

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is recommending no change to the current listed status of the grizzly bear in the lower 48 states as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, following the completion of a five-year status review.

Commissioners apologize for surreptitious meeting

A pair of county commissioners have apologized for violating state law by holding a meeting outside of the public eye last month and released minutes of the gathering.

Marijuana tax revenue should go toward Montana public lands

Money received in taxes from marijuana should go to preserving Montana lands. When voted on, the understanding was that the funding would go to our public parks and lands.

Cuffe hands down sentence in Kendall case

Admitting that nothing could fully redress the damage wrought upon the life of Jeremiah Kendall’s victim and former girlfriend, District Judge Matthew Cuffe gave the 40-year-old the maximum sentence for felony aggravated assault.

Calvin St.Onge, 86

Calvin St.Onge, 86, went home to be with the Lord peacefully March 15, 2021, with loved ones by his side. He was born Oct. 28, 1934, in Medford, Ore., to Erving and Clema St.Onge.

David Paul Smith, 61

David Paul Smith, 61, passed away March 26, 2021, in Centennial, Colo. He was born to Rev. Wallace and Mary Smith in Pittsburgh, Penn., on April 21, 1959, and was joined by adopted sister Sarah in 1968.

City councilors consider debt forgiveness for golf club

Libby City Councilors weighed March 31 partially forgiving a long-outstanding loan given to Cabinet View Golf Club for construction of the organization’s back nine.

Bits 'n pieces from east, west and beyond

East, west or beyond, sooner or later events elsewhere may have a local impact. A recent sampling:

Legals for April, 2 2021