Passport rules change with times
The Daily Inter Lake
If you're planning to fly to Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean anytime soon, don't forget you now need to pack a passport.
A new rule went into effect Tuesday requiring all travelers - including U.S. citizens - to show a passport to get back into the country when arriving by air.
Previously, we've had the luxury of showing only a driver's license or birth certificate in the past as we jaunted off to sunny climes during spring break or headed across our northern border, but as America strives to secure its borders, passports are one more tool in the arsenal to fight terrorism.
The federal government expects to issue 16 million more passports this year to meet the increased demand. But even if you don't plan to fly anywhere out of the country, you should probably consider getting a passport now.
That's because it is expected that by next year, passports will also be required for land travel to Canada, a popular destination for many Flathead residents.
You can apply for a passport at 7,000 locations in the United States, including the main post offices in Kalispell and Whitefish and the county Justice Center.
A VOICE for the victims of asbestos poisoning in Libby has been silenced with the death of activist Les Skramstad, who succumbed to asbestos disease earlier this week. The wiry, scrappy Skramstad had suffered from asbestosis for several years and a month ago was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a fast-moving asbestos-caused cancer that's almost always fatal.
Like many former vermiculite mine workers, Skramstad unknowingly brought the toxic dust home on his clothing and exposed his family to the deadly disease. Now many of them have been diagnosed with asbestos disease, too. It's a scenario that has played out in Libby time and time again, but Skramstad was one of the brave who spoke up seven years ago and got the nation's attention about Libby's plight.
He was a vigilant advocate for victims, pleading with Montana's congressional delegation and federal officials to hold mine operator W.R. Grace accountable and see to it that contaminated sites were cleaned.
Even when lung disease had squeezed his voice to a whisper, Skramstad fought for justice for asbestos victims. He can't be replaced, but his legacy must live on. Who among us is ready to pick up where he left off?
Another notable loss to the local community was felt this week as Norb Donahue died at the age of 88.
The accomplishments of his full and varied life were too many to fit into this brief space, but suffice it to say that he had a career with the FBI, then practiced law, and devoted hismelf to public service. At various times, he served as Kalispell's city attorney, justice of the peace, and on the City Council. He was also a member of many civic and fraternal organizations.
Norb was certainly an inspiration to all of us who hope to stay active in our retirement years. He was an active skier until the age of 83 when his declining eyesight forced him off the slopes, and right until the end, he maintained a keen interest in speaking out for the citizens of Kalispell, which he did frequently at City Council meetings and in letters to this newspaper.
He will be missed by those who knew him, and by the community at large, which often benefited from his persistent advocacy.