Ten years later: Is justice near?

Inter Lake editorial

It's been 10 years since the Inter Lake broke the news on the asbestos crisis in Libby, revealing the widespread exposure to toxic dust that has claimed so many lives and sickened thousands in that community.

Many Libby community leaders have spent the past decade pushing for justice for people who became victims simply by breathing the air or otherwise coming in contact with dust from W.R. Grace's vermiculite mine.

It was an industry that provided stability and good-paying jobs, but now the company and five of its top executives are on trial for the unthinkable - that they knowingly poisoned mine workers and the townspeople. The trial at U.S. District Court in Missoula is among the biggest criminal prosecutions in the history of environmental regulations, and the spotlight continues to shine on a community that has not yet weathered the asbestos storm.

Media from around the country are reporting on the trial, estimated to run for three months. University of Montana law and journalism students have an extraordinary opportunity to cover the event and provide daily reports and blogs.

Now it's Grace in the spotlight, what its people knew and when they knew it. In the end, we hope that justice prevails. Libby asbestos victims deserve nothing less.

The news last week that Gateway West Mall would be the new home for a collection of human service agencies was proof that persistence and a plan can pay off.

American Capital Group bought the mall years ago, and always knew that the future of the mall would not be based on retail. Several call centers have been located in the facility, as well as a variety of other non-traditional mall tenants.

Now, the United Way and other non-profits have banded together to form Gateway Community Center Inc. in a move that promises to revitalize the mall for years to come. Between 15 and 18 agencies are expected to eventually move to the mall to create a convenient, user-friendly smorgasbord of services.

And speaking of smorgasbord, the presence of the new tenants will also allow the Gateway Community Center to reopen the mall's old food court. Non-profit agencies will have a chance to operate food businesses as fund-raisers, and clients and friends of the agencies will be able to enjoy a pleasant social atmosphere.

Congratulations to all involved.