Law roundup: Woman blow off steam at trees

A middle-aged woman wearing a black trench coat and sandals was allegedly swaying in Woodland Park smoking, screaming nonsense and swinging a stick around. Someone called the Kalispell Police Department wanting to make sure if she was OK. They were also concerned about school children being around her. She was OK — “just shouting at the trees.”

A woman allegedly sassed police when they advised her about a barking complaint by saying “Are dogs not allowed to bark?” and jabbering about living in a small neighborhood with a lot of noises, noting that the dog still barks despite wearing a bark collar. Officers counseled her on the “correct use” of bark collars and other methods to reduce barking. The officer also advised her several times about city ordinances.

A student reportedly called the police after hearing faint popping sounds they were worried might be gunshots. The noise turned out to be from bottle rockets being fired off for a science lesson. The school office was made aware of the situation to let the student know.