Law roundup: No sanctuary for ‘transients’

Finding three strangers in the door area of the main sanctuary of their church, a pastor asked officers with the Kalispell Police Department to give them the bum’s rush. Authorities informed the trio, who were identified as possible “transients” and outfitted with bicycles, that they were no longer welcome on church grounds. 

After another church bought a nearby home, neighbors noticed vehicles popping up on the adjacent street, sometimes as many as 10 or 12. The parked cars posed a hazard to motorists trying to get on the highway, they told officers, and requested authorities contact the church. Officers noted that the church was housing people in the home and that the associated vehicles were parked legally on the street, but agreed to pass the complaint along. 

Someone turned in a purse they found near a business. Officers described it as dirty and containing nothing of value. As it lacked anything identifying ownership, they tossed it.