New law may mean safer highways

mMontana's highways should be somewhat safer this week, and into the foreseeable future, thanks to new restrictions on teen drivers which took effect on July 1.

Under the new graduated license rules, teenagers must pass certain requirements before they qualify for provisional or permanent licenses. During the provisional period, they also are limited in when they may drive and how many passengers they may carry.

Coincidentally, this week a new study was released which proved the wisdom of these restrictions. Researchers said that fatal accidents involving 16-year old drivers declined by 20 percent as a result of such laws.

That's good news indeed.

The rescue of four newborn puppies from a Kalispell trash bin last week is a sad reminder that unwanted litters continue to be discarded inhumanely. In this case, the pups were left to suffocate in a bag on a 90-degree day.

We applaud veterinarian Art Otto for going the extra mile to care for the quartet of puppies. He and his staff are tube-feeding the newborns three times a day until they can be weaned and adopted out to loving families. At last report, the pups are already a lively bunch.

Kudos are also in order for a new nonprofit group, Marvin's Fund of Montana, organized to advocate for compassionate treatment of animals through education. Everyone should know there are humane options for dealing with unwanted pets. Marvin's Fund wants that message heard loud and clear.

Fourth of July festivities from Kalispell to Polebridge and from Whitefish to Flathead Lake attracted impressive turnouts of participants and spectators Tuesday, despite the midweek nature of the holiday this year.

And you wouldn't have guessed that there were fewer official community fireworks displays, since many people took it upon themselves to arrange impressive pyrotechnics displays.

It was a red, white and blue day everywhere and shows that patriotism is alive and well in the Flathead.