Region in brief: Town puts dark sky ordinance into effect

WHITEFISH, Mont. – Three years after the Whitefish City Council adopted an ordinance to reduce the amount of light shining skyward, the city’s dark sky ordinance takes effect Monday.

The ordinance requires light fixtures to block light from shining upward and sets stricter rules for commercial lighting.

Residents will be required to install fixtures that shine downward. Lights without shielding will be limited to 45-watt bulbs while lights with partial shielding can use bulbs up to 60 watts. Commercial exterior lighting must be no taller than 30 feet, mercury vapor lights cannot be used, and canopy lights, such as those at service stations, must be fully shielded.

Whitefish’s dark sky ordinance follows the philosophy of the International Dark Sky Association, which wants to reduce the energy used in lighting and leave the sky darker so more stars can be seen.

Bicyclist dragged after yelling at driver

PORTLAND – A 31-year-old man is recovering from injuries suffered when he was pulled from his bicycle and dragged 150 feet along a Portland street.

Kevin Stevenson is being treated at Legacy Emanuel Hospital’s burn center for his injuries. Hospital officials said Saturday he is in good condition.

Portland police spokeswoman Mary Wheat said Stevenson started yelling at a passing vehicle that had been tailgating a group of cyclists early Thursday on Portland’s east side.

She said Stevenson leaned into the vehicle and tried to grab the driver.

Stevenson’s girlfriend said the driver and a back-seat passenger grabbed him and pulled him along.

Police say they’re still investigating.