Barkus pleads no contest to 1 felony

KALISPELL (AP) — Outgoing state Sen. Greg Barkus of Kalispell has pleaded no contest to felony criminal endangerment for crashing his boat into the shore of Flathead Lake after a night of drinking, injuring all five on board.

The Missoulian reports Barkus entered the plea Thursday as part of a plea agreement that would dismiss two other felony charges and recommend a three-year deferred sentence for the crash that injured U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg, two of his staffers, Barkus and his wife.

District Judge John McKeon of Malta said he will decide whether to accept the plea agreement after a p...