Senator Sam Kitzenberg Web Site

2003 Montana Legislature (Phone # 1-406-444-4800)

E-mail Representative Denny Rehberg

E-mail Senator Max Baucus

Senator Conrad Burns

Representative Jeff Pattison

Representative Carl Waitchies - no e-mail address

State of Montana Sexual and Violent Offender Web Site

West Nile Updates

Police Department Solves Hit And Run (Posted Thursday, January 30, 2003 7:33 AM)

The Glasgow Police Department has solved a hit and run case that took place in the early morning hours of January 22nd.

According to Lt. Mike Sukut of the Glasgow Police Department, 22-year old Travis Kittelson has been charged with two misdemeanors in the case. Kittelson pleaded guilty to the charges of leaving the scene of the accident and failure to report an accident by quickest possible means.

According to Sukut, Kittelson ran over a speed zone sign, several mail boxes and a garbage dumpster in the 100 Block of 1st Avenue South in the early morning hours of January 22nd. Kittelson told the police that a tie rod had broken on his pickup and that was the reason for the property damage. The Glasgow Police investigated and found that a tie rod had indeed broke on his vehicle and that was the reason the charges weren't more severe.

Sheriff Joins Kiwanis (Posted Thursday, January 30, 2003 6:58 AM)

President Delvin Hackwith welcomes new member Glen Meier (center) to the Glasgow Kiwanis Club. Mr. Meier was introduced by Bill Pattison (right) of the Membership Committee at a recent noon luncheon meeting of the organization. Glasgow Kiwanis is a community service club with emphasis on serving the children of the world. For membership information, please call Lila at 228-4346 or Bill at 228-9225.

Garfield County Gets New Weather Warning System (Posted Thursday, January 30, 2003 6:52 AM)

With severe weather always a threat, residents of Garfield County, Mont., can now stay on top of storm activity with a direct link to official weather forecasts. A new NOAA Weather Radio transmitter was installed at Jordan and is now broadcasting information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Weather Service forecast (NWS) office in Glasgow. NOAA is part the U.S. Department of Commerce.

According to Meteorologist-in-Charge Julie Adolphson, the broadcasts includes the latest warnings, watches, forecasts and other hazard information 24 hours a day. NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts warning and post-event information for all types of hazards - both natural (such as earthquakes) and environmental (such as chemical releases or oil spills). Citizens within approximately 30 miles of Jordan can tune in to 162.500 MHz for the broadcasts.

" Through the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Utility Service grant program, Garfield County purchased and donated this transmitter to the NWS. Mid-Rivers Telephone Communications donated the tower space for 15 years, and McCone Electric donated 15 years of electrical power" said Adolphson.

" We are grateful to the county and the cooperators who helped make this project happen. This expansion weather radio site significantly increases our ability to reach the community directly with vital warnings. When you don't have a radio or TV turned on, having a seven band NOAA Weather Radio at home or work that has an alarm helps you protect your family, yourself and your property," she added.

Adolphson added, "Jordan is the county seat, has the largest concentration of population and is in the heart of eastern Montana. It is the area's hub for those who grow grains, raise livestock or provide various recreational opportunities. People come here for fishing, hunting, camping and boating all year long. Each of these customers
relies on accurate and timely weather information.

" This new NOAA Weather Radio sit will help us meet that challenge. The USDA program is an effective way for Federal government and private enterprise to work together to help prepare citizens for severe weather events."

Tanja Fransen, the warning coordination meteorologist at the Glasgow office, said: "NOAA Weather Radio allows us to send weather statements and warnings straight from the forecaster to the public, saving 5 to 10 minutes or more."
Fransen pointed out that a NOAA Weather Radio broadcast saved dozens of lives recently in Van Wert, Ohio. A November 10, 2002 tornado devastated parts of the town. A Van Wert movie theater manager ushered 50 movie goers to safety after hearing a NWS tornado warning over a special weather radio. The tornado destroyed the building, tossing cars into the front seats where kids and parents were sitting just moments before.

Weather radios can be purchased at electronics stores and come in many sizes, with a variety of functions and costs. Some receivers automatically sound an alarm and turn themselves on if a severe weather warning is broadcast no matter what the time is - day or night - and can be programmed to warn for weather and civil emergencies in only your county. Some scanners, HAM radios, CB radios, short wave receivers, and AM/FM radios also are capable of receiving NOAA Weather Radio transmissions.

NOAA Weather Radio network has more than 750 transmitters, covering all 50 states, adjacent coastal waters, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and U.S. Pacific Territories. In Montana, approximately 80 percent of the state's residents are covered by various NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts.

NOAA's National Weather Service is the primary source of weather data, forecasts and warnings for the United States and its territories. National Weather Service operates the most advanced weather and flood warning and forecast system in the world, helping to protect lives and property and enhance the national economy. To learn more about the National Weather Service, please visit http://www.nws.noaa.gov.

The Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nation's coastal and marine resources. To learn more about NOAA, please visit http://www.noaa.gov.

Additional information about the NOAA Weather Radio is available at: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr/index.htm.

Loans & LDP’sStill Available For Wool & Mohair (Posted Wednesday, January 29, 2003 6:58 AM)

The 2002 crop year loan rates for Wool & Mohair were not available until December 16, 2002. Therefore, the final loan availability date for these commodities has been extended, for the 2002 crop year only, to March 31, 2003. Producers may apply for loans or LDP’s on the 2002 crop through this extension date.

For the 2003 through 2007 crop years, the final loan availability date will remain January 31 of the year following the year in which the applicable commodity is sheared.

Census of Agriculture Key to Growing Ag Economy in Indian Country (Posted Wednesday, January 29, 2003 6:53 AM)
Indian farmers and ranchers can play a leading role in being sure that Indian agriculture in Montana is counted. The 2002 Census of Agriculture is the largest, most detailed statistical portrait of agriculture in Montana and across the Nation. A special American Indian project in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota will be the first Census to include agricultural statistics for American Indian Reservations.

Published data will provide totals for every reservation and the amount operated by American Indians. These statistics have been requested by American Indian groups to provide better information for decision making on reservations.

Harlan Beaulieu, Vice President, Intertribal Agricultural Council, states: " I believe it would be very beneficial to Indian Country if we were able to create accurate agricultural data for all of our reservations. These data could be used for a variety of purposes such as: * To develop a preliminary marketing plan for Indian Products * To identify the types of products produced on our reservations * To determine the placement of company stores by chemical, farm equipment, car and truck dealers, office equipment and agriculture supply outlets * To help ensure fair and equal appropriation levels * To facilitate use of census data in the socioeconomic categorization of 'the most needy' and type of need * Most important - to provide data for use by Indian country to impact the U.S. Congress in addressing Indian needs."

" Agriculture Statistics are important for Indian Country," reports Earl Old Person Chairman, Blackfeet Tribal Business Council. "They provide the information that shows the need for agricultural resources and programs for Indian people."

" In 1994 Montana Agricultural Statistics Service provided the first illustration of the role Indians play in the agricultural economy," says Ross Racine, of Intertribal Ag Council. "The current Census of Agriculture project will bring Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota to comparable levels and will serve as a benchmark for other states to follow. I believe Census information will be used by the reservations to show the need for delivery of USDA ag programs."

" The Census of Agriculture is the only source of uniform agricultural data available at the county and now the reservation level for Montana, so it is important that in Montana all producers fill out their forms," says Lori Ryan, Indian Advisor to Governor Mart. Farm and ranch operators are asked to complete and mail the 20-page document by February 3, 2003. Information on the forms is held strictly confidential, but law. Results of the census will be aggregated and published over the next two years, and also used as benchmarks for other surveys conducted by the agency. "

Anyone is considered a farm if they sell more than $1,000 per year in agricultural products, or have the potential to sell $1,000 in agricultural products," Peggy Stringer, state statistician for the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. "So, some people that may not think they are a farm, actually are a farm by our USDA definition."

New opportunities under the 2002 Farm Bill are another reason to fill out the forms. "Under the Farm Bill, agricultural landowners nationwide will receive $14 billion over a 10-year period for conservation programs," Stringer notes. "In order to determine how those conservation funds are spent, information about production practices is required. It is important to have accurate information so that these funds can be disbursed across Montana."

" The Census of Agriculture will look at many things that help producers make decisions on competitive pricing, farm services, transportation, marketing locations, environmental and conservation issues, farming trends, irrigation and new technology," she says. "Promptly filling out and returning the forms will help us greatly in this process."

Senator Baucus Pushes Conference Committee To Keep $8 Million For Hatchery In Bill (Posted Tuesday, January 28, 2003 7:24 AM)

As House and Senate appropriators sift through the fiscal year 2003 spending bill, Montanaís Senator Max Baucus is working to defend the $8 million included to help build a new fish hatchery at Fort Peck Lake.

In a January 27 letter to Appropriations Committee Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and other members of the joint House-Senate committee charged with ironing out differences in the spending bill, Baucus urged the lawmakers to keep the Hatchery funds intact, saying the project will be a boon to jobs and recreation in eastern Montana.

"I write today to reaffirm my strong support for an $8 million allocation to help finish construction of the multi-species fish hatchery at Fort Peck Lake, Montana. I have supported this project from its conception around a coffee table in Glasgow, Montana, to its year 2000 authorization by Congress. Last year, Congress appropriated $1.5 million to start construction, which began last summer.

"The Fort Peck Fish Hatchery receives my strong support because I know how important it will be to jobs and recreation in Montana," Baucus added.

Once completed, the $20-million Fort Peck Fish Hatchery will support native fish recovery and warm-water fish such as walleye and small-mouth bass, as well as other species that have been hit by heavy fishing pressure and low water levels in recent years.

"I intend to keep working until we get this important $20-million project completed," Baucus wrote. "An allocation of $8 million will greatly aid us in this effort. I ask today that you keep these funds intact as the Omnibus spending bill is considered in conference committee."

After appropriators made an across-the-board 2.9 percent cut to all energy and water projects, Baucus said $7.8 million in Hatchery funds were included in a package of spending bills, known as an omnibus appropriations bill, by the Senate last week. Baucus said the conference committee is the "last big hurdle we face" in getting the final approval for the funds.

"The conference committee is our last big stop on the way to the Presidentís desk," Baucus said. "We've come a long way. Now we must keep working together to secure these funds. I'm confident we'll be successful."

A senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Baucus was instrumental in getting the hatchery project approved by Congress as part of the 2000 Water Resources Development Act and helped secure $1.5 million to start building the hatchery last summer. Baucus has been working together with Senator Conrad Burns and Representative Denny Rehberg to secure the additional $8 million in fiscal year 2003 to help complete construction of the hatchery.

Writing Workshop Set For February 4 (Posted Tuesday, January 28, 2003 7:17 AM)

The Women's Writing Group of Glasgow is hosting an hour-long workshop by Allyson Adams, in the Women's Resource Center conference room on Tuesday, February 4, at 6:30 p.m. The workshop on how to write in the first person is open to the public and offered free of charge.

Ms. Adams has written and performed "Moments of Peace," a tale dramatizing the historic political journey of native Montanan, Jeannette Rankin, for audiences throughout Montana. She will be working with the youth in our community during the week of February 3 through Feb 9.

The Valley County Coalition and the Northeastern Arts Network have invited Allyson Adams to perform and discuss her one woman show about Jeannette Rankin, the first woman elected to Congress. The writers workshop on February 4 is being co-sponsored by the Women's Resource Center.

2 People Rescued From Missouri River (Posted Saturday, January 25, 2003 1:07 PM)

The Valley County Sheriff's Department and Valley County Search and Rescue were called to the Missouri River near Frazer on Friday to rescue 2 people,  6 bulls and one horse stranded on the river.

According to Valley County Sheriff Glenn Meier, the department was called to the river around 11:00am on Friday to help the two people who were stuck on ice in the middle of the river along with the livestock. Changing water flows and moving ice had stranded the livestock and the individuals had tried retrieving the animals before getting stranded themselves.

The Sheriff's Department enlisted the help of the Valley County Search and Rescue and late Friday afternoon the people and the livestock were safely ashore. Search and Rescue used a boat to bring the people to shore and the livestock ended up leaving the river by themselves.

Glasgow Man Killed in Car-Train Accident (Posted Saturday, January 25, 2003 8:01 AM)

(AP) Valley County Sheriff Glen Meier has released the name of a man killed on Friday. Bob Earys, an 85-year-old Glasgow man, was struck and killed by a train Friday afternoon, when he drove his truck around the crossing arms.

The Montana Highway Patrol says the crossing arms were down and working when the man drove around them. His pickup truck was struck by the engine and rolled at least once before coming to rest in the ditch. The man was ejected and died at the scene.

The death raises the state highway fatality toll to 18, compared with ten on this date a year ago. (Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

David John & Mary Ann Fawcett Watson And Related Watson Histories (Posted Friday, January 24, 2003 8:24 PM)

Early in the century, six members of the Watson family of Drumore, Ireland, the children of David John Watson and Anne Morrow Watson, left their native land to start new fives in the United States. Five of the members of this family took up homesteads in the Vandalia community. David John Watson (1883 -195 1) arrived through entry at Boston in 1901 and worked in Boston, Denver and Montana prior to homesteading in Valley County in 1907. He married Mary Ann Fawcett (1889-1944) in the Methodist parsonage in Glasgow on April 3, 1911. Mary was the daughter of John and Susan Foster Fawcett of Laghey, Ireland and had arrived in the United States in 1909 to work in the Boston area. The family home was established on the homestead in Vandalia and later a home was kept in Glasgow during the school year. Dave was active in his community, serving on the school board, the Equity Cooperative of Vandalia and a director of the Farmers Union Cooperative. Mary was a homemaker.

Five children were born to David and Mary. James Colvin Watson (1912-1944) was born at the family farm, attended Vandalia grade school, Glasgow High School and graduated from Montana State College with a degree in Animal Husbandry in 1937. He married Ruth Flittie of Brookings, South Dakota. One son, David John, was born to Jim and Ruth. He passed away in 195 1. Jim was a captain in the U.S. Air Force during World War II and served as a navigator on a B-29. He was killed in action in February of 1944 in the Pacific Theatre. Prior to entering the service he was professor of Animal Science at South Dakota State College, Brookings, SD. Edith Mary Watson McCoy (1913-1974) was born at the fiuilfly farm, attended Vandalia grade school Glasgow High School and Montana State College in Bozeman, graduating in 1935 with a degree in Home Economics. She taught school in Belt, Montana. She married Ben F. McCoy in 1938 and lived on the McCoy family ranch in that community. Two daughters were born to the McCoy's: Marybeth Ewen (Dan), is a retired teacher in the Great Falls school system, and Betty Mae McCoy, is a 4-h Extension Specialist with the Montana Extension Service in Bozeman, Montana. David John Watson was born in 1923 and died as an infant in 1924. George Joseph Watson (1927-195 1), a twin to Betty, was born in Hinsdale, Montana, attended school in Glasgow and graduated from Montana State College in Bozeman in 1950 with a degree in Agronomy. He served in the Air Force in World War 11. After graduating from college he returned to farm with his father at Vandalia. He passed away in August 1951. Elizabeth (Betty) Ann Watson Drummond (1927-), a twin to George, was born in Hinsdale, attended school in Glasgow and graduated from Montana State College in 1949 with a degree in Home Economics. In 1950 she married James Drummond of Deer Lodge, Montana who was employed for 35 years as supervisor of the Montana Wool Laboratory and professor of Animal Science at Montana State University. They reside at Bozeman and have three sons: James Watson Drummond, President of First Security Bank of Bozeman; William John Drummond, Soil Scientist with USDA Soil Conservation Service at Miles City; Robert George Drummond, a lawyer in Great Falls. The Drummond family continue the operation of three of the original Watson homesteads. Margaret Watson Kinniburgh May (1883 -1964) came to the United States in 1902, married William Kinniburgh in 1905 and later married William May. Margaret was the mother of two children, Mary Kinniburgh Shepherd (John), who resides in Palm Desert, California and William Watson Kinniburgh of Pebble Beach, California., (See Kinniburgh). Alexander Watson (1889-1959) arrived in the United States in 1909 and came directly to Montana to homestead in the Vandalia community. He remained active at his home on the same land as he homesteaded until his death. He enjoyed life, the community and the land he never married. Thomas George Watson (1890-1961) worked for several years in the Boston area after arriving in the United States. In 1912 he joined other family members who had homesteaded in the Vandalia community. He loved his family, neighbors, gardening, the land and being active in the community. He was never married. Isabella Watson Montfort (1887-1927) arrived in Montana and the Vandalia community to join other members of the family who were taking up homesteads. She married Frank Montfort in Glasgow in 1913. Frank and Bella had one son, James Watson Montfort and one grandson, Terry Montfort of Vandalia. (See Montfort) William Robert Watson (1896-1995) joined the members of the Watson family in Valley County. For a time he drove wagon train hauling freight for the Matador Company in Phillips County. Bill served in the U.S. Army during World War 1. Upon returning he became interested in the mining industry. He spent his life in Idaho and California supervising mining operations for the Sun Shine Mining Company After retiring he made his home in Spokane, Washington. Submitted with picture of David and Mary Watson, July 30,2002. By Betty Watson Drummond

River amendment would allow bird relocation (Posted Thursday, January 23, 2003 7:15 AM)

(Washington-AP) A long-running fight over the Missouri River's flow surfaced in the U-S Senate, during debate on a spending bill.

Missouri Republican Kit Bond is pushing to let river managers move the nests of endangered birds. He says the nest-moving would head off another costly stop to barge traffic along the lower Missouri.

But environmental groups attack Bond's proposal as a death sentence for the birds. Because of the Endangered Species Act, water levels couldn't be raised last summer. The U-S Fish and Wildlife Service blocked relocation of the nests of about 270 eggs or chicks that would have been flooded.

Bond would tie agencies hands, using an amendment to the 390 (b) billion dollar spending bill moving toward passage in the Senate. (Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

River Management Meeting Set For January 29th (Posted Thursday, January 23, 2003 7:09 AM)

The Lower Missouri River Coordinated Resource Management Council (LMRCRM) will be holding the annual general membership meeting On January 29th at the Sherman Motor Inn in Wolf Point, Montana starting with Registration at 8:30 a.m.

“Pumps, Pallids, and People” is the theme for the meeting which will feature several federal, state, and local agencies who have some responsibility for management of the Missouri River. These agency personnel will share their vision of the Missouri River for 2003 and offer suggestions for local involvement in the management of the River.

Chairman Arlyn Headdress of the Fort Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes will give the welcoming addressed followed by panelists from the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Environmental Protection Agency, American Rivers, the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and the USDA Natural Resource and Conservation Service. A no host luncheon will be available with invited speaker Richard Opper, Executive Director, Missouri River Basin Association. The panels will conclude with speakers from Senators Burns and Baucus and Representative Denny Rehberg.

Additional agenda items include the election of officers and approval of revised by laws for the LMRCRM as well as an update of the Council’s activities. For more information, contact Buzz Mattelin, Brockton or Boone Whitmer, Wolf Point. Please plan on attending this informative meeting.

Old Time Amateur Hour In Nashua Set For April (Posted Thursday, January 23, 2003 7:06 AM)

The Nashua Lions Club will be presenting their Sixth Annual Old Fashioned Amateur Hour, Sunday, April 27, at 2 p.m. in the Nashua School gym. The deadline for contestants to enter this event is April 14.      

This family-oriented event has drawn contestants from Saco, Hinsdale, Glasgow, Fort Peck, Brockton, Peerless, Opheim, Wolf Point, Scobey, Bainville, Nashua, and Plentywood in the past.          

Residents along the Hi Line have consistently been treated to an impressive array of outstanding talent. People of all ages are encouraged to enter the Old Fashioned Amateur Hour. Adults, 12-18 year olds, and 13 and under compete in Vocal or Instrumental Solo or Group, Lip Sync/Dance, and Storytelling in their respective age groups.

The first place winner in each age group and category will receive $50; second place, $25; and third place, $15.

Judges for the event are drawn from communities across the Hi Line.

Concessions will be available the day of the performances.

To obtain an entry application for the Old Fashioned Amateur Hour, contact Rita Bunk, P.O. Box 333, Nashua, MT 59248-0333 or call her at 406-746-3483.

Committee To Decide Soon On Amtrak Funding (Posted Thursday, January 23, 2003 7:00 AM)

(AP) A U-S House-Senate conference committee will soon decide whether Amtrak will get the one-point-two billion dollars it says it needs to keep operating.

Amtrak announced last February that, unless it gets the one-point-two billion, it would have to shut down long-distance routes to save money. President Bush requested 521 million dollars for Amtrak in his 2002 budget. The amount was never resolved, and Amtrak continues to operate under a continuance of its previous budget.

Democratic Senator Patty Murray, of Washington state, proposed an amendment last week to raise the Senate appropriation to one-point-two billion dollars. It passed with bipartisan support. The House proposal is 762 million. A spokesman for Montana Congressman Denny Rehberg says the House is not likely to back the bigger appropriation. (Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Medicine Lake Senator Introduces Lake Level Legislation (Posted Thursday, January 23, 2003 6:52 AM)

State Senator Linda Nelson of Medicine Lake has introduced legislation in the Montana State Senate that calls for Montana's Congressional delegation to support minimum lake levels on Fort Peck Lake.

Nelson's bill is a non-binding resolution that was introduced on Monday. The bill has been referred to the Senate Natural Resources Committee.

Here is the text of the bill:
2003 Montana Legislature
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 9
INTRODUCED BY L. NELSON

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA URGING THE MEMBERS OF THE MONTANA CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO INTRODUCE AND SUPPORT LEGISLATION IN THE U.S. CONGRESS TO ESTABLISH A MINIMUM LAKE LEVEL IN FORT PECK RESERVOIR.

    WHEREAS, the sport fishery in Fort Peck Reservoir is of vital importance to the economy of northeast Montana and northwest North Dakota; and
    WHEREAS, the State of Montana and the federal government have spent about $3 million to date on a warm water hatchery at Fort Peck to improve the warm water fishery in Fort Peck Reservoir and other state waters, and private donors have contributed an additional $200,000 toward the hatchery project; and
    WHEREAS, pool elevations that are below 2,225 feet above mean sea level eliminate significant amounts of spawning and rearing habitat, thereby reducing fish numbers and greatly impairing recreational access to the reservoir, the combination of which is very detrimental to the local and regional economy; and
    WHEREAS, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' policy regarding lake levels in Fort Peck Reservoir is devastating to fisheries above and below Fort Peck Dam and to the area economy; and
    WHEREAS, a higher pool level and a more conservative approach to operating Fort Peck Reservoir will more equitably spread the effects of prolonged drought and allow for healthier river flows below Fort Peck Dam during drought; and
    WHEREAS, seven of the eight states represented on the Missouri River Basin Association have consistently supported a higher level of water conservation during periods of drought.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
    That the members of the Montana Congressional Delegation be urged to introduce legislation in the U.S. Congress as promptly as possible to set a minimum lake level of 2,225 feet above mean sea level in Fort Peck Reservoir, except when necessary to protect fish and wildlife and their habitat in the river reach between Fort Peck Dam and Lake Sakakawea, and to use the Delegation's combined efforts in support of the legislation.
    BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Secretary of State send copies of this resolution to the members of the Montana Congressional Delegation.

Former Deputy Lawsuit Hearing Set For April (Posted Thursday, January 23, 2003 6:50 AM)

Former Valley County Sheriff's Deputy Sterling Silver is continuing his case against Valley County and former Valley County Sheriff Richard Wessler.

Silver filed a lawsuit against Valley County and Wessler on October 21st asking the court for a hearing on his alleged wrongful termination of his employment, also for reinstatement to the position of deputy within the department, and payment of any wages lost by Sterling Silver as the result of his alleged wrongful termination.

Silver is also asking the court for punitive damages for the alleged malicious and wrongful termination of his employment.
District Court Judge John McKeon has recused himself from the case and Judge John Warner of Havre has taken over the case.

Judge Warner has set a summary judgment hearing for April 4th in the courtroom at the Valley County Courthouse. Valley County has requested the hearing hoping that a settlement could be reached in the case.

Sterling Silver was terminated from his deputy position on September 19th by former Sheriff Richard Wessler. Silver claimed that Wessler fired him because he had filed grievances against Wessler previously. Silver also claims he was fired in retaliation for his reporting violations of public policy.

Drug Charges Dropped Due To Tecnhicality (Posted Thursday, January 23, 2003 6:48 AM)

Three felony drug charges have been dismissed against Glasgow resident Jason Dahl because an acting Justice of the Peace wasn't properly sworn in as an acting judge when she issued a search warrant for Dahl's home.

Court documents state the Judge John McKeon dismissed all charges against Dahl on January 21st because Valley County had no evidence to continue the case against Dahl.

Dahl had been charged with three felonies including possession of dangerous drugs, intent to distribute dangerous drugs, and production or manufacture of dangerous drugs. He was also charged with misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

According to court documents, on June 7th, 2002 the Valley County Sheriffs Department made an application for a search warrant to search Dahl's home west of Glasgow. Lee Hagen was the acting Justice of the Peace that day because the elected Justice of the Peace Linda Hartsock was on vacation. Hagen granted the search warrant and the warrant was executed by the Sheriffs Department and evidence was seized from Dahl's home.

Dahl's attorney contended that Hagen was never officially sworn in as a substitute judge and thus she was not qualified to act in that capacity and wasn't qualified to grant a search warrant.

Valley County Attorney Ken Oster agreed with the motion filed by Dahl's attorney that Hagen wasn't property sworn in and all evidence taken from Dahl's home was suppressed and would not be allowed to be used during the trial.

And since all of Valley County's evidence was seized as a direct result of the search warrant issued by Hagen, Valley County didn't have any evidence to prosecute Jason Dahl.

Judge John McKeon officially dismissed the case on Wednesday.

Western Drought, Outlook Prompt Forecasters' Concerns (Posted Monday, January 20, 2003 3:23 PM)

A thin snow pack is raising concerns that stream flows and water supplies will be low for the spring and summer in several Western states, forecasters at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) National Weather Service (NWS) said yesterday. NOAA is part of the Department of Commerce.

In its latest drought assessment, the NOAA Climate Prediction Center (CPC) said severe drought continues over most of the interior Western states and the central and northern Plains. Conditions ranging from abnormal dryness to moderate drought extend across the Midwest from western Missouri to the Great Lakes. Forecasters added that precipitation is plentiful across the South and Northeast, although drought persists in northern Maine.

"The dryness in the Midwest is expected to continue during the next several months, although lake-effect snows will bring local improvement," said Douglas Lecomte, a NOAA CPC climatologist. "Rain or snow should bring improvement from the Southwest into the central Plains, while little significant change in the drought situation can be expected across the northern Plains and northern and central Rockies," he added.

Lecomte said the latest outlook raises concern that "serious water shortages" could occur this spring and summer in parts of the northern Rockies and northern Plains, if precipitation continues to be below normal. In contrast, forecast rain and snow later this winter should ease water concerns farther south from Arizona into New Mexico. "Some areas will continue to see low water supplies, even if normal or slightly above-normal precipitation occurs," Lecomte said.

The worst prospects for drought relief are in Montana and Wyoming, which are already mired in a multi-year drought, he added. Spring and summer stream flows are expected to be less than one-half of normal in several river valleys in both states.

"Because the last couple of years have been so dry, even normal snow pack this winter will not be enough to get many western states out of their drought, and snow pack is currently below normal in most states outside of California," Lecomte said.

Additionally, conditions have been unusually dry across much of the Midwest since fall, allowing drought to persist in some areas or expand in others. The winter pattern of an active jet stream dipping southward into the eastern U.S. brought drought-ending rain and snow to the East, but this pattern has left areas in the central part of the country and interior West cut off from Gulf of Mexico and Pacific Ocean moisture sources.

Lecomte said: "We need to see the pattern change so that the jet stream extends farther southward in the Rockies and High Plains. This change shows signs of occurring, at least temporarily, resulting in snow spreading across the Midwest this week."

In recent weeks, El Niño has contributed much-needed precipitation to many parched areas of the country. For example, fall and winter storms along the Gulf and East Coasts have nearly ended the drought from Texas to Georgia, and along the entire East Coast. The precipitation has many wells and reservoirs in the East at near normal levels, with some even above-normal.

Last summer, more than one-third of the nation experienced severe drought, making it one of the most expansive since the devastating droughts of the 1950s.

"Despite major improvement in the East, we still have severe drought covering more than one-fifth of the country, so it will take at least several more months to get back to a more normal situation," Lecomte said.

The NOAA Climate Prediction Center, one of the NOAA National Centers for Environmental Prediction, is part of the NOAA National Weather Service. The Climate Prediction Center assesses national drought conditions as well as predicts and monitors El Niño. The Center also produces the nation‚s official long-range outlooks and medium-range weather forecasts.
NOAA is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of the nation's coastal and marine resources.

Baucus Outlines Lake Action Plan (Posted Monday, January 20, 2003 3:17 PM)

Montana's Senator Max Baucus today outlined his action plan to address historically low water levels in Fort Peck Lake, calling on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to make fair the rules governing water flows on the Missouri River.
Baucus released the three-point plan today in an effort to keep more water in Fort Peck Lake, help protect jobs and recreation, and protect eastern Montana agriculture. The plan includes a revision of the rules the Corps uses to decide how much water is sent to downstream states, calls for increased erosion and stream bank improvement measures for landowners along the Missouri River, and urges the Corps to extend or install emergency low-water boat ramps at Fort Peck Lake.

In a letter to Brig. Gen. David Fastabend, the Corps' northwestern division engineer, Baucus asked the agency to immediately halt additional draw-downs of Fort Peck Lake, saying if the draw-downs continue the economies in northeastern Montana will be devastated.

" As I've stated before, it defies common sense to keep sending water from Fort Peck downstream, particularly to states that haven't been hit nearly as hard by drought as Montana," Baucus wrote. "We've suffered enough." Baucus said the current rules governing flows on the Missouri River are unfair because they take into account only the needs of downstream economic interests, and not upstream recreational and agriculture interests. For years, Baucus has urged the Corps to revise its so-called Master Manual, the management plan for the entire river system. But, as Baucus put it, the Corps has "dragged their feet for more than a decade, bowing to the downstream barge industry at Montanans' expense."

In his letter to the Corps, Baucus pointed out that lake levels are projected to drop to near all-time lows, and that extended drought is choking Montana's agricultural and recreational economies for a fifth straight year. "While I understand that the Corps operates Fort Peck as part of the larger Missouri River system. . . I am at a loss to understand why Fort Peck and the State of Montana appear to be bearing the brunt of an extended drought," wrote Baucus, a senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

"I would like to know what actions the Corps will take to balance fairly the needs and circumstances of Fort Peck with other reservoirs on the Missouri River." Baucus today said he would continue to work together with Montana's congressional delegation, state and local agencies, and the Bush Administration to "find a common-sense solution that will keep more water in the Lake, help boost our local economies, create jobs, and enhance fishing and recreation."

The Baucus Fort Peck Lake Action Plan
1) Revision of the Missouri River Master Manual: I will continue my efforts to urge the Corps of Engineers to bring back balance to managing the Missouri River. Currently, the amount of water in Fort Peck Lake is dictated by downstream barge interests. The Corps must revise its rules governing water flows on the Missouri River to take into account recreation and agriculture interests in upstream states, like Montana, and to bring the Missouri flows back to a more natural level. Upstream states shouldn't be forced to send unsustainable amounts of water downstream to support downstream economic interests, particularly in drought years. The current management plan isn't working. It's not fair to upstream states. I will explore every option at my disposal to hold the Corps' feet to the fire on this issue.

2) Stream-bank Improvement and Erosion Control Measures: I will work with the Corps and encourage the agency to implement new erosion controls, stream-bank improvements and other measures to protect area landowners in the event the Corps establishes more natural water flows below Fort Peck. I will continue to urge the Corps to work with landowners along the Missouri, and with the Fort Peck Tribe, to minimize any potential impacts from changing operations at Fort Peck dam.

3) Boat ramps: Near-record low lake levels could make it impossible to launch boats this spring. Of major concern to me is the annual Governors Cup walleye tournament, an event that is vitally important to the economy of local communities around Fort Peck. I will urge the Corps to extend and or install low-water-level boat ramps as soon as possible -- with an initial focus on the main Fort Peck Marina.

Baucus' Letter to the Corps:

Dear General Fastabend:
I am writing to you about the serious situation at Fort Peck Reservoir. Lake levels at Fort Peck are nearing record lows. Montana is headed into its fifth year of drought. If the Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) continues to release unsustainable amounts of water from Fort Peck Reservoir ñ- for whatever reason -- the recreation and irrigation economies in eastern Montana that depend upon Fort Peck will be devastated. The lake's prize fisheries will suffer enormous losses. I would like to ask for your personal attention to this matter so that it can be resolved as soon as possible.

I understand that, under the Corps' current plan for operations at Fort Peck, lake levels are projected to drop to 2212 feet by the end of February a full 34 feet below full pool. This is dangerously close to the all-time low for the lake, which was 2208 feet. While I understand that the Corps operates Fort Peck as part of the larger Missouri River system, and is attempting to "balance" its system of reservoirs, I am at a loss to understand why Fort Peck and the State of Montana appear to be bearing the brunt of an extended drought. The Corps is drafting extraordinary amounts of water from Fort Peck lake ñ extraordinary because we are in a severe and prolonged drought, and the Corps should not be treating this as a "normal" water year ñ to fill Lake Oahe in order to support barging traffic in the lower Missouri.

I would like to know what the Corps plans are for the navigation season on the lower Missouri this year; what that means for the barging industry versus the recreation and irrigation industries in Montana; how the Corps' actions this year compare to the Corps' actions in previous low water years; and on what basis the Corps is making its decisions. Finally, I would like to know what actions the Corps will take to balance fairly the needs and circumstances of Fort Peck with other reservoirs on the Missouri River. Please respond in detail to these questions.

I have fought for years to convince the Corps to revise the Master Manual governing its operations on the Missouri River so that Montana and other upstream states are treated more fairly in low water years. Short of revising the Master Manual, I still firmly believe the Corps has far more flexibility in its operations on the Missouri River than it has been willing to allow, up to this point. I ask that the Corps use that flexibility and reduce the unsustainable releases from Fort Peck as soon as possible. As I've stated before, it defies common sense to keep sending water from Fort Peck downstream, particularly to states that haven't been hit nearly as hard by drought as Montana. We've suffered enough.

Please respond as soon as possible to this letter. Time is of the essence.

Speech & Drama Members Perform At Kiwanis (Posted Friday, January 17, 2003 5:53 PM)

Students representing the Glasgow High School Speech and Drama recently performed for members and guests at the noon luncheon meeting of the Glasgow Kiwanis Club. From left: Erica Doornek, Serious Solo; Taylor Moorman and Melissa Chalmers, Serious Duo; Marie Fahlgren and Kelly Hagfeldt, Humorous Duo. The team is coached by Mr. Rennick. Kiwanis Club is a community service organization with emphasis on young children. For membership information please call Lila at 228-4346 or Bill at 228-9225.

Hatchery Funding Makes It Out Of Committee (Posted Friday, January 17, 2003 5:32 PM)

In a tight budget year, the $8 million appropriated for the fish hatchery made it our of committee on Thursday. Senator Burns sent out this release:

Montana Senator Conrad Burns was able to protect and maintain the $8,000,000 in funding for the Fort Peck Fish Hatchery in the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2003.

"I've been involved with this project from the beginning," said Burns. "Keeping this funding intact is very important for the project. I'm glad to see we were able to keep it there, and I'll work hard to make sure it makes it through the conference committee."

Burns was the original sponsor for the Hatchery, and got it included in the Water Resource Development Act of 2000. Burns, a senior member of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, and also a member of the Energy and Natural Resources committee, was able to get the necessary funding through in the previous fiscal year for the groundbreaking, which he attended in 2002.

The Fort Peck Fish Hatchery funding is a part of a larger omnibus bill the Senate is considering right now. Upon expected approval, the bill will move to a joint House-Senate conference committee, of which Senator Burns will be a member.

Meanwhile, Senator Baucus had this press release:

Montana's Senator Max Baucus announced today that just under $8 million to help build the Fort Peck Fish Hatchery has survived the latest round of budget talks in the U.S. Senate, a move Baucus said required the hard work of Montana's congressional delegation.

After appropriators made an across-the-board 2.9 percent cut to all energy and water projects, Baucus said $7.8 million in Hatchery funds were included in a package of spending bills, known as an omnibus appropriations bill. Baucus said he expects the spending bill could be finally approved late Friday or by early next week.

"We cleared a major hurdle by getting the Fish Hatchery funds included in the omnibus spending bill," said Baucus, who attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Hatchery last summer. "With Congress facing tight budget constraints, it wasn't easy getting these funds included in the final bill. But we've kept fighting. We kept working together to get this Hatchery because it will be so important to jobs and recreation in eastern Montana. I feel confident we'll be able to push these funds through Congress and signed by President Bush very soon."

Once completed, the $20-million Fort Peck Fish Hatchery will support native fish recovery and warm-water fish such as walleye and small-mouth bass, as well as other species that have been hit by heavy fishing pressure and low water levels in recent years.

A senior member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, Baucus was instrumental in getting the hatchery project approved by Congress as part of the 2000 Water Resources Development Act and helped secure $1.5 million to start building the hatchery last summer. Baucus has been working together with Senator Conrad Burns and Representative Denny Rehberg to secure the additional $8 million in fiscal year 2003 to help complete construction of the hatchery.

The hatchery will be located on 100 acres of federal land south of the Dredge Cuts area in Fort Peck and will be staffed by two to three employees, Baucus said. The hatchery project is a partnership between the Army Corps of Engineers and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

"From its conception around a coffee table in Glasgow, to being approved by the Montana Legislature and Congress, to getting the federal funds to break ground, the Fort Peck Fish Hatchery is an extraordinary example of Montanans working together to move our state forward."

Four Applicants For Glasgow Superintendent Position (Posted Thursday, January 16, 2003 11:13 AM)

The Glasgow School District has received four applicants for the position of Superintendent of Schools. Current Superintendent Glenn Monson will be retiring at the end of this school year.
Those applying for the job include current Glasgow High School Principal Carl Somers. He has spent the past two years as Principal and before that position he served as Superintendent at Fort Benton. Other applicants include Blake Rahman who is the Superintendent at Frazer, Dennis Maasjo who is currently working in North Dakota, and Rodney Smith who is from Alabama.

The school board has formed a search committee to review the applications and start the preliminary interviews. The members of that search committee include Gary Stidman, Lynn Erickson, Sam Waters, Jenny Hallock and Mike Dailey. The committee will start the interviewing process later this month.

In other news from the school district, the school board has approved a pay increase for bus drivers who drive for school activities. The increase is from $6.75 per hour to $7.00 per hour.

The board approved a salary increase for Gary Stidman who is the supervisor of the 21st Century Grant at the Irle School. The increase is $1665 for the remainder of the school year and will be paid for out of the grant monies.

Filing for two positions on the Glasgow School Board is now open through March 27th. The terms of Mike Daily and Tom Schmidt expire this year and both positions are 3-year terms.

New 511 System Implemented (Posted Thursday, January 16, 2003 7:31 AM)

Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) officials announced that Montana's new 511 traveler information system has been implemented. The service, which has been in the works since the Federal Communications Commission designated 511 as the national traveler information phone number in July 2000, uses state-of-the-art technology to offer road and weather information in a format not previously available to the traveling public.

"This system is unique because information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week," says MDT Director Dave Galt. "511 offers real-time weather and road condition information, with the system scanning the database for updated information every 10 minutes.

"Weather forecast information is now available, updated every hour and more frequently if there are major changes. The public can also select individual routes and specific segments of roads when calling in to the system, allowing quick and easy access to the information they need. None of these features were available on our old road reporting system."

Making these features possible required the cooperation of many partners, including Meridian Environmental Technology, Inc.; the Western Transportation Institute of Montana State University/Bozeman; and the Information Technology Services Division of Montana's Department of Administration.

The Federal Highway Administration and Senator Conrad Burns were instrumental in securing federal funding for project development, and a host of telecommunications companies made the switch to 511 at no cost to the state.As a result, both landline and cell phone 511 calls are free to the public.

"Getting 511 up and running has required a tremendous cooperative effort, and I would like to thank all involved for making 511 a reality," Galt says. "Montana is on the cutting edge with this service, and we can all take pride in helping the public travel more safely and efficiently."

MDT had planned to kick off the system on December 12, 2002, but discovered a software issue that caused them to delay implementing the service.

According to Galt, the issue was quickly resolved, and the public was able to use the 511 number within a few days. MDT continued to utilize the database from their old road reporting system while technicians tested the new program. The switch to the new system was authorized last week.

As of December 2002, statewide 511 services were available in only seven states across the nation: Utah, Nebraska, Arizona, Minnesota, South Dakota, Iowa and Kentucky. Metropolitan 511 services are available in five locations: the I-81 corridor in Virginia, the Northern Kentucky/Cincinnati metro area, the San Francisco Bay area, Orlando, and South Florida.

For more information, please contact Mike Bousliman at (406) 444-6159, Brandi Tesch at (406) 444-7220 or Lisa Vander Heiden at (406) 431-8977. For the hearing impaired, the TTY number is (406) 444-7696 or 1-800-335-7592.

The following telecommunication companies made the switch to 511 at no cost to the state: WIRE LINE COMPANIES: * Central Montana Communications * Nemont Telephone Cooperative * Northern Telephone Cooperative * Project Telephone Company * Triangle Telephone Cooperative Association * Valley Telecommunications * Blackfoot Telephone Cooperative * Clark Fork Telecommunications * Hot Springs Telephone Cooperative * InterBel Telephone Cooperative * Mid-Rivers Telephone Cooperative * Century-Tel * Range Telephone Cooperative * Ronan Telephone Company * 3-Rivers Telephone Cooperative

WIRELESS COMPANIES: * Cellular One * Sagebrush Cellular * Qwest Wireless

Corps Says Drought Could Shorten Navigation Season (Posted Thursday, January 16, 2003 7:13 AM)

(Omaha, Nebraska-AP) -- The Army Corps of Engineers says drought may shorten the Missouri River's navigation season.

The corps manages the river and operates its dams, including Garrison Dam in North Dakota. Corps officials say they expect to cut five days from the season.

A final decision will be made in March.The corps has said the Missouri River is down about two feet from normal in both directions from Omaha. (Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Tribal Officer Charged With Burglary (Posted Thursday, January 16, 2003 7:10 AM)

(AP) A Fort Peck tribal police officer has been charged with burglary by authorities investigating a break-in at the Helena Y-W-C-A.

Police arrested 28-year-old Jason Trinder. Bail was set at ten-thousand-dollars and a Lewis and Clark County jail spokesman said yesterday that Trinder had been released.

Officers investigating a disturbance at the Y-W-C-A early Tuesday found a man standing in a basement doorway where a window had been broken. Officers said the man smelled of alcohol and offered them a police identification card.

Trinder, who had recently been hired by the Fort Peck police, was dismissed Monday from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy for an unspecified rule violation. (Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

Northfork To Be Shown At Sundance Festival (Posted Thursday, January 16, 2003 6:17 AM)

A movie which was made in in the Glasgow area last year will premier at the prestigious 2003 Sundance Film Festival, January 16-26 in Utah.

Northfork, a film by twin brothers Michael and Mark Polish was shot in the Great Falls, Choteau, and Glasgow areas in spring 2002. The all-star cast includes James Woods, Nick Nolte, Daryl Hannah, Anthony Edwards, Kyle MacLachlan, and Peter Coyote.

Northfork was partially filmed in the Glasgow area with scenes shot in downtown Glasgow, also in St.Marie and the Fort Peck area.

Not Much Interest In Superintendent Position (Posted Thursday, January 16, 2003 6:15 AM)

The Glasgow school district is in the market for a new superintendent and their hasn't been much interest in the job according to retiring superintendent Glenn Monson.

Monson told Kltz/Klan that as of Friday, January 10th their had been no applications for the position. He did say that several people had inquired about the job but no official application.

The Glasgow school board opened up the position in December and had set a closing date of January 15th.

The school board will meet on January 15th to discuss the applicants.

Glenn Monson will be retiring at the end of this school year after spending the past three years as Superintendent.

GHS Trust Award Recipients Announced (Posted Tuesday, January 14, 2003 8:10 AM)

Trustees of the Glasgow High School Educational Trust recently made financial awards for the Spring 2003 semester to 10 GHS alumni who are attending college or vocational-technical school. These awards are in addition to those made to 49 other students last July for all or part of the 2002-2003 school year. This is the largest number of students the Trust has ever helped in one academic year and is indicative of the importance it plays in the academic life of our community.

Established by the class of 1938 in 1964, gifts of cash, stock and real estate from alumni and supporters across the nation have built the Trust into a truly significant resource. A recent gift from the Maxine Fiedler Trust of $650,000 increased the corpus of the Trust to over $1.7 million. The interest on these assets is awarded to GHS alumni through a semi-annual application process.

Deadlines are July 1st and November 1st of each year. Students may apply in July for both semesters of the year or in November fro the spring semester only. Over half a million dollars in financial assistance has been awarded to over 500 different students. Many students have received multiple gifts.

The Trust also purchases equipment and programs for GHS, which cannot be financed within
the regular school budget. These gifts benefit every department and total over $86,000 in value.

Whenever the Trust receives memorials or honorariums which total $500 or more in the name of a particular individual, a gift to a student or a department of GHS is given in memory, honor or recognition of that person. Donations of $10,000 or more provide an annual naming opportunity.

Students in their second year of college or second semester of vocational-technical school are eligible for gifts. The awards are based primarily on need, not scholarship, and average students who are in good academic standing and showing steady progress toward completion of their degrees are given equal consideration.

The Trustees are undertaking a new campaign to encourage all past recipients of Trust gifts to make a donation to the Trust in honor, memory or recognition of their parents, teachers, coaches, friends or classmates. The founders and past supporters of the Trust have given most generously. It is now time for the next generation to assume responsibility for the maintenance and growth of this important asset. While the Trust has received a number of major financial gifts, it has been the faithful donations of $10 and $25 over the course of 38 years that have ensured its success. No gift is too small.

The most recent recipients: Cassie Boos, Montana Tech, IMO Marlin Malnaa; Aaron Chatten, Art Institute of Seattle, IMO Lois Durbin Johnson; Tyler George, UM Missoula, IMO John Sisson; Ashley Hallock, MSU-Billings, IMO Merlin Hovland; Jordan Kitzenberg, UM-Missoula, IMO Harry Rybock; Ben Radakovich, MSU-Bozeman, IHO Bill & Peggy Pattison; Jason Schakosky, MSU-Northern, IRO Lois & O.E. Markle; Kelsey West, UM-Missoul, IRO James & Eleanor Wedum Family; Jennifer Jimison, MSU-Billings, IMO Beverly-Burgess Frankenfield.

For more information about the Trust or an application, please contact: Danielle Anderson, 406-228-4203; Jeanine Markle, 406-228-2858; Doris Leader, 406-228-9391; Linda Allie, 406-228-8561.

Poplar Man Dies (Posted Sunday, January 12, 2003 8:32 AM)

A Poplar man hospitalized in a coma since a Dec. 23 fight died this week, a tribal official said Friday.

Michael Alley Sly, 48, died Wednesday at a Billings hospital of head injuries he received during a fight with another Poplar man, said Fort Peck Criminal Investigator Terry Boyd.

Dr. Gary Dale of the state crime lab in Missoula will investigate the medical treatment records to determine if his death was the result of a criminal act, Boyd said.

" Until then, we're not proceeding further with the investigation," Boyd said. "It's a matter of getting a medical finding."

The name of the man allegedly responsible for Sly's fatal injuries has not been released. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Scobey Man Appointed To FWP Commission (Posted Sunday, January 12, 2003 8:23 AM)

(AP) Governor Martz has appointed John Brenden of Scobey to the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission.

Brenden will represent a district including the counties of Phillips, Valley, Daniels, Sheridan, Roosevelt, Petroleum, Garfield, McCone, Richland, Dawson and Wibaux. He replaces Darlyne Dascher and was appointed to a term ending January first, 2007. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Body Of Washington Man Found (Posted Sunday, January 12, 2003 8:20 AM)

(AP) The body of a missing Washington state man has been found in eastern Montana, along U-S 12 between Baker and Miles City.

From the air Saturday, family members spotted the wreckage of 41-year-old Greg Milner's pickup truck, flipped on its top at the bottom of a steep embankment midway between Baker and Miles City.

The Montana Highway Patrol says it appears Milner may have fallen asleep when driving or was distracted, and the truck hit a large tree before going over the bank. The wreckage was located yesterday afternoon.

Milner had last been seen in Baker the morning of December 31st, westbound on a trip from Minnesota to his home in Kent, Washington. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Glasgow Woman Included On Board Of Environmental Review Reappointments (Posted Friday, January 10, 2003 10:34 AM)

Montana Governor Judy Martz announced today that she has reappointed three members of the Board of Environmental Review (BER). The seven-member Board is responsible for environmental rulemaking and determining appeals of Department of Environmental Quality decisions.

Martz reappointed Joseph Russell from Kalispell, Kim Lacey from Glasgow, and Susan Brooke from Bozeman.

"I am pleased with the work of the board of environmental review, and am glad that Kim, Joe and Susan have agreed to continue their service to the State of Montana in this capacity," said Governor Martz.

Russell is a county health officer for the Flathead City-County Health Department. Russell was also reappointed to serve as the chairman of the Board, a position he has held since 2001. "Joe has been an effective leader and is well respected by the other members of the Board," said Governor Martz. Russell represents county health officers.

The other two members reappointed by Martz are Kim Lacey, a rancher from Glasgow and Susan Brooke, a small businessperson from Bozeman. Both serve as members representing the public. Governor Martz said she considered each member's knowledge and understanding of environmental issues and that she that she is pleased with the willingness of her appointees to tackle complex issues.

These appointments are subject to final confirmation by the Montana Senate.

Glasgow Man Enters Plea Agreement (Posted Friday, January 10, 2003 10:30 AM)

Scott Redstone has entered into a plea agreement with the Valley County Attorney regarding an incident that took place March 27th of 2002.

Redstone had been charged with felony aggravated assault but with the plea agreement is instead charged with misdemeanor assault and will receive a six-month suspended sentence and will be fined $150.

The agreement also states that Redstone must pay the victim in the incident $10,688.91 for medical and dental expenses that occurred during the incident behind a Glasgow bar in March of 2002.

Valley County Woman Charged With Felony Theft (Posted Friday, January 10, 2003 10:04 AM)

Valley County resident Linda R. McColly has been charged with felony theft in state District Court in Glasgow.

Court documents state that McColly was an employee of R&G Quality Feeds in Glasgow from March, 2001 through April of 2002. The documents state that McColly on numerous occasions failed to deposit cash from various cash receipts to the R&G Feeds bank account and used the cash she withheld for her own purposes.

The amount allegedly taken is in excess of $1000 and therefore McColly is being charged with a felony. If convicted she could be fined up to $50,000 and be sentenced up to ten years in prison.

According to the court documents, McColly in a sworn statement to the Glasgow Police Department admitted to the theft and the total amount taken from the business was $9,675.40.

McColly has yet to make an appearance in District Court.

Federal grants, loans made to update water systems (Posted Friday, January 10, 2003 7:38 AM)

(AP) More than a million dollars in grants and loans is on the way, to build a new water system in Toole County and update water systems in Circle and Opheim.

The U-S Department of Agriculture says Circle is receiving a loan of 67-thousand-750 dollars, and a 182-thousand-dollar grant, to build a new well.

Opheim has a 30-thousand-dollar loan and 30-thousand-dollar grant for new wells, upgrades on water distribution systems, and closing a contaminated well.

In Toole County, the Ethridge Water District received a loan of 716-thousand dollars, to distribute water to farmers and ranchers who have had to haul in water for livestock. (Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Kitzenberg Bills Have Hearing Today (Posted Friday, January 10, 2003 6:36 AM)

Two bills by State Senator Sam Kitzenberg will have hearings in Helena today.

The first bill hearing (Senate Bill 93) will be held in room 405 at the State Legislature at 9 a.m. in front of the Senate Taxation Committee. The bill summary:
an act providing for a general investment tax credit; providing that a 3 percent credit for qualified investments is allowed against individual income taxes or corporate license taxes; limiting the investment credit in any 1 year to no more than 45 percent of the taxpayer's tax liability; providing for a 7-year carryover of unused investment credits if the underlying investment remains in Montana.

The second bill hearing (Senate Bill 82) will have a hearing also at 9 a.m. today in room 405 in front of the Senate Taxation Committee. The bill summary:
an act providing an ongoing source of funding for the maintenance and establishment of state parks through an annual levy not to exceed 2 mills on all taxable property in Montana; providing that the proposed act be submitted to the qualified electors of the state of Montana.

For more information on the bills,visit Kitzenberg's website at www.kitzenberg.net

Station Receives National Guard Award (Posted Thursday, January 9, 2003 7:14 AM)

	KLTZ/Mix-93 station manager Shirley Kirkland received a special treat on Wednesday. The Valley County Montana National Guard presented the station with a special Elvis award for the station's continued support of the Guard. January 8th was the 68th birth anniversary of Elvis. If you can't tell from the picture, Shirley likes elvis just a l-i-t-t-l-e bit.

Man Reportedly Missing, Possibly In Circle Area (Posted Thursday, January 9, 2003 6:47 AM)

A man headed for Kent, Washington, on New Year’s Eve has disappeared, possibly near Circle.

Greg Milner was reportedly traveling west on Highway 12 through North Dakota to Montana with a destination of Kent, Washington. He has not been heard from since. His cell phone was used in Circle around 11p.m. on New Year’s Eve, but it not whether it was in his possession at the time.

Milner was last known to be driving a black 1999 Chevy 4X4 Extended Cap Pick-up with Washington license plate #A24659F.

We have a link to the pdf file with a picture and contact information. You also may contact the
Valley County Law Enforcement Center at 228-4333 if you have any further information.

Water Reserves Still Shrinking (Posted Thursday, January 9, 2003 6:42 AM)

(AP) Reserves in the Missouri River's big three reservoirs continue to shrink as drought deepens in the northern Plains.

Paul Johnston of the U-S Army Corps of engineers in Omaha says the reservoirs are down, but N-O-T at record lows.

The river is managed by the corps, which also operates its dams. The Missouri River is down about two feet from normal in both directions from Omaha, and hydroelectric production is being limited by the low flows.

Eighty-nine percent of the water contained by the six dams on the Missouri's main stem is in Lake Oahe in South Dakota, Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota and Fort Peck Lake in Montana. Each is lower than it was a year ago.

Commissioners Select Chairman (Posted Wednesday, January 8, 2003 10:30 AM)

The Valley County Commissioners have elected a new chairman to preside for the next two years. The commissioners met formally for the first time on January 2nd and elected Dave Reinhardt as the chairman of the commission.

It's been standard policy to elect the commissioner who is next up for election as the chairman. Reinhardt's term is set to end in 2004 and he is the commissioner with the most years of service.

January 2nd also was the first meeting for new county commissioner Dave Pippin. He was elected in November and sworn in on December 31st. Pippin replaced Marlene Erickson who retired after serving 8 years.

Pippin said he has been busy getting on-line with the county system and is very optimistic about the future of Valley County.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Worried About Unhappy Legislators (Posted Monday, January 6, 2003 8:29 AM)

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Linda McCulloch has charged that two Republican legislators have indicated that they plan to punish her office for work of an aide on the state Districting and Apportionment Commission.

McCulloch is charging that Joe Balyeat of Bozeman and Jeff Pattison of Glasgow are unhappy with the redistricting commission's work and plan to punish her office because Joe Lamson who works in her office is the key architect of the redistricting plan.

In a letter to GOP legislators, McCulloch wrote that she has been told Mr. Lamson's work on the commission could lead to severe cuts in funding for Montana schools, and her agency in particular.

The Associated Press is reporting that Jeff Pattison wrote a letter a month ago suggesting education money be used to pay for a lawsuit challenging the new legislative district boundaries.

Republicans have been irate over the plan developed by the Democratic controlled commission. They claim the proposal is designed to benefit Democratic candidates. Joe Lamson who works for the Superintendent of Public Instruction has designed many of the new legislative districts.

McCulloch said Jeff Pattison, in a Dec. 6 letter to the commission, complained that the plan fails to comply with mandatory criteria and wondered whether Montana schools should pay for a suit challenging the constitutionality of the plan.

McCulloch is urging GOP legislative leader to ensure education funding and legislative redistricting remain separate issues and are considered on their individual merits.

Family of slain man frustrated with investigation (Posted Monday, January 6, 2003 8:26 AM)

(AP) The body of a Wolf Point man was found in November, in a shelter belt near Devils Lake, North Dakota. And his family is frustrated that the case hasn't been solved.

Nineteen-year-old Russell Turcotte was last seen in Grand Forks, North Dakota, on July 14th. Relatives say Turcotte was on his way home from Michigan.

The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Sheriff's Office in Devils Lake are treating the case as a homicide. They say the case is still active, but there are no suspects.

Russell's oldest brother, Michael, says his mother is having a difficult time dealing with her son's death. And Russell Turcotte's father, William, says he's frustrated by the lack of clues. The family has posted a five-thousand-dollar reward for information. (Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Windy Friday Night Brings Rain And Fire (Posted Friday, January 3, 2003 10:25 PM)

Winds gusting to near 60mph tore through northeast Montana on Friday night, knocking down at least one power line just west of Glasgow.

The Valley County Long Run Fire Department responded to a small blaze caused by the downed power-line around 8:15 Friday night, in the residential section behind El Cor Del.

The fire was put out quickly and there were no injuries reported.

Fort Peck Interpretive Center & Museum To Hold Annual Meeting January 19th (Posted Friday, January 3, 2003 10:19 PM)

New faces will take their place as officers and members of the Board of Directors of the Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum, Inc. at their annual meeting on Sunday, January 19th, 2003. New board members elected were Gary Meyer of Fort Peck, Ken Nelson of Circle, and Hoyt Richards of Glasgow. They join current board members, John Rabenberg, Fort Peck; Rick Ost, Glasgow; Sam Waters, Glasgow; Duane Sibley, Nashua; Larry Mires, Glasgow; Dr. David Greogory, Glasgow; Bernard (Bunk) Sullivan; Glasgow; Amy Hanson, Glasgow; Mareta Brusset; Jordan; Rob Stanton, Miles City; Rachel Moos, Vida; and Evelyn Kondelik, Circle. John Rabenberg was re-elected President, Rick Ost elected Vice-President, Evelyn Kondelik elected Secretary and Gary Meyer elected Treasurer.

Members retiring from the board were Boone Whitmer, Wolf Point; Irving Johnson, Fort Peck;, and Robert McGarvey, Sidney. Tickets for the dinner sell for $15.00 each, and are available from any member of the Board of Directors or you may call Evelyn Kondelik, 485-3651 or the Field Station at 526-3539.

The annual meeting will be held on Sunday, January 19th, 2003 at the Cottonwood Inn in Glasgow, beginning at 6:00 p.m. Noted scientist/paleontologist, Dr. Robert T. Bakker, Boulder, Colorado, will be the featured speaker.

Dr. Bakker is the scientist generally accredited with the 'Dinosaur Renaissance' of recent times, largely through his quite revolutionary ideas on the characteristics and lifestyles of the creatures, which have won him much acclaim.   He was born in Bergen, New Jersey in 1945.

Bakker has argued that they are not 'giant lizards', but rather hot-blooded bird relatives.  He is adjunct curator of the Tate Geological Museum, Casper  College, Wyoming. He has an appealing enthusiasm which is promoted through writing, appearing on TV, and working with schoolchildren and undergraduates.   Bakker was scientific consultant to Spielberg's 'Jurassic Park'.

As a child Bakker caught the dinosaur bug at an early age. While in the 4th grade he read the classic December 7, 1953 Life Magazine with awe. This magazine, which Bakker describes as the most famous single magazine article focusing on dinosaurs, quickly changed his life. He took his love of dinosaurs to Yale University, where he studied under the great John Ostrom. Bakker later received his Ph.D. from Harvard University.

As an undergraduate Bakker held many small part time jobs as a scientific illustrator. While at Yale he taught children visitors of the college museum as part of the school services program. As a Ph.D. student he was in charge of the Harvard comparative anatomy labs. He then received his first major job from the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

This is an excellent opportunity to hear Dr. Bakker speak, along with other paleo people, i.e., Nate Murphy, Malta. Other noted paleontologists have been invited to attend. Look for more about this “meeting”in next weeks issue.

Buerkle To Continue As Undersheriff (Posted Friday, January 3, 2003 11:21 AM)

Valley County Sheriff/Coroner Glen Meier has announced that Vernon Buerkle will remain as Valley County Undersheriff.

Buerkle currently holds the position after being appointed by former Sheriff Dick Wessler. He ran for the position of Sheriff before being defeated in the June Democratic Primary by Dave Watson. Watson was defeated in the November General Election by Meier.

Buerkle is a 24-year veteran of law enforcement including a stint with the Glasgow Police Department.

Unemployment Stats For November Released (Posted Friday, January 3, 2003 10:17 AM)

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry has released the preliminary labor force statistics for the month of Novmber, 2002. Valley County is at 2.5%, compared to 2.6% in November, 2001. The 2002 stats are listed first for each county, followed by the 2001 unemployment number.

For full state county breakdowns, visit the Department of Labor & Industry Statistics In Brief page.

U.S. 5.7% 5.3%
Montana 4.4% 4.6%
Daniels 2.5% 2.7%
Garfield 2.6% 1.2%
McCone 1.1% 2.1%
Phillips 5.0% 4.5%
Richland 4.1% 3.4%
Roosevelt 6.3% 6.9%
Sheridan 1.8% 3.2%
Valley 2.5% 2.6%

Tourism Award Nominations Are Being Accepted (Posted Friday, January 3, 2003 10:10 AM)

The Governor's Tourism Advisory Council (TAC) is accepting nominations for the Montana 2003 Tourism Awards. This year, in addition to Tourism Person and Community of the Year, awards for Tourism Event and Tourism Partnership have been added to the field.

The awards recognize individuals, events, or communities whose efforts to promote or develop Montana's tourism opportunities, this year or for a series of years, have preserved or enhanced tourism's role in Montana's economy.

The award winners will be announced at the 29th Annual Governor's Conference on Tourism and Recreation scheduled for March 24-25, 2003 at the Colonial Hotel in Helena, Montana. Governor Judy Martz will present the awards.

Nomination forms are available from the Department of Commerce Montana Promotion Division by calling Amy Robbins at 406-841-2769 or email amy@visitmt.com. The forms are also available electronically at www.travelmontana.state.mt.us/conference/award.htm. The deadline for nominations is February 28, 2003.

The 2002 Tourism Person and Community of the Year Awards were given to Don Sorensen of Virgelle and the city of Hardin. Terry Zee Lee of Billings received a regional recognition award.  

Tourism and recreation is Montana's 2nd largest industry. In 2001, 9.6 million people visited Montana spending $1.7 billion during their stay. 32,200 jobs are directly and indirectly supported by nonresident travel with an annual payroll of $492 million.

Gas & Oil Lease Sale Scheduled (Posted Friday, January 3, 2003 10:03 AM)

The next quarterly oil and gas lease sale conducted by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is scheduled for March 4th, 2003 in Helena.

DNRC is in the process of preparing an environmental assessment (EA), according to Monte Mason, DNRC Minerals Management Bureau chief. Mason said that the only action proposed at this time is issuing leases for possible future exploration and production.

"Before any activity occurs, DNRC will prepare a site-specific environmental review," he explained.

The state Board of Oil and Gas must also review and issue a permit before any activity can occur.

The March sale includes tracts in the following counties: Blaine, Dawson, Hill, Liberty, Musselshell, Richland, Teton, and Valley.

A map and a detailed list of tracts being considered by DNRC may be obtained by calling Mason in Helena at (406) 444-2074. The information is also available on the department's Internet site at: http://www.dnrc.state.mt.us/trust/mmb.htm

Any comments regarding the tracts should be submitted in writing to Mason by January 24. His address is DNRC, P.O. Box 201601, 1625 Eleventh Ave., Helena MT 59620-1601.

Kitzenberg To Host Listening Session (Posted Friday, January 3, 2003 10:00 AM)

The Montana Legislature convenes on January 6th and State Senator Sam Kitzenberg has listed his priorities for this legislative session. Kitzenberg told Kltz/Klan that he will be focusing on developing a state park for northeastern Montana, ethanol issues and economic development for his senate district.

Kitzenberg is hosting a listening session on January 3rd at noon in the community room of the Valley County Courthouse. This session will be used to develop ideas for the upcoming legislative session.

Donna (Korb) Mavencamp Strommen

Donna (Korb) Mavencamp Strommen, 71, died in the Billings Deaconess Hospital Tuesday, January 28. The wake service will be held Friday, January 31 at 6 p.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church. The funeral mass will be held Saturday, February 1 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with burial to follow at the Malta Cemetery. Adams Funeral Home of Malta is in charge of arrangements.

Donna was born on January 15, 1932 in Calio, North Dakota. During elementary school, she moved to Malta. In 1949, she married Harvey Mavencamp and they made thier home on the "River Place". Then they moved to Saco before moving to Opheim where they owned and ran the Opheim Cafe. After moving back to Malta they ran the Lobby Cafe. She then worked at the Malta Hospital followed by the Malta Clinic, working for Dr. Wiprud and Dr. Molloy.

Donna married Olaf Strommen in 1989. They spent their winters in Apache Junction, Arizona, where she was active with her church and park community. They enjoyed traveling and when in Malta they were involved with ranching. She was an active contributor to the St. Mary's School and Altar Society. She loved playing bridge, whist and cribbage, playing with many groups, in tournaments and with countless family members. She was a constant caregiver and had a general commitment with whom she came in contact. Her deep faith touched the lives of so many and all felt her kindness and compassion.

She was preceded in death by her husband Harvey Mavencamp, her son Joe Mavencamp, her parents Ray and Hortense Korb, an infant brother Ronald, and her sister Betty (Korb) Ackerman.

Survivors include: her husband, Olaf Strommen of Malta; sons and daughter-in-laws, Lynn and Jackie Mavencamp of Gardiner and Dick and Jennifer Mavencamp of Great Falls; daughters and sons-in-law, Janet and Dave Dunbar of Whitewater, Cathy and Laurin Salsbery of Malta, Diane and Chris Tober of Tuscon, Arizona and Ann and Jon Ambuehl of Great Falls; a daughter, Julie Mavencamp of Seattle, Washington; stepson, Matt Strommen of Glasgow; 25 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Sister Mary Clare Korb of Great Falls, Elsie and Harold Sorenson of Forsyth, Fred and JoAnn Korb of Billings, John Ackerman of Woodbury, Minnesota, Jane and Jim Quass of Billings and Greg Korb of Deer Park, Washington; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marlyss Burg

Marlyss Burg, age 64, passed away on Monday, January 27 at the Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital. Services will be Thursday, January 30 at 11 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Glasgow with Reverand Martin Mock officiating. The burial will be in the Highland Cemetery in Glasgow. Bell Mortuary in Glasgow is in charge of arrangements.

Marlyss Burg was born on September 18, 1938 in Hendricks, Minnesota to Orville Kermit Berge and Alice Carlyle (Stroeh) Berge. She grew up on a farm and lived there all her life until she graduated from Hendricks High School. In growing up on a farm with no boys in the family, guess who got to help with all the field work but her sister and Marlyss. She hated mostly picking mustard that grew in the fields as she hated snakes so bad but lived through it.

After High School she went to Minneapolis and went to work at the Prudential Insurance Company. At this time her folks moved to Los Angeles and she rented the farm out. She also went to Los Angeles where she worked for Hughes Aircraft company as an administrative secretary.

Marlyss married Wesley L. Burg on August 30, 1958. Marlyss and Wes moved to Glasgow in June of 1972 where Marlyss worked for Newton Motors for six years and then Valley Bank for 24 years. Upon retirement she enjoyed her grandkids, palying cards and reading many books. She was active in choir, Soroptimist and Rebekah Lodge for many years.

Survivors include: husband, Wesly Burg of Glasgow; father, Orville Berge of Hendricks, Minnesota; son, David (Mary) Burg of Williston, North Dakota; daughter, Jana (Scott) Moran of Malta; 4 grandchildren, Trent and Conor Moran, Se