Commissioners Vote To Obtain Jail Feasibility Proposals (Posted Tuesday, November 2, 2004 07:10 AM)

The Valley County Commissioners have voted to obtain proposals for a feasibility study on the possiblity of building a regional jail in Valley County.

The commissioners voted on Monday to put out advertisments for companies that would be interested in putting together the feasibility study. A company from Nebraska has already put forth a proposal that would cost $25,000 for a complete study.

Earlier this year a study was completed on the current Valley County Jail and that study found that the jail was obsolete and needed serious renovation or a new jail should be built.

Havre BN Employee Killed By Train (Posted Monday, November 1, 2004 09:35 AM)

(AP) - A man was struck and killed by a westbound freight train early this morning. The incident occurred about 53 miles west of Glasgow.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe spokesman Gus Melonas says the man was a B-N-S-F employee. Melonas says initial reports indicate the man stepped away from an idle train and was then struck by a train on an adjacent line.

The man was based in Havre. Melonas says the man's identity has not been released. Melonas said the main line was while the investigation continued, but tracks are open now. (Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

DNRC Seeks Comments On Ag Leases On State School Trust Land (Posted Friday, October 29, 2004 09:57 AM)

The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has announced that they are seeking comments on proposed Administrative Rule changes which deal with the renewal of grazing and agricultural leases on State School Trust Land.

A series of public meetings have been scheduled by the DNRC. These will be public meetings where the agency will discuss the proposed rules and the public will have an opportunity to comment.

A meeting will be held in Glasgow on November 2nd at 7:00pm at the Glasgow High School Auditorium.

For more information contact the DNRC at 406-444-2074.

Police Searching For Mailbox Vandals (Posted Friday, October 29, 2004 09:40 AM)

Law enforcement authorities are searching for a person or persons responsible for vandalism of over 20 mailboxes during a time period of October 21st and October 22nd.

Vandalism of a mailbox is a federal crime and if found guilty could be sentenced to 3 year in prison or face a fine.

If you have any information on this crime and wish to remain anonymous you are urged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-2226. You could be eligible for a cash reward.

Police Arrest Four In Drug Investigation (Posted Friday, October 29, 2004 09:39 AM)

The Glasgow Police Department has arrested four individuals as part of a drug investigation centered on a residence located at 26 Angus Drive in Glasgow.

The Police arrested Douglas Fitzsimmons, Nikki Hammonds, Cole Donahue and James Connors.

Fitzsimmons was charged with felony sale of dangerous drugs along with misdemeanor possession of dangerous drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Donahue was charged with felony sale of dangerous drugs and possession of dangerous drugs. Hammonds was charged with possession of dangerous drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia and Connors was charged with possession of dangerous drugs.

Cole Donahue and Doug Fitzsimmons have had their felony cases turned over to State District Court and will have to appear before Judge John McKeon.

Candidate Survey Questionnaire Forged (Posted Friday, October 29, 2004 06:09 AM)

(AP) - A state legislative candidate is asking Phillips County authorities to investigate a forged online survey apparently filled out in his name. Republican Wayne Stahl says someone answered the Montana Family Foundation questionnaire using his name -- but expressing views that are completely opposed to his own.

Stahl says he didn't know anything about the survey until he was confronted this week by angry constituents. Questions cover topics including taxes, abortion rights, homosexuality and education. Stahl is a Republican candidate for House District 35. He says he'd like to pursue criminal and civil action against whoever filed the bogus survey. (Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Saskatchewan Farmers, Towns, Buy Railway (Posted Thursday, October 28, 2004 06:15 AM)

(AP) - About 400 farmers and municipalities have invested more than four (m) million dollars, Canadian, to buy the Great Western Railway, which runs south and west of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. That's about three-point-two (m) million U-S dollars.

They also received an interest-free loan of one-point-seven (m) million dollars -- or one-point-four (m) million U-S -- from the provincial government.

Group spokesman Con Johnson says people in the area were just tired of losing services and drew a line in the sand. He says the railway's main focus will be to haul grain and pulse crops to the main railway lines. Johnson says it will be important for the economic development of southwestern Saskatchewan. (Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Circle Woman Among Highway Fatalities (Posted Thursday, October 28, 2004 06:14 AM)

(AP) - Three people died yesterday on Montana streets and highways. A Billings man was struck by a car while crossing a city street. The coroner says 65-year-old Tony Tinoco died at the scene. Police say Tinoco was crossing the street when he was hit by a mid-sized passenger car about 6:30 yesterday morning. The driver remained at the scene.

In McCone County, near Circle, the Montana Highway Patrol says the driver of a semi-trailer truck from Canada crossed the center line of a rural road, killing an 80-year-old Circle woman driving a passenger car.

And about two miles north of Livingston, a car crossing U-S 89 was hit broadside by a semi. The car's driver was dead at the scene. Names of those victims have not been released. Montana's highway death toll for the year now stands at 188, compared to 215 on this date a year ago. (Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Missouri River Corps' Missouri River Plan Draws Marina Owners, Others (Posted Thursday, October 28, 2004 06:13 AM)

(AP) -- Two Omaha-area marina owners were among about two dozen people, attending a public meeting in Omaha on the Army Corps of Engineers' proposed Missouri River management plan.

The marina owners are worried that reduced flows in the lower river basin would curtail or end their business, harboring hundreds of pleasure-boating customers. The corps faces a dilemma. Five years of drought have curtailed snowmelt and rain runoff into the river system through Montana, Wyoming and the Dakotas. Six upstream reservoirs were nearly 22 (M) million acre feet below average pool at the end of September. Marina owners on those upstream reservoirs have been hampered by low water levels.

Corps water manager Kevin Grode says the system continues to record all-time lows for water storage. The corps' draft river management plan for 2005 anticipates only minimum flows, and could shorten the normal eight-month barge navigation season by up to 61 days. (Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Stockgrowers Meeting November 2 In Glasgow (Posted Thursday, October 28, 2004 06:04 AM)

The Montana Stockgrowers Association will host a town hall meeting in Glasgow on Tuesday, November 2, from 3-6 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, preceding the Montana Department of Natural Resources public hearing session on proposed changes to state land leases. Dinner will be served at 5 p.m., and will be available free to anyone who registers by November 1.

The MSGA town hall meeting is open to the public, and will provide a forum for attendees to hear about issues affecting Montana‚s cattle and ranching industry, particularly concerning state land leases.

"We invite anyone who is involved in or has ties to the cattle industry come and hear what the Montana Stockgrowers Association has been doing for you, not only out in the country, but also in Helena and Washington, D.C.," said John Swanz, a rancher from Judith Gap and president of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. 

The DNRC public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. at the Glasgow High School Auditorium.

For more information on the MSGA town hall meeting, or to register for dinner, please call the MSGA office at (406) 442-3420, or email msga@mtbeef.org.

New Payouts For Governor's Cup (Posted Monday, October 25, 2004 06:53 AM)

The 2005 Montana Governor's Cup Walleye Tourney on Fort Peck Lake has now become the one of the largest walleye fishing tournaments in the region with a new payout format that will increase the payouts by thousands of dollars.

The new format will increase the amount paid to the winning team from $10,000 to $15,000 and will also provide $10,000 in day money to each to the top ten teams.

Also each team will automatically be entered in the Walleye "Big Fish" Contest with a 100% pay-back to the top 3 places.

The payment schedule is based on a full field of 200 teams.

The Governor's Cup is sponsored by the Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce and the changes were made after surveys were sent out to past fishermen. The majority of those who turned in the surveys were in favor of the proposed changes.

The entry fee for the tournament has increased from $300 per team to $500 but 100% of the entry increase will be paid out in cash prizes.

Entries for the 2005 Montana Governor's Cup Walleye Tournament opened up on October 22nd with a limit of 200 teams.

Commissioners Hold Public Meeting On Jail (Posted Thursday, October 21, 2004 03:47 PM)

The Valley County Commissioners will be holding a public meeting on Monday to take comments regarding a proposed feasibility study on the possibility of building a regional jail for Valley County.

In January the National Corrections Institute conducted a study on the current Valley County Jail and found it to be obsolete. Valley County Sheriff Glenn Meier formed a committee of Valley County citizens to look into the possibility of a new jail for the county. The committee was formed six months ago and has agreed to go forward with a feasibility study that would establish projected jail bed space needs for Valley County. The study would also identify the potential market for housing inmates from federal, state, local and tribal jurisdictions in the area. The feasibility study would also define facility requirements based upon projected needs and include estimates of development cost, operational costs, and potential revenues.

Justice Solutions Group out of Lincoln, Nebraska has proposed to conduct the study at a cost of $20,000. Additional costs including travel and production costs could add an extra $4500. Justice Solutions Group would make three on-site visits to Glasgow to collect data, meet with the Jail Advisory Committee and to define facility requirements.

The Jail Advisory Committee met with the Valley County Commissioners on Monday and asked the commissioners to fund the feasibility study. The commissioners preferred a public meeting to hear the concerns of Valley County residents on the proposed feasibility study.

The meeting will be held at 6pm on Monday in the courtroom of the Valley County Courthouse.

Rehberg Stresses River Importance To Corps (Posted Thursday, October 21, 2004 03:46 PM)

Montana’s Congressman Denny Rehberg continued to stress the importance of Montana’s agricultural and recreational interests to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as the Corps released its plan to mitigate the effects of a pro-longed drought in the Missouri River Basin.

“Some areas of Montana are under the stress of seven years of drought, and it’s time for the Corps to take an even more active approach,” said Rehberg. 

A member of the U.S. House Agriculture, Resources, and Transportation Committees, Rehberg has been critical of the Corps’ Missouri River management plan for favoring the barge shipping industry of downstream states over the needs of Montana.

“The drought is having wide-ranging effects on a number of Montana’s key industries -- farming, ranching, forestry, tourism and recreation. These industries are the heart and soul of our Montana communities, and I’ll continue to push the Corps to implement measures that will have a more meaningful impact,” Rehberg said.

Rehberg’s statement came in response to specific measures the Corps recently announced it was taking to control the conditions related to declining water levels in rivers, lakes, and reservoirs. Those measures include:

?q        Monitoring of public water intakes
?q        Spraying/monitoring of noxious weeds 
?q        Monitoring of public lake access
?q        Preservation of exposed sensitive cultural resources

For more information on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plan, call Tom O’Hara in the Omaha District Public Affairs Office at 402-221-3917.

Valley Event Center Among Those Receiving Tourism Grants (Posted Wednesday, October 20, 2004 07:40 PM)

The Valley Event Center in Glasgow, Conrad’s Pondera County Museum, Liberty Village Arts Center & Gallery in Chester, and Miles City’s Custer County Art & Heritage Center have been awarded a total of $200,000 from the Department of Commerce’s Tourism Infrastructure Investment Program (TIIP) “bed tax” grant funds to assist in the completion of tourism-related facility improvements.

Montana Department of Commerce Director Mark Simonich approved the TIIP grant funding for the four tourism-related projects following recommendations from the Department of Commerce Montana Promotion Division staff and the state’s Tourism Advisory Council. The four TIIP grant recipients were selected from 27 applications submitted for funding to the Commerce Department. 

“The investment of tourism ‘bed tax’ funds into these four projects will leverage community and area dollars, create and support local construction and service industry jobs, and add to Montana’s appeal as a visitor destination, something that helps the entire state,” Simonich said in approving the TIIP grant awards.

Since 1995, TIIP grants have provided over $2 million in tourism “bed tax” funds to 44 projects in 32 Montana communities. Over that period, TIIP grants have assisted in the development of $24 million in tourism-related projects.

TIIP grants funds are provided by the state’s 4 percent tourism “bed tax” which is assessed on the lodging price of all accommodations across Montana, including campgrounds. The grants are awarded through a competitive process and require a $1 local match for every $2 provided by grant funds.

Valley County Reaches Settlement With EPA; Delinquent Taxes Payments Agreed Upon (Posted Tuesday, October 19, 2004 04:03 PM)

Valley County has reached a settlement with the Environmental Protection Agency regarding a fine assessed to Valley County in regards to a violation at the Road Department Shop in Glasgow.

The EPA originally had proposed to fine Valley County $22,000 for violations with the fuel storage tanks at the shop located on Highway #2 in Glasgow.

The settlement reduces the amount Valley County has to pay to just $8000 and allows the county to pay the fine over two years with no interest on the unpaid balance.

In other news from Valley County, the county has reached agreement on payment of delinquent taxes on property owned by the OCI Corporation at St.Marie. Valley County will receive 226,000 over the next 30 days on the property owned by OCI. Valley County has received over $105,000 on the delinquent taxes and will have the entire sum of $226,000 on or before November 15th.

OCI currently owns 450 units at St. Marie but they have told the Valley County Commissioners that they are looking at the possibility of selling the units.

Police Arrest Glasgow Man In Vandalism Case (Posted Tuesday, October 19, 2004 04:02 PM)

The Glasgow Police Department has charged a 25-year old Glasgow man for his role in the vandalism that took place at Newton Motors in Glasgow on October 13th.

Curtis Sexton was charged with two counts of misdemeanor criminal mischief after he allegedly shot out the front door window at Newton Motors and also shot out the front window of a new pickup located at the auto dealership.

Sexton has pleaded not guilty to both misdemeanor charges.

The Glasgow Police Department also arrested Sexton last week and charged him with three other misdemeanors. The charges include driving with a suspended drivers license, failure to carry proof of liability insurance and providing alcoholic beverages to minors.

Valley County Community Foundation Grants To Increase (Posted Monday, October 18, 2004 06:01 PM)

The total of next year’s grants from the Valley County Community Foundation will increase substantially, thanks to a gift from the Montana Community Foundation, announced Jean Carlson of Fort Peck who chairs the VCCF board.

MCF provided $2,500 to be granted early next year, she said. “This will be added to earnings from our endowment, and make an nice impact here in Valley County.” The total of grant dollars will be announced in January when year-end reports are completed, she said. Grants vary in amount, but most are between $500.00 and $1,000.00.

VCCF is a non-profit organization that provides financial support to projects in Valley County through an annual grant-revi

Police Investigating Vandalism (Posted Friday, October 15, 2004 06:55 PM)

The Glasgow Police Department is investigating vandalism that took place at Newton Motors in Glasgow. The incident took place late in the evening of October 12 or the early morning hours of October 13th according to Glasgow Police Chief Lyndon Erickson.

Erickson told Kltz/Klan that a vandal or vandals shot out the front glass window of the Newton Motors building and also shout out a new pickup window. The vandalism was done with a BB gun according to Chief Erickson.

The Glasgow Police Department believes that the incident could be tied in with other similar incidents that have taken place in Glasgow this year. The investigation is continuing and Erickson said no monetary amount has been determined for the damage that was done.

Governor's Cup Payout To Increase (Posted Friday, October 15, 2004 06:54 PM)

The payout for the Montana Governor's Cup Walleye Tournament on Fort Peck Lake is expected to increase significantly after a decision was made to increase the entry fee from $300 to $500 per team.

The Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture has approved the entry fee increase which will move the first place prize from $10,000 to $15,000 per team. The Glasgow Chamber notes however that 100% of the $200 increase in entry fee will be paid back to the fishermen.

The increase also means that for the first time the Governor's Cup will feature day money payed out to the top ten teams on each day of the tourney. $1000 will be paid out to each of the top ten teams on Friday and Saturday. This proposed payout is based on a full 200 team tourney. Also each team will automatically be entered in the Walleye "Big Fish" Contest ($20 each ) with their team's entry fee, and there will be 100% pay-back to the top 3 places.

The payment schedule will be as follows based on a full field of 200 teams.

1st $15,000 6th $1990 11th $1290 16th $890
2nd $7500          7th $1840        12th $1140        17th $840
3rd $3,750         8th $1690 13th $1090 18th $800
4th $2440 9th $1540        14th $1040        19th $740
5th $2190 10th $1390       15th $990          20th $700

The Glasgow Chamber has had many requests over the past year to increase the payout for the Governor's Cup and after this years tourney conducted a survey of all the fishermen from the past three years. Survey comments that were received from the fishermen indicated a majority of those returning the survey approved of the proposal presented by the Chamber of Commerce.

The Montana Governor's Cup Walleye Tournament will be one of the biggest if not the biggest walleye tourney in the region. If you have any comments on the new payout format you are encouraged to contact the Glasgow Chamber at 406-228-2222. The 2005 tourney will be held July 8-10th on Fort Peck Lake.

Enrollment Holding In Glasgow; GEA Grievance Discussed (Posted Thursday, October 14, 2004 02:39 PM)

The Glasgow School Board met in regular session on October 13th and heard good news from Superintendent Glenn Hageman regarding school enrollment. Hageman told the board that K-12 enrollment on October 1st was 780 which is virtually the same as last year. He also mentioned that 3 more students enrolled this week so the enrollment is actually 703. The October 1st enrollment count will be averaged with another student count in February which will determine the amount of state funding the district receives.

The school board also discussed at length the grievance filed by the Glasgow Education Association against the school district. The board voted unanimously to reject the teachers grievance which involves the amount of prep time Glasgow school teachers receive each day. Superintendent Hageman told Kltz/Klan that the ball is now in the court of the GEA and they will determine which step is taken in the grievance procedure.

The board also approved a change in the format for sports banquets for the Glasgow school system. In the past the district had a single sports banquet at the end of the school year and all activities were represented. On a trial basis the board approved having three different banquets for each sports season. There will be a fall, winter and spring sports banquet.

Corps In Glasgow For Operating Plan Meeting (Posted Thursday, October 14, 2004 08:11 AM)

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were in Glasgow on Wednesday for a public meeting to explain the 2004-2005 Missouri River Draft Annual Operating Plan. The Corps also took public comments on the plan and heard plenty of those from the near 100 people who were present for the meeting.

Larry Cieslik, chief of the Corps Reservoir Control Center in Omaha, Nebraska, took the comments and questions from the group and also outlined the plans for the Missouri River for 2004-2005. Cieslik told the group several times that the only person to blame for low water levels on Fort Peck Lake is Mother Nature. He said the Missouri River basin is in a severe-long term drought but if the drought breaks and more water goes downstream then we won't be having these problems.

Water storage on the Missouri River system stood at a record low 35.4 million acre-feet as of October 10th which is much lower than the previous record low of 40.8 million acre feet set in 1991. The water level on Fort Peck is almost 9 feet below the previous record low also set in 1991.

The Corps of Engineers is managing the Missouri River with a new Master Manual that took almost 15 years to complete. Cieslik told the gathering that the Corps of Engineers spent nearly $30 million on the Master Manual which he said treats upstream reservoirs such as Fort Peck much better than the old manual. Many people in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota blame the Corps of Engineers for favoring the navigation industry downstream over recreation interests upstream in reservoirs such as Fort Peck. Larry Cieslik told the group that Congress has authorized navigation on the Missouri River to be a priority even though there are currently only 5 barge companies operating on the Missouri River. Cieslik also told the group that the navigation season on the Missouri has been shortened 47 days this year which should help upstream reservoirs keep more of their water.

The Corps of Engineers also released projections for water levels on Fort Peck through 2006. They project that if the severe drought continues that water levels on Fort Peck could drop another 10 feet by early 2006. If the drought goes away and there is a good runoff the best case scenario would have the water level on Fort Peck increase 30 feet by early 2006. The middle ground on the projections show that water levels could increase 10 feet by early 2006.
The Corps of Engineers is holding 4 public meetings throughout the Missouri River Basin discussing the draft Annual Operating Plan.

Duck Creek Man Charges WIth Drug Possession (Posted Wednesday, October 13, 2004 09:54 AM)

44-year old Duck Creek resident Gerald Brabeck was arrested on October 12th and charged with two felony counts of criminal possession of dangerous drugs. Brabeck was arrested by the Valley County Sheriffs Department and was released from the Valley County Jail after posting $5000 bond. Brabeck is next to appear in front of Judge John McKeon on November 1st in District Court in Glasgow.

The two felony charges are the result of a search warrant that was obtained by law enforcement authorities on July 15th of 2003 and used to search Brabeck's home in Duck Creek. Brabeck is charged with possession of marijuana and cocaine. Each felony charge could result in a maximum prison sentence of 5 years along with a maximum $50,000 fine.

The investigation was conducted by the Big Muddy River Drug Task Force along with the Valley County Sheriffs Department and the Glasgow Police Department.

Valley County Sheriff Vernon Buerkle told Kltz/Klan that the reason for the delay in the charges being filed is because of a serious backlog in drug cases in the Valley County Sheriffs Department.

Valley County Jail Inmates On The Increase (Posted Tuesday, October 12, 2004 09:21 PM)

Valley County Sheriff Glen Meier has told Kltz/Klan that the number of inmates spending time in the Valley County Jail has increased significantly over the past two years.

Meier released numbers that show the number of jail days in 2002 totaled 1057. Those jail increased to 2149 in 2003 and as of October 1st of 2004 the total number of jail days for the Valley County jail were at 2296.

The Sheriff told Kltz/Klan that the increases in jail prisoners were the result of increased emphasis on cracking down on drug use in the county.

Glasgow Gas Prices Below State Average (Posted Tuesday, October 12, 2004 09:20 PM)

The average price of gasoline in Montana has increased to $2.00.8 per gallon according to AAA Montana while the price of gasoline in Glasgow has remained at $1.99.9 for the past several months.

AAA Montana reports that the average price of regular unleaded gasoline in Billings is $1.96, Great Falls is at $1.98 and Missoula residents are paying an average of $1.99 per gallon.

AAA also reports that the average price of gasoline in North Dakota is $1.98 a gallon, South Dakota at $1.97 and Wyoming at $1.91. The two states with the highest price of gasoline are California at $2.34 a gallon and Hawaii at $2.37.

Also the price of diesel fuel in Montana is at a record high with a price of $2.12 a gallon according to AAA Montana.

Fort Peck Hatchery Manager Selected (Posted Tuesday, October 12, 2004 09:14 PM)

The first manager of the multi-million dollar Fort Peck Multi-Species Fish Hatchery is Paul Santavy, a Michigan native who has worked for the last decade in Alaska. The Fort Peck facility is currently under construction and is expected to begin fish production next fall.

Santavy, 34, has been manager for the last five years of a large salmon hatchery in southeast Alaska’s Prince William Sound, where he oversees a staff of up to 25 and produces salmon for a cooperative of commercial fishermen. Santavy worked his way up in the hatchery program, starting as a seasonal technician and working as assistant manager before taking the reins of the facility.

He was interested in the Fort Peck hatchery position because of its high profile, its mix of species and the fact that it’s a brand-new facility.

“It’s a great opportunity to help create a first-rate program,” says Santavy. “I’m excited by the high expectations, not only from local and regional anglers, but also from the agency. This could be the flagship warmwater hatchery for the entire Northern Plains. I’m eager to make the transition to producing different species of fish, to learn new techniques to raise warmwater species. I grew up fishing for bass, walleye and pike, and those remain my favorite species to fish for.”

The $22 million Fort Peck hatchery is scheduled to open in September 2005 and is expected to produce about 2.5 million walleye fingerlings and up to 50 million walleye fry annually. The facility will also produce sauger, largemouth and smallmouth bass, pallid sturgeon, Chinook salmon and has the capacity to produce a variety of other warmwater species, including tiger muskie, northern pike and catfish.

The 27,000-square-foot hatchery sits on 100 acres of federal land just off the Dredge Cuts downstream of Fort Peck Dam. More than 40 acres are devoted to fish-rearing ponds. Construction is being funded by more than $22 million appropriated by Congress. Annual operations and maintenance costs are funded by Montana’s Warmwater Fishing Stamp, a special $5 license created at the urging of warmwater anglers, including Montana Walleyes Unlimited.

Santavy acknowledges most of his professional experience is raising salmon, but he says switching to warmwater species is relatively straightforward.

“Fundamentally it’s not that difficult to switch from coldwater fish culture to warmwater fish culture,” he says. “I’ll have a steep learning curve at first, mainly learning new techniques and a new system. But fish have the same basic requirements regardless of species and I look forward to learning new techniques and technologies. I’ll be attending a course on warmwater fish culture, and I’ll have some great teachers in the Miles City crew.”

Santavy says he’s eager to boost the state’s production of walleye and other warmwater species, and is excited by the hatchery’s role in pallid sturgeon recovery.

“Any opportunity to help slow or stop the extinction of a species is one that you ought to take seriously, and I’m eager to help with that important work.”

Gary Bertellotti, Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ hatchery bureau chief, says Santavy’s experience as a hatchery manager will be invaluable as the new Fort Peck facility transitions from a construction site to a working hatchery.

“He will take an untested facility, bring it on-line and develop a multiple-species production program that will meet Montana’s fish-stocking needs,” says Bertellotti. “We selected Paul because of his extensive history in hatchery management, complex program development and managing multiple programs and staff with a high level of success.”

Derek Fagone is new warden for Plentywood district

The route that brought Derek Fagone to northeastern Montana stopped in Florida and Yellowstone National Park. Fagone is the new Fish, Wildlife & Parks game warden for the Plentywood district, which includes all of Sheridan and Daniels counties and portions of northeastern Valley and northern Roosevelt counties.

Fagone will be completing mandatory training this fall, but he will be a fixture in the Plentywood district, patrolling during this fall’s hunting season, attending Hunter Education classes and meeting both residents of and visitors to extreme northeastern Montana.

Fagone, 32, replaces Tom Chianelli who transferred to the Thompson Falls warden district in western Montana.

While he’s a relative newcomer to law enforcement, Fagone’s background in wildlife management is extensive. He earned a degree in marine biology from a Florida college before working on manatee conservation for the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. He later worked on graduate projects in Yellowstone National Park, helping trap and radio-collar grizzly bears. After attending the Montana Law Enforcement Academy last year, Fagone worked as an animal keeper at the Grizzly Discovery Center in West Yellowstone.

If you see or suspect illegal hunting or wildlife-related crimes, call FWP’s 1-800-TIP-MONT hotline. You may also contact Fagone through the Sheridan County Sheriff’s Office at 765-1200.

Missouri River Levels Expected To Drop (Posted Thursday, October 7, 2004 09:44 AM)

(AP) - The Army Corps of Engineers is trying to keep more Missouri River water in Montana and the Dakotas. The corps yesterday began releasing less water downstream.

The Missouri River barge navigation season usually ends December 1st. This year, it's expected to stop by October 15th in St. Louis.

Corps spokesman Paul Johnston says that should slow the drop in Montana's Fort Peck Reservoir and the other upstream reservoirs. He says Fort Peck is 34 feet below normal, North Dakota's Lake Sakakawea (suh-kah-kuh-WEE'-uh) is 25 feet below normal; and Lake Oahe (uh-WAH'-hee) in South Dakota is 30 feet below normal. (Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Extension Approved For Removing Hay Bales From CRP Fields (Posted Thursday, October 7, 2004 08:50 AM)

The Valley County FSA Office wants to notify producers an extension as been approved for removing the hay bales from CRP fields for producers participating in the Managed CRP haying provisions. Due to the late harvest because of cool, wet weather conditions the extension for removing the bales from the CRP acres is October 31, 2004. 

Also, as a reminder, the annual CRP payments will not be issued until the certification has been filed reporting the acres hayed and tons of production produced. 

If you have any questions you may call the FSA Office at 228-4321.

MDT Still Recommends Just A Passing Lane For Highway 2 Expansion (Posted Thursday, October 7, 2004 07:53 AM)

The Montana Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration has reiterated that an improved two-lane highway with passing lanes is the best design option for retooling Highway #2 from Havre to Fort Belknap.

MDT Director Dave Galt announced last month that his department no longer supports four-lane expansion of Highway #2, a reversal of its initial position.

The two-lane alternative with passing lanes includes a 40-foot roadway with some additional lanes in spots and much wider shoulders.

Several factors influenced the MDT's decision to scale back its recommendation. One of them was the $34 million price difference between the projects.

State Senator Sam Kitzenberg, R-Glasgow, called Wednesday's announcement a "disappointment" and a "dark day for Montana".

Residents will have another month to comment on the Environmental Impact Statement which was released by the Montana Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration.

Chamber Brings In Saskatoon Band Again This Year (Posted Tuesday, October 5, 2004 07:20 AM)

The Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture will be hosting the Saskatoon Police Pipe Band during Homecoming weekend. The band will be playing during the Homecoming Parade & at 1⁄2 time during the game Fri. Oct. 8th. On Saturday Oct. 9th the band will be playing at the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at the Cottonwood beginning at 9a.m. the Special Olympic Fire Truck Pull in front of Markle's Ace Hardware at 1p.m. then at the Valley Event Center from 5-7p.m. during the Chamber sponsored BBQ.

Political Forum Is Tonight (Posted Tuesday, October 5, 2004 07:18 AM)

Valley County Republicans, Valley County Democrats, KLTZ/KLAN, Glasgow Courier & Two Rivers Economic Growth are sponsoring a political forum featuring local Valley County candidates & local legislative candidates on Tues. Oct. 5th at 6:30p.m. at the Cottonwood Inn. The event is a candidate forum & not a debate & is an opportunity for local citizens to become more informed about the candidates on the November 2nd General election campaign. The forum is open to the public & the AAUW will provide coffee & cookies.

Fire Departments Host Open House Tonight (Posted Tuesday, October 5, 2004 07:17 AM)

The Glasgow Volunteer Fire Department along with the Valley County Long Run Fire Department will be hosting a open house at the Pamida Parking Lot from 5pm-7pm on October 5th in honor of Fire Awareness Week.

Both fire departments will have their trucks on hand at the open house and will be serving free hot dogs and pops for those who attend. There will also be information which will be handed out and free stuff for the kids.

Voter Registration Deadline Passes (Posted Tuesday, October 5, 2004 07:16 AM)

Those wishing to register to vote for the November 2nd General Election are out of luck because the deadline has passed.

Potential new voters had until 5pm on October 4th to register with the Valley County Clerk and Recorder. Lynn Nyquist told Kltz/Klan that an estimated 300 new voters have been registered in Valley County since the June primary election. Monday was also the first week that registered voters could request absentee ballots from the Clerk and Recorder's Office.

Nyquist said that the office has been saturated with requests for the early ballots. She estimated that over 200 voters were set to vote absentee on Monday.

October Obituaries

Donald G. Clark

Donald G. Clark, age 71 passed away on Friday - October 22, 2004 from natural causes at the Trinity Hospital in Wolf Point, Montana.There will be a wake held on Sunday - October 24, 2004 at 7:00 P.M. at Oswego Community Hall in Oswego, Montana. Services are planned for Monday - October 25, 2004 at 10:00 A.M. at the Oswego Community Hall in Oswego, Montana. Interment will take place at the Clark Family Cemetery in Frazer, Montana. Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Preceded in death by 2 brothers, Ernie and Calvin, and a sister Rita.

Donald G. Clark "Wamni Maxbiya Imbadam Giya" The Eagle that flies up against the top of the sky. Born: February 8, 1933 in Poplar, Montana PARENTS: Walter Clark Jr. and Nellie Ackerman Clark He was raised on the family ranch outside of Frazer, Donald attended schools in Frazer until 1950 when he joined the US Army. He loved to watch sports, play bingo, play pool, go to rodeos, especially the National Finals Rodeo held in Las Vegas. He liked attending Pow-Wows and was happiest when his grandchildren and great grandchildren were around him. Donald married Rosemary Smith in January of 1955 and they were later divorced. He married Nellie Gray Lewis and she later passed away. Donald married Rose Marie Fitzgerald on September 18, 2004.

SURVIVORS: Wife: Rose Marie Fitzgerald of Frazer, MT Sister: Bernadine Wallace of Frazer, MT Brother: Walter Clark of Frazer, MT Children: Terry Youngbull of Mesa, Arizona, Donna Angstman of Oklahoma, Lanette Clark of Wolf Point, MT, Howard Clark of Wolf Point, Errol Standing of Frazer, MT Step-children: Deborah His Horse is Thunder, Diane Wetsit, Larry Wetsit, Gayle Johnson, Harold Wetsit, Toni Henderson, Kenny Lewis, Lori Archambeault, Loren Lewis, Resa Todd, Anita Dumont. 53 grandchildren 40 great grandchildren 1 great great grandchild Numerous nieces and nephews. Very special uncle Joeseph Clark of Frazer, MT.

Edwin R. Cutter

Edwin R. Cutter, age 87, passed away on Monday - October 18, 2004 from natural causes at the Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow, Montana.Rosary services are planned for Wednesday - October 20, 2004 at 7:00 P.M. at Bell Chapel in Glasgow, MT. Services are planned for Thursday - October 21, 2004 at 10:00 A.M. at the St. Raphael's Catholic Church in Glasgow, Montana with Rev. Thad Kozikowski officiating. Interment will take place at the Lawndale Cemetery in Opheim, Montana. Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. His wife Florence preceded him in death on April 10, 1991.

BORN: December 6, 1916 in Minneapolis, Minnesota PARENTS: Charles Cutter and Mary (Kelly) Cutter Born in Minneapolis Ed attended schools there and graduated from De La Salle High School. Ed married Florence Opheim on June 14, 1943 in Los Angeles, California. The lived in Los Angeles, Minneapolis, Phoenix, Albuquerque, Walnut Creek, California, MT. Vernon, Washington, Albany, New York, and then retired in Glasgow. Ed worked 32 years in Minneapolis as a Clothing Sales Representative. He was an avid sports fan.

SURVIVORS: Sons: Christopher J. Cutter of New Milford, Connecticut. Timothy M. Cutter of Martinez, California 4 grandchildren 1 great grandchild. Brother: Charles Cutter of Los Angeles, California.

Evelyn Turnland

Evelyn Turnland, age 88, passed away on Thursday- October 14, 2004 at the Valley View Home in Glasgow, Montana. Sercices are planned for Tuesday - October 19, 2004 at 11:00 A.M. at the First Lutheran Church in Glasgow, Montana with the Rev. Martin Mock officiating. Interment will take place at the Highland Cemetery in Glasgow, Montana. Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Preceded in death by husband Jim in 1995.

BORN: July 18, 1916 in Glasgow, Montana. PARENTS: Carl and Josephine (Biem) Brekjern Evelyn was born on July 18, 1916 in Glasgow, Montana to Carl and Josephine (Biem) Brekjern. She attended schools in Glasgow and graduated from Glasgow High School in 1935. Evelyn worked as a telephone operator in Glasgow for several years. Evelyn married Jim Turnland in 1957 in Glasgow. She loved to be outdoors and was an avid walker. She loved to read and study the bible, collecting any scriptures and sermons that she could. She and Jim especially enjoyed their cabin at Fort Peck, MT and they also loved to travel. Evelyn was a positive and conscientious person, always concerned about the welfare of others. Evelyn moved to the Nemont Manor in Glasgow in 1997 and has resided at the Valley View Nursing Home since the last three years.

SURVIVORS: Daughter: Evelyn Venard of Phoenix, Arizona.

Charlotte Harpster

Charlotte Harpster, age 80, passed away on Thursday - October 7, 2004 of natural causes at the Valley View Nursing Home in Glasgow, Montana. Services are planned for Friday - October 15, 2004 at 3:00 P.M. at the Hillview Cemetery in Hinsdale, Montana with the Rev. Martin Mock officiating. Interment will take place at Hillview Cemetery in Hinsdale, MT. Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Preceded in death by her husband Glen in 1977.

BORN: July 2, 1924 in Helmville, Montana She attended schools in Hinsdale, Montana and graduated from Hinsdale High School in 1942. After high school she moved to Spokane, Washington and worked at an Air Force Base during World War II. She met and married Glen Harpster and after traveling a couple of years with the military they settled in Altoona, Pennsylvania where he worked in an electric appliance shop. Her husband Glen passed away in 1977 and Charlotte moved to Tucson, Arizona with her mother Maude. Charlotte moved to Glasgow in 1980 and lived in Great Falls for two years before moving to Nashua, Montana in 1984. Charlotte has lived in the Valley View Nursing Home in Glasgow since 1997. She like crocheting, reading, and loved to dance. Charlotte had a great sense of humor, enjoyed taking people out to dinner, and especially loved her dog.

SURVIVORS: Cousins: Ethel Ost of Fort Peck, Montana Norman McNulty of Middleton, Ohio Albert Seely of Havre, Montana Opal Howard of Helena, Montana.

Alvin "Buck" Baldry

Alvin J. ‘Buck’ Baldry, age 73, passed away on Friday, Oct. 1, 2004 at his home in Ballantine. A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 9 at the Bethlehem Congregational UCC in Worden with interment to follow at Pleasantview Cemetery in Ballantine. Cremation has taken place. Smith Downtown Chapel is assisting with arrangements. Memorial services will also take place in Scobey, MT on Wednesday, October 13 at 2pm at the Scobey Lutheran Church. Buck was preceded in death by his parents; his older brother, Arlee; and his wife, Elaine.

Buck was born in Opheim on July 23, 1931, to Chester and Lillian Baldry. He attended school in the Richland and Peerless area. Buck entered the U.S. Army in April 1951, serving in the Korean War in ‘51-‘53. In 1955, Buck went to Highway Patrol School and served in the Wolf Point, Bozeman, and Billings divisions. He retired in June 1 981, as Captain in the Billings Division. Buck was a square dance caller for 20 years in his own Buckaroo Square Dance Club, as well as clubs in the surrounding area. He took a group of square dancers to Norway in 1984 and put on performances for the people they visited. Buck moved to his farm in Ballantine in 1976. He farmed there after his patrol retirement and drove school bus for Huntley Project Schools. Buck married Elaine Erickson of Peerless in 1953. Four children were born to this marriage. Elaine passed away in 1996. Buck married Doris Lindsey in 1997.

Buck is survived by his wife, Doris of Ballantine; children, Marcae (Gary) Nieskens of Scobey, Darrell (Brenda) Baldry of Colorado Springs, Colo., Dan (Tammy) Baldry of Billings, and Carla (Wally) Anguiano of Ballantine; stepchildren, John Lindsey of Huntley, and Leona (Jason) Svancara of Troy, Idaho; grandchildren, Jerod Nieskens of Scobey, Joel Nieskens of Helena, Kelly Nieskens, serving in the National Guard in Fort Polk, La., Kendra Nieskens of Great Falls, Boyd and Rhett Baldry of Colorado Springs, Allie and Jacob Baldry of Billings, Casey Anguiano of Billings, and Britney and Michele Anguiano of Ballantine; step-grandchildren are Josh (Mandy) Degele of Kalispell and Ty Svancara of Troy. Buck is also survived by one great-grandson, Peyton Nieskens of Scobey. Survivors include brothers and sisters, Rodney (Dolores) Baldry of Billings, Helen (Marvin) Trangsrud of Scobey, Doreen (Vince) Bingham of Adrian, Ore., Joan Lekvold of Scobey, Chetty (Donna) Baldry of Scobey, Betty Baldry of Billings, Vern (Winnie) Baldry of Wolf Point, Shirley (Dallas) Williamson of Scobey, Geri (Ron) Jones of Billings, Ike (Bev) Baldry of Billings, and Brother Bede Baldry of Billings.