The White House said Tuesday that the bill "seeks to circumvent longstanding and proven processes" by removing a requirement for a presidential permit. The legislation also says no new environmental studies are needed.

House Republicans say the bill is needed to ensure the long-delayed pipeline is built. The project, which first was proposed in 2008, would carry oil extracted from tar sands in western Canada to refineries along the Texas Gulf Coast.

Opponents say the pipeline would carry "dirty oil" that could trigger global warming, while supporters say it would create jobs and bolster North American energy resources.

A House vote is expected Wednesday.

(Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Hitting the road for a picnic or cookout? Escaping the kitchen doesn't mean escaping bacteria!
Memorial Day signals the start of a season where food is on the move - to picnics, cookouts, and barbecues in the backyard and beyond! And since food poisoning spikes in the summer, it's the perfect time to remind ourselves about what we can do to reduce our risk.

Cases of food poisoning peak in the summer months, so if you're on the move with food, remember these food safety tips!

Bring soap to wash hands before and after handling food, hand sanitizer will do if there is not running water.

Don't let food sit out. Perishable foods should not be left out of refrigeration for more than 2 hours – reduce that time to 1 hour on a hot day (over 90°)

Keep Raw Meat Separate - Keep wrapped raw meat and poultry separate from cooked foods, fruits and vegetables

Hot Car? No coolers in trunk! Transport coolers in the air conditioned passenger compartment, not in a hot trunk. On a hot day (over 90°) don't let food sit in the car for more than 1 hour.

Pack plenty of ice. Pack lots of ice or ice packs in your cooler to keep food cold. Leftover food is safe only if the cooler still has ice in it. Otherwise, discard leftovers.

Use a Food Thermometer – Use a food thermometer to make sure your food is cooked to a safe internal temperature and not overcooked. You can't tell by looking!

Safe Cooking Temperatures
Beef, pork, veal, lamb 145° (3 min rest time)
Ground meat 160°
Poultry, ground poultry 165°

Montana Sens. Jon Tester and Max Baucus requested the study because many workers face difficulty in getting from one side of Montana to the other.

Culbertson is 37 miles north of Sidney and lies about midway between other Amtrak stops in Wolf Point and Williston, N.D.

Ongoing energy development in the Bakken formation has led to thousands of high-paying jobs and is drawing a large number of workers from Northwest Montana, the senators said.

“With the flood of new workers, the demand to construct new infrastructure and to improve existing infrastructure is constantly increasing,” Tester and Baucus wrote in the request to Amtrak. “The Empire Builder plays a critical role in fulfilling the growing transportation infrastructure needs of the Bakken region, and as the region continues to grow, it is important to look for smart ways to increase the Empire Builder’s capabilities.”

Tester and Baucus previously teamed up to urge Amtrak to increase passenger capacity on the Empire Builder to help the energy-impacted communities take advantage of the Bakken’s oil boom.

For more information, call the Valley County FSA Office at 406-228-4321 on or before the June 7th deadline.

An employee of the Glasgow Recreation Department discovered the vandalism at 6am Tuesday morning. An individual or individuals broke every light fixture in the pool house and destroyed many of the trophies collected over the years by the Glasgow Swim Team. The person or persons also completely ransacked the room used as a break room by employees of the pool.

The damage could of been more extensive in the locker rooms of the pool house but the plumbing fixtures and expensive filters used in the pool itself were not damaged. The pool itself was not damaged.

The GPD is speculating that entry was obtained by climbing over the pool fence and then entering the pool house through a unlocked door.

Its unlikely that this damage will delay the opening of the pool but it will be costly to replace all the light fixtures in the pool house.

If anyone has any information about this vandalism they are urged to contact the Glasgow Police Department.

Damage #2

Damage #3

Gospel music NUNSENSE 2 is a musical comedy hit perfect for the entire family.

The power house cast includes new company members Johanna Carlisle of Phoenix, AZ as The Reverend Mother, Caitlin McRae of Billings, MT as Sister Hubert and Audrey Crocker of Blakely, Georgia as Sister Mary Leo.

Fort Peck is pleased to announce the return of alum Libby Traynor Torgerson, a native of Scobey, MT as Sister Amnesia, Noel Rukstad (who starred as Miss Sandra in last season’s ALL SHOOK UP) as Sister Robert Ann and Lizzie Hatfield as Mary Melody (on piano!)

NUNSENSE 2 is directed by Karen Lewing (Port Polson Players) with musical direction by Dr. David Cody (University of Montana). The production staff: Shy Iverson (Scenic Design), Morgan Cerovski (Lighting Design), Noel Rukstad (Costume Design), Mike Rusktad (Sound Design), Annie Rottenbiller (Props Design), Katie Querin (Stage Manager), Megan Wiltshire (Asst. Stage Manager), Ryan Luwe (Technical Director) and Zack Aschim (Asst. Technical Director).

Lewing and Torgerson hold a special place in Fort Peck Summer Theatre history, having been company members in the theatre’s inaugural seasons! The entire FPST staff and board are honored to have the opportunity to welcome them back!

Andy Meyers serves as returning Artistic Director for the 2013 season, along with Production Manager Annie Rottenbiller, Company Manager Jamie Parnell and Performing Arts Camp Director Morgan Phelps.

Performance times are May 24 – June 9: Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 4:00 pm.

For tickets and more information call the Fort Peck Box Office at (406) 526 – 9943. Following NUNSENSE 2, the 2013 season continues with:
FOOTLOOSE (June 14 – 30)
RING OF FIRE: The Johnny Cash Musical (July 5 – 21)
THE MUSIC MAN (July 26 – August 11)
GREATER TUNA (August 16 – September 1)

All GHS alumni who have completed at least one semester of vocational school or one year of college and are enrolled as full-time sutdents in good academic standing may apply. Students who have received gifts from the trust in the past are eligible to reapply as long as they are showing steady progress toward the completion of a degree; however, no student will be eligible for more than a total of eight semesters or the quarter equivalent. Applications that are incomplete or late will not be considered.

The application and further information about the trust are available online at http://www.ghsedutrust.org.

There have been no filings in Nashua and Opheim but Glasgow looks to have a competitive election year and the 2 town council members up for election in Fort Peck have both filed for re-election.

In Glasgow, there currently is a 2 person race for Mayor. Incumbent Mayor Dan Carney has filed for re-election and he currently faces opposition from city council member Becky Erickson.

In Ward #1, the incumbent Neil Choinard has announced he is retiring and Nancy Schoenfelder has filed for that council position representing Ward #1.

In Ward #2, incumbent Melanie Sorensen has filed for re-election but she will face a challenge from Doug Nistler.

In Ward #3, the incumbent is Dan Carr and he has filed for re-election. He currently has no opposition.

Fort Peck Town Council members Thomas Weber and Joe French have both filed for re-election.

There have been no filings in Nashua or Opheim.

Election Day will be November 5th and if needed a primary election will be held on September 10th.

All funds raised will be used
to complete an amazing exhibit
titled “World Wildlife Experience”.
This exhibit will feature in excess
of 100 mammals (many life-size),
reptiles, waterfowl, upland birds,
freshwater and saltwater fish in
their habitats.

Volunteers from the
Children’s Museum will be on the
air throughout the day talking
about this amazing showcase for
northeast Montana. The creator of
the World Wildlife Exhibit, Skip
Erickson, will also be talking about
the time-line and detailing some of
the great features of this exhibit.
Donations on Thursday will
be used to build the first-class
World Wildlife Experience which
will be a showcase for the museum
and will be a learning experience
for adults and children alike.
You can call in your
donations at 228-9336 or email at kltz@kltz.com

Two years after Beach was freed by a Lewistown Judge, a spokesman for the attorney general said he was taken into custody without incident Wednesday morning by the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office.

Beach had spent part of his last hours of freedom eating breakfast at a diner with the mayor of Billings and other friends.

Wearing a T-shirt that says "I didn't do it," he told The Associated Press it was unbelievable he could return to prison nearly two years after a Lewistown judge freed him.
(Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The U.S. Senate has passed an amendment blocking the Corps of Engineers from charging fees to access water in upper Missouri River reservoirs.

The effort spearheaded by senators from the Dakotas and Montana is part of the 2013 Water Resources Development Act, which now goes to the House.

The corps has proposed a fee system that would designate some water in the reservoirs as surplus because it hasn't been used for purposes authorized when dams were built.

The senators say the proposed fees would violate states' rights to waters that naturally flow through their boundaries. The states have promised to sue if fees are charged.

The corps has issued free permits to tap surplus water to oil drillers and other industrial users until a national policy is developed.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

The Supreme Court said in a 4-3 decision Tuesday that Beach will not receive a new trial.

A Lewistown judge in 2011 granted Beach a new trial after ruling new evidence raised doubts about his guilt. Beach has since been living in Billings.

Beach had been in prison for the 1979 killing of a 17-year-old girl on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

Advocates argued he was wrongly convicted.

Beach had not been taken into custody by Tuesday evening. He told The Associated Press he just learned of the decision and didn't know what it meant.

Attorney General spokesman John Barnes says he can't comment on whether or when Beach will be arrested.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

The state’s Montana Cardiovascular Health Program is partnering with Tribal Health on this blood pressure action plan as well as a stroke education campaign. The two health issues are closely related. People who have high blood pressure are at greater risk of stroke as well as heart disease. In fact, high blood pressure is the leading cause of stroke that can be controlled. Other stroke risk factors, such as family history, can’t be controlled.

Blood pressure higher than 140/90 is linked to more than 3 out of 4 first strokes.

“One of our roles in health care is to help people understand their condition and what it can lead to. We need to explain why control and prevention are so important. It is not enough to get a check up once a year and take your pills. The patient needs to know what the numbers mean and what can happen. Most importantly, they need to know what they can do,” explained Tribal Health Director Marjorie Spotted Bird.

The risks associated with uncontrolled high blood pressure are extremely serious: stroke, heart attack, kidney failure, and blindness. High blood pressure is called the “Silent Killer” because it has no symptoms. Many adults are not aware they have it, even while it is damaging their arteries, heart and other organs.

“Because there are no symptoms, it is critical that tribal members get their blood pressure checked. A goal of our blood pressure project is to get people to come into the clinic, especially if they are at high risk for hypertension,” added the Tribal Health Director.

Spotted Bird feels this is an exciting time at Tribal Health.

“We’re stepping up our contacts with people about their various health issues. The CHRs are undertaking an increasing challenge to provide education to help prevent disease. Our resources are slim, so we need to give patients the information and the tools to take charge of their own health,” she said.

“It’s also where we can have the most impact,” she added. “There is powerful medicine in the choices a person makes.”

Each CHR has a growing list of patients they are helping to support. In addition to measuring blood pressure, they also check pulse rate, body temperature and blood sugar levels. The CHRs are also helping people learn about sodium (salt) in their diet. High levels of salt in food contribute to high blood pressure.

The Tribal Health CHRs involved in the project include Richard “Coke” Chase, Eric Martell, Adrian Imus and Allison Grey Bull. Ryan Beston has recently been promoted to supervisor of the CHRs. The blood pressure project will continue through June 2013.

To learn more about stroke, visit http://www.strokeassociation.org or call 1-888-4-STROKE

(1-888-478-7653). Information about blood pressure can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/bloodpressure.

The risk factors for high blood pressure are:
Diabetes
Over age 45
Overweight
Smoking
Diet high in salt
Drink too much alcohol
Family history of high blood pressure
Lack of physical activity

With the final Bond figures for the 2013 Bonds and estimated figures for the 2014 Bonds, taxpayers are projected to have an estimated $2.5 million less in interest costs over the term of the Bonds than originally estimated to voters before the Bond election. Mills to pay debt service on the Bonds were estimated to be 97.48 for the bond election commencing in 2013/14 and now with the lower interest costs and a one year later start on the principal amount of the second series of bonds, mills next year are estimated to be 53.14.

District administration was pleased to time the Bond financing to take advantage of historic low interest rates. The 2013 Bond’s average coupon rate is 2.60%, which is approximately 1.40% less than the conservative estimates communicated to voters of 4.00%. Yields to investors ranged from 0.39% in the first maturity in 2014 to 3.05% in the final maturity in 2033. The Bonds were sold through D.A. Davidson & Co. and were offered to local investors and banks who participated in the investment opportunity.

The proceeds of the Bonds will be used for the purpose of paying the costs of improving the facilities of the District to enhance services provided to students of the District, including replacing Irle School with a new school to serve elementary students to be constructed on the current Irle School site; building an addition to Eastside School to serve elementary students; relocating the District kitchen to Glasgow High School; and related improvements.

As a part of the financing process, Glasgow K-12 School District received an “A” credit rating with a stable outlook from Standard & Poor’s rating service. The S&P rating report specifically indicates the favorable rating is due to the District’s:
• Status as an economic trade center with good economic indicators;
• Growth in reserves over the past three fiscal years; and
• Overall growth in enrollment, the driver for State funding.

Last year the pay increase for elected officials in Valley County was $1.80 an hour which put the base salary for elected officials to $39,692. The average base salary for comparable counties in Montana was $47,439. Of the 11 counties surveyed, Fallon County payed the most at $56,825 while Phillips County paid the least at $39,241.

A 5% increase would push the elected official salary in Valley County to $41,676. Elected officials in Valley County do earn more then just the base salary. For example, Valley County Commissioners receive an additional $2000, which pushes their current salary to $41,672.

Here are the current salaries for elected officials in Valley County:

Treasurer: $41,672.68

Clerk and Recorder/County Superintendent: $47,623.58

Clerk of Court: $39,672.68

Sheriff/Coroner: $44,900.20

Justice of Peace: $22,613.43

County Attorney: $100,582,80

County Commissioner: $41,672.68

The 5% increase in pay is just a recommendation to the Valley County Commissioners. It was until September of 2012 that the commissioners took action on the recommendation from the compensation board for 2012 salaries.

The festival has built its reputation primarily on the strength of its line-up in brews and bands, with this year being no exception. This year’s music kicks off at 5pm with Redlight Blue, a blues band hailing from Billings, MT with powerful vocals of Lindsey Jacobson. Next on the bill will be John McLellan, or better known as the front man for one of Montana’s biggest bands The Clintons. He is bringing the entire Clintons catalog of songs and adding the pure energetic sound of acoustic guitar. The intensity increases with another Billings band, Downtime. They are known as one of the premier party bands in the area with a broad array of music from Reggae, Rock, and Country. Headlining the 2013 event is the acoustic rock band The Adam Ezra Group. This is their unprecedented third time playing the festival, but their first year as Headliner. They have won several prestigious awards, 2012 New England Music awards for “Album of the Year”, “Song of the Year”, and this year they are nominated for “Band of the Year and “Best Live Act of the Year. The Adam Ezra Group is not just a band; they are a force to be reckoned with musically personally and socially. They are committed to changing the world with their songs and their actions along the way.

Glasgow’s local distributors, Nemont Beverage, Glasgow Distributors, and Blue Rock Beverage bring a top scale selection of microbrews for all festival goers to enjoy. New for this year’s event we will be adding a selection of wine. Several Montana breweries will be on tap including Red Lodge Ales, Bayern Brewery, Beaver Creek Brewery, Big Sky brewery, Missouri Breaks Brewery and much more. Other brews will be on tap, including some of the top sellers from larger markets. Nonalcoholic beverages will be supplied. Exclusive Blues and Brews mugs will also be available for purchase at the event as well as various raffles. There will also be a Drunken Painting and Auction provided by the Glasgow Goodkind Art Gallery.

Sysco and Food Service of America will be grilling up a delicious assortment of food including ribs, brats, chicken wings and other appetizers. There will also be free transportation provided by the Valley County Transit available upon request during the event in the Glasgow Area. We are excited to see everyone this year on May 18th for the 8th annual Bonnie City Blues and Brews Festival. Doors open at 4pm with music beginning at 5pm and the festival goes until midnight. Tickets are now on sale at the Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce and the Cottonwood Inn. Ticket price is $40.00 presale and $45 at the door and that price includes music, food, and beverages. For more information call 406-228-2222, check out our website at http://www.glasgowchamber.net.

The Northeast Montana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC) are proud to announce a small business workshop to be held in Glasgow on May 21st from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at the Cottonwood Inn. Northeast Montana businesses and entrepreneurs should take this opportunity to attend this Free event.

The program provided by MSU College of Business will focus on the changing landscape of customer interaction in the marketplace. The result of mobile technology advances in recent years is influencing customer behavior, so business owners need to embrace the technology and address why customers are utilizing it.
The seminar will cover marketing strategy and branding, and their impact on consumer behavior. It will describe several key changes in the market and provide examples of successfully turning these changes in the business owner’s favor.

Keynote speaker, James Oakley, associate professor of marketing in the College of Business at Montana State University will present "Understanding the Future Customer.” His presentation will help you understand how future customers will be using technologies like smart phones in all their purchasing decisions.

There is NO cost for this workshop and all businesses in the area are invited to attend. This workshop will not be available in Northeast Montana again this year, so please take this opportunity!

Register at familybusiness@montana.edu or call 406-994-6796.

The Northeast Montana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC) are proud to announce a small business workshop to be held in Wolf Point on May 17th from 11:45 am – 1:30 pm in the Great Northern Conference room at 233 Cascade. Northeast Montana businesses and entrepreneurs should attend this exciting opportunity to learn more about protecting your company’s name, website, logo, trademark or copyright. Keynote address from one of Montana’s leading technology organizations along with the Montana Technology Innovation Partnership (MTIP), Department of Commerce (DOC), Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Small Business Development Center.

The workshop will benefit businesses that would like to network with other entrepreneurs and learn from each other’s experiences. There is NO cost for this workshop and all businesses in the area are invited to attend. Lunch and dessert are provided.

Whether your company has or is looking at developing a logo, website or on-line marketing…you’re invited to this event. This workshop will not be available in Northeast Montana again this year, so please take this opportunity!

Pre-registration is required, contact Lorene Hintz at sbdc@gndc.org or call 406-653-2590.

These closures are necessary to facilitate construction work at the Spillway and ensure contractor, employee, and public safety. These areas will remain closed to public vehicular and pedestrian access until construction work is completed.

The following numbered roads within the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge road system will be posted as “ROAD CLOSED” or “ROAD CLOSED: Authorized Vehicles Only” for the duration of this construction work.
Road 341 will be completely closed.
Road 340 will be closed at its intersection with road 341 near the bottom of the spillway channel.
Road 361 will be closed east of its intersection with Road 528.

The Corps of Engineers requests that the public honor and respect these closures for everyone’s safety. We apologize for any inconvenience these closures may have on the public and will open them again when it is possible to do so.

“Too many drivers and passengers on the road are not wearing their seat belts, and it often ends in tragedy,” said Trooper Mitch Willett of the Montana Highway Patrol. “Our goal is to save lives, so the Montana Highway Patrol, Valley County Sheriff’s Office, & Glasgow Police Department will be putting an extra emphasis on enforcing Montana’s seat belt and child safety seat laws.”

Preliminary numbers show 78 percent of those who died in crashes on Montana roads so far this year were not wearing seat belts — an increase of 32 percent from the same time period last year. Seat belt use saves thousands of lives across America each year and the Montana Highway Patrol, Valley County Sheriff’s Office, & Glasgow Police Department is helping spread the word.

While Montana’s Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization runs from May 20 through June 2, motorists should know that officers are out enforcing seat belt laws year-round. Montana has a primary law for children through age 6 and weighing less than 60 pounds, but motorists need to ensure all children are properly buckled and sitting in the backseat until they are 13 years old. All adults should be buckled, too.

“We’d rather everyone choose to buckle up – not just to avoid the ticket, but to be safe and avoid serious injury or death.” said Trooper Mitch Willett. “Our officers are prepared to ticket anyone not buckled up…no warnings and no excuses – don’t risk it!

For more information about the importance of child safety seats and seat belt use, please visit http://buckleup.mt.gov/ and http://plan2live.mt.gov.

Extra patrols are funded by the Montana Department of Transportation through the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program, using funds from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The annual logo contest is meant to spur the imaginations of the young and old alike in the area. The Chamber is calling all artists to create a concept design that uses the events of the longest dam race along with the power houses as the theme.

The events of the race include a 5 mile bicycle race, 10K & 5K run, along with a 5K walk and 1mile walk/run. The logo must include the race name & date: 19th Annual Longest Dam Race 2013, Fort Peck, Montana. We encourage all entrants to be as creative as they wish and use a hand drawn logo. We will accept computer art, however, the design will be limited to two colors.

The winner of the contest will receive a free t-shirt and a complimentary entry to the race. The final t-shirt design consideration will be at the discretion of the Chamber. May 17th @ 3:00p.m. is the contest deadline.

For more information contact the Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture at 406-228-2222 or chamber@glasgowmt.net.

A 20th Anniversary Celebration will be held by the Head Start Parents Committee of 2012-13 with a Spring Fundraiser “Hot Dog Picnic in the Park, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday May 18th at Hoyt Park, next to the swimming pool. Parents will be barbequing hot dogs to be served with chips and Coke products. Donations will be accepted for your hot dog, chips and pop and all proceeds will go to provide for needed supplies and equipment for the Glasgow Head Start Center.

Community support for the event has been furnished by Albertson’s, Reynold’s Market, Coca Cola & Dr. Pepper Bottling Company, Glasgow Girl Scouts and Good Evening Glasgow.

Head Start is a Federally funded non-profit Pre-School program that provides quality services for three and four year old children based on income guidelines. Head Start provides children with activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally, and physically. Head Start also offers family support and assistance with health needs such as nutrition, dental, vision, physicals, mental health, and more.

Over the past 20 years, the program has served almost 400 children and their families in the Glasgow/Valley County area. The Glasgow center has nineteen enrolled children and the staff consists of a Teacher, Assistant Teacher, Classroom Aide/Custodian, Cook, and Site Coordinator.

The Glasgow Head Start Center would like to thank ALL of the families, community persons, programs and organizations for their continued support and for their involvement in making the AEM Head Start program a success for the past twenty years.

Join us for the 20th Anniversary Celebration Hot Dog Picnic in the Park.

Myles Kittleson, of Glasgow, pleaded guilty Tuesday to vehicular homicide while under the influence for the May 3, 2012, death of Spencer Lewis, 21, of Cut Bank, The Montana Standard reported.

Kittleson was driving a 2003 Pontiac Grand Prix on Highway 43 along the Big Hole River when it struck a rock wall, went airborne and rolled several times, the Montana Highway Patrol said.

Kittleson also pleaded guilty to three counts of negligent vehicular assault during a hearing in District Court in Dillon. Beaverhead County Attorney Jed Fitch said passenger Andrea Spicher, of Kalispell, still hasn’t fully recovered from her head injuries while Calven Goza, 24, of Greeley, Colo., is a paraplegic. He has returned to school at Tech.

Another passenger, Taylor DeBruycker of Fort Benton, was wearing a seat belt and suffered minor injuries.

Kittleson also suffered serious injuries and said he spent eight months in different hospitals after the crash. His attorney, J.B. Anderson, of Dillon, said Kittleson also experiences memory deficiency.

Kittleson’s blood-alcohol level at the hospital was 0.15 percent, nearly twice the legal limit.

Under the plea agreement, prosecutors are recommending Kittleson be sentenced to 30 years in prison with 25 suspended for the vehicular homicide charge and 10 years with five suspended for each of the two felony negligent vehicular assault charges. The sentences would be served concurrently.

The Census & Economic Information Center of the state Commerce Department issued the numbers. They were produced for all 56 counties by eREMI, the Regional Economic Models Inc., a company based in Amherst, Mass.

Under the projections, Montana’s population would increase from 1,021,780 this year to 1,166,193 in 2043.

“These population projections are invaluable to our communities for the purpose of planning and developing policies as well as understanding regional growth,” Commerce Director Meg O’Leary said.

The county-by-county projections actually run by year through 2060, although Joe Ramler, senior research economist for the state Census & Economic Information Center, recommended going out only 20 years to 2033 or 30 years to 2043.

“The farther out into the future, the less confident we are in the accuracy,” he said.

However, the projections for 2060 showed Montana’s population at 1,267,936 for a growth of 24.1 percent over the 2013 number.

Under the 2043 forecasts, 35 counties would see an increase in population over 2013, while 21 would lose population.

Valley County would see an increase in population through 2028 then see a decrease in population through the year 2050 according to the estimates. The estimates show that Valley County's population would peak at 8,188 residents in the year 2028. Valley County's estimated population in 2013 is 7,695.

To see the complete projections: http://ceic.mt.gov/Population/PopProjections_StateTotalsPage.aspx

Johnson brings 20 years of banking experience. He started his banking career with First Community Bank in Wolf Point. He has been in the western part of the state for the last 12 years.

The bank is happy to have a Glasgow native return to our city and be a part of our senior management team.

The Old Poplar Airport was used for crop dusting operations and is contaminated with pesticides and metals. Once cleanup is complete, the Tribes plan to redevelop the land into commercial space, tribal housing, and green space.

There are an estimated 450,000 abandoned and contaminated sites in the United States. Under EPA’s Brownfields program, more than 20,000 properties have been assessed, and more than 850 properties have been cleaned up. EPA’s Brownfields investments have also leveraged more than $19 billion in overall cleanup and redevelopment funding from public and private sources. On average $17.79 is leveraged for every EPA Brownfields grant dollar spent. These investments resulted in approximately 87,000 jobs nationwide. When Brownfields are addressed, nearby property values can increase 2-3 percent.

Frazer Trustee Election Results: Top 2 vote getters elected to 3 year terms
Joseph Raining Bird Jr- 75
Jewel Fourstar Ackerman-56
Milo Jackson-43
Donna Johnston -32
Lily Cox-38
Frazer is also running two levies:
High School Levy of $17,499.27: levy passes 97-64
Elementary Levy of $18,170: levy passes 89-38

Hinsdale is running a High School Levy in the amount of $18,241.12.
This levy passed by a vote of 69-6.

Nashua ran a technology levy in the amount of $39,000.
This levy passed 117-95.

As of Monday, 900 absentee ballots had already been turned in out of the 1311 ballots mailed to absentee voters. 69% of the absentee ballots have been returned. Absentee ballots must be turned in by 8pm on Tuesday evening.

There are 3084 registered voters in the Glasgow School District and with the absentee ballots that have been turned in; voter turnout is near 30%.

Voter turnout has traditionally been low in school elections. Since 2005, the highest turnout has been just 34% in 2011.

The 3 candidates for the Glasgow School Board are Sarah Swanson, Rod Ost and Mona Amundson.

Both luncheons are part of the annual Governor’s Conference on Aging which is split into two locations this year, first in Glasgow on May 7-8 and then in Great Falls May 9-10. Guest speakers for the luncheons will be Governor Steve Bullock in Glasgow and Lt. Gov. John Walsh in Great Falls.

“Montana Centenarians are simply the best,” DPHHS Director Richard Opper said. “We can all learn so much by taking the time to listen to their stories of triumph and perseverance. I especially appreciate those who told us their secret to longevity was ‘don’t smoke and don’t drink.’ What a great public health message.”

DPHHS recently asked Montana Centenarians their secret to longevity, the most amazing event in their life and a favorite quote.

Bernice Clara Mybakken Hermann, age 100 of Glasgow said the secret to longevity “is I guess the good Lord wanted me to live this long. It isn’t anything I have done.”

Bertha Renfro, age 101 of Columbia Falls, said her secret to longevity was that “she never smoked and never drank. And she likes rock n' roll and Elvis Presley.”

Leonette Rudel Lodmell Jaumotte, age 100 of Choteau said her secret to longevity is the “simple life, her faith, her strength of character and her determination. She said the most amazing event she witnessed in her life was the landing on, and man walking on the moon and her favorite quote is ‘et not your heart be troubled.’”

Helen Self, age 103 of Missoula, said her secret to longevity is that “she always tells herself no matter how she is feeling, Helen, get out of that darn bed!”

Evelyn Sanders, age 101 years old of Conrad, said the secret to her longevity is “good clean living and taking good care of herself.” She also said there is also longevity in her family. Her father lived to be 106; her brother is 102; and her sister lived to be almost 100. Family has always meant a lot to Evelyn and she is proud of that fact that she was married for over 70 years.

Veronica Gustin, age 105 of Kalispell, was raised in Geraldine where the boys out-numbered the girls. She said she had to “learn how to play games better than the boys so she could play.” She was an avid golfer with more than 40 trophies to prove it along with being inducted into the Montana State Women’s Golf Association Hall of Fame in 1992.

Ernie Stomsvik, age 103 of Cut Bank, said the secret to longevity is “I forget about yesterday and don’t worry about tomorrow.” His most amazing event was shooting an 80 on his 80th birthday at the Cut Bank Golf Course. Cold weather is in his blood and he loves lutefisk and lefsa due to his Norwegian background. He loves flowers and loves to grow them, especially red roses which are his favorite.

A total of 16 Centenarians are planning to attend the Glasgow and Great Falls luncheons and over 70 Montana Centenarians who responded to a DPHHS questionnaire will receive a certificate from Governor Bullock.

The annual Conference on Aging is planned with the help of local citizens and focuses on issues of local interest related to Montana seniors and their families. This year’s conferences will cover a variety of topics including Alzheimer’s, estate planning, healthy aging, fraud and abuse, drug interaction, home safety, identity theft, grandparents raising grandchildren, older drivers, and affordable , safe senior living.

According to DPHHS officials, Montana has one of the fastest growing 65 and older populations in the nation. This increased aging trend is expected to continue for the next 18 years, with 35 baby boomers turning 65 every day until 2030. This equals 12,775 people per year and represents a community larger than all but seven of the largest cities in the state. Within the 65 and older age group, the fastest growing segment is the 100 and older age group, our Centenarians.
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) will honor Montana Centenarians Tuesday, May 7 in Glasgow and Thursday, May 9 in Great Falls at noon luncheons.

Both luncheons are part of the annual Governor’s Conference on Aging which is split into two locations this year, first in Glasgow on May 7-8 and then in Great Falls May 9-10. Guest speakers for the luncheons will be Governor Steve Bullock in Glasgow and Lt. Gov. John Walsh in Great Falls.

“Montana Centenarians are simply the best,” DPHHS Director Richard Opper said. “We can all learn so much by taking the time to listen to their stories of triumph and perseverance. I especially appreciate those who told us their secret to longevity was ‘don’t smoke and don’t drink.’ What a great public health message.”

DPHHS recently asked Montana Centenarians their secret to longevity, the most amazing event in their life and a favorite quote.

Bernice Clara Mybakken Hermann, age 100 of Glasgow said the secret to longevity “is I guess the good Lord wanted me to live this long. It isn’t anything I have done.”

Bertha Renfro, age 101 of Columbia Falls, said her secret to longevity was that “she never smoked and never drank. And she likes rock n' roll and Elvis Presley.”

Leonette Rudel Lodmell Jaumotte, age 100 of Choteau said her secret to longevity is the “simple life, her faith, her strength of character and her determination. She said the most amazing event she witnessed in her life was the landing on, and man walking on the moon and her favorite quote is ‘et not your heart be troubled.’”

Helen Self, age 103 of Missoula, said her secret to longevity is that “she always tells herself no matter how she is feeling, Helen, get out of that darn bed!”

Evelyn Sanders, age 101 years old of Conrad, said the secret to her longevity is “good clean living and taking good care of herself.” She also said there is also longevity in her family. Her father lived to be 106; her brother is 102; and her sister lived to be almost 100. Family has always meant a lot to Evelyn and she is proud of that fact that she was married for over 70 years.

Veronica Gustin, age 105 of Kalispell, was raised in Geraldine where the boys out-numbered the girls. She said she had to “learn how to play games better than the boys so she could play.” She was an avid golfer with more than 40 trophies to prove it along with being inducted into the Montana State Women’s Golf Association Hall of Fame in 1992.

Ernie Stomsvik, age 103 of Cut Bank, said the secret to longevity is “I forget about yesterday and don’t worry about tomorrow.” His most amazing event was shooting an 80 on his 80th birthday at the Cut Bank Golf Course. Cold weather is in his blood and he loves lutefisk and lefsa due to his Norwegian background. He loves flowers and loves to grow them, especially red roses which are his favorite.

A total of 16 Centenarians are planning to attend the Glasgow and Great Falls luncheons and over 70 Montana Centenarians who responded to a DPHHS questionnaire will receive a certificate from Governor Bullock.

The annual Conference on Aging is planned with the help of local citizens and focuses on issues of local interest related to Montana seniors and their families. This year’s conferences will cover a variety of topics including Alzheimer’s, estate planning, healthy aging, fraud and abuse, drug interaction, home safety, identity theft, grandparents raising grandchildren, older drivers, and affordable , safe senior living.

According to DPHHS officials, Montana has one of the fastest growing 65 and older populations in the nation. This increased aging trend is expected to continue for the next 18 years, with 35 baby boomers turning 65 every day until 2030. This equals 12,775 people per year and represents a community larger than all but seven of the largest cities in the state. Within the 65 and older age group, the fastest growing segment is the 100 and older age group, our Centenarians.

In Glasgow there are 3 city council positions up for election as well as the mayor position.

Current Glasgow Mayor Dan Carney has announced he will run for another 4-year term as Glasgow’s top elected official. Carney was first elected as Mayor in 2005 when he ran a write-in campaign and defeated long time Mayor Willy Zeller.

Both Carney and City Council Member Becky Erickson filed for the mayor position on Monday morning.

City Council members Neil Chouinard, Melanie Sorenson and Dan Carr are all up for re-election this year. Both Sorenson and Dan Carr have filed to run for their positions.

On Wednesday, Nancy Schoenfelder filed for Alderman/woman in Ward 1.

The filing deadline is June 27th. If needed a primary election would be held on September 10th and the general election is set for November 5th.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska law officers are already discussing security arrangements for construction of an oil pipeline, even though the pipeline hasn't been given a final federal blessing.

The Lincoln Journal reports that the Nebraska State Patrol invited county sheriffs and prosecutors along the pipeline's path through Nebraska to a meeting in Grand Island last week.

Nance County Sheriff Dave Moore says the law officers are anticipating Nebraska protests that would echo those occurring during construction of the pipeline leg between Cushing, Okla., and refineries on the Gulf Coast in Texas.

Pipeline opponent Jane Kleeb (klehb) says there likely would be acts of civil disobedience in Nebraska but no violence.

The proposed Keystone XL pipeline would deliver 830,000 barrels of U.S. and Canadian crude oil per day to the refineries.
(Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

The meeting in Glasgow will be from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, May 6th, at the Cottonwood Inn. Other meetins will be held in Malta on May 7th, Havre May 8th, Chester May 9th, and Great Falls May 13th.

All meetings will run from 6 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday's verdict followed a seven-day U.S. District Court trial for 56-year-old Steven William Carpenter, 55-year-old Suzette Gulyas Gal, 22-year-old Andras Zoltan Gal, and 29-year-old Krisztian Zoltan George Gal.

They face sentencing on Aug. 19.

The scam's ringleader, Mike Campa, pleaded guilty last week and awaits sentencing. A sixth defendant was recently sentenced to 18 months prison under a plea deal.

All of the defendants are from Southern California.

Authorities say the scam netted $673,000 from unwary investors who were promised lucrative returns on fictitious oil and gas projects on Montana's Fort Peck Indian Reservation.
(Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

The students ran and biked from Glasgow to near Saco, and officers continued from there to Malta.

The Torch Run is held annually across the state by law enforcement officials, to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics. Many of Glasgow's Special Olympics athletes walked one mile with the runners and officers through Glasgow this morning to kick-off Glasgow's leg of the Torch Run.

This past month wound up being the 9th coldest April on record, with an average temperature of 38.2 degrees: 6.7 degrees colder than normal. The average high temperature was 49.6 degrees, while the average low for the month was 26.8 degrees.

The coldest temperature during the month was 13 degrees, which occurred both on the 9th and the 18th. The warmest temperature of the month was 77 degrees on the 27th.

There were 21 days during the month that were colder than normal, including 18 straight days from the 7th through the 24th.

Glasgow received 1.15 inches of moisture in April, which was 0.30 inches above the normal of 0.85 inches. The most moisture during a 24 hour period was 0.60 inches, which fell from the evening of the 13th through the 14th.

April also ended up being the 6th snowiest on record, as 11.7 inches was measured during the month. That total was 9.8 inches more than normal. The biggest 24 hour snowfall was 6.9 inches, which fell during a storm on the 13th and 14th.

As of the end of April, the seasonal snowfall total was 62.3 inches, which makes this the third snowiest season on record. The month of May begins with normal highs in the mid 60s and lows in the upper 30s. By the end of the month, normal highs are in the lower 70s with lows in the upper 40s. Normal precipitation for the month of May is 1.92 inches, and, look out: average snowfall is 1.2 inches!

The U.S. Geological Survey estimate released Tuesday increases an earlier estimate by more than 3 billion barrels.

The USGS estimated in 2008 that up to 4.3 billion barrels of oil could be recovered from the Bakken. The latest assessment includes the Three Forks formation below the Bakken.

The formations encompass more than 25,000 square miles within the Williston Basin. About two-thirds of the formations' acreage is in western North Dakota.

North Dakota politicians pressured the USGS to do the new assessment to add the Three Forks, saying it would attract more investment in the state's oil patch.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.

Fifty-eight-year-old Jack Sjol (shohl) hasn't been seen since April 24. Sgt. Detective Caleb Fry with the Williams County Sheriff's Office says there is evidence of a violent crime but authorities aren't elaborating while they continue to investigate.

Fry says Sjol might still be alive, but authorities have not ruled out homicide either. He says there are no suspects in the disappearance.

Authorities have been searching for Sjol both on the ground and from the air. Fry says numerous law agencies are involved.

Sjol has lived in the Williston area for 30 years. He worked for Williston public works about 25 years before retiring two years ago. He isn't married and has two grown children.
(Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Cal Ripken Youth Baseball Program, $2,750, to purchase 100 square yards of scoria to build up and crown the infield to eliminate a poor drainage problem.

City-County Library, $2,000, to help install a basement restroom in preparation for moving the children’s area there.

Fort Peck Fine Arts Council, $2,000, to help purchase materials for a new building that will house the costume shop, rehearsal space and the Performing Arts Camp.

Glasgow High School Science Department, $599, to purchase a computer that will assist in teaching.

Glasgow Reds/Babe Ruth Baseball, $1,800, for the cost of pipe for a new batting cage and two batting cage nets.

Hi-Line Youth Hockey Association, $2,200, to assist with purchase of sound-absorbing panels for the interior of Valley Event Center.

Hinsdale FFA Chapter, $2,500, to help purchase a new boat dock for the Milk River Park in Hinsdale. Earnings from the Swanson Memorial Fund funded this project.

Nashua Senior Citizen Center, $600, to assist with costs to re-upholster chairs in the center with a heavy, cleanable vinyl covering.

VCCF grants fully funded requests from the Hinsdale FFA, Cal Ripken Youth Baseball and Glasgow High School. The other organizations received significant partial funding toward completion of projects.

Earnings from the VCCF endowment provided the bulk of the money for grants, with additional funding from the Magnus Swanson Fund and the Montana Community Foundation. Since awarding its first grants in 1999, VCCF has awarded $116,485 to projects in Valley County.

The Foundation awards grants each spring through a competitive application process to non-profit organizations working within the boundaries of Valley County. The deadline for applications is announced through local media and on the VCCF website, http://www.valleycountycf.net.

VCCF is the community’s savings account. Earnings from the permanent endowment help to improve the quality of life for everyone in Valley County. For more information on the endowment, contact Board Chair Ken Oster of Glasgow.

Performance times are Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30 pm, with Sunday matinees at 4:00 pm.

Meyers returns for his second summer as Artistic Director. In past seasons at Fort Peck he has directed and/or choreographed the record breaking All Shook Up, Big River, Hairspray, Gypsy, Wonka and Leading Ladies. He recently directed Annie at Arizona Broadway Theatre and played Patsy in Monty Python’s Spamalot on Sanibel Island, FL. Returning to Meyers’ team are Production Manager Annie Rottenbiller, fresh off the National Tour of Biloxi Blues and Company Manager Jamie Parnell, who will also direct the Annual DAM Cabaret.

Fort Peck is honored to welcome back two company members who appeared in the theatre’s inaugural seasons back in the early 1970: Karen Lewing and Libby Traynor-Torgerson.

In addition to Lewing and Traynor-Torgerson, Meyers welcomes a professional that boasts many returning audience favorites from past seasons, including Stephen Brunson, Alicia Bullock-Muth, Morgan Cerovski, Doug Dion, Mike Fink, Luree Green-Chappell, Lizzie Hatfield, Shy Iverson, Theresa Jenson, Gwenn Mann, Shannon McMillan, Morgan Phelps, Noel Rukstad, Aaron Torgerson, Quinn Vaira, Marian van Noppen and Pam L. Veis. The returning company members will be joined by new talented artists from across the country.

2013 SEASON DATES:

NUNSENSE 2
Run Dates: May 24 – June 9
Director: Karen Lewing

Performing campy Elvis tributes, outrageous comedy and a few versus of roof-raising Gospel, this cast of 5 nuns will have you dancing & laughing in the aisles, lead by Scobey native Libby Traynor-Torgerson!

FOOTLOOSE
Run Dates: June 14 - 30
Director: Joseph V. Martinez

In this explosive musical set to a #1 Billboard soundtrack, Ren and his mother move from Chicago to a small farming town and face local edicts, including the local preacher’s ban on dancing.

RING OF FIRE: The Johnny Cash Musical
Run Dates: July 5 - 21
Director: Andy Meyers

Toes will be tapping when a talented cast of singers (including Stephen Brunson, who starred in last season’s All Shook Up) perform nearly 40 songs of the great Johnny Cash that will both move and enliven!

THE MUSIC MAN
Run Dates: July 26 – August 11
Director: Linda Grinde

Starring Glasgow’s Quinn Vaira and Artistic Director Andy Meyers, this iconic musical featuring a barbershop quartet, romance, lots of dancing and of course a boy’s band, is a perfect family musical.

GREATER TUNA
Run Dates: August 16 – September 1
Director: Annie Rottenbiller

An eclectic band of citizens of all ages in a small Texan town, including men, women, children and animals, are played by 2 quick changing actors in this hilarious, side-splitting satire of American life.

TICKETS
To purchase pre-season tickets, contact the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce or the Fort Peck Fine Arts Council at (406) 228-9216.

For individual tickets or reservations, the Fort Peck Summer Theatre Box Office at (406) 526-9943 will open May 22, 2013.

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The Fuhrmans, who farmed and ranched in the Opheim area, established the scholarship with the Valley County Community Foundation to benefit students from throughout the County. “The annual scholarship is a wonderful legacy to the dedication to family and community which the Fuhrmans exemplified throughout their lives,” said Gary Wageman of Glasgow, a VCCF board member.

All Valley County high schools have information on the scholarship requirements and applications and they are available on the VCCF website: http://www.valleycountycf.net.

Applicants must have been a resident of Valley County for the last three years. They must have attended a Valley County High School for at least three years and received a high school diploma, or received a Home School Certificate or a General Equivalency Diploma (GED). In addition, applicants must have completed at least one year of study at an institution of secondary education such as a university, an institution of specialized study or a trade school. Additional requirements are outlined in the application.

Applications are due on June 10 and Wageman emphasized that VCCF will accept only paper copies of the applications. They must be postmarked by the June 10 due date. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.

For more information, contact Wageman at 228-8261.

In Glasgow there are 3 city council positions up for election as well as the mayor position.

Current Glasgow Mayor Dan Carney has announced he will run for another 4-year term as Glasgow’s top elected official. Carney was first elected as Mayor in 2005 when he ran a write-in campaign and defeated long time Mayor Willy Zeller.

Both Carney and City Council Member Becky Erickson filed for the mayor position this morning.

City Council members Neil Chouinard, Melanie Sorenson and Dan Carr are all up for re-election this year. Sorenson was the only council member to file as of 11 a.m. Monday.

The filing starts today and ends on June 27th. If needed a primary election would be held on September 10th and the general election is set for November 5th.

The cold and wet spring has unfortunately resulted in the loss of newborn livestock. There are guidelines for the proper disposal of dead animals.

• You may bury a dead animal at least two feet underground on your own property or on private property with the owner’s consent, provided the site is not in an area of high ground water.

• If you have an agriculture operation of more than five acres, you may legally dispose of your own dead animals as long as the disposal does not create a nuisance or public health hazard or violate the laws governing the disposal of hazardous substances.

• You may haul dead animals directly to the Valley County Landfill for burial. Contact the landfill at 228-4730 for further information.
Recommendations:

• Do not bury or otherwise dispose of animals within 100 feet of a well or surface water, or in areas of high groundwater, including flood-irrigated fields.

• Do not place dead animals where they might attract neighboring dogs.

• Do not place animals where the wind might carry the odor of decomposition to neighbors – such an act would constitute a public nuisance.
What you cannot do:

• You cannot dump or leave the carcass in, upon, or within 200 feet of any highway, road, street, alley or public property in Montana. This includes dumpster containers.

• You cannot place all or any part of a dead animal within one mile of a residence unless it is buried at least two feet underground.

• You cannot bury any animal in an area of high ground water.

• You cannot place all or any part of a dead animal in any lake, river, creek, pond, or reservoir.

• You cannot dump or leave the carcass on privately owned property where hunting, fishing, or other recreation is permitted, unless it is done so legally and with the consent of the owner.

• You cannot burn the carcass under any circumstances (except in the rare case of a disease outbreak in which burning is determined to be the best measure to prevent the spread of the disease. In such a case, you would need special permission from the state departments of Environmental Quality and Agriculture.)

Enforcement: A person found guilty of disposal in an unauthorized area shall be fined in the sum not exceeding $100 or imprisoned in the county jail for a period not exceeding 30 days or both. A person found absolutely liable is subject to a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000.
References: Montana Code Annotated 75-10-212, 75-10-213, 75-10-214, 75-10-221, and 75-10-233.

Mayor Carney said their is unfinished business that he would like to complete in the next 4 years and also talked about happenings in the city of Glasgow.

Full interview

Sarah Swanson

Rod Ost

Mona Amundson

Each year, thousands of volunteers in Montana donate their time and energy to make their communities a better place to live. These volunteers will be among the millions across the country who will be spotlighted during National Volunteer Week, April 21st through 27th, 2013.

Research conducted by the Corporation for National and Community Service found that 26.5% of adult Americans volunteered 8.1 billion hours of service worth $173 billion in 2010.

In Montana: More than 6,500 people of all ages and backgrounds are helping to meet local needs, strengthen communities, and increase civic engagement through national service in Montana. Serving at more than 1,100 locations throughout the state, these citizens tutor and mentor children, support veterans and military families, provide health services, restore the environment, respond to disasters, increase economic opportunity, and recruit and manage volunteers. One group that relies heavily on volunteers is the Montana 4-H Program . In 2010 over 20,000 youth and adults volunteered in some capacity with 4-H. In Valley County, nearly 200 volunteers, both youth and adult, will serve as club leaders, project leaders, committee members, and in advisory capacities for the 4-H Youth Development Program.

MSU County Extension Agent Roubie Younkin says "4-H Volunteers stand apart as being motivated by positive purposes in helping youth become caring, competent, and contributing members of their family and community"

Volunteers spend numerous hours working on tasks, such as helping organize an event at the county fair, helping a child with a 4-H project, or leading a project to serve the community.

4-H Program volunteers are just one group of volunteers who are instrumental in carrying out the mission of the Montana State University Extension Service 4-H program. Thank you Valley County 4-H Volunteers.