Safe Ride Home Program Rides Again (Posted Friday, December 31, 2004 11:23 AM)

The Safe Ride Home program will run again for New Year’s Eve. Hi-Line Collision Repair Center, Glenn’s Automotive Repair & Wrecker Service, Earl’s Body Shop and the Valley County Sheriff’s Search & Rescue have volulnteered to do it again.

Before you start celebrating New Year’s Eve, write down one of the numbers below and put them in your pocket or purse. Please don’t drink and drive!
Tom Pewitt 263-2154
Doug Cook 263-1249
Alvie Hallock 263-1303
Mike Stingley 263-3899
Jace Young 263-5223
Randy Isakson 263-2193
Josh Thompson 263-8726

Or call the Law Enforcement Center at 228-4333, and they can call one of these designated drivers for you.

Officials Sworn In (Posted Thursday, December 30, 2004 11:39 AM)

A swearing-in ceremony was held on Thursday at the Valley County Courthouse as the newly elected county office holders were officially sworn in.

Outgoing District Clerk of Court Pat Hill did the official swearing in as one of her last official duties before she retired at the end of the day.

Those sworn in included County Commissioner Dave Reinhardt, District Clerk of Court Melissa Greenhagen, Public Administrator Virginia Bortas and the three members of the Valley County Study Commission, Kim Lacey, Rick Ost and Stan Ozark.

Fire Destroys Frazer School Annex (Posted Thursday, December 30, 2004 11:38 AM)

The Valley County Long Run Fire Department responded to a fire in Frazer early Thursday morning but were unable to save the annex located next to the Frazer school.

The department was called out just before 1:00am along with the Frazer Fire Department, and Wolf Point Fire Department. The annex was completely engulfed in flames and could not be saved. The annex is located next to the Frazer school which did suffer some heat damage including windows that were broken due to the extreme heat.

The annex was being used by the Frazer school system for some classes but everything in the building was destroyed. No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire is under investigation by the State of Montana.

Digital Fingerprinting In Place At Northern Border (Posted Thursday, December 30, 2004 07:30 AM)

(AP) - Digital fingerprinting technology is now in place at some of the busiest border crossings between the United States and Canada.

A computer matches the scans against more than a million prints of criminals, suspected terrorists and others not welcome in the United States. The process will apply to anyone who needs a visa to enter the United States. That means Canadians won't be scanned because they don't need visas to enter the country.

The Department of Homeland Security says the program will be in place in the country's 50 busiest land ports by tomorrow, and at all 165 border crossings -- including those in Montana -- by the end of next year. It has already been implemented at the busiest crossings in Washington state, Minnesota, Michigan, New York and Vermont. (Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Oster Submits Bill After Winning Lawsuit (Posted Thursday, December 30, 2004 07:10 AM)

Valley County Attorney Ken Oster has submitted his bill to Valley County after winning a lawsuit against Valley County on December 21st. Judge David Cybulski ordered Valley County to pay attorney fees, back wages, and a 110% penalty when he ruled in favor of Oster in the lawsuit.

Oster submitted a bill of $9,341.32 for attorney fees, $3,411 in back wages and $3752 for the 110% penalty. Valley County also owes it attorney just over $4900 for his representation in the case. The total bill is $21,407.32.

Limited Canadian Cattle Imports Expected In March (Posted Thursday, December 30, 2004 06:53 AM)

(AP) - The government is getting ready to reopen U-S borders to Canadian cattle.

The federal Agriculture Department said today its new policy will take effect March seventh. It will allow the imports of cattle younger than 30 months, and certain other animals and products from Canada.

Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman says officials believe Canada is a "minimal risk" region as far as risks to human or animal health.

The cattle imports will be subject to restrictions. They must be slaughtered by the age of 30 months; be transported in sealed containers to a feedlot or slaughter; and they are not allowed to move to more than one U-S feedlot.

Among other Canadian imports to be allowed in limited measures are sheep and goats, as well as meat and other products from those animals.

Live cattle shipments from Canada were banned in May 2003, after a case of mad cow disease was discovered in Alberta, Canada. A second case in December 2003, in Washington state, was discovered in a Canadian-born cow. (Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

City Working On Public Work Projects For 2005 (Posted Thursday, December 30, 2004 06:51 AM)

Glasgow Public Works Director Jon Bengochea is reporting that the City of Glasgow is currently involved in several public works projects for Glasgow in the 2005 and has completed several more projects in 2004. Here is a report from the City of Glasgow:

Current projects going on within Public Works through the help of grant monies.

Community Transportation Enhancement Program (CTEP) though the Montana Department of Transportation:

Installation of an automatic irrigation system in the original sections of the Glasgow Cemetery to improve appearance. Project cost $25,000.00, with a 87/13 match, (13% for Glasgow or app. $3,200.00).

Assisstance to Firefighter's Grants through FEMA:

City of Glasgow Volunteer Fire Department was awarded $52,920.00 (90% match) to replace obsolete Self Contained Breathing Apparatus' (SCBA's). The Fire Department chose a successful low bidder and purchased the 14 SCBA's and other Personal Protective Equipment. The grant was a 90/10 match. 

Total Price for all equipment $58,800.00.
FEMA SHARE: $52,920.00
CITY SHARE: $5,880.00

The city fire department plans on applying for another grant this year to help purchase a newer used fire truck.

Land and Water Conservation Fund:

This federal grant program is administered by the State and Federal Departement's of Fish and Game. The grant's are for the benefit or improvement of outdoor recreation in dedicated local parks.

The City has received a 25,000.00 grant in 2003 and another 25,000.00 grant in 2004. These grants are 50/50 match.

In 2003 the grant monies was used to install new playground equipment in the City's parks. In 2005 there is a plan to construct an outside sports courts in Hoydt and Centennial Parks. 

The City is going to apply for another grant for 2005, which is due Feb. 18th.

Treasure State Endowment Program (TSEP).

The City contracted with Morrison-Mairele Engineering to help with the mandated renovation and upgrades as ordered by the State of Montana Department of Environmental Quality.

TSEP is a major funding source for public utility renovation for all Montana City's and Town's. The Grant Applications are ranked by Engineering firms contracted with the Dept. of Environmental Quality. Max. grant (50/50 match) is 500,000 thousand dollars. The city requested 500k and so far are ranked in the top 20. TSEP can fund about 30 to 40 projects semi-annually. So, it looks very good for the City to get it's funding to retrofit the wastewater treatment facility.

Water Transmission Line Project:

This project would connect the two water storage facilities in town together which would produce an all around better water system for the citizens of Glasgow. It will provide proper fire protection for the Glasgow Airport, Nat. Guard Armory, and Weather Bureau whereas now the
existing water system cannot.

The City of Glasgow along with Morrison-Maierle Engineering worked with Conrad Burns' office to sponsor this project as part of a VA-HUD Omnibus appropriations bill. The project was not sponsored in 2003, but was sponsored in 2004 in the form of a 60/40 match grant.

The City in conjuction with Morrison-Maierle Engineering are starting the process of applying for a TSEP Grant the next legislative session which will fund the 40% match requirement.

Poplar Woman Pleads Innocent On Murder Charges (Posted Thursday, December 30, 2004 06:49 AM)

(AP) - A Poplar woman pleads innocent to charges of second-degree murder and assault with intent to commit murder.

Twenty-year-old Debra Shields is charged in the July death of one woman, and the injury of another, who were struck by a sport utility vehicle. Shields entered the innocent pleas in U-S District Court in Great Falls. No trial date has been set. (Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

County Continues Researching Jail Possibility (Posted Tuesday, December 28, 2004 01:27 PM)

Valley County continues to move ahead looking at the possibility of a new jail for the county. Larry Mires of Two Rivers Growth has taken on the responsibility of researching all the avenues for a new jail.

Mires met last week with the head of the Montana Department of Corrections to gather information to provide to the Jail Committee formed by Valley County Sheriff Glenn Meier. Larry Mires is currently looking at all the possibilities including having a privately run regional jail in the county or having Valley County build and operate a local jail.

Valley County's current jail is obsolete and drastic changes need to be done to bring it into compliance with federal jail standards.

County Looking At Appealing Lawsuit Decision (Posted Monday, December 27, 2004 11:38 AM)

On December 21st, District Court Judge David Cybulski ruled against Valley County in a lawsuit filed against the county by Valley County Attorney Ken Oster. Judge Cybulski ruled that Valley County is to pay all of Osters' attorney fees along with a 110% penalty and salary that is owed to Oster from July, 2003 to present.

County Commissioners Dave Pippin and Ron Gilbertson on Monday told Kltz/Klan that the county is taking a hard look at appealing the decision to the Montana Supreme Court. The two Commissioners said that they will look at all the options and hope to have a decision soon on whether to appeal the decision to the Montana Supreme Court.

Valley County is represented by Great Falls Attorney Max Davis and had paid him just over $4900 to represent them in the case. That payment is through the month of November and does not include any December billing.

Judge Rules In Favor Of County Attorney In County Lawsuit (Posted Wednesday, December 22, 2004 09:43 AM)

Judge David Cybulski has ruled in favor of Valley County Attorney Ken Oster in his lawsuit against Valley County. A Summary Judgment Hearing was held on Tuesday in Glasgow and lasted just 35 minutes before Judge Cybulski granted a judgment in favor of Oster.

Earlier this year Oster filed the lawsuit against Valley County contending that the county was not paying the full amount of his salary as authorized by the Valley County Commissioners in July of 2003. The commissioners had approved a resolution by the county salary compensation board to pay Oster $69,382 per year. Montana statute allows for the county attorney position to be funded 50% by the county and 50% by the Montana Department of Justice. The DOJ failed to pay their share of Oster's salary increase and the Valley County Commissioners also refused to pay the states share of the salary increase. Oster then filed the lawsuit asking the court to order Valley County to pair the difference of $2,269 per year plus penalties and attorney fees.

Judge Cybulski ruled that Valley County must pay the states share of the salary increase along with attorney fees and a 110% penalty.

Valley County was represented by Great Falls attorney Max Davis. According to the Valley County Clerk and Recorders Office, Valley County had paid Davis $4909.83 through the month of November.

Oster was represented by Glasgow attorney Jim Rector.

Block Of Bucks Raises Over $15,000 (Posted Monday, December 20, 2004 07:33 AM)

The Block of Bucks Program to benefit needy children in Valley County was another huge success. National Guard troops manned both of Glasgow's downtown intersections raising money from both motorists and pedestrians, gathering a total of $15,450.46

257 children were signed up for the program and went shopping for winter clothes with help from the Glasgow Soroptomists on Saturday thanks to the generosity of Valley County residents.

Last year there were 243 children and $14,400 was raised for Block of Bucks.

Soroptimist International of Glasgow and the Montana Army National Guard would like to thank everyone who helped with this year's Block of Bucks. The men and women of the National Guard, braved very windy and cold conditions to raise $15,450.46 on December 17th. Over 60 volunteers joined the Soroptimsist members to help 105 Valley County families with 242 children shop for clothing and shoes/boots. Thank you for making this holiday season bright for so many children in our county!

Injured Brockton Soldier Returns Home (Posted Saturday, December 18, 2004 09:47 AM)

(AP) - A Brockton soldier suffered a combat injury  in Iraq, and received a warrior's welcome at home.

Army Private Joseph Yellow Hammer Thursday was greeted at  the Billings airport, and at his home on the Fort Peck Indian  Reservation. The homecoming included presentation of an  eagle-feather bonnet. There also was a traditional cleansing by  smoke. A powwow and banquet are planned Saturday in Brockton, to  honor Yellow Hammer.

He's on crutches as he recovers from a gunshot wound to his  left ankle, an injury received in November during an ambush.  Yellow Hammer says five soldiers were wounded and a medic killed. Yellow Hammer's uncle -- Leland Spotted Bird -- says his  20-year-old nephew left for the Army as a boy, and returned an  honored warrior. (Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Corps Releases New River Plan (Posted Friday, December 17, 2004 08:11 AM)

(AP) - The Army Corps of Engineers says its new Missouri River operating plan includes conservation. The corps says it expects rising water levels in North Dakota's Lake Sakakawea ; South Dakota's Lake Oahe ; and Montana's Fort Peck reservoir.

That's if runoff is normal next year. The corps says its ability to keep the reservoir levels steady during the fish spawn will depend on the runoff.

The new operating plan calls for only minimum water flows to support downstream uses. The commercial barge navigation season will open on April first, at the river's mouth near Saint Louis, but the length of season could be shorter if runoff is low. (Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

FSA Election Results (Posted Friday, December 17, 2004 08:09 AM)

Results of the December Valley County FSA committee election for 2005 were announced this week.

Richard L. Fulton of the Richland area was elected to a 3-year term. Farmer committees are in charge of local administration of national farm programs under the guidance of the state FSA committee and applicable Federal laws and Regulations.

Be Alert For Phone Scams (Posted Wednesday, December 15, 2004 02:16 PM)

Valley County Undersheriff Vern Buerkle is advising Valley County residents to be aware of several telephone scams that are occurring in the county this holiday season.

Buerkle reminds people to not give any personal information out over the phone unless your are positive it is not a scam. If you believe that a phone call that you have received is a scam you are to contact law enforcement authorities at 228-4333.

Montana Highway Patrol Investigating One-Vehicle Accident (Posted Wednesday, December 15, 2004 02:15 PM)

The Montana Highway Patrol is investigating a one-vehicle accident that occurred Wednesday morning 28 miles north on Highway #24.

According to the Valley County Sheriffs Department, a pickup hauling a trailer hit an icy spot on the highway and wrecked. The driver of the vehicle was transported to the Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow and his condition was unknown.

The Sheriffs Department reported that it had been raining Wednesday morning north of Glasgow and the temperature dropped creating icy roads especially on Highway #24.

Legislative Committee Assignments Issued (Posted Wednesday, December 15, 2004 02:14 PM)

Preliminary committee assignments have been issued to members of the Montana House of Representatives as they prepare for the January 4th start of the Montana Legislature.

For more information on the 2005 Montana Legislature you access information at this website: http://leg.state.mt.us/css/sessions/59th/default.asp

Here are the committee assignments for local legislators.

House District #35
Wayne Stahl
Business and Labor
Federal Relations, Energy and Telecommunications
Local Government

House District #32
Jonathan Windy Boy
Agriculture
Business and Labor
Human Services

House District #31
Margaret Campbell
Education
Legislative Administration
Taxation

House District #36
Karl Waitschies
Agriculture
Federal Relations, Energy, and Telecommunications
Taxation-Chairman

Lake Levels Stabilitze (Posted Wednesday, December 15, 2004 02:12 PM)

Water levels on Fort Peck Lake have stabilized the last two months because less water is being released from the lake by the Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps released on the average 4300 cubic feet per second in November but releases have been increased this month to 5500 cubic feet per second in December. The Corps has stated that average releases in December on Fort Peck are 10,000 cubic feet per second.

Even though the releases have been reduced the water level is still at a record low with elevation at 2199.5 on December 14th. This is 4 feet lower than the level in July and 9.1 feet below the previous record low which was set in 1991. With water levels low throughout the Missouri River system the amount of power generated by the power plants is also very low. The Corps has announced the six mainstem power plants generated 289 million kilowatt hours of electricity in November, the second lowest November on record and 36 percent of normal.

Block Of Bucks Set For This Weekend (Posted Tuesday, December 14, 2004 03:46 PM)

The Block of Bucks Program to benefit needy children in Valley County is set for this weekend in Glasgow. The Glasgow Soroptomists and the Montana Army National Guard will be busy on both Friday and Saturday raising money for the children. National Guard troops will be manning both of Glasgow's downtown intersections raising money from both motorists and pedestrians.

257 children have been signed up for the program and will be going shopping on Saturday for winter clothes thanks to the generosity of Valley County residents. This is a record amount of children to be signed up for the program. Last year there were 243 children and $14,400 was raised for Block of Bucks.

MSU Researching Livestock Production On Fort Peck Reservation (Posted Monday, December 13, 2004 07:36 AM)

(AP) - Montana State researchers are starting a two-year research project into livestock production on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

Professor Vince Smith says there are more than 100 producers on the reservation and the study hopes to show how their beef is marketed and which alternatives could be more profitable than auctions. Researchers have designed a survey that will probably go to American Indian livestock producers in the late spring or summer.

The results will be shared in a series of programs tentatively planned for summer 2006. M-S-U is conducting the project with Fort Peck Community College. (Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

School Board Extends Superintendent Contract; Croy Hired As Head Football Coach (Posted Friday, December 10, 2004 07:11 AM)

The Glasgow School Board has voted to extend the contract of Superintendent Glenn Hageman after an evaluation process that showed the board was pleased with the job performance of Hageman. Hageman is currently working on a 3-year contract and that contract was extended by one year. The agreement will now run through the 2007-2008 school year. Hageman is currently working his second year as Glasgow Superintendent.

Glasgow Activities Director also recommended that Clint Croy be confirmed as the new head football coach for Glasgow. The board approved the recommendation and Croy will now take over for Ryan Malmin whose coaching contract was not renewed after this past football season. Croy has been an assistant in the Glasgow football program for the past several years and currently teaches math at the high school.

The school board also approved major roof repairs at the East Side School and the Glasgow High School. Nearly 25,000 square feet of roof will be replaced at the two schools with the money coming from the school districts building fund. Hageman told Kltz/Klan that he hopes the renovation can be completed this coming summer.

Schweitzer Backs Four Lane Highway Across Hi-Line (Posted Tuesday, December 7, 2004 07:03 PM)
(AP) - Governor-elect Brian Schweitzer says he supports expanding U-S Highway Two into a four-lane highway across northern Montana. Today, Schweitzer assured a contingent of government, tribal and economic development leaders from the Hi-Line that he supports the four-lane expansion.

Schweitzer says the state Transportation Department made a mistake, when it decided to back an improved two-lane over a 45-mile stretch between Havre and Fort Belknap. Schweitzer says he considers an updated transportation corridor across northern Montana crucial to economic development in that depressed region.

He says the new Transportation Department director he appoints will have to be an advocate for eventual construction of a four-lane highway. (Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Poplar Man Arrested After Sunday Night Chase (Posted Monday, December 6, 2004 04:17 PM)

A Poplar man was arrested early morning after the man allegedly had stolen a vehicle from a south side Glasgow residence. The man's name has not been released pending a court appearance but he has been charged with felony criminal mischief, eluding a peace officer, DUI and obstructing a peace officer.

The vehicle was reported stolen at 11:00pm Sunday evening at a residence located at 1204 2nd Avenue South. Glasgow Police Sergeant Dave Watson spotted the stolen vehicle at 2:27am on 3rd Avenue and 7th Street South. A chase ensued through the south side of Glasgow and ended on the 1200 Block of 3rd Avenue South when the driver of the stolen vehicle stopped the vehicle and made a run for it on foot. Officer Watson caught the suspect and he was transported to the Valley County Law Enforcement Center. More information will be available on Tuesday during a press briefing with Glasgow Police Chief Lyndon Erickson.

Rehberg Applauds Decision To Keep Sage Grouse Off Endangered List (Posted Monday, December 6, 2004 04:15 PM)

Montana's Congressman, Denny Rehberg (R), on Friday applauded the decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to keep the greater sage grouse off the endangered species list. FWS Director Steven Williams announced the decision Friday at a Western Governors meeting in San Diego, California.

"I am pleased with this decision. Western landowners and managers have demonstrated great concern and stewardship over the health of the lands and habitat. What is needed from the federal government is less interference in the proven efforts of the local managers who are personally invested in safeguarding these precious resources" said Rehberg, a member of the House Resources Committee.

This decision follows an October 14th letter Rehberg sent to Williams requesting the sage grouse not be included on the Endangered Species List. Williams told the Western Governors meeting today that agency scientists and experts found the sage grouse faces “a very low risk of extinction” and is “unlikely to become endangered in the foreseeable future.”  

FWS began evaluating the greater sage grouse populations last April after nine environmental organizations petitioned the agency to include the bird on the endangered species list.

According to the Montana Sage Grouse Work Group, the state of Montana currently supports an estimated 27 million acres of greater sage grouse-inhabited grasslands, while the group’s management plan puts into effect several measures for conserving and improving the bird’s habitat.

"The process worked,” said Rehberg, “and it’s a recognition of the hard work by private land owners, state and tribal officials, and others, to protect the critical habitat of one of the west’s most recognizable birds."

Bridge Replacement Planned North Of Poplar (Posted Monday, December 6, 2004 04:12 PM)
The Montana Department of Transportation plans to replace the bridge over Kirn Coulee with a new structure. The 55 year old timber bridge is deficient, the timber supports are cracked and rotting and the structure is starting to come apart. The structure is located on Secondary 251, approximately 23 miles north of Poplar in Roosevelt County, Montana. The project is located on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

Traffic will be maintained during construction on a temporary detour. The detour will be located just downstream and west of the existing structure. 

Some new right-of-way will be required to construct a new alignment and structure approaches and the cut and fill slopes. A temporary construction permit will be necessary for the detour and for the inlet and outlet ditch work if a culvert is used. There will be no utility involvement.  

A firm letting date has not been established, however the project is expected to go to contract for construction in 2007. The letting date and construction is dependent on the availability of funding and project design development. 

For more information on this project please contact Ray Mengel, District Administrator PO Box 890, Glendive, MT 59330-0890, phone (406) 345-8200 or (888) 689-5296. For TTY call (406) 444-7696 or (800) 335-7592.

Buck Harvest Apparently Down, Elk Harvest Up In FWP’s Region 6 (Posted Monday, December 6, 2004 04:11 PM)

Deer hunters in northeastern and north-central Montana harvested slightly fewer bucks this fall compared to last year, but elk harvest was apparently up, at least for rifle hunters holding special permits.

That’s an early conclusion of wildlife biologists, who noted that last winter’s severe weather coupled with mild conditions this fall conspired to keep deer and antelope harvest lower than last year across Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Region 6. Official harvest estimates, based on telephone surveys of hunters, won’t be available until next year.

“Last year mule deer were concentrated on their winter ranges during most of the hunting season,” says Pat Gunderson, FWP wildlife biologist based in Glasgow. “The key difference this year is the fact that animals, most notably deer, were not concentrated into relatively small wintering areas during hunting season. Instead, they were scattered across their entire range for the entire season.”

Data collected at Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ single hunter check station in Region 6, located along U.S. Highway 2 east of Havre, confirms the lower harvest.

For the entire season, 485 mule deer, including 302 antlered bucks and 183 antlerless deer, were checked at the station, which collects biological information from hunters’ game. Last year 506 mule deer were checked. White-tailed deer numbers dipped even further, about 20 percent below last year’s total, says Havre-based wildlife biologist Al Rosgaard. The station checked 148 whitetails, including 70 antlered bucks and 78 antlerless deer. Last year 185 whitetails were checked.

Rosgaard notes that total harvest for mule deer was down 4 percent, but the buck harvest was 14 percent lower than last year. Whitetail buck harvest was off by about 28 percent, based on check-station contacts. The biologist said that relatively few yearling mule deer bucks were harvested, and that most mule deer bucks checked featured larger antlers than in 2003.

“Overall hunter numbers appeared less than last year,” says Rosgaard. “Antelope harvest from check-station data was down 35 percent from last year, probably because of fewer permits in most of the region.”

Across the region, wildlife biologists noted a variety of hunting conditions and harvest patterns. In the eastern portion of Region 6, whitetail hunting was fair to poor, reports Culbertson-based biologist Scott Thompson.

“Hunters saw fewer white-tailed deer in a typical day afield than in the past few years, though success on the Missouri River was better as a result of higher deer populations in the core river-bottom habitat.” he says. “Mule deer numbers and hunting, compared to whitetail success, was much better in all areas. Many hunters who typically harvest whitetails harvested mule deer this season, and hunters reported seeing mule deer in areas they have never been seen before, areas that are traditionally used by whitetails.”

In Valley and McCone counties, Gunderson said the deer and antelope seasons “seemed slower than normal on Block Management areas, though I believe elk hunters in the Missouri River Breaks harvested good numbers with their rifle tags. The relatively high number of antlerless elk licenses in Hunting District 631 should be a start in getting this herd back to the management goal.”

Gunderson said that favorable weather conditions meant that mule deer were scattered, though still available to hunters who walked off roads. And he noted that river-bottom whitetail numbers were down, “but overall are close to where the population should be” to balance landowner tolerance and hunter success.

In Phillips and eastern Blaine counties, mule deer populations improved the farther west you traveled, says biologist Mark Sullivan, based in Malta. “Many hunters noted that mule deer fawn numbers this fall appeared very good and numerous does having two fawns were observed, so last year’s severe winter evidently did not impact this year’s mule deer reproduction.”

Sullivan says weather both benefited and handicapped Missouri Breaks elk hunters. Earlier in the fall, archery hunters reported that elk were widely distributed.

“In drier years elk are more concentrated along the bottoms of the Missouri River, making them easier for archers to locate and hunt,” says Sullivan. “Even with more dispersed populations this year, archers saw plenty of elk and had fair to good hunting success due to high elk numbers. Rifle elk hunters enjoyed excellent weather. In the mountains, warm and dry weather means a low elk harvest, but in the Breaks it works just the opposite as hunters don’t have to fight gumbo and slick trails. Because of this, and high rifle permit quotas, it appears that elk hunter success was good and a good harvest was achieved.”

Biologists note that these conclusions are based on anecdotal observation and reports from landowners and hunters. Fish, Wildlife & Parks will be conducting telephone surveys of hunters starting this month, and the results of those interviews will be compiled next year.

Parade Of Lights A Big Success (Posted Monday, December 6, 2004 04:03 PM)

There was a big turnout on Saturday night, as Glasgow held it's first ever Parade of Lights.

There were many floats and mini-trains all lit up; stores stayed open late so people could shop and stay inside where it was warm to watch. Many others lined the streets and sat in their cars to catch Glasgow's first light parade.

(Please click on the small pictures for a larger view.)

There were a total of 22 floats in the parade, with Meland's "Jingle Bell Boat" winning the music prize, Gallery Gifts & the Marketplace won the best use of lights, Beta Sigma Phi won the creativity award, and T & R Trucking won "Bob's choice for the most lights" award.

District Court Judge To Preside Over Suit Between County Attorney and Valley County (Posted Friday, December 3, 2004 11:33 AM)

District Court Judge David Cybulski will preside over a hearing on December 21st in Glasgow in the case involving Valley County Attorney Ken Oster and Valley County.

The hearing will involve a motion for a summary judgment that was filed in the case by Oster.

Earlier this year, Ken Oster filed the lawsuit against the county claiming that the county was not paying the full amount of his salary as authorized by the Valley County Commissioners in July of 2003. The commissioners approved a recommendation by the county salary compensation board to pay Oster $69,382 per year.

Montana statute allows for the county attorney position to be funded 50% by the county and 50% by the Montana Department of Justice. The DOJ failed though to pay their share of Oster's salary increase and the Valley County Commissioners refused to pay the difference and Oster soon thereafter filed a lawsuit asking for the salary increase along with penalties and attorney fees.

The lawsuit is asking for Judge Cybulski to rule in favor of Oster and force Valley County to pay the entire portion of the salary that the Department of Justice is not paying. The difference in salary amounts to $2,269.00 per year.

Great Falls attorney Max Davis is representing Valley County and he has submitted court documents that allege Oster improperly and incorrectly advised the Valley County Compensation Board when they set salaries for the 2003-2004 fiscal year. Court documents also state that Valley County alleges that Oster concealed from the compensation board that the Montana Department of Justice would not pay more than a certain amount for its portion of his salary for the 2003-2004 fiscal year. Valley County also argues that Judge Cybulski should deny the motion for a summary judgment because Oster has not demonstrated that he is entitled to the judgment as a matter of law.

Also, according to the Valley County Clerk and Recorders Office, Valley County has paid $4,909.83 to Max Davis for his legal services in the case.

The hearing on the motion for a summary judgment is set to begin at 2pm on December 21st.

Back Taxes Paid On St. Marie (Posted Friday, December 3, 2004 11:32 AM)

The Valley County Commissioners are reporting that Olympic Coast Investments made a payment of $236,000 to Valley County to pay back taxes on property in St.Marie.

The back taxes were owed on 450 units of property in St.Marie and brings Olympic Coast Investments to a current status on taxes for the property. Commissioner Dave Pippin told Kltz/Klan that OCI has told him that they have a potential buyer for the property and are looking to sell.

The majority of the taxes paid will be given to the Glasgow school district but Valley County retain a share of the tax proceeds.

Three Poplar Residents Arrested For Shoplifting In Glasgow Albertson's (Posted Wednesday, December 1, 2004 11:39 AM)

The Glasgow Police Department arrested three individuals from the Poplar area on Sunday evening after they were allegedly shoplifting in the Albertson's store in Glasgow.

The GPD was alerted to the shoplifters by Albertson's employees at 5pm on Sunday evening and caught up with them on U.S. Highway 2 just east of Glasgow where the driver of the vehicle was charged with DUI along with eluding a peace officer and misdemeanor theft by accountability.

Two of the women in the vehicle were charged with misdemeanor theft after they had allegedly stole several DVD's from Albertson's. The two women are also believed to be involved in a shoplifting incident that occurred on November 14th at Albertson's when approximately $1000 worth of merchandise was stolen from the store including more DVD's and film.

The investigation is continuing and other citations could be issued by the Glasgow Police Department.

Valley County CRP Numbers Released (Posted Wednesday, December 1, 2004 11:38 AM)

Montana agricultural producers received $3 billion in federal agricultural subsidies in a 8 year period from 1995-2003 according to the Environmental Working Group. The EWG is a Washington-based advocacy organization that publicizes a full list of agricultural producers who have received federal subsidies in the past eight years. The current list shows that Valley County has seen its fair share of federal agricultural subsidies over the past eight years.

Valley County received $58.1 million dollars in CRP payments during the period from 1995-2003. Wheat Subsidies totaled $62 million during that period while Livestock Subsidies totaled $2.4 million. The USDA also sent $9.288 million in disaster assistance to Valley County during that period while sending $6.67 million in Barley Subsidies to Valley County producers.

For a total list of those receiving the subsidies you can access the figures at http://www.ewg.org

Route Set For Parade Of Lights (Posted Wednesday, December 1, 2004 10:34 AM)
Glasgow’s first annual Parade of Lights will be this Saturday, December 4th at 6pm.

The parade will start at the Civic Center and go north to Missouri River Realty on 1st avenue and 3rd street south, then turn left down 1st avenue south. The parade then will turn left at 7th street and go south toward Sagebrush Cellular. The route then follows 2nd avenue back east to D & G, then turn right on 4th street, go south 2 blocks and then turn right to head west on 4th avenue south, traveling in front of Prairie Ridge, ending in the Nemont Manor parking lot.

Everyone is encouraged to enter the parade. The theme is Something Christmas, and line-up is at the Glasgow Civic Center at 5 p.m. The girl scouts will be selling traveling tacos and hot beverages in the old Image Photography location next to Gary Wageman’s office downtown.

There will be judging on : best use of lights, best use of music, best use of theme and best use of creativity.

For more information, contact Bob Hanson at 228-4294 or the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture at 228-2222

Brockton Woman Pleads Guilty To Murder Charge (Posted Wednesday, December 1, 2004 10:33 AM)

(AP) - A Brockton woman pleads guilty to second-degree murder in the death of her newborn daughter.

Thirty-eight-year-old LaDonna Black Dog entered the plea yesterday in U-S District Court in Great Falls. She told investigators she wrapped the baby in a plastic bag, which she dumped in a Fort Kipp community garbage bin.

That was shortly after the baby's birth in August 2001. A Fort Peck Tribal Enterprise crew found the baby, while preparing to take the garbage bin to the landfill. An autopsy by the State Crime Lab showed the baby was alive at birth, although a cause of death has not been determined.

Black Dog has two other children. (Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)