Infant's Death Under Investigation (6/30)
Five Year Old Drowns West Of Glasgow (6/29)
Updated City & Town Election Filings (6/29)
Area Reunions Coming Up (6/29)
Governor Martz Directs DOT To Conduct Statewide Highway Study (6/28)
Martz Appoints Missouri River Breaks Task Force (6/28)
Filing Deadline 5pm Today (6/28)
Authorities Investigate Death Of Infant In Poplar (6/28)
Senator Kitzenberg To Perform At Talent Show (6/28)
Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum Bid Date Moved Again (6/27)
Nursing Homes Receive Funds (6/27)
Updated Filing List For City And Town Elections For Valley County (6/26)
Progress Made In Transfer of South Side School (6/26)
Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum Bids Open July 6 (6/26)
Kemmis: Natural Boundaries Should Divide Land, Resources (6/26)
Police To Enforce Fireworks Ordinance (6/25)
Big Sky Blasted By Havre Residents (6/25)
Resource Conference Opens Monday (6/24)
One Dead In Pickup Crash (6/24)
Driver License Stations To Stay Open (6/23)
Montana Road, Transit Projects To Get Funding, Rehberg Says (6/23)
Highway 2 Rally Set For July 4th (6/22)
Fort Peck-Dry Prairie To Get $4 Million For Water System (6/21)
City Council Hires New Policeman (6/21)
FBI Investigating Poplar Death (6/19)
Late Filed LDP's Due July 31 (6/19)
Pioneer Museum Among Recipients of Lewis & Clark Grants (6/19)
Valley County Top Mustard Seed Producer In Montana (6/19)
Delivery Of Water To Irrigators Falls Short (6/18)
Winds, Hail Batter Northeast Montana (6/18)
Low Missouri Water Levels Mean Less Power (6/18)
23 Driver License Stations To Close (6/15)
Filing Deadline For City Offices Is Thursday (6/15)
Judge Rules Tribe Cannot Impose Utility Tax (6/15)
Glasgow's Heritage Institute Among Grant Recipients (6/15)
Valley View Community BBQ (6/15)
FWS Proposes Critical Habitat For Migratory Bird (6/15)
McDonald's To Participate In Ag Promotiion (6/11)
Fort Peck Summer Theatre Opens Season This Friday (6/11)
Paleontologists Leave Early, In Light Of Dry Weather (6/11)
Government Plans Tighter Review Of Rail Mergers (6/11)
Nashua-Based EPAC Holds Annual Conference (6/7)
Natural Disaster Determination Issued By The U.S. Secretary Of Agriculture (6/7)
High Marks For State Boys Reform School (6/7)
Witness: Slaying Involved Anger Over Treatment Of Daughter (6/7)
Federal Agency Approves Developmental Disabilities Plan (6/7)
Stand For Children Day Parade Is June 8 (6/6)
Williston Hospital President Resigns (6/6)
Nashua FCCLA Blood Drive Today
CNN Settles Suit With Montana Rancher, Seven Years After Raid
New Program Would Help Tribes Provide Affordable Housing For Members
Kitzenberg Travels Hi-Line, Promoting "Four For Two"
Weekend Rain And Snow Hits Montana
Longest Dam Run Set For June 23
Missouri River Changes Outlined
Kitzenberg Calls For Action On Highway 2
School Board Gives Tentative Approval To New Contract
Baucus Signs On As Supporter Of Widening U-S Highway 2
Montana, Wyoming Tribal Leaders Discuss Improving Reservation Economies (Posted 6/1)
Firefighters Battle 150-Acre Blaze Northwest Of Jordan (Posted 6/1)
Rehberg Endorses Widening U.S. 2 (Posted 6/1)
(AP) Fort Peck Indian Reservation officials and the FBI are investigating the death of a seven-week-old girl in Wolf Point.
Jasmine Murphy was pronounced dead Wednesday at Northeast Montana Health Services in Wolf Point.
Tribal Criminal Investigator Terry Boyd an investigation is necessary anytime a child dies without clear signs of the cause. He said the Murphy baby's death is being investigated as an unattended death.
This was the second infant death to come under FBI investigation on the reservation in less than a week. Police were called to a home in Poplar last Friday morning where an eight-week-old boy, Elmer Sterling Red Eagle the third, had died. Circumstances surrounding that death have not been released. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
According to Valley County Sheriff Dick Wessler, a 5 year old child drowned Thursday morning in a irrigation ditch 5 miles west of Glasgow.
Wessler told KLTZ/Mix-93 that the five year old was driving a four wheeler
on a irrigation ditch when he lost control and fell into the ditch with the
four wheeler pinning him under the water. Wessler listed the cause of death
as drowning.
Wessler told KLTZ/Mix-93 that the Sheriff's Department was alerted that the child was missing and were on the way to the home when they were informed that the child had drowned.
According to Wessler the child had been missing from the house for about an hour when they called the Valley County Sheriff's Department. It was shortly after the call that the body was found in the irrigation ditch.
The name has not yet been released pending notification of relatives. Wessler also said no further investigation is planned at this time.
A couple more filings for city elected officials came in just before the filing
deadline on Thursday afternoon. Kent Morehouse filed for Ward #2 in Glasgow,
Alan Watts in Ward #1 in Opheim and Alan Bunk filed for mayor of Nashua.
The complete list:
City of Glasgow
Mayor
Willy Zeller
Ed Tipton
Ward #1
Gary Stidman
Ward #2
Ky Idler
Linda Neill
Kent Morehouse
Ward #3
Marlene Jackson
Bob West
Town of Nashua
Mayor
Duane Tihista
Alan Bunk
Ward #1
Linda Hinton
Ward #2
Pat Hallett
Town of Fort Peck
Mayor
none
Two four year terms on town council
Terri McMurry
Opheim
Mayor
John Marvin
Ward #1
Neil Rogers
Allan Watts
Ward #2
Marjorie Burdette
Last year was the Glasgow All Class reunion; this year, several area towns are having their own reunions.
The Hinsdale All School Reunion & Milk River Days will e held July 2-4. Monday night will feature a banquet and dance, Tuesday is the rodeo and dance and Wednesday features a parade, barbeque and fireworks.
Over 800 people are expected to be in Nashua July 13,14,15 for the Nashua All
School Reunion.
According to one of the organizers of the event, Pat Hallett, the reunion gets
underway on Friday July 13th with registration at the school and lots of individual
class gatherings around town. Friday night will also feature a dance at the
Nashua Civic Center.
Saturday will start off with registration at the school plus a carnival and
craft show at the Civic Center. There will also be a program at the football
field and a buffet dinner at the school plus a street dance in downtown Nashua.
Sunday will feature a family picnic at Kiwanis Park in Fort Peck.
Early registration is still being accepted and for more information contact Pat Hallett.
Fort Peck also will have an All Class Reunion July 6-8. And, the Glasgow class of 1981 is having their reunion this weekend in Glasgow. We hope to get a few shots from some of the gatherings; visit our reunion page for updates and recaps.
Governor Judy Martz on Wednesday, after consultation with the Department of
Transportation Director David Galt, directed the department to conduct a highway
study examining the economic impact of reconfiguring the stateís two-lane
highways.
"In my campaign for governor, I indicated that the development of economic
corridors was a critical component of a visionary, long-term economic stimulus
effort," said Martz. "The safe and efficient movement of goods and
services on four-lane highways will bring more economic opportunities to communities
throughout Montana, which is why I have directed the department to study the
exciting possibility for highway expansion throughout the state."
The need for the study became apparent during the 2001 legislative session,
Galt said. "In light of Senate Bill 3 requiring MDT to plan for a four-lane
highway generally along US Highway 2 - and because of growing interest in construction
of a four-lane route between Billings and Great Falls - the Governor and I have
been discussing the most appropriate means of evaluating potential impact of
highway expansion on the state," Galt said.
Following her discussion with Galt, the Governor determined that MDT will fund
a study evaluating the economic impact of reconfiguring two-lane highways across
the state. As proposed, the study would be directed by an open steering committee
with representatives from various sectors across the state.
The committee would be charged with reviewing the stateís highway systems
to determine which reconfigurations would provide the greatest economic benefit
to Montana. Funding for the study would come from MDTís highway research
and planning money.
This offer is unique because it is responsive to the needs of Montana. Said Martz, "We are making economic growth our priority and we must ensure that all areas of Montana are considered for highway construction dollars."
Governor Judy Martz on Thursday announced the formation of the Upper Missouri
River Breaks National Monument Task Force to address questions posed by Secretary
of Interior Gale Norton.
"Recognizing the extreme difficulty of appointing a task force of individuals
that represent all the various interest groups, I decided to appoint a task
force of elected officials with direct ties to the recent monument designation,"
said Martz. "These are individuals trusted by the local communities and
are elected to represent no one special interest group."
Governor Martz appointed Senator Jon Tester, Representative Bill Thomas, Fort
Belknap Chairman Joe McConnell, Blaine County Commissioner Art Kleinjan, Chouteau
County Commissioner Harvey Worall, Fergus County Commissioner Carl Seilstad,
and Phillips County Commissioner Carol Kienenberger. The respective county commissioners
were allowed to choose their own representatives to the task force.
The monument designation along the Missouri River has been a controversial
subject since former Secretary Bruce Babbitt first visited the area in 1999.
It is no less controversial today as questions remain to the impact of the designation
on the nearly 80,000 acres of private land and the nearly 40,000 acres of State
land. The overall size of the monument is close to half a million acres.
"No one disputes the importance the scenic and environmental qualities
this area plays to Montana," said Martz. "The disagreement comes to
how best manage and protect this area. I believe in local control and local
input from inception to implementation. And that is why I have chosen a group
of elected officials to answer the questions posed to me by Secretary Norton."
While the Central Montana Resource Advisory Council (RAC) worked diligently
on this issue, there were some items that they could not reach consensus on.
These items included some of the more contentious issues such as: boundary size,
oil and gas development, timber and mining issues, increases in federal land
ownership and the mix of federal, state and private property.
Martz will instruct the group to provide her with a preliminary report by August
15, 2001. She also indicated that if the task force is making meaningful progress
in answering the questions posed by the Secretary and they need more time, she
will consider granting them additional time.
"I expect the Task Force to conduct all meetings in an open and public
manner and to solicit comments, suggestions and recommendations from all sides
of this issue. I have informed them that I will not accept recommendations that
will seriously harm the values we Montanans treasure about the Upper Missouri
River Breaks," said Martz. "I will present the recommendations of
this report to the Secretary of Interior and work with Montanaís congressional
delegation and the Bush Administration to implement the recommendations.
"As Governor, I search for meaningful solutions to problems. I hope the formation of this Task Force, a task force of individuals who have followed this process since the day Secretary Babbitt told us of his intentions, will produce meaningful compromise that all Montanans can be proud of," said Martz. "Montana solutions are the best solutions for Montana. Secretary Norton has given Montana one more chance to find solutions to the unaddressed, thorny issues."
Anyone wishing to file for the upcoming city and town elections this year must file by 5pm today.
Businesses in Montana as well as some counties in North Dakota, South Dakota
and Wyoming can now apply for low interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans from
the U.S. Small Business Administration. These loans are available to help businesses
meet normal operating expenses that cannot be met due to the effects of a disaster.
Ongoing drought, that occurred from January 1, 20001, has caused many farmers
and ranchers to experience reduced incomes which may have had an adverse economic
effect on businesses depending upon these producers. Farmers and ranchers are
not eligible for this loan program but may be eligible for disaster assistance
through other Federal agencies. However, nurseries that are victims of drought
disasters can apply.
To obtain an application or receive additional information, interested business
owners may call the SBA toll free at 1-800-366-6303 or TDD 817-267-4688 for
the hering impaired. The deadline for filing an application is January 29, 2002.
Due to the weather, many producers experienced crop losses and were not able
to purchase goods and services at normal levels. Businesses that are dependent
upon these producers may have experienced decreased sales, reduced gross profit
margins, increased amounts receivable or difficulty in moving inventories at
normal levels. The loan can help a business meet installments on long-term debt,
accounts payable and overhead expenses that would have been met had the disaster
not occurred. Refinancing of long-term debt, however, is not eligible under
this program. The loan is designed for those businesses with substantial disaster-related
needs and is intended to supplement monies the business owner can provide from
other sources.
Loans may be approved up to $1,500,000 for actual disaster-related financial needs of the business. Interest rates are 4% and terms may extend to 30 years, depending upon the repayment ability of the individual applicant. To qualify, businesses must be small to SBA's size standard. Businesses which can meet their financial needs through other sources are not eligible.
(AP) Authorities are investigating the death of an eight-week-old boy in Poplar.
Elmer Sterling Red Eagle the Third was pronounced dead at a Poplar hospital Friday morning.
Fort Peck criminal investigator Terry Boyd says police responded to the boy's home after a neighbor called 911 and said the child wasn't breathing. Tribal police and the F-B-I are investigating the death. Special Agent Dan Vierthaler of the Billings F-B-I office says the circumstances of the child's death "merited some follow-up." He declined to provide any details. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
The Valley County Coalition has announced that the first of the local "big names" performing at the Talent Show at the Northeast Montana Fair is Senator Sam Kitzenberg.
There are signs all along the Hi-Line that say "4 for 2" in support
of Senator Kitzenberg's campain to get a four-lane highway through the northern
section of the state. But when these communities asked the Senator to speak,
did any of them know that Kitzenberg is also an accomplished singer? If so,
then Glasgow would not be the only fair presenting "Sam, Sam, the Singing
Man!"
Senator Kitzenberg will be accompanied by Borderline, a professional four-piece
band. He will be joining 12 talented local performers and other local dignitaries
at the "New Stars in the Western Sky" talent show on July 31st.
The Talent Show is truly a family event with talent coming from Saco, Hinsdale,
Nashua, Scobey and Glasgow. The deadline for performers to sign up has been
extended to July 1st, according to Co-Chair Cindy Taylor. To apply to participate,
contact Taylor at 228-2584, Sharon LaBonty at 228-9208 or the Valley County
Coalition at 228-2489
A few minor traffic jams occurred on Thursday as construction crews repaved 4th street north. |
The date for opening of construction bids on the Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum has been delayed just a couple more days. The opening bid date for the Corps project will now be July 13. Thirteen drawings are re-issued, along with spec and drawing descriptive changes.
The bid date originally was set for June 29th but was moved to July 6 and now to July 13 due to some changes in the plans.
Nearly 100 financially strapped Montana nursing homes will receive more than
$20 million in additional funding over the next two years -- without additional
financial burden on Montana residents -- through a creative state funding approach.
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has received
federal approval to use intergovernmental transfers to make county funding available
for a "match" in the federal Medicaid program.
This means that funding counties are already earmarking for nursing homes will
increase, without any strings attached. For example, the $60,971 that Fallon
County has set aside for its nursing home in Baker will be turned into $89,907,
a gain of $28,935. In some examples (attached) nursing homes will see a net
gain of more than $50,000.
"These intergovernmental transfers aren't by themselves going to make
the financial hardships go away" for nursing homes, Governor Judy Martz
said during a Capitol press conference. "But they are a vital piece to
a broad-based plan the state is developing to help stabilize nursing homes.
"In fact, I'm told that in some cases, these fund transfers could be the
difference between facilities staying in business or closing."
During Wednesday's gathering Martz presented checks to representatives of nursing
homes in Baker, Choteau, Townsend and Helena.
In highlighting the importance of the fund transfers, Martz spoke about some
of the financial challenges nursing homes face, such as decreasing occupancy
and older, more medically challenging residents.
"Nursing facilities provide a very vital service in nearly every Montana
community, and in some communities they are among the most important social
and economic elements," she said.
Staff in the DPHHS Senior and Long Term Care Division last year became aware
of the potential for using intergovernmental transfers and even began a pilot
project with 14 nursing homes. The pilot project came in response to a plea
for help from two struggling homes in Madison County.
Later the federal Health Care Financing Administration endorsed Montana's plan,
which opened the door to expand the project to 38 nursing homes that are affiliated
with county governments and another 58 private homes.
The 2001 Montana Legislature also endorsed the idea, as did Martz and her budget
staff.
"This is what proactive government is about. These are people ... who recognized that other people were in a bind, and they seized an opportunity to help," Martz said in complimenting DPHHS Director Gail Gray and her staff.
List of County-Affiliated Homes, Alphabetical by Community: (Area
facilities in red)
Town / Facility Name: County Contribution; Payment to Facility; Overall Gain.
Baker - Fallon County: $60,971 contribution; $89,907 reimbursement; $28,935
gain.
Big Sandy Medical Center: $28,402 contribution; $41,880 reimbursement; $13,478
gain.
Big Timber - Pioneer Medical: $70,631 contribution; $104,154 reimbursement;
$33,519 gain.
Bozeman - Gallatin Rest Home: $103,535 contribution; $152,670 reimbursement;
$49,134 gain.
Broadus - Powder River Manor: $77,985 contribution; $114,994 reimbursement;
$37,009 gain.
Chester - Liberty County: $64,801 contribution; $95,554 reimbursement; $30,752
gain.
Choteau - Teton Medical Center: $46,114 contribution; $67,998 reimbursement;
$21,884 gain.
Choteau - Teton Nursing Home: $70,046 contribution; $103,288 reimbursement;
$33,242 gain.
Circle - McCone County: $57,534 contribution; $84,839
reimbursement; $27,304 gain.
Columbus - Stillwater County: $13,920 contribution; $20,526 reimbursement; $6,606
gain.
Conrad - Pondera Medical Center: $78,443 contribution; $115,670 reimbursement;
$37,226 gain.
Culbertson - Roosevelt County: $97,291 contribution; $143,463
reimbursement; $46,171 gain.
Cut Bank - Glacier County: $54,143 contribution; $79,838 reimbursement; $25,694
gain.
Deer Lodge - Powell County: $21,095 contribution; $31,106 reimbursement; $10,011
gain.
Ekalaka - Dahl Memorial: $48,343 contribution; $71,285 reimbursement; $22,942
gain.
Ennis - Madison Valley Manor: $65,362 contribution; $96,381 reimbursement; $31,018
gain.
Forsyth - Rosebud Center: $76,460 contribution; $112,746 reimbursement; $36,285
gain.
Fort Benton - Missouri River Center: $45,806 contribution; $67,544 reimbursement;
$21,738 gain.
Glendive - Medical Center Home: $150,512 contribution; $221,940 reimbursement;
$71,428 gain.
Hardin - Big Horn County: $65,091 contribution; $95,981 reimbursement; $30,890
gain.
Hardin - Heritage Acres: $72,460 contribution; $106,848 reimbursement; $34,387
gain.
Harlowton - Wheatland Memorial: $60,655 contribution; $89,440 reimbursement;
$28,784 gain.
Helena - Cooney Convalescent: $110,270 contribution; $162,602 reimbursement;
$52,331 gain.
Townsend - Broadwater Center: $117,634 contribution; $173,460 reimbursement;
$55,825 gain.
Jordan - Garfield County: $11,675 contribution; $17,216
reimbursement; $5,540 gain.
Philipsburg - Granite County: $54,805 contribution; $80,814 reimbursement; $26,009
gain.
Plentywood - Sheridan Memorial: $126,408 contribution;
$186,398 reimbursement; $59,989 gain.
Poplar - Northeast MT Health: $46,186 contribution; $68,105 reimbursement; $21,918
gain.
Roundup - Memorial Home: $58,067 contribution; $85,624 reimbursement; $27,557
gain.
Scobey - Daniels Memorial: $65,693 contribution; $96,869
reimbursement; $31,176 gain.
Shelby - Marias Care Center: $69,537 contribution; $102,537 reimbursement; $33,000
gain.
Sheridan - Tobacco Root Center: $71,041 contribution; $104,756 reimbursement;
$33,714 gain.
Sidney - Health Center: $108,664 contribution; $160,233 reimbursement; $51,568
gain.
Superior - Mineral County: $47,799 contribution; $70,483 reimbursement; $22,684
gain.
Terry - Prairie Community: $35,525 contribution; $52,384 reimbursement; $16,859
gain.
Townsend - Broadwater Center: $117,634 contribution; $173,460 reimbursement;
$55,825 gain.
White Sulphur Springs - Mountain View: $45,014 contribution; $66,377 reimbursement;
$21,362 gain.
Wibaux - Wibaux County: $80,915 contribution; $119,315 reimbursement; $38,399
gain.
Wolf Point - Faith Lutheran: $139,319 contribution; $205,435
reimbursement; $66,116 gain.
TOTALS: $2,618,173 contributions; $3,860,675 reimbursement; $1,242,501 gain.
List of Private Homes, Alphabetical by Community:
Town / Facility Name: Lump Sum Medicaid Payment (contribution not required)
Anaconda - Community Nursing: $25,966
Big Sandy - Prairie Vista Manor: $16,804
Big Fork - Lakeview Care Center: $31,517
Billings - Aspen Meadows: $29,828
Billings - Valley Health Care Center: $54,312
Billings - Parkview Care Center: $48,926
Billings - St. John's Lutheran Home: $71,704
Billings - Eagle Cliff Manor: $45,610
Billings - Evergreen Center: $16,816
Billings - Western Manor: $54,527
Bozeman - Evergreen Center: $29,013
Bozeman - Mountain View Center: $15,429
Browning - Blackfeet Nursing Home: $28,553
Butte - Evergreen Center: $61,222
Butte - Convalescent Center: $55,285
Butte - Crest Nursing Home: $41,569
Chinook - Sweet Memorial Nursing Home: $12,229
Clancy - Evergreen Center: $20,579
Columbus - Beartooth Manor: $32,784
Crow Agency - Awe Kualawaache Care Center: $16,617
Deer Lodge - Colonial Manor: $31,878
Dillon - Parkview Acres: $35,425
Eureka - Mountain View Manor: $24,984
Glasgow - Valley View Home: $34,833
Glendive - Eastern Montana Veteran's Home: $13,972
Great Falls - Missouri River Manor: $122,916
Great Falls - Benefis Skilled Center: $55,914
Great Falls - Park Place Health Center : $89,370
Hamilton - Discovery Care Center: $28,387
Hamilton - Valley View Estates: $36,759
Havre - Northern Montana Long Term Care: $54,320
Helena - Rocky Mountain Care Center: $22,625
Helena - Big Sky Care Center: $52,888
Hot Springs - Evergreen Center: $13,351
Kalispell - Heritage Place: $56,925
Kalispell - Immanuel Lutheran Home: $64,497
Kalispell - Brendan House: $32,234
Laurel - Evergreen Center: $33,678
Lewistown - Valle Vista Manor: $24,314
Lewistown - Central Montana Nursing Home: $36,949
Libby - Libby Care Center: $51,071
Livingston - Health Center: $38,460
Malta - Phillips County Good Samaritan: $20,422
Miles City - Holy Rosary Center: $35,343
Miles City - Friendship Villa Center: $27,489
Missoula - Village Health Care Center: $65,983
Missoula - Hillside Manor: $40,083
Missoula - Evergreen Center: $21,763
Missoula - Riverside Center: $23,709
Plains - Clark Fork Valley Nursing Home: $13,914
Polson- Evergreen Center: $34,121
Red Lodge - Beartooth Health Center: $11,045
Red Lodge - Cedar Wood Villa: $25,233
Ronan - West Side Center: $13,045
Ronan - St. Luke Nursing Home: $26,781
Stevensville - Bitterroot Valley Center: $22,571
Whitefish - Colonial Manor: $30,482
Whitefish - North Valley: $22,401
Totals: $2,099,456
There have been more filings for city and town elections in Valley County.
The updated list follows below. The filing deadline is June 28th at 5:00pm
City of Glasgow
Mayor
Willy Zeller
Ed Tipton
Ward #1
Gary Stidman
Ward #2
Ky Idler
Linda Neill
Ward #3
Marlene Jackson
Bob West
Town of Nashua
Mayor
Duane Tihista
Ward #1
Linda Hinton
Ward #2
Pat Hallett
Town of Fort Peck
Mayor
none
Two four year terms on town council
Terri McMurry
Opheim
Mayor
John Marvin
Ward #1
Neil Rogers
Ward #2
Marjorie Burdette
Glasgow School Superintendent Glenn Monson told Kltz/Mix 93 News that progress is being made on the transfer of the former South Side Elementary School to the Prairie Ridge Corporation.
Earlier this year the Glasgow School Board voted to abandon the school with
the intent of selling the property to Prairie Ridge. Monson told KLTZ/Mix-93
that attorneys for the school district and Prairie Ridge have met and are trying
to work out a lease agreement for the school property. Prairie Ridge had originally
proposed to purchase the property for a minimal purchase price and then demolish
the school building. It now appears that the school board is inclined to lease
the property to Prairie Ridge instead of selling.
Monson also said that the school is virtually empty with most everything moved
to either the Irle School or the Middle School. He said that there is a possibility
of a school auction to sell some of the items that are left in the building.
The Glasgow fourth graders who had been at South Side will now attend the Irle
School while the fifth graders will be moved to the Middle School.
Prairie Ridge is interested in developing the property into an Assisted and Independent Living Complex.
The timetable has now changed for the opening of bids for the Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum.
According to Roy Snyder of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the bid opening will take place on July 6th and the awarding of the contract should take place within 30 days.
Snyder said he hopes to have ground breaking on the project sometime in August.
He also told KLTZ/Mix-93 that the building will be approximately 16,000 square feet with an estimated cost of 4 million dollars.
(AP) Former Missoula Mayor Dan Kemmis says the biggest obstacle to managing vast natural resources in the West is the artificial boundaries created by humans.
Kemmis is director of the Center for the Rocky Mountain West, a public policy institute at the University of Montana. He spoke at the fifth annual Missouri River Resources Conference in Great Falls.
Kemmis said, if it were up to him, he would do away with county, state, federal and international boundaries, and replace them with boundaries based on watersheds.
He says Montana is a case in point. By lumping the plains of the east together with the mountainous west, Kemmis says Montana has set its Legislature up for failure. Representatives of Indian tribes, local governments and state and federal agencies throughout the Missouri River Basin are attending the Great Falls conference, which concludes Wednesday. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Glasgow Police Chief Lynn Erickson is reminding Glasgow residents that it is
unlawful to store, sell, possess or fire off fireworks in the City of Glasgow.
As the Fourth of July is approaching Erickson told Kltz/Klan that the Police
Department will be enforcing the ordinance to the fullest extent of the law.
On Sunday the Police Department shut down a fireworks stand which was selling fireworks within the city limits
( AP) Big Sky Airlines gets almost five million dollars a year in federal subsidies, to serve Montana towns. But people in Havre tell horror stories about being stranded time after time.
The president of Havre's Independence Bank -- Chuck Celania -- says he's no longer willing to take a chance on Big Sky, because 14 of the last 20 times he has tried to fly, the airline has left him stranded at one end of his trip or the other.
The C-E-O of Northern Montana Healthcare -- Dave Henry -- says you can't count on Big Sky, because you never know if a particular flight out of Havre will take off or not.
Big Sky President Kim Champney defends the airline's record; but he says they've wrestled with a shortage of pilots, and occasional mechanical problems.
New members have been elected to the Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum board. There has been some concern that one of the mainstays of the Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum board, Larry Meiers, is stepping down from the project. We talked to both Meiers and new board President Duane Sibley, on Monday, and both assured us that Meiers will continue to serve on the board and will continue his efforts for the Center.
According to the by-laws, an officer may only serve a two-year consecutive
term in that position. Other officer positions include Irv Johnson - Vice President,
Sam Waters -Treasurer, and Evelyn Kondelik of Circle - Secretary.
Meanwhile, the Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum construction bids
open up this Friday, June 29th. Sibley stated that the bidding will be open
for about 8 days, and the board hopes to start breaking ground by July 15th.
Sibley also noted that Dr. Keith Rigby is currently working on some dinosaur
digs in the area. And, the field station at Fort Peck will be open for tours
on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays from 10-3, starting July 5th. The tours will
continue through the week of August 25th.
If anyone is interested in volunteering to help with the tours, call Carolyn
at 228-4429.
(AP)The fifth annual Missouri River Natural Resources Conference opens three-day run tomorrow at the Best Western Heritage Inn in Great Falls.
More than 200 researchers, resource managers, policy makers and citizens from Montana and throughout the Missouri River Basin are expected to attend.
It's the only annual gathering open to all Missouri River Basin residents. It is designed to give people an overview of issues facing river users such as water allocation and quality, flood plain management, conservation strategies, river research and monitoring.
This is the first time the conference will be held in Montana, and it is being held in conjunction with Tuesday's Native American Cultural Fair at Ulm Pishkun State Park. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
(AP) A 57-year-old man was killed last evening when a pickup truck in which he was a passenger overturned near Jordan.
The Highway Patrol says the man was ejected from the truck when it overturned east of Jordan on Montana 200. He and three others in the truck were taken to the Garfield County Health Center in Jordan. Officials are withholding the names until relatives are notified.
The patrol says others in the truck - the 17-year-old driver, a 13-year-old boy and a 56-year-old woman - received only minor injuries.
The death is the 81st on Montana roads so far this year. At this time last year, 92 had died on state roads. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Department of Justice officials announced Friday that a significant budget
adjustment worked out in collaboration with the state's Office of Budget and
Program Planning means 23 driver license stations slated for closure July 1
will remain open.
The announcement comes one week after the Motor Vehicle Division of the department
announced the impending closure of the driver license stations due to a $340,000
annual budget shortfall.
The adjustment was the result of a joint effort between DOJ officials and budget
director Chuck Swysgood, DOJ Deputy Director Larry Fasbender said.
* An allocation of $96,000 per year will come from the Personal Services Contingency
Account. The PSCA is allocated by the Legislature to the Governor's Office of
Budget and Program Planning. It may be distributed to agencies that exceed appropriated
personnel expenses.
* Turning six vehicles back to the state motor pool creates $36,000 in savings.
The vehicles had been used for MVD staff to travel to remote driver license
stations. Vehicles for travel will be acquired on an as-needed basis.
* Another $4,100 savings comes from a reduction of rent at stations in Livingston
and Choteau. Park County officials have agreed to the reduction and the same
request will be made in Teton County.
"The department was committed to living within the budget the Legislature
appropriated," Fasbender said. "We take our fiscal responsibility
seriously and had a hard time deciding to make the cuts. We didn't ask for this."
The change comes after a week in which dozens of elected officials and Montana citizens called, wrote and e-mailed the Department of Justice and the Governor's office in hopes of keeping the stations open.
"We didn't want to close these stations in the first place," Motor
Vehicle administrator Dean Roberts said. "We're pleased to be able to find
a way to keep them open."
While the budget adjustment will keep the license stations open, it does not eliminate the need for further cuts. Fasbender said the Department of Justice will continue to cope with budget reductions throughout the department in months to come.
U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg announced today that he has secured funding for a host
of much-needed transportation projects from the Appropriations Committee.
Montana Department of Transportation Director David Galt said he is pleased
with Rehbergs ability to get backing for key Montana projects. "For
a new freshman to secure and protect funding for important transportation projects
in Montana is really noteworthy," Galt said. "Congressman Rehbergs
ability to secure this funding comes at a time when the state budget is strapped
and many Montanans are struggling economically. Were grateful for his
help."
Some of the approved projects are listed below:
Fort Peck Reservoir Fishing Access Roads - $1 million
Graveling, improved drainage, and upgrading to safety standards to provide access
to all-weather roads to cabin areas, camping sites, boat ramps, hunting, fishing
and recreation areas on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge.
Valley County Transit - $60,000
Funds renovation and add-on construction of a bus barn.
In addition, the Appropriations Committee increased Essential Air Services
budget from $50 million to $63 million for 2002. This increase was critical
to enabling small airports in Montana to maintain their current level of service.
"I think funding these projects will go a long way toward improving economic
development in Montana, as well as improving our quality of life," Rehberg
said. "Improving our transportation infrastructure is key to economic development
in Montana."
The next step in the funding process for transportation projects will be a vote
in full House of Representatives, which is expected to happen the next two weeks.
Rehberg is a member of House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
July 4th marks the first rendezvous of the "New Highway 2 Association"
in Glasgow at 5 p.m. under the fairgrounds grandstand, according to State Senator
Sam Kitzenberg. Election of officers, a report by Kitzenberg and news of events
in North Dakota by Brad Bekkedahl, President for a Modern Highway 2 in North
Dakota, are on the agenda.This will be followed by a barbecue at 6 p.m., a dance
and fireworks.
Senator Sam Kitzenberg's crusade to expand Hwy 2 on the Hi-Line to a four-lane
highway is gaining support and momentum day-by-day. "Response has been
tremendous," Kitzenberg said, "Every community I have visited has
been supportive and I've been asked to visit other communities in the near future."
Having appeared in Malta, Havre, Shelby, Cut Bank and Wolf Point; Kitzenberg
said the needs of those communities has really brought home the necessity to
expand the highway into an "economic corridor" for Montana. Kitzenberg
has built a war chest of approximately $7100 to help fund his effort. He said
he will have commitments for 50 signs by July 4th. He wants to put up 100.
The expanded highway would be an expansion of Hwy 2 from Minnesota to Idaho,
creating expanded communication , economic development and opportunity for the
80,000-90,000 residents along the highway.
Montana Senator Max Baucus has introduced a federal highway appropriation to possibly bring as much as $26 million toward the proposal. Current 20-year plans by the DOT to widen it to a 40' two lane are "nothing" said Kitzenberg.
"They have to do that anyway to spend federal money and it won't create
an "economic corridor".
Kitzenberg envisions widening Hwy 2 to four lanes across eleven counties, but
leaving two lanes in communities where expansion is not possible. "This
is a four-lane highway, NOT an interstate; and the road will go where is currently
goes and go THROUGH THE COMMUNITIES is currently goes through," he added.
Kitzenberg invites those interested to support the "4 for 2" project
by joining the Association ($100), sponsoring a sign($100) and writing to the
Montana Congressional Delegation. The address for support is: Hwy 2 Assoc.,
Box 752. Glasgow, MT 59230, Dick Wiens, Treasurer.
He invites those interested to come to the July 4th meeting in Glasgow. "This can happen if we all get together and make it happen, " he said.
U.S. Rep. Denny Rehberg announced today that clean drinking water is one step
closer to getting to northeastern Montana.
The Energy and Water Subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee today
approved $4 million for 2002 to start constructing the first phase of the Fort
Peck Reservation Rural Water System.
"This is a real boost for the people of northeastern Montana," Rehberg
said. "These communities have waited a long time just for the basic necessity
of a safe, dependable drinking water supply. This funding is a major victory.
The next step will be making sure the full committee agrees to keep this funding
in place."
The project will bring high quality Missouri River water, treated to meet national
safe drinking water standards, to existing municipal water systems, rural households,
and livestock pasture taps through northeast Montana. The project is expected
to benefit at least 30,000 people over 7,800 square miles.
The Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System is a regional water project in
northeastern Montana that is comprised of two rural water systems: the Dry Prairie
Rural Water Authority, a proposed rural water system for Valley, Daniels, Sheridan
and Roosevelt counties, which lie outside the boundaries of the Fort Peck Indian
Reservation; and the Assiniboine and Sioux Rural Water System, which lies on
the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.
Currently, the water quality within the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and within
the Dry Prairie communities ranks among the poorest in the country. According
to the Indian Health Service, the lack of good quality water in the region is
the cause of the higher incidences of gastrointestinal distress and water related
diseases of the skin that are experienced in the region. Additionally, the region
experiences some of the highest rates in Montana in mortality from heart disease,
cancer, and diabetes.
This is how the project is designed to operate: an intake facility on the Missouri River, south of Poplar, MT would send the raw water to a 13 million gallon per day treatment facility, then after it has been treated to meet all state and federal drinking standards, the water would be pumped through 3,200 miles of pipeline by 20 pump stations, where it would be delivered to a population of roughly 30,000 Montanans in a 7,800 square mile area.
The Glasgow City Council has given approval to Police Chief Lynn Erickson to
hire Rod Dees as a new patrollman for the Police Department. Dees, who currently
works for the Fort Peck Police Department, will replace Laura Lamb as the newest
police officer.
In other action at this weeks council meeting, the council gave preliminary
approval to increase the required water deposit from $75 to $100, and to lengthen
the time the city holds the deposit from one to two years. This ordinance will
have a second reading on July 2nd, and will go into effect 30 days later.
The council accepted Francis McCarvels resignation from the Housing Authority
Board and appointed Doyle Euell to fill the unexpired term.
David Irving was appointed to the Recreation Board to fill the unexpired term of Duane Julien.
The FBI has been called in to investigate the death of a man in downtown Poplar. The man's body was found on Tuesday.
FBI Senior Resident Agent Dan Vierthaler in Billings stated that the evidence
suggests foul play, but did not elaborate.
The identity of the victim had not been released Tuesday while relatives of
the man were being notified.
An FBI agent was sent to Poplar on Tuesday from Glasgow to assist the Poplar
Police Department and the Fort Peck Tribe Criminal Investigation Office with
the investigation.
Vierthaler said no suspects had been arrested as of Tuesday, and he declined
to say if any suspects have been identified.
Law enforcement is asking anyone with information about the case to call the
FBI office in Glasgow at (406) 228-2533, the Poplar Police Department at (406)
768-3711 or the Fort Peck Tribe at (406) 786-
A new rule concerning beneficial interest provisions, for the 2000 crop year
only, was issued on November 16, 2000. This allowed for a producer, who was
otherwise eligible to receive a loan or LDP, to receive a marketing loan gain
or LDP on any eligible crop produced in 2000, even though the producer had already
marketed or fed the commodity. The ending date for this transition period was
April 12, 2001.
Producers may not have been timely notified of this change. Therefore, late-filed
LDPs may be requested for the 2000 crop on commodities that were sold
or fed during the transition period that ended on April 12, 2001. The deadline
to request late-filed LDPs is July 31, 2001. Any LDP request received
after July 31, 2001, shall not be approved.
If you have any questions, please call the Valley County FSA Office at 1-406-228-4321.
The Montana Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission has awarded $155,000 in
grants to 13 Lewis and Clark-related projects sponsored by local communities
and non-profit groups across the state as part of Montana's efforts to commemorate
the 200th Anniversary of the famous expedition. Fifty applications, totaling
in excess of $757,000, were received for grants by this year's deadline of April
13, Commission Executive Director Clint Blackwood said.
Travel Montana's Infrastructure Investment Program contributed $50,000, which
was matched for a second year in a row by the Montana Department of Transportation's
contribution of $100,000. The Lewis & Clark Commission is funded from the
state's lodging tax administered by Travel Montana, the tourism development
and promotion division of the Montana Dept. of Commerce.
These state lodging tax funds come with the requirement that the Commission
and at least one other funding partner each provide $50,000 for 2001, Blackwood
said In January, the Commission provided just over $43,000 in organization and
planning grants to assist Regional Bicentennial Commissions and Tribes across
Montana with L&C Bicentennial planning efforts. The balance of the Commission's
grants fund, almost $6,000, was included in this year's project grants, bringing
the total grant program for 2001 to $200,000.
Because this is a matching grants program, grantees are required to contribute
$1 of in-kind labor and/or materials or cash to receive $2 in grant funds, Blackwood
said. "Bicentennial committees and commissions are working hard to plan
local projects and events, an effort strongly supported by the Commission through
this grants program," said Darrell Kipp of Browning, the newly elected
chairman of the Montana L&C Bicentennial Commission. Jack Lepley of Fort
Benton was elected vice-chairman. Here are the locations, sponsors, projects
and amounts granted for the 13 applications approved by the Commission:
* Pablo with statewide impact - The Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes
will produce a richly illustrated, 30-page book that recounts how tribal members
perceived the L&C Expedition, how elders of later generations came to understand
it, and its ultimate meaning to the tribe. The grant was $7,000.
* Blackfeet Indian Reservation - The Blackfeet Tribe plans the construction of a multi-functional Blackfeet Tribal Lewis & Clark Bicentennial/Tourist Visitor Center on Hwy. 2 between East Glacier and Browning on Hwy. 2 that will house an extensive exhibit presenting the Tribe's encounter with the Expedition on the Marias River. The grant was $15,000.
* Lolo - The Montana Community Development Corporation and the Travelers' Rest Preservation and Heritage Association received a grant to provide services, signage and interpretation to visitors at the newly formed state park in Lolo. The grant was $20,000.
* Northeastern Montana - The Mustang Foundation, Inc. and Malta School District 14A plan the implementation of cross-curricular L&C thematic units for grades K-12 in Daniels, Phillips, Valley, Roosevelt and Sheridan county schools. The grant was $10,995.
* Billings Area - The Rochejhone Chapter of the Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation will research, create and maintain a series of traveling, educational, hands-on exhibits interpreting the experiences of Captain Clark's journey down the Yellowstone River. Also included is a docent training program for high school students to assist with bringing the exhibits to schools, nursing homes, libraries and service groups. The grant was $6,500.
* Cut Bank - The Glacier County Historical Society will interpret the 1806 Marias Expedition through present day Glacier County through the creation of an indoor exhibit, a summer outdoor exhibit with crafts and cooking demonstrations, and a quality school program. The grant was $20,000.
* Glacier & Pondera Counties - The Golden Triangle L&C Bicentennial Commission will oversee the design and construction of outdoor gazebos with windbreaks, located at the Lewis/Blackfeet Encounter site on the north bank of the Two Medicine River and at Camp Disappointment on the Blackfeet Reservation. These gazebos will house interpretive signs that are currently under production. The grant was $25,000.
* Whitehall - Jefferson Valley Presents Inc. is constructing an amphitheatre and related facilities for the presentation of the play, "Journey of Discovery," a historically accurate account of the L&C Expedition and Sacagawea's contribution. This grant will fund construction of a dressing room and stage area. The grant was $6,000.
* Billings Area - The Peter Yegen, Jr. Yellowstone County Museum Foundation plans the development of visual education aids on the Corps' 30-mile route along the Yellowstone River visible today from the museum. The grant will fund the production of education/informative brochures and an outside weatherproof map. The grant was $3,500.
* Glasgow - The Valley County Pioneer Museum and Valley County Historical Society will purchase selected items from the Joshua Wetsit collection and prepare a Lewis & Clark exhibit within the Valley County Pioneer Museum. The Grant was $8,355.
* Glendive - The Lower Yellowstone L&C Regional Committee will oversee the production of an interpretive sign depicting Clark's route along the entire Yellowstone River and a kiosk to provide detailed information on this route and Lewis' northern route, in addition to historic information on Native American encampments, cattle drives, railroad influences, geology, and community events. The grant was $20,000.
* Browning with regional influence - The Blackfeet Community College will prepare five tribal college students to participate in three symposiums about the relationship of the tribe and the expedition. This will lay the foundation for an extended study of the expedition and the tribes it encountered, culminating in participation in regional and national historical and educational symposiums. The grant was $10,000.
* Great Falls with statewide influence - The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Association will develop a traveling exhibit based on the Interpretive Center's 2000 exhibit, "Montanans Honor Lewis and Clark: Memorabilia from the Robert M. Weir, Jr. Collection," to include 20 historical photographs, introductory text, exhibit labels and an interpretive brochure. The grant was $2,650.
( AP) The Montana Ag-Statistic Service says Sheridan County was the leading Montana county for flaxseed production in 2000, at 99-thousand hundredweight. The next leading county was Valley with 44-thousand hundredweight, closely followed by Daniels County at 42-thousand.
The leading mustard-seed producing counties were all in the same general area of northeastern Montana. The number-one county was Valley with three-point-four million pounds produced, followed by Sheridan at two million pounds. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
( AP) Irrigation water released from Fresno Reservoir on May 22nd was supposed to reach Pete Lumsden's hay in seven days.
But it arrived two weeks late and there was too little to save his crop. Some of the lost water evaporated, but the Malta Irrigation District says enough for a a canal 25 feet wide and five feet deep was siphoned away. The district is starting a three-year study of the aging irrigation system to find out where the water is going.
For now, farmers like Lumsden and Mark Johnson have given up hope for this year's crop. Farmers relying on the Malta Irrigation District will get only one-third of their usual water allotments this year.
A water-rights system is not in place along the Milk River, and people not in the irrigation district contract with the Bureau of Reclamation to pump river water.
Johnson says pumpers on the river have 20 acres under contract, and they're irrigating 120.
District officials are waiting for the state water-rights bureau to determine who the river water belongs to, and to toughen penalties against those who take it when they should not. But that process has been under way since the 1960s. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
( AP) A severe hail storm and high winds damaged crops, tore roofs off buildings, and dented cars and trucks near Fairview, in northeastern Montana.
The National Weather Service in Glasgow says the brunt of the storm passed through the Fairview area, about 5 o'clock yesterday afternoon. The storm developed east of Wolf Point, and quickly moved into North Dakota.
A farmer told the weather service that roofs were torn off several of his buildings, and one-inch-diameter hail covered the ground. Farther east, hail grew to the size of golf balls.
Martha Johnson lives less than a mile west of Fairview. She says the hail was powerful enough to dent vehicles and cause bruises. Johnson says a mobile home north of town had its siding blown off by the storm; and trees, gardens and crops in the area were damaged. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
(AP) -- The U-S Army Corps of Engineers estimates Missouri River dams will produce about 4 (B) billion kilowatt hours less than usual this year because of low water levels. That's the lowest total power generation for the system in more than 30 years. Reduced snowmelt in Montana and Wyoming is partly responsible for the low levels. The energy shortfall may mean the federal government will have to spend up to 240 (M) million dollars to buy electricity at high market prices. The dams along the Missouri produce energy for Montana, Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa and the Dakotas. Western Area Power Administration official Bob Riehl says prices to customers won't increase this year, but may go up in a few years if water levels remain low. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Twenty-three driver license stations will close and office hours or staff will be reduced in another four stations on July 1 because of substantial budget reductions made by the 2001 Legislature and an upgrade of the division's field employees, Motor Vehicle Division Administrator Dean Roberts announced Friday.
"The Motor Vehicle Division prides itself in providing good service to Montana drivers," Roberts said, "but we are unable to maintain the same level of service in the face of a $681,000 budget shortfall over the next two years."
Roberts explained that the $340,000 annual shortfall was caused by budget reductions made by the legislature through cuts and forced savings, and the reclassification of field staff due to increased workloads.
According to Roberts, while most of the stations to be closed are rural stations like Culbertson - which had only 35 customers in 2000 - some larger stations will be closed as well.
"Since most Montanans now have to renew their drivers license only once every eight years, we're hoping that this won't be too inconvenient," Roberts said, "especially since people can renew their licenses any time six months before the birthday on which it expires."
Department of Justice Deputy Director Larry Fasbender explained that the department's budget has been hit by a "double whammy" - an 11 percent decrease in its travel budget and a cut in funding for staff salaries. Reducing driver license services will save the department $120,000 a year by eliminating a total of two-and-a-half positions, and by reducing rent, operating costs and the number of vehicles leased.
"Every division within the Department of Justice will be cutting back on travel and leaving vacant positions open for longer to deal with the budget reductions," Fasbender said. "And I'm afraid this is just the beginning."
July 2001 Driver Licensing Station Closures
Stations to be closed: Chester, Chinook, Choteau, Circle, Columbus, Culbertson,
Dillon, Ekalaka, Eureka, Forsyth, Fort Benton, Hardin, Harlowton, Hysham, Livingston,
Malta, Philipsburg, Roundup, Shelby, Stanford, Superior, Townsend, White Sulphur
Springs
Stations with reduced hours: Jordan
Stations with reduced staff: Anaconda, Billings Central, Polson
The filing deadline for city office positions is coming up on Thursday, June 28. So far in Glasgow, only current Mayor Willie Zellor and Councilman Ed Tipton have filed for the election.
Tipton's Ward #1 seat is open since he has filed for the Mayoral election. Gary Stidman has filed for that position.
Ky Idler's seat in Ward #2 is open; he has filed for another term.
The seat in Ward #3 is also up for election; it is currently held by Marlene Jackson who has filed for the position. Former Glasgow Police Chief Bob West has also filed for that position.
In Nashua, Patricia Hallet has filed for Ward #2 and Linda Hinton for Ward #1.
In Opheim, John Marvin has filed for Mayor. Marjorie Bordette has filed for Ward #2 in Opheim and Neil Rodgers in Ward #1.
The Primary Election, if necessary, will be held on September 11th and the General Election will be held on November 6th.
U.S. District Judge Jack Shanstrom ruled Thursday that the Assiniboine and
Sioux tribes cannot impose a utility tax on Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad
for crossing the Fort Peck Reservation.
Shanstrom's decision follows a long line of recent court rulings limiting tribal
authority to tax non-Indians on privately owned land within the reservation.
Northern Border Pipeline and BNSF together represented about $2.2 million of
the tribe;s $9.5 million budget, according to Mervyn Shields, director of the
tribes' tax department. He said that both have been paying taxes under protest,
so the tribe's budget was reduced this year to $7 million.
Shields said tribal leaders had not yet had time to discuss the decision but would be meeting with their lawyers immediately.
(AP) Six rural communities and Montana Indian reservations have received nearly two million dollars in grants from the U-S Department of Housing and Urban Development. The money will go toward building new homes, and boosting local economies by creating new businesses and jobs.
The grants include 400-thousand dollars to the Fort Belknap Indian Community Council in Harlem, to create a new credit union on the reservation. Another 150-thousand dollars will go toward general tribal services.
Among the other recipients of HUD grants are the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in Pablo, Glasgow's Heritage Institute, and the Siyeh Development Corporation on the Blackfeet Reservation at Browning.
The Heritage Institute in Glasgow and Poplar was awarded $549,015 that it will use to establish a lending agency that serves businesses only. Its creation will mean at least ten new jobs.
The institute will also partner with the Montana Development Corporation in Missoulla and the Native American Banking Corporation in Browning to improve business access to funds, and to promote economic development, especially on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.
Jim Williamson, chairman of the Heritage Institute, stated that "we think there is a severe need on the Fort Peck Reservation because of the appalling number of unemployed. We are real excited to do something good. Even one new job is good up here." (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Valley View Nursing Home in Glasgow had a big turnout for their annual community barbecue. Four hundred ninety people attended the event, which was held inside due to the rain. The barbecue was prepared by Ralph Dryer and Eva Bruckner and the Campfire Singers entertained. For pictures of the event, head to Valley View's website: http://www.valleyview1.net/
At the Glasgow School Board meeting on Wednesday night, Dale Plumbing &
Heating had the only bid for removal of 2 old hot water tanks and replacement
with a new 900 gallon tank. Dale Plumbing & Heating was awarded the bid
at a cost of $17,418.
Bob Farrell and Hope Jones traveled to Cut Bank to examine the alternative
school program. The program tentatively run from 4-8pm Monday-Friday and students
would work toward a diploma, not a GED. Hope Jones is certified to teach some
courses and others are available via the internet. Students would have to apply
with their parents in an interview process that involves the principal, counselor
and teacher.
The school board approved implementing the program for the 2001-2002 school
year. The school is anticipating 3-6 students the first year.
Hal Buerman reported on the first year of Driver's Ed being held during the
school year, noting that he had 72 students. He noted that one drawback was
the extra time required for driving due to the excess amount of students. Next
year's program should only have about 60 students.
He noted that they are pursuing getting a newer vehicle for the program and
that Opheim is interested in the current one. Cost will also go up from $100
this year to $125 next year.
Activities last year cost the district $103,000 and income from activity tickets
and gate receipts was $47,700. The board asked that $9,000 be cut from next
year's budget. Also, activity ticket fees will be raised to $25, and participation
fees will be $35 per sport for high school students and $10 for middle school
students. The maximum a family will pay would be $140 per family for both middle
school and high school together.
Annette Richards was hired to fill an elementary position. No band director
has been hired for the high school and middle school.
Three applications have been filed for the head volleyball coaching position;
the board will conduct interviews over the next few weeks.
Administrative salaries discussion was tabled until the July 11th meeting.
The school district will be replacing the lights in the middle school with energy efficient lights from the south side school.
The surplus property from the south side school will be auctioned off later
this summer.
The board discussed leasing the land from the south side school to Pine Ridge,
and is planning a June 25th meeting with them.
In the transportation report, there will be no change in transportation routes
next year, so buses will still stop at the old south side school location.
Twelve people from the Glasgow School District will attend a Tobacco Grant Money meeting at the Cottonwood Inn on June 21-23 to discuss what programs will be funded with the tobacco lawsuit money.
(AP) The U-S Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed designating areas in the northern Great Plains, including parts of northeastern Montana, as critical habitat for the piping plover. The migratory shorebird is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
The proposed Great Plains areas include more than 196-thousand acres of prairie alkali wetlands and reservoir lakes, and 13-hundred river miles, in Montana, the Dakotas, Minnesota and Nebraska.
The critical habitat for Montana includes some alkali lakes and Medicine Lake in Sheridan County; sandbars in the Missouri River from about Wolf Point east to the North Dakota border; the Dry Arm and dam area of Fort Peck Reservoir; and the Nelson Reservoir and Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Leonard J. Smith, Poplar and John Youngberg, Belgrade have been appointed to
the Montana Board of Research and Commercialization Technology. William R. Crain,
Great Falls, Chairman of the Board, has been reappointed.
Private for-profit research centers located in Montana are now eligible for
funding under a law change made in the Fifty-Seventh Legislative session.
The deadline for submitting requests for proposals for fiscal year 2002 awards
is July 20, 2001. The Board has $4.85 million to award.
Chuck Merja, of Sun River, serves as Vice-Chairman of the Board. Ralph Hutcheson,
Bozeman, and Dennis Toussaint, of Missoula, also serve on the Board. Hutcheson's
term expires on July 1, 2002 while Merja's and Toussaint's expire on July 1,
2001.
Smith, who was appointed by Governor Judy Martz, is Chief Executive Officer
of A&S Tribal Industries. He replaces Gordon Belcourt of Billings.
Youngberg, appointed by the President of the Senate Tom Beck, is Director of
Member Relations at the Farm Bureau and also is a Belgrade City Councilman.
He replaces Gary Buchanan of Billings.
The purpose of the research awards is to encourage economic development through
state investment in research and commercialization projects. Twenty (20) percent
of the funds must go to agricultural research and commercialization proposals.
For fiscal year 2001 the Board had $2.35 million to award. Awards to twenty
(20) research projects including production agriculture, environment, health
care, laser optics, mining and others were announced in April of this year.
The Board was created by HB260 enacted during the Fifty-Sixth Legislative session. Under the law the Governor makes two appointments, including one enrolled member of a Montana Tribal government, while the president of the senate, the minority leader of the senate, the speaker of the house and the minority leader of the house each appoint one member.
"Montana agriculture: it's in our own backyard." When you visit your local Montana McDonald's restaurants after June 14, that's the message you'll be greeted with thanks to a partnership between Montana McDonald's restaurants and the state's agricultural community.
A concept initiated by a local Montana McDonald's restaurant franchisee, the Montana McDonald's Franchisees Association has teamed up with the Montana Stockgrowers Association and Montana Department of Agriculture to expand awareness of the agricultural industry and its impact on the state's economic picture, wide open spaces, and quality way of life.
"We live and work in a state that is surrounded by agriculture, yet many folks do not understand or fully appreciate how it affects our everyday lives," said Bill Garrison, president of the Montana Stockgrowers Association and a rancher from Glen, Montana. "We are so excited that McDonald's has so generously offered to help us deliver this message to their customers."
The partnership will include educational materials, including trayliners, 32-oz. drink cups and table tents, in all of Montana's 41 McDonald's, displaying the message "Montana Agriculture: It's in our own backyard" and sharing with customers agricultural facts about Montana. Colorful cartoon designs and games will appeal to children, while the agricultural messages are targeted to adult audiences.
"As Montana's largest industry, accounting for cash receipts of more than $2.2 billion dollars annually, agriculture is essential in Montanans' everyday lives. In fact, it's been said that if one eats and wears clothes, he or she is involved in agriculture," says Ralph Peck, Montana Department of Agriculture director. "That is why we are pleased to be part of a program that will spread our message of the importance of agriculture to Montanans statewide."
The partnership is made possible through funds from the Montana McDonald's Franchisees Association, as well as from the Growth Through Agriculture Program, the Montana Beef Council and the MSGA Research, Education & Endowment Foundation.
"As local owners of businesses in communities throughout the great state of Montana, we understand that agriculture truly is in our own back yard," Rich Goodloe, a McDonald's Franchisee who owns restaurants in Bozeman, Belgrade and West Yellowstone. "That's why we're proud that we can offer our services to help spread the message of agriculture throughout Montana."
The Montana Stockgrowers Association, a producer-driven organization representing more than 2,500 members, strives to serve, protect and advance the economic, political, environmental and cultural interests of cattle producers, the largest sector of Montana's number one industry - agriculture.
The mission of the Montana Department of Agriculture is to protect, enhance, and develop all agriculture in Montana; to encourage and promote production and marketing for agriculture and allied industries; and to provide protection for producers and consumers through administration and enforcement of statutes established by Montana's legislature.
McDonald's is the world's leading foodservice retailer with more than 28,000 restaurants serving 45 million customers each day in 120 countries. Approximately 80 percent of McDonald's restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent, local businessmen and women.
Visit the Fort Peck Summer Theatre webpage
The inspired madness and wisdom of Lewis Carrolls Alice in Wonderland starts the summer season this weekend at the Fort Peck Theatre in Fort Peck. Performances are scheduled Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings through July 8, and the curtain rises at 8 p.m. Refreshments following Fridays performance will honor the cast, technical crew and volunteers.
Combining the talents of theatre professionals and local volunteer actors is a beloved tradition at Fort Peck. This year is no exception. Katie Truscott of Glasgow accepted the challenging role of Alice. This high school senior is a Fort Peck veteran, first appearing in Sound of Music in 1994. She is joined by 43 volunteer performers who hail from all over northeast Montana, as far away as Havre and Wolf Point.
Members of the professional company also have strong Montana ties, particularly to the University of Montana. U of M graduate Bobby Gutierrez returns for his third season as artistic director, following five seasons at Fort Peck as an actor.
Returning for encore positions this year are U of M grads Ryan Grigg, Brittiny Hollow, Theresa Jenson, Aaron Torgerson, Chris Kristant, and Brian Harms, and UM student Carly Booth.
New to the professional company are Sam Reis, a 2001 graduate of Carroll College in the position of stage manager, and UM students Becky Bowler and Jesse Robinson, actors.
Shawn Newton of Glasgow completes the professional company in the position of production assistant.
Marge Holt of Havre is musical director for Alice, and Lynne Monson of Wolf Point will step into that role for Clue, the Musical, running July 13 to Aug. 5, and Camelot, running Aug 10 to Sept. 2.
New this summer is a reserved seating system, according to Mary Strand of Fort Peck, who chairs the Summer Theatre Board. Seats in the center section can be reserved for an additional charge of $5 per ticket, payable in advance by calling the Theatre box office at 406-526-9943.
Reserved seating is limited and all other seats are general admission. Charges for tickets purchased at the door are $10 for adults, $9 for senior citizens and $6 for students. The Theatre, which opened in 1934 as a movie house, seats over 900 people for live theatre productions. The Fort Peck Fine Arts Council has produced musicals and dramas there since 1970.
Two additional productions highlight this summers lineup at the Theatre. On July 4, the Council will host two performances of The Dirty Shame Show, beginning at 5:30 and 8 p.m. All seats are $10, with general admission seating only. Strand noted this high-energy show has thrilled audiences in Scobey since the 1960s, and it is an honor to host the show at the Theatre.
Gutierrez and Grigg will portray an eclectic band of citizens from Tuna, Texas,
as the Council presents Greater Tuna, a comedy about Texas third smallest
town. In the satire, the duo depicts all of the towns inhabitants
men, women, children and animals. Performances are scheduled at 8 p.m. at the
Theatre on June 28, July 5, 19 and 26, and Aug. 2, 16, 23, and 30. A performance
is also scheduled in Wolf Point on June 21.
Ryan Grigg is featured as the Mad Hatter, and Jesse Robinson as the White Rabbit. Glasgow High School senior Katie Truscott leads the cast as Alice. The musical runs Friday, Saturday and Sundays at 8 p.m. through July 8. Reserved seats are available by calling the Theatre at 406-526-9943. The season continues with Clue, The Musical, running July 13 to Aug. 5 and Camelot from Aug. 10 to Sept. 2.
(AP) Dry weather and the potential for a bad fire season have driven Montana State University paleontologists to the field a little early this year.
Pat Leiggi is the administrative director of paleontology at M-S-U. Leiggi says Jack Horner -- curator of paleontology at the Museum of the Rockies -- and the M-S-U team returned to eastern Montana on May 15th, and expect to finish by mid-August. Leiggi says they normally start on the first week of June and finish before September.
The M-S-U team is in the third year of a five-year project surveying the Hell Creek Formation in the Charles-M Russell National Wildlife Refuge.
Leiggi says hopefully things will stay cool and there will be a bit of rain, keeping things from drying up too much.
The National Weather Service says this year started out the driest since 1931 for Glasgow, but returned to near normal after rains in late May. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
(AP) he federal Surface Transportation Board says it will take a harder look at proposed railroad mergers. The new rules, announced today, cover railroads with revenue of more than 250 million dollars a year.
The Surface Transportation Board is an arm of the Transportation Department. It says earlier mergers have disrupted rail traffic. The board says future merger applications will have a heavier burden, to show the mergers are in the public interest, and must have a plan for dealing with any service problems.
The board earlier issued a moratorium that blocked the pending merger between Canadian National and Burlington Northern. The railroads have since taken their case to federal court. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
Motorists who fill up at the Economart convenience store and fuel station in
West Yellowstone on Saturday could receive a ten cents per gallon refund if
they purchase ethanol blended fuel. A customer appreciation day will be held
at the station between the hours of 11am and 3pm on Saturday, June 9th.
Members of EPAC (Ethanol Producers And Consumers), a non-profit ethanol support
group, will be at the station during those hours to pump gas for customers and
hand out the yellow dimes. Shirley Ball, Executive Director of EPAC says, "The
yellow dimes signify the grain that is used to produce ethanol, and as the dimes
turn over in the local economy they are meant to remind the public about the
importance of a renewable fuel that is derived from agricultural products."
EPAC will furnish the yellow dimes.
The Economart has carried the ethanol blended fuel for a number of years. Motor
homes and other vehicles can be seen fueling up during the summer in the popular
resort community, while winter and snow bring snowmobiles to the pumps. Ethanol
is a clean fuel, reducing tail pipe emissions while adding octane to provide
great performance.
EPAC will host the 11th annual Montana Ethanol Conference in West Yellowstone
on June 11 and 12 at the Holiday Inn. West Yellowstone was chose for the conference
because of the high level of interest in alternative fuels in the region. Over
the years, EPAC has worked with Park officials in Clean Fuel projects. Ball
stated, "The setting is significant; not only is it a beautiful place for
a conference, it is also a great community to celebrate the Park's use of Clean
Fuels to help in "Greening of the Park". Ethanol blended fuel is available
in the Park in both the 10% and 85% blends.
The conference will feature over 20 speakers who will tell about ethanol, biodiesel
and other alternative fuels. The conference begins at 8:30am Monday, June 11,
and will adjourn at noon on the 12th. The public is welcome to attend.
Conference participants will arrive in West Yellowstone during the weekend to take part in a golf tournament and to ride horse back. Anyone wanting additional information about the activities could call the EPAC office at 406-785-3722 or visit their website at http://www.ethanolmt.org
Severe drought conditions prompted the U. S. Secretary of Agriculture to issue
a Natural Disaster Determination for all 56 counties in Montana on May 29, 2001.
In an unprecedented move, Governor Judy Martz requested an extension of last
year's natural disaster determination (NDD) for this year. The governor's request
prompted special consideration which deemed conditions severe enough to warrant
a determination for 2001. This action superseded the usual protocol of waiting
to assess actual losses following the crop season.
"Despite recent rain and snow in many areas of the state, we continue
to be increasingly concerned about our lack of moisture," Governor Martz
said. "We are implementing every eligible program and exploring every possible
avenue to ensure assistance is available to Montanans affected by the drought."
The Natural Disaster Determination makes family-sized farm operators in both
primary and contiguous counties eligible for consideration of low-interest emergency
loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). Each application will be considered
on its own merits, taking into account the extent of losses, security available,
repayment ability and other eligibility requirements.
Local FSA county offices can provide affected farmers with further information
and assist them in completing applications for assistance. Producers are urged
to check with their tax accountant or the Internal Revenue Service regarding
any special tax considerations and capital gains deferments granted because
of the determination.
According to Dan McGowan, MT DES Planning Bureau Chief, "This movement
has been a proactive effort by the governor, lieutenant governor, Governor's
Drought Advisory Committee, USDA FSA and the congressional delegation to help
provide assistance to those affected by the drought."
On another matter, unrelated to the Natural Disaster Determination, the Governor
Judy Martz supported the release of CRP acres for emergency grazing and included
this in her request for the disaster determination. To date, the National FSA
office approved 31 Montana counties for emergency grazing of CRP. Those counties
include:
Blaine
Golden Valley
Roosevelt
Broadwater
Hill
Rosebud
Carbon
Judith Basin
Sheridan
Cascade
Liberty
Stillwater
Chouteau
McCone
TetonCuster
Meagher
TooleDaniels
Musselshell
Valley
Dawson (Partial Cty)
Petroleum
Wheatland
Fallon
Phillips
Wibaux
Fergus
Powder River
Yellowstone
Garfield
Eligibility to graze CRP acres requires individual counties to provide documentation that there is a 40 percent loss in normal precipitation and pasture and hay production over the previous four months. Individual county requests to graze CRP acres must be approved by the National FSA office before grazing is allowed.
(AP) -- The Pine Hills Youth Correctional Facility, in Miles City, has earned high marks from a national inspection team.
In late April, a three-person team spent three days at the school.
According to their report, Pine Hills met 30 of 31 mandatory standards, and one did not apply. The school met 99 percent of other applicable standards, which team leader Parkes Casselbury said is an outstanding score.
A hearing on Pine Hills' accreditation will be held in August, in Philadelphia. The written report praised Pine Hills staff for their handling of two incidents in which a boy did not respond to instructions, and security staff was called.
The report says, in each instance, the staff was very professional, and defused the situation without using force.
An investigation into the school was called for after a Glasgow minister stated he did a study that found 41 incidents in one year, in which guards used pepper spray on boys at the reform school. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
(AP) A witness to a Plentywood slaying says the barroom shooting occurred because defendant Jacobo Alvarado was an angry father, upset by the way the victim was treating Alvarado's daughter, who was the man's girlfriend.
The 59-year-old Alvarado remains jailed without bail. He's charged with murder in the Monday night shooting death of 39-year-old Clay Davidson, at Big John's Bar in Plentywood.
A friend of the victim says Davidson had been dating Alvarado's daughter, and the shooting followed years of bad blood between the two men.
Alvarado turned himself in to authorities a short time later. He's to be arraigned in District Court June 18th. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
The federal Health Care Financing Administration has approved Montana's management
plan for providing Medicaid-funded services to people who are developmentally
disabled and rely on community-based programs.
The HCFA report, issued in May to the Department of Public Health and Human
Services, is based on an extensive review that included many compliments and
some constructive criticism. A section on "exemplary results" (attached)
applauds efforts by many of the 50 professional service providers working with
DPHHS across Montana.
"We are very pleased that our federal partners have taken the time to
understand our vision and endorse our plan," said Gail Gray, DPHHS director.
"Employees in our agency, working alongside people with developmental disabilities
and other interested parties, have shown continuing dedication to maintaining
Montana's progressive record in the delivery of these services."
HCFA commended Montana, in particular, for the support services provided to
families who struggle daily to meet the needs of children cared for at home
who have significant disabilities. While the review did find some unacceptable
service settings that are being addressed, the final report also noted several
group homes and day services as providing "excellent, caring supports"
to adults with developmental disabilities.
To further promote and maintain the safety and well being of individuals with
developmental disabilities in Montana, the DPHHS Developmental Disabilities
Program will offer more training for provider staff in proper use of medications
and proper reporting of abuse and neglect. To make sure professional practice
conforms to policy, the Developmental Disabilities Program will increase monitoring
of services provided by contractors.
In addition, the program is developing an individualized funding system that
will allow people with developmental disabilities to choose among qualified
providers for personal services. This "consumer choice" change is
taking place in other states as well under direction from HCFA.
EXEMPLARY RESULTS (from HCFA report)
Interviews with the families of consumers whose children were developmentally
disabled revealed these families' quality of life have improved since being
on the DD waiver. These families described desperate situations in their homes
prior to receiving waiver services. Each family appeared to have a good working
relationship with their family support specialist (FSS). These family support
specialists were actively working and aware of what needed to occur as a child
transitioned into the adult DD system. The FSS were able to identify what each
family needed and how to communicate with these families to establish trust
and rapport.
The children's DD program has established a rigorous program that the FSS have to complete. This certification process takes two years to complete. This process ensures this program is training qualified individuals who are committed to providing services to these families.
The children's program effectiveness stems from the families having input into
what services they need and the individualized plans. This effective and efficient
program provides an excellent continuum of care for these children and their
families.
The Farm in the Dell has an excellent residential program that enhances the
daily lives of the individuals who live there. This provider has integrated
itself into the Helena community. They have effective fund-raising events that
educate the community and promote their support. During our review, we had the
opportunity to visit a consumer at the Farm in the Dell. This consumer's parents
also were there during our visit. The mother was so pleased about the care provided
and how the staff listens to her concerns. She felt her family member was happy,
safe, and had a good quality of life.
The State of Montana also has dedicated case managers who know their consumers
and advocate for their needs. These individuals have developed relationships
with their consumers and attempt to be proactive concerning their needs. They
are the eyes and ears for the regional office staff. This information assists
the regional staff in monitoring the health and safety of consumers in the DD
waiver program.
During our focus review in November, we went to residential group homes and
work activity centers that were consumer focused. These places assured the health
and welfare of the consumers and were interested in continuing to improve their
services. The staff members in these places were positive about their work and
advocate for the consumers. These places are the following:
* In Miles City, Eastern Montana Industries operated by Darvin Brockway. The
Hafla Group Home was clean, rooms decorated according to consumer's tastes and
the group home manager knew her consumers and their needs. The work activity
center was busy and consumers were very active in their respected jobs. Darvin
knew the consumers and had a wonderful rapport with each one. Darvin and his
staff advocate for their consumers and are always identifying ways of improving
their system.
* In Glasgow, Milk River Inc.'s operated by Doyle Euell.
The Mitchell Group Home was bustling with activity when we arrived at 7 p.m.
The consumers were doing their own laundry, assisting with dinner and interacting
with staff. The group home was clean and the consumers' rooms were decorated
to their tastes. The staff were knowledgeable about each consumer, their likes
and dislikes and how to effectively intervene in disruptive behavior. The consumers
told us they were happy there and offered no complaints.
* In Malta, Malta Opportunities, Inc. operated by Don Nevrivy. This work activity
center had each consumer busy with some task. The individuals who needed to
be supervised had a staff member with them. The consumers explained their jobs
to us and expressed pride in what they were accomplishing. One consumer owns
the soap dispenser in the public laundry and was quite proud of being an entrepreneur.
The thrift shop was well organized and clean. Don took us on a tour of the group
home even though no consumers were home at the time. The group home is homey,
clean and each consumer's room reflected their personal likes.
* In Big Sandy, Big Sandy Activities, Inc. operated by Jean Denning. We visited
both group homes and the work activity center. Both group homes were clean,
the consumers' rooms were decorated to their tastes and the consumers were busy.
The work activity center was visited as it just opened up in the morning. Each
consumer knew their task, the staff was able to effectively direct consumers
as needed and the manager promoted the needs of the consumer.
* In Conrad, Quality Life Concepts operated by Charlie Trott. The Conrad Group
Home is a group home for men. This group home is decorated in a manner that
reflects the individuals who live there. We arrived at dinner time and the consumers
were assisting with the meal or in their room listening to music. These consumers
were able to tell us that they were happy at the group home and enjoyed the
staff. The staff knew their consumers and how to effectively intervene with
any disruptive behavior.
The Glasgow Police Department is looking for a new patrollman after terminating
the the only female officer on the police force.
According to Glasgow Mayor Willie Zeller, the City fired Laura Lamb after just
five months on the job because she wasn't adapting well to the Police Department.
When Lamb was hired she was put on one years probation the law allows a person
on probation to be terminated anytime within that period for any reason.
The Glasgow Police Department is looking for a replacement and they have at
least three interviews scheduled this month.
The City of Glasgow is also looking at increasing the amount citizents pay
as a deposit to get hooked up for city water. The proposal would increase the
deposit from $75 to $100 and instead of 12 months of paying your bill on time
this would increase to 24 months. A decision on this will be made at a future
council meeting.
The council also reappointed NIkki Friede and Mike Hughes to the Recreation Board and appointed Nixie Donohue to the Housing Authority Board.
On June 8, Hi-Line Home Programs Inc. will once again sponsor a Children's Parade through downtown Glasgow. Participants are encouraged to dress up and meet in the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot at 2pm. The parade will march down 2nd avenue south and end up at Hoyt Park next to the Civic Center for afternoon snacks and games for all children. The theme for this year's parade is "Fishing For Quality Care."
For more information on the parade, call 228-9431.
(AP) The president and chief executive officer of Mercy Medical Center in Williston, North Dakota, has resigned.
Thomas Mitchell says he's looking at his options. Mitchell has headed the center since May 1999. Before that he held a similar job for eight years, at Clark Valley Hospital in Plains, Montana. Mercy's parent organization,
The Catholic Health Initiatives plans to name an interim director while it searches for Mitchell's successor in Williston. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
The Nashua FCCLA is sponsoring a blood drawing in Nashua today (June 6th) from 3-6p.m. at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment call 1-800-448-3543.
(AP) A Plentywood man was shot to death in a bar Tuesday night, and another man is jailed on a charge of murder.
Fifty-nine-year-old Jacobo Alvarado appeared in Sheridan County justice court, and will be bound over to District Court on the murder charge. Alvarado turned himself in to police after the shooting.
The Sheridan County Coroner identified the dead man as 39-year-old Clay Alan Davidson of Plentywood. Plentywood police say the shooting took place at about 10 last night.
An agent from the state Criminal Investigation Division is in Plentywood, to help local officials in the investigation. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
(AP) C-N-N has settled a lawsuit by a central Montana ranch couple, stemming from a government raid on their ranch seven years ago. But the settlement is confidential, and no one will disclose the terms.
On March 24th, 1994, federal agents raided the Garfield County ranch of Paul and Erma Berger, in search of evidence that Paul Berger poisoned eagles. The agents were accompanied by a C-N-N news team.
Berger was acquitted of all charges, except one misdemeanor. He argued the news crew trespassed, and violated the family's privacy. C-N-N argued it was acting in good faith, having obtained permission from an assistant U-S attorney to accompany federal agents on the raid.
The case reached the U-S Supreme Court, which found government agents immune to litigation. But the court did not extend immunity to C-N-N. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
(AP) -- A million-dollar program is supposed to help American Indian tribes build decent, affordable housing for tribal members. The project is called The Small Tribes Housing Support Fund.
It's a joint venture by the Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Native American programs, the AMERIND Risk Management Corporation, the Enterprise Foundation and the National American Indian Housing Council.
The fund will provide new grants and help to tribally designated housing entities for tribes trying to provide housing and mortgage programs to their members.
Chester Carl is chairman of the National American Indian Housing Council. He says tribes hope this step is the first in a long line of initiatives to produce more affordable housing in Indian Country. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
State Senator Sam Kitzenberg is traveling the Hi-Line, drumming up support for widening U-S Highway Two to four lanes across northern Montana.
The Glasgow Republican is working to revitalize the Highway Two Association, a group formed in the 1930s that later became defunct.
Yesterday, Kitzenberg was in Havre, where at least two dozen people pledged or paid the 100-dollar membership fee. Another 12-hundred dollars came from people seeking to sponsor a "four for Two" sign, signifying support for making Highway Two a four-lane road.
Kitzenberg hopes to place 50 of the signs along Highway Two across the state. He also wants people to call, write or e-mail members of Congress to line up their support. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
(AP) A widespread spring storm that dropped at least a half-inch of rain over much of the state yesterday was a blessing, but it didn't come close to ending the drought or dousing wildfire worries.
Jesse Aber is a staff member for the state Drought Advisory Committee. He says this weekend's storm was "no drought-buster." The storm left snow in the mountains and valleys of western Montana and drenched some of the eastern plains with rain. About 10-12 inches of snow was common above seven-thousand feet, while towns at lower elevations such as Anaconda, Butte, Drummond, Missoula, Philipsburg and Seeley Lake had four to ten inches of snow.
Missoula got the most precipitation at about two inches, while Helena and Glasgow reported just over an inch of rain.
Rick Dittmann with the National Weather Service says the storm was the type of slow-moving event that forecasters look for this time of year. But he says drought conditions have evolved over the past three years and will not be washed away with one hearty storm.
Mel White with the U-S Geological Survey in Helena says Montana would need rains like yesterday's every week to sustain streamflows, reduce fire danger and improve crops and livestock forage.
Glasgow received 1.35 inches of rain on Monday, a new record for that June 4th. Combined with Sunday's rainfall, Glasgow's total for June is 2.13 inches, about .79 hundredths ahead of normal. The airport total for the year is 3.85 inches, now six hundredths ahead of normal.
(Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
The seventh annual "Longest Dam Run," is set for June 23rd, at Kiwanis
Park, 17 miles east of Glasgow, just below Fort Peck Dam.
The event is sponsored by the Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture,
and includes a ten kilometer run, a five kilometer
run, a five kilometer walk and a one mile walk/run.
Race participants will receive a free pasta buffet on the Friday night before
the raceat the Fort Peck Hotel, Fort Peck Summer Theatre tickets, and T-shirts.
To pre-register, call the Glasgow Area Chamber at 228-2222 or e-mail them at chamber@nemontel.net for more information. You can also find more details on the KLTZ/Mix-93 Longest Dam Run page.
(AP) Saving three endangered species could run into money. An Army Corps of Engineers official says it could cost one billion dollars over 20 years to change the management of the Missouri River system to accommodate the pallid sturgeon, and two birds -- the least tern and piping plover.
Plans include altering river flows, varying reservoir levels and restoring some river habitat.
Critics say the price is too high.
But Rose Hargrave of the Corps of Engineers says her agency must follow the federal Endangered Species Act. That law bans the corps from doing anything that results in the extermination of a species. The corps is rewriting its master manual to include the changes. River interests are discussing the changes in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, at a meeting of the Missouri River Basin Association. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
The Trust Land Management Division of the Department of Natural Resources &
Conservation (DNRC) will be conducting hearings to solicit public comment regarding
proposed amendments to the minimum rental rates for grazing on tracts of School
Trust Land.
According to Agriculture & Grazing Bureau Chief, Kevin Chappell, the hearings
are intended to allow the public the opportunity to comment regarding the adoption
of a new multiplier used to calculate the minimum grazing lease rates. The proposed
multiplier is 7.54 in contrast to the 6.71 and 6 currently used to calculate
lease rates.
The cause for the change in the rate multiplier is due to a January, 2001 petition
from Montanans for the Responsible Use of the School Trust (MonTrust) to the
Land Board. The petition requested the Land Board to increase the grazing rental
rate multiplier to a range between 10.45 and 14.02. In response to the petition,
the DNRC recommended that the Board initiate rulemaking using a multiplier of
7.54, a rate that was originally recommended to the Board by the State Land
Board Advisory Council in September of 1994. As directed by the Board, the Department
has initiated the rulemaking process to consider the 7.54 multiplier.
The DNRC is seeking public comment and suggestions concerning the proposed formula multiplier through public hearings, including June 12 at 7pm at the Cottonwood Inn in Glasgow
The wheels are in motion and will not be stopped unless we allow ourselves
to coast into further economic decline. An association called the "Highway
2 Association" was active during the Interstate planning years to encourage
Congress to make US Highway 2 a part of the Interstate system. It is time to
resurrect the Association to provide a strong united front for our Congressional
Delegation to help build a four-lane highway for Highway 2!
Would you be willing to help?
The first crucial step is to establish a funding base for the Association.
This base will require $10,000 for promotion of Highway 2. If you think the
cause is important, please send a donation to The Highway 2 Association, CHMS
Accountants, Dick Wiens, Treasurer, Drawer 751, Glasgow, MT 59230 to jump-start
this fund. We need money for travel, signs, printing and a good lobbying effort
on our behalf. We are suggesting $100 per member, but send what you can and
be a part of this important cause.
Second, we need some key locations close to Highway 2 in your community for
signs that inform everyone to "Support 4 for 2. Write your Congressman."
And, we need sponsors for these signs. The signs run us $100 a piece.
Third, we need to rally this summer to really show support for this cause and
elect some strong association leaders to carry the message. That will be on
"Highway 2 Independence Day" - the 4th of July at the Glasgow Fairgrounds
Grandstand, 5 p.m., Lunch for $5 at 6 p.m., Dance at 7 p.m. and Fireworks to
bring an appropriate end to the day!
Fourth, we need some letters, e-mails and phone calls to our Congressional Delegation. You need to be a part of the storm of change.
Do it now!
Do you need a speaker? I would be glad to come and tell your group about "4
for 2". To talk about how we got here, where we need to go and how you
can play a part. We really need all of you. Call now!
You can call me at 406-228-8518 or write to me - Sam Kitzenberg, 130 Bonnie
St., Glasgow, MT 59230.
Let's give our best to Montana! Turn this Montana Hi-Line vision into a reality!
I give my best to all of you, Sen. Sam Kitzenberg
The Glasgow School Board has given tentative approval to a new contract between
the school district and the Glasgow Education Association.
The Glasgow teachers have yet to vote on the contract which will run for two
years. This is the earliest in recent memory that the school board and the teachers
have come to an agreement on a new contract. The last contract wasn't formally
ratified until the beginning on the next school year.
This contract doesn't include a raise on the base pay for Glasgow teachers
but does provide for a salary bonus for teachers once they sign their contract
each year.
The contract will go into affect once the teachers vote on and as expected approve the two year contract.
(Associated Press) People who want U-S Highway Two expanded to four lanes, across the Montana Hi-Line, have a powerful new ally: U-S Senator Max Baucus.
Democrat Baucus says eastern Montana needs help, and Highway Two is an important east-west corridor. He says converting the highway to four lanes would help businesses across the Hi-Line. Baucus says he's asking a Senate Appropriations subcommittee to approve 26 (m) million dollars, to begin the conversion.
The project's chief promoter is Republican state Senator Sam Kitzenberg, of Glasgow. He says he's thrilled that Baucus is getting involved -- especially since Baucus did so on his own initiative. Kitzenberg says he's resurrecting the long-defunct Highway-Two Association, to promote the one-point-two billion dollar project. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
(AP) Tribal leaders from Montana and Wyoming gathered in Great Falls Thursday to discuss improving reservation economies. The first annual Tribal Economic Summit continues Friday with emphasis on business opportunities now available on reservations and what can be done to generate more.
Senator Max Baucus, whose staff organized the conference as a prelude to next month's state economic summit, says improvements to the economies of reservations will also improve Montana's overall economic climate. For Montana's economy to improve, Baucus says the changes must begin with the weakest economic link and that means the reservations, many of which feature 70 percent unemployment and burgeoning welfare roles.
Baucus and other state officials also say the way governments are elected on reservations makes some changes difficult and those issues also need to be addressed. He says it's necessary to bring more certainty and predictability to tribal management. (from Teresa Wolke, KRTV) (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
(AP) Firefighters are battling a 150-acre wildfire northwest of Jordan, in Garfield County. It began with a lightning strike Tuesday night, and is burning in grass and timber, on B-L-M and private land near Brusett. There are no buildings threatened.
Dena Sprandel is with the Bureau of Land Management in Miles City. She says about 70 firefighters are on hand, including crews from the B-L-M, state conservation department, Bureau of Indian Affairs and local volunteers. Sprandel says they expect to have lines completely around the fire by about six this evening.
There were three air tankers and a helicopter making drops on the fire yesterday, but they weren't used today. Sprandel says firefighters are making good progress, but humidity is low and there are high-wind warnings. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
(AP) Congressman Denny Rehberg says U-S Highway Two should be widened across the Montana Hi-Line, and so should the highway between Great Falls and Billings.
Republican Rehberg says both are needed, but they are long-term projects, because
of the cost and the state's relative isolation. Rehberg is on the House Transportation
Committee. He says the state Legislature realized there is competing demand
for highway dollars.
It recommended the Highway Two widening, but only if additional federal money is available, and other Montana projects are not threatened. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
John Chaffee
(For older obituaries, please see each month's news page in our news
archives section.)
Andrew Douglas Gritten, 5, died Thursday, June 28. Services are set for Monday, July 2, 2001 at 11:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Glasgow with Reverend Lonnie Eidson officiating. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery in Glasgow. Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Andrew was born October 24, 1995, to Tim Gritten and Julie Schultz. He lived on their farm near Tampico and was to start kindergarten this fall. He enjoyed cars, fishing at Fort Peck, riding his bike, spending time with Grandpa Doug, playing with his tractors and his trucks, and playing T-Ball. He is survived by his father Tim Gritten of Billings; his mother Julie and her husband James Schultz of Glasgow; Grandparents Doug and Pat Sonsteng of Wolf Point, Joan Taylor of Glasgow, and Carol Gritten of Billings; Great Grandmother Marlene Schultz of Fort Peck; sisters Amber Gritten and Kelsi Schultz, both of Glasgow; brother Tyler Schultz of Glasgow; and an uncle and his family in Virginia.
Donald D. Mavencamp, 68, of Saco died Sunday, June 25th, at his farm 15 miles
north of Saco of natural causes while farming. Funeral services are set for
Thursday, June 28th at 2:00 p.m. at the Adams Funeral Chapel in Malta with burial
following at the Forks Cemetery north of Malta.
Don was born July 28, 1932, in Saco to Frederick and Helen M. (Carlson) Mavencamp.
He attended a country grade school north of Saco and graduated from Whitewater
High School in 1951. Most all of his life, he farmed and ranched and operated
a caterpillar in the Whitewater and Saco area. He married Katerine Koss March
21, 1964 in Malta. They lived in Whitewater until 1972 and moved to their farm
15 miles north of Saco where they resided, Mrs. Mavencamp died December 14,
1999.
He enjoyed playing cards, operating "cats", and spending time with
his family especially his grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Karl David Mavencamp; and a
sister.
He is survived by a daughter, Marie (Paul) Score of Malta; son, Charles (Nicol)
Mavencamp of Saco; three brothers, Frederick "Bud" Mavencamp of Malta,
Monte W. Mavencamp of Whitewater, and Morris A. Mavencamp of Havre; five grandchildren;
and numerous nieces and nephews.
Doris Katherine Hovland Maag, Glasgow, 75, died of natural causes on June 23,
2001 at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow. Services are set for First
Lutheran Church in Glasgow on Tuesday, June 26 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Chris
Flohr officiating with burial being in the Maag Family Cemetery in Glasgow.
Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Doris was born on March 25, 1926, to John and Mabel Hovland. The family homesteaded
in the Larslan area and later moved into Glasgow where Doris attended school.
She married Boyd Maag July 4, 1943. They farmed west of Glasgow, where they
were currently living.
She enjoyed raising a garden with her husband, often taking produce and hamemade
goods to the Farmers' Market. She also won many prizes for her vegetables, flowers
and needlework at the Northeast Montana Fair.
Doris worked at Killions Shoes, served on the election board many years, and volunteered much time with the Glasgow
Fellowship Club, the American Cancer Society, and the PTA. She also enjoyed
reading and playing cards, especially bridge.
She is survived by her husband Boyd of Glasgow; two daughters; three grandchildren;
three great-grandchildren; one brother and three sisters; numerous nieces and
nephews.
She was preceded in death by her son John, her parents and her brother Richard.
Memorials are recommended to the Glasgow Educational Trust Fund, the Pioneer Museum, or a charity of choice.
We have said our good-byes to the most wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. Glenn Elletson was surrounded by the love of his family when he died of natural causes Friday June 22, 2001 at St. Vincent's Hospital in Billings.
Cremation has taken place and memorial services will be held Wednesday, June
27, at 2pm at First Lutheran Church in Glasgow. Burial will be Thursday, June
28, at 1 pm. at the Fairview Cemetery in Fairview MT.
Glenn was born to Perry and Leda Elletson in Cartwright, ND July 31, 1929.He
went to school in Cartwright and Fairview, MT where he participated in baseball,
football and basketball, being on the state basketball championship team his
freshman year. He joined the Merchant Marines at the age of 15. After serving
3 years he returned to Fairview and married the love of his life, his forever
friend, Jeannine Miller of Sidney, MT on August 28, 1948. A move to Havre landed
him a job with the Great Northern Railroad in 1951. He later moved to Glasgow
and worked for Great Northern until he was seriously injured when he fell from
the train in March of 1970. Although his injury prevented him from working on
the railroad he continued to have a passion for trains and passed down stories
about his time spent with Great Northern Railroad and fellow workers..
Glenn & Jeannine became snowbirds & traveled south for the winters
for several years until they decided to put up permanent residency in Kingman,
AZ. In 1991 they decided to move closer to home and family and moved to Billings.
He was an avid hunter and fisherman, always after the big one! He loved to coach
his children in sports. He was very proud of his childrens accomplishments.
They traveled thousands of miles to support their grandchildren in whatever
event was taking place. You would see them at football, baseball, softball and
basketball games, volleyball, track, talent shows and pageants.
Glenn is survived by his wife Jeannine and 4 children, Don and Judy Elletson,
Donna and Gary Dascher, Patty Bates all of Glasgow and Deb Hayes Young of Coeur
d Alene.One of Glenns greatest achievements in life was his 11 Grandchildren,
DJ and Randy Elletson, John and Jeff Kalinski, Jeanelle Dascher, Kimmy and Meagan
Bates all of Glasgow. Mitchell Young and Marcie Hayes of Coeur d Alene,
Travis Hayes of Spokane, and Josh Dascher of Minot.He is also survived by 1
brother, Perry Elletson Jr. and wife Lil of Cartwright, ND, 3 sisters, Sybil
Ausk and husband Francis of Terry, Lois McChesney and Delores Elletson of Sidney
and many nieces, nephews and cousins
He was preceded in death by an infant son and daughter, his granddaughter,
Krysta Jeannine Bates Kimmy's twinand his mother and father, and many life long
friends that he missed dearly.
He was loved by many and will be missed by all.
George R. Peterson, Saco, 79, died of natural causes on June 18, 2001 at Valley
View Home. Services are set for Saco Lutheran Church on Saturday, June 23 at
11:00 a.m. with Reverend Chris Flohr officiating with burial being in Grandview
Cemetery in Saco. Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
George was born October 8, 1921, to Benjamin and Hanna Peterson. He lived in
Whitewater and Saco. He married Esther Sunford and worked on farms before going
to work for MDU. He retired from MDU in 1985. He was a member of the Elks, enjoyed
watching rodeos and reading. Mr. Peterson belonged to the American Cancer Association,
Montana Peace Officers Association, and AARP.
He was preceded in death by his wife in 1986; he was also preceded in death
by his daughter Shirley McCarty.
He is survivored by his daughters, Sharon Berrisford of Glasgow, and Karen Rodriguez
of Arizona, sons: Gary Dale Sunford of Turner, MT; and Larry Joe Sunford of
Alaska, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, 1 brother, 3 sisters
and numerous nieces and nephews.
Gary D. Hanvold
Gary D. Hanvold of Renton, Washington, 41, died of natural causes on June 6,
2001. Graveside services are set for Friday, June 15th at 11:00 a.m. at Highland
Cemetery in Glasgow with Reverend Chris Flohr officiating. Bell Mortuary is
in charge of arrangements.
Gary was born November 16, 1959 in Glasgow to Bill and Karen (Mullen) Hanvold.
He had lived in Renton since 1964. Gary was a house contractor. He enjoyed fishing
and camping, and watching the Mariners and Seahawks play.
He is survived by his mother, Karen Hanvold of Glasgow, 1 son, 2 daughters,
2 sisters, 1 brother, Amanda Mullen of Glasgow, Doris Neubauer of Glasgow, and
many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father Bill
Hanvold.
Jeannie Marie Blatter Wetzel
Jeannie Marie Blatter Wetzel of Billings, 27, died on June 1, 2001. Services
are set for Wednesday, June 6th at 2:00 p.m. at Bell Chapel in Glasgow with
Elder Lee Blatter officiating, and with burial in Highland Cemetery. Bell Mortuary
is in charge of arrangements.
Jeannie was born on May 2, 1974 in Glasgow to Butch and Judy Blatter of Glasgow.
Raised in Glasgow, Jeannie graduated from Glasgow High School in 1992. She moved
to Billings and became a nail technician and beautician, did reflexology, and
was a ticket agent with Big Sky Airlines for 3 years. She also worked as a travel
agent for Far West Travel in Billings. On September 8, 1992, she married Danny
Wetzel in Glasgow. She loved working out, running, people, and being with her
daughter "Tippi".
She is survived by her parents, Butch and Judy Blatter, her daughter Tiffany,
brothers Wes Blatter, Jeff Johnson and Corey Johnson all of Billings, MT.
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