KLTZ/Mix-93 local and regional news

Organizing continues for the a skating park in Glasgow. The first official board meeting was held for the Hi-Line Skate ark on March 30th.

The board consists of 15 member with Gregg Russell elected as President and Joe Rennick as Vice President and Brenda Anderson as Secretary/Treasurer.

The elected board discussed many topics to include construction, land, money, grants and fundraising.

The skate park will be named "Hi-LIne Grind Skate Park" with the idea that the park is for all surrounding communities.

The board has formed a website which can be accessed at www.hilinegrind.org

Glasgow School Levy Vote Set For May 4th; Contested Board Races In Nashua, Hinsdale (Posted Wednesday, March 31, 2004 03:48 PM)

The filing deadline has passed for school board filings in Valley County and the election is set for May 4th.

In the Glasgow School District there is no contested race for the school board as the incumbent Dr. Charles Wilson is running unopposed for another 4-year term. Glasgow voters will be voting on a building reserve levy of 2.69 mills which would be used for the maintenance of the three Glasgow schools. If passed by the voters it would be on the tax rolls for five years.

The Nashua School District has contested races for the three positions on the school board. Virginia Long is challenging Carla Tihista for the three year term on the board and James Gladeau is challenging Roger Trang for the two year term.

The Hinsdale School District has four candidates for two 3-year terms on the school board. The four candidates include Paul Yeska, Wade Riden, Jerry Arnold and Valeria Fzmauzh.

In Opheim there is just one candidate on the ballot for a three year term. Incumbent Dale Tarum is running unopposed for another stint on the school board.

Three Arrested In Drug Bust (Posted Wednesday, March 31, 2004 03:32 PM)

Three Glasgow individuals have been arrested as a result of a drug bust in Glasgow on March 25th. According to law enforcement officials those arrested include 20-year old Sarah Crater, 49-year old James Bush and 26-year old Dave Irwin.

The Glasgow Police Department was alerted to the fact that their was a clandestine drug lab at a residence located at 508 6th Avenue South in the early morning hours of March 25th. The two officers on patrol that morning, Rod Dees and Dave Watson then consulted with other law enforcement officials before obtaining a search warrant to enter the home. Several agencies were involved in the operation including the Montana Highway Patrol, Valley County Sheriff's Department, Big Muddy River Drug Task Force, Roosevelt County Sheriff's Department, Wolf Point Police Department, Glasgow Fire Department, Valley County EMS, Valley County DES and the Valley County HAZMAT team.

Officers entered into the home at 9:00am on March 25th and seized evidence which they believe was used in the manufacture of methamethamines. Law enforcement officials believe the three individuals arrested were using the chemicals to make meth but have sent the evidence to the state crime lab to get an official determination.

A company from Cody, Wyoming was hired to clean the home after the contamination of the methametamines. The cost of the cleanup is estimated at $35,000 which will be paid by the federal government.

Crater and Irwin have been charged with felony manufacture or production of illegal drugs by accountability and Bush has been charged with felony manufacture or production of illegal drugs. Bush and Irwin are both currently on probation for previous drug offenses and their bond has been set at $50,000. Crater's bond was set at $5000. If convicted on the felony charges the three could be sentenced to a maximum of life in prison.

Law enforcement officials have stated that the investigation is continuing.

Online Hunting Licenses, Walleye Spawning, Hunter Education Classes (Posted Tuesday, March 30, 2004 06:55 AM)
You can buy your Montana fishing license, as well as apply for bighorn sheep, elk, antelope and other special hunting permits, from the comfort of your home office.

This is the first year that hunters and anglers are able to purchase licenses over the internet. Conservation licenses, required before you can buy any fishing or hunting license, can even be purchased online, as long as you have previously hunted or fished in Montana. And starting this month, applications for special permits can also be submitted online.

Internet licensing will decrease processing time and allow Fish, Wildlife & Parks to conduct earlier drawings for special permits. Another benefit is that applicants for these special permits will know immediately that their application has been received and that they are entered in the drawings.

To buy a conservation license online, you must have previously purchased a hunting or fishing license in Montana so that you already exist in FWP’s Automated Licensing System, or ALS. If you have purchased a license in the past,all you need is your Montana Driver’s License or photo ID card issued by the state’s Motor Vehicle Division. The system will not allow a transaction if the driver’s license or ID was issued less than 180 days prior to the FWP license transaction.

Hunters may apply online for special moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, deer, elk and antelope starting April 1, 2004. Also new for this year, antelope and elk permits for hunting districts with unlimited quotas can be purchased online or from any license provider. In northeast Montana’s Region 6, this includes unlimited elk permits for Hunting District 620-21. Other districts with these unlimited elk permits are 410-21, 417-21 and 700-20. Unlimited archery antelope permits (900-00) can also be purchased online or at license agents.

A 2 percent credit card fee and a $1.25 service fee is added to all online purchases. To access the online licensing, go to www.fwp.state.mt.us and click on the “Online Licensing” icon and follow the instructions.

This service is also available on Montana’s official website, www.discoveringmontana.com. Click on “Online Services” and then on “Hunting/Fishing Licenses”.

Glasgow Hunter Ed class scheduled
Youth hunters between 12 and 18, as well as all first-time hunters, are invited to a Hunter Education course scheduled for the week of April 19 in Glasgow.

Registration for the course will be held on Wednesday, April 14, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Quonset hut classroom, located just west of the FWP building on Highway 2 West in Glasgow. Students, and parents or guardians for students under age 18, should fill out paperwork and pick up course materials during the registration period. The Hunter Education course will also be held in the Quonset hut classroom.

Classes will be held April 19-23 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The mandatory field day will be held Saturday, April 24 at the Valley County Rifle and Pistol Club east of Glasgow.
Call FWP at 228-3700 with any questions about the course.

Walleye spawn nearing, volunteers welcome
The annual Fort Peck Lake walleye spawn is just a fortnight away, and Fish, Wildlife & Parks welcomes volunteers who would like to help out with the operation.

“ We expect to start the spawning operation the second week of April,” says Mike Ruggles, FWP’s Fort Peck fisheries biologist. “Once we start, we go 7 days a week for the next three weeks or so. We couldn’t harvest anywhere near the number of eggs that we do every year without volunteer help. About 60 percent of the labor at the spawn is from volunteers. That commitment is crucial to the future fishery of the lake.”

If you’re interested in helping out with the operation, call either Ruggles or Jeff Remus at FWP’s Fort Peck office at 406-526-3471. The spawning will take place in the lake’s Big Dry Arm, but because of record-low water levels in Fort Peck, the spawning shelter at Nelson Creek is inoperable. Instead, the fisheries crew will operate off a floating barge near McGuire Creek.

Ruggles hopes for a strong return of spawning walleye. Last year, nearly 10,000 fish were netted. Female walleye averaged 7.1 pounds and males used in the spawn averaged 2.8 pounds. The biggest walleye measured was 14.3 pounds and 32 inches long. The spawning crew took 83 million eggs.

Havre Bowhunter Ed course scheduled
A Bowhunter Education certification course will be held in Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Havre Area Office starting Monday, April 19. Students may register in advance at the FWP office in Havre or register the first night of classes on April 19.

Subsequent classes will be held on Wed., April 21, Fri., April 23, Sat., April 24 and Mon., April 26. All classes will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Young bowhunters between the ages of 12 and 18 must pass an approved bowhunter education and the regular hunter education courses if they intend to archery hunt in Montana in 2004. All first-time bow hunters, regardless of age, are required to complete the course before they can purchase an archery license in Montana. There is no fee for the course and all bowhunters or people interested in bowhunting are encouraged to attend.

The course is designed for the beginner as well as the experienced bowhunter and is taught by certified volunteer instructors.

For more information on the Froid course, call instructors Rick Davidson at 406-963-2582, Charles Young at 406-963-2215, or Gary Hanson at 406-448-2521. The course is sponsored by the Froid Rod & Gun Club.

Four Local Organizations Receive VCCF Grants (Posted Monday, March 29, 2004 03:16 PM)

Four local organizations received checks totaling $3,500.00 last week when the Valley County Community Foundation Board announced its 2004 grants. In presenting the awards, Board Chairman Jean Carlson of Fort Peck praised the efforts of the four and expressed gratitude for their work in making this a better place to live.

Here is a summary of each of the projects receiving funding:

Hinsdale FFA, $500 to beautify the FFA Park on Main Street in Hinsdale. This spring they will re-fence the perimeter and place a walkway within the park.
Nashua School Science Department, $1,000 to help build a greenhouse on school property. It will run off renewable resources and be available for use in all grades at the school. (VCCF pledged this grant, pending further funding of the project through department and student efforts.)
Valley County Transit, $1,000 to help provide rides on the buses for low-income and elderly riders. This will assist about 40 people who are unable to afford transportation to received needed services such as medical care and grocery shopping.
HiLine Youth Hockey Association, Inc., $1,000 to help with Phase Two construction on the Valley Event Center. Phase two of construction includes flooring, refrigeration and fire detection equipment.

These awards bring the total of VCCF granting to $14,974, since giving the first grants in 1999. Grant money comes from earnings on the Foundation’s endowment, which was valued at $126,331.16 as of Dec. 30, 2003. The board awards grants annually and announces the date for applications each fall. Non-profit organizations in Valley County working on projects in the areas of arts and culture, basic human needs, education, economic development, and natural resources are eligible to apply.

Both Nashua School Board Incumbents Challenged (Posted Friday, March 26, 2004 11:12 AM)

Both incumbents will be challenged for the two Board of Trustee positions in the Nashua School District.

Virginia Long filed to run against incumbent Carla Tihista for the 3-year term and James Gladeau filed to run against incumbent Roger Trang for the 2-year term.

The trustee election will take place on Tuesday, May 4th at the Nashua school.

Peck’s Rex Could Be Ready For Center Opening (Posted Friday, March 26, 2004 08:36 AM)
Peck’s Rex, the 60-million year old Turannosaurus rex discovered near Fort Peck in 1997, could be ready for display by the May 8th opening of the Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum.

According to a Great Falls Tribune article on Friday, volunteers have been making molds of the bones since November. The replicas will be stained and painted just like the originals and will be transported to the Maryland Science Center that opens in Baltimore in April. A crew will take the casting to Baltimore, assemble the replica, and then return to assemble the real thing at the Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum.

According to Linda Sibley, executive director of the Fort Peck Paleontology Station, the funds received from the cast replica sale will pay for the operation and maintenance of the field station and will hopefully provide funding for some of the exhibits for the new center.

There are some pictures, and a story about what Malta paleontologist Nate Murphy is up to in the Friday edition of the Great Falls Tribune.

Circle Man Sentenced For Illegally Selling Walleye (Posted Friday, March 26, 2004 08:36 AM)

A Circle man has been sentenced to 2 years of federal probation for illegally selling hundreds of pounds of walleye. 54-year old Gerald Lynn Beason apologized to the court as he was barred from hunting, fishing or trapping in North America during the term by U.S. District Judge Richard Cebull on Thursday.

Beason pleaded guilty in December to a misdemeanor charge of illegally transporting wildlife in interstate commerce. According to prosecutors, the co-defendant, Aaron Keith McIntyre of Glendive, approached 2 undercover agents and asked whether they wanted to buy 3,000 pounds of frozen walleye that Beason had for sale.

McIntyre also pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing.

Prosecutors said that Beason did have permits for stocking walleye in the private reservoir but the permits specifically prohibited him from selling any of the fish.

Glasgow Man Arraigned On Sex Without Consent Charge (Posted Friday, March 26, 2004 08:23 AM)

19-year old Glasgow resident Drew Wetz was arraigned in District Court in Glasgow last week as he faces a charge of felony sexual intercourse without consent.

According to court documents, on January 13th Wetz had a sexual encounter with a 14-year old Glasgow female at a residence located at 1205 1st Avenue North. Wetz could face life in prison if convicted of the crime because the victim was less than 16 years of age and the defendant was over the age of 18.

Wetz has been released from custody on $5000 bond and is being represented by Glasgow attorney Peter Helland.

Still Concern About Milk River Flooding (Posted Friday, March 26, 2004 08:30 AM)

The National Weather Service says the Milk River probably peaked at Glasgow last weekend, and is not forecast to rise above flood stage again for the next few days. But the flood danger hasn't totally washed away.

The Weather Service says warmer weather through the weekend will increase the flood threat in the Glasgow area, late this weekend or early next week.

The flood warning was lifted for Glasgow and Nashua. But small-stream flood advisories have been extended for central and southern Valley County and all of Phillips County. They remain in effect until 4 p-m today (Friday).

Beaver Creek, south of Saco, is running out of its banks for about 20 miles south of Highway Two. Water has been reported over Larb creek Road, and some flooding is expected in adjacent agricultural fields. And Willow Creek, south of Glasgow, is running high and out of the banks in some spots.

The Triple Crossing Road was closed on Thursday due to some washouts, near the Pines Road and Willow Creek Road.

According to National Weather Service warning coordinator Tanja Fransen, tributaries in northern Valley County are finally starting to run with still a lot of snowmelt left.

She said that Rock Creek and Frenchman Creek north of Hinsdale have started to run and others soon will be running. Fransen noted that one of the most worrisome is Poplar Creek, which is still frozen, but has a lot of water left in the drainage.

Potter Enters Commissioner Race; Johnson Withdraws From Clerk Of Court Race (Posted Thursday, March 25, 2004 05:37 PM)
Thursday at 5pm the filing deadline for political office in Montana passed. There was one new filing in Valley County as Tim H. Potter filed for Valley County Commissioner on the Democratic ticket.

Potter was the only one filing on the Democratic ticket. Kim Lacey and Dave Reinhardt are running on the Republican ticket.

The Clerk of Court position had Melissa Greenhagen filing on the Republican ticket and Leah Erickson and Maridene Johnson ticket. However, Johnson withdrew from the race on Thursday, citing other job opportunities that were more conducive to operating her business, Good Times. That leaves each candidate unopposed in the primary.

School Board Passes Building Reserve Levy Resolution (Posted Thursday, March 25, 2004 12:00 PM)
According to Glasgow Superintendent Glenn Hageman, the Glasgow school board passed a Building Reserve Levy Resolution to put on the ballot for Glasgow School District voters this spring. The levy would assess 2.69 mills, or about $30,000 and would be used for maintenance of the three Glasgow schools. It would be on the tax rolls for five years if voters pass it this spring.

Skate Park Group Forms Board Thu Mar 25, 2004

About 100 people attended a Tuesday night meeting at Fourth Street Espresso to discuss building a skate park in Glasgow.

Dennis Dawson, city recreation director, discussed support from the Parks & Recreation Department, officer Brien Gault showed support from local law enforcement and Senator Sam Kitzenberg contributed good ideas for the group.

Several pledges for funding were received during the meeting Tuesday night.

A board of directors was established: Gregg Russell, Joe Rennick, Tom Schultz, Heather Losleben, Jeff Knodel, Derek Schakosky, Mike Gregory and Bryndye Hubbard were all named. Daniel Emtman was named to represent the kids on the board. The first official meeting of the board is set for Tuesday, March 30th to discuss locations for the park, fundraising, grants and cost.

Opheim Man Semi-Finalist In Auctioneer Championships Thu Mar 25, 2004

Rick Stahl of Opheim, an auctioneer for Glasgow Stockyards Inc., has moved on to the semi-finals of the Livestock Marketing Association’s 41st annual World Livestock Auctioneer Championships, which will be held June 18th in Billings.

The 30 semi-finalists were picked from videotape presentations of actual livestock sales from all over the country. Winners will receive thousands of dollars in awards, along with a variety of merchandise prizes.

Glasgow Man Faces Criminal Endangerment Charges (Posted Thursday, March 25, 2004 06:17 AM)

61 year old Jack Corscaden was arraigned in District Court in Glasgow last week as he's facing one felony count of criminal endangerment and two misdemeanor counts of attempted criminal endangerment.

According to court documents, Corscnden on January 8th brandished a .38 caliber pistol and pointed it at a 29-year old female acquaintance and discharged the weapon. The incident occurred at a residence located at 837 3rd Avenue South in Glasgow. No injuries occurred during the incident and the Glasgow Police Department soon responded after the alleged gunshot. The court documents also state that Corscaden threw a liquor bottle and a military hand grenade (which had been rendered inoperable) at the 29-year old female.

Corscaden was arrested that evening but has posted $10,000 bond and has been released from custody.

He's being represented by a court appointed attorney, James Spangelo.

More Fights Coming Over Missouri River (Posted Wednesday, March 24, 2004 11:43 AM)

(AP) South Dakota is headed back to court to seek firmer guarantees that the U-S Army Corps of Engineers will manage the Missouri River to protect fish spawning in the spring months.

Governor Mike Rounds says the state will ask a federal judge to require the corps to give more consideration to the needs of Lake Oahe (uh-WAH'-hee) in South Dakota, Lake Sakakawea in North Dakota and Fort Peck Reservoir in Montana.

The corps last week issued its Master Manual, which establishes guidelines for managing the Missouri River. It also issued its annual operating plan for this year.

South Dakota officials say the corps plan indicates it will try to protect fisheries in the upstream reservoirs. But they say it gives much firmer guarantees of support to the barge industry downstream.

Meanwhile, The Interior Department says the new plan for operating the Missouri River does not comply with the Endangered Species Act. The department's letter is significant because an Interior Department agency - the Fish and Wildlife Service - has to sign off on river operations.

The Fish and Wildlife Service is working with the U-S Army Corps of Engineers to put the new plan in place. Interior's letter to the corps says the plan fails to avoid jeopardy to some endangered species, as the Fish and Wildlife Service had ordered.

The letter says the corps will need to "incorporate significant changes" to include the recommendations from Fish and Wildlife Service biologists. The letter is from Willie Taylor, Interior's director of environmental policy and compliance. (Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Bright Light In Sky Probably Was Meteor (Posted Wednesday, March 24, 2004 08:42 AM)

It was most likely a meteor that lit up the sky Sunday night, prompting several calls to area law enforcement.

Fitch Hons of Scobey said it was the brightest flash of light he’d ever seen fall from the sky. Hons, who was undersheriff in Daniels County from 1977-1991, said at first he thought it was a small plane crashing. He estimated it fell somewhere between Opheim and Glasgow.

Several area residents as well as pilot called in to report the bright light in the sky. There was still some question on Tuesday as to whether it had officially been ruled a meteor or not.

School Board To Discuss Levy Tonight (Posted Wednesday, March 24, 2004 07:49 AM)

The Glasgow School Board will have a special meeting on Wednesday, March 24th to discuss resolutions for a General and/or Building Reserve elections. That meeting will begin at 7:00pm and then at 7:15pm the board will begin a meeting with the Glasgow Education Association to discuss a new labor contract with the Glasgow teachers.

According to Glasgow Superintendent Glenn Hageman, the board will look to pass a Building Reserve Levy Resolution to put on the ballot for Glasgow School District voters this spring. The levy would assess 2 or 3 mills and would be used for maintenance of the three Glasgow schools. Each mill brings in an estimated $12,000 and if passed would be on the tax rolls for five years.

The board will also discuss the possibility of having a General Levy on the school ballot this spring. Hageman told Kltz/Klan that all the figures for the upcoming budget year aren't available yet so he's not sure if the district needs to have an General Levy request. Enrollment has increased though in the Glasgow schools so the district will be receiving more state funding for the next school year.

Grass Seed Producers To remove Livestock (Posted Tuesday, March 23, 2004 10:23 AM)

The Farm Service Agency would like to remind producers that will be certifying grass seed acres for Noninsured Disaster Assistance Program (NAP), that all livestock shall be removed from those acres on or prior to April 1, 2004.

Livestock remaining on these acres after April 1, 2004 will constitute these acres as being ineligible for grass seed production under the NAP Program.

If you have any questions, please contact the Valley County Farm Service Agency at 228-4321, prior to March 15, 2004.

Filing Deadline is Thursday (Posted Tuesday, March 23, 2004 08:03 AM)

There's been a flurry of filings on Monday for the Montana Legislature in House District #35 which is comprised of northern Phillips County and northern Valley County.

The filing included three Republicans from Phillips County and one Democrat from Valley County.

The Republicans filing included George Knudsen and Frank Piocos from Malta and Wayne Stahl from Saco.

Kelly Donovan from Opheim filed as a Democrat.

The filing deadline for political office is Thursday, March 25th.

McDonalds Burglarized (Posted Monday, March 22, 2004 03:19 PM)

The Glasgow Police Department is investigating a burglary that occurred at McDonalds in the early hours of March 21st.

According to Glasgow Police Chief Lyndon Erickson, there was a theft of a substantial amount of money from the safe at McDonalds early Sunday morning. Erickson told Kltz/Klan that the amount of money stolen was over $2000. On Sunday the Glasgow Police Department interviewed two suspects in the case but no charges have been filed.

If and when charges are filed against the individual or individuals it will be charged as felony burglary because of the amount of money stolen.

First Community Plans Helena Branch (Posted Monday, March 22, 2004 07:16 AM)

(AP) The First Community Bank of Glasgow plans to open a branch office in Helena.

If approved, the branch would be in the biggest city served by First Community, which also has offices in Hinsdale, Wolf Point, Culbertson, Ashland, Froid and Three Forks.

First Community was founded in 1891 and had just the one bank in Glasgow for its first century. Bank president Sam Waters says he hopes to start construction on a Helena branch by May First. (Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Plentywood Teen Killed in Rollover (Posted Monday, March 22, 2004 07:16 AM)

(AP) The Montana highway fatality count stands at 30 or 13 behind last year's pace. The Highway Patrol says a Plentywood teenager was killed in a one-vehicle crash south of Plentywood early Saturday. The victim has been identified as 18-year-old Kasey Torgerson, who was one of two people thrown from the rolling pickup truck..(Copyright 2003 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

No Major Flooding So Far (Posted Monday, March 22, 2004 07:16 AM)

(AP) The National Weather Service says the Milk River across a wide area of Montana's Hi-Line remains high, over it's banks in places, but no major flooding is reported.

Forecasters say warming temperatures, however, will keep flood warnings in effect through Friday for Glasgow and Nashua. There's a small stream flood advisory for central and southern Valley County in effect through Wednesday.

Some of the flooding yesterday was southwest of Glasgow but no major problems were reported. (Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

National Weather Service Does What If Projection (Posted Sunday, March 21, 2004 08:07 PM)

As Valley County prepares for flooding of the Milk River this spring the National Weather Service Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Center has forecasted what will happen as the flooding reaches certain stages in Valley County.

According to the agency, when the Milk River is at 25 feet at Glasgow, minor flooding is expected with minimal or no property damage.

When the river level reaches 26 feet at Glasgow the flood waters will reach Sullivan Park and the softball and baseball fields located there. When the river hits 29.5 feet, livestock and feedlots adjacent to the river will be overrun by flood waters.

The highest the river has ever risen is 33.3 feet during the 1952 flood. If flood waters ever reach that state then there would have to be homes evacuated in the Green Meadows Subdivision and Highway #24 would be under water.

Once waters rise to 36.5 feet, half of the dike on Glasgow's south side would be overrun, and those living next to it would have to be evacuated. The dike is built to hold water at 38.5 feet and if the dike were to ever be completely overrun the entire south side of Glasgow would have to be evacuated.

The Billings Gazette is reporting that in Nashua the levee is built to hold water at 30.4 feet and flood stage in Nashua is 20 feet.

Corps Releases New Missouri River Plan (Posted Friday, March 19, 2004 09:33 AM)

(Washington-AP) -- The Army Corps of Engineers says its new plan for operating the Missouri River will allow barge traffic this summer and provide steady water levels for navigation as well as flood control and power generation.

The plan does not create a more seasonal ebb and flow to sustain endangered and threatened fish and birds, as conservatin groups wanted. Instead, the corps says it will comply with the Endangered Species Act by building 12-hundred acres of shallow-water habitat for the pallid sturgeon.

Several conservation groups promptly denounced the revised master plan as "the status quo." They said it will push some fish and bird species closer to extinction. (Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Flood Warning Issued (Posted Friday, March 19, 2004 07:09 AM)

The National Weather Service in Glasgow has issued a flood warning for the Milk River around Glasgow through 5 pm Saturday. The Milk River near Glasgow is still expected to approach the flood
stage of 25 feet Saturday afternoon and hold through Sunday afternoon. At 25 feet water from the Milk River will overflow into coulees and adjacent agricultural fields.

The National Weather Service office has taken pictures of the area flooding; http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/Glasgow/

Montana Officials Criticize Corps Plan (Posted Friday, March 19, 2004 07:04 AM)

(Helena-AP) -- Montana officials are criticizing a federal proposal to adjust a management plan for the Missouri River.

Governor Martz says the change will do nothing to ensure more water is held upstream. She says upstream states still give up more than downstream states which want water for barge traffic and other uses.

Bud Clinch is director of the Natural Resources and Conservation. Clinch says Fort Peck Lake is already five feet below its record low level. And he says the new plan would allow the lake to be drawn down even more.

The corps is expected to release a new Master Manuel for the river today. The proposal would shut off water releases for downstream navigation once storage in the six corps reservoirs drops to 31 (m) million acre-feet. The old threshhold was 21 (m) million. (Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Top Corps Officials Visit Fort Peck Lake (Posted Thursday, March 18, 2004 02:47 PM)

Two top officials from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers were in Fort Peck on Thursday visiting the project site and getting a first hand look at low water levels on the lake.

John Woodley who is the Assistant Undersecretary of Army for Civil Works and Brigadier General William Grisolie who is the Northwest Division Commander of the Corps of Engineers were on the Fort Peck site for an estimated three hours on Thursday.

The pair along with other officials were visiting the Fort Peck project getting a first hand look at the operation. They also met with local officials at a luncheon at the yet to be opened Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum.

After leaving Fort Peck on Thursday afternoon they were scheduled to meet with Montana Governor Judy Martz in Helena to discuss low water levels on Fort Peck Reservoir.

Long Run Responds To House Fire (Posted Thursday, March 18, 2004 02:45 PM)

The Valley County Long Run Fire Department responded to a house fire at 8:22am on Thursday morning at the Chuck and Marlene McVee Ranch which is located an estimated nine miles north of Glasgow.

According to law enforcement officials, when the Valley County Long Run Fire Department arrived on the scene the home was completely destroyed by fire.

No injuries were reported and the fire is under investigation.

Power Plant Planned For McCone County (Posted Thursday, March 18, 2004 11:19 AM)

(Billings-AP) -- The partnership that plans to build a billion-dollar power plant in eastern Montana says its first choice for a site is in McCone County.

The president of Great Northern Power Development, Jerry Vaninetti, says sites near Miles City and Volborg are still back-up alternatives, but Nelson Creek is preferred. He says the company's applications for various permits will be submitted in early June, and the plant could go on line in 2009.

Great Northern is partnering the project with Kiewit Mining Group of Omaha, which would operate a nearby coal mine to feed the generator.

The Nelson Creek site is near the western edge of the county next to coal deposits owned by Great Northern Properties. It's just east of Montana Highway 24 and north of Montana 200. (Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

Warm Front May Not Cause Trouble After All (Posted Thursday, March 18, 2004 11:06 AM)

(Glasgow-AP) Forecasters say the threat of serious flooding in northeastern Montana is not over, but the delayed arrival of a warm front late today is a lucky break.

Cool temperatures in recent days have slowed the melting and runoff of heavy snowfall in the area. Meteorologists at the National Weather Service office in Glasgow expected the warm front to arrive tomorrow, but they now say it's due this evening, instead. That means cooler nighttime temperatures can offset any speed-up in the snowmelt that could send the Milk River and other streams over their banks.

Washington Post Has Discouraging Words About Northeast Montana (Posted Wednesday, March 17, 2004 07:11 AM)

Earlier this month a reporter from the Washington Post visited Valley County to write a story on the record breaking winter that northeastern Montana has endured.

The story was published on Saturday and many Valley County officials were unhappy with the story and how it embellished many of the events of the 2003-2004 winter. Reporter Blaine Harden visited with many people in the area earlier this month and seemed to write only of the negative or discouraging stories that were told to him.

Here is a link to the story in the Washington Post:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A54596-2004Mar12.html

Thieves Stealing Only Change (Posted Wednesday, March 17, 2004 07:10 AM)

The Glasgow Police Department is looking for a thief of change in Glasgow.

According to Glasgow Police Chief Lynn Erickson, there were six separate incidents in Glasgow on Sunday evening and early Monday morning. The thief or thieves got into six different vehicles and stole only change from the vehicle.

In many of the vehicles they left cd's or in one case left a laptop computer. In two of the incidents they actually walked into a garage and got into the vehicle and took the change. In all the incidents though they did leave the pennies, taking only nickels, dimes and quarters.

The incidents are still under investigation.

Snow's Slow Melt Eases Fears Of Flooding Near Glasgow (Posted Wednesday, March 17, 2004 07:05 AM)
(Billings-AP) -- Cooler weather is easing fears of flooding northeastern Montana near Glasgow. Heavy snowcover from early winter is taking longer and longer to melt instead of pouring into the Milk River and streams faster than they can carry it away.

Valley County's disaster and emergency services chief, Rick Seiler, says some water is trickling into northeastern Montana's Milk River, but much is refreezing overnight before the river can be overwhelmed.

Valley County has made extensive preparations for coping with serious flooding because of a history of flood problems n the area from rapid spring snowmelt.

Glasgow meteorologist Don Simonsen says flooding is still a possibility in the broad river valley east of Dodson and all the way to the Milk's confluence with the Missouri near Fort Peck.

Glasgow Student Wins Big At Science Fair (Posted Tuesday, March 16, 2004 11:26 AM)

Glasgow 8th-grader Kyla Wall won first place again this year at the regional science fair in Havre on Monday.

She competed against over 150 students in the 6th-8th grade division and came away with 1st place, the Discovery Channel Young Scientist Award, Creighton - Steiner Award for outstanding exhibit and the Naval Science Award.

Her project was entitled "Hues of Fusion" and examined the effect of color on weld strength.
Kruiz Siewing and Kazzee Siewing of Saco finished 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

Many students that finished well in the local and regional competition in both Glasgow and Havre will attend the state competition in Missoula later this month.

Final Loan Availability Dates (Posted Tuesday, March 16, 2004 07:11 AM)

The Valley County Farm Service Agency would like to remind producers that the final loan and LDP availability dates for the 2003 crop year for wheat, barley, oats, canola, and flax is March 31, 2004. For corn, dry peas, lentils, mustard, safflower, small chickpeas, soybeans, and sunflowers it is May 31, 2004.

Direct any questions to the Valley County FSA Office at 228-4321.

City Council Votes To Help With Higher Insurance (Posted Tuesday, March 16, 2004 07:09 AM)

The Glasgow City Council has voted to increase contributions for employee health insurance premiums through July 1st. City employees were recently notified that health insurance premiums would increase 40% immediately and the city is looking at softening the blow at least for the next three months.

The city is looking at the possibility of joining other cities and towns in Montana in forming their own health insurance program. If the program goes into effect the city could see better health insurance rates and they could write their own benefit package. The new insurance program would go into effect on July 1st.

Council member Bob West made the proposal for the city to pay an extra $74 a month for each employees health insurance premium for the next three months. City employees though would have to pay back the money after July 1st. The council is hoping that health insurance premiums will decrease after July 1st and paying back the money will not be a problem for the employees. West's motion passed by a vote of 5-1.

The City Council also voted to hire Jean Davis as an Assistant City Clerk to replace Julie Jensen who is resigning from the job later this year.

Latest Flood Outlook: Record Flooding Still Possible (Posted Sunday, March 14, 2004 08:34 PM)
(Ed. note: this is just an outlook, NOT a forecast: many factors may change this...)

Major to near record flooding is possible on the Milk River and many of its tributaries in northeastern Montana. Major flooding is also possible on the poplar River in northeastern Montana. Minor to moderate flooding is possible on the Missouri River tributaries downstream of the confluence with the Milk River.

This outlook contains a generalized summary of snowmelt flood potential. Above normal future snow accumulations combined with heavy rains and rapid melt will increase the current flood potential while below normal future precipitation and gradual or intermittent freezing and thawing will decrease the magnitude of the current assessment. In addition, when many of the frozen Rivers and streams thaw, ice jams can occur causing higher River levels and possible flooding.

These projections of River stages are based on current observed states of streamflow, soil moisture, and snow pack, coupled with future precipitation and temperature patterns and anticipated operational hydrologic changes such as reservoir releases and canal diversions. "Outlooks" are provided for long-range (weeks to months) projections based on climatological patterns of precipitation and temperature. "Forecasts" are provided for short-term (days) projections based on future forecasted patterns of precipitation and temperature. The uncertainty of these products varies from season to season and site to site. In recent years, outlook crests have been above the observed crest about as often as they have been below the observed crest. The uncertainty of forecasts tend to be less than the uncertainty of outlooks due to their shorter lead time. Users of these products are encouraged to contact the national weather service forecast office in Glasgow for continued updates of meteorological conditions which can have significant impacts on flood planning and flood fighting activities.

Current snow conditions: much of northeastern Montana has a dense snowpack on the ground with very significant amounts of snow water equivalent. Extensive snow surveys have been conducted in the area over the past few days by a joint team of USACE and National Weather Service personnel. These measurements have indicate average snow densities of 25-35%. Measured snow water equivalent values throughout the basin, generally range from 2 to 6 inches, but some reports have exceeded 8 inches. Reported snow depths range from roughly 5 to 31 inches.

Current soil moisture conditions: the northeastern portions of Montana still has soils that are frozen or partially frozen. The mountainous areas of the Missouri River basin in central Montana generally have below normal soil moisture conditions, with the exception of the areas in Montana noted above.

Current river conditions: although many rivers and streams are still frozen, in general flows are slightly below normal. A recent warming trend across northeastern Montana has melted some of the snowpack and prompted minor rises in River levels in the region. Ice jams on the Milk River near Dodson have accentuated the rises.

Point specific outlook: refer to the narrative comment above or the national weather service in Glasgow for questions regarding the correct interpretation of this outlook.

Table legend
/1/ w.e. only. This outlook includes currently what is on the ground with no additional moisture from rain or snow assessed in the runoff potential.

/2/ norm pcpn. This outlook takes into account the normal precipitation expected compared to the normal dates of snow disappearance in addition to the above data /1/.

OUTLOOK CRESTS

STREAM/STATION	HB5ID	FLOOD STAGE	W.E. ONLY	NORM PCPN	PREVIOUS STAGE	RECORD DATE
			/1/	/2/
MILK RIVER
TAMPICO	TMPM8	25.0	28.0	29.5	31.0	041752
GLASGOW	GLWM8	25.0	32.0	33.0	33.2	041852
NASHUA	NSHM8	20.0	30.0	31.0	31.4	041852
POPLAR RIVER
POPLAR	PLRM8	15.5	16.5	17.5	18.1	071046

School Board Extends Superintendent Contract (Posted Friday, March 12, 2004 09:53 AM)

The Glasgow School Board has voted to give Superintendent Glenn Hageman a three year contract to continue his duties as head of the school district.

Hageman is currently in his first year as Superintendent after coming to Glasgow from Sheridan, MT.

The board also approved the school calendar for the 2004-2005 school year with the starting date on August 25th and the ending date May 27th of 2005.

Superintendent Hageman also had good news for the school board regarding the budget for the 2004-2005 school year. The latest figures from Montana Office of Public Instruction show that the maximum allowable budget for Glasgow in 2004-2005 is $4,125,110. This is an increase from the 2003-2004 budget which was $3,934,558. The increase in funding is the result of increased enrollment in the Glasgow school system.

Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum Fund Back (Posted Thursday, March 11, 2004 07:14 AM)

Montana’s Congressman, Denny Rehberg, on Wednesday announced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will award a contract to Split Rock company to build the Ft. Peck Interpretive Center near Glasgow. The amount, $354,000, will be awarded Thursday for a projected late August or early September completion.

“I’m relieved the Army Corps has gotten this important project back on track, at a time when we are recognizing the bi-centennial of Lewis and Clark in Montana,” Rehberg said. “The Ft. Peck Interpretive Center, with an ability to attract and educate visitors, is important both for Montana and the local economy.”

Two weeks ago, Rehberg blasted the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for mishandling funds intended for Fort Peck Center. In a letter to Brigadier General William Grisoli, Commander of the Corps’ Northwestern Division, Rehberg objected to the Corps’ decision to take an additional 60 days to rectify the error. Rehberg also met personally with Corps officials, demanding they correct the mistake.

“ This is a victory for Montana,” Rehberg said. “The Corps evidently got the message and they now have the Ft. Peck Interpretive Center back on track.”

-- Officials with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers notified Montana Senator Max Baucus Wednesday that $350,000 for the Fort Peck Interpretive Center is back in that project’s account and that a contract to complete work will be finalized Thursday.

February reports revealed the agency redirected the funds earmarked for exhibits at the new center to other Corps projects. But through phone calls and letters, Baucus and the Montana Congressional delegation pressured Corps officials to restore the funds and ensure the center will be able to open this summer.

“ I’m very glad to report that this project, which is critical to jobs in northeastern and eastern Montana, is moving forward,” Baucus said. “This just shows how important it is for us to stand up for Montana as we deal with federal agencies. I’m glad we’ve brought this unfortunate incident to a close and I look forward to seeing the center open this summer.”

Dr. Williams Moves To Glasgow Clinic (Posted Wednesday, March 10, 2004 11:43 AM)

Dr. Anne Williams, General Surgeon will be moving her practice into the Glasgow Clinic affective April 1, 2004.

“ I love my practice here in Glasgow, but just like everyone else I need to streamline. The Hospital has excellent systems in place and rather than continue to duplicate office functions, such as billing, scheduling, and medical records, I will be consolidating with the Glasgow Clinic.” Dr. Williams said.

“ Dr. Williams’ practice will continue to be an independent practice located in the Glasgow Clinic. The hospital will just provide support services to her.” Randy Holom, FMDH CEO explained. “Physicians all over the country continue to experience pressures within their practices as a result of reimbursement restrictions, insurance premium increases and general inflationary increases. This is a natural transition and by no way unique to this community. We are very excited to offer support to Dr. Williams, she is a huge asset to our Medical Staff and we want to provide all that we can to assist her.” Holom continued.

Patients will see Dr. Williams in the Glasgow Clinic beginning April 1, 2004. All patient records will be transferred and patients can expect the same great personal attention they have always received from Dr. Williams. The only thing that is changing is the location of her office. Appointments can be made and questions will be answered by calling the same number (406-228-3575). The call will be automatically forwarded to the Glasgow Clinic receptionist. In time the number will be changed to 406-228-3400 or 1-800-322-3634 ext. 3400.

Fort Peck Man Arrested On Assault Charge (Posted Wednesday, March 10, 2004 07:08 AM)

A 49-year old Fort Peck resident was arrested Monday evening after pulling a 8 1/2 inch buck knife on a Glasgow bartender.

According to the police report, Pat Dunn, was arrested after the bartender had called the police to report that Dunn had threatened him with the knife. Reportedly, Dunn had walked into the bar and was refused service by the bartender. This upset Dunn who then started calling the bartender names and threatening him. Dunn then left the bar and was followed out of the business by the bartender. When Dunn was told to stay out of the bar, he opened up the knife and told the bartender he was going to stab him.

The police then arrived at the scene and arrested Dunn in another establishment without incident. He was charged with assault with a weapon and criminal trespass. As of Tuesday morning he was still incarcerated in the Valley County Jail.

Montana Community Foundations To Award Grants (Posted Tuesday, March 9, 2004 06:56 AM)

The Montana Community Foundation will award grants of $12,000 to projects in eight Northeast Montana Counties, announces Cynthia Markle of Glasgow who chairs the Missouri River Regional Committee for MCF. It includes the following counties: Blaine, Daniels, Fergus, Petroleum, Phillips, Roosevelt, Sheridan and Valley.

For the grants, the MCF is providing $7,000 from its unrestricted endowment, while the remainder is from Steele-Reese Foundation funds. The amount of individual grants varies by need, but in broad terms, they range from $500 to $1,000, she said. Non-profit organizations with projects in the areas of arts and culture, basic human needs, education, economic development and natural resources and conservation are eligible to apply. Grant monies will be awarded by June 30.

Applications are due April 15. For more information, contact Markle at 406-228-8090, or the Montana Community Foundation in Helena at 406-443-8313.

Saturday’s Meeting Will Discuss Fort Peck Lake Fisheries Management (Posted Tuesday, March 9, 2004 06:49 AM)

Low water levels on Fort Peck Lake are a headache for anglers looking for a useable boat launch. They’re a nightmare for fisheries biologists trying to sustain the lake’s sport fisheries as the reservoir pool drops below historic low levels.

Mike Ruggles, the Fish, Wildlife & Parks fisheries biologist who manages Fort Peck, will give the public an overview of the Fort Peck fishery, and how it is faring as the lake’s pool dwindles, at a meeting this Saturday, March 13, from 1-3 p.m. at Glasgow’s Cottonwood Inn. Ruggles will detail last year’s sampling results and present this year’s management proposals, including the department’s stocking recommendations for walleye, northern pike, lake trout and Chinook salmon.

The meeting is FWP’s annual update on Fort Peck and its contents, required by the Fort Peck Fisheries Management Plan. In addition to a fisheries update, FWP will present information on this year’s lake-wide creel, which will collect information from anglers that will be used to estimate catch rates and harvest.

Forage conditions deteriorating
Generally, says Ruggles, surveys confirm that the trend he detailed last year has accelerated. Shoreline forage (minnows and young perch and crappie) populations are declining because the low water doesn’t offer any protection from predators. Deep-water cisco populations aren’t faring much better. And the body condition of smaller walleye is deteriorating because they can’t get enough to eat.

Fort Peck’s larger walleye are in better shape, mainly because they can eat a wider variety of food, including cisco and other sport fish, even smaller walleye.

Last year, Ruggles told the audience that he expected anglers in 2003 would experience good fishing for walleye because natural food levels were low. This year, his prognosis is for decent fishing, but anglers may start to notice that the 10- to 18-inch walleye they catch look skinnier than they have in the past. And he expects salmon and lake trout fishing to be relatively poor because a high percentage of juvenile fish of both species are not surviving to reproductive age.

“ Last fall, few of the 2-year-old male salmon returned to our trap,” says Ruggles. “That worries me that this year’s salmon return might be disappointing.”

Ruggles recommends stocking about 2 million walleye fingerling, on par with average over the last decade, and another 20 million walleye fry, lower than the recent average. But the biologist notes that if water levels continue to decline, next year’s stock may be lower.

This year’s projected water levels are not good news. The Corps of Engineers projects a slight rise in levels as snowmelt flows into Fort Peck, but the worst-case scenario calls for the lake to drop another 10 feet in 2004, to about 2,195 feet above sea level.

“ Water levels need to stop declining and then start filling, at least to the level where we can flood some of last year’s vegetation,” says Ruggles. “If we keep going lower, there’s just no habitat for shoreline spawners or refuge for smaller fish, such as our stocked walleye.”

Fish, Wildlife & Parks will propose stocking about 200,000 northern pike this year, mostly near the lake’s access points, about 35,000 lake trout, and about 180,000 salmon. Ruggles notes that the salmon, while fewer in number than recent plants, will be larger and therefore better able to survive the lake’s predators.
FWP seeks comments on prairie dog rules
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comments on proposed rules to manage the relocation of prairie dog colonies, a seldom-used management option.

The Region 6 meeting will be held Tuesday, March 23, at 7 p.m. in Malta’s Great Northern Hotel, 2nd Ave. South, 1st Street E.

The proposed rules cover all states of relocation and are designed to reduce impacts on adjacent lands and minimize the potential for spreading disease. The party carrying out the relocation would be responsible for all associated expenses, according to the rule. Montana state law recognizes the dual need to conserve prairie dogs and to control them. FWP is charged with managing prairie dogs as “nongame wildlife in need of management.”

For a copy of the proposed rules, either attend the Malta meeting or go to FWP’s web site at http://www.fwp.state.mt.us and go to Public Notices, then look under ARM Rules. Or you can call (406) 444-2612. Comments on the rules will be accepted through March 26 and may be submitted to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Wildlife Division, 1420 E. Sixth Ave., Helena, MT 59620, or you can email " fwpwld@state.mt.us.

9th Annual Glasgow Kiwanis Club Science Fair Results (Posted Tuesday, March 9, 2004 06:36 AM)

The 9th Annual Glasgow Kiwanis Science was held Saturday March 6th and Monday March 8th, 2004 at the Glasgow Eastside School. 95 students presented 66 projects from grades 4 to 9 which were judged by 9 teams of judges. Students could present projects alone, or as a team of two. Projects were to demonstrate the scientific method by performing an experiment comparing things. Students could be judged on either Saturday or Monday.

There were 16 4th grade students participating, 22 of the students were from 5th grade; 36 were from the 6th grade; 12 students were 7th graders, and 8 were 8th graders.

Judges were from the Kiwanis Club, National Weather Service, Fish Wildlife and Parks, Corps of Engineers, local Businesses and Schools: Bill Wiedenheft, Gary Wageman, Gary Saxbury, Doris Leader, Arnold Hill, Sam Waters, Gina Reyling, Dr. Sam Espeland, Andrew McKean, Dave Pippin, Rachel Erickson, Linda Neill, Harold Dingman, Kitty Lou Rusher, Steve Hansen, Wes Allen, Jennifer Reinhardt, Tom Salem, Albert Wilson, Larry Mires, David Gregory, Cindy Taylor, Ruth Ebert, Pat Gunderson, Woody Baxter, and Julie Adolphson.

Dr. Charles Wilson was fair coordinator; Connie James helped direct students to be judged. Albertson's provided juice and buns for the judges. Judging was difficult since there were so many excellent projects exhibited as always.

The top finishers were:
4th Grade 1st Place: Shannon Saxbury and Jami Johnson Fantastic Fingerprints

2nd Place: Vanessa Mattfeldt and Melissa Unger Soaking it up (with paper towels)

3rd Place: Jory Wall Cleanin' Copper

5th Grade 1st Place: Alexa Barnes What is the Moisture Content of Snow?

2nd Place: Sienna Dailey Let's Get Rolling!

3rd Place: Marina Hansen Which Cat Litter is most Absorbent?

6th Grade 1st Place: Elsie Satterfield Are you choosing the best fishing line?

2nd Place: Alacia Cole and Quinn Vaira Five second 'rule' of germ contamination

3rd Place: Walter Belleau and Colten Stratinger How wind speed affects electricity generation

7th Grade 1st Place: Anna Breigenzer and Nicole Nelson Does mouthwash really kill mouth germs?

2nd Place: Sara Fisher and Beth Swanson What's in your wallet? (germs)

3rd Place: Mikaela Herman and Jaclyn Wetterling How does temperature affect crystal growth?

8th Grade 1st Place: Whitney Kliewer Pharmaceutical Plants (effect of medicines)

2nd Place: Kyla Wall Hues of Fusion (affect of color on weld strength)

3rd Place: Cassandra Lannen How much Vitamin C do different fruits have?

9th Grade 1st Place: Morgan Bell How well do different salt crystals melt ice?

Thanks also go to school personnel, teachers, and parents for their support. The Kiwanis Club awarded ribbons and certificates. The first place winners in each grade received $50 in Glasgow Chamber "Big Bucks" courtesy the Kiwanis Club, and second place received $25 in "Big Bucks", shared if a team.

City Council Passes Two Mill Levy Resolution (Posted Monday, March 8, 2004 02:50 PM)

The Glasgow City Council has unanimously passed a resolution assessing an emergency levy of two mills for unanticipated wintertime disaster expenditures.

The resolution was passed unanimously by the City Council at a special meeting on March 5th.
The City of Glasgow has spent over $42,000 on the clearing of snow off of city streets since December 26th. City employees and local contractors have hauled over 15,000 truck loads of snow from 32 miles of streets and alleys. This is more than 10 times the average total for the Public Works crews which required them to amass hours of overtime.

Glasgow has received over 60 inches of snow since December 26th and this snowfall is a record amount according to the National Weather Service.

The two-mill levy will bring in $5,442 which will be assessed on the November, 2004 tax statements.

Chamber Banquet Held (Posted Monday, March 8, 2004 09:48 AM)

The Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture hosted their Annual Banquet and Awards Night at the Cottonwood Inn on March 6th.

A crowd of over 110 people enjoyed a delicious meal centered on a Hawaiian theme and were entertained by veteran news broadcaster Dave Rye from the Northern Broadcasting Network.

Several awards were handed out including the Del Strommen Award which was presented to the David and Lynette Nelson family from the Opheim area. The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Tim Newton and the Presidents Award was given to the Board of Directors of the Valley Event Center.

2004 Chamber President Stan Ozark also honored the two members of the board of directors who retired from the board in 2003. Delvin Hackwith and Todd Wagner were presented with plaques thanking them for their service to the Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture.

Previously Unmarked Pallid Sturgeon Netted In Fort Peck Dam Tailrace (Posted Friday, March 5, 2004 08:56 PM)

It was a day that may have changed Devan Bessette’s life. The Nashua high-schooler is one of the few Montanans to see a live pallid sturgeon, and thanks to a combination of a citizen tip and a bit of luck, he had an opportunity to observe Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ efforts to recover the endangered species.

Bessette was job-shadowing FWP fisheries workers last winter when the department’s pallid sturgeon recovery crew netted a previously unmarked pallid in the tailrace of Fort Peck Dam. Because so few adult pallids remain in the Missouri River, the discovery of any unmarked fish is noteworthy. What makes last year’s operation even more remarkable was its location. Biologists haven’t netted a pallid sturgeon in the tailrace in nearly 10 years because the fish simply have stopped gathering there.

“ We had heard from a diver about some big fish hanging out in the tailrace, just below the dam,” says Dave Fuller, a fisheries technician based in Fort Peck. “We had some nice weather before Christmas, so we put some nets out, from the dam downstream to Park Grove, to see if we could verify the sighting.”

The following day, as the crew was being job-shadowed by Bessette, Fuller and pallid sturgeon biologist Kevin Kapuscinski pulled the nets.

“ We caught some pretty interesting fish, including a 10-pound ling,” says Fuller. “In one of the last nets we pulled, there was the pallid.”

Bessette was in the front of the netting boat, pulling the net, and he immediately knew the pallid was no ordinary fish.

“ I told them that we had a big sturgeon, but they (Fuller and Kapuscinski) didn’t believe me until they saw me struggling with the net,” says the Nashua senior. “It was that heavy. When they saw it was a pallid, their eyes just about popped out of their heads.”

The fish was a mature adult about 4 feet long and estimated at about 35 years old. It had no apparent markings, tags or evidence that it previously had been netted.

“ It’s important to note that an unmarked fish doesn’t mean that it’s never been caught,” Fuller cautions. “It may have lost its tag or some other mark. But we were pretty surprised to catch a fish in that tailrace section, and we were even more surprised to catch an unmarked fish.”

The discovery of even one individual pallid sturgeon is important, considering the low population in the upper Missouri. Biologists estimate the population of pallid sturgeon between Fort Peck Dam and North Dakota’s Lake Sakakawea to number between 120 and 150 fish. Most of the individuals are at least 35 years old, which suggests that while pallids may be reproducing, no natural recruitment is occurring in the Missouri River.

The location of the pallid may also be important. Most of FWP’s sturgeon netting takes place near the confluence with the Yellowstone River and other sites where pallids are known to congregate. If unmarked fish are showing up in the tailrace and other seldom used areas, it may be evidence of additional individuals.

“ Our recapture rate on pallids is about 85 percent,” says Fuller, meaning that more than three-fourths of the fish that are netted are tagged or otherwise known to researchers. “Our high recapture rate may be because we tend to hit the same areas, so we’re catching the same fish over and over. Starting in April of 2004, we are going to sample different areas in an attempt to find new individuals.”

The tailrace pallid was implanted with a radio transmitter before being released back into the Missouri. Researchers intend to track the radio signals to see if the fish leads them to other, previously unknown pallids. The tailrace pallid also may become part of the Adopt-a-Fish program that allows students to follow “their” fish over the internet.

As for Bessette, the experience with the pallid crew energized a latent interest in wildlife management.

“ I’ve applied to MSU in Bozeman and I’d like to study wildlife biology and horticulture, and maybe be a forest ranger or a biologist,” he says. “I had a blast. That was one of the coolest things I’ve ever done.”

Bledsoe Appearance Rescheduled (Posted Friday, March 5, 2004 06:14 PM)

Due to some scheduling difficulties, the Glasgow Youth Ground Zero Committee has had to cancel their Mac Bledsoe presentation for Thursday, March 11th. They are tentatively rescheduling Mr. Bledsoe for later this year (possibly sometime in October). They apologize for this inconvenience and thank all those that have expressed an interest in attending Mr. Bledsoe's presentation. The committee will still be raffling off the items autographed by Mr. Bledsoe's son, Drew, on March 11th. If you would like to purchase tickets, they are $5 apiece or 3 for $10. They can be purchased from any of the committee members or at Glasgow High School.

Senator Burns Sends Letter To Corps (Posted Thursday, March 4, 2004 04:33 PM)

(Ed. note: the following is a letter released from Senator Conrad Burns that was sent to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers)
For too long now, Montana and other upriver states have shouldered the impact of drought on the Missouri River. While I am pleased to see a step in the right direction by actually producing a manual which has been needed for over a decade, the proposed alternative management plan does not meet the needs of Montana recreation users, irrigators, and many communities that rely on Fort Peck Lake as a source of their income.

Preferential treatment to downriver states and their barge traffic must come to an end. It is only fair that all states along the river bear an equal burden in times of extreme drought as we have seen here in Montana. In review of this final environmental impact statement, I am dismayed to see that once again the needs of the upriver states are being forsaken to protect the dwindling barge traffic downriver.

I don't feel the manual contains the common-sense flexibility needed to adapt to changing environmental conditions. For example, right now Montana communities in the Milk River drainage, just a few miles north of Fort Peck, have record snow levels that will melt and push a sizeable volume of water into the Missouri. This plan makes no provision to stem the flow from Fort Peck Dam while the runoff from the Milk supplies the water necessary to fill reservoirs downstream. We could turn the spigot down on Fort Peck and hold on to the upstream spring melt while the Milk supplies the downstream flow.

As we look at the weather history of Northeast Montana over the past few years, it would be foolish to rely on late spring rains to replenish water in the Fort Peck reservoir. Montanans understand the impact of drought, and know that we all will feel the pain until moisture comes back to the area. Understanding that, we deserve fair treatment and should not be facing dry docks and severely diminished opportunity at Fort Peck for the sake of a couple of barges in Missouri. As the Corps moves toward completion of the Master Manual, I will work to make sure the needs of Montanans are not sacrificed for the benefit of downstream users.

Conrad Burns
United States Senator for Montana

Parenting With Dignity Meeting Is Thursday (Posted Wednesday, March 3, 2004 05:09 PM)

The Glasgow Youth Ground Zero Committee is presenting Parenting With Dignity with Mac Bledsoe, father of NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe, in a series of talks to help parents teach their kids good decision-making skills.

The sessions will be held Thursday, March 11th during a Student Assembly from 1-2, at GHS, during a Glasgow Faculty Assembly from 2:15-3:45pm and a Parent/Community talk at 7pm at GHS auditorium.

The Parenting With Dignity program is presented as a 9-hour parenting course on DVD or VHD, with a free accompanying parent's workbook.

For more information contact Glasgow High School at 228-2485.

Fish, Wildlife & Parks Notes (Posted Wednesday, March 3, 2004 07:55 AM)

Pamphlet details prairie-dog shooting rules, restrictions

A pamphlet that details restrictions, guidelines and sources for information about recreational prairie-dog shooting in northeastern Montana is available from Fish, Wildlife & Parks and other sources in the region.

The pamphlet is produced by FWP and is designed to remind shooters that a number of restrictions govern the shooting of black-tailed prairie dogs. The most significant restriction is a seasonal closure during the months of March, April and May on all federal lands in Montana. The pamphlet also reminds shooters of year-round prairie-dog shooting closures on the “40 Complex” and Pea Ridge, a pair of areas in southern Phillips County where researchers are attempting to reintroduce black-footed ferrets.

The pamphlet is intended to educate shooters, says Ryan Rauscher, FWP’s native species biologist in Glasgow.

“ Prairie dog shooting is a popular activity, not only locally but nationally,” says Rauscher. “The pamphlet is designed to guide shooters to areas on public and private land that are open to shooting, and to remind shooters of other species on the landscape.”

The guide details how to obtain maps and more information about shooting. If you’d like a copy of the pamphlet, visit FWP’s Glasgow and Havre offices, BLM offices or chambers of commerce in northeastern Montana. You may also request a pamphlet in the mail by calling (406) 228-3700 or view an electronic copy of the pamphlet by visiting FWP’s web site: http://www.fwp.state.mt.us/wildthings/prairiedogs.asp

Citizen advisor applications due March 12
If you are interested in being considered for Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ new Citizen Advisory Council, make sure your application is received by FWP by March 12.

The council is being assembled in Region 6, which includes northeastern and north-central Montana, and will consist of about a dozen citizen volunteers who will advise the department on a variety of natural-resource programs and policies.

Citizen advisors will be selected by FWP managers and two members of the public and will serve 2-year terms.

To request an application, call FWP’s Glasgow office at 228-3700 or email amckean@state.mt.us.

Comment on CWD action plan at March 23 meeting

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is holding meetings around the state this month to gather public comments on management options if chronic wasting disease (CWD) is detected in Montana’s free-ranging deer and elk populations.

The Region 6 meeting will be held Tuesday, March 23 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at the FWP regional headquarters on U.S. Highway 2 West in Glasgow. Come to the meeting room in the Quonset hut to the west of the headquarters building.

The meetings are designed to help Montanans become more aware of the disease and its implications as well as options available to protect wildlife populations. The meetings will also provide an overview on the potential impact of CWD on wildlife and the economy and how other states have managed the disease within their borders.

Since 1996, FWP has randomly tested about 4,500 wild elk and deer, including more than a thousand along the Canadian border in Region 6, and CWD has not been detected. However, positive cases of CWD have been identified in Wyoming, South Dakota and Saskatchewan only 100 miles from the Montana border. Wildlife managers expect CWD will be detected in the future in Montana.

Chronic wasting disease is a rare neurological disease found in a small percentage of wild deer and elk in limited areas of North America. There is no known cure for CWD, which attacks the brains of infected deer and elk, causing animals to become emaciated, display abnormal behavior, lose bodily functions and eventually die.

For more information on the disease, go to the FWP website at http://www.fwp.state.mt.us and use the search function by entering “CWD,” or go to the CWD Alliance website at www.cwd-info.org.
For details, contact FWP at 406-444-4039 or email tfeldner@state.mt.us.

Bowhunter Ed class offered this month in Glasgow

A Bowhunter Education class, completion of which is required for all first-time bowhunters in Montana, will be offered March 17-20 at Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ classroom in Glasgow.

The class size is limited to 14 students, and all students must pre-register by visiting FWP’s office during business hours. Class hours will be 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Saturday’s field session will run 9 a.m. to noon. All sessions will be held in the Quonset hut classroom, located just west of the FWP headquarters on Highway 2 West in Glasgow. Students who will need special physical or other accommodations should inform FWP at the time they pre-register.

The course will cover basic bowhunting safety, ethics and equipment and will be taught by certified instructors Earl Carson and assistant Dennis Wethern. Call Carson at 228-8963 or email fourcars@nemontel.net for additional course information.

Anyone wishing to hunt big game during any Montana archery-only season must either produce an archery license from a previous year or state or show proof of completing a Bowhunter Education course. Additionally, all hunters aged 12 through 17 must complete this course prior to purchasing their first archery hunting license.

City Council Approves Police Promotions (Posted Wednesday, March 3, 2004 07:44 AM)

The Glasgow City Council has given final approval to three promotions in the Glasgow Police Department.

With the retirement of Mike Sukut last month, Glasgow Police Chief Lyndon Erickson has made changes in the hierarchy of the Police Department.

Promoted to Captain is Bruce Barstad while the new Lieutenant is Brien Gault and promoted to Sergeant is Dave Watson.

The promotions will take effect in the next two weeks and will also involve minor pay increases for the three officers. Chief Erickson also said all three officers will be put on one-year probation.

Cottonwood inn Expands (Posted Wednesday, March 3, 2004 07:43 AM)

The Cottonwood Inn is currently in the process of constructing fourteen additional rooms and the new rooms should be ready by June 2004. The additional rooms will include six suites (rooms with a separate living/office area, small kitchen center, and a king sized bedroom). With the completion of the addition the Cottonwood will have 106 rooms.

The Cottonwood was originally built in 1984 with 71 rooms and was financed by local and area investors.

Twenty-one rooms were added in 1992 and the restaurant was expanded and remodeled in 1993. The motel was purchased in 2002 by Lynn & Lois Grobel, Tracy & Betty Stone, and Robert and Connie Brunelle.

The motel currently employs 50-55 locally and the new expansion could mean the addition of 5-7 employees.

The new expansion is being completed by the local companies including Braden-Pehlke, Holtan Electric and Myron Gartner Plumb

Cattle Killed By Trains Near Frazer (Posted Tuesday, March 2, 2004 08:36 AM)

Nine cattle were killed by Burlington Northern/Santa Fe Railroad trains last week according to Valley County Sheriff Glen Meier. He told Kltz/Klan that the cattle were killed near Frazer in two different incidents. The first seven cattle were killed on Friday afternoon around 1:00pm by an east bound train. Then on Saturday morning at around 1:00am, 2 more cattle were killed by a train near the same location by Frazer.

Meier told Kltz/Klan that the cattle were from the same herd and had gotten out of their pasture and gotten on the tracks. Saturday morning, Meier along with three other deputies and an employee of BNSF cleared the tracks and herded the cattle back into their pasture.

Glasgow Police Chief Appointed To Advisory Council (Posted Tuesday, March 2, 2004 08:04 AM)

Glasgow Police Chief Lyndon Erickson has been appointed by Montana Attorney General Mike McGrath to the Montana Law Enforcement Academy Advisory Council.

The council serves as a liason between the Department of Justice and the Montana law enforcement community.

Erickson will serve a three year term on the council and will attend his first meeting this week.

Flood Packets Released (Posted Monday, March 1, 2004 08:48 PM)

The last mailing of flood packets were sent out on Monday, March 1. The packets include information on what to do before, during and after a flood. There is information on how to sandbag, and where to purchase sandbags, plastic sheeting, and sand. The packet also includes information on where to purchase a NOAA weather radio, how to sanitize your well after a flood event, and other valuable information.

If you did not receive a packet and feel you are in a flood prone area, you may pick one up at the Valley County Extension Office located in the Valley County Courthouse or call 228-6241.

A video on how to sandbag can now be checked out at the extension office.

Report Recommends Needs Assessment Of County Jail (Posted Monday, March 1, 2004 12:00 PM)

The National Institute of Corrections has completed their facility and operational assessment conducted on the Valley County Jail in January.

Mark Martin prepared the report for Sheriff Glen Meier at no cost and filed the report at the end of February.

The report lists several issues which require priority attention. It appears the most significant issue is the fact that the locking system on the male housing cell doors does not work. This allows prisoners to roam free in the jail area without any capacity to lock them down in their cells.

The report also states that the jail has no separate entrance for securely receiving inmates into the facility apart from the public. And the design of the jail doesn't allow for effective inmate supervision and the jail has limited capacity to separate various inmate classifications. There is also no natural light into the inmate housing areas and the artificial lighting in inadequate. The current jail cells are undersized for the current occupancy levels and their is no indoor or outdoor exercise areas.

The report goes on to say that the jail lacks sufficient capacity to accommodate peak population levels and future detention needs.

The final analysis and recommendation states that long term, cost-effective resolution of many of the issues would be difficult in the jail's present location. In the short term, Valley County officials should give priority attention to those physical plant deficiencies most directly affecting the life, health, and safety of inmates and staff. To address the long term detention needs of the County, officials should consider conducting a detention needs and feasibility assessment as a first step in deciding the future of the Valley County Jail.

Valley County Sheriff Glen Meier has received permission from the Valley County Commissioners to work with the National Corrections Institute on how to approach the changes needed at the Valley County Jail. Meier told Kltz/Klan that he plans to form a committee in the future to look at the future of the jail.

The Valley County Jail was built in 1973 and is a 16 bed jail. In 2003 the Valley County Jail held 272 inmates with an average daily population of 6 and an average length of stay of 8.1 days. This was an increase over 2002 when there were an average of 3 inmates held.

First Spring Flood Outlook Released (Posted Monday, March 1, 2004 07:24 AM)

This snowmelt outlook is for river basins in northeast Montana including Milk River drainage...the Poplar River drainage...and the Missouri River drainage below Fort Peck Reservoir.

Major to near record flooding is possible on the Milk River and many of its tributaries in northeastern Montana...east of Dodson in coming weeks. Major flooding is also possible on the Poplar River in eastern Montana. Minor to moderate flooding could also occur on the tributaries of the Missouri river downstream of the confluence with the milk river in northeastern Montana.

Above normal spring snow accumulations...heavy rains...rapid melt and/or ice jams will increase the current flood potential. Below normal spring precipitation and gradual or intermittent freezing and thawing will decrease the flood potential.

Much of northeast Montana has a dense snowpack on the ground. Recent measurements have indicated average snow depths of 10 to 20 inches. Snow water equivalent values...based on a number of measurements throughout the basin...generally range from 2 to 6 inches with a few reports over 8 inches.

The 8 to 14 day forecast for northeast Montana indicates better chances for below normal temperatures and below normal precipitation.

The 30-day outlook for northeast Montana indicates chances are equal that temperature and precipitation will be above...below or near normal.

The 90-day outlook for northeast Montana indicates better chances for below normal temperatures with equal chances that precipitation will be above...below or near normal.

March Obituaries

James Gardner Roth

James Gardner Roth, age 75, passed away on Wednesday - March 31, 2004 at his home in St. Marie, Montana of congestive heart failure. Services are planned for Monday - April 5, 2004 at 2:00 P.M. at the Livingston Masonic Temple in Livingston, MT with interment at the Highland Cemetery in Glasgow, Montana. Bell Mortuary in charge of arrangements.

BORN: October 24, 1928 in Laurel, MT PARENTS: James Roth and Martha (Gardner) Roth He was born at home to James Francis and Martha (Gardner) Roth. He attended school in Billings and graduated from Park County High School in 1947. He married Joan Isbell on June 1, 1952. He worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad and the City of Livingston as a fireman. Later he was fire chief at the Glasgow AFB. He owned AAA Rental in Livingston until he retired and moved back to the former Glasgow AFB, which is now known as St. Marie. Preceded in death by his parents, a sister Phyllis, a son James Michael and a daughter Joyce Ann.

SURVIVORS: Wife: Joan Roth of St. Marie, MT Daughter: Judy (Bob Roth) Saavedra of Aurora, CO Son: John Roth (Melody Wentz) of Livingston 6 Grandchildren: Candace (Albert) Bolz, Cory Tate, Denver, CO Beth (Adam Myers) and Niki Perry of Billings James Roth and Shawn Roth of Missoula 2 Great Grandchildren: Kailee Perry of Billings Kaden Myers of Billings Sisters: Fran (Bob) Hansan of Lewistown Helen Roemer of Cottonwood, AZ.

Bert Leroy Huff

Bert Leroy Huff, age 66, passed away on Monday - March 29, 2004 at his home in St. Marie, MT of emphysema. Services are planned for Friday - April 2, 2004 at 10:00 A.M. at the Bell Chapel in Glasgow, Montana with burial at the Highland Cemetery in Glasgow, MT with Bell Mortuary in charge of arrangements.

BORN: May 19, 1937 in Ironton, Minnesota PARENTS: Ruben and Ethel (Hemmelman) Huff. Bert was raised and attended school in Little Falls, Minnesota. He entered the service at the age of 17. He served in the Air Force in Alaska, Viet Nam, Phillipines, and Hawaii. From 1967 to 1970 Bert served in Washington DC with Passenger Service for Air Force 1 under President Nixon. On April 18, 1959 Bert married Dolores Valdez in Fort Worth, Texas. He retired from the Air Force in 1972 and moved to Washington State where he earned his degree in Foresty at Green River Community College. He worked as a Carpenter for several years and retired to St. Marie, MT in 1993. Bert loved hunting and fishing. He loved the plains, playing cribbage, reading, early American History, and driving country roads and trails with his dog Betsy.

SURVIVORS: Wife: Dolores Huff of St. Marie, MT Sisters: Irene Luberts Matt) of Pierz, Minnesota Ruby Tuura (Les) of Foreston, MT Many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

Lucille V. Lindgren

Lucille V. Lindgren, age 89, passed away on Thursday - March 25, 2004 of natural causes in Glasgow, MT. Services will be on Monday - March 29, 2004 at 10:00 A.M. at the First Congregational Church in Glasgow, MT with Rev. Emory Robotham officiating. Interment will be at the Highland Cemetery in Glasgow, Montana. Bell Mortuary in charge of arrangements.

BORN: May 6, 1914 in Plentywood, MT PARENTS: George and Edith (Erickson) Lindgren She lived in Plentywood until 1926 when they moved to Detroit Lakes, Minnesota for two years. In 1928 her family moved to Brockway, Montana where Lucille graduated from High School in 1934. She then attended the University of Montana in Missoula where she earned a Bachelors Degree in Education. Lucille taught school in Brockton, Noxon, Hinsdale and for many years in Glasgow. Lucille was a photographer and had a Photography Studio in Glasgow in the 1950's. She served in the 8th Army Air Force in England during World War II, working on war records. She was very active in genealogy and was a oil and water color painter. She was a member of the First Congregational Church and served on the Church Board for many years as Treasurer.

SURVIVORS: Brother: George Lindgren and his wife Gertrude of Great Falls, MT Niece: Marilyn Lindgren of West Austin, Texas Nephews: George Lindgren of Memphis, Tennessee Richard Lindgren of Great Falls, MT Henry Lindgren of Great Falls, MT Thomas Lindgren of Springfield, Missouri Frank Lindgren of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Grand Nieces and Nephews: Marcella Lindgren of Grand Marias, Minnesota Alan Lindgren of Memphis, Tennessee Linsey Lindgren of Billings, MT.

Dorothy Emma Larson

Dorothy Emma Larson, age 91, passed away on Saturday - March 27, 2004 at France Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow, Montana from natural causes. Services are planned for Tuesday - March 30, 2004 at 3:00 P.M at the Valle View Chapel in Glasgow, MT with Rev. Martin Mock officiating. Interment will be at the Faith Lutheran Cemetery in Mentor, Minnesota. Bell Mortuary in Glasgow in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy was born October 24, 1912 in Maple Valley, Minnesota. Parents: John A. and Alvina (Suring) Nelson. Dorothy graduated from Suring High School in 1930. She and her sister Henrietta moved to Chicago to work. There she met and married Arthur Larson on February 24, 1941. She was a military bride before moving to Fort Peck, MT in 1946, living in Fort Peck most of the time before moving to Glasgow. She has been a resident at Valley View Nursing Home since 1998. Dorothy was a member of the First Lutheran Church of Glasgow, Eastern Star, White Shrine, and VFW. She was a member of the Fort Peck Ladies Bridge Club and several Glasgow bridge groups. Dorothy babysat numerous youngsters and was well known for her skills in sewing and tailoring for others. Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband Arthur O. Larson in 1999, a sister Henrietta Nelson, a brother Ralph Nelson, who died in World War II, and by 2 nieces and 2 nephews.

Dorothy is survived by a son, Gerald Larson of Butte, MT, a brother E. John (Ruby) Nelson of Watertown, Wisconsin, and several nieces and nephews, include a niece Gayle Hubbard of Rochester, Minnesota.

Delcie Schartner

Delcie Schartner, age 86, died Saturday, March 20, 2004 at the France Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow, Montana of natural causes. Services are planned for Wednesday - March 24, 2004 at 11:00 A.M at the Evangelical Church in Glasgow, MT with Rev. Jay Ashbaucher officiating. Interment will be at the Lustre Bethel Mennonite Cemetery in Lustre , Montana. Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Delcie Schartner was born in Lustre, Montana on March 4, 1918. She grew up on a farm with her father and mother, Henry and Margaret, and her brother Albert. She attended the Center Bell School, Lustre Bible School, and then graduated from the Frazer High School as salutatorian. She was an active member of the Lustre Bethel Mennonite Church where she taught Sunday school. Wishing to be of service to God and to people, she graduated from Bethseda School of Nursing, St. Paul, Minnesota in 1946. Her nursing took her to many places before returning home to care for her terminally ill mother. After the death of her mother she and her father and brother moved to Glasgow where she worked at the Deaconess Hospital. She went back to school in 1959 to get her Public Health Certificate from the University of Minnesota, then in 1964 graduated from Montana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing. For more than 22 years she worked as Valley County Public Health Nurse. She taught first aid, CPR, and conducted many educational clinics involving various health issues. In 1980 she was recipient of the esteemed Jefferson Award in Montana for outstanding community service, which was awarded by Max Baucus during a formal presentation in Great Falls. Day or night, seven days a week, she went anywhere needed to help persons with their health problems and needs. Delcie was also active and dedicated to serving God in the Glasgow Evangelical Church for the past 47 years. She taught children's Bible classes for 18 years, served as Sunday School superintendent and church secretary, and was active in the women's society. Someone once remarked that "Delcie is a first-class citizen who has devoted her life to serving mankind…as if the whole community is her family whom she cares about." Delcie also enjoyed cooking, baking, sewing, craftwork, and gardening. She died peacefully March 20, 2004 in faith to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord Jesus Christ.

SURVIVORS: One brother - Albert Schartner of Glasgow, Montana.

Eleanor Kress

Eleanor Kress, age 63, died Saturday, February 7, 2004 at the Valley View nursing home in Glasgow, Montana of cancer. Funeral services are Service Saturday, March 20, 2004 at the Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Nashua. Interment will then be at the Nashua cemetery in Nashua, Montana. Ralph and Eleanor will be buried together. Bell Mortuary in Glasgow is in charge of arrangements.

Eleanor was born April 23, 1940 in Glasgow, Montana to Hugh Vaughan and Emily (Peterson) Vaughan. Eleanor was raised and attended schools in Circle and graduated from Circle High School. She then attended Beauty School and ran her own beauty shop in Billings. On July 2, 1966, Eleanor married Ralph J. Kress in Laurel, Montana. They moved to Augusta, Montana where they owned and operated the Elk Horn Grocery Store. In 1988, they moved to Choteau, Montana where Eleanor worked as a CNA in the Choteau Nursing Home. They moved to Nashua in the summer of 1991 where she worked at Buttrey's, at the Valley View Nursing Home, and for Home Health. She became ill in 1996 and moved to the farm 35 miles south of Nashua. She loved to dance, bake cookies for her grandchildren, crocheting, knitting, sewing clothes for her kids, gardening, growing flowers, riding horses, and shopping. She has lived with her daughter Jennifer since 2002 and in November of 2003 moved into the Valley View Nursing Home in Glasgow. She also enjoyed playing hunting and coloring with her grandchildren, and camping and fishing with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph J. Kress on March 21, 2003 and two brothers, Denise Vaughan Howard Vaughan, and by her parents Hugh and Emily.

Survivors include: a son, Ralph Kress Jr. of Nashua, Montana; daughters: Dorothy Kress of Boulder, CO, Theresa Vogel and (Rod) of Bozeman, Montana, and Jennifer Nickels and (Jesse) of Nashua, Montana; sisters: Jean Wagner and (Victor) of Circle, Montana, and Eileen Hahn and (Jim) of Billings, Montana; a brother: Gary Vaughan and (Gloria) of Billings, Montana; 5 Grandchildren.

James Zimmer

James Zimmer, age 85, passed away Tuesday, March 16, 2004 at the Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow, Montana of natural causes. VIGIL SERVICE - Friday, March 19, 2004 at 7:00 P.M. at Bell Chapel in Glasgow, MT with services planned for March 20, 2004 at 11:00 A.M at the Holy Family Catholic Church in Glentana, Montana with Fr. Rob Oswald officiating. INTERMENT: Glentana Cemetery in Glentana, Montana BELL MORTUARY in Glasgow in charge of arrangements. Preceded in death by brothers and sisters Joe Zimmer, Helen Stein, Charley Zimmer, Les Zimmer and John Zimmer.

BORN: October 24, 1918 in Glentana, Montana PARENTS: John and Gertrude (Niehoff) Zimmer Jim was born and attended schools in Glentana. He entered and served in the US Army from 1941 to 1946 serving in Northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland, and Central Europe. After the war he bought the Max Kruger farm which he lived on and farmed and ranched until 1985 when he retired moved into Glentana. Jim has lived the past 6 years at the Nemont Manor in Glasgow. Jim was a very kind person with a ready smile and liked to help people, not only his family but also his friends. He made ropes and toys which he liked to give to people. SURVIVORS: Sisters: Frances Daly of Glasgow, MT Mae Stein of Glasgow, MT Rose Taylor of Aurora, Colorado Lucille Autrey of Odessa, Texas Brothers: Tom Zimmer of Lewistown, MT Mark Zimmer of Wainwright, Alberta Vince Zimmer of Thayne, Wyoming Numerous Nieces and Nephews Special Friends Melvin and Jackie Dyrland Family.

Gary Ralph Copenhaver

Gary Ralph Copehaver, 59, of Wolf Point, passed away on March 14, 2004 of a sudden heart attack at Northeast Montana Health Services in Wolf Point. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 17 from 7-9pm at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 18 at 10am at Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel. Interment will be in Oswego Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to: Copenhaver College Fund for Brock and Easton in care of Western Bank, P.O. Box 638, Wolf Point, MT 59201. Condolences may be sent to the family at csmc@nemontel.net or www.stevensonandsons.com. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements.

Gary was born September 27, 1944 to Edward and Hazel (Carter) Copenhaver in Glasgow, MT. Gary excelled in all sports and was one of the best athletes from Hinsdale High School where he graduated in 1962. He was a member of the Hinsdale FFA. He attended Northern Montana College in Havre and Molar Barber College in Spokane, WA. Gary married LaFon Tattoo on December 19, 1981. He owned Wolf Point Glass and The Freez. Gary enjoyed and excelled at golf, basketball, football, gardening and watching his sons in sports. He was a member of the Airport Golf Club and the Wolf Point Elks Club. His parents preceded him in death.

Survivors include: His wife LaFon of Wolf Point; his sons Brock and Easton Copenhaver of Wolf Point; his daughter, Lori (Darrell) Carney and grandchildren, Ashley, Tyson and Tate of Malta; sons, James (Cara) Copenhaver and grandchildren, Jessi, Claire, Dylan and Jack of Marion, OH, and Kevin Copenhaver of Washington, D.C.; two special uncles Morris Tattoo, Jr. and Eugen Tattoo, a special father-in-law Morris Tattoo, Sr., a special aunt and uncle Viola and Larry Wood; a sister Wilma McElvain of Billings, and a brother Vernon (Beverly) Copenhaver of Hinsdale, MT.

Naola Mae Lacock

Naola Mae Lacock, 70, died Friday, March 12 at the Valley View Nursing Home of complications of diabetes and parkinson's disease.Services will be Monday - March 22, 2004 at 1:00 P.M at the First Baptist Church in Glasgow, MT with Rev. Lonnie Eidson officiating. Interment will be at Highland Cemetery in Glasgow, Montana with Bell Mortuary in charge of arrangements.

Naola was born May 30, 1933 in Glasgow, Montana to Blythe McLean and Versa (Grimstead) McLean. Born in Glasgow, Naola moved to Spokane, Washington at the age of 11 and graduated from John Rogers High School and Deaconess School of Nursing at Whitworth College. She worked 34 years at the Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow, retiring in 1989. They lived on the ranch north of Hinsdale until moving to Glasgow in 1984. Naola married Jessie Lacock Jr. in Hinsdale on June 16, 1956. She played the piano and enjoyed crocheting. Naola collected bells and collected shells on the beaches oat Corpus Christi on the Gulf Shores of Padre Island. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Glasgow and played the piano for church. She attended church at the Saco Assembly of God Church for 20 years when living on the ranch. She was preceded in death by her brother Marvin McLean. Memorials are suggested to the Glasgow First Baptist Church building fund or the charity of your choice. PALLBEARERS: Larry Sain, Dale Enebo, Gregg Hunter, Mike Lackner, Terry Hering, Alvin Hering, Stan Sonsteng.

SURVIVORS: Husband: Jesse Lacock Jr. of Glasgow, Montana Sons: Steve Lacock and (LaMae) of Hinsdale, MT and their children Jesse, Boyce, Greg, and Bethany. Vern Lacock and (Sherry) of Emmett, Idaho and their children Seth and Shane Barnes Daughters: Nancy Haidle and (Ron) of Ontario, Oregon and their children Joy, Bret, Chad, and Melody. Shirley Haidle and (Dave) of Fruitland, Idaho and their children Kyla, Kendra, and Kelsi. 13 Grandchildren 1 Great Grandchild Brothers: Loren McLean and (June) of St. Paul, Minnesota Norman McLean and (Betty) of Seattle, Washington Sister-in-law Donna McLean.

James D. Clowes

James D. Clowes,46, died peacefully in his Seattle Home of pancreatic cancer on March 1, 2004. Services for Jim Clowes will be held in Glasgow, Montana on Saturday, March 13, 2004 at 2:00 P.M. in the First Lutheran Church in Glasgow. An additional memorial for Jim will be hosted on campus by the University of Washington, in Seattle, the afternoon of April 3, 2004. Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials are sent to Clowes children education fund or one of two funds set up by the University of Washington to honor and continue his work. Information of these funds is available on line at www.chid.org/jimclowes/. Additional information on the children's education fund can be obtained from any family member or from David Hoia at Mass Mutual Financial in Seattle (email dheia@finsvcs.com).

The youngest of four children, Jim was born on March 4, 1957 in Missoula, MT to David and Dorothy Clowes. Jim grew up on the family farm in Glasgow, MT and at an early age distinguished himself by his energy, focus, and accomplishment. In 1975, Jim graduated near the top of his high school class, fulfilled multiple student and religious leadership positions, set a Glasgow High School football rushing record and captured the Montana State Class A 155 lb. Wrestling Championship. Following high school, Jim traveled for a year throughout Europe and the Middle East. During this time, Jim developed a passion for understanding different cultures and perspectives and this became a driving force in his academic, professional and personal life. Jim attended the University of Montana graduating with Bachelor degrees in philosophy and classical languages in 1982 and with a Masters Degree in Philosophy in 1988. While attending the University of Montana, Jim was very active in Intervarsity ministries as a Pastor and in athletics where he won a Big Sky Conference Wrestling Championship. In 1979, Jim married Kirsty Erickson with whom he had two daughters, Sarah and Autumn. Jim and Kirsty were divorced in 1984. Jim and his daughters moved to Seattle in 1988 where Jim began a doctoral studies program at the University of Washington. While teaching a class as a teaching assistant, Jim met a fascinating young woman with a young daughter. Jim married Erin McKinney in 1989, and Erin's daughter, Shye, joined Jim's daughters to form a new family of five. In 1991 the family became one larger with the birth of Drew Clowes. In 1990, Jim became the first Teaching Assistant for the newly developed Comparative History of Ideas (CHID) program - an innovative, cross-disciplinary undergraduate study program at the University of Washington. In 1994, Jim became the CHID Associate Director. While active as an advisor, administrator, teacher, and innovator, Jim completed his doctoral studies and in 1996 he was awarded his Phd. in History. In 1999, Jim was appointed Lecturer in the University of Washington Jackson School. Drawing on his passion for expanding cultural understanding, Jim lead the CHID Department in developing an array of innovative domestic and international learning experiences at the graduate, undergraduate and, reaching out to the community, high school levels. Since 1995, the CHID program sponsored 55 international programs at 20 locations around the globe. Jim and his CHID program have been recognized by numerous global foundations for contributions to education and cultural understanding. In 2001, the CHID department was honored as the outstanding undergraduate program at University of Washington. In December 2003, Jim was honored by the creation of the James Clowes Award for Advancing Undergraduate Learning Communities Endowment at the University of Washington. Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy in 1994.

He is survived by his wife, Erin, his four children, Sarah, Autumn, Shye and Drew, his grandson Joseph Daniel James, all of Seattle, his father, David, and his wife, Berta of Glasgow and his three siblings, Lorrie Merrill of Big Sandy, Wade Clowes of Portland, and Dena Burt of Billings.

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