KLTZ/MIX-93 Local News

Court papers state that on or about October 26-27, Brockel "created a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury" to his neighbors on 11th Avenue North by firing a weapon from inside his house at least three times. The bullets went through the walls of his house and into the interior of the next house, where a licensed day care is conducted. The family of four who live in the home were out of town when the shooting occurred.

The court document states that the Glasgow Police also found 16 guns in Brockel's home.
Neighbors stated to the police that have been concerned about Brockel's irrational behavior for several years. If Brockel does post bail there will be conditions of release in order to limit his movements, according to court documents.

Highway 246 To Be Resurfaced (10/31/01)

The Montana Department of Transpotation is planning to resurface a portion of secondary Highway 246 in Valley County. The project will begin in Glasgow at the intersection of south sixth street and first street south and will extend 4.2 miles northwesterly ending at milepost 4.2

The project will involve placing a new asphalt surface with new striping on the roadway. The project will also involve milling and smoothing the roadway at the bridge ends, the railroad crossings and along the length of the curb and gutter sections. In Glasgow, ADA curb ramps will be installed at the intersection.

The project will increase safety and improve the roadway for the traveling public. A letting date has not been established and the date will depend on availability of funding and complexity of design. The Department of Transportation will prepare an environmental document for the project.

New right-of-way will not be required.

For more information or to comment on this proposal please contact Bill McChesney, District Administrator, 503 N River Ave P.O. Box 890, Glendive, Montana, 59330-0890, phone (406) 377-5296 or (888) 689-5296.

To arrange special accommodation for persons with disabilities, call MDT at (888) 689-5296 or TTY (800) 335-7592.

Dr. Flannery Joins Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital (10/31/01)

Dr. Michael J. Flannery, General Surgeon, begins his practice in Glasgow this week. Dr. Flannery was born in Collbran, Colorado, and attended Colorado State University, graduating in 1969. He attended medical school at Colorado State University from 1969-1973. His general surgery training with heavy emphasis on chest surgery was done while in the United States Air Force.

Dr. Flannery achieved the highest rank of Lt. Colonel while in the Air Force. In 1978 he moved with the Air Force to Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, Alaska. He remained in Alaska until his move to Glasgow this fall.

His love for hunting and fishing brought Dr. Flannery to Montana. He is a member of Safari Club International, Ducks Unlimited and has completed six African safaris plus numerous North American hunts. He likes art, specifically drawing horses. His other hobbies include keeping up with his 5 children and one grandchild.

Dr. Flannery is joined in Glasgow by his special friend Dianna. His family includes: son Patrick, who is 30 and lives in Nevada with his wife and daughter. His son Ian, 22, attends Texas A & M occasionally and guides in Alaska. Melissa is Dr. Flannery's 21 year-old daughter. She attends Colorado State University and is in pre-med. Sons Forrest, 16, and Garrett, 15, are at home with their mother in Maine.

Dr. Flannery is a Fellow with the American College of Surgeons and is Board Certified in General Surgery. When he recertified in 1998 he was in the top 2%. Referrels for surgery by Dr. Flannery can be made by your regular medical provider. Dr. Flannery's office is located on the third floor of the Medical Arts Building of Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital.

Headdress Begins Second Fort Peck Reservation Term (10/31/01)

(Great Falls-AP) -- Tribal Chairman Arlyn Headdress began his second two-year term this week as leader of the Assiniboine and Sioux tribes on the Fort Peck Reservation. He was re-elected on Saturday and sworn in on Monday, after defeating former tribal councilman John Morales by a margin of only 53 votes.

Headdress is a former Bureau of Indian Affairs employee and Poplar School Board chairman. Vice-president Ray Eder also was re-elected Saturday, and George Ricker Sr. was elected sergeant at arms. Twelve council members were also selected, but the election commission has declined to place three in office because of challenges over close votes.

Baucus Announces Hatchery Fund Request Approved (10/.31/01)

U.S. Senator Max Baucus today announced that a key panel has approved his request for funds to begin building a new warm-water fish hatchery at Fort Peck Lake, virtually assuring the funds will be signed into law and helping boost northeast Montana's economy.

The news came today after a joint committee approved $1.5 million to begin constructing the $20 million hatchery that Baucus helped get authorized last year as part of the Water Resource Development Act.

Baucus is a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, which oversees the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Baucus today lauded the move, saying years of hard work have finally paid off for northeastern Montana.

"This is great news for folks around Fort Peck Lake," Baucus said. "Funds are very tight right now, but we kept pushing, and pushing until we got the start-up money we needed to begin moving on this project that is critical to northeast Montana's economy, jobs and recreation. The hatchery is so important. I'll keep working on it with Montanans until it's up and running."

Baucus noted that additional funds will still need to be secured, but said getting funds to help start the project will make it easier to secure additonal federal funding.

Baucus led the charge in Congress last year to get the project approved as part of the Water Resources Development Act and acknowledged that getting the full $20 million dollars from Congress wouldn't be an easy task. Today Baucus said that spreading the project funding out over the next three years would increase the chances of full funding.

The Fort Peck Fish Hatchery will support native fish recovery and warm-water fish such as walleye and small-mouth bass, as well as other species that have been hit by heavy fishing pressure in recent years. The hatchery will be located on 100 acres of federal land south of the Dredge Cuts area in Fort Peck and will be staffed by two or three employees, Baucus said. The hatchery proposal will be a partnership between the Army Corps of Engineers and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

City Signs Memorandum For Fishing Pond; Construction Bids Granted (10/31/01)

The City of Glasgow has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks that will result in a kids fishing pond at Sullivan Park.

Glasgow Mayor Willy Zeller told Kltz/Klan that the city will provide the technical leadership for the project which will include the design, layout and construction plans. Glasgow Public Works Director Jon Bengochea is providing all the technical leadership for the pond which will about one acre in size and initially will receive water from the Milk River.

The city also is providing the land at Sullivan Park plus the maintenance and liability insurance for the fishing pond. This is a venture which includes the City of Glasgow, Valley County, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Glasgow Chamber. Fish, Wildlife and Parks will stock the pond with the fish and will provide the actual maintenance for the pond itself. Mayor Zeller told Kltz/Klan that they hope to fish in the pond by next summer.

In other city news, the city council has approved two projects on Glasgow's north side. CF Construction of Butte has received a contract for sewer project on Schott Lane. Mayor Zeller said that the 12 inch sewer line at Schott Lane is built up and needs to be "pipe bursted". The project is bid out at $67,000 and is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The Council also awarded a contract to Fossum Construction for a water line replacement on 7th Avenue North near Candy Cane Park. The current water line is 40 years old and the cost of the project is $28,000.

Officials Call For River Management Changes (10/30/01)

(AP) Witnesses at a Corps of Engineers hearing say Missouri River management is far behind the many changes that have taken place along the river.

Several people at the hearing yesterday in Pierre, South Dakota, said they favor a management plan that changes seasonal water levels. They told the Corps that recreation potential along the Missouri far exceeds its value for navigation.

People in upstream states, including Montana and the Dakotas, favor a plan to provide increased water levels in the spring, and stable water in the summer. They say that would best fit the annual 87 million dollar fishing, hunting and boating industry that's developed on the six upstream reservoirs.

Public comments on management alternatives will be accepted until the end of February. A new Missouri River plan must be put into place by the spring of 2003. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Fort Peck Funding Remains Strong: Burns And Rehberg Combine Efforts to Maintain Funding for Projects (10/30/01)

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Montana Senator Conrad Burns joined Congressman Denny Rehberg today in announcing the passage of the Energy and Water Appropriations Bill for FY'02 out of a joint House-Senate conference committee. The bill contains some very important projects for Northeast Montana including $1.5 million to begin construction of the Fort Peck Fish Hatchery and $4 million to begin construction of the Fort Peck / Dry Prairie Water Project. Burns was a member of the conference committee and also sits on the Energy and Water Appropriations Subcommittee which wrote the original bill. Rehberg is Vice-Chair of the House Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment.

"I can't express the importance of these projects to Northern Montana," Burns said. "We're taking steps to increase the recreation opportunities at Fort Peck and protect the fish stocks in the area with this hatchery. We're also providing a new clean water resource for areas of our state which previously haven't had that available to them. Denny did a good job securing funding for the water project on the House side."

"This funding is a real boost for the people of northeastern Montana," Rehberg said. "These communities have waited a long time just for the basic necessity of a save, dependable drinking water supply. This funding is a major victory. Conrad and I worked as a team on this; I'm glad he was able to get money for the fish hatchery put in the bill."

The construction of the Fort Peck Fish Hatchery will provide a second, larger warm-water facility to stock species important to the Missouri and Yellowstone fisheries. The drought in Montana has affected the population of several warm-water species including the endangered Pallid Sturgeon and construction of the hatchery will help mitigate those declines and support the species in those waters.

The Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System is a regional water project in northeastern Montana that is comprised of two rural water systems: the Dry Prairie Rural Water Authority, a proposed rural water system for Valley, Daniels, Sheridan and Roosevelt counties, which lie outside the boundaries of the Fort Peck Indian Reservation; and the Assiniboine and Sioux Rural Water System, which lies on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

The project will bring high quality Missouri River water, treated to meet national safe drinking water standards, to existing municipal water systems, rural households, and livestock pasture taps through northeast Montana. The project is expected to benefit at least 30,000 people over 7,800 square miles.

Currently, the water quality within the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and within the Dry Prairie communities ranks among the poorest in the country. According to the Indian Health Service, the lack of good quality water in the region is the cause of the higher incidences of gastrointestinal distress and water related diseases of the skin that are experienced in the region.

Additionally, the region experiences some of the highest rates in Montana of mortality from heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. The bill now goes separately before the full Senate and House for final approval.

Police Department Investigates Shooting (10/30/01)

The Glasgow Police Department continues to investigate a shooting that occured on Glasgow's north side.

According to Glasgow Police Chief, Glasgow resident Gary Brockel is in custody at the Valley County Jail facing charges of felony criminal endagerment.

Erickson told Kltz/Klan that the Police Department was called to Newton Motors on Saturday responding to report that Brockel was outside the building talking to a salesman with a pistol in a holster.

The responding officers arrested Brockel and found the pistol in the pat down. They then transported him to the Law Enforcement Center. Brockel gave the police permission to take his dog to his residence at 907 11th Ave. Upon arrival at the house they found that his residence along with his neighbors home had suffered damage from gunshots.

Erickson said the incident is still under investigation. Brockel is still incarcerated at the Valley County Jail with bond set at $275,000.

Halloween Food Safety Tips: Parent Involvement Urged (10/29)

HELENA -- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has made available some helpful tips to parents to ensure that their children's Halloween holiday is safe and healthy. In addition, the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services wants to remind parents to use common sense when trick-or-treating with their children.

In general, the state Public Health Laboratory will not be testing candy for foreign substances such as anthrax. If parents have concerns about any trick-or-treat items, they should discard the items or contact their local law enforcement.

"People should be aware that our laboratory and many others across the country have tested hundreds of samples for anthrax, and fortunately all samples in our region have tested negative" said Todd Damrow, state Epidemiologist.

As of Oct. 25, the Montana Public Health Laboratory had logged 56 reports of suspicious items. About 30 of them were deemed suspicious enough for anthrax screening, and all tested negative.

FDA HALLOWEEN TIPS FOR PARENTS:
1. Children shouldn't snack while they're out trick-or-treating, before parents have a chance to inspect the goodies. To help prevent children from munching, give them a snack or light meal before they go -- don't send them out on an empty stomach.
2. Tell children not to accept -- and, especially, not to eat -- anything that isn't commercially wrapped. 3. When children bring their treats home, discard any homemade candy or baked goods. Parents of young children should also remove any choking hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small toys.
4. Wash all fresh fruit thoroughly, inspect it for holes, including small punctures, and cut it open before allowing children to eat it.
5. Inspect commercially wrapped treats for signs of tampering, such as an unusual appearance or discoloration, tiny pinholes, or tears in wrappers. Throw away anything that looks suspicious. If juice or cider is served to children at Halloween parties, make sure it is pasteurized or otherwise treated to destroy harmful bacteria. Juice or cider that has not been treated will say so on the label.

Baucus Uneasy About Satellite TV Merger (10/29/01)

(Bozeman-AP) The company that runs the Dish Network is poised to become the nation's leading provider of home satellite TV service after reaching a deal to acquire rival Direc-T-V from General Motors. But Montana Senator Max Baucus does not think it's a good idea.

EchoStar Communications is buying Direc-T-V from General Motors for just under 26 billion dollars. The deal was struck Sunday, during an unusual weekend session of G-M's board.

Baucus is cautioning federal regulators against approving the merger, saying it could be a bad thing for Montana and rural America. He voiced his concern prior to Sunday's deal, in letters to federal regulators, and U-S Attorney General John Aschroft.

Baucus says 35 percent of Montana households subscribe to satellite T-V, and Montana has much to lose if competition is pinched by the merger of Direc-T-V and the Dish Network.

Tourism Planning Meeting Set For November 6th (10/29/01)

On November 6th at the Cottonwood Inn in Glasgow from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. will be a planning meeting for tourism in Montana 2003 – 2007.

This public meeting is part of Phase One of a project to develop a 5-year Tourism and Recreation Industry Strategic Plan for the State of Montana. Travel Montana and the Montana Tourism and Recreation Initiative sponsor the project.

Questions that will be asked are: 1) what should tourism become by 2007, 2) how should recreation be developed, 3) what are the opportunities and challenges, 4) how much tourism is desired and 5) what are local and regional priorities?

An appropriate topic for discussion at this meeting in Glasgow is the expansion of Highway 2 into four lanes. Meetings have already occurred in Missoula, Kalispell and Great Falls.

For more information, please contact Travel Montana at 1-800-548-3390, extension 2.

Fort Peck Fine Arts Council Moves Into New Office (10/28)

Second floor, top of the stairs in the old First National Bank Building is the location of offices for the Fort Peck Fine Arts Council, thanks to the generosity of the Irving family. David and Mildred Irving of Glasgow present the keys to Council President Kari Lee Knierim. The Irving family owns the building and provides the space as a gift to the Council. David Irving also donates his services as general council for the organization. The Council is slowly settling in the new space. Cynthia Markle photo.

Dinothon Raises $26,000 (10/28/01)


Vickie Silcox (director of Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum) and Nate Murphy (Palaentologist with the Phillips County Museum)	Boomer taking more pledges.	Doc Gregory manages to steal a little on-air time.

Another successful dinothon was held on Friday at the KLTZ/KLAN studios. We were joined by radio stations throughout eastern Montana plus state-wide coverage from Berg In The Morning on the Northern Ag Network.

Nate Murphy brought pictures from his Leonardo dig in northern Phillips County, which you can view from our Dinothon page. Support was also voiced from throughout the nation, from Denny Rehberg, Conrad Burns, Max Baucus, Dr. Keith Rigby, the from the Smithsonian Institution to name just a few.

You can view the schedule and link to the official Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum site form our Dinothon page.

Four Challenge Incumbent For Tribal Chairmanship (10/28/01)

(AP) -- Four people are challenging incumbent Arlyn Headdress for the chairmanship of the Fort Peck Tribes. The election is this weekend. The challengers are Patricia Iron Cloud, John Morales Junior, Iris Grey Bull and Melissa Buckles.

Revised Dinothon Schedule (10/25/01)

Agenda for Dino-Thon
October 26th
7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
revised October 25th

Opening of Dino-Thon
Interviews with Board Members and folks involved with Interpretive Center

7:40 AM to 8:00 AM
Interview with Congressman Dennis Rehberg

8:05 AM to 8:30 AM
Mike Hetrick: Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

8:40 AM to 9:00 AM
Nate Murphy: Paleontologist with the Phillips County Museum

9:05 AM to 9:30 AM
Berg in the Morning

9:39 AM to 10:00 Am
Berg in the Morning

10:05 AM to 10:30 AM
Dr. Keith Rigby: Director of Paleontology for the Fort Peck Interpretive Center

10:40 AM to 11:00 AM
Roy Snyder: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-

11:05 AM to 11:30 AM
Aaron Glavis of the Smithsonian Institution

11:40 AM to 12:00PM
Clint Blackwood and Betty Stone talking about the Lewis and Clark Celebrations

12:00PM to 1:00 PM
Lunch Break

1:05 PM to 1:30 PM
Interview with United States Senator Max Baucus

1:40 PM to 2:00 PM
Vicky Silcox: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

2:05 PM to 2:30 PM
Interview with United States Senator Conrad Burns

2:40 PM to 3:00PM
Linda Deck of the Smithsonian Institution

3:05 PM to 3:30 PM
Interview with Paleontoligst Dr. Keith Rigby

3:40 PM to 4:00 PM
Interview with State Senator Sam Kitzenberg

4:05PM to 4:30PM
Interview with Nate Murphy

4:40 PM to 5:00 PM
Wrap Up

Postal Scare At Fort Peck (10/25/01)

The Fort Peck Post Office was closed yesterday for a short time after a biological scare.

According to Ted Blazina,manager of marketing for the Big Sky Region of the United States Postal Service, a regular postal customer at the Fort Peck Post office brought in a opened envelope yesterday from a mail order company. The customer told the postal agent that the envelope made a suspicious sound when it was opened and the customer thought it might contain a biological agent.

The Postal Agent at Fort Peck followed proper protocol by immediately calling law enforcement who responded to the scene and took possession of the letter. A Postal Inspector was notified and upon arrival found that the envelope contained nothing dangerous.

The Fort Peck Post Office was closed yesterday for a short time while the counter area that the envelope touched was disinfected.

Blazina told Kltz/Klan news that events like this are happening all over the State of Montana and this situation was handled properly by the postal agent and law enforcement.

BNSF Will Donate Some Shipping Income To Victims Of 9-11 Attacks (10/25)

(Helena-AP) Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway says it will donate part of its shipping income from grain to help victims of the September eleventh terrorist attacks.

Terry Johnson is a Havre-area grain farmer coordinating a project led by Montana farmers to aid victims of the attacks. He says the railway has agreed to help the project, which is called Give Relief to Americans in Need, or GRAIN.

Montana farmers are being asked to donate a portion of their wheat crop to the relief effort. Money from the sale of donated grain will be forwarded to the Kiwanis International 911 Victims Children's Fund. The wheat should be delivered to the General Mills elevators in Havre or Wolf Point on October 31st or November first.

Woman Pleads Innocent In Teen Attack (10/25)

(Great Falls-AP) A Poplar woman has pleaded innocent to federal charges that she attacked a teen-ager on the Fork Peck Indian Reservation.

Denise Fast Horse is accused of assaulting a 13-year-old in August of 2000, and causing serious injury.

Kitzenberg Calls For Special Session (10/24)

State Senator Sam Kitzenberg (R-Glasgow) is asking Montana Governor Judy Martz to call a special session of the Montana Legislature to deal with the lack of funding in K-12 education in Montana.

Kitzenberg cites the fact that the state now has a ending fund balance of $173 million, which is $62 million more than the Legislature anticipated when the budget was established at the end of the 2001 session.

He wants this money to be used to increase funding for public education. He's calling for Governor Martz to "correct a mistake" and call a special session to increase education funding.

Kitzenberg says that state revenues do exist to adequately fund public education but Montana Legislators lack the political resolve to adequately fund public schools. He also fears that the next Montana Legislature will not use any of the budget surplus to invest in Montana schools, but will spend the money on short-term tax relief.

Valley County Election Ballots Released (10/24)

Here are the Valley County election ballots for November 6th.

Mayor of Glasgow
Ed Tipton
Wilmer F. Zeller (Incumbent)
Alderman/woman Ward 1, Glasgow
Garry Stidman (unopposed)
Alderman/woman Ward 2, Glasgow
Ky Idler (Incumbent)
Kent Morehouse
Linda M. Neill
Alderman/woman Ward 3, Glasgow
Marlene Jackson (Incumbent)
Robert Michael West
Mayor of Nashua
Allen L. Bunk
Duane (Squeak) Tihista
Alderman/woman Ward 1, Nashua
Linda Hinton (unopposed)
Alderman/woman Ward 2, Nashua
Patricia L. Hallett (unopposed)
Mayor of Fort Peck
no candidate filed
Alderman/woman Ward 1F, Fort Peck (2 positions open)
Terri McMurry
no candidate filed
Mayor of Opheim
John D. Marvin
Alderman/woman Ward 1, Opheim
Neal Rogers
Allen Watts
Alderman/woman Ward 2, Opheim
Marjory D. Burdette
Fort Peck Rural County Water District Inc. (3 positions open)
Gene C. Alsberg
Bob Farrell
Kip Hentges
Debra Irving
Joseph M. Yeoman

Fish, Wildlife & Parks News (10/24)

A citizen advisory committee has been formed to search for sites that could be made into suitable state parks in Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region 6 according to Woody Baxter, Parks Director of Region 6.

"The end product of this committee is to provide the Department's Director with a final report, which will recommend specific State Park site(s) and opportunities," said Baxter.

"Along with that will come justification of those sites."

Following the suggestion of a possible state park site and program for that site, the committee will discuss its potential.

Suggested state park sites will be prioritized and it will be determined what sites are "worthy" of an on-site inspection.

Committee members will be considering such aspects of a site as specific site locations, estimated size, programs to be affiliated with the site, name of property owners, estimated property acquisition cost and possible methods of acquisition, potential visitation estimates and partnership possibilities.

After a proposal is presented and thoroughly discussed, committee members will vote on the specific recommendation.

The mission of the Montana State Park system is to preserve, enhance, and interpret an diverse representation of Montana's most outstanding natural, cultural/historic, and recreational resources, for personal, social and economical benefit of present and future generations.

Have a site in mind for a State Park in Region 6? Contact Woody Baxter at (406) 228-3707. (Permission from Havre Daily News, Oct. 18, Robert Lucke)
Information Sought on Violators

MFWP are looking for information leading to the arrest or conviction of the person or persons that shot and killed a Clydesdale horse, north of Whitewater on October 21, 2001. If you have any information regarding this situation or any other violations, please call the Fish, Wildlife and Parks headquarters in Glasgow at 228-3700 or the Tip-Mont hotline at 1-800- TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668). You call can remain anonymous.

Rifle Season Opener Wrap

Opening weekend for rifle season saw average to below normal hunting pressure in Region 6. Some areas throughout Region 6 were hit harder than others, but the overall trend was consistent. With warmer temperatures and no snow, hunters seemed a little reluctant to hit the field looking to harvest an opportunistic deer or elk.

Remember to Stop at Game Check Stations

A reminder to all hunters that you must stop at all game check stations, whether you have successfully harvested an animal or not. State law requires all hunters to stop.

Leave Evidence of Sex Attached to Big Game Animals

Hunters heading out in search of big game should be aware that they are required by law to leave proof of the species and sex of all big game animals they harvest attached to the carcass.

According to Beate Galda, Administrator of the Enforcement Division for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, evidence of an animal's species and sex must remain attached to the carcass until it is processed (cut up). This evidence must remain attached from the site of the kill to the processing location, or to an FWP-authorized collection site. Quartered or "boned out" meat is not considered to be processed, she said, and so, evidence of the species and sex must remain attached to the meat.

Galda said evidence of sex and species is best determined by leaving an animal's head attached. If a hunter takes an antlerless deer or elk or a doe or fawn antelope, removes the head and wraps the carcass in sheets or places it in a cheesecloth bag, another type of evidence of sex, such as the udder, must remain attached. In all cases, the game tag for the species harvested must be properly validated and must remain with the animal's meat. Once the meat is processed, the tag can be taped to the top of the box containing the meat for ease in checking. If the meat or any portion of the meat is given away, the tag must remain with the largest unconsumed portion of the meat.

Game wardens recommend attaching a copy of the tag or including a note specifying the successful hunter's name, phone number and the date the game was taken whenever a portion of a game animal is given to someone else. If a game animal or any portion of it is sent with or to out-of-state friends, a similar procedure should be followed, making the wardens' task of determining if the game was legally taken that much easier.

For more information about evidence of sex and species or tagging requirements, contact the local game warden or the Glasgow Area office at 228-3700.

Revised Schedule For Friday's Dinothon Released (10/24)

Agenda for Dino-Thon
October 26th
7:00 AM to 5:00 PM
revised October 23rd

Opening of Dino-Thon
Interviews with Board Members and folks involved with Interpretive Center

7:40 AM to 8:00 AM
Interview with Congressman Dennis Rehberg

8:05 AM to 8:30 AM
Mike Hetrick: Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

8:40 AM to 9:00 AM
Nate Murphy: Paleontologist with the Phillips County Museum

9:05 AM to 9:30 AM
Berg in the Morning

9:39 AM to 10:00 Am
Berg in the Morning

10:05 AM to 10:30 AM
Dr. Keith Rigby: Director of Paleontology for the Fort Peck Interpretive Center

10:40 AM to 11:00 AM
Vickie Silcox: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-also the Director of Interpretive Center

11:05 AM to 11:30 AM
Duane Sibley President of the Interpretive Center Board

11:40 AM to 12:00PM
Clint Blackwood and Betty Stone talking about the Lewis and Clark Celebrations

12:00PM to 1:00 PM
Lunch Break

1:05 PM to 1:30 PM
Interview with United States Senator Max Baucus

1:40 PM to 2:00 PM
Linda Deck: Museum of Natural History..she helped write the Paleo story
line for the Interpretive Center

2:05 PM to 2:30 PM
Interview with United States Senator Conrad Burns

2:40 PM to 3:00PM
Interview with Montana Governor Judy Martz

3:05 PM to 3:30 PM
Interview with Paleontoligst Dr. Keith Rigby

3:40 PM to 4:00 PM
Interview with Roy Snyder of the Army Corps of Engineers

4:05PM to 4:30PM
Interview with Nate Murphy

4:40 PM to 5:00 PM
Wrap Up

Police Department Looking For Another Officer (10/23)

The Glasgow Police Department is looking for a patrolman after the resignation of Officer Dave Watson.

Watson has announced he will be leaving the department to go to work for the Women's Resource Center in Glasgow.

According to Glasgow Police Chief Lynn Erickson, Watson's last day is October 27th. Applications are now being received for the patrolman position and will be accepted until November 2nd. Erickson said he hopes to have a new officer confirmed by the city council by November 19th.

Watson served as an officer with the department for the past three years.

Deadline Nearing For Tourism Marketing Funds (10/23)

November 15th will be the final date for non-profit tourism related organizations to apply for cooperative marketing funds available through Missouri River Country. The funds are used to promote an area or event in Montana’s northeastern tourism region.

Examples of projects which have received funding in the past are: the events board in Fairview, the Valley county transit tour brochure which promoted tours of the Fort Peck Dam and the Milk River Valley, and the Pioneer Town sign located in Scobey.

For an application and guideline, please contact Kim Lacey at the Missouri River Country tourism office, 1-800-653-1319.

Martz Plans To Speak In Havre On U.S. 2 Expansion (10/23/01)

(AP) Governor Judy Martz plans to talk about a project to expand U-S Highway Two, during Capital-for-a-Day events in Havre next month.

Mary Schwarz is Martz's communications director. Schwarz says Havre was picked as Capital for a Day for November 14th. She says Martz plans to talk about the expansion project and clear up confusion about Senate Bill Three.

Signed into law by Martz, Senate Bill Three calls for the state to secure federal funding to widen the highway across northern Montana. Republican Sam Kitzenberg of Glasgow sponsored the bill, and accuses the state Transportation Department of trying to scuttle the project.

Schwarz says Martz wants to explain that the bill she signed into law only directs M-D-T to expand the highway when the project gets federal funds. Martz says the state hasn't gotten any money for it yet. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

State Explains Testing Procedures on Anthrax Samples (10/21)

HELENA -- To reduce confusion and better inform Montana residents about anthrax testing procedures and test results, the Department of Public Health and Human Services is offering insights into its Public Health Laboratory and epidemiologic investigations.

"We want people to know what we're doing and how we're doing it," Paul Lamphier, state Laboratory Services Bureau Chief, said Friday. "But we also want people to be cautious of hoaxes and overreaction, because they can unnecessarily divert the attention of our staff."

The lab's microbiology staff has been steadily busier the past week as suspect anthrax samples have been delivered from throughout Montana for testing. On Thursday, more than 20 incidents had been reported of suspicious materials thought to be anthrax related; six anthrax screenings were completed, all with negative results. Five additional tests were under way, and two more samples were known to be en route to the Public Health Laboratory in Helena.

Two supervisors at the laboratory, Anne Weber, bioterrorism laboratory coordinator, and Susie Zanto, technical services manager, said there has been confusion among the public about where environmental samples are being tested (the Public Health Laboratory in Helena, not the State Crime Laboratory in Missoula). In addition, Todd Damrow, state epidemiologist, wants the public to understand the key early assessment role that city and county officials have in determining whether samples are tested.

When Montana residents find items or materials that they believe could be a potential anthrax public health concern, their first call should be to their local law enforcement office for what is called a "threat assessment." Law enforcement typically requests assistance from local county health officers in making assessments. The assessments provide a determination of "credible threat" or whether the situation can be logically explained and no further investigation is necessary.

For the recent anthrax incidents, if a credible threat is determined, then local officials will double-bag the sample and place it in a secure container for transport to the Public Health Laboratory. This is the start of an important chain-of-custody process in the event the sample is needed in court. Local officials who secure the sample are given instructions based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.

"The local officials have a very important role in determining whether we ever get involved," Damrow said. "We are a resource to them and act upon their request."

Once a sample arrives at the laboratory, a microbiologist sets up the sample as a culture for anthrax screening. All work is done using standard procedures in a biological safety cabinet -- a piece of equipment that protects the employee and the sample from contamination.

The purpose of the culture is to see if growth typical of anthrax occurs. If there is growth, a Gram stain -- a frequently used test that provides a color marker -- is done on the sample to give an indication as to the type of organism growing. If needed, subcultures of the initial sample can also be cultured for additional testing.

The turnaround time for a finding is about 48 hours, Zanto said, because that is the typical time needed for a culture to grow large enough to be distinguished from other competing organisms. Again, DPHHS staff reiterated that all samples have tested negative.

"All we're doing with the specimen is trying to rule out anthrax," Weber said. "We're not making a determination as to exactly what the powder material is, we are just ruling out the presence of anthrax."

If the finding is negative, the sample is considered a closed case. If the finding is not negative, DPHHS officials would declare it a "presumptive positive" and send the sample to the CDC in Atlanta for an official confirmation. This would take about 2-5 days.

At the point of a presumptive positive, however, Governor Judy Martz will be immediately notified as will the local entity that submitted the sample, usually the county health department. From there, protocols are in place to notify key players, such as state Disaster and Emergency Services officials, local law enforcement, the FBI, local health officials, the CDC, the media and others.

"At this point an epidemiologic investigation would begin," Damrow said, "to determine who might have been exposed, the nature of the exposure, and how widespread the exposure may be."

He said collaborative decisions would be made among those involved with the investigation in terms of what additional testing would be needed and whether treatment should begin for exposed individuals.

"We would implement appropriate prevention and control measures and initiate treatment recommendations based on the outcomes of the investigation," Damrow said.

DPHHS, in conjunction with the Governor's office, the new Homeland Security Task Force for the State of Montana, local authorities and other state officials, would also take steps to assure that the public is kept informed and updated regarding developments and safety recommendations.

Wolf Point Man Dies In Traffic Accident (10/21/01)

A 20 year old Wolf Point man was killed Friday morning in a traffic accident that occured on U.S. Highway #2 near Frazer.

According to the Montana Highway Patrol, 20 year old Roger Dale Flynn Jr. of Wolf Point, was eastbound at about 8am Friday when his vehicle veered into the westbound lane and struck a trailer being pulled by another vehicle.

Flynn's vehicle went off the road and he was ejected.

Dinothon Set For October 26th (Posted 10/18/01)

A Dino-Thon to benefit the Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center an Museum wil be held Friday, October 26th from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Dino-Thon will originate from the studio of Kltz/Klan and will be carried on radio stations in Wolf Point, Miles City, Glendive, Malta and Williston/Sidney.

The goal for this year is to pay for the exhibits destined for the lobby of museum. Federal funding of $6 million has been designated for the building, but the huge T-rex mount alone will cost $136,000.
Here is the agenda for the Dino-Thon

Agenda for Dino-Thon
October 26th
7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

7:05 AM to 7:30 AM
Opening of Dino-Thon
Interviews with Board Members and folks involved with Interpretive Center

7:40 AM to 8:00 AM
Interview with Congressman Dennis Rehberg

8:05 AM to 8:30 AM
Roy Snyder with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

8:40 AM to 9:00 AM
Nate Murphy: Paleontologist with the Phillips County Museum

9:05 AM to 9:30 AM
Berg in the Morning

9:39 AM to 10:00 Am
Berg in the Morning

10:05 AM to 10:30 AM
Dr. Keith Rigby: Director of Paleontology for the Fort Peck Interpretive Center

10:40 AM to 11:00 AM
Vickie Silcox: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-also the Director of Interpretive Center

11:05 AM to 11:30 AM
Mike Hetrick: Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge

11:40 AM to 12:00PM
Duane Sibley: President of the Board of Directors for the Interpretive Center

12:00PM to 1:00 PM
Lunch Break

1:05 PM to 1:30 PM
Interview with United States Senator Max Baucus

1:40 PM to 2:00 PM
Linda Deck: Museum of Natural History..she helped write the Paleo story
line for the Interpretive Center

2:05 PM to 2:30 PM
Interview with United States Senator Conrad Burns

2:40 PM to 3:00PM
Interview with Montana Governor Judy Martz

3:05 PM to 3:30 PM
Interview with Paleontoligst Dr. Keith Rigby

3:40 PM to 4:00 PM
Clint Blackwood and Betty Stone talking about the Lewis and Clark Celebrations

4:05PM to 4:30PM
Interview with Nate Murphy

4:40 PM to 5:00 PM
Wrap Up

Fish, Wildlife & Parks Looking For Info (10/17/01)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks are looking for information leading to the arrest or conviction of the person or persons that wasted a bull elk in Hunting District 632. The elk was located on 6th ridge, west of the Pines. The elk was gutted and the head was taken from the scene.

If you have any information regarding this elk, please call the Fish, Wildlife and Parks headquarters in Glasgow at 228-3700 or the Tip-Mont hotline at 1-800- TIP-MONT (1-800-847-6668). You can remain anonymous. Thank you for your cooperation.

Wildlife Moved From Viewing Pasture (10/17/01)

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Corps of Engineers recently teamed to remove all of the deer and antelope from the Leo B. Coleman Wildlife Exhibition Pasture. This removal effort was initiated due to an excess number of animals and the restrictions placed on the Corps in managing the state-owned deer and antelope within the pasture.

The majority of the animals were transported to research facilities in Iowa and Colorado. Although research will focus on diseases that affect wild deer and antelope populations, these animals will enjoy long lives at these research facilities. As part of this research, these animals and their offspring will provide invaluable information to help manage wild populations.

Personnel used tranquilizing drugs and a series of nets to capture the animals. None of the animals suffered injuries during the operation. Some animals were euthanized due to safety concerns during the capture operation. The meat from those animals was donated to families in need.

Many viewing opportunities are still available at Fort Peck. All of the elk and bison are still living in the viewing pasture.

In addition, opportunities to view mule and white-tailed deer, along with antelope, still exist with free-ranging animals in and around Fort Peck. If you have any question, please contact your local Fish, Wildlife and Parks Office at 228-3700.

Northeast Montana Producers Try Potatoes, Other Alternative Crops (10/16/01)

(Brockton-AP) They're starting out as potatoes in Montana's northeastern corner. They'll end up as french fries at a plant in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The potatoes being harvested by the Craig Steinbeisser family are part of an experiment on alternative crops, to put more cash in farmers' pockets.

There are other nontraditional crops getting a tryout along the Yellowstone and the Missouri rivers, before they converge just across the border in North Dakota. They include carrots, onions, cabbage, pumpkins and dry beans.

The region is a prime growing area for durum wheat. But Jerry Bergman, at the agricultural research centers in Sidney, sees it as a future garden. Officials say the long-term goal is attracting a food processing plant. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

CDC Health Advisory On Anthrax (10/16/01)

This is an official CDC Health Advisory

Distributed via Health Alert Network
October 12, 2001, 21:00 EDT (9:00 PM EDT)

HOW TO HANDLE ANTHRAX AND OTHER BIOLOGICAL AGENT THREATS

many facilities in communities around the country have received anthrax threat letters. Most were empty envelopes; some have contained powdery substances. The purpose of these guidelines is to recommend procedures for handling such incidents.

DO NOT PANIC
1.       Anthrax organisms can cause infection in the skin, gastrointestinal system, or the lungs. To do, so the organism must be rubbed into abraded skin, swallowed, or inhaled as a fine, aerosolized mist. Disease can be prevented after exposure to the anthrax spores by early treatment with the appropriate antibiotics. Anthrax is not spread from one person to another person.
2.       For anthrax to be effective as a covert agent, it must be aerosolized into very small particles. This is difficult to do, and requires a great deal of technical skill and special equipment. If these small particles are inhaled, life-threatening lung infection can occur, but prompt recognition and treatment are effective.

suspicious Unopened letter or PACKAGE MARKED WITH THREATENING MESSAGE SUCH AS “ANTHRAX”:
1.   Do not shake or empty the contents of any suspicious envelope or package.
2.   PLACE the envelope or package in a plastic bag or some other type of container to prevent leakage of contents.
3.   If you do not have any container, then COVER the envelope or package with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove this cover.
4.   Then LEAVE the room and CLOSE the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away).
5.   WASH your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face.
6.   What to do next…
·          If you are at HOME, then report the incident to local police.
·          If you are at WORK, then report the incident to local police, and notify your building security official or an available supervisor.
7.   LIST all people who were in the room or area when this suspicious letter or package was recognized. Give this list to both the local public health authorities and law enforcement officials for follow-up investigations and advice.

Envelope with powder and powder spills out onto surface:
1.   DO NOT try to CLEAN UP the powder. COVER the spilled contents immediately with anything (e.g., clothing, paper, trash can, etc.) and do not remove this cover!
2.   Then LEAVE the room and CLOSE the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away).
3.   WASH your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading any powder to your face.
4.   What to do next…
·          If you are at HOME, then report the incident to local police.
·          If you are at WORK, then report the incident to local police, and notify your building security official or an available supervisor.
5.   REMOVE heavily contaminated clothing as soon as possible and place in a plastic bag, or some other container that can be sealed. This clothing bag should be given to the emergency responders for proper handling.
6.   SHOWER with soap and water as soon as possible. Do Not Use Bleach Or Other Disinfectant On Your Skin.
7.   If possible, list all people who were in the room or area, especially those who had actual contact with the powder. Give this list to both the local public health authorities so that proper instructions can be given for medical follow-up, and to law enforcement officials for further investigation.

QUESTION OF ROOM CONTAMINATION BY AEROSOLIZATION:
For example: small device triggered, warning that air handling system is contaminated, or warning that a biological agent released in a public space.
1.   Turn off local fans or ventilation units in the area.
2.   LEAVE area immediately.
3.   CLOSE the door, or section off the area to prevent others from entering (i.e., keep others away).
4.   What to do next…
-     If you are at HOME, then dial “911” to report the incident to local police and the local FBI field office.
-     If you are at WORK, then dial “911” to report the incident to local police and the local FBI field office, and notify your building security official or an available supervisor.
5.   SHUT down air handling system in the building, if possible.
6.   If possible, list all people who were in the room or area. Give this list to both the local public health authorities so that proper instructions can be given for medical follow-up, and to law enforcement officials for further investigation.

HOW TO IDENTIFY SUSPICIOUS PACKAGES AND LETTERS

Some characteristics of suspicious packages and letters include the following…

·          Excessive postage
·          Handwritten or poorly typed addresses
·          Incorrect titles
·          Title, but no name
·          Misspellings of common words
·          Oily stains, discolorations or odor
·          No return address
·          Excessive weight
·          Lopsided or uneven envelope
·          Protruding wires or aluminum foil
·          Excessive security material such as masking tape, string, etc.
·          Visual distractions
·          Ticking sound
·          Marked with restrictive endorsements, such as “Personal” or “Confidential”
·          Shows a city or state in the postmark that does not match the return address

KLTZ To Air Disaster Discussion At 9:30 Today (10/16/01)

KLTZ (1240 AM) will air the Northern Broadcasting Network's discussion of disaster preparedness for Montana, including what to do in case of a biological attack or an attack on Fort Peck Dam. The discussion will feature Glasgow's Rick Seiler and will air at 9:30 this morning (Tuesday) on KLTZ.

County Works On Anthrax Plan (10/15/01)

Valley County Sheriff Dick Wessler along with Valley County DEA Coordinator Rick Seiler Cam Shipp with the Valley County Health Department are meeting with the Valley County Commissioners this week to come up with a protocol in case of an anthrax outbreak in Valley County.

Wessler told Kltz/Klan news that the group with the consent of the commissioners will work out a plan in the event of an outbreak in Valley County along with a plan for employees who work at the Valley County Courthouse. He said the plans will be made available to the public as soon as they are finalized.

Standardized Test Scores Released (10/14/01)

The Associated Press has released a detailed listing on how Montana 4th graders, 8th graders and juniors in high school scored on standardized tests.

An analysis of results from 34,693, fourth, eighth, and 11th graders taking the tests shows the percentage of students scoring at or above their grade level increased in 352 of 592 classes from the test scores in 1996.

This list ranks local elementary schools according to the percentage of fourth-graders who scored at or above their grade level on nationally standardized tests in March of 2001.

Glasgow 4th grade

National average is 60 percent

Reading
Glasgow 96 %
Montana 78 %

Math
Glasgow 89%
Montana 73%

Science
Glasgow 90%
Montana 82%

Social Studies
Glasgow 95%
Montana 77%

Language
Glasgow 88%
Montana 76%

Nashua 4th Grade in 2001- 89 percent
Nashua 4th Grade in 1996- 62 percent- a change of 42.4 percent

Opheim 4th grade in 2001- 88 percent
Opheim 4th grade in 1996- 77 percent- a change of 14.3 percent

Hinsdale 4th grade in 2001- 76 percent
Hinsdale 4th grade in 1996- 63 percent- a change of 20.6 percent

Frazer 4th grade in 2001- 29 percent
Frazer 4th grade in 1996- 45 percent- a change of -35 percent

This is a listing for eight grade students who took the tests in March of 2001.

Lustre 8th grade in 2001- 98 percent
Lustre 8th grade in 1996- 100 percent- a change of -2.4 percent

Glasgow 8th grade in 2001- 82 percent
Glasgow 8th grade in 1996- 79 percent- a change of 4.3 percent

Nashua 8th grade in 2001- 80 percent
Nashua 8th grade in 1996- 84 percent- a change of -.5 percent

Hinsdale 8th grade in 2001- 66 percent
Hinsdale 8th grade in 1996- 77 percent- a change of -14.4 percent

Frazer 8th grade in 2001- 38 percent
Frazer 8th grade in 1996- 28 percent- a change of 33.6 percent.

This is a listing for 11th graders who took the test in 2001.

Opheim 11th grade in 2001- 97 percent
Opheim 11th grade in 1996- 64 percent- a change of 51.2 percent

Glasgow 11th grade in 2001- 77 percent
Glasgow 11th grade in 1996- 78 percent- a change of -.7 percent

Hinsdale 11th grade in 2001- 76 percent
Hinsdale 11th grade in 1996- 80 percent- a change of -5.3 percent

Nashua 11th grade in 2001- 75 percent
Nashua 11th grade in 1996- 84 percent- a change of -11.2 percent.

Each student was testing in reading, mathematics, language arts, science and social studies.

Police Investigate Highway 2 Head On Collision (10/13)

The Glasgow Police Department is investigating a head on collision Friday afternoon just after 2pm.

According to Glasgow Police Chief Lynn Erickson the accident occured on U.S. Highway #2 by the Koski Motel.

Erickson told Kltz/Klan News that Lucas Ruggles was eastbound on Highway #2 when he veered into the westbound lane and collided with a vehicle driven by Ken Scott.

Erickson said that Ruggles was transported to the local hospital by ambulance and Scott was taken by private vehicle. Both vehicles were damaged and were towed away from the scene.

The accident is still under investigation and as of Friday no citations had been issued.

Warm Water Stamp Figures Released (10/11)

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks has released the number of warm-water fishing stamps that have been purchased by Montana anglers through the month of August.

According to the department 41,580 stamps have been purchased. This compares with 50,052 that were purchased in the calendar year 2000.

The stamps are $5 each and all proceeds are to be used for the operation and maintenance of the Fort Peck Warm Water Fish Hatchery.

Kitzenberg Unhappy With Highway 2 Progress (10/11)

State Senator Sam Kitzenberg, R-Glasgow,has come out swinging against the Martz Administration and the Montana Department of Transportation regarding their handling of Senate Bill 3, the legislation which authorizes a four-lane highway for U.S. Highway 2.

Kitzenberg claims that the Governor, using the Department of Transportation, bypassed the citizen voices on the Hi-Line by taking an "interpretation" of SB 3 to an interim committee of the legislature to get a stamp of approval, having failed to get approval for the DOT interpretation in public meetings. He also states that the Hi-Line is being passed over and taken for granted again and that Governor Martz along with DOT Director Dave Galt have been giving lip service to the plan for an economic corridor across Highway 2. Kitzenberg goes on to say that the Governor and Director have been using scare tactics, misleading statements and a "can't do that" attitude.

The Department of Transportation is interpreting Senate Bill 3 in a way which would have a four-lane highway built in some locations on Highway 2 and a 2-lane highway build on other locations. Kitzenberg said this goes against the actual law written by the Montana Legislature which states that the DOT is to begin planning a four-lane highway for U.S. Highway #2.

Kitzenberg also wrote a letter to the Governor stating that the DOT is doing everything it can to thwart our attempts to build a four-lane highway. He also wrote in the letter "We wish that Mr. Galt and the DOT would facilitate this legislation rather than kill it".

Kitzenberg wrote the letter to the Governor in September and has yet to receive a response.

Montana Projects Part of Labor Bill (10/11)

Montana Senator Conrad Burns today announced that the Labor Health and Human Services Appropriations bill for next year has been approved by its Senate Subcommittee and is expected to be approved by the full Appropriations Committee as early as tomorrow.

Burns used his position on the Appropriations Committee to include the following Montana-specific projects in the legislation. The inclusion of this language in the early stage of the appropriations process is crucial to the eventual funding of these projects. It is expected that specific dollar amounts will be added to the final version of the bill when it goes to conference committee.

Ronan School District to remedy sewer and air quality problems, which forced the community to close its middle school. Harlem Elementary School, near the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, which is in need of major reconstruction.

Encourages the Department of Education to work with the Frazier School District in regard to Impact Aid funding. University of Montana's Safe Schools Project, which seeks to promote responsible behavior and violence prevention in schools and communities.

Yellowstone County's Administration for Children and Families as it develops employment training, health services and school readiness programs for low-income, high-risk children and families.

MSU-Bozeman's Educational Technology Leadership Institute program to train rural educators in communications technology.

Butte's Northwest Regional Miner-Training and Research Facility, which educates miners, laborers and mechanics in new environmental and safety techniques.

Rocky Mountain College and Deaconess Billings Clinic's joint Rocky Mountain Technology Foundation, which seeks to provide telemedicine and distance learning infrastructure to rural and underserved areas.

MSU-Billings' efforts to develop a pilot project, which would establish a two-year computer science program at the College of Technology.

Butte's Saint James Healthcare and Montana Tech in their joint effort to establish the National Center for Health Care Informatics and create a new associate through masters degree health care program at Montana Tech.

Missoula Aging Services Area XI Agency on Aging as it works to develop a new resource center to meet the needs of community residents.

University of Montana's Center for Environmental Health Sciences as it works to develop new treatments for health risks associated with various environmental agents.

University of Montana as it works to provide health care professionals with access to specialized health information in rural areas of Montana.

MSU-Bozeman's efforts to establish a National Teacher Enhancement Network, which would provide online professional development courses for science teachers.

University of Great Falls' efforts to construct a Virtual Extended Classroom to allow students to participate in university courses using distance learning technology.

Flathead Valley Community College's efforts to create a Montana Technology, Resource and Education Center, which would provide professional and educational growth opportunities to people in rural areas via distance learning technology.

MSU-Bozeman's research efforts on middle ear infections in children. Cheiron Foundation, which includes Rocky Mountain College, and its efforts to provide education opportunities for dislocated workers in rural and underserved areas.

The one-to-one "e-learning" pilot program, which aims to provide students with a wireless laptop computer along with teacher and administrator training. The program is planned in four states, including Montana, and would begin with one school in each state.

The Rural Distance Learning Coalition, which includes Montana, as it addresses issues and challenges surrounding distance learning in rural areas. Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG) Program, which provides school-to-work projects for at-risk youth.

"I'm pleased that we were able to include language supporting so many Montana-related projects," Burns said. "Although this is an important first step in the legislative process, I will continue my efforts to gain funding for these projects as the bill continues to move forward."

Hearing Opens Latest Round Of Debate On Managing The Missouri (10/11)

(Helena-AP) -- Montana and Missouri government representatives on Tuesday night asked the U-S Army Corps of Engineers to hear their states' concerns over reworking the management of the Missouri River.

Bud Clinch is director of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. He urged the Omaha, Nebraska-based corps not to turn a deaf ear on Montana's concerns.

The subject of the hearing was a Revised Draft Environmental Impact Statement outlining six management alternatives. Environmentalists say a seasonal ebb and flow would save endangered fish and birds. Shipping interests say that would damage their business, and agricultural groups fear flooding.

Michael Wells is Missouri chief of water resources. He says he wants more time for public comment, saying hearings began too soon after new data was released. Thirteen other hearings are to follow, continuing in Thursday night. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Wolf Point Man Pleads Innocent To Murder In Knife Slaying (10/11)

(AP) Thirty-two-year-old Warren Warclub of Wolf Point pleaded innocent Wednesday in Billings to the knife murder of a man last week.

District Judge G. Todd Bauch continued Warclub's bond at 250-thousand dollars. Warclub is accused of stabbing 28-year-old Domingo Pacheco of Bridger at least two-dozen times in his back and neck.

Officials say that after the stabbing, Warclub walked into a store covered in blood and still carrying a large knife. He was later arrested without incident at a relative's residence a few blocks from the crime scene. (from Sonu Wasu, KTVQ) (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Low Lake Elevations Blamed For Poor Fishing Season (10/10)

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks is blaming low lake elevations for a poor walleye fishing season at Fort Peck Lake.

According to Bill Wiedenheft a biologist with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, the lake elevation has dropped 15 vertical feet since the high elevation of last year. Wiedenheft told Kltz/Klan news that when you lose that much water it concentrates both the predator and prey population. When this situation exists the predator population takes advantage and they will gorge themselves on the prey and become less inclined to take the lure or bait of a fisherman.

Wiedenheft said the fishing problem isn't because of a lack of walleye in Fort Peck. The department does an annual gill net survey and spring trap netting and when they compare the information that they received from both samples this year and compare with the past ten years it appears the numbers of walleye are at normal levels or might have even increased slightly.

Local anglers are upset over the poor fishing at Fort Peck and have complained that the department isn't doing enough to stock the lake with walleye. The local Walleye's Unlimited Chapter released catch rates for several walleye tournaments this year that show anglers catching only one walleye every 14 hours in one tournament while another tournament showed a walleye being caught every 13 hours.

Common Virus Hits Some White-tailed Deer Populations In Central And Eastern Montana (10/10)

Hunters travelling to central and eastern Montana may find fewer white-tailed deer due to a recurrent disease that has affected whitetail populations in some widely scattered areas, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks said today.

As a result, the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Park's Commission reduced today the number of white-tailed deer B hunting licenses available in FWP's Regions 5 and 6.

The ailment, epizootic hemorrhagic disease, or EHD, struck white-tailed deer in several central and eastern Montana locations in August and September. In response to information compiled by FWP wildlife biologists, the FWP Commission decided today to offer only 1,500 surplus licenses in Region 6—which generally includes the northeastern tier of Montana--instead of the 3,500 that could have been sold. The 1,500 surplus licenses—750 for residents and 750 for nonresidents--will be sold over the counter and will be valid only in Hunting Districts 630, 631, 632, the western portion of 640, 650, 651, 652 and 670. To better focus the white-tailed deer harvest in the eastern portion of Region 6, the commission also decided that all of the region's white-tailed deer B licenses already issued through FWP's annual special drawing will only be valid in these districts. Hunters who can't use their deer B licenses can obtain a refund prior to the Oct. 21 opening of the general hunting season, officials said.

Officials noted that these surplus license and hunting-area adjustments will not affect hunters with general deer A hunting licenses or the single region over-the-counter white-tailed deer doe licenses. "Hunters with these general season deer hunting licenses can still hunt throughout Region 6," said Don Childress, FWP's wildlife division administrator. In addition to the adjustments in Region 6, the commission decided not to issue any of the 177 surplus white-tailed deer B licenses scheduled for sale in south-central Montana's Region 5 for HDs 500, 502, 510, 520, 530, 560, 575 and 590.

The commission saw no need to make any additional changes to the white-tailed deer hunting season in Region 5. Surplus white-tailed-deer licenses will continue to be available in HDs 511, 540, 570 and 580, where there is no evidence of a significant EHD outbreak. Because more than 75 percent of Montana's annual white-tailed deer harvest occurs on private land, FWP also urged hunters travelling to central and eastern Montana for white-tailed deer to first contact landowners about local conditions and existing white-tailed deer hunting opportunities.

"This EHD outbreak is scattered, so even if you've already been granted permission to hunt, in this case it's best to first contact the landowner," Childress said. "Some locations have experienced substantial white-tailed deer losses."

Losses have been recorded in central Montana's Yellowstone River below Reedpoint and on the Musselshell River below Ryegate.

In northeastern Montana, EHD outbreaks have affected whitetailed deer populations along the Milk River and its tributaries from Havre to Malta, including Blaine, Hill and Phillips counties. Less severe EHD losses have also been reported along Missouri River tributaries such as the Judith River, and as far west as Fort Benton. In eastern Montana, some evidence of EHD has been reported near Miles City and Birney.

Childress said deer hunters planning on travelling to these areas when the general hunting season opens Oct. 21 will find that reduced populations will increase the challenge of harvesting a whitetail.

This week's pheasant and antelope hunters travelling to these areas may see some white-tailed deer carcasses, especially near or in water sources, throughout the EHD outbreak areas. The virus dehydrates infected deer and causes them to seek water.

EHD in white-tailed deer is a viral disease that causes quick and fatal internal hemorrhaging. It is transmitted by biting gnats. EHD outbreaks commonly occur during late summer and early fall in years of prolonged warm, dry weather. With the onset of below freezing nighttime temperatures, which kills the insects, the disease subsides.

There are no known instances of EHD affecting humans, either through contact with or consumption of infected animals. Chances are unlikely hunters will shoot an infected animal because with the onset of today's frost and freezing temperatures the disease will have subsided by Oct. 21, the opening of Montana's general hunting season.

For information on EHD and locations of outbreaks, hunters should call FWP Region 5 in Billings at 406-247-2940; FWP Region 6 in Glasgow at 406-228-3700; and FWP Region 7 in Miles City at 406-232-0900.

MDU Head Says He Expects To Stay In Utility Business (10/10)

(AP) The head of M-D-U Resources Group says he does not expect the increasingly diversified company to get out of the utility business in the foreseeable future. But C-E-O Martin White says the North Dakota Company has talked about merging with at least 14 other companies.

M-D-U is the parent company of Montana-Dakota Utilities, which serves customers in eastern Montana. Besides its electric and natural gas utilities, M-D-U has ventured into construction material, mining and other services.

White came from a subsidiary of Montana Power Company, which got rid of its generation business, after Montana passed electrical restructuring legislation in 1997. But White says companies that have sold off their utility business have not had a good experience. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Fort Peck Tribal Official In Australia (10/10)

(AP) The public safety director for the Fort Peck Tribes -- Calvin Red Thunder -- is in Sidney, Australia, this week to share his reservation's new approach for preventing crime.

The Department of Justice sent Red Thunder to the international "Best Practice Interventions and Corrections Indigenous Peoples' Conference."

Red Thunder will talk about reservation crime and its roots in "historical trauma" -- from the decimation of the buffalo to the federal government's Indian boarding schools, which broke up families. He also will share how his tribe is using cooperation between the police, courts, families, spiritual leaders, teachers and others, to curb crime and help offenders. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Fort Peck Hatchery Fish Production And Needs For The Future (Posted 10/4/01)

By Gary Bertellotti, MFWP Hatchery Bureau Chief

Current demand for warm water fish species has exceeded the long-term average production at the Miles City Hatchery. This has been true for the past several years. Only by very intensive hatchery management, improved hatchery techniques, and favorable weather conditions were we able to meet stocking requests.

The combined effort of Miles City Hatchery and Fort Peck Hatchery will provide protection from the risks inherent to fish culture of warm water species. It is common to have significant variation in production at warm water fish hatcheries that utilize outside pond rearing. Weather, water supplies, spawning success and other uncontrollable variable have had major affects on production at all the warm water facilities in North and South Dakota and Montana. However with the geographic distribution of these hatcheries, it is rare that all of them are detrimentally affected during the same year or level. The construction of Fort Peck hatchery provides one more site, spreading the risk of uncontrollable events and providing for reliable year-to-year production. The Fort Peck Hatchery in conjunction with Miles City Hatchery will provide for reliable fish production year after year.

With increased demands and the difficulty in producing enough or the exact size fish to meet those demands state wide, it was necessary to pursue the development of a hatchery at Fort Peck. The production capacity for multiple species at Fort Peck Hatchery and Miles City Hatchery will allow Fish Wildlife & Parks to provide the numbers, size and variety of fish species including native fish, that managers and biologists across the state need to meet management goals. Custom rearing to exacting needs for individual water throughout Montana will be accomplished with the addition of the Fort Peck Hatchery. Native species such as pallid sturgeon and sauger would be cultured without sacrificing sport fish production. By providing specialized rearing systems at the Fort Peck Hatchery, Montana can provide the necessary fish for recovery of pallid sturgeon and restoration of sauger populations to their native waters.

The hatchery will also provide space to maintain brood stocks of various warm water and native species. The addition of this production capacity will allow FWP the flexibility to use Miles City's production to stock across the state, in addition to Fort Peck Reservoir.

The hatchery design to setup to hatch and rear:
Walleye Fry 50 mil
Walleye Fingerling 2.5 mil
Walleye Advanced Fingerling 250,000
Sauger 2-3 mil fry and fingerling, or as needed
Small Mouth Bass 70-80,000 fry, fingerling, and to maintain brood
Large Mouth Bass 70-80,000 fry, fingerling, and to maintain brood
Tiger Muskie 50-60,000 fingerling and advanced fingerling
Northern Pike 150-200,000 fry and fingerling
Channel Catfish 40-50,000 advanced fingerling
Pallid Sturgeon As needed for recovery efforts
Chinook Salmon 300,000 smolts

Justice Department Selects Two Montana Towns For Drug-fighting Grants (Posted 10/4/01)

(AP) -- The U-S Justice Department has selected two Montana communities to receive grants for drug-fighting efforts. The Flathead Valley Chemical Dependency Clinic in Kalispell has received over 80-thousand 550 dollars.

The City of Glasgow gets 58-thousand 540 dollars. The money comes from the department's "Drug-Free Communities Support Program." It will help local organizations strengthen their efforts against illegal drug, alcohol and tobacco use. The money in Glasgow will be used to fund the Valley County Coalition, which hosts the weekly Saturday night Youth Center at the Civic Center in Glasgow.

Sage Grouse Conservation Group To Meet In Glasgow (Posted 10/4/01)

The Montana Sage Grouse Technical Committee will meet in Glasgow, Oct. 16-18, to continue its work on a plan to conserve sage grouse and sage grouse habitat in Montana.

The work-session meetings will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 16, from 3-5 p.m. Work-session meetings are also set for Wednesday, Oct. 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Thursday, Oct. 18, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The meetings will be held at the Cottonwood Inn, U.S. Highway 2 East.

The committee will also host an open house Tuesday, Oct. 16, from 7-9 p.m., also at the Cottonwood Inn, to meet with the public and discuss its work.

The committee, which was formed last year, meets monthly in different Montana communities to examine the sage grouse's status in Montana and develop a science-based conservation plan to address factors that may impact sage grouse populations, including grazing, fire, predator control, habitat lost and fragmentation, and hunting. In Glasgow, the group will continue its discussions on how sage grouse habitats are affected by predator control, fire, and oil, gas and utility development.

Committee members include representatives from state and federal agencies, hunting groups, Montana Indian tribes, conservation groups, stockgrowers, and individuals interested in Montana's sage grouse and sagebrush grassland ecosystems. The committee's goal is to design a draft conservation plan by December.

The sage grouse, North America's largest grouse, is best known for its distinctive spring mating rituals on breeding grounds called "leks". Once found in 13 western states and three Canadian provinces, today sage grouse are found in 11 states and in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. The bird's remaining strongholds are in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Oregon.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was recently petitioned to list the sage grouse in Colorado and Washington as a "threatened" species under the federal Endangered Species Act. Montana's conservation plan will seek to maintain state authority to manage sage grouse and other species that occupy sage uplands and grasslands.

Customs Officials Week More Resources (Posted 10/4/01)

(AP) The heads of the Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service say they need more money to ensure the future security of the U.S.-Canadian border.

I-N-S Commissioner James Ziglar and Customs director Robert Bonner told U-S senators today that they have boosted efforts to shore up security along the four-thousand-mile border. But they say they need more resources for the future.

Attorney General John Ashcroft promised tighter security after documents showed one person taken into custody after the September 11th terrorist attacks entered the country through Canada.

Wildlife Officials Worry Over Deadly Deer Virus (Posted 10/4/01)

(AP) State wildlife officials say a deadly virus is threatening white-tailed deer populations in eastern Montana. Biologists say the virus causes outbreaks of "epizootic hemorrhagic disease" in the animals. It is spread through the bite of gnats, and kills within 12 hours -- after causing rapid bleeding and shock.

E-H-D is most common in white-tails, but scientists say it can affect mule deer, elk and bighorn sheep. Officials say the disease can't be passed to humans, even if an infected animal is eaten. The spread usually stops when the first fall frost kills gnats, but this year's warm, dry autumn has instead nurtured the insects.

Officials say the hardest-hit areas are along the Yellowstone and Musselshell river drainages, from Hysham to Forsyth, and into southeastern Montana. Fish, Wildlife and Parks commissioners say they may withhold some surplus white-tail permits because of the disease. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Glasgow Resident Sentenced On Intimidation Charges (Posted 10/3/01)

Anti-government activist Wallis Pederson has been sentenced to a year of federal custody and five years of supervision by federal probation officers after he is released from federal custody.

Pederson had pleaded guilty to three counts of intimidating or impeding an IRS agent and two government prosecutors in a plea agreement on June 21st.

But in Federal Court on Monday, Pederson tried to renounce the plea agreement saying that the agreement was made in haste, without full disclosure, and without fair consideration. U.S. District Court Judge Richard Cebull though ruled that a plea agreement accepted in open court and signed willingly by the defendant was worth the paper it was written on.

Pederson, a Glasgow resident, will get credit for time he has served since March 8th. He was remanded to U.S. marshals immediately after the sentencing hearing.

Police Chief Warns Glasgow To Lock Vehicles (Posted 10/3/01)

Glasgow Police Chief Lynn Erickson is warning Glasgow residents to lock their vehicles after a rash of car thefts in the city over the past two months.

Chief Erickson told Kltz/Klan that the department is currently investigating the six thefts and are searching for a male juvenile suspect who they believe is involved in the thefts.

The vehicle thefts have occurred over the past 2 months and the vehicles were recovered by the police department but all vehicles suffered minor damage. All six vehicles were stolen from residential neighborhoods in Glasgow.

Police Say Bridger Man Was Victim Of Fatal Stabbing In Billings (Posted 10/3/01)

(AP) Police have identified the man who was stabbed to death early today in Billings. He was 28-year-old Domingo Pacheco of Bridger. Another man is in custody.

Arrested was 32-year-old Warren WarClub of Wolf Point. Police were alerted by a call to the 9-1-1 emergency center shortly after midnight. The caller told them a body could be found in a downtown alley. Officers found Pacheco dead in the alley. A knife believed to have been used in the slaying was recovered a few blocks away.

Lieutenant Rich St. John says police arrested WarClub at the home of the person who reported the death. He says the motive for the slaying remains unclear. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Energy Survey Results (Posted 10/3/01)

A survey by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) at the second Annual 2001 Sustainability Fair in Livingston, MT, August 25, found the majority of the people interviewed believe their energy bills will be increasing. An estimated 2500 people attended the fair.

The Sustainability Fair is a project of the Corporation for the Northern Rockies, a non profit organization based in Livingston, promoting sustainable land management, fostering sustainable economies, and preserving local traditions. The survey also found about two-thirds of people had done something at their home to save energy. Installing compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs was the most popular action taken, with 33% of the persons installing an average of four bulbs per home. The CFL bulbs have been improved in the last few years, now fitting almost all fixtures. They are about four times more energy efficient than standard incandescent bulbs, and last about 10 times longer. An average Montana home that replaces a 60 watt incandescent light with a 15 watt CFL will save about $4.50 a year on a light that is on for 4 hours a day.

Insulating attics, wrapping water heaters, adjusting water heater to 120 degrees, making the home more air tight and replacing windows were the other popular actions taken in the homes. Paul Tschida of the DEQ said these measures were good considering that a recent Department of Energy study found only 20% of homes built before 1980 were well insulated. He was surprised more people had not done things that would significantly reduce their energy cost such as insulating crawlspaces, basement walls, exterior walls, sealing and insulating heating duct work and installing new furnaces, boilers and set back thermostats.

Other responses from of the survey included:
--10% of the people responded they had used the $150 Montana tax credit for investments in energy conservation installations.
--33% expected to perform some energy conservation work within the next two years and almost all expected to use the new $500 Montana energy conservation tax credit available January 1, 2002.
--50% responded they recently purchased or will be purchasing a new appliance, a refrigerator being most commonly mentioned.
--58% will use the Energy Guide label, a yellow and black label on all major appliances showing the average annual energy consumption for that model compared to others in that class.
--75 % said they would pay extra for energy saving features that would pay for themselves within 5 years.
--55% would pay extra for energy saving features that would pay for themselves within 10 years.
--82% stated they were recycling at home, with newspaper, aluminum cans and glass being the most common items recycled.

As an incentive to participate in the survey, DEQ and U.S. Department of Energy staff offered Fair attendees their choice of a radon test kit, wood stove thermometer or coffee mug. Twenty-nine persons responded to the survey.

American Legion Post 104 To Host A "Sons Of The American Legion" Squadron: Local Posts Receive Awards At Fall District Convention (Posted 10/2/01)

During the District 1 Fall Convention, held in Peerless, Montana, on Saturday, September 29, American Legion Post 104 of Nashua agreed to host a "Sons of the American Legion" Squadron. This Squadron will serve all of northeast Montana, from Hinsdale to the North Dakota state line.

The Sons of the American Legion do many community activities such as community flag maintenance, presenting educational programs about the American flag to communities and schools, participate in color guard activities, support American Legion Posts, and present Americanism and Patriotism programs to communities and schools. School aged members of the "Sons of the American Legion" participate in a study program called the "Ten Ideals" to learn about Patriotism, Health, Knowledge, Training, Honor, Faith, Helpfulness, Courtesy, Reverence, and Comradeship.

After completing the Ten Ideals program, the young members then participate in the Five-Point Program of Service which includes:
1. Patriotism - Love of the flag; love of country. 2. Citizenship - Individual obligation of citizenship. 3. Discipline - Respect for and obedience to rules. 4. Leadership - Participation in group activities. 5. Legionism - Knowledge of the American Legion.

All male descendants, adopted sons and stepsons of members of the American Legion, and such male descendants of veterans who died in service during World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Lebanon, Grenada, Panama, and Persian Gulf, during the delimiting periods set forth in Article IV, Section I, of the National Constitution of the American Legion or who died subsequent to their honorable discharge from such service, shall be eligible for membership in the "Sons of the American Legion. There are no age limits for membership, which means that membership can start at birth.

Most people don't realize they are eligible to join the American Legion through the "Sons of the American Legion." This is an excellent way for people to show their patriotism in light of the recent terrorist activities, and for young people to appropriately learn about patriotism, support their community, and learn good morals. Anyone interested in joining, or signing up their children, grandchildren, or great grandchildren should contact American Legion Post 104 Commander Robert Jensen, or their local American Legion Post for help in making contact.

American Legion Post 41 of Glasgow was represented by Post Adjutant Philip Mitchell, who accepted an award for the post for surpassing the 45% membership goal. Goals are set for Posts to meet certain membership percentages by established dates for the coming membership year.

Post 104 of Nashua was honored with being one of only two Posts in the state to already meet, and in fact surpass the 100% mark for the 2001 - 2002 membership year. Post 104 was represented by Post Commander Robert Jensen.

Post Commander Jensen was also awarded a Certificate of Achievement from the American Legion National Commander Ray Smith for surpassing the designated membership goal for the 2000 - 2001 membership year at the Fall Convention. Special guest speakers at the Fall Convention included the Department Commander Ed Sperry and the Department Service Officer Ruddy Reilly. A lot of good information was presented at the convention.

Local and school libraries should be interested to know that "The American Legion" magazine is an excellent source of history and current affairs, and is available to them, as well as "The American Legion History" book. The National Emergency Fund, a fund available for veterans and their
families in time of need, has been set at $2500 for the state fund. There has already been one family in Montana to receive a grant from the fund due to the terrorist attacks. The fund is supported through donations.

Any veterans who came into contact with Agent Orange and are now suffering from diabetes should contact their local American Legion Service Officer. Diabetes now has a link to Agent Orange contact and is being covered by the VA. Also, the VA is now paying veterans' medical bills if the veteran has no insurance and is in need of medical care. This is being done on a case by case basis, and the veteran should be in touch with their Legion Service Officer for help.

Local Middle and High Schools should be preparing for the annual Oratorical Contest, where students can win thousands of dollars in scholarships. Information for American Legion Boys State is due to go out to the High Schools after the first of the year.

Robert Jensen Post Commander American Legion Post 104, Nashua

CRP Grazing Extended (Posted 10/2/01)

The Valley County FSA Office wants to notify producers that grazing of CRP acres has been extended until October 31, 2001. This includes new applications and extensions on acres previously approved, if there are AUM’s still available for grazing. Producers must come to the FSA Office, file an application, and be approved for the CRP grazing.

This extension does NOT apply to CRP haying or removal of CRP hay from the fields which expired October 1, 2001. If you have any questions contact the office at 228-4321.

Water Service Will Be Out For Duck Creek Area On Wednesday (Posted 10/2/01)

The Fort Peck Rural County Water District has announced their will be no water service on Wednesday from 1-3 pm for those serviced in the cabin area, Duck Creek and on Highway 24.

Vision Net To Provide Internet Service To State Of Montana (Posted 10/2/01)

Vision Net, a private corporation owned by five rural telecommunications cooperatives, has been selected as Internet provider for the State of Montana.

The contract between Vision and the state's Information Services Technology Division marks the first major contract between Montana's rural telephone companies and state government. Under the contract, Vision Net will provide both dedicated (always on) and dial-up Internet access for use by the various agencies of state government. State employees will be able to use these secure connections to access both the Internet and the state's own private data network known as SummitNet.

"The contract represents a significant step forward for Vision Net," stated Ron Warnick, General Manager. "We have provided quality service with cutting edge technology to Montana communities since 1995. We welcome the opportunity to do the same for state government."

Vision Net's Internet service is distributed throughout Montana using state-of-the-art ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) technology. Vision Net's ATM equipment is connected across the state primarily via the SONET fiber optic transport system of MAIN (Montana Advanced Information Network), formed in 1995 by ten Montana independent rural telephone companies.

In addition to the peered Internet hubs located in Cut Bank, Billings and Helena, Vision Net also connects to the outside world via three different Tier 1 broadband providers: Global Crossing, Group Telecomm, and Cable and Wireless. These multiple outbound communications paths provide highly reliable, balanced, and redundant connections to the Internet.

"We are pleased to be working with Vision Net and expect that this will be the first of many business opportunities in Montana government for the rural telecommunications companies. They have demonstrated leadership in partnering with one another and, as a result of innovative planning, have in place one of the most advanced telecom networks in the state," said Tony Herbert, of the Information Services Technology Division.

Vision Net is owned by five rural telephone cooperatives: Blackfoot, Nemont, Northern, Triangle and 3 Rivers.

Valley County Simulates Air Crash (Posted 10/2/01)

Valley County emergency services were called out on Tuesday evening at 5pm for a simulated airplane crash at the Glasgow International Airport.

The Long Run Fire Department, City Fire Department, Valley County Law Enforcement and ambulances responded to the simulated crash scene.

The test was done in the face of heightened awareness throughout the country.

Smoke hovers over the Glasgow airport on Tuesday evening.

MARIE M. SEILER

MARIE M. SEILER Marie M. Seiler passed away of natural causes on October 27, 2001 she was 85. Services will be Tuesday October 30, 2001 at 7:30pm at Bell Chapel, with Rev. Michael Schneider officiating. Bell mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Marie was born and raised in Flaxville, Mt. She moved to Glasgow in 1942 and Has lived in Glasgow the last 58 years. On February 1, 1936 she married Charles M. Seiler in Scobey Mt. For 30 years she worked as a housekeeper at Valley View, Campbell Lodge, and the Roosevelt Hotel. She enjoyed fishing, Hunting, gardening, and embroidery.

Survivors include: 2 Sons: Charles Seiler Jr. of Nashua and Jim Seiler of Glasgow; Daughters: Marlene Zinner of Glasgow, Sherryee Turner of Nashua, And Lois Marcinkowski of Missoula; 25 Grandchildren, 34 Great Grandchildren, 9 Great Great Grandchildren ; Sisters: Anna Maher of Scobey Mt and Lousie Tax of Othelo, Washington ; Brothers: Raymond Roos of Miles City Mt. And Henry Roos of Flaxville, Mt. She was one of 12 children

Doris Ann Breshears

Doris Ann Breshears of St. Marie, died of cancer on October 26. She was 71. Services will be Monday, October 29th at 11 a.m. at Bell Chapel, with Pastor Herb Sands officiating and with burial in Highland Cemetery. Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Doris was born in Voctorville, California, to Fletcher and Nellie Kallenburger. She attended Victorville High School and then worked as a massage therapist for awhile and was working as a secretary at Victorville High School when she was married. In 1955 she married Marvin Breshears in Victorville. Marvin was in the military and they moved to several places until settling in Lompoc, California, in 1974. They moved to Montana in 1991.

Doris was a homemaker, Girl Scout Troop Leader, in booster club at all the schools, and her family and children were active at the local churches.

Survivors include her husband Marvin of St. Marie; 2 sons: Kevin of Wasco, California, and Keaton of Tulsa, Oklahoma; 1 daughter: Karla of St. Marie; 8 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild; 3 sisters: Betty Yendol of Victorville, California, Alice Nichols of Apple Valley, California, and Ella Smieja of Sun City, California; and 1 brother: Dan Kallenburger of Hesparia, California. She was preceded in death by one brother, Phillip.

Palmer A. Dascher

Palmer A. Dascher of Glasgow passed away of natural causes on October 24th at Valley View Nursing Home in Glasgow. He was 88. Services will be at Bell Chapel in Glasgow on Monday, October 29th at 2 p.m. Reverend Gus Gustafson will be officiating and interment will be at Highland Cemetery. Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Palmer was born in 1913 in Glasgow to John and Jennie (Nelson) Dascher. He attended Glasgow schools and graduated from Glasgow High School in 1932. For a few years he worked at Fort Peck Dam, after which he spent many years in foreign countries, where he was Superintendent of Road Construction. Some of the areas where he worked were South America, Central America, Liberia in Africa, New Guinea, Panama Canal and many other places.

After returning to Glasgow he farmed south of Glasgow for some time. He later worked for Leonard Langen at the old First National Bank Building.

Boating was Palmer's favorite recreation and he had several boats on Fort Peck Lake. Later he built a cabin at the Pines and enjoyed it very much.

Palmer was very active in the Coast Guard at Fort Peck and was also a member of the Elks.

Survivors include 1 brother, Kenneth Dascher and his wife Marie, of Glasgow; 2 nieces: Darlyn Dascher of south Glasgow and Linda Hetrick and her husband Gary of Coeur D'Alene, Idaho; and one special friend, Ruth Beil of Glasgow.

Howard W. "Swede" Hammond

Howard W. "Swede" Hammond, a World War II Veteran, teacher and former Montana State Senator, died of natural causes Monday, October 22, at his home. He was 83 years old. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 25, at the Malta Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in the Malta Cemetery with Masonic and Veterans honors. Adams Funeral Home of Malta is in charge of arrangements.

Survivors include his wife Ella Hammond; sons, Mike Hammond and his wife Debbie of Whitewater, Howard Hammond and his Wife JoAnn of Whitewater; daughter Patty Anderson of Whitewater; brothers, R.A. Olsen and his wife Catherine of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Milton "Swede" Olsen and his wife Marjorie of Whitewater; sister, Beverly Haugen of Kremlin; grandchildren, Nate Hammond and his wife Kari of Big Fork, Haley Hammond of Bozeman, Tricia Hammond of Whitewater, Shane Anderson of Billings, Ella Simanton and her husband Joe of Billings, Tanner Anderson of Billings, Aimee Hammond of Malta, Ashley Hammond of Billings, Andrea Hammond of Billings; and great grandchild Rhett Simanton of Billings. He was preceded in death by his father Jens Hammond on November 15, 1918 (his first birthday); his stepfather, Alvin Olsen and his mother Ella Olsen.

Howard was born on November 15, 1917, in Westby, Montana, to Jens and Ella Hammond. He attended school in Whitewater. He received a teaching degree from Northern Montana College and his Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Montana. He married Ella Dees of Kremlin on December 28, 1941.

Howard began his teaching and coaching career in Bainville in 1939. He then taught and coached in Kremlin for six years. In 1946, Howard and Ella began farming and ranching north of Whitewater, and they spent their summers working on the farm. In 1979 he retired from Big Sandy High School after 27 years of teaching, coaching and administration. Howard's teaching career was interrupted by his service in the Army Air Corps as a B-17 pilot during World War II. He flew in 33 bombing missions and was shot down three times. He achieved the rank of Captain before he was discharged. In 1979 he and Ella moved to Malta to be closer to their children and grandchildren. One year later her was elected to the Montana Senate and served for 12 years. In 1984 he was inducted into the Montana High School Association Coaches Hall of Fame.

Howard was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church, serving on many committees and the Church Council. He was an active member of the Big Sandy Masonic Lodge, the Malta Shrine Club, Rotary Club, American Legion and the VFW of Malta. He enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in all sports and school activities. He also enjoyed helping his children with their family farms. Howard was a lifelong public servant with a special interest in helping young people excel.

Ruth Mittelstadt Arnott

Ruth Mittelstadt Arnott passed away on October 16th. A memorial service will be held at the Hinsdale Lutheran Church at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 24th. Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Ruth was born in Lostwood, North Dakota, in 1910, the middle child of Emil and Agnes Murry Middlestadt. Her sister, Beatrice, and brother, Vernon, preceded her in death by many years.

Ruth received her elementary education in a one-room school in Lostwood and a somewhat larger school in Blaisdell, North Dakota. She graduated from high school in Stanley, North Dakota - class of 1927. She attended Minot State College where she received a degree in business education and then taught for nine years at Arnegaard and Ross.

Ruth moved to Saco, Montana, in 1940 where she met and married Bernard Arnott. She taught in the Saco school system for several years, including a stint at Cree Crossing School with her newborn baby next to her desk.

In 1955, she and Bernard purchased a farm near Malta and went into the dairy business. During those years, Rush also worked in the Phillips County treasurer's office, including one term as County Treasurer.

When her marriage ended in divorce, Ruth moved to Hinsdale where for nine years she taught typing, bookkeeping and English. After her retirement, she continued part time as the school librarian.

Ruth was a lifelong Democrat and was active in the Hinsdale Lutheran Church, the Lutheran Aid Society, and Senior Citizens. She was particularly proud of her role in editing, "They Thought the Land Was Free," a history of Hinsdale. After its publication, she stated that she really felt a part of the community for the first time.

Ruth gave up her home in 1993, moving to Nemont Manor in Glasgow. In 1999, she moved to Valley View Nursing Home in Glasgow.

Ruth and her family wold like to extend special gratitude to Edith Johnson, Debby Meland and Michelle Aho for their devoted care and friendship. It is much appreciated.

Ruth is survived by a daughter, Mary Gayle Van Ingen, of Portland, Oregon, a son, Dwight of Missoula and a niece, Mary Lou Johnson of Seattle.

Barbara Mae Duncan Swanson

Barbara Mae Duncan Swanson passed away October 16th at her home in Glasgow, after a short, hard fight with cancer. Memorial services will be held at the Methodist Church in Glasgow on Saturday, September 20th at 2 p.m.

Barbara Mae Duncan was born in Hinsdale in 1925 to Clair and Laura Duncan, the middle child of seven girls. In 1944 she married Edwin Victor Swanson; 2 days later Edwin was off to war with the Navy. In the fall of 1946 after he returned, they moved 10 miles north of Hinsdale to farm and ranch for the next 18 years. Their 5 children were born during this time. Barbara enjoyed her garden, yard and flowers. She did much of her own canning and sewing during this time. She also enjoyed reading. In 1964 Barbara and Edwin moved to Glasgow and built Farm Equipment Sales (now Hi Line Ford) from the ground up. Barbara worked for 9 years at the Federated clothing store and then enjoyed being home. She also enjoyed bowling. Barbara was a lifetime Star Member.

Up until the past few years when her health started to fail, you could drive by and see Barbara in her yard mowing and tending to her flowers. She had quite a knack with flowers and they seemed to love her also. Barbara enjoyed sewing flannel blankets for her grandchildren and great grandchildren; several still pack these around. She also enjoyed doing some embroidery work and even mastered the computer and e-mail during her last year or two.

Barbara and Edwin did some traveling which included London, Moscow, Carribean, Panama Canal and several places in the United States.

Barbara is survived by her husband Edwin, 2 daughters: Connie Faye Johnson and Yvonne Marie Johnson and her husband Smiley; 3 sons: John Martin Swanson and his wife Janice, Jeffrey Clair Swanson and his wife Cindy, and Marc Alan Swanson and his wife Debbie; 14 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, 4 sisters: Pearl Hoddap of Seattle, Connie Sieler of Billings, Patsy O'Brien of Shelby and Shirley Greene of Rapid City.

Barb's health had been on a downhill slide for the past few years and she is now able to breath without oxygen, is finally pain-free, enjoying life as it should be enjoyed. Although we are relieved for her, she will be in our memories and thoughts and she will be missed so very much.

Memorials can be made in Barb's name to the Hospital Foundation.

Anna E. Hinerman

Anna E. Hinerman, 96, died of natural causes on October 15th at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow. Services will be Friday, October 19th at 10 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Glasgow with Pastor Mark Koonz officiating and with burial in the family plot in Highland Cemetery. Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Anna was born in Kramer, North Dakota, in 1905, the oldest child of 5 children born to Frank and Martha Garbe of the Grain Community north of Nashua. In 1918, she moved with her family by Immigrant train to Nashua and her parents homesteaded in the Grain community. She met and married William Ray Hinerman in 1929 and they made their home at Larslan, Montana.

Survivors include 2 sons: Sam Hinerman at the family home in Larslan and Ray Hinerman and his wife Lenore of Glasgow; 4 daughters: Alice of Billings, Ethel Makik and her husband Lloyd of Cascade, Ilene Hanson and her husband Jim of Whitefish, Norman Grossman and her husband Bruce of Seattle; 2 grandchildren: Neil Hinerman of Venice, California, and LaMona Hanson of San Diego, California; step-grandchildren: Matt and Brad Grossman of Australia, Danny and his wife Rose Olson of Glasgow, Virginia Enman and her husband Elliot of Drumond, Kathy Smith and her husband Leland of Richland, Karen Bergtoll and her husband Joe of Glasgow, David Olson and his wife Michele of Larslan; 11 step great grandchildren, 1 step great great grandchild, many nieces and nephews, and special friends Bill and Suzanne Soper of Glasgow. She was preceded in death by her husband William Ray in 1964, her parents, sisters Clara Porter, Elsie Lettman, Frieda Bryan and brother Max Garbe.

A reception will follow at the church. Memorials are suggested to the Pioneer Museum at 816 Highway 2 west in Glasgow, Montana 59230

Pauline Fance

Services were held on Thursday in Glasgow for Pauline Fance, 74, known as "the bag lady" to the downtown and Glasgow residents. Graveside services were held at the Highland Cemetery. Pauline has frequented the Glasgow area for the past 3 years.

Edward V. Harmash

Edward V. Harmash, 84, died of natural causes on October 8th at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow. Funeral services will be Friday, October 12th at 10 a.m. at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church in Glasgow with Reverend Thad Kozikowski officiating. Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Edward was born in Brooklyn, New York, to Vincent and Alice Harmash. He was raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He served in the U.S. Air Force as a flight engineer in WWII. He attended an aero technology school in California and worked with American Airlines for 35 years at LaGuardia. He worked as a Flight Engineer in Africa, England, India and China with the Air Transport Command. He flew the hump. He then moved to Sula, Montana, for 10 years. He moved to Glasgow two years ago. He married Margaret Hoffman in 1942. He belonged to the Volunteer Fire Department, Knights of Columbus and enjoyed camping, fishing and carpentry. He also made model airplanes.

Survivors include his wife, Margaret (Peggy) Harmash of Glasgow; 1 son, Robert and his wife Lanette of Nashua; 2 daughters: Barbara Babor and her husband Tom of Connecticut and Margaret Battles and her husband Tom of Oregon; 1 sister, Jean Ladyko of Connecticut; 6 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Marilyn J. Ressmeyer

Marilyn Ressmeyer, 69, died of cancer Friday, October 5th, at the Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow. Her funeral is set for Thursday, October 11th, at the First United Methodist Church in Glasgow with burial in Highland Cemetary.

Marilyn was raised and attended schools in Pipestone, Minnesota. She started playing the piano at the age of 4. After High School she attended Hamlin University in Minnesota studying social work. In 1932 she married Paul Ressmeyer in Pipestone, Minnesota. They moved to Columbus, Montana in 1955 where Dr. Ressmeyer practiced Chiropractic Medicine. In 1968 they moved to Glasgow where Marilyn played for the Methodist Church for many years, for the schools, concerts, and music festivals. She also enjoyed reading and walking.

Marilyn is survived by one son Donald Ressmeyer of San Diego and three daughers; Elizabeth Schmitt of Glasgow, Gayle Jellum of Gillette, Wyoming, and Paula Miller of Ramona, California. She is also survived by 8 grandchildren and one brother.

Jack C. Schye Sr.

Jack Claire Schye, 88, who operated his own construction business in Glasgow for 25 years, died of cancer Friday, October 5th, at the Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow. His funeral is set for Tuesday, October 9th, at the First United Methodist Church in Glasgow with burial in the Highland Cemetary.

Jack was born on a homestead shack in Custer County near Ismay, MT. He attended country schools and graduated from Ismay High School. He began his career in construction using horses in the building of Highway 12, and later became a dragline operator. He married Mary Jewell in 1939 and they followed construction projects to several states. Jack had his own construction company in Glasgow for 25 years. He was a 58 year member of the Operating Engineers. He was active in civic and and fraternal organizations including serving two terms on the Glasgow City Council.

Jack is survived by his wife, Mary, of Glasgow and two sons, Ted Schye and Jack Schye of Glasgow. He is also survived by a brother, Garry Schye of Miles City; two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Jacquelyn "Jackie" Taylor

Jacquelyn "Jackie" Taylor, 76, died of cancer on Tuesday, October 2, at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow. A private family service will be October 5th at 10 a.m. at Bell Chapel in Glasgow with Reverend Emory Robotham officiating and with burial in Highland Cemetery. Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Jackie was born and raised in Beebe, Arkansas. She attended school in Arkansas and one year of Business College in San Diego, California. She moved to Havre and was employed doing business records for Stahl and Rhea Construction Company. In 1968, she married Reg Taylor in Wallace, Idaho. They lived in Williston, North Dakota, from 1968-1972 and have resided in Glasgow since 1972. Jackie enjoyed reading, was an avid bridge player, loved flowers and gardening and was an excellent cook. She was a member of the Order of Eastern Star and was active in the First Congregational Church.

Survivors include her husband Reg of Glasgow; 2 sons: Gary and his wife Ann of Great Falls, Dale and his wife Kelly of Great Falls; 4 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 1 brother: Charles Perry Jones of Arkansas.

She was preceded in death by a son, Larry, in 1988 and brothers Urban, Ed, Ralph and Clay Jones and sisters Blanche Mask and Goldie Douglas.

Helen Rennick

Helen Rennick, 74, died of natural causes on Sunday, September 30 at Valley View Nursing Home in Glasgow. Services will be Thursday, October 4 at 3 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Glasgow with Reverend Lonnie Eidson officiating. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery in Glasgow. Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Helen was born in Baylor, Montana, in 1927. She attended grade and high schools in Glasgow. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Glasgow. Helen worked for the Deluxe Cleaners for many years and when they closed she bartended at several places. Helen will always be remembered as the Glasgow Marbles player, winning over boys and girls all the time.

Survivors include 6 sons: Richard and his wife Judy of Larslan and Glasgow, Al of Glasgow, Ed of Glasgow, Gerald Alven and his wife Cindy of Havre, Carl of Glasgow; 1 daughter, Pam and her husband Steve Becker of Sacramento, California; 19 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren; 4 sisters: Hilda Rosencrans of Opheim, Theresa and her husband Menford Sather of Glasgow, Adeline and her husband Phil Mitchell of Glasgow, Imojean Helgeson of Glasgow, and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and husbands: Don Hueth, Gerald Murch and Jerry Rennick.

Laimi Aurora Morehouse

Laimi Aurora Morehouse, 97, died of natural causes on September 30th at Cooney Convalescent Home in Helena, Montana. Services will be October 4, 2001, at 11 a.m. at the Hinsdale Methodist Church in Hinsdale, with Reverend David Hodsdon officiating, interment at Hillview Cemetery in Hinsdale. Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.
Laimi was born in 1904 in Spion Kop, Montana, and was later joined by a sister and a brother. She attended school in Sand Coulee and later at the South Bench area near Hinsdale, where the family moved during her early childhood years.

In 1921 Laimi married Warren D. Don Morehouse in Glasgow. They lived in the Hinsdale area until Don's death in 1975 and Laimi's move to Nemont Manor in Glasgow in 1992.

Laimi is survived by daughters Donna Daniels (and husband Ken) of Boise, Idaho, and Marlyne Abel of Helena; sons Jack Morehouse and his wife Peggy of Colorado Springs, Gene Morehouse of El Dorado Springs, Missouri, Warren Morehouse and his wife Maxine of Helena and Gary Morehouse and his wife Carol of Thompson Falls; daughter-in-law Audrey Morehouse of Glasgow, 28 grandchildren, 38 great grandchildren and 8 great great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Signe Costin of Denton, one niece and 3 nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband Don, her parents, her brother Oliver, sons and daughters-in-law Philip Morehouse, Kenneth and Clenda Morehouse, Dale Morehouse, Bill and Marguerite Morehouse, Dick Morehouse, 2 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

In lieu of flowers, family members request donations to the Methodist Church of Hinsdale or the memorial of the donor's choice.