KLTZ/Mix-93 news

The Montana Highway Patrol has charged a 52-year old Opheim man with three misdemeanors as the result of a one-vehicle accident that occurred Tuesday evening on Highway #24.

According to Officer Pat McCarthy of the Highway Patrol, 52-year old James Dewitt was northbound on Highway #24 when he swerved to hit a deer and rolled his 2002 GMC pickup.
The vehicle ended up upside down in the middle of the road. Dewitt then left the pickup in the middle of the road and caught a ride to his home near Opheim. The Highway Patrol was called to the scene shortly after the accident and started traffic control so no other vehicle ran into the pickup. The patrol then started a search thinking that the driver of the vehicle was seriously injured and had been thrown from pickup.

It wasn't until two hours later that the patrol was able to locate Dewitt who was at his home near Opheim.

Dewitt has been charged with failure to remain at the scene of an accident, failure to report an accident by quickest possible means and careless driving. All three charges are misdemeanors. No injuries were reported with the accident.

5 Montana Students Win Trips To Washington, D.C. Through Jobs For Montana's Graduates (Posted Wednesday, October 30, 2002 9:33 PM)

October 28, 2002 - Helena - Five Montana high school students were awarded
trips to Washington, D.C. at the Jobs for Montana's Graduates (JMG) Fall
Leadership Conference October 23 in Great Falls, Montana. Owen Azure, Butte
High School; Brittany Lane, Billings Career Center; Jocee Long, Powell
County High School; Ashley French, Plains High School; and Leon Wright,
Dodson High School, were selected to represent Montana at the National
Leadership Training event in Washington, D.C., in December.

Plains High School won the Theme of the Year Poster event with the winning
theme of "Taste How Sweet Success can be with JMG". Second place honors
went to the Billings Career Center and third place was awarded to Wolf Point
High School.

Forty-two schools participated in the leadership conference, with nearly 200
students in attendance. In addition to participating in competitive events,
the students learned leadership development and team building techniques
from featured guest speaker, Bill Cordes, of Cordes Presentations. The
students will use these skills as leaders in their local career
associations.

The mission of Jobs for Montana's Graduates is two-fold: 1) to provide
classroom instruction and work-based learning opportunities to students in
grades nine through twelve that will enhance their career awareness,
remediation, self-esteem and work readiness; and 2) to identify young people
who can benefit the most through participating in JMG and prepare them for
meaningful career-oriented jobs; matching the students with community job
opportunities and providing long-term follow-up to facilitate their
successful transition from school to work.

The JMG program serves nearly 1,000 Montana students in 44 local programs
throughout the state.

Fort Peck Chinook spawn ends; egg take disappointing (Posted Wednesday, October 30, 2002 9:25 PM)
Fisheries workers have ended their salmon egg-taking operation on Fort Peck Lake, where the number of mature fish returning to Marina Bay was far below expectations.

Nearly 65,000 eggs were collected and fertilized during the two-week-long spawning operation. Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists had hoped for at least four times that number. The number of salmon returning to the marina was as disappointing for biologists as it was for anglers, who reported poor angling and snagging in Marina Bay.

But fisheries workers are celebrating the success of their new salmon ladder, which captured 10 times more Chinook than the traps used the last couple of years. The tractor used to run the ladder’s water pump was purchased by FWP with matching funds from Glasgow’s chapter of Walleyes Unlimited.

With a little help from Mother Nature, a handful of volunteer egg-takers, and the Dakotas, future Chinook salmon seasons on Fort Peck Lake should be better than this year. Montana is slated to receive some 100,000 eyed Chinook eggs from North Dakota and another 400,000 from South Dakota, so the total number of fish stocked next spring should meet objectives.

Fisheries biologists hope to release some 250,000 salmon fingerlings in spring 2003. If the fish survive predation, low lake levels and other factors, they should return to Marina Bay as spawning adults in 2005.

Fish, Wildlife & Parks stocked nearly 135,000 fingerlings in Fort Peck in 2001, and another 370,000 fingerling Chinook in 2002.

Montanans Receiving Recognition for Food, Nutrition Improvements (Posted Wednesday, October 30, 2002 9:23 PM)

The State Advisory Council on Food and Nutrition, which is an advisory council to the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services, is recognizing Montana individuals and organizations that have worked to eliminate hunger and improve the nutritional status of Montanans. Governor Judy Martz will present the awards during a ceremony on Nov. 7 at 3:30 p.m. in the Capitol Rotunda in Helena.

Among thos receiving awards is Lani DeDobbeleer, EDUFAIM Program Aide in Glasgow, for her skill in working with low income and at-risk families, assisting with nutrition classes and educating parents and children in Head Start.

Police Investigate Fight (Posted Wednesday, October 30, 2002 5:17 PM)

The Glasgow Police Department is investigating an incident involving two Glasgow men at a Glasgow bar early Monday morning.

According to the Police Department, at 1:45am Monday morning the department responded to a front street bar and investigated fight in the back of the bar. After investigating the police at 4:45am arrested Glasgow resident James Tolzien. According to the police department, Tolzien was in a fight with another Glasgow resident, Jay Saiz, when Tolzien grabbed a rifle and pointed it at Saiz.

Tolzien has been charged with felony assault with a weapon and was released on $5000 bond on Tuesday.

The Glasgow Police Department is continuing it's investigation into this case.

Pattison-Johnston Battle Heating Up (Posted Monday, October 28, 2002 6:24 AM)

HD 95 (Valley and Phillips counties): Rep. Jeff Pattison, R-Glasgow, in his first term, may have a fight on his hands, because Democratic challenger Burt Johnston of Fort Peck has rolled up nearly $10,000 in campaign funds, including at least $3,000 from people in the gambling industry across the state.

Johnston already had spent $6,500 on the race, including $5,000 on radio ads. Pattison had a campaign fund of about $2,800, including $1,000 from PACs and $300 from his own pocket. He's spent $1,200 on radio ads.

Dino-thon Brings In Over $14,000 (Posted Monday, October 28, 2002 6:15 AM)

The Dino-Thon to benefit the Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum received over $14,000 in donations during the day long event Friday.

Residents from across northeast Montana dug into their pocketbooks to help the Interpretive Center Board of Directors with the cost of mounting and displaying the fleshed out Pecks Rex model in the Interpretive Center.

The Interpretive Center is set to open in the spring of 2004. Sletten Construction is currently working on the actual building and should have construction completed in the spring of 2003.

Former Deputy Files Lawsuit (Posted Thursday, October 24, 2002 9:24 PM)

A former Valley County Sheriff's deputy who was terminated from his job in September has filed a lawsuit against Valley County and Sheriff Dick Wessler.

Sterling Silver was terminated from his job on September 19th by Sheriff Wessler.
In court documents, Silver states that Wessler wrongfully terminated his employment without cause and with malice. Silver also alleges that Wessler terminated his employment because Silver reported violations of public policy in the Sheriffs Department.

Court documents state that Silver was hired by Sheriff Wessler in October of 2001. At the time Silver was employed by the Glasgow Police Department and agreed to leave the city for a job with the Sheriffs Department as a Deputy Sheriff.

Documents state that Wessler agreed that Silver's previous combination of Montana Law Enforcement Training and previous probationary law enforcement work would be accepted as satisfactory for the probationary requirements for Deputy Sheriff.

Silver contends he was not in probationary status at any time during him employment with the Valley County Sheriffs Department.

The lawsuit also contends that he was terminated because he had filed grievances against Wessler when he was employed by the department.

On September 8th, Silver presented a written statement of issues relating to the collective bargaining agreement. The issues concerned the type of practice ammunition and coats which are to be issued in accordance with the terms of the labor contract between the employees and Valley County.

On September 10th, Silver along with deputies Russ Copenhaver and Doug Wixson filed a letter of complaint to the Valley County Commissioners.

The letter alleges that their was improper spending of Valley County funds by Sheriff Wessler and their was possible fraud or theft in a pay claim submitted to Valley County by a individual employed by the Sheriffs Department at the Northeast Montana Fair. The letter charged that the individual was paid by the county for hours that were not worked at the fair.

In the lawsuit, Silver is contending that because of these grievances, he was terminated from the Sheriffs Department.

The lawsuit wants the court to reinstate Silver to his position as Deputy Sheriff and order payment of any wages lost by Silver and award punitive damages for malicious and wrongful termination.

District Court Judge John McKeon has not yet acted on the request for hearing. The lawsuit was filed in District Court this week.

Dino-thon Coming Up This Friday (Posted Thursday, October 24, 2002 6:50 AM)

Kltz/Klan will once again host the radio Dino-Thon to benefit the Fort Peck Dam Interpretive Center and Museum. The day long fundraiser will be held on October 25th, from 7am to 5pm on radio stations across northeastern Montana.

Proceeds from the Dino-Thon will be used to fund the life-size model of Peck's Rex that will be the centerpiece of the lobby when visitors enter the Interpretive Center.
When mounted, Peck's Rex will be 15 feet tall and 45 feet long.

Guests who be part of the Dino-Thon include Nate Murphy, curator of the Phillips County Musuem in Malta, Senators Max Baucus and Conrad Burns along with Congressman Denny Rehberg. Jack Horner, director of the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman and State Senator Sam Kitzenberg of Glasgow.

We also have updated pictures of the center construction. Visit the gallery at:
http://www.kltz.com/images/fpicpix/fpic.html

Another Record Low (Posted Wednesday, October 23, 2002 6:49 AM)

Glasgow set another record low early Wednesday morning as the temperature hit 11°, breaking the record low from 1919 of 12°.

Jordan Traffic Victim Identified (Posted Wednesday, October 23, 2002 6:17 AM)

(AP) The victim of a weekend car-pickup truck crash on Montana 200 has been identified as 83-year-old William Dutton of Jordan.

Dutton died at a Billings hospital after he was flown there by helicopter. The crash occurred just west of Jordan Sunday.

The Montana Highway Patrol says Dutton was driving onto the highway from a county road and pulled in front of the oncoming truck, which broadsided the car. The woman driving the truck was hospitalized in Miles City and a male passenger was flown to Billings for treatment. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Malta Couple Paying For Meteorites (Posted Wednesday, October 23, 2002 6:14 AM)

(AP) A Malta couple is paying up to ten-thousand dollars for meteorites. Marlin Cilz and his wife, Debbie, own the Malta-based Montana Meteorite Laboratory.

Meteorites are fragments of asteroids that have fallen to Earth from the asteroid belt, about five billion miles away between Mars and Jupiter.

Debbie Cilz says meteorites are not especially rare, but they're hard to find in Montana. Only seven meteorites have been found in the state since the 1930s.

The Cilzes offer up to ten-thousand dollars, or 100-dollars a pound, for top-quality meteorites of any size -- large or small. Cilz cuts, polishes and etches the meteorites and trades or sells them to major universities and museums around the world. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Records Fall As Cold Front Moves In (Posted Tuesday, October 22, 2002 9:42 AM)

Glasgow set two records with the cold front that moved through on Monday. The 32° high on Monday was the coldest high recorded on that date. The previous record was set in 1933 and tied in 1936 at 35°.

Also, the record low for Tuesday was shattered early this morning as the temperature at the Glasgow National Weather Service office dropped down to 2°. The previous record low for October 22nd was 11° set in 1896.

Leads Sought In Substation Vandalism (Posted Tuesday, October 22, 2002 7:50 AM)

A substation near Glasgow was vandalized on October 9th by someone shooting at an electrical transformer. Western Area Power Administration needs your help to identify who caused the damage.

“We’re looking for information from anyone who either saw something or has information about who caused this damage,” according to Western’s Security Officer Pam Moody. Individuals can report information about this or other vandalism to Western’s Crime Watch program toll free at 1-800-209-8962 or online at www.wapa.gov/crime/ or by contacting the local sheriff’s office.

Whatley substation is owned by Western Area Power Administration and serves Valley Electric Cooperative. It is located about 5 miles east of Glasgow on the south side of Highway 2.

You could receive up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of anyone causing damage to Western facilities or property. Witness identities remain confidential. “Damage to Western’s transmission equipment can result in life-threatening hazards, can cause fires and kill or injure people. Power outages caused by vandalism are dangerous and we need the help of the community to catch those who commit these crimes,” Moody said.

Gunshot damage to the transformer at Whatley Substation leaked nearly 500 gallons of oil. As a result, Western had to take the transformer out of service, interrupting the electrical service to Valley Electric Cooperative for about 2 hours late on October ninth. Initial costs to clean up the spilled oil were about $4,500. Transformer repair costs were about $2,700. Costs of the power outage are not yet available.

Western Area Power Administration markets and transmits federal hydropower across the west, and serves community-owned utilities, rural electric cooperatives, public utility districts, Native American tribes and federal and state agencies.

Wolf Point Man Still Missing (Posted Tuesday, October 22, 2002 7:13 AM)

(AP) Search teams spent the weekend scouring fields and looking along the banks of the Red River near Grand Forks, North Dakota, for signs of a missing Montana man.

Nineteen-year-old Douglas Turcotte of Wolf Point was last seen in Grand Forks on July 12th. His mother said he called her and asked her to wire him some money, but never picked it up.

Law enforcement officers were joined by family members yesterday as they searched on foot, on horseback and with all-terrain vehicles. But they found nothing linked to the missing man.

Glasgow Woman Pleads Guilty Of Conspiracy (Posted Tuesday, October 22, 2002 6:56 AM)

On Monday a Glasgow woman pleaded guilty to helping her husband hide evidence wanted by the government. Joan Pederson, 58, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy while prosecutors agreed to dismiss 2 other counts of obstruction of justice and destruction of evidence.

Pederson will be sentenced January 15, 2003. The maximum sentence is 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The charges were filed after her husband, Wallis, pleaded guilty to intimidating federal officials and creating false financial documents. He later refused to cooperate and asked Joan to hide and destroy various items of evidence. Wallis Pederson’s trial is set for December 9 in Billings.

Work Begins On New Phillips County Hospital (Posted Tuesday, October 22, 2002 6:33 AM)

(AP) Work has begun on a new four-point-two million-dollar hospital for Phillips County residents. Hospital officials are looking forward to a fund-raiser on Saturday, to help buy equipment for the Phillips County Hospital.

Officials say much the equipment installed in the new building will be transferred from the old facility.

Hospital administrator Larry Putnam says past fund-raisers have paid for portable X-ray machines and other equipment. Putnam says the fund-raiser averages about 40-thousand dollars each year, and the community is very supportive. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Library Adds Tax Calculator (Posted Monday, October 21, 2002 4:31 PM)

The Glasgow City-County Library now has "Value Line Investment Survey" as
an investment resource for patrons and community. While it may not be 100% accurate, it will give you a good idea about your taxes in Valley County. Visit the calculator at: http://www.nemontel.net/~2maizey/taxes.htm

Pallid sturgeon biologist works for species’ recovery (Posted Monday, October 21, 2002 4:25 PM)

For Kevin Kapuscinski, fishing isn’t a means to relieve stress. Instead, each fishing trip down the Missouri River increases his work load, and often his anxiety.

Kapuscinski is Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ new pallid sturgeon biologist, hired in August to help recover the endangered species from Fort Peck Dam to the North Dakota border. For much of this fall, he and crew chief Matt Baxter have been netting the river, monitoring any pallids they catch in an effort to estimate the species’ population. It’s hard work, but rewarding when they catch one of the elusive pallids. And frustrating when their nets come up empty.

Pallid Sturgeon Biologist Kevin Kapuscinski, holding a pallid sturgeon netted in September on the lower Missouri River.

This winter, they’ll crunch numbers and track the sturgeons’ population trends and distribution. Here’s where the anxiety enters. Pallids, which once inhabited much of the Missouri River system, are scarce, and over the last 60 years, getting scarcer. Their long-term viability is dependent on the work of Kapuscinski and other biologists charged with recovering the species.

“The clock is ticking” on the species’ survival, says Kapuscinski. “If we do nothing, we’re going to lose them. That much is certain. So everything we do is aimed at stopping the decline and turning the trend the other way.”

Habitat loss is largely responsible for the decline of the pallid sturgeon. The fish require warm, turbid water to feed and spawn, but Fort Peck Dam discharges cold, clear water drawn from the bottom of Fort Peck Lake. Biologists are working with the Corps of Engineers to release the warmer surface water of the lake over the spillway in order to mimic the Missouri River’s natural flow, but until the lake’s level rises, that’s a physical impossibility. And spilling water for fish is anathema to an agency charged with generating hydropower through the dam’s turbines.

So biologists are hoping an ambitious program to stock hatchery-reared pallids will win them time until the river’s management changes. Some 4,364 juvenile pallids have been released over the last 5 years, and much of Kapuscinski’s work is to determine whether these sturgeon have survived.

The information he gleans has broad implications for other Missouri River species.

“If we could get pallids turned around, you’d have a good base of knowledge and experience for other species of concern, such as sturgeon, paddlefish, sauger, and other natives,” says Kapuscinski, whose work is funded not by anglers’ license dollars, but by mitigation funds from the Western Area Power Administration.

The biologist grew up fishing for trophy muskies, walleye and other cool-water species in Wisconsin and his native Illinois. Kapuscinski, 25, graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point, where he studied the movements of lake trout in Lake Superior. Big fish simply turn his crank, and he relishes the thought of someday having a recreational fishery for the big sturgeon, similar to fisheries for white sturgeon in the Snake and Columbia rivers or lake sturgeon in the upper Great Lakes.

“Pallids are among the largest fish in the river,” he says. “It would be a huge loss if we allowed the species to die out. I like to imagine recovering the species to the point that we could have a fishing season for pallids in 100 or 200 years. These fish get to 60 and 70 pounds. Who wouldn’t want to catch a fish like that?”

Kapuscinski, who lives in Fort Peck, is also intrigued by the pallid sturgeon’s natural history.

“They’re living fossils,” he says. “Their longevity is amazing. They survived whatever killed off the dinosaurs. After hanging on for 70 million years, it would be a shame to lose them in just 60 years.”

Region 6 mule deer increasing, whitetail hunting better to east (Posted Monday, October 21, 2002 4:21 PM)

Depending on your location and your quarry, this fall’s deer season in Region 6 likely will range from very good to disappointing. The 2002 rifle season opens next Sunday, Oct. 27 and closes Dec. 1.

As with any species in any year, there’s variation geographically, but here’s this fall’s white-tailed and mule deer outlook from the region’s wildlife biologists.

MULE DEER
In the best habitat of the region, mule deer hunting should be better than the last couple of years, with good numbers of deer and respectable antler growth on the bucks.

“Our mule deer numbers are stable at fairly high densities, especially in the Havre and Chinook areas and in the Bears Paw Mountains,” says Al Rosgaard, biologist in the western quarter of the region. “We had good overwinter survival of adults and good fawn production this spring, and the moisture we’ve had this summer is doing good things for antler growth.”

Farther east, in Phillips County, mule deer numbers are spotty, but better north than south, says biologist Mark Sullivan in Malta.

“North of Malta, mule deer populations are near the long-term average. South of Malta, we’re still about 30 percent below our long-term average,” says Sullivan. “The moisture this summer greened things up and should help does enter the winter in good shape, so barring a tough winter, we’re looking at increases next year.”
In the central portion of the region, mule deer numbers are stable.

“Our surveys last winter indicated good numbers of deer,” says biologist Pat Gunderson in Glasgow. “We’re seeing a lot of fawns and good antler growth on bucks. Overall, our trend has been climbing upward since we bottomed out in 1998 and 1999.”

In the eastern quarter of the region, mule deer exist in fairly limited habitat zones, says biologist Ray Mule’ in Culbertson, but populations appear to be at or near the long-term average.

“Populations are above average in the breaks of the Missouri River and the portion of Hunting District 640 near Redstone and westward.”

WHITE-TAILED DEER
Expect vastly different success depending on where you’re hunting whitetails. Last summer’s widespread EHD (epizootic hemmorrhagic disease) outbreak knocked back white-tailed deer herds in the western half of the region, mostly along the Milk River and larger tributaries.

“The EHD outbreak really impacted whitetails west of Hinsdale. East of Hinsdale, we have great numbers of deer and older deer,” says Jim Satterfield, Region 6 supervisor.
As long as you stay in the Milk River bottom and its larger tributaries, expect good numbers of bucks, and some impressive antler growth, says Gunderson. The area’s upland population of whitetails, especially east of Opheim and in CRP acreage, is less consistent. Generally, deer are still rebounding from the winter of 2000-2001.
In the eastern portion of the region, expect good white-tailed deer hunting if you’re west of Highway 16. East of the highway, populations are building from the severe winters of 1996-97 and 2000-01 but remain well below the long-term average, says biologist Mule’ in Culbertson. Hunters should note that the 698 and 699 antlerless white-tailed deer tags valid for much of the eastern half of Region 6 are not valid east of Highway 16, in extreme eastern Sheridan and Roosevelt counties.

“In contrast to some of the upland areas, white-tailed deer densities in the Missouri River bottom and riparian areas are high, with total numbers well above average,” adds Mule’, “but access tends to be difficult.”

To the west, whitetail populations remain low along the Milk River, because of the EHD outbreak last year. That situation extends west of Havre, says Rosgaard, but mainly eastward through the Chinook, Harlem and Malta areas.

“We took a major hit (from EHD) last fall,” adds Malta biologist Sullivan. “Deer surveys indicate that we lost about 65 percent of our whitetails along the Milk River. But it’s a dynamic population, and they’re recovering. I saw a fair number of fawns this summer. In the northern part of the region, where deer are more widespread in CRP habitat, whitetails didn’t take as big a hit as the Milk River population,” but deer densities tend to be much lower in that upland habitat.

BLOCK MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
More than 250 ranches containing some 1.2 million acres in Region 6 are enrolled in the Block Management program, and most properties allow deer hunting. Pick up a 2002 Hunting Access Guide at FWP’s Region 6 office in Glasgow or at license agents throughout the region to locate specific properties and the opportunities they offer. The guides also offer a county-by-county discussion of deer distribution and habitat types.

LICENSING CONSIDERATIONS
If you haven’t yet purchased your Conservation License and deer tag, don’t wait until Saturday. Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ new ALS licensing system is an improvement over the old handwritten licenses, but is susceptible to overload, and in order to avoid both long lines at the counter and possible software crashes, hunters are encouraged to buy tags before the last minute.

Most districts in Region 6 allow either-sex, either-species hunting on a Deer A tag, but check regulations for species and sex exceptions. The mule deer season on the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge portion of districts 621, 622, 630, 631 and 632 differs from the 5-week statewide season. Contact the CMR at 538-8706 for deer hunting regulations and a list of road closures. Several routes traditionally open for hunting access have been closed over the last year.

Resident hunters can purchase a Single Region Antlerless Whitetail Deer B license, which is valid for the entire Region 6. Both resident and non-resident antlerless white-tailed licenses remain available for over-the-counter purchase. These licenses are valid in the eastern portion of Region 6 except District 641 and 640 east of Highway 16. Ask license agents about these 698 (non-resident) and 699 (resident) licenses.

Traffic fatality Near Jordan (Posted Monday, October 21, 2002 4:17 PM)

(AP) A man died yesterday when his car pulled into the path of a pickup truck on Montana 200, west of Jordan.

The Montana Highway Patrol says the victim didn't yield to oncoming traffic, when he pulled onto the highway from a county road. His name is being withheld until his family can be notified. The truck driver and her passenger were hospitalized, but their conditions weren't immediately available.

Schools receive recall notice for certain meats (Posted Monday, October 21, 2002 4:15 PM)

(AP) -- Several dozen Montana schools have been sent recall orders for turkey ham and turkey pastrami, as a precaution against tainted meat that has caused a listeria outbreak in Eastern states.

Madalyn Quinlan is chief of staff of the Montana Office of Public Instruction. She says the recall order is a precaution, because officials don't know if any of the food shipped to Montana has a problem. Food Service of America has a contract for Montana, and will handle the recall order directly with the schools. More than 200 Montana schools participate in the meat program.

The recall affects turkey ham and turkey pastrami made by Wampler Foods, a subsidiary of Pilgrim's Pride. The products were produced in a Wampler Food plan in Franconia, Pennsylvania, between May 1st and October 11th. They bear the establishment code P-1351 inside the U-S-D-A seal of inspection. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Absentee Voting Slow (Posted Monday, October 21, 2002 7:55 AM)

While there are many exciting races on the November 5th General Election ballot, Valley County voters aren't racing to the Clerk and Recorders Office to vote absentee.

According to Lynne Nyquist, Valley County Clerk and Recorder, as of last week only 240 absentee ballots have been handed out to Valley County voters. This pales in comparison to the 2000 General Election when over 1000 voters cast absentee ballots.

Nyquist said that there are usually more voters in a Presidential election year such as in 2000 but the numbers are definitely down for this election.

Montana law has changes so that anyone can vote early if they so desire. In past years you had to have a valid excuse if you wanted to vote absentee. Absentee ballots may be obtained until noon on November 4th at the Valley County Clerk and Recorders Office.

Deputy Sheriff Approved (Posted Monday, October 21, 2002 7:51 AM)

The Valley County Commissioners have approved the hiring of Paul Skyberg as a part/time Deputy Sheriff. As part of his pay package, Skyberg will receive no health insurance from the county and will not receive coroner pay.

The Valley County Sheriffs Office has been shorthanded since last month when Deputy Sterling Silver was terminated before his one year probation period ended.

In other commissioner news, the commissioners have purchased a used Cat Dozer for the Valley County Road Department. They obtained a state loan for $155,000 to purchase the equipment. The old Cat Dozer failed to meet federal noise standards and had to be replaced.

Prairie Ridge Ahead Of Schedule (Posted Monday, October 21, 2002 7:49 AM)

The Prairie Ridge Village Independent and Assisted Living project is ahead of schedule with construction scheduled to continue through the winter months.

Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital and Valley View Home are teaming up to bring this retirement complex to Glasgow. The site of the project is on the grounds of the former South Side school.

According to Tom Klotz, the expected completion date is May of 2003 for the $3.2 million dollar project.

The village will consist of 24 assisted living units along with six 1&2 bedroom apartments with garages.

The contractor for the project is Clausen and Sons Construction of Havre.

Dino-thon Set For October 25 (Posted Monday, October 21, 2002 7:18 AM)

Guests who be part of the Dino-Thon include Nate Murphy, curator of the Phillips County Musuem in Malta, Senators Max Baucus and Conrad Burns along with Congressman Denny Rehberg. Jack Horner, director of the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman and State Senator Sam Kitzenberg of Glasgow.


Work continues to progress on the Fort Peck Interpretive Center & Museum. Photos courtesy Vicki Silcox.

Town Meetings On Wheat Set (Posted Thursday, October 17, 2002 9:46 AM)

Threats to Montana’s 300 million dollar wheat industry from genetic contamination will be the subject of a string of town meetings along Montana‚s high line in late October. The first town meeting will be held in Poplar at the Fort Peck Community College on Sunday, October 27th at 3:00 p.m. Meetings will be held the following three evenings, all at 7:00 p.m.:

Monday, October 28th at the Civic Center in Plentywood
Tuesday, October 29th at the Cottonwood Inn in Glasgow
Wednesday, October 30th at the Scobey High School Music Room in Scobey.

“Our goal is to get the word out to wheat farmers and rural communities about this very real threat to Montana’s economy,” said Helen Waller, a wheat farmer from Circle and member of the Northern Plains Resource Council. “The majority of our wheat is exported to countries that don‚t want genetically engineered crops. We can‚t afford to jeopardize these multi-million dollar export markets.”

Monsanto, a multi-national chemical manufacturer, plans to introduce genetically engineered “Roundup Ready” wheat into Montana and other states by 2005. Like Monsanto‚s genetically engineered corn, soybeans, and canola, Roundup Ready wheat will be genetically engineered to resist the herbicide Roundup, which is sold by Monsanto.

60% of Montana's wheat is exported primarily to consumers in Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, and Taiwan. All four countries require mandatory labeling of foods containing genetically engineered organisms. In addition, the Philippines has an outright ban on the planting and consumption of genetically engineered products, while the Japan Flour Millers' Association, which represents 90% of Japanese wheat production, has publicly stated that it will not purchase genetically engineered wheat at any level. South Korea and Taiwan have indicated similar levels of intolerance.

Through these meetings, Northern Plains will seek farmer feedback on potential bill concepts for the 2003 Montana Legislature to address the issue. The Canadian Wheat Board has called for a moratorium on further introduction of genetically engineered wheat, and the state of North Dakota is currently conducting an interim legislative study of the issue. For more information, contact Dennis Olson at 406-248-1154, or go to www.northernplains.org

History conference in Havre (Posted Thursday, October 17, 2002 9:41 AM)

(Havre-AP) -- The Montana Historical Society will host its 29th Annual conference in Havre next week. Organizer Charlene Porsild says this is the first time the conference will be held in Havre, and more than 200 people are expected.

The three-day conference, "History on the Line," will focus on history across the Hi-Line. The conference opens Thursday, October 24th.

Several classes and workshops will be offered at the Heritage Center, and continuing education credits will be available. Workshops and tours continue on the 25th and 26th, on the campus of Montana State University Northern. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Dodson Crash Victim Identified (Posted Thursday, October 17, 2002 9:39 AM)

(Havre-AP) -- The Phillips County Sheriffs Department has identified the victim of a highway crash near Dodson. He was 36-year-old Jason Brundage of Great Falls.

The accident happened on U-S Highway Two near Dodson, about 7 o'clock yesterday morning. Brundage was alone in the vehicle and died at the scene.

The Montana Highway Patrol says road conditions were bare and dry when Brundage's eastbound S-U-V rolled. He was not wearing a seat belt, and was thrown from the vehicle.

Missouri River Hearing Army Corps' Missouri River management plan criticized (Posted Thursday, October 17, 2002 9:38 AM)

Bismarck, North Dakota-AP) -- The Army Corps of Engineers says the downstream navigation season on the Missouri River will be at least a week shorter next year. Corps spokesman Paul Johnson says the Missouri basin is dry, and a hard snow is needed this year.

The corps is holding meetings in the upper basin to explain its plan. One of those meetings was held last night in Bismarck, North Dakota, with Governor John Hoeven among those testifying. Hoeven says the corps has not learned the lessons of the drought. He says it's not conserving enough water.

Rehberg Announces Federal Payments to Area Fire Departments (Posted Tuesday, October 15, 2002 6:10 PM)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Denny Rehberg (R-Montana) today announced the U.S. Fire Administration has released more than $289,000 in Firefighter Grant Program awards to six fire departments in Montana.

"These grants, which will provide improvements to fire operations and firefighter safety, represent an important investment in the men and women who daily risk their lives for the safety of others," Rehberg said. "I'm pleased we could make this announcement during National Fire Prevention Week, which comes less than two weeks after the nation honored the families of firefighters who lost their lives in service this past year during the 2002 National Fallen Firefighter Memorial services in Washington, DC."

Under the program, the Cascade ($40,562), Deer Lodge ($71,918), Fairfield ($19,800), Hinsdale ($20,610), and Sidney ($92,940) Volunteer Fire Departments will receive funds for fire operations and firefighter safety. In addition, the Ranchers Volunteer Fire Company (Libby) will receive a $43,560 grant for the purchase of a firefighting vehicle.

In February, Rehberg arranged special workshops in 10 Montana cities to assist local fire departments in applying for the FEMA Fire Grants, which are awarded in six specific categories: training, wellness/fitness programs, vehicles, firefighting equipment, personal protective equipment, and fire prevention programs.

“I want to see our fire departments, particularly those in the smaller rural areas who struggle with funding, continue to avail themselves of this opportunity to enhance their equipment and personnel,” Rehberg said.

Apply Now for GHS Trust Gifts (Posted Monday, October 14, 2002 11:12 PM)

GHS Alumni are reminded that applications for financial aid from the Glasgow High School Educational Trust for the 2003 spring semester are due November 1, 2002. All alumni in their second year of college or second semester of vocational/technical school are eligible for gifts. The awards are based primarily on need, not scholarship, and average students who are in good academic standing and showing progress toward completion of their degrees are given equal consideration.

Established by the Class of 1938 in 1964, the Trust now holds assets valued over $1,040,000. The interest on these funds is distributed semi-annually to students pursuing post-secondary education at the baccalaureate or vocational/technical level. It is also used to purchase enrichment programs and equipment for GHS which cannot be financed within the school's regular budget. To date, the Trust has given of half a million dollars in financial assistance to hundreds of different GHS alumni and over $86,600 to GHS.

For more information about the Trust, or an application, please contact: Danielle Anderson (406) 228-4203; Jeanine Markle (406) 228-2858; Doris Leader (406) 228-9391 or (406)747-3432; or Linda Allie (406) 228-8561.

More Names Added To Heritage Wall (Posted Monday, October 14, 2002 11:15 PM)

Arlie Maurseth and Mildred Maurseth Nickels.

Mary Ann Maurseth Thompson was also a sponsor of the plaque but was unavailable for this photograph.

(Editor's note: The following is aswritten by Thorben Maurseth for the Nashua Community story which was published in 1977.
The title of the book is 'The Way It Was-A Bridge Between Then And Now")

Thorben A. and Deborah Maurseth moved to Nashua, Montana on March 24, 1929.
On that date they moved to the Kaiver and Brost community. Arlie Maurseth was born in Northwood, North Dakota on March 30, 1927 before we moved.

In the fall of 1930 we went back to North Dakota to help with the harvest and threshing. At the end of that year, December 29, 1930, Dorothy Maurseth was born. In the spring of 1931 we all went back to Montana to resume my own flirming. In the fall of 1932 we went back and stayed with my aunt, Clara Maurseth.

On March 1, 1933, Mildred Maurseth was born. Not too many days after she was born we went back to my farm in Montana. Then because of no rain we didn't have a crop so we moved to Shanty Town in the fall of 1934.

On January 5,1935, Donald Maurseth was born. All of 1935 until June of 1936 I worked in the tunnels during the construction of the Fort Peck Dam. From June of 1936 until December 31st I worked odd jobs. On December 29, 1936 Mary Ann Maurseth was born. All of 1937 I worked on the W.P.A. Then in 1938 and 1939 Helge Helgeson and I worked odd jobs for the city and gas company laying water lines, sewer fines and gas lines.

In 1940 and 1941 1 worked for Harry Hill on the Dray. In 1942-1946 I farmed for Mrs. Martin Milsten, then it was back to work for the city in 1947 and 1948. From 1949 to 1960 I was janitor of the grade school. I also drove the bus from 1949 to 1954; I was also sub mail carrier from 1945 to 1960. I retired from the school in November 1960. Mom and I moved to the Lake Blaine area around Kalispell, Montana. Deborah passed away in May of 1962. Our children are all married. Dorothy married W.R. "Spud' Snyder on January 25, 1947. They have three children: Jerry, Paul and Nina.

Arlie married Betty Holder on July 2, 1949, Their children number six: Theresa. Jerome, Debra, Dennis, Marilyn and Carolyn.

Mildred married Lester "Swede" Nickels on January 3, 1952. They have five children: Wanda, Lester, Steve, Cindy and Tamara.

Mary Ann married Dell E. Thompson on March 10, 1956. They have five children: Timothy, Mikel, Jeffrey, Cheryl and Stuart.

Donald married Sharon Eklund on August 18, 1960 and they have three children: Brian, Richard and Linda.

I have 22 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. I am 81 years old.

Enrollment Drops In Glasgow (Posted 10-10-02)

Glasgow school enrollment has fallen again this year according to Glasgow School

Superintendent Glenn Monson. He told the school board Wednesday evening that an enrollment count on Monday showed the number of students at 768 which is down 30 students from last year. This number is down 11 students from the beginning of the school year in August.

Also at the school board meeting the board approved the hiring of Candy Lawrence, Ashley Billingsley, John Labonty and Karleen Fossum as Middle School girls basketball coaches.

The board also approved the hiring of Jim Holter as a Middle School Special Education Aide.

Glenn Monson also updated the board on the handicapped parking lot which is being constructed at the Glasgow High School. The area between the main front door and the gym door has been paved for the handicapped parking lot. There will be three wide spaces for unloading wheelchairs, about 22 regular spots for handicapped visitors and a turnaround area.
T
he school district has budgeted $20,000 for the project with the remainder being raised by Don Elletson. He has donated the memorial fund established for his father, Glenn, who died last year.

Hatchery Construction Could Begin Next Week (Posted Thr, 10-10-02)

Construction on the Fort Peck Warm Water Fish Hatchery could begin as early as next week according to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Groundbreaking for the hatchery took place in July and surveying work on the site was completed earlier this year. Construction on the water intake structure is expected to begin next week as soon as the storm water permit is secured.

The Hatchery is a $20 million dollar project that will be funded from the federal government. Montana's Congressional delegation is working on securing $8 million of that total for this fiscal year.

The Senate Appropriations Committee has passed a bill providing $8 million but it is yet to be passed by the full Senate.

Women's Resource Center To Host Writer's Workshop (Posted Tue, 10-8-02)

There will be a Writer's workshop on Saturday, October 12, 2002. The workshop will be from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. and held at the Women's Resource Center at 114 5th Street South. The workshop is open to the public.

Donna Davis, an award winning poet, will teach the workshop on writing. Donna has led several writing workshops under the auspices of The Writer's Voice. Davis' poems have been published in several different publications.

In her workshops, Donna engages the participants in an exciting adventure. Her workshops are interactive and active. Donna loves poetry and teaching, and that love shows in her animated give-and-take with her students and fellow writers.

The Writer's workshop is being sponsored by Valley County Coalition. Partial funding is being provided by the Writer's Voice the Montana Cultural Trust, and a Department of Justice Drug Free Communities grant. The Writer's Voice program is sponsored by the Billings YMCA and funded by the Montana Arts Council, Western States Arts Federation, and National Endowment for the Arts. For more information on the workshop please call the Valley County Coalition office at 228-2489.

Fire Departments Host Open House (Posted Tue, 10-8-02)

The Glasgow City Fire Department and Valley County Long Run Fire Department will host an open house tonight from 5-8 p.m. in the Pamida parking lot, to mark Fire Prevention Week.

There will be drawings for prizes, gift bags for the kids and free hot dogs and pop. The fire trucks will also be at the open house. Everyone is invited to stop by and ask questions about keeping their homes safe, or any other fire-related questions.

Ethanol Conference Set for October 15th In Billings (Posted Tue, 10-8-02)

(Billings-AP) -- The Nashua-based nonprofit Ethanol Producers and Consumers group plans a workshop in Billings later this month.

E-P-A-C is offering the conference as part of an agreement with the U-S Department of Energy's Regional Biomass Energy Program. The federal agency began the workshops as a way to boost rural development.

Speakers scheduled for the workshop include officials from Katzen International, an ethanol production company; members of the Renewable Fuels Association; and Dave Mowitz, editor of Successful Farming magazine. The workshop is scheduled for October 15th at the Billings Holiday Inn. For more information, visit the EPAC website at www.ethanolmt.org

Commissioners Reach Agreement With Road Department Union (Posted Fri, 10-4-02)

The Valley County Commissioners have reached agreement with the union representing Valley County Road Department employees.

The commissioners told Kltz/Klan that the contract will run through July, 1st of 2003 and includes a pay increase of .15 cents an hour plus 100% of health insurance will be paid by the county for those road department employees.

The contract covers 16 employees in the road department.

The commissioners also had a surplus property action on Tuesday and tried to sell 12 parces of property. No property was sold and the commissioners will look to sell the property at a later date.

One of the parcels was the former Stan's Saloon building on front street. The commissioners are looking to sell that building for $20,000.

Sixteen Citations Issued In Party Bust (Posted Fri, 10-4-02)

The Valley County Sheriff's Department along with help from the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks cited 13 individuals after busting a party early in the morning September 28th.

The party was taking place on the TC Access road west of Glasgow and was broken up at 1:43am.

According to the Sheriff's Department 13 citations were issued to individuals over the age of 18 and 3 citations were given to individuals under the age of 18.

Those cited for illegal possession of alcohol:
Lacey Haynes age 18
Margaret Bell age 18
Tim Aten age 19
Levi Baadsgard age 19
Aaron Chatten age 19
John Etchart age 18
April Molstad age 18
Daniel Rogeness age 18
Dennis Wing age 19
Robert Sanders age 19

The three juveniles who were cited didn't have their names released.

The Sheriff's Department told Kltz/Klan that more citations will be issued as the investigation continues.

West Nile Virus Update (Posted Fri, 10-3-02)

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has updated the West Nile Virus count for the state.

According to figures released this week, a horse died of the disease on October 2nd in Valley County. Also, in neighboring McCone County, a horse was diagnosed with the disease in Circle.

The total number of horses recognized with the virus in Valley County is 9. Surrounding county totals: Phillips County 13; McCone County 2; Garfield County 4; Roosevelt County 4.

For updates and complete state stats, visit the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services west nile page at: http://www.dphhs.state.mt.us/news/west_nile_virus/county_map_wnv.htm

Farmers fear lower prices as grain backs up (Posted Thr, 10-3-02)

(AP) A West Coast labor dispute has isolated Montana wheat farmers from all-important export markets. And it's raised concerns that higher grain prices will tumble, and local elevators will fill up fast, if the stalemate continues too long.

The labor dispute among dockworkers and shipping lines has stopped commercial shipping at 29 ports in California, Oregon and Washington. Most wheat grown each year in Montana is sent through the West Coast for export, but that grain is not moving anywhere right now.

Burlington Northern Santa Fe ships grain from Montana and western North Dakota to the coast. But this week, B-N embargoed those shipments because port elevators are full.

Richard Owen, of the Montana Grain Growers Association, says Montana growers are so dependent on grain moving through the West Coast, they don't really have other options. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Nearly 100 People Show For Multi-Purpose Facility Meeting (Posted Thu, 10-3-02)

An estimated 90 people attended a public meeting regarding a proposal to build a multi-purpose facility in Valley County.

The Hi-Line Youth Hockey Association has been striving for the past year to gather community support for building a very basic multi-purpose facility which could be used during the winter months for indoor hockey and used by many other organizations throughout the year to host many different events, such as 4-H and FFA events, indoor concerts, livestock shows, car show, indoor auctions and much more.

The meeting last night was moderated by Gary Wageman and several presentations were made by the supporters of the Valley Event Center.
Steven Miller gave a building report and explained that the facility would be 120x250 with 20 foot sidewalls and a concrete floor. The building would be located at the Valley County Fairgrounds.

Two representatives from Sidney explained how the Richland County Multi-Use Facility is run.
They told the audience that there were 155 hockey games played at their facility this year and the building had revenues of $130,000 and expenses of $115,000. Their facility was built solely on donations and grants with lots of volunteer labor.

The facility in Sidney is virtually complete with the cost at $800,000.

The Hi-Line Youth Hockey Association of Glasgow is continuing their fundraising and they hope to start construction in June of 2003. The group is also pursuing grants to help with the cost of the project.

Burlington Northern cuts third-quarter profit outlook (Posted Wed, 10-2-02)

(AP) Freight railroad Burlington Northern Santa Fe has lowered its outlook for third-quarter profits. Company officials say that's due to increased expenses and revenue lost because of the work stoppage at ports on the West Coast.

Fort Worth-based B-N-S-F operates a rail network spanning 33-thousand miles in Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota, 25 other states and Canada.

B-N-S-F says it expects to earn 50 cents to 52 cents per share in the quarter that ended yesterday. In July, the company said it expected to earn 54 cents to 58 cents per share in the third quarter. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Spring River rise will not happen next year (Posted Wed, 10-2-02)

(AP) Because of the ongoing drought in the Missouri River Basin, there will be no spring rise on the Missouri in 2003. That's the word from high-ranking officials of the Army Corps of Engineers and U-S Fish and Wildlife Service.

The wildlife service had ordered the corps to return the river to a more seasonal surge and ebb by 2003, or risk violating the Endangered Species Act. The service says entire species of birds and fish may disappear, without changes that include higher water releases in the spring and low summer flows.

But the corps requested a delay, citing the widespread drought, and arguing that higher spring flows are not recommended when water is in short supply.

The wildlife service agreed. It says the corps won't technically violate the Endangered Species Act, because it seeks the spring surge only once every three years, on average. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Empire Builder's future still in limbo (Posted Wed, 10-2-02)

(AP) The future of the Empire Builder is still in limbo as Amtrak's federal funding agreement expired yesterday. Last week, a House Committee approved a bill to give the troubled rail company 760 million dollars -- well short of the one-point-two billion Amtrak says it needs.

The chairman of the "Save Amtrak" group -- Jerry Smith -- says funding is unlikely to be resolved before the election, leaving the future of long-distance trains like the Empire Builder in doubt well into next year.

Amtrak has said anything less than one-point-two billion would require severe cutbacks. Smith also says plans for additional freight shipments on the Empire Builder at Shelby may never happen.

Montana Students Test Well (Posted Tue, 10-1-02)

Montana students outscored the rest of the nation on their standardized tests this year, and performed better than Montana students did six years ago.

Overall, three-fourths of Montana's fourth, eighth and eleventh-graders scored at or above their grade level in all subjects and grades, compared with a 60 percent national rate.

Locally, students tested did quite well on the standardized tests.

82% of 11th graders in Glasgow scored at or above their grade level in 2002. Glasgow's 8th grade scored at 72% while 4th graders scored 85%.

James A. Heikens

James A. Heikens, 74, died of natural causes at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow on October 22nd. Services will be Saturday, October 26th at 10 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Glasgow with Reverend Martin Mock officiating and with burial in Highland Cemetery. Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

James was born in Hardwick, Minnesota, in 1928 to Ollie and Clara (Rath) Heikens. He moved to the Center Community of the South Bench area in 1929. Jim attended schools in the Center Community and graduated from Glasgow High School in 1946. He served in the US Air Force from 1946 to 1949. Upon returning home, he farmed and worked for the Great Northern Railroad. In 1953 he married Arlene Murch and in 1954 they purchased the family farm. In 1963 the family moved to Glasgow and he was employed by the U.S. Postal Service until retiring in 1990. Jim was a well known musician around the area who always enjoyed playing anytime and anywhere, especially for a benefit. He was especially proud of his summer garden that he had for many years with his brother-in-law. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, playing music and visiting with friends and relatives. He was very proud of his grandchildren and put many miles on his pickup following their activities.

Survivors include: his wife Arlene; 2daughters: Lynne (Myron) Malnaa of Glasgow, Sheila (Sam) Cebula of Mankato, Minnesota; 2 sons: Brian Heikens of Glasgow and Jim (Michele) Heikens of Malta; 11 grandchildren: Kari, Kami, Kodi & Tyler Malnaa, Brian Jr., Miranda, Sierra, Jenna & Derek Heikens, JaNae & Paige Heikens; 1 brother: Ken (Sharon) Heikens of Pasco, Washington; 1 niece: Erica (Brae) Wilson of Las Vegas; 2 nephews: Brett (Karen) Heikens of Layton, Utah, Marc Heikens of Seattle; mother-in-law: Beatrice Murch.

Don Lindell

Don Lindell, 65, died of natural causes on October 14th at his home northeast of Glasgow. Services will be Friday, October 18th at 10 a.m. at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church in Glasgow with Reverend Michael Schneider officiating. A vigil service will be held on Thursday, October 17th at 7 p.m. at St. Raphael’s Catholic Church in Glasgow. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery. Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Don was born in 1936 in Glasgow to Kenneth Lindell and Mary Purcell Lindell. He was raised in the Glasgow area and attended Glasgow schools, graduating from Glasgow High School in 1954. He graduated from Gonzaga University in Spokane and from Northern Montana College. Don taught school for 10 years, working in Lustre, Montana, rural schools in Valley County, and south of Havre in the Bear Paw area. Don worked most of his life on the family farm which his grandfather homesteaded in 1903. He was very active in the St. Raphael’s Catholic Church and worked at the church. He was an active religious writer and was very committed to his religion, to his church and to good works. He cared for elderly people in the community doing handiwork and service for them.

Survivors include: 1 brother: Loren Lindell and his wife Millie of Fox Island, Washington; 1 niece: Kristen Lindell of Fox Island, Washington; 1 nephew: Larry Lindell and his wife Tracey of Fox Island, Washington, and their children: Lorin, Madison and Teah; 1 aunt: Agnes Anderson of Glasgow.

Walter Pankratz

Walter Pankratz of Lustre died of cancer on October 11th at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow. He was 83. Visitations will be held from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 17th at the Clayton Memorial Chapel in Wolf Point. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Lustre EMB Church, with Pastor John Skillman officiation. Interment will be in the Bethel Lustre Cemetery. Clayton Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Walter was born in 1919 in Lustre to Peter P. and Helena Falk Pankratz. He grew up in Lustre and attended Bethel Lustre Church and went to Grandview School for 8 years. He joined the Army in 1941 and went to the Phillipine Islands. After the war started he was captured on Corregidor Island with General Jonathan Wainright in 1942. He was taken to Bilibid Prison on the outskirts of Manila, and later moved to the infamous Camp O Donnell. He was also at Cabanatuan Prison. He was liberated in 1945, having been a P.O.W. for 33 months.

Walter married Elizabeth Teichroew in 1949. They farmed and ranched in Lustre and Opheim. He enjoyed farming, traveling and P.O.W. reunions.

Survivors include: his wife Elizabeth of Lustre; six sons: Marvin (Colleen) of Glasgow; Larry (Colleen), James (Grace), Kenneth (Lori) all of Opheim, David (Donna) and Donald, of Lustre; 9 grandchildren, 1 brother: Nick of Richland; 1 sister: Helen Hall of Billings, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Walter was preceded in death by his parents, one sister (Lydia) and brothers: Peter F. William, Londo, John, Henry and Richard.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Mary Leitha

Mary Leitha died on October 12th from complications of Lou Gehrig’s disease. Within minutes of her passing, her husband Andy also died. A joint service will be held on Wednesday, October 16th at 2 p.m. at the First Lutheran Church in Glasgow.

Mary was born in 1937 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Alfred and Leitha Puhl. As a child at home in Philadelphia with her sisters, Mary had wonderful memories of a simpler time. She always treasured the time spent with her family, right up to the last day.

Mary and her family moved to Glasgow in 1961, at first living at the Air Force Base. In 1970, Mary married A.C. Anderson and they made their home in Glasgow. Proud to call Montana home, she never considered living any place else.

As a mother, sister, grandmom and friend, many will miss her spirit and energy, but most of all we will miss her sense of humor and her wit. Mary believed in hard work, honesty and dignity. Her children and grandchildren will carry on her legacy.

Mary was blessed with four children: Jack (Earline) Rosander of Colstrip; Jill (Scott) Malone of Denver; Jenny (Bill) Rosander of Billings; Mary Jo (Frank) Anderson of Glasgow; survivors also include 9 grandchildren: Karson & Kelsey Rosander of Colstrip; Brian Chouinard of Portland, Jacque (Chas) Chouinard of Glasgow, Shelby & Thomas Malone of Denver, Vanessa Revell of Fort Lewis, Washington, Jenny Revell and Brad Revell of Minneapolis; 4 great grandchildren: Dominic & Janeil Chouinard of Glasgow; Rhianna and Shay Revell of Minneapolis.

Mary’s family also included a stepson, Clarence (Marie) Anderson of Grand Coulee, Washington; their children: Doug (Holly) Anderson of Spokane; Stephanie and her children Dakotah, Jared, Kyle and Colton of Grand Coulee; Mike (Jodie) Perry and their sons J.C., Jordan, Tanner and Conner of Chester, Montana.

Within minutes of her passing, her husband Andy also died. God, in His infinite wisdom, was there for them both in the end, knowing they would want to be together in death, as they had been in life. Mary and Andy were blessed to have been able to live their final days at home.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents, and 2 sisters: Liz and Henrietta. She is survived by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, as listed above, as well as her sisters: Hilda, Marge (Tootsie), Franny and Ann; by 3 extraordinary nieces: Barbara, Joan and Peggy, and by numerous other very special nieces and nephews.

Ashley C. (A.C.) Anderson

Ashley C. (A.C.) Anderson died of a heart attack on October 12, 2002.

He was born in 1924 in Boy River, Minnesota, to Alfred and Mable Anderson. A.C. worked in the CCC camps near Remer, Minnesota, serving as an ambulance driver for the Army and as a caterpillar operator for the Forest Service. He joined the Navy in the winter of 1942, serving for 4 1/2 years in the North Atlantic and South Pacific.

In March 197 he moved to Montana and worked for a while on ranches until obtaining employment with the Great Northern Railroad in August 1948, and worked until his retirement as an engineer from the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1987.

He purchased a small farm & ranch near Tampico in the late 1950’s and enjoyed his horses, cows, chickens, turkeys, pigs and the work that went with it.
He married Mary in a970 and resided with her in Glasgow until their passing on October 12th. He was extremely proud of his membership in the North Star Lodge No. 46 and as a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

His large family included: a son, Clarence (Marie) Anderson of Grand Coulee, Washington, and their children: Douglas (Holly) Anderson of Spokane; Stephanie, her sons: Dakotah, Jared, Kyle and Coultan of Grand Coulee, Washington; Mike (Jodie) Perry and their sons J.C., Jordan, Tanner and Conner of Chester, Montana; his daughter Mary Jo (Frank) Anderson residing in Glasgow; a step-son, Jack (Earline) Rosander, their children Karson and Kelsey of Colstrip, Montana; a step-daughter, Jill (Scott) Malone of Shelby; Thomas of Denver; her children Brian Chouinard of Portland, Oregon, Jacque (Chaz) Chouinard of Glasgow; her children, Dominic and Janeil of Glasgow; step-daughter Jenny (Bill) Rosander and children Vanessa, Jenny and Brad of Billings, Montana.

Andy, with his Pennsyltucky Gal in his four wheel drive could usually be seen viewing the south forty and enjoying the Montana sky. They will be together enjoying dancing to the Country Bumpkin forever.

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