KLTZ/MIX-93 Local News Archive

The dinosaur unearthed in the badlands north of Malta during the summer was moved to the museum yesterday, by volunteers. Protective plaster and a special steel cage helped prevent damage to the specimen, transported on a flatbed truck.

Boeing Continues 777 Testing (Posted 9/28/01)

The Boeing Company continues to test at the former Glasgow Air Force Base.

According to a spokesperson for Boeing, a crew of 100 currently is testing a Boeing 777 jet that is set for delivery to American Airlines.

Boeing is conducting community noise tests on the jet in the airspace above northeastern Montana. They test the jets engines and engine vibrators for noise.

The testing will continue through the 2nd week of October.

Boeing owns the runway and airport facilities at the former Glasgow Air Force Base and it's run by a Boeing subsidiary called Montana Aviation Research.

VCCF Grant Applications Available (Posted 9/27/01)

Grant applications are available now from the Valley County Community Foundation, announces Sam Waters of Glasgow, chairman of the grant committee. Applications are due Nov. 1.

"This year, we will award $2,800.00 in earnings from the endowment," he said. "Organizations with current projects in the following areas may apply: arts and culture, basic human needs, education, economic development, and natural resources and conservation." Exact dollar amounts on this year's grants will be determined based on need and the number of grant applications received, Waters added. Applications are available from him at First Community Bank in Glasgow.

To be considered for a grant, the project or program must be for charitable purposes and serve the people of Valley County. It must not discriminate on the bases of race, religion, sex, age or national origin when employing staff or providing services. The board discourages applications for annual or capital campaigns, grants to other endowments, debt retirement and religious purposes.

The Valley County Community Foundation is steward of the community's savings account, through which donations are invested to meet the challenges of contemporary life. Income from the permanent endowment is used to help fund high quality projects in Valley County. Part of the endowment is invested locally and with the statewide Montana Community Foundation as well.

The board considers grant applications annually in the fall. Funds are awarded during the Foundation's annual meeting in January. For more information, contact Waters at 228-8231.

Fish, Wildlife & Parks Completes Second Draft Of Fisheries Management Plan (Posted 9/27/01)

The Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks has completed the second draft of the revised Fort Peck Reservoir Fisheries Management Plan.

The first draft of the plan was completed and sent out for comment on May 7th. Since then FWP has reviewed and summarized public comments and discussed the comments with the Fort Peck Management Plan Advisory Committee.

The public input from the first draft were taken into account in preparing the 2nd draft and it displays significant changes resulting from the public comments that were made.

This 2nd draft is out for public review and comment until October 19th and the final draft should be completed in late October.

The second draft of this management plan again emphasizes walleye as the main fish in the reservoir and the plan states that the department will continue to place the major management effort on walleye. The plan also states that the department will strive to stock a minimum of 2 million fingerling and 30 million walleye fry annually, with present hatchery resources. Until the Fort Peck Hatchery comes on line, the only means of increasing walleye plants is through fry stocking as fingerling production is already at full capacity. Therefore, until the hatchery is constructed, stocking above the 30 million fry annually will be considered when surplus fry are available and environmental conditions such as water level, prey density, etc. are satisfactory.

When additional production capacity is available, and conditions are favorable, the 2 million annual fingerling plant will to 2.6 million annually for four years, with a concurrent 4-year evaluation.

The supporters of the Fort Peck Warm Water Fish Hatchery are up in arms over the fact that FWP plans on increasing the stocking of walleye fingerlings from 1.9 million per year to just 2.6 million after the hatchery is on line. Chuck Lawson who is one of the leaders in getting the hatchery at Fort Peck says that the survival rate of fingerlings is about 10 percent and the survival rate of fry is 1 percent. Lawson says that each of these survival rates considers raising a walleye to a catchable size and if you do the match, 30 million fry equal 3 million fingerlings, so the FWP is currently stocking 4.9 million fingerlings in Fort Peck. So when the new hatchery is completed shouldn't we start stocking 5.6 million walleye fingerlings per year? It's the same thing they say they are stocking presently with their 700,000 fingerling increase. Let's quit stocking fry which should allow the FWP to take many less eggs and cut their work load in the spring at the spawning station.

Lawson also gave Kltz/Klan facts regarding a very slow fishing year on Fort Peck this summer. According to these figures during four fishing tournaments on Fort Peck this summer here are the catch rates:
Rock Creek, June 2001: 0.07 fish per hour or 14.29 hours equal 1 fish

Governors Cup, July 2001: 0.093 fish per hour or 10.75 hours equal 1 fish.

Hell Creek, July 2001: 0.067 fish per hour or 14.92 hours equal 1 fish.

Fall Classic, August 2001: 0.073 fish per hour or 13.69 hours equal 1 fish.

Lawson also points out that these catch rates are based on each angler using one fishing rod each, but these are all two rod per angler tourney. Therefore these catch rates could definitely be substantially lower, but under no circumstances could they be higher.

In his closing comments to Kltz/Klan he asked the question, "Have we worked three years to get a $20 million dollar hatchery so we can raise 700,000 more fingerlings?"

Lawson also encouraged everyone to submit comments to FWP on their stocking projections for walleye. The Draft Management Plan is available at the FWP office in Glasgow. The comment period ends October 19th.

Brockton man Found Innocent In Stabbing (Posted 9/27/01)

(AP) - A U-S district court jury found a Brockton man innocent of second-degree murder in the stabbing death of a Poplar man.

Twenty-four-year-old Harold Dean Dupree Junior was charged with killing Ira Daryl Diaz DeLeon in the early morning hours of June 19th. The 23-year-old victim was stabbed 13 times. The unanimous verdict freeing Dupree was reached earlier this week in federal court at Great Falls. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Poplar Man Held In Death Of Son (Posted 9/27/01)

(AP) -- A Poplar man is being held without bond on a federal complaint after the June death of his eight-week-old son.

Elmer Red Eagle Junior was arrested Tuesday by Fort Peck tribal criminal investigators.

A grand jury will decide whether to indict Red Eagle for involuntary manslaughter in the June 22nd death of the child.

Red Eagle appeared before federal magistrate Gerard Shuster in Wolf Point Tuesday and is being held there until he can be transferred to Great Falls for his arraignment. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

City Council Approves City Judge Appointment (Posted 9/25/01)

The Glasgow City Council approved the appointment of Leila Hagen as the Interim City Judge for the period of September 4th through January 7th of 2002, or until a decision is made on cost saving alternatives.

The Council met in special session Monday evening to approve the hiring of Hagen to replace Emery Breljie who resigned earlier this month. Hagen has been the assistant City Judge working under Judge Breljie and in fact had been performing the duties of the position since his resignation.

The City Council is still considering the option of entering into an agreement with Valley County and having the Justice of the Peace also perform the duties of the City Judge.

The Council also approved a wage of $11 per hour for the City Judge position.

New Extension Agent To Be Added For Fort Peck Reservation (Posted 9/25/01)

(AP) - The Montana State University Extension Service says it will place an agent on the Fort Peck Reservation this fall. The search will may take three or four months. The addition will be the 91st extension agent in Montana. He or she will oversee agriculture and youth programs for the reservation and will be located in Poplar. Montana, Idaho and Arizona were the only states that received money from Congress for new tribal agents. No new tribal agents had been funded since 1993. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Kid Curry Hideout For Sale (Posted 9/25/01)

(AP) - The hideout of the 1890s outlaw Kid Curry is up for sale as part of a 160-acre parcel being offered by Malta-area rancher Charlie Swankie. It's in a deep ravine just north of the Missouri River in Philips County. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Study Finds Alcoholism Rampant On Resrevations (Posted 9/25/01)

(Great Falls-AP) -- A new report from the state health department says alcoholism on Montana's Indian reservations is three times as high as the national rate. The reports says one in every four reservation adults needs treatment for alcoholism or drug addiction, and young adults - from 18 to 24 - are especially at risk.

The addiction treatment supervisor at Benefis Healthcare in Great Falls says half of all the young men and one-third of all the three young women need treatment for alcohol or drug addiction.

The report, funded by the federal Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, says poverty is a big part of the problem. Sixty-five percent of the people on the reservations live in households with incomes below the poverty line, but they account for 80 percent of of the total treatment need.

Only six percent of the reservation population make more than 40-thousand dollars a year. More than 65 percent make less than 20-thousand, and 20 percent live on less than five-thousand dollars a year.

The two-year study was conducted for the state's Addictive and Mental Disorders Division by the University of Montana's Bureau of Business and Economic Research. It hired tribal researchers on six of Montana's seven Indian reservations - Rocky Boy's did not participate - to do personal interviews. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

American Legion Post 104 To Hold Flag Disposal Ceremony (Posted 9/20/01)

The American Legion post 104, of Nashua, Montana held a special called meeting on Monday, September 17 to finalize plans for a Flag Disposal Ceremony. The Flag Disposal Ceremony will take place on Saturday, September 29, at 9:00 PM, immediately following the Montana State 4H Leaders Forum being held at the Fort Peck Recreation Center, in Fort Peck, Montana.

All members of Post 104 are urged to attend, and any member of Post 41, or the VFW are invited to participate as well. The public is invited to attend the ceremony, and if anyone has an unserviceable flag for disposal, please turn it in to any 4H leader or member of Post 104, or bring it to the Ceremony.

Highway Improvements Begin (Posted 9/20/01)

The local crew with the Montana Department of Transportation began improvements Tuesday on a dangerous stretch of U.S. Highway #2 near Nashua.

The Transportation Department is putting in a guardrail along a stretch of the highway that has seen several fatalities over the course of several years because of a steep embankment that is alongside the southern side of the highway.
State Senator Sam Kitzenberg presented a petition from the Nashua Senior Citizens at a recent meeting of the Montana Highway Commission pleading for a guardrail along that section of the highway.

The guardrail had been scheduled for construction in 2003 but because of several requests of Senator Kitzenberg and the local community of Nashua the construction should be completed shortly.

Tribe Will Provide Funeral For Dumped Baby (Posted 9/20/01)

(AP) The Fort Peck tribe and tribal employees are providing a proper burial for a newborn baby found dead in the Fort Kipp community dump earlier this month.Tribal Enterprises workers found the baby September fifth while hauling trash away.

Fort Kipp is on the eastern edge of the reservation in northeastern Montana.

The body was sent to the State Crime Lab in Missoula for an autopsy. No results have been announced, and Tribal Criminal Investigator Terry Boyd won't say whether the baby was a girl or a boy. The Tribal Executive Board has voted to pay to claim the body when it is released and bury the baby. Tribal workers are providing clothing, blankets and quilts for the burial, and food for a gathering after the burial. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Public Access Restricted At Canyon Ferry Dam; Others Follow Suit (Posted 9/19/01)

(AP) Federal officials have restricted public access to the base of Canyon Ferry Dam on the Missouri River northeast of Helena. It's a security reaction to last week's terrorist attacks in New York City and Washington, D-C.

The federal Bureau of Reclamation operates the dam and has barricaded the roads on the east and west side of the Missouri River at its base. Vehicle traffic is still allowed to cross the top of the dam.

Regional public affairs officer Mark Anderson says other dams around the state also are instituting similar rules. He says recreation at the dams should not be affected because the purpose is the security of the structures themselves. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Department Of Commerce Awards $3.7 Million For Community Infrastructure (Posted 9/19/01)

Nine Montana cities, towns and counties will receive more than $3.7 million from the Montana Department of Commerce in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for various public facility projects. Phillips County for Whitewater, Rosebud County for Ashland, Madison County for Alder, Stillwater County for Park City and the towns of Lavina, Browning, Nashua, Hot Springs and Malta were selected from the 19 applications submitted to the 19th annual public facilities grant competition.

"The number of applications increased 27% over 2000 and the amount of money requested more than doubled the amount of dollars we had to award," said Mark Simonich, Director Montana Department of Commerce. "While we are very aware of the importance and difference this capital infusion can make, we continue to be a long way away from being able to address the estimated $1.6 billion in local infrastructure improvements needed in our communities."

Eight communities receiving grants to help upgrade water or sewer systems to protect the health of local residents and to meet water or wastewater quality standards are: Phillips County for Whitewater ($240,000), Rosebud County for Ashland ($385,500), the Town of Lavina ($390,000), Town of Browning ($500,000), Madison County for Alder ($500,000), the Town of Nashua ($455,000), Stillwater County for Park City ($496,000), and the Town of Hot Springs ($256,703).

The City of Malta will receive a $500,000 grant to help construct a new hospital for Phillips County that will be located adjacent to the existing clinic and nursing home.

An additional investment of more than $13.1 million in public facility funds from the communities and other state and federal programs will be used in conjunction with the awarded CDBG funds. Federal law requires that CDBG funded projects principally serve low and moderate income families.

A significant factor in this year's competition was the high number of water and wastewater-related applications that had received grant assistance from the Fifty-Seventh Legislative session through the Treasure State Endowment Program (TSEP). Fourteen of the applicants had received TSEP funds and were seeking CDBG assistance in combination with TSEP monies to make water and wastewater rates more affordable. All eight of the successful CDBG water and wastewater projects had TSEP funding.

Applications for public facility grants are reviewed and ranked by the Department of Commerce staff against criteria adopted for the CDBG program. The unsuccessful applicants can reapply for CDBG funding in the spring of 2002.

Local governments submitting proposed projects that the Department was not able to fund were: Butte-Silver Bow, Dawson County, Ekalaka, Froid, Joliet, Kevin, Lima, Richland County for Lambert, Stanford, and Valley County for Hinsdale. Congress funds the CDBG Program with a matching contribution from the State. The Montana Department of Commerce administers the CDBG program in coordination with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Pheasant Season Date Changes (Posted 9/18/01)

The Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Commission, in a move to increase upland game bird hunting opportunities for the average Montana bird hunter, set the 2001 resident pheasant opening season dates to allow a two-day resident-only period from October 6-7, except on the Flathead Indian Reservation where residents and nonresidents may begin pheasant hunting on October 6 with the appropriate permit.

The general pheasant season opens October 8 across the state.

The Commission also agreed to cap the number of nonresident upland game bird hunting licenses sold at 11,000 beginning in 2002. The number of nonresident upland game bird hunting licenses sold in 2000 was 8,256.

Montana Trappers Association And Montana Fish, Wildlife And Parks Trapper Education Course In Glasgow, October 13, 2001 (Posted 9/18/01)

A trapper Education Course is scheduled in Glasgow on Saturday, October 13 from 8:30 am to 5 pm at the Montana FWP Region 6 Headquarters. The course will cover trapping, ethics, regulations, equipment, fur handling, and other trapping topics.

Students must attend the entire course and will receive a certificate, National Trappers Association handbook, trapping workbook, and informational brochures. The course is free of charge and open to the public. Youth under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

Pre-registration is required. For further information and to register, contact the Glasgow MT FWP Office at (406) 228-3700.

Tribes Asked Appellate Court To Intervene In Railroad Dispute (Posted 9/18/01)

(AP) The Fort Peck tribes want a federal appeals court to intervene, again, in their tax dispute with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. At stake is the tribes' authority to tax the railroad, and Northern Border Pipeline Company, for use of reservation lands in northeastern Montana. The bill for both companies together is two and a half (m) million dollars a year.

The tribes thought the issue was settled with a 1991 ruling from the Ninth U-S Circuit Court of Appeals. But in June, U-S District Judge Jack Shanstrom of Billings ruled the tribes lack the authority they thought was affirmed in '91. Now the tribes have asked the appeals court to step in again.

Beware Of Scams (Posted 9/17/01)

The Office of Consumer Protection warns Montanans to be wary of fraudulent telemarketers capitalizing on highly emotional and traumatic events such as the recent terrorist attacks. These types of activities escalated during the Oklahoma bombings and other natural disasters including the Montana wildfires. Unscrupulous telemarketers soliciting for contributions take advantage of the generosity and admirable intentions of consumers who want to help victims and those who are less fortunate.

The Office offers the following advice to avoid becoming a victims to these scams:

* Beware of similar sounding names - some phony charities use names that closely resemble those of respected, legitimate organizations. Call the charity to find out if they are aware of the solicitation and have authorized the use of its name. If not, you may be dealing with a fraudulent solicitor.

* Beware of solicitations for disaster victims. Many reputable businesses and organizations are gratefully accepting donations. Make sure your donation is going to one of them and not an imposter. Do not send donations through a courier or pick up service.

REMEMBER - there are many legitimate charitable organizations that need your help at this time of national crisis.
Cort Jensen with the Montana Office of Consumer Protection advises that if you are concerned about the legitimacy of a particular charitable solicitation or wish to report charity fraud, contact the Telemarketing Fraud Unit at the Montana Department of Administration, (406) 444-4500. Also, the Internet Fraud Complaint Center is designated to receive information from the public relating to the terrorist attack on the U.S. at the IFCC Web site address www.ifccfbi.gov

Governor Martz Provides Guidance For Those Wishing To Help (Posted 9/17/01)

As Americans begin the long process of recovering from this tragic terrorist event, our nation unites. Governor Judy Martz commends the efforts of the emergency responders, the volunteers, and the citizens who have so bravely stepped forth to help in any way possible. In conjunction with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Montana Disaster and Emergency Services, the governor wants Montanans to realize that contributing money to the disaster situation right now is considerably more beneficial than donating tangible items.

"As with any disaster, donations of food, clothing and even human resources are difficult to manage," said Governor Martz. "However, monetary donations can be utilized immediately to provide the necessary items identified by those who understand the current situation."

According to Joe Allbaugh, Director of FEMA, even volunteers could hamper the response efforts. "Ask them to be patient and not show up on their own. Because of the immensity of the tragedy in New York, we must carefully and methodically allocate our resources so that we don't aggravate an already difficult situation."

There are opportunities to help. The most efficient and effective are to support relief efforts through monetary donations. This resource can be used to supply victims with specific items needed to begin their recovery process. Call 1-800-HELP NOW. In addition, donating blood will help victims as there is a great need for this resource. Contact your local Red Cross Chapter or call 1-800-GIVE LIFE.

You can reach the State of New York's Donation Coordination Center at 1 (800) 801-8092. The Montana Disaster and Emergency Services Division is in contact with FEMA. Any resource needs regarding these incidents will be relayed to their office through FEMA. Your patience and cooperation is vitally important in helping our state respond to their needs.

The following provides various contact information: American Red Cross
Victim Information - Call Your Local Red Cross Chapter
Blood Donations - 1-800-448-3543
Financial Contributions - 1-800-HELP-NOW
Volunteer Medical Services - 1-800-801-8092
General Services - 1-518-431-7600
Bulk Donations - 1-800-7-IN-KIND
United Way
United Way September 11th Fund - 1-212-251-4035
Salvation Army
Financial Contributions - 1-800-SAL-Army
Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund
Donations - 303-933-7580
Southern Baptist Disaster Relief
Donations - 1-800-959-4325
Church World Service
Donations - 1-800-297-1516 #222
Nazarene Disaster Response
1-888-256-5886
International Aid
International assistance can be coordinated through
202-646-2428
Donations of Service
Volunteer Organizations to Contribute - www.NVOAD.org

Missouri River Country Travel Planners Available (Posted 9/17/01)

“Experience New Territory” with the new and improved Missouri River Country travel planner.

This 39-page journal provides direction to plan a trip of discovery for either the in state and out of state visitor to Missouri River Country, Montana’s northeast tourism region.

In addition to beautiful pictures of the area, the journal contains information directing the traveler to a variety of local events, accommodations, museums, sightseeing trips in the area, and anything else a visitor may need. People wanting to visit Missouri River Country have requested 19,055 planners during the last six months. California, Texas, Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois are the top five states that have individuals requesting information.

Missouri River Country, Northern Rockies Publishing and Travel Montana cooperated in the publishing of the planner. Rick and Susie Graetz of Northern Rockies Publishing wrote and produced the planner.

Copies of the planner are available at local Chamber of Commerce offices or by calling Missouri River Country at 1-800-653-1319.

Meeting To Examine Critically Low Water Supply (Posted 9/17/01)

(AP) A meeting in Chinook today will focus on preparing for the worst, if the water level in the Milk River doesn't increase.

Ed Gierke of the state Disaster and Emergency Services Division says it's going to be rough, if there isn't rain and significant snowfall this winter. He says towns such as Havre, Chinook and Harlem have no backup supplies of drinking water.

The meeting this afternoon will include municipal water suppliers from several communities, the Bureau of Reclamation and the National Weather Service. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Judge Search Continues (Posted 9/17/01)

The Glasgow City Council continues their search for a City Judge to replace Emery Breljie.

Last Monday the council discussed the possibility of having Valley County Justice of the Peace Linda Mogan also handle the duties of City Judge. City Attorney Dave Gorton that the city could designate the Justice of the Peace to also handle the City Judge position but would need the permission of the JP along with the Valley County Commissioners.

The City Personel Committee will look into the possibility of having the Justice of the Peace handle both duties but will also take a look at the applicants for the job. The city currently is advertising for people who might be interested in the job.

The Council will meet on September 24 to appoint a person to the City Judge position.

Northeast Montana Featured In Montana Magazine (Posted 9/14/01)

Wolf Point and Culbertson are the homeground of 2 feature articles in the September/October issue of Montana Magazine.

Rodenberg HoneyLand Apiaries in Wolf Point produces 300,000 pounds of clover honey each year from their 4,000 bee colonies on 130 leased spots from Saco to Froid. This is a family-owned and operated business that began during the 1920 homestead era. Although originally a partnership in the Gallatin Valley, the senior Harry Rodenberg moved to the present location in 1948.

Daily and seasonal details of bee ranching have parallels to four-legged livestock ranching: branding, doctoring, pasturing, harvesting, marketing and driving the stock to winter range. The hard work of bringing the sweet and natural honey to the nation's table is explained with ample pictures and quotes. A bonus section in the article itemizes interesting facts about honey, such as the fact that a bee visits two million flower to make one pound of honey.

The Celebrate! Department features the Northeast Montana Threshing Bee and Antique Show held in Culbertson on September 22-23. Wanda Rosseland of Circle writes of her experiences at past events and how watching the old-fashioned equipment gives her an appreciation of the life led by her grandparents. The Threshing Bee is a family event, with three meals included in the ticket price, as well as guided tours, activities and races.

Montana Magazine is available at newsstands around the state and publishes excerpts online at www.montanamagazine.com.

Plentywood Man Expects To Be Called To Crash Site (Posted 9/14/01)

(AP) A Plentywood funeral director expects to be called to New York or Washington, to help identify victims of terrorist attacks there.

David Fulkerson is a member of the Disaster Mortuary Operational Response Teams. D-M-O-R-T teams are part of the National Disaster Medical System, part of the U-S Public Health Service. They are called in when massive casualties swamp local mortuary and coroner capabilities. The nationwide collection of specialists includes medical examiners, coroners, embalmers, dental experts, D-N-A analysts, and others.

Teams will oversee collection of bodies and body parts from debris. Some members will meet with relatives of victims to gather information and documents they hope to use in identifying the human remains.

Fulkerson says at best, it will take months to finish the recovery.

U.S. Color Day Is Today; Candlelighting Tonight (Posted 9/14/01)

Today is also unofficially U.S. Color Day - all those who support the U.S. and Freedom are encouraged to wear blue jeans and red and white shirts today.

Also, tonight at 7:00 p.m. you are asked to step out your door, stop your car, or step out of your establishment and light a candle to show the world that Americans are strong and united together against terrorism.

Remembrance Ceremony Set At Noon In Helena (Posted 9/14/01)

As a part of Montana's Day of Prayer and Remembrance, Governor Judy Martz will be holding a ceremony for the public on the steps of the Capitol Building at noon. Adjutant General John E. Prendergast will also attend the ceremony. Local emergency services personnel and elected officials will be invited to attend as well.

In addition, Governor Martz is suggesting that all bells across Montana toll for one minute at noon, local time on September 14.

National Day of Prayer & Remembrance Today (Posted 9/14/01)

Thursday morning President Bush declared, Friday, September 14, a day of National Prayer and Remembrance for the victims and their families of Tuesday's terrorist attacks. I join with the President in mourning the loss of those who have suffered such a great and disastrous loss. Every American, indeed the world, has been deeply touched by this great tragedy.

The President has urged that citizens mark this day with noontime memorial services, the ringing of church bells, and evening candlelight services. With parent's permission, I encourage schools to allow their students to participate in these community events and consider this an excused absence.

Some Montana schools are asking whether they should close for the day. Again, Montana law leaves that decision to the local school board. Montana law, MCA 20-1-301, also requires schools to complete 180 days of instruction to receive full state reimbursement. This week, Montana's educators have played an invaluable role in helping our children and communities through this terrible time. You have all conducted yourselves with compassion and dignity. Let me again thank you on behalf of all Montanans.

National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims Of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation

On Tuesday morning, September 11, 2001, terrorists attacked America in a series of despicable acts of war. They hijacked four passenger jets, crashed two of them into the World Trade Center's twin towers, a third into the Headquarters of the U.S. Department of Defense at the Pentagon, causing great loss of life and tremendous damage.

The fourth plane crashed in the Pennsylvania countryside, killing all on board but falling well short of its intended target apparently because of the heroic efforts of passengers on board.

This carnage, which caused the collapse of both Trade Center towers and the destruction of part of the Pentagon, killed more than 250 airplane passengers and thousands more on the ground. Civilized people around the world denounce the evildoers who devised and executed these terrible attacks. Justice demands that those who helped or harbored the terrorists be punished -- and punished severely. The enormity of their evil demands it. We will use all the resources of the United States and our cooperating friends and allies to pursue those responsible for this evil, until justice is done.

We mourn with those who have suffered great and disastrous loss. All our hearts have been seared by the sudden and sense-less taking of innocent lives. We pray for healing and for the strength to serve and encourage one another in hope and faith. Scripture says: "Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted." I call on every American family and the family of America to observe a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance, honoring the memory of the thousands of victims of these brutal attacks and comforting those who lost loved ones. We will persevere through this national tragedy and personal loss. In time, we will find healing and recovery; and, in the face of all this evil, we remain strong and united, "one Nation under God."

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim Friday, September 14, 2001, as a National Day of Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001. I ask that the people of the United States and places of worship mark this National Day of Prayer and Remembrance with noontime memorial services, the ringing of bells at that hour, and evening candlelight remembrance vigils. I encourage employers to permit their workers time off during the lunch hour to attend the noontime services to pray for our land. I invite the people of the world who share our grief to join us in these solemn observances.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand one, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-sixth. GEORGE W. BUSH

Governor Addresses Reports of High Prices at Gas Pumps (Posted 9/12/01)

In the wake of yesterday's terrorist attacks, reports of unjustified high prices at gas pumps have been received both in and outside Montana, according to Governor Judy Martz.

"I am very proud that the vast majority of gas stations across our state have refused to give into the temptation to raise gas prices during this incredibly tragic time," Governor Martz said. "To the best of our knowledge, no shortages or major increases at the wholesale level have occurred that would justify any dramatic increase in gas prices at the pump. I ask all Montana retail gas businesses not to take unfair advantage of any lingering fear yesterday's attacks may have caused, and I ask all Montanans not to panic due to this national tragedy."

Governor Martz also encouraged any individuals with reports of unjustified price increases to call the Department of Energy at 1-800-244-3301.

Due to increases in the barrel prices of crude oil, Montanans may begin to see small price increases over the next few days, according to the Montana Department of Administration.

"Gas stations, by law, are not allowed to charge consumers less for gas than what the station paid," said Barbara Ranf, director of the Department of Administration. "We may see minor price increases in the next week because crude oil prices are increasing. This increase does not effect current retail gas prices, and should have a minimal effect in the near future."

The Montana Office of Consumer Protection in the Department of Administration notes that in addition to any penalties the Department of Energy may issue to a gas station engaged in unjustified price increasing, Montana law provides additional penalties.

"We ask you to call the 1-800-244-3301 to report any unjustified price increase to the Department of Energy," said Cort Jensen with the Montana Office of Consumer Protection. "If a Montanan gas station is engaging in what you feel is abusive pricing, please also call 406-444-5439 and leave a message with the name, location, and price of gasoline. We will investigate all such claims."

The Office of Consumer Protection has received complaints, but most of them involve stations outside the state, according to Jensen.

Fort Peck Annual Gill Net Survey Results (Posted 9/12/01)

The annual gil netting survey on Fort Peck Lake has been completed for the year 2001. The catch rate of is up from the 2000 average with 3.9 walleye per net per day being observed. Below is a table of the last 10 years catch rates for walleye on Fort Peck Lake.

Year # of Walleye/Net/Day
'01 3.9
'00 2.8
'99 4.2
'98 4.5
'97 ***
'96 3.4
'95 3.2
'94 1.4
'93 2.7
'92 3.7
*** Redirection of manpower and equipment for '97 lake-wide creel survey

Overall the 2001 fishing season has been slow, so the obvious question is why when the results of the gill netting increased. Stomach analysis of the walleye revealed the majority of the walleye were unusually full. Also a higher than normal percentage of fish analyzed contained forage fish. Contents of stomachs were identified mostly as cisco, with some yellow perch, insects and large group of unknowns.

Annual beach seining to evaluate forage production of shoreline species is just beginning and preliminary results indicate that the abundance of these forage fish may be down, rather than on the upswing as the stomach content analysis shows.

With lower water levels, prey species tend to be more vulnerable to predators. Lower water levels concentrate cisco and other prey species, thus making them easier targets for predators. The Fort Peck water elevation is and has been considerably lower than typical water levels normally observed at this time of year which could play an important factor in lower than normal catch rates by recreationists on the lake.

Region Six 2001 Antelope Aerial Survey (Posted 9/12/01)

Aerial surveys of antelope herds were recently conducted in seven of nine hunting districts in Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region Six.

Hunting districts in extreme western and eastern portions of the region are not surveyed as they have small, scattered populations that cannot cost-effectively be counted from the air. Population figures are derived through estimating numbers in representative portions of hunting district called trend areas. These trend area surveys are conducted in July and early August. The surveys are used to make permit quota recommendations for that year’s hunting season. Hunting districts are periodically censused in their entirety to verify the accuracy of the trend areas within them. All antelope observed are counted and classified by sex and age.

In 2001, a minimum population of 22,915 antelope was estimated for these seven hunting districts, which compares to 20,199 in 2000. Increases occurred in HD 620 (20%), 600 (11%), 650 (41%), 670 (33%), 690 (8%), while only HD 651 (41%) decreased.

Hunting district 630 remained within 5% of 2001 totals. The ratio of fawns observed per 100 does for all districts was 57. The poorest fawn production occurred in HD 630. The average number of bucks observed per 100 does for all districts surveyed was 47. Fish, Wildlife, and Parks wildlife biologist Pat Gunderson suggests the increased population is the result of mild winters and good growing seasons which have provided excellent habitat and increased productivity.

Numbers of antelope hunters in the field this fall will be higher than the past few years. Total either sex permits increased from 3,350 in 2000 to 3,850 in 2001. The added permits occurred in HD 600, 620, and 690. An additional 1,025 doe/fawn licenses will also be issued. Hunters should be excited with the increase in licenses and numbers of antelope when they take the field on opening day, October 7th.

Montana Fish, Wildlife And Parks Region 6 News - Fall (Posted 9/12/01)
Wildlife Divison
Havre
Bighorn Sheep Survey in Hunting District 680

The annual Hunting District 680 bighorn sheep survey was flown August 13th and 14th by helicopter. Spotting conditions were good as the skies were clear and very green vegetation from this summer's rain made sheep stand out well.

Observed in the survey were 373 sheep. Ram numbers were high, as 110 rams were located, including 39 three-fourths curl rams.

This total count was the highest we have counted since sheep were introduced there in the early 1980's. The lamb/ewe ratio of 63/100 indicates high lamb production and the large number of young rams also indicates high survival of lambs and recruitment into the population.

This year we have 10 either sex permits and 10 ewe permits in HD 680. With these counts, we may be able to increase these permits in the future. We also may be able to provide ewes for transplants in other suitable habitat in Montana.

EHD Hits White-tailed Deer in Phillips and Blaine Counties
Epizootic hemorrhagic disease (EHD), commonly known as “blue tongue”, has surfaced again in Phillips and Blaine Counties. Reports of dead white-tailed deer started coming in the last week of August from landowners in both of these counties. Almost every dead

deer was close to or in the water when it died. Due to the timing and location of these dead deer, EHD is almost certainly responsible.
EHD is spread by tiny biting flies (midges) and is very specific to white-tailed deer. Other big game species may also die from this disease, but this is rare. Livestock also do not appear to be affected or may suffer minor undetectable symptoms. EHD is believed to be a natural disease, which has always occurred in prairie white-tailed deer populations. Outbreaks begin in late summer or early fall and animals typically die near water since one symptom of the disease is a high fever. Many of the infected deer die within 1 to 3 days; however, some deer may live longer and a few will recover. The disease stops when a hard frost kills the midges.

EHD is common to this area and seems to occur roughly every 5 years, although smaller outbreaks may go unnoticed or unreported.
Fortunately white-tailed deer are very prolific and bounce back quickly following an EHD outbreak. Landowners are encouraged to report dead deer to their local Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks wildlife biologist or game warden. Humans are not at risk from the disease and hunters need not worry about eating venison from infected deer; however, hunters should never eat any game animal that is noticeably sick. Hunting outlook for Phillips County

Although biologists observed high numbers of adult sharptail grouse and sage grouse on dancing grounds this year, production was poor so hunters will have a tougher time getting into birds this year. Severe drought conditions resulted in poor nesting cover this spring. Some hens did not even initiate a nest and nest success was poor for many hens that did nest. The lack of green vegetation in May also affected brood survival and many chicks died early from starvation or dehydration. Since pheasants occupy riparian habitats they are typically not as impacted by drought; however, surveys this spring showed a drop in the number of adult pheasants.

Brood numbers are also down this year due to a decrease in the quantity and quality of nesting cover. Waterfowl hunters will also have a difficult time, as all of the natural wetlands and reservoirs in the county are low or dry. Larger bodies of water, such as Bowdoin Lake, are also very low and all of the boat ramps at Bowdoin are currently unusable. Big game species have faired better during the drought thanks to several very mild winters; however, EHD (commonly known as blue tongue) has hit white-tailed deer populations in Phillips and Blaine Counties. Fortunately, mule deer and elk are unaffected by EHD and both of these species are on an upswing. Mule deer numbers in North Phillips County have increased rapidly in recent years and this year either-sex mule deer hunting with an A-tag will be allowed in HD 611. Mule deer numbers in South Phillips County are still below their long term average and mule deer hunting here remains bucks only. Elk numbers are also high in the Missouri River Breaks and rifle permits were increased in all Hunting Districts this fall.

Region 6 Bighorn Sheep Status
A record number of bighorn sheep were recently observed in the Missouri River Breaks south of Chinook (HD 680). FWP biologists spent two days surveying this population in mid August with a helicopter and counted 373 sheep. This is an increase of 20% over last year’s survey total and the highest number ever counted for this area. Lamb numbers were excellent indicating a healthy and growing population. Ram numbers were also high and thirty-nine rams larger than _ curl rams were spotted. Since 1998, 10 either-sex licenses and 10 ewe licenses have been issued each year for this area. License quotas are expected to be increased next fall to provide more hunter opportunity and decrease the chance of a disease-related die-off.

Two other bighorn populations in Region 6 have already suffered disease outbreaks and are slowly recovering. Bighorn sheep in the Little Rocky Mountains (HD 620) built up to almost 100 animals in 1996, but a disease outbreak in 1997 devastated this population.

Today the population numbers around 25 bighorns. No sheep licenses have been issued in this area since 1997.

Bighorn sheep in the Missouri River Breaks, within the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge, (HD 622) south of Malta have also not faired very well. In the mid 1990s, biologists typically counted around 125 sheep in this population. Unfortunately, bighorn sheep habitat is limited in this area and sheep remained concentrated in a few areas within the Refuge. Biologist determined that sheep in more concentrated areas had high lungworm larva loads and in 1998 lamb numbers sharply declined in these areas. This trend has continued and during wildlife surveys last winter only ninety-six sheep were observed. Prior to the occurrence of lungworm related disease problems, five either-sex licenses were typically issued in this area; however, now only three either-sex licenses are issued.

Glasgow
Region Six 2001 Antelope Aerial Survey
Aerial surveys of antelope herds were recently conducted in seven of nine hunting districts in Fish, Wildlife and Parks Region Six. Hunting districts in extreme western and eastern portions of the region are not surveyed as they have small, scattered populations that cannot cost-effectively be counted from the air. Population figures are derived through estimating numbers in representative portions of hunting district called trend areas. These trend area surveys are conducted in July and early August. The surveys are used to make permit quota recommendations for that year’s hunting season. Hunting districts are periodically censused in their entirety to verify the accuracy of the trend areas within them. All antelope observed are counted and classified by sex and age.

In 2001, a minimum population of 22,915 antelope was estimated for these seven hunting districts, which compares to 20,199 in 2000. Increases occurred in HD 620 (20%), 600 (11%), 650 (41%), 670 (33%), 690 (8%), while only HD 651 (41%) decreased.

Hunting district 630 remained within 5% of 2001 totals. The ratio of fawns observed per 100 does for all districts was 57. The poorest fawn production occurred in HD 630. The average number of bucks observed per 100 does for all districts surveyed was 47. Fish, Wildlife, and Parks wildlife biologist Pat Gunderson suggests the increased population is the result of mild winters and good growing seasons which have provided excellent habitat and increased productivity.

Numbers of antelope hunters in the field this fall will be higher than the past few years. Total either sex permits increased from 3,350 in 2000 to 3,850 in 2001. The added permits occurred in HD 600, 620, and 690. An additional 1,025 doe/fawn licenses will also be issued. Hunters should be excited with the increase in licenses and numbers of antelope when they take the field on opening day, October 7th.

Parks Division
Fishing Access, Kid’s Pond and State Parks
The presence of a Parks Division employee in the Glasgow Regional office has made some advancement in the Department’s attempt to provide more public recreation opportunities in the highline area. R-6 Parks manager Woody Baxter, has been exploring and even into the initial stages of establishing more Fishing Access Sites (FAS) from Havre to the North Dakota border. He has also been assisting the Fisheries Division with their long time running program of providing public access on private ponds through cooperative efforts with landowners.

In the city limits of Glasgow, Baxter became part of an already established group of citizens, organizations and local government agencies that are trying to build a youth fishing pond in Sullivan Park. The group has raised monies through grants and is now going through the Environmental Assessment process.

A citizen advisory group has been created that will search and recommend potential Montana State Park sites and opportunities to the state office of the Department. The group will go through a process of brainstorming and field trips in order to deliver their final product.

With the first-rate help of the Conservation Specialists and Park’s seasonal employees, the existing R-6 FAS have received some noticeable improvements. Baxter plans to continue this FAS enhancement next summer.

Fisheries Division
Havre

Fishing Update for the Western Section of Region Six
Fisheries in the western half of R-6 remain deeply entrenched in the drought. Fresno Reservoir was almost entirely drafted early in the year but is slowly gaining some ground. It will definitely be a rebuilding year in 2002. Shoreline vegetation for perch spawning has developed nicely and a filling of the reservoir next spring should jump-start the forage base.

Nelson Reservoir is low but holding it’s own at the present.

Dry Fork Reservoir, a popular destination in Blaine County, is plum dry (another rebuilding opportunity). Creek flows in the Bear Paw Mountains are becoming critical with fish kills reported in Beaver Creek and Clear Creek. Water is being released from Bear Paw Lake to supplement flows in a portion of Beaver Creek. Havre has broken a dozen of high temperature records this summer and water temperatures in Beaver Creek have reached 85 degrees.

H.C. Kuhr Reservoir is almost dry and the trout are certain to winterkill, so the department has plans to poison out the remnant sucker and perch population and start afresh in 2002.

Faber Reservoir and Ross Reservoir were both rehabilitated last year and have been restocked with trout. Despite low water this year, both should provide excellent fishing next year.

Beaver Creek Reservoir, Bear Paw Lake and Bailey Reservoir have provided the only consistent fishing opportunities this summer.
Aeration windmills installed last year helped some marginal ponds get through the winter. The windmills may be even more important this year for those ponds that haven’t dried up completely. The picture is quite bleak for this part of the region but some potentially new fishing sites are on line for development in 2002. With a good snowy winter we will be on track in a year or two for some excellent fishing.

Glasgow

Upper Missouri / Yellowstone Rivers Pallid Sturgeon Project

The six adult pallid sturgeon captured this past spring by FWP and the US Fish & Wildlife Service at the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers were successfully spawned at the Miles City State Fish Hatchery. Their offspring are doing well, and hopefully will lead to more pallids being stocked back into both the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers beginning in 2002. These fish will compliment the 680 juvenile pallids stocked at four sites in 2000, and the 750 stocked in 1998.
Summer monitoring efforts on the Missouri River below Fort Peck were directed at collecting fish distribution and abundance data. Information was collected on all species sampled at nine different sites from Fort Peck Dam downstream to Poplar. This data will help evaluate the spring surface water release proposed from Fort Peck Dam. This release will help raise water temperature and flow in the river, which hopefully will lead to successful spawning by endangered pallid sturgeon. Additionally, it is believed increased water temperatures will benefit other native species found in this river reach as well. Conservation Education

Glasgow

Renovation on the quonset hut behind the Region 6 headquarters in Glasgow is complete. The newly remodeled area provides the region with class/meeting room, two additional office spaces and two rooms for hunter/bowhunter education and game damage. The class/meeting room will be available for meetings pertaining to natural resource issues. Regional meetings, sportsmen’s club meetings, hunter/bowhunter education and aquatic education classes can all be held in the new room free of charge. Any interested parties can contact the Glasgow Area Office at 228-3700 for information regarding the use of the room.

Sullivan Park Fishing Pond will become a reality. A total of $30,600 was granted to the project from the Future Fisheries Program. AnEnvironmental Assessment needs to be completed along with a few details being worked on involving the construction and maintenance of the pond before a date is decided to break ground. An additional $10,000 was successfully awarded this spring by the CTAP committee from Travel Montana. There are many entities within Valley County willing to supply volunteer hours towards the project. This is a true community effort with many people willing to promote and work towards an addition to our community. The ultimate goal is to complete the pond and have kids fishing in the fall of 2002. Volunteer angler education instructors will be needed to conduct the fishing clinics for the youth. Please consider becoming a volunteer instructor as it will be necessary for the success of the program. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer angler education instructor, please contact the Glasgow FWP office at 228-3700. Tentative plans are to provide a training session for all volunteer angler education instructors in the spring of 2002.

Now that school has begun, the Bitter Creek Mule Deer school project will begin. This will be the second year MFWP's will educate area schools about mule deer, wildlife biology, game damage, habitat, mapping and the importance of the four-year study currently being done by Wildlife Biologist Pat Gunderson. A total of six visits will be made to classes in Hinsdale, Opheim and Glasgow junior high students.

Hunter/Bowhunter Education classes have begun throughout the region. Additional classes are expected in many areas this fall. Please inquire with your area instructors if interested. The next Hunter Education class to be held in Glasgow will be October 1st -5th from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the new remodeled quonset hut behind the Glasgow Area Headquarters. Anyone interested in attending should contact the Glasgow FWP office at 228-3700 to sign up. A maximum of twenty students will be accepted for this fall class.

ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
Glasgow

R-6 enforcement has been very busy working everything from water safety, the opener of general upland bird season to elk and deer archery season. The weather over the Labor Day weekend was unseasonably warm, which hampered some of the hunting efforts but added a great weekend to spend some quality time on the lake for other recreationists. If the weather becomes hot, hunters need to be extra careful in dealing with an animal that is harvested to avoid spoilage. We suggest boning the meat, large coolers with lots of ice, or a quick trip to the meat locker.

Be careful and have fun this hunting season as soon winter will be here and another hunting season will be gone. Please check the hunting regulations before you venture out and remember to report all violations to our 24-hour hotline 1-800-TIP-MONT. We work for you and the wildlife in Montana.

Public Notice For LAA Election (Posted 9/12/01)

(LAA #1) North of Osset Road The Valley County FSA Committee election will be held this year from November 21, 2001 to December 3, 2001. Eligible voters have the right to nominate candidate(s) of their choice. Blank FSA-669A’s may be obtained at the County FSA Office. Each FSA-669A submitted must be:

Limited to 1 nominee Signed by the preparer, if completed by someone other than the nominee Signed by the nominee, indicating willingness to serve, if elected Postmarked or delivered to the County FSA Office no later than October 29, 2001.

Person nominated should be currently engaged in the operation of a farm or ranch and be well qualified for committee work. A farmer is eligible to be a County FSA Committee member if the farmer lives in the LAA and is an eligible voter. County FSA Committee members may not hold positions in certain farm and commodity organizations, if these positions pose a conflict of interest with FSA duties. These positions include functional offices such as president, vice president, secretary, and positions on boards or executive committees. Additional information of eligibility to hold office may be obtained at the County FSA Office.

The duties of County FSA Committee member include:

Informing farmers of the purpose and provisions of the FSA programs Keeping the State FSA Committee informed of LAA conditions

Recommending needed changes in farm programs Participating in county meetings as necessary Performing other duties as assigned by the State FSA Committee.

This program or activity will be conducted on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, or disability.

CRP Hay And Livestock Removal (Posted 9/12/01)

The Valley County FSA Office wants to remind CRP producers the deadline is September 30, 2001 for emergency grazing and haying of CRP acres. All hay bales and livestock are to be removed from the CRP acres by September 30, 2001.

Producers are also reminded selling or giving away CRP hay is a violation of the CRP contract and will result in contract termination. Producers may contact the FSA Office at 228-4321 with any questions.

Airports Poised To Reopen With Enhanced Security (Posted 9/12/01)

(AP) The F-A-A says airports will reopen sometime today -- but now they're saying they haven't determined just when. And Delta Air Lines says none of its flights will resume until 4 p-m Mountain time.

Airports across the state are waiting for word to reopen, a day after terrorists crashed airliners into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

But don't expect travel as usual. Helena airport manager Ron Mercer says travelers will encounter added security measures. And curbside check-in of luggage is no more.

The U-S Postal Service in Billings says, with the idling of aviation, a lot of mail transportation shifted to trucks. The Postal Service was told contract flights for mail might be allowed to resume service this afternoon.

The terrorist attacks halted work on the big wildfire in northwestern Montana. The helicopters couldn't fly, and fire bosses decided the crews were just too distracted by everything that was happening, to keep their attention on the fire line. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Customs On Highest State Of Alert After Terrorist Attacks (Posted 9/12/01)

(AP) The U-S Border Patrol is operating on a high security level, and U-S Customs called for the highest state of alert, after yesterday's terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D-C.

The U-S Customs Service went to Level One, which means those crossing the northern border into the United States will be heavily scrutinized. At the port of entry at Sweet Grass, traffic entering the United States from Canada was backed up at least the length of six city blocks by yesterday afternoon. Most of the vehicles waiting in line were freight trucks.

Disaster Affects Gas Prices Nationwide (Posted 9/11/01)

With rumors of eight dollar a gallon gas in Billings, Glasgow and area residents were busy at the pumps on Tuesday night. Traffic was backed up about a half block on each side of Jody's Conoco and Holiday.

As of 10pm, gas in Glasgow was still priced at $1.76 per gallon.

On Tuesday morning, Jody Faul, owner of Jody's Conoco in Glasgow stated that the pipeline was still flowing and that, although he has no control over the prices, at this time there are no plans to raise prices. The gas prices, Faul note, though are a "day-to-day" situation.

Montana Air Guard Federally Activated; Big Sky Buttoned Up (Posted 9/11/01)

(AP)Twenty Montana Army National Guard troops have been sent to Big Sky, to provide additional security for the director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency -- Joe Allbaugh -- and other emergency management directors who were there for a conference. This, in the wake of terrorist attacks today in New York and Washington, D-C.

Governor Martz says the Big Sky resort is locked down, and the highway is blocked off because of the presence of the emergency officials. Martz says the emergency management officials will be flown out of Big Sky, and back to their respective states, as soon as they can get aircraft in the air.

Right now, all commercial flights nationwide are grounded. And Montana's Air National Guard has been federally activated. About 16 F-16 fighter jets from the Guard have been put on "air defense mode." That means if there are any unidentified aircraft in Montana air space, fighter jets will be launched to check them out. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Many federal agencies in the region are letting non-critical employees go home today, in the wake of apparent terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and on the Pentagon in Washington, D-C. Ben Gonzales is with the General Services Administration in Denver. He says federal agencies -- other than law enforcement -- have instituted a "liberal leave policy" in the six-state region that includes Montana, Wyoming, Utah, the Dakotas and Colorado. Gonzales says the G-S-A has put all federal buildings in the region on heightened security. In Montana, armed U-S marshals were posted outside the federal building in Helena. And in Great Falls, Malmstrom Air Force Base and the Montana Air National Guard with its F-16 fighter jets are at the highest state of alert.

USDA Subsidies Records (Posted 9/10/01)

U.S Agriculture Department records say Montana farm and ranch operators received 619 million dollars in federal subsidies last year.

An Associated Press analysis of the records has shown that the payments amounted to more than two percent of the national total and accounted for three percent of Montanans' total personal income last year.

The study also broke down the amount of various types of farm subsidies received by Montana political figures, in the year ending September 30, 2000.

Republican State Representative Karl Waitschies of Peerless recieved $128,485 in federal farm subsidies according to the study by the Associated Press. Former State Representative Earnest Bergsagel received $111,707 and Representative Dave Kasten of Brockway received $48,423.

The study also listed those individuals receiving more than $200,000 in federal farm subsidies in Montana. Cliff Hagfelt of Scobey received $202,995. The highest federal subsidies in Montana went to Brett and Kay DeBruycker of Dutton who received $398,784.
Valley County received the fifth highest total of subsidies when broken down by county. Valley County farmers and ranchers received $28,270,349 in federal farm subsidies. The highest total went to Chouteau County which received $59,597,612

Highway 2 Road Construction Begins (Posted 9/10/01)

Recently the Montana Department of Transportation awarded to Century Construction Company of Lewistown a contract to upgrade U.S. Highway 2 through Glasgow. This is a substantial project and extends some 3.3. miles, from 13 th avenue north on the west, to the Opheim road ( Highway 42) on the east.

Work will begin the week of September 10 and will continue until weather forces seasonal shutdown. Work will resume next spring and be completed by early fall 2002.

For calendar year 2001 work will be limited to the portion of the present west bound lane of U.S. 2, (north side) only from Albertson's (7th street) to Mike’s Muffler (just past 4th street). Two way traffic will be maintained throughout the period of construction and reasonable access to adjacent business will be maintained.

Century Construction and our responsible subcontractors are dedicated to the goal of building this project with minimal disruption to the normal flow of traffic and the best possible access to the adjacent businesses.

To that end we have prepared the map below of the area to be effected this fall. You will see from this map that access to businesses is maintained either from the existing streets or from the alley. Note also that the work areas are zoned; zone 1 will be closed first, and zone 2 will remain open until traffic is re-routed to the completed zone.

Century Construction will provide weekly updates of activities through local media and we will be available to answer any questions you might have at telephone # 366-0450 (cell).

We are proud to play a part in this upgrade to your city and look forward to a safe, timely and quality project.

18 Rail Yard Jobs To Be Lost At Whitefish (Posted 9/10/01)

(AP) Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway says it will eliminate 18 jobs in Whitefish, on October 1st. All of those jobs have to do with switching rail cars in the yard.

B-N-S-F spokesman Gus Melonas says the shutdown at Columbia Falls Aluminum Company contributed to the job cuts. Melonas says the Whitefish yard switching operations will be consolidated at terminals in Shelby, Havre, Spokane and Pasco, Washington.

The job cuts include five yard masters, nine switchmen and four utility men. The railroad employs about 250 people based at Whitefish. Under the union agreement, Melonas says people in the affected jobs will be able to bump junior employees in other positions. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Group Begins Working On Missouri River Management Plan (Posted 9/10/01)

(AP) A group of officials from Montana and the Dakotas has begun working together on a Missouri River management plan.

North Dakota Governor John Hoeven says the group includes the governors and attorneys general from the three states. Their goal is to convince the U-S Army Corps of Engineers to manage the river so it follows a seasonal ebb-and-flow pattern. That would involve increased spring releases and lower summer flows from dams along the river.

The seasonal flow would benefit Upper Missouri Basin states, because it would keep more water in upstream lakes during the summer tourist season. And it would benefit wildlife. However, seasonal flows are opposed by downstream states such as Missouri, which depends on river barge traffic.

Glasgow Homecoming Royalty Announced (Posted 9/10/01)

The 2001 Homecoming Royalty candidates have been announced for Glasgow High School. For Homecoming Queen: Courtney Hanson, Echo Sampson and Heidi Wiedenheft.

Homecoming King candidates: Brenner Flaten, Shane Johnson, Daniel Rogenes.

The winners will be announced at coronation on Friday afternoon.

Valley County Commissioners Authorize Directory (Posted 9/9/01)

The Valley County Commissioners have authorized a Shelby Company to compile a book listing the address and location of every residence in Valley County.

Last summer the Commissioner paid a Shelby company $10,010 to put a book together listing the address of every Valley County resident. This book will be used during emergencies to find the location of those residents who are in need. The book should be completed sometime at the end of the year or first part of 2002. The book will also be for sale to the general public and all proceeds will be given to the Valley County 911 fund.

Montana Communities Celebrate National '5 A Day' Week (Posted 9/9/01)

Eat Right Montana, a statewide nutrition coalition that promotes healthy eating and active lifestyles, recently awarded mini-grants to community organizations throughout Montana to promote eating more fruit and vegetables.

National 5 A Day Week, held Sept. 9-15, encourages individuals to eat at least five daily servings of fruit and vegetables for better health. This year's theme is "5 A Day: Yes You Can!" Twenty community groups received grants -- ranging from senior centers to day care providers to Girl Scout Troops.

Highlights of some planned activities include:

SIDNEY: A community event for people 55 and older will include a health fair and meals featuring fruit and vegetables. Participants will also play 5 A Day BINGO, an interactive nutrition game created by Eat Right Montana.

FORT PECK: Tribal health dietitians will hold a 5 A Day Trivia contest where tribal health employees and residents will answer produce-related trivia questions. Winners will be entered into a drawing for coupons to be used at the local farmers' market.

BOZEMAN: A Senior Girl Scout Troop plans a "space camp" for the Junior Girl Scouts. At two of the camp stations, the girls will learn the health benefits of eating produce and how to prepare healthy snacks using fruit and vegetables.

BELGRADE: At a day care in Belgrade, families will be challenged to eat 5 A Day for the entire week and will chart their progress. Children will also try one new fruit or vegetable a day.

THE OTHER SELECTED ORGANIZATIONS are: Cascade County RSVP; Early Childhood Services of Ronan; EDUFAIM of Glasgow; Fergus County Extension of Lewistown; FMDH Nutrition of Glasgow (2); Hardin Junior Girl Scouts; Billings Head Start; Hamilton Healthy Families Nutrition Coalition; Meagher County Nutrition Coalition; Kalispell Head Start; Ravalli County WIC; Helena Head Start; Small World Day Care in Sidney; Teton County Extension; Valley County Aging Council.

These events promote nutrition and health and show community members that eating 5 A Day can be fun, tasty and easy. For more information about the national 5 A Day for Better Health Program, please see the web site at www.5aday.gov.

USDA Awards Over $90K In Grants To Montana (Posted 9/9/01)

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Ann Veneman recently announced that Montana will receive $90,090 in grants to foster economic development in Montana's rural areas.

Governor Judy Martz said she is pleased with the USDA's rural development grants and the opportunities they will provide for economic growth in rural communities.

"Fostering a successful business climate and encouraging economic development is critical to the future of Montana," Governor Martz said. "Rural areas constitute the greatest portion of our state and are the mainstay of our agricultural economy. This funding will directly benefit those rural communities."

The grants are part of $9 million in USDA Rural Development grants and loans to be distributed nation wide. Over 400 businesses are expected to benefit from these grants and loans, creating approximately 2,300 jobs across America.

Montana's grants were provided by both the Rural Business Enterprise Grant (RBEG) program and the Rural Business Opportunity Grant (RBOG) program. The five recipients are:
* The Northern Cheyenne Tribe - $15,000 (RBEG) for a feasibility study for the Tongue River Lumber Company located on the reservation;
* Opportunities Inc., Great Falls - $28,070 (RBEG) to provide technical assistance for on-line and classroom courses to micro-business loan applicants;
* Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes - $12,020 (RBEG) to provide technical assistance to an automotive wire harness assembly business;
* Fergus County Port Authority - $20,000 (RBOG) to fund an area-wide economic development plan; and the
* Miles City Area Economic Development Council - $15,000 (RBOG) to develop an economic development plan for Custer, Powder River, Prairie and Rosebud counties.

Eugene's Pizza Named A Montana Family Business Of The Year (Posted 9/7/01)

Eugene's Pizza of Glasgow has been named a winner of the 2001 Montana Family Business Awards, according to officials at MSU-Bozeman College of Business Family Business Program.

The Glasgow-based pizza restaurant was one of seven state winners and won in the small category for businesses with 10-30 employees.

Eugene's is owned by Sam and Jeff Knodel, whose parents purchased the business in 1967 from Eugene Barger. From that time until 1999 sales have increased about 5 times. The business attributes its success to the constant presence of family members. The Knodel sons purchased Eugene's in 1992 from their parents.

They say the formula for the company's success is simple. "We offer good food at good prices with consistent service and consistent food products."

Highland Games Set For September 15 (Posted 9/7/01)

The Glasgow Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture is hosting the 4th Annual Highland Games Festival on Saturday, September 15th. The Saskatoon Police Pipe Band will return to play for the Homecoming parade, the Ceilidh and Pub Crawl.

The games will take place at Hoyt Park and will feature old-fashioned children's games such as a sack race and bubble gum blowing contests. The games are free to everyone, and all children involved will be given free Pepsi for prizes.

The family entertaining Ceilidh will take place at the Civic Center at 6p.m. The Pub Crawl begins at 8 p.nm.

Wheat Fire North of Nashua (Posted 9/6/01)

The Valley County Long Run Fire Department and Nashua firefighters were called to a wheat field fire 17 miles north of Nashua at 4:50 p.m. on Wednesday.

The field was being cut when the sickle hit a rock and the sparks ignited the wheat. Quick thinking and a tractor with a tool bar helped contain the fire to one field.

Area farmers assisted in the containment. Nashua firefighters and the Long Run Department did mop-up with help of an area farmer, his tractor and tool bar.

The four trucks and eight firefighters returned to the fire halls at about 8 p.m.

Two Bodies, An Adult And An Infant, Found On Fort Peck Reservation (Posted 9/5/01)

(AP) -- Two bodies -- an adult male and an infant -- have been found in separate locations on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in northeastern Montana.

A garbage crew found a dead newborn, in a community garbage dump at Fort Kipp, on the eastern edge of the reservation between Brockton and Culbertson. Tribal Criminal Investigator Terry Boyd would not say whether the baby was a girl or a boy, or reveal other information about the case. The body was found last Friday, and was sent to the State Crime Lab in Missoula for an autopsy.

Early yesterday, Fort Peck Tribal Police found the body of an unemployed laborer -- 41-year-old James Shy Face -- along the Missouri River southeast of Poplar. Boyd says the cause of death is undetermined. The body was sent to St. Vincent Hospital in Billings for an autopsy. (Copyright 2001 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Bobbi Britzman Wins Secret Sound (Posted 9/5/01)

Congratulations to our Secret Sound winner, Bobbi Britzman. She got all 26 words right and picked up a 12 pack of Pepsi products from Blue Rock Beverage Co., a KLTZ/Mix-93 T-shirt and $500 in Chamber Big Bucks! Thanks again to all our sponsors. The phrase, by the way, was:

Lewis and Clark traveled through our area, fought with ferocious grizzly bears, hunted buffalo and named the Milk and Porcupine rivers during their Voyage of Discovery.

July Unemployment Stats Released (Posted 9/5/01)

The Montana labor force statistics have been released for July 2001. Valley County's rate was 2.9%, compared to 3.4% in July of 2000. Sheridan County was down to 2.1% compared to 3.5% last year. Richland County was down to 4.3% compared to 6.7% the year before. Roosevelt County dropped to 6.6% from 9.4% in 2000. Phillips County was down to a 2.8% rate from 4.5% in July, 2000. Garfield County saw unemployment drop from 3.2% in July 2000 to 1.8% in July 2001.

The lowest rate was in Petroleum County, with just .5% unemployment rate. The highest was in Big HornCounty at 15.3%. The state rate was 3.6%.

Chamber Poker Run Set For Saturday (Posted 9/5/01)

Saturday, September 8th is the day for the Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture's Poker Run on Fort Peck Lake.

Entry fee is set for $20 per person and $5 for children age 12 and under. The Chamber will provide breakfast, a late lunch and a cash prize for high and low hand.

The Run will start at the big shelter house by the Fort Peck Marina at 11 a.m. this Saturday. Call the Chamber at 228-2222 to reserve your spot.

Norman Keith Dahl

Norman Keith Dahl, 73, died of cancer at Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow on September 19th. Services will be held at First Lutheran Church in Glasgow with Reverend George Draper officiating. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery with Bell Mortuary in charge of arrangements.

Norm was born in Sheldon, North Dakota, on June 17, 1928, to Hans and Rose (Meyers) Dahl. He completed his 12 years of schooling in Sheldon. He was drafted into the US Army on December 7, 1950. Norm served in the Korean conflict, and he was honorably discharged on September 4, 1952.

Norm married Fay Lindemann on February 28, 1953 in Fargo, North Dakota. They lived in Enderlin, ND until 1959 when they moved to Harvey, ND, and in 1963 moved to Langdon, ND. They have lived in Glasgow since 1964. Norm worked for the Glasgow Courier for 30 years. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Church, the VFW, Elks Club, and Lion's Club. Norm enjoyed fishing, hunting, and golfing with his friends. Spending time with his grandchildren was something very special to him.

He is survived by his wife, Fay of Glasgow; sons Keith, of Glasgow, and Duane of Fort Peck; three daughters: Cheryl of Great Falls, Linda of Glendive and Candy of Kalispell; 13 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; 2 brothers; and 5 sisters: Beverly Komorosky of Glasgow. He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, a sister and a daughter.

Raymond James Knudson

Raymond James Knudson, 67, died September 17 at his home in Saco of cancer. Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 22, at Saco United Methodist Church. Cremation has taken place. Interment of ashes will be at a later date. Adams Funeral Home of Malta is in charge of arrangements.

Raymond was born on January 13, 1934 in Malta, the son of George and Margaret (McEachen) Knudson joining brothers Kenneth and George (Bud) and sister Mary. They lived 18 miles south of Saco. He attended school at Saco and graduated from Saco High School in 1951.

Ray spent two years in the U.S. Army in Heidelberg, Germany where he and Glenna Atkins of Nampa, Idaho were married on May 10, 1958.

Ray, Ken, and Bud ranched together as the Knudson Brothers from 1959 to 1974. His special interest was working with cattle. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping and mechanic work. Ray was an enthusiastic sports fan and especially enjoyed girls and boys basketball. Ray served as Commissioner of the Malta Irrigation District from 1969 to 1990.

Survivors include his wife, Glenna; his four daughters; a son; eight grandchildren; two brothers; eight nieces and one nephew.

Ray's loved ones that preceded him in death were his parents, his sister, his brother Fred, and a nephew.

Marlys J. Branden

Born Dec. Dec. 20, 1927 in Carlyle, Montana. She grew up in Montana, and raised her family in Glasgow, Montana.

Marlys died of natural causes in Lake Havasu City, Arizona at the age of 73. Services will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, Sept. 24 at the Bell Mortuary with burial at the Highland Cemetary. A gathering of friends and family will follow at the Sunnyside Golf and Country Club.

Survivors include two sons; Morris (Jean) braden of Billings Mt. and Curtis (Paula) Braden of Canyon Laked, Texas,two special daughters-in-law, Vicki Nelson of Billings and Valerie Meinhardt of Whiefish, Mt., eight grandchildren: Randi,Marie,Brent, kaysi,Megan,Hannah, Amanda, and Troy: and two great grandchildren,Robyn and Parker. She is also survived by a brother, Jack Ballard, her best friend and sister Juanita Griebel, and her very dear friend Cap Czyzeski.

Marlys was preceded in death by her husband Virgil Braden, and four sons; Ronnie, Mike, Randy and Rocky.

Myrtice McConnell Redstone

Myrtice McConnell Redstone passed away on Sept. 09 , 2001 of cancer. Prayer services will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 12 at Clayton Funral Chapel at 7:00 p.m. and funeral services will be Thurs. Sept. 13 at 10:00 a.m. at the Frazer High School gym.

She is survived by sons: Trex (virginia) of Fort Peck, Ray Van (Sandra) of Wolf Point); David (Yevette) of Wolf Point; daughters: Dovaline Schauer of Wolf Point Rochelle Redsone of Frazer and Tammy (Rich) Frank of Las Vegas,Nevada. Grandchildren: Sheronne (whom she raised) of Frazer, Jeremy of Frazer, Michael of Billings; Scott of Fort Peck; Willow, Brooke, Noell, Simone, Chloe of Wolf Point, Shayne and Cory Frank of Las Vegas, Nevada. Great-Grandchildern: Josh, Kaydn, Jaydn, Ashtyn, of Wolf Point and Noah of Frazer. Brothers: Joe (Delores) McConnell of Frazer, Richard (Teddi) of Billings,adopted brothers Kenneth Smoker Sr. of Poplar and Shirley Smoker of Wolf Point. Sisters: Rosella Murdock, Ruth Todd and Florence Buck of Frazer and adobled sister,Vera Ironman of Poplar. Uncle Virgil McConnell of Hays and Numerous nieces and nephews across the resevation

Myrtice was preceded in death by her mother and father; husband, chug; two infants; sister Lena Wright and adopted sister, Yvonne Smoker; Brother Jimmy McConnell; son, Norman and Granddaughters; Tracy and Angie Redstone.

Ernest Lapke

Ernest Lapke passed away on September 5th of cancer at age 83. Funeral services will be Monday, September 10th in Scobey at 10 a.m. at the Catholic Church.

Survivors include 6 children, Bonnie Hall, Jim Allen, Joey Lapke, Duane Lapke, Shannon Maclure, Raymond and Ralph Listead, 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Burial will be in the Scobey Cemetery.

Irene Cora Combs

Irene Cora Combs, 89, died of natural causes at Valley View Nursing Home in Glasgow on September 3rd. Services are set for Friday, September 7, at 10 a.m. at First Lutheran Church in Glasgow, with Pastor Marty Mock officiating. Interment will be in the with burial in Highland Cemetery. Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Irene was born in Bismarck, North Dakota, in 1911. She came with her family by train as they homesteaded in the Baylor Community north of Glasgow. Irene attended schools in the Baylor Community and then graduated from Glasgow High School in 1928. In 1933 Irene married Clinton C. Combs in Glasgow. A lifelong homemaker, she worked at the Valley County Courthouse, Gambles and Gordon's Foods. She was a member of the Lutheran Ladies Aid and taught Sunday School for many years. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, quilting, ceramics, Christmas decorations and worked at all kinds of crafts.

Survivors include 1 daughter, Joann Rosscup and her husband Ace of Richmond, Washington, 2 sons: Robert Combs and his wife Donna of Glasgow and Dennis Combs and his wife Michele of San Diego; 1 sister, Evelyn Turnland of Glasgow. She was preceded in death by her husband, 2 sons and 3 brothers.