KLTZ/Mix-93 September, 2002
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Ashbauchers Celebrate 30 Years Serving Evangelical Church (Posted Mon, 9-30-02)

Homecoming King & Queen Crowned (Posted Mon, 9-30-02)

Mike Herman is new FWP warden captain (Posted Mon, 9-30-02)

Region 6 parks manager wins FWP Director's Award (Posted Mon, 9-30-02)

Hunting Licenses On Sale This Week (Posted Mon, 9-30-02)

Northwestern N.D. phone systems being sold (Posted Mon, 9-30-02)

Amtrak president noncommittal about Empire Builder's future (Posted Fri, 9-27-02)

Northwest Affiliate Plans To Buy Big Sky (Posted Fri, 9-27-02)

Homecoming Candidates Announced (Posted Wed, 9-25-02)

More Names Added To Heritage Wall (Posted Tue, 9-24-02)

Police Make Several Arrests At Party (Posted Tue, 9-24-02)

Another West Nile Case Reported In Valley County (Posted Mon, 9-23-02)

Poplar Woman Dies In Car Accident (Posted Mon, 9-23-02)

Walleye Tournament Proves To Be Big Economic Boost (Posted Mon, 9-23-02)

Philippine Visitors Come to Northeastern Montana (Posted Fri, 9-20-02)

More ferrets to be released in Phillips County (Posted Fri, 9-20-02)

Glasgow Company Awarded Malta Hospital Bid (Posted Fri, 9-20-02)

Long Run Receives FEMA Grant (Posted Fri, 9-20-02)

Airport Continues Improvement (Posted Thr, 9-19-02)

Wolf Point forum seeks to reform railroad safety (Posted Thr, 9-19-02)

Loans & LDP’s for Pulse Crops (Posted Thr, 9-19-02)

Nearly 400 People Attend Taste Of Home Cooking School (Posted Wed, 9-18-02)

Tradio Appears In Wall Street Journal (Posted Wed, 9-18-02)

31-year-old who died in Circle crash identified (Posted Wed, 9-18-02)

Rollover kills man near circle (Posted Mon, 9-16-02)

Malta Man Drowns (Posted Mon, 9-16-02)

Irle Enrollment Up; High School Enrollment Down (Posted Fri, 9-13-02)

More West Nile In Valley County (Posted Fri, 9-12-02)

911 Observances Scheduled (Posted Wed, 9-11-02)

Work Continues On Interpretive Center (Posted Wed, 9-11-02)

Opheim Man Killed (Posted Wed, 9-11-02)

Wolf Point Man Says He Cannot Remember Hearing (Posted Wed, 9-11-02)

2002 Loan Rate Adjustments for Low Test Weight (Posted Wed, 9-11-02)

City Postpones Dry Prairie Decision Again (Posted Wed, 9-11-02)

City Waits To Join Task Force (Posted Wed, 9-11-02)

West Nile Virus Confirmed In Roosevelt County Horse (Posted Wed, 9-11-02)

5 Year Old First To Collect Corps Cards (Posted Wed, 9-11-02)

Former Glasgow Man Arraigned On Illegal Gambling Charges (Posted Mon, 9-9-02)

FBI Hires Victims Specialist (Posted Mon, 9-9-02)

Valley County Among 15 Counties To Report West Nile Virus In Horses (Posted Fri, 9-6-02)

Hi-Line Train Traffic Moving Again (Posted Thr, 9-5-02)

Derailment Delays Train Traffic On Hi-Line (Posted Wed, 9-4-02)

Fort Peck Interpretive Center & Museum Work Progressing (Posted Tue, 9-3-02)

July Unemployment Stats Released (Posted Mon, 9-2-02)

Chinook horse with West Nile virus euthanized (Posted Mon, 9-2-02)

Long Run Responds To Two More Fires (Posted Mon, 9-2-02)

September Obituaries

Ashbauchers Celebrate 30 Years Serving Evangelical Church (Posted Mon, 9-30-02)

On Sunday, October 6, the Evangelical Church is celebrating 30 years with their pastor, Jay Ashbaucher, and his wife, Connie.

Jay and Connie and daughter, Tamela, arrived in Glasgow in 1972 after four years at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL, and a one year internship in Chicago. Their son Andrew was born in Glasgow three years later.

Pastor Ashbaucher also served the Fort Peck Community Church until it closed.

The Evangelical Church will celebrate the Ashbaucher’s past 30 years in Glasgow during the morning worship service on October 6th at 10:30 a.m., and also with a dinner and program at the Cottonwood Inn at 1 p.m. that afternoon. If anyone is interested in attending the dinner please call Marge Forum at 228-8464 to make reservations.

Homecoming King & Queen Crowned (Posted Mon, 9-30-02)

Jeff Grewe and Jessica Svingen were crowned as Glasgow's homecoming king and queen on Friday. Visit our Homecoming picture gallery.

Mike Herman is new FWP warden captain (Posted Mon, 9-30-02)

After a dozen years as a Montana game warden, Mike Herman is determined to keep one foot in the field, even if his other foot is behind a desk in Glasgow.

Herman, 39, is the new Region 6 warden captain for Fish, Wildlife & Parks. He was promoted in July after working for 6 years as a warden in Harlowton, another stint as the Fort Peck warden, and most recently as Region 6 sergeant.

As captain, Herman oversees the region's law enforcement program and 6 field wardens stationed in Havre, Chinook, Malta, Glasgow, Plentywood and Fort Peck.

"There's a lot of administration to the job, but I try to get out in the field as much as I can," says Herman, who grew up in Omaha, Neb., and worked for the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service after graduating from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and before joining FWP. Herman, his wife and their 4 children live in Glasgow, where he coaches youth sports.

Herman was a natural for the position of captain, says Jim Satterfield, Region 6 supervisor. "We had a very strong applicant pool and Mike really rose to the top," says Satterfield. "He has great experience, and he's a great leader for our younger wardens. He works well with the community and he's a seasoned enforcement officer."

As hunters prepare to go afield in next month's big-game seasons, Herman hopes they keep an eye out for wildlife offenders. He cites the illegal commercialization of wildlife as a growing problem statewide, but also in northeastern Montana, as the recent Tonga-Campbell case illustrated.

"The resource belongs to the people," he says. "We're here to protect that resource so everyone can enjoy it. But we can't do our job without the public. We're always available for anyone to come in with a concern or a tip or just to visit."

Region 6 parks manager wins FWP Director's Award (Posted Mon, 9-30-02)

Woody Baxter has either the hardest job in the state, or the easiest. Baxter, the Region 6 parks manager for Fish, Wildlife & Parks, has no state parks in the region, which ranges from Chester east to the North Dakota border, and from Fort Peck Lake to the Canadian line.

That's the easy part.

But Baxter has been trying to develop a regional parks program for the last 18 months, working with an advisory group to identify and prioritize suitable parks locations. That's the hard part.

And Baxter's hard work has been recognized with the regional FWP Director's Award for 2002. The award was presented to Baxter earlier this month at a banquet in Helena.

"When you're starting from scratch, there's a lot more to the job than simply building outhouses and picnic tables," says Baxter, 49. "We're trying to identify properties, work with agencies and landowners and create a parks program that can really enhance the quality of life in the region."

The advisory group narrowed 30 prospective parks down to a dozen, and then pared that list down to four finalists. The candidates include Fort Assiniboine south of Havre, Brush Lake south of Plentywood, Azure Cave south of Malta in the Little Rocky Mountains, and an iMax Theatre near Kiwanis Park below Fort Peck Dam.

Baxter's work isn't limited to developing a parks program. He also manages the region's 13 fishing access sites and FWP facilities.

"We're committed to developing more access along the Missouri River, especially for boaters, from Fort Peck Dam to the North Dakota border," says Baxter. "And I'm determined to improve the existing fishing access sites, mowing the grass, building outhouses and keeping the facilities clean."

Baxter's work has been apparent, says Jim Satterfield, regional supervisor for Region 6.

"We've needed this position for years, and what Woody has done in a short period has been remarkable," says Satterfield. "He has a unique ability to work well with other people and agencies and I think his work is going to benefit residents for years, if not generations."

Baxter is no stranger to hard work, or to river recreation. He worked as Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Smith River ranger for nearly four years before logging another dozen years as Blackfoot River manager. He has worked in natural resource management since 1972. Baxter grew up in central Indiana. He currently lives in Nashua.

Baxter says Region 6's parks potential has been overlooked for decades, and that's an oversight he's determined to rectify.

"If you go 35 miles out of the region, either into North Dakota or up into Canada, you're looking at over a dozen developed parks and historical sites," he says. "Neither history nor Mother Nature stops at the boundary. We have plenty of both and we're going to develop it so that everyone can enjoy it and learn from it."

Hunting Licenses On Sale This Week (Posted Mon, 9-30-02)

Nearly 100 surplus antelope licenses, over 450 leftover resident deer B tags, plus nearly 300 nonresident deer B tags valid in Region 6 will be on sale at license agents throughout the region this week.

The licenses were left over from the big-game drawings and surplus sales. They'll be available on a first-come basis at license agents but will be sold only within Region 6.

Hunters can purchase these leftover tags regardless of what they may have earlier drawn or purchased, but only one license will be sold per hunter.

The hunting districts and restrictions on these licenses can be obtained by calling the Region 6 headquarters at 228-3700.

Northwestern N.D. phone systems being sold (Posted Mon, 9-30-02)

(AP) Phone systems in Williston, Alexander and Watford City, North Dakota, are being sold again. Nemont Telephone Cooperative of Scobey, Montana is buying the Williston exchange. The co-op does business as Missouri Valley Communications.

Reservation Telephone Cooperative is buying the lines in Alexander and Watford City.

The exchanges are owned by Citizens Communications Company, which is getting out of the business in North Dakota.

The North Dakota Public Service Commission will hold hearings on the purchases next month. Commissioner Susan Wefald says the exchanges have changed hands several times in recent years -- and she expects a lot of questions at the hearings. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Amtrak president noncommittal about Empire Builder's future (Posted Fri, 9-27-02)

(Shelby-AP) -- Amtrak President David Gunn says he can't promise anything about the future of the Empire Builder, which crosses the Montana Hi-Line between Chicago and Seattle.

In a brief stop in Shelby yesterday, he said the entire rail passenger system - in his words - "will rise and fall together." He said he can't save the financially troubled system by cutting one or two trains. Gunn added that Congress must decide whether it wants a national rail system or not.

Gunn, who was appointed Amtrak president only three months ago, also talked briefly with Shelby Mayor Larry Bonderud.

Gunn got off the Empire Builder to move from a passenger car to the engine - so he could have the best seat for the ride around Glacier National Park. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Northwest Affiliate Plans To Buy Big Sky (Posted Fri, 9-27-02)

(Minneapolis-AP) -- A regional air carrier affiliated with Northwest Airlines plans to buy the Billings-based Big Sky Transportation Company. The price is about three-point-five million dollars.

Mesaba Holdings Incorporated has agreed to buy outstanding shares of Big Sky for two dollars and 60 cents each. Big Sky's stock traded for 50 cents a share on the Pacific Stock Exchange yesterday.

Big Sky provides regional air service to 20 cities in Montana, North Dakota, Washington, Colorado and Idaho. Glasgow and Wolf Point are among those cities served. Masaba serves 106 cities in 24 states.

Paul Foley is president and C-E-O of Mesaba Holdings. He says Big Sky is an efficiently run company, with a good safety record and competitive cost structure. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Homecoming Candidates Announced (Posted Wed, 9-25-02)

The king and queen homecoming candidate names have been released. King candidates: Jaron Wesen, Jeff Grewe, Andy Mock. Queen candidates: Britney Archambeault, Hailey Shipp, Jess Svingen. The winners will be announced during coronation on Friday.

More Names Added To Heritage Wall (Posted Tue, 9-24-02)

Jeanette & Bill Mattfeldt. Jeanette is holding the picture plaque of her grandparents, H.O.J. Henry & Anna Luraas. Bill is holding the picture plaque of Jeanette's parents, Harold & Edna Luraas.

 

Henry Luraas was born November 25, 1877 at Mt. Horeb, Wis. His parents passed away when he was only four years old. He came to Montana in 1888, as a lad of 11, to live with his uncle, Holiver Lund and his family, who had homesteaded just across the river from the town of Hinsdale. "Old Hinsdale" had two buildings, a section house painted red and a tar-papered depot. He had to walk to his uncle's from the depot. On the way he heard a noise in some chokecherry bushes and thought it was a bear and out stepped an Indian woman, That scared him worse than a bear. He took off running and lost his new straw hat.

Glasgow was only a siding number with three regular buildings at that time.

He said "his first job was as a wrangler watching a herd of 75 horses at night and rustling wood for the cook." At the age of 18, he worked for W. B. Taylor at Saco. He also worked for Mark Wright Henderson and Puck Powell on Frenchman Creek, as well as on various other ranches.

During his first years at Hinsdale, he recalled an encounter with Indians at the Lund homestead. A group of drunken warriors surrounded the housed yelling and whooping. Mrs. Lund, the Lund children, and he crawled under the bed for safety. Mr. Lund loaded his Winchester, pointed it out the door, and warned that any Indian getting in front of it, would suffer lead poisoning. The Indians dispersed and the Lunds were never bothered again.

He decided to settle down on Rock Creek (30 miles north of Hinsdale), one day while looking for stray cattle in the neighborhood.

He squatted on a horseshoe bend of the creek when he was 20 years old, and a year later, in 1899, he filed his homestead claim and built the homestead shack from logs hauled up from Willow Creek,
In 1905, he married Anna Christofferson of Minneapolis, &firm, She had come to this country when she was about 12 years old from Austbo, Alteren Island, Norway. She was bom June 8, 1879.

To this marriage was born four children. Clarence, Agnes, Harold and Donald. Clarence and Agnes were twins. During the flu epidemic in 1918, Mrs. Luraas passed away.

Mr. Luraas began grazing cattle first but later went into horseraising also. He purchased a Percheron stallion from France for $4,000.00 and then sold draft horses to homesteaders, road builders and other contractors within a 200-mile radius.

He brought in Hackney horses from Scotland, which he bred and sold as driving and saddle horses. During World War 1, purchasers for the army bought some of the animals for the cavalry. He quit the horse business around 1933 and then ran about 200 head of cattle on the home ranch with the aid of his son, Harold.

In the early 1900s, Harry Hockley became a partner with Henry, They brought in cattle from Minnesota to pasture and sell. Harry Hockley came from England and came in with the railroad. It was through Harry's wife, Dorothy, that Henry met his wife. Harry homesteaded on Snake Creek, and then married Dorothy, who was also from Minnesota.

Homesteaders settling in the Rock Creek area called it the Barr Community after a sheep rancher, Joe W. Barr. Barr had persuaded the government to establish a post office in 1903, and he was the first Postmaster.
Mr. Luraas served as Postmaster from October 6, 1909, succeeding Tom Landsson, and held it until the post office closed in January 1934. It was on his ranch, in his homestead shack. Later it was moved to a little store he built to serve the cowboys with their tobacco and the homesteaders their farm tools, etc. Barr was the pioneer post office of the north country serving Thoney, Barnard, Tobison, Genevieve and MeharTy as well as the Barr Community. He served as Notary Public, deputy Game Warden and Justice of the Peace. When he first became Postmaster, mail was carried from Hinsdale once a week by horseback. Later a horse and cart were used. Then, when it came necessary to handle parcel post, a team and spring wagon made the trips and still later, a truck.

Barr as a town never became any larger that the post office, the store and the Luraas home.
The Barr Courant, a "final prof notice" newspaper mailed through the office, was printed at Hinsdale by Frank Tooke for three years. Mr. Tooke was the publisher of the Hinsdale Tribune.

Horse thieves were not uncommon during the early homestead days. The closest call he ever had was one moonlight night when he decided to play a prank on a friend, and was mistaken for a horse thief The year was about 1903, and he and Roy Barr were returning from a Fourth of July celebration in Hinsdale. The two men stopped for a moment to look at a herd of horses near the house and then decided to play a joke on Albert Metzke of Toledo, Ohio, a guest of Luraas. They lit a bunch of firecrackers and began tossing them over the house from the back. Metzke belted from the front door with a Winchester. He ran back of the house and Barr and Luraas, seeing he meant business, ducked around a comer and began running. As Luraas passed the lighted door, Metzke recognized him. Metzke ran up and cried "good heavens, Henry, I was about to shoot you both." He had seen the men stop at the horses and thought they were horse thieves out to prevent anyone witnessing their crime.

One of Luraas' prize possessions was a saddle that at one time belonged to the Western author Walt Coburn. He also had his 30-30 rifle, both of which are still in the family.

His old homestead shack was his palace. Additions were built on since it was built in 1899.Luraas found casings of a small cannon in the area and many arrowheads, as well as Indian graves and an Indian skeletorL Signs of Indian battles were numerous here. Indians camping in the bend after the Custer battle were evidently caught by soldiers.

Luraas passed away August 28, 1960 after a long and interesting life in the Hinsdale area, He was a very kind man. If he spoke badly of anyone, they had to deserve it.

His ranch was operated by his son Harold, who is married to the former Edna Tollefson from north of Saco. In October 1979 they sold it to Fred and Ed Bell and moved to Helena, Montana. Harold (passed away in 1995) and Edna (passed away in 1999) had two daughters, Jeanette and Shirley, Jeanette is an L.P.N. and married to Bill Mattfeldt. They live in Helena, Montana, as do their two children. Marcia is married to Tim Dunlap of Helena. They have a son Marcus and daughter Michelle. Dan was married to Peggy Keating of Boulder and has a son Cody. Bill and Jeannette Mattfeldt have been foster parents to 57 children.
Shirley passed away as an infant July 4, 1938.

Henry's other children, Clarence (passed away in 1996) and his wife Minnie (passed away in 1998) lived in Great Falls and had six children. Sherman (deceased), Darrell of Oregom Winefred (deceased), Clarence Jr. (Butch) of Colstrip, Delbert of Vaughn and Monte of Great Falls.

Donald (passed away 1996) and Ethel live in Great Falls, they had two children, Robert (deceased) and Kenneth of Helena.

Agnes (Luraas) Brix passed away in 1944. Her husband Al passed away in 1995. They had a daughter, Sandra (Brix) Gillespie of Yuma, Arizona.

HAROLD & EDNA (TOLLEFSON) LURAAS
Harold "Red" Luraas, the third child of early day homesteaders, Henry 0. J. and Anna (Christofferson) Luraas, was born at Hinsdale, Montana May 14, 1912. The Luraas's had four children: twins, Clarence and Agnes, Harold, and Donald. Anna Luraas passed away during the flu epidemic of 1918 leaving the four young children to be raised by their father with the help of relatives.

Harold attended the Barr School through the eighth grade. He farmed and ranched with his father on the homestead located on Rock Creek in the Barr Community north of Hinsdale for several years. Harold also worked as a ranch hand on several area ranches, including the Doc. Robinson ranch north of Saco; worked on the Fort Peck Dam Project; for the W.P.A. and at the Glasgow Livestock Sales Ring. He also worked on threshing rigs in the community and wrangled horses when he was a young man. Harold's father passed away in 1960 and Harold continued to form and ranch until 1979 when be retired and moved to Helena. The ranch was sold to Fred and Ed Beil of Hinsdale.

Harold married Edna Tollefson January 29,1934 at Saco, Montana. Edna, daughter of homesteaders, John and Gemelia (Livedalen) Tollefson, was born June 16, 1917 on the homestead 22 miles north of Saco. She was the eighth child in a family of ten children. Gemelia died of pneumonia in February of 1923 leaving her young family to be raised by John and the oldest children. The oldest child, Agnes, was 17 at the time and the youngest, Berton, was just 20 1/2 months old.

Edna completed all eight grades at the Tollefson School, a country school built in 1913 on the southeast corner of her father's homestead. Edna's eldest sister, and brother, Agnes and James, were among the first pupils to attend the new school. All ten of the Tollefson children went at least as far as the eighth grade and all ten were confirmed in the Lutheran faith.

Edna was a homemaker and helped with the farming and ranching. She was an excellent cook and wasn't afraid of hard work indoors or out. She and Harold worked as partners on the ranch, sharing chores and fieldwork. They were a sociable couple, often visiting neighbors or having them come over for a good meal and several games of cards and great conversation.

Harold and Edna had two daughters, Jeanette Bernadine born August 9, 1935 and Shirley Ann born June 13, 1938. Shirley Ann passed away on July 4,1938 at the age of three weeks.

Jeanette attended summer schools at the Genevieve and Snake Creek Country Schools for the first six grades and part of the seventh grade. During these years, she stayed with the Bob Arndt family or with the teacher in the teacherage. Jeanette completed the seventh and eighth grades in Saco where she lived with her aunt and uncle, Veva and Bill Tollefson, and entered high school in Hinsdale in 1949, graduating from there in 1953. During her high school years, she stayed with Lou and Flora Ward, Margaret Hansen, and Ben and ErmaAlbus. After graduating from high school, she worked at Jon's Ice Cream in Glasgow before enrolling in a nursing program at Northern Montana College in Havre. In September of 1954, Jeanette completed the course for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). She worked at the Francis Mahon Deaconess Hospital, Glasgow; Deaconess Hospital, Havre; Columbus Hospital, Great Falls; and St. Peters and Shodair Hospitals in Helena.

Jeanette married Bill Mattfeldt June 12, 1955 at the Hinsdale Lutheran Church. It was the first wedding in the new church building which had been built in 1952. The Mattfeldts have a daughter, Marcia Ann, and a son, Daniel Lee. Marcia is married to Tim Dunlap and they have two children, Marcus and Michelle. Dan has a son, Cody. All live in Helena. Bill and Jeanette have been foster parents to 57 children.

Harold was a past master Mason of Hinsdale Kyle Lodge No. 96, served on the Board of Directors of the Hinsdale Farmers Union, and served as a fire warden for the Bureau of Land Management. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved sharing experiences of his life with his family and friends and had a special gift for telling stories. "Red" had a great sense of humor and had a way spinning an ordinary event into a hilarious yarn that would have his audience laughing and in a party mood. One of the highlights of his life was shooting his first elk when he was 70 years old while on a hunting trip near Helena with his grandson, Dan.

Harold and Edna loved to travel and they visited friends and family on a regular basis. They shared in the joys and sorrows of many by attending weddings, anniversary parties, family gatherings, and by visiting the sick and comforting the bereaved.

Harold passed away May 13,1995 and Edna died July 20,1999. Both are buried in the family plot in the Hiliview Cemetery at Hinsdale.

Police Make Several Arrests At Party (Posted Tue, 9-24-02)

The Glasgow Police Department was called to a noise complaint at a south side Glasgow residence on September 18th and this complaint resulted in several arrests.

According to the Police Department, five individuals were charged with Minor in Possession citations. Those charged include, 19 year old Dennis Wing of Glasgow, 19 year old Norman Sibley of Nashua, 19 year old Sarah Crater of Glasgow and 20 year old Brett Clampitt of Glasgow.

Also charged was 21 year old Nashua resident Landyn Johnson who was cited for unlawful transaction with
minors. According to the Police Department, Johnson supplied the alcohol for the minors in attendance at the party.

An 18 year old female was also charged with Minor in Possession of Alcohol. Her name has not yet been released.

The Police Department also told Kltz/Klan news that a 20 year old Glasgow resident is facing charges of drug possession, of drug paraphernalia and illegal possession of alcohol. This individual is also facing other charges as the investigation continues.

The police found several items in the home that had been reported stolen from 2 Glasgow businesses and 1 residence.

The investigation is continuing and more charges are pending.

Another West Nile Case Reported In Valley County (Posted Mon, 9-23-02)

Another case of the mosquito-borne West Nile Virus has been reported in a horse in Valley County. That makes 7 horses verified with having the virus as of September 19th. Phillips County has 12 verified cases and Roosevelt County has 4 verified cases.

Authorities also say the West Nile virus is spreading farther west. On Friday, the virus turned up near Livingston in Park County in a horse. So far, it has not crossed the Continental Divide -- but experts say that's just a matter of time.

In Custer County, veterinarians are dealing with seven infected horses. Veterinarian Kara Voss says two of the animals have died. Some horses fight off the disease on their own. Others lose coordination, can't get up and eventually succumb to the virus' effects.

Even though cooler weather is decreasing the mosquito population that carries the virus -- Voss says it's a good idea to vaccinate horses. Since August's first case -- 83 horses have been infected in the state. Officials say nineteen have died. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Poplar Woman Dies In Car Accident (Posted Mon, 9-23-02)

A 32-year-old Poplar woman died on Saturday when she lost control of her car on a gravel road north of Poplar. The victim and her passenger were both ejected when the car rolled.

Her passenger is hospitalized in Billings with severe injuries.

The names of the victims are being withheld until their families can be notified. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Walleye Tournament Proves To Be Big Economic Boost (Posted Mon, 9-23-02)

The Montana Governor's Cup Walleye Tournament is a large economic boost to the Glasgow area according to a study conducted by the University of Northern Colorado.

In July a student at the University studied the participants in the tournament and wrote a economic impact study which showed that the direct economic impact on the Glasgow/Fort Peck area from the fishing tournament is conservatively estimated at $362,115. According to the study an avearge of $120,705 entered the area economy per day from non Glasgow/Fort Peck area resident contributions.

The study showed that the participants spent the majority of their money on food, fuel, and lodging.

The Montana Governor's Cup Walleye Tournament has been held on Fort Peck Lake for the past fifteen years and is the largest walleye tourney in Montana. This year 194 teams participated in the tourney with the top prize $10,000 to the winning two-person team.

Philippine Visitors Come to Northeastern Montana (Posted Fri, 9-20-02)
"Because the schedules of foreign customers often don't allow time to travel to the northeastern corner of the state," says Jim Christianson, Executive Vice President of the Montana Wheat and Barley Committee (MW & BC),

"I don't want to miss any opportunity to bring wheat buyers into northeastern Montana. This week we have a group from the Philippines coming into the Sidney-Circle-Plentywood area and their visit couldn't be more timely. Lately the U.S. has been losing market share in the Philippines to Australia and Canada. We welcome this chance to re-establish ourselves as consistent suppliers of high quality wheat to fill the needs of their flour millers, who traditionally have preferred 14% Dark Northern Spring wheat," added Christianson.

Montana producers, through their check-off dollar investment in their MW & BC, with the help of U.S. Wheat Associates (USWA), the national foreign market development organization to which the MW & BC belongs, will be hosting this group of five purchasing specialists from the Philippines. The delegation will be accompanied by the Assistant Director of the USWA Portland office.

On Monday, September 22nd the team will tour the Brian and Laurel Kaae farm (Plentywood), the Leonard and Judy Schock farm (Vida) and the Rick and Mary Sampsen farm (Dagmar). Additionally, they will receive briefings at the Eastern Research Center and the Agricultural Research Service laboratory facility in Sidney, and will tour country elevators enroute.

Trade team visits are always critical market development tools for Montana producers since this type of promotion effort gives them a chance to impress buyers directly with the care they give their crops through production and storage, explained Christianson. Such visits allow both the customer and the producer a way to discuss production concerns, current crop conditions, and end- use specifications.

"Just recently the Philippines turned to the U.S. to buy 48,000 metric tons (1,764,000 bushels) of wheat they had initially intended to purchase from Canada before Canada had decided not to offer any more wheat on the world market because of severely reduced production. We hope to capitalize on the timing of this visit," he added.

The Philippines does not grow any wheat and, therefore, is wholly dependent on wheat imports. Traditionally the Philippines has been in the top three largest buyers of spring wheat from the Pacific Northwest - the ports from which almost all of Montana grain is exported. With the exception of 1996 and 1998, this South Asian country has been a two million metric ton (73,500,000 bushels) market since 1994.

For more than three decades, the U.S. has dominated the Filipino market, but the recent loss of U.S. market share to competitors has been, in part, attributable to the Philippines buying cheaper classes of soft white and soft red wheats. Additionally, the Philippines has succumbed to intense competition in which economic incentives, transportation subsidies, and even refunds and rebates have been offered, according to industry sources.

"This visit to northeastern Montana should help to renew long term business relationships," said Christianson.

More ferrets to be released in Phillips County (Posted Fri, 9-20-02)
(AP) Instead of going to Mexico, 22 endangered black-footed ferrets will find a new home in Montana. Tonight, the Bureau of Land Management will release the ferrets in southern Phillips County, in the area where the B-L-M released ferrets for the first time last November.

The B-L-M's regional biologist for threatened and endangered species is Marc Whisler. He says they were not expecting to release ferrets until November. But the U-S Fish and Wildlife Service called this week, and offered the animals to Montana.

Apparently, the animals were intended for release in Mexico, but all the permits were not in place in time. The Fish and Wildlife Service had already trapped the ferrets in preconditioning pens, and they were ready for release. Whisler says 13 of the 22 ferrets are male and nine are female. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Glasgow Company Awarded Malta Hospital Bid (Posted Fri, 9-20-02)
Braden- Pehlke Enterprises of Glasgow has been awarded the construction contract for the new Phillips County Hospital in Malta.

The contract is worth $3.5 million and construction is expected to begin in early October.

The Phillips County Hospital Association has authorized $43,620 from the hospital's cash flow for construction.

The board also authorized Bear Paw Development to pursue a $250,000 federal loan. The money would replace the commitment from the hospital's operating budget and would allow the board to fund additional work by Braden-Pehlke.

Long Run Receives FEMA Grant (Posted Fri, 9-20-02)

The Valley County Long Run Fire Department has received a $141,387 grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the United States Fire Administration.

United States Senator Conrad Burns announced the grant Thursday.

Fifteen other fire departments in Montana received grants yesterday.

The Valley County Long Run Fire Department will use the grant monies to improve their fire fighting equipment.

Airport Continues Improvement (Posted Thr, 9-19-02)

The Valley County Airport is being improved considerably with the help of a large amount of federal dollars.

The Valley County Commissioners told Kltz/Klan that a new tiedown apron is being constructed at the airport at a cost of nearly $1.1 million dollars. The federal government is providing 90% of the cost and the county provides 10%.

An improved taxiway is another improvement at the airport.

The airport also received a grant of $109,000 for a new snowplow and $109,000 for a new building to house the snowplow at the airport.

These improvements are expected to continue through the end of the year and the new snowplow is expected to arrive early next year.

Wolf Point forum seeks to reform railroad safety (Posted Thr, 9-19-02)

(AP) A community forum was held last night in Wolf Point, on what to do to prevent people from being killed along the railroad tracks that run through town.

There's been a high number of pedestrian train fatalities in Wolf Point, which is on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

Last night's forum was organized by the Fort Peck Tribes and "People Against Railroad Killing", a group formed by the Reverend Jerry Swanson, shortly after two men were struck and killed by a B-N Santa Fe Railway freight train in July. Options discussed included lighting the tracks at night, readjusting the trains' horns to make them more audible to pedestrians, building a fence at undesignated crossings between 3rd and 6th avenues, and slowing the trains slow down when they run through town. About 35 people attended the forum. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Loans & LDP’s for Pulse Crops (Posted Thr, 9-19-02)
The Valley County FSA Office would like to announce that they can now accept loan or LDP applications for pulse crops. However, the applications cannot be processed until the National Office issues a notice for authorization. The pulse crops are lentils, peas, and small chickpeas (Desi). National Loan rates will apply to these crops and the LDP or market gain repayment rate will be determined by subtracting the published National terminal price from the National Loan Rate.

The National Loan Rate for peas is $6.33/cwt, for lentils it is $11.94, and for small chickpeas it is $7.56/cwt. During the week of September 9, 2002, the LDP rate for peas and small chickpeas was zero and for lentils it was $1.44. For the week of September 13, 2002, the LDP rate was zero for small chickpeas and peas and $.94 for lentils.

Nearly 400 People Attend Taste Of Home Cooking School (Posted Wed, 9-18-02)

Nearly 400 people attended the KLTZ/Mix-93 Taste of Home Cooking School on Monday night. Over 73 different prizes were given away during the evening. Click the small pictures below for a larger view.

 

Tradio Appears In Wall Street Journal (Posted Wed, 9-18-02)

For those of you who have missed it, Reid Epstein from the Wall Street Journal was in town over the Labor Day Weekend, to do an article on the KLTZ Tradio program. I'm a little late in posting it - but you should still be able to pick up a back copy at your local library. The issue came out on September 11th.

Reid said the Journal wanted to do a feature on the local swap shop shows on radio stations across the country. KLTZ was the only station he visited in person, however.

Reid also attended the Fort Peck Summer Theatre and toured a few out of the way places in the corner of the state. He also interviewed several Tradio sponsors and callers on the show.

Nancy from the Glasgow Courier and Reid Epstein from the Wall Street Journal watch as Lori does her Friday Tradio show.

 

31-year-old who died in Circle crash identified (Posted Wed, 9-18-02)
(AP) A 31-year-old man, who died in a rollover crash north of Circle, has been identified as Lee Henry Maves.

The accident Sunday night injured three other people. The pickup truck in which Maves was riding drifted off the road on a curve and rolled. Two 17-year-old girls and the 26-year-old male driver survived. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Rollover kills man near circle (Posted Mon, 9-16-02)
(AP) A 31-year-old man died last night, in a rollover just north of Circle.

The Montana Highway Patrol says the victim was a passenger in a pickup truck that drifted off the side of the road on a curve, and rolled. The man was not wearing a seat belt, and was ejected.

Three other people in the vehicle -- two 17-year-old girls and the 26-year-old male driver -- were treated at the hospital in Circle. It happened just after 10 p.m. Sunday night.

Names of the victims were not immediately released.

It was Montana's 184th traffic death this year. Last year's total on this date was 171. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Malta Man Drowns (Posted Mon, 9-16-02)
(Malta) -- Authorities say a Malta man drowned Saturday while rounding up cattle.

The Phillips County Sheriff's office says the 42-year-old man drowned trying to cross a stock reservoir about 13 miles south of Malta yesterday afternoon.

Greg Nelson apparently tried to cross the stock pond while on his horse, when the horse slipped and threw Nelson off. He was not able to swim out.

Authorities say a man who was riding an ATV was unable to help Nelson. The witness also could not swim. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Irle Enrollment Up; High School Enrollment Down (Posted Fri, 9-13-02)
Enrollment for the Glasgow school system is down 13 students from last year according to Glasgow Superintendent Glenn Monson.

Monson told the Glasgow School Board that the Irle School enrollment is up 10 students while the Middle School is the same as last year. The big decrease is in the high school where enrollment for grades 9-12 is down 23 students.

Overall the system is down 13 students which is less than Monson anticipated earlier this year. Monson said there is a big kindergarten class with 60 students.

In other news from the school district the board has eliminated a custodial position at the high school. Terry Furhman has retired after 19 years with the district and the poistion will not be filled.

The board has also decided not to join a group of schools that are sueing the state of Montana over inadequate funding of education in the state. The cost of joining the group is $2000 and the board felt it would be better to wait until the completion of the 2003 Montana Legislature before deciding to join in a lawsuit against the state.

More West Nile In Valley County (Posted Fri, 9-12-02)

There are three more cases of the West Nile Virus in Valley County.

According to local veterinarians a horse near Nashua has been confirmed with the virus but has been treated and recovered.

A horse located one mile west of Glasgow was confirmed with the virus and had to be euthanized.

This makes three horses in Valley County that have been confirmed with West Nile Virus.

911 Observances Scheduled (Posted Wed, 9-11-02)

911 observances in our area today include remembrance ceremonies at Glasgow’s VFW post 3107 at 6 p.m. this evening. Clergy are invited to speak and there will be a rifle salute. Refreshments will follow the ceremony. For more information, contact master of ceremonies Les Poland at 406-526-3244.

The Hinsdale American Legion Post #45 will have a program at the Legion Hall at 7 p.m. with a firing squad. The public is invited there as well.

Nashua’s American Legion Post #104 is hosting a noon commemorative ceremony at the Nashua Senior Citizens Center. Stan Ozark of KLTZ/KLAN will be master of ceremonies there.

St Raphael’s Catholic Church is hosting a Prayer Service for Healing & Peace at noon. The Hinsdale youth group will have a service Wednesday night at 6 p.m. at the Lutheran Church. Everyone is welcome.

Glasgow schools also had remembrance ceremonies scheduled for Wednesday, and the Scottie Day Care board of directors was posting flags early Wednesday morning.

Work Continues On Interpretive Center (Posted Wed, 9-11-02)

Work steadily continues on the Fort Peck Interpretive Center & Museum. Corps Ranger Vicki Silcox sent us these pictures this week.

 

Opheim Man Killed (Posted Wed, 9-11-02)
(AP) A 49-year-old Opheim man was killed Tuesday when he was accidentally struck by a vehicle while leaving a hay field southeast of the community, according to the Montana Highway Patrol.

The patrol said the man had gotten out of the vehicle during the afternoon to open a gate. A woman riding with him was putting the vehicle in gear when it lurched forward and hit him. He died later at a hospital. Names were not available as of Wednesday morning.

The patrol said the death would count in the highway fatality toll, boosting it to 175, compared with 166 on this date last year. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Wolf Point Man Says He Cannot Remember Hearing (Posted Wed, 9-11-02)
A psychiatric evaluation has been ordered for a Wolf Point man who said he can’t remember pleading guilty to murder.

Thirty-three old Warren War Club said on Tuesday that he does not believe he is guilty of deliberate homicide because police coerced a confession from him, his public defenders worked against him and he has no recollection of the July hearing where he pleaded guilty.

On July 24th he admitted killing a 28 year old Bridger farm worker, Domingo Pacheco, in a downtown Billings alley.

Sentencing had been set for October 11th, but District Judge G. Todd Baugh has delayed that until War Club may be examined by a psychiatrist.

2002 Loan Rate Adjustments for Low Test Weight (Posted Wed, 9-11-02)

Harvested grain in several counties in Montana shows low test weight to be common. In order to protect CCC’s interest in commodity loans, Valley County has been approved to be a designated county to require quality determinations for test weight.

Any farm stored loans will require proof of test weight at the time of loan making and adjustment will be made at that time, if necessary.

City Postpones Dry Prairie Decision Again (Posted Wed, 9-11-02)

The Glasgow City Council has postponed a decision on joining the Dry Prairie Rural Water Project.

This is the third time the council has put off the decision on joining the water system.
Dry Prairie is a water system that would encompass most of northeast Montana. Glasgow would be the largest user of the water system if the city joins the project. Dry Prairie would use Missouri River water to supply the users with an intake structure located in Poplar. Most communities in northeast Montana have signed on to Dry Prairie in the hopes of improving their water systems. A majority of communities rely on well water to supply their water users.

Glasgow currently has their own system that is connected to the Missouri River.

The Glasgow City Council is concerned that water costs would rise if they joined Dry Prairie.
Clint Jacobs, representing Dry Prairie, told the council that water rates for city users would actually decline if the city joined the project.

Jacobs urged the council to postpone any decision on joining Dry Prairie until a rate study is completed by an engineering firm from Helena. Jacobs said not enough information has been gathered and urged the council to wait until the engineer has made a recommendation. He also said if Glasgow doesn't join the project, costs for other users on the system will increase by $7 per month.

Glasgow Mayor Willy Zeller said the city has been considering joining Dry Prairie since 1998 and it's time for the council to make a decision. Zeller said it's obvious that it will cost the city water users more if they joined with Dry Prairie.

Councilman Myron Malnaa made a motion to postpone a decision indefinitely. He said it will cost the city nothing to continue the dialogue and so the city should postpone it's decision.

The council voted 4-2 to postpone with council members Ky Idler, Bob West, Dan Durell and Myron Malnna voting for the motion. Councilman Dan Carney and Gary Stidman voted to make a decision Monday evening.

In the meantime the city and Dry Prairie will keep an open dialogue with the engineering firm from Helena continuing a rate study comparing the costs of Glasgow joining Dry Prairie.

City Waits To Join Task Force (Posted Wed, 9-11-02)

The Glasgow City Council is withholding $2,133.72 in payment to the Big Muddy Drug Task Force because the council is awaiting word from the Valley County Attorney on whether he will prosecute drug offenders.

Earlier this year the council voted to join the task force which involves law enforcement agencies from throughout northeast Montana.

Councilman Bob West questioned Police Chief Lynn Erickson on whether it was worth joining the task force if the county attorney wasn't going to prosecute drug offenders. Erickson said he spoke with Valley County Attorney Ken Oster and Oster told the chief that he had no comment on whether he would prosecute the drug offenders.

The county attorney's office has been deluged this year with felony cases including several drug cases. Last year the Valley County Commissioners eliminated a deputy position in the office and all the workload fell upon Oster.

Last month though the commissioners voted to add the deputy position back in the attorneys office. As of this week Oster had not yet hired anyone to fill that position.

The city council agreed to hold the money until they get a reassurance from the Valley County Attorney that he prosecute drug offenders in the city.

West Nile Virus Confirmed In Roosevelt County Horse (Posted Wed, 9-11-02)

The Valley Veterinary Clinic has confirmed a case of the West Nile Virus in Roosevelt County.

Dr. Brown told Kltz/Klan on Tuesday that a horse has tested positive near Wolf Point. Brown said the horse was very sick but is now doing fine.

Brown also said that a horse north of Nashua and one near Glasgow have been tested for the virus but the results haven't been announced yet.

According to the state of Montana, one horse has died in Valley County from West Nile. Two counties in northeast Montana, Daniels and Sheridan County, haven't had a confirmed case of the virus.

5 Year Old First To Collect Corps Cards (Posted Wed, 9-11-02)

Dominic Kennedy, 5 years old, was the first person to collect all of the Park Ranger Trading Cards, that the Corps of Engineers put together this summer for kids special events and scheduled programs.

Children visiting the project and recreation areas had to initiate contact with members of the Fort Peck Lake, Natural Resource Management staff. Children were instructed to ask the rangers, their name, what their job was and if they had a trading card to share.

Each Trading Card has the individual ranger's picture, job title, office phone number and mailing address and a Water Safety Message. Dominic Kennedy visited Vicky Silcox at Fort Peck Lake Office, on Tuesday, September 10th with proof of collecting all six of the Park Ranger Trading Cards. Dominic was given a gift certificate from Pizza Hut and a life jacket donated by Pamida.

Former Glasgow Man Arraigned On Illegal Gambling Charges (Posted Mon, 9-9-02)

(Billings-AP) -- A Laurel man charged with operating an illegal bookmaking business was arraigned in District Court on Friday and released without bail.

David John Fisher was charged after a lengthy investigation by the Department of Justice Gambling Control Division. During the investigation, gambling control agents shut down a card game run by Fischer at a Billings casino and went through Fischer's trash for evidence 16 times, finding scratch sheets showing bets on college and professional football games.

The case started with an anonymous call to gambling agents in Billings last November. On February first, agents with a search warrant recovered a safe containing 35-thousand dollars in cash from Fischer's house in Laurel. A week later, state officials shut down the Fischer's card room operation at a Billings casino and suspended his gambling license. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

FBI Hires Victims Specialist (Posted Mon, 9-9-02)

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has hired Phoebe Ann Jones as a Victims Specialist. Jones will work at the Glasgow office and began her duties September ninth.

Jones’ duties as a Victims Specialist include indentifying victims of federal crimes, coordination of services for victims and addressing protection issues. Jones joins a staff of three Special Agents and a secretary at the Glasgow FBI office. The territory covered by the FBI office in Glasgow includes the Fort Peck Indian Reservation and 8 counties in northeast Montana: Valley, Roosevelt, Daniels, Sheridan, McCone, Richland, Garfield and Dawson.

Since 1996, Jones has been employed by the Fort Peck Tribes Crisis Center in Wolf Point. Jones held several positions during her employment with the Crisis Center, including: Victim/Witness Coordinator, Database Manager and Budget Director. Jones has an Associate of Science Degree from Fort Peck Community College in Poplar and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management from Rocky Mountain College in Billings. Jones is an enrolled member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes and is a native of northeast Montana.

Valley County Among 15 Counties To Report West Nile Virus In Horses (Posted Fri, 9-6-02)

The West Nile virus has infected 24 horses in 15 counties, including one horse that died in Valley County. The bird-borne disease that is spread by misquitos was first confirmed in a horse in Shepherd 2 weeks ago.

No confirmed cases of the disease in humans has been reported, but it is just a matter of time. According to the state Department of Public Health spokesman Ken Pekoc, “People may have it and not even know it. Sooner or later it’s going to be in humans.”

Counties in which horses have tested positive are Phillips, Valley, Roosevelt, Richland, McCone, Garfield, Dawson, Wibaux, Prairie, Rosebud, Custer, Powder River, Yellowstone, Big Horn and Stillwater.

You can find an online map of the counties affected so far: the Montana Department of Public Health has put up a website which is updated daily weekdays You can access it at http://www.dphhs.state.mt.us/hot/west_nile_virus/west_nile_virus.htm

Hi-Line Train Traffic Moving Again (Posted Thr, 9-5-02)

The main rail line across northern Montana is open again. According to Burlington Northern - Santa Fe spokesman Gus Melonas, the line opened up on Wednesday afternoon at 4:15 p.m.

The track was closed after a 31 unit BNSF freight train derailed about 18 miles east of Malta on Tuesday afternoon. Six of the cars derailed, including a car with potassium hydroxide and another one with gunpowder primers and paint products. People were kept a half mile from the scene as a precautionary measure, according to Phillips County Sheriff Tom Miller. There were no leaks, however, and no injuries were reported.

The cause of the derailment was still under investigation.

Derailment Delays Train Traffic On Hi-Line (Posted Wed, 9-4-02)

(Malta-AP) -- Crews are working to reopen the railroad mainline across northern Montana, possibly by this afternoon.

A half-dozen cars on a 31-unit Burlington Northern Santa Fe freight train derailed about 18 miles east of Malta yesterday afternoon, including a unit containing potassium hydroxide. Another derailed car contained gunpowder primers and paint products.

Railway spokesman Gus Melonas says the derailed cars were near the end of the train and there were no injuries or leaks.

Phillips County Sheriff Tom Miller said people were kept a half-mile from the scene as a precaution because of early concerns about possible leakage.

The train was on a route from Chicago to Portland along Montana's Hi-Line.

Potassium hydroxide is poisonous and highly corrosive. It can cause severe burns on and scarring of body tissues and death if ingested.

Fort Peck Interpretive Center & Museum Work Progressing (Posted Tue, 9-3-02)

Vicki Silcox, ranger for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, told KLTZ/KLAN news that work is progressing rapidly at the Fort Peck Interpretive Center & Museum.

Silcox said that during the month of July, the flooring and aquarium supports were constructed in the museum.

In the month of August secondary roofing was put in place and the outside pre-fab face board was put up.

The anticipated construction completion is set for either February, 2003, or at the latest, March of 2003. Silcox stated that it will be yet another year after that before the exhibits are finished for the Fort Peck Interpretive Center & Museum.

For some pictures of the construction, visit our August Local News Archives.

July Unemployment Stats Released (Posted Mon, 9-2-02)

The Department of Labor & Industry in Montana has released preliminary unemployment statistics for the month of July, 2002.

The state rate was 4.0%, slightly up from 3.9% in 2001. The highest rate in the state was Big Horn County, with 14.3% unemployment. Petroleum County had the lowest unemployment rate at just point six percent.

Valley County's rate was 3.4% in July, up from 3.1% the previous year. Of about 4,300 work force eligible laborers, 4,150 were employed.

Surrounding counties: Sheridan - 2.4%, Roosevelt - 8.5%, Richland -5%, Phillips 3.8%, Garfield - 2.2%, Daniels - 2.2%.

Chinook horse with West Nile virus euthanized (Posted Mon, 9-2-02)
(Great Falls-AP) -- A Chinook veterinarian has euthanized a Malta-area horse suffering from West Nile virus.

The owners brought the horse -- suffering from paralysis in its hind legs -- to a veterinarian on Thursday evening. After confirming Saturday that the horse had West Nile virus, the owners decided to euthanize it.

As of Friday, the State Department of Livestock reported 14 cases in horses since the first one was confirmed August 22nd. Six have died. The Loring horse makes seven. (Copyright 2002 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

Long Run Responds To Two More Fires (Posted Mon, 9-2-02)

The Valley County Long Run Fire Department responded to 2 fires over the long weekend. At about 7 a.m. on Friday, Long Run responded to a call near the Pines Recreation area. The timber fire was contained by 11 a.m. with mop up continuing into the afternoon.

Then at about 6 a.m. on Saturday, Long Run crews were called out to the Fort Peck area again, this time to a haybale fire, at the Margaret Hayes residence about 2 miles northwest of Fort Peck. Spontaneous combustion from green hay was the cause of the fire. Crews worked until about 3:30 p.m. on this fire; no injuries were reported.

According to Long Run Firefighter Tim Nixdorf, the ability to have equipment in the area kept these fires from spreading farther than they did. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built a structure to house two Long Run trucks and several members of the rural fire forces were in the area to quickly start battling the fire near the Pines on Friday. Also, on Saturday, Long Run received help from the Fort Peck Fire Department, resulting in quicker containment there.


OBITUARIES

Stephen Urs

Stephen Urs, 89, died of natural causes on Saturday, September 7th at Valley View Nursing Home in Glasgow. Services will be Thursday, September 12th at 10 a.m. at Bell Chapel with burial in Highland Cemetery. Reverend Martin Mock will officiate. Bell Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.

Stephen was born in 1912 in Coffee Creek, Montana, to Matt & Blanche Urs. His parents were homesteaders. He attended grade school in Coffee Creek and graduated from Arrow Creek High School in 1931. After graduation Steve worked for various neighbors then in 1933 he went into the Civilian Conservation Corps near Coram, Montana. He later attended Montana State University in Bozeman. In the fall of 1936 he was sent to Denver to work for the Resettlement Administration.

Steve married Byrnece Anderson in 1940 in Glasgow at the First Lutheran Church. They spent 2 years at Hot Springs but came back to Glasgow where Steve taught Vo-Ag at Glasgow High School and worked with Glasgow Future Farmers of America.

Steve was active in bringing the Valley County Fair back to life, in organizing the community cannery and was President of the State Fair Association and an agricultural representative for First National Bank, and with help from a banker from Helena, developed the Banker's Agricultural School that has continued to function. Later he worked with Northwestern National Life Insurance Company. He was active in many organizations: Lions Club, Kiwanis Club, Valley Sportsmen, Masons, White Shrine and others. Steve was also a former Valley County Chairman of the Red Cross.

Survivors include: 1 daughter: Patricia Gulacsik of Minnetonka, Minnesota; 2 grandchildren: Nikolaus Gulacsik and Alexandra Gulacsik; 1 sister: Rose, of Virginia.

Floyd Henry Hopkins

Floyd Henry Hopkins, 63, died on Wednesday, September 4th from complications of heart surgery. Wake services were held Sunday night in Fort Belknap and funeral services are set for Monday, Septbember 9th at 10 a.m. at the Red Whip Community Center with burial to follow in the Pony Hill Cemetery. Adams funeral home in Malta is in charge of arrangements.
Floyd was born in 1939 at Fort Belknap, to Abel Hopkins Sr. and Fola Bigby Hopkins. He was raised at Fort Belknap and educated in Harlem and at Flandreau in South Dakota. He met and married Reitha Morsette in 1959 in Glasgow. They had 3 children: Tina Mariem, Floyd Henry Jr. and Portland K. Floyd and Reitha were divorced in 1964. Floyd had one other child named Tuesday (Birdtail) Sutherland.
Floyd married Yvonne “Tilly” Cox in 1981. They both came to a better understanding of life and what it takes to build a home and proceeded to live the next 21 wonderful years together as husband and wife.
Floyd worked construction for many years, and after his marriage to Tilly, he decided to return to school in 1984 and became a certified mechanic, a life-long passion. After getting his certificate at age 49, he settled in Glasgow to work and live.
Survivors include his wife, Yvonne Tilly Hopkins of Glasgow; aughters: Tina Small, Portland “Kitty” Walsh of Rocky Boy; Tuesday Birdtail of Fort Belknap; son Kenneth Blackbird of Fort Belknap; sisters: Lillian Hopkins of Whitefish; Donna Black Eagle of Nashua; Penny Bercier of Great Falls; 11 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by a son, Floyd Henry Jr., brothers Bill, Spud, Jim, Roland and Indian Hopkins and a grandson, Gabriel Brown.

If you have any questions, please e-mail Tim Phillips, webmaster, at or
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