Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913
Sorted by date Results 2762 - 2786 of 4014
Recent elected officials were sworn in on Dec. 27, with Justice of the Peace Christine Hillman presiding. County Commissioner John Fahlgren, County Attorney Dylan Jensen, and District Court Clerk Shelley Bryan all took the oath of office. Retiring Sheriff Glen Meier broke from the expected protocol and took it upon himself to swear in his replacement, long time Undersheriff Vernon Buerkle into his post as Valley County Sheriff. The passing of the torch was marked with a lighthearted quip from... Full story
Outgoing Sheriff Glen Meier and Acting Sheriff Vernon Buerkle discussed the details of a Christmas Day crash along Highway 24 between Glasgow and St Marie: The driver was an 81-year-old Valley County resident, Terry Delbert Fuhrman. The Sheriff’s Office believes the individual died of a heart-attack prior to driving off the road. “It wasn’t a DUI or anything like that,” said Meier, stressing the cause was natural and it’s very likely the driver died before the crash. According to Meier, the cause of death is still not officially confirmed... Full story
Every year, thousands of Montanans look to the New Year for a fresh opportunity to change their lives for the better. For Montanans who use tobacco, a great way to accomplish this goal is to quit for good. The Montana Tobacco Quit Line and American Indian Commercial Tobacco Quit Line are free services available to all Montanans that can help you achieve a tobacco-free life. The Quit Line offers free and reduced-cost medications, counseling, and personalized quit plans to all callers. There are also dedicated programs for pregnant women and Amer... Full story
The Valley County Sheriff's Office would like to remind everyone that law enforcement agencies will be stepping up DUI patrols through the first of the new year. DUI Task Force Coordinator Deputy Chris Richter told the Courier, "We hope that knowing we have extra officers on the roads will be an added incentive to plan for a sober ride home." Sheriff Vernon Buerkle also asked to remind readers that Valley County Search & Rescue will be providing rides to revelers during New Year festivities.... Full story
Due to several acts of vandalism, littering, and damage to property, the Valley Event Center parking area is closed to the public, with the exception of approved activities. Trespassers will be prosecuted and Valley County Sheriff’s Office will be enforcing this policy. The Event Center parking area can be utilized for all public functions, sporting events, and special events recognized by the Hi-Line Youth Hockey Board. Special permission can be obtained by contacting the Hi-Line Youth Hockey Board at 228-4594.... Full story
Rep. Ryan Zinke announced Dec. 15 that he has accepted the offer to serve as the incoming Secretary of the Interior. In remarks announcing Zinke’s nomination, President-elect Donald Trump praised the Montana native’s positions, ranging from regulations and forest management to energy development and public land use. Trump stated, “America is the most beautiful country in the world and he is going to help keep it that way with smart management of our federal lands.” Zinke accepted the nomination by quoting the Yellowstone Archway at Gardine... Full story
Outgoing County Commissioner Dave Reinhardt kept a stiff upper lip over lunch at the Cottonwood on Dec. 19, despite losing a shop to fire the previous Thursday (Dec. 15). According to Reinhardt, the fire made short work of his shop building, which once served as a home, but conditions and some extra hydration from the Hinsdale and Long Run fire departments kept it from spreading to nearby structures. The cause of the blaze is unclear at present, but Reinhardt assures us that things are already... Full story
Our own Busted Knuckle Brewery has received a grant for $39,250 for brewing equipment and to assist with the expansion of the brewery in Glasgow. Governor Steve Bullock and the Agriculture Development Council announced over $600,000 in grants and loans were provided to agricultural businesses and organizations across Montana. "Agriculture is the backbone of Montana's economy and it's important that we continue to invest in the industry that supports thousands of good-paying jobs for... Full story
On Dec. 11, someone rammed their vehicle into the Valley Event Center fire escape, tearing it completely loose. Unfortunately, this isn’t the first incident of vandalism at the VEC, according to Tim Volk, as there have been instances of garbage being dumped out, railings torn out which have had to be replaced, and dead animals being thrown on the roof. According to Del Hansen, the big steel building has dents on the side from kids backing into the building. Unfortunately, these acts of vandalism have been escalating, according to Volk, and i... Full story
Toni Louise Plummer-Alvernaz of Glasgow pleaded not guilty Dec. 7 in U.S. District Court in Great Falls to the charges of theft in excess of $5,000 and wire fraud. She was charged alongside Brady Lynn Funk of Billings. The two allegedly schemed to steal money from the Montana Native Women’s Resource Coalition (MNWC) and the Montana Native Women’s Resource Center, non-profits dedicated to Native women’s victim’s advocacy in Glasgow, Mont. Alvernaz was the executive director for the MNWC and the resource center. Funk was the administrative assist... Full story
During their regular session held on Dec. 7, Valley County Commissioners met with Mayor Becky Erickson and Director of Public Works Robert Kompel. The county commissioners passed a motion to accept a request from Sheriff Glen Meier to retire from his position on Dec. 31, leaving behind a legacy that Commissioner Dave Reinhardt recalled as being unique. According to Reinhardt, there were high levels of cooperation between all departments during Meier's tenure which resulted in the good of the... Full story
The Valley County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind motorists that they will be participating in the annual “drive sober or get pulled over” crackdown during the course of the holiday season. Law enforcement agencies across Montana will deploy extra patrols for the specific purpose of deterring and detecting impaired drivers. Saturation patrols for DUI enforcement are set for Dec. 14 through Jan. 1. Remember to buckle up, slow down and move over during your approach to an emergency vehicle, and don’t be afraid to report unsafe or unreaso... Full story
Glasgow's own Boy Scout Troop 861 spent the mornings of Dec. 10 and 11 at Eugene's Pizza, baking over 220 pies for their recent drive to raise money for their canoe expedition to the Minnesota Boundary Waters. The trip is scheduled for early June and will require a lot of funds and gear to complete the bulk of the expenses, of which the troop is looking to raise themselves. The challenge of completing such a high number of pies required a lot of teamwork, and the expertise, facility and... Full story
In what was reported to be a meeting pertaining to a cabinet appointment by the Associated Press on Dec. 12, Montana's Rep. Ryan Zinke's meeting with President-elect Donald Trump was reportedly void of any such direct conversation, according to a message released by his office. In a message to the Courier, Zinke said, "President-elect Donald Trump and I had a very positive meeting where we discussed a wide range of Montana priorities. We are both hopeful for the future." The same message listed... Full story
Valley County's Blocks of Bucks program set an all-time high Dec. 3 raising over $31,000 in funds to assist 297 county children with buying essential winter clothing, such as coats and boots. Mary Armstrong, the chair for Blocks of Bucks, said, "It truly is a remarkable community to be able to raise so much in such a short time." The bulk of the money is raised through volunteers, from the Soroptomists, the Glasgow High Student Council, and the Montana National Guard, who stand on downtown... Full story
Valley County Sheriff Glen Meier formally announced his retirement to the Valley County Commissioners on Dec. 5. He will vacate the position at the end of 2016. Meier is in the middle of a fourth consecutive term as Valley County's Sheriff. He was first elected to the position in 2002 and won re-election most recently in 2014. His term is set to end in 2018. In a letter addressed to the commissioners, Meier explains, "It is just time for me to start the rest of my life." Pressed further, Meier... Full story
Governor Steve Bullock issued an executive order declaring a statewide natural resource emergency for Montana bodies of water, due to the detection of the larvae of invasive aquatic mussels at Tiber Reservoir and suspected detections at Canyon Ferry Reservoir and the Milk and Missouri rivers. The signing of the Executive Order triggers the deployment of an interagency rapid response team to respond to the emerging situation. “Aquatic invasive species are a serious threat to Montana’s critical infrastructure and economy. The deployment of the... Full story
This season, don’t miss Glasgow High School’s production of “Christmas Night Live,” a sketch comedy and variety show in the spirit of the hit TV show, Saturday Night Live! The event will be hosted by Kris Kringle, with musical guests and an all-star cast. Bring the whole family for a night of laughs and holiday cheer. And try to stay off the naughty list, because Santa will be there for photos. Members of the CNL ensemble are Tayte Prewett, Taylor Palm, Kyle Ross, Ethan Hartsock, Lauren Kolstad, Asalie Romero, Sierra Ciafardone, Austin Babb, J... Full story
For the last month or so, construction crews have been diligently at work revamping two local Ezzie’s convenience stores. The improvements will give customers better access to goods and services that they have become accustomed to from the area company. The location in Hinsdale will have the addition of two pumps and fuel tanks. The additional tanks will contain dyed and un-dyed diesel, and will be available 24 hours a day via credit card. The addition of diesel to the location will save Hinsdale residents a trip out-of-town to refuel their die... Full story
In October, the Courier reached out to Mark Douglass, the executive director of CASA of Hill County, Inc., to talk about court appointed special advocates for child abuse and neglect victims in the county. Douglass painted a bleak picture of the number of abused or neglected youth awaiting advocacy in Valley County with some 35 cases lacking appointees at the time. With some 45 other cases already distributed amongst the four volunteers. Since then, CASA in Valley County is set to graduate two new volunteers in mid-December bringing the... Full story