Shots Fired in St. Marie Raise Concerns for Area Residents

As is in any Montana town that allows easy access to firearms and open carry, it is still against the law to discharge firearms within the city limits. Not only is it a no-brainer legally, it is very dangerous and with the warmer weather, more people are outside and can easily become an accidental statistic for carelessness. The person, supposedly a teenager, so his name cannot be revealed, was pointed out discharging a firearm in our city limits and it was reported that they left the firearm unattended, presenting a tempting situation that any child or even an adult cannot resist to handle the firearm. Remember, it was pointed out to me by the Sheriff’s department that we now have a law enforcement presence in St. Marie so response time is much quicker.

Also with new residents coming into St. Marie bringing people who just have to visit the unattended buildings. It is tempting but also illegal as well as dangerous. Some of these buildings were taped off and designated dangerous and off limits by our St. Marie Fire Department.

Vandalism seems to be on the increase so if you “See Something, Say Something.” Also, a fire ban remains in effect for open fire pits. Rob Esaias, our fire chief, has it posted on the bulletin board. Be safe.

One call that we received states that there was a sewer situation on Hickory Street and the sewers backed up because a resident was putting his three cats’ kitty litter down his toilet along with the fecal matter and it plugged up some of the residents’ sewers. The fecal matter was going into their basements. That definitely is not good. Kitty litter is an absorbent and will expand.

On a much lighter note, we had the pleasure of meeting the Glasgow Courier’s new managing editor, Mr James Walling. We had a long discussion as to how we can make the newspaper articles more informative for you, the readers. He is adamant that he will keep up the good work that the past editors maintained. He has visited St. Marie and will be coming back to interview our military veterans, as you all have stories to tell. He is personable and will listen to you. Welcome him.

On a very close to home sad note, our own St. Marie Firefighter, and our son in law, Greg Pederson’s sister is now hospitalized in Texas and not expected to survive her long battle with cancer. She is under hospice care and needs your prayers. He was fortunate enough to get the chance to visit her a few weeks ago while she was visiting Oregon. She returned home to Dallas and took a turn for the worse.

St. Marie had one heck of a yard/garage sale on the weekend. People from all around the area and many Glasgow residents came the 17 miles up here for a chance to locate a deal. I even met a lady from Opheim. Not a short distance that was. We even bought a few things from St. Marie firefighter, Elias Mitchell and his lovely family. His sisters and brothers have grown out of things and the items were almost brand new.

By the way, our St. Marie fire department is selling raffle tickets for $5.00 a piece or six for $25. Not a bad deal. You can hardly refuse Elias Mitchell on that deal. Smooth talker, he is. So here is what you have a chance to win: 1st place is a “ mystery cooler”. 2nd Place is a $100 Ezzy’s gift card. 3rd place is a $75 Eugene’s Pizza gift card. 4th place is a $50 dollar Sam’s Supper Club gift card. The fire department thanks the local businesses for the donations and they even say so on the ticket. You cannot beat that! The drawing will be held Wednesday, July 1st, 2015. So support this great cause and our St. Marie Fire Department.

For our veterans, your new VHIC, Veterans Health Identification Card is now available and is more secure than the old one. The VA will mail one out to you upon request. Just make sure that they have your current address.

The St. Marie Ladies Bible Study group will meet on Tuesday, June 9th and Tuesday, June 23rd from 7-8 pm at 195 Cedar Circle.

The Glasgow Senior Center has nickel bingo on Tuesdays at 1PM. The Center is at 328 4th Street in Glasgow. Their notice states that their building is climate controlled and you must be at least 18 years of age to play.

That about wraps it up for now, thanks a lot for the phone tips that come in and we appreciate your kind comments.