“Hi-Line Heart and Soul”
The recent articles by James Walling and Mark Herbert raise important questions about how our way of life and our heritage will be impacted by the American Prairie Reserve’s (APR) desire to turn Montana’s Hi Line into North America’s largest Serengeti. Prior to these articles, discussions with APR have been largely one-sided and questions and concerns from the local community have been brushed aside. Will the APR’s work to save “free roaming bison” from extinction eradicate a sizable portion of Montana’s agricultural producers in order to do so?
Agriculture is the Hi Line’s economic heart and soul. Many of us in Phillips and Valley County can trace our roots to this land back multiple generations. According to 2012 USDA statistics, Phillips and Valley Counties combined to produce 19.2 million bushels of wheat. Valley County ranked first in the entire state for spring wheat production. Lentils grown in Valley County are being exported to India, one of the world’s fastest developing nations. We are key players in helping to meet the world's food demands.
In contrast, the APR has had an “official” interest in this same land since 2001. To date, APR currently owns and/or leases 305,000 acres of deeded and public land. APR has deep pockets and connections with the government, which provide APR with special leasing privileges. These privileges, in turn, severely restrict the agricultural community. It is undeniable that APR’s visions and goals may conflict with the agricultural industry in the Hi-Line. Whether we can find a way to co-exist remains to be seen.
Most of us recognize that the bison and APR are here to stay. As Doc Curtis indicated in his Aug. 28 letter to the editor: the future is now. However, what our future will look like is being shaped today. Hi Liner’s are strong independent thinkers, our heritage runs deep, and our voices are strong.
I applaud the Courier and Phillips County news for reaching out to APR to start a much needed dialogue on the subject. I encourage my neighbors to heed the call and to have a voice in a conversation that will impact all of us. I hope that APR will honor its commitment to being a good neighbor and answer questions in a timely and transparent manner.
– Sara Pankratz-Warren
Opheim, MT
“Critic’s Remarks”
My husband and I were fortunate to be able to see the play, “Steel Magnolias,” at the Ft. Peck Theatre. We were instantly transformed to a beauty shop in the south and felt the love of six friends. The play brought tears of laughter and tears of sorrow. The casting was perfect for each character. We don’t understand the critic’s remarks in The Glasgow Courier. She evidently is more knowledgeable than the audience since we gave a standing ovation for the cast at curtain call. The play was most enjoyable and we would recommend seeing it to all.
– Lynette and Tom Helland
Black Hawk, S.D.
“Criticism for the Critic”
I was dismayed to read the review of “Steel Magnolias” by the Courier’s “drama critic.” Along with out-of-town guests, a friend and I attended this past Sunday’s performance at the Fort Peck Summer Theatre and thoroughly enjoyed it. I agree with the “drama critic” that Pat Sibley did a superb job as Ousier, but the comments concerning the director and other actors were harsh and unkind. It is true that qualified critics often pan Broadway performances, but this is not New York City.
Many people have donated much of their time and dollars in the past 46 years to help make the Fort Peck Summer Theatre what it is today — the envy of many larger communities. We have been blessed to have talented artistic directors who have not only nurtured local talent but have attracted professionals to grace our stage. Having attended numerous productions in places like Chicago, New York and London, I can honestly say that I felt just as entertained at most of the FPST productions.
It was gratifying to read the very positive letter to the Buzz Thursday written by Mike Ames, president of Agri-Industries, Williston. I join him in urging folks not to be influenced by negative opinions. We all need to support a venue that brings theater arts to Northeast Montana and beyond.
– Barbara K. Hansen
Glasgow
"Burn Baby Burn”
While I can comprehend the economic concerns raised by disruptions to highway and rail travel caused by Essex area wildfires and am not devoid of sympathy and compassion for those with elitist summer cabins or log cabin bars and burger stands on what are in my opinion, overpriced postage stamp-sized lots, I say “let it burn.” Insurance required by lending institutions will cover taxes to these unfortunates and/or their bankers, at least in theory.
I believe that this present annual calamity is attributable to the despotic progressive conservation policies of an early 20th century autocrat exacerbated by the Environmental Protection Agency and its offshoot bureaucracies, an impotent, token federal congressional delegation, and a clueless state government rendering the area untouchable, unexploitable and uninhabitable by governmental decree with no settlement, exploitation or development whatsoever. I express this view from an Eastern Montana county with another 1.1 million acres of federal land. The same conglomeration of court eunuchs aforementioned delay the XL pipeline and expouse bison reintroduction, sage grouse preservation and opportunities to shoo “rats with antlers.”
I eke out an existence and live in a motel kitchenette. I am a first generation native of Choteau of Northern European descent. Burn baby burn.
– Edward Neil
Glasgow
“Fair is Fair”
I was sorry to see that some people felt that the carnival at the Northeast Montana Fair was inadequate. In attending the fair for several years with small children, I’ve always been very impressed with the quality of the carnival. For a small fair and a small carnival, there is a nice variety of rides. Most importantly of all, I’ve always found the quality of the “carneys” to be outstanding. They are usually cheerful, patient, and seem genuinely pleased when the children have fun. I can never figure how they do it, working long hours in the unrelenting heat, doing a repetitive, monotonous job to the shrieking of children and the groaning of machinery. Whenever I’ve seen them get a little brusque, it’s usually been in the name of safety or fairness for all the little fairgoers. Rides are rides, and we need to be realistic about the kinds of rides someone will be willing to drag along miles of highway to Glasgow. Ride operators who are cheerful, pleasant, and take the safety and happiness of our children seriously are a treasure that should not be undervalued.
– Sierra Stoneberg Holt
Hinsdale, MT
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