Courthouse Square Happenings

Valley County Sheriff Vernon Buerkle told the Courier that area residents and businesses have reported that a telephone scam related to tax season is making the rounds. Please don’t share personal information without confirming the identity of any caller claiming to represent the IRS or any out-of-state tax preparation organizations.

Sheriff Buerkle also confirmed one DUI arrest over the weekend.

Jay Witkowski’s sentencing hearing for aggravated kidnapping charges has been moved to Feb. 20, in Valley County District Court.

Todd Young has added his name to the list of candidates for county commissioner. Look for a profile in coming weeks. The filing deadline for open county positions is March 12.

According to Ruth Dowell, the courthouse will undergo renovations beginning Tuesday, Feb. 20. The planned upgrades are scheduled for 2-3 weeks. During that time, patrons can request assistance from either the county attorney’s office or the district court.

Valley County Commissioner John Fahlgren will be traveling to Billings for the state association of counties (MACO) meeting Feb. 12-15. Fahlgren currently sits on MACO’s Public Lands committee.

Commissioners Fahlgren and Peterson confirmed the recent reauthorization of county roads projects related to TransCanada’s plans for the development of the Keystone pipeline here in Valley County. According to the commissioners, we could see boots on the ground at area work camps as early as next summer.