Barbara Joan Gardner, 89, of Scobey died March 8 at Daniels Memorial Healthcare Center. No other information was available at this writing.
Your Opportunity To Be An Informed Voter On Local Government Review
March21st,DanielsCounty, City of Scobey, and Town of Flaxville voters will get the opportunity to hear how the local government review process works. Aballot measure to have the opportunity to start a review process will be on all ballots June 4 across all towns, cities, and counties in Montana. It happens every 10 years and is mandated by the Montana constitution.
Dan Clark the director of theLocalGovernmentCenter at Montana State University, will be in Scobey, March 21 for a community meeting sponsored by the Chamber. He was here last June before a responsive crowd.
In a recent TV interview with Q2 in Billings, Dan Clark, reiterated “It’s not a time to look at tax policy,” he said. “It’s not an HR review of the elected officials it’s not an opportunity to say, ‘Well, I don’t like that mayor, so I’m going to be a study commissioner so I can fire the mayor.’ It has nothing to do with people; it has everything to do with process.” What is working and what is not in our own local government process.
He continued, “We have an opportunity to pause and look at our existing form of government and look at alternative forms of government and decide: Is there something about some alternative structure of government that wecanadoptthatwouldmake government more effective, more efficient, more affordable or economical?”
Clark will outline the possibilities that may need to be looked into, answer questions and make it clear to voters what they are really voting on, for or against.
We thought it would be interesting to talk with a County/City/Town who had been through the study and chose to make some changes.
In 2022, voters in Petroleum County approved a revision of their existing charter documents to refine job duties and equalize a salary discrepancy.
Jessica Hoge holds the combined office of Clerk & Recorder/Clerk of Court. When asked if the voters had expressed any regrets over changing their form of government, she replied, “Not at all. The only reason we looked into changing our current form of government was to eliminate a position “County Manager.” The CM had a large list of responsibilities on top of being a sheriff and a DES coordinator at the time. He was only getting paid $2,000 stipend for the added stress. The commissioners decided to contact Dan Clark who came and met with the commissioners and then hosted two public town hall meetings. The public thoroughly enjoyed Dan and could see why a change was needed.Wedecidedtogowith a Charter Commission form of government. It passed 126 for and 31 against.”
In a small community, Jessica felt the flexibility of the charter to fit the county’s needs made more sense. Additionally, only the commissioners and the Justice of the Peace are elected in Petroleum County. All other positions are appointed and accountable to the Charter Commission.
As a matter of interest, there are four counties with Charter governments including Anaconda-Deer Lodge, Butte-Silver Bow, Fergus, and Petroleum. There are 30 cities and towns who have modified as well, including Billings, Bozeman, Great Falls, Helena, Lewistown, Choteau, Laurel, Forsyth, Circle, and Saco to name a few.
Hopefully this piqued your interest as it did ours.
We encourage you to visit with Dan Clerk at the Richardson Theatre, Thursday, March 21 at 5:30. No admissionfeeandlotsofgood information.
Haugo New FNP At DMHC
While she will still be doing some traveling for work, at least for the next year, there won’t be as much of it in the future.
Kelsey Haugo (SHS ‘08) is the newest healthcare provider at Daniels Memorial Healthcare Center in Scobey as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), seeing patients on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Sheisthedaughter of Bob and Lisa Haugo of Scobey and the wife of Garrett Lund.Their children are Paxton, age 4, and Hannah, age 1.
“I just started yesterday” (Tues., Mar. 5), she said when asked what her first day on the new job was. “I specialize in Family Practice. I see all ages.”
Her journey in the medical field began after she graduated from Scobey High by attending two years at the University of Montana in Missoula, studying pre-nursing.
She graduated from Montana State University-Bozeman in2012withaBachelor’s of Science degree in Nursing.
She worked full-time as a nurse in Wolf Point from 2013-20, starting out with three 12-hour shifts per week.
While working fulltime, she furthered her studies gaining a Masters of Science in Nursing degree from Walden University and specialized as a Family Nurse Practioner.
From 2020-22 she worked as a FNP in Wolf Point and PoplarforNortheastMontana Health Services.
She began working in Plentywood in 2022 at Sheridan Memorial Hospital.
“I still have a year left on my contract there so I still go there two days a week,” she said,whichareThursdaysand Fridays.
She added she still needs to get some certificates to do Emergency Room and Critical Care work.
“I do a lot of joint injections, including knees, shoulders, trigger finger and plantarfasciitis,” she said.
“I’m happy to be here,” she added.
In her spare time she likes golfing, camping and plants.
After Prom Party Donations Sought
The annual after prom party will be Saturday, March 23 immediately following prom. The party is for all Scobey high school students and whether they attend prom or not and those attending with out of town dates.
Those interested in contributing to the event can contact the committee of LeeAnn Trower, Ami Tande or Kim Thievin.
Candidate Filing Closed Mon., March 11
The deadline to file for office in Montana closed Monday, March 11 at 5 p.m.
Daniels County offices on the June primary election ballot will most likely be deciding the outcome of the general election in November.
In local competition all candidates have filed on the Republican ticket. Dottie Berg (R) of Flaxville and Cody Warren (R) of Scobey have filed for Clerk of Court/ Superintendent of Schools.
Tammi Fladager (R) and Troy Larson (R), both of Peerless, have filed for Commissioner in District 3.
The Sheriff/Coroner race also has two Republicans meeting in the primary, current Sheriff Clint Lowe and former Sheriff Duane Anderson.
Non-partisan local candidates on the ballot include one seat on the Daniels County Hospital District’s 3 person board. Nancy Lund has filed for that seat.
Non-partisan, District 15 Judge candidates are Janet Christoffersen and Ben Fosland. District 15 encompasses Daniels, Roosevelt and Sheridan counties. District Judge elections are decided in the general election and are six year terms.
State Legislative candidates from our area, the new House District 29 – and the new State Senate District 15 are facing off in the primary election as they also are all Republicans. HD 29 candidates are Miles Knudsen of Culbertson and Valerie Moore of Plentywood. SD 15 candidates are Rhonda Knudsen of Culbertson and Gregg Hunter of Glasgow.
City Business . . .
Taken from the unapproved minutes of the regular meeting of City Council, City of Scobey, Montana held Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. at City Hall.
REGULAR MEETING Mayor Morgan Lekvold called the meeting to order with council members Niki Larson, Greg Crowder, Seth AxtmanandPaulLanderaaen present. Also, in attendance were Bridget Norby, Brian French, Brian Wahl, Sheriff Clint Lowe, City Attorney Ben Fosland, and Clerk Sonya M. Southland.
Public Comment – Brian Wahl reported he was asked about preparing the irrigated land to plant, he said they could do that and reviewed the rates for equipment and man power but would like to do it while they do a demonstration on equipment. Short Line would agree to cut their rates if they could demo their equipment. The city will ask the landowner. Brian stated April 9th is the scheduled day for the demonstration.
Zoning Administrator Report – There is a scheduled zoning meeting March 13, 2024.
Sheriff Report – Sheriff Lowe reported there was 56 total calls received in the month of Feb. including 6 calls for service of legal papers and 5 calls for probation. Asfarasdeputies–twoaward letters have been sent out, with no response yet. Sheriff Lowe asked if two deputies are hired will that effect the proposed MOU (memorandum of understanding), to hire a part time record keeper.
Discussion occurred. Consensus is to use whatever amount was budgeted noting in the current budget year the city hasn’t paid much out of that line item. Sheriff Lowe asked Council to consider selling the city owned guns the dept has, stating all those
continued on page 4 City Business . . .
From Page One
gunsareaccountedforandare at the Sheriff’s Office. Mayor Lekvold reported the Commissioners agreed to add to the ballot a public safety mill levy to generated approximately $350,000.00 for equipment updates and to allow for competitive salary packages to attract qualified officers. Clint would like to implement an incentive program maybe to include gym memberships (fit for duty is important), training budgets etc. to attract potential new hires. City Attorney Fosland pointed out with the creation of a public safety commission different pay structures for the Sheriffs Dept. may be created -wages won’t be “tagged” to elected officials.
Council Comment –
• Councilman Axtman asked if the streets were plowed after the last snowfall –Mayor Lekvold reported not every street has been plowed but in places like the firehall were.
• Mayor Lekvold reported the Commissioners passed a resolution to add a public safety mill levy question to the ballot, a proposed mill levy to raise approximately $350,000.00 in revenue.
We need to be able to attract well qualified officers to our community, surrounding communities are paying more.CouncilwomanLarson stated she understands why there is a pay structure but she believes elected officials pay shouldn’t be tagged with law enforcement officers because they do not put their lives on the line. Councilman CrowderandAxtmanrestated public safety is a priority and a responsibility – we are on the right track getting this question on the primary ballot in June. It’s up to the public to decide.
• Mayor Lekvold attended the Executive Forum in Sidney, MT.
Wastewater Pivot/ Response – City Attorney reported he hasn’t had any response from JCLAg or the attorney on the recommendation from the agronomist.
Discussed past recommendations and future plans to get the land up to par. Mayor Lekvold wants permission to spray it, disc it and get it custom seeded at the city’s expense. Councilman Landeraaen stated he feels we need to give JCLAg a deadline for a resolution so we are not continuing to spend money taking care of that land.
Councilman Landeraaen feels like the city needs to pick a date and then proceed with purchasing the land or use eminent domain. Councilman Landeraaen moved to set a deadline of March 25, 2024 to get a response from JCLAg to accept the offer the city made or deliver a counter offer. Motion seconded and passed.
Ordinance24-03Garbage Revision – Second reading of Ordinance 24-03, An Ordinance of the City of Scobey amending Chapter 13.36 of the Scobey Municipal Code regarding Garbage Regulations generally, was introduced. Councilwoman Larson moved to approve and adopt the second reading of Ordinance 24-03. Motion seconded and passed.
Resolution #1098 – Councilman Axtman moved to approve Resolution #1098, a Resolution to classify the two accounts listed as uncollectible bad debt. Accounts 106155-06 and 108085-04.
Motion seconded and passed.
Part Time Record Keeper – City Attorney Fosland reported he will revise the MOU in consideration of, if two deputies are hired. The city will still pay for a part time record keeper but will cap the amount of time to stay within the budgeted amount approved. City Attorney Fosland will update the draft MOU not to exceed 80 hours a month. Mayor Lekvold restated this is a good faith effort to help the Sheriff’s Office Councilman Crowder made the motion to instruct the City Attorney to review and revise the MOU to send back to the Commissioners for their consideration. Motion seconded and passed.
Corporate Lease– Airport – City Attorney Fosland explained the lease presented.
Councilman Axtman made the motion to approve and sign the Daniels County Airport Commission General Corporate Lease dated February 26, 2024 between Daniels County and City of Scobey as owners, and the Daniels County Airport Commission as first part and PRO Coop as the second part. Motion seconded and passed.
CDBG Grant Application Combined Fire Hall – city is proceeding with applying for a grant to develop a PAR (Purchase Authorization Request).
Resolution #1097 Priority List State Local Infrastructure Act – Councilwoman Larson moved to approve Resolution #1097, A Resolution Recommending a Funding Priority List for State Local Infrastructure, Partnership Act of the Montana Dept. of Commerce, listing the following projects – updating the shop building, new fire hall roof & updating the fire hall, street maintenance and park improvements. Mayor Lekvold stated at the Executive Forum it was encourage cities/towns use these funds to update city buildings because funding to improve buildings are not available very often.
Motion seconded and passed.
Review Employee Personnel Policy – reviewed item 25 cell phone usage; no changes were made other than cleaned up wording paragraph 25.1 25.5 change from is to in a – currently there are no city cell phones.
Upcoming agenda items to include Mutual agreement for equipment – Baseball; and Hire Seasonal Help/ Lifeguards Consent items included Feb. Payroll $38,214.16 and Feb. Claims $46,278.69.
Baseball Sign-ups Are Tuesday, March 19
Baseball sign-up will take place Tuesday, March 19 from 5:30 to 6:30 at Scobey School commons area. Players starting this year must be 5 years old by May 1. The following levels offered this year and ages are: T-Ball 5-6 yrs; Pony Ball 7-8 yrs; Cal Ripken 9-12 yrs.; Babe Ruth 13-15 yrs.
A parents meeting will be held Tuesday, April 16.
Make A Positive Impact: Give Blood March 21
Donors needed to help keep blood supply growing as seasons change. As spring approaches, the American Red Cross urges donors to give blood now to continue to strengthen the national blood supply. People of all blood types – especially those with type O blood – are critical to ensuring hospitals meet the daily demand for lifesaving transfusions.
The local blood drawing in Scobey will be Thursday, March 21 from 11:30 to 5:30 at St. Philip’s Catholic Center. Book an appointment now.
As a thank-you, all who come to give by March 24 will get a $10 e-gift card to a pet supply merchant of choice, plus a chance to win one of five $3,000 gift cards. Visit RedCrossBlood.org/ Pets for details.
During Red Cross Month in March, the Red Cross celebrates the volunteers and blood and platelet donors who are critical to ensuring those in need receive relief and care. Help can’t wait – to book a time to give, visit RedCrossBlood.org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call 1-800RED CROSS.
Things, Ideas & People . . .
Listening to the news on CNBC we learned there are 1,100 Starbucks stores in Shanghai, China. That’s a lot of stores, but there are millions of people to serve in the city, 29,868,000 (2024)! That’s one store for every 29,868 people in the city. All of a sudden the number of stores seems to be less significant.
The latest we could find (2017) there are less than 40 stores in Montana, about 1 million people in the State, so the store to resident ratio ends up being about the same as Shanghai municipality, one store for every 29,220 people.
Montana, one store per 3,676 square miles Shanghai, one store per 2.2 square miles. Those numbers give things a little different perspective. -bb
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According to author James Howard Kunstler, New York City has a new name: New Yoke City.
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I must admit, I truly love reading comment sections concerning the subjects of business, energy, politics and whatever else (but not sports because I get enough of that at my job) because one can learn a lot from what others are thinking when writing on those type of sites. Last week, with the comment dated 3/8/24, I can across this one: “I work for a company that contracts for the [U.S. Federal] government. We were recently required to have our picture taken, provide two legal documents, driver’s license, birth certificate, social security card, passport, et cetera, based on that provide legal name and city, county and state you were born in with social security number. And all 10 finger prints were taken. HOWEVER 320,000 illegals are flown into our country and millions of illegals walk across the border? As a USA legal citizen I have to provide more legal documents and receive less benefits than the illegal INVADING ARMY.” — mike
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They are called the Magnificent 7 in the business world and consist of Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, NVIDIA and Tesla. Now you know! — mike
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There seems to be quite a number of fights on commercial flights these days, mostly by unruly and rude passengers. Flight attendants do what they can to accommodate picky passengers and to deescalate friction between passengers. They’re not paid to be referees.
Flight crews are typically very competent, friendly and attentive, albeit some more so than others, like any other job. We were curious how flight attendants were paid . . . here seems to be a consensus. Flight attendants are generally paid flight time and per diem.
The clock for them starts when the aircraft door closes until it is opened again after landing. This means while boarding and deplaning, greeting passengers a welcome or farewell is on their time. The hour the attendants are required to be at the airport beforehand and time between flights is not compen sated. We’re not sure if their time clocks stopped when the door plug blew out of the Boeing 733 Max 9 in January (thank goodness no one was seriously inured).
In addition to being courteous to your neighbors on the plane, remember the flight crew is there to assist you in having a pleasant flight. They also deserve respect and are not there to decide who is right or wrong in a conflict, but often have to find a means to smooth things out.
Not being keen on flying, I find a good way to help out is by taking Xanax and chill. It may help you as well, by making rowdy children or neighbors more tolerable and keep your seat cleaner if a door plug blows. -bb
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She said it: “Women’s sports is not the place for mediocre male athletes who compete as women. Period!” — Tennis great Martina Navratilova
Jeffrey Henderson 1969 – 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend, Jeffrey Allen Henderson. Jeff, 54, died from natural causes in his sleep on Leap Day, February 29, 2024, at his home in Seattle, Washington.
Jeff was the last of six children born to proud parents Thomas and Darlene Henderson in 1969 on Christmas Day in Scobey. He graduated from Scobey High School in 1988 and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Mass Communications from Eastern Montana College (now known as Montana State University-Billings) in 1994.
Soon after college, Jeff moved to California. He spent the bulk of his career in advertising and public relations focusing on client services, project management and organization. After leaving the digital advertising world, he freelanced. In October of 2017, he married Kevin Sonnichsen in Guerneville, California.
Among Jeff’s many passions, his love for dogs significantly stood out. In 2018, Jeff and Kevin moved to Seattle as they purchased a dog daycare/boarding facility for which they named “Good Dog.” He managed the Good Dog brand, marketing and advertising and all the content used for the company’s social media and blog. Even though they sold that business in October of 2023, his love for canines did not diminish.
Jeff was a passionate writer, an exceptional organizer and a creative visionary. Beyond his professional achievements, he was also known for his warmth, his infectious laughter and his unwavering kindness. His presence illuminated the lives of those around him, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Jeff is preceded in death by his grandparents, Emma & George Tryan, and Margaret & Ernest Henderson; father, Thomas Henderson; nephew, Jase Henderson; and niece, Amy Stumvoll.
Jeff is survived by his husband, Kevin, Seattle; mother, Darlene Henderson, Billings; brothers, Larry (Del) Henderson, Scobey, and Brad (Sherri) Henderson, Miles City; sisters, Sherry (Greg) Neill and Julie (Bob) Rux, both of Billings, and Lisa (Leo) Brady, Fairfield; mother and fatherin-law, Julie & Tim Sonnichsen, Snoqualmie, Washington; brother-in-law, Scott (Barbara) Phillips, Houston, Texas; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews; and last but not least, their dog, Lila.
Jeff has left us far too soon, but the memories he created will live on with all of us. Our hearts are broken by his loss, but uplifted by the thought of him being in a better place surrounded by love.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 23, at Better to Gather, 208 North 13th Street, Billings, at 1:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will also be held in Seattle at a later date.