Top Headlining Articles of 2020

Biden Intends to Rescind Keystone XL Permit

JAN. 20 - In yet another setback to TC Energy and the building of the Keystone XL pipeline, CBC in Canada was first to report on Jan. 17 confirmation of President-elect Joe Biden's intent to rescind the KXL pipeline permit.

Biden campaigned on canceling the Canadian pipeline project, which will run through Valley County, after having opposed it during his time as Vice President under President Barack Obama.

Obama punted the controversial political decision to his successor, President Donald Trump, who vociferously supported the pipeline.

Biden was sworn into the office today, Jan. 20, at noon EST. Biden's plans for day one of his presidency apparently involve rescinding the permit via executive action.

The Billings Gazette reported Alberta Premier Jason Kenney expressed deep concern about Biden's intent to rescind TC Energy's permit for KXL. Kenney said, "Doing so would kill jobs on both sides of the border, weaken the critically important Canada-U.S. relationship, and undermine U.S. national security." He further vowed to use all legal avenues in working with TC Energy to protect its interest in the project. Other Canadian leaders expressed differing opinions. Federal Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole urged Trudeau to pursue a course to move KXL forward, while Green Party Leader Annamie Paul was supportive of the incoming U.S. president's decision.

Valley County to Enter Phase 1B of Governor's COVID-19 Vaccine Plan

JAN. 27 - The Valley County Health Department announced the county entered phase 1B of the state's COVID-19 vaccination plan on Jan. 21. The transition marks a shift in vaccine priority from healthcare workers to citizens in high-risk categories such as the elderly and those with medical conditions.

In order to receive the vaccine, residents must contact the health department to be added to the list. The health department has already started planning for mass vaccination events to include one scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 27 as of press time.

The requirements to qualify in phase 1B are as follows: Persons aged 70 years and older; Native Americans and other people of color who may be at elevated risk for COVID-19 complications; and persons aged 16-69 with high-risk medical conditions.

Gianforte Lifts Statewide Mask Mandate

FEB. 17 - Montana Governor Greg Gianforte issued an executive order on Feb. 12 allowing the statewide mask mandate to expire following his signing of a law protecting businesses from COVID-related liabilities.

"Since January 5th, I have provided a clear, consistent path to rescinding the mask mandate," Governor Gianforte said. "First, we need to start getting the vaccine to our most vulnerable. Second, we need to protect businesses, nonprofits, places of worship, and health care providers from lawsuits if they make a good faith effort to protect individuals from the spread of coronavirus and follow clear public health guidelines. We have met both criteria, and the statewide mandate expires today."

On February 10, Governor Gianforte signed S.B. 65 into law which provides a liability shield to businesses, nonprofits, and others who protect their workers, their customers, and their clients from the spread of COVID-19.

The order does not prevent local health authorities from implementing their own restrictions-to include mask mandates. Valley County Health Department Director, Lynn Miller, told The Courier she was disappointed in the governor's decision and highlighted the fact that lifting the mandate goes against public health opinion.

McKean Ousted From FWP Commission

FEB. 24 - The Montana Senate voted on party lines to reject the appointment of Andrew McKean of Valley County to the Fish, Wildlife and Parks Commission on Feb. 19. The vote to reject McKean passed 31 to 18 with the entire Republican caucus voting against and the entire Democratic Caucus voting in favor of McKean.

In November of 2020, then-Governor Steve Bullock appointed McKean to serve out the remainder of former commissioner Logan Brower's term, who moved from Scobey to Helena that same year.

McKean's nomination from Bullock was scheduled before committee and for a vote in the Senate. Regardless, Gianforte's transition team reachedout and asked McKean to apply for the position as a Gianforte appointee, which he did.

Valley County Deputy Fired for Misusing Criminal Justice Network

Feb. 24, - A Valley County Sheriff's Deputy was promptly fired in late January after an investigation by the Sheriff's Office determined he misused a sensitive government database known as the Criminal Justice Information Network (CJIN).

According to Valley County Sheriff Tom Boyer, the deputy was placed on administrative leave as soon as the incident was reported and then fired immediately after the investigation determined wrongdoing had occurred.

The Courier requested a statement from Sheriff Boyer regarding the investigation details and the identity of the deputy. Boyer stated that it is a confidential personnel matter, and the details of the event will remain private.

The Courier was able to determine that Valley County Deputy Casey Mulkey was terminated from his position on Jan. 29, 2021, according to the Valley County Commissioner's Meeting Minutes from Feb. 3 and a termination notice on file with the county clerk and recorder. Mulkey is the only deputy to be terminated in January or February of 2021.

Judge Affirms HRC Decision on NorVal Electric Sexual Harassment Case

MARCh 17 - District Judge Yvonne Laird either affirmed or modified four key findings from the Human Rights Commission's decision in the sexual harassment case of Shalaine Lawson Vs. NorVal Electric Cooperative in late February.

In the Feb. 24 decision, Laird affirmed or reinforced every challenged aspect of the HRC's findings that NorVal Electric and General Manager Craig Herbert sexually harassed Lawson, created a hostile work environment and retaliated against her once she filed a complaint with the HRC. Laird also affirmed the findings of emotional distress and the HRC's award of $50,000 for damages.

The District Judge differed from the HRC in one key ruling however, by finding that the commission's decision to cap an award to Lawson for front pay damages-or damages due to loss of potential future income-was "erroneous and capricious" and not based on legal precedent or the law. As a result, the judge modified the HRC's decision increasing just the front pay damages to over $1,379,338. Combined with legal fees, interest, the emotional damages award and back pay damages of $202,496.60 that were not contested in the filing, NorVal will end up owing well over $1.6 million to Lawson and, depending on the final order from Laird, possibly more than $2 million once years of interest and attorney's fees are factored in. -

Multiple Leaks Spur Emergency Shutoff of Nat. Gas to All of Hinsdale

MARCH 24 - Hinsdale has been without natural gas services since March 19 after multiple leaks were reported and detected in the community raising concerns that the problem was widespread and required the company to halt services.

According to Montana-Dakota Utilities spokesman Mark Hanson, the decision to halt services was made on Friday and the community was notified of the interruption and a plan to fix the pipes was initiated. Hanson told The Courier the company received a call early last week concerning gas odor.

That call was followed by a few other calls that led the company to dispatch a leak survey crew to check the town. During the survey the crew discovered multiple leaks across the whole of the community and after excavating portions of pipe they determined that the infrastructure was "not in the best of shape" according to Hanson.

"We ended up finding multiple leaks," explained Hanson. "It was at a point where, for safety concerns, we shut down the gas flow on Friday evening about 5:30. And we're doing a complete replacement of the gas system in town."

"DABS" Send Teens to Hospital

APRIL 14 - The Glasgow Police Department is investigating the origin of highly concentrated THC oils-commonly called DABS-that sent four Glasgow teens to the hospital on April 2 after they smoked the oils.

According to a press release from Chief of Police Brien Gault, officers arrived at a southside Glasgow home Friday afternoon after a 911 call indicated the teens were unresponsive from possible drug use.

"The Officer was advised that there were four unresponsive juveniles at the location that had ingested drugs possibly laced with an unknown substance. Upon the Officer's arrival, all four juveniles were located inside the garage and were responsive," wrote the Chief.  

Gault also added that the homeowner had been home at the time and had allegedly been aware that the teens were in the garage. The release was not clear on whether the homeowner knew the kids were using drugs.

The youth were assessed by paramedics on the scene, and one was taken to the hospital via ambulance and a second was taken by private vehicle according to Gault. All four were eventually released to their parents or guardians.

Plans to Test Flows From Fort Peck to Move Forward

APRIL 21 - Trying to find a balance between the livelihood of farmers and an ancient fish on the verge of extinction is not an exact science, but a best guess based on available data.

Area farmers are worried about how a planned increase then reduction in water flow next year from Fort Peck Dam to stimulate the natural spawning cycle of the Pallid Sturgeon may result in expensive repairs or retrofits to irrigation systems.

But, the flows may also allow the sturgeon to reproduce in Upper Missouri River Basin for the first time in at least 70 years. Such a result would be a remarkable biological accomplishment, capping a decades long struggle to help the fish - currently listed as an endangered species - not only survive but thrive on its own.

The Pallid Sturgeon is one of three endangered species found in the Missouri River between Fort Peck Dam and Lake Sacajawea. The other two are the Least Tern and the Piping Plover.

Valley County Refuse District Board Disbanded

APRIL 28 - The Valley County Refuse District Board, in operation since 1973, is no more.

During their regular meeting April 21, the three commissioners voted to disband the refuse board - effective April 23 - based on legal counsel indicating the nine member volunteer body has not had any actual legal authority in almost 25 years.

"Functionally, the refuse board is an administrative orphan and there is nothing that actually creates you as board members," Dylan J. Jensen, County Attorney, said during the meeting. "My recommendation to the commissioners was then we actually need to take an action to create a board and define what it is, because the only thing that is creating you is in bylaws, but there is no force of law. I recommend we actually define what it is because I think as a matter of law the board has not really existed since October of 1996."

The three commissioners have now taken on the additional role of interim Refuse District Board for the indefinite future.

"I think we have to take some action in the interim," Commissioner Mary Armstrong said during the meeting. "Right now we have no board that is authorized."

Chairman Paul Tweten said the intent of the commissioners is to comply with state law.

"In the interim, the commissioners will run the landfill until we go through a process, put together a resolution and get public comment on the makeup of the board."

The three commissioners could choose to reappoint the former board as is, but there must be a legal definition on the books to satisfy state law, Jensen said.

City Aims to Cut Youth Dirt Bike Use on City Property

MAY 5 - A citizen committee is in the process of being formed to address complaints about youths on dirt bikes disturbing the tranquility of homeowners north of Glasgow.

Dirt bikers are a common sight in the undeveloped area between Airport and Skylark roads, and have been for decades, residents say.

Now, a large portion of the city owned parcel of land there has been closed to public use due to liability issues and allegedly poor behavior by some riders. That leaves only the 40-acre recreation area one mile north of the city, owned by the Bureau of Land Management, open for off highway vehicle (OHV) use and motorcycle enthusiasts. A fence marks the boundary of the OHV area, which can be reached via Rifle Range Road.

In the meantime, the city has ordered about 20 no trespassing signs - at a cost of $2,500 - to be posted along the roadway to the OHV area. The signage aims to prevent off road enthusiasts from straying onto the tract of city owned land.

Additionally, non-street-legal vehicles must be towed to the OHV area, and kids without valid driver's license are prohibited from driving to the area.

The closure of the city land to off road use drew the attention of about 30 area residents, who came to the regular city council meeting Monday evening to express concerns publicly.

Mother Calls on Board to Lift Mask Mandate

MAY 19 - The mother of students at Irle Elementary is calling on the Glasgow School District Board to lift the mandatory mask mandate for pupils as vaccination rates rise and the pandemic seems to ebb.

"I have been as patient as possible while waiting for all of you up there to come to your senses on this mask policy, all while my children, and most of your children, have suffered every day at school," Tami Thompson said May 12 during the public comment portion of the school board meeting.

The board was prevented from commenting on the issue during the meeting due to established rules stating only items on the agenda – added at least 48 hours in advance of a meeting – may be discussed.

The Board voted in late July to end masking requirements at Glasgow Schools beginning in the fall semester.

Chris McDaniel Now Publisher/Editor

MAY 26 - There has been a changing of the guard here at The Courier. Former Publisher Anthony "A.J." Etherington has accepted a new posting with a newspaper out of county. His last official day here was Friday.

The sceptre of responsiblity has been passed on to Chris McDaniel, who arrived in the area in early April to take on the role of news reporter.

Scottie Graduation Ceremony Held

JUNE 2 - With high school now in the rear-view mirror, 57 of Glasgow's best and brightest are ready to embark on the journey of adulthood.

Before they took their next steps into a larger world, the Glasgow High School Class of 2021 paused to ruminate on where they have been. Their last years in high school were atypical. The COVID-19 pandemic saw to that. But, they prevailed despite the odds.

Glasgow Mayor Will Not Seek Re-Election in November

JUNE 9 - Mayor Becky Erickson will not seek re-election following the end of her term in December. Additionally, Todd Young, Ward 1 Councilmember, has resigned from his position.

Erickson announced her decision during the regular city council meeting on Monday afternoon, citing conflicting familial obligations.

Weber Appointed as Glasgow Police Chief

SEPT. 15 - Robert Weber has been appointed by the Glasgow City Council as police chief of the Glasgow Police Department.

"I am incredibly honored to have been chosen to lead the Glasgow Police Department," Weber told The Courier.

"Over the past decade and half of working for the department; I've had the opportunity to gain experiences, form relationships and build community partnerships that will help make Glasgow a safer, healthier and more supportive community for all. I am excited and look forward to continuing to serve our community."

Weber is scheduled to be sworn in by city of Glasgow Mayor Becky Erickson during the next regular council meeting. Erickson abstained from the vote to confirm Weber.

Weber was chosen from a pool of more than 30 candidates who applied for the position after the termination of former Chief Brien Gault in late May. Gault had been with GPD for about 30-years. The reason or reasons for his termination have not been released to the public, and he has not commented on the matter.

Gov. Gianforte Calls on Biden to Reopen Canadian Border

OCT. 20 - Governor Greg Gianforte continues to push the Biden Administration to reopen the Canadian border, noting the disparity with the Mexican Border which is virtually wide open to unvaccinated and undocumented foreign nationals who have been flooding across.

"It is a tragic irony that the southern border is open and the northern border is closed," Gianforte told The Courier over the phone last Friday. "I visited Scobey, Shelby and Eureka recently, speaking with small business owners. On average, their revenue was down between 20 and 30% across the board. I met one business owner who is particularly dependent on Canadians coming down and spending their money. His business is off 80% in revenue."

Candy Lagerquist is the New Proprietor of the Loaded Toad

OCT. 20 - The Loaded Toad has a new owner, but boasts the same legacy of delicious culinary confections and fine coffee.

Glasgow native Candy Lagerquist has purchased the long time business from Alicia Frueh, officially taking the mantle on Sept. 10. Alicia and her late husband, Robert "Jimmy" Frueh, themselves became the new owners of the coffee shop on Aug. 25, 2019. They, in turn, purchased the shop from Jimmy's sister, Ann Kulczyk, who opened the coffee shop on July 14, 2014.

Jimmy died from complications from COVID-19 on Nov. 26, 2020.

Jimmy had helped Ann launch the Loaded Toad, and it was there he met Alicia. They were married in 2019.

Rod Karst Elected as Mayor of Glasgow

NOV. 3 - Rod Karst has won his bid for Mayor of the city of Glasgow, according to unofficial totals released by the Valley County Election Administration Office at 8 p.m. Tuesday. His term will begin in early 2022.

Canvassing is expected to take place within the next week. The results will be made official at that time, A recount is not expected because of the large difference in votes, said Marie L. Pippin, Valley County Election Administrator.

Out of 1,142 votes cast, Karst received 820 votes, or 72% of the vote, while opponent Todd Young received 322 votes, or 28%.

Only 58% of eligible voters cast a ballot for the mayoral election.

DOJ Offers FBI Aid To Investigate Valley County Parents

NOV. 3 - A letter from the acting U.S. Attorney for Montana recently arrived on the desk of Valley County Sheriff Tom Boyer. It offers federal resources - including FBI agents - to investigate parents accused of threatening area school board members over issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The FBI has no business handling local jurisdictional matters, quite frankly," Boyer told The Courier. "Even the fact that letter was sent out, it was misguided. They have no business directing us, or including themselves in things we have traditionally handled and will continue to handle."

Similar letters were sent recently to county attorney's offices, law enforcement agencies and school boards across Montana. The letters cited several statutes which would necessitate federal aid, including conspiracy, depriving a person of their civil rights, stalking, cyberstalking, and relating false information or perpetrating hoaxes. On Oct. 4, the Department of Justice - at the behest of President Joe Biden - announced it was meeting with various federal, state, Tribal, territorial and local law enforcement leaders to "discuss strategies for addressing this disturbing trend" of parents vehemently opposing vaccine and mask mandates for school children.