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First briefs filed in Mitchell Slough appealBy Michael Howell Weighted down by literally box loads of evidence, all of which must be sifted through by legal experts, the lawsuit over the status of Mitchell Slough is moving at a glacial pace towards a review by the Montana Supreme Court. In January, 2006, District Court Judge Ted Mizner ruled that Mitchell Slough, a 13-mile-long waterway stretching from Corvallis to Stevensville, was not subject to the 310 Permitting process under the Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act of 1975 because it was "no longer natural" after years of manipulation by irrigators and landowners. As part of the same case, Mizner also ruled that the waterway was no longer open to fishing access under the state's Stream Access Law because that law only applies to a "natural waterbody", whereas Mitchell Slough, he found, is a "non-natural waterbody," and thus not open to public access under the law. More... Hamilton Council adopts new disciplinary proceduresBy Michael Howell At its last regularly scheduled meeting on November 27, the Hamilton City Council adopted new, updated disciplinary procedures governing how the council will address improper conduct, discipline and due process amongst its own membership. After bouncing back and forth from committee to council, back to committee, back to council again, the updated procedures were still in contention at the meeting. The Council split three to three on a motion to adopt the new procedures and Mayor Jessica Randazzo exercised her tie-breaking power and cast the deciding vote in favor of adoption. More... Stevi's got water problemsBy Michael Howell It's official. The Town of Stevensville has got water problems. In fact, according to a recent decision authored by Town Attorney Art Graham, "The water situation in the Town of Stevensville is at a crisis stage." More... More complaints filed over political practicesBy Michael Howell Bitterrooters for Planning Action Committee has filed two more complaints with the Commissioner of Political Practices over activities in relation to the Interim Zoning Initiative that was passed by voters in the last election. The initiative, sponsored by Bitterrooters for Planning, would temporarily limit subdivisions to one residence per two acres for a year and require the Commissioners, in the meantime, to produce a countywide comprehensive zoning plan. More... Area closure announced for fuel reduction projectBy Michael Howell The Forest Service announced on Monday the closure of Forest Service Road #5753, also known as the Mink Creek Road "and surrounding areas" to provide for public safety during the hazardous fuels reduction work on the Spring Mink Stewardship Project, part of the controversial Middle East Fork Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project EIS. More... |
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