Volume XXI, Number 22

Wednesday, January 5, 2006

Jay Laber, internationally collected sculptor, will be unveiling his newest work, "Finds His Spot" at this month's First Friday celebration in Stevensville. The Sacajawea Gallery at 301 Main Street will be bringing this and some of Laber's other recent works to be displayed for one night only, January 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. Other works, recently displayed in Washington, D.C., will also be on hand, along with the Stevensville Art and Sculpture Society's purchase, "Two Left Feet Dancing Free." Don't miss this opportunity to see several of Laber's sculptures along with this newest very moving work depicting a tethered warrior in a sphere of dynamic movement constructed from resurrected automobile parts.

What about Bob?

By Carlotta Grandstaff

Former Hamilton city councilor Bob Scott has been described as both hostile and assertive, both obstructionist and advocate. His critics accuse him of being a loose cannon, of creating an intimidating work atmosphere. Even his supporters concede privately that Scott does not play well with others. But those same supporters, who packed City Hall last Friday night, also call him the victim of an undemocratic, eleventh hour power play to redesign the political makeup of the incoming council. More...

Opponents to state land swap speak out

By Michael Howell

Opponents to a land swap, proposed by the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and currently under consideration by the State Land Board, held a press conference last week to air their concerns about the deal. More...

Refuge complexing plan nixed

By Michael Howell

The controversial proposal by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials to combine the management of the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge in Stevensville with that of the Benton Lake National Wildlife Refuge near Great Falls has been officially withdrawn. The decision, if it had been implemented, would have placed the budget and management decisions for both refuges in the hands of the director at Benton Lake. More...

Commissioners sued over subdivision, variance approvals

By Michael Howell

Marilyn Owns Medicine, who lives on Wagon Trail Road off of Ambrose Creek Road northeast of Stevensville, has sued the Ravalli County Board of Commissioners over their approval of a subdivision contiguous to her property. She also claims that the commissioners' approval of the variance requests associated with the subdivision was illegal. She goes even further and registers a separate complaint against the Commissioners' habitual granting of variances that do not meet the statutory requirements. More...