Volume XXI, Number 26

Wednesday, February 1, 2006

Sure sign of approaching spring...calving season. Michael Howell photo.

City ready to negotiate in lawsuit over Scott expulsion

By Michael Howell

At a special meeting of the Hamilton City Council on Wednesday, January 25, Mayor Jessica Randazzo, along with City Attorney Ken Bell and Missoula attorney Jack Jenks, who was hired to handle the Scott lawsuit, were given authorization to negotiate a possible settlement, on behalf of the city, in the lawsuit filed by recently expelled Councilman Bob Scott and subsequently joined by the Bitterroot Human Rights Alliance (BHRA). More...

Water and sewer to northside businesses voted down

By Michael Howell

A plan to provide water and sewer to several businesses located on the east side of Highway 93 on the north side of town suffered a major setback last week when the Hamilton City Council voted down a proposal to fund Special Improvement District #20. More...

Justice Department files suit against Maclay

By Michael Howell

Bill Mercer, U.S. Attorney for the United States for the District of Montana, filed a civil complaint last week seeking civil damages and declaratory injunctive relief against Florence area rancher Tom Maclay for trespassing upon and interfering with property of the United States. Maclay is accused of trespassing on Forest Service land above his ranch north of Florence, illegally cutting trees along the roadside and illegally creating new roads into the forest. More...

Legacy Ranch subdivision proposal draws a crowd

By Michael Howell

Sunnyside Orchards, a Wyoming-based company proposing a 580-lot development near the Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge north of Stevensville, sponsored its first public meeting to explain the project last Tuesday, January 24 at the Lone Rock School gym. Public concern over the proposal has been growing as news of the development emerged following a series of meetings between the developer's representatives and immediate neighbors, some school and other government officials. Concerned citizens began holding their own meetings to discuss the proposal, but last Tuesday's meeting was the first official public meeting sponsored by the developer to present his plans for public review. Over 200 people showed up. More...