“No Bull”

Published by BS Central
515 2nd Ave. S • Glasgow, MT 59230
406-228-4558 • fax: 406-228-4578
bscentral@nemont.net

24
ol 4, 20
. 13 pril
V

Thursday, A

Paul Etchart presented the Tampico, Montana, a Judy the Valley County Pioneer Museum, definitely a piece of
Michael painting poster board, the newest addition into Valley County history and well worth a look.

The History stop along the James Hill’s Great

Northern railroad built in the late
who worked on the section crews.
This often consisted of multiple

of Tampico
19th century. There was a water tank
and a pumping station built to take
water from the Milk River to the
by Paul Etchart with station for the steam locomotives.
the help of many The depot section house and
Tampico, Montana was a water other houses were built for men
generations. These railroad families
were essential to the town’s growth
by working well with local farmers,
ranchers, and local businesses.
The Great Northern Railway
continued on page 4
 BUZZIFIEDS
BUZZ
FOR SALE: Southside home with many updates. 1 bedroom & full bath
on the main floor, 2 bedroom & half bath upstairs, laundry in basement,
central A/C. Asking $125,000. Call for details and an appointment to view.
RZ REALTY 406-263-8352
BUZZ
FOR SALE: Northside corner lot, close to Irle School, 3 bedroom & bath
on main floor, 1 bedroom and full bath in basement, central A/C, and a two
car detached garage. Asking $225,000. Call for details and an appointment
to view. RZ REALTY 406-263-8352
BUZZ
FOR SALE: 2 Custom Hurst recurve bows. Piranha 59” 43# @ 28” with
carbon front limb. Piranha 59” 32# @ 28”. Both are in perfect condition
Also, SMLRO electric bicycle, 2 years old, 21 speed, 26” x 4” fat tires, lots
of features. CALLS ONLY 406-688-9797
BUZZ
And what a
beauty
Thursday
Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 75. Southeast wind
18 to 21 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 42. Breezy, with
an east southeast wind 18 to 25 mph, with gusts as high
as 38 mph.
Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 71. Southeast wind
14 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph.
Friday Night: A 30 percent chance of rain after midnight.
Increasing clouds, with a low around 42. East wind 16 to
20 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph.
Saturday: Rain likely, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy,
with a high near 56. East northeast wind 13 to 15 mph,
with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is
60%.
Saturday Night: Rain likely. Cloudy, with a low around 41.
North wind 10 to 14 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.
Chance of precipitation is 70%.
Sunday: Rain likely, mainly before noon. Mostly cloudy,
with a high near 51. North wind around 10 mph. Chance
of precipitation is 60%.
Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy,
with a low around 36. North wind 8 to 10 mph.
Monday: A 40 percent chance of rain. Mostly cloudy,
with a high near 53. North northeast wind 8 to 10 mph
becoming northwest in the afternoon.
Monday Night: A 20 percent chance of rain before
midnight. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 35.
Tuesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 59. West wind 8
to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph.
Tuesday Night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 37.
Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 60.
SPACIOUS APT. FOR RENT: 2 bed, 1½ bath 950 sq. ft. Laundry room, A/C.
QUIET, City of Glasgow. Small pets considered. $750/mo. 360-750-6746
BUZZ
FOR RENT 2 bedroom house. Full basement with washer & dryer hookups.
1 mile west of Glasgow. No pets, no smokers. Deposit and references
required. $800/mo. plus utilities. 406-228-9014
BUZZ
HOUSING AUTHORITY OF GLASGOW is looking for families of 3
or more to qualify for units. Applications available on our website at
housingauthorityofglasgow.com or at our office. Our hours are 8a-4p Mon-
Thurs and 8a-3p Fridays. CALL FOR DETAILS 406.228.4942
BUZZ
OILFIELD HELP WANTED must have valid drivers license, reliable
transportation, must pass a pre-hire drug test and random tests, must be
flexible for scheduling and work 12 hour shifts, must work well with others
and follow orders, must be able to be away from home for extended periods
of time. CONTACT STEVE FOR MORE INFO AND TO APPLY, 406-942-
0164 SEND RESUME TO s.chappell@hotmail.com
BUZZ
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT POSITION Valley County Health
Department, working jointly with the Sanitarian and Director. The
position requires learning the online Montana Immunization system,
organization, attention to detail, customer service, and teamwork. The
successful candidate will have proficient computer skills in Microsoft office,
communicate well both verbally and in writing, and work well with the public
and co-workers. This position is essential in scheduling and documenting
childhood vaccinations for all of Valley County. Other job duties include
participation and/or administration of two current health department
programs (to be determined based on skills), and other duties as assigned.
We can train the right person who has a wide range of experience and
is ready to jump into a fast-paced department committed to the health
and well-being of Valley County residents. Full time is preferred but will
consider hiring a candidate for 30-40 hours per week. This position offers
a FULL BENEFIT package with pay starting at $18.00 per hour, depending
on experience. Please contact Valley County Health Department at
501 Court Square #11, Glasgow, MT 59230 or call 406-228-6261 for a
complete job description and application.
BUZZ
PROJECT MANAGER POSITION Valley County Health Department: Work
toward a healthier Valley County through disease prevention and health
promotion. Duties include collaborative planning, organizing, and managing
ongoing grant programs to efficiently meet established program goals
and objectives, evaluating performance, ensuring program compliance
with applicable public health laws and associated regulations, and related
duties as needed. Strong writing, oral communication skills, and Microsoft
Office proficiency are essential. Education and experience equivalent
to bachelor’s degree AND/OR 5 years’ experience required. This is not
an entry-level position. Requires a Montana driver’s license. Full time is
preferred but will consider hiring a candidate for 30-40 hours per week.
This position offers a FULL BENEFIT package and $22.50 - $28.50 per
hour depending on education/experience. Please contact Valley County
Health Department at 501 Court Square #11, Glasgow, MT 59230 or call
406-228-6261 for a complete job description and application.
BUZZ
VIKING CONSTRUCTION, INC. is looking to hire Concrete Finishers and
Carpenters. Pay $15-30/hr depending on experience. CALL 406-698-5208
BUZZ
HINSDALE PUBLIC SCHOOL is looking for the following positions for the
2024-25 school year. •7-12 science •5th/6th elementary •full time custodial
•elementary paraprofessional. If you are interested in any of these positions,
please contact Adam Zopp at 406-364-2314 or at superintendent@hinsdale.
k12.mt.us. Visit our website, hinsdale.k12.mt.us, for more information.
Hinsdale is a great place to work and raise a family. Join us!!
 BUZZIFIEDS
BUZZ
THE WOOD is looking to fill Morning Dining Room Server shift, we are
somewhat flexible, hours to be determined based on applicants. Starting
wage is $12 per hour plus tips and benefits. Ensure that all guests are
served to the hotel’s standard in the restaurant areas and room service in a
friendly, timely and efficient manner. Display highest standards of hospitality
at all times. APPLY AT COTTONWOOD INN & SUITES
BUZZ
VALLEY VIEW HOME is searching for a new full time Ward Clerk. The
Ward Clerk diligently works with nursing and social services to meet our
residents needs. Please apply if interested, starting wage DOE and is very
competitive. PLEASE STOP BY VALLEY VIEW HOME ADMIN OFFICE
FOR AN APPLICATION AND JOIN OUR TEAM!
BUZZ
THOMPSON & SONS is looking for shop foreman. Wage is DOE. Must
have experience in mechanics and in managing personnel. 406-228-4801
BUZZ
DURUM is looking for part time evening cook and part time server. Starting
wage is $14/hour. STOP BY THE DURUM FOR APPLICATION.
BUZZ
THE LOADED TOAD is looking to hire part-time baristas for the coffee shop
in Glasgow, will be weekdays and weekends, must have good customer
service skills, ability to work with others and have time management
skills. STOP BY THE LOADED TOAD AT 527 2ND AVE S., TO PICKUP
APPLICATION.
BUZZ
COTTONWOOD INN Part time, 3 nights a week Night Audit Position.
Represent the hotel throughout all stages of the guest’s stay. Check hotel
accounting records for accuracy. Prepare a summary of cash, check, and
credit card activities, reflecting the hotel’s financial performance for the
day. Post room charges and room taxes to guest accounts. Starting wage
$17 APPLY AT COTTONWOOD INN & SUITES
BUZZ
SUNNYSIDE GOLF COURSE is seeking a Bar Manager. Duties include,
but not limited to, Scheduling of bartenders and clubhouse staff, Ordering
of All Beverages, Beer and Liquor, Ordering of regularly stocked food
items, Answering phone calls and booking tee times, Keeping the
Clubhouse and surroundings neat, clean, and stocked as needed. This is
a full time seasonal position wage dependent on experience. CONTACT
DAN DAUBNER FOR MORE INFORMATION AND AN APPLICATION
406-230-2539
BUZZ
SUNNYSIDE GOLF COURSE is seeking Seasonal Bar Help. Day, night,
and weekend shifts available. Duties include, but not limited to, tending bar,
light cleaning, and some kitchen duties. CONTACT DAN DAUBNER FOR
MORE INFORMATION AND AN APPLICATION 406-230-2539
BUZZ
SUNNYSIDE GOLF COURSE is seeking a Greenskeeper. Duties include
maintaining fairways, greens, tee boxes, and roughs on a nine-hole golf
course. Must be teachable, mechanically inclined, able to operate and
maintain mid-sized machinery, and able to supervise part-time help.
Knowledge and understanding of sprinkler systems is a plus, but training
is available. Position would begin April 1 and conclude October 31 yearly.
Wages DOE and negotiable. CONTACT DAN DAUBNER FOR MORE
INFORMATION AND AN APPLICATION 406-230-2539
BUZZ
BLEND 10 IS HIRING! Pick up application at anytime during business
hours! Must be able to work in a fast paced environment, have good
customer service, & be a quick learner! Must be able to work week days
& some weekends! Join our team! 319 KLEIN AVE
BUZZ
HI-LINE FORD INC in Glasgow MT is looking for a Diesel Mechanic to
add to our crew. Diagnose faults in vehicles using diagnostic equipment
to successfully repair or replace defective parts. Technical and mechanical
experience. Be able to use diagnostic equipment. Be a productive team
player. Be able to work to meet deadlines and targets. Be self-motivated
and organized. Have valid driver’s license. Pay is competitive with market
depending on experience. Benefits available after probation-401k with
match, Optical dental savings with match, health insurance partially
company paid. 5 day week-weekends off. 8-5 workday. Continued training
through Ford Motor Company to keep up with the continuous changes in
technology. Small town living with many outdoor recreational actives. Submit
resume to email joshsillerud@hlfmt.net. CALL IN FOR QUESTIONS JOSH
AT 406-228-2141 OR 866-528-2141
BUZZ
COTTONWOOD INN Full or part time Front Desk. Represent the hotel
throughout all stages of the guest’s stay. Determine guest’s reservation
status and identify how long the guest will stay. Help guests complete sign-
in sheets and assign rooms, accommodating special requests whenever
possible. Verify the guest’s method of payment and follow established credit-
checking procedures. Place guest and room information in the appropriate
front desk rack. Position is full time, including weekends. Starting wage is
$15.00. APPLY AT COTTONWOOD INN & SUITES
BUZZ
VALLEY COUNTY TRANSIT has an opening for a part time employee that
could become full time. Benefits include sick, vacation and holiday pay. Must
be able to obtain a CDL within 90 days of hire. People skills and good driving
record are required. Will be subject to preemployment drug test, criminal and
driving record check. CALL 406-228-8747 FOR MORE INFORMATION.
BUZZ
POSITION AVAILABLE Blade Operator Position. The Valley County Road
Department is looking to hire Permanent Equipment Operator. Information
and details can be obtained stopping by or calling the VALLEY COUNTY
ROAD DEPARTMENT AT 406-228-4233
BUZZ
MILK RIVER, INC Has positions open for Day Shift and Night Shift. APPLY
AT MILK RIVER INC. 406-228-8412
BUZZ
VALLEY VIEW HOME is looking for CNAs for day shift. High paid wage
for CNAs with long term care experience. We can train and certify anyone
who wants to become a CNA as well. Starting wage for trainees is $15.00
hourly. PLEASE SWING BY VALLEY VIEW HOME ADMIN OFFICE FOR
AN APPLICATION AND JOIN OUR TEAM!
BUZZ
NOW HIRING: Glasgow Irrigation District is hiring a Ditch Rider. Must be
a responsible, hardworking & honest individual to join our team. We are
looking for a LONG term employee. A positive attitude is a MUST. Training
is provided. Starting wage $17.00hr. Benefits: Health Insurance, Retirement,
Sick, Holiday, Vacation & Comp time. CALL 228-2346 OR STOP IN FOR
AN APPLICATION
BUZZ
AG PARTNERS, LLC FARMERS ELEVATOR: Bag Lawn Fertilizer for sale.
We no longer fill buckets, but we do have plenty of bags. 406-228-4422
Valley Vet Spring Fever
Feline Castration
Promo For the month of April:
Bring in 2 cats to be fixed at the same time.
1 must be a male • The male will be free
Both must be current on
rabies or receive one on
day of surgery.
406-228-2437 • 7353 MT Hwy 42 • Glasgow, MT 59230
Tampico continued from front mail, passengers, and goods. Most of the highway roads
were graveled in this era which made it impossible to
had a local passenger train service that was started in the traverse in harsh weather conditions.
early 1900’s through about the 1950’s which was called The Enlarged Homestead Act of 1909, which
the “Skidoo Train”. This passenger train ran from Havre increased allocated acreage for dry land homesteading
(223 Eastbound) to Williston (224 Westbound). This from 160 acres to 320, created a homestead rush in 1910
train had an engine, two baggage cars, one freight car, to the Tampico area.
and a coach at the rear of the train. This service brought Some of the original homesteaders were the
Lohr family, Art & Marie Motzkau, Mary Harrington
Maalereud, Nellie Erickson Martin, Al White, Moroney
Family, Connerton Family, and many more. The
homesteaders came from all parts of the United States
of America and all over the world. Newly arrived
Immigrants from Europe arrived in immigrant railroad
cars that helped settle the land around Tampico.
The town site of Tampico was growing. The original
Post Office was at the Lohr farm and around 1910 was
moved into Art and Marie Motzkau’s General store -
which operated until 1957. The Post Office continued to
operate until 1973
Around 1911, T.G. Dahl also built a general store
and M.T. Mattson started a lumberyard and hardware
store around the same time. The Tampico Steel truss
bridge was built in 1911, connecting lands to the west
and north of the Milk River - which also helped local

&
commerce and transportation for over 90 years until it
Performance was replaced in the early 21st century.
Concrete Tampico School was built in 1912 by Dick Hilt
Construction and the Opsahl brothers to accommodate local
• Residential & school children. The Tampico School was a one room
Commercial Concrete schoolhouse that went through the 8th grade. In the
Fort Peck, Montana • New Construction
Cell 406-263-8054 & Remodels early 1940’s the Billingsley School was added on to
Fax: 406-367-5257 the Tampico School. This required two teachers to
mudman@nemont.net Rod Lambert
accommodate for the population growth. A lot of the
teachers stayed with local farm and ranch families. The
Tampico School operated until 1977.
Richard Motzkau built a small garage in 1917 which
eventually was destroyed in a fire. In 1926, he built a
larger garage and hardware store which he operated
until 1977. Motzkau was an operator for the railroad,
NOW HIRING ran the Great Northern Treating Plant, carried the
mail to and from the railroad depot, and had farming
Housekeeping interests until 1977.
Come by the Hotel and pick up an application As Tampico grew, a Community Hall was built
in 1917 to accommodate local gatherings. In fact, in
Pay: Up to $16-18/hour addition to the Community Hall, Tampico at one point
$500 SIGN-ON BONUS in time had a country store, grain elevator, post office,
railroad depot, stockyards, garage, lumber and supply
Job Type: Full-time / Part-time
store, blacksmith’s shop, and a sugar beet dump near the
Shifts: All Shifts railyard. By the late 1930s there was also a grass landing
It was a “packed house” at the Valley County Pioneer Museum on February 27th to take in the history of Tampico.
strip at Etchart Field for small airplanes near Tampico.
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation Milk River
Irrigation Project brought many workers to build the
Vandalia Diversion Dam in 1917. There was a lot of
construction, canals, and leveling of land, and building
ditches for irrigation purposes. The Vandalia canal
diverts water to be used southeast of Vandalia for
Tampico, Glasgow, and all the way to Nashua (Glasgow
Water District). This irrigation project produced more
fertile lands that grew higher quality crops like sugar
beets, corn, alfalfa, hay, and grains.
In the fall around Tampico, crops would be
harvested for transport. Sugar beets were loaded and
shipped off to Chinook, Montana. Grain crops were
hauled to be weighed and unloaded at the grain elevator
for storage to be later hauled by rail. The Great Northern
Railway shipped wool during shearing operations. In
the fall, the stockyards were busy with sheep and cattle
which were trailed in by ranchers, loaded, and shipped
to the Midwest.
Tampico slowing down era:
Things changed when the main road, US Highway
2, got moved further to the north, and fewer people
passed through Tampico. But that didn’t stop Tampico
from being special. For those in Valley County, this
place holds memories of a strong community spirit.
Even now, when you’re in Tampico, you can feel the
heart and soul of its history - therefore maintaining
cultural significance to the county. Most of old Tampico
is gone besides a few remaining buildings owned by
Rick Molvig.
This Tampico project is to honor all the past
Tampico family members. The Tampico project
includes a composite of land ownership for the last 100
years or so. In 2023, the artwork on this was done by
Judy Michael. Paul Etchart helped with the concept and
design of the Tampico painting, Tampico article, and
compilation of land ownership.
Paul would like to thank Rick and Alison Molvig,
Ken Molvig, Sever and Kim Enkerud, Lee Cornwell,
Bud Cornwell, Gary Martin Family, Matt Page, Steve
and Michele Page, Don Nelson, Sonny Floyd Jr. Nelson
Family, Jack Billingsley, Barry Billingsley, Sid Rice, Pat
Rice, Ben Boreson, Dick Cotton, Doris Ozark, Dorothy
Eayrs, Paula Tischmak Schledewitz, Roubie Younkin,
Norm Braaten, James Kirkland, Don Elletson, Don
Jones, Scott Cassel, Scott Fossum, Bruce Riggen, Tim
Potter, Steve Sukut, Billy Uphaus, Craig Gilchrist,
Bob Meiers, Mike Dailey, Wes Scott, Joe Etchart,
Ethan Etchart, Emily Etchart, Evan Etchart, and Barry
Chalmers. Thank you to all who contributed to the
Tampico project.
INTERLOK INC.
SPRAY FOAM
Pancake Breakfast
SATURDAY, APRIL 6
SERVICES & the First Saturday of each Month
7:00 - 10:00 AM
Residential AT THE GLASGOW SENIOR
Commercial CITIZEN CENTER
$7 for Regular Breakfast
Industrial $10 for Large Hearty Breakfast
COME ON DOWN & JOIN US!
406-210-0400 Sponsored by Thrivent Financial

BREAKAWAY
ROPING CLINIC
Clinician: Tiffany Ogren
Held at the Indoor Pavilion in Malta
April 12-13,
Beginner/Intermediate
Breakaway
Cost $400, Deposit $200
April 14,
Advance Breakaway
Cost $250, Deposit $200
ALL 3 DAYS
Cost $550, Deposit $350
Includes:
Dummy Work • Sled Work
Live Cattle
Mental Performance Coaching
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily,
Meals on your Own
Limited stalls available
To register or for more info,
call Tiffany at 406-794-2086

APRIL 3 - 9, 2024
Family Pack Certified Angus Beef® 93% Lean
GROUND BEEF .......................... $4.49 lb
Certified Angus Beef® Boneless
SIRLOIN TIP ROAST ................... $4.99 lb
Boneless Pork Southern Country Style
RIBS......................................... $1.99 lb
Family Pack Certified Angus Beef® Boneless
NEW YORK STEAKS ................. $12.99 lb
Family Pack Certified Angus Beef®
TRI TIP STEAKS ......................... $9.99 lb
Bone-In Assorted
PORK CHOPS ............................ $1.99 lb
All Natural Frozen Boneless Skinless
CHICKEN BREASTS .................... $2.49 lb
Frozen Tray Pack
CHICKEN WINGS ....................... $1.99 lb
Ocean Beauty 10 oz.
TUNA STEAKS .........................$11.99 ea
Oscar Mayer 7-9 oz. Select Varieties
LUNCH MEAT ...............................2 / $9
El Monterey 8 ct. Select Varieties
LUNCH MEAT ........................... $4.99 ea
BIG EVENTS FRIDAY:
Scobey, Montana Here We Come Let’s Feed
by Aaron Flint, Montana Talks
the Need
A LIVE radio show in the morning. A meet and Help us “break”
greet at the station. We’re picking up part of your tab at the scale!
lunch. Then, the Lincoln Reagan dinner Friday night. Our goal is to collect 1,000 pounds of food
We’ve got a great series of events planned this Friday. for the local food bank.
There should be a great turnout in the small Bring your donation into the Bank of Glasgow and
Northeast Montana town of Scobey Friday night. I think get entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card.
they’re expecting over 30 candidates alone to show up Collecting items until April 30th, 2024.
for the Daniels County Lincoln Reagan Day Dinner. Must be 18 or older. Need not be a customer to win.
Statewide, local, and Congressional candidates will all
be in the house.
Sounds like close to 200 tickets have already been
sold, with more tickets still available. Turnout at several
of the LRDD events has been pretty good from what I am
hearing, especially given the wide open race for Eastern
Montana’s Congressional seat now that Congressman
Matt Rosendale (R-MT) is no longer running for re-
election. There’s over a dozen candidates now seeking
that office in both Democrat and Republican primaries.
Here’s a list of events Friday in Scobey:
• 9-10 AM: Montana Talks Statewide Radio Show with
Aaron Flint LIVE from KCGM Radio Station
• 10-11 AM: Meet and Greet with Aaron Flint and
KCGM Radio Personalities
• 12-1:30 PM: AFP Montana event at the DC Lanes
Cafe. (This event is paid for by Americans for
Prosperity- Montana. Aaron Flint and AFP-Montana
will be handing out $24 gift cards to help cover the
high costs of inflation that are hitting our country.)
• 5-9 PM: Daniels County Lincoln Reagan Day Dinner
at St. Phillip Bonitus Catholic Church 404 Timmons
St, Scobey, Montana. Aaron Flint is one of two keynote
speakers for the event, including the Honorable
David Marit, Ag minister for the Canadian province
of Saskatchewan. He should be VERY interesting.
Look forward to seeing all of our friends in Scobey
this Friday!

GLASGOW
SCHOOL MENU
FRIDAY
Breakfast
Biscuits & Gravy • Cheese
Stick • Yogurt • Apple • Milk
Lunch
Sloppy Joes w/ Dill Slices
Dill Spear • Broccoli w/
Cheese • Pineapple • Carrot
Cake • Milk
Senate President Appointing Committee to Address Judicial Overreach
Montana Senate President Jason Ellsworth, They’re seizing power that doesn’t belong to them
R-Hamilton, is appointing a new committee to address and undermining our constitutional system of checks
violations of the state’s constitutional separation of powers and balances,” Ellsworth said. “Only two of the seven
by the Montana Supreme Court and judicial branch of Supreme Court justices, Jim Rice and Dirk Sandefur, are
government. showing a modicum of judicial restraint. Multiple district
Ellsworth provided a copy of the committee’s draft court judges are also attempting to take the law into their
organizing document to legislators and staff earlier today. own hands. The Legislature must address this systemic
A copy of that document is attached to this release. overreach and restore the balance of power within our
The only voting members of the Senate Select government that Montana’s constitution demands.”
Committee on Judicial Oversight and Reform will be Public notice about the Senate Select Committee
senators, per legislative rules. on Judicial Oversight and Reform’s first meeting will be
Ellsworth is appointing Republican senators Barry provided in the same manner as all legislative committees.
Usher (Yellowstone/Musselshell), Steve Fitzpatrick (Great
Falls), Tom McGillvray (Billings), Steve Hinebauch
(Wibaux), Wendy McKamey (Great Falls), Carl Glimm Meet the Candidates
(Kila), Chris Friedel (Billings), Mark Noland (Bigfork), Meet & Greet
and Daniel Emrich (Great Falls) to the committee.
Ellsworth is consulting with Senate Minority Leader
Thursday, April 4th at 5:30 PM
Pat Flowers about Democratic members of the select at the VFW
committee. Additional non-voting committee members Candidate for SD 15 ~ Gregg Hunter &
may also be added. Ellsworth will serve as the select
Candidate for HD 29 ~ Valerie Moore
committee’s chair and Usher will serve as vice chair.
Refreshments & food will be provided by Auzzy’s Cook shack.
The committee’s objectives will include creating
legislation for the 2025 Legislature to rein in Montana
courts’ abuse of power, restoring coequal power among
Montana’s three branches of government, establishing
more oversight of the judiciary, strengthening legislative
rules and procedures, and improving court processes on
important constitutional cases.
Ellsworth’s appointment of a Senate select committee
focused on the judiciary comes after a series of troubling
judicial rulings at the district court and Supreme Court
levels. A majority of state senators recently signed a
letter condemning an unconstitutional veto override
poll ordered by the courts. Multiple senators, including
leadership, have raised alarm about a Supreme Court
ruling interfering with internal legislative rules. Within
just the past week, Ellsworth has responded to two
separate Supreme Court rulings intruding on the
Legislature’s lawmaking role. Ellsworth and House
Speaker Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, have filed amicus briefs
on behalf of the Legislature in the Held climate case and
a lawsuit over a 2021 bill. A bipartisan group of legislators
and housing advocates have also expressed concerns
about a ruling from a Gallatin County district court
judge temporarily blocking some of the 2023 Legislature’s
“Montana Miracle” pro-housing bills.
“Simply put, Montana’s courts are out of control.