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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!”
‘The B Volume XXXV, Number 30
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Established 1985 – Locally owned & independent
Montana Supreme Court to hear arguments in Christensen appeal
New digs!
By Michael Howell
The Montana Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in the appeal of former Florence doctor Chris Christensen. The 72-year-old former physician was charged in 2015 and, following a long jury trial, was convicted of two cases of negligent homicide and 20 counts of drug related charges having to do with opiod medications. He was sentenced to serve 20 years with ten suspended but remains free on bond pending resolution of his appeal. Christensen is challenging the conviction, claiming that a medical doctor cannot be charged with a crime “while acting in the course of professional practice.” Prosecutors claim that Christensen acted outside the course of
Victor Fire Department relocates Marty Zufelp (right) of the Victor Fire Department cleans out his locker at the old station next to the Victor Park. The fire department moved into their new station on Meridian Road on Saturday. The Victor ambulance (above) is backing into its new bay. The new building has been fully remodeled with room for at least fire and rescue vehicles, two training classrooms and offices. Montana Highway Patrol has an office there. They even have their own laundry facilities to take care of turn-out gear that has potentially been exposed to hazardous materials.
Are the kids in your life experiencing a little cabin fever? This Saturday, February 15, they have a chance to get out and explore opportunities for camps and workshops that are taking place throughout the summer. The event will be indoors at Fort Owen Ranch and is free! This event is similar to the Youth Expo that will be held on May 9, 2020, at Teller Wildlife Refuge. According to Tom Powers, one of the organizers of the event, it gives more teens and preteens a chance to see what sort of summer camps are available for those interested in the great outdoors. The representatives from various camps throughout the state will be on hand to offer information regarding when and where the camps are as well as ages for the camps. There will also be drawings for these camps. The horse packing camp will be conducted by the Back Country Horsemen of Montana. Members of the Selway Pintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen will be helping out with camp opportunities. The summer camp will take place in the Scapegoat Wilderness in late July or Early August. This camp is for
a professional medical practitioner by “freely and liberally dispensing dangerous drugs to drug addicts resulting in the deaths of two patients.”
Rocky Mountain Laboratory to study 2019 novel Coronavirus
Youth Expo and Archery Shoot to be held at Fort Owen Ranch By Jean Schurman
Chris Christensen
“Victim after victim testified about the ease with which Christensen gave them the drugs, often at their own choosing without Christensen performing even the customary basic tasks that would define his actions as being within the course of professional practice,” wrote the prosecutors. Christensen has until March 5 to file a reply brief. The Justices, who have allowed Christensen five filing extensions so far in the appeal process, said they will grant no more extensions. Oral arguments have been set for April 3, at the George Dennison Theatre at the University of Montana in Missoula. There will be an introduction at 9 a.m. and arguments will begin at 9:30 a.m. The court said it would not entertain any requests for rescheduling.
ages 12-17. Another opportunity is the Glacier Institute near Glacier Park. These camps are for all ages from
7 to 17 years of age, with camps beginning in June and running
See YOUTH EXPO, page 2
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (named “2019-nCoV”) that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and which continues to expand. According to information on the CDC website, Chinese health officials have reported tens of thousands of infections with 2019-nCoV in China, with the virus reportedly spreading from person-to-person in parts of that country. Infections with 2019-nCoV, most of them associated with travel from Wuhan, also are being reported in a growing number of international locations including the United States. Some person-to-person spread of this virus outside China has been detected. The United States reported the first confirmed instance of
person-to-person spread with this virus on January 30, 2020. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people such as with MERS, SARS, and now with 2019-nCoV. Several research groups in the Laboratory of Virology at Rocky Mountain Laboratories have begun studies of the 2019 novel coronavirus. Some projects already are under way, others will begin shortly. RML scientists have studied a related virus, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, since it emerged in 2012 in Saudi Arabia, so they have expertise in this type of research. Their research projects will involve things like: • Learning how the virus
binds to cells so they can develop therapies to prevent the binding and stop infection. • Learning how stable the virus is in the environment. • Establishing an animal model to study the virus. • Testing the safety and effectiveness of vaccines and treatments. If you have general questions about the virus, the CDC has a Novel Coronavirus web page with the latest information: https:// www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index. html. These web pages include more information about symptoms, prevention, and treatment; guidance for healthcare professionals; travel; and a situation summary with the latest news. An overview of NIH coronavirus research is available at: https:// www.niaid.nih.gov/diseases-conditions/coronaviruses
By Michael Howell
to ask you a few questions. Nine to be exact. Even if someone comes knocking, you don’t have to worry, according to McCarthy. She said in her twenty years of working for the U.S. Census Bureau she has never heard of any action being taken against someone who refused to answer the census. McCarthy is one of four Partnership Specialists going around the state encouraging the establishment of local Complete Count Committees composed of local volunteers who promote the 2020 Census and educate the community about the need for a complete count. The U.S. Census Bureau began hiring Partnership Specialists to carry out the 2020 Census a year ago in January. McCarthy was hired to serve 12
counties in the northeastern corner of the state and three Tribes. Her duties multiplied when the Partnership Specialist for the southwestern portion of the state resigned in September. That specialist had contacted the county, according to Commission Chair Chris Hoffman, and the commission expressed a willingness to help but there was never a follow up. McCarthy apologized for the dropped ball and said she was ready, albeit a bit late, to work on promoting the census. “In the past they have gone out with federal folks,” said McCarthy, “and gone into a community and said, ‘Gee, we think this is the best thing for your com-
2020 U.S. Census about to start in Ravalli County
Alex Sorenson, 4H archery leader for the past 15 years, is in charge of the Archery Shoot at Fort Owen Ranch this Saturday.
9TH ANNUAL COWBOY BALL FEBRUARY 15TH • 5:30PM Tables still available! Call the Fairgrounds 363-3411
Colleen McCarthy, a Partnership Specialist for the U.S. Census Bureau, visited with the Ravalli County Commissioners last week, drumming up support for the upcoming 2020 U.S. Census. Collection of census data is set to begin with a letter sent to residents in the first week of March followed on March 12 with the launching of the on-line application site and the activation of the phone line. “What’s different about this census than any other to date,” said McCarthy, “is that you get a chance to respond on-line.” She said every head of household being queried can respond either by going on-line, by phone, or by regular mail. If you don’t, someone may come knocking at your door
See CENSUS, page 2
FIRST INTERSTATE BUILDING Ravalli County Fairgrounds Feed bucket raffle, LIVE Auction, Music by shoDOWN