VOLUME 99
ISSUE 45
TIMES
FALLON County
fctimes@midrivers.com 406-778-3344
BAKER, MONTANA 59313
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2015
TransCanada suspends Keystone XL application By Sherry Vogel November 2, TransCanada, the company behind the controversial Keystone XL pipeline which is proposed to span 1,179 miles of land from Canada to the US Gulf Coast, has asked the U.S. State Dept. to suspend its review of the project. The State Department does not have to grant TransCanada’s request for a suspension and instead can continue the review process. This decision disappoints many, but sur-
prises no one. Ahead of their announcement, President Barack Obama intended to make a decision on the pipeline before his presidency ends in January 2017. Some pipeline opponents contend that TransCanada hopes to delay the review process in hopes that a more sympathetic Republican administration will move into the White House. TransCanada spokesman Mark Cooper denies that their request for the suspension has
anything to do with an expected rejection by the Obama administration. He contends that the company’s focus isn’t on the political machinations of what Obama may or may not do or who will be in office a year from now. The Keystone which would span through our local area and run down through South Dakota into Nebraska has met great opposition in the Corn Husker State. Bold Nebraska, an environmental group, and landowners in that state are challenging Gov.
Dave Heineman’s authority to approve a Nebraska route. President Obama, who has final approval of the pipeline because it would cross the US-Canada border, has been awaiting the Nebraska ruling before issuing his decision. Both Montana Senators, senior Democratic Senator Jon Tester, and junior Republican Senator Steve Daines have expressed disappointment following news of this suspension.
City of Baker awarded Planning Grant
BAKER SPARTANS ADVANCE Baker Spartans defeated the Glasgow Scotties, 47-6, in the first playoff game Oct. 31. On Saturday, Nov. 7, Spartans wil host the Manhattan Tigers in the quarter finals at 1 p.m.
Farewell and congratulations ‘Miss Laurie’
By Sherry Vogel Laurie Pankratz, ‘Miss Laurie’, to the children and staff at Lincoln Elementary in Baker retired after serving the Baker School District for 29 years. Always cheerful and always prompt, courteous and considerate, this organized multi-tasker has helped “hold down the fort” at Lincoln School as
secretary for the last nine years. Pankratz isn’t retiring from work entirely, but is instead switching career paths. She and her family are in the process of purchasing Fallon County Abstract. She began working there the day after she closed her office door at the school. Meeting with Pankratz in her new office, I was impressed by the professional upscale office environment. She is enjoying her new job, but admitted she misses the interaction of parents, students and employees at the school. She added, “It is a lot quieter here.” “Quieter” is an understatement. I let my mind venture back to a day I witnessed ‘Miss Laurie’ in action as the school secretary. I vividly recall entering the front door of Lincoln Elementary. I found myself in a small foyer with two young boys who were seated on tiny chairs on either side of her office door. Immediately I realized they were in ‘a time out’ and “partners in discipline’. One boy had that deer in headlight look. His eyes darted back and forth every time the front door opened or closed. He was either anxiously awaiting his mother’s rescue or dreading it. When the other young fellow caught my eye, he crossed his arms and stuck his tongue out while loudly banging the heel of his boot on the chair leg. Cautiously making my way across the office threshold, I was met
by ‘Miss Laurie’s’ big smile and raised eyebrows which acknowledged my entrance. She had one hand on a jammed up copy machine while a short series of high-pitched tones, followed by screeching static signaled an incoming fax. Her head was crooked to one side as she held a telephone on her shoulder while reaching for a tablet to take the message, “Susie So and So was to get on the northbound bus instead of her usual routine to grandma’s house”, and “oh, don’t let her forget her homework”. Teetering on the corner of the office desk was a cake pan with the small crumbled remains of some proud birthday boy or girl’s shared classroom treat. Diminished to a small pile of crumbs and a dried strip of decorative frosting, it appeared that it was left there to be generously shared with ‘Miss Laurie’. Actually, before I could ask … a loud commotion was moving up the hall. A small girl was the source of a high pitched, shrill screech. Her vocal chords could rival the finest state of the art ambulance siren. Between shrieks, she let everyone within earshot know that she had been “bit by a bee” and that “his tooth was still in her finger”. ‘Miss Laurie’ calmly went into action, with the swipe of a sterlized plastic card she skillfully removed the “tooth”, cleansed the affected area, and the child was sent happily upon her way. I left that day with great admiration for ‘Miss Laurie’. Now I marvel at how she performed as school secretary day in and day out with such excellence. Farewell ‘Miss Laurie’ and best of luck in your new adventure, but between you and me … your new job will be a piece of cake!
Sweet and Simple Holiday Affair By Sherry Vogel All ladies are invited to attend a Sweet and Simple Holiday Affair which will be held from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 7, at the fairgrounds exhibit hall in Baker. This third annual holiday extravaganza is enjoyed by local ladies wishing to get into the holiday spirit. Come sample an array of delicious holiday delights while
Russell’s Clothing Baker, Montana 406-778-2427
gathering some wonderful decorating ideas and listen to a guest speaker. Local vendors will be present to help you get a jump start on your Christmas shopping. Come eat, drink and be merry as we usher in the 2015 holiday season. This free will offering event will benefit women’s needs at the food pantry.
By Sherry Vogel The Montana Department of Commerce has awarded the City of Baker a Community Development Grant (CDBG) for $22,500. It is to be used for the purpose of rehabbing downtown Baker. The grant, which belongs to the city, will be administered by Eastern Montana Economic Development Authority (SMART office) under the direction of Mona Madler, EMEDA Director. Grant monies will be used to restore damaged and deteriorated public infrastructure to achieve the goal of revitalizing and promoting a successful downtown business district. Madler, who has been working diligently on urban renewal since 2011 when she first began hosting Vision Meetings to gather the public’s input stated, “Improved public infrastructure in a community is a proven asset in recruiting new businesses and retaining current businesses. Enhancing the downtown core of Baker is essential to the livability and vitality of our city.”
Unofficial Municipal General Election Results City of Baker and Town of Plevna Baker Alderman, Ward One vote for one - four year term: JoDee Pratt 141 Total Electors Voting 159 Ward Two - vote for one four year term: Write-in Candidate Leigh Ann LaCroix 11 Total Electors Voting 101 Plevna Councilman - vote for two - four year terms: Roscoe Gray 26 Thomas C. Shelhamer 27 Total Electors Voting 31
Wild Game Feed The 12th annual Wild Game Feed will be Saturday, Nov. 14, at the Fallon County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall in Baker with proceeds benefitting the Ekalaka Fire Department, Ismay Fire Department, Medicine Rocks Church, and the Sons of the American Legion. The free will donation meal this year will have an array of wild game cuisine including: antelope, deer, elk, buffalo, bighorn sheep, bear, and possibly moose. The meal will be served from 4-6 p.m. with all the fun and games to follow.
Wrap up in a cozy Blanket! Little Giraffe, Pendleton, Woolrich, Denali! Great Christmas Gifts! Free Gift Wrapping.
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