VOLUME 99
ISSUE 29
TIMES
FALLON County
fctimes@midrivers.com 406-778-3344
BAKER, MONTANA 59313
$1.00
FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2015
Property owners to receive Classification and Appraisal Notices HELENA - The Montana Department of Revenue is mailing out Classification and Appraisal Notices to all owners of residential, commercial, industrial, agriculture and forest land properties. The department’s determination of a property’s market and taxable values is shown on the notice. “We ask you to review the information thoroughly,” said Mike Kadas, Director of the Montana Department of Revenue. “Although this is not a tax bill, it is important information that your county treasurer’s office will use when calculating your property tax bill.”
New this year, property owners can access additional details about their property characteristics and values online by visiting: revenue.mt.gov/property-assessment. If property owners disagree with the department’s determination, they can submit a Form AB-26, Request for Informal Classification and Appraisal Review, to the department. The Form AB-26 must be submitted within 30 days from the date on the Classification and Appraisal Notice. To obtain a Form AB-26, property owners can contact their local department office located in each county or go online to:
revenue.mt.gov/appeal-process. Instead of submitting a Form AB-26 for an informal review, property owners may choose to make a formal appeal directly to the county tax appeal board, also within 30 days of the notice date. However, the department does encourage taxpayers to file a Form AB-26 as most property taxpayer concerns are resolved informally with the department through the AB-26 process. Montana law requires the department to send a Classification and Appraisal Notice to property owners at the beginning of each appraisal
cycle and whenever a change in ownership, classification, or value has occurred. Under new state law, residential, commercial, agricultural, and industrial properties are now classified and appraised every two years. The reappraisal cycle for forest land remains at six years. The public can find contact information for local Department of Revenue offices by visiting: revenue.mt.gov/contact-us or by calling toll free 866-859-2254.
Stanhope accused of stealing thousands A former bookkeeper employed at Farmers Union Oil Company in Baker has been charged with felony theft for allegedly stealing fuel over a six year period. Court documents show Barbara Stanhope of Baker is charged with four counts of felony theft for issuing herself and her daughter Farmers Union cardtrol cards linked to accounts belonging to Elenburg Exploration, Burlington Northern Santa Fe, and Halliburton Energy Services. As head bookkeeper, Stanhope was in charge of accounts receivable and accounts payable and had the authority to issue cardtrol cards for customers. She issued cardtrol cards in her name and her daughter’s name between July 2008 and October 2014 and used the cards to charge fuel for personal use. Stanhope quit her job mid-July last year, continuing to use cardtrol cards to charge fuel. Almost $14,000 worth of fuel was charged to the accounts. Judge George W. Huss issued an arrest warrant July 8 with bail set at $15,000. Stanhope was arrested on July 9 and posted bail. Maximum penalty on each count of felony theft is up to ten years state prison or $50,000 fine, or both.
Stolen car leads to local fugitive’s arrest Seven teams and 77 participants are currently registered for the Relay Friday, July 17.
Community invited to participate in Fallon County Relay for Life event By Lori Kesinger “Calling All Angels” is the theme for the sixth annual Fallon County Relay for Life event to be held Friday, July 17, at the Roger Schmidt Amphitheater in Baker. Those who battle cancer know there are many “angels” known as caregivers, friends, families, and volunteers. Seven teams and 77 participants are currently registered for the Relay and have thus far raised $20,119.26 in donations. Registration will start at 6:00 p.m. and all teams must stop by the registration tent. A Survivor’s Supper, sponsored by Nalco Champion, will be held in the big tent from 5:00-6:30 p.m. The opening ceremony will start at 7:00 p.m. Dena Kirschten of the Relay committee will give the welcome, and the Pledge of Allegiance will be presented by the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts. Pastor Joel Noel will give the opening prayer. Sara Helgoth will be speaking, as well as Eran Thompson of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. The first lap around the track at 7:45 p.m. will be the Survivors and Caregivers Lap, in which all cancer survivors and caregivers at the event will take the first lap around the track celebrating victory over cancer. All cancer survivors in the community are invited to attend and as survivors are considered
guests of honor. A Parade of Teams will follow the first lap and the public is welcome to walk the track at 9:00 p.m. The Luminaria Ceremony will take place at the amphitheater at 10:00 p.m. to honor local cancer survivors and remember those lost to the disease. Candles are lit inside personalized bags and are placed around the track as glowing tributes to those who have been affected by cancer. Teams will camp out and team members will take turns walking or running around the track the rest of the night. Cancer never sleeps so a team member will be on the track at all times. Teams do most of their fundraising prior to the event, but most will also hold creative fundraisers at their camp sites during the Relay. The Relay will be filled with many fun games, lap themes, and prizes throughout the night. Entertainment will be provided by the Rock Jocks. Kruger’s Kitchen will serve a free will donation breakfast at the Survivor’s Tent starting at 3:30 a.m. All teams will gather at 6:40 a.m. for success announcements, the blessing, and closing. Everyone will walk the last lap around the track at 7:00 a.m. and there will be a balloon release. SEE RELAY FOR LIFE, PAGE 7
Police warn of thefts from cars By Lori Kesinger Baker police are warning residents to take care to secure their valuables and lock their cars in town. The police department has received complaints of theft from inside vehicles parked in Baker. The thefts occurred through unlocked doors, however, leaving even a phone in plain sight may give a thief enough reason to break in. These thefts often increase during the summer time simply because the weather is warmer, and it is a lot more convenient to do it, especially later in the evening. Citizens should lock their cars and put valuables out of sight and, if possible, park in lighted areas at night.
Russell’s Clothing Baker, Montana 406-778-2427
He may have been trying to run from the law, but a man who broke into Equity Co-op in Baker has been arrested in Oregon. Jacob Dean Renner, formerly of Baker, was arrested July 4 on unrelated charges of criminal trespass and possession of a stolen vehicle in Lane County, Oregon. Renner was a past employee of Equity Co-op familiar with the location of a Jacob Renner walk-in safe. After breaking into the building on or about June 23, a surveillance video clearly identifying Renner shows him walking through the offices, entering the walk-in safe, and attempting to open a cash register. It was unknown if anything was missing. Renner is charged with one count of felony burglary and faces charges of being a fugitive from justice. Judge George W. Huss issued the warrant for Renner with bail set at $25,000. The investigation by law enforcement is continuing.
Mid-Rivers transitioning from copper to fiber optic By Lori Kesinger You’ve probably seen the crews working around the City of Baker recently and wondered what they were doing, especially with that large orange piping. Mid-Rivers Communications said it is starting to replace old copper lines with fiber optic cable. A contracted crew is doing the work in conjunction with the City’s upcoming alley project. The new conduit is in the initial stage of a long-term infrastructure upgrade. It is not going to any specific locations or homes. Further into the future, the lines will serve the demands of more advanced technology. Customers should be aware the work being done does not affect current internet service. Individuals with internet issues should contact Mid-Rivers Baker office at 406-7782812 or Technical Support at 800-452-2288. Mid-Rivers personnel does not always know there is an issue unless they are contacted and can address the problem.
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