:The Laurel Outlook:Big Story

January 2007

A 15 year old Laurel High School girl was suspended after she sent threatening e-mails to as many as 200 of her classmates. After the incident, school officials took steps to improve district Internet security.

First Citizen's Bank and Western Security Bank announced that they would merge. As part of the merger, the First Citizen's branch closed and Western Security moved across the street into the First Citizen's Building. Brian Thompson, who was First Citizen's branch manager, became branch manager of the new Western Security location. The old Western Security Bank building remains vacant.

The Laurel School Board approved a motion to implement grade leveling for the 2007-08 school year at its elementary schools. Under the new class configuration plans, kindergarten students would continue to attend classes in the South School Building. First and second graders were assigned to classes at West Elementary, third and fourth graders to Graff Elementary and fifth and sixth graders would attend the new Laurel Middle School planned for completion this summer. School trustees said they believe the change will help create consistent class sizes, reduce the chance of class overcrowding at any one school, and allow for future growth.

Jan's IGA advertised its program of picking up disabled and senior shoppers on Tuesday and Friday mornings and offering them grocery delivery of phone orders.

The Elementary PTA groups at West and Graff Elementary Schools agreed to merge next year. “We plan to take the two PTA programs and combine into them into one PTA that would create a positive transition for the new (grade leveled) school system,” one of the officers said.

The Laurel Jaycees and the Laurel Chamber of Commerce held their annual Distinguished Service Awards banquet. Chamber winners included Dean Rankin, Peggy Miller, Colette Decker, Randy Peers, Tony Contreraz and Brian Godfry.

The Laurel Middle School and Laurel High School failed to meet AYP (annual yearly progress) benchmarks set by the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI). The subset of middle school students with learning disabilities missed reading and math score benchmarks. In the high school the set of all tenth graders missed the required benchmarks in both reading and math. The benchmarks are established by OPI to comply with the federal No Child Left Behind Act

The Laurel City Council selected former legislator Emelie Eaton and Vonda Hotchkiss to fill two vacancies created by resignations of Aldermen Dick Fritzler and Jennifer Johnson. Fritzler and Johnson both moved out of the city.

The price of unleaded gasoline dropped below $2 per gallon for the first time since February 2005. Later in the year gas prices shot up again and peaked this fall at more than $3 per gallon.

The Laurel Outlook requested a formal hearing to seek information concerning a Human Rights Violation complaint filed against the City of Laurel by City Clerk/Treasurer Mary Embleton. The Outlook later dropped its request for the hearing when her discrimination complaint was denied. She had alleged she was discriminated against by the City on the basis of her gender.

Crews hired by the City of Laurel began installation of new high tech water meters. The work is part of a $1.6 million contract awarded to Johnson Controls to upgrade the city's metering system and conserve water through reducing unmetered usage.

Greg Nelson continued work on the Van Bebber Rock Shop Building on West Main Street. Nelson plans to complete restoration of the building and rent it out for commercial use. He is hopeful that one by one, new life can be breathed into many of the now vacant downtown buildings.

The Only $1 store located at the corner of First Avenue and First Street closed and the building was listed for sale. The building used to contain the Laurel J.C. Penny Store then Rebel's Department Store, followed by an antique mall. The building sold later this year to Ashley Furniture store owner Dan Kennedy. The building is once again listed for sale.

Park City School trustees held public meetings and held a bond election later in the year to purchase land for a new elementary school. The bond issue was defeated by voters and the district is now using portable classrooms to house students.

In anticipation of the opening of a new Wal-Mart Supercenter in Laurel, a three-business building was under construction on the corner of South First Avenue and SE Fourth Street. The building contains new locations for Cellular Plus/Verizon Store, Subway Restaurant and City Brew Coffee.

Three members of the Laurel High School Speech, Drama and Debate squads placed at the state meet held at Central High School in Billings. Annette Reiter won second place in serious duo, and Rachel Black took seventh place in pantomime. Fourth-place honors in original oratory went to LHS senior Kelsey Sterling.

February 2007

A Molt man, Kent Johnerson, 56, was killed in a farm accident between Laurel and Molt. He was feeding horses with a skid-steer loader when he was crushed between the frame of the skid-steer and its hydraulic bucket.

A Laurel couple whose house in east Laurel burned mysteriously last fall admitted to growing marijuana in the house. Stephen and Julie Southers both pleaded guilty to separate charges of criminal production or manufacture of dangerous drugs, a felony. Their 2-year-old daughter, Sorayha, died in the fire. Prosecutors were not able to link the girl's death to the marijuana growing operation, and the parents did not face criminal charges in her death.

U.S. Congressman Denny Rehberg (MT-R) from Billings visited Laurel and speculated about possible Republican candidates for President. He identified McCain, Huckabee, Romney and Giuliani, noting that they all had “issues” to overcome. He also noted the possibility of a first woman President in Hillary Clinton and a first Black President in Barack Obama.

The Laurel School Board voted 7-0, to extend Supt. Josh Middleton's contract for three years. His 2007-08 salary was set at $88,000, and he will receive four percent increases in both 2008-09 and 2009-10. Middleton requested that the district consider hiring an assistant superintendent. That request was later denied.

The middle's school's Laurel Aviation and Technology Week Committee began regular meetings in advance of the May 7-10 event expected to draw 12,000 students from the region to Laurel. The event draws wide support from a variety of volunteers including educators, branches of the military, government agencies and private businesses

Town and Country Supply announced it would close its convenience store on South First Avenue, tear it down and rebuild it as a combination convenience store/casino. The project was slated for completion later in the summer.

She is still making a “joyful noise.” Laura Frank, organist at First Congregational Church marked 50 years as church organist. She became church organist in 1957. During that time, pastors have come and gone, but Frank has remained as church organist. She said she enjoyed playing the old hymns that have a melody to them.

The City Council listened to a presentation about the need to improve the city's storm water drainage system, especially in southeast Laurel. Options to finance the improvements discussed were a special improvement district (SID) or a tax increment finance district (TIFD).

March 2007

Fox Lumber Company has implemented new safety procedures after a string of bad accidents in 2005 and 2006 that resulted in injuries to employees. “We are concerned about our employees' safety and we want them to be safety conscious,” Safety Manager Tim Schroeder said. He said the company is attempting to create a “culture of safety” at its Laurel plant.

Work began to replace the bridge on Valley Drive between 12th Street and 13th Street. The project by D.W. Oxendahl Construction is expected to take six weeks.

Spelling Bee winners at Graff Elementary were Brandon Kubitz, Jessica Parpart, Megan Schmidt and Ayla Gandpre. Winners at West were Ira Li, Matthew Martinez, Travis Horton and Daniel Goettlich.

Students at South and Graff Elementary Schools celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Dr. Seuss book, The Cat in the Hat. Students read from the book, made cookies and were visited by the Cat in the Hat.

Vince and Debbie Ricci announced they would open their new business venture, Ricci's Express in April. The former owners of Ricci's Thriftway grocery store sold their old building to New Life Four Square Church. Their new business contains a laundro-mat, a pizzeria/deli, besides a convenience/gas store on the site of the old North School. The Riccis purchased that property from the Laurel School District in 1998. At that time, they planned to use the property to build a new grocery store. Those plans which had been on hold, were abandoned when Wal-Mart announced plans for a new Laurel Supercenter.

The Discovery Channel Times announced it would air a segment on the 1998 murder of Miranda Fenner in June, featuring a pair of psychics.

A committee of various Laurel organizations began meeting to plan a 100th anniversary celebration for Laurel. The town was incorporated Aug. 8, 1908, by the Yellowstone County Commissioners. The city will celebrate its 100th birthday on the eighth day of the eighth month of 2008 (8-8-08).

The Laurel School Board approved a new web-based student information system (Infinite Campus) that will be used to manage student records and report grades. It also has an add-on out-going call capability. Cost of the new system was $61,500, including staff training.

Celebrating its 100th anniversary, Yellowstone Bank advertised its same local ownership, same local management and same great service. The headline on its advertisement asked the question “Is your bank changing names again?”

April 2007

Bud and Marcy Merkes of Park City continued the tradition of lighting the cross on Square Butte during the Easter season. The Merkeses live at the base of Square Butte, east of Park City along Old Highway 10. The cross atop Square Butte was first placed there by the Laurel Methodist Youth Fellowship. Electric lights were added to illuminate the cross in 1963. In 1925, Square Butte was the site of a Ku Klux Klan gathering.

Mayor Ken Olson announced that his Administrative Assistant Perry Asher was on extended medical leave. Asher later resigned and left town. He was hired in 2005 at an annual salary of $55,000. Olson declined to discuss the nature of Asher's medical condition.

The Outlook published a schedule of Laurel area Easter Week Church services. The Laurel Jaycees hosted the club's annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday before Easter which came on Sunday, April 8.

Work continued on the $325 million Laurel CHS Coker Plant. Special cranes were used to place the two 98-foot tall cooker drums to be installed on the concrete base. A Manitowoc crane with a 260 foot boom was brought to Laurel to set the drums. This was the first time this $5.2 million crane was used.

Laurel Planning Director Mark Richards resigned and told the mayor he was returning to Nevada. He was hired in September 2006.

Laurel City Clerk Mary Embleton provided the Outlook with a copy of her initial Human Rights Discrimination complaint. In the complaint she alleged that Mayor Ken Olson and his Administrative Assistant Perry Asher discriminated against her based on her gender. She said she was disciplined for making sure the mayor and the city administrative assistant follow the law. The Human Rights Bureau determined her complaint did not contain sufficient cause to bring a discrimination case against the City.

Laurel Development Corporation received a $500,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help Laurel residents purchase homes. LDC plans to begin a third round of construction in King Avenue Estates Subdivision off of King Avenue and 80th Street were later dropped after Director Derek Stone resigned. LDC developed Solid Foundations Subdivision that contains 23 homes near West School.

Yellowstone County Commissioner Bill Kennedy, a Democrat, announced he would challenge U.S. Congressman Denny Rehberg for his seat in the House of Representatives in 2008. Kennedy withdrew as a candidate later in the fall for health considerations. No other Democratic candidate had filed to run against Rehberg in the 2008 primary election. Kennedy remains a commissioner.

The Crossings, a senior living community of St. John's Lutheran Ministries, made plans to hold its SpringFest Gala fund-raiser at the Richardson Cottage which is nearing completion. Entertainment was provided by the Ringling 5. Our Savior's Lutheran Church sponsored a tea and Plantasia flower/gift shop sponsored a garden angel competition. When completed, The Crossings will contain a 37-unit apartment complex and the 12-bedroom Richardson Cottage.

A building permit was issued for a new building for Snyder Drug to be constructed on Southeast Fourth Street. The new building is directly east of the new United Bank Building.

May 2007

Park City voters turned down elementary and high school bond issues totaling $5.125 million to purchase land and build a new elementary school. The board was prepared to purchase a 9-acre parcel of property owned by the Sitzman family for $288,000. The board hoped to construct a new elementary school building to help ease classroom overcrowding. If the bond issues had been approved, taxes on a $100,000 home would have increased by $248 per year for 20 years.

Laurel voters approved mill levy elections totaling $188,000 to operate district schools for the 2007-08 school year. The levies will mean an additional $38 in school taxes annually for the owner of a $100,000 home.

Workers for JTL Group set up picket lines at the construction site of the new Laurel Wal-Mart Supercenter. The strike was short-lived (four days) and workers returned to work after a tentative agreement was reached and approved by the JTL union workers. Health benefits and their costs were the major disagreement between the company and the employees.

Sen. Dan McGee (R-Laurel) and Rep. Krayton Kerns (R-Laurel) reported that state budget talks had stalled in Helena as legislators tried to hammer out a budget acceptable to them and Gov. Brian Schweitzer. At the center of the budget discussion was disagreement about how to distribute the State's projected $1.3 billion revenue surplus. Gov. Schweitzer, with the support of Democratic legislators, favored a one-time $400 property tax rebate. The Republicans favored a plan that they said would provide permanent tax reductions for all Montanans. Eventually the Democratic plan was enacted and Montana property owners began filing for the $400 tax rebates.

Stephen and Julie Southers were both given deferred sentences after pleading guilty to growing marijuana in their Laurel home. Their marijuana growing operation was discovered when investigators were going through their fire-damaged home. The fire took the life of their 2-year-old daughter, Sarahya. The couple was not charged in the death of their daughter and they pleaded guilty in February to the felony drug charges filed against them in October 2006.

Ricci's Express on First Avenue North and Subway Restaurant on South First Avenue opened for business.

Pam Cullen of Laurel was selected Mrs. Laurel, and in July she was selected first runner-up at the state Mrs. Montana pageant held in Billings.

Laurel School trustees elected board member Mike Longbottom to replace April Thorson as board chairman. Longbottom received four votes to give him the majority from the seven-member board. Thorson served one year as board chairman, replacing Randy Peers at the helm of the board. She has served on the board since 2002, and her current term expires in 2008.

The U.S. Postal Service raised the cost of mailing a one-ounce first class letter from 39 cents to 41 cents.

Administrative Assistant to the Mayor Perry Asher voluntarily resigned after being on medical leave since mid-march. In a letter to Mayor Olson, Asher wrote, “My physicians cannot say when or even if I will be able to return to work. I would like to allow the City to move on as I pursue a recovery with an uncertain outcome.” Mayor Olson assumed Asher's duties until a replacement is selected.

The City put a new $50,000 Dura Patch pothole patching machine into service and demonstrated its use to City Aldermen. The City Maintenance Supervisor Kurt Markegard predicted street crews would be able to patch 10-15 times more potholes with this new equipment. The hot-oil equipment can be operated by a two-man crew and is pulled behind a dump truck loaded with patching aggregate.

The Laurel School Board approved implementing full-time all-day kindergarten for all students. This will be the first year the State has provided funding for the all-day kindergarten program. Classes will begin at 8:30 am. and continue until 3 pm.

The Montana Public Service Commission denied a request by NorthWestern Energy to sell its infrastructure to an Australian investment company for $2.2 billion. NorthWestern Energy purchased Montana Power Company in 2002.

Laurel Jaycee Bill Haldaman was selected Outstanding Montana Jaycee. He operates a Laurel lawn care service and is active in area youth programs including Cub Scouts and Little League baseball. He will compete in the Ten Outstanding Americans competition in Seattle, WA.

Max Miller, son of Ken and Peggy Miller, received the Eagle Scout Award, the highest award in scouting, at a Court of Honor. His Eagle project was building and installing three benches in Laurel Lions Family Park at South Pond.

Vince Cebuhar and Caitlyn Caron were valedictorian and salutatorian of the LHS Class of 2007. Cebuhar is the son of Ronald and Lynne Cebuhar, and Caron is the daughter of Mark and Lisa Caron. LHS alum Michael Mace (Class of 1970), now president of Rocky Mountain College in Billings, delivered the commencement address during the May 27 graduation ceremonies.

The Yellowstone County Commissioners are developing a master plan for the development of a National Veterans Memorial Cemetery next to the Laurel City Cemetery north of town. County voters approved a $225,000 annual levy to help build and maintain the cemetery. The initial development of the 8.5-acre site, has an estimated cost of $800,000.

June 2007

Mayor Ken Olson announced plans for changing the Laurel form of government to a charter form of government that would allow the city to hire a city manager and change to a commissioner-manager government. The mayor said the council became interested in making the change after participating in workshop meetings over the past several years with Dr. Kenneth Weaver, formerly with the State Local Government Center at Montana State University in Bozeman. The job (of operating the city) has changed and we now need a full-time person to manage and direct the affairs of the city,” Olson told the Outlook. The initial plan was later amended by the council to have the charter continue a council-mayor style government and in the charter grant the mayor the authority to hire a chief administrative officer instead of a city manager.

A Sensing Murders television special featured the 1998 murder of Laurel video store clerk Miranda Fenner. The two psychics featured in the program believed her murderer came from a farm/ranch background, that he used a long silver, black-handled hunting knife to kill her, and that someone may have been “lurking in the shadows” and witnessed the murder at the Laurel Movie Store. One of the psychics speculated her murderer may have been a disappointed admirer whose affections may have been rejected. While one psychic speculated the murderer was a young man wearing a cowboy hat, with strong ties to Montana, the other psychic believed he was a heavier, older man with facial hair that may have had an interest in pornography.

After the 2006-07 school term ended, volunteers began the task of packing up books and equipment at the Old Laurel Middle School to prepare for the move to the new middle school building. The new Laurel Middle School would be used when students returned to classes in August 2007.

The Culpepper and Merriweather Circus, complete with clowns and elephants came to town and gave spectators two shows. The annual circus visit is sponsored by the Laurel Chamber of Commerce.

The Laurel Outlook won three first place awards in the Better Newspaper Contest at the Montana Newspaper Association's annual convention held in Helena. Outlook Reporter Larry Tanglen won a first place award for Best Short Feature Story. Sports reporter Ryan Mayes took first place for Best Sports Pages and the Outlook also received a first place award for Best Freedom of Information Effort. The Outlook competed in the category containing large weekly and small daily newspapers. The Outlook also won a second place award for Community Service and a third place award for Best Government Reporting.

A group of community-minded volunteers, headed by Peggy Olson, tackled the job of repainting the Laurel Underpass. Olson was recognized later in the year by Bright 'n Beautiful for the effort to improve the appearance of the entrance to the downtown area.

The City Building Department confirmed staff members had been reviewing plans for a new McDonald's Restaurant proposed for construction on Southeast Fourth Street since April, and a building permit had been issued for the structure, which is expected to cost more than $400,000.

Filename: YIR 07-3-lt-1.2

July 2007

Special guests for the Laurel Fourth of July celebration were Honda Gold Wingers attending the 29th Gold Wing Road Riders Association's rally held in Billings. As many as 14,000 Wing Dingers were expected to attend the four-day event in Billings. Fourth of July activities included the Chief Joseph Run, a street dance, a pancake breakfast, parades and the a fireworks display provided by the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department.

A team of six outside experts came to Laurel to conduct a community assessment to help community leaders make plans for the future. They spent two day in July listening to community representatives and residents and compiled a report with recommendations for redevelopment of the downtown business district.

Brett Rutherford, with the Yellowstone County Election Office made a presentation to the Laurel City Council recommending the use of mail ballots for the upcoming Nov. 6 municipal election. The council later approved using the mail ballots for the election of aldermen and the vote on changing the city's form of government to a charter form. The main reason given for the mail ballot, according to Rutherford, was increased voter turnout.

St. John's Lutheran Ministries held a ribbon cutting for the opening of the Richardson Cottage in The Crossings, a senior living development located off of East Maryland.

After participating in the Laurel Fourth of July Parade, Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer returned the next week to personally deliver a $750,000 check from the Montana Treasure State Endowment Program (TSEP) to assist the city with the construction of a waste water treatment plant.

Former Laurel resident Mel Tiensvold returned to the area to display the restored vintage World War II era B-17G “Flying Fortress” at Logan Airport in Billings. The plane was restored by flight enthusiasts for the Commemorative Air Force located in Mesa, AZ. Tiensvold left Laurel in 1989 and now lives in Prescott, AZ.

A Billings couple, Leslie and David Atkins tackled the job of restoring and remodeling the old Lennox Hotel Building on West Main Street. They hope to rent the bottom level for commercial uses and the upstairs for urban apartment dwelling. The two-story building contains five commercial spaces and nine apartments with private bathrooms. The building was destroyed by fire in 1907 and rebuilt in 1908 as a hotel by businessman O.F. Wold.

After getting feedback from members of the public, City leaders changed the proposed city charter and moved away from a plan of government led by a city manager. The new proposal called for a council-mayor style of government that authorized the mayor, as chief executive officer, to hire a chief administrative officer to operate City government. The mayor would retain the authority to hire and fire all city employees.

Downtown business members of the Downtown Task Force held the first of three Rock the Block street dances with live bands, food and beer served on the blocked-off area of Montana Avenue between Main Street and First Street.

Former Laurel resident Joe Hoppel, now a senior editor of Sporting News Magazine, shared his memories of being a bat boy for the Billings Mustangs in 1957. This was Hoppel's 50th anniversary as bat boy on the championship team that won the Pioneer League pennant. It was also the final year for the Mustangs to play in Cobb Field. The stadium was torn down at the end of the season and the new stadium is now under construction. Hoppel has written numerous books for Sporting News, the most memorable one about the Chicago Cubs, published in 2005.

Laurel Police Chief Rick Musson was elected president of the Montana Police Association for a two-year term at the group's annual convention in Missoula.

August 2007

A City of Laurel mosquito trapping effort resulted in capturing mosquitoes infected with West Nile Virus. That same week the Yellowstone City-County Health Department confirmed the first case of WNV in a 57-year-old county woman. Health Department officials believed she may have been infected during a trip to North Dakota.

Joliet residents celebrated the town's 100th anniversary. Community boosters planed a three-day celebration Aug. 10-12.

A group of Montana Conservation Corps volunteers spent time in Laurel at Riverside Park cleaning up along the shores of the Yellowstone River.

Several Laurel residents reported encounters with rattlesnakes. FWP officials and Laurel Police speculated that the snakes were moving down from the hills seeking relief from the warm temperatures in cool shaded areas.

Property tax rebates of $400 became available on-line. Initially, taxpayers could expect one and two-day responses to their on-line rebate applications.

Wal-Mart managers began interviewing applicants for positions at the new Laurel Wal-Mart Supercenter. The retail giant rented space in the old Laurel Middle School to conduct interviews and train new employees. Managers said they expected to hire as many as 300 employees for the store, which was scheduled to open in late October.

Fire season hit the area and the Laurel Volunteer Fire Department was kept busy going to grass fires around the area through mutual aid agreements.

In anticipation of school reopening, at the request of district officials, the City installed new stop signs along Sixth Street between Wyoming Avenue and Sixth Avenue, a pedestrian route designated as a Safe-to-School Corridor.

Anthony Smith, owner of Smith Precision Masonry, the block-layer who helped build the new Laurel Middle School, claimed he hadn't been paid by General Contractors and he asked the Laurel School District to pay him directly. The district said it did not have a contractual responsibility to pay Smith, and his dispute was with General Contractors. Smith has filed a civil lawsuit against General Contractors seeking more than $100,000 which he claims he is owed.

A Laurel man, Tyson Merrifield, 26, was killed on I-90, near the Shiloh Road Interchange when a horse trailer loaded with newspaper inserts for Ziggy's Building Materials, being pulled by a truck, broke loose, crossed the median and hit his pickup truck head on. Merrifield was a 1999 LHS graduate. We was survived by his wife, Kristin.

Area students headed back to school. Laurel class configurations changed as a result of grade leveling. Now, only first and second grade students attend West Elementary, while South School is used exclusively for kindergarten classes. Third and forth graders attend Graff Elementary and fifth and sixth graders attend the new middle school along with seventh and eighth graders.

Laurel poet Norm Shay published his fourth book of poetry. He estimates that he has written more than 600 poems since his first in 1962.

September 2007

Enrollment in Laurel schools topped 1,800 students. Superintendent Josh Middleton said he was pleased with the cooperation of staff, parents and students to implement the district's changes for the school year.

The City hired James Caniglia as new planning director. He replaced mark Richards who retired in April. Caniglia is a graduate of Arizona State University in Tempe, AZ. In Richards' absence, planning duties were handled by the Yellowstone City-County Planning Department.

The Laurel City Council approved a $16.1 million preliminary budget.

A 17-year-old Laurel boy was arrested and charged with arson after he started a fire at the fuel pump at the Laurel Town Pump on First Avenue South. He was, apparently, filling a vehicle with gas when he “flicked his Bic” and gas fumes ignited.

Beth Verlanic of Laurel was elected state PTA president at the group's annual convention at the Holiday Inn Grand in Billings.

The main goal identified in the community assessment conducted during the summer is to make the Laurel Streetscape plan a reality. The plan, which includes landscaping and walkways in the downtown area, was developed under the direction of then planning director Cal Cumin. The second goal was to select an identity or theme for the community.

Plans were finalized by organizers for the Laurel Oktoberfest celebration at Miller's Horse Palace, Sept. 21-23. The three-day event included performances from a variety of entertainers and a celebration of local ethnic heritage.

Tomas Sarkela received his Eagle Scout Award at a court of honor conducted in Thomson Park. He is the son of Chuck Sarkela and Harriet and Paul Damjanovich.

Laurel Public Works Director Steve Klotz announced his resignation to accept a job as public works director in Belgrade. Klotz began working for the City as a building inspector in 2000.

Carol Blades displayed her use of her garden space as an opportunity to share the land's historic use.

LHS Class of 2001 graduate Aharon Scribner received the Bronze Star for Valor when he used his own body to protect another soldier's life last January when they were under attack in Baghdad, Iraq. Scribner was still hospitalized at Walter Reed Medical Center when he was interviewed in September. He suffered back injuries in the attack and received two Purple heart Awards for his injuries. He is the son of the late Chet Scribner and Lore Scribner, of Billings.

A six-point bull elk was hit by a passing vehicle on I-90 in front of the new Laurel Wal-Mart Supercenter. The injured animal lay along the road in the ditch for nearly an hour until a Highway Patrol Trooper arrived and killed it. Fish, Wildlife and Parks officials speculated the animal followed the Yellowstone River into the area and was hit by a truck on the highway. The elk's age was estimated at 4-5 years.

A committee of volunteers was formed to begin exploring activities to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the City of Laurel. The mission of the committee is to coordinate community events to commemorate the 100th anniversary. Laurel was incorporated on Aug. 8, 1908.

October 2007

A Laurel man, Bobbie Brooks, blew up a car near Silesia that sent a ball of fire and smoke into the sky. No one was inside the car. Brooks is a stunt man/special effects expert. The car was exploded for the movie, A Fork in the Road, being filmed at several locations in Montana.

Lisa Scribner announced she would be a write-in candidate for Laurel City Council after city aldermen appointed Alex Wilkins to fill a vacancy on the council created by the resignation of Ward 4 Alderman Vonda Hotchkiss. Both Scribner and Wilkins submitted letters of interest to the Mayor to fill the vacancy. Scribner had not filed the necessary paperwork with the county election administrator to be a write in-candidate, and Wilkins, who had filed earlier as a candidate for election, was elected to the Ward 4 position.

Outlook co-publisher and managing editor of Welcome! Visitors Guide, Gloria Wester, was selected as the 2007 recipient of the Billings Chamber of Commerce's Roche Jaune Award for Sales Excellence. She was also a finalist for the Tourism Promotion Award. She is the president of the Pompeys Pillar Historical Association and an active board member of the Custer Country Tourism Region. The Sales Excellence Award cited her exemplary customer service skills.

Jeanne Rickard of Laurel was elected State Jaycees President at the Convention in Lewistown. She has been an active Laurel Jaycee since 1997.

Effective Oct. 3, fire restriction were dropped around the state, following a summer of intense wildfire fighting efforts.

Snyder Western Drug opened its new store on Southeast Fourth Street.

Gov. Brian Schweitzer was back in Laurel, this time for the dedication of the new Laurel Middle School. The Governor told students, “Work hard to learn math and science and shape the future.” The new 92,000 square foot school building has 35 classrooms, a commons area with a stage and kitchen, a gym, a library and a computer center. The school is designed for 600 students from grades 5-8.

Chylo Laszloffy received the Eagle Scout Award. He follows in the steps of his father, Jeff, and grandfather, Robert, who were also Eagle Scouts. He has two other younger brothers in scouting programs. Two other Laurel scouts also received their Eagle Awards, Lucas Seibert and Brett Weidler.

The Laurel Chamber of Commerce made plans to hold its 100th annual business meeting at the Jaycee Hall in Riverside Park on Oct. 26.

The opening of the Laurel Wal-Mart Supercenter began with a ribbon cutting ceremony Oct. 24, and the doors were officially opened to the public. As part of the grand opening, the retailer gave out $29,500 in grant checks to various community-based organizations.

At an informational meeting at the Laurel High School Auditorium, Mayor Ken Olson and Laurel aldermen spoke in support of the proposed form of government change that Laurel voters would decide in the Nov. 6 mail-ballot election. Dr. Kenneth Weaver and Judy Mathre, partners in Local Government Associates, Inc., attended the meeting to field questions about the proposed adoption of the charter form of government. About 20 people attended the meeting.

Sabine Bieber's appeal to the Montana Supreme Court seeking to overturn her conviction of negligent homicide in the Benadryl overdose death of 1-year-old Dane Heggem, was unanimously denied, and she was ordered to begin serving her sentence in the Montana State Women's Prison in Billings. She was convicted in August 2005 for the January 2003 negligent homicide and two counts of criminal endangerment for giving Benadryl to children in her care at her Laurel business, Tiny Tots Day Care. Bieber was sentenced to 40 years in prison with 35 years suspended. She began serving her sentence Nov. 14.

November 2007

Laurel voters approved adoption of the self-government charter with the council-mayor form of government for the City of Laurel 743-708. Incumbent Alderman Gaylord Easton was elected to another term on the City Council by Ward 3 voters over challenger Kathy McKamey, 231-204. Aldermen Emelie Eaton, Mark Mace, Norm Stamper and Alex Wilkins were all elected in unopposed races.

A Laurel Police officer was suspended with pay after a shooting incident when his car was rammed during an attempted traffic stop. Office David Firebaugh shot several rounds through the windshield of his patrol car into a car driven by Jonas Torres when Torres reportedly rammed his car into the front of Firebaugh's patrol car. The incident was investigated by the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Department and by a Shooting Review Board. Torres was later charged with misdemeanor negligent endangerment and DUI, and Firebaugh was reinstated in good standing to active duty on the police force. He did however, receive a letter of reprimand. Torres disputed Firebaugh's version of the incident.

A Laurel family's home was destroyed when their car started on fire. The 2001 Pontiac had just been parked in the garage. When Sherry Tizono went back to the garage to get items from the car, she discovered the fire. The home on Clairhill Road, its contents, and several vehicles were all destroyed in the blaze. Damages were estimated to exceed $300,000.

Laurel Hometown Troops mailed 40 boxes containing 600 gift packages to U.S. military personnel in Iraq, Afghanistan and Africa. This is the fifth year the Laurel-based support group has mailed care packages to the troops. Organizer Cindy Burns estimated the group has sent more than 7,600 packages during that time.

Andrew Davis was appointed to fill the remaining term of school trustee Michael Healy. Davis is a graduate of Laurel High School and works in the banking industry.

December 2007

The City of Laurel adopted an Urban Renewal Plan, the first step in approval of a Tax Increment Finance District (TIFD) to fund infrastructure improvement projects in the downtown area. The TIFD funds can be used to improve areas within the district that meet the State's definition of blighted areas. Earmarked funds for the TIFD come from increased property tax revenues within the boundaries of the district.

The Montana Department of Transportation held two pubic meetings in Laurel on highway improvement projects that are in the works. The first meeting concerned the relocation and rebuilding of the Rockvale-Laurel section of Highway 212. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement provided plans for the proposed relocation of the road onto White Horse Bench. The old highway would still be used to provide local access to residences along the road. The final EIS will be submitted a year from now and a record of decision will be issued. The 11-mile project is under consideration to address safety issues on the road. Acquisition of rights-of-way for the new road could begin in 2009. When actual construction begins is subject to the availability of financing, MDT officials said. At another public meeting, MDT also showed proposed plans for improvements to the West Laurel I-90 Interchange, including relocation of the road, and the addition of two additional on-off ramps. That project is also being driven by safety concerns on the section of road. That project is expected to be built in two phases. Construction could begin as early as 2013. The project's initial cost estimate is $38-$40 million.

Laurel residents lit up the town with their Christmas light displays, kicked off by the annual Christmas to Remember celebration activities Dec. 2. This year there were 15 stops on the tour of the city's lighting displays.

The Laurel City Council may have violated state law when it approved an ordinance to ask the voters to change the form of government by adoption of a charter form of government. The Laurel Outlook discovered that state law provided for only two methods of changing a municipal form of government - by recommendation of an elected local government study review commission or by petition signed by 15 percent of the voters. The method used by the City is not provided for specifically in State law. Attorney Sam Painter, who advises the City, asserts the method used falls under provisions of the law that provide for “liberal interpretation” of the laws pertaining to changing the form of government. Mayor Ken Olson has indicated he plans to move forward with implementation of the charter.

Laurel Churches planned for the celebration of Christmas with cantatas, Sunday School Children's programs, Christmas Eve Services, and Christmas Day services. Our Savior's Lutheran Church held a Blue Christmas service Dec. 22 to minister to people who suffered losses during the previous year and did not feel much like celebrating.

The Laurel City Council approved a new truck route, and aldermen stressed they wanted the truck route ordinance enforced to keep commercial trucks out of residential areas. The designated truck route includes Main Street, First Avenue, Railroad Street and portions of Fifth Avenue and Eighth Avenue.

Laurel businesses participated in sponsoring Mitten Trees to help provide Christmas gifts for those needing help during the Christmas season. Trees with mittens containing requested items were at Ricci's Express, Ace Hardware and Jan's IGA.

New Laurel Public Works Director Bill Sheridan began work in City Hall. He replaced Steve Klotz, who accepted a position with the City of Belgrade. Sheridan grew up in Billings and has worked in public administration positions in Washington, Montana, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Work is nearing completion on the $325 million coker plant under construction at the Laurel CHS Refinery. Start-up of the plant is expected to begin Jan. 30. The unit will go into production in the first quarter of 2008, according to plant manager Pat Kimmet. The new unit will produce fuel grade coke, gasoline and diesel fuel from materials previously used to produce asphalt products.