Enterprise photo by Angela Schneider
	Members of the Bozeman Christian Reform Church and volunteers from Park County lift a small church, known as Meditation Point, from the ground to be placed on a trailer, July 1. The church is being moved near the Emigrant General Store temporarily. A permanent spot is still sought for the church.

Following are the week's top stories. This digest is updated once a week, by early Friday evening.

Published 6.29.2009

Ex-HealthCare worker pleads not guilty to stalking
By Camden Easterling, Enterprise Staff Writer

A former Livingston HealthCare employee accused of stalking two co-workers pleaded not guilty in District Court Monday and remains in jail.

Law enforcement officials say John Anthony Skeoch, 50, repeatedly harassed, threatened or intimidated his LHC supervisor as well as Sam Pleshar, LHC’s CEO, over a period of five days earlier this month.

He is charged with two counts of stalking, one of which is a misdemeanor and the other of which is a felony.

The healthcare group has taken precautions to handle the situation carefully and has devised a safety plan to enact if or when Skeoch is released from jail, said Sandi Marlowe, LHC’s community development director, on Monday.

“Our primary goal is to ensure the safety of our staff, patients and visitors,” she said.

LHC is a nonprofit organization that operates numerous healthcare services, including Livingston Memorial Hospital.

Skeoch was a patient financial representative in LHC’s business office, Marlowe said. He resigned during the interactions in question, she said. He had been employed with LHC for almost two years.

After receiving a letter of reprimand and meeting with his supervisor, Skeoch “wadded up the letter and threw it” at the woman, according to court documents. He was very agitated during the meeting and soon left the building, records state.

Skeoch allegedly then began making repeated calls to his supervisor and to Pleshar, leaving them angry voicemail messages.

“The nature and number of calls led Pleshar to have concerns about Skeoch’s mental and anger status,” court papers say. He reported the calls to the Park County Sheriff’s Office. Skeoch’s messages reportedly totaled about two hours in length.

A sergeant with the Sheriff’s Office contacted Skeoch, who said “he was being treated unfairly and that he was going to sue the hospital for sexual harassment,” documents state. He also reportedly told the sergeant he did not resign but rather was fired.

Skeoch tried to procure a gun at one point, according to a local pawn shop, court papers state.

Skeoch also allegedly reported to the Sheriff’s Office accusations that his supervisor’s husband was engaged in the illegal sale of firearms. His supervisor also believes that Skeoch trespassed on her property and threw a dead ferret into her dog kennel, according to court records.

When deputies arrested Skeoch, he physically resisted arrest and cut one of the deputies during the scuffle, documents state.

“I never intended anybody any harm,” Skeoch said in court Monday.

Judge Nels Swandal on Monday denied Skeoch’s attorney’s request that he be immediately released on his own recognizance. He did, though, agree that Skeoch can file a motion to request his release and that he be allowed to move out of state to live with family.

Skeoch’s attorney could not be reached for comment.

Armory thief gets deferred sentence
By Camden Easterling, Enterprise Staff

A 21-year-old man who pleaded guilty to stealing and damaging property owned by the City of Livingston and the National Guard Armory received a deferred sentence and a nearly $18,000 restitution requirement Monday in District Court.

Steve Alan Williams received a sentence that is deferred for five years. However, his sentence includes numerous stipulations, including supervision by the Montana Department of Corrections, Probation and Parole Bureau.

He also is required to pay restitution of $11,795 to the National Guard Armory and $5,826 to the city, plus additional fees and costs.

Williams in May pleaded guilty to theft, a felony; and criminal mischief, a felony. Park County agreed to drop a felony count of burglary in exchange for his guilty pleas to the other two charges.

In October, the Park County Sheriff’s Office investigated reports of vandalism at the armory. Vandals entered a number of structures, including the armory, an FM translator and a water tower, according to court documents. The vandals damaged the properties and took some items, including fire extinguishers and a Humvee.       

Two other young men have been charged for their alleged involvement in the incident. One of the alleged vandals is a juvenile. The case for the other man still is pending.

Depending on the outcome of their proceedings, Williams might be able to share the restitution costs with them. However, if neither of his codefendants is convicted or pleads guilty, Williams is liable for the entire restitution amount.

Court documents did not indicate where Williams currently resides.

Ill wind blows through Livingston
By Camden Easterling, Enterprise Staff Writer

With gusts of up to 67 mph, strong winds sent dust, debris and tree limbs flying Tuesday afternoon.

Winds were clocked at 49 to 67 mph between 4:53 and 5:10 p.m. Tuesday at Livingston’s Mission Field airport, according the National Weather Service in Billings. By about 5:45 p.m., wind speeds died down to 16 to 21 mph before picking back up with gusts around 45 mph at about 7 p.m.

Gusts on Interstate 90 were as high as 58 mph around 4:45 p.m., according to the Montana Department of Transportation.

The wind storm left City of Livingston workers fielding calls and handling cleanup Tuesday and Wednesday.

“The phones have been nonstop,” said Sandy Wulf, the city’s assistant public works director, Wednesday morning as she surveyed Sacajawea Park.

“They’re pretty much throughout the whole town,” Wulf said of reports of trees with dangling limbs or damaged branches. “I couldn’t even estimate how many.”

While she didn’t have a guess as to the number of damaged trees, Livingston’s Parks Foreman and City Forester Eddie Miller said he knew of only two trees that were completely uprooted by the wind. Cleaning up all the downed branches and limbs from city streets and parks, though, will take some time.

“I imagine it’s going to take three full days,” Miller sad.

The city had about 10 people working on clean up Wednesday and some workers began assessing damage and beginning work on Tuesday.

Livingston annually gets at least one wind storm like Tuesday’s, Wulf said. Residents are encouraged to be patient with the city’s cleanup efforts and to watch for downed power lines, she said.

Property owners are responsible for the maintenance and care of boulevard trees, even though the trees technically are city property, Wulf and Miller said.

Any time a boulevard tree needs to be trimmed, nearby property owners must first contact the city to get a free permit and meet with Miller to discuss the project.

However, after this storm, property owners may contact the city about removing downed limbs from boulevard trees. But trees that need trimming in light of the wind storm must still be properly permitted with the city and are the responsibility of the nearby property owner, Wulf said.

To pick up a permit or to find out more information, stop at the Public Works building at 330 N. Bennett St. or call 222-1142.

County workers set to receive 2.8 percent raise
By Matt Dettori, Enterprise Staff Writer

The Park County Commission was busy at work Tuesday afternoon, passing a resolution to spend additional money for fiscal year 2008-09 and later approving a 2.8 percent wage increase for Park County employee cost of living.

The commission approved a resolution amending appropriations by $589,000 for fiscal year 2008-09 with increased spending for the Road Fund budget, Emergency/Disaster fund budget, Road and Bridge Capital Improvement (CIP) fund, Fair CIP fund, Victim/Witness Grant fund, Alcohol Rehabilitation fund and the Cooke City sewer and water funds.

Park County had unanticipated and un-budgeted revenues totaling about $910,000 from various state agencies, grants and other surpluses.

Tuesday’s meeting was a public hearing on the resolution.

The commission also voted to increase the pay of Park County employees by 2.8 percent.

According to county financial documents, $3,834,946 was spent by the county last year in wages, without benefits. The 2.8 percent increase raises that amount to $3,942,324.

The increase will not affect taxpayers, County Commissioner Mary Malone said Wednesday morning.

The increase in payroll for the coming year will be paid for out of various county funds, he said.

The increase in wages is due to federal and state studies on the cost of living. Federal studies show the cost of living increased in 2008 by 3.8 percent, Malone said. Other counties in Montana followed that percentage for employee salary increases but Park County went with a lower number, he added.

The commissioners discussed 2.5 percent and 3 percent increases in salaries, but decided to stay with the same increase percentage adjustments as previous years, during Tuesday’s meeting.

The increase in wages will be in effect starting with the current pay period, which began the last week of June.

New Livingston trail beckons runners and walkers
By Camden Easterling, Enterprise Staff Writer

Tired of walking or running the same old routes around town? Then the city’s new Historic Bozeman Trail Connector may be your alternative to the routine.

The City of Livingston finished the new trail last week. The gravel trail runs about 1 mile each direction. It begins at on one end just east of the ballfield at Jack Weimer Memorial Park on Northern Lights Road. The other trail entry point is on Meredith Ranch Road near the intersection of that road with Fleshman Creek Road.

“I’ve gotten great feedback,” said Sandy Wulf, Livingston’s assistant public works director. “The neighbors love it.”

With few trees ringing the trail, pedestrians have sweeping, 360-degree views of surrounding mountains. The trail meanders through open space owned by the city.

Fleshman Creek borders the trail and provides lush, green space that is habitat for many birds, beavers and other animals, Wulf said.

“But this area does have a tendency to have rattlesnakes,” she said.

Path users shouldn’t be afraid, just aware, she added.

The trail’s name comes from the general vicinity having been one that John Bozeman and other travelers may have used when coming through the Livingston area, Wulf said. She hopes to eventually add interpretive signs so path users can learn more about the history of the area.

The city built the path with a $20,000 grant from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Recreational Trails Program. The city contributed labor for the project and periodically worked on the path for about a month, Wulf said.

Most of the trail is gravel, although a short section near the Northern Lights Road trailhead is glass gravel from the city’s glass pulverizer. The pulverizer crushes glass down to a size and consistency of gravel.

The area borders private land to the south near the Discovery Vista subdivision. Path users should respect private property and are encouraged to stay on the trail to preserve wildlife habitat.

Rain can’t dampen Roundup Parade
By Camden Easterling, Enterprise Staff Writer

Enterprise photo by Stephen Matlow

A group of bagpipes pass onlookers during the parade, July 2

Red, white, blue and plenty of glitz covered downtown Thursday afternoon as the Livingston Roundup Rodeo kicked off with its annual parade.

More than 115 parade entries and some 400 to 500 individual participants — as well as enough viewers to thoroughly pack sidewalks, doorways and the occasional balcony — turned out despite cloudy skies and a short rain shower.

From lasso-twirling Park County Republicans to Montana Women For group members each costumed as the Statue of Liberty, the parade had its share of political presence. Floats, trucks, horses and other animals outfitted with banners and signs proclaimed participation by area businesses and nonprofit organizations.

A truck for the Kristian Brunsdale Studio pulled a giant “Bronc-a-lope” — a creation of twigs fashioned to look like the imaginary creature. Livingston HealthCare’s float made its way down the route in a blaze of pink in order to draw attention to its breast cancer awareness and education campaign.

Media mogul, philanthropist and Montana ranch owner Ted Turner served as the parade’s grand marshall. Riding horseback and wearing a black Western shirt adorned with bedazzled bison, Turner gave a nod to the parade theme “Like a Rhinestone Cowboy: Celebrating Our Ranch Heritage.”

“You can’t be a rhinestone cowboy without some rhinestones,” Turner grinned.

The Livingston Area Chamber of Commerce invited Turner, who owns land throughout the state and Ted’s Montana Grill in Bozeman, to marshall the parade after the restaurant joined the Chamber and gave the group a chance to introduce itself to him, said Chamber Manager Lou Ann Nelson. Longtime area resident Doc Baskett was the parade’s “Celebrated Citizen.”

While Turner said this is the first time he’s attended the rodeo parade, many onlookers Thursday said attending the annul parade is a tradition.

“Oh, we always gotta come to the parade,” said Lori Younge as she sat on the curb near the Livingston Mercantile on Main Street.

“And I got lots of candy,” announced Olivia Opper, Younge’s 3-year-old granddaughter, with emphasis on the word “lots.”

Some aspects of the parade, though, were a bit much for Olivia. As a truck outfitted with loud, music-playaing speakers rolled past, she clapped her hands over her ears.

“All the things are so loud!” she said.

For Julie O’Dea, being at the parade with her family is a given.

“Every year,” smiled O’Dea.

O’Dea was on the front lines Thursday, kneeling down in the street to make sure her three daughters were safe when scrambling for airborne candy.

Her 2-year-old twins MacKenna and Landess have always been fairly fearless at the parade despite all the noise and commotion, O’Dea said. But 4-year-old Irie, who was eyeing the procession for the next treat toss, at past parades had been more wary.

“This is the first year she’s gotten into it,” O’Dea said.

Some parade-goers, however, needed no encouragement to get in on the festivities.

“We like making fools out of ourselves,” said Kathy Hirsch, laughing heartily and gesturing to her red, white and blue outfit.

“Where else can we wear these outfits?” joked Mary Selland as she looked down at her own red and white shirt and the red, white and blue flower leis she and Hirsch, her sister were sporting.

Also decked out in festive gear with Selland and Hirsch was their mother, Margaret Hruza.

“Every year we’re here religiously,” Selland said.

“Best parade around,” Hirsch agreed.

City sued over boy being shocked at old Water Works building
By Camden Easterling, Enterprise Staff Writer

The mother of a young boy is suing the City of Livingston for its alleged negligence that she says resulted in her son suffering an electric shock and being thrown from the city’s old Water Works building.

On behalf of her son, Steven Sills, Park County resident Jaime Ryan filed a complaint and demand for a jury trial in the Sixth Judicial District Court on Tuesday. Ryan seeks to recover damages from the city. The amount of the damages would be determined at trial, according to the complaint.

In August 2007, Steven, then 11 years old, was playing football with his brother and a friend near the building, which is located off South 10th Street. One of the boys kicked the football on top of the building. The boys began climbing the building to retrieve the ball.

“As Steven was attempting to climb the building, he was (shocked) and thrown off the building onto a concrete pad,” according to court documents.

He grabbed hold of something that was connected to loose wires on the building, said Ryan’s attorney, Trent Gardner, on Thursday.

Steven suffered severe burns, mostly on his chest and arms, Gardner said.“For what he went through he seems to have come through it fairly well,” Gardner said.

Neither of the two other boys were injured.

Ryan previously filed a claim with the city’s insurance company, but the claim was denied, Gardner said.

City Manager Ed Meece on Thursday said he was aware of Ryan’s insurance claim but had not yet seen the lawsuit.

Cannon out duels Yellow Ribbon
By Tom Gersack, Enterprise Staff Writer

Enterprise photo by Tom Gersack

Livingston resident Kahley Anzick rounds a barrel during the barrel racing competition early July 1 during the slack portion of the Livingston Roundup Rodeo. Anzick registered a time of 18.53 seconds.

The Livingston Roundup Rodeo isn’t your small town bucking show.

The proof is in the numbers, and the contestants.

Over the July 4th holiday, there are 30 different rodeos taking place in 15 different states and two Canadian provinces with a total payout of roughly $3.2 million dollars.

More than $200,000 of that total comes from the Livingston Roundup Rodeo, according to nationally recognized rodeo announcer Steve Kenyon.

And the talent that invades the Park County Fairgrounds is just as impressive.

Clint Cannon sits alone atop the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association bareback standings having already won more than $111,000.

Thursday evening, the Waller, Texas, cowboy showed a near-capacity audience exactly why he’s won more than $30,000 more than his nearest competitor this season, riding Yellow Ribbon to a score of 81, to set the standard bareback riders at Friday and Saturday’s performances will try to beat.

Crossroads, Texas, cowboy Steven Anding, ranked 18th in the PRCA standings, came the closest to Cannon, scoring a 79.

Bareback riders were for the most part hot Thursday evening as seven of the eight that competed earned a score.

Tim Shirley, 17th in the PRCA bareback standings, is third with a score of 75.

As hot as the bareback riders were Thursday evening, steer wrestlers and team ropers couldn’t have been too much colder.

Wade Sumpter set the steer wrestling standard during Wednesday’s slack rodeo with a time of 3.9 seconds, and Leland Schneider was close behind in second with at 4.1 seconds.

Thursday, Terry’s Rod Paschke was the only one of 11 contestants to break into the top seven, wrestling his steer to the ground in 4.1 seconds to tie Schneider.

Keven Daniel and Kory Koonts team roping lead of 4.8 seconds from Tuesday’s slack was never threatened by the 12 tandems Thursday evening.

Just two teams earned qualifying times, but both were hampered by barrier infractions that added five seconds to their times.

Chad Honshon and JC Malone are the calf roping leaders with 9.2-second times, Diane Bukowski is still the frontrunner in barrel racing competition at 17.35 seconds.

The leaders in saddle bronc and bull riding were not made available to The Enterprise at press time Friday.

The rodeo's final performance is Saturday, July 4, beginning at 8 p.m.

Braves sweep Bozeman
By Tom Gersack, Enterprise Staff Writer

More often than not when an error is made in baseball, there is a penalty to be paid.

The Bozeman Spikes paid dearly for the miscues Saturday afternoon in a Southern Class A Conference twin bill with homestanding Livingston.

The Braves took advantage of five errors in their 10-run-rule shortened 14-4 rout of the Spikes in game two, and benefitted from three Bozeman errors in winning the opener 12-7.

“If a team makes an error, you’ve got to make them pay for it,” said Livingston skipper Doug Birge. “We did that and got a couple of important conference wins.”

It didn’t hurt that Braves pitchers Chad Becker and Riley Kurschner brought their A games, and that the Livingston offense pelted just about any and everything the Spikes pitching staff through at them.

Kurschner stumped the Spikes with an eight-hitter, while striking out seven and finishing with just one walk.

Becker, meanwhile, allowed just four hits and struck out seven.

The Braves did all of their damage in the first three innings of game two.

Livingston scored four runs in the first inning; took advantage of three Spikes errors in a seven-run second; and padded their lead with three runs in the third.

Becker paced the offense with three hits and three runs scored; Birge chipped in two hits, an RBI and three runs scored; Kurschner legged out a pair of singles, scored two runs and added an RBI; and Bisson added an RBI double.

In the opener, Matt Smith continued his week-plus hot streak with two hits, two runs scored and two RBIs.

“Matt’s been playing terrific baseball,” said Birge of the outfielder. “He’s been on a tear.”

Jordan Doornak pitched in a pair of hits and three RBIs; Bisson chipped in a pair of hits, two RBIs and two runs scored; and Kurschner added a pair of runs scored and an RBI.

The most important think Livingston got out of the sweep was that it evened their Southern Class A Conference record at 3-3.

“We’re playing some pretty good baseball,” said Birge. “We’re just not always getting the win.

“With each practice and with each game we’re starting to click more and more,” he added.

Livingston improved to 14-17 overall.

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OBITUARIES
The following obituaries appeared in The Enterprise the week of June 29-July 3, 2009:

• Randy Williams, 67, of Livingston, died Saturday morning, June 27, 2009 at Frontier Assisted Living Center in Livingston.

• Frances V. "Fran" Overfelt, 85, passed away June 28, 2009, at Highgate Senior Living in Bozeman.