On Tuesday, March 11th, the Townsend Tree Board sponsored a One Day One School Project at Townsend Schools. An energetic group of over 25 community members pitched in to remove four large trees on the east side of the high school, grind down the stumps, install a sprinkler system and place sod in the boulevard area.The crew started at 8 a.m. and was finished with the project by 6 p.m. Townsend Tree Board member Patrick Plantenberg explained that they had more help show up than they expected, so they were actually able to do more work than was originally planned, including some drainage control along the east side of the school. “The project went real well,” beamed Plantenberg. “We are very pleased that we were able to do everything we did, and very grateful for all the help we received.” He went on to explain that the one day project will save the local school district at least $7000 in future landscaping upgrades.Six new trees are planned to be planted on the refurbished boulevard on April 25th as part of the Townsend Tree Board’s Arbor Day activities.The Townsend One Day One School Project is the first of its kind in the western U.S. The program was started by a stump grinding contractor in New Jersey who noticed hazardous trees at his son’s school and organized a one day clean up event to remove them. Townsend Tree Board member Jim Edelblut noticed an article in a magazine about the program and approached the local tree board about doing a similar project here. The Townsend Tree Board agreed that it was a good idea and gathered up the assistance of numerous local companies and individuals to make it a reality.Contributing services to the Townsend project on Tuesday were Jim Edelblut of Pruning Plus, Bill Amsk from Green Tree, The City of Townsend Maintenance Crew, Glenn Reynolds of Northwest Tree Service of Stevensville, Patrick Plantenberg of Plants Etc., and Don Walters of Irrigation Parts House. Other contributors include Watson’s Irrigation Specialist, Inc., Clint Watson’s Technology Education class and other volunteers including Ron Cheever, Tom Helm, John Stoner, Daryl Blumhagen, members of the Tree Board, Rotary Club, Broadwater County Development Corporation, and the School District janitorial staff. Beth Ihle and Mary Mistek provided food and refreshments for the crew.

Shawn Higley carried a letter from Steve Cavanaugh, of Belgrade, Developer of Rolling Glen Ranch, requesting a 180 day extension of the of Bond for improvements of Rolling Glen Ranch Subdivision. Commissioner Lynn moved to deny the request for 180-day extension on Rolling Glen Ranch Phases I and II, Commissioner Hohn seconded, the motion passed. The final plat approval for Phase 1 & 2 of the Rolling Glen Ranch subdivision was suspended by county commissioners at the February 25th County Commissioners meeting. The suspension of the plat will also place phases 3 & 4 of the same subdivision on hold. In an interview with commissioner Jim Hohn he indicated Steve Cavanaugh, would not be allowed to sell any further lots until the subdivision improvements, in particular county road improvement requirements had been met or until the legal process had determined an alternative agreement. Broadwater County has retained attorney Tom Budewitz, claiming Mr. Cavanaugh’s failure to meet the road improvement requirements and costs associated with the said improvements leaves a balance of $262,399.06 owed (courtesy of Gail Vennes). Mr. Hohn also indicated the county has done their part and that “the ball is in Mr. Cavanaugh’s court and the legal process needs to be followed.”According to Commissioner Chairman Gail Vennes, the county has not heard from Mr. Cavanaugh Since the 22nd of February. The Star was unable to reach Mr. Cavanaugh for comment. But in a letter to the commission on Jan. 23 he claimed he owed “no further obligations under these agreements” and also claimed the county should pay him $176,969.50 for overpayments, credits, changes, etc. An estimated 90% of the 126 lots for phases 1/2 of Rolling Glen Ranch have been sold. Rolling Glen Ranch Subdivision is located near Three Forks off of Highway 287. The suspension of the plat does not affect the current lot owners ability to sell or modify thier lots, it only affects the progression of future lots and future sales.

Cody Harris, a senior at Broadwater High School, has been invited to represent Montana and the United States in the 20th annual Down Under Sports Basketball Tournaments. The tournaments are hosted each June and July in Australia or New Zealand and provide an opportunity for young athletes from the U.S., Australia and New Zealand to come together for some friendly competition.
This is an opportunity of a lifetime for Harris to represent his school, state and country while interacting with locals from a very interesting part of the world. “Those who have participated in our sports events in the past have had an unforgettable and life changing experience,” states George O’Scanlon, President of International Sports Specialists, Inc.
“I’m very honored to have this opportunity and am greatly looking forward to representing Townsend, Montana,” Cody Harris said.
Harris has demonstrated an exemplary effort in sports throughout his high school career, as well as in academics. He has shown superb leadership skills and enjoys overwhelming respect among his peers. During his time at BHS he has participated, and typically excelled, in football, basketball, track, speech and drama, and baseball. He has also been involved in the Aim Higher club, Building Higher Standards club, Business Professionals of America, National Honor Society, Youth Council and Student Council, as well as being a Boys State Delegate. He was his freshman class president, sophomore class president, vice president of state student council, student body president as a junior and currently is the student body representative to the school board.
“This is a nice accomplishment for Cody,” commented Harris’ football coach, Travis Rauh. “He works as hard as any player we have ever had and it is nice to see him rewarded.”
Harris’ basketball coach, Brad Racht stated, “Cody has represented the school and community well, both on and off the court. This is a great opportunity for him to see the world while doing something he has worked very hard at and enjoys.”
Harris will be preparing for his trip between now and June, not only physically but financially. He and his family are planning a fundraiser dinner and auction at the FishTale Tavern on Saturday, April 5th. The event will feature a barbecue pork dinner at 1 p.m. and a live auction starting at 2 p.m. Cost for the dinner is $7. Donations for the auction are being accepted. To donate an auction item or monetary funds to Harris’ cause or for more information, contact Connie Harris at 980-0077 or the FishTale Tavern during the day at 266-5582.