The Billings Gazette from Billings, Montana • 14

23 Thursday, March 30, 2006 3 Local Guide ulatioo faults reg jfexec Local events By BECKY BOHRER Associated Press LUNCH AND LfARN SESSION "COLORECTAL CANCER" noon to 1 p.m., Billings Clinic conference center FREE PROGRAM "SLEEP DISORDERS IN ADULTS" 7 to 9 p.m., Burns Auditorium, Mansfield Health Education Center, 2900 12th Ave. N. AARP INCOME TAX HELP PROGRAM 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Yellowstone County Council on Aging, 1309 16th St W. Threat of lawsuits and foot-dragging by state regulators may be causing companies to think twice about trying to develop coalbed methane in Montana, an energy firm official said Wednesday.

"We're used to dealing with MSU-Bii geologic risk and not regulatory risk or legal risk," Bruce Williams, the vice president of operations for Fidelity Exploration Production told Gov. Brian Schweitzer. The governor met with officials SCHWEITZER "The laws are OK. They're tough but we comply. We need people to do their jobs and get us permits when we need them.

Bruce Williams Fidelity Exploration Production Co. vice president of operations prime example of this involves the state Department of Environmental Quality, which issues water discharge permits. He said it took two years for his company to get a permit to discharge treated water and even longer for a renewal for untreated water discharge. By comparison, he said, such permits can pass through Wyoming's regulatory channels in three to six months. Montana's DEQ.

director, Richard Opper, said he couldn't speak to what happened within the agency during previous administrations. He said the department is guided in all it does, including the issuance of permits, by existing laws and science. "Those aren't always black-and-white, as we all know," he said. But, he added in an interview, he has no intention of letting fear of being sued block agency action. Drilling for coalbed methane involves the release of groundwa ter to ease the pressure holding the natural gas in coal seams.

Many conservationists and ranchers say that water can be salty and damage crops or other vegetation. And they have concerns about where it ends up. Officials want to make sure there are protections for other interests as well, including irrigated agriculture, Opper said. "We are very enthusiastic about energy development, but it has to be on Montana's terms," he said. Opper said he could not foresee his agency permitting additional discharges for untreated methane waste water into the Tongue River out of concerns with salt loading and limits.

"I think that's basically done, and the companies should know it," he said. Schweitzer told energy officials he shared concerns about sodium load but noted companies are looking at or involved with different water treatment options. He said if the sodium levels can brought to an "acceptable" level, it will be good for an industry that he says could have the potential to tap a lot of gas. On the issue of energy projects, Schweitzer said he's continuing to promote and court interest in a plant that would use clean-coal technology to create clean energy such as liquid fuels or electricity. Schweitzer said he'd met Tuesday with an official from JetBlue Airways, who said "we want in." A JetBlue spokesman characterized the meeting as a fact-finding session that fit in with the company's interest in better understanding alternative fuel options.

from four energy discuss issues ranging Firms to and pipeline from regulation capacity to possible future projects and production. When Schweitzer asked why Montana lagged so far behind Wyoming in coalbed methane wells, he was told that, while limited infrastructure had been partly to blame at one time, leading concerns now had to do with the threat of litigation and regulatory issues. "The laws are OK. They're tough but we comply," Williams said. "We need people to do their jobs and get us permits when we need them." He said he worries that state regulators have been "burned" so often by court rulings that they're prone to delays and overanalyzing issues related to permits.

In an interview, Williams said a l3gs breaks mM record More rain fell in Billings Wednesday than on any March day on record. By 10-J0 p.m, a total of 0. inches had been recorded at Billings Logan International Airport That the highest rain total for a single calendar day in March since the National Weather Service began keeping records of its measurements at the airport in 1934 "The rain just moved up, sat over us and didnt move," meteorologist Todd Foisy said. The previous record for single-day rainfall in March was 0.95 inches. That was set on March 22, 1973.

The previous record for March 22 half an inch was set in 1977, Foisy said. The rain was expected to let up for much of the area today. Poles sergeant recognized A Billings police officer who has worked to curb alcohol sates to minors has been recognized for the effort by a national organization. Sgt Tony Barone was awarded a Spirit of Promise Award on Tuesday for the Police Department's sting operations that have tested compliance with alcohol sales restrictions by local retailers since 2000. The award was sponsored by the local chapter of Roots of Promise, a project affiliated with the Thomas Merton Center in Pittsburgh.

Barone and Kathy Aders, director of the Yellowstone County Drug Free Schools Coalition, were recognized by the group for their efforts to improve the lives of children and families. Three Billings businesses The Carlin, the Komer Stop and Express Center also were recognized for efforts to curb underage drinking. Barone said he shares the success of the program with Lisa Posada of the Yellowstone County DUI Task Force and area retailers involved in alcohol sales. Since starting in Billings nearly six years ago, Barone said, the program has spread to other Montana cities. Crow Agency woman adnits theft A Crow Agency woman admitted Wednesday that she stole money from her employer.

Jolene Lois Enick, 37, pleaded guilty in federal court to theft for taking about $3,500 from payments for service and petty cash in September and October 2003. Assistant LIS. Attorney Lori Suek said the manager of Project Telephone received information in October 2003 that financial reports prepared by Enick documenting payments by customers were inconsistent and that the information suggested Enick was stealing. Enick claimed that money she had placed in a bag for deposit burned in a fire at the Project Telephone office Oct 13, 2003, but fire department personnel found no such evidence, Suek said. Enick initially denied stealing money but later admitted she stole cash because she was having financial problems.

Enick faces five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and mandatory restitution. US. District Judge Richard Cebull set sentencing for July 12 and continued Enick's release. StockgTJwers official resigns The Montana Stockgrowers Association has a new executive vice president after the man who'd held the job more than two months abruptly resigned last week, the group's communications coordinator said Wednesday. Christie Messer said Steve West told staff members last week that he was leaving for personal reasons but did not elaborate.

West, who had lived and worked in Oregon, took over the post in early January. He replaced Steve Pitcher, who retired West could not be reached for comment The stockgrowers group hired Errol Rice to replace West Rice had been working as a field representative for Sen. Conrad Bums, R-Mont, a Bums spokesman said. Rice's family also ranches in the state, Messer said. Rice could not immediately be reached for comment From Gazette staff and news services INTERSTATE ROLLOVER 1 --4 to bo honored today Four Montana State University-Billings cooperative education internship students will be recognized at a banquet from noon to 1:30 p.m.

today in the Lewis and Clark Room in the Student Union Building. The outstanding students were nominated by the businesses they served their internships in 2005. Sarah Bauer, an administrative assistant major from Billings, was nominated for her contributions to Austin Lehman Adventures. Paula Hawkey, a business major from Stanford, was nominated by The Paint Center. Lacy Humbrecht, a human services major from Spearfish, S.DM was nominated by Normative Services.

Kay Kelly, a communication major, was nominated by her faculty supervisor, Lisa Sorensen of RegDay, an organization in Portland, that promotes adoption events. Central class of '56 planning reunion The Central High School class of 1956 is planning to hold its 50th class reunion July 21-23. All classmates, including those from Fratt and Little Flower, are encouraged to attend. For more information, call Pat at 259-1222. Orchestras plan spaghetti dinner The Senior High Orchestras are having a spaghetti dinner on Friday.

Drop in to the Senior High cafeteria any time from 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Dinner includes home-cooked spaghetti, salad, French bread, dessert and a beverage. Entertainment will be provided by orchestra members playing solos, duets and ensembles. The event will help defray costs for the spring tour to Colorado, as well as provide funds for music, purchase of uniforms and other Kerns not normally covered in a school budget Tickets cost $6 per person or $20 for a family with up to three children. Kids under age 5 eat free.

Call 247-2153 for information or to buy tickets in advance. Head Start kids' art reception tonight The Head Start Children's Art Show opening reception is from 5:30 to 7:30 tonight at the Yellowstone Art Museum, 401 N. 27th St More than 300 art projects created by Head Start preschoolers from Rimrock, North Park, Community Day Care and Joliet will be exhibited through April 13 in the Education Studio and Young Artists Gallery. Children and families are invited to view the colorful art created by 3-, 4- and 5-year-old artists and tour the museum. Admission is free.

Refreshments are provided by Head Start Head Start preschoolers toured the museum and created individual art projects and collaborative class projects earlier this year. 1 4 DAVID GRU B8VGazette Staff Cleanup crews pick up big rolls of paper Wednesday after a semitrailer rolled on Interstate 90 Just east of the Zoo drive exit. Man pleads not guilty to murder Former Billings man accused of kidnapping, killing wife court on May 30 for an evidentiary hearing, is alleged to have used a dangerous weapon to slay his wife. Authorities found several knives in his pickup, and a search of the family SUV found multiple stains that appeared to be blood. Similar stains also were found in the family home, along with knives and guns.

Reay's twin brother, Bret, also has been charged in the case. He faces multiple counts of being an accessory to a felony. Authorities allege he tried to mislead officials investigating Tami Reay's disappearance and death. Bret Reay was arrested in Casper, Wya He is being held on $100,000 bond and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing Friday in Hughes County. Brad Reay was the assistant manager at the County Market on Central Avenue in 2001, according to a Billings Gazette article.

Newspaper archive show the couple's daughter was born at St. Vincent 1 Icalihrore in 1993. store and was reported missing by an assistant manager. A search was begun and her body was found after being spotted in rugged terrain by personnel in a National Guard helicopter. The charges allege that Tami Reay was abducted and slain Feb.

8 in I iughes County. Brad Reay, a balding man with a slight build, softly answered in the affirmative Tuesday when Circuit Judge Kathleen Trand.ihl of Winner explained his constitutional rights and asked if he understood. The judge said he could be convicted on only one of the murder or manslaughter charges. If convicted, the only penalty Reay could receive for first-degree murder or aggravated kidnapping would be life in prison without the possibility of parole, Trandahl said. She said the manslaughter charge carried a penalty of up to life in prisoa Trandahl did not immediately set a trial date.

Reay, who Ik to next appear In PIERRE, S.D. (AP) The state will not seek the death penalty against a former Billings man who is charged with killing his wife, Hughes County State's Attorney Tim Maher said Tuesday at an arraignment hearing for Brad Reay. Reay, 46, pleaded not guilty to alternate counts of first-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter. He also pleaded not guilty to aggravated kidnapping. The nude body of Reay's wife, Tami, 41, was found Feb.

9 west of Gahe Dam in Stanley County. She was reported missing after failing to show up for work. The couple had reportedly been talking about divorce. A letter Reay wrote in jail indicated he believed his wife was having an affair. Tami Reay worked at a retail Lew is 6t Clark A 'mantainance of 40 or 50 thousand' An excerpt from the journals of members of Ok Lewis and Clark Expedition from this day 200 years ago edited by Gary Moulton March 30,1306, Lewis.

I took a walk of a few miles through the prarie The timber and apearance of the country is much as before (Ascribed, the up lands are covered almost entirety with a heavy growth of fir of several speceis like those discribed in the neighbourhood of Fort Clatsop; the white cedar is also found here of large size; no white pine nor pine of any other kind, we had a view of mount St helines and Mount Hood the 1st is the most noble looking object of if kind in nature, it's figure is a regular cone, both these mountains are perfectly covered with snow; at least the parts of them which are visible, the highlands in this valley are rolling tho' by no means too steep for cultivation they are generally fertile of a dark rich loam and tolerably free of stones, this valley is terminated on it's lower side by the mountanous country which borders the coast and above by the rainge of mountains which pass the Columbia between the great falls and rapids of the Columbia river. It is about 70 miles wide on a direct Bne and if length I beleive to be very extensive tho' how far I cannot determine, this valley would be copetent to the mantainance of 40 or 50 thousand souls if property cultivated and Is indeed the only desireable situation for a settlement which I have seen on the West side of the Rocky mountains. I must give these Savages as well as those on the coast the praise of makcing the neatest and handsomest lightest best formed canoes I ever Saw art the best hands to work mem. Portland (mf, UmBil'nmz Oregon Uih0 SDx Wyo. '-jsiouictty Pones fgwa LottoGuide HOT LOTTO 2-9-14-35-38 Hot Ball 10 MONTANA CASH 01- 05-09-23-36 WILDCARD 0412-14-16-29 Wild Card King of Hearts POWERBALL 2- 14-24-28-54 Powerball 13 Dealer pleads guilty to conspiracy i mum i Neb.

drug charge in another ease, Seykora iald Ireland and co-con-npirator transported meth from Brentwood to Hillings numerous timet by vehicle and ait linen. Ireland and co-consplratori tlien mwd a network of associate to dWfrilnite the drug In Billings. Invest ignore 1-lowrd Ireland's movement! using A camera and a vehicle tracking devke, Seyknra said. Ireland, who was the primary contact In Billings, and another coconspirator maintained stah houses and moved meth from location to location, Seykora Mid. Ireland and others also laundered thousands of dollars In drug to CalifurnU twing Western Union and Federal Ftpress, In some transactions, Ireland used Gazottt Staff A Florida man admitted Wcdnesd.iy he helped distribute as much a pounds of mrthamphct-nilne in the Billing area and kept the drug In stash houses around the dry, jmucl Ireland, 21, IradnJ guilty in federal court to 12 count thai included conspiracy to poMcwt mrth with intent to distribute, dittribu-tion, conspiracy to launder money and uing a rommunlratlon facility to further mrth distribution.

Assistant U.S. Anu-y Jim Srykon iuid the rontpir ran from 2003 to May 2005 mid Irm.lwd Ireland, Richard Todd, of Brentwood, and oilim, Titdd hai pleaded not guilty to a federal the alias Chad IxwU, Four of the drug sales Ireland admitted to occurred in a downtown fast fmd restaurant from January to March 2005, He admitted selling mrth to a confident Ul Informant or to an undercover agent. IrrLind admitted he was responsible for between 3J pounds and II winds of mrth. live amount has a aring on the sentence the defendant will receive. Ireland faces a minimum mandatory 10 years to life in prison and a $4 million fine on the conspiracy charge.

FKc other emints are to be dismissed at sentencing under the term of a plea agreement. US. District Judge Richard Cclwill set sentencing fur July 12 and ordered Ireland into custody. n. UwfitndCWl Lou TrH to tfi cation 100 years 1 mouth of tn ago jhij week ColumW Hiyr tin Check out mm.

tewiuwtcMuom Bkj Sky -1 new powder, machine groomed, 64-116 base, 150 of 150 trails, 18 of 18 lifts. Open dally9a.rn.-4 p.m. Bridget Bowl Spring snow, machine groomed, 83-83 base, 71 of 71 trails, 7 of 7 lifts. Open dally 9 p.m, Moonlight Basin Packed powder, machine groomed, 65-90 base, 80 o(80 trails, 6 of 6 llftl Open dally 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Red Lodge Spring snow, machine groomed, 24-48 base, 59 of 71 trails, 6 of 8 lifts.

Open daily 9 a.nv4 p.m. bnilnsgazctte.com (j Logon for mors Lewis and Clark journal excerpts..