The Missoulian from Missoula, Montana • 15

Missoulian, Thursday, May 24, 2007 B3 MONTANA Emigrant cattle test free of brucellosis BILLINGS Montana ranchers get to keep their brucellosis-free status for now, although the state remains in danger of losing the favored rating as the federal and state investigation continues. Final tests Wednesday showed that 190 cattle on the Bruce Malcolm ranch near Emigrant were clean of brucellosis even though several of the seven Montana cows found carrying the disease came from this herd. "It means that this place up here is free from brucellosis. No reactors. No positive ones.

Every animal we have is negative," said Malcolm, who also serves as a Republican state representative from Emigrant. Over the past few years, Malcolm has shipped some of his cattle to his daughter and son-in-law's ranch near Bridger, including a few of the cows that tested positive. The Bridger herd has been quarantined and investigators are focusing next on testing cattle in the Bridger area that may have been in contact with the Malcolm family cattle during the past two years. If even one cow from another herd tests positive in the ongoing investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant By JAN FALSTAD of the Billings Gazette Health Inspection Service, Montana will lose its brucellosis-free status.

Ranchers and others in the cattle industry will then have to pay for expensive testing and perhaps vaccinations against the disease that causes pregnant cows, elk, bison and hogs to abort. Gov. Brian Schweitzer called a news conference in Helena on Wednesday to say that this is "a big wake-up call." "It leaves us with our brucellosis-free status intact," the governor said. "But it's a heck of a warning and we're not done yet. We've become CSI Montana." Schweitzer again called for setting up a 50-mile "hot zone" around Yellowstone National Park where all cattle entering and leaving that area would be tested for brucellosis.

This is the area where elk and bison, which can carry the disease, are most likely to come into contact with cattle. If any cattle test positive, only this area would lose its brucellosis-free status, not the whole state. Schweitzer said Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service officials have told him they handle other diseases on a regional basis and are willing to discuss setting up a brucellosis "hot spot" in Montana. The idea is supported by the Montana Cattlemen's Association, but not the Montana Stockgrowers Association. Schweitzer said the bison management plan isn't working and he called on the stockgrowers to support his "hot zone" plan.

"We're not managing the disease, we're chasing buffalo in and out of the park," he said. "I sure wouldn't want to be that livestock organization that announces Montana has lost its brucellosis-free status." Schweitzer also asked Christian Mackay, recently hired as the executive officer for the Department of Livestock, to start work immediately instead of June 1. And he called an emergency meeting of the livestock board for Tuesday. There will be no appeal for the cattle on the Bridger ranch that have tested positive. One cow was sold and shipped to Iowa before her positive test came back.

She was euthanized at Iowa State University. Six more positive cows, all with calves, remain on the quarantined ranch near Bridger. Under federal rules, the entire herd of nearly 300 head must be destroyed by July 6. "If Montana wishes to keep its class-free status, even without a new infected herd, that Bridger herd would have to be depopulated," said Teresa Howes, spokeswoman for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. Case against justice of the peace dismissed PHILIPSBURG Allegations that Granite County Justice of the Peace Sam Brown illegally diverted money to civic organizations were unsupported and improperly investigated, a judge said in dismissing the case.

Granite County Attorney Mark Jones had asked the court to let him charge Brown, justice of the peace for 13 years. District Judge Kurt Krueger said that Jones lacked probable cause for charges and that "prosecutors should not be conducting their own investigations." Krueger, who issued his decision this month, also said he was "extremely dismayed" that allegations against Brown received extensive news coverage when there were no formal charges. In March, Jones accused Brown of waiving fines in return for donations to organizations such as senior-citizen and antidrug groups. Jones also said Brown lowered drunken-driving charges to non-driving misdemeanors if defendants made monetary contributions. The Associated Press reported erroneously that Brown was charged with felony theft and misdemeanor counts of official misconduct and malfeasance.

The Montana Standard in Butte had reported that Jones confirmed charges were filed. However, Jones denied that assertion Wednesday in a telephone interview with the Associated Press. "Charges were never filed; an affidavit was filed. I never made any comments to the newspapers," he said. "I know that I filed the affidavit.

It's public record. I know the affidavit is accurate, and that's really all I can say." In response to Krueger's comments about prosecutors conducting their own investigations, Jones said: "If that's the judge's opinion, that's his opinion. There's not a whole lot I can say." It was never alleged that Brown diverted money for personal use. His lawyer, Michael Grayson, said that the justice of the peace had approved pleabargain agreements calling for donations in lieu of fines, and that Jones himself signed off on more than a dozen such agreements during his time as a defense attorney in Granite County. For conflict-of-interest reasons, the state attorney general's office took over the case and Butte-based Krueger took the place of District Judge Ray Dayton, whose circuit includes Granite County.

"I did nothing wrong," Brown said in statement released by Grayson. "I simply reviewed and approved written plea agreements presented to my court by the prior county attorney and numerous defense lawyers, including Mark Jones." There is little flexibility when both the prosecution and the defense agree on "the proper outcome of a case," Brown said. "If I refuse to approve the agreement, the charges can simply be dismissed or the prosecution could lose at trial," he said. "I decided that if the prosecutor felt he couldn't prevail on a (drunken-driving) charge and wanted to reduce charges, that at least the defendant had to get counseling and donate money to causes," an outcome "better than no punishment at all should dismissal or an acquittal occur." Anaconda man has been missing since Friday ANACONDA (AP) A 22- year-old Anaconda man with a learning disability has been missing since Friday, officials said. Trevor Anderson's bicycle, backpack and other items were found near the runoff-swollen Warm Springs Creek on Sunday, but his parents remain hopeful that he acted on a desire to get a job in Idaho and found someone willing to give him a ride.

Monday's heavy snow, cold weather and high water Snakes Associated Press Continued "They are pretty secretive," Maxell said. "People walk right by snakes all the time and never even know they're there." When people or their dogs do happen to spot a snake putting on a show, it might be a rattlesnake imposter. "When threatened, bull snakes can put on quite an aggressive display," Maxell said. "They have the ability to compress their skulls and flatten their heads out in a triangle that mimics a rattlesnake. And they'll hiss Bull snakes are Montana's largest snake.

Sometimes called gopher snakes, some grow as long as 8 feet. They are COMMUNITY CALENDAR Government MISSOULA DEVELOPMENT Authority, 3:15 Room 201, Courthouse Annex. COMMUNITY FORUM, 7 p.m, City Council Chambers, 140 W. Pine St. Public events COLLOQUIUM on physical activity options and resources for people with disabilities, 9-11 a.m., University of Montana, Skaggs Building, Room 114.

Call 243-4016. MISSOULA MIDTOWN Association membership drive mixer, p.m., Western Montana Fairgrounds, Home Arts Building. www.missoulamidtown.com Organizations MISSOULA SENIOR CENTER, 705 S. Higgins Ave. 543-7154: hiking group, 9:30 a.m.; exercise, 9 a.m.; lunch, 11:30 a.m.; bridge, pinochle, 1 p.m.

Teamsters, 5:30 p.m. HAMILTON SENIOR CENTER, 820 N. Fourth 363-5181: exercise, 9 a.m. MISSOULA EXCHANGE Club, noon, DoubleTree, 100 Madison. Speaker: SINGLES THURSDAY Discussion Group, 7 p.m., 17 September Drive.

Topic: What are the most important qualities you look for in friends? Refreshments 6:30 p.m. Call 728- 2576. DALY MANSION Preservation Trust board of directors' election and annual meeting, 2 p.m., Daly Mansion. Call 363-6004 Ext. 2.

Coming soon C.A.S.H Ranch roping, May 26-27, Holliday Arena, Corvallis. Open and novice class. Call 961-0017 or 369- 0120. CHILD CARE RESOURCES' training "Cultural and Developmental Diversity," beginning level course, June 2, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., $15. Register at www.childcareresources.org.

Births Elizabeth Durglo and Stephen Hammond, St. Ignatius, boy, May 20 Elizabeth Suh and Matthew Munding, Florence, girl, May 22 Kristal and Rory Burns, Missoula, girl, May 22 Milagra Mcleod and Tadd Wilson, St. Ignatius, girl, May 21 Brianna Nichole and Brandon Dean Lindenmuth, Missoula, boy, May 22 Jennifer and Jeremy Reinicke, Missoula, girl, May 22 Tracy and Chad Ward, Missoula, boy, May 23 Laurie and Jake Schneider, Missoula, girl, May 23 Chrissy and Kyle McCready, Corvallis, girl, May 23 Amanda and Brad Sentell, Missoula, boy, May 23 DEATH NOTICES Orland M. Bratten HAMILTON Orland M. Bratten, 79, died Tuesday, May 22.

Arrangements will be announced by the Daly-Leach Chapel. James Albert Krause VICTOR James Albert Krause, 65 died at his home on Tuesday, May 22. Arrangements will be announced by the Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville. Obituary guidelines The Missoulian publishes obituaries of western Montana residents and people with significant ties to the region. Obituaries are paid notices, billed by column-inch of published copy.

The first three inches of any obituary are free; additional inches cost $12.50 per inch. Half-column photographs cost an additional $10. There is no charge for one publication if the deceased is 18 or younger. Obituaries may be submitted by e-mail to or fax to 523-5294, or placed via funeral homes or in person. Deadline is 4:30 p.m.

for the next day's edition. For more information, call 523-5267 or 1-800-366-7186, Ext. 267. David Carl Eggers MISSOULA 20, 2007, David Carl the gallant Christian journeyed victoriously gates of heaven into of his savior, Jesus As said to the "Death swallowed David's tenacious ended by being raised in a spiritual body. "The Lord Jesus Christ will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious (Philippians 22).

David was born in Grants On Sunday, May Eggers, always soldier, through the the loving arms Christ the Lord. Corinthians, up in victory." fight with cancer Pass, on July 7, 1949. He was the third child of the Rev. Carl Eggers and Helen Eggers. After Milwaukee graduating Eggers from Lutheran High in 1968, he served four years in the U.S.

Army with one year of active duty in Vietnam. Eggers In October 1972, David married Linda Jo Erhart in Dodge City, Kan. From this marriage he was blessed with two sons. David Cory and Kevin Lynn Eggers. The couple divorced in 1988.

In 1990, Dave married the love of his life, soul mate and best friend, Linda Rose Giammona. Together they blended their families of six children, which extended over the years to 18, including seven grandchildren. From 1975 until his retirement in 1 December 2005, Dave worked in the beer business. He will always be remembered in and around Montana as one of the last "real beer reps." Dave was the "Bud Man" and dedicated almost 20 years to Anheuser-Busch as region sales manager for western Montana. An incredible team player, Dave worked right alongside all employees at every one of his wholesalers, always willing to assist in any way.

He thoroughly enjoyed the interaction with drivers, stockers, salesmen, office personnel and the owners of the distributorships. Survivors include his wife, Linda Rose; sons, Cory and Anna (Misook) of Jacksonville, and Kevin of Phoenix; stepchildren, John and Luann Giammona of Austin, Texas, Joe and Renee Giammona of Denver, Laura and Anuj Giammona-Timblo of Austin, Vinny and Katie Giammona of Missoula; and grandchildren, Austin and Justin Eggers and Nicholas, Madison, Elli Rose, Carlee Rose and Katherine Giammona; sister, Carlyn Draeger of Auburn, brothers, Phil (Elda) Eggers of Jonesbough, and Tom (Cheryl) Eggers of Kent, and several nieces and nephews. David was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. Carl Eggers and Helen Eggers. The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all their wonderful friends, Dr.

Michael Snyder, Dr. Margaret Menendez, and the staff of the Montana Cancer Center, (nurses Joanie, Carolyn and Beth), Partners in Home Care Hospice and Pastor John Lueman of South Hills Evangelical Church for the continual care, support and prayers throughout Dave's journey. A celebration memorial of David's life will be held at South Hills Evangelical Church in Missoula at 10 a.m. Friday, May 25. In recognition of Dave's glorious passing into heaven, the family asks that bright colors be worn.

Donations in David's name may be made to the American Cancer Society or Partners in Home Care STATE DEATHS Anaconda Lorraine Kelley, 77 Billings Harold Price, 100 Butte Kevin P. O'Day Great Falls Carol A. Campbell, 63 Helena Theodore R. Austin III, 50, Lewistown Rosella T. Bowman, 89 Victor Orlando 'Bud' Karlson CORVALLIS Victor Orlando "Bud" Karlson, 82, of Corvallis, died at Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital in Hamilton on Sunday, May 20, 2007.

He was born on May 26, 1924, in Clark County, Thorp Township, S.D. and was the son of Karl and Lena (Nelson) Karlson. Bud was a truck driver for 10 years. He also was a rancher and owned the Pearl Wilcox homestead in Corvallis for 15 years. Bud retired from the city of Missoula Karlson Karlson where he worked for the Parks Department.

Vic was a hard-working man whose personal integrity was beyond reproach, "a man of his word and a handshake." He was preceded in death by a son, Terry, and numerous brothers and sisters. Vic is survived by his son Ken and Anna-Marie Karlson of Florence; daughters Vicky Lawler and Verna Lemer, both of Lolo; numerous brothers; sisters; cousins; nephews; nieces; and grandchildren. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, May 24, at Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville.

Funeral Services will be held at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, with Peter Daley officiating. A reception will follow at the Rustic Hut at Florence. Should friends desire, memorials may be made to James E. 'Jim' Connolly KALISPELL James E.

"Jim" Connolly, 74, died Tuesday, May 22, 2007. He was born Nov. 30, 1932, in St. Paul, 1. Minn.

to Jerry and Lillian Connolly. Jim served in the U.S. Army National Guard. In 1954, he married Naomi Lofgren. He is survived by wife Naomi; sons Marc, Michael, Paul and Steven; 10 grandchildren; brother John.

A celebration of Jim's life will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 25, at Risen Christ Catholic Church. The family suggests memorials to Home Options Hospice, 175 Commons Loop, Ste. 100, Kalispell, MT 59901 or a charity of your choice. You are invited to go to johnsonmortuary.com to offer condolences and sign Jim's guest book.

Alice J. Robinson LIBBY Alice J. Robinson, 50, died Tuesday, May 22, 2007, at her home in Libby from cancer. She was born Feb. 23, 1957, in Libby, to David W.

and Jean Kearney Robinson. Alice enjoyed African drumming and dancing, yoga, gardening, waterskiing, snow skiing and being a mother. She was preceded in death by her father, David; brothers David Thomas and Mark; sister Meg. Survivors include husband Joe of Libby; children, Sperry, Louis and Jonny all of mother Jean Robinson of Lakeside; sister Polly Addison of Seattle; and numerous nieces and nephews. Services will be held at a later date.

Local arrangements are by the Nelson and Vial Funeral Home in Libby. temporarily halted the search, but it resumed Tuesday. "We got a little break in the weather and we plan on doing whatever it takes until we exhaust everything," said John Sullivan, police chief for Anaconda-Deer Lodge County. Anaconda-Pintler Search and Rescue, law enforcement and Anderson's family searched Tuesday, using everything from four-wheelers to water probes. "Because of where his bike and stuff were, we just want to FROM PAGE B1 not poisonous.

"People see these big animals and they're actively aggressive," Maxell said. "It's easy for them to be mistaken for a rattlesnake." The best thing people can do if they do happen to cross paths with either variety of snake is just leave it alone, Valliant said. "People just need to realize be sure and check everything out," Sullivan said. "We're just taking every measure we can." Anderson's parents have said he had talked frequently about going to Idaho to get a job as a carpenter and they're hoping he hitched a ride west. "I always heard about how it's your worst nightmare, but I never had a clue," Orville Anderson said.

He described his son as 6 feet tall, with blue eyes and short, darn brown hair. He is approachable and easy to engage in conversation. that our conservation lands are home to a lot of different creatures. There are some that will bite or strike you if you're not careful," Valliant said. "That's not a bad thing.

Those lands are good habitat for a lot more than whitetail deer." Reporter Perry Backus can be reached at 523-5259 or at Steven James Bryant April 9, 1962 May 6, 2007 The family of Steven Bryant wishes to express its thanks to all those who attended his Memorial Service, some of you coming a considerable distance to be with us. We also thank those who have reached out to us in so many ways, with calls, cards, flowers, gifts of food, and prayers. We are grateful to Pastor Kathy Young, who provided comfort and inspiration. May all of you be blessed by Stevie's life, and remember him with love. Louis Mary Bryant Sue Jon Wilkins, Nic Melissa Sherri Peter Estep, Makayla DEATH NOTICES Charles F.

Dixon POLSON Charles F. Dixon 84, died Monday, May 21, at Village Health Care in Missoula from natural causes. Grogan Funeral Home will announce arrangements. Frances P. Zeiler DARBY Frances P.

Zeiler, 80, died Wednesday, May 23, at her residence. Arrangements will be announced by the Daly-Leach Chapel. OPEN HOUSE MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND MAY 26 27 28, 10 A.M. -4 P.M. Food and Refreshments served all treekend Saturday, May 26 Barbecue 11 a.m.

to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 27 Barbecue 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, May 28 Barbecue 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Veterans Commemorative Memorial Service 1:30 p.m. SUNSET MEMORIAL CEMETERY AND FUNERAL HOME 7405 Mullan Road 800-827-3133.