BLM moves out of offices

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Montana Snapshots

BLM moves out of offices

By the Associated Press - 12/19/2005

http://www.mtstandard.com/articles/2005/12/19/newsstate/hjjeihiajbiaf

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GLASGOW (AP) — Mold at the U.S. Bureau of Land Management field

station here has raised concerns about human-health risks and the

agency is seeking other work space for 12 employees.

``As of today, we're out of the building,'' Fahlgren, manager

of the station, said Friday. ``At this point, we have nowhere to go

yet.''

The BLM has been unable to reach the Seattle owner of the 3,500-

square-foot building constructed in 1978. It is on the west end of

Glasgow, just off U.S. 2, and has an attached shop.

Fahlgren said the office was closed for about three weeks last

summer, after employees complained of health problems.

An investigation revealed mold in the walls, and rodent and bird

feces in the system that circulates air.

Work to correct the problems was undertaken and after air-quality

tests, BLM employees returned to the building in August. A recent

inspection by a Billings company, Air Specialists, indicated

problems again exist.

``There was some mold returning in places,'' Fahlgren said.

Some of the BLM's displaced employees will work from home and others

may travel to the agency's Malta office. Arranging use of temporary

office space in Glasgow also may be an option.

New judge to hear cases in Bozeman BOZEMAN (AP) — The judge

appointed to a new position on the District Court bench here is

scheduled to begin hearing cases Jan. 3.

The Legislature authorized increasing the number of district judges

in Bozeman from two to three, because of a mounting caseload. Gov.

Schweitzer appointed Bozeman lawyer Brown to the position.

Brown will work in a prefabricated building being erected just west

of the Gallatin County justice center. There were plans for him to

work at the center, but county commissioners said that would have

required too costly a remodeling.

The prefabricated building will be well designed and equipped for

the work of the court, Commissioner Bill Murdock said.