Grass Fire

Shortly before 11:00 PM tonight firefighters responded to a large grass fire east of Shelby and north of Dunkirk. Wind hampered the effort to get the blaze out fast and kept the firefighters moving. No structures were in the area to be threatened.

NBMC Shelby
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Housing Slump

Since the late 1960s Shelby has not seen many new homes built each year. That said, there was still usually around six or so built per year but not anymore. With local and national economies going down, Shelby is lucky to see one or two new homes constructed. Some new homes have gone up along the Marias river near Shelby but this year NBMC has only seen two in town. One of those on 12th Ave. is seen in the photo below. Many existing homes sit and sit waiting for buyers while some sell or rent. Recent employment from the prison and now the new wind farm west of Shelby are helping but many drive from other communities for these jobs. All in all, Shelby is holding its own in this bad economy and hoping for better days.

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NBMC Shelby
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Montana's Largest Wind Farm Progressing

Located between Shelby and Cut Bank, Montana is the largest construction site in northern Montana. The site is attracting attention around the world for the green energy that will be produced there. Governor Schweitzer of Montana as well as other government and business officials recently visited. The governor is quoted as saying "seeing the new wind farm construction nearly brought me to tears."

When finished, the site will include 140, 300 foot towers with 3 nearly 200 foot long props attached to a garage sized generator room. Each near $2 million tower will include a two person elevator for maintenance. As of July, 24, 2008 there are already near two dozen assembled with many more close to being complete. NBMC talked briefly with NaturEner, the company which manufactures the wind mills, and they said the company is pleased with the progress they are making.

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NBMC File Photo: Governor in Shelby

NBMC Shelby
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Museum Gets New Building

The Marias Museum of History and Art is currently getting a new building. The steel building is being erected across the street from the main museum in the enclosure for large items. That area houses such things as vintage farm equipment and some railroad displays, plus, small historic buildings. The new building will provide a clean and dry place to add more items.

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NBMC Shelby
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Water Under Tracks

Helena Sand and Gravel was busy near the Viaduct today digging two huge holes. The holes are on either side of the BNSF railroad tracks. They will give access to a large boring machine that will soon dig deep under the tracks. When done boring, a new water line for the city will be installed so water can flow under the railroad. This is in a continuing set of sub projects around town to replace and upgrade aging water and sewer lines.

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Alarm Sounds at Convenience Store

A fuel pump alarm sounded at a local convenience store early this morning. The alarm started at about 4:30 AM at Main Street Convenience and emergency crews arrived shortly after. The alarm is for fuel emergencies and has a manual switch on the outside of the building. It is not sure if the alarm was set off by a person or malfunctioned. There was no fuel emergency and so ambulance, police and fire crews soon left.

NBMC Shelby
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New Front At Northtown

Northtown Drug, formerly Wells Drug on Main Street Shelby was receiving a face-lift this past week. Shelby Glass was busy replacing the old front of the store with a new structure, glass and trim. The most advanced part or the remodel is handicap access with an automatic door. To keep the store open and safe, the front was boarded up during the changes. The sales counter has also been moved and updated plus there are new colors in the store.

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