University Taking Proposals for Ownership/Management of Dutton Country Courier

by Courtney Lowery

It's time for the Dutton Country Courier to take flight.

The aim with this project has always been to hand the Courier over to someone or some organization that could keep it running in the community. The goal was to give the site a head start with my help and the help of the students and then find someone to sustain the project long-term. Now is the time for that transition to take place.

The site has largely been maintained by me over the past year, but a majority of the stories have come from you. A special thanks is in order to those of you who regularly kept the site up, including Cheri Goss and the Mayor's office, Janet Goodell with community news and Colleen Campbell with school news.

No matter who takes the site over, I hope all of you will continue to contribute and be a part of this project.

Our goal has always been for the site grow into a news hub both for the community and by the community and so the criteria for proposals reflects that sentiment.

You can download the information here on the call for proposals or read on for the memo from the School of Journalism:

Town Garage Sale, Blood Drawing and Clean Up Month At the Cemetery

The annual Dutton Town Garage Sale is scheduled for June 27, 2007 for 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Please call Kathy DeMars for more information at 476-3248.  Start cleaning out those drawers and cupboards and get ready for a wonderful sale.

There will be a community blood drawing on Wednesday, June 1 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Dutton American Legion Hall.  Please contact Vickie Maurer at 476-3583 for an appointment.  Walk-ins are welcome as well!

A friendly reminder from the Dutton Cemetery Board: May is clean up month.  Please remove all plastic flowers and items from the gravesite so that the caretaker can mow and clean up.  You may put arrangements back before Memorial Day and leave them out for a week.

Pre-Orders Being Taken for Dutton History Books

The Dutton History Book will be delivered on Fun Day, July 11th.  This form is provided for those who wish to pre-order.  All pre-orders must be paid in full at the time of order.  A limited number of Books are being published.

Some information about the History Book:

*     It will be approx. 750 pages.

*    It will have over 1000 photos.

*    It covers the history of Collins and Dutton, plus the history of approximately 260 families.

*    The title of the book is: "Rails, Roots and Reminiscings."

*    The cost of the book is $65 plus $5 for shipping if needed, otherwise you may pick up your pre-order on or after Dutton Fun Day. We will be handing the books out on July 10th and 11th. Watch for signs around town designating pick up spot.

Click here to Download Dutton History Book Order Form

Or, click "continue reading" below and print out the page

Dutton Fun Day Needs Help Gathering Films, Photos

The Dutton Fun Day/centennial committee is requesting your help in gathering old films or pictures of Dutton and jubilee films from 1959 or the 75th celebration in 1984. It would be helpful if these were on DVD format but not mandatory.

Anyone with information contact Bill Habel.

Dutton Town Council Considers Land Purchase, Sewer Lagoon Improvement

submitted by Town of Dutton
Dutton Country Courier

In March, the Dutton Town Council discussed the Sewer Lagoon Improvement Project and continued its conversation about a proposal for the the town to buy Block 26, lots 4-12 from Clarus Lyons. 

The following are the minutes from the March 12th meeting of the council and below those are the minutes from the March 2nd meeting, in which the council talked about the original plan for the Lyons property as well as a legal matter concerning discharge at the sewer lagoon.

Thank You

We would like to thank all the friends from the Dutton area who were so kind to send their expressions of sympathy to our family on Lynn's brother, Jack Tacke's death. It is great to live where you know people care. 

-Thanks.  Lynn and Bill Habel and family.

Dutton Senior Citizen Center Hosts Bingo, Thursdays at 1 p.m.

The Senior Center will have Bingo every Thursday afternoon at 1 P.M. except for the second Thursday of each month when the Town & Country Women's group meets. We will then have bingo after the meeting about 3.P.M. We hope more will be able to come join us for a lot of fun and fellowship.

Fun Day Fireworks Committee Asks for Donations

In conjunction with the Dutton Centennial Celebration, the Dutton Fun Day Fireworks Committee is soliciting donations to help cover the cost of the fireworks display. We would like to raise an additional $2000 for this year’s show. Donations can be dropped off or mailed to the Dutton State Bank, PO Box 16, Dutton, MT 59433 where an account has been established. Please make checks payable to 2009 Dutton Fun Day Fireworks Fund. Thank you for your continued support. A list of donors will be posted at various locations around Dutton and on-line with the Dutton Courier. With your continued support, we hope to make this the best fireworks display yet!

Dutton/Brady School Schedule, Feb. 26 - March 7
submitted by Dutton/Brady Schools

Thursday, February 26   
Northern C Divisional Basketball Tournament at Four Seasons in Great Falls
NAEP Testing (Grades 4 & 8)

Friday, February 27       
Northern C Divisional Basketball Tournament at Four Seasons in Great Falls

Saturday, February 28   
Northern C Divisional Basketball Tournament at Four Seasons in Great Falls

Monday, March 2      
 Freshman/Sophomore Campus Visit to Bozeman & Butte

Tuesday, March 3       
Freshman/Sophomore Campus Visit to Bozeman & Butte
County Spelling Bee (Grades 5-8) in Fairfield at 7:00
(Tiegan Johnson, Shannon Habel, Austin Storle, Richard McKay and
Tyler Tharp (alternate))

Wednesday, March 4       
Ecumenical Youth Night

Thursday, March 5       
State C Girls Basketball Tournament begins in Belgrade

Friday, March 6       
JHBB vs Augusta (BBGG, 4/5/6/7)

Saturday, March 7       
JHBB vs Belt (GGBB, 10/11/12/1)

Dutton Fun Day Meeting, Feb. 17

The Dutton Fun Day committee will be meeting Tuesday Feb 17 at 7:00 p.m. at Dutton Legion Hall . All are invited bring new Ideas.

Dutton Legion Hosts Sweetheart Dinner/Dance Feb. 14

The Dutton American Legion Freeborn Post # 64 is hosting the Sweetheart Dinner/Dance Saturday, February 14, 2009

Dinner:  6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Dancing:  8:00 p.m.
$40.00 / Couple (includes drawings & flowers)
RSVP Tickets: 
Lanny Christman (788-1447)
Ross Fitzgerald     (788-1443)

Dutton Community Announcements: Valentine's Tasting, Blood Drawing, Super Bowl Ribs

There is a Fun Day meeting scheduled Thursday, January 22nd at 7:00 pm at the American Legion Hall.  All are invited to attend.

Reservations are required for Super Bowl Sunday Take-out BBQ Ribs from the Methodist Church, February 1st.  Costs are only $6.00 for 1# of Ribs and $8.00 for a Ribs Meal including 1# of Ribs, Baked Beans, Cole Slaw and Roll.  Call for reservations by Thursday, January 29th:  Joan at 476-3353; Jean at 476-3470; Vicki at 476-3583 or Marcie at 476-3350.  Please leave a message.  Pick up time is 12:30 to 2:00 PM at the Methodist Church.

A blood drawing is scheduled for Wednesday, February 18th from 10:30 to 2:30 at the American Legion.  Please call Vicki Maurer for an appointment at 476-3583.

The American Legion Auxiliary will meet Tuesday, February 3rd at 4:00 at the American Legion Hall. 

St. William C.C.W. invites all area women to our Valentine Dessert Tasting, Thursday, February 5, 2009 at 2:00 PM at the Dutton Senior Center.  Bring your old skates or new and tell us about your favorite skating party.

DUTTON SENIOR CITIZEN MENU, Jan. 21 - Jan. 30

Wednesday        Chicken Enchiladas & Dessert
Thursday        Liver & Onions & Dessert
Friday            Pork Chops
Monday        Swiss Steak, Mashed Potatoes, Vegetable, Roll & Dessert
Tuesday        Breakfast for Lunch
Wednesday        Indian Tacos & Dessert
Thursday         Pizza & Dessert
Friday            Soup & Sandwich
Menu and cooks are subject to change.

Dutton/Brady School Schedule, Jan. 22 - 31
submitted by Dutton/Brady School

Thursday, January 22       
BB at Valier ½JVB/VG/VB 5:00/6:00/7:30

Friday, January 23       
Speech & Drama Divisionals in Shelby

Saturday, January 24       
Speech & Drama Divisionals in Shelby
BB at Power ½JVB/VG/VB 5:00/6:00/7:30

Monday, January 26       
Elementary Student ID program in the teachers’ lounge at 1:00
21st Century Dinner 5:30

Tuesday, January 27       
BB at NorthStar (Rudyard)
VG/VB 5:00/6:30 (RESCHEDULED FROM 12/13/08)

Friday, January 30       
BB vs Sunburst ½JVB/VG/VB 5:00/6:00/7:30
Close Up Ice Cream Sundaes
State Speech & Drama in Huntley Project

Saturday, January 31       
BB at Heart Butte ½JVB/VG/VB 5:00/6:00/7:30
State Speech & Drama in Huntley Project

Upcoming Extension Meetings Include Pest and Weed Control, Estate Planning and More
Submitted by Mark B. Major, Teton County Extension Agent

Grassy Weeds Workshop – January 19, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Choteau Country Club.  Two specialists will discuss cheatgrass control and jointed goatgrass.  Two private and two commercial pesticide credits will be available.

Barley Production and Management for Profit Workshop – January 22, 9:30 a.m. until 3 p.m., Norley Hall (400 N. Virginia), Conrad, meal included.  Please RSVP with Dan Picard 271-4054 or dpicard@montana.edu.

Cattle Feeding Seminar – January 23, 10 a.m. to noon, Alice Gleason room of the Choteau Public Library.  Presenter will be John Paterson, MSU Extension Beef Cattle Specialist.

Estate Planning – February 3, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Dutton Legion Hall.  Presenter will be Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension Family Economics Specialist.

Dutton Town Council Minutes, December

The following is a recount of December's Town Council meeting:

Mayor Fleshman called the meeting of December 1, 2008 to order at 7:43 pm at the Dutton Town Hall. There was a Public Hearing on Water Rate Increases prior to the monthly Council Meeting.

Dutton/Brady School Schedule, Dec. 17 - Jan. 10

Saturday, December 20   
BB vs Power ½JVB/VG/VB 5:00/6:00/7:30

Monday, December 22   
Birch Creek Colony Christmas Program 2:00
Pondera Colony Christmas Program 5:00

Tuesday, December 23
School Released at 2:30 – MERRY CHRISTMAS

Dutton Senior Citizens' Center Menu

Friday            Chicken Pot Pie & Dessert
Monday        Christmas Dinner
Tuesday        Breakfast & fruit
Wednesday        Patty Melt & Dessert
Thursday         Liver & Onions, Potato, Vegetable & Dessert
Friday            Chicken Fried Steak, Potatoes, Vegetable & Dessert
Monday        Swiss Steak, Potatoes, Vegetable, Roll & Dessert
Tuesday        Soup, Sandwich & Dessert
Closed from December 24 through January 2nd
Menu and cooks are subject to change.

Mountain Pine Beetle Meetings Scheduled for January
Submitted by Mark B. Major, Teton County Extension Agent

A workshop on Mountain Pine Beetles and Other Things That Are Bugging You has been scheduled for Wednesday January 14, at 7:00 pm at the new Conrad Community Center located at 311 S. Virginia.

Another meeting is scheduled for January 10, at 10:00 a.m. at the Choteau Library.

November Town Council Minutes
Submitted by Cheri Furhinger, Town of Dutton

Mayor Fleshman called the meeting of November 3, 2008 to order at 7:30 pm at the Dutton Town Hall

Present: Fleshman, Tharp, Storle, DeMars, Dauwalder, Schoonover, Fuhringer, Tyler Tharp, Nancy Thorton (Choteau Acantha) and Clint Ellsworth (Deputy Sheriff)

Dutton Senior Citizen Center Menu, Dec. 10-19

Wednesday        Hamburgers, Potato Salad & Dessert
Thursday        Creamed Turkey over Biscuits, Salad & Dessert
Friday            Fish, Potatoes, Vegetable & Dessert
Monday        Chicken Parmesan, Garlic Bread, Green Salad & Dessert
Tuesday        Tuna Burgers, Jello Salad, Chips & Dessert
Wednesday        Indian Tacos & Dessert
Thursday         Stir Fry over Rice, Muffins & Dessert
Friday            Chicken Pot Pie & Dessert
Menu and cooks are subject to change.

Share Your Stories For the Dutton History Book
submitted by the Dutton History Committee

To all Dutton, Collins and surrounding area residents, past, present and future! The Dutton History Book Committee is asking for your help.

We want to hear your story!

This book is NOT just for long time residents, it is for everyone! Letters have been sent out to families who were in the original history book of Dutton published in 1976, if you received one of these letters please send us your updated history, if you or someone in your immediate family DID NOT receive a letter PLEASE write or type your history and turn it in asap. For more information or help please contact: Jack Becker 476-3213 Cathy Odden 463-2410 Verna Schlueter 476-3445 Jean or Larry Harmon 476-3470 or Dave Klette klette@tetonwireless.net

 Our first History Gathering event was such a success that we've been asked to have another! Due to the holidays we will not be having one until Sunday, Jan. 11th, 2009 this will be a social gathering to be held at the American Legion Hall from 12:00 -3:00 A light lunch will be served again so come and enjoy another afternoon of reminiscing!

Needed: Recipes for Dutton's 100th Birthday Cookbook
submitted by Susan Snellman

The Dutton community cookbook, "Dutton, Montana The First 100 Years" will share recipes from our past and present, preserving our food heritage for years to come.

Following is the information to submit recipes online.  Each contributor is allowed 5 recipes.  Submitting the recipes online is quick and easy, and I encourage contributors to do so, however, we can type them if need be.  The deadline for submitting recipes is February 1, 2009, and we are in need of 300 recipes.

Here's how to submit online:
Click here: www.typensave.com

Go to "login"

When prompted, fill out the following fields:
Contributor: (Your Name)
Group Login: dmty100
Contributor password: y8bz6

For more information, you can contact:
Chairwoman Susan Snellman
(406) 463-2399
e-mail  luqh@3rivers.net
420 11th Lane NE
Power, Mt. 59468

Introducing the Dutton Civic Club
submitted by Frank & Marie Loch

We have all heard about best kept secrets or hidden gems.  Well, the Dutton community has one of those in their midst.  It is called the Dutton Civic Club. 

It began in the 1930’s as the Dutton Lions Club.  Civic Club was born out of a small rural community organization which over time did not  find a good fit with an International organization due to continual increase in dues, per capita etc.  So in 2001 the members decided that there was still an existing need for a service organization to meet the needs of the community and carry on the legacy of  what the Lions club had accomplished through the years.  

Pine Beetle in Teton County: What to Watch For

by Teton County Extension Agent Mark B. Major
for the Dutton Country Courier

There has certainly been much discussion about pine trees in Teton County as of late.  After the Great Falls Tribune released an article on mountain pine beetles in September, I have had several calls regarding this problem.  Mountain pine beetles have been found in pines across Teton County.  Primary hosts for this insect are scotch, lodgepole, ponderosa, and limber pines.  The classic sign of this insect are “pitch tubes” or “popcorn” that extend out from the main trunk.  These tubes are about the size of your pinkie and about the same length.  Most of the trees I have seen have 12-30 pitch tubes on one tree.

Town Council Appoints Craig Storle to Council, Hears from Civic Club Chairman Bill Habel; Repairs Water Break on Main Line

by Cheri Fuhringer, Town of Dutton
Dutton Country Courier

At the October Town Council Meeting Craig Storle was appointed to fulfill Dave McDunn’s term of office through December 2009.  

Dutton Civic Club is interested in pursuing several projects and requested guidance from the Council. Councilman Tom DeMars will serve as the liaison between the Council and the Civic Club.

The History Committee Needs Stories and Photos for Dutton/Collins History Book

submitted by Dave Klette
Dutton Country Courier

The history committee has been meeting once a week, pouring over our mailing lists in hopes no one is missed for our Dutton-Collins history book.  We do want everyone to be included in the book to be published.  If your family, past or present, from the Dutton or Collins area has not been contacted please send a family history to one of the following members.

Verna Schlueter, 15 1st Ave NE, Dutton MT  59433, phone: 476-3445
Cathy Odden, 1460  18th Lane NE, Dutton, 463-2410
Jack Becker,  25 Main ST. W, Dutton, 476-3213
Dave Klette, 1710 16th Lane NE, Dutton
Larry or Jean Harman, 1749 Hwy 221, Dutton

Along with the family history we would like a few family photos such as wedding or family groups.  Professional photos have to be released by the photographer because of copyright laws.  Also if you have interesting photos of the Dutton or Collins area we would like to include them.

Dave Klette has been downloading photos to the computer and cataloging them so there is no chance of losing your prize photos.  He will be at the Dutton Senior Center on Nov. 7, 2008 from about 9:00AM until about 2:00PM to do more downloading on a first come first serve basis.

If it would be more convenient,  send photos or stories by email  to klette@tetonwireless.net.  When scanning the photos move the resolution up to 200DPI or 300DPI and even higher for small photos and send in the Jpeg format.  We cannot use photo copied pictures and would prefer a scan of  original prints.

Thank you, Dave Klette

Dutton Fun Day Meeting Planned for Nov. 13

Dutton Fun Day Meeting Planned for Nov. 13

submitted by Lynn Habel
Dutton Country Courier

There will be a Dutton Fun Day meeting at the Legion Hall on Thurs. Nov. 13th at 7 p.m. (Use the East end door)

We need to finalize the 2008 Fun Day, decide what needs to be in reserve for the Centennial and begin plans for the 2009 Centennial celebration.  Please come with your ideas and plans to help us make this a great event.

Dutton Town Council Minutes

Dutton Town Council Minutes

submitted by Town of Dutton
Dutton Country Courier

September's town council meeting saw the council approving the 2008-2009 town budget and discussing water rates.

The minutes are as follows:

Dutton/Brady School News: V-Ball F-ball in Full Swing, Adult Ed Coming Up

Dutton/Brady School News: V-Ball F-ball in Full Swing, Adult Ed Coming Up

submitted by Dutton/Brady School
Dutton Country Courier

Thursday, October 9

JH/JH Volleyball at Geraldine 5:30/6:30 – Bus leaves at 3:00 JV/V Volleyball at CJI 6:00/+30 – Bus leaves at 3:30

Friday, October 10       

JV/V Volleyball vs Heart Butte in Dutton 6:00/+30

Saturday, October 11    

Titan Football vs Hays Lodgepole – JH at 9:30/V at 1:30 – Homecoming. We need a chain gang for the Varsity game – call Mr. Tharp if you can help

Monday, October 13      

6th and 7th Grade FB @ Belt 4:00

Tuesday, October 14      

JH/JH/JV/V Volleyball vs Power at Dutton – 4:00/5:00/6:00/+30

Wednesday, October 15   

Juniors taking PSAT Tests in AM V Football at Rocky Boy at 7:30

Thursday-Friday October 16-17            

NO SCHOOL DUE TO TEACHERS’ CONVENTION

Monday, October 20, Tuesday, October 21       

21st Century Dinner ASVAB Tests

Wednesday, October 22   

Early Out at 1:00

Upcoming in Dutton Quilting, Dutton Fun Day Meeting and Operation Happy Holidays

Upcoming in Dutton Quilting, Dutton Fun Day Meeting and Operation Happy Holidays

Dutton Country Courier

Town & Country Club Women will meet Thursday, October 9th at the Dutton Senior Center at 1:30 p.m.  Marci Kremer will present a program on Quilting Techniques.  Betty Fuhringer will be the Hostess.  Roll Call: “A Craft Project I Am Working On.”

The Dutton Fun Day Committee will hold a meeting on October 15th at 7:00 PM.  They will meet at the American Legion in Dutton.  Anyone interested is encouraged to attend.

Operation Happy Holidays:  Once again season’s greetings cards will be sent through Operation Happy Holidays to the men and women serving in the military from Malmstrom AFB and the Montana National Guard Units.  Some cards are available from Doris Habel.  Home-made cards are welcome and the Dollar Tree in Great Falls has a good selection.  The cards must be either “Happy Holiday’s” or “Seasons Greetings”, no religious tones.  Cards from students and children are especially appreciated.  Please write a few lines telling of yourself and your family and if a family member has served in the military, please note that also.  Cards may or may not be sealed.  Use an address label or write your address in the return address area.  Some of the cards are included in gift packages sent by Operation Happy Holiday’s.  Thank you for your interest in this project.  Please have cards to Doris Habel by November 7th.

Share Your Stories of Dutton on Oct. 19

Share Your Stories of Dutton on Oct. 19

submitted by Lynn Habel
Dutton Country Courier

Young and old are invited to share their stories of Dutton's history on Oct. 19 at 1 p.m. at the American Legion Hall in Dutton.

It's called a "history gathering get together" and the organizers are asking young and old to come to relay stories of Dutton businesses, events, families, etc. so it can be compiled for Dutton's big centennial celebration next year.   

We believe that by getting together more memories will come to light that will help make next year an awesome event and our history book the best ever. 

Soup and sandwiches will be served.

Harvest Dinner Thank You

Harvest Dinner Thank You

submitted by Steve Hass
Dutton Country Courier

American Legion Freeborn Post 64 would like to thank everyone who came to our Harvest Party. A special thank you to the Lloyd and Jane DeBruycker family for their generous donation of the hamburger. A special thanks to Becker Insurance Agency for their donation. And thanks to the following legionnaires: Herb Frick, Tom Vine, Jay Mullenax, Ross Fitzgerald, Charlie Ireland (a.k.a. "Little Bobber"), Arnie Pedersen, Lloyd Burtness, "Fast" Jack Dugan, and Lanny Christman; and to the following volunteers: Mariah Racine, Gale Mullenax, Kris Hass, Vickie Maurer, and Bill Habel on music. Because of this kind of support from the community our club will stay solvent for many years to come!  And Congratulations to Darwin Reeve, winner of $156 in the 50/50 Raffle!

Dutton Town Council Appoints Dauwalder as Council President, Discusses Water Rate Increase

Dutton Town Council Appoints Dauwalder as Council President, Discusses Water Rate Increase

submitted by Cheri Fuhringer, Town of Dutton
Dutton Country Courier

Councilman Robert Dauwalder was appointed as new the Dutton Town Council President at the council's August meeting.

Having accepted Dave McDunn’s resignation, the Town Council unanimously voted Dauwalder as the new Council President.

The council members also discussed a possible water rate increase, including yearly hook-up fees assessed to out-of-town service connections and the rates for those accessing the bulk water station. There will be a Public Hearing before any increases are final.

Dutton Ecumenical Youth Group Begins

Dutton Ecumenical Youth Group Begins

Dutton Country Courier

Ecumenical Youth Group will hold their first gathering of the year on Wednesday, September 3rd at 6:30 p.m. in the park in Dutton.  Bethany Lutheran Church will host a barbecue. All Dutton/Brady High School students are encouraged to attend.

Busy First Week At Dutton/Brady Schools

Busy First Week At Dutton/Brady Schools

Submitted by Dutton/Brady Schools
Dutton Country Courier

Students flocked back Wednesday for the first day of school at Dutton/Brady and already, the week ahead is full of volleyball games, football games and work on the school annual. Here's a schedule of events for the week:

Meghan Powell & Daniel Atkins to Marry Aug. 23

Meghan Powell & Daniel Atkins to Marry Aug. 23

Dutton Country Courier

The community of Dutton would like to extend best wishes to Meghan Powell, daughter of John and Bonnie Powell, and Daniel Atkins upon their marriage on August 23, 2008, in Hinsdale, Mass. Anyone wishing to send a card, money, or gift certificate to the newlyweds, please deliver them to Jean Schoonover or Cathy Odden before August 15.  For questions, call 463-2410.

Dutton Fun Day: Photos

Dutton Fun Day: Photos

Photos by Margaret Dominy
Dutton Country Courier

Click here or above to watch the slideshow of Margaret Dominy's photos from Fun Day 08

A Dutton Boy Abroad: As Harvest Rolls, Memories of Home

A Dutton Boy Abroad: As Harvest Rolls, Memories of Home

by Kirk H.
Dutton Country Courier

It’s been a while since I checked in, but the trials and speed of parenthood sometimes plop-down in the path of our best-laid plans.  Reports from out west tell me that Fun Day was a success. Congratulations to those who had the time and location to enjoy it. Now I suppose harvest is almost over and preparations for seeding are underway.  An overcast Sunday, yesterday’s rain, and a visit to the grandparents house have given my wife and I a bit of time to catch-up on the hobbies we forgot we each enjoy.

What Are Dutton's Urban Legends, and Where Did All the Nicknames Come From?

What Are Dutton's Urban Legends, and Where Did All the Nicknames Come From?

by Lynn Habel
Dutton Country Courier

In discussion about many of the fun things that have been done by and to various fun loving people in this town, some of us have decided we need a section on the history of Dutton that includes all the pranks pulled in this area.

Some ones we have heard that come to mind involve: railroad tracks, cow pies, syphoned gas, pigs, chickens, farm equipment and of course, outhouses.  Names come to mind of Greaseball, Emma, Millie, Stan, Mike Weeks, Art, Jan and too many others to name. 

We would like to get the stories straight so are asking anyone with the correct information to email, mail or talk to Collette Willson: collettewlsn@yahoo.com or Lynn Habel: lynnhabel@yahoo.com or mail to us at box 324, Dutton, Mt 59433. Verna Schluter and Cathy Odden are also collecting stories, so you may contact them as well.

We are also interested in how people got their nicknames.  Dutton is known worldwide as the town where everyone has a nickname.

Dutton Town Council Approves 2 New Businesses: A Coffee Roaster and DVD Rental Shop

Dutton Town Council Approves 2 New Businesses: A Coffee Roaster and DVD Rental Shop

Submitted by Cheri Goss, Town of Dutton
Dutton Country Courier

The Dutton Town Council approved two new businesses in July and accepted Councilman Dave McDunn's resignation. 

Dutton resident Dennis Haines plans to open Off Main DVD Rental located at 111 1st Ave North. The Council also approved Carol Zielinske to operate Cazbar Coffee, a wholesale coffee roasting business, at 117 Central Ave South.

McDunn officially resigned from the council at the July council meeting because he has moved to Bozeman.

Brianna Smith & Cody Kitchin Win Scholarships at UM

Brianna Smith & Cody Kitchin Win Scholarships at UM

Dutton Country Courier

Editor's Note: We received the following announcement this week from the University of Montana. Congrats to Brianna and Cody!

Cody Kitchin and Brianna Smith of Dutton have been awarded scholarships from The University of Montana.

Kitchin received a $1,250 Heisey Foundation Scholarship. He is a UM sophomore in business administration. He graduated from Dutton/Brady High School in 2006. His parents are Keith and Jerry Kitchin of Dutton.

Smith, a UM junior majoring in political science, was awarded a $1,500 Heisey Foundation Scholarship. She is a graduate of Dutton/Brady High School and the daughter of Bruce and Penny Smith of Dutton.

The Heisey Foundation Scholarship was established in 1992 in honor of the major food distributor Heisey Company.

Thank You to Those Who Made Fun Day Auction A Success

Thank You to Those Who Made Fun Day Auction A Success

By Peg Doheny
Dutton Country Courier

The silent auction at this year's Fun Day brought in bids by the droves, with some people bidding until the final moment. The auction, often a big draw during the day, was once again a success, so a big thank you is in order for the generous individuals & business that donated items and of course to the "winners" of auction items for their purchases. 

Also, thank you to the wonderful crew of the auction, including those who collected, set up, made out bid sheets, helped to close the auction and the crews that put up the stands and take them back down again.

These are the people that help make Fun Day and the Auction a success. 

Thanks again to all and see you next year, Dutton's 100th birthday celebration.

Hugs, Peg Doheny and Crew

Baby Shower for Braelyn Marie Strandbakke, Daughter of Sarah Habel and Cody Strandbakke July 31st

Baby Shower for Braelyn Marie Strandbakke, Daughter of Sarah Habel and Cody Strandbakke July 31st

Dutton Country Courier

A welcoming baby shower is planned for Braelyn Marie Strandbakke, baby daughter of Sarah Habel and Cody Strandbakke.  The shower will be held at the Dutton Senior Center on  Thursday, July 31st, at 6:30 PM.  Anyone wishing to help please contact Darcy Dutton (476-3290) or Peg Doheny (627-2296).  See you there!

Bridal Shower Planned for Jessa DeMars, August 9, St. Williams

Bridal Shower Planned for Jessa DeMars, August 9, St. Williams

Dutton Country Courier

There will be a bridal shower for Jessa DeMars who is marrying Jonathan Youngers on August 9. The shower will be held at Saint William Catholic Church basement on August 6 at 7:00 p.m. Anyone wishing to be a hostess, please contact Cathy Odden (463-2410) or Betty Brumwell (476-3201). Jessa is registered at Bed, Bath & Beyond, Target, and Herberger's.

Dutton High Class of 1958 Celebrates 50-Year Reunion at Fun Day

Dutton High Class of 1958 Celebrates 50-Year Reunion at Fun Day

Photo by Gorden Bechard
For the Dutton Country Courier

Dutton High School class of 1958 graduates Allen Decker (riding in back), Gary Good and Russ Verbael (driving) take part in the Dutton Fun Day parade July 12, 2008 to celebrate 50 years since graduation.  The banner featured pictures of all seven 1958 graduates and was made by Cliff Suek. The car has been owned by Russ Verbael since 1956.  Photo by Gordon Bechard.

Dutton Fun Day 2008 Could Be The Best Fundraiser in Recent History

Dutton Fun Day 2008 Could Be The Best Fundraiser in Recent History

By Bill Habel, Chairman, Dutton Fun Day
Dutton Country Courier

The Dutton Fun Day Chairmen will declare the 2008 Dutton Fun Day celebration a huge success. By all accounts this one could be one of the best as a fundraiser, for a number of years.

Photo: Cars line up outside Dutton's Legion Hall for the car show, which brought in 85 entries. Photo by Shari Suek for the Dutton Country Courier. For more photos of Shari's from the day, click here.

Memorial Luncheon For Billie Lou Stephens Exhibits Dutton's Exceptional Geneorsity

Memorial Luncheon For Billie Lou Stephens Exhibits Dutton's Exceptional Geneorsity

By Chris Stephens
Dutton Country Courier

Keepsakes; we all gather them. Some are silly, some follow our accomplishments, some lead the way to our dreams, but we all have a box or a drawer full of them.

I asked Vickie Maurer to give me a list of the hostess’s of my mother’s funeral luncheon. My first impression was surprise by the number of people who contributed. 

I was truly humbled by what their contributions meant to our family:  People setting aside of their normal tasks to bring a favorite dish to a funeral luncheon to be shared by a grieving family and community. A last act of kindness given to my mother.

Dutton Fun Day: Photos

Dutton Fun Day: Photos

Photos by Shari Suek, story by Courtney Lowery
Dutton Country Courier

Click here or watch below to see Shari Suek's photos from Fun Day.

Dutton Fun Day, held this year on July 12, featured all the things that make Fun Day so fun: Parade, candy, silent auction, live music (the band, Hit and Run got great reviews all around), food, mud runs and those spectacular fireworks.

Above is a slideshow from Shari Suek from the day. If you have photos or stories to share from the day, we'd love you to share. Email duttoncc@gmail.com.

Cooling off during Fun Day 2006.
Photo by Keith Graham

Dutton Fun Day July 12 Offers Fireworks, Food, Fun

By Courtney Lowery
Dutton Country Courier

Dutton Fun Day is almost here. Saturday, July 12 is the big day, chock-full of food, swimming, music, events and of course, those legendary fireworks.

Dutton has been holding a summer celebration for decades, but it's only been called "Fun Day" since 1968, when the swimming pool and recreation complex first opened and an article in the Great Falls Tribune declared "Dutton Holds Fun Day Program to Open Recreational Complex." Since, we've called the day "Fun Day."

Read more for this year's schedule and you can always find more information at www.duttonfunday.com.