Ranch's university deal on hold, maybe forever

The continuing battle of the Milk River Ranch is headed for a suspension, perhaps forever.

The only portion of the originally proposed nearly $8 million deal between the Aageson family and various state agencies that is unsettled is the $2 million that the Montana University System was considering paying for archaeological and paleontological rights to the 4,000 acres of northern Hill County. As soon as a Gallatin County District Court Judge signs a pending motion, that portion will be put down.

The Department of Natural Resources and Conservation purchased 1,000 acres for about $1 million fir...