Charges dismissed against Hays-Lodge Pole president

HELENA (AP) — A state judge has dismissed misconduct charges against the suspended president of the Hays-Lodge Pole School Board.

District Judge John McKeon said in his May 24 ruling that the state lacks jurisdiction to bring the seven charges against John Doney.

The charges include allegations the school board held executive session without justification, illegally voted to sell school property and closed the elementary school.

McKeon ruled the state can't prosecute misconduct charges on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation. McKeon says charges can be filed in federal or tribal court.

Blaine County Deputy County Attorney Kelsie Harwood said Tuesday her office has forwarded Doney's file to federal prosecutors.

Doney says he plans to re-take his position at Tuesday's school board meeting unless a court order tells him not to.