01-22-25 issue

Key link in Mission Valley Wildlife Corridor protected

News from Jennifer

MISSION VALLEY

— A vital wildlife haven in the Mission Valley was protected on Jan. 17 through a conservation easement with Flathead Land Trust. This easement serves as a crucial link, connecting the Mission Mountain Wilderness to a vast network of over 18,000 acres of previously conserved lands. The 40-acre property provides critical habitat and a travel corridor for grizzly bear and a wide range of wildlife species. Mollman Creek, meandering through the parcel for a third of a mile, and several pothole wetlands provide crucial water sources and riparian habitat. The landowners have observed frequent visits from grizzly bear, black bear, and white-tailed deer along with bobcat, mountain lion, elk, and a myriad of other mammals and birds.

Near the Kicking Horse Waterfowl Production Area and Ninepipe National Wildlife

Refuge, an Important Bird Area designated by Montana Audubon, the property significantly enhances critical bird habitat. The landowners have observed 116 bird species on-site including 11 spe-

cies of concern, such as a great grey owl pair that raised their young on the property, and northern goshawk. This easement provides essential nesting and wintering grounds as well as resting and refuel-

ing habitat. It lies within a major stopover site in the Intermountain West portion of the Pacific Flyway.

The conservation easement also safeguards a unique habitat and a rare plant species. A skunk cabbage-dominated wetland, similar to a habitat type listed as “imperiled” by the Montana Natural Heritage Program, forms

Guse, Flathead Land Trust

A conservation easement for the 40-acre property pictured above will connect the Mission Mountain Wilderness to a network of over 18,000 acres of previously conserved lands.

part of the diverse riparian mosaic along Mollman Creek. A rare Impatiens species is nestled within a few of the wetlands. With a deep-rooted agricultural heritage, the property encompasses soils classified as “farmland of local or statewide importance” on over 70% of the land. The conservation easement ensures that the farmland on the property remains as undeveloped open space land, and is available for agriculture into the future.

Securing this valuable conservation easement allows wildlife to continue to move freely between the Mission Mountain Wilderness and a large protected wetland complex in the valley bottom. Both wildlife and humans can continue to thrive in a region where they have coexisted for many years.

This conservation project was made possible through funding from the Cinnabar Foundation, Vital Ground Foundation, Richard King Mellon Foundation through the Heart of the

Rockies Initiative Keep It Connected Program, and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Wildlife Mitigation Program.

Completion of this conservation easement has helped Flathead Land Trust increase pace of conservation in a rapidly growing region. Flathead Land Trust has placed 80 properties under conservation easement over the course of 40 years, collaboratively protecting nearly 20,000 acres in northwest Montana. For more information, visit: flatheadlandtrust.org.

Medicaid reports find benefits for enrollees, economy, health care system

News from the Montana Healthcare Foundation

BOZEMAN – The Montana Healthcare Foundation released three new reports analyzing Montana Medicaid. The reports found that the HELP Act – or “Medicaid expansion” – continues to expand health care access, improve health outcomes, and control health care costs.

New findings from “2025 Medicaid in Montana” show that in addition to the program’s benefits for the health of enrollees and the state’s economy, Medicaid expansion has had a substantial impact on the health care system, particularly in rural areas. Specifically, reimbursement from Medicaid expansion allowed rural health providers to add and expand specialty services, for example, general

and orthopedic surgery and mental health treatment. In a survey of 27 Montana critical access hospitals, 93% reported adding or expanding new specialty services since 2016.

“These new specialty services in rural communities benefit all community members, not only those enrolled in Medicaid,” said Dr. Aaron Wernham, Montana Healthcare Foundation CEO. “We also heard from hospital administrators that Medicaid expansion helps rural hospitals support other specialty services essential to communities, but that often operate at a loss, like obstetrics and behavioral health services.”

The reports released today include the fifth annual “Medicaid in Montana” report, an updated analysis of the economic effects of Medicaid ex-

pansion, and an actuarial analysis of insurance rates should Medicaid expansion be allowed to sunset in 2025.

Key findings from “2025 Medicaid in Montana: How Montana’s Current Medicaid Program Impacts the State Budget, Economy, and Health” produced by Manatt Health show:

State expenditures on Medicaid have remained consistent at roughly 13% of Montana’s total general fund spending each year since before the HELP Act was implemented in 2016, despite adding coverage for more than 90,000 Montanans.

Medicaid expansion improves access to preventive services, contributing to fewer visits to the emergency room and shifting health care costs from emergency and inpatient care to outpatient services and

pharmacy. Between their first and third years of enrollment, the number of Medicaid expansion enrollees needing emergency care decreased by almost 11%; emergency and inpatient costs decreased by 18%.

By providing a new source of reimbursement, Medicaid expansion helps the Indian Health Service stretch its limited budget, improving access to non-emergency health services at no cost to Montana.Between 2015 and 2023, referrals for specialty services unavailable at Indian Health Service or tribal health facilities increased by 124%, allowing access to critically needed services ranging from cancer screenings to specialty consultations and surgeries.

Key findings from “Economic Effects of Medicaid Expansion in

Montana: 2025 Update,” produced by economist Bryce Ward of ABMJ Consulting, show:

Medicaid expansion creates 5,600 to 8,000 jobs and generates $350 to $560 million in personal income throughout Montana’s economy annually.

Medicaid expansion does not impose a fiscal cost to the state. Savings generated by expansion coupled with increased revenues attributable to expansion more than offset the state’s share of expansion costs.

Most Medicaid expansion beneficiaries work, and those who do not have caregiving responsibilities or disabilities. 72% of adult Medicaid enrollees are in the labor force or attending school. Another 23% are adults with disabilities or have potential caregiving responsibilities.

Most working adult Medicaid beneficiaries are employed in lowwage or seasonal industries. Medicaid provides health insurance to 13% of Montana’s workforce. Occupations with high percentages of Medicaid enrollees include personal care aids (39%), cooks and food preparation workers (32%), childcare workers (25%), and construction laborers (20%).

Medicaid expansion has not reduced adult labor force participation in Montana.

Key findings from “Ending Medicaid Expansion: Effects on the Individual Market,” an actuarial analysis by Wakely Consulting Group, show: Should Medicaid expansion be allowed to sunset in 2025, an estimated 54,000 to 74,000

see page 6

Advertise here!

This Week’s Weather Forecast

Boone Goddard

Advertising Sales, Owner (406) 249-1728 boone@valleyjournal.net

The Valley Journal newspaper (PE 23-190) is published weekly by Valley Journal LLC. Periodicals postage paid at Ronan, MT.

Business hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Distribution is by mail subscription ($59 per year in Lake County, MT; $74 per year elsewhere in U.S.) and by newsstand sales. Postmaster: send address changes to Valley Journal, P.O. Box 326, Ronan, MT. 59864.

Your homegrown newspaper serves residents of Lake

Summer Goddard

Publisher, Owner (406) 249-1793 summer@valleyjournal.net

County and the Flathead Indian Reservation.

Deadline for display advertising is 2 p.m. Thursday. Deadline for news submissions, calendar items, classifieds and legal advertising is noon Friday, for the following week’s newspaper.

News, letters to the editor and calendar submissions may be sent by email to: vjeditor@valleyjournal.net. Classified and legal advertisements requests should be emailed to: vjmail@valleyjournal.net.

All print subscriptions include full access to online news,

And find us online for more photos, videos, breaking news and special sections!

Kathi Beeks

Office Manager, Copy Editor (406) 676-8989 vjmail@valleyjournal.net news@valleyjournal.net

archives. Sign up online at: www.valleyjournal.net/ subscribe

For general inquiries: call 406-676-8989, email summer@valleyjournal.net, or send mail correspondence to P.O. Box 326, Ronan, MT 59864. Copyright 2025, the Valley Journal. All rights reserved. Reproduction, reuse or transmittal in any form or by any means is prohibited without written permission of the Valley Journal.

‘Somewhere In Montana’ shown at local theater

News from Jared Broxterman, Executive Director MT Acting Studio

POLSON — “Somewhere

In Montana” a heartfelt drama that delves into themes of resilience, cultural contrasts, and personal growth, is currently being shown at Showboat Stadium 6. The story follows John Alexander, a Montana cattle rancher who opens his land to a Hollywood film crew to save his livelihood, sparking a compelling clash of worlds.

John Alexander is a man whose roots run strong and deep. His presence on the land is as much a part of Montana as the mountains themselves against the wide, open sky. But for the first time in his

life, John is realizing that not everything is as set in stone as he previously believed. Facing the potent loss of his land and his livelihood, John realizes that he’s going to have to make a deal that may as well be akin to selling his soul to the evil. He’s going to let Hollywood come make a movie on his land. Far removed from the mountains of

Montana, Fabian is a rising start in the entertainment industry. A director always balanced on the edge of the latest trends, he’s known as a creative visionary, and he has the big personality to go with it. He is convinced that his next picture is going to be his breakthrough, and nothing is going to deter him from that vision.

Not even an old crusty rancher. When John and Fabian meet, it’s less business meeting and more rodeo showdown between a rider and a bull. As each of them tries to figure out how to get what they want without compromising their own values, they have no idea that their worlds are both about to fall apart. The only question now is where the pieces are going to fall and who is going to put them back together.

The film features a stellar cast, including: Graham McTavish (Outlander) as John Alexander Michelle Hurd (Star Trek: Picard) as Kat Matt Drago as Fabian Verdugo

Kaleigh Macchio as Laney Alexander

Kate Orsini as Dahlia James Jonathan Stoddard (The Young and the Restless) as Spence

Written and directed by Polson Montana local Brandon Smith, “Somewhere In Montana” celebrates the breathtaking landscapes of Montana, including iconic locations near Glacier National Park.

Why This Film Matters

This is more than just a movie—it’s a Montana story, created by Montanans, filmed by Montanans, featuring Montanans in Montana. It authentically showcases the beauty, culture, and resilience of our state, making it a must-watch for local audiences and beyond.

people would lose coverage, increasing the number of uninsured significantly.

Affordable Care Act individual market premiums would increase by 6% to 8% due to the influx of former Medicaid expansion enrollees into the individual market.

Montana Medicaid is the state’s health benefits program that provides insurance to eligible children and adults with low income. In 2015, the Montana State Legislature expanded Medicaid to cover adults ages 18-64 with incomes up to 133% of the federal poverty level through the bipartisan HELP Act. Of the 268,000 Montanans enrolled in Medicaid in 2024, about 95,000 (or 36%) were covered through the HELP Act.

While Montana’s current Medicaid program has provided health insurance to the expansion population for nearly a decade, this coverage will end unless reauthorized during the 2025 Legislative Session.

To read the reports, visit https:// mthf.org/priority/medicaid-and-health-policy/.

Montana Healthcare Foundation is a 501(c)3 private foundation that makes strategic investments to improve health in Montana. It provides funding, leadership, and expertise to help communities tackle Montana’s most important health problems. It conducts policy analysis so that Montanans can be well-informed and engaged in decisions that impact their health. It prioritizes supporting the health and well-being of people and communities at increased risk for poor health outcomes because of income, geographic barriers, the availability and accessibility of health and social services, and health disparities. To learn more, visit mthf.org.

honor students

SNHU announces Fall 2024 President’s List

News from Southern New Hampshire University

MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE

—

It is with great pleasure that Southern New Hampshire University congratulates the following students on being named to the Fall 2024 President’s List. The fall terms run from September to December.

Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.

Katelynn Williams of Ronan

Diana Dalke of Ronan

Traci Couture of Polson

Allan Bunce of Arlee Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a private, nonprofit, accredited institution with a 92-year history of educating traditional-aged students and working adults. Recognized as one of the “Most Innovative” regional universities by U.S. News & World Report and one of the fastest-growing universities in the country, SNHU is committed to expanding access to high quality, affordable pathways that meet the needs of each

learner.

Montana State University students named to fall semester 2024 honor rolls

From MSU News Service

BOZEMAN — Montana State University has announced its undergraduate honor rolls for fall semester 2024.

There are two MSU honor roll lists: the President’s and Dean’s lists. This honor roll list was current as of Jan. 14, 2025, and includes all registration corrections or grade changes processed to that date. Listed students must be enrolled in at least 12 credits and have a GPA of at least 3.5 for the Dean’s List and 4.0 for the President’s List.

Students with a 4.0 GPA for the semester were named to the President’s List. An asterisk follows their names below. The Dean’s List includes the students earning GPAs of 3.5 or above for the semester.

Students named to MSU’s President’s or Dean’s lists, ordered according to their hometown, are listed below.

Arlee

Shelby Smith

Big Arm

Liam Doll, Madison Terry

Charlo

Jessica Shenyer, Jason

Teague Ii

Hattie Albin, Richard Babcock, Marissa Barnes, Abbey Biel, Melissa Brake, Buren Brust, Thomas Cheff, Kathryn Dietrich, Lillian Eash *, Lily Elkins, Kai Golan, Jordyn Greene, Marcus Kilman, Kellen Kroger, Autumn Laferriere *, Julia Martin *, Lillian McDonald, Samantha Moser, Peyton Rhodes, George Robbins *, Joshua Sjostrom, Leroy Thompson, Kya West *, Liam Wickland

Dixon

Gabriel Smith Lakeside

Aksana Ashbaugh *, Selah Lackey, Savannah Moon, Hannah Perrin, Stephen Riley, Adison Siegel, Gratia Somerville Noxon

Vanessa Horner

Plains

Teirainy Bellinger, Mikiah Cook *, Adelle Ercanbrack, Emory Ercanbrack *, Josie Uski

Polson

Alexis Reuel Balongag *, Nina Barfoot *, Devin Burton, Jazlyn Dalbey *, Chloe DuCharme, Rylie Dupuis, Myranda Heiser, Piper Hoxie, Maddilyn Huffine, Aspen McKee, Ara Mercer *, Tia Mercer *, Sarah Scharff, Hannah Simpson, Kristiana Sopke, Kyra Spencer *, Lourdes Wahl * Ronan

Beau Baer, Colter Cornwell, Ashton Losleben, Corina Normandeau, Haylee Walchuk *

St. Ignatius

Ameah Hunt *

Seeley Lake

Ethan Ashwood, Chase Haines

Somers

Veyda Anderson, Katy Bitney *, Clara Jones, Jacob Thompson, Shelby Thompson

Arlee resident named to Fall 2024 semester

Dean’s List at Dean College News from Dean College

FRANKLIN, MA

— Dean College is pleased to announce that Elaina Baldwin of Arlee has earned a place on the Dean’s List for the Fall 2024 semester. Students named to the Dean’s List have demonstrated a serious commitment to their studies while at Dean College.

Dean College is a private, residential New England college grounded in a culture and tradition that all students deserve the opportunity for academic and personal success. A uniquely supportive community for more than 150 years, Dean has woven together extensive student support and engagement with exceptional teaching and innovative campus activities. Our graduates are lifetime learners who thrive in their careers, embrace social responsibility, and demonstrate leadership. This is The Dean Difference.

MT Food Bank Network distributes 57,524 packs of food to kids in 2024

As kids continue to grow, so does their state-wide BackPack Program.

MISSOULA – Montana Food Bank Network’s BackPack Program has been serving school-aged children all over Montana since 2008. Providing child-friendly, non-perishable food that can be easily prepared at home, BackPack bags are discreetly distributed to children before weekends or holidays to ensure they will have enough to eat. Every BackPack bag contains shelf-stable milk and enough food for a child to enjoy breakfast and lunch, including a vegetable cup and a fruit cup, for their weekend away from school. This wouldn’t be possible without the support that MFBN has received from Town Pump Charitable Foundation since 2016. Samantha Dennison, MFBN’s Child Nutrition Manager shared, “What I appreciate most about Town Pump’s method of support is that they want to work collaboratively to establish successful programs for schools to serve their students the best way they can, without putting a lot of restrictions, barriers or requirements on schools.”

Funding from Town Pump Charitable Foundation allows MFBN to focus on the procurement and distribution of BackPack bags to serve 122

sites across the state. Those funds are the pillar of Montana Food Bank Network’s statewide BackPack program. MFBN and Town Pump believe that Montanans should have access to nutritious food. With 50% of Montana school students being eligible for free or reduced cost breakfast and lunch during the school week, they want to ensure that those students have access to easy to prepare meals for the weekends and when school is not in session. Bill McGladdery, Director of the Town Pump Charitable Foundation shared, “MFBN has been a leader in the state in working with food pantries, schools, and other organizations on the critical need for BackPacks. Through our partnership, we have been able to identify communities that need financial support and assist them with funding their programs.”

About Montana Food Bank Network:

Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) is Montana’s only statewide food bank and member of Feeding America. We provide direct service to a network of 330 partners, including community food banks, pantries, schools, senior centers, shelters, and tribal centers. Our hunger relief programs include BackPack, Child Nutrition, Hunters Against Hunger, Mail-a-Meal, Retail Food Rescue, and SNAP Outreach. We also advocate for long-term policy solutions to strengthen public nutrition programs and address the root causes of hunger.

HEARTSAVER CPR & AED CLASS SATURDAY, FEB. 15 9-11 AM OR 1-3 PM

Learn to save a life with CPR! This is a video-based course that covers CPR, AED use, and choking in adults. Ideal for those with little or no medical training. Wear comfortable clothing for the skills portion. Limit of 8 participants per class. To register, please contact Cindy Hagen at 406-883-7488.

News from the Montana Food Bank Network

Art gallery at FVCC presents ceramist Adrian Arleo

News from Wachholz College Center, FVCC

KALISPELL - The Wachholz College Center’s Wanda Hollensteiner Art Gallery on the campus of Flathead Valley Community College is excited to announce their upcoming exhibition, works by Missoula based artist and ceramic sculptor, Adrian Arleo. Arleo’s work will be on display from Jan. 28 through March 27 with a public opening reception on Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 5-7 p.m.

Arleo studied art and anthropology at Pitzer College and earned her Master of Fine Arts in ceramics from Rhode Island School of Design in 1986. She went on to serve as Artist in Residence at Oregon College of Art and Craft (1986-87) and at Sitka Center for Art and Ecology (1987-88), and in 2012, she was honored with an invitation to the Jordan Schnitzer Print-

making Residency. Her work is exhibited extensively, both nationally and internationally, and is included in a wide range of public and private collections.  Arleo’s artist achievements have earned her recognition from the Virginia A. Groot Foundation in 1991 and 1992, as well as a Montana Arts Council Individual Fellowship in 1995. Her work has been widely published in books, magazines and online platforms. In addition, Arleo is a frequent workshop instructor, offering courses on figurative ceramic sculpture around the globe.

Arleo describes her work as a combination of “human, animal and natural imagery to create a kind of emotional and poetic power.” She goes on to explain her focus on the importance of the interconnection between the human and non-human realms in her work. “[My] work frequently references my-

thology and archetypes in addressing our vulnerability amid changing personal, environmental and political realities. By focussing on older, more mysterious ways of seeing the world, edges of consciousness and deeper levels of awareness

‘A

News from Media & Public Relations Specialist at U-Haul International

suggest themselves.”

Everyone is invited to attend the exhibition opening reception in the Wachholz College Center’s Wanda Hollensteiner Art Gallery on Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 5-7 p.m. Following the opening event, the ex-

hibition will be available for viewing to the public through March 27. The gallery is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. as well as during WCC showtimes for patrons with tickets to WCC performances.

Little Bit Irish’ serves up U-Haul truck rentals in Arlee

ARLEE — U-Haul Co. of Montana, Inc. is pleased to announce that “A Little Bit Irish LLC” signed on as a U-Haul® neighborhood dealer to serve the Arlee community.

A Little Bit Irish at 93852 US Highway 93 will offer essential services like U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment, moving supplies and in-store pickup for boxes.

Normal business hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. Reserve U-Haul products at this dealer location

by calling 406-726-3176 or visiting: https://www. uhaul.com/Locations/Truck-Rentals-near-ArleeMT-59821/028672/ today.

A Little Bit Irish owner Gerard Thompson is proud to team with the industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage to better meet the demands of Lake County.

U-Haul has teamed with independent dealers to offer rental equipment to do-it-yourself movers since 1945. During these challenging times for small businesses, more than 21,000 dealers across the U.S. and Canada are generating supplemental income through their U-Haul affiliation. When customers rent from a U-Haul dealer, they are directly supporting an inde-

To stay up to date on the current art featured in the Wanda Hollensteiner Art Gallery and to find information about the Wachholz College Center, visit: wccmt.org and follow WCC.on Facebook and Instagram.

pendent small business in their community. Because no financial investment is required to be a dealer, these local affiliates are not U-Haul franchises. They are simply small businesses that have committed a portion of their lot space for U-Haul equipment, and a portion of their time to help meet the mobility needs of their neighbors. Learn more about the dealer program and how to join by visiting uhaul.com/dealer.

U-Haul Truck Share 24/7® allows customers to create an online account and pick up their truck at any hour using only their smartphone with photo feature and GPS. Trained Live Verify agents support customers online, enabling them to skip the lines and go straight to their truck.

COURTESY PHOTO

Missoula artist Adrian Arleo’s artwork will be on exhibit at Wanda Hollensteiner Art Gallery on the campus of FVCC. She says her work combines human and non-human elements to show their interconnectedness.

Get a job – earn college credits – make a difference!

Nursing Faculty 2 openings (10 months)

Salary Range: $55,935 - $65,551 DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Nursing Simulation Lab Instructor

Salary Range: $54,301-$56,400 DOEE

Closing date: Open Until Filled

Career Advisor for TRIO Student Support Services Program (10 months)

Salary Range: $37,744 - $40,824 DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Director of Marketing & Operations

Salary Range: $52,685 - $55,149 DOEE

Closing Date: Monday, Jan. 27, 2025; 4 pm MST

Custodian Part-time

Starting Wage: $15.54/hr

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Wildlife/Fisheries Ecologist (9 months)

Salary Range: $51,062 - $56,111 DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Vice President of Academic Affairs

Salary Range: $78,750 - $89,250 DOEE

Closing Date: Monday, Feb. 3, 2025; 4:00 pm MST

President of Salish Kootenai College

Salary Range: $107,000 - $135,000 DOEE

Screening of applicants will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.

Executive Assistant for the Vice President of Academic Affairs

Salary Range: $41,597 - $44,061 DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

To apply you must submit an SKC application, resume and applicable transcripts to: Human Resources, P.O. Box 70, Pablo, MT 59855. Toll free 877.752.6553, ext. 4985 Direct Dial 406.275.4985/4977

Indigenous Research Center (IRC)

Administrative Assistant

Salary Range: $39,133 - $40,365 DOEE

Closing Date: Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025; 4 pm MST

Life Sciences Instructor

Salary Range: $53,586 - $57,373 DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

NLTE/Selis and Qlipse CALS Dept. Chair (9 months)

$2500 Chair stipend included

Salary Range: $51,038 - $56,086 DOEE

Closing Date: Monday, Jan. 6, 2025; 4 pm MST

Scholarship Director

Salary Range: $52,685 - $55,149 w/Bachelor's ($51,453 - $53,917 w/out degree) DOEE

Closing Date: Monday, Feb. 3, 2025; 4:00 pm MST

Nursing Clinical Instructor (9 months)

Salary Range: $45/hr -$55/hr DOEE (part-time, 14hrs a week)

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Building Trades Department Chair/Instructor (10 months)

Salary Range: $52,167 - $55,839 DOEE

Closing Date: Monday, Dec. 23, 2024; 12 pm MST

Wildland Fire Instructor (9 months)

Salary Range: $44,752-$58,848 DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Supporting Tribal Education Pathways (STEP) Project Assistant

Salary Range: $21.02 - $21.93 hourly DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Soils & Groundwater Hydrology Instructor-9month

Salary Range: $44,752-$54,848 DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Institutional Research Analyst

Salary Range: $47,757 - $50,221 DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Green Jobs Program Manager (12 months)

Salary Range: $78,750 - $89,250 DOEE

Closing Date: Monday, Feb. 3, 2025; 4:00 pm MST

The Nursing Department is actively seeking adjunct nursing faculty who are excited about teaching and student learning. Adjunct nursing faculty will hold a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from both an accredited nursing program and college. If a BSN prepared nurse is currently enrolled in a master’s program, they will be considered as a qualified applicant. Any person seeking adjunct employment please send a completed SKC application, resume, and unofficial transcripts to Teresa Sias at teresa_sias@skc.edu. Official transcripts will be required upon hire.

Salish Kootenai College (SKC) is an Indian preference and equal opportunity employer. SKC does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, sexual identification, gender, age, or disability, except as allowed by the Indian preference provision of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. Consistent with state and federal law, reasonable accommodation will be provided to persons with disabilities.

valley views

Losing - and finding - yourself

Iread something on grief the other day that struck a chord. The person writing lamented the fact that losing your spouse causes you to lose not only the person dearest to you, but in the aftermath you also lose most of your friends as well. I can personally attest to this. And that is not pointing any fingers in any direction. It is simply a statement of truth, without any anger or ill-will. But it is puzzling.

Slices of Life

Jill Pertler Syndicated columnist

I’ve thought about this a lot. I don’t blame people for leaving me - or me leaving them. I don’t blame myself. I blame grief.

But still, why? How?

At first – which is a long time actually – I think the pain of a person in deep, deep grief is palpable to others. It isn’t something you can touch or see, but it is there. And I believe it may be repelling. People want to reach out to you - to be there for you. And they are and they do. But it is hard. The pain you feel is somehow thrown out into the universe, like a bad perfume and anyone around you smells it and try as they might they only want to escape its wrath. For you, the person in the center of the vortex of the wrath, there is no escaping.

You also aren’t aware of the aura of pain you are emanating, because you are in the very eye of the storm. But it continues, this grief vortex.

People you used to know, those who you used to be close to, try – some of them try very hard. But it isn’t to be. One by one, reason by reason, they exit your life. And that is truly okay. It is regrettable. But there is no blame in grief. Only sadness. As friends leave, you attempt to meet others. New friends. But that is difficult. Many start strong, but they leave, too, just as the old friends did, and you realize, with remorse, that grief continues to surround you in a cloud of anguish that is overwhelming to those

who haven’t experienced it firsthand.

This is okay. Because grief isn’t ready for you to begin life anew. The cloak of sorrow is a deterrent, but it is a protection as well. Because through this all, grief is transforming you. This transformation is both terrifying and wonderful at the same time.

Because grief - deep, deep grief that cuts you to the core causes you to lose your very self.

The person you thought you were, the person you’d planned to be all along is gone and in her place there is someone new. You have to learn to be this new person. She isn’t bad. In fact lots of things about her are quite good. But she is different

in ways you never thought you’d be, because she has gone though a pain you thought you’d never have to endure.

And that pain changes you fundamentally - to the core.

And, as you learn to smile - from the heart, with joy - again, you realize that the initial and long-lasting pain of grief probably caused some people to leave, and others to not get to know you at all, because the hurt was just too rough and sharp and painful, not just for you but for anyone near to you.

But as you heal, slowly, gradually, you find people gravitating toward you again. And you realize you have changed fundamentally - for a second time, and this time

Legislature will reform Montana’s courts to hold judicial branch accountable

Senate Republicans have numerous pieces of legislation to consider during the 2025 session, but few are as important as bills to reform Montana’s overreaching courts. The state’s judicial branch has ventured into the realm of making laws instead of interpreting them, endangering the system of checks and balances at the heart of American politics, as well as threatening public confidence in the courts.

That’s why Senate Republicans are on track to pass a set of critical court reform bills to

hold the judiciary accountable and reclaim the legislature’s roll as lawmakers; Montana’s voters specifically trusted us with that responsibility.

This week, the Judiciary Committee is considering several such bills. A piece of legislation that I’m sponsoring, SB 45, would establish a judicial performance commission to evaluate our judges. The commission would periodically write a report based on a judge or justice’s disciplinary record, courtroom conduct, and feedback from attorneys, court staff,

and jurors who have interacted with them.

Voters would be able to read the report if a judge runs for judicial office, so they could make informed decisions and hold judges accountable based on their track record, just like any other elected official.

The Judiciary Committee is also considering SB 48, which would allow citizens to publicly share complaints about judicial officers at any time, enabling them to express concerns about court misconduct without restricting their freedom of speech. Currently, the complaint process is kept confidential, requiring citizens who make a complaint to maintain secrecy about the matter.

Another bill under consideration by the committee this week, SB 40, would require recordkeeping of closed Supreme Court deliberation meetings.

The records would be made public only after a case is finalized and would not include details that compromise confidentiality, balancing transparency with privacy. Additionally, the bill would expand the definition of “public information” to include information prepared, owned, or retained by the Supreme Court.

Moreover, the Judiciary Committee is considering SB 42, which would require judges and

the change is invited. It is welcomed. It’s a new you. And she is smiling, from the inside out. Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

LETTER POLICY

Letters to the editor are welcome. The content is the opinion of the letter writer and not the newspaper. The decision to publish letters is made by the editor. Letters must be 350 words or less. A writer will only be published twice per month. Letters may be edited for content or length, or may not be published if considered libelous, in poor taste, spiteful, self-promotional or of limited interest to the general readership. Space limitations also dictate when or if letters are published. Letters must be signed by the author and name, address and phone number must be included – phone number is for verification purposes only. Letters from organizations must include the name of at least one author. Please limit “thank you” letters to four people/organizations or less. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday to publish the following week.

Opinions expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the newspaper. see page 11

Sen. Tom McGillvray, R-Billings

Peace

resolutions needed to protect humans from extinction

Editor,

Human extinction should be a “hot topic” for our world today. Right now, especially with the extremely good example our Middle East crisis is showing us, our world is watching the extreme devastation and killing capabilities of weapons of mass destruction.

Add to this the threats of nuclear weapons of war use in the Russian conflict with Ukraine and it clearly demonstrates the need for making peaceful resolutions for these “human extinction” capabilities.

Our nation needs to get its act together and be, as well as create, the powerfully formed and functioning democracy. Our nation and our world needs this now.

Bob McClellan Missoula

court reform

from page 10

justices to run in partisan races for office. Governor Gianforte highlighted the need for partisan judicial elections in his State of the State speech this week, and we intend to put a bill to accomplish that on his desk soon.

The Senate will vote on

many other judicial reform bills throughout the session, but these initial pieces of legislation exemplify our effort to keep the courts in check and ensure a fair, independent judiciary in our state.

Like my colleague Senator Ken Bogner said in his op-ed last week: we are not attacking the judiciary, but rather,

Polson Chamber announces key changes for 2025

News from the Polson Chamber of Commerce

POLSON — As we enter 2025, the Polson Chamber of Commerce is excited to unveil a series of updates and initiatives designed to strengthen our local business community. These changes aim to provide greater opportunities for growth, networking, and education while aligning with the needs of our members and residents.

Replacing the traditional monthly luncheons and SPLASH events, the Chamber will now host a quarterly “Business Pulse” gathering. This innovative format addresses busy schedules by combining networking, learning, and social engagement into a conve-

seeking to restore public confidence in our courts. The legislature is fighting to secure a court system that the public – and lawmakers – can trust to do its job properly.

Senator Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, is the Senate Majority Leader in the Montana Legislature.

nient two-hour program.

The first “Business Pulse” event is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Kwataqnuk Resort, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Theme for the event is tourism and prosperity and will highlight Polson’s natural beauty and hospitality. This summit focuses on strategic marketing to attract more visitors to our community. Attendees can expect valuable insights from industry experts and collaborative opportunities for businesses across all sectors.

Polson City Hall will hold a Meet-Up and Job Fair on Saturday, May 3, at Polson City Hall, Police and Fire Stations and Library. Explore career opportunities in law enforcement, firefighting,

and other fields. The event features engaging indoor and outdoor activities with local officials.

A Business Community Block Party, A lively celebration showcasing and supporting Polson’s small businesses.

A lively celebration showcasing and supporting Polson’s small businesses will take place on Aug. 21 and a Health and Wellness event is planned for Nov. 20. Get Involved

We invite residents and businesses to participate in these exciting events. Join our Ambassador or Jr. Ambassador teams, and help Polson continue to thrive.

For more details and updates, visit our website or follow us on social media.

Dylan Panzetanga

RONAN - Dylan Nature Panzetanga was born on Jan. 5, 2025, at the St. Luke New Beginnings Birth Center. She measured 8 pounds, 12 ounces and 20 inches long. Parents are Perry Panzetanga and Gina Linsebigler of St. Ignatius. Paternal grandparents are Justin Panzetanga and Reanelle Barnaby. Maternal grandparents are Matt and Carla Linsebigler of St. Ignatius. Dylan joins siblings, Elta and Trail.

Victoria Bellow

POLSON - Victoria Ann Bellow was born on Dec. 12, 2024, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. She was 19.5 inches long and weighed 7 pounds, 8.3 ounces. Victorias’s parents are Victoria and Marcus Bellow of Ronan. Victoria’s maternal grandparents are Vicky Hamdan and Carlow Martinez. Maternal great-grandparents are Vicky Huereca and Ricardo Hamdan. Paternal grandparents are Jose Martinez and Esthella Borrego.

Dream Bird

Hubert Burland II

RONAN - Hubert Thomas Burland II was born on Jan. 5, 2025, at the St. Luke New Beginnings Birth Center. He measured 4 pounds, 14 ounces, and 17 inches long. Parents are Aaron Kaleb Burland and Nevaeh Ranee Little-Marry of Ronan. Paternal grandparents are Russel and Jackie Burland of Pablo. Maternal grandparents are Jeremiah Marry and Beverly Ranee Diaz of Ronan. Hubert joins his sibling, MoonStar.

Seraya Brooks

POLSON - Gianna Bird is excited to announce the arrival of little sister, Dream Antoinette Bean Bird. Dream was born on Dec. 11, 2024, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. She was 22 inches long and weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce. Dream’s parents are Elizabella Onesalt and Josiah Bird of Pablo. Dream’s maternal grandparents are Cassandra Onesalt and Ivan Mankuk. Maternal great-grandparents are Margaret Mendoza-Pierre and Antonio Mendoza. Paternal grandparents are Darrell Bird and Nicolette Conko. Paternal great-grandparents are Lois and Wayne Bird.

WesLee Linderman

Dr. Raymond Ansotegui Overeducated Cowboy Scholarship announced

Applications due Feb. 28, 2025

News from Montana Stockgrowers Foundation

HELENA — The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF) is now accepting applications for the Dr. Raymond Ansotegui Overeducated Cowboy Scholarship. After his passing in 2023, the Ansotegui family established a memorial fund through MSF to honor Ray’s passion of combining education and the ranching lifestyle. MSF and the Anstotegui family will award two $2,000 scholarships in 2025.

Dr. Raymond “Ray” P. Ansotegui was the consummate ambassador to the cowboy way of life. He supported the future of ranching by balancing the best of tradition with the newest research. For Ansotegui, it was of the utmost importance that students not just learn “book facts,” but came away with directly applicable knowledge, skills, and a healthy dose of common sense. Having students get a ‘hands on’ taste of ranching was a top priority. His contributions to ranching in Montana and beyond are unquantifiable.

Applicants must be seeking a profession in the field of animal husbandry, such as Animal Science, AgBusiness, Ag Education, Ag Technology, Ag Production, Farm & Ranch Management or Ranching Systems. If an applicant has another major or field of study, they must be able to explain why it would be beneficial to the field of animal husbandry.

Other requirements for the scholarship include demonstrating a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and be a member of Montana Stockgrowers Association or have at least one parent/guardian who is a member.

RONAN - Seraya Reign Brooks was born on Jan. 12, 2025, at the St. Luke Community Healthcare New Beginnings Birth Center. She measured 6 pounds, 11 ounces and 19 inches long. Parents are Christopher Brooks and Madison Harris of Ronan. Paternal grandparents are Ryan and Crystal Dolence of Ronan. Maternal grandparents are Tracy Shaw and the late Paul Harris of Evaro. Seraya joins siblings, Cerian, Serendipity, Jeremiah, and Ruby Rain.

RONAN - WesLee Robert Linderman was born on Jan. 9, 2025, at the New Beginnings Birth Center. He measured 5 pounds, 15 ounces and 18.5 inches long. Parents are Dillon and Lilly Linderman of Polson. Paternal grandparents are Jon and Kim Linderman of Ronan. Maternal grandparents are Roger Jensen of Thompson Falls and Dawn Atchley of Charlo. WesLee joins siblings, Colter and Mae.

Applicants must complete the online application form, include a copy of their current transcript, and write a 250-600 word essay on one of the following topics:

Describe a current/future challenge in the Agriculture Industry you hope to impact and how?

When and what made you decide this was the industry for you?

Share a story that helped define who you are. What part of the world do you believe has the greatest need for agricultural innovation and why?

Applications are due Feb. 28, 2025. Students can apply at: www.mtbeeffoundation.org.

For questions, please contact the MSGA office at 406-442-3420 or: foundation@mtbeef.org. If students are interested in these scholarships but are not currently a member of MSGA, join today. Student memberships start at just $20 per year and can be found at: www.mtbeef.org/membership/.

Dylan Panzetanga

Seraya Brooks

Hubert Burland II

WesLee Linderman

Dream Bird

Study led by MSU scientist lends new insight into Earth’s water cycle

From the MSU News Service

BOZEMAN- A new study led by a scientist in the MSU College of Agriculture provides the first comprehensive global estimates of water stored in plants and the time it takes for that water to flow through them. The research addresses a gap in understanding of the global water cycle and how it is being changed by land use and climate.

Andrew Felton, an assistant professor in MSU’s Department of Land Resources and Environmental Sciences, is lead author of the study, which was published Jan. 9 in the journal Nature Water. The publication culminates research Felton began during a postdoctoral fellowship at Chapman University in California.

Felton found that all of Earth’s vegetation stores about 786 cubic kilometers of water, roughly enough to fill Flathead Lake 34 times. The time it takes for water to flow through plants and return to the atmosphere — referred to as “transit” or “turnover” time

— ranges from five days in croplands to 18 days in evergreen forests, the paper states.

Felton said those results underscore vegetation’s dynamic role in the water cycle. The average time it takes for water to travel through plants and back to the atmosphere is 8.1 days, globally. In comparison, the water in lakes is estimated to take 17 years and the water in glaciers is estimated to take 1,600 years.

“We have known for a long time that most of the water that returns from the ground to the atmosphere does so through plants, but until now, we did not really know how long it took,” said Felton. “Our results show that the transit of water through plants occurs on the order of days, rather than months, years or centuries.”

By combining estimates of the transit of water through plants with the transit of water through the atmosphere (about 8-10 days) and through soil (about 60-90 days), scientists can begin to estimate the total time it takes

for a drop of water to move through the entire terrestrial water cycle. They found that the transit time of water through vegetation varied considerably across land cover types, climate and seasons. Transit time through croplands was consistently the fastest, with water transiting through plants in less than a day during the peak of the growing season.

“One important observation is that croplands around the world tend to have very similar and very fast transit times,” said Gregory Goldsmith, another of the paper’s authors and an associate professor of biological sciences at Chapman University. “This indicates that land use change may be homogenizing the global water cycle and contributing to its intensification by more rapidly recycling water back to the atmosphere, where it can turn into heavy rain events.”

To generate the estimates, the team first calculated the amount of water stored in plants using data from NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive

satellite mission, which provided high-resolution estimates of the water in soils. The mission originally saw plants as interfering with soil moisture measurements and corrected for their presence, but Felton’s team found that those corrections contained valuable information about the amount of water stored in plants.

“Plants are the forgotten part of the global water cycle,” said Felton. “The results suggest that the transit time of water through plants is likely to be very sensitive to events such as deforestation, drought and wildfire.”

The study has implications more locally for Montana, he added.

“Much of Montana is comprised of ecosystems with rapid transit times, such as grasslands and croplands,” said Felton. “A better understanding of the transit times of water flowing through plants in these water-limited ecosystems has important applications for water resource management, including predicting drought vulnerability and managing irrigation.”

S T A T E O F T H E A R T

C A R E C L O S E T O H O M E

St. Luke Community Healthcare is now offering MRI services in-house five days a week. Our new cuttingedge technology means you’ll enjoy a roomier, more efficient experience close to home. Get the care you need without the long drive - choose St. Luke!

The Heart of Healthcare in the Mission Valley

sports SPORTS SHORTS

Basketball

Polson girls

POLSON — The Polson Lady Pirates defeated the Whitefish Lady Bulldogs 44-31 in a Jan. 14 home-hosted game. Rylee Taylor-Jefferson was the lead scorer for Polson with 20 points, followed by Aleysia Black who scored 10. The Lady Pirates pulled off a narrow victory, 45-44, against the Browning Lady Indians on the road, Jan. 18. Taylor-Jefferson was lead scorer in that game as well with 29 points. The Lady Pirates play the Bigfork Valkyries next on Tuesday, Jan. 21 followed by the Libby Lady Loggers on Saturday, Jan. 25. Both games are away.

Ronan girls

RONAN — The Ronan Maidens beat the Libby Lady Loggers on the hardcourt at home 61-28 on Jan. 18. Nevaeh Perez led the Maidens with 13 points followed by teammate Kylee Kelch who scored 9. Next up, the Maidens play the Whitefish Lady Bulldogs Jan. 23 at home.

Big Sky Fit Kids registration open

News from Big Sky Games

MONTANA — Registration is open for Big Sky Fit Kids (BSFK) Tracking Challenge, a program of the Big Sky State Games. The BSFK Tracking Challenge is a free youth team physical activity and nutrition program where students track physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption from Feb. 1- April 1.

Each Big Sky Fit Kids Challenge team is coordinated by an adult team captain and consists of 10-30 kids. Teams include students from school classes, clubs, after-school programs, youth groups, etc. Team captains can register their teams at bigskyfitkids.org where they set up their personal dashboard to log their team’s activity and fruit/vegetable servings. Kids are in charge of recording their

physical activity and fruit and vegetable servings on a daily recording sheet. Teams/schools that complete the BSFK Challenge tracking program are entered in drawings for $500.

To register for Big Sky Fit Kids Challenge visit bigskyfitkids.org or call the Big Sky State Games with questions 406-254-7426. Albertsons is the major sponsor of Big Sky Fit Kids. Montana Television

Network and Opportunity Bank are community sponsors and contributing sponsors include Billings Clinic, and Wendy’s. Funds from the Montana Women’s Run support Big Sky Fit Kids. The Big Sky State Games’ major sponsors are Kampgrounds of America, First Interstate Bank, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana and Rebel River Creative.

BOB GUNDERSON / GUNDY ARTISTRY PHOTOS Polson wrestler Daniel O’Roake wins by pin at the Jan. 16 duals against Whitefish. Browning canceled their trip to compete in Polson due to high winds.

Polson cheerleaders lead the student section in cheering on the Lady Pirates during a Jan. 14 basketball game against the Whitefish Lady Bulldogs.

Rylee Taylor-Jefferson leads the offense for the Lady Pirates during the Jan. 14 game. Polson prevailed over Whitefish, 44-31.

obituaries

Marsha Frey

ST. IGNATIUS -

Marsha Joy McDonald Frey, “Ms. Frey” to all her students, at age 79, passed away in her home in St. Ignatius on Dec. 24, 2024. Marsha was born Feb. 5, 1945, in St. Ignatius to parents Viola Peone McDonald and Walter McDonald. She was a great-granddaughter of Angus McDonald and a proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Marsha was raised near Fort Connah and then moved to the family ranch on the hill near McDonald Lake at age four. She went to school and graduated in 1963 from St. Ignatius Schools. She started college at Carol College and finished at the University of Montana in 1967 with a B.S. in elementary education. Marsha married Raymond Frey in September of 1966. They later divorced but remained friends to raise their daughter and grandchildren. She taught fifth grade in Arlee in for one year and then took time off to have Col -

Marsha Frey

leen. They both started school in St Ignatius the fall of 1974. Marsha started teaching sixth grade for one year then on to fourth grade the remainder of her 36 years. She also taught title one, one year with Colleen. She loved having Colleen as a teaching partner. Marsha loved gardening and sitting outside enjoying the sun.

Her pets were very important to her and she took in any stray that came her way. She also enjoyed following her grandkids to all of their sports and activities. Marsha loved traveling with her family, they had many Disney adventures as well as Europe, Mexico and Canada.

She is proceeded in death by her mom and dad as well as many special cousins and relatives. Marsha is survived by her daughter, Colleen Rae Frey (Art Bourdon); grandchildren, Makenna Cordier (Nicole Patenaude), Hunter Cordier, special great-grandson whom she dearly loved, Crue McDonald; her dog Barney, her four spoiled cats, and all her many cousins and relatives. Special thanks to the CSKT Elders program and her caregiver Tonya Appelt.

All memorials and donations to any animal charity or St. Ignatius Schools. Please remember to spread “joy” in honor of Marsha Joy.

Saturday, February 1st

College Gym 10 am – 2 pm

If you are a new parent, an expecting parent, families with children ages 0 - 5 years old, a community member, please join us!

- Lunch will be provided - Book Walk - Vaccinations - Hearing Screenings - Pregnancy Education - Tobacco Information – Health Information – Narcan – VisionScreenings - Job Opportunities - Door Prizes - Car Seat Safety & Inspections - Dental information -Face Painting - Breast Feeding Information - Chair Massages - Substance Abuse Prevention – Early Child Development - Self Care Information - Literacy Information - Family Pictures

- Parenting Information and much more! There will be many community organizations available to share their information!

For more information, please call CSKT Early Childhood Services (406) 745-4509

MSU receives grant to host geospatial skills camp for high schoolers

Partner organizations will be recruited in five rural Montna community, and partner organizations are invited to apply by Jan. 29. An informational webinar will be held Jan. 22.

From MSU News Service

BOZEMAN — High school students in five rural Montana communities will have the opportunity to attend a weeklong camp this summer focused on developing geospatial skills. The camp is being made possible thanks to a $430,000, three-year grant awarded to Montana State University from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research Partner organizations will be recruited in each of the five communities.

MSU regularly provides opportunities for middle school and high school students in STEM fields, according to Suzi Taylor, director of the Science Math Resource Center at MSU, which is hosting the camp along with the MSU Department of Earth Sciences. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“Montana is one of the most rural states in the U.S., with 75% of school districts considered rural – the highest proportion of any state,” Taylor wrote

in the grant application.

“Consequently, not just many but most Montana young people grow up with few or no STEM opportunities beyond school-based classes, which also can be quite limited due to small school sizes and STEM teacher shortages.”

An initial grant of $85,000 supported the inaugural camp last year.

This year’s camp, designed for students entering ninth and 10th grades, will be held June 9-13 in five rural communities, which have not yet been determined. Trained educators will deliver the camp in person in each community. In addition, some content will be delivered via distance-learning technology. Funding is available to support five campers at each of the five locations with lunch, snacks, transportation, STEM equipment and more.

The MSU team planning the camp includes an undergraduate student in education and an undergraduate student in earth sciences. They will work together to create the camp’s curriculum, Taylor said, then educators in the partner communities will customize the camp curriculum for their students. Educators are encouraged to relate camp skills and experiences to their own individual interests such as robotics, human performance or aviation; community needs, such as natural resources manage-

be posted online so people from around the state can use the camp curriculum and customize it for their own communities.

Partner organizations in rural Montana communities that would like to host the June camp may apply now. Applications are due Wednesday, Jan. 29. Taylor said any community educator organization is welcome to apply, such as libraries, schools, outof-school programs, 4-H clubs or scout troops.

“Really, it can be anyone who has a mission to work with kids,” she said.

Taylor said the Science Math Resource Center hopes the camp will help illuminate job possibilities.

ment, precision agriculture or meteorological forecasting; and national topics of interest such as security, energy or climate change.

Though some activities, like guest speakers, will be scheduled throughout the week for all the groups, Taylor said the camp is meant to be customizable to each community based on its needs. For example, she said, communities might address topics such as dealing with wildfire smoke or new housing developments.

“MSU will provide 40 hours’ worth of camp material, but each community will have the flexibility to implement it in their

own way and on their own schedule,” Taylor said.

One goal of the camp is to help kids learn about careers and fields of study related to geospatial science and engineering, particularly those connected to the Air Force and other organizations that offer employment in rural areas, Taylor said.

“Our plan is to have virtual guest speakers from MSU, from the Air Force, from NASA, from the Forest Service,” she said.

“The campers will get to meet all kinds of people who use geospatial skills in their daily work. We hope it lights a spark and helps kids realize, ‘Oh my gosh, I

could do that, too.’”

Campers will be encouraged to relate camp skills and experiences to their interests; their communities’ needs, such as natural resources management, precision agriculture or weather forecasting; and national topics, such as security, energy or climate change.

In addition, campers will be invited to visit MSU for a day later in June to attend GIS Day, which the Science Math Resource Center hosts with support from MSU’s Geospatial Core Facility, a hub for all things geospatial on campus and beyond.

Camp materials will also

“They may have heard you can be an engineer, but they have no idea all the different kinds of engineering that you can do. Or maybe they have a vague idea of what it’s like to be a scientist, but unless you’ve met someone who’s doing all these cool scientific applications, it’s hard to picture yourself being that person someday,” Taylor said. “Our goal with this camp is to shine a light on some of those possibilities.”

An informational webinar will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22, for those who have questions about the program or application.

For additional information, contact geoskills@ montana.edu or visit montana.edu/smrc/geo-skills. html

PHOTO COURTESY OF HILARY LOZAR / BOYS & GIRLS CLUB OF THE FLATHEAD RESERVATION AND LAKE COUNTY Students at the Boys & Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County camp work through a lab assignment in June 2024. Their efforts were part of a weeklong camp hosted by MSU focused on developing geospatial skills. High school students in five rural Montana communities will have the opportunity to attend a similar camp this summer.

seniors

Polson

By Pete Mangels for the Valley Journal

POLSON - We continue to provide weekday lunches for seniors and the needy in our community. This year our meals served per week continues to grow in unprecedented numbers. We thank our employees and volunteers for their hard work and dedication. We thank all our members, our community and government agencies for their support.

AARP Tax Preparation Assistance mandatory pre-registration begins

now. You must make a reservation for assistance by calling or stopping by the Polson Senior Community Center. Appointment times are available now for February, March, or April.

Full-time or part-time Executive Assistant/ Nutrition Director wanted. Apply at the center. Weekdays only. Wage D.O.E. $16-$25. Negotiable.

Activities:

- Bowling: “no-tap” Tuesdays 1-3 p.m. Join any time.

- Carving Wood for beginners: Wednesdays & Fridays at 1 p.m. Join any week.

- Wednesday Play Day: cards, board games, dominoes, Yahtzee, etc. Invite a foursome.

- VSO (veterans service officer:) first Friday and third Tuesday of each month. 9 a.m.-noon -walk-ins OK

- Spinning Wheelers: First Tuesday of each month Feb. 4- 11 a.m.-

1p.m. 208-520-1013

- Bingo Fridays: open at 5:30 p.m. play at 6 p.m.; “playing-card” Bingo begins Wednesday, Feb. 5

- Exercise: sitting or standing or dancing, M-W-F, 10:30– 11:30 a.m., video-assisted, low impact

- Pinochle: Thursdays and Mondays - 12:15-3 p.m. We play 3, 4 or 5 handed. Late arrivals OK.

- Pool: Open table from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Menu (subject to change) - lunch $5 donation from 11:45 a.m.12:30 p.m.

- Thursday, Jan. 23: pigs in-a-blanket, macn-cheese, pickled beets, crispy fruit

- Friday, Jan. 24: birthday dinner for lunch - roast beef with all the fixings, and cake too  - Monday, Jan. 27: taco soup, corn bread, fruit salad, coconut cream pudding

- Tuesday, Jan. 28: beef stroganoff, noodles, carrots, stewed tomatoes, coleslaw ramen, smore’s cake

- Wednesday, Jan. 29: chicken salad, roll, peacheese salad, cheesecake - Thursday, Jan. 30: turkey a-la-king, biscuit, cranberries, pear-cheese salad, key lime bars - Friday, Jan. 31: sloppy Joes, tots, Jell-O, cookie  Our Polson Senior Community Center is located at 504 Third Ave. E. We are open 8 a.m.–3 p.m. weekdays. Call us at 406-883-4735 - mail: polsonseniorcenter@ gmail.com or visit us on Facebook.

Community invited to

Fifth Friday Dinner

POLSON - Polson Community’s Fifth Friday Dinner will be held at the Polson Community Church, 1814 First Street E, on Friday, Jan. 31, from 4:306:30 p.m.

The menu includes soup, roast pork, potatoes and gravy, green beans, rolls and of course a multitude of desserts. All are welcome.

Wednesday, Jan. 22

Free meditation classes offered

ZOOM - Mission Mountain Zen is offering free online meditation classes. Join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. for an online meditation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku Jerry Smyers, including meditation instruction, practice and discussion via Zoom. For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847721-0665 or email at: Jerry.Smyers@gmail.com.

Thursday, Jan. 23

Library holds ‘Story Time’

POLSON — Story

Time is held each Thursday at 2 p.m. Join us to read books, make crafts and play games with your little ones at the North Lake County Public Library. This program is geared for kindergarten readiness ages 3-5. The theme for this week will be “snow.”

Join Julie for ‘Toddler Time’ at library

POLSON — Thursdays, at 10 a.m. will be when the North Lake County Public Library’s new “Toddler Time” takes place. This brand new program will be for 2-3 year old children and is all about movement, where we will read active stories, dance, sing and shake it all about.

Solitary structure

Friday, Jan. 24

Learn about

homeschooling

POLSON — Come and learn more about homeschooling at the North Lake County Public Library on Friday, Jan. 24, from 1-2:30 p.m. meet other homeschool families, and discuss what the library has to offer the homeschooling community. Youth Librarian Julie will offer a children’s program in the community room.

Make ribbon skirt, POLSON — Join

Tribal Health at the Polson Senior Center for two afternoons of Ribbon Skirt-making in a community near you. All classes will take place from noon-4 p.m.; the first class is held on Friday, Jan. 24, with second class the following Wednesday, Jan. 29. To register go to: https://forms.office.com/r/ QmAtbnVf2M

Mother Goose returns to library

POLSON — Mother Goose Returns to the North Lake County Public Library at a new time. Join us Fridays at 10 a.m.

in the Community Room. This is our program for 0-24 month old littles. We will sing songs and have interactive activities for caregivers and their little ones.

Saturday, Jan. 25

Second weekly ‘Story Time’ held

POLSON — On Saturdays at 2 p.m. we are adding a Story Time. This program will have the same theme as the Thursday program.

Hope you can join us for all the fun! The theme for

Community Development Corporation. Attend seven out of eight sessions to receive a free kitchen gadget. Space is limited to 12 participants, so call Amber at 406-241-5768 to reserve your spot.

Wednesday, Jan. 29

Fire District to hold regular board meeting

ST. IGNATIUS — The St. Ignatius Rural Fire District will hold their regular board meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 6 p.m. in the Fire Hall meeting room. For further information contact Chairman Jim Callahan at 406-745-4112.

Free meditation classes offered

this week will be “snow.”

Monday, Jan. 27

Learn about ‘Full Plate Living’

ARLEE — Tribal Health is offering “Full Plate Living,” a series of classes to help participants lead a healthy lifestyle. Classes include information on meal planning, nutrition, and weight loss, and setting realistic goals for healthy living. Classes will be held Mondays from noon to 1 p.m. starting Jan.13 and continuing for eight weeks at the Arlee

ZOOM — Mission Mountain Zen is offering free online meditation classes. Join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. for an online meditation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku Jerry Smyers, including meditation instruction, practice and discussion via Zoom. For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-721-0665 or email at: Jerry.Smyers@ gmail.com.

Thursday, Jan. 30

Library holds ‘Story Time’

POLSON — Story Time is held each Thursday at 2 p.m. Join us to

MARTY HENSEL PHOTO

Snow capped peaks of the Mission Range tower over the solitary Dupuis barn.

Calendar from page 18

read books, make crafts and play games with your little ones at the North Lake County Public Library. This program is geared for kindergarten readiness ages 3-5. The theme for this week will be “hats.”

Friday, Jan. 31

Fifth Friday Dinner held

POLSON - Polson Community’s Fifth Friday Dinner will be held at the Polson Community Church, 1814 First Street E, on Friday, Jan. 31, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. The menu includes soup, roast pork, potatoes and gravy, green

beans, rolls and of course a multitude of desserts. All are welcome.

Saturday, Feb. 1

Second weekly ‘Story Time’ held

POLSON - On Saturdays at 2 p.m. we are adding a Story Time. This program will have the same theme as the Thursday program. Hope you can join us for all the fun! The theme for this week will be “hats.”

Monday, Feb. 3

Learn about ‘Full Plate Living’

ARLEE - Tribal Health is offering “Full Plate

Living,” a series of classes to help participants lead a healthy lifestyle. Classes include information on meal planning, nutrition, and weight loss, and setting realistic goals for healthy living. Classes will be held Mondays from noon to 1 p.m. starting Jan.13 and continuing for eight weeks at the Arlee Community Development Corporation. Attend seven out of eight sessions to receive a free kitchen gadget. Space is limited to 12 participants, so call Amber at 406-241-5768 to reserve your spot.

Tuesday, Feb. 4

Blood drive held in Polson

POLSON - On Tuesday, Feb. 4, from 10 a.m.-4

p.m., in the conference room at the North Lake County Public Library, a blood drive will be held sponsored by Glacier Bank and the American Red Cross. The need is constant. The gratification is instant. Give blood. Call 406-751-4915 with questions.

Wednesday, Feb. 5

Learn to meditate

ZOOM - Mission Mountain Zen offers free online meditation classes on Wednesdays, 6-7:30 p.m. led by Zen Teacher, Zenku Jerry Smyers. For more information and a Zoom link call 847-7210665 or email at: Jerry. Smyers@gmail.com.

public meetings

The Polson City Commission meets every first and third Monday of the month (Wednesday, if the Monday falls on a holiday) at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 106 1st Street East. Meetings are open to the public.

St. Ignatius City Council meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 12 First Ave. 406- 745-3791

Ronan City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m., 207 Main Street SW, Ste A. 406-676-4231

Lake County Commissioners , 106 Fourth Ave. E, room 211, (Lake County Courthouse) 406-883-7278, Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-12 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

The Lake County Conservation District , 64352 US HWY 93, Ronan, meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are open to the public and agendas may be found at LakeCountyConservationDistrict.org.

The Ronan School District No. 30 Board of Trustees have regularly scheduled board meetings once a month. They meet the second Monday of every month in the K. William Harvey Elementary Multi-Purpose Room. Regular meetings begin at 7 p.m.

The Polson School District No. 23 Board of Trustees have regularly scheduled board meetings once a month. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the District Office, 111 4th Ave. E, 406-883-6345.

The Charlo School District 7J B Board of Trustees have regularly scheduled meetings on the third Thursday of every month. Meetings are held in the school library, 404 1st Ave. W, and begin at 7 p.m. The phone number is 406-6442206.

The Arlee School District No. 8 Board of Trustees hold regularly scheduled meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Arlee High School Library, 72220 Fyant Street, and begin at 6:30 p.m. The phone number is 406-726-3216.

Valley View Elementary is located at 42448 Valley View Road. The phone number is 406-8832208.

St. Ignatius School District No. 28 Board of Trustees meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the library, 76 Third Avenue. The phone number is 406-745-3811.

Winners of the 2024 Youth Hunting Story contest announced

News from the office of Governor Gianforte

HELENA - Governor Greg Gianforte recently announced the winners of the 2024 Governor’s Youth Hunting Story Contest.

“Hunting is a vital part of Montana’s legacy, connecting generations through respect for the land and wildlife,” Gov. Gianforte said. “The Youth Hunting Story Contest celebrates this tradition. It’s inspiring to see so many young hunters submit stories about carrying it forward and I’m thrilled to invite the ten winners to the State Capitol to celebrate.”

Gov. Gianforte created the Youth Hunting Story contest in 2022 for Montana youth and apprentice hunters between the ages of 10 and 17.

To enter the contest, resident hunters submitted a story of no more than 500 words about their hunt and a photo from their hunt. Eligible entries included harvesting any legal game, furbearer animals, or birds in Montana. Read their stories at: https:// governor.mt.gov/_ docs/2024YouthHuntingBooklet.pdf.

The governor will recognize the ten winning hunters in the State Capitol this month. Winning hunters will receive prizes from Stone Glacier, Sitka, J2

Ambreigh Morris of Baker is a 2024 Governor’s Youth Hunting Story Contest winner.

Taxidermy, Kenetrek, Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, Murdochs, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

“Thanks to our prize partners, there are some great prizes for our winners to aid them as they continue hunting for years to come,” the

governor said. “I thank Stone Glacier, Sitka, J2 Taxidermy, Kenetrek, Montana Outfitters and Guides Association, Murdochs, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation for their generosity and helping us celebrate these young hunters.”

The winning hunters are named below:

- Ambreigh Morris of Baker (10 years old) for the story of her first deer hunt with her uncle.

- Amelia Saylor of Wilsall (14 years old) for the story of her deer hunt in her new hometown.

- Hannah Smith of Bozeman (14 years old) for the story of her first little “forkie” buck.

- Hays Darr of Bozeman (10 years old) for the story of his first bird hunt, where he was “excited as a dog with a big pile of beef jerky.”

- Jacob Reddish of Lakeside (16 years old) for the story of his first solo hunt.

- Layton Arnold of Belgrade (14 years old) for the story about saving money for seven years to buy hunting equipment for his first elk hunt.

- Malena Altschwager of Corvallis (13 years old) for the story of her deer hunt with her dad.

- Noah Wheatley of Deer Lodge (13 years old) for the story of how special his deer hunt was with his dad.

- Remuda Seymour of Dillon (12 years old) for the story of her new family tradition of eating cherry pie after hunting.

- Wyatt Mosher of Jefferson City (15 years old) for the story of his first antelope hunt on a Block Management Area and on state land.

print and digital journalism to ensure a vibrant future for Montana’s newspaper enterprises and champions the value of a free press.

https://donorbox.org/montana-newspaper-foundation-charitable-giving.

Attention lenders: Consider having your title work done by friendly professionals at a locally owned and operated title company that has stood the test of time! We offer complete, reliable title services in our conveniently located office in downtown Polson.

appreciate the opportunity to serve you and your clients!

PUZZLES

classifieds

Announcements

Events

Blue Jay Estate Sale!

Ronan., 46246 Gillette Ln. 10 miles west on Round Butte. Right on Gillette.

Thursday Feb 6th 4 pm-6 pm.

Friday Feb 7th 10 am-2 pm. Saturday Feb 8th 10 am-2 pm.

Stunning Home and shop sale! Furnishings, household, decor, antiques, collectibles, sporting goods, shop and tool items. More! Photos and email newsletter signup: www.bluejayestatesales.com 406-363-1600

Special Notices

BYOB

Be Your Own Boss! Looking for a fresh start?

This well-established (20 years), award-winning weekly newspaper is for sale. $150,000. Call 406-249-1793 for details.

WANTED TO BUY: Old Car, Truck, Motorcycle, also old signs and license plates, gas station items or dealership items. Call 406-270-8630 any time.

Switch and save up to $250/ year on your talk, text and

data. No contract and no hidden fees. Unlimited talk and text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time offer - get $50 off on any new account. Use code GIFT50. For more information, call 1-877-324-0193

Connect to the best wireless home internet with EarthLink. Enjoy speeds from 5G and 4G LTE networks, no contracts, easy installation, and data plans up to 300 GB. Call 855-419-7978

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-995-3572

Get your deduction ahead of the year-end! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous year-end tax credit. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-855-901-2620 today!

Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-762-1508

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-601-2865

Employment

Help wanted

SANITARIAN - TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

(Various Locations)

The successful applicant must have: Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Health, Public Health, or related field. Must be a Registered Sanitarian in accordance with Montana state regulations. Certification in Incident Command System (ICS) courses (ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800) or the ability to complete this within six months of hire. Documented experience in completing environmental health and food establishment inspections. Must possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel as required for inspections and investigations. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcript/degree, certifications, copy of valid driver’s license, if claiming Tribal preference, proof of enrollment from a federally

Puzzle Answers

(From page 21)

Solution to Word Search

recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy and subject to random drug testing. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is $26.02$29.91 per hour, plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt.org. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. The closing date will be Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. (MST)

SKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

FARM & RANCH HAND wanted full-time, near Peerless, Montana. Housing available. Call 406-724-7099.

Eagle Bank is committed to full-service community banking – where we believe in…Lifetime Service ~ Lifetime Friendship. We have an opportunity for you to join

the Eagle Bank Team as a Full Time Real Estate Loan Processor. The Real Estate Loan Processor works in the Residential Real Estate Loan Department and is essentially responsible for the loan application process and documentation to ensure accuracy and efficiency throughout the process and provide progress reports to the MLO and/ or Underwriter and resolve issues., in accordance with Eagle Bank’s policies and procedures. This includes fully processing & submitting loan files to underwriting to meet loan file deadlines. This is a full time 40 hours per week position with competitive pay and benefits.

To apply send your resume to HR@eaglebankmt.com Location – Eagle Bank – 80 Heritage Lane, Polson MT Salary – Depending on experience and/or education. In accordance with the Indian Self-Determination Act, P.L. 93-638, and the mission of Eagle Bank to serve the Flathead Reservation communities, preference will be given in hiring for suitably qualified Native Americans in the following order: 1 Enrolled members of CSKT; 2 Enrolled members of other federally recognized Native American or Alaska Native Tribes; 3 All other applicants.

see page 23

REVENUE/RESOURCE DIVISION MANAGER

Location negotiable

TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must have an Associate’s Degree in business administration; medical administration, health administration or computer sciences. Must have a minimum of three years’ professional experience working in a Medicaid billing/ auditing position. Must be knowledgeable of Medicaid program, eligibility requirements and rule concerning reimbursements. Must be familiar with Tribal operations and capacity to file claims for services under State Medicaid Plan, Veterans Insurance, and other private insurance payers. Must have demonstrated experience in filing appeals for denied services. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, copy of degree/ academic transcripts, training certificates, licensure, copy of current valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. Failure to submit all of the above information will result in immediate disqualification during the screening process. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by CSKT must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is $33.79 to $38.84 per hour, plus benefits. May be employed under contract. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt. org. Tribal applications are also available on-line at cskt. org. The closing date is Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 5:30 p.m. MST

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

CUSTODIAN FACILITIES & MAINTENANCE DEPT.PABLO, MT

This position is an integral part of the Facilities & Maintenance Department and consists of work to provide technical and skilled custodial, grounds, and maintenance functions in and around CSKT Facilities’ offices, buildings, and surrounding areas. This position is responsible for maintaining a clean, sanitary and safe environment throughout assigned Tribal Facilities. The successful applicant must possess a valid driver’s license with no alcohol related convictions for the last three (3) years. Must be able to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License if requested. One (1) to two (2) years’ experience in cleaning chemicals and their proper uses, with ability to obtain professional/commercial experience through three (3) months of training. One (1) to two (2) years’ experience in the operation of specialized equipment. Knowledge in effective cleaning and sanitizing techniques. Knowledge in basic carpentry, plumbing, and electrical. Skilled in the mixing of cleaning chemicals. Skilled in the handling of hazardous waste. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE INFORMATION BELOW

WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal Employment Application (Resumes may be submitted but may not replace or supplement the official Tribal Employment Application), copy of relevant transcripts and/or certificates, copy of a valid driver’s license, proof of Tribal enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes, must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a six (6) month probationary period. Salary is $13.44 to $15.45 per hour (Including Benefits: Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Retirement, Long-term Disability, and PTO & Paid Holidays). To apply, contact Tribal Personnel at (406)675-2700 Ext. 1040. Tribal Employment Applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, February 6th, 2025 @ 5:30pm. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

CLASSIFIEDS WORK!

vjmail@valleyjournal.net

Real Estate

Equal housing

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Montana Human Rights Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, familial status, physical or mental disability, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD Toll-free at 1-800669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

Service Directory

This NewspaperForSale

• Locally owned, award-winning weekly newspaper

• Well established advertising, subscriber base, website & social media following with lots of room for growth

• Over 20 years in business

• Beautiful place to work & live

• Call 406-249-1793 to learn more!

Providence St. Joseph Welcomes

Alexander Hetrick, D.O.

to our Family Practice Clinic

Providence St. Joseph Medical Center is excited to welcome Alexander Hetrick, D.O., to our team of providers who are dedicated to serving Mission Valley and the surrounding areas.

Dr. Hetrick attended medical school at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, and subsequently completed his training at the Montana Family Medicine Residency in Billings, Montana. As a boardcertified Family Physician, he looks forward to taking care of patients of all ages and from all walks of life. Though his medical practice is not limited, some areas he enjoys focusing on include pediatric care, LGBTQ+ care, and dermatology procedures. Outside of work he enjoys all forms of outdoor recreation while exploring backcountry Montana.

Dr. Hetrick is currently accepting new patients at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson. Call today to request an appointment! 406-883-5680

Clinic Location: 6 Thirteenth Avenue East Polson, MT 59860

To make an appointment, call 406-883-5680.

Providence.org

Alexander Hetrick, D.O