02-01-23 issue

Polson Chamber recognizes citizen, business leaders

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

POLSON — The Polson Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet on Jan. 28 at the KwaTaqNuk Resort to celebrate local businesses and members of the community.

This year’s event, “Moonlight Over Polson, a Roaring Good Time,” encouraged attendees to dress up and enjoy a 1920s themed evening. According to Chamber President Louis Cross, the annual banquets have been

going on since before he joined the board in early 2010 and have always had a theme to help add extra entertainment to the evening.

“The Chamber Banquet is a time that we can recognize our members through a dinner, we can all network and get together and see each other,” Cross commented. “Everybody is running and working all the time, (so) this is a chance where we can all be together as a community. It’s also a chance for the chamber itself to recognize businesses and people for different things throughout

the community.”

Those who receive awards at the banquet are all nominated by the public rather than the Chamber board, ensuring people are recognized by their peers for their involvement in the community. The nomination process begins about a month prior to the banquet with emails sent out by the Chamber to ask for nominees, a process they keep up for the month to ensure as many nominations are received as possible before taking them in see page 2

PORTER COUNTS / VALLEY JOURNAL

front of the nomination committee.

The awards given out this year recognizing businesses and individuals in the community were:

— Nonprofit of the Year: North Lake County Library Foundation – Next Chapter Campaign

— Polson Leadership Award: Carol Lynn Lapotka

— Citizen of the Year: Toni Whealon

— Volunteer of the Year: Katie Walter

— Business of the Year: Lake City Bakery

— Chamber Ambassador of the Year: Rod Johnson

“Our passion is our community, our passion is our people,” Cross stated. “We’ve got a great board of directors, they all volunteer their time, so they’re committed. They live here, they’re among us, and some of our goals are just to continue to provide service, continue to expand the commerce and outreach from the

Polson area.”

The Polson Chamber of Commerce also holds monthly gatherings to help local businesses connect and showcase themselves, including luncheons and the Support Polson Late Afternoon Social Hour (SPLASH). SPLASH is held at different times each month, ensuring as many people as possible can attend. To see upcoming events with the Chamber or to get involved, visit: polsonchamber. com

Governor’s property tax package seen by lawmakers

By Caven Wade

UM Legislative News Service University of Montana School of Journalism

HELENA — One week before Gov. Greg Gianforte was scheduled to give his State of the State address to the Montana Legislature, a panel of lawmakers tabled and then revived one of the flagship bills in his tax package, which would spend a quarter of the state’s nearly $2 billion surplus on property tax relief for homeowners.

In the Legislature’s third week in Helena, two key property tax bills got hearings in the House Taxation Committee – House Bills 222 and 189.

Rep. Tom Welch, R-Dillon, is sponsoring House Bill 222, which would deliver $500 million in property tax rebates over the next two years to Montana homeowners. Residential property owners could get up to $1,000 in 2022 and 2023 for one permanent residence.

“Montana homeowners are rightfully concerned about the rising property tax they pay. Their property taxes are too high,

and too often the strain of rising taxes is forcing some Montanans to consider selling their homes,” Welch said.

At a press conference the governor said he was encouraged by the “lines and lines” of supporters who testified for the bills.

But, on Wednesday, Jan. 18, House Majority Leader Rep. Sue Vinton, R-Billings, moved to table HB 222 and the motion passed 14-7. Gianforte called the press conference the next day and called out the committee for tabling the bill.

“When given a chance to move this critical measure forward, the committee tabled the bill. This held up property tax relief for Montanans,” Gianforte said. “Many of these legislators who voted to stall property tax relief are the same ones who came to me in 2021 telling me we had to act on property tax.”

After the governor’s press conference, the committee removed the bill from the table on Thursday, Jan. 19, amended it to reduce payments by half, and passed it 14-7. The amendment drops the rebate given from

$1,000 to $500 each year.

The House Appropriations Committee will now hear testimony on the bill and if passed, it will move on to the full House for debate.

Rep. Mark Thane, D-Missoula, was one of the lawmakers who voted against reviving the bill.

“The rebate’s not indexed. It’s a one-size-fits-all regardless of one’s means,” Thane said.

Thane said the legislature should and will do something with property tax relief during the session, but the HB 222 should remain tabled until the committee can review other bills on property tax. He also said the bill doesn’t support renters, a category which he said 50% of his constituents fall under.

“I think it’s important we couple relief with renters’ credit,” Thane said. “The reason I voted to leave it on the table is we will hear additional property tax measures in the next week or so, and I’d like to be able to compare all.”

Welch and supporters of the bill said that looming appraisals

and increase in property taxes are forcing residents with fixed incomes out of their homes.

Montana residents will be hit with new property tax appraisals in 2023, following the annual two-year cycle.

“Keeping people in their homes is important,” said Sheridan Johnson of the Montana Chamber of Commerce.

Gianforte has said that he wants to allow elderly Montanans that rely on fixed incomes to stay in their homes and age in place.

Several supporters also said the bill would also knock down barriers for potential home buyers, who they say are timid because of high inflation and increased property tax.

“In this time of increasing values and increasing costs of services provided at the local level, the property tax burden on residential folks is a barrier to homeownership,” said Sam Sill, the government affairs director of the Montana Association of Realtors. “This bill does provide broad and meaningful property tax relief to residential payers.”

Heather O’Loughlin, co-director of the Montana Policy and Budget Center, was the only opponent to the bill in the first hearing. She outlined three concerns that she said the legislation doesn’t factor in: Renters, low-income homeowners and no long-term relief.

O’Loughlin said renters pay much of their income on housing costs and property taxes even if they don’t own the residence. The tax on rented properties is added chiefly into the cost of monthly rent, she said, which would leave renters still paying for property taxes even if renters were receiving rebates to help pay those off.

“It does not factor in the thousands of constituents that pay property taxes through rent,” O’Loughlin said. “It’s generally accepted that owners of rental real-estate pass through property tax liability to renters in the form of higher rent.”

O’Loughlin also said it would push this issue into the future by two years with no follow-up plan to help ease the property tax

see page 5

PORTER COUNTS / VALLEY JOURNAL

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Ronan city council discusses business licenses, marijuana revenue

By Taylor Davison Valley Journal

RONAN — The Ronan City Council held a meeting on Jan. 25 to discuss upcoming projects and existing concerns for the town.

The councilmembers reported their continuing discussion on potential business licenses for the city of Ronan. City Clerk and Treasurer Kaylene Melton compiled examples of business license requirements in other Montana towns for the councilmembers to review prior to the meeting, and Councilmember Lindsay Myers reached out to towns the approximate size of Ronan, such as Three Forks and Columbia Falls, to gauge in what way their business licenses were handled. They reportedly discovered a wide variety of results: while some towns had very detailed code for their licenses and zoning, others kept the code short and written in broad strokes. They sent several examples of these licenses to City Attorney Ben Anciaux prior to the meeting for his input.

“It’s totally dependent on how much you want to do,” Anciaux told the council. “You’ve all talked about what you’re hoping to accomplish, so I think that’s where you focus … and that kind of dictates how

tax package

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burden on Montanans long term.

The opposition urged the committee to look at alternative avenues that would provide more long-term relief on property taxes for Montana rather than making this a onetime expenditure.

from $200,000 to $350,000 and reduce property tax bills for Montanans who qualify by 20%, 50% or 70% depending on income.

deeply you go into it.”

Councilmembers have previously stated their intentions for the business licensing to be used as a tool to help determine the kinds of businesses allowed in town. Licensing will also assist the chamber to create a cohesive list of the businesses and services available in town.

The council subcommittee will continue to work on their draft for the possible license proposal and will bring it before the city council in a future meeting.

Additionally, Councilmember Julie Moore shared that the county is not receiving transparency from the State of Montana regarding the allocation of funds from the marijuana tax revenue. Moore mentioned that an individual with Lake County shared that the county had received a check for $11,000 from the State of Montana -

portions of which goes to Ronan, Polson, and St. Ignatius alike - with no itemization per town or specification on the encompassing dates for which the funds were distributed.

Councilmembers will keep in touch with the county for any updates regarding the specifics of what money they should be receiving from the marijuana tax. Currently, Ronan has received $1,300 out of the $11,000 check, and there is no documentation stating if that amount is for a quarter or for the entire year the city participated in the marijuana tax revenue program.

In other news:

- Mayor Chris Adler read off his first proclamation as mayor during the meeting, announcing a new Ronan Hall of Fame Day. “Whereas the school district and community of Ronan has produced numerous

distinguished individuals and teams, and whereas the Ronan Hall of Fame committee will induct the 2022 hall of fame class on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, at the Ronan Community Center, and whereas the city of Ronan desires to recognize and honor these individuals and teams, therefore let it be resolved that I, Chris Adler, Mayor of Ronan, do proclaim Saturday, Feb. 11, as Ronan Hall of Fame Day,” he read in a statement.

- Chris Adler was also reaffirmed as the Ronan Fire Chief for the year 2023 and was approved unanimously by the council.

- Three upcoming street closure events requested by the Ronan Cooperative Brewery were approved: an icehouse contest on Feb. 17, an annual member meeting on March 3, and a St. Patrick’s Day event on March 17.

HB 222 is part of the governor’s plan of giving Montanans $1 billion in tax relief. Other bills in this plan include House Bill 212, which increases equipment tax exemptions for businesses, Senate Bill 15, which provides tax credits to renters and homeowners and Senate Bill 121, which lowers the top income tax rate from 6.5% to 5.9%.

“This is a priority for Montanans, and they’re counting on us to get it done,” Gianforte said.

HB 189

Rep. George Nikolakakos, R-Great Falls, is sponsoring House Bill 189, which would give more assistance to homeowners who qualify for the Property Tax Assistance Program, designed to help fixedand low-income Montanans who make between $21,000 and $28,000 yearly.

Nikolakakos echoed the governor’s sentiments that no one should be taxed out of their home, especially elderly Montanans.

“The people most vocal about property taxes were generally elderly,” Nikolakakos said. “They were frustrated that others seemed to endlessly smashing them with levies and that out of their control economic forces were pushing up their taxable home values.”

The bill would increase the eligibility cap for home values

“It’s really an adjustment to deal with the rapid rises of appraisals that are pinching people with fixed incomes. I think it is good public policy to keep people in their homes as they are physically able to do so,” Cascade County Commissioner Joe Briggs said.

Nikolakakos said the number one issue he heard from constituents when campaigning was the pressure of property tax. He equated the rising property tax shift to a water bed, saying that when a water bed shifts too far one way, the water must be shifted back.

The cost of housing eligibility for PTAP increased most recently in the 2015 legislative session from a top home value of $100,000 to the current $200,000.

Darryl James, executive director of the Montana Infrastructure Coalition, said property taxes are crushing the most vulnerable residents and HB 189 creates a more equitable system to help keep those individuals in their houses.

O’Loughlin expressed support of the bill but still had concerns over it not including any support for renters.

No opponents testified on HB 189.

Caven Wade is a reporter with the UM Legislative News Service, a partnership of the University of Montana School of Journalism, the Montana Broadcasters Association, the Montana Newspaper Association and the Greater Montana Foundation. He can be reached at caven.wade@umontana.edu.

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL

Abortion privacy bill clears major vote on Senate floor

News from Mara Silvers Montana Free Press

MONTANA — A bill to statutorily define Montana’s constitutional right to privacy as not protecting the right to abortion passed a key vote in the Senate chamber Wednesday, leaving one more hurdle before it can continue its trajectory to a House committee.

Senate Bill 154, sponsored by Sen. Keith Regier, R-Kalispell, was approved by a 28-21 vote with six Republican defections from their caucus after less than 10 minutes of debate. The bill previously passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee strictly along party lines, with all seven Republican lawmakers voting in favor and four Democrats voting no.

In order to pass on to the House chamber, a majority of the Senate will have to again approve the bill in a final floor vote, which typically takes place the next day the Legislature is in session.

The constitutional provision Regier’s bill would interpret states that “the right of indi-

vidual privacy is essential to the well-being of a free society and shall not be infringed without the showing of a compelling state interest.” If adopted, the bill would contradict the 1999 Montana Supreme Court ruling in Armstrong v. State, which found access to a pre-viability abortion from a chosen provider to be an appropriate exercise of medical privacy and “procreative autonomy” guaranteed by the state Constitution.

In statements Wednesday, Regier expressed his belief that a fetus is an individual that should be afforded individual rights, an argument he introduced during the bill’s January committee hearing.

“There had to be a reason why the framers put ‘individual’ in on that right to privacy. And that’s the whole premise of the bill. Abortion is not an individual event. We know that,” Regier said.

Addressing the question of the Armstrong ruling, Regier said court rulings don’t always withstand the test of time.

“I know that some courts have determined that a right

Tribal Health offers Narcan

News from Tribal Health

MONTANA — The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) in conjunction with local law enforcement have identified a sharp increase in both fatal and non-fatal overdoses from non-pharmaceutical fentanyl across the state in the last 10 days.

From Jan. 11-21, 2023, there have been at least 28 non-fatal

to privacy means a right to abortion,” Regier said. “I want to remind you that courts have made wrong decisions in the past. From Dred Scott to eugenics to Roe v. Wade, the court has made wrong decisions that were later corrected.”

Democrats and some Republicans took issue with Regier’s bill, casting it as an infringement on privacy and a lightning rod for expensive legal challenges.

“I personally am adamantly pro-life. But ladies and gentlemen of this committee, privacy is privacy. Individual privacy is privacy. If enacted, this bill would be unconstitutional,” said Sen. Wendy McKamey, R-Great Falls, in a brief statement on the Senate floor.

Democrats echoed that concern, adding that the bill goes against the message voters sent last November when they rejected Legislative Referendum 131, a ballot issue that would have required life-saving medical intervention for all newborns, including those with fatal diagnoses. Democrats and LR-131 opponents interpreted

that outcome as a win for protecting reproductive health care from government interference.

“The majority of Montanans do not support restricting access to comprehensive health care for women,” said Sen. Shannon O’Brien, D-Missoula. “This bill, as mentioned before, is blatantly unconstitutional and will be litigated, and thus becomes a waste of taxpayer time and dollars.”

Democrats unanimously opposed SB 154 and were joined by Republican Sens. McKamey, Bruce Gillespie, R-Ethridge; Dan Salomon, R-Ronan; Russ Tempel, R-Chester; Terry Vermeire, R-Anaconda; and Jeff Welborn, R-Dillon.

Abortion rights advocates spoke about the final vote tally Wednesday afternoon.

“It’s heartbreaking to watch SB 154 pass at second reading. Montanans value our fundamental right to privacy and these continued efforts to undermine our Constitution are harmful,” said Aileen Gleizer, a representative of Missoula’s Blue Mountain Clinic and the Susan Wicklund Fund, an

abortion access group.

Speaking to Montana Free Press after the vote, Welborn said he “voted my conscience” on a proposal he said dealt squarely with the right to privacy as opposed to a specific abortion regulation.

“The irony mystifies me that we’re supposed to be the party of less government until it’s our own brand of governing people’s lives. In this case, the most personal space in people’s lives,” Welborn said. “And to me, I feel like we can spend time moving toward — doing the stuff that we’re constitutionally charged to do rather than talking about what divides us.”

Because the bill was “damn sure not right along a party-line vote,” Welborn said he’s uncertain how to interpret the interest among Senate Republicans for considering other abortion-related bills.

“Even as our majority grows, maybe there are more and more people that are just willing to say enough is enough,” Welborn said, referring to controversial social-issue bills. “I honestly don’t know what to expect.”

overdoses and eight fatal overdoses suspected to be due to NPF.

The age range of patients was 19 and 66 years old, with most between the ages of 20 and 40 years old. 19 patients were male and 17 were female. Many of the patients had a prior history of opioid or other substance misuse, and several reported smoking fentanyl prior to their overdose. Some patients required several doses of nal-

oxone to reverse their overdose, with reports of 12 milligrams used for four individuals.

Identified overdoses occurred in Cascade, Choteau, Custer, Flathead, Gallatin, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Missoula, Ravalli, Sheridan, Silver Bow, and Yellowstone counties.

The State of Montana has issued a Montana Statewide Standing Order for Naloxone Opioid Antagonists that allows Montanans to access naloxone

through federal grants for free. Naloxone is a safe medication that can reverse a suspected opioid-related overdose.

Formal training is not required but is available, basic instructions are provided with the medication.

Montana’s Good Samaritan Law provides legal protection to those who administer naloxone, even if they are using substances too.

At Tribal Health any person

can request and receive Narcan to help prevent overdoses. Please walk-in to the Polson or St. Ignatius pharmacy to request Narcan.

If someone would like training on how to use Narcan, please call Tribal Health - Marcia Cordova at 406-7453525 ext. 6161. Marcia will take your name and number and route your call to the appropriate health educator and/ or trainer.

Revitalization committee talks progress

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

RONAN — The Ronan Revitalization Committee held their first meeting of the new year on Jan. 23 to discuss progress toward improving the town and projects to look forward to.

As part of the requirement for participating in the Montana Main Street (MMS) program, members of the committee, along with city council members Lindsay Myers and Julie Moore, have been working on establishing a downtown master plan. The current draft of the master plan has been approved by city officials and will soon go out for bids. Interested firms will then offer their individual visions for the city’s master plan design and the committee will

have a few weeks to select a firm. Once the project begins, estimates are it will take over a year to implement. Establishing the master plan will make Ronan more eligible for larger grants in the future, the committee explained. Investing in a master plan reaches beyond the scope of what will be received from Montana Main Street. Those interested in the master plan project can email Whitney Liegakos at: wliegakos@stlukehealthcare.org to learn more.

While the overall master plan is being created, smaller groups within the committee have made progress on their individual revitalization projects for Ronan. The plan for the Pedal Port – a bike hostel intended to attract increased bike tourism

through town will also act as a year-round gathering space for the valley’s cycling community. The plan was presented to the Lake County Commissioners and Ronan City Council so that potential partners can be identified and safety and security concerns addressed.

Inspired by the Twin Bridges Bike Camp built in Jessen Park in 2009, the group shared some of the questions they’d had answered by the Twin Bridges Chamber. The Twin Bridges chamber explained that they haven’t had security issues over the years; they don’t lock the facilities as they’re in a city park, and they have pass codes on their shower room. They ask visitors staying at the center to send a photo of their bike in

front of the center to confirm their presence and that they’re a cyclist. The center receives donations both at a physical lockbox and via PayPal to help keep things running. Ronan chamber members found the Twin Bridges suggestions valuable.

The Ronan City Council suggested partnering with the “Diamond S Campground” to establish a place for bikers to stay. They also suggested using the fairgrounds area as a rest stop or shared use facility. This could potentially help build the cycling culture in Ronan and address possible concerns about camping safety and regulation. The group in charge of the project will meet with the Fair Board before proceeding with a community interest meeting

sometime in the near future. Those interested in getting involved with the Pedal Port Project can email Janet Sucha at: jsucha@mt.gov to learn more.

There are also plans for pocket parks around town, including adding green space, seating, and possibly a small garden wall at a lot on the corner of Third Street and Main. There may also be space by the new City Hall for a pocket park as well. Anyone interested in getting involved with the project can email Chad at: chad@life4thenations.com.

Additionally, the committee is looking into additional funding sources for future projects and workshops addressing tourism trends in Montana, all of which see page 8

courts

Stories by Jeff Smith of Anderson Broadcasting for the Valley Journal

Simmons pleads not guilty to additional charges

POLSON — A Polson man, already facing trial July 31 on theft and burglary charges, is facing more criminal allegations.

Michael Leroy Simmons Jr., 36, entered a plea of not guilty at Polson’s District Court on Jan. 25 to felony charges of burglary, criminal mischief, and theft. In a separate case Simmons entered a not guilty plea to criminal possession of dangerous drugs.

According to court records, on Jan. 5 the owner of the Finley Point Grill contacted

law enforcement to report the restaurant had been broken into. He said that an ATM inside the restaurant had also been broken into and the money box containing an estimated $5,000 to $8,000 had been taken. Detectives used video surveillance to identify two possible suspects, one of them identified as Simmons. Simmons was staying at a Polson hotel at the time. Video surveillance at both the restaurant and hotel showed Simmons coming and going during the time of the burglary.

In addition to the money being taken from the ATM, several bottles of alcohol were taken. The investigation led detectives with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office to question the second suspect, identified as Michael Christian Duncan, 28. Duncan confirmed that he and Simmons had broken into the restaurant and used a grinder to gain access to the ATM. The owner of the restaurant said the ATM was a total loss and would cost more than $1,500 to repair. Prosecutor Ben Anciaux with the Lake

Sentence deferred for Cutfinger

POLSON — The imposition of sentencing was deferred for a total of 15 years for a Ronan man accused of stealing multiple vehicles and possessing drugs. Ruben Daniel Cutfinger, 32, pleaded guilty during an earlier court appearance to two counts of theft, criminal mischief and criminal endangerment. The plea was entered as part of a plea agreement that dismisses drug possession charges and one count of theft.

According to court records, on Sept. 11, 2021 a work truck belonging to the

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes was stolen from a gas station in Pablo. The truck was later discovered abandoned with over $5,000 in tools missing. Surveillance cameras at the gas station show Cutfinger as the suspect that took the truck. Cutfinger had just been released from jail earlier that day. Then on Feb. 21, 2022, Cutfinger is alleged to have stolen a 2010 Ford Focus from a residence in Ronan. The owner reportedly watched the theft occur. Four days later the owner of the Ford Focus called law enforcement to report he located his Ford Focus traveling U.S. Highway 93 in the Pablo area. This ultimately led to a pursuit with law enforcement that caused over $6,600 in damages to the car. On March 12, 2022, a 1994 Jeep

Grand Cherokee was stolen from a residence in Arlee. The Jeep Grand Cherokee was the subject of a traffic stop later that day with Cutfinger identified as the driver. He told police he knew the Jeep was stolen but denied being the person who stole it. Finally, Cutfinger was arrested on an outstanding warrant in Pablo on July 14, 2022, and was found to be in possession of drug paraphernalia that contained fentanyl residue. Cutfinger told the arresting officer that he used the paraphernalia to smoke fentanyl. The lengthy deferment term is intended to give Cutfinger enough time to pay restitution of $12,018.47. Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher gave Cutfinger credit for having already served 153 days in the Lake County jail.

County Attorney’s Office says Duncan is also charged with felony counts of burglary, criminal mischief, and theft. His arraignment is set for Feb. 2.

Judge Molly Owen set Simmons’ trial for July 31 on both the drug possession and burglary charges. Simmons was arraigned earlier this month on felony burglary and theft charges. That case stems from a burglary at the Depoe Junction Nov. 7, 2022, in which eight chainsaws, two generators and a welding tool went

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may help breath more life into Ronan. They may also look into partnership opportunities with the Ronan Cooperative Brewery, which has several block closure events planned for the season.

The next Ronan Revitalization Committee meeting will be held on Fed. 13 at 1 p.m. in the large conference room at Mission West in Ronan.

missing.

Simmons remains in the Lake County jail with bail totaling $55,000.

Lawmakers pitch health insurance trust for schools

A bipartisan coalition of legislators and education advocates aims to tackle Montana’s teacher shortage by driving down insurance costs.

News from Alex Sakariassen Montana Free Press

MONTANA — A bipartisan coalition of state lawmakers and public education organizations Wednesday unveiled a proposal to invest $60 million in a statewide health insurance trust for Montana’s K-12 schools.

During an event hosted in the Capitol Rotunda, supporters pitched the measure as a significant step toward reducing the financial burden school districts and employees face in securing health care coverage, which education advocates point to as a

major contributor to Montana’s teacher recruitment and retention challenges. Sen. Edie McClafferty, D-Butte and vice chair of the Senate Education and Cultural Resources Committee, said the bill is the culmination of years of work among lawmakers and educators and will have “direct impacts for my fellow teachers and school staff across the state by lowering health insurance costs.”

“This is a good bipartisan bill, and we’ve tried to meet the needs of school districts and their employees,” McClafferty told Montana Free Press Wednesday.

McClafferty’s assessment was echoed by the committee’s chair, Sen. Dan Salomon, R-Ronan, as well as by Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, and the bill’s primary sponsor, Rep. David Bedey, R-Hamilton. Leaders from five see page 9

Cutfinger

of the state’s education organizations, known collectively as the Coalition of Advocates for Montana’s Public Schools, said the proposal would relieve financial pressure on schools, bolster districts’ ability to attract new hires and “produce healthier, happier employees.” Montana School Boards Association Executive Director Lance Melton also noted that the proposal “honors local control” by allowing elected boards and school officials to “work together to stabilize insurance rates and control costs.”

“This bill addresses the growing problem Montana’s public schools face in managing the rising costs of health insurance,”

Shelley Turner, executive director of the Montana Association of School Business Officials, said in a written statement. “Being able to provide stable and affordable coverage is essential to the recruitment and retention of a highly skilled workforce required to educate the students of Montana.”

Wednesday’s introduction of the proposal, which does not yet have a bill title, also received a positive reception from the

Montana Federation of Public Employees, the union representing the bulk of public school employees across the state.

“This is the most meaningful proposal so far to tackle teacher retention and recruitment,” MFPE President Amanda Curtis said via text Wednesday. “MFPE members are glad to see this Legislature propose real solutions and we finally feel heard on this issue today.”

If passed, the measure would enable Montana’s superintendent of public instruction to qualify a health insurance trust if an agreement is established among at least 150 school districts that collectively employ a minimum of 12,000 employees. The trust must be self-funded and would be set up using $60 million in one-timeonly funding from the state, $20 million of which will only be accessible if the trust is operating by June 30, 2025. The proposal also outlines how districts can withdraw from the trust and calls for the dissolution of the trust if it fails to comply with required conditions for three consecutive years.

In announcing the proposal, Bedey spoke to the potential impacts of the trust, not just for school employ-

ees and officials but for district budgets, as well.

“As a former school board trustee, I know salaries and benefits are a significant portion of school district general funds,” Bedey said. “Participating in the school health insurance trust will result in the reduction of costs associated with employee benefits and alleviate the financial strain on general fund budgets.”

Over the past year, Curtis and the other education advocates have routinely referenced health insurance rates as a prime candidate for state policy aimed at addressing school staffing shortages. Lawmakers took a crack at another key area of concern in 2021 by passing the Teach Act, which created financial incentives for schools to raise their starting teacher wages, and may look to increase funding for that initiative this session. Another proposal targeting the state’s teacher shortage — House Bill 117 — would create greater flexibility for retired teachers to fill vacant classroom positions without risking their pension benefits. HB 117 passed the House on an 85-15 vote Jan. 25, and now heads to the Senate for consideration.

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

Full time positions receive the health insurance benefit 12 months a year. Check out the available jobs and detailed job vacancy announcements on the SKC website – www.skc.edu/employment

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Salary: $22.48 - $23.22/hour DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Administrative Assistant - Education Division (12 months - Full time)

Salary: $16.97 - $19.58/hour DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Clinical Instructor /Clinical Resource Reg. Nurse Part Time Nursing Department (9-month term)

Salary: $35.00 per hour 14 hours per week Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Nursing Clinical Resource Registered Nurse (CRRN) Asst. Instructor (10-month term - Full time)

Salary Range: Bachelor’s Degree - $45,178 - $48,677 DOEE

Master’s Degree - $50,130 - $54,136 DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Clinical Coordinator/Faculty (Full-time 10 months)

Salary Range: Bachelor’s Degree - $45,178 - $48,677 DOEE / Master’s Degree - $50,130 - $54,136 DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

SKC Bookstore Director (12 months - Full time)

Salary : $40,789 - $45,483 DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

SKC Early Learning Center Assistant (Full time - 10 months)

Salary Range: $15.17-$15.99/hr DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Custodian (Part time)

Salary Range: $13.21/hour Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Director of Academic Success

Salary: $44,310 - $45,656 DOEE Closing Date: January 27, 2023, 4:00 PM

SKC Wildlife and Fisheries Department, Field and Lab Research Coordinator

Salary: $20.17 - $23.56 per hour DOEE Closing Date: January 27, 2023, 4:00 PM

Administrative Assistant – Natural Resources Division

Salary: $16.97 - $18.28/hr DOEE Closing Date: January 27, 2023, 4:00 PM

Upward Bound Instructor (12 months - Full Time with benefits)

Salary: $17.35 - $20.17/hr DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Climate Hub Program Director - Wildlife & Fisheries Department

Salary: $44,310 - $46,656 DOEE Closing Date: February 10, 2023, 4:00 PM

Health Promotion Practices - Department Chair (11-month position, July off)

Salary: $45,621 - $48,185 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

valley views Consider balloons

Whatis more ubiquitous at parties than balloons? For generations, balloons have been a fun and colorful pop added to all kinds of festive celebrations, particularly birthdays. While balloons have been around since the 1800s, the last decade has seen a fascinating shift in the age-old tradition: enter foil balloons. Most likely you have recognized this trend and purchased foil balloons yourself. Ever wonder what initiated this trend? A culmination of scientific chemical research, a controversial music video, and Instagram influencers. So, let’s discover where those foil number balloons came from and why so many people are obsessed with them.

Balloons have a long history stretching back to 1824 when a pioneering scientist, Michael Faraday, fused two sheets of rubber together and filled them with hydrogen. For the next 150 years, balloons were designed almost exclusively from different rubber materials. While in many respects, rubbers

were well suited to balloon making, the porous nature of the stretchy stuff meant that the helium or hydrogen would start to escape from the moment the balloon was inflated. Thus, balloons were tragically short lived. To extend their lives, a better solution to contain gas was needed.

In the 1950s, the DuPont chemical company began to develop a new material, BoPET, also known as Mylar. This material was a polyester film coated in a flexible foil lining. The applications for this new material were vast as it was thin, airtight, flexible, insulating, and relatively inexpensive. Nasa even used a 131ft balloon made of Mylar for its Echo II mission in 1964. Today’s uses include an incredible range of products including trading cards, electrical

insulation, spacecraft solar sails, and everything in between. In the 1970s, party balloons made of this novel material hit the market. While Mylar was not overly expensive, the balloons made from it were significantly more expensive than ones made from latex, making them a premium product. However, the Mylar was superior at containing the gas used to fill balloons. This allowed them to last much longer than other balloons, in some cases, remaining buoyant for weeks on end.

Foil balloons were not a smash hit, but also not a commercial failure either. However, their rise to stardom would all commence in the early 2010s. On March 20, 2013, Robin Thicke released the music video for his controversial song “Blurred Lines.”

The final moments of the video featured a number

Fight for Montana values

With the holidays behind us and Congress gearing up for a new session, I look forward to continuing my mission fighting for our

Montana way of life in Washington, D.C.

Under President Biden and Democrat congres-

of foil balloons. Not to be excluded from the fun, in 2014, Miley Cyrus would pose for a photo in front of some foil balloons to promote the tour for her album “Bangerz.” Over the next couple of years, celebrities of increasing popularity would jump on the foil balloon trend including Reese Witherspoon, Mindy Kaling, and even Beyoncé. Numerous images were communicated on social media where influencers began taking hold of the trend as well. The balloons became so popular on social media that they soon became known as “Instaballoons.” After circulating on social media, this trend then crossed over into the mainstream. While many of the higher profile users of foil balloons used them to write out entire sentences in large letters up to four feet in height, this kind of display was often cost prohibitive for the average consumer. A large foil letter or number balloon could cost upwards of $15-$20 dollars each. To keep the price more afford-

able, consumers began to just get the two numbers to show the age they are turning. In addition, smaller sized balloons became more popular to make the price point more accessible. A search for foil balloons on Google trends reveals building popularity in the 2010s which has sustained to this day, so it looks like foil balloons might be here to stay.

Now, foil balloons might seem like a fun and harmless festive way to celebrate another year of life, right? Well, there is one side to them we also need to look at. Because of their foil-covered and conductive exterior, Mylar balloons are very dangerous to the power grids. When a foil balloon collides with a power line, a loud, violent explosion happens. This can knock out the power, start wildfires, and cause a plethora of other problems. As the popularity of these shiny balloons has risen, so has the number of incidents caused by them. In the US alone, every year escaped balloons collide with power lines, causing thou-

sands of incidents. Because of this, it is important keep Mylar balloons indoors only. And that is how a material used by Nasa for space missions became a mainstay of modern birthday celebrations.

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.

sional leadership, Montanans are facing the highest inflation rate in three decades, driving up prices of

everything from groceries to used cars. In addition, the wide-open southern border is allowing record amounts of fentanyl to devastate our communi-

ties, and the attacks on made in Montana and made in America energy are costing Montana jobs and raising prices at the Sen. Steve Daines Legislative Notes

see page 11

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.

Ben Stone Media Production, Valley Journal

gas pump.

As I travel across the state, there’s one question I hear over and over from Montanans—why can’t Washington get its spending under control?

Since Biden took office, Democrats passed nearly $5 trillion in new spending, all at the expense of Montana taxpayers. This out-of-control spending spree supported by every single Senate Democrat has caused an inflation dumpster fire that is breaking the bank for Montana families. I stand with my Republican colleagues in opposition to this wasteful agenda and am continuing the fight to restore fiscal sanity in Washington.

Our Montana communities have also seen an uptick in violent crime and deadly drugs as President Biden’s southern border crisis rages on. My colleagues and I pleaded with the President and Democrats in Congress to secure our southern border, but they continue to turn a blind eye. As a result, every month seems to set a new record for illegal encounters and record amounts of deadly fentanyl being smuggled into our country. Montana is a northern border state with a southern border crisis and fentanyl is wreaking havoc on our communities. In the first three quarters of 2022, Montana law enforcement seized more fentanyl off Montana streets than they did in the last four years combined. Fentanyl is now

the leading cause of death for young adults in America and sadly, too many Montana families have been affected by this horrifying epidemic. I stand with our Montana law enforcement officers in demanding the President act now to take back control of our southern border.

In Montana we also know just how important an all-of-the-above energy portfolio is, but unfortunately, it is clear Washington bureaucrats don’t. The Biden administration declared war on made in Montana energy on Day One and has not let up since. From killing the Keystone XL pipeline to cancelling oil and gas lease sales to draining the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, President Biden’s energy policy, supported by many Senate Democrats, weakens our national security, raises prices for Montana families and eliminates good-paying Montana jobs.

In fact, the administration just admitted what we knew all along. When President Biden cancelled construction of the Keystone XL pipeline, he killed tens of thousands of American energy jobs and the billions of dollars that came with it. Montana can’t afford the Left’s woke, Green New Deal ideals.

I will continue to combat these radical policies in the next session of Congress while also working to find common ground.

To that end, in the last Congress, I fought to secure many bipartisan wins for Montana, including

a well-deserved pay raise for our brave men and women in the military, a repeal of President Biden’s overreaching COVID-19 vaccine mandate for servicemembers, support for the mission at Malmstrom, and tax relief for Montana’s injured first responders.

As Congress returns, we’ve got work to do, and I look forward to rolling up my sleeves for Montana. With the upcoming Farm Bill, I’ll be working with my colleagues across the aisle to ensure Montana ag priorities are included and Montana farmers and ranchers’ voices are heard.

Another priority of mine is passing common sense, responsible forest management provisions, like my full and permanent Cottonwood fix to stop frivolous litigation from tying up projects that protect Montana communities from wildfires and create jobs. I’ll also be continuing my fight against the big government fiscal insanity that’s holding Washington D.C. hostage – that’s why the first bill I’ll introduce in the 118th Congress is my Balanced Budget Accountability Act requiring that Congress passes a balanced budget or members won’t get paid. Because if Montanans have to balance their budget – so should Congress.

It’s the honor of a lifetime to serve Montanans in the United States Senate, and I’m looking forward to a new year of working to bring Montana values to Washington.

Disarming, and empowering, lost souls

Ihada passing moment of wonder the other day – as I read about the latest . . . you know, mass shootings.

Troubled souls with guns. Big problem.

My thought was simply this: What if . . .?

And then I lapsed into uncertainty. What if . . . violence were not the simplistic and obvious – and only – solution to so many problems? Violence presents itself, in our imaginations (and in our games, in our movies, in our defense budget), as consequence-free, instantaneous and, for God’s sake, necessary. It’s the essence – it’s the definition – of empowerment.

people are dead.

Valley Views

Robert C. Koehler PeaceVoice

So California was recently left bleeding by multiple random shootings. On Jan. 21, 11 people were killed and at least nine injured in Monterey Park, at what the New York Times called “a once joyous dance hall,” where people were celebrating Lunar New Year. The suspect was a 72-year-old man, who then drove to a second ballroom, where the owner managed to wrestle him to the ground and disarm him. He fled and sometime later killed himself in his own van. Police found his body in the van the next day.

And then the headlines scream about crazy guys grabbing hold of that empowerment to escape their personal cages, their crises on the moment: Yeah, it’s the fault of . . . whomever, and then another dozen

Newsom, who on Monday was at a hospital meeting with victims of the Monterey Park shooting, was briefed in the hospital about the San Mateo County shooting, which had just occurred.

He could only say:

“Tragedy upon tragedy.”

Then, on Jan. 23, a 67-year-old man killed seven people in two agricultural locations in San Mateo County. He drove to a nearby sheriff’s office and parked his car; police arrested him in the parking lot.

California Gov. Gavin

Oh God. I hardly have anything to add, except maybe that we should plunk those words into the Pledge of Allegiance. For me, the question that struggles to untangle itself from the ongoing flow of domestic tragedies – I, personally, have written more than 50 columns about mass shootings in the 20+ years I’ve been doing this column –amounts to this: Why is the concept of empowerment conjoined, totally and utterly, with violence? Why is it conjoined with domination, which essentially requires the creation, and then the dehumanization, of an enemy?

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disarming

from page 11

Can American culture rethink itself – can it transcend its belief that enemies are always out there, needing to be obliterated?

Reducing the number of mass shootings in the United States, Dale Fletcher writes, “is not another policy or law. The solution lies in getting to and addressing the root issues that are driving people to conduct these horrific crimes.”

Mass shootings are a symptom. “The real problem is that the hearts of the perpetrators are wounded and fragile.”

Well, OK, that’s probably not a controversial statement, though it wraps the cause in gentle empathy. You mean we should care about mass killers (at least before they commit their horrific crimes)? Controversy starts to emerge.

“Our society may call these mass shootings ‘hate crimes,’” Fletcher writes, “but at the core, the emotion of hate directed towards others stems from unresolved deep issues of the heart – deep spiritual issues.”

Jillian Peterson and James Densley, criminology professors who founded the Violence Project, have studied mass shootings in the U.S. dating back to 1966, interviewing convicted and incarcerated killers and their families, along with shooting survivors and first responders; they’ve also studied suicide notes, trial transcripts, medical records. From all this data, they’ve found four things nearly all such perpetrators have in common.

Commonality number one is early childhood trauma: exposure to violence at a young age. This could mean neglect, physical or sexual abuse, domestic violence, parental suicide. Such things don’t go away.

Beyond this, as they point out in an LA Times op-ed, the shooters have just had, or are in the midst of, a current life crisis, and they have the means (i.e., access to weaponry) to carry out their plans. And also,

“most of the shooters had studied the actions of other shooters and sought validation for their motives. . . . there are scripts to follow that promise notoriety in death.”

So in the midst of their lostness and despair, they have a motive – a possible way out. Ah, violence, preceded by blame. Peterson and Densley make the point that the country needs to start getting serious about “proactive violence prevention” – making mental-health-focused conversations – not punitively, but with empathy – part of life’s routine, at schools, churches, everywhere.

I think that’s certainly part of it, but our intensified reaching out has to be more than just preventative: an ongoing scan for future bad guys. To this end I introduce Guitars Over Guns, an organization, established in 2008, that works with young people in Miami and Chicago, reaching out to kids in troubled neighborhoods, linking them with musicians and other artists – mentors – and presenting opportunities that may not otherwise have existed.

As founder Chad Bernstein put it: “help them overcome hardship, find their voice and reach their potential as tomorrow’s leaders.”

I repeat three words: Find their voice! Music is one pathway, but there are an infinity of others – pathways to empowerment. Who are you? What is it that you love? Let us celebrate and normalize honest-to-God empowerment . . . for everybody.

“Kids are awesome.” So the organization’s website proclaims, letting loose a level of enthusiasm for human life that I’m allowing myself to imagine permeating our entire social structure, reaching even the most deeply lost, giving them another script to follow.

Robert Koehler (koehlercw@gmail.com), syndicated by PeaceVoice, is a Chicago award-winning journalist and editor. He is the author of Courage Grows Strong at the Wound.

Consider the debt ceiling Editor,

With a crisis looming over the debt ceiling, you’ll be hearing that Republicans, the party claiming to support fiscal responsibility, are just trying to keep reckless spending in check. Don’t be fooled. There is a process where legitimate debate occurs about what the government funds, how much it spends, and how we should pay for it. It is called budgeting and appropriation.

Raising the debt ceiling allows the government to pay for commitments already made (about equally by politicians from both parties, by the way). Refusing to pay debts incurred is no more responsible than refusing to pay your credit card bill because, in hindsight you wish you’d not spent so much. Questioning these commitments is also, arguably, unconstitutional (14th Amendment, Section 2, “The validity of the public debt of the United States, authorized by law…shall not be questioned”).

If by holding the government hostage over the debt ceiling, Republican actions threaten to send the US into default, causing higher interest rates, tipping the economy into recession and threatening jobs, remember why this happened. It isn’t because government simply spent too much. It’s because, instead of negotiating in good faith about spending priorities and then paying for what you purchased, Repub -

licans opted to point fingers and play brinksmanship.

Rich Harris Charlo

To the lazy, inconsiderate cattlemen who moved cows up Stinger Rd mid-day Saturday, Jan. 21. You evidently managed to lift my gate out over the snow drift to close off my driveway (thank you) however when I got home, I could barely open my gate enough to squeeze my little subaru through. I am short and probably old enough to be your mother and the last person behind the cattle should have left the gate how you found it as is the tradition in the west - or come back later and opened it back up. It should not be my job to dig out the gate and wrestle it open. Lest you think I am some out of stater who hates cows - I have lived in Montana most of my life, worked in range management, have moved a lot of cows, and opened and shut a lot of gates. In the summer it does not matter, gate is on wheels and easy to move. Still, leave it how you found it is always appreciated.

Vicky Maclean Ronan

Thank you PHS

Editor,

We recently had the opportunity to watch the Polson-Ronan basketball games

in the ‘new’ Linderman gym. The support the teams had from the pep band, cheerleaders, dance team, student section, faculty and parents was truly amazing. It was awesome to see so many positive things going on with your students and in your school.

Thank you to the Polson High School girl’s and boy’s basketball teams, Athletic Director Ethan Bucarey, and especially to PHS principal Andy Fors. We appreciate all you did to make the 1993 basketball teams’ reunion a fun gathering for all. The Linderman gym may have changed, but the enthusiasm and support by the community and school certainly seemed to be similar to what was experienced thirty years ago.

Thank you!

Sue Moore on behalf of the 92-93 Boys Basketball State Champion team 93-94 Girls Basketball 2nd Place State team

Thank you Editor, On Jan. 20 my husband and I were at our church at Second and Diamond in St. Ignatius and my husband couldn’t start the pickup. A gentleman from Two Rivers Auto Body was there in five minutes and got it started for us and didn’t charge us a fee. Thank you so much from these grateful senior citizens.

Ron & LaVonne Olmsted St. Ignatius

Jobs Report: Montana’s workforce sets more records in December

News from the office of Governor Gianforte

HELENA — Following a year of records for low unemployment, labor force growth, and total employment, Governor Greg Gianforte recently announced Montana’s unemployment rate fell to 2.8% in December as the state’s total employment and labor force reached an all-time high.

“Thanks to the hard work of Montanans and our pro-business, pro-growth, pro-jobs policies, 2022 was a year of record-setting economic growth for Montana,” Governor Gianforte said. “In the year ahead, we’ll continue to cut red tape and other unnecessary burdens on small

businesses, create good-paying Montana jobs, and invest in our workforce to ensure Montana workers have the skills they need to succeed and thrive.”

Total employment rose by nearly 1,400 jobs in December to a new record high of over 553,000 jobs.

Montana’s labor force also continued its strong growth in December, rising by some 700 workers to more than 568,800, another all-time high.

Montana added 2,800 payroll jobs in December, with broad-based job gains led by the professional and business services and retail trade industries.

Over the course of 2022, Montana set several records

for low unemployment, labor force growth, and total employment.

At the start of 2023, total employment is at an all-time high in Montana, having grown by more than 15,300 jobs over the course of the year. Montanans have created nearly 33,500 new jobs since Governor Gianforte was elected. Total employment has grown in Montana in 22 of the 23 months Governor Gianforte has been in office.

Montana’s labor force is also at an all-time high, with thousands of workers rejoining the labor force since the COVID-19 pandemic. Montana’s labor force today is almost 22,000 workers larger than it was pre-pandemic.

sports shorts

Mission Mountain Classic Wrestling Tournament

Mission/Charlo, Arlee, Ronan

ST. IGNATIUS — The annual Mission Mountain Classic wrestling tournament was hosted in St. Ignatius on Jan. 28. Local teams from Arlee, Mission/ Charlo and Ronan came to face off against visiting Three Forks, Plains, Superior, Powell County and Simms.

Ronan had a great tournament, finishing second overall behind Three Forks with 100.5 points and having some stellar individual performances. Leona Dodson Howe finished first in the girls 152 pound division, winning the final by Fall and adding 26 points to the team. Landyn Hughes (girls 114), Peterson Watkins (152), James Courville (145), and Ian Dillard (103) all finished second overall and added 18 points apiece to

the team.

Mission/Charlo finished fourth overall, scoring 85 points and having three first place finishers. Chance Bockman won the 160 pound division, as did Canyon Sargent in the 170 division. On the Girls side Lettie Umphrey finished first in the 114, while Aubrey Sharbono took second in the 138 division and Alexis Lamere took second in the 152 pound division.

Arlee finished sixth overall with 22 points. Jerry Belcourt and Isadore Mitchell battled it out for top spot in the heavyweight division final, with Belcourt coming out on top and taking first place. Dean Moran took second in the 113 pound division while Brody Smith took second in the 120 pound division.

Ronan next heads to Polson for the Western A Divisionals on Feb 3-4. Mission/Charlo and Arlee head to Pablo for the Western B-C Divisionals on Feb 3-4.

Basketball Charlo Girls

NOXON — The Lady Vikings traveled to Noxon to face the Red Devils on Jan. 27, winning 59-33. The first quarter was extremely close, with Charlo pulling ahead to lead by four and then never looking back. Charlo played some great team defense in the second and third quarters, allowing only three and six points in each, respectively. Sheadon Kain lead the Vikings in scoring with 11 points. Hayleigh Smith and Sidney Bauer both added nine more of their own. The Lady Vikings next host St. Regis on Feb. 3 at 5:30 p.m.

Mission v. Polson

ST IGNATIUS — The Mission Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs hosted local rivals Polson

Pirates and Lady Pirates on Jan 24 in two very close games.

The Bulldogs and Pirates both played some excellent basketball, with only one point separating them after the first quarter and were level at 33 at halftime. Although Mission was able to

pull ahead by three points by the end of the third, it remained a single possession game until the closing minute. Mission was able to keep hold of the lead and see out the win 68-62. The Bulldogs point guard Zoran LaFrambois

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PORTER COUNTS / VALLEY JOURNAL

LEROY HOVERSLAND PHOTO see page

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from page 14

had an incredible individual performance with 47 points, while Kellen McClure was able to add 10 of his own. For the Pirates, Jarrett Wilson scored 22 and Trent wilson had 13.

The Lady Bulldogs and Lay Pirates game was just as close went down to the wire as well. Mission led 17-11 after the first quarter and were up 31-22 at halftime in what looked like a game that could have been a runaway. Polson started to claw their way back, closing the gap to six points at the end of the third. The Lady Pirates upped their defensive effort in the fourth, which held Mission to only eight points, allowing them to win by one point, 55-54. Polson was led by Mila Hawk and her 25 points, with Julia Barnard adding 15 of her own. Mission’s Kooper Page scored 22 points, Kason Page had 12 and Cora Matt had 10.

The Bulldogs next travel to Florence on Feb. 2 with games starting at 5:30 p.m. The Pirates next travel to Browning on Feb.

Mission

ST. IGNATIUS — The Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs hosted the Eureka Lions and Lionesses on Jan 27.

The Lady Bulldogs played excellent all around and started the game on the front foot. They led 19-11 after the first quarter and extended their lead to 29-18 at halftime. In the third quarter, Mission pulled away and never looked back. They led 41-25 after the third and went on to win

62-33. Kieran Incashola led the team with 14 points, Cora Matt had 12 and Kason Page added 11 more.

In the boys game, the Bulldogs struggled early with the Lions leading by nine after the first quarter. They closed the gap to six at halftime but Eureka was able to extend to 15 at the end of the third. Mission stormed back in the fourth and looked like they were going to win after going ahead by three when Zoran

LaFrambois buried a triple in the last minute. Eureka was able to score two free throws to close the gap to within one, and then score on the final possession of the game to win 52-51. LaFrambois had a great performance with 30 points while Carmine Adams added seven of his own.

Polson Girls

POLSON — The Lady Pirates hosted the Columbia Falls

Carver

Wildcats on Jan. 28, winning in overtime 63-59. Polson led the whole game until the fourth quarter where Columbia Falls stormed back to tie the game at 54. In overtime, the Lady Pirates were able to outscore the Wildcats by four and clinch the home victory. Polson had four players in double digits: Mila Hawk had 15, Grace Simonich had 12, Nikki Kendall had 11 and Samantha Rensvold had 10.

3 with games at 5 p.m.

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PORTER COUNTS / VALLEY JOURNAL

FLIC comes to Polson later this month

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

POLSON — The Flathead Lake International Cinemafest (FLIC) will be celebrating its 11th year in Polson later this month, Feb. 24-26.

To kick off the festival, numerous restaurants from throughout Polson will provide a Taste of Polson with food at the Showboat Stadium 6 starting 4:30 p.m. This will be an informal gathering for filmmakers and attendees alike.

This year will also show four particularly strong feature-length films, according to FLIC producer David King. The first is “Mavericks,” which covers Montana’s freestyle ski legacy as seen through the journeys of some of the state’s most renowned skiers. It will show on Friday at 6 p.m. “One of the cool things about that is we have the filmmakers coming including Eric Bergoust, an Olympic gold medalist from the Nagano Olympics and numerous cup championships. He’s going to be in attendance and taking questions, and it’s just a spectacular film by Scott Sterling and Kelly Gorham,” King stated.

The movie “Roots of Fire,” which examines the intersection between Cajun music and preserving tradition plays on Saturday at 6 p.m. This film will also have a special attendee with one of the film’s featured musicians, Jorden Thibodeaux. Thibodeaux will participate in a Q&A following the film before heading over to The Durham to perform live on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 9:30 p.m. “It’ll be some

genuine Cajun music from a wonderful fellow,” King added.

“Chicken Soup for the Soil,” is about regenerative farming and the practice of restoring organic matter and nutrient density to soil destroyed by conventional farming. The film, one of the nominees for Best Documentary Feature, will show on Saturday at 12:30 p.m.

Lastly, “Dosed: The Trip of a Lifetime” will play on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. A story about a woman diagnosed with cancer given legal permission to use magic mushrooms made King and his co-producer and wife, Jessica, a bit wary initially, but the film itself won them over. “It’s a very human, beautiful hour and 25-minute documentary,” King commented. The film will be followed by a recorded

Zoom Q&A interview Jessica held with the film’s subject Laurie Brooks. “We just have a lot of things we’re excited about this year,” King said.

The festival will also have a strong offering of short films, such as “The Magician” in the Friday 8 p.m. block, and “How to Avoid Death Forever” in the Saturday 8 p.m. block. King commented on the support from and participation in this year’s festival from the community. This includes Good Coffee Roasting hosting a breakfast mixer for filmmakers and attendees on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and The Durham hosting not just the “Roots of Fire” musician but a Saturday afternoon social gathering at 4:30 p.m., as well.

The festival will close with an awards show and dessert reception on Sunday, Feb. 26,

at 5:30 p.m. Details about all films and events for this year’s FLIC can be found on the program at: flicpolson.com

Tickets for the festival can be purchased online or in person at the Showboat Stadium 6.

COURTESY PHOTO COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

obituaries

Robert Gordon

WINFIELD, KANSAS — Robert E. “Bob” Gordon, 71, of Winfield, Kansas, passed away, Saturday evening, Jan. 20, 2023, at Harry Hynes Hospice in Wichita.

Born Nov. 6, 1951, in Ogden, Utah, he was the son of Russell Vern and Wanda Mabel (Hamblin) Gordon. He grew up on farms in Idaho and Montana, attending grade school in Missoula and high school in Ronan.

He was united in marriage to Lorrie J. Benson on May 29, 1971 in Polson. The family made their home in western Montana and eastern Idaho where Bob worked as a farmer until moving to Dexter, Kansas, in 1984. He then worked for Winfield Laundry and Dry Cleaning until starting with USD 465. In 1990 the family moved to Winfield and Bob continued working for USD 465 until retiring as head groundskeeper in 2014. After retiring he worked part time for the City of Winfield Compost Site. Bob loved shooting, working on cars, and spending time with grandkids and other

family. His family includes his wife, Lorrie of Winfield; his son, Russell Robert Gordon and wife, Lori of Texas; his daughters, Sabrina Lewis and husband, Darin of Winfield and Shanna Prior and Jason Topper of Winfield; and his grandchildren, Ava Lewis, Shelby Farnsworth, Quentin Farnsworth and wife, Juné, and Robert Topper.

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by his sister, Connie Hankins.

Memorial services have been held. A private family burial will take place in Montana at a later date.

A memorial has been established in Bob’s name for Harry Hynes Hospice. Contributions may be made through the funeral home.

Online condolences may be made at: www. milesfuneralservice.com.

Geraldine Crusch

RONAN — Geraldine

Anne Crusch, age 94, passed away on Jan. 24, 2023, at Mountain View Care Center in. She was born on July 31, 1928, to Barney and Florence (Ingalls) Egosque on the hottest day of

the summer behind a sagebrush on the 12mile stretch of highway between Nashua and Glasgow, Montana. She was the only girl in a nursery full of boys. She was the queen for a day. The Glasgow paper even wrote a story about her. She was famous from the start!

Gerry had to sleep with her grandma Ingalls to keep her warm when she came home from the hospital. The wind would blow so much, and snow would make drifts in the little cabin. Grandma Ingalls would go to mass every day and Gerry would go with her. Her Catholic faith was very important to her.

Gerry married Cecil Crusch on June 5, 1945. Cecil ranched in Bainville. They had no electricity. The milk was kept in the root cellar. Gerry would have to get up during the night and go down a ladder to get it. One time she stepped on a large toad, and it squished between her toes. She often told her girls that they didn’t know how good they had it. Another day she had to sweep a rattlesnake out the door with a broom.

Gerry could grow anything, a garden, flowers, and was an excellent cook. Gerry loved to walk. She walked so much she could have been in the Olympics. Gerry was a loyal friend to everyone. She would

visit a different friend every day. Gerry was her daughter’s hero! She loved her family unconditionally and was a great comfort to them. She always had good advice.

Gerry was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; grandchildren Justin Ebel and James Bailey; and four brothers and one sister.

She is survived by her daughters, Garnet Stuerke and Beverly Bailey (James), both of Polson; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and numerous other relatives.

Gerry was loved so much, and her family will miss her forever!

Services have been held.

Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at: www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.

Merne Hardy

MOIESE — Merne Maire Hardy passed away on Jan. 7, 2023, just 37 days shy of her 100th birthday. This beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and nurse, spent her life working her vocation of nursing and taking care of people. After all, she had nine children.

Merne was born in Billings on Feb. 13, 1923, to Benjamin Bonnett and

Lucile Long

Bonnett. Merne married Ned C. Hardy on Aug. 4, 1943, in New Mexico while Ned was attending the Air Force Academy. She then finished her nursing degree back in Billings.

Two years later they started their journey as a family and had nine children. The family followed Ned in his work across Western Montana. Merne worked in local hospitals including in Ronan, Deer Lodge, Montana State Prison, Anaconda Job Corp, Philipsburg, Choteau, and Dillion where she was the Director of Nursing. Her last job was as an RN at a local nursing home where she worked well into her eighties. Her legacy has 14 family members in the nursing and medical field.

Merne’s other passions in life included sewing for her family and others, making blankets, rugs, and Hand-crafting beautiful Christmas stockings and ornaments. Her ability to make wedding, bridesmaid, and prom dresses, as well as toys and western shirts will be forever remembered by whoever received them. Another skilled legacy left to her family and friends to carry on.

The family lived in many different places, but remember Moiese as the

prominent family home. While there Merne worked as a nurse, taught and worked side-by-side in the labors of ranching.

Her mornings began with getting up a lot of kids, doing the chores, feeding them breakfast, and sending them off to school. The dynamics of living with many assorted personalities left her no choice but to “Be the BOSS!”

Merne was proceeded in death by her husband, Ned, in 2005; her parents; her sister, Louise Grady;

brother, Ben Bonnett; daughter, Susan Price; sons, Ned Carson (Kit) and William (Bill); grandson, Cole Hardy.

She is survived by four daughters, Judy Spath (Terry), Linda Knight (Bruce), Jackie Largent (Jackie Who), Nancy Evans (Lyle); and two sons, Bryan and Wayne (Billy). She was also loved by David Price (Susan); Alicen Hardy (Bill); and Lorraine (Kit). Adding to the family numbers are 30 grandchildren, 53 great- grandchildren, and several great great-grandchildren.

Merne will be buried with her husband in the Ronan Cemetery at a later date this year. (She kept him on the shelf for 17 years.) This will be a celebration of life for both Mom and Dad.

see page 19

Geraldine Crusch

Robert Gordon

ATTENTION Water Sewer Customers in DAYTON, ELMO AND BIG ARM

Daines honors Montana hero

U.S. SENATE — On Jan. 25 Senator Daines paid tribute to a true Montana hero, Dr. Daniel Edelman. Senator Daines

Additional assistance for dairy producers announced

News from USDA WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the details of additional assistance for dairy producers, including a second round of payments through the Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program (PMVAP) and a new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP). The update to PMVAP and the new ODMAP will enable USDA to better support small- and medium-sized dairy operations who weathered the pandemic and now face other challenges.

hosted Dr. Edelman in his office and delivered a speech on the Senate floor in his honor. Dr. Edelman is a veteran of the United States Army who was seriously injured on a mission while deployed overseas. In addition to his distinguished career serving the country in the Army, Dr. Edelman also served his fellow Montanans as Chancellor at Montana State University-Billings. Dr. Edelman recently retired from MSUB due to a terminal condition connected to his time in the

United States Army.

“It’s an honor recognize Dr. Edelman for his service to our great state and nation,” Daines said. “He truly embodies the values and spirit of a Montanan, and I have no doubt that his legacy of service will continue for generations to come.”

Daines read his statement to the Congressional Record honoring Dr. Edelman on the floor of the United States Senate where he and his family were able to watch from the Senate Gallery.

Lead and Copper Service Line Inventory

Beginning February 6, 2023 in Dayton, the Housing Authority Water/Sewer Operators will be starting a comprehensive inventory of all water service lines and water supply lines within our water systems. This is a mandate from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requiring all Public Water Systems across the Country to identify any potential lead and copper water lines.

Even though this is a mandate from EPA to all Public water systems your participation is completely voluntary.

To participate in this inventory W/S Operators will need to have access to the crawl space of your home to view the plumbing lines. In addition, we will need to know the following:

1. Age of Home

2. Have you had any plumbing renovations to your home? If so, when, and what work was completed.

Once the information is collected for the service connections in all our Community water systems, we will contact the homeowners about any modifications that may be recommended to meet EPA’s standards. There may be funding to do the improvements. As of this date EPA has not finalized the funding portion of this survey.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact this office at 406-675-4491 ext. 1547 (Rebecca Phillips); ext. 1508 (Rocki Davis) or ext. 1532 (Bud Gillin.)

We thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.

News from the office of Senator Daines

Norman Reum

BUTTE — Born in Polson on Feb. 9, 1949, to Clinton and Mabel Reum of St. Ignatius. Norm passed away in Butte and went to be with our Lord on Jan. 18, 2023.

Norm graduated high school in St. Ignatius in 1967 and attended University of Montana where he studied business. Norm took that knowledge back to the ranch. He spent his life working as a cow whisperer, carefully bringing each baby into the world to the sound of the radio playing in the

background. His working ranch  allowed him to hire many of his nephews and nieces along with many of the neighbors’ kids and teach them the value of hard work, and that you never leave the gate open! Norm also had an amazing green thumb in the garden and grew the best produce along with raspberry bushes and a great strawberry patch. His flower gardens showed his creativity as he was constantly adding to and changing his landscapes.

Norm was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He spent many years serving on the rural fire board and helped many young 4-H kids get their start in a life of ranching. He was a quiet, knowledgeable, hardworking, funny, great neighbor, friend, brother, uncle and cousin to all who knew him. He will be dearly missed.

Norm was proceeded in

death by his parents, Clinton and Mabel Reum and his brother, Dan Reum.

He is survived by his sister, Bonnie (Bryson) Taylor of Polson, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Norm held dear his ranch hand Kelton Andersen who helped run the ranch the last few years, Tricia Andersen and many neighbors and friends who helped care for Norm in his last few months.

Donations can be made to St Ignatius Christian Church and Bob Larson Ministry or Mission Valley FFA, 421 Andrew St., Ronan.

Celebration of Norm’s life will be held at Leon Hall, 35964 Leon Rd., Charlo 59824 on Sunday, Feb. 5, at 2 p.m. Lunch will be provided.

MT volunteerism ranks in top 10

News from ServeMonana

HELENA — The Governor’s Office of Community Service announced that between September 2020 and September 2021, over 270,000 Montanans regularly served and 568,000 people informally served their neighbors according to the Volunteering and Civic Life in America research. The research estimates that volunteers generated nearly $464 million in economic value in the state.

The Volunteering and Civic Life in America research is the most comprehensive data on American volunteering and civic engagement. Based on a survey conducted by AmeriCorps and the US Census every other year, the research includes data on volunteering through organizations, informal helping and other civic behaviors. The most recent results find that over 124.7 million Americans informally helped their neighbors at least once in the

past year. Additionally, more than 23 percent of Americans, or 60.7 million people, formally volunteered with an organization, giving more than 4.1 billion hours of service with an estimated economic value of $122.9 billion.

“Montana’s great AmeriCorps members and volunteers are the fabric of our communities.” Said Sarah R. Sadowski, Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Service. “From Troy to Ekalaka and everywhere in between, service is alive and well in the Treasure State. The hundreds of thousands of Montanans who give their time, talents, and compassion to others are an inspiration.”

Through AmeriCorps service and community volunteerism, Montanans have the opportunity to engage in making a difference. People of all ages and backgrounds serve to support students, families, and landscapes as well as nonprofit, tribal and faith-based organizations across Montana every day.

Norman Reum

Governor Gianforte: ‘American dream is alive and well here in Montana’

Governor delivers second State of the State address

News from the Office of the Governor

HELENA — On Wednesday, Jan. 25,

Governor Greg Gianforte delivered his second State of the State address to a joint session of the Montana Legislature and directly to the people of Montana.

Gov. Gianforte’s address highlighted Montana’s accomplishments over the past two years and emphasized the promise of Montana’s future. Governor Gianforte outlined his priorities to create greater opportunity for all Montanans, build stronger families and safer communities, protect our way of life,

and help more Montanans achieve the American Dream.

Highlights from Governor Gianforte’s 2023 State of the State Address:

Growing Our Economy

Together, we’ve created more than 31,000 new jobs … We’ve hit record-low unemployment.

Cutting Red Tape

Right now, there are more than 160 red tape relief bills.

Changing the Way State Government Does Business

We’re also being better stewards of taxpayer dollars – making government more efficient... And with our historic surplus, we’re going to make Montana debt-free in ‘23.”

Bringing Job Creators to Montana

Tax assistance available

News from the North Lake County Public Library

POLSON — Need help with your tax forms? Two local organizations are ready to help. You need to make an appointment for both of these groups. The Polson Senior Citizen Center will have appointments available on Mondays and Thursdays from Feb. 2- April 14. Call 406883-4735 to set your

time with them. The Salish and Kootenai College is also offering help on Fridays for the month of February. Call 406-2754874 for an appointment. Some paper federal tax forms have arrived at the North Lake County Public Library. You can also download them from IRS.gov .The State of Montana forms are available online only. Go to: mtrevenue.gov to find and print those forms.

15 innovative businesses have come to Montana and are creating more than 900 good-paying Montana jobs.

Cutting Taxes

That’s why we’re going to cut your taxes by over one billion dollars.

Protecting Parents’ Rights in Education

Let’s empower Montana parents to choose what’s best for their family and their kids. Let’s protect parents’ rights.

Bringing Innovation to Education

We need fresh, new thinking and bold leaders to deliver the best education possible for our kids. Be innovative. Be transformative. Develop partnerships with the private sector. Don’t be constrained by brick and mortar. And improve education opportunities for

all our students.

Investing in Our Teachers

We enacted the TEACH Act in 2021 … In its first year, the TEACH Act has helped nearly 500 new teachers begin their career in Montana.”

Building a Stronger Workforce

So we modernized our apprenticeship system –quadrupling the number of apprenticeship opportunities in Montana.

Making Housing

More Affordable and Attainable

The HOMES Program invests $200 million to expand water and sewer infrastructure, and ultimately expand housing capacity throughout our state. I ask you to pass the HOMES Program.

Supporting Montana

Families and Children

“As we’re proposing a $1,200 child tax credit for kids under 6….To get more children into permanent, loving homes, we’re proposing an adoption tax credit of $5,000. And if you adopt a kid in our foster care system, we’ll bump that credit to $7,500.”

Sending a Message to President Biden:

Secure Our Southern Border Now. This fentanyl crisis is a direct consequence of our nation’s insecure and porous southern border.

Investing in and Supporting Law Enforcement

We propose to invest $200 million to repair and expand capacity at the state prison in Deer Lodge … Our budget funds 16 new highway

patrol troopers and criminal investigators. We also propose funding six new prosecutors at the Montana Department of Justice

Improving our Behavioral Health System

Instead of turning our backs on those struggling with addiction, we’re investing in hope and opportunity as they get clean, sober, and healthy.

Increasing Public Access to our Public Lands

As we better manage our lands, we’re also increasing access to them.

Preserving the American Dream in Montana

While the American Dream might be fleeting in some states, it’s alive and well here in Montana. Because we embrace the freedoms that are foundational to who we are as Americans.

Governor Gianforte delivers 2023 State of the State address.

Reinke recognizes Ronan irrigation with dealer award

News from Reinke

DESHLER, NEBRASKA — Reinke

Manufacturing, a global leader in irrigation systems and precision irrigation technology, has recognized Ronan Irrigation with a Reinke’s Gold Pride award for their performance in the last year.

“Reinke is honored to work with Ronan Irrigation to help them serve the growers in their area,” said Chris Roth, Reinke president. “We’re proud to award their efforts and we appreciate their

dedication as we continue to develop and implement precision irrigation equipment and technology to help growers increase yields and profitability.”

Reinke dealerships from across the United States and Canada come together annually for the company’s sales convention to recognize select Reinke dealers for their hard work and commitment to serve growers. The Reinke Pride awards are determined as part of an incentive program that distinguishes superior

achievement levels according to an evaluation based on a dealership’s exterior and interior housekeeping and maintenance, indoor and outdoor displays, safety, retail environment, merchandising, professionalism, promotions, event participation and market share.

With hundreds of dealers in more than 40 countries, Reinke Manufacturing is the world’s largest privately held manufacturer of center pivot and lateral move irrigation systems. Family owned

since 1954 and headquartered in Deshler, Neb., Reinke develops products and technology designed to increase agriculture production while providing labor savings and environmental efficiencies.

Reinke is a continued leader in industry advancements as the first to incorporate GPS, satellite-based communications, and touchscreen panel capabilities into mechanized irrigation system management. For more information on Reinke or to locate a dealership, visit Reinke.com.

Flathead Reservation Fish and Wildlife Board to meet in February, March

News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks

KALISPELL — The Flathead Reservation

Fish and Wildlife Board will meet in February and March. All interested persons are invited to attend.

A meeting on Feb. 8, 2023 will be live streamed via Microsoft Teams starting at 1 p.m. Login information is posted online at: https:// fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/ flatheadreservation-fishandwildlifeboard.

The board is meeting again March 1, 2023

at the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Region 1 Office in Kalispell starting at 10 a.m.

To view agendas for these meetings, visit: https://fwp.mt.gov/ aboutfwp/flatheadreservation-fishandwildlifeboard.

The board is composed of tribal and state appointees and a representative of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The board is advisory to the state and tribes and is responsible for the development of cooperative management plans, which include fishing and bird hunting regulations.

New film series showcases local efforts

Locally guided efforts to contribute to resilient communities and landscapes across Montana

News from Life in the Land MONTANA —

Throughout Montana, human activity is directly intertwined within natural systems, creating a great opportunity to inspire healthy coexistence worldwide. Across the state, there are varying value systems and methods of interacting with the land and the life it supports.

Life in the Land is a documentary film and podcast series which shares perspectives of those who interact with the complexities of Montana’s communities and

landscapes, looking at the success and value in holistic and locally led initiatives. By connecting these stories of localized, collaborative efforts to the theme of a reciprocal human and landscape relationship, this series will be a catalyst for guiding overall healthier systems of life in our modern world.

The project includes four film episodes, each 30-45 minutes in length. Each episode shares unique perspectives from ranchers, biologists, local leaders, and more from within Montana’s rural and tribal communities, in different regions of Montana where unique collaboration on the landscape is taking place; the Big Hole Valley, the Seeley-Swan Region, Blackfeet Nation, and Montana’s Central Plains.

Over 20 podcast episodes accompany the project, allowing audiences to take a deeper dive into a specific topic. The content proves the value in establishing and supporting locally based collaborative groups, whether they be a watershed group or other holistic group. These entities hold the trust and representation of a local community, making them a key partner for agencies and larger organizations to move landscape scale work forward, from conservation to community improvement and economic development.

“A goal with the series is to show the positive effects of people working in interconnected ways, just like our ecosystems do. We hope this project will honor the featured communities, offer inspiration to advance benefi-

cial interactions in other communities, and provide the nuance and prompt the conversations that can be an antidote to current divisiveness,” comments Lara Tomov, the project’s Director.

“[This series] has the potential to change the mindset of Americans to recognize their responsibilities in promoting the enhancement of a working landscape through supporting and recognizing those of us that are stewarding their precious land for its and society’s sake. It gives solace to those of us who have developed a land ethic based on what nature has taught us and the strength to embrace our responsibility as nature’s and society’s caretakers,” states Jim Hagenbarth, a rancher from the Big Hole Valley who is featured in the series.

At the project’s website, LifeintheLand.org, one can view the films, listen to podcasts, and find links to resources to connect with and gather inspiration from other entities. The podcasts can also be found on the Stories for Action series on Apple and Spotify. The content is available for free and is intended to be used as a tool by organizations, agencies, grassroots community groups, and more. Already, the films have been used in various settings, from local gatherings to conferences to classrooms, and they have proven to be energizing catalysts for important dialogue and connections.

The public is encouraged to host a screening in their community or supplement a gathering or meeting with a showing of a film episode.

Community comes together to understand homelessness in Helena

News from the Montana VA Health Care System

HELENA — Montana VA Health Care System (Montana VA) is participating in today’s national and statewide Point-in-Time (PIT) count. The PIT count, led by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), is a count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness on a single night in January. Across the county and Montana, each count is planned, coordinated, and carried out locally.

In Helena, VA staff will be

gathering with about 25 local community members. The PIT Count is among the ways VA estimates the number of Veterans experiencing homelessness. This information is used to help direct resources based on need.

“Each Veteran and each Montanan deserve the dignity of safe, secure, permanent housing. People who experience homelessness reflect so many different stories, identities, personalities, and histories. No two individuals had the same journey to homelessness, and no two individuals had the same needs when exiting

homelessness,” said Montana VA’s Homeless Program Manager, Adrian Spencer. “For us to find solutions to make sure every Veteran has housing, we must make sure every Veteran and Montanan who do not have shelter is represented as we work to make sure each of our community members have secure housing.”

In Montana, there was a 56.4% increase in Veterans who were homeless from 2021 (110) to 2022 (172), based upon the PIT count. In 2022, Montana VA was able to help 211 Veterans secure housing. Unfortunately, it is anticipated

that more Veterans and others in Montana’s communities will experience homelessness in 2023 due to housing shortages and rising housing costs.

Resources exist to help Veterans secure housing. Some of these Montana VA resources include:

- Veterans who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to financial hardship, unemployment, addiction, depression, or transition from jail can contact the Montana VA Homeless Program at (406) 447-6144 or (406) 373-3927. Available support includes:

- Immediate food and shel-

The project’s leadership requests that those using it publicly first fill out the short form on the project’s site. A downloadable discussion guide can also be found there. Additional films and podcasts for the Life in the Land project will be released throughout 2023.

The project is produced by Montana production company Stories for Action and the episode from Blackfeet Nation is Co-Produced by Lailani Upham of Iron Shield Creative. The project is guided by a steering committee which includes Ethan Kunard (Montana Watershed Coordination Council), Lara Tomov (Stories for Action), rancher Bill Milton, Cliff Montagne (BioRegions International), Laura Nowlin of Winnett ACES, facilitator Bill Long, and Daniel Anderson (The Common Ground Project).

ter, including both transitional and permanent housing,

- Job training, life skills development, and education,

- Support with justice system navigation and community re-entry from jail,

- Financial support to prevent homelessness,

- Treatment for addiction and depression, and

- Health and dental care.

- Veterans may be eligible for financial housing assistance through the HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program. The

Community

from page 22

(HUD-VASH) program. The HUDVASH program combines Section 8 rental assistance for homeless Veterans with case management and clinical services provided by Montana VA. These vouchers cover a percentage of a Veteran’s rental costs. Most HUDVASH participants rent from private landlords and partnerships with public and private housing providers is essential to the success of this program.

- Veterans experiencing homelessness can call also 877-4AID VET (or 877-424-3838) to connect with a trained VA staff member 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

One-third of Montana VA’s HUD-VASH vouchers for Veterans remain unused by local landlords. If filled, these unused vouchers could represent stable housing for 187 Montana Veterans at risk for homelessness. Landlords who are interested in helping Veterans find stable housing through HUDVASH vouchers can call (406) 447-6000 and ask for the Homeless Program to learn more.

FWP seeking input on Somers Beach State Park plan

News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks

KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on a draft development plan for Somers Beach State Park on Flathead Lake.

The plan builds on public input gathered in 2022 and proposes a variety of new recreational amenities at the 106-acre park on the north shore near Somers. While most of the park would remain undeveloped in its natural state, the options include common features, such as restrooms, administrative buildings, and park host sites, that provide for public safety, operational efficiency, and site stewardship.

Additional proposals are grouped into two alternatives that offer different levels of development of land-based and water-based amenities. These include limited overnight accommodations, launch sites for hand-carried boats, and picnic and group-use shelters, among others. A third “No Action” alternative would keep the current minimal site setup.

These options are outlined in a draft environmental assessment that is open to public comment for 30 days through Feb. 13, 2023. Comments can be submitted online at: https://fwp.mt.gov/ news/public-notices, or in writing to Somers Beach

see page 26

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Deadline: Feb 28

Open to: Grades 9-12

Learn

Follow

PUZZLES

GIANT CROSSWORD

Place the digits 1-9 in the grid so that each row, column and

box contains each digit once only.

Can you find all the listed words in the grid? Words may appear horizontally, vertically or diagonally, forwards or backwards.

Rolling Stones singles

DOT-TO-DOT

Starting at 1, connect the dots in numerical order to complete the picture.

MIRROR IMAGE

Which of the four images below is the mirror image of the larger one to the right?

A B C D

40 Pat, 42 Saint, 43 Indie, 44 Steed, 46 Atoll, 47 Fry, 50 Edwards, 52 Station, 53 Aged, 56 Restrings, 60 Eva, 61 Acetates, 62 Lot, 63 Tut, 66 Atom, 69 Elate, 70 Acted, 71 Cooke, 72 Enter, 74 Lazuli, 77 Ashen, 78 Sieve, 79 Screw, 81 Dedicated, 83 Lea, 84 Billabong, 87 Bra, 88 Linguist, 90 Esau, 95 Domes, 96 Eyelid, 98 Galena, 99 Oddity, 104 Riper, 105 Labor, 106 Awls, 107 Shah, 108 Hike, 109 Dido, 110 Base, 112 Sera, 113

Manganese, 35 Apsis, 36 Liege,

Oval, 31 Revisits, 32 Prince,

Evil, 17 Meze, 18 Ides, 22 Ricin,

Beat, 14 Opting, 15 Dark horse,

Parabola, 10 Item, 11 Née, 12 Ads,

6 Cleave, 7 Hunter, 8 Inter,

1 Fops, 2 Emit, 3 Taco, 4 On tap,

State Park Development Proposal EA, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, 490 N. Meridian Road, Kalispell, MT 59901, or via e-mail to - Stevie. Burton@mt.gov. A printed copy of the draft EA is available upon request.

FWP’s preferred alternative for development at Somers Beach would include day-use visitor amenities, including group-use shelters, trails, and a natural playground, as well as limited overnight accommodations at three small cabins on the park’s west side and up to six small tent pads on the east side. The 12-foot by 12-foot cabins would be available for nightly rental through the state park’s campsite reservation system, while the 10-foot by 10-foot tent pads would be available on a first-come, firstserved basis to anyone arriving on foot, bicycle, or other non-motorized means, such as kayak. Overnight vehicle parking at the main parking lot would be prohibited.

Somers Beach State Park features a mixture of agricultural and undeveloped uplands that transition to wetlands near Flathead Lake. The western side of the park features the only developed road, which extends from Burnell Avenue to the lake. A significant portion of the park’s 106 acres is lakebed. Approximately 45 acres become exposed lakebed when Flathead Lake reaches low pool

from fall through spring. The exposed lakebed is used by recreationists for hiking, mountain biking, skiing, ice skating, and other activities. During full pool, the primary park use has been walking, with most of the use originating from the parking lot.

In fall 2021, FWP acquired the Somers Beach property on the northwest shore of Flathead Lake with plans to add it to Montana’s state park system. Interim developments were completed at the park, including an access road, parking lot, and erosion control beach to protect the loss of shoreline and conserve wetlands. Park boundaries are marked, and site cleanup has begun with the removal of old fencing materials.

In spring 2022, FWP launched a public planning process to help guide future use and development of the state park, starting with a public scoping survey that collected input on preferences, interests, and ideas for the site. There were nearly 1,300 individual responses with approximately 80% coming from the Flathead Valley. FWP hosted in-person and virtual open houses in summertime to build on information gained from the public survey. Input from the open houses and survey helped FWP staff develop the draft environmental assessment.

For more information, visit: https://fwp.mt.gov/ stateparks/somers-beachplanning-project.

Ronan

By Joanne Shaw for the Valley Journal

RONAN — We’ve made it through the holidays, freezing cold days, and snow, so now we can get started on that dreaded tax season. Speaking of taxes, the AARP tax service will begin on Feb. 1. You can call the Mission Valley Senior Center for the days and times tax service is available and to set up an appointment. There are also signup sheets at the center.

With the start of our new year, we remind members that yearly dues of $10 are now due.

Starting in February, our Sunday meal will be moved to the third Sunday of each month. Potting is this month on Feb. 19. February menu: all meals accompanied with salad and dessert.

— Wednesday, Feb. 1: Polish dogs, chili, sauerkraut

— Friday, Feb. 3: meatloaf and potatoes

— Monday, Feb. 6: soup and sandwiches

— Wednesday, Feb. 8: tater tot casserole

— Friday, Feb. 10: fried chicken legs

— Monday, Feb. 13: sloppy joes

— Wednesday, Feb. 15: brunch

— Friday, Feb. 17: stroganoff

— Sunday, Feb. 19: pork roast dinner

All meals are served with coffee, milk and juice. All ages welcome.

Meals are $7 on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Sunday lunch is $10.

Call before 10:30 a.m. to request or cancel a home delivered

meal or order a meal to go.

Polson

News from Pete Mangels for the Valley Journal

POLSON — Thought for Feb. 5:  It’s the Snow Full Moon. Well, “duh!” Winter is not over until March 20.  I don’t care what the groundhog told me.

St. Valentine’s Day is the day to spoil your sweetheart. Buy a box of See’s Candy, now on sale at the Polson Senior Center. Buy your sweetheart some roses. Don’t tell anyone about the candy. And don’t buy that vacuum cleaner. I found that out the hard way.

We recently purchased Super-0ne grocery bags (the green ones). These bags are used for Commodity Food distributions. You can recycle green bags at the Polson Senior Center.

Tax Filing assistance is available on Mondays or Thursdays. Call for an appointment to save wait time. Bring all your paperwork, including a copy of last year’s taxes.

Activities:

Sign up for Tai Ji Quan:  Moving for Better Balance classes, taught by Dixie Bisson - slow and easy exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and mobility. Members of Polson Senior Citizens $15 - non-Members $30 - Tuesdays 10-11 a.m. Wednesdays 1-2 p.m. - six weeks

Bowling Fun League: pay by the day - non-sanctioned, notap, Tuesdays, 1 p.m. - weekly

Bingo: regular bingo Friday at 7 p.m. - “Playing Card” bingo first Wednesday and third Thursday of each month - help

wanted

Exercise: low impact -  MW- F, 10:30–11:30a.

Pinochle: eat lunch at the center before cards Thursdays 12:15– 3 p.m. (or later if you wish)

Bridge: Tuesdays and Fridays -  open for all - 12:30 p.m.

Pool: open table from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays.

Tai Ji Quan (see above): Tuesdays 10-11 a.m. - Wednesdays 1-2 p.m.

Veterans’ Rep: first Friday (Feb. 3) and third Tuesday (Feb. 21) from 10 a.m.-noon

Menu (subject to change):  Sit-down, take-out, call before 10 a.m. for delivery, only $5 - serving from 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

— Thursday, Feb. 2: chicken enchiladas, rice, beets, cranberry salad, p-nut butter bars

— Friday, Feb. 3: pork chow mien, rice, crunchy noodles, stirfry veggies, egg roll, Asian salad, cookies

— Monday, Feb. 6: chicken noodle soup, PB & J sandwich, five-cup salad, lemon pudding

— Tuesday, Feb. 7: Philly sandwich, au jus, Tater tots, marinated veggie salad, poke cake

— Wednesday, Feb. 8: salad bar with meats and cheeses, lemon muffins, chocolate cream squares

— Thursday, Feb. 9: meatloaf, mashed spuds, carrots, green salad, pretzel Jell-O

— Friday, Feb. 10: blueberry strata, sausage links, cinnamon applesauce, orange salad, cookies

The Polson Senior Center, 504 3rd Ave. East, is open from 8 a.m.– 3 p.m. on weekdays. Call: 406-883-4735, email: polsonseniorcenter@ gmail.com

U.S. Attorney’s Office collects $6.5

News from the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Montana

BILLINGS — U.S.

Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced on Jan. 25 that the District of Montana collected $6,579,202 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2022. Of this amount, $5,558,568 was collected in criminal actions and $1,020,634 was collected in civil actions.

Additionally, the District of Montana worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Department of Justice to collect an additional $9,376,238 in civil cases pursued jointly by these offices.

“This money comes from collecting civil penalties and debts and from seizing proceeds from criminal activity. These funds help crime victims and benefit the American people through deposits to the U.S. Treasury, which are priorities of this office. I want to thank our financial litigation unit, the civil and criminal divisions, and all our employees for their hard work on behalf of crime victims,” U.S. Attorney Laslovich said.

Funds collected in criminal judgments include:

- $1,700,372 from the sale of a mansion formerly owned by Larry Price Jr., a former Signal Peak Energy, LLC, mine official convicted of fraud and other crimes.

- $1 million from Signal Peak Energy, which

was convicted of willfully violating health and safety standards.

- $392,173 from Debra Gean Roeber, convicted of defrauding a blind and elderly woman, now deceased, who was under her guardianship.

- $200,000 from Melissa Lynne Horner, co-owner of H & H Earthworks, Inc., who was convicted of failing to pay IRS employment taxes.

- $100,000 from U.S. Minerals, Inc., which was convicted of negligent endangerment for exposing workers to arsenic at its former Anaconda plant.

The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The

law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the department’s Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs.

Additionally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Montana, working with partner agencies and divisions, collected $548,948 in asset forfeiture actions in FY 2022. Forfeited assets deposited into the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund are used to restore funds to crime victims and for a variety of law enforcement purposes.

Wednesday, Feb. 1

‘Adopt a Book’ happening at library

POLSON — AdoptA-Book is coming to the North Lake County Public Library. February is “I Love to Read Month.” To celebrate, we are offering books to be “adopted” for our youth collection. Each title costs $15. Once you choose a book, we will put a bookplate in it with your personal message and it will be added to the permanent collection. What a great way to honor someone you love.

Free online meditation classes offered

ZOOM — Mission Mountain Zen is offering free online meditation classes. Please join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesdays for an online meditation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku, including meditation instruction, practice and discussion via Zoom. The classes will be each Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. We will cultivate and deepen our centering skills and meditation practice during the class. Join us and take advantage of this opportunity. For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847721-0665 or email at: Jerry.Smyers@gmail.com.

Thursday, Feb. 2

Story Time geared for kindergarten readiness

POLSON — Story

Time begins at 9:15 a.m. on Thursdays at the North Lake County Public Library. Join us to read books, make crafts and play games with your little ones. This program is geared for kindergarten readiness ages 3-5. It is important that all children attending have an opportunity for appropriate, safe play for their age. Please be mindful of this when bringing younger children to Story Time.

Friday, Feb. 3

Open Mic Night held at the Musicians Co-op

RONAN — The Western Montana Musicians Co-op holds an Open Mic Night every Friday from 7-9 p.m. at 1 Eisenhower St. SW (the old Red Poppy Building).

Saturday, Feb. 4

Community Jam held at the Musicians Co-op

RONAN — The Western Montana Musicians Co-op holds a Community Jam every Saturday from 7-10 p.m. at 1 Eisenhower St. SW (the old Red Poppy Building).

Monday, Feb. 6

Mother Goose provides fun, learning

POLSON —Mondays mean Mother Goose at the North Lake County Public Library. Join us at 9:15 a.m. Mother Goose

is geared toward ages 0 to 3, but all are welcome. We encourage parents and caregivers to participate with their children for this early learning time. It is important that all children attending have an opportunity for appropriate, safe play for their age.

Please be mindful of this when bringing older children to Mother Goose.

Tuesday, Feb. 7

Burgerfest held at the Elks Lodge

POLSON — The Kiwanis Club’s Buffalo Burgerfest will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 7, from 4:307 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 512 Main St.  The menu includes: buffalo burgers, salad, baked beans, pies and beverages.

Tickets can be purchased from Kiwanis members or at the door. Tickets are $10 each.

MV Backcountry Horsemen to meet

RONAN — The Mission Valley Backcountry  Horsemen will have their next monthly meeting on Feb. 7, 2023, at 7 p.m. at the Ronan VFW on Round Butte Rd. Our program will be a slide show about packing and riding in the Bob Marshall Wilderness by Mack and Connie Long of Bob Marshall Wilderness Outfitters. You don’t want to miss this slideshow folks so bring your questions and find out what this club is all about. Hope to see you there.

Wednesday, Feb. 8

Monthly potluck held at Leon Hall

CHARLO — Leon Hall will host their monthly potluck dinner on Wednesday, Feb. 8. The hall is located at 35964 Leon Road, a Charlo address on the corner of Leon and Kerns Road. Meeting is open to all locals and those that are looking for a  good potluck dinner and visiting with a variety of community members from the Mission Valley.

Free online meditation classes offered

ZOOM — Mission Mountain Zen is offering free online meditation classes. Please join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesdays for an online meditation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku, including meditation instruction, practice and discussion via Zoom. The classes will be each Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. We will cultivate and deepen our centering skills and meditation practice during the class. Join us and take advantage of this opportunity. For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847721-0665 or email at: Jerry.Smyers@gmail.com.

Thursday, Feb. 9

Story Time geared for kindergarten readiness

POLSON —Story Time begins at 9:15 a.m.

on Thursdays at the North Lake County Public Library. Join us to read books, make crafts and play games with your little ones. This program is geared for kindergarten readiness ages 3-5. It is important that all children attending have an opportunity for appropriate, safe play for their age. Please be mindful of this when bringing younger children to Story Time.

Friday, Feb. 10

Open Mic Night held at the Musicians Co-op

RONAN — The Western Montana Musicians Co-op holds an Open Mic Night every Friday from 7-9 p.m. at 1 Eisenhower St. SW (the old Red Poppy Building).

Saturday, Feb. 11

Community Jam held at the Musicians Co-op

RONAN — The Western Montana Musicians Co-op holds a Community Jam every Saturday from 7-10 p.m. at 1 Eisenhower St. SW (the old Red Poppy Building).

Monday, Feb. 13

Mother Goose provides fun, learning

POLSON —Mondays mean Mother Goose at the North Lake County Public Library. Join us at 9:15 a.m. Mother Goose is geared toward ages 0

to 3, but all are welcome. We encourage parents and caregivers to participate with their children for this early learning time. It is important that all children attending have an opportunity for appropriate, safe play for their age. Please be mindful of this when bringing older children to Mother Goose.

Saturday, Feb. 18

Heidi performed by local students

POLSON — The Port Polson Players Children’s Theatre Musical rendition of Heidi will be performed on Saturday, Feb. 18, at 4 p.m. on the Polson High School stage.

Sunday, Feb. 19

Heidi performed by local students

POLSON — The Port Polson Players Children’s Theatre Musical rendition of Heidi will be performed on Sunday, Feb. 19, at 4 p.m. on the Polson High School stage.

Friday, Feb. 24

Chinese dinner served POLSON — A Chinese dinner will be served at 6 p.m. at the Mission Valley Elks Lodge, 512 Main Street, on Feb. 24. Tickets purchased through Feb. 20 are $15 and tickets are $17 after that. Tickets available at the Elks Lodge bar.

classifieds

Announcements Wanted WANTED TO BUY

Guns and/or ammunition, old or new.

Whole estates/collections or single pieces.

Fair prices paid. 207-4641

Employment

Help wanted INFORMATION, EDUCATION & TRAINING OFFICER RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICE

The successful applicant must possess an Associate degree AND five years’ verifiable work experience in records management required with preference given for a Bachelor’s degree, ten years of experience in clerical/administrative oriented experience with five years of increasingly responsible work experience in managing databases or other research responsibilities. Preference will be given for verifiable experience with Indigenous Research. Five years of increasingly responsible work experience in developing data/research tracking for reporting and records management. Must pass local, state and federal background checks (upon hire and yearly thereafter) and is subject to CSKT Drug and Alcohol Policies. Must have valid Montana driver’s license or be able to obtain one within six (6) months. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, a completed supplemental questionnaire for background investigations, a copy of relevant transcripts, a copy of current valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, submit a copy of the DD214 to the Tribal Personnel Department.

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. A favorable determination resulting from a completed background investigation is required for your placement in this position. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a prehire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. 1040 for an application. Tribal applications are also available on-line at www.csktribes.org. The salary range is $23.00 to $26.44 per hour, including benefits.

Closing date will be Thursday, February 9th, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

HOME VISITING PARENT EDUCATOR - CONTRACT POSITION - DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

The successful applicant must possess an Associate’s degree/90 quarter credits with 2 years’ work experience in Social Work, Psychology, Human Service, Child Development/ Education, or Health Fields working with at-risk children, parents and families. And/ or 4 years’ work experience providing direct services to individuals, groups, families, or communities regarding issues including: mental health, poverty, unemployment, substance abuse, domestic abuse, rehabilitation, social adjustment, child care, medical care, and child development. Experience maintaining case records and preparing reports. Experience conducting social services-based research, including the use of the Internet. Experience with small group meeting facilitation. Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and persuasively orally and in writing. Experience working in a collaborative project preferred. Must be certified or willing to obtain certification in the Parent As Teachers

curriculum. Must not have had a conviction of driving under the influence of substance or a per se within the last three (3) years. Current Montana Sate driver’s license and liability insurance. All applicants must submit a completed Tribal employment application, a completed supplemental questionnaire for background investigations, a copy of relevant academic transcripts and training certificates, a copy of current valid driver’s license and proof of liability insurance, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT & if claiming veteran’s preference, submit a copy of your DD214. 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. A favorable determination resulting from a completed Background Investigation is required prior to being placed in this position. 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 $15.86 to $18.23 per hour, plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. #1029. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, Feb. 9th, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

TCC SOCIAL ADVOCATE 1 or more positions (HOT SPRINGS, ARLEE, MISSION) - TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must have a Bachelor’s degree in either Social Work, Health & Human Services, Community Services or related field. At least one year working in customer service. Care Coordination Certificate within six months of hire. Must have Basic Life Support for Healthcare providers within

three months of employment. Must possess a valid driver’s license. All applicants must submit a Tribal application a copy of academic transcript/ training certificates, a completed supplemental background questionnaire (contact the CSKT Personnel Department), copy of 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. Salary is $25.17$28.94 per hour, plus benefits, may be employed under a contract. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) months probationary period. To apply, contact the Tribal Personnel Office at (406) 675-2700, ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt.org. Tribal applications and full advertisement are available online at www.csktribes.org. Closing date is Thursday, February 16, 2023 @ 5:30 p.m.(MST) CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

RECORDS CREATION OFFICER (RCO) RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICE

The successful applicant must possess an Associate’s degree with preference given for a Bachelor’s degree. Ten years of experience in clerical/ administrative oriented field with five years of increasingly responsible work experience managing databases. Preference will be given for no less than 5 years’ verifiable experience with database creation and management. Five (5) years of increasingly responsible work experience in work planning, productivity, reporting of outcomes, and developing data tracking for reporting and records management. Five years of increasingly responsible work experience in developing data/ research tracking for reporting

and records management. Must pass local, state and federal background checks (upon hire and yearly thereafter) and is subject to CSKT Drug and Alcohol Policies. Must have valid Montana driver’s license or be able to obtain one within six (6) months. Must be able to lift/carry a minimum of 40 pounds. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, a completed supplemental questionnaire for background investigations, a copy of relevant transcripts, a copy of current valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, submit a copy of the DD214 to the Tribal Personnel Department. 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. A favorable determination resulting from a completed background investigation is required for your placement in this position. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a prehire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. 1040 for an application. Tribal applications are also available on-line at www.csktribes.org. The salary range is $18.37 to $21.12 per hour, including benefits.

Closing date will be Thursday, February 9th, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.

CSKT

IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

Enviro-Tire is hiring for 1 CDL driver. This position is open immediately. No tire loading, drop and hook only. CDL Class A truck driver with doubles endorsement for Montana, Idaho and Washington day runs. Home every night. Work site is in Lonepine, Mt. Year-round, full-time position. Pay $25.00 per hour for experienced, qualified drivers. Mandatory DOT drug testing. Vacation & holiday pay. Office phone and fax (406) 755-7716. enviro-tire@ montanasky.com

DEPUTY CLERK OF COURT I (1 or more positions)

TRIBAL COURT DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must possess a high school diploma or GED. Must be able to accurately type 50 wpm. Must have a high level of clerical, word processing, proofreading, grammar and accounting skills as outlined in job description requirements. Must be able to maintain confidentiality and sign a court confidentiality agreement. The applicant must have high level of customer service and working with outside agencies and the public. All applicants must submit a completed Tribal employment application, a copy of relevant academic transcript, a copy of a current valid driver’s license, proof of see page 30

POSITION AVAILABLE:

Extension Agent, Ag, Natural Resources and 4-H/Youth Development, Fort Peck Reservation, Poplar, MT. Exciting job working as a field faculty member of MSU Extension. Bachelor’s degree required. Full benefits. For complete information and to apply, visit msuextension.org, click on “careers.” Screening begins March 1, 2023. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled.

enrollment from 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 the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) months probationary period. Salary range is $13.81 to $15.88 per hour and includes benefits.

To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040, or personnel@cskt.org. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org

Closing date will be Thursday, February 16, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. (MST)

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

ADMINISTRATIVE

ASSISTANT - RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICE

The successful applicant must possess a high school diploma or GED and a minimum of 5 years’ clerical/administrative oriented experience which must include verified experience with bookkeeping/ accounting. Five years of increasingly responsible work experience in data tracking, scheduling, contract/account management, and procurement responsibilities. Must have valid Montana driver’s license or be able to obtain one within six (6) months of hire AND be able to lift and carry 35 pounds. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, a copy of relevant transcript, a copy of current valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, submit a copy of the DD214 to the

Tribal Personnel Department. 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 the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. 1040 for an application. Tribal applications are also available on-line at www.csktribes.org. The salary range is $18.03 to $20.72 per hour, including benefits. Closing date will be Thursday, February 9th, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

RESEARCH & INFORMATION OFFICER (RIO) - RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICE

The successful applicant must possess a BA or BS degree with preference given to the computer science, statistics, and data management.

Ten years of experience in clerical/administrative oriented experience with five years of increasingly responsible work experience in managing databases or other research responsibilities. Preference will be given for verifiable experience with Indigenous Research. Five years of increasingly responsible work experience in developing data/ research tracking for reporting and records management. Must pass local, state and federal background checks (upon hire and yearly thereafter) and is subject to CSKT Drug and Alcohol Policies. Must have valid Montana driver’s license or be able to obtain one within six (6) months. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, a completed supplemental questionnaire for background investigations, a copy of relevant transcripts, a copy of current valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized

Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, submit a copy of the DD214 to the Tribal Personnel Department. 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. A favorable determination resulting from a completed background investigation is required for your placement in this position. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a prehire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. 1040 for an application. Tribal applications are also available on-line at www.csktribes.org. The salary range is $19.91 to $22.89 per hour, including benefits. Closing date will be Thursday, February 9th, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

Real Estate For Sale

For Rent: 3 bdrm/2 bath home close to Polson golf course and Flathead Lake. $1995 per month plus utilities. NO Pets. NO Smoking. Call 406-249-6689.

Vehicles

Miscellaneous INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE

Auto /Truck Starters and Alternators. 305 units, all remanufactured and tested for earlier vehicles, prior to 2000. Closing business. Selling off all rebuilt starters and alternators at 55% off retail. If your car or truck in 1997 or older, at this price you can afford to have a spare. Call Jerry at 406-207-4641.

Public Notices

Legals

Legals

John A. Mercer Turnage Mercer & Wall, PLLP Attorneys at Law 312 1st St E Polson, MT 59860 Telephone: 406-883-5367 jmercer@turnagemercerwall.com

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE

OF: JAMES ARNO QUIST, Deceased.

Cause No.: DP-22-98

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-entitled estate, and that the address of the Personal Representative is set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent having claims against the decedent’s estate must present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice, or be forever barred as creditors of the decedent.

A written statement of the claim indicating its basis, the name and address of the claimant, and the amount claimed, may be filed with the Clerk of the District Court, at Polson, Lake County, Montana, or mailed, Return Receipt Requested, to the Personal Representative, c/o TURNAGE MER-

see page 31

public notices

All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or said claims will be forever barred as creditors of the decedent.

CER & WALL, PLLP, Attorneys for the Personal Representative, at 312 1st St. E, Polson, MT 59860.

/s/ Denise Blacker Denise Blacker

Personal Representative Estate of James Arno Quist, Deceased.

Jan. 25., Feb. 1 and 8, 2023

MNAXLP

William P. Williams, IV FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS, PLLC

Attorneys at Law

324 Main SW

Ronan, MT 59864

Telephone: (406) 676-4470

Attorney for Personal Representative bill@fgwilliamslaw.com

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HOWARD L. NUERNBERGER, Deceased.

CAUSE NO. DP-23-3

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named Estate.

A written statement of the claim indicating its basis, the name and address of the claimant, and the amount claimed, must either be mailed to WILLIAM BROWN, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, c/o FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS, PLLC, 324 Main SW, Ronan, MT 59864, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 23rd day of January, 2023.

/s/ William Brown WILLIAM BROWN, Personal Representative

February 1, 8 and 15, 2023

MNAXLP

John A. Mercer Turnage Mercer & Wall, PLLP Attorneys at Law 312 1st St E Polson, MT 59860

Telephone: 406-883-5367 jmercer@turnagemercerwall.com

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: VIOLET VIOLA PINKERMAN LEWIS, Deceased.

Cause No.: DP-23-2

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That the undersigned have been appointed as Co-Personal Representatives of the above-entitled estate,

and that the address of the Co-Personal Representatives is set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent having claims against the decedent’s estate must present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice, or be forever barred as creditors of the decedent.

A written statement of the claim indicating its basis, the name and address of the claimant, and the amount claimed, may be filed with the Clerk of the District Court, at Polson, Lake County, Montana, or mailed, Return Receipt Requested, to the Co-Personal Representatives, c/o TURNAGE MERCER & WALL, PLLP, Attorneys for the Co-Personal Representatives, at 312 1st St. E, Polson, MT 59860.

/s/ Steven Escoe Lewis Steven Escoe Lewis

/s/ Mark Anthony Lewis Mark Anthony Lewis

Co-Personal Representatives

Estate of Violet Viola Pinkerman Lewis, Deceased.

Jan. 18, 25 and Feb. 1, 2023 MNAXLP

John A. Mercer Turnage Mercer & Wall, PLLP Attorneys at Law 312 1st St E Polson, MT 59860 Telephone: 406-883-5367 jmercer@turnagemercerwall.com

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: NORMAN D. REUM, same person as Norman Reum, Deceased.

Cause No.: DP-23-4

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-entitled estate, and that the address of the Personal Representative is set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent having claims against the decedent’s estate must present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice, or be forever barred as creditors of the decedent.

A written statement of the claim indicating its basis, the name and address of the claimant, and the amount claimed, may be filed with the Clerk of the District Court, at Polson, Lake County, Montana, or mailed, Return Receipt Requested, to the Personal Representative, c/o TURNAGE MERCER & WALL, PLLP, Attorneys for the Personal Representative, at 312 1st St. E, Polson, MT 59860.

/s/ John A. Mercer

John A Mercer

Personal Representative

Estate of NORMAN D. REUM, Deceased.

Feb. 1, 8, and 15, 2023 MNAXLP

Notice is hereby given that the sixth day of February 2023 at 5 p.m. is the final date

for filing declarations for nomination for two three-year-term positions for the St. Ignatius Rural Fire District. Election to be held May 2, 2023. Contact Lake Co. Elections office for declarations of nominations forms or go to: www.lakemt.gov\1184\forms.

Jan. 25 and Feb. 1, 2023 MNAXLP