Tribal education funds

by M.S. Sacry for the Valley Journal

FLATHEAD RESERVATION — Fewer CSKT tribal members applied for college aid last year, following national trends, but the tribe has both funds available for education and positions that need filling by college graduates, a tribal education official told tribal council in mid-January.

“Since COVID-19 hit, the number of applicants has dropped,” Tribal Education Department Scholarship Officer Miranda Burland said. “... We’ve dropped drastically, and part of that is either students are working, or they just don’t want to be in classes.”

This follows with a national trend. According to data released in January, college enrollment has dropped by 938,000 students since fall of 2019, accounting for a loss of 5.1% in enrollment. The bulk of the loss comes in community colleges, where the National Student Clearinghouse reports enrollment has dropped by 13%.

Some higher education experts have sounded the alarm on the impacts lower enrollment could have in the long term. Critical jobs for social services like doctors, nurses, social workers and schoolteachers could remain open in the future if not enough students enroll in present-day. Statistically, people with degrees also generate more tax revenue than those who do not earn degrees. Without that revenue, there could be fewer tax dollars available for services like healthcare, roads, and schools in the future, experts warn.

On average, 250 to 280 students usually apply for aid from CSKT, but this year only around 200 have. Burland said she’s returned higher ed funding every year, even when the tribe had more applicants. Burland estimates that on average, around six graduate students and 24 undergraduates graduate every year after receiving assistance from the program.

More funds will be available for students pursing degrees in specific degree fields, including civil and electrical engineering, hydrology, K-12 teachers, pharmacy, and social work. Junior and senior undergraduate students and graduates in those fields can receive up to $6,000 per academic year, according to the presentation. These fields identified as areas where the tribe needs workers.

Burland said the higher amount is available for upper division students because occasionally lower division students do drop out after receiving funding. Upper-level students are typically more likely to graduate, according to Burland and other council members.

“The hope is just to get more students to apply,” Burland said. “... I want to fund students. I want to fund them all.”

The scholarships can be awarded to accredited trade schools, to cover programs like beauty school, heavy equipment operation, or lineman programs, Burland added.

“On average, it’s maybe five students,” she said. “It’s not very many students who do the trade programs... I would like to see more, and when we visit with high school seniors that’s one of the things we do talk about.”

Council member Len TwoTeeth encouraged Burland to get in touch with the tribal legal department to obtain a list of jobs that will be needed to implement the CSKT Tribal Water Compact, a multi-billion

settlement made between the U.S. government, State of Montana, and the tribes last year. Tribal funds available for college bound students“I want to fund students. I want to fund them all.” - Scholarship Officer Miranda Burland Some of the jobs that will be needed to implement the compact include civil and electrical engineers, according to Burland. “These are jobs that are going to be needed and are something that will require education,” TwoTeeth said. For more information about CSKT’s Higher Education Scholarship program, visit http:// www.cskteducation.org/ en-us/higher-education/ higher-ed-scholarship.

Montana Leopold Conservation Award seeks applicants

News from Sand County Foundation

MONTANA — Know a Montana rancher, farmer or forestland owner who goes above and beyond in the stewardship and management of natural resources? Nominate them for the 2022 Montana Leopold Conservation Award.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 23 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Montana, the $10,000 award is presented with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Rangeland Resources Committee.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. The application can be found online at the Sand County Foundation website.

The application deadline is March 15. Applications can be emailed to sbarta@mt.gov or mailed to Leopold Conservation Award, c/o State Coordinator Rangeland Resources Program, Dept. of Natural Resources & Conservation,220 W. Lamme, Suite 1A, Bozeman, MT 59715.

Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders.

“Recipients of this award are real life examples of conservation-minded agriculture,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer. “These hard-working families are essential to our environment, food system and rural economy.”

“Our farmers, ranchers, and forestland managers are leading the effort on the ground to implement conservation practices for the benefit of all Montanans,” said Amanda Kaster, Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Director. “Recognizing their dedication to the land through the Leopold Conservation Award is just one small way we can acknowledge their work.”

Blood donations critically needed amid first-ever Red Cross blood crisis

News from the American Red Cross

GREAT FALLS — While there has been a significant and encouraging response to the dire need for blood across the nation, the American Red Cross needs more people to give in the weeks ahead to recover from its worst blood shortage in more than a decade. Those interested in helping are urged to schedule the earliest-available blood donation appointment in their area to help ensure accident victims rushed to the emergency room, those being treated for cancer and others who count on blood product transfusions can receive lifesaving care without delay.

Since the Red Cross issued its first-ever blood crisis alert, severe winter weather has further complicated efforts to rebuild the blood supply. Hundreds of blood drives have been canceled across the country due to winter storms in January, forcing about 6,500 blood and platelet donations to go uncollected.

As the effects from the spread of the omicron variant and winter weather persist, people are urged to make an appointment now to give blood in the weeks ahead by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood. org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

As a thank-you for coming out to help save lives during this blood crisis, those who come to give blood Feb. 1-28, 2022, will receive a $10 Amazon.com Gift Card via email.

Blood drive safety:

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and additional precautions – including face masks for donors and staff, regardless of vaccination status – have been implemented to help protect the health of all those in attendance. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive.

Save time during donation:

Donors can also save up to 15 minutes at the blood drive by completing a RapidPass. With RapidPass, donors complete the pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of donation, from a mobile device or computer. To complete a RapidPass®, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood. org/RapidPass or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

To donate blood, individuals need to bring a blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification that are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also must meet certain height and weight requirements.

Health insights for donors:

At a time when health information has never been more important, the Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This additional screening will provide Black donors with an additional health insight and help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease who require trait-negative blood. Blood transfusion is an essential treatment for those with sickle cell disease, and blood donations from individuals of the same race, ethnicity and blood type have a unique ability to help patients fighting sickle cell disease.

Donors can expect to receive sickle cell trait screening results, if applicable, within one to two weeks through the Red Cross Blood Donor App and the online donor portal at RedCrossBlood.org.

BIGSTOCK PHOTO The American Red Cross reports the current shortage is the worst in over a decade.

DPHHS lists Lake County days/hours of at-home rapid test distribution

News from DPHHS

Polson: Lake County Public Health, 802 Main Street Suite A, Tuesday 9–11 a.m. and Thursday 2–4 p.m.

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes

Arlee: Arlee Tribal Community Center, 34086 Pow Wow Rd., email: COVID19@cskthealth.org, Days/Hours of At-Home Rapid Test distribution: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

St. Ignatius: St. Ignatius Tribal Health, 35401 Mission Dr., Email: COVID@ cskthealth.org, Days/ Hours of At-Home Rapid Test: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Ronan: Ronan Tribal Health, 26 Round Butte Rd., Email: COVID19@ cskthealth.org Days/Hours of At-Home Rapid Test distribution: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Polson: Polson Tribal Health, 5 Fourth Ave. E, Email: COVID19@cskthealth.org, Days/Hours of At-Home Rapid Test distribution: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Elmo: Elmo Tribal Health, 208 Main St., Email: COVID19@cskthealth.org, Days/Hours of At-Home Rapid Test distribution: Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

DPHHS will update the website as more information on distribution is made available by local public health departments.

Conservation Corner

LCCD scholarship opens

News from the LCCD

Do you know a Lake County resident high school senior with an interest in conservation, natural resources, and agriculture? Then check out the Future Steward Conservation Scholarship on the Lake County Conservation District website.

Award: $500

Application opens: 2/2/2022

Application closes: 4/15/2022

Decision made by: 5/15/2022

Noxon honor roll for second quarter announced

High honor roll 3.50-4.0 GPA Honor roll 3.0-3.49 GPA

Seniors: Derreck Christensen, Vanessa Horner, Laurel Miller, Jaedyn Murray, Riley Richter, Gunnar Swanson, Cade Vanvleet

Juniors: Cleo Hahn

Sophomores: Samuel Christensen, Martha Klaus, Shamus Wheeldon

Freshmen: Nathan Hutfles, Gage Todd, Zachary Storaasli, Haylee Wiedeman

Eighth grade: Callie Cano, Finn Duffy, Elloria Jensen

Seventh grade: Mia Olson

Seniors: Nate Cano, Wyatt Lackner, Shane Reishus, Treven Monegan

Juniors: Emily Brown, Aubrey Erwin, Easton Hanley, Skye Irgens

Sophomores: Natasha Fisher, Kaitlin Keiscome, Amari PrintzHay, Maygan Swanson

Freshman: Ian Brown, Teagan Summers, Emma Swanson, Ricky Williams, Stephanie Everett, DJ Ringleka, Jasmyn Hancock

Eighth grade: June McIntire

Seventh grade: Brianna Horner

Carroll College names Dean’s List students

News from Sarah Lawlor / Carroll College

HELENA — Carroll College named local students to its 2021 fall semester dean’s list. To be included on the dean’s list, a student must receive a 3.5 grade point average or higher on a 4.0 scale and take at least 12 graded credits in a semester.

Charlo: Bellicia Hawk

Plains: Audrey Brown

Polson: Summer Kovarik, Margaret Todd, Hope Unger

Ronan: Brooklyn Kenelty, James Normandeau, Ellie Thiel

Montana Sage Grouse Oversight Team to meet Feb. 11

News from DNRC

How healthy is your heart?

Find out in February. Learn to save a life with CPR

Heart Saver CPR class,

free classroom and video-basedvideo-based coursecourse toto teachteach adult CPR and AED use, plus how to relieve choking in an Cardiac Health Profile, $49 adult. This course is for • • • • Complete metabolic panel Complete blood count Thyroid stimulating hormone tes Check in at the front desk: 7-10 t a.m., anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card in

Mon., Tues. or Fri. CPRCPR andand AEDAED use,use, oror forfor general preparedness.

LiLipidpid P Profile, free

• Must be fasting: No food or drink Saturdays in February: except water 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. 10+ hours beforehand Grandview Lobby in the • Results will be mailed to you building west of Providence • No appointment required St. Joseph Medical Center. • Check in at Mon., Tues. the fro or Fri. nt desk: 7-10 a.m., To sign up additional or ask times, about call Cindy Baseline EKG, $30 Hagen at 406-883-7488. • All EKGs read by cardiologist • 7-10 a.m., Mon., Tues. or Fri. • Please call 406-883-8498 to schedule

Heart Saver CPR class,

free classroom and video-basedvideo-based coursecourse toto teachteach adult CPR and AED use, plus how to relieve choking in an Cardiac Health Profile, $49 adult. This course is for • • • • Complete metabolic panel Complete blood count Thyroid stimulating hormone tes Check in at the front desk: 7-10 t a.m., anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card in

Mon., Tues. or Fri. CPRCPR andand AEDAED use,use, oror forfor general preparedness.

LipLipidid P Profile, free

• Must be fasting: No food or drink Saturdays in February: except water 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. 10+ hours beforehand Grandview Lobby in the • Results will be mailed to you building west of Providence • No appointment required St. Joseph Medical Center. • Check in at Mon., Tues. the fro or Fri. nt desk: 7-10 a.m., To sign up additional or ask times, about call Cindy Baseline EKG, $30 Hagen at 406-883-7488. • All EKGs read by cardiologist • 7-10 a.m., Mon., Tues. or Fri. • Please call 406-883-8498 to schedule Payment is required at time of service. We cannot bill insurance.Cash, check and all major credit cards accepted. All results will be mailed.Cardiac Health and Lipid Profile results are available electronically on MyChart.

HELENA — The Montana Sage Grouse Oversight Team will meet at DNRC Headquarters in Helena, in the Montana room, Friday, Feb. 11, from 1-4 p.m. Members of the public are invited to participate in person or virtually via C Sign up for the HeartSaver CPR and AED classes offered during the month of February. This is a classroom, video-based course for CPR and AED use, as well as choking in adults. This course is for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card in CPR and AED use, or for general preparedness. Cardiac Health Profile, $49 • Complete metabolic panel • Complete blood count • Thyroid stimulating hormone test • Check in at front desk: 7-10 a.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday Lipid Profile, free • Must be fasting: No food or drink except water 10+ hours beforehand • Results will be mailed to you • By appointment only call 406-883-8498 or 883-8263 Heart Saver CPR class, free classroom and video-based course to teachvideo-based course to teach adult CPR and AED use, plus how to relieve choking in an adult. This course is for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card in CPR and AED use, or forCPR and AED use, or for ardiac Health Profile, $49 • Complete metabolic panel • Complete blood count • Thyroid stimulating hormone test • Check in at the front desk: 7-10 a.m., Mon., Tues. or Fri. Zoom, with a time dedicated for public comment. Contact Emily Moran at: emoran@mt.gov for login information. A discussion of SB230 - transfer of Stewardship funds deposit to the state general fund - and authorization LiLi Saturdays in February 9-11 am or 1-3 pm Byrnes Conference Room on the 2nd floor of Providence St. Joseph Medical Center. Limit of 8 people per class. Wear comfortable clothing to be able to participate in the skills portion. • Check in at the front desk: 7-10 a.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday Vitamin D Profile, $35 • Must be fasting: No food or drink except water 10+ hours beforehand • Results will be mailed to you • By appointment only call 406-883-8498 or 883-8263 • Check in at the front desk: 7-10 a.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday general preparedness. Saturdays in February: 9-11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m. Grandview Lobby in the building west of Providence St. Joseph Medical Center. To sign up or ask about additional times, call Cindy pid Ppid Profile, free • Must be fasting: No food or drink except water 10+ hours beforehand • Results will be mailed to you • No appointment required • Check in at the front desk: 7-10 a.m., Mon., Tues. or Fri. for a new grant cycle is planned during Base Baseline, EKG, $30line EKG, $30 Hagen at To register, please call 406-883-7488. the meeting. The MSGOT oversees implementa• • • • All EKGs read by cardiologist • 8 a.m. – 12 noon, Monday and Tuesday • By appointment only call 406-883-8498 or 883-8263 All EKGs read by cardiologist 7-10 a.m., Mon., Tues. or Fri. Please call 406-883-8498 to schedule Cindy Hagen at 406-883-7488. tion of Montana’s Sage Grouse ConPayment is Payment is required at time of service. We cannot bill required at time of service. We servation Strategy by the Sage Grouse cannot bill insurance. Cash, check and all major credit cards accepted. insurance.Cash, check and all maj maiHabitat Conservation Program. Details or credit led.Card All results will be mailed. Cardiac Health and Lipid Profile results are available electronically on MyChart. cards accepted. All results will be iac Health and Lipid Profile results about MSGOT and the program are are available electronically on MyChart. available at: https://sagegrouse.mt.gov/.