02/08/23 issue

Sandpiper hosts first Friday show after gallery redesign

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

POLSON — The Sandpiper

Art Gallery celebrated its first non-juried open show of the year in their newly remodeled space last Friday.

The Sandpiper is a nonprofit organization that encourages participation in and appreciation

for the fine arts. Local artists display their work in the professional Main Street gallery. With over 50 members, the Sandpiper holds six shows a year to feature a variety of artists from across the valley, as well as several fundraisers to create scholarships for Lake and Sanders County students studying the arts.

One of two shows per year are open to non-member artists from the surrounding area, Gallery Director Margery Christensen said. The current show “Picture Perfect” - which runs through March 17 - includes far more than photographs. One artist featured that stuck out in Christensen’s mind was retired

optometrist Dr. Ofstad, one of the first to bring in pieces for display. Ofstad arrived early in the submission window with his handcrafted wooden flutes. “They’re very unique, and most people who knew him would never have suspected that he did art on the side,” Christensen see page 2

The “Picture Perfect” art show runs through March 17.

during their annual January closure.

from page 1

early in the submission window with his handcrafted wooden flutes. “They’re very unique, and most people that knew him would never have suspected that he did art on the side,” Christensen commented.

Those interested in seeing Ofstad’s art, along with the work of numerous other talented artists, can visit the display during any of the gallery and gift shop’s open hours Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This show also provides a good first opportunity to see the gallery renovations that took place

“(Denise Zemke and I) had just a great month putting the gallery together,” Christensen said of the renovations, which included painting, floor refinishing, and moving and building shelves. “She’s the gift shop director and I’m gallery director so we’re in charge of the visual of the whole thing.”

Zemke and Christensen’s mothers were Sandpiper members together and were responsible for getting the two involved. Since Christensen retired to Polson from her career as an art teacher in 2009, the pair have become close friends and very involved in the gallery.

“I’m really pleased with the turnout

from the public and our community and I’m also just delighted to work with (Zemke),” Christensen said.

The next Sandpiper Art Gallery show will be “Last Best Place,” an invitational exhibit with artists selected by Christensen that will run from March 21 to May 12.

Information about the four remaining shows, including another non-juried open show for community members, can be found throughout the year online at: sandpiperartgallery.com. To learn more about upcoming shows or how to become a member visit: facebook.com/PolsonSandpiper

Sandpiper

BOONE GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL

The recent redesign allows for increased visibility inside the gallery from the building’s large front windows.

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Department of Livestock recommends

Recommendation follows euthanization of several horses with poor prognosis

News from the MT Department of Livestock

HELENA — Following multiple confirmed cases of equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy (EHM) in Flathead County, the Montana Department of Livestock recommended that horse owners and event coordinators in the Flathead Valley limit travel and cancel events that bring horses from multiple sources together through Feb. 6.

The recommendation is based on involvement of horses on three premises that attended events at two or more event centers in the area. Several horses have been euthanized because of poor prognosis. The date of the department’s recommendation spans 14 days which is one full incubation period (time from exposure to the development of clinical signs) of EHV-1 beyond known travel history of involved horses. If additional cases of EHV-1 are detected, this date will be extended.

EHV-1 is a potentially serious disease of horses that can cause respiratory or neurologic disease in affected animals.

The neurologic form of disease, equine herpes myeloencephalopathy, is often fatal. To date, five cases of EHV-1/ EHM (three confirmed and two suspected) have been reported on three separate premises. Four of the confirmed and suspected cases have been euthanized due to the severity of disease. The fifth animal is exhibiting mild clinical signs and is under quarantine. Exposed horses from the affected premises are also subject to quarantine for 21 days beyond the last date of potential exposure.

The department reports that several of the affected horses had no travel history, but herd mates, who remain without symptoms, attended events where they were exposed and therefore

likely contributed to disease spread at their home locations and other equine events.

Horse owners who have attended events in the Flathead Valley in recent weeks should monitor their animals for fever (temperature greater than 101.5 F) or development of any neurologic signs for two weeks after their last travel. Neurologic signs can include incoordination, difficulty walking, weakness, paralysis, inability to stand, poor tail tone, and difficulty urinating. Horses infected with EHV-1 may also have respiratory signs such as cough, nasal discharge, lethargy, and decreased appetite. Horse owners concerned about the health of their horses should contact their local veterinari-

an. Suspected cases of EHV-1/EHM should also be reported to the department.

The disease is primarily spread through aerosol transmission by inhalation of droplets from coughing and snorting. Additionally, the virus can be viable for several weeks in the environment and spread indirectly between horses. Common water sources, feeders, tie-outs, and shared equipment and tack can all contribute to spread. Additionally, people can carry the virus between animals, typically through inadequate washing of hands

or equipment. Horse owners should work with their local veterinarians on biosecurity recommendations to help reduce disease spread.

General recommendations for equine travel include:

- Keep any horses exhibiting signs of disease, including fever, at home.

- Avoid sharing water sources, equipment, tie out locations, and trailering.

- Consider isolating horses that travel off premises away from their resident population of horses.

- Horses that have attended events should

be monitored for 14 days beyond their last event.

- If an animal develops a fever, shows signs of respiratory illness, or neurologic disease, please isolate the animal and contact your local veterinarian.

The mission of the Montana Department of Livestock is to control and eradicate animal diseases, prevent the transmission of animal diseases to humans, and to protect the livestock industry from theft and predatory animals. For more information on the Montana Department of Livestock, visit: liv. mt.gov

Indian Child Welfare Act would protect future generations, advocates say

House Bill 317 would cement federal protections for Native American children and families in Montana law.

News from Mara Silvers / MFP and JoVonne Wagner / ICT

HELENA — A bill to cement existing federal protections in state law for Native American children, families and tribal nations navigating child welfare proceedings received broad support from Indigenous child welfare advocates during a packed hearing Wednesday at the Montana Legislature.

House Bill 317, sponsored by Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, would create the Montana Indian Child Welfare Act, a policy similar to the federal law known as ICWA that puts guardrails on the removal of Native children from their families and restricts placement of Native children with non-Native families and guardians. The seminal 1978 ICWA was implemented after decades of wrongful child removals from Native families, followed by foster care and adoption placements that disconnected children from their culture, extended family and community.

Federal ICWA protections could be weakened if the U.S. Supreme Court rules against Native American families and tribal nations in the ongoing court case Brackeen v. Haaland, Windy Boy said Wednesday. If that happens, he said, Native American children and families could again face the devasta-

tion of separation from culture and community.

“For too long, a lot of our kids have been lost in one system or another, whether it be this system or through residential schools,” Windy Boy told lawmakers on the House Human Services Committee.

“It’s time to wake up and kind of move forward.”

What the law would do HB 317 would require state and local governments to make “active efforts” to prevent the separation of Native American families in Montana through rehabilitation and services. If a Native American child is placed in foster care or parental rights are terminated, the bill would give priority to placements with extended family members, tribal foster homes, Indian families with similar culture to that of the child’s, or another Indian family in order to support the “best interests” of the child.

The Montana ICWA would also establish requirements in court proceedings for tribal participation and communication in order to ensure children are placed within their respective tribe or with a relative. The bill would require that every Native American child in the state be appointed a tribal representative to be present for all court proceedings that determine custody rights, foster care placements and other affairs, giving Montana tribes executive jurisdiction over the child’s case. The Montana ICWA would also give respective tribes the authority to approve both Indigenous and non-Indigenous licensed foster homes for the child.

Brooke Baracker-Taylor, a member of the Indian Law section of the Montana State Bar and a descendent of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians who helped draft the bill, told lawmakers Wednesday that the bill is an effort to codify federal ICWA standards and incorporate federal guidance on the law from 2016.

“The Montana Indian Child Welfare Act is a critical piece of legislation to strengthen the coordination between tribes in the state by requiring meaningful consultation to protect and preserve tribal families,” Baracker-Taylor said. “Importantly, ICWA is the floor, meaning that the state is free to pass laws that provide even greater protections for tribes and Indian families.”

Examples of such additional protections, Baracker-Taylor said, include enhanced requirements for notice to tribal na-

tions during all legal proceedings, and the additional option of placing a child with an Indian tribe of similar culture.

While Native American children are already overrepresented in Montana’s foster care population, making up roughly 31% of out-of-home placements according to a 2020 state report on the foster care system, Baracker-Taylor said ICWA requirements in Montana have helped ensure that children are placed in the best possible settings. In Yellowstone County, home to two of Montana’s specialized ICWA courts, Baracker-Taylor said, Native American children ended up in preferred placements 89% of the time by the end of a court proceeding.

“The Montana statute is a key piece in addressing disproportionality and protecting the long-term best interests of Indian children and their families,” Baracker-Taylor said.

“The MICWA will ensure that Indian children, regardless of where they live in Montana or in which court their cases are heard, whether that be a specialty court or not, that they receive reunification services consistent with the gold standard.”

‘The basis for their identity‘

More than 30 proponents of HB 317 spoke on Wednesday to stress the importance of solidifying protections for children and families and create a legal framework to support future generations.

Dawn Gray, managing attorney for the Blackfeet Tribe and an ICWA expert, said the law would help ensure that children remain connected with their communities and families.

“That’s the basis for their identity,” Gray said. “Separating that through any state or governmental system creates the roots of the cause of prob-

Rep. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, presents House Bill 317 to the House Human Services Committee on Feb. 1, 2023.

lems within our society, collectively.”

Other proponents included Leo Thompson, a Missoula resident who spoke about their experience growing up in a non-Native household. For years, Thompson said, they didn’t know their tribal heritage because Thompson’s parents “didn’t know and they didn’t think it was important to ask.”

“Reconnecting with my heritage as an adult has been a long and arduous journey, but each day that I practice my people’s beliefs, participate in ceremony, spend time with my community and practice my language, I feel that wound I’ve carried with me since childhood close,” Thompson said.

The bill was also supported by the eight tribal nations in Montana, the

ACLU of Montana, the Montana Human Rights Network and other groups. Child and Family Services Division administrator Nikki Grossberg, representing the state health department, appeared as an informational witness but did not speak in support or opposition to the bill.

Bruce Spencer, a lobbyist representing the State Bar of Montana, was the sole registered opponent who spoke before lawmakers Wednesday evening, but said the State Bar does not take issue with the majority of the bill’s content. Rather, he highlighted a section that would admit certain attorneys to practice

Do you like helping others?

in state court, a power Spencer said rests solely with the Montana Supreme Court.

“There is an easy solution, and the State Bar pledges to help the proponents with this solution,” Spencer said. “And that is to petition the Supreme Court for a change in the rules to do just what [the bill] suggests.” If that part of the bill is struck, he continued, the State Bar has “no opposition” to the bill.

Windy Boy told Spencer and lawmakers he is open to incorporating friendly amendments to the proposal. Windy Boy and another member of the Montana American Indian Caucus, Rep.

Sharon Stewart Peregoy, D-Crow Agency, reiterated their interest in helping the bill work its way through the Legislative process.

“ICWA was established to protect and ensure that the quality of the life of these children remains good,” Stewart Peregoy said. “And unfortunately, the standards of care that we have been subjected to, the state system, is the reason why we bring this forth. We need to fix the system, that’s why this bill is in place.”

The committee did not vote on the bill Wednesday evening.

This story is co-published by Montana Free Press and ICT, a news partnership that covers the Montana American Indian Caucus during the state’s 2023 legislative session. Funding is provided in part by the Headwaters Foundation.

Valentine's Heart Candle!

Apply today on our website www.mme-mt.org or contact Tony Meyers at 406-676-2563

Applications are also available at our Administration Building in Ronan, 330 Main St SW Ronan MT 59864

We look forward to meeting you!!

Refillable!

Saturday, February 11th

Saturday, February 11th

Salish Kootenai College Gym

Salish Kootenai College Gym

10 am – 2 pm

10 am – 2 pm

If you are a new parent, an expecting parent, a family member, someone looking for resources, a community member, please join us!

-Lunch will be provided -Book/Cake Walk -Vaccinations - Hearing Screenings

If you are a new parent, an expecting parent, a family member, someone looking for resources, a community member, please join us!

Infant CPR -Adult CPR – Health Information – Narcan – Vision Screenings -Job

Opportunities - Door Prizes -Car Seat Safety & Inspections -Oral Health Screenings

If you are a new parent, an expecting parent, a family member looking for resources, a community member, please

-Lunch will be provided -Book/ Cake Walk -Vaccinations - Hearing

- Face Painting -Breast Feeding Information -Voter Registration -Substance Abuse

-Lunch will be provided -Book/Cake Walk -Vaccinations - Hearing

Prevention – Child Development -Self Care Information -Literacy Information

PRE-ORDER for pick up!

Family Pictures - Parenting Information and much more!

Screenings - Infant CPR -Adult CPR –Health Information – Narcan – Vision Screenings -Job Opportunities - Door Prizes -Car Seat Safety & Inspections

Infant CPR -Adult CPR – Health Information – Narcan – Vision Screenings

406-319-2187

Opportunities - Door Prizes -Car Seat Safety & Inspections -Oral Health

There will be many community organizations available to share their information!

-Oral Health Screenings - Face Painting -Breast Feeding Information

For more information, please call CSKT Early Childhood Services (406) 745-450

-Voter Registration -Substance Abuse

- Face Painting -Breast Feeding Information -Voter Registration -

Prevention – Child Development -Self Care Information -Literacy Information

Family Pictures - Parenting Information and much more!

Prevention – Child Development -Self Care Information -Literacy InformationFamily Pictures - Parenting Information and much more!

There will be many community organizations available to share their

BEARGRASS CANDLES

222 Main Street, Polson, MT M-F 10:30-5pm Sat-10:30-3pm

There will be many community organizations available to share their information!

For more information, please call CSKT Earrly Childhood Services (4

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

“

We need to fix the system, that’s why this bill is in place.”

- Rep. Sharon Stewart Peregoy

Stories by Jeff Smith of Anderson Broadcasting for the Valley Journal

Brockie sentenced for possession with intent to distribute

POLSON — A Spokane woman was committed in Polson’s District Court to 10 years with the Montana Department of Corrections with five years suspended for bringing fentanyl into Lake County. Amanda Jean Brockie, 51, entered a plea of guilty to criminal possession with intent to distribute during a court appearance in December. The plea was entered as part of an agreement that dismisses one count of tampering with physical evidence.

According to court records, on Oct. 25, Brockie was a passenger of a car that had traveled into Lake County from Spokane. Law enforcement had received “confidential but reliable” information that Brockie had gone to Spokane specifically to bring drugs back to Lake County.

When the Silver Ford Edge that Brockie was in returned to Lake County, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop on it and detained Brockie on an outstanding warrant. Brockie was transported to the Lake County jail and placed in a holding cell. In a video surveillance recording of the holding cell, detention officers observed Brockie making motions consistent with removing something from the waistband of her pants and dropping it behind a bench of the cell. The item that was dropped turned out to be a plastic candy dispenser containing 102 blue pills with the ‘M” and “30” stamp on them. These pills are known by law enforcement to be a form of counterfeit Oxycodone pills that contain fentanyl. Text messages made by Brockie were recovered from a mobile device that revealed Brockie’s intention to distribute the pills in Lake County.

Judge Molly Owen gave Brockie credit for having already served 99 days in the Lake County jail.

Perkins pleads guilty to assault

POLSON — A Kalispell man admitted to assaulting two women on separate occasions.

Douglas James Perkins, 34, entered a plea of guilty to two felony counts of partner or family member assault at Polson District Court on Feb. 1.

According to court records, on Sept. 15, 2022, law enforcement in Kalispell were called to investigate a possible assault victim. The alleged victim stated she suffered bruising to her face and arms. She indicated

that she sustained the bruises while she was traveling in a car in Polson with Perkins on Sept. 10, 2022. The investigation was then transferred to law enforcement in Lake County. A Deputy with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office took over the investigation. The deputy was told by the alleged victim that she and Perkins began to argue when she explained to him that she doesn’t feel safe around him. She then attempted to call a friend to come and pick her up. That’s when Perkins allegedly took her phone, got out of the car they were in and pulled her to the ground. She said Perkins then punched, slapped and stomped on her multiple times

Torngren pleads guilty to possession with intent to distribute

POLSON — A Spokane man admitted to bringing fentanyl into Lake County for distribution. Thomas Bradley Torngren, 45, entered a plea of guilty in Polson District Court Feb. 1 to criminal possession with intent to distribute. The guilty plea was entered as part of a plea agreement that will dismiss at sentencing on count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs.

According to court records, on Sept. 25, 2021, Torngren was a passenger

in a silver Dodge Charger that was subject to a traffic stop for having an inoperable taillight. The vehicle was also the subject of a “suspicious activity” report outside of a Ronan tavern. Torngren initially gave law enforcement a false name before providing his real name. He explained that he did so because he is affiliated with a gang in Washington and it was something he was not proud to have on his record. A search of Torngren turned up a baggie of methamphetamine and 21 small blue pills. A search warrant was obtained for the Dodge Charger. During the search law enforcement located two pipes, a dig-

then prevented her from seeking medical attention.

Perkins also admitted to assaulting another female in Polson Oct. 22.

Records show Perkins has at least three other convictions of a similar nature, two in Montana and one in California.

Judge Molly Owen denied a request for an own recognizance release after learning of Perkins lengthy criminal record as outlined in court by prosecutor Lori Adams with the Lake County Attorney’s Office. Judge Owen set a sentencing date of March 22. Perkins remains in the Lake County jail with bail totaling $105,000.

Ell pleads not guilty to assault

ital scale, and several cell phones. A search of the cell phones revealed several texts referencing fentanyl for sale. Torngren was also in possession of $540 cash. Torngren admitted that he travels to Washington to buy pills and returns to Montana to sell them.

The plea agreement calls for a joint recommendation of 10 years with the Montana Department of Corrections with all that time suspended on the condition that Torngren successfully completes inpatient treatment prior to sentencing.

Judge Molly Owen set a sentencing date of March 23. Torngren remains in the Lake County jail with bail set at $100,000.

POLSON — A Woods Bay man is accused of cutting his girlfriend with a knife.

Matthew Jarame Ell, 52, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson’s District Court on Feb. 1 to felony assault with a weapon and misdemeanor partner or family member assault.

According to court records, on Jan. 10 Deputy Glenn Miller with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, was paged out to a report of an assault at a residence in the Woods Bay area. At the scene, a woman reported that she came home from work and found that Ell

Ell see page 9

Perkins

Torngren

Suicide prevention class to be held

News from St. Ignatius Police ST. IGNATIUS

— On Wednesday, March 22, we will be hosting MLEA post credit training on QPR Suicide Prevention in Saint Ignatius. QPR stands for Question, Persuade, and Refer. More information about QPR can be found at: qprinstitute.com

Three post credit hours will be awarded to this training. It is listed on: dojmt. gov/post/post-bulletin-board

There will be two training events that day to try and meet everyone’s schedules. The first one will start at 1 p.m. and the second will start at 5 p.m. The training is

courts

at no financial cost to your agency, and it will also be open to the public. The guest speaker will be Fredrick Lee from the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Department.

The training will be held at the St. Ignatius Senior Citizens Center, 212 North Main Street, St. Ignatius. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

For attendance purposes and head count, please let Chief Acheson know if you plan to attend either one of the trainings at chief@townofstignatius.com or by calling 406-745-3881.

PLPW Advisory Committee to meet Feb. 16 via Zoom

News from MT Fish,

ear and side of her head.

Wildlife & Parks ZOOM — The Private Land/Public Wildlife Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday, Feb. 16, via Zoom from 8:30 a.m. to noon.

The 13-member advisory committee, appointed by the governor, is charged with reviewing FWP’s access programs and offering recommendations to help achieve program goals and maintaining good relations between hunters and landowners.

The meeting will be streamed live on the FWP website at: fwp. mt.gov/plpw. Public comment will be taken via Zoom. To make a comment via Zoom, you must register on the FWP website by noon on Feb. 15. For more information on PLPW and a full agenda, visit the FWP website at: fwp. mt.gov/plpw.

from page 8

had not done the dishes and he was on the couch listening to loud music. An argument between the two followed. The argument turned physical, and Ell allegedly pinned the woman down by her shoulders and slapped around her

Ell is also alleged to have pulled out an open pocketknife and cut the woman three times on her left forearm and wrist area. Ell allegedly grabbed a larger knife from the kitchen and used it to cut the sweatshirt and shirt the woman was wearing. The woman was able to

escape to a nearby brewery to call law enforcement. Deputy Miller documented cuts to the woman as well as to her clothing.

Judge Molly Owen set a trial date of July 31. Ell remains in the Lake County jail with bail set at $25,000.

valley views Library renovation project progresses

So much is happening this month with our renovation project and we have some updates to share. Please visit our website and our Renovation FAQ page for more information.

The library will be holding a surplus equipment sale on Friday, Feb. 24, from 2 to 6 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 25 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the library. We are selling most of our existing furniture, shelving and older equipment as well as a lot of miscellaneous items and books. Please be sure to stop in and see what we have. We will post some photos to our website and Facebook in the days before the sale. Cash, checks, PayPal and cards are accepted.

Through Feb. 17 you

can come into the library and checkout as many of our 28-day books as you would like from our shelves, and keep them through Oct. 2. We have to clear out the library, so this is a huge help to us. After Feb. 17, we will begin packing up books to move to storage. We’ve had some great offers of help to get us moved out, but could use more. If you’re interested in helping move us, please talk to Mallory at the library. We will be closed March 2 – 4 to move out of the library and into our temporary location at 301 16th Ave. E (Polson United Methodist

View from the Library

Church west entrance). We will be open at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 6, at this location for all services and Mother Goose. We are thankful to the Church for opening up their building to house us during our renovation. The space is fully ADA accessible, has great parking and ample space for us to offer children’s programming. The outside book drop at the library building will continue to be available until construction starts in April. We will check it each business day.

Due to our move we will stop accepting all donated items after Feb. 14. While at our tem-

Lessons from the past two years

The last couple of years have been doozies - for just about all of us. The world has changed before our eyes, in ways we never would have or could have imagined.

I’ve found - often the hard way - that difficult times are opportunities for growth, new perspectives and outlooks.

Two years ago, my world felt devastated

because it was. We were smack dab in the middle of COVID and I had the bonus life change of becoming a new widow.

New widow. How’s that for a conundrum of terms?

porary location, we will accept one small box or bag per week, per family of donated books, movies and magazines. We just don’t have the space during this time to take more and we appreciate your understanding.

Throughout our renovation we will continue to offer Mother Goose on Mondays at 9:15 a.m. and Story Time on Thursdays at 9:15 a.m. at our temporary location. We will also have all of our new books, movies, audiobooks, magazines and a selection of our remaining 28-day books available for browsing and holds. We are relying heavily on our Partner libraries to help keep you supplied with reading material and movies during our renovation, so please ask us to help

place holds if you are not comfortable doing so.

Meagher Public Library and Great Falls Public Library were just added as Partners, so all of their items are also available to place holds now.

As a reminder, our meeting room is unavailable until we are back in our renovated space. We are looking forward to offering a space with updated technology, a sound system and all new paint, carpet and cabinetry.

We will keep our regular hours of Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at our temporary location. For February, the library will also be closed Monday, Feb. 20, in observance of Presidents’ Day. Curbside pickup is available for

Slices of Life

not there (then). Still, as I alluded to above, times of great stress can be times of great learning and positive change.

Jill Pertler Syndicated columnist

I wouldn’t want to repeat the last two years of my life. Not ever. I’m glad I’m here (now) and

I hope I’ve accomplished both. I guess I’m still trying, and that, in itself, counts for something.

The past two years have been life changing. I’ve written about these

changes and outlooks, but I’m putting some of them together here as a sort of summary. A Cliff Notes for life, if you will.

Life is fleeting; it is short. It can all change in an instant. Live in the present - not yesterday, not tomorrow, but now. Live in the now, and appreciate it for all that it is.

Having said that, understand the big picture. What troubled you last

everyone during open hours. Please call us at 406-883-8225 or email us at: polsoncl@polson. lib.mt.us with questions or to request curbside pickup.

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.

year or last month is likely no longer on your radar. Appreciate what is good right now. Understand the hurdles and challenges along your path are most likely temporary.

We are all connected. We all look up at the same sky and are warmed by the same sun. We all claim the same homeMother Earth. We all

see page 11

Letters must be signed by the author and name, address and phone number must be included –phone number is for verification purposes only. Letters from organizations must include the name of at least one author.

Please limit “thank you” letters to four people/organizations or less. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday to publish the following week. Opinions expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the newspaper.

Abbi Dooley, North Lake County Public Library District

Focus on the reasonable Editor,

Once again, the party of small government has decided it needs more than $2.5 million after this legislative session to defend the bills that are passed that are found to be unconstitutional. They did this in the last session and blew through the $100,000 in their budget to defend their laws. Taxpayers, this is how some of you tax dollars are being used. In committee hearing they have already been told, on Senate Bill 154, that if passed, it will immediately be challenged in court. Can the party of small government please focus passing

reasonable laws?

Mary Stranahan Arlee

Oppose SB210 Editor,

I’m amazed at the fact that some members of the GOP Super Majority/Freedom caucus have not taken care of a loved one who is dying. Should they have had this experience, they would not be in support of SB210 which ends the statutory approach to medical aid in dying, set out in the Montana Supreme Court 2009 Baxter decision. Baxter has successfully worked to protect a patient’s most personal end of life decisions.

As a retired nurse who had the often blessed experience of caring for the dying for over a decade, let

me assure you, most of us don’t just close our eyes and pass away. More often than not, our entrance into and our departure from this life is not without struggle. And we should be grateful for the loving hands who help us in these transitions. SB210 takes these hands away.

I hear that support for SB210 can come from religious positions so let me pose this question. Does your religious education come from a place of self-education or self-glorification?

If the former, perhaps you are a better person; if the latter, then most likely as not, those who do not share your values are misguided souls. Let’s stand up to the real misguided souls supporting this bill.

Carol Werner Ronan

from page 10

breathe the same air. Our bodies are universally hydrated by the same H2O compound known as water. We all yearn for love. We have more in common than we have differences. Be kind.

Happiness and joy come from within, as does the most important emotion of all: love. They are always in you, waiting - an infinite reservoir of beauty, reverence and delight, yours for the taking. You, and you alone, can choose happiness and joy - or the opposite. Choose joy. Choose love.

We all make mistakes. Every day. Give yourself grace. Forgive yourself abundantly. The best you can do is learn and step forward, wiser for the

lesson.

The world has a tendency to judge harshly. Don’t repay the favorfor yourself or for anyone else whom you may be tempted to judge. In that, realize that not judging yourself may very well be one the hardest things you’ll ever aspire to do.

I read a quote about the moon that I love. The premise isn’t original with me, but I think it’s good enough to share. The moon, much like people, goes through different phases of darkness and light - a quarter moon, a half moon and so on. Much like the moon, you may change as the illumination in your life waxes and wanes, but through it all you are always whole. Remember this wholeness is always within you.

As much as you (and I) dislike it, we are not in

control. The world provides us with both possibilities and hardships. Take both with equal amounts of gratitude and fortitude. Make the best of every circumstance and hold your head high, despite setbacks and heartbreak.

You’ve got this.

Life can be hard. It often is hard. But you’ve made it this far. Keep pressing forward. Keep going. You can always quit tomorrow.

But don’t. Please don’t. You are worth fighting for. Day after day after day.

I’m rooting for you. I’m right there with you.

Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

sports shorts

Stories by Porter Counts / Valley Journal

Western Divisionals Wrestling Class A

POLSON — Polson hosted the Western Class A Boys and Girls Divisional Wrestling tournaments Feb. 3 and 4 with teams from Ronan and Polson competing.

In the girls tournament the Ronan Maidens took first place with five first place finishes.

Saellah Nomee (100), Landyn Hughes (114), Katie Dolence (126), Brynn Courville (132), Tirza Two Teeth (235) all took first in their weight classes.

Destiney Finley (120) and Leona Dodson Howe (152) both took second and Juliette Cheff

(120) took third, helping push the Maidens over the edge into Division Champions.

The Lady Pirates were able to take second, just behind their local rivals with three of their own first place finishes.

Abigail Sorrell (152), Venessa Wheeler (165) and Pepper Featherstone (185) all went home as division champs, while Harli Kinney (145) took second, Ciri Nice (100) and Brylie Reum (126) both took fourth.

Nizhoni Haynes (138) and Madelyn Huffine (114) both were able to place in the state qualifying spots.

The Chiefs also had a very successful tournament, taking third overall and having a number of individual podium places. Ridge Cote was able to

win the 120 pound division, while Koda King and Landon Bishop took second in the 145 and 160 pound divisions, respectively,. August Courville took third in the 103 pound division, Lucy Cheff (113), James Kenelty (138) and Will Courville (145) all took fourth.

The Pirates’ Danjel Peterson was their highest finisher, taking fifth in the 152 pound division. Other Pirates that qualified for the state tournament were Max Remesar (120), Kyrin Doty (170) and Durai Mahkuk (205).

page 13

Class B/C

PABLO — The B/C Western Divisional Boys and Girls

MICHELLE SHARBONO PHOTO Aubrey Sharbono

MICHELLE SHARBONO PHOTO Alexis Lamere

BOONE GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL see

sports shorts

from page 12

Wrestling Tournaments took place at SKC Feb. 3 and 4 and Mission/ Charlo and Arlee athletes both competed.

Mission/Charlos

Canyon Sargent finished third in the boys 170 pound division and Chance Bockman was able to take fifth in the boys 160 pound division. On the girls side, Aubrey Sharon took second in the 138 division, Lettie Humphrey and Alexis Lamere took third in the 114 and 152 pound divisions and Natalie Helser finished fifth in the 145 pound division.

Arlee had two athletes qualify for the state tournament. Brody Smith

took eight in the boys 120 division and Jearemy Martin finished tenth in the 126 division.

The state tournament starts Feb 9-11 in Billings.

Basketball Polson

BROWNING — The Lady Pirates traveled to Browning to face the Indians Feb. 3, coming up short 34-43. Although Browning stormed out to an early lead, Polson was able to slowly claw back into the game. They trailed by 12 at halftime and halved that lead but ran out of time down the stretch. Mila Hawk led

page 14

Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes

Natural Resources Department Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation & Conservation

P.O. Box 278

Pablo, MT 59855

 (406) 675-2700 extension 7217

Attention: CSKT Tribal Member Trappers

Montana FWP is advertising an opportunity for up to 3 CSKT Tribal Trappers to trap muskrats on the Ninepipe WMA this winter. The purpose is to reduce muskrat populations to lessen the damage they cause to water management structures.

Burrowing by muskrats into earthen dikes and ditch banks reduces the effective lives of these structures and creates safety risks to habitat management staff operating vehicles and equipment on and along canals and impoundments.

Trappers must comply with all tribal laws, rules, and regulations for muskrat trapping. No land-sets are permitted. Motor vehicle access is only via public roads -- Walk-in only. Trapping should begin as early as possible after ice-out and end as early as possible to avoid catching birds during spring migration.

Interested parties, please contact Franz Ingelfinger (406-751-4580) for information. Please provide your Tribal ID number when you call.

MICHELLE SHARBONO PHOTO Canyon Sargent see

sports shorts

from page 13

Polson with eight points, Julia Barnard added seven of her own. Polson next travel to local rivals Ronan Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m.

The Polson Pirates boys basketball team also visited the Browning Indians Feb. 3, losing in a high scoring game 80-94. Polson fell behind early and ended the first quarter 25-9, but then both offenses got going. Dawson Dumont scored 28 of Polson’s points, Jarrett Wilson added 19 of his own and Fisher contributed 13 more. Polson next travel to local rivals Ronan Feb. 11t

at 5:30 p.m.

Mission

DEER LODGE — The Mission Bulldogs traveled to take on the Deer Lodge Wardens Feb. 3, going home with the 69-37 victory. Mission jumped out to 14 point lead at the end of the first quarter and never looked back. Zoran LaFrombois continued his excellent season with 24 points, Landon WalksOverIce had 13 and Carmine Adams kicked in 12.

The Lady Bulldogs also went to Deer Lodge to face the Lady Wardens Feb. 3 and won 73-32. Mission put

on a dominant display at both ends of the floor, playing some excellent defense and keeping Deer Lodge to 19 points in quarters one through three. Kooper Page led all scorers with 24 points, Elannah Flat Lip had 14 and Kieran Incashola scored 13. Mission next host Plains on

Feb 9 at 5:30 p.m.

Two Eagle River

HOT SPRINGS — The Two Eagle River Eagles traveled to Hot Springs to beat the Savage Heat in close game of 49-46. There wasn’t much to separate the teams

throughout the game, with the teams still level at halftime. Can Burke scored 14 points and Thomas Spotted Eagle scored 12 to lead the Eagles to the victory. The Eagles next host Darby on Feb. 11 at 5:30 p.m.

BOB GUNDERSON PHOTO Jarrett Wilson

BOB GUNDERSON PHOTO

The following Polson senior basketball team members were recognized during a Jan. 26 game against Columbia Falls: Chris Lake mgr., Trent Wilson, Jarrett Wilson, Owen McElwee, Cymian Kauley, Dawson Dumont, Tyler Wenderoth, Colter Wilson and mgr. David Bjorge.

BOONE GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL Ronan wrestler

We need ‘Flower Power’

News from the Greater Polson Community Foundation

POLSON — We can’t envision looking down Main Street this summer and not seeing the blooming flower baskets. Flower baskets adorn cities from Whitefish to Hamilton. After the City of Polson had decided to no longer support the Flower Basket project or watering contract, the Greater Polson Community Foundation stepped in and has decided to help save the flower basket project.

We need your “Flower Power” help by providing donations for the 70 baskets that will enhance our downtown. A $200.00 sponsorship or any contribution will give you a sense of Polson Pride. The baskets signify a unique community statement. The flower basket project started in Polson in the late 1980s with a small group of citizens and in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce. The project has bloomed in popularity and the

demand for more baskets has grown. The Polson Flower baskets have been a beautification enhancement and marketing display that contributes to the increased out of area visitor capacity and expenditures. This is a wonderful way to give back to our community and enhance the beauty of our city. Visitors and locals alike love the look and feel that the flower baskets bring to our downtown. This strengthens our community pride and is good for the local economy as the baskets show we love and care for our neighborhoods. The downtown hanging baskets are a shining example of a project that is accessible to and appreciated by people of all ages, income levels, physical ability, and religions. The flowers represent a universal message of comfort and beauty and welcome all to our city.

To make your tax-deductible contribution please send your donation to: GPCF PO Box 314, Polson, MT 59860

MWC celebrates Salish art at local elementary schools

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

FLATHEAD RESERVATION — The Missoula Writing Collaborative (MWC) has spent the last two weeks in schools throughout Flathead Reservation bringing a special program to kids to celebrating Salish ledger art, poetry, and history.

A nonprofit organization, the MWC began 12-week writing residencies with elementary schools throughout the area back in 2019 where authors from the collaborative spend an hour per week with fourth and fifth graders exploring poetry and art. Though separate from the residencies, the current two-week program is still part of the same “Young Voices of the Mission Mountains” MWC project that focuses on Salish and Kootenai students.

Teamed up with Salish storyteller Aspen Decker, the MWC has been able to provide this special project to schools for the last few years thanks to a National Endowment for the Arts grant. According to Executive Director Caroline Patterson, this special program has more of a historical focus with ties to Salish language

and storytelling than the weekly residency workshops. It gives provides the opportunity to bring in and highlight Decker’s particular talents.

Visiting elementary schools in Arlee, Dixon, Pablo, Ronan, and St. Ignatius, Decker kicks off each day of the project by teaching kids Plains Sign Language and some relevant Salish before launching into a story primarily in Salish. Patterson describes the presentation as mesmerizing. “It’s a great honor for us,” Patterson commented. “We learn as much as the kids learn every year.”

From there, the kids get the chance to delve into ledger art, which is taught by Patterson and other members of the MWC. Ledger art is a form of indigenous art that gained popularity in the late 19th century. Travelers like trappers and missionaries brought ledgers that allowed Native populations to depict their art and stories on a new medium. The practice of ledger art resurged in the 1960s and has maintained popularity through today.

“(After Decker’s presentation) kids pick an animal, then try to write a poem about how

the animal came to be the way it is. Maybe how the wolf got its howl, or how the fox got its red color,” Patterson explained of the ledger art portion of the day. “They come to us with these wonderful, imaginative things.”

Toward the end of the school year in May, the children’s artwork projects are collected,

combined into an anthology, published and distributed to students with a special reading done by the young artists themselves.

“I think the thing that’s amazing is the imagination of these kids. It’s so fantastic. Every time we come the stories are always new. Every year there’s foxes and turtles and

Local business recognized for quality work

coyotes and bison, but every year the stories about them are completely different,” Patterson laughed. “That’s what’s really cool about it.”

To learn more about the MWC or future programs coming to Lake County, visit them online at: missoulawritingcollaborative.org or call 406-549-3348.

KALISPELL — The Montana Contractors Association (MCA) recognized 16 Montana contractors for excellence in construction during the annual winter convention last week in Helena.

“There is tremendous talent and ingenuity in the Montana construction workforce,” David Smith, MCA Executive Director, said. “We are pleased to recognize those in the industry who go above and beyond on projects across the state.”

With significant competition in each category, the complexity and quality of each project is proof that the construction industry in Montana is among the best in the nation. Through these awards the MCA is recognizing quality people and quality projects and promoting a strong Montana workforce.

Local company, Treasure State Concrete was awarded the 2022 Concrete Excellence Award - for concrete finishing.

MADISON MCMILLION PHOTO Aspen Decker teaching Plains Sign Language to fourth graders at Pablo Elementary

News from the Montana Contractors Association

Polson Middle School announces honor roll

Fifth Grade

4.0: Patience Alexander, Jacob Charlo, Taryn Cochran, Andre Dullinger, Brody Dunn, Elora Etches, Karson Glinsmann, Owen

Godfrey, Aiyanna Haynes, Sue Hess, Ethan Homola, Wyatt Knapp, Colton Lambeth, Soren Lund, Sharae Mahseelah, Tanice

Maxwell, Remi McMahon, Aubrie Nash, Elliotte Patrick, John Pauly, Kody Pritchett, Wyatt Sarver, Frank Schmitz, Harmony

Silva, Emily Simonich, Piper Williamson

High Honor Roll: Caleb AfterBuffalo, Annabella Allred, Scarlett Anciaux, Remington Anderson, Avalon Babcock, Florabelle

Bagley, Mackenzie Baker, Dylan Bennett, Elynn Bird, Lola Bissegger, Ethelene Briggs, Harlow Caye, Madelyn Coles, Daniel

David, Tyler Dentler, Landon Dolberry, Landon Ellenwood, Juniper First Strike, Crosby Goode, Avery Grandchamp, Arianna

Grant, Dante Hameline, Zypora Hansen, Aiden Johnson, Shyrock Kelly-Diaz, Christopher Kunz, Landon Lipscomb, Lilly McClung, Westin McMahon, Cooper Noel, Dailynn O’Roake, Leland Perez, Lorinzo Pierre, Moses Pierre, Duane Pierre, Evaline

Reinhardt, Anita Rosa, Silas Saloka, Lucy Shear, Olive Streets, Sophia Weber, Paisley Williams, Sage Wilson, Christopher Wippert

Honor Roll: Brayden Atkins, Laramie Bell, Denver Bisson, Keone Blood-Hando, Brayden Camel, Xander Dalke, Vaughnan Dupuis-Shortman, Jaedon Edwards, Ava Goslin, Elliana Hoskinson, Zaeden Jacobs, Josen Kelley, Timothy Lindberg, Di’Mare Mahkuk, Rylaen Main, Mykala Moldenhauer, Kezleigh Monroe, Iason Paul, Isaiah Phoenix, Shepard Reese, Austyn Rodriguez, Jes Spotted Eagle, Geovanni Vera, Kristine Walhood

Sixth Grade

4.0: Cheyenne Bieber, Cashton Brown, Brandtly Caye, Talen Cochran, Olivia Cottet, Quinn Delaney, Nora Haddouch, Everett Hendrickson, Isabella Heredia, Eva Kline, Evan Kline, Hadley Maley, Gavin ManyHeads, Corry Perdue, Ava Pluff, Paige Rauch, Owen Shirtliff, Skyleigh Stinchfield, Siena Tyler, Griffey Whisman, Aubrey Wilmar

High Honor Roll: Layla Alexander, Khloee Allred, Aalyiah Bair, Katherine Bartel, Brayden Bible, Baylin Bible, Sawyer Caldbeck, Wyatt Davis, Braylynn Elmore, Jessalyn Flynn, Ella Grainey, Kahli Hendrickson, Charlie Hogenson, Wyatt McMahon, Vance Means, Dawson Nash, Hayden Ogden, Alden Patton, Carden Petersen, Kayla Reed, Eli Russell, Gabriella Villagrana, Carston Wadsworth, Kapri Wardall, Addessa Weishaar, Lucy Wood

Honor Roll: Jim Askan, Teagan Bothman, Breonna Chambers, Keith Dalke, Rylie Denny, Lillian Dentler, Benjamin Fairchild-Brasch, Kingston Funke, Lillian Glantz, Mercy Harbin, Danielle Hawks, Land Heidegger, Jaycee Johnson, Thomas Kabacinski, Rudy Lindberg, Hazel Lindberg, Hayden Meyer, Melody Mihara, David Pierre, Zachary Reum, Harper Roberts, Lanaya Sanders, Aiden Takacs, Finn Taylor, Khalia Thomas, Hailey Valentine, Emmy Walhood

Seventh Grade

4.0: Amirah Akkasha, Daisy Anderson, Wyatt Bartel, JoHanna Bieber, Embree Bird, Brandon Catudio, Case Cox, Paxson DuMont, Eli Evenson, Harlie Fischer, Jaspin Fisher, Anniston Flynn, James Horner, Alexa Kinaman, Cade McConnell, Maxwell Milton, Merick Ramesar, Brooklyn Rowe, Abbigail Sanford, Zoe Schroeder, Kimora Scott, Emma Shipley, Boden Sloan, Conner Turner

High Honor Roll: August Brown, Cory Bruckelmyer, Analeigh Bryant, Aristo Cannon, Mackenzie Chiaramonte, Aiden Courville, Ivy Dentler, Aedan Dupuis, Carson Emerson, Alexis Evans, Caleb Gfroerer, Alexander Guse, IzzyBella Hardy, Allie Hunt, Kendyl Jaeger, Allyson Lamphere, Cora Lapotka, Rosselyn Lies, Audrey Matt, Zayne Newman, Brinley Ricks, Zoey Rogers, Kami Schmeusser, Kinzee TakesHorse, Alyssa Thoft, Eliza Todd, Evan Tolley, Lelia Veach, Dalton White, Jackson Yarbrough Honor Roll: Reese Adams, Piper Adams, Donovan Avila, Isabella Begay, Wyatt Boogerd, Kaylee Coles, Graci Hammer, Lesha Hansen, Jorunn Johnston, Nina Lindberg, Wyatt Moldenhauer, Gavin Moore, Luke Nielsen, Grayden Reinhardt, Roman Sawyer, Karina Shostak, Bristal Wallin

Eighth Grade

4.0: Aleysia Black, Jackson Bontadelli, London Davis, Morgan Delaney, Rose Edge, Strider Gage, Omar Haddouch, Adin Hunt, Abigail Kunz, Natalie Leonard, Annalyse Lozar, Greta Lund, Esther McIntee, Natalie Nash, Hayden Ricks, Aniya Rosenbrock, Karly Smith, Autumn Spencer, Zephyr Sternick, Kena Sutton, Amy Thoft, Madison Turner, Edgar Vejez Pete, Jace

Westphal

High Honor Roll: Victoria Abernathy, Jory Becker, Adriano Bremner, Ella Burke, Corben Carlson, Makayla Chambers, Arlonna Christopher, Rory Couture II, Brayson DuMont, Peter Dupuis, Afton Hatch, Jill Heidegger, Anice Hendrickson, Gabriel Houston, Kalyn Koldeway, Ryatt Maley, Malela Michel, Adeline Montgomery, Abigail Moss, Keira Owen, Lear Patrick, Payten Robertson, Ahrianna Rushing, Parker Shoemake, Christopher Sopke, Rayleen Wadsworth, Olivia Willer

Honor Roll: Bridger Adams, Isabella Allred, Hailey Amaya, Jocelyn Anciaux, Viviane Armstrong, Ross Bishop, Sierra Bremner, Chet Bruckelmyer, Raiden BullChild, Lilian Dennison, Elijah Evans, Ryder Feistner, Christian Hanna, Levi Holman, Ryan Lake, Brianna Lapierre, Claire Martine Benson, Jaden Mitchell, Araeya Nelson, Inara Nicol, Jaliyah Pierre, Aleah Pluff, Allison Ritola, Jarett Seifert, Ravea Tenas, Ziya Walker

St. Ignatius

Middle School honor roll students named

Sixth Grade

4.0 – Hudson Hawkaluk, Leila Hogenson, Johanna

Robine, Star Vaughan

3.5-3.99 – Amani Antoine, Kaelyn Canfield, Joseph

Cronk, Jared Decker, Mason Evans, Mia Gonzalez, Grady Hall, Keala Hando, Aliviah Hogge, Shayden Howlett, Quincey Jensen, Jazmyne

Lamere, Mary Lamere, Easton Larson, Raileigh

McDonald, Isaac Morigeau, Valentina O’Brien, Anthony Sheridan, Kleigha SpottedElk, Kaywin Stevens

3.0-3.49 – Trystin Blood, Emma Christopher, Isaiah Gariepy, Garrett Hammond, Jenai McElderry, Cheyenne

Piedalue, LeeLyn Shepard, Braxton Wheeler

Seventh Grade

3.5-3.99 – Adley Larson, Tristan Sheridan, DJ Stops, Kiran Thomas

3.0-3.49 – Gunner Courville, Whisper Jungers, Robert Oliver

Eighth Grade 4.0 – Anna Cronk

3.5-3.99 – Sierra Blood, David Broughton, Kaleb Gowen, Kierab Incashola, Madison Incashola, Sterling Jensen, Dylan Jungers, Nashine Stevens

3.0-3.49 – Avia Lee, Jason Leishman, Macklen McDonald, Van Starkel, Lyla Wanberg

Arlee HS honor roll, perfect attendance shared

4.0 GPA

Freshmen - Kaitlyn Freeman, Dean Moran, Aiden Swab

Sophomores - Dallas Ellison, Dylan Lovejoy

Juniors - Drew Knoll

Seniors - Jerny Crawford, Rheid Crawford, Xaria Jacobson, Luella Swaney, Meghan Upton

3.7 GPA and above

Freshmen - Chase Courville

Juniors - Kendall O’Neill, Dallas Swab

Seniors - Hyrum Osberg, Raven Parson

3.3 to 3.69 GPA

Freshmen - Moses Curtiss, Deja-Nay

Little Marry, Eli O’Neill, Charlie Pape, Porter Pier, Bailey Smith, Feather Standing Rock

Sophomores - River Gray, Chrome

Louie, Kaiden Ostby, Brody Smith

Juniors - Jace Arca, Paley Espinoza, Ethan Fiddler, Adalyn Jacobson, Jake Knoll, Fancee Old Person, Trent Rutherford, SaanJay Smallboy

Seniors - Tucker Brown, Charley

Crawford, Brianna Kellmer, Taeleia Means

Perfect Attendance for Quarter Two

Kinika Bartell, Rheid Crawford, Hephation Davidson’Ransom, Stetson Ellison, Ethan Fiddler, Adalyn Jacobson, Drew Knoll, Dylan Lovejoy, Bridger Smith, Aiden Swab, Dallas Swab

Perfect Attendance for all of Semester One

Rheid Crawford, Adalyn Jacobson, Drew Knoll, Bridger Smith, Aiden Swab, Dallas Swab

St. Ignatius HS announces honor roll

Ninth Grade

4.0 – Abigail Gillin

3.5 - 3.99 – Sierra Girsch, Brayden Hall, Lex LaFrombois, Brooklyn McClure, Jacob Piedalue, Arianna Robine, Kitra Thomas

3.0 - 3.49 – Jayson Brown, Cole Castonguay, Milo Crooks, Jake Helser, Alecia Steele, Cora Matt

10th Grade

4.0 – Amelia Cronk, Jack Keast, Sawyer Pule

3.5 - 3.99 —Isabelle Grant, Harlon Leishman, Abbie Orr, Kason Page, Brooke

Tanner, Isaac Umphrey

3.0 - 3.49 – Lloyd Barnaby,

McKensey Burke, Hope Druffel, Evelyn Pavlock

Ferencz, Toni Had-

ley-Houle, Elexa Monroy, Cameron Oliver, E’liena

Peone

Jak Starkel, Jordann Underwood

12th Grade

4.0 – Alexis Lamere

11th Grade

3.5-3.99 - Sackett Andres, Heaven Diaz Morigeau, Brianna Dillard, Izabel Evans, Elannah Flat Lip, Keirston Molloy, Keithetta

Quequesah

3.0-3.49 – Lita Bourdon, Paisley Couture, Kile Gowen, Bayleigh Jones, Codiak Killorn,Alexa Lindquist, Rowan McElderry, Sheldon McLeod, Jasmine McNutt,

3.5-3.99 – Emaurice Flat Lip, Natalie Helser, Elaina Keast, Kellen McClure, Cassidy Orr, Kooper Page, Canyon Sargent, Kariah Thomas

3.0-3.49 – Chance Bockman, Nirada Courville, Natalie Grant, Tre Heath-LaFrombois, Zoran LaFrombois, Joshua McGonigle, Erich Mitchell-Morigeau, Andrew Rush, Gabriel Smith, Bryce Umphrey, Matthew Watters

Abbey Tavares of St. Ignatius makes Dean’s List

News from Utah Tech University

ST. GEORGE — Utah Tech University students excelled in the classroom during the Fall 2022 semester with 1,468 UT students or 11%nof the student body earning Dean’s List honors. Inclu-

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

SKC Extension Operations Manager (Part time - 12 months)

Salary Range: Bachelor’s degree - $20.17 - $23.56 per hour

Salary Range: Master’s degree - $20.73 - $24.12 per hour Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Journey to Wellness Community Outreach (Full time)

Salary Range: $16.54 - $17.40 DOEE per hour Closing Date: Open Until Filled

College and Career Readiness Coach (12 months - Full time)

Salary Range: $17.35 - $20.17 per hour Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Outreach Coordinator (12 months - Full time)

Salary Range: $17.35 - $20.17 per hour Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Early Learning Center (ELC) Lead Toddler Teacher (9.5 months)

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

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

Vice President of Academic Affairs

sion on the Dean’s List requires students to complete a minimum of 15 credits and achieve a GPA of 3.5 to 3.89.

Utah Tech University student Abbey Tavares is among the Trailblazers honored on the UT Dean’s List for the Fall 2022 semester.

Salary: $45,621 - $48,185 DOEE Closing Date: March 3, 2023, 4:00 PM

General and Grants Accounting Assistant

Salary: $38,927 - $40,727 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

$1M secured to improve road safety, accessibility in Indian Country

CSKT and Blackfeet Tribes to receive Safe Streets for All Grants to develop safety action plans

U.S. Senate — U.S. Senator Jon Tester today secured a total of $1,165,105 in Safe Streets For All grants for the Blackfeet and Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) through his bipartisan Infrastructure

Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). The Blackfeet Tribe will receive $797,105 for the Blackfeet Safe Streets and Roads for All project and the CSKT will receive $368,000 for the CSKT Safe Streets for All project. This funding will be used to develop comprehensive safety action plans on the two reservations to prevent roadway deaths and serious injuries.

Tester negotiated the IIJA and helped pass it into law last year, and he was the only member of Montana’s Congressional delegation to support it.

“Safe and accessible

infrastructure is foundational to every Montana community, and I’m proud to have secured this funding so that folks in Indian Country can get to school and work without worrying,” said Tester. “Through my bipartisan infrastructure law we’re doing things like improving existing infrastructure to make our communities work

smarter and safer. These investments will help improve safety for Tribal members, and I know CSKT and Blackfeet will put these resources to good use keeping folks safe.”

Tester worked across the aisle for months to negotiate the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act with a group of five Republicans, four Dem-

ocrats, and the White House. Tester’s law is projected to create more than 800,000 American jobs and lower costs for businesses by making targeted investments that will strengthen our nation without raising taxes on working families.

Tester secured significant wins for Montana in the legislation, including $2.82 billion

for Montana’s roads, highways and bridges; $2.5 billion to complete all authorized Indian water rights settlements; $1 billion to complete all authorized rural water projects through the Bureau of Reclamation; $65 billion to deploy broadband to areas across the country that lack internet access and additionally make online connectivity affordable; and $3.37 billion to reduce wildfire risk nationwide, among others. Tester also worked to ensure that all iron, steel, and construction materials used for these projects must be made in America.

SCREENINGS INCLUDE:

News from the office of Senator Jon Tester

“Safe and accessible infrastructure is foundational to every Montana community, and I’m proud to have secured this funding so folks in Indian Country can get to school and work.”

- Senator Jon Tester

Montana lawmakers seek more Information about Governor’s HEART Fund

Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte’s Healing and Ending Addiction Through Recovery and Treatment fund has spent $5.2 million since 2021. With a proposed increase, providers and lawmakers alike want to tap into the money.

News

from

Keely Larson / KHN-UM Legislative News Service

HELENA — A fund championed by Gov. Greg Gianforte to fill gaps in Montana’s substance use and behavioral health treatment programs has spent $5.2 million since last year as the state waits for an additional $19 million in federal funding.

Now, the Republican governor wants to put more state money into the Healing and Ending Addiction Through Recovery and Treatment initiative, but lawmakers and mental health advocates are asking for more accountability and clarity on how the money is spent.

Republican Rep. Jennifer Carlson, chair of the Human Services Committee of the Montana House of Representatives, said her committee has heard bill proposals seeking to use HEART

money for childcare and suicide prevention programs, among others. She is sponsoring a bill to increase HEART initiative reporting requirements.

“You really have to think, is that what that money is for, or is that just what’s convenient?” said Carlson.

Matt Kuntz, executive director of the Montana chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, said a lot of questions have been floating around about the initiative this legislative session.

“Nobody really knows exactly how this is being spent or the process of how to get it,” Kuntz said.

The legislature passed Gianforte’s HEART initiative soon after he took office. It uses revenue primarily from recreational marijuana taxes for the state’s $6 million annual share to be distributed to programs dedicated to treating substance use and mental health disorders.

A federal match would bring the fund total to $25 million, but the state is waiting for full approval of its Medicaid waiver application from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The federal agency approved part of the waiver last year.

“Until CMS approves the full HEART waiver, the state is limited in what we can do,” said Jon Ebelt, spokesperson for the state Department of Public Health and Hu-

man Services.

The health department submits a report to CMS four times a year. Department officials did not respond to a request by KHN for the latest report. The department is supposed to receive reports from tribal nations on how their funds were used. It didn’t specify whether it had received any.

Carlson’s House Bill 310 would require the department to report HEART initiative spending to the Children, Families, Health, and Human Services Interim Committee each year. That reporting would allow lawmakers to know what the money had already been used for, and if there might be a better way to spend it, Carlson said.

When Gianforte introduced the HEART initiative during his 2021 State of the State speech, he said it was designed to give directly to local communities, which know their own needs best.

“This is not bigger government,” the governor said at the time.

The HEART money is distributed through grants and Medicaid-funded services. Of the $5.2 million distributed since 2022, $1.5 million has gone to Medicaid for services like inpatient and residential chemical dependency services, Ebelt said.

Eight Indigenous tribal nations have received $1 million covering fiscal

year 2022, the first year of the fund, and 2023, the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. Those grants went toward substance use prevention; mental health promotion; mental health crisis, treatment, and recovery services; and tobacco cessation and prevention.

Seven county detention centers received a total of $2.7 million in HEART money through a competitive grant process to provide behavioral health services at those facilities.

Missoula County hired a therapist, jail care coordinator, and mental health transport officer with its share. Gallatin County hired a counselor and two social workers, and Lewis and Clark County hired a therapist, case manager, and education and transport manager.

Jackie Kerry Lemon, program and facilities director at the Gallatin County Detention Center, said the money had to be used for mental health and addiction services. “Our population is often in crisis when they come to us, so having that ability to have a therapist see them really does help with their anxiety and their needs at a good time,” Kerry Lemon said.

Democratic Rep. Mary Caferro said the HEART money could go toward increases in the Medicaid rates paid to health care providers, which a state study found fall short of the cost of care, or mobile

crisis response teams, which the health department intends to provide as a Medicaid service.

Caferro is sponsoring a bill on behalf of the National Alliance on Mental Illness to add youth suicide prevention to the list of programs eligible for HEART funding.

Mary Windecker, executive director of the Behavioral Health Alliance of Montana, said the HEART fund initially was meant to support tribes and county jails, and only recently did it start funding community substance use and mental health programs, after last year’s partial Medicaid waiver approval.

That allowed larger substance use disorder treatment centers (more than 17 beds) to receive Medicaid reimbursement for short-term stays at institutions for mental illness, like Rimrock in Billings and the Badlands Treatment Center in Glendive.

From July 2022 to January 2023, Ebelt said, 276 Medicaid recipients were treated in Rimrock and Badlands. A facility in Clinton, the Recovery Centers of Montana, opened in December and will be licensed for 55 additional beds able to serve patients with the new Medicaid benefit, Ebelt said. Gianforte proposed in his state budget to increase the amount going into the HEART fund by changing the funding formula from $6 million a

year to 11% of Montana’s annual recreational marijuana tax revenue.

The Behavioral Health Alliance recommended that change, but, as with many of the health-related proposals in this legislative session, a major factor in the HEART initiative’s success will be whether Medicaid provider rates are raised enough, Windecker said. If provider rates aren’t funded at the full cost of care, people won’t be available to provide the care the initiative promises, she said.

The committee that meets to determine the health department’s budget will hear a presentation about the HEART initiative on Feb. 9.

Keely Larson is the KHN fellow for the UM Legislative News Service, a partnership of the University of Montana School of Journalism, the Montana Newspaper Association, and Kaiser Health News. Larson is a graduate student in environmental and natural resources journalism at the University of Montana.

KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

Ice fishermen rendezvous kicks off Co-op event season

By Taylor Davison Valley Journal

RONAN — The Ronan Cooperative Brewery is starting their 2023 season of street closure events with a gathering for experienced and beginner ice fishermen on Feb. 17.

The idea of brewery member and ice fisherman Craig Dulmes, the community is invited to bring icehouses to the brewery to set up alongside the street for the second ever Icehouse Rendezvous. With a gathering of experienced ice fishermen to compare setups and equipment, Co-op General Manager Jim Myers mentioned it’ll also be a great opportunity for those beginning or interested in the sport to ask questions and get advice on different ways of getting started.

With chili bread bowls, music, a fire pit and cornhole boards, Myers said the rendezvous will have

something for everyone.

The event also marks the start of the brewery’s street closure season, which will go into full swing as the weather begins to warm. The fireman’s barbecue, car show, pollinator week, and anniversary party were all things the brewery held last year that Myers said they’re looking to do once again. “(The events) seem to do a really good job of bringing everybody together and downtown,” he commented.

The next street closure event will take place just two weeks after the rendezvous in the form of the Annual Member Meeting. A combination of a party and a policy meeting, those of the over 500 brewery members who attend will be able to vote in the board elections and give their input on any policy presented. “It is an important meeting as we’re looking at how

to get more activity in the taproom and on Main Street,” Myers said.

Anyone interested in running for the board elections must be a member, but memberships are always open and available at $250 per person. Myers said those interested can either inquire in the brewery or online at: ronancoopbrewery.com

Beyond the big events, things are warming back up in the Co-op along with the weather. Myers explained they’ll be bringing back trivia, local food, and live music with the Western Montana Musician’s Co-op. A few new beers will be on tap in the next several weeks, including a Czech Dark, their Dunkles Bach, and a Czech-style Pilsner.

To stay up to date on the events coming to the Co-op this spring, visit their social media site at: facebook.com/RonanCooperativeBrewery

Ronan:

August Courville, Luc Cheff, Ridge Cote, James Kenelty, Coda King, Will Courville, Landon Bisop, Ian Dillard, Tyson Lake, Jairyn Krause, Fortino Silva, Dominque McKay, Brady Haut, Jackson Davis, Cole Dalke, Saellah Nomee, Landyn Hughes, Juliette Cheff, Destiney Finley, Katie Dolence, Brynn Courville, Leona Dodson Howe, Tirza Two Teeth

Polson:

Max Ramesar, Daniel Peterson, Kyrie Doty, Durai Mahkuk, Ciri Nice, Madelyn Huffine, Brylie Reum, Nozhoni Haynes, Harli Kinney, Abigail Sorrell, Venessa Wheeler, Pepper Featherstone

Mission-Charlo:

Alexis Lamere, Aubrey Sharbono, Canyon Sargent, Chance Bockman, Lettie Umphrey

Arlee: Brody Smith, Jeremy Martin

seniors

Polson

By Peter Mangels for the Valley Journal

POLSON — We Montanans understand that winter ends on April 15, so here is a reminder that tax filing assistance is available on Mondays or Thursdays from now until then. Call for an appointment. Bring your paper work and a copy of last year’s tax forms. No Fees. Donations always welcome.

St. Valentine’s Day is the day to spoil your sweetheart. Buy a box of See’s Candy, on sale now. Oh, about that comment I made last week about buying my wife a vacuum cleaner as a gift? She showed me how to plug the thing in and turn it on. I’ve been using it. Often. Always. This year it is her turn to vacuum. Maybe. We recently purchased Super-0ne grocery bags (the green ones). These bags are used for Commodity Food Distributions. Recycle green bags at the Senior Center.

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.

Activities

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

Bingo: regular bingo Fridays, 7 p.m. “Playing Card”

bingo first Wednesday and third Thursday of each month - help wanted

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

Pinochle: eat lunch at the

center before cards Thursdays, 12:15– 3 p.m. (or later if you wish). We coach new players, or those who have not played in years. Card playing keeps my hands flexible. Losing tests my patience. All good hands come to those who wait. I have waited long enough. Last week I lost two out of three games. That is an improvement from the week before.

Bridge: Tuesday and Friday - open for all - 12:30 p.m.

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

Tai Ji Quan: Tuesdays 1011 a.m.  Wednesday 1-2 p.m.

Veterans’ Rep: The first Friday (March 3) and third Tuesday (Feb. 21) of each month from 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

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

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

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

— Monday, Feb. 13: taco soup, chips and cheese, green salad, fruit

— Tuesday, Feb. 14: St. Valentine’s Day Cupid’s cabbage casserole, green beans, Be Mine bread, strawberry Jell-O, red velvet cake  — Wednesday, Feb. 15: chicken Alfredo, pasta, mixed veggies, focaccia, green salad, raspberry bars

— Thursday, Feb. 16: pork chop, stuffing, gravy, carrots, orange/pineapple salad, ginger bread with sauce

— Friday, Feb. 17: burger pot pie, biscuit, baked pears, broco-flower salad, coconut cream dessert

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

St. Ignatius

By Barb Plouffe for the Valley Journal

ST. IGNATIUS — Where did January go? Now it almost Valentine Day. Be careful on the ice.

We will be having a Guess the Kisses in a glass container and a 50/50. It will cost a $1 for each guess and entry into the 50/50 starting Jan. 18 at the evening meal and each meal until Feb. 15 dinner. The winner(s) will be chosen on Feb. 15 at our evening meal.

— Friday, Feb. 10: chicken, mashed potatoes/gravy, veggies, rollsfruit, chocolate cake

— Tuesday, Feb. 14: pizza, green salad, fruitheart cookies

— Wednesday, Feb. 15: garlic balsamic pork loin, roasted potatoes and carrots, Watergate salad, heart cupcakes

— Friday, Feb. 17: homemade mac and cheese with ham, veggies, fruitcorn bread, brownies

If you are interested in a take-out meal, please call by 10 a.m. and leave message if no one answers.

Bonnie Kiser has Gentle Yoga on Wednesday afternoons at 1 p.m. If you are interested, please call Kiser at 406-2253-0171. Her rates are

five sessions for $60.

The St. Ignatius Police Chief will be having Narcan Training at the St. Ignatius Senior Citizen Center on Feb. 11 at 3:30 p.m. In order to get signed up, please go to St. Ignatius Police Department Lake County Montana Facebook page or go to Best Practice Medicine and click on Education them follow the training down to Naloxane and do the online education and test. Print off your certificate and bring to the hands-on training on the Feb. 11. The online education and test need to be done prior to the training. If you do not have a computer or need help with computer, call and leave a message. We will return you call and help you, or you can come into the Center and use our computer.

The St. Ignatius Senior Citizen Center is hiring a Site/Nutrition Manager. If you are interested, come in for a job description or call and we will return your call. It would be helpful if you know the QuickBooks computer program.

On March 22 there will be QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., presented in cooperation with the St. Ignatius Police Chief. This is an important training as Montana is first in the Nation for Suicides. All are welcome.

Our Senior Center is open to people renting it. If you are interested, please call 406-745-4462 and leave a message. We will call you back with the information you need.

CSKT to receive water rights settlement funds

News from the Office of Senator Tester HELENA — The DOI announced on Feb. 3 that they will be allocating more than $232 million from Senator Tester’s bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) to fulfill Indian Water rights settlements in Montana. Senator Tester worked with a bipartisan group of four other Democrats and five Republicans to negotiate the BIL and was responsible for securing $2.5 billion in the infrastructure package for the Indian Water Rights Settlement Completion Fund. This latest tranche of funding will enable Tribes and their non-Native neighbors to access long-promised water resources that are critical for their quality of life and economic development.

The settlements in Montana receiving BIL funding this year are:

- Blackfeet Water Rights Settlement $45,279,000

- Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribes - Montana Water Rights Protection Act $156,937,000

- Crow Tribe Water Rights Settlement $30,000,000

Ball rolling for 2023 Cherry Festival

News from Polson Chamber of Commerce

POLSON — The Polson Business Community and Chamber have merged and will do amazing things now that forces have become one. The Flathead Cherry Festival will continue to exist as it has in the past with additional information on a new website. The same amount of dedication, marketing, and level of organization will carry on. The two day event is currently scheduled for Saturday, July 29, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

We are beginning to get the ball rolling for the 2023 Flathead Cherry Festival. After a successful event last year, we are excited to continue to fine-tune the festival and showcase even more local & regional artists in addition to supporting our local businesses.

Applications are now live for applying to the event. In years past, things ran a bit different, and we are streamlining the process to apply and be accepted to the event and requiring everything to be processed digitally.

PUZZLES

GIANT CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. A Wayans

6. Crustacean’s feeler

10. Adulated ones

15. Applications

19. Ado

20. Asian children’s nurse

21. Visible part of a television transmission

22. Squire

23. Gold braid

24. “We’ll ___ cup... “: Burns

25. Alpine call 26. Aesop’s also-ran 27. Gives the cold shoulder

29. Gives up 31. ___ constrictor 32. Blue hue 33. Linda ___, Supergirl’s alias 34. Exit 37. Church song 39. Twisted 41. Pugilist’s weapon 42. Slight 43. China setting 46. Excelled 48. Checked things 49. Agreeing (with) 50. Apartment building employees

52. Cut off 53. Fastener 54. Come in second 55. “The Joy Luck Club” author

66. “Chicago” lyricist

67. “Phèdre” playwright

68. Moon of Neptune

69. “Stupid me!”

70. McKinley’s successor

72. Lab tube

73. Chain letters?

74. Harmony

75. 1969 Peace Prize grp.

76. Indonesian grilled chicken snack

77. Laser light

78. Chatter

80. Red shade

82. Blockade

83. Hotel employee

84. Amber or umber

85. Drove 87. Adjusts to fit 89. Kind of phone 90. Barely enough 91. Lid or lip application 92. Beach shoe 94. Jail, slangily

DOWN

1. “Darn!”

2. Trigger, for one

3. Blood carrier

4. Cyclone

5. Astronaut’s insignia

6. Hospital clients

7. Dumbfounded

8. Water-skiing locale

9. New moon, e.g.

10. Brown, e.g.

11. Area under a bishop’s jurisdiction

12. Most curious

13. English university city

14. Exclusive

15. “Yuck!”

16. Marine food fish

17. Sign up

18. Hot and humid

28. Sleuth’s find

30. Asparagus unit

35. Aerospace measure

36. Dentist’s direction

38. Electronic map

40. “___ moment”

42. Like a romantic evening, maybe

43. Furniture wheels

44. Encouraging expression

45. Mint julep ingredient

46. Broken finger support

47. Cast

48. Alpine house

51. 20th Greek letter

52. Tiers

Bed board 116. Aquarium fish 117. “... or ___!”

118. Brakes and slides

57. Alberta’s third-largest city, named after an animal

58. Period in human development

59. Red-faced

61. Bard’s “before”

62. Gorges.

63. Spotted wildcat

64. Fix 65. “___ to Billie Joe”

68. Hot rod propellant 71. Predicament

72. Spanish dish

76. Bawl out

77. Pigmented skin patch

79. The “U” in UHF 81. Intensify

82. Juliet, to Romeo

83. Blandly ordinary 84. Greek horse/man 86. Qualm 87. Brass and bronze

88. Engine inventor 89. Snowman’s nose, typically 90. Spooks 92. Prepare, as mushrooms 93. Run out, as a subscription

Poets’ feet

Composed

Exams

After

Handle roughly

Singer Tori

Decide to leave, with “out”

Health resort

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

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

SOLUTIONS

MIRROR IMAGE

83. Vanilla, 84. Centaur, 86. Pang, 87. Alloys, 88. Diesel, 89. Carrot, 90. Scares, 92. Sauté, 93. Lapse, 96. Iambi, 97. Staid, 98. Tests, 101. Past, 103. Maul, 104. Amos, 106. Opt, 108. Spa.

79. Ultra, 81. Escalate, 82. Sun,

72. Paella, 76. Scold, 77. Birthmark,

65. Ode, 68. Nitro, 71. Scrape,

58. Iron Age, 59. Ashamed, 61. Ere, 62. Ravines, 63. Ocelot, 64. Repair,

46. Splint, 47. Heave, 48. Chalet, 51. Upsilon, 52. Storeys, 57. Red deer,

43. Casters, 44. Attaboy, 45. Bourbon,

38. Sat-nav, 40. One, 42. Moonlit,

30. Spear, 35. G-force, 36. Rinse,

17. Enroll, 18. Steamy, 28. Clue,

14. Sole, 15. Ugh, 16. Sea bass,

7. Amazed, 8. Lake, 9. Phase, 10. Ivy, 11. Diocese, 12. Oddest, 13. Leeds,

Down: 1. Shoot, 2. Horse, 3. Aorta, 4. Whirlwind, 5. NASA, 6. Patients,

107. Auras, 109. Para, 110. Mamas, 111. Yelp, 112. Stoup, 113. Suet, 114. Orbit, 115. Slat, 116. Tetra, 117. Else, 118. Skids.

Montana politicians comment on Chinese spy balloon

News from Senator Tester, Senator Daines and Governor Gianforte

BOZEMAN — Several Montana politicians made their thoughts about the Chinese spy balloon known during the week of Feb. 1.

In Bozeman, following reports that a suspected Chinese spy balloon was in U.S. airspace above Billings, U.S. Senator Jon Tester, chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, issued the following statement:

“This provocation is completely unacceptable, and I am in close contact with Department of Defense and Intelligence officials. We are still waiting for real answers on how this happened and what steps the Administration took to protect our country, and I will hold everyone accountable until I get them. I will always defend Montana and our national se-

curity from hostile adversaries like China.”

He announced on Feb. 3 that his committee will hold a hearing to demand answers from Biden Administration officials on the suspected Chinese spy balloon that was in U.S. airspace above Billings.

“Montanans value their freedom and privacy and I’ll always fight to defend both,” Tester said. “China’s actions are a clear threat to those values and to America’s national security, and I’m demanding answers from the Biden Administration. I will be pulling people before my committee to get real answers on how this happened, and how we can prevent it from ever happening again.”

Tester will receive a classified briefing in a secure facility upon his return to Washington.

On Feb. 2, U.S. Senator Steve Daines demanded a full brief-

ing from the Biden administration on the situation. Below is part of Daines’ letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin:

“The fact that this balloon was occupying Montana airspace creates significant concern that Malmstrom Air Force Base (AFB) and the United States’ intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) fields are the target of this intelligence gathering mission … As you know, Montana plays a vital national security role by housing nuclear missile silos at Malmstrom AFB. Given the increased hostility and destabilization around the globe aimed at the United States and our allies, I am alarmed by the fact that this spy balloon was able to infiltrate the airspace of our country and Montana.”

Senator Daines hosted a press call to discuss the Chinese spy balloon that was floating

over Montana on Friday, Feb. 3.

In Helena Governor Gianforte asked “What actions are being taken by DoD and the administration to take down the CCP’s spy balloon? If there are none, why not?”

“On behalf of the people of Montana, I write to demand answers on the Chinese Communist Party’s spy balloon which has infiltrated United States airspace, flown over the State of Montana, and continues to traverse our airspace,” Gov. Gianforte wrote to Lloyd Austin, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). “Ultimately, the chief responsibility of government is to ensure the safety and security of the American people. The people of the United States and Montana deserve full, prompt answers.”

The questions the governor posed on behalf of Montanans

include when the CCP’s spy balloon infiltrated U.S. airspace, what intelligence the DoD believes the CCP’s spy balloon is gathering, and what actions the administration and DoD are taking to take down the CCP’s spy balloon.

The governor also emphasized the military readiness of the Montana Air and Army National Guard, writing, “The Montana Air and Army National Guard remains ready to assist with operations to defend our country and protect our people from nefarious actors who threaten our national security and way of life.”

The CCP spy balloon was identified over Billings, Montana, on Wednesday afternoon, temporarily shutting down commercial air traffic.

At the time of publication, the balloon had moved eastward out of Montana airspace.

Montana legislators, senators, governor welcome grizzly delisting progress

News from Montana Legislature, U.S. Senate, Governor Gianforte

HELENA — Montana Senate President Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, released the following statement in response to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s acceptance of Montana’s petition to delist grizzly bears from the Endangered Species Act in the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide Ecosystems:

“Grizzly bear recovery has been a conservation success in the areas surrounding Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks. As we’ve been advocating in the Legislature for years, it’s time to recognize this con-

servation win, remove grizzly bears from endangered listing in those ecosystems, and return management of the bears to the state of Montana. I’m glad to see this step in the right direction from the federal government, now they need to follow through.”

Following the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announcement of a 12-month study period on delisting grizzly bears in Montana, United States Senator Jon Tester issued the following statement:

“Defending Montana’s outdoor heritage and wildlife is critically important to our way of life – and that starts with

following the best available science. After decades of collaborative work between federal, state, local, and Tribal groups, we’ve seen grizzly bears in Montana come back from the brink of extinction, and that’s something to celebrate. FWS took a step in the right direction today, which is a testament to the strength of grizzly populations in Montana. Now state government needs to develop science-based management plans to ensure success, and I’ll hold the Biden Administration’s feet to the fire to provide support.”

“This is great news for Montana. The science is clear—it’s time to delist the grizzly bear.

I’m glad to see Fish and Wildlife Service listen to science, Montanans, and Governor Gianforte to move forward with the process to delist the grizzly bear in the Northern Continental Divide and Greater Yellowstone Ecosystems,” said U.S. Senator Steve Daines said.

In December 2021, Gov. Gianforte petitioned the federal government to delist the grizzly bear in the NCDE.

The petition outlined that NCDE grizzly bears are within a distinct population, have far surpassed population recovery goals, and that Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has the structure in place to successfully take over full management of this

iconic native species.

Beyond seeking to delist grizzly bears in the NCDE, the petition also asks the FWS to designate the NCDE bears as a distinct population segment.

Grizzly bears were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1975. At the time, the population of grizzly bears in the lower 48 states was estimated to be in the hundreds. Today the bear population in the NCDE alone is estimated at approximately 1,100.

Upon delisting, state laws and administrative rules, already in place, become the primary regulatory and legal mechanisms guiding management.

obituaries

Geraldine Powell

RONAN — Geraldine

“Jerry” Cordier Powell, age 84, passed away on Jan. 29, 2023, at her residence. Services are pending. Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.

Wayne Cooper

POLSON — Wayne

William Cooper, age 64, passed away on Jan. 27, 2023, at his residence. He was born on Jan. 15, 1959,

MT Districting, Apportionment Commission to meet

Calling all MT storytellers, artists, poets

LAKE COUNTY —

The Flathead Lakers and Families For a Livable Climate, invite citizens to share their stories about Montana climate. Tell how you, your loved ones, your community, your traditions, or your favorite Montana places, plants, or animals are experiencing rising temperatures, persistent drought, wildfires, or floods. Stories

to Alice (Combs) and Donald Cooper in Missoula. He was the sixth of eight children. His father moved the family to Lewistown in 1968 to open a lumber mill, where Wayne and his siblings helped after school. This is where his lumber mill career began. Wayne worked at Plum Creek in Pablo for over 20 years until it closed and then

Cavalar Lumber in Spokane for about seven years before coming back home to Polson. He was very proud of his planer work.

his father, Don; and his mother, Alice.

News from Montana Legislative Branch

Wayne Cooper

Wayne loved to fish, as he would say, “born to fish, forced to work.” He was also an avid basketball player. He played all through high school at St. Leo’s in Lewistown and then in college in Sitka, Alaska. He would play two nights a week with friends at Linderman gym, and of course brought his kids along. He even won the slam dunk contest at Hoopfest in the early 90’s.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Carol; his children, Tisha (Cole) Gordon and Kyle (Kelli) Cooper; his three precious granddaughters, Hayden Gordon, Harper and Eleanor Cooper, who he loved so much; his siblings, Donnie Cooper, Jack (Roxie) Cooper, Doug (Lori) Cooper, Bonnie (Dave) DaRold, Janet Cooper and Howard Cooper; and many special cousins and nieces and nephews.

HELENA/ZOOM — The Montana Districting and Apportionment Commission meets Feb. 10-11, in Helena Capitol Room 172 and on Zoom to discuss the 68th Montana Legislature’s recommendations to tentative commission plan TCP3 for state legislative districting.

help us understand the crisis in a community context, and we connect in a personal way through our oldest form of community building – stories.

Submissions can be an original essay, narrative, poem, photo essay, photography, or artwork. Submission

Deadline is Feb. 27. For more information go to: mtclimatestories.org/ submit-your-story

DOG AND CAT LICENSES REQUIRED

Ordinance 2010-06 of the Ronan Municipal Codes states that no dog or cat shall be permitted to be or remain in the City without having a proper current license affixed to a collar, chain, or harness fastened to or upon each such animal. Licenses expire as of January 1 of each year. 2023 Licenses can be obtained at Ronan City Hall, 207 Main SW, Ronan, MT.

Wayne met the love of his life, Carol, in 1987 and they were married December 31, 1988. Soon their first child was born, Tisha, in Sept. of 1989. Then in 1991 they welcomed their son, Kyle. He was very proud of his kids.

Wayne was the life of the party; his smile and laugh will be remembered forever.

Wayne is preceded in death by his brother Roger;

A special thank you to all who provided medical care for him for the last four years.

A service will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Polson on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, at 2 p.m. 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.

There will be a public comment portion in the afternoon of Feb. 10. To sign-up for the public comment portion of the meeting, please fill out the commission’s remote participation webform. Written comments are encouraged and accepted at all times. Written comments may be submitted using the commission’s webform, emailed to: districting@legmt.gov, or mailed to Districting and Apportionment Commission, PO Box 201706, Helena, MT 59620.

Comments received after that time but before Feb. 10 at noon will be given to the commissioners prior to the meeting. The commission will review SJ8 (2023) that contains the recommendations from the Joint Select Committee of Redistricting and revise the state legislative districting plan during the work session portion of the meeting in the morning of Feb. 11.

All meetings are streamed live online at the Montana Legislature’s website, leg. mt.gov, and broadcast on the Montana Public Affairs Network (MPAN).

Help wanted!

Mission Mountain Enterprises Care Manager - Nurse

MME is seeking a Care Manager to oversee our medical department. LPN or RN required. Great benefits and competitive salary. If you are looking for a rewarding job with amazing people inquire today. Apply at: www.mme-mt.org or call our Administration office (406).676.2563 for more information.

We look forward to meeting you!!

Wednesday, Feb. 8

‘Picture Perfect’ art show at Sandpiper

POLSON — The Sandpiper Gallery, 306 Main Street, will continue their “Picture Perfect” art show until March 17. Follow them on Facebook or call 406-883-5956 for more information.

‘Adopt a Book’ happening

POLSON — Adopt-A-Book is coming to the North Lake County Public Library. We are offering books to be “adopted,” each title costs $15. A bookplate will be put in it with your personal message and it will be added to the collection.

Monthly potluck held

CHARLO — Leon Hall will host their monthly potluck dinner on Wednesday, Feb.

8. The hall is located at 35964 Leon Road. Meeting is open to all locals.

Take meditation class

ZOOM — Mission Mountain Zen is offering free online meditation classes Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. For more information and a Zoom link 847-721-0665.

Thursday, Feb. 9 Story Time on tap

POLSON —Story Time begins at 9:15 a.m. on Thursdays at the North Lake County Public Library.

Friday, Feb. 10

Open Mic Night held

RONAN — The Western Montana Musicians Co-op holds an Open Mic Night every Friday from 7-9 p.m. at 1 Eisenhower St. SW.

Saturday, Feb. 11

Baby Fair held at SKC

PABLO — If you are a new parent, expecting, or a family member looking for resources, the 2023 Baby Fair sponsored by CSKT Early Childhood Services has something for you. Held on Saturday, Feb. 11, at the SKC gym, the event goes from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and lunch will be provided. For additional information call 406-745-4509.

Serving Lake County since 1923

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

Community Jam held

RONAN — The Western Montana Musicians Co-op holds a Community Jam every Saturday from 7-10 p.m. at 1 Eisenhower St. SW.

Arlee Rehabilitation Center holds Gala, Banquet

MISSOULA — The Arlee Rehabilitation Center provides a sanctuary where will hold their second annual Gala and Banquet on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 5-9 p.m. at the Missoula Hilton Garden Inn. Tickets are $50 each. Call 406- 207-9338 for more information.

Monday, Feb. 13

Have Mother Goose fun

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.

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.

Announcements

Special Notices

FREE high speed internet for those that qualify. Government program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service. Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with one-time $20 copay. Free shipping & handling. Call Maxsip Telecom today! 1-866-585-6456

Wanted

Wanted ISO: Property/Ranch to lease for hunting. Montana rancher/outfitter of 30 years seeks small or large tracts of land for elk, mule deer, or upland bird hunting. Paying top prices. 406-795-8286 office, 406-351-1810 text.

Employment

Help wanted

LEAD PATIENT ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE (MISSION) - TRIBAL

HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must have an AA degree in Business Administration (Medical office Admin, etc.) or 5+ years’ experience with medical billing and/or collections in a hospital or medical office setting. Must carry and maintain AAHAM

Certification as Certified Revenue Cycle Specialist – Institutional CRCS-1. Must have at least 3 years’ experience in personnel supervision or received supervisory training within 1 year of hire. Must have experience in current Electronic Medical Record system (EMR) with knowledge of setup and functions.

Must possess a valid driver’s license. All applicants must submit a Tribal application. A copy of academic transcript/ training, certificates, or licensures. A completed supplemental background questionnaire (contact the CSKT Personnel Department), copy of valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted.

FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. Salary is $25.29$29.07 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 23, 2023 @ 5:30 p.m.(MST)

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

CHILD & YOUTH TRAUMA SERVICES

MENTAL HEALTH SPECIALIST, LCSWCONTRACT POSITIONDEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

The successful applicant must possess a Master’s Degree in Social Work (MSW) with LCSW licensure (preferred), OR a minimum of 500 hours’ clinical supervision completed (under a LCSW) and working towards accreditation in obtaining LCSW certification. If working towards licensure then successful applicant will need to obtain within a year to maintain position.

Preferred (2) years’ clinical work experience in working in a clinical setting with patients who are experiencing mental health problems. It is essential that the successful applicant have experience working as

a therapist in a clinic setting providing treatment and has experience, and knowledge of psychological theories, principles and practices in the clinical treatment field in the area of counseling, individual and group psychotherapy. Must have experience or be willing to complete the Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavior therapy training. Provide group facilitations. Applicant must pass background investigation if hired in accordance with Public Law 101-630 and 101647; no misdemeanors pending and/or in process. Must never been convicted of or pled guilty to a crime of domestic violence, child abuse, or elder abuse, sexual offense or crime of violence (felony). Must not have resigned to avoid disciplinary actions or have been dismissed from employment within the past (3) three years. Possess a valid Montana driver’s license and maintain liability insurance. No involvement with any child or social service protection agency as a client, no alcohol or drug abuse charges or domestic violence charges within the past (5) five years mandatory. Must not have had a conviction of driving under the influence of substances or a per se within the last (3) three years. This position is a mandatory reporter of child abuse and neglect situations. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, supplemental questionnaire for background investigations, copy of academic transcripts/ training certificates, copy of current valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy

of DD214 must be submitted. 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 $22.69 to $26.09 per hour with benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040. Tribal applications are also available on-line at csktribes. org. Closing date will be Thursday, Feb. 23rd, 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

HIRING WEATHERIZATION POSITIONS, program manager $20 - $28 DOE and weatherization crew member at $18 - $22/hour, full benefits. Full job description at Lewistown Job Service or https://www.hrdc6.org/jobs

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 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. Assistant to the VP, Dean, and Director ($68,000 annually, commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications). The MSU College of Agriculture/Montana Ag Experiment Station is seeking a highly motivated and experienced executive assistant. Will work with

classifieds

a great team of people in supporting and implementing essential initiatives and programs, oversee administrative operations, lead and/ or support staff activities, and coordinate special events. MSU offers an excellent benefit package! For more information and how to apply visit https:// jobs. montana.edu/postings

/34421. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/ Disabled

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.

Miscellaneous

Pets & Supplies

Caucasian Mountain Shepherd Dog Puppies. Purebred. Born 11/03. Three males and one female.

Call or Text

(406) 210-4807

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.

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.

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.

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: 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

St. Ignatius Rural Fire District will be holding a special meeting to amend the capital improvement budget for 2023-2024. The meeting will be held Wednesday, February 22 at 6 p.m.

at the St. Ignatius Fire Hall meeting room. For further information contact chairman Tim Callahan, 745-2411.

Feb. 8, 15 and 22, 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: 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 ad-

see page 31

“ Montana Farmers Union amplifies our voice. When we are one we can’t be very loud, but when we are many we can be very loud.” -

—Ben Peterson, MFU member and Rancher

public notices

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.

dress 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/ Denise Blacker

Denise Blacker

Personal Representative

Estate of James Arno Quist, Deceased.

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

John A. Mercer

MNAXLP

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: GERALDINE A. CRUSCH, Deceased.

Cause No.: DP-23-6

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/ Garnet Marie Stuerke

Garnet Marie Stuerke

/s/ Beverly Diane Bailey

Beverly Diane Bailey

Co-Personal Representatives

Estate of GERALDINE A. CRUSCH, Deceased.

Feb. 8, 15, and 22, 2023

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

Service Directory

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 abovenamed Estate. 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.

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

Polson School District 23 Trustee 2023 Election Resolution

BE IT RESOLVED: That the Board of Trustees of Polson School District 23, shall call for election of two (2) trustees from the Elementary District to serve three (3) year terms. The voting shall be by mail ballot election, with the election date of May 2, 2023. If the number of candidates filing for a position or filing a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate under MCA 13-10-211 is equal to the number of positions to be elected, the trustees may give notice that an election will not be held. (MCA 20-3-313) Filing information is available at the District Administration Office at 111 - 4th Ave East in Polson. Filing deadline is March 23, 2023.

Feb 8 and 15, 2023

MNAXLP

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Probate Cause #21-0267-P

THE CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBAL COURT OF THE FLATHEAD RESERVATION, PABLO, MONTANA

IN RE THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: Robert Eugene Fyant

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Bobbie Fyant, has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. 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.

Claims must either be mailed to Personal Representative, return receipt requested, or to the Clerk of Court of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Court, P.O. Box 278, Pablo, Montana 59855.

DATED this 31st day of January, 2023.

Personal Representative

Bobbie Fyant PO Box 912 Arlee, Montana 59821

Feb. 8, 15 and 22, 2023

MNAXLP