03/22/23 issue

Ronan celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with parade traditions

RONAN — Crowds of families lined Ronan’s Main Street as the 34th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade rang in the start of spring.

A warmer parade than the year prior, the sidewalks were crowded with onlookers. Kids clad in green and holding

plastic bags to gather candy shrieked in delight as a pair of red nosed clowns juggled pins and did tricks up and down the road to entertain them as they waited for the parade to start.

The Ronan St. Patrick’s Day tradition started back in 1985 when a couple of Irishmen raised the Irish flag in front of the Ronan City Hall. The parade itself started in 1989 when

The Ronan Irish Community (TRIC) was established and has been a tradition every March 17 since.

The police car siren that announced the parade’s beginning was met with cheers as the floats came into view. Displays from groups and businesses throughout the community from the Pheasant Lounge to the local 4-H chap -

ter painted the town green as they marched down the road. A horse with a green dye job drew a lot of attention from onlookers as well. This is a local tradition first started by Dennis Palmer in 1990 that’s been missing from the last few parades until someone new picked up the mantle this year. A green dog followed closely

Farm & Ranch see page 2

Story and Photos by Taylor Davison Valley Journal

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behind.

The jaunt down the road ended with a train of fire trucks, all honking their horns and flashing their sirens as they went. A green-clad leprechaun sat perched atop one of the truck’s top ladders, waving to the crowd.

“It’s just a nice time,” an attendee named Shelly commented. “Good start to the evening. And it’s kind of fun to see it still going –been around since I was a kid.”

“(My favorite part) was the green horse. I want to ride a green horse,” Shelly’s daughter added.

To see this year’s parade winners when they’re posted, visit: www.facebook.com/

RonanChamber

More photos on page 5

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fully packed

McNutt family seeks support after remaining roof collapses

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

RAVALI — The McNutt family has had a difficult year, Dawn McNutt shared, as what remained of their roof came crashing to the ground earlier this month.

The family first lost part of their roof two years ago during high winds. While their church and the community gathered funds to help them, Dawn said the unfortunate reality is that all that money was taken when her husband John left the family.

Dawn shared that John was arrested in 2020 for attacking one of their daughters. Upon his release from jail in March of 2022, he drained the family’s savings, turned off their power, phones, food stamps, everything, and disappeared. Dawn was able to finalize her divorce from John earlier this month thanks to help from attorneys at Safe Harbor, but as they have yet to locate John, she doesn’t anticipate receiving child support.

“He controlled all the money,” Dawn explained. “The Mormon church is trying to help me as best they can, everybody is, but I’m sitting here in tears because what person just takes off like

RONAN — Ronan School District No.30 is conducting their annual Kindergarten Round Up pre-registration for Ronan and Pablo residents. Registration to pre-enroll for both elementary schools for the upcoming 2023/2024 school year, will be held at:

Regarding their roof, McNutt said, “I thought we could survive until summer … I didn’t know it was that bad … but when this other part of the roof came down, (I knew) we can’t live here anymore.”

The portion of the roof that remained from the first incident two years ago collapsed early in the morning this month and barricaded the

front door. Dawn said members of her church and the community came over to help pull off the roof pieces, but debris is still in her front yard. Those helping her commented the house ought to be condemned, as Dawn said they also found evidence of black mold she’d been unaware of. Another stressor hit the McNutt family when it became clear that daughter Kristina has developed a

growth in her throat. The family won’t know if it’s cancerous until after Kristina undergoes surgery in Ronan next month and the growth is biopsied.

The McNutt family lives on a modest income as Dawn and her youngest daughter are disabled and receive supplemental security income (SSI). Another of her daughters contributes half of what she makes from her job at a local café to the family income, but Dawn explained that after bills they’re still lucky if they have a couple hundred dollars for her and her children each month.

The family is getting by right now with help from

Ronan School District announces annual kindergarten round-up

K. Wm. Harvey Elementary School on Friday, April 1, from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Beginning March 29, you may call to make registration appointments by calling Ronan School District No. 30 at 406-676-3390 ext. 7700 (Pablo Elementary); ext. 7300

Safe Harbor, the support of their church and friends, and the Helping Hands organization that’s assisting with this month’s electric bill. With only tarps for a roof right now, Dawn says they’re essentially living in a tent. “I can’t live in a tent with my kids,” she said. “My kids are my life, (and) they’re in tears. We’ve been through hell and back the last year … I can’t take any more.”

Anyone who knows of a housing option for the family, or those who wish to help in any way, can reach out to the McNutts through the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on North Main Street in St. Ignatius.

(Ronan/KWH Elementary) or ext. 7450 (Special Services Department).

To be eligible for kindergarten a student must be 5 years old, or 4 years old, on or before Sept. 10, 2023. Enrollments for pre-registration of 4-year-olds are limited.

Parents are asked to bring their child’s county birth certificate, immunization record and Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB), on the day of registration.

Children will be screened in hearing, speech, basic school readiness and motor skills.

Your child’s immunization records can be verified by the school nurse and immunizations may be available at the time of pre-registration

Registration and screening should be completed in approximately 30 minutes, so please plan accordingly.

(John) did? Just takes the money and runs?”

DEANA MCNUTT PHOTO

DEANA MCNUTT PHOTO

Budget, taxes, education, social issues likely to dominate legislature’s second half

By Caven Wade & Elinor Smith UM Legislative News Service University of Montana School of Journalism

MONTANA — The 68th Montana Legislature, with an unprecedented Republican supermajority, is halfway through its 90-day session and the next 45 days promise to be dominated by debates over the state’s twoyear budget, which funds everything from schools to Medicaid payments to nursing homes and mental health providers.

As Republicans vie for tax cuts that they say put money back in Montanans’ pockets, Democrats fight to invest in long-term planning, all while sitting on another unprecedented factor: a $2.5 billion surplus.

Jessi Bennion is a professor

of political science at Montana State University and Carroll College. She said there are many things that stick out this session as being out of the ordinary - notably the surplus and the Republican supermajority. She also said there’s been a far larger number of bills proposed this session than sessions previous - something that she attributes to the Republican trifecta of controlling both houses of the Legislature and the governor’s office.

“Republicans were very, very successful in Montana in this last election, and have been for at least a decade in this state,” Bennion said. “They’re acting like they have that mandate from the people. And so we’re seeing a lot of ideas, bills, come forth

that can only really be explained because they hold that power.”

She said the Republican supermajority changed the rules of the game, so to speak. The Republican party has the ability to push whatever they want forward while Democrats will have to compromise to move their policy forward. Bennion anticipates that’s what the second half of the session might be aboutwhittling the bills down until it works for both parties.

“They will do a lot of strategizing, finding compromises until they can pass those bills,” Bennion said.

Constitutionally, the Legislature only has one assignment and that’s to pass a balanced budget. During the first half of the session, joint subcommittees

hammered out each section of House Bill 2, the main budget bill. After all of that, in its current form, HB 2 authorizes more than $13 billion in spending over the next two years.

Now, the House Appropriation Committee is working through the document piece by piece -amending, reallocating and compromising until they reach their final agreement. The legislative budget is slightly lower than Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte’s budget proposal. Representatives on the committee aim to vote on the budget and move it to the full House for debate this week.

When lawmakers reconvened on Feb. 9 after their mid-session break, the House Appropriations Committee started hearings on the entire budget, starting with

the largest section, Section B, which funds health and human services in the state, including the state Medicaid program, foster care and mental and behavioral health services. That section alone would spend about $7 billion of state and federal funding over the next two years. Medicaid provides healthcare for low-income Montanans and the state’s reimbursement to Medicaid providers will be a big part of the budget debate in the second half of the session.

Other hot topic issues in the second half of the session will have to do with taxes, education and social issues.

The Republican caucus kicked off the legislative session with a hefty expectation of using the see page 8

$2.5 billion surplus to give tax money back to the people of Montana in the form of tax cuts and rebates.

The party will come into the second half divided on spending the remaining $1.5 billion of the surplus.

The $950 million already spent by the legislature is a product of what is known as the “eight pack” which includes: House Bill 192, which spends $480 million on property and income tax rebates, House Bill 222, which spends $280 million on property tax rebates, House Bill 267, which would put $100 million into the state’s highway fund, and House Bill 251, which would allocate $125 million to paying off the state’s debts.

Senate Majority Leader, Steve Fitzpatrick, R-Great Falls, said with the remaining surplus in the second half of the session, the debate on how to spend it will fall between aligned factions.

“You’ve got a group of Republicans who want to do more … rebates. You’ve got Democrats who want to have almost all social spending, and then you’ve got kind of a mix in the middle and that’s going to be the negotiation,” Fitzpatrick said.

Fitzpatrick said before the halfway mark, several bills in the governor’s package were killed by groups of Democrats and conservative Republicans, but the two do not have common ground and are doing it for different reasons. House Bill 268, which would create a $1,200 child tax credit passed a second reading vote in the House 77-21, but was tabled in the House Appropriations Committee. House Bill 269 , which would create a local disaster resiliency fund also passed second reading in the

House 89-11, but was tabled in the committee 16-7.

“The hardcore conservatives are doing it because they want more rebates. The Democrats are doing it in order to try and increase their leverage in the process by denying votes to the more moderate Republicans,” Fitzpatrick said.

Fitzpatrick said not all the money in the surplus can be allocated to tax cuts and the Legislature also has to look at appropriating money into areas that need more spending.

Democrats have a different idea on taxation than the majority party. They see the surplus as an opportunity to invest in Montana’s future. They want to invest a sizable chunk of the surplus into Montana’s coal trust, an account that holds money taxed on natural resources collected in the state.

Days before the transmittal deadline the Senate Local Government Committee tabled Senate Bill 346, 6-3 on a party-line vote. Sen. Ryan Lynch, D-Butte was sponsoring the bill, which would have moved $2 billion of the surplus into the coal trust.

Democrats now shift their aim to House Bill 2 and as the fight over how to divide the surplus up continues, leaders say the caucus is growing increasingly concerned with their ability to find a compromise that will satisfy both parties.

“We have a generational opportunity right now to invest in real problems in our communities, in childcare, affordable housing and things that we’re hearing from businesses every day, from families every day that are real issues in their communities and, for permanent property tax relief, which the GOP refuses to consider seriously,” House Minority Leader Kim Abbott, D-Helena, said at a press con-

ference at the session’s halfway mark.

While taxation and the budget are the biggest focus of the Legislature in the second half, other topics, including education and social issues will not be far behind.

Republicans and Democrats have found common ground when it comes to education throughout the session on bills like Sen. Shannon O’Brien’s, D-Missoula, Senate Bill 8, which would update personalized learning programs across the state. However, the two parties are still far apart when it comes to other issues.

Republicans want to give parents more rights in their child’s education, while also setting up more trade school opportunities. Democrats are focused on teacher pay, especially in rural Montana and especially with the increased cost of living.

However, beyond basic law making and bill passing, there is also a philosophical battle brewing over education.

One of those arguments is between Rep. Sue Vinton’s, R-Billings, House Bill 562 and Rep. Fred Anderson’s, R-Great Falls, House Bill 549 regarding the implementation of charter schools in the state.

“There’s different views on charter schools, you have some people that believe in a more private model where you give money to a private organization and run a school, and then there’s a group of people that believe that the community charter schools need to be publicly operated and oriented,” Fitzpatrick said.

Fitzpatrick said the conservative viewpoint would be to have private entities competing with public schools.

“The theory, if you go read Milton Friedman, is that competition will result in better

results. He believes that in education you will get better results through competition between government and private entities,” Fitzpatrick said.

A few solutions have been tossed around the Capitol this session. Both parties are interested in further subsidizing the cost of public education through tax mill levies and improving teachers’ salaries to incentivize more young Montanans entering the profession to move to rural places.

Senate Bill 70, also sponsored by O’Brien, is aimed at solving the teacher shortage with student loan pay-off incentives. It passed the Senate 46-4 on Feb. 3.

But the argument over charter schools is still heated.

Amanda Curtis, the president of the Montana Federation of Public Employees. She said a charter program could cause issues to equal access to education in Montana, which could ultimately end up costing Montana more in the long run.

“If you chart this course out, you can predict that it will end up being an increased cost to the taxpayer because they do have an obligation to adequately fund a free quality public education for every kid,” Curtis said. “And so if they’re going to defund that system to create private charter schools, we’re going to sue and win. And they’re going to have to put more money into the public education system. Which then, I mean, that gets paid for by the taxpayer.”

The 68th Legislature is also considering a groundbreaking number of social issue bills, including on controversial topics like transgender rights, access to abortion and what responsibilities medical professionals have, or don’t have, in providing care in those cases.

House Bill 303, which would allow doctors to object to providing services that go against their beliefs, like gender affirming care or abortion services, passed the House 63-33 and now moves to the Senate for debate. Senate Bill 154, which would exclude abortion from the right to privacy in Montana, passed the Senate 28-21 and will now be up for debate in the House.

Leaders in the Republican caucus say they are concerned with outside pressures that could affect children in the state -especially surrounding gender identity.

“Kids need to be kids. Our children should be focused on the big sporting events and how to pass the algebra class. They should not be worried about how to deal with them, or the pressures of the left to subtly or even overtly be sexualized,” Rep. Matt Regier, R-Kalispell said. Another bill in that vein is House Bill 349, which would prohibit minors from attending drag shows. It is now in the Senate after passing the House 61-37.

Shawn Reagor works for the Human Rights Network of Montana and has spoken out in opposition against such bills. He said these bills are often “adopted” from other states that have passed similar legislation. He said this legislation has more impact on Montanans beyond preventing them from accessing the medical services they need.

“It’s not just attacking the ability to have drag shows. It’s putting out a message that LGBT people should not be around children or something that is an essential part of our culture is unacceptable or is becoming - or they’re branding it, for example, as harmful when

see page 9

POLSON — A Monroe Washington man is accused of causing a crash and leading law enforcement on a pursuit in a stolen SUV. Austin Clair Le Baron, 43, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court on March 15 to two felony counts of criminal endangerment and misdemeanor charges of theft and DUI. According to court records, on Feb. 21,

a burgundy colored SUV pulled onto U.S. Highway 93 in front of traffic causing a crash near mile marker 26.7 in Ravalli. The SUV did not stop and instead continued northbound. A deputy with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office spotted the suspected SUV in Ronan and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The deputy activated her emergency lights and siren and honked the horn, but the SUV would not stop. The SUV passed cars in front of it using the turn lane and continued to travel north on U.S. Highway 93. The SUV began

legislature

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the reality is we know that that’s just not the truth,” Reagor said. “So as part of that fallout and the impact of that rhetoric is that we see an increase in rates of discrimination. We see an increase in harmful language, we see an increase in violence and anti-LGBT rhetoric.”

Caven Wade and Elinor Smith are student reporters with the UM Legislative News Service, a partnership of the University of Montana School of Journalism, the Montana Broadcasters Association, the Montana Newspaper Association and the Greater Montana Foundation.

to fishtail near mile marker 49 and drove into the median before entering the south bound lanes. The SUV struck another vehicle causing it to enter the ditch and deploy its airbags. The driver of the SUV was identified as Le Baron. He allegedly smelled of alcohol and admitted to consuming “half a fifth.” He also admitted to using fentanyl. The SUV was reported stolen out of Coeur D’ Lane Idaho a few days prior to Feb. 21. Judge Molly Owen set a trial date of Sept. 18 and granted Le Baron an own recognizance release.

Valley View School KINDERGARTEN

UP & Child Find

POLSON — A St. Ignatius man is accused of dealing fentanyl in Lake County.

Daniel Xavier Durglo, 36, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court on March 15 to criminal possession with intent to distribute.

According to court records, on March 4, a law enforcement officer observed a green

passenger car with no license plate traveling northbound on Old U.S. Highway 93 in Pablo. The officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, but it sped up through Pablo until the driver jumped a railroad track and lost control. The vehicle slid sideways and jumped a concrete barrier. The driver, later identified as Durglo, attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended before he could enter a nearby apartment building. Durglo initially refused to follow instructions and resisted arrest. The officer deployed his stun gun twice on Durglo

before placing him under arrest. The green passenger car he was driving was reported as stolen out of Spokane, Washington. A search warrant for the vehicle was obtained and executed which turned up approximately 230 suspected fentanyl pills and a silver handgun with an obliterated serial number. The search also yielded Durglo’s driver’s license and a mobile device with messages pertaining to “sales.”

Judge Molly Owen set the case for trial Sept. 18. Durglo remains in the Lake County Jail with bail set totaling $170,000.

Stories by Jeff Smith of Anderson Broadcasting for

Le Baron pleads not guilty to felony criminal endangerment

Le Baron

Durglo pleads not guilty to possession with intent to distribute

Durglo

valley views Shoot on net

My husband and I raised our kids in the land of hockey. This column is not about hockey.

I realize hockey isn’t a thing or perhaps not as popular in some (warmer) climates, but for many years, for us, hockey was a large part of life. If nothing else, it got us through the cold winters.

Between our three boys, we spent two decades with the sport.

Despite my years of watching the Zamboni resurface the ice, shivering in the the arena stands, sampling hot cocoa from all over the state, lacing up little kid’s skates and cheering like only a mom can (sometimes with cowbells), it took me a

letters

Thank you

Editor,

We’d like to thank everyone who helped make our March 10 Mission Valley Ice Arena Fundraiser at Glacier Brewery such a success.

Donors from throughout our Mission Valley came forward with wonderful items for our silent auction – from

long time to learn even a little about the sport. I relived my rookie season year after year.

Blue lines, red lines, forechecking and back checking? It was all French Canadian to me.

He said it almost every game. It was like a mantra: Good things happen when you shoot on net.

Slices of Life

My husband was not a rookie. He knew the sport inside and out. But he had a way of whittling that down to the basic facts.

Jill Pertler Syndicated columnist

His message? Take the shot. The puck won’t go into the net if you don’t shoot it in that general direction. And nothing, absolutely nothing, will happen if you don’t shoot at all.

aware of the net.

But it is there. It is in front of us. Perhaps for eons. Perhaps for just a fleeting moment.

This moment has a name: opportunity.

Life is filled with it - with them: opportunities. If we seize the moment. If we see the net. If we shoot.

We. Just. Might. Score.

them.

Or, maybe I simply wasn’t aware of them, much like we may not be aware of our own proverbial net. Or realize that that we are on a breakaway, racing toward it at full speed, on recently sharpened skates with a stick in our gloved hands guiding the puck across the ice right in front of us.

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

LETTER POLICY

One of his favorite pieces of hockey advice was pretty simple: Good. Things. Happen. When. You. Shoot. On. Net.

He spat the words out just like that. As though each word was its own sentence.

individuals with handmade art and crafts, to commercial enterprises eager to help us raise money. There are too many to name here, but we appreciate all our volunteers, and donors – large businesses, family enterprises, and individuals. All were very generous. We realize that when a small business gives a product or service,

Sometimes, in life, we have the opportunity to shoot for the net, but we hesitate. We are afraid. We pause.

We might even be distracted, unaware that the net is right in front of us. We may not even realize we are holding a stick or a bat or a ball. We may not even be

it comes right off their bottom line. We want to thank everyone who attended, many of whom stepped up and helped in the standing-room only crowd that spilled outdoors under our patio heaters. We tried to make everyone comfortable in the wintery air.

A special “triple axel” to Patrick of

Maybe not, but maybe so. But here’s one fact that is 100% true:

If we don’t take the shot, it ain’t going to happen.

My husband was a wise man. He continues teaching me even today. I’m thankful for that.

I heard his words over and over throughout the years. Maybe my ears were too frozen to hear

Glacier Brewing Company for hosting and staffing the event, and sharing his profits with us for his “Pints for a Purpose” evening.

All in all, we raised just over what hockey players would say, “ten thousand biscuits in the basket” which gets us closer to our goal!

The amount of money raised is won-

I am aware now. I remember his words and I am cognizant of their wisdom. I will heed his advice to the best of my ability. Life is short. I’m going for the hat trick.

I encourage you to do the same.

Whether you go top shelf or for the five hole, take the shot.

Shoot on net. Good things will happen.

derful, but our true take-away was the overwhelming community endorsement of the arena. This is indeed a wonderful community!

Mission Valley Ice Arena Board

Jamie Buhr

Linda Greenwood

Devin Huntley

Hilary Lozar

Steve “Bubs”

Lozar

Carmine

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.

Mowbray

Danell “Bumper”

Thingelstad

Steve Todd

Chuck Wall

Key volunteer

Katie Walter

Choose a thought system Editor, Our nation’s Republican party is 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.

ShamRockers celebrate women with free concert

News from the Port Polson Players

POLSON — The Montana ShamRockers are celebrating Women’s History Month with a free concert centering on that theme Friday, March 24 at 7 p.m. at Polson’s Beautiful Theatre on the Lake. No reservations are necessary, but it’s suggested to arrive a little after 6:30 that evening as seats are on a “first come, first served” basis for this informative and musical show.

Pictured here Rob (Robbie) Sloan, Neal (Nialls) Lewing, Mike (Paddy) Lozar, John (Liam) Glueckert, and Rick (Captain) Skates are excited to honor women that have made contributions near and far. According to the lads “We are also celebrating the 20th year of the Montana ShamRockers.”

“We can’t think of a better way to observe our anniversary than to honor women locally and around the world!

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presently dangerously divided. This threatens our democracy. The evidence is clear.

Our world is presently undergoing tremendous stresses. We are dealing with viral pandemics, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the ramping up of fear and anger. Add to this the advancements in “weapons of mass destruction.” Our world is in peril.

What our world needs from each of us is a great healing. This healing is a “healing of the mind.” We each have a “thought system.” This system is based upon how we think. And how we think

is based upon the individual choices we make in dealing with what we are presented with in our daily lives.

God’s gift of the mind is the key. The mind, unlike the brain, transcends the body. Our minds determine our attitudes and behavior. We make mind-choices. We can choose a thought system based on negative anger and attack or a thought system based on positive healing actions. There are many teachings available to each of us involving expressing God’s love. Let’s study and activate them.

Bob McClellan Missoula

Consider education Editor,

For those whose only outside world news comes from Fox or OAM they should be happy to hear that Montana’s students testing level came out at close to the 25% competency level in both reading and math ability. This should pretty well insure, as they grow, they will follow what they hear from home or church as gospel and continue to use any one of the derogatory words to describe and apply to people who are different or just worship differently. Lack of reading and math skills also help us keep them home as job opportunities in the outside world will

be harder to come by in competition with better educated opponents.

But our kids can live and work here, relishing the fact they can avoid mingling with those having differences. Helpful in this effort is the parents actively trying to ban information and ideas by ridding the school’s library of books that teach or even just explore the possibilities of differences among the human race and/or in religious beliefs.

The goal seems to be if we can keep our kids from learning more stuff, we can continue to have them help us elect people who will then help us cull the heard even more, distorting the true freedoms our country holds

towards individual rights and freedoms.

Education and information is out there about all sorts of things. Missing out on the skills or the desire to see and decide for yourself what is valid and truth and what is propaganda and lies intended to further contamination of what history and science has really found to be likely or true, we can rest assured those leading us today, or their clones, will be here in our future to continue to degrade our politics, our power as a nation, and the intent our forefathers had when breaking away from tyrannical rulers.

Rich Bell Polson

Community shows outpouring of support for future ice arena

By Taylor Davison Valley Journal

POLSON — The Mission Valley Ice Arena recently held a fundraiser in their ongoing efforts to complete the final push towards start

ing construction.

Held in Polson’s Glacier Brewery, board member Hilary Lozar said the event was standing room only. “It went incredibly well. We were super pleased with the attendance,” Lozar commented.

With live music from the ShamRockers and auction items from around 20 private and business donors, the community turned up in mass to support the ice arena project. “Anyone that we approached seemed so excited to give us something. No

Yuki!

This is Yuki. She is a 6-monthold DSH. She is a super sweet and loving little kitten looking for her furrever home!

one turned us down. We had an incredible amount of support from the local businesses, which was wonderful to see,” Lozar explained.

Lozar also shared that the owner of Glacier Brewery said they typically aim for 160 to 175 pints of beer sold at events like this, with a dollar per beer donated to the organization being hosted. The fundraiser for the Mission Valley Ice Arena blew that out of the water with 220 pints sold.

“I was blown away. All our board members were just speechless when we saw how many people showed up and how many people were bidding on the silent auction items, it was amazing,” Lozar said. “The energy was so positive. Our main take -

away was not just the money but the thought that the town and the local valley obviously are endorsing our product with their enthusiasm.”

The Mission Valley Ice Arena Association recently acquired the deed to their lot and are currently working on a parking agreement with the Soccer Association building. Located near where the ice arena will be built, the agreement will ensure enough parking is available for patrons and create a kind of sports complex in that area of town. Once the proposal is agreed upon, the association will start the permitting process with the city and continue their fundraising efforts for the last million dollars needed to get construction underway.

While another fundraising event will be planned for the summer, those interested in supporting the Mission Valley Ice Arena can

see page 13

Yuki

SKMM (a subsidiary of S&K Technologies, Inc.) is focused on providing quality support to the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes by offering a full range of technical, construction, and administrative support services to execute projects of various size and complexity.

We invite vendors to review our list of current opportunities and join our vendor database by filling out the form on our website:

www.skmissionmanagement.com/vendor/

KATIE WALTER PHOTO

ice arena

from page 12

donate either by sending a check to PO Box 333 in Polson, or by going online to: missionvalleyicearena.com and clicking the donate button. The association

also has ongoing raffles at Glacier Brewery on Wednesday evenings for a Yeti cooler and mixed Montana beers.

“The amount of support we’ve had in the local area has been phenomenal, just extremely exciting,” Lozar stated.

LAKE COUNTY SOLID WASTE Operational Notification

“I feel like it really does give us that stamp of approval from the community for us to move forward … we felt like we’d always been supported, but this was a next level. This was amazing.”

Mission Valley Choral Society plans Palm Sunday weekend concerts

News from the Mission Valley Choral Society

MISSION VALLEY — Mission Valley Choral Society Director Christian Bumgarner is directing his last concerts in Montana on Palm Sunday weekend — 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, at the Mission in St. Ignatius and 4 p.m. Sunday, April 2, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Polson. Christian, with Karla Gallatin as accompanist, will lead

the choir in 10 varied musical selections from “Ave Maria” to a medley from “Les Miserables.”

A spaghetti supper will be served immediately following the Sunday concert in the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church basement.

The 90-minute concerts are free and welcoming to all. Free-will offerings will be taken at each concert. Saturday’s donations help the choir with music expense, and donations

from the Sunday concert and meal will support Helping Hands of Mission Valley. In his 35 years of directing choirs in the valley, Christian has led six choirs and founded three. He has either sung in or directed the Mission Valley Choral Society for about 30 years. Christian and his wife Viktra are leaving Polson in May to live in Idaho closer to grandchildren. For more information call 406-261-3304 or 406370-2076.

Lake County Waste Management will be going through some operational changes in the upcoming weeks. Over the last couple of years with increased population growth and a construction boom Lake County’s waste management system is being overwhelmed and, in many cases, taken advantage of. In the past these sites were opened 7 days a week with no oversight or monitoring. Containers meant for household garbage for rural residents are now being filled with out of county waste, construction debris, special waste, and even hazardous waste.

This activity has taken a large financial toll on Lake County’s Waste Management system. The County will be implementing changes to stop this activity and shore up our system from many different facets. Our residents have been bearing the cost of this activity and our goal is to make sure our sites are clean, monitored and here for our residents in the future.

After numerous community meeting with residents explaining, listening, and fielding questions it is in Lake County and the residents’ best interest that these sites be monitored with county staff. Each site will have set days and hours of operation. This schedule will take effect on April 2nd, 2023.

o Charlo Sunday, Wednesday, Friday 9am-5pm

o Ravalli Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday 9am-5pm

o Swan Tuesday, Saturday 9am-5pm

o Proctor Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday Saturday 9am-5pm

o Ferndale Sunday, Tuesday, Thursday, 9am-5pm

o Woods Bay Monday, Wednesday, Saturday 9am-5pm

o Landfill Tuesday-Saturday 8am-6pm

o Transfer Station 7 days a week 8am-6pm

The county’s priority will be to have sites open more days and more hours as we move forward. Sites that are close in proximity will be open on alternating days. The Transfer station on Reservoir Rd will continue to be open 7 days a week for household garbage and recycling. If you have stumps, brush, compost, or clean concrete those items are also excepted at the transfer station with a fee attached. All demolition, construction, pallets, dimensional lumber, and furniture need to be taken to the landfill on Kerr Dam Rd.

If you have not received your household garbage tags or filled out the application for your tags, please contact our office at 406-883-7323 or visit the Lake County website for a PDF downloadable copy. This tag identifies you or your landlord as one that pays the $180 fee on your tax bill. This tag allows you to dump household garbage at any of our transfer sites without additional garbage fees. Tag deadline May 1st

KATIE WALTER PHOTO

Polson Alliance Church welcomes new pastor

POLSON — On March 5, the Polson Alliance Church in Polson, members of the Rocky Mountain District of the Christian and Missionary Alliance who have been without a pastor for well over a year, welcomed Pastor Jason and Tambi Burrough to lead its congregation.

Pastor Jason and his family are no strangers to the Mission Valley or the Polson area as they have served for the past six years locally in Polson, spearheading many local community events like the Day of Hope Back to School Health Fair in downtown. He is also an assistant coach for the Polson Pirates football team, and is the PA Announcer for the Pirate softball, wrestling, and volleyball teams.

“This is our home, also with strong ties to the community, it was tough to see our family moving away from the Mission Valley, so we prayed, stayed as patient as possible, and the Lord opened up the door at the Alliance Church.” Pastor Jason brings a fresh vision and a community focus to the Alliance Church. The church has been in the Polson community for over 40 years and Pastor Jason has a heart to grow through community involvement like outreaches, opening the church to local entities that need meeting places, and so

much more. “We want to be a church that is Missional, our goal is to have a Culture of Commission, and we would love to welcome you to join the journey,” Pastor Jason Burrough said.

The Polson Alliance Church currently meets on Sunday mornings with coffee and family time at 9:30 a.m., followed by the main gathering at 10:30 a.m. The Polson Alliance Church would like to invite the community to celebrate the official In-

stallation of Pastor Jason & Tambi Burrough on Sunday, March 26 at 10:30 a.m. Jonathan Wiggins, the District Superintendent of the Christian and Missionary Alliance, will be present in the 10:30 a.m. gathering, and the church will be having lunch afterwards. You can visit the Polson Alliance Church online at polsonalliance.org or visit in person across from Montana Marbled Meats at 46873 US-93 right in front of Country Pasta in Polson.

COURTESY PHOTO

Farm Ranch

l

Local egg producers work to fill gap left by national distributors

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

LAKE COUNTY

— In the wake of the national egg shortage, which has seen national providers across the board lose flocks of chickens to avian influenza, local egg providers have been rising to the challenge to meet increasing egg demand.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the United States suffered its deadliest outbreak of avian influenza between 2021 and 2022 with 50.54 million birds killed across 47 states. The prior record saw the death of 50.5 million birds in 2015. Data published by the USDA in January of this year showed that in December of 2022, the average number of “layers” was down 5% from 2021, and the overall production of eggs fell by 6.6%. At the end of 2022, inventories were 29% lower than at the start of the year.

“It’s been a rollercoaster, that’s for sure,” Emily Mayberry of the Western Montana Growers Cooperative commented. The co-op works with two egg producers in the area: the standard producer, Spencer Valley View Eggs west of Kalispell, and organic producer, Mission Mountain Organic Eggs in Ronan. The primary challenge they’ve seen, according to Mayberry, is availability.

“I’d say not only was the avian flu a challenge, but living and growing and producing in Montana is always a challenge,” Mayberry explained. “Not only are they dealing with culling,

but they’re also dealing with weather changes. Last year was hard with a short spring and summer and an early winter. Birds are sensitive, and they had challenges … But they’re always able to produce, it’s just that availability changes based on all those factors.”

For their part, Mission Mountain Eggs hasn’t lost any birds to avian influenza. Thanks to the biosecurity measures they’ve had in place – only allowing certain people into the barns, wearing certain clothes and boots – and keeping the chickens inside

instead of in a pasture for the last year, none of their birds have fallen ill.

However, due to the lack of eggs on local store shelves from larger and/or national providers, more and more people and businesses are looking to Mission Mountain Eggs for their eggs. “Our demand has skyrocketed,” Chase Walkup of Mission Mountain Eggs stated. “Normally people wouldn’t buy the more expensive eggs but when they’re the only eggs available on the shelf, they’re going to buy eggs.”

While Mission Mountain

Eggs does its best to prioritize their direct supply of eggs to Super 1 in Polson, several grocery stores in the valley without that direct supply connection have reported running out of eggs from time to time in the last year. Shayna from Mission Mountain Natural Foods mentioned that more than once during the shortage acting as the middleman to connect those searching for eggs with locals with small-scale chicken operations.

Shelly Fyant with the Arlee Community Development Corporation (CDC), ex -

plained that a couple of times in February, due to a lack of egg supply, they had to limit food pantry clients to a dozen eggs per family.

“Eggs are really important to a lot of our clients. Some of them have dental issues and eggs are pretty soft and easy to eat, so we really miss them if they’re not there,” Fyant commented. She went on to say, as the CDC develops their community garden, in an effort to be more self-sufficient and active in the food chain, they would like to include in their long

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL see page 17

eggs

term plan chickens for eggs.

from page 16

Data published by the USDA in January showed a slight increase in the number of egg-type pullet chicks for future hatchery supply flocks up 3% from the prior year. Broiler-type chicks for future domestic hatchery supply up 1%. This indicates there is work being done to restore the supply of “layer” chickens in the market. Local egg suppliers are optimistic, as well.

“From our experience – we’ve been doing this for 15 years – egg demand has seasons of real high demand and real low demand. I’ve got a feeling we’ll have probably a low demand for eggs again,” Walkup said. “It may take a couple years with the avian flu pandemic going on, but I’m sure everything will go back down again eventually.”

“There’s always those ongoing challenges for sure, but it is getting better. The plans they put in place to recover from avian flu, we’re seeing that beneficial move now. We’re starting to get more eggs available,” Mayberry commented. “We’re just excited to have more egg availability coming up soon, it’s right around the corner.”

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL

Farm

New tractor repair MOU falls short on right to repair

News from Montana Farmers Union

MONTANA — A new tractor repair MOU hasn’t changed the fact that farmers and ranchers do not have the ability to fully repair their own equipment.

The most recent MOU was announced by American Farm Bureau Federation and CNH Industrial and comes on the heels of a similar MOU between Farm Bureau and John Deere.

Like its predecessor, the new MOU lacks enforcement mechanisms and fails to give agricultural equipment owners the diagnostic tools and software to program parts to be fully

functional.

“This MOU is like a cowboy advertising a sterile bull for sale. The bull may look good but can’t finish the job. This MOU sounds good at first glance but really it only offers tools to do minor diagnostic trouble shooting and doesn’t provide the tools needed to fix the problem,” Montana Farmers Union President Walter Schweitzer said.

“Even if every Farm Equipment manufacturer signed this MOU it just means more sterile bulls grazing in the pasture,” Schweitzer added.

Three main manufacturers produce the majority of farm equipment sold in the U.S., and manufacturers

largely deny access to the necessary diagnostic and software tools for producers and independent repair technicians to troubleshoot and fully repair equipment. Currently, if equipment owners replace a part, they must still pay a manufacturer-approved technician to program new parts for equipment to return to full functionality.

Producers must have enforceable legislation that gives them fair access to the diagnostic and repair tools and software needed to fully repair equipment. Such legislation proposed in Montana was killed in committee during the current Legislative Session.

Right to repair advo-

cates, including Montana Farmers Union, continue to fight for ag producers, and the DOJ has recently sided with plaintiffs in a case against John Deere, saying Deere holds unfair control of the aftermarket

repairs and parts business.

Several other states also have introduced legislation to address right to repair, including Colorado.

“The Colorado legislators have seen this phony MOU for what it is and

are passing legislation that will give farmers the right to repair,” Schweitzer said.

“When Colorado passes right to repair legislation, we will be able to purchase a bull that can finish the job!”

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL

Veterinarian recommends measures to keep horses safe after recent EHM outbreak

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

MONTANA — On Jan.

31 of this year, the Montana Department of Livestock recommended all equine events and rodeos be cancelled in Flathead County due to an outbreak of a severe equine illness.

Equine herpesvirus, myeloencephalopathy (EHM), is the neurological form of the equine herpesvirus disease that attacks the spinal cord and brain of a horse. While

there are possible treatments and supportive care for horses inflicted with EHM, they are usually cost prohibitive, or do not overcome a horse’s poor prognosis.

Though the outbreak that caused the cancellation recommendation reportedly passed in mid-February, it still brought the health and safety of horses to the forefront of the minds of many owners. Fortunately, according to AHD Veterinarian Tahnee Szymanski of the De -

partment of Livestock, there are many everyday biosecurity measures people can put in place to help keep their horses from falling ill. First and foremost, a horse having equine herpesvirus does not in itself mean that the horse will develop neurological symptoms. According to the Department of Livestock, EHM is born of a specific variation of the virus that is less common than other forms of the disease. Dr. Szymanski explained that equine

herpesvirus primarily causes respiratory illnesses instead, typically with cough, discharge, and fever, and is extremely common throughout horse populations with most horses exposed by two years of age. No new cases of EHM from the Flathead outbreak have been discovered.

“When you get (the EHM) variant, you’re more likely to see cases where it effects the central nervous system and you’re seeing neurologic signs in those animals, and that was

the case up in the Flathead,” Dr. Szymanski said. “Any time that you bring horses together from multiple different sources there’s going to be a risk of spreading disease. The best thing that people can do is just be aware that they are accepting that risk when they go out into the world with their horse, and just being mindful of things that they can do to help reduce that risk, not just for EHM but also for other disease agents

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL

horses

as well.”

from page 20

Measures that horse owners can take include:

— Avoiding common water sources where possible

— Avoiding tying horses up in an area where stranger horses have been tied

— Keeping home horses that have been sick or have a fever

— Isolate ill horses away from horses that will be travelling to avoid carrying contagions

— Keep some level of isolation between traveling horses and those that stay home due to age or health risks

Additionally, Szymanski commented that there’s some speculation at the department that the regular vaccination of horses with a equine rhinopneumonitis vaccine may provide some level

of protection against equine herpesvirus, though they don’t yet know to what degree.

Any instances of serious livestock health outbreaks are always reported on the Montana Department of Livestock’s website: liv.mt.gov. Information about smaller cases in an area may be obtained from local veterinarians, as they will be apprised of any situations in an area.

“With no new cases (of EHM), it’s somewhat time to get back to normal movements and activities,” Dr. Szymanski commented. “Hopefully people can just take away from this the importance of some basic, preventive biosecurity measures that they can put in place every day, regardless of if there’s cases of EHM out on the landscape or not.”

Rosendale, Khanna reintroduce bipartisan bill to support American ranchers

News from the office of Matt

Rosendale

WASHINGTON,

D.C. – On March 14, Congressmen Matt Rosendale (MT02) and Ro Khanna (CA-17) introduced the USA Beef Act to amend the Federal Meat Inspection Act to ensure that beef labeled “Product of the U.S.A.” is exclusively born, raised, and slaughtered in the United States.

“American ranchers deserve a fair shake. Allowing multinational companies to utilize the ‘Product of the U.S.A.’ label while importing foreign meat is both deceiving to the consumer and a hindrance to American producers,” said Rep. Rosendale. “This legislation offers a common-sense solution to the benefit of both American ranchers and consumers.”

Under current law, meatpackers are allowed to import cattle raised abroad, slaughter and package them in the United States, and sell them in grocery stores labeled as a product of the U.S.A.

The “Product of U.S.A.” label is a significant assurance of the quality and safety

of beef to American consumers. It also serves as a sign to consumers that they’re supporting the work of American farmers and ranchers.

Allowing foreign importers to reap the benefits of using the “Product of U.S.A.” label defeats the purpose of having a label at all. This omission undermines American ranchers who genuinely utilize practices deserving of the label and misleads consumers who believe they are supporting American businesses.

“We need to level the playing field for family farmers who are competing with multi-national meat packing companies that are importing cattle and using the “Made in the U.S.” label,” said Rep. Khanna. “The USA Beef Act will allow America to produce beef here again and will help strengthen our economy. I’m proud to lead this effort with Rep. Rosendale.”

In addition to Representative Khanna (CA-17), this legislation is co-sponsored by Representatives Lauren Boebert (C-03), Clay Higgins (LA-03), and Mary Miller (IL-15).

additional $9.7M Funding will expand meat and poultry processing in Montana and comes from Tester’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

BIG SANDY — U.S. Senator Jon Tester secured $9,752,250 for Bear Paw Development to finance expanded meat and poultry processing in five regions across Montana. In order to reach markets across the state, Bear Paw Development has partnered with Sweetgrass Development Corporation, Great Falls; Headwaters RC&D, Butte; Montana Business Assistance Connection, Helena; and Snowy Mountain Development Corporation, Lewistown. This loan was awarded through USDA Rural Development’s Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program (MPILIP), which was funded through Tester’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

Tester helped negotiate the ARPA and he was the only Montana statewide official that supported the legislation.

“Too many folks in

Washington don’t understand the challenges small business owners in rural America are facing,” said Tester. “Montana’s ranchers raise some of the best beef in the world, and I’ll always fight to ensure they can process that beef right here in their own backyard. That’s why I’m proud to have secured this funding that will expand meat and poultry processing, boost local businesses, strengthen our supply chains, and create good-paying jobs in the process.”

Tester’s American Rescue Plan Act dedicated $1 billion for the expansion and diversification of independent processing capacity. In

order to meet this objective, USDA created a number of Meat and Poultry Supply Chain programs and initiatives.

Tester has led the charge to expand meat processing capacity in Montana. In January, Tester secured more than $1 million to help seven Montana meat processors expand their operations and processing capacities, grow their customer bases, and assist with production, operational, and marketing costs.

Last March, Tester secured $7.8 million for 30 Montana agriculture small businesses, which included funding for three new USDA-certified meat processing facilities.

Last November, Tester secured $2 million from the Meat and Poultry Intermediary Lending Program for the Great Falls Development Authority Inc. The funding, provided through ARPA, will go toward expanding GFDA’s relending work, providing support for both existing meat and poultry processing operations in the Great Falls region that are looking to grow as well as entrepreneurs looking to start new operations. Tester also secured $291,900 from the Meat and Poultry Processing Expansion Program (MPPEP) for the Montana Premium Processing Cooperative (MPPC) in Havre.

Tester secures an

News from the office of Senator Tester

Ag dinner honors Jack Stivers

By Taylor Davison Valley Journal

RONAN — The Ronan Chamber of Commerce will celebrate local farmers and ranchers with their 43rd annual Agriculture Appreciation Dinner on March 24.

This year’s event will honor Jack Stivers of the MSU Agriculture Extension Office in Lake County. Following 32 years of service as an extension agent, Stivers retired Feb. 15. Ronan Chamber member, Katie Jo Elliott, said Stivers has been a huge force behind the appreciation dinner in prior

MSGA and Lewistown Livestock Auction to host rollover auction

years. “We thought it would be a really awesome thing to thank him for all his service to the community,” Elliott explained. “We’re honoring him as an advocate for agriculture in the community, and for all his hard work in Lake County.”

The dinner honoring ag producers in the area will be held at the Ronan Community Center with a social hour beginning at 6 p.m. and dinner starting at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at Mountain West Cooperative, Westland Seed, and the MSU Extension Office in Ronan.

News from MSGA

HELENA — On March 21, National Ag Day, the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) will launch its first of a series of rollover auctions at markets across Montana to raise funds for its appeal of Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) decision regarding American Prairie’s grazing allotments. Each rollover auction will raise funds for the MSGA Advocacy Fund, which allows for a collective voice for cattle ranchers advocating for change and accountability at the state and federal levels. This fund is currently being used to support the appeal against BLM and is in partnership with North and South Phillips Grazing Districts and under the

counsel of the Budd-Falen Law Offices, LLC.

The first auction of the series was held on Tuesday, March 21 at the Lewistown Livestock Auction house.

Todd Olsen, of Lewistown and a Montana Stockgrowers Association board director, has graciously donated a replacement heifer to be sold during the Bred Special, All Class Cattle, Rockin’ L Genetics & Snowy Mountain Angus Production Sale.

All are welcome to participate, either in-person or via online bidding at www.lewistownlivestock. com. All of the proceeds from each sale and the final auction will go to supporting the MSGA Advocacy Fund.

In a rollover auction, the donated animal is put up for auction,

purchased, re-donated, and then purchased again. This is done over and over until there are no more bids to be taken. Once this process is over, the heifer will then be sold at auction.

American Prairie’s American Serengeti concept is a threat to the grassland ecosystem, rural communities, and Montana’s cattle industry. MSGA is calling for all who are passionate about the protection and stewardship of Montana’s lands, heritage, and legacy to please consider supporting these auctions. Donations can also be made at www.protectopenspaces.com.

For additional information on the event, please call Todd Olsen at (406) 350-0025, Monty Lesh (406) 853-1523, or Kyle Shobe (406) 366-0472.

Gov. Gianforte visits with Helle Rambouillet Ranch in Dillon

Governor Gianforte kicks off Montana Agriculture Month, shears

ewe

News from the office of Governor Gianforte

DILLON — Kicking off

Montana Agriculture Month, Governor Greg Gianforte today visited a multi-generational family sheep ranch near Dillon.

“At their ranch in southwest Montana, the Helles raise thousands of sheep, bringing sustainable, high quality, 100% Montana grown Merino Wool to market,” Gov. Gianforte said. “To keep family operations like this one running for future generations, we’ll continue to promote and invest in value-added ag so producers can capture more of the tremendous value they create.”

With wool sourced from their Rambouillet herd, the Helles cofounded Duckworth, a Merino Wool products clothing company.

While at the ranch, the gov-

ernor sheared an ewe, taking part in the first step of the company’s Sheep to Shelf process.

Evan Helle, a fourth-generation sheep rancher and son of Duckworth co-founder and head rancher, John Helle, led the group in a shearing demonstration.

“People want to know where their clothing comes from, and we had all the tools in place to be able to start a company with products made in the USA from Sheep to Shelf,” Helle said.

Working with 23 factory partners in 12 states, Duckworth is rebuilding the American textile industry from the bottom up, Helle explained.

Director of Agriculture

Christy Clark, who attended the shearing with the governor, added, “Today was a great opportunity to highlight entrepreneurial activity in our state specific to agriculture. Additionally, having the opportunity to highlight domestic supply chain strengths coming out of

Thank You

a 4th generation sheep ranch is a story that we hope inspires other producers in the state to

keep pushing value added agriculture forward.”

After the shearing, Gov.

We’re Your Homegrown Newspaper and proud to offer a locally raised product, just like you, since 2004.

When you live and work in an ag community, you understand the hard work it takes to be homegrown. We at the Valley Journal want to say thank you to our local ranchers and farmers for the hard work they put in day in and day out.

Gianforte met with members of the Helle family and Duckworth representatives.

COURTESY PHOTO

Gov. Gianforte shears an ewe at the Helle Rambouillet Shear ‘N Shred event.

Brazilian beef under national spotlight

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

MONTANA — The debate over importing Brazilian beef has continued this spring with politicians around the country working to suspend imports.

Montana’s Jon Tester and South Dakota’s Mike Rounds reintroduced a bipartisan bill to the U.S. Senate in February to suspend Brazilian beef imports into the U.S. until experts can review the import’s impacts on both food safety and animal health.

Brazilian beef most recently came under scrutiny in 2021 when the country suspended exports in September of that year due to two cases of “atypical” mad cow disease – bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) –in two separate meat plants. However, it was later revealed in a letter from the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association to the U.S. Department of Agriculture that the cases had been originally detected in June, months before they were reported to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) and trade partners alike.

According to statistics from the USDA, Brazil was the second-largest U.S. supplier of beef in total volume in 2021, just behind Mexico. The U.S. imported $62.3 million from Brazil in just the first nine months of 2021, a 36% increase over the same period in 2020.

Brazilian beef imports had been previously suspended by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Services (FSIS) in 2017 in response to a widely reported beef scandal early that year in which Brazil was found to be exporting rotten and tainted beef. That suspension ended on Feb. 21, 2020. This was followed the next year by a failure to report BSE cases in a timely manner – something the country has reportedly been repeatedly guilty of since 2012 – politicians throughout the U.S. have expressed a lack of consumer confidence in Brazilian beef.

“As a third-generation farmer, I know how hard Montana ranchers work to produce top quality beef that

consumers can trust,” Tester stated in a recent press release. “Folks shouldn’t have to worry about whether the

products they buy at the grocery store are safe to eat, and that’s why we

Brazilian beef

from page 26

need to halt Brazilian beef imports until Brazilian producers can prove that their products meet our health and safety standards. I’ll take on anyone, at home and abroad, to ensure that Montana producers aren’t cut out of the market by foreign corporations who aren’t following the rules.”

The bipartisan bill, S.480, has been referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry by the U.S. Senate. A working group will be required by the

USDA to evaluate the safety and animal health threat posed by beef imported from Brazil and make recommendations on whether the importation of beef from Brazil should be permitted. The bill also suspends imports of beef from Brazil until the working group submits it recommendations to the USDA. To stay informed and track the bill’s progress, visit: https:// www.congress.gov/ bill/118th-congress/senate-bill/480?q=%7B%22search%22%3A%5B %22%22%5D%7D&s =1&r=2

Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center (MMFEC) is a Shared-Use Food Processing and Manufacturing Facility.

MMFEC’s focus is on incubating start-up food product enterprises, strengthening Montana’s food supply chain and bolstering our local food economies. The facility is 13,000 square feet, FDA registered, USDA Meat Inspected, Certified Organic and licensed for retail and wholesale food production and storage.

MMFEC is also part of the Food and Agriculture Development Center Network and partners with a number of government agencies and organizations to sup port programs that provide:

• Food product and market testing & development

• Food safety trainings and certifications

• Food labeling, packaging development & sourcing

• Processing for farm-to-institution markets

• Food business technical assistance

• Guidance on Organic certification www.mmfec.org 406-676-5905

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL

Legislature wades into exempt-well debate

Montana lawmakers are eyeing changes to a loophole increasingly used to facilitate residential development. Opponents say the real estate and building industries are turning water appropriation on its head.

News from Amanda Eggert Montana Free Press

Three years ago, a Bozeman-based engineering firm sent four nearly identical letters to the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation sketching out loose plans for a 41-lot subdivision proposed for a rural, predominantly agricultural landscape along the eastern shore of Canyon Ferry. The four letters, all sent on the same day, correspond with the four phases of a subdivision proposed by one of Montana’s most politically well-connected families and largest landowners, the Galts. As explained in the letters, the 435-acre Horse Creek Hills subdivision would use exempt wells — sonamed because they’re exempt from DNRC permits designed to ensure new wells won’t adversely impact other water users — to supply water to the project’s 39 homes and

two businesses.

“The attached layout currently shows four projects, however this letter is only addressing the water usage for project #1 of the 4 total projects,” the first of the four letters reads.

“Each proposed project/ phase will not utilize more than 10-acre feet of water — per the current DNRC [exempt-well] standards.”

That letter, and the three that followed, closed with a request that the DNRC “provide concurrence” that Horse Creek Hills’ water plan “is in agreement with the DNRC standards for this region.”

A week later, a DNRC employee in Helena replied that the project, as

described, did indeed “fit the current rules and laws pertaining to the filing of an exempt water right.”

DNRC issued that preliminary green light largely because Horse Creek Hills is a phased development. Had it been proposed as a single residential project, it probably would have been limited to just one exempt well — not enough water to serve 39 homes and two businesses. The initial “all clear” in hand, the developer, 71 Ranch, proceeded with the Horse Creek Hills subdivision application.

In the three years since that correspondence, the subdivision has garnered intense pushback, largely

due to concerns that it will deplete and degrade the rivers, streams and groundwater of the Upper Missouri basin. Opponents of the proposal say it could threaten agricultural operations, dewater a tributary of the Missouri that serves as rainbow trout spawning ground, and add further nutrient pollution to Canyon Ferry, which already suffers from toxic algal blooms.

But the application advanced. After bouncing back and forth between the Broadwater County Planning Board, the Broadwater County Commission and the DNRC, the preliminary plat application for Horse

Creek Hills was approved by the county commission last July.

In August, environmental nonprofit Upper Missouri Waterkeeper and five adjacent and nearby landowners sued the DNRC and Broadwater County Commission over that decision, arguing that despite an “unprecedented” volume of opposition, county and state regulators have failed to adequately examine the subdivision’s impacts to water supply, water quality, wildlife and public health and safety.

Welcome to the messy, contentious and uncertain world of exempt wells, a tool developers are using with increasing frequency

to secure water in basins where all available surface water rights are already spoken for.

Broadly speaking, developers like the loophole, senior water rights holders disdain it, and regulators approach it with trepidation given conflicting interpretations of how it comports with the 50-year-old Montana Water Use Act, which grants water supply seniority to those with the oldest water rights.

Although there is variation from year-to-year, the trend line for exempt wells drilled in Montana has grown over the past decade. It averages out to see page 29

Farm & Ranch

(406) 319-2015 305 Main Street, Polson

about 3,000 wells drilled without a DNRC permitting process per year.

Credit: DNRC

Upper Missouri Waterkeeper Executive Director Guy Alsentzer described the exempt-well trend as a “race to the bottom” that will hamper not only water quantity, but also water quality.

“The cost is going to be shouldered by our rivers, our streams, and by those who already depend on that flow and availability of water,” he said.

Exempt wells are also the source of one of the biggest water fights before state lawmakers, who are walking a perilous regulatory tightrope. Legislators are making a concerted effort to increase housing supply in one of the nation’s fastest-growing states by reforming and streamlining permitting processes without running afoul of a constitutional directive to guard against “unreasonable depletion and degradation of natural resources” or by inspiring a knock-down, drag-out fight with agricultural producers.

So far, if a heated hearing on House Bill 642 seeking to change exempt-well permitting is any indication, that tightrope act doesn’t appear to be going well. About 40 people lined up before the House Natural Resources Committee on Feb. 22 to offer testimony on HB 642, which is sponsored by Casey Knudsen, a Re-

publican rancher and real estate agent from Malta.

Knudsen’s bill would do away with references to “combined appropriation,” which puts limits on the loophole to protect existing water rights holders. It also grants larger groundwater allowances for subdivisions that are larger than 20 acres and requires meters to be installed on some wells or developed springs to help DNRC track water withdrawals.

spending a lot of time over a de minimis use of water, and we’d like to see this process cleaned up and streamlined… so we can get houses on the ground and people in homes affordably,” Shaw said.

CARING FOR THE MISSION CARING FOR THE MISSION

One of HB 642’s proponents is Joceylyn Galt Cahill, who appeared to reference the Horse Creek Hills subdivision when she urged committee members to pass HB 642 to “clarify law and stop unnecessary lawsuits.” (Montana Free Press reached out to 71 Ranch owner Errol Galt and the engineering firm and lawyers working on the Horse Creek Hills development for comment; none responded.)

Other proponents, including representatives of the Montana Realtors Association and the Montana Water Well Drillers’ Association, said HB 642 would alleviate the state’s housing crunch and allow lawmakers, rather than judges, to steer the discussion.

Cory Shaw with the Montana Building Industry Association argued that research has shown that domestic well use is indeed “de minimis” — negligible — in comparison to the agriculture industry’s water consumption and the loss of water through evaporation.

“We feel that we’re

Opponents, including agricultural producers, environmental groups and at least two municipalities, countered that SB 642 will grossly expand the current exemption and allow developers and many existing exempt-well owners to “steal water” from senior water rights holders, who will have little or no recourse if irrigation ditches, domestic wells, municipal water supplies or aquatic ecosystems dry up.

“This is the most anti-ag, anti-private property rights, anti-prior appropriation doctrine bill I’ve seen in more than 30 years working on a policy,” rancher and property rights attorney Hertha Lund told the committee. “This bill is a step toward following in California’s footsteps, which means that money and development trump all else.”

Travis Stuber, a seed potato-grower who farms with water rights secured by his wife’s great grandfather, said he worries that his son will be unable to run the family farm in Gallatin County if those water rights are threatened.

“This bill is a giant loophole that erodes my son’s future and our farm’s future,” Stuber said. “I ask that you vote no on this bill.”

Andrew Gorder, a for-

from page 28 see page 30

VALLEY AG COMMUNITY VALLEY AG COMMUNITY FOR FOR 70 Years 70 Years

mer Montana Water Court water master and current legal director of environmental nonprofit Clark Fork Coalition, told the committee that the bill is “so riddled with flaws it’s hard to know where to start.”

In a follow-up conversation with MTFP, Gorder said he’s not alone in his struggle to understand how HB 642 would be applied. He said he’s discussed the bill with other experienced water law attorneys and couldn’t reach a consensus on exactly how it would work in practice. “But there was consensus,” Gorder said, “that it’s not good.”

“The way I see it, this is both allowing for additional appropriations of groundwater for existing subdivisions and incentivizing further sprawl into rural, agricultural lands, open spaces,” he said. “I think it’s pretty apparent that this bill is being driven by the development industry.”

HB 642 has a retroactive element that

would entitle those who have drilled wells in the last decade to more water, so in addition to revamping its existing well process, DNRC could be tasked with revisiting about 28,000 exempt-well certificates the department has processed since 2014.

In his closing remarks, Knudsen addressed some of those issues, saying it’s time to end

“the never-ending cycle of litigation and interpretation.”

“It’s time to stop pushing this off for another two years, which is what we’ve been doing for a decade,” he said. “It’s time we come together to work toward a solution instead of poking holes in every solution that’s actually brought.”

That argument ap -

peared to resonate with Republican members of the House Natural Resources Committee.

On Feb. 24, all of the committee’s GOPs, save for Rep. Kenneth Walsh, R-Twin Bridges, voted to approve an amendment that effectively gives House lawmakers another month to debate the measure before running up against a transmittal deadline by

adding a fiscal element, a $150 filing fee to accompany exempt-well notices of completion.

(The current exempt well filing fee is $125.)

Since that vote, no additional committee action has been taken on HB 642, which has more than 60 GOP co-sponsors, and there are no additional amendments available for review. The current transmittal deadline for bills with a fiscal element is April 3.

As for the Horse Creek Hills subdivision, Alsentzer, with Upper Missouri Waterkeeper, said the preliminary plat approval has remained in force while the lawsuit proceeds.

““It’s time to stop pushing this off for another two years, which is what we’ve been doing for a decade. It’s time to come together to work toward a solution instead of poking holes in every solution that’s actually brought.”

- Casey Knudsen, Republican rancher and real estate agent from Malta

Extreme temperature fluctuations usher in calving season

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

Calving season is well underway throughout Montana and the Mission Valley, despite the difficulties presented by recent unpredictable weather.

According to Ken Morris, a member of the board of directors of the Montana Cattleman’s Association, many ranchers are opting for calving in March or even early April due to cold temperatures in recent years. As temperatures continue to fluctuate throughout March, some cattle ranchers have reported checking the new babies as often as every two hours due to unexpected bitter cold that can reduce the immune system of calves and lead to losses from pneumonia.

Beef cattle specialists out of the Montana State University extension office have a few tips to help calving season go as smoothly as possible:

— Be prepared when the first calf hits the ground by cleaning calving areas, calf chains, and calf pullers. Gather and organize the supplies needed for calving and ensure all items are in good working order.

— Provide dry and warm places for cows to go to shelter if the

Tickets:

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL

A cow stands next to her new calf at a ranch in Mission. Top: a newly born calf is tagged and vaccinated. see page 32

Montana AgWest Farm Credit customer-members receive $11.9M cash patronage dividends

News from AgWest BOZEMAN — AgWest Farm Credit customer-members in Montana have received their annual cash patronage dividends for 2022, which totaled more than $11.9 million.

Calving

weather turns challenging. Keep facilities clean to minimize health risks in newborn calves and provide fresh bedding regularly.

— Have a vaccination program in place to protect your claves and keep the newborn calves separated from the older

calves to reduce the risk of disease transferring between groups.

— Increasing the amount of feed given to livestock can assist against cold temperature challenges. Some ranchers have reported seeing the nutritional needs of their cows and calves go up by 50% to keep warm.

“Having a knowledgeable and reliable calving

crew is essential to a great calving season,” extension beef cattle specialist Megan Van Emon wrote. “Providing training to a calving crew about your operation, the dos and don’ts, and any additional information will make for a successful calving season.”

On Jan. 1, 2023, Farm Credit West and Northwest Farm Credit Services merged to form a new association, AgWest Farm Credit. These legacy associations share a strong history of returning a significant portion of net earnings to customers as patronage dividends, which reduces total borrowing costs.

“Giving back to the people and organizations that help our rural communities thrive is a core value of our business,” said Montana State President Megan Shroyer. “One of the ways we do this is through our Patronage Program, a unique benefit of our cooperative structure which provides earnings from our association back to our customer-members and their communities. Our custom-

ers are more than borrowers, they are our owners, and their patronage payment can make a big difference in their operation and in their rural community.”

Cash patronage dividends for 2022 were equal to 1.25% of customers’ eligible average daily loan balances. In total, eligible AgWest customers across the West received patronage payments of more than $366.5 million.

AgWest is a financial cooperative with approximately $30 billion in assets that provides financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners and crop insurance customers primarily in seven states in the West. AgWest is part of the 107-year-old Farm Credit System – the leading provider of credit to American agriculture. AgWest serves customers in 59 locations throughout the West. For more information, visit agwestfc. com.

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL

A cow and her calf stand in a freshly thawed St. Ignatius field.

Rotunda roundup from Montana Farmers Union

The following is a weekly update of Montana Farmers Union involvement in the 2023 Legislature. MFU is the state’s largest and oldest grassroots farm advocacy organization representing family farms, and has worked more than 100 years on behalf of Montana farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

By Rachel Prevost and Jasmine Krotkov / Montana Farmers Union Government Affairs Team

The farmers and ranchers of Montana Farmers Union believe that voting processes which secure ease and access to

voting by all citizens are good policy. Members also oppose undermining the will of the people expressed by public vote.

As such, MFU supported a bill that would have provided for automatic voter registration, while opposing several bills that would have placed unreasonable expectations on election offices and rural budgets and threatened accessibility.

MFU supported HB 756, which provided for automatic voter registration with opt-out. Rural Montanans, and especially farmers and ranchers, already face the hurdles of long distances required to reach polling places and more time away from work to vote than

their urban counterparts. Automatic voter registration encourages voting, and along with voting processes such as mail-in ballots, ballot drop boxes, early voting, and sameday registration, helps to make the voices of regular Montanans heard above high-spending campaigns. Unfortunately, the bill was tabled.

MFU opposed both SB 435, which would require hand counting as the primary method of tabulating votes, and SB 484, which would have required party affiliation to vote. Both were tabled.

MFU also opposed SB 472, which would have required vote counts to be completed within three hours of polls

closing and also was tabled. MFU members want to work with and not against our election administrators.

Montana Farmers Union also supported and opposed several other bills this week.

MFU supported:

- HB 475 & SB 347: Unfortunately, both of the right to repair bills were tabled in their respective ag committees. MFU will continue to monitor how other states are tackling the issue.

- HB 805: MFU actively supports patron-owned cooperatives and played a critical role in the start of our rural electric and telephone cooperatives still relied upon today. This bill would require a busi-

ness to be legally organized as a cooperative to use the word or any abbreviations, protecting the reputation of cooperatives and preventing potential shareholders being misled. The bill will soon be heard by the Senate.

- HB 463: The bill would have provided an opportunity for the state and agricultural producers to cooperate in both developing markets for our goods and providing fresh, nutritious food to schools and other institutions for which the state procures food. The bill was tabled.

- HB 651: Economic security for both workers and

see page 35

Rotunda roundup

from page 34

employers is sorely needed for the preservation of rural communities. This bill was tabled.

- SB 447: Family farmers and ranchers are facing unprecedented challenges to our way of life. Trying to compete with the economics of corporate scale means that our members must diversify and be creative in finding ways to augment low prices and to defray ever-increasing costs. Broadening the definition of agritourism to include U-Pick operations, and clarifying the definition of inherent risk - contained in the amendment - are sensible changes. This bill has passed the Senate.

- SJ 13: This bill will designate the month of June as Rangeland Appreciation month. MFU policy on land use urges supporting a farmland and rangeland protection

policy to encourage the continuation of farming versus urban development. This resolution has passed the Senate.

- SB 399: This bill would support our rural communities, and provide the opportunity and framework for more Montanans to utilize solar energy through community solar. The bill was tabled.

MFU stood in opposition to the following bills:

- HB 643: MFU calls upon the Legislature to enact legislation to expand the benefits of net metering, not create laws that would increase rates and create new fees. This bill was tabled.

Go to https://montanafarmersunion.com/legislation/ for more details on MFU’s legislative work throughout the Legislative Session on behalf of Montana’s farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL

A group of curious yearlings takes a break from feeding to greet a ranch visitor.

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Consider elementary spaces

News from the Polson School District

POLSON — Did you know that students of Linderman Elementary have not had a full-size school library since the old gym’s roof collapsed in 2018? Did you know that Cherry Valley Elementary has no designated music space and that Cherry Valley’s speech therapist, occupational therapist, and physical therapist services occur in busy hallways? I’m Katrina Venters, PHS English teacher and mom of two, and this week we’ll consider how the school bond aims to add spaces to our elementary schools that children in our district really need.

According to the American Association of School Librarians, “Over 21 state studies confirm that school librarians and school libraries support students in academic achievement, lifelong learning, 21st century skills, and read-

ing,” and access to libraries boosts students’ reading scores. Currently, Linderman’s library resides in a single classroom that holds about one-third of its total inventory, crowding out the ability to hold classes there effectively. When I asked my fourth grader what he thinks about the Linderman library, he said, “I wish it was like the Cherry Valley library.” Why? “Because it’s so small that it can’t even hold all the books.” Many parents would agree. Christina Rush, a parent of three young children, explains that “libraries are a good experience for bringing books home” and says “the library is important” to her oldest daughter, who currently attends Cherry Valley. The bond would create an actual library at Linderman and a better one at Cherry Valley.

Both elementary schools offer students excellent services – from a Gifted and Talented program to a Native

Cultural Studies program in addition to the many types of therapies students can benefit from – but none of them have sufficient space. At Cherry Valley, these teachers work off of carts and travel from room to room. Although Rush’s daughter “really enjoys having teachers come to her (classroom),” Rush adds that “it’s always good to have more space,” and making room for music classes and other essentials is one of the bond’s goals. Currently, Cherry Valley’s pre-kindergarten services (Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Special Education Pre-School), which serves upwards of 60 students, reside in undersized classrooms. At the moment, TK is funded through state grants, though many expect that the state will soon require this service. Adding adequate space for this program will have a lasting influence on our students’ literacy. At both schools, when classrooms

overflow their capacity, students have to move out into the hallways, especially for small group work and sometimes even testing. Imagine that you’re a third grader who can’t read well. Your reading group has to work in the hallway, and while you’re trying to read, other students walk by your group. Will you focus on your reading lesson? Or will you worry about what the other kids think about your reading? Put yourself in the shoes of a sick kindergartner. At both schools, when there’s more than one sick student, all of them must wait together, mixing germs, because the nurse’s office is so small. If you just need to go see the counselor at either school, you have to walk the gamut of sick kids because the counselor’s office is behind the nurse’s office. Our children deserve privacy when they are sick or need help, and our schools’ limited space prohibits that.

obituaries

Martena Savage

ST. IGNATIUS — Martena Savage, age 88, passed away on March 13, 2023. She was born on Feb. 22, 1935, to Georgian Eckley Allard and Sidney Allard. Tena was the sister of Doug, Phyllis, and Mike who all preceded her in death.

Tena attended Ronan grade school until the St. Ignatius school bus came to their house and they did not have to walk a mile to catch the Ronan bus. After graduating from St. Ignatius High School as Salutatorian she attended Mills College in Oakland, California, for one year. She later attended the Electronics Radio & Television Institute in Omaha, Nebraska, from which she obtained a position in Washington, D.C. with the Photographic Records and Service Division of the U.S. Air Force Aeronautical Chart and Information center.

In 1955, Tena returned to St. Ignatius to marry Charles “Shine” Rice with whom she had two children, Lesley and Kent Rice. They lived in Missoula where she worked at the University of Montana until her divorce.

Tena married Luke Savage and they lived in Tucson, Arizona, and Los Angeles, California, until returning to her family ranch in 1966 where she would remain for the rest

of her life. Tena helped work the family ranch raising cattle, hay, and grain. She had one more son, Scott Savage. Tena stayed at home until her brother built the Trading Post in St. Ignatius where she worked for many years. She then started working for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes until she retired.

Although she lived in many states and traveled around the United States and Europe, she said she could not find a better place than the Mission Valley.

Tena was preceded in death by her husband, Luke, and her eldest son, Les.

No funeral services are planned. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family at: www. shriderthompson.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Shrider-Thompson Funeral

Home. Jack Mitchell

POLSON — Jack Lovenger Mitchell, 93, of Polson, passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2023, at St Joseph Providence Assisted Care Center of natural causes.

Jack was

born on April 9, 1929, in Polson to Ray and Ruth (Lovenger) Mitchell.

Jack was raised in Polson and attended Polson public schools. After graduating from high school, Jack joined the United States Marine Corps and served in WW II and the Korean War. Jack was discharged in 1958 as a staff sergeant.

Hospital for 10 years.

Jack also enjoyed various outdoor activities including fishing, snow skiing, hiking in the Cascade Mountains, and scuba diving.

Jack is survived by his wife, Ann; two sons, Richard (Roxanne) and Darren (Wendi); two nieces; three nephews, eight grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Jack was preceded in death by his daughter, Cheri.

on July 10, 2001, in Ronan to Patricia M. Jones and Kevin Branch.

On Dec. 30, 1950, Jack married Anna Lucille Roening in her parent’s home in Seattle, Washington. They were married for 72 years.

After being discharged, the couple moved to Seattle where Jack attended the University of Washington to study business and accounting. Jack work at various jobs in the Seattle area after which he became a sales representative for Uniroyal Rubber Company. Jack retired in 2001 as the West Coast regional sales manager for the Tingley Rubber Company.

Following Jack’s retirement, he and Ann moved to Polson. He was an active member of many community organizations including the Masons, Shriners, Kiwanis, and American Legion and the Marine Corps League. He also served on the Board of Governors for the Spokane Shriners Children’s

A memorial service is scheduled for April 29, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Polson Community Church with Judy Rasmussen officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you make a contribution to your favorite charity. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www. lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

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

Jonah Jones

RONAN — On March 6, 2023, Jonah Michael Ernest Jones of Ronan passed away as a result of an automobile accident. He was born

Jonah loved to spend time with his friends when he wasn’t working. He had a charismatic personality and a warm charming smile that could light up a room. He will be missed very much by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by both parents; his 11-month-old daughter, Avie, and her mother, Torrie Petticrew; his sisters, Shantae Jones and Riley Branch; his paternal grandmother, Michelle Miller; maternal grandmother, Lela M. Schildt Jones; maternal grandfather, Lubert Jones (Norma) and aunties, uncles and many cousins that loved him dearly.

Memorial services will be held on April 8, 2023, at 3 p.m. in the Ronan Community Center, 300 Third Ave. NW, Ronan, MT 59864. (Behind Ronan High School). There will be a reception to follow along with a slide show of Jonah. Please bring your favorite covered dish to share. A Go Fund Me account has been set up titled: Cover expenses, organized by Adrienne Walker: https:// www.gofundme.com/f/ gah3cx-cover-expenses. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

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

Jack Mitchell

Jonah Jones

MARTY HENSEL PHOTO

Ava Largent

RONAN — Ava Lovie Largent was born on March 14, 2023, at the St. Luke Community Healthcare New Beginnings Birth Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 9 ounces. Parents are Jon and Mycal Largent of Polson. Paternal grandparents are Val Wolfe and Tony Largent of Polson. Maternal grandparents are Randi Bailey and Don Garcia of Polson. Ava joins her older brother, Kooper.

Lillian Hanson

RONAN — Lillian Louise Hanson was born on March 10, 2023, at the St. Luke Community Healthcare New Beginnings Birth Center. She weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces. Parents are Cody and Kandace Hanson of St. Ignatius. Paternal grandparents are Terry Marcotte of Belleville, Kansas and Kim Hanson of Cedaredge, Colorado. Maternal grandparents are Kevin and Kaylene Schmidt of Ellis, Kansas.

Todd signs with Whitworth University

POLSON — Polson senior Clara Todd committed to playing tennis at Whitworth University next year. The signing event took place at 8 a.m. in the Polson High School weight room on Thursday, March 13.

Two Eagle River seeks donations

News from Two Eagle River School

PABLO — Two Eagle River School is seeking donations for two Silent Auction fundraisers this spring. The first will be held in late April along with an Indian Taco feed to benefit Cindy O’Dell (staff member) whose home burned in late January. The second one will be held during our Elder’s Week in

late May and those funds are always used for the next year’s Elder Week activities. To donate, please bring your item to the school or call 406-675-0292 to request a pick up of the item. You may specify which fundraiser you wish your donation to be used for.

Palmer College of Chiropractic accepts Ronan student

News from Palmer College of Chiropractics

DAVENPORT, IA — Ronald Cullis of Ronan has been accepted for enrollment for the spring 2023 trimester in the Doctor of Chiropractic degree program at Palmer College of Chiropractic’s Main Campus in Davenport, Iowa.

Palmer College of Chiropractic, the first and largest college in the chiropractic profession, has campuses in Davenport, Iowa; San Jose, California; and Port Orange, Florida.

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

Custodian (Part time)

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

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

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

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

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

Salary: $35 per hour 14 hours per week 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

Director of Academic Success

Salary: $44,310 - $45,656 DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

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

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

Vice President of Academic Affairs

Salary: $75,000 - $85,000 DOEE Closing Date: April 28, 2023, 4:00 PM

General and Grants Accounting Assistant

Salary: $38,927 - $40,727 DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Assistant Director of Academic Success

Salary Range: $37,106 to $38,927 DOEE Closing Date: March 3, 2023, 4:00 PM

HVAC Maintenance Technician

Salary: $56,043-$63,083 DOEE per hour Closing Date: March 17, 2023, 4:00 PM

Bookstore Sales Clerk (12 months - Full time)

$13.53 - $14.16 DOEE per hour Closing Date: March 9, 2023, 4:00 PM

Career Services Coordinator

Salary: $18.28 - $20.02 DOEE per hour Closing Date: March 17, 2023, 4:00 PM

Clinical Instructor / Clinical Resource Registered Nurse Part-time Nursing Department (9-month term)

Salary: $35 per hour - 14 hours per week Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Student Success Coach - Academic Success

Salary: $36,316-$38,022 DOEE Closing Date: April 7, 2023, 4:00 PM

The Liberal Arts Department is actively seeking master’s degree qualified adjuncts to teach communications, research, humanities, and grant writing courses. Any person seeking adjunct employment can contact Teresa Sias at teresa_sias@skc.edu

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

Lillian Hanson

Ava Largent

Clara Todd

PUZZLES

GIANT CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Oozes

6. Healthful retreats

10. Little rascal

15. “Hamlet” has five

19. Prenatal test, for short

20. Farm equipment

21. Pool problem

22. Achy

23. Girl

24. Narrow street

25. Short skirts

26. Barbershop sound

27. Treated cruelly

29. Kind of ray

31. Big wine holder

32. Floating, perhaps

33. When a plane is due in: Abbr.

34. Property

37. Feudal lord

39. “Encore!” accompaniment

41. Do, for example

42. Italian ___

43. Gastropod with earlike tentacles

46. Harshly criticize

48. Water park feature

49. Antique shop item

50. Can’t abide

52. Color

53. A chorus line

54. Where to get a fast buck?

55. When it’s broken, that’s good

56. Barely beat, with “out”

60. Column’s counterpart

61. Sweetened

64. Medical centers

66. “Give it ___!”

67. Arctic natives

68. Make stout

69. Sylvester, to Tweety

70. Avian noises

72. Sock supports

73. PC’s key component

74. “The Open Window” writer

75. “___ say!”

76. Edge

77. Perry Como’s “___ Loves Mambo”

78. Cliffside rubble

80. Beliefs

82. Bluffer’s game

83. Addition symbol

84. Pal

85. “Hamlet” genre

87. Forbidden

89. Towering

90. Baby grand, e.g.

91. Bouquet

92. Bridal paths

94. Baseball’s Master Melvin

95. Particular, for short

99. ___ few rounds

100. ___ President

102. Observant

105. Remote button

107. Brief incursion

109. Word of honor

110. Had a bug

111. ___ Minor 112. Decrease 113. Wight, for one 114. Public

DOWN

1. Brazilian dance

2. Eastern V.I.P.’s

3. Arise

4. Nutty ice cream flavor

5. Bean used to make miso

6. Kind of soup

7. Shopping centers

8. Bang-up

9. Nobel, for one

10. “Gunsmoke” bartender

11. Its changes can be dangerous

12. Paternal relative

13. Acadia National Park locale

14. Fly, e.g.

15. Beast of burden

16. Assemble

17. ER priority system

18. Seven-piece ensemble

28. “Laughable Lyrics” writer

30. For all to hear

35. Nodded off noisily

Bit of statuary

Absorbed

61. Order to attack, with “on”

62. Nixed by the censors, perhaps 63. Esophagus

64. “Sons of Anarchy” sponsor, familiarly 65. ___ and outs

68. Lost color

71. Render harmless

72. Elasticized garment

76. Henley Regatta craft

77. Bouncing toy

79. Best

81. Baseball feature

82. Prospector’s need

83. Adriatic Sea republic

84. Long-grained Asian rice

86. Miles per hour, e.g.

87. Collector for the mob

88. Excite

89. Bejeweled headwear

90. Santa descriptor 92. Building block 93. Go bad

Mushroom caps

Javelin, e.g.

Gives up

Way, way off 103. Alleviate

Hail Mary, e.g.

Ring bearer, maybe

Appetite

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

Dance films

FLASHDANCE

BRING IT ON BURLESQUE

CHICAGO

FOOTLOOSE HAIRSPRAY LA LA LAND

FAME

STEP UP SWING TIME THE RED SHOES WHITE NIGHTS

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

79. Cream, 81. Stitches, 82. Pan, 83. Croatia, 84. Basmati, 86. Rate, 87. Bagman, 88. Arouse, 89. Tiaras, 90. Portly, 92. Adobe, 93. Spoil, 96. Pilei, 97. Event, 98. Cedes, 101. Afar, 103. Ease, 104. Pass, 106. Ear, 108. Yen.

72. Girdle, 76. Scull, 77. Pogo stick,

65. Ins, 68. Faded, 71. Disarm,

46. Shorts, 47. Codes, 48. Chaste, 51. Braille, 52. Spotted, 57. Oatcake, 58. Slapped, 59. Estuary, 61. Sic, 62. Unaired, 63. Gullet, 64. Harley,

43. Scarabs, 44. Eulogia, 45. Artwork,

38. Intent, 40. Lao, 42. Sharper,

30. Aloud, 35. Snored, 36. Torso,

17. Triage, 18. Septet, 28. Lear,

14. Pest, 15. Ass, 16. Convene,

11. Climate, 12. Agnate, 13. Maine,

7. Plazas, 8. A-one, 9. Swede, 10. Sam,

Down: 1. Samba, 2. Emirs, 3. Ensue, 4. Pistachio, 5. Soya, 6. Split-pea,

Across: 1. Seeps, 6. Spas, 10. Scamp,

GIANT CROSSWORD

Polson

By Pete Mangels for the Valley Journal

POLSON — Time to begin the “Rites of Spring,” like digging out your umbrella and rain gear, if you can remember where you put them.

April showers bring May flowers, as the old saying goes. I say April showers bring more showers, and if it lets up enough to plant your garden, you should.

Come in and see our new carpet at the Polson Senior Center. This new heavy traffic variety will last longer and be easier to maintain. Most of the recent upgrades and repairs have come from the estates of deceased members of the Polson Senior Citizens. We are grateful for their generosity and  thankful for your continuing  support.

Free tax filing assistance is available on Mondays or Thursdays from now until April 13. Come in or call for an appointment and pick up a filing information packet.

Activities:

Some members are interested in a regularly scheduled “board game night” in which a number of games may be offered, such as scrabble, cribbage, Yahtzee, Uno, Chinese checkers, etc. There would be separate tables for separate

games. If interested in an evening of board games, leave your contact information at the center.

The Ronan Senior Center is hosting pinochle games every Monday starting at 3:30 p.m. and going until about 6 p.m.

Ping-pong, anyone? Sign up if you are interested.

Bowling Fun league: pay by the daynon-sanctioned, no-tap, weekly on Tuesdays at 1 p.m.

Bingo: $100 payout on blackout guaranteed -  bingo games on Fridays at 7 p.m. “Playing Card” bingo is played on the first and third Wednesday of each month

Exercise: low impact

M-W-F, 10:30 –11:30 a.m.

Pinochle: Thursdays, 12:15–3 p.m. - new players welcome

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

Tai Ji Quan: exercise for balance: Tuesdays 1011 a.m. & Wednesdays 1-2 p.m.

Veterans’ Rep: first Friday (April 7) and third Tuesday (April 18) of each month, 10 a.m.noon

MENU (subject to change): sit-down, takeout, call before 10 a.m. for delivery. Serving on site from 11:45 a.m.12:45 p.m. for $5.

Thursday, March 23: Polish dogs, onions

and relish, Mac and cheese, creamy peaches, Jell-O

— Friday, March 24: birthday dinner for lunch - roast turkey, stuffing, potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, cranberry salad, etc.

— Monday, March 27: beef/noodle Soup, peanut butter & jelly sandwich, peas and cheese salad, cookies

— Tuesday, March 28: barbecue pork, corn, chips, pepperoni pasta salad, coconut cream pudding

— Wednesday, March 29: taco potato with the fixings, key lime bars

— Thursday, March 30: turkey ala King, pasta, green beans, baked peaches, tossed salad, 7-layer cake

— Friday, March 31: meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, carrots, fruit Jell-O, chocolate cake

We are located at 504 Third Ave. E, and are open from 8 a.m.– 3 p.m. on weekdays. Call: 406883-4735 or email us at: polsonseniorcenter@ gmail.com.

Ronan

By Donna Daniels for

the Valley Journal

RONAN — The Mission Valley Senior Center is located across from St. Luke’s Hospital in Ronan.

We are open Monday,

Wednesday and Friday for lunch and other activities.

Our menu:

— Wednesday, March 22: turkey pot pie, salad, dessert

— Friday, March 24: lasagna, salad, dessert

— Monday, March 27: Mexican salad, dessert

— Wednesday, March 29: teriyaki blazed drumsticks, salad, dessert

Pinochle is played every Monday from 3-6 p.m. at the center. Everyone is welcome. We also have pool table available Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Come join the fun.

Every Wednesday through tax season we will have people available for tax assistance. Stop in and get your folder to fill out and make an appointment by calling 406-676-2371.

On March 23 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., we will have Smart Driver Course given by AARP. The cost is $25 for non-AARP members and free for AARP members.

Anyone is welcome for our meals no matter what age. We ask for a $7 donation for our Monday, Wednesday and Friday meals and $10 for our Sunday meal.

If you would like a meal delivered to your business just call us by 10 am. Also, we will gladly send you a menu if requested.

We are looking for a part-time employee. Stop in and get an application if interested.

St. Ignatius

By Barb Plouffe for the Valley Journal

ST. IGNATIUS — It’s beginning to look like spring in around the next corner. According to the calendar we have reached the first day of spring. We have seen new calves, green grass and a few warm days.

We would like to introduce our new Site Manager who joined our staff, Susan Misgen.

Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy a meal with us on the following days:

— Friday March 24: pork casserole, veggies, fruit, rolls, pineapple bread

— Tuesday March 28: tuna casserole, pea salad, fruit, cornbread, apple cobbler

— Friday, March 31: beef hash, veggies, fruit salad, French bread, chocolate chip cookies

If you are interested in a take-out meal, please call by 10 a.m. and leave a message if no one answers. Thanks to all that came and played bingo. Our next bingo day will be on April 15 at 2 p.m. You are invited to come join us. Cards are .25

cents each and we will have a special blackout prize

Foot Hill Club meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. for snacks and cards.

Gentle Yoga will be on recess until Marcy 29. If you are interested please call Bonnie Kiser at 4062253-0171. Her rates are five sessions for $60.

If you are in need of tax help, drop your papers off at the St. Ignatius Senior Center and they will be picked up and taken to the Polson Senior Center and completed by AARP preparers.

We will have a rummage sale on April 28 and 29. We welcome donations.

On May 12 and 13 will hold our Mother’s Day Bake Sale and Mother’s Day Raffle. Please mark your calendars for these events.

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

The center has a computer that is available for use by the public. If you are interested in using the computer, come in on Tuesday or Friday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. or call and leave a message.

Wednesday, March 22

Flathead Irrigation District to meet

RONAN — The next Flathead Irrigation District meeting will take place on Wednesday, March 22, at 1 p.m. upstairs in the Mission West Community Development Partners building, 407 Main Street SW. An elevator is available. The February meeting was cancelled so the February/ March agenda will be discussed.

Free online meditation classes offered

ZOOM — Mission Mountain Zen is offering free online meditation classes. Please join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesday, March 22, and on subsequent Wednesdays, for an online meditation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku, from 6-7:30 p.m.  For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-7210665 or email him at: Jerry.Smyers@gmail.com.

Thursday, March 23

‘Concept to Consumer’ seminar held

RONAN — “Concept to Consumer” is a seminar designed for new food businesses and value-added production enterprises to equip them with the necessary tools to take their fledgling business concept all the way to the consumer with the highest chance of success.

Join us on Thursday,

March 23, from 9 a.m.2 p.m. at Mission West Community Development Partners, 407 Main Street SW, or virtually. Go to: missionwestcdp. org/concept-to-consumer/ to register for on site or virtual attendance.

Open mic night

RONAN — The Western Montana Musicians Cooperative will be hosting an open mic/open jam session from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 24 that will be hosted by The Wildflowers.

The Co-op is located at 1 Eisenhower St SW in Ronan. Email info@ mtmusic.org for more information.

Friday, March 24

Ag Appreciation dinner held

RONAN — The annual Ag Appreciation dinner, to honor the local agricultural industry and the incredible humans in our community, takes place at the Lake County Fairgrounds on Friday, March 24.

The event includes dinner, awards, and raffles. You don’t want to miss this night. Time TBD.

Call 406-676-8300 for more information.

Pachyderms to meet

POLSON — The Lake County Republican Pachyderm meeting will take place at the Polson Rural Fire Dept., 25b Regatta Rd, on Friday, March 24, from noon- 1 p.m.

Craft circle gathers in St. Ignatius

ST. IGNATIUS — The Three Chiefs Cultural Center, 77579 U.S. Highway 93, is the site of a craft circle held on Fridays from 1-4 p.m. Bring your favorite craft and join in.

There are often featured guest artists and crafts people. Watch their Facebook page: facebook.com/ incashola

Saturday, March 25

Community jam to meet

RONAN — The Western Montana Musicians Cooperative will be hosting a community jam session from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on March 25.

The Co-op is located at 1 Eisenhower St SW in Ronan. Email info@ mtmusic.org for more information.

Monday, March 27

Monday means ‘Mother Goose’ at the library

POLSON — North Lake County Public Library’s Mother Goose program is geared toward ages 0 to 3, but all are welcome. We encourage parents to participate with their children for this early learning time.

The doors will open at 9 a.m. Remember the library has moved to their temporary location: Polson United Methodist Church, 301 16th Ave. E.

Wednesday, March 29

Free online meditation classes offered

ZOOM — Mission Mountain Zen is offering free online meditation classes. Please join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesday, March 29, and on subsequent Wednesdays, for an online meditation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku, from 6-7:30 p.m.  For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-7210665 or email him at: Jerry.Smyers@gmail.com.

Night School Jazz Jam offered

RONAN — The Western Montana Musicians Cooperative will be offering a Night School Jazz Jam hosted by Lee Whalen from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. on March 29. The Co-op is located at 1 Eisenhower St SW in Ronan. Email info@mtmusic.org for more information.

Friday, March 31

Free ‘Defining Domains of Wellness in Selfcare’ training held

RONAN — On Friday, March 31, from noon to 3 p.m. at SAFE Harbor, 63506 U.S. Highway 93, Teresa Nygaard will present “Defining Domains of Wellness in Selfcare.” What does it mean to feel well? There is no simple answer to this question because there are different aspects of feeling healthy or well for each individual. It’s not just about the

absence of illness or stress, it’s so much more based on one’s life. The facilitator and participants will look at the domains of health and wellness. Each participant will have the opportunity to create their own selfcare diagram and plan.

Credits are available. The training is free but registration is required. To register, send name, email, and contact number to helpinghandsfund1@ gmail.com. Registration confirmation will be sent within seven days.

Open mic night

RONAN — The Western Montana Musicians Cooperative will be hosting an open mic/open jam session from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on March 24 that will be hosted by The Wildflowers. The Co-op is located at 1 Eisenhower St SW in Ronan. Email info@mtmusic.org for more information.

Saturday, April 1

Two Palm Sunday weekend concerts planned

MISSION VALLEY

— The Mission Valley Choral Society Palm Sunday weekend concerts are scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, April 1, at the Mission in St. Ignatius and at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 2, at the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. A meal will be served in the church basement immediately following the Sunday concert. The 90-minute concerts are free and welcoming to all.

Free-will offerings will be taken at each concert. For information, contact 406-261-3304 or 406370-2076.

Monday, April 3

Monday means ‘Mother Goose’ at the library

POLSON — North Lake County Public Library’s Mother Goose program is geared toward ages 0 to 3, but all are welcome. We encourage parents to participate with their children for this early learning time. The doors will open at 9 a.m. Remember the library has moved to their temporary location: Polson United Methodist Church, 301 16th Ave. E.

Wednesday, April 5

Free ‘Food Formulation’ workshop held

RONAN — Mission West Community Development Partners, 407 Main St. SW, is offering a free workshop titled, “Food Formulation,” on Wednesday, April 5, from 9 a.m.- noon and afternoon sessions from 12:304:30 p.m. The afternoon sessions consist of one-onone confidential meetings. Register for in-person or virtual attendance by going to missionwestcdp.org. Product development food scientists from Oregon State University’s Food Innovation Center will provide this workshop concerning a diverse range of food product categories including sauces, beverages, bars, baked products, and more.

classifieds

Announcements

Auctions

JOHNCO STORAGE: Public sale April 5th, 2023 at 2:00 pm. at 808 7th Street East, Polson. Sell to highest bidder for CASH OR CERTIFIED CHECK ONLY, contents of units 142. Units are subject to redemption prior to sale time. 406-883-5405.

Rex Tanner Auction w/Guest

Consignors: Arlee Powwow Grounds on April 15th @ 10 am. Accepting consignments, email weaverauctions24@ gmail.com. Website: www. weaverauctions24.com

Casey or Amanda Weaver 406-544-8696

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Employment Help wanted INFORMATION, EDUCATION & TRAINING OFFICER RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICE - ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT

Wanted WANTED TO BUY

Guns and/or ammunition, old or new.

Whole estates/collections or single pieces.Fair prices paid. 406-207-4641

The successful applicant must possess a high school diploma AND five years’ verifiable work experience in records management required with preference given for an Associate’s degree. Seven years of experience in clerical/administrative oriented experience with three years of increasingly responsible work experience in managing databases or other research responsibilities. Preference will be given for verifiable experience with Indigenous Research. Three years of increasingly responsible work experience in developing data/ research tracking for reporting and records management. Must pass local, state and federal background checks (upon hire and yearly thereafter) and is subject to CSKT Drug and Alcohol Policies. Must have valid Montana driver’s license or be able to obtain one within six (6) months. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, a completed supplemental questionnaire for background investigations, a copy of relevant transcript, a copy of current valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, submit a copy of the DD214 to the Tribal Personnel Department. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. A favorable determination resulting from a completed background investigation is required for your placement in this position. The successful applicant, if not

already employed by the Tribes must pass a prehire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. 1040 for an application. Tribal applications are also available on-line at www.csktribes.org. The salary range is $22.26 to $25.58 per hour, including benefits. Closing date will be Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

RESEARCH & INFORMATION OFFICER (RIO) - RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICE

The successful applicant must possess an Associate’s degree with preference given to the computer science, statistics, and data management or Bachelor’s degree in any field. Ten years of experience in clerical/administrative oriented experience with five years of increasingly responsible work experience in managing databases or other research responsibilities. Preference will be given for verifiable experience with Indigenous Research. Five years of increasingly responsible work experience in developing data/ research tracking for reporting and records management. Must pass local, state and federal background checks (upon hire and yearly thereafter) and is subject to CSKT Drug and Alcohol Policies. Must have valid Montana driver’s license or be able to obtain one within six (6) months. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, a completed supplemental questionnaire for background investigations, a copy of relevant transcript, a copy of current valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, submit a copy of the DD214 to the Tribal Personnel Department. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This is not a Testing

Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. A favorable determination resulting from a completed background investigation is required for your placement in this position. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a prehire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. 1040 for an application. Tribal applications are also available on-line at www.csktribes.org. The salary range is $19.06 to $21.91 per hour, including benefits. Closing date will be Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

WATER MONITORING AND MEASUREMENT PROGRAM MANAGER NATURAL RESOURCE DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must possess a Master’s of Science with three (3) years of relevant professional-level experience or Bachelor’s of Science with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional-level experience. Education must be in the field of hydrologic sciences, engineering, or a closely related physical sciences field with emphasis on hydrology. Education and experience must demonstrate analytical aptitude, exposure to both surface and ground water hydrology, and experience working with water resources data collection, data management, and data reporting. Must have or be able to secure a current State of Montana driver’s license. Must wear Tribal Government identification and safety apparel when conducting field activities. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, copy of relevant transcript and/or certificate, a copy of a valid driver’s license and proof of Tribal enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP)

within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is negotiable-dependent on experience, plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. 1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes. org. Closing date will be Thursday, April 20th, 2023 @ 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

RIGHT-OF-WAY TECHNICIAN - NATURAL RESOURCE DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with training or education in surveying, realty or some other land and/ or natural resource-based related field. The position requires at least four (4) years of increasing responsible work experience in some land-related field; the experience should have included land location, land records research and map/aerial photograph interpretation. Must have a valid Montana state driver’s license and proof of insurance. Thorough knowledge of land description and location techniques, land record filing systems used in the realty field, legal documents used in grants of rights-of-way and easements, legal documents used in land transfers, and federal land regulations. Must wear Tribal Government identification and safety apparel when conducting field activities. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal

application, copy of relevant transcript and/or certificate, a copy of a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance, proof of Tribal enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary range is $25.71 to $29.55 per hour, plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. 1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, April 6th, 2023 @ 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

CHILD & YOUTH TRAUMA SERVICES COUNSELOR/ CASE MANAGER CONTRACT POSITION DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

The successful applicant is preferred to have a Master’s Degree in Social Work, psychology or related field, may be currently enrolled in a graduate program. Two years’ experience working with at-risk families and children to strength family systems. Experience providing screening, case management and conducting support groups Past charges for child abuse, neglect, or sexual abuse will be investigated through the background and suitability see page 45

determination process. Must not be found guilty of two or more misdemeanors offenses, under federal, state or tribal law, involving crimes of violence, sexual assault, molestation, crimes against persons or children. Must not have any felony offense. Will be required to pass a criminal background and suitability check per PL 101-630 Indian Child and family violence protection act, cannot have any substantiated CPS referrals. Will be required to report to supervisor in the event of any civil or criminal charges. No misdemeanor convictions in the past year, with the exception of traffic offenses. Traffic offenses cannot exceed three within the last two (2) years. Must not be subject of current criminal investigation, which would include indictments. Must not have had a driving under the influence of substances or a per se within the last two years. This position is a mandatory reporter of child abuse and neglect situations. Position requires much flexibility in schedule. Schedule depends on required needs of clients, sometimes requiring evening or weekend transporting due to parents schedules. Will maintain and participate in other duties as assigned. 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 and proof of insurance, proof of enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT

IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS.

This is 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 your placement 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) months probationary period. Salary is $18.89 to $21.71 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, April 6, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

RECORDS CREATION OFFICER (RCO) RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICE

The successful applicant must possess a high school diploma with preference given for an Associate’s degree. Seven years of experience in clerical/ administrative oriented field with five years of increasingly responsible work experience managing databases. Preference will be given for

no less than 5 years’ verifiable experience with database creation and management. ‘ Five (5) years of increasingly responsible work experience in work planning, productivity, reporting of outcomes, and developing data tracking for reporting and records management. Five years of increasingly responsible work experience in developing data/ research tracking for reporting and records management. Must pass local, state and federal background checks (upon hire and yearly thereafter) and is subject to CSKT Drug and Alcohol Policies. Must have valid Montana driver’s license or be able to obtain one within six (6) months. Must be able to lift/carry a minimum of 40 pounds. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, a completed supplemental questionnaire for background investigations, a copy of relevant transcript, a copy of current valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, submit a copy of the DD214 to the Tribal Personnel Department. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. A favorable determination resulting from a completed background investigation is required for your placement in this position. The

successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a prehire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. 1040 for an application. Tribal applications are also available on-line at www.csktribes.org. The salary range is $23.39 to $26.88 per hour, including benefits. Closing date will be Thursday, April 13, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TECHNICIAN DIVISION OF FIRE

1 OR MORE CONTRACT POSITIONS

The qualified applicant must possess a high school diploma (or equivalent), required. Three (3) or more years’ work experience as an administrative secretary/ clerk or equivalent position is required. Current qualifications as a Personnel Time Recorder (PTRC) and/or Equipment Time Recorder (EQTR) is preferred but not required. 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. Salary is $17.31 per hour including benefits. To request an application please contact the Personnel office @ 406.675.2700, ext. 1040, or visit the csktribes.org website. Closing date will be Thursday, April 6, 2023 @ 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

Clinic Receptionist Polson Clinic

St. Luke Community Healthcare is seeking a Full Time Medical Receptionist to join our front office administrative team in our Polson clinics. The position is the first point of contact for St. Luke and is considered a crucial link between the patient and the care delivered by the clinical staff. The scheduled hours are Monday –Friday, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm, although working hours could occasionally vary. Primary duties include greeting patients in a professional manner, registering patients, collecting payments, verifying insurances, scheduling patient appointments, answering and routing telephone calls, scanning documents for physicians, and projects pertaining to the flow of patients through the clinic. The ideal candidate will have one to two years of medical office experience, possess basic to intermediate computer knowledge and be able to effectively prioritize with an emphasis on organization, accuracy and attention to detail to ensure a positive patient service environment and professional interactions. Applications available at www.stlukehealthcare. org and may be mailed to St. Luke, ATTN: HR, 107 6th Ave. SW, Ronan, MT 59864. Contact Human Resources at (406) 528-5287 for additional information.

FORESTRY TECHNICIAN (Fire/Fuels)

1 or more contract positions

Applicant must possess a high school diploma (or equivalent). At a minimum for Technician, two (2) seasons in fire/fuels related work. FFT2 qualified. Faller 3 (FAL3) qualified. Successful applicant is subject to annual medical examination and work capacity test for arduous positions. Successful applicant must pass both to meet the standards of the Technician position. Ability to successfully complete NWCG developmental training to include but not limited to S-131, S-290 and L-280. Ability to perform duties under stressful and adverse operating conditions, such as long work hours, heavy workloads, emergency situations, adverse working conditions and environmental conditions. Ability to communicate effectively and follow oral/written instructions. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees within a diverse workforce. Applicant must submit a completed Tribal application and relevant academic transcripts and training certificates to the Tribal Personnel Department, 406.675.2700 ext. 1040 or visit the csktribes.org website for the application. Salary $15.98 hour. Closing date will be Thursday, April 6, 2023 @ 5:30 p.m. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the

see page 46

classifieds

Help wanted

cont’d from pg. 45

Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

1 OR MORE CONTRACT POSITIONS - FORESTRYDIVISION OF FIRE

Applicant must possess a high school diploma (or equivalent). Three (3) months of general work experience, which can be any work experience, i.e. mowing lawns, bucking hay, etc. to serve on a fuels, engine or monitoring crew. One (1) season of firefighting experience required to serve on the Helitack crew. Training required for the NWCG FFT2 and FAL3 position is not required for initial hire, but must be obtained within the established probation period. Successful applicant is subject to annual medical examination and work capacity test for arduous positions. Successful applicant must pass both to meet the standards of the Technician position. Ability to perform duties under stressful and adverse operating conditions, such as long work hours, heavy workloads, emergency situations, adverse working and environmental conditions. Must possess the ability to verbally communicate sufficiently to work as a member of a team. Applicant must submit a completed Tribal application and relevant academic transcripts and training certificates to the Tribal Personnel Department, 406.675.2700 ext. 1040 or visit the csktribes.org website for the application. Salary $15.16 per hour. Closing date will be Thursday, April 6, 2023 @ 5:30 p.m. This is 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.

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

AFFORDABLE HOMEOWNERSHIP ASSISTANT SALISH KOOTENAI HOUSING AUTHORITY

The successful applicant must possess an AA degree in Human Services or two or more year’s experience in providing budgeting and/or literacy training. Two or more years working with the public and/or one year experience with homeownership classes. Be able to communicate and teach budgeting and financial skills. Knowledge of homeownership resources, mortgage procedures and legal procedures. Must have a valid Montana driver’s license without any alcohol related convictions in the past 3 years. Must be willing to travel out of the area for training as needed to obtain necessary certification to become a Neighborworks Center for Homeownership Education and Counseling Counselor, National American Indian Housing Council Homeownership Counselor, HUD certified Homeownership counselor and other certificates that may be required for the position by the time frame outlined by the funding agency. Keep all certificates up to date and in compliance with Housing Authority funding sources and partners. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, copy of academic transcript and/ or training certificate, copy of current valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, please submit a copy of the

DD214. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This position is not a (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by CSKT must pass pre-hire drug test. Salary range $15.66 to $18.00 per hour, plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. #1029. Closing date will be Thursday, March 30, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER

RESTORATION TECHNICIAN I - NATURAL RESOURCE

DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with some training or continuing education in a Natural Resources field. A minimum of three (3) years of progressive work experience demonstrating one or more of natural resources management, field natural resources monitoring, restoration activities, or a closely related work background. OR a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree in a Natural Resources field and one year of job-related work experience. For both high school and BA/ BS job pathways above, demonstration, through school or work history, of aptitude to learn and work with computer software applications. Knowledge of field inventory and monitoring procedures. Knowledge of plant communities and revegetation techniques. Knowledge of general civil construction practices. Proficiency with the safe utilization of hand and small power tools. Proficiency with common computer software applications including spreadsheets and word processors. Basic knowledge of importance of culturally sensitive and rare plants. Possession of a valid driver’s license with the ability to obtain a Montana driver’s license within six (6) months. Also, must wear Tribal Government identification and

safety apparel when conducting field activities. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, completed supplemental questionnaire for background investigations, copy of relevant transcript and/or certificate, a copy of a valid driver’s license and proof of Tribal enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is $20.31 to $23.35 per hour plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. #1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, March 16th, 2023 @ 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

responsibility in supervision of technical or higher-level employees AND five years of increasingly responsible work experience in managing budgets, certifications, bookkeeping, and databases. Preference will be given for verifiable experience in administrative/ management related functions for tribal government, Indigenous communities and/or similar organizations.

apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. 1040 for an application. Tribal applications are also available on-line at www.csktribes.org. The salary range is $30.82 to $35.42 per hour, including benefits.

Closing date will be Thursday, April 6, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

Seeking: RESTORATION SUPERVISOR, Bachelor’s degree, 6 months’ exp required: FIELDWORKS SOLUTIONS LLC, 64890 US HWY 93, Ronan MT 59864 Please send resume to info@fieldworkssolutions. com or call 402-220-6830.

RECORDS MANAGEMENT DEPARTMENT HEAD RECORDS MANAGEMENT OFFICE

The successful applicant must possess an Associate’s degree in business administration, public administration, data science, management information systems, health and human development, or social science related field from an accredited university is required; preference will be given for Bachelor’s degree and emphasis in research or data management. Ten (10) years’ management experience which must include full

Ten (10) years of increasingly responsible work experience in work planning, productivity, reporting of outcomes, and developing data tracking for reporting and records management. Must have experience in development of policy and procedures; experience with coordination of Board(s) is desirable. Experience with legal, ethical, and moral approaches with Native Americans is a must. Must pass local, state, and federal background checks (upon hire and yearly thereafter) and is subject to CSKT Drug and Alcohol Policies. Must have a valid driver’s license or be able to obtain one within six (6) months. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, a completed supplemental questionnaire for background investigations, a copy of relevant transcripts, a copy of current valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, submit a copy of the DD214 to the Tribal Personnel Department. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. A favorable determination resulting from a completed background investigation is required for your placement in this position. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a prehire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. To

Real Estate For Rent

Multiple options to rent in the upstairs or downstairs of Mission Valley Physical Therapy. Call 883-6863 for more details.

Public Notices

Legals

Legals

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

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: JONAH MICHAEL ERNEST JONES, Deceased.

Cause No.: DP-23-13 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.

public notices

Legals

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/ Patricia Marie Jones

Patricia Marie Jones

Personal Representative

Estate of JONAH MICHAEL ERNEST JONES, Deceased.

March 22, 29, and April 5, 2023

MNAXLP INVITATION TO BIDDERS

Bank Building Renovations

To: Prospective Bidders:

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Maintenance Department is accepting sealed bid proposals from qualified professional firms to furnish all materials and necessary equipment and perform all required work necessary at the Bank Building Renovations. This work must be performed as specified with the specifications contained in the Tribal Maintenance Department Request for Proposals (RFP).

Sealed proposals endorsed “Bank Building Renovations” will be received at the office of the Tribal Maintenance Department, 35927 Vanderburg Loop, Pablo, MT 59855 until

4:30 pm Thursday, March 30, 2023 after which time bids will be opened and read.

Bidders will be required to attend a mandatory pre-bid meeting on Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 9:00 am at the Old Glacier Bank Drive-Thru Building, 36042 Major Houle Road, Ronan, MT. Bidders must register for the pre-bid meeting by 9:10 AM on March 21, 2023 by signing the pre-bid registry at the 36042 Major Houle Road, Ronan, Montana.

**Review the ‘INSTRUCTIONS TO BIDDERS’ thoroughly. Provide ALL the requested information/ forms as required and submit with the proposal.

Bidders can contact Don Cline for any questions at 406-250-4058.

Respectfully,

Don Cline CS&KT Construction Superintendent

March 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: GLORIA MARIE VIOLETTE, Deceased.

Cause No.: DP-23-11 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That the undersigned

Service Directory

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/ Daniel Markus Violette Daniel Markus Violette

Personal Representative

Estate of GLORIA MARIE VIOLETTE, Deceased.

March 22, 29, and April 5, 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: REGINA E. LIES, Deceased.

Cause No.: DP-23-9

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/ Mark J. Lies

MARK J. LIES

Personal Representative

Estate of REGINA E. LIES, Deceased.

Mar. 8, 15 AND 22, 2023

MNAXLP

Legal Notices are welcome. Deadline is Friday at noon. Email to: vjmail@valleyjournal.net