4-12-23 issue

Ronan prepares for first ever brewfest, music festival

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

RONAN — The Ronan Chamber of Commerce has announced the first ever Ronan Brewfest will happen this summer on June 24 at the Lake County Fairgrounds.

Rumblings of a possible brewfest have gone through the chamber for the last couple of

years, with several board members interested. Katie Jo Elliott of the chamber said she began testing the waters last year by reaching out to different breweries at different points in the year to gauge interest. Good feedback in hand, she officially proposed the idea to the board.

“Everybody was really excited about it and a lot of

people jumped on board, and we formed a committee pretty quickly,” Elliott explained. “I think that it’s the brainchild of a lot of us, and we finally got the motivation to take the leap of faith and try this thing out.”

The event has so far, a total of eight breweries confirmed and four more potentially joining in. The breweries on the list

include the Ronan Cooperative Brewery, Glacier Brewing out of Polson, Flathead Lake Brewing out of Bigfork, Tamarac Brewing out of Lakeside, Canyon Ferry Brewery from Townsend, Branding Iron Brewing from Eureka, Bias Brewing from Kalispell, and Oddpitch Brewing from Missee page

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL

soula. Other Missoula breweries from Philipsburg and Butte may end up joining in as well.

“For our first year, we’re really excited to have at least eight confirmed and counting. We’re hoping to get some cider places as well so we can have a little bit of everything for every taste,” Elliott commented.

A big draw of this particular brewfest goes beyond the beer, however, as the event will also be acting as a music festival.

Named the Summer Solstice Festival, the chamber has lined up three out of state talents to visit and perform,

something Elliott said they’re very excited about. These talents include Tylor and the Train Robbers out of Boise, Rider and Rolling Thunder also out of Idaho, and Bradford Loomis all the way from Nashville. “We’re very excited about these guys and we think they’ll put on a great show,” Elliott stated. “Eventually I think we could have some local talent in there and

still grow the event to have some larger caliber talent in there too. We want to grow this event over the years into something that’s not just a brewfest, (but) to be a multiple day music festival with the brewfest tied in. That’s kind of our goal long term.”

One thing the chamber is keen to emphasize is that the festival is a family friendly affair. While tickets for those

interested in beer tasting will go for $40 at the gate, $35 pre-sale tickets are available now. Tickets for those under 21, or those not interested in drinking, will only cost $5 as a cover charge to help pay for the bands. Several food trucks will be at the fairgrounds as well. “That’s really what we’re working to provide - a safe, family-friendly event for the community,” Elliott

explained.

Tickets are available for purchase at participating breweries, or online at: montanabrewfest.com. The website also has forms for any vendors interested in participating, as well as signup sheets for volunteers. Volunteers who chip in even parttime will get a free shirt, as well as invited to a complimentary meal at a gathering afterward for the volunteers, bands, and brewers.

“I just hope that the community sees this as a positive thing and wants to get involved and help us grow this event every year, and is excited about this opportunity,” Elliott said.

Prescribed burns underway Crash victim identified

FLATHEAD RESERVATION —

The Division of Fire Fuels Program will be conducting a few prescribed grass burns for the Natural Resources Department the week of April 1014, weather permitting. The KHN5B Rx burn is located one mile south of Charlo on the Herak Ln. This grass burn is approximately 80 acres. The ASP1 A&B Rx burns are located on East Post Cr. Rd, near Millie’s Woods. These two Rx burns are 122 acres.

Resource Objectives:

Units: ASP1 A & B

- Use fire in pasture environments dominated by non-native pasture grasses and noxious weeds to clear aboveground biomass in preparation for weed management (e.g., herbicide,

shading, etc.) and/or re-vegetation (e.g., seeding, planting, etc.) treatments.

- Hazard Fuel Reduction – Use fire to reduce hazard fuels by >50% over entire project area.

Unit: KHN5B

- Use fire in pasture environments dominated by non-native pasture grasses and noxious weeds to clear aboveground biomass in preparation for weed management (e.g., herbicide, shading, etc.) and/or re-vegetation (e.g., seeding, planting, etc.) treatments.

- Hazard Fuel Reduction – Use fire to reduce hazard fuels by >50% over entire project area.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this notice, please contact Division of Fire at 406-676-2550.

LAKE COUNTY — The identity of the person struck and killed by a vehicle on Hwy 93 near White Coyote Road in the early morning of March 31 is Mika Westwolf, 22, of Missoula. In consultation with the State Medical Examiner’s Office, the Lake County Coroner’s Office has determined that Westwolf died of multiple blunt force injuries. Montana Highway Patrol is conducting the crash investigation.

News from the CSKT Division of Fire

News from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office

“

That’s really what we’re working to provide - a safe, family-friendly event for the community.”

- Katie Jo Elliott, Ronan Chamber of Commerce

This Week’s Weather Forecast

With more than 35 years of

Bill to fund PL280 ....... 5 Courts ......................... 8 Valley Views .............. 10 Schools ..................... 12 Earth Day .................. 20 Seniors ..................... 22 Obituaries .................. 26 Classifieds ................ 29 MARTY HENSEL

oreo cows

contact

Kathi Beeks

PHOTO

Boone Goddard

Advertising Sales, Owner (406) 249-1728

boone@valleyjournal.net

Office Manager, Copy Editor (406) 676-8989

vjmail@valleyjournal.net news@valleyjournal.net

Taylor Davison Editor (406) 676-8989

vjeditor@valleyjournal.net

Jerry Beeks

Advertising Sales (406) 207-4641

jbeeks@ronan.net

2023

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

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Bill to fund PL280 passes House

By Taylor Davison Valley Journal

HELENA — House

Bill 479, sponsored by Ronan representative Joe Read, is on its way to the State Senate after passing a House vote on April 3.

HB479 proposes that the State of Montana appropriate $2.5 million to the Department of Justice each year, beginning July 1, to reimburse Lake County for law enforcement activities on the Flathead Indian Reservation per Public Law 280.

PL280 is an agreement with the State of Montana passed in 1964 to conduct law enforcement and

provide other services on the Flathead Reservation. According to the agreement stated in the bill, unless the CSKT or Lake County withdraws consent to enforcement of PL280, the state shall reimburse Lake County for assuming criminal jurisdiction annually to the extent funds are appropriated by the legislature. This became a point of contention, however, as the state legislature has not appropriated a meaningful sum for this purpose in the past, a previous amount of appropriation set to $1, which led to a pending lawsuit between the county and the state. The lawsuit is part of what county

commissioners called a “two-pronged approach” to getting the state to meet its obligation, including the HB479. Officials with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have

not taken a position on the matter thus far.

Other bills introduced by Lake County representatives to fund PL280 have not made it through the legislature, however,

with Polson Senator Greg Hertz’ Senate Bill 127 to reimburse the county tabled in the House on March 29 after initially passing in the Senate, HB479 is considered the

county’s last effort to request legislative funding. Per a resolution passed by the county last year, Lake County may end up withdrawing from PL280 on May 26 if the legislature does not pass a reimbursement bill.

HB 479 passed the House with a vote of 6534. It’s now been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further discussion in a hearing scheduled for April 12.

To track the bill and learn more, visit the Montana Free Press Capitol Tracker at: https://apps. montanafreepress.org/ capitol-tracker-2023/bills/ hb-479/

- Dr. Kelli Larson

ENVATO ELEMENTS PHOTO

Proposals to amend constitution struggle to garner needed support

The Legislature this week sounded the likely death knell for almost all of the remaining proposals to amend the Montana Constitution this session.

margins. With 102 Republicans between the House and Senate, the party can afford only two dissenting votes to get its proposed amendments past the 100-vote threshold.

News

from

Arren KimbelSannit / Montana Free Press

HELENA — The Legislature this week sounded the likely death knell for almost all of the remaining proposals to amend the Montana Constitution this session.

That isn’t to say that the House and Senate didn’t endorse those eight proposals, which ranged from an amendment to end state Supreme Court elections to one enshrining a right to hunt, trap and fish in the Constitution. To the contrary, most of the bills passed out of their original chambers ahead of a key deadline Tuesday. But constitutional referendums must clear a higher vote threshold than most bills: two-thirds of the entire Legislature, as opposed to a simple majority in each chamber. And with Democrats uniformly opposed to all but one amendment proposal, the supermajority Republicans were working with slim

That all said, bills that receive a majority vote in their chambers of origin will still head to the opposite house for consideration. Legislative rules can’t presuppose an outcome. Any constitutional amendment proposal that the Legislature passes still requires approval by the voters in 2024.

Tuesday was the deadline for revenue bills, resolutions and constitutional amendment referrals to pass out of their original chambers, accelerating a rush of floor votes.

By the time that lawmakers took their final votes on the measures Tuesday afternoon, Republican defections had likely doomed nearly every one. The only exception was Senate Bill 563, an amendment proposed by Sen. Kenneth Bogner, R-Miles City, that would establish a mental health trust fund in the Constitution if approved by voters. The bill passed out of the Senate, 40-10 — the only amendment proposal to receive Democratic support.

House Bill 915, Billings GOP Rep. Bill

Mercer’s attempt to ask the voters whether to relinquish their power to elect Supreme Court justices in favor of gubernatorial appointments, passed the House Friday, 59-39. But with nine Republicans voting no, seven Democrats would have to support the proposal in the Senate for it to go to the voters — an unlikely scenario.

Mercer painted the proposal as a way to keep money and influence out of judicial elections.

“This system that we have — to actually be a member of the Montana Supreme Court, you need to run a statewide campaign,” he said on the floor Monday. “You need to go raise money. You have to ask people for money. And then, there are a whole bunch of other people out there raising money uncoordinated from you trying to push you over the edge.”

The amendment is a major component of GOP legislation this session that would reshape the judicial branch, an effort born of an ongoing fight between Republican lawmakers and the courts. Democrats criticized the bill as a partisan power grab that would take away the voters’ right to select Supreme Court justices. And unlike the

federal system, judges don’t have lifetime appointments in Montana, meaning that they could be subject to the whims of individual governors, they said.

“I struggle to understand why we would consider advancing this proposal that would take power away from the voters and bring that power into this building, to the governor, and to the Senate [which confirms judicial appointments],” Rep. Jonathan Karlen, D-Missoula, said.

House Bill 965, a proposal from Rep. Jerry Schillinger, R-Circle, limiting the Supreme Court’s authority to make rules regarding “admission to the bar and the conduct of its members” fared even worse. The amendment referral failed to pass the House on a 45-55 vote.

Corvallis Rep. Wayne Rusk was a vocal Republican critic of the bill.

“I had some major questions about this proposed amendment in committee, as it again appeared that one branch of government was set to collide with another,” he said.

The remaining constitutional amendment proposals in the House all saw at least two Republican “no” votes.

- House Bill 517, a proposal to remove

powers from the Montana University System and Board of Regents, passed on a 61-37 vote on third reading Tuesday, losing five votes from its initial vote in the House.

- House Bill 551, to implement “constitutional carry,” passed the House 65-33.

- House Bill 372, establishing a right to hunt and trap in the Constitution, passed 64-34.

The voting bloc of Republicans opposed to these proposals fluctuated from bill to bill, but generally comprised comparative moderates like Rep. Ross Fitzgerald, R-Fairfield, Rep. Tom Welch, R-Dillon, and others. Only Rusk was a “no” on all five amendment proposals before the House this week.

Constitutional referendums in the Senate fared little better, save for Bogner’s bipartisan-backed mental health trust fund idea.

Senate Bill 534, sponsored by Sen. Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, was the top contender among a variety of constitutional amendment proposals this session concerning the redistricting process. It passed the Senate 30-20 with four Republican defectors: Sens. Jason Small of Busby, Walt Sales of Manhattan,

Russ Tempel of Chester and Jeff Welborn of Dillon.

The bill would ask the voters to enshrine additional redistricting criteria in the Constitution, including that the Districting and Apportionment Commission must minimize division of cities and towns. But the meat of the proposal concerned the use of political data in redistricting.

“Communities of interest do not include relationships with political parties, incumbents, and political candidates,” the bill reads. “In establishing districts, the commission may not consider any data pertaining to the political affiliation of electors or prior election results.”

Republicans have long been critical of the state’s independent redistricting commission, even as the party has won a supermajority in the Legislature. The 2020 Districting and Apportionment Commission finished up its work early this year, submitting new state House and Senate maps. Republicans said they would likely lose seats under the plan and took specific issue with spindly districts that blended largely Democratic urban areas with more conservative suburban and rural ones.

see page 7

from page 6

Democratic opponents of the bill said that it would only move discussions of partisanship behind closed doors. And they said that splitting cities and other government subdivisions is sometimes necessary to achieve compliance with the Voting Rights Act, which, among other provisions, ensures that minority voters aren’t packed into a district, limiting their ability to elect candidates of their choice.

Sen. Ryan Lynch, D-Butte, pointed to the town of Browning, which is split between districts in the newly adopted plan.

“The town was divid -

ed, and the reason it was divided was to comply with the Voting Rights Act,” he said.

Sen. John Fuller, R-Kalispell, took issue with the invocation of the Voting Rights Act.

“There’s been reference to the Voting Rights Act,” he said. “The Voting Rights Act is not in the Constitution. The Voting Rights Act may some day be overturned by the (U.S.) Supreme Court. Very likely it could be as early as this June.”

Tempel, one of the Republican “no” votes, said he didn’t understand how the Senate could approve redrawing the state’s Public Service Commission districts that split cities and then vote for a bill that would limit the Districting and

Apportionment Commission’s ability to do the same.

“Just about three weeks ago we voted for a PSC map that splits Missoula,” he said on the floor. “I can’t figure out how we can pass this thing and vote for that.”

The third constitutional amendment before the Senate this week was Hamilton Republican Sen. Theresa Manzella’s Senate Bill 272, a “constitutional sheriff” amendment asserting that the sheriff “is the chief law enforcement officer in [their] county.” That proposal failed to make it out of the Senate outright, dying 22 votes to 28.

85th annual Cherry Growers’ meeting

YELLOW BAY —

The 85th annual cherry growers’ meeting presented by the Flathead Lake Cherry Growers association will be held Saturday, April 15, at the Yellow Bay Community Clubhouse, 23429 Montana Highway 35. The meeting is open to anyone interested in growing quality Flathead cherries. Doors open at 8:30 a.m.; the meeting begins at 9 a.m.

This year’s speakers include Bernardita Sallato,

a prominent researcher from Washington State University Extension. She will address all aspects of cherry tree nutrition, including factors that affect tree growth and nutrient uptake, nutrient cycling in soils, identifying conditions that impact tree health, and more. Other speakers will discuss unusual orchard observations; bear management in orchards is also on the agenda. Agencies related to orchard operations will be available to meet with attendees. Advance registration

is recommended. General admission is $25 per person and includes morning refreshments and lunch. If space is available, registrations will be accepted at the door at a cost of $30 per person. For more information or to preregister, call 406-982-3069, FAX 406- 982-3065, or email office@bahammons. com. Information and the registration form are also available on the Flathead Lake Cherry Growers, Inc., website montanacherries.com in the calendar/community cherry events section.

News from Flathead Lake Cherry Growers, Inc.

Stories by Jeff Smith of Anderson Broadcasting for the Valley Journal

Matt sentenced for assault Simmons sentenced for burglary

POLSON — A Ronan man was sentenced in Polson District Court on April 5 to the Montana State Prison for 24 years on one count of assault on a peace or judicial officer with no time suspended. Darrin William Matt, 46, was convicted by a 12-person jury during an earlier trial. The jury deliberated for approximately 15 minutes before reaching the guilty verdict. The prosecutor had video recording of Matt kicking a detention officer in face. The strike hit the officer’s face with enough force to make an audible sound of the officer’s head snapping back, causing pain. Although a 24-year prison term is well beyond the average 4.6 year prison term on a such a conviction, it was Matt’s overall criminal history that determined his sentence. The 4.6-year average prison term for assault on a peace or judicial officer was a statistic from the

Montana Department of Corrections, quoted by Matt’s public defender Colton Risinger in arguing for a lesser term. Prosecutor Brendan McQuillan with the Lake County Attorney’s Office told the court that though Matt had been to state sponsored treatment and attended various rehabilitation programs, Matt continues to commit crimes and take drugs. McQuillan outlined Matt’s 30year criminal history, including six misdemeanor convictions and three felony convictions. He explained to the court that the 24-year prison term would allow for Matt to eligible for parole in six years.

In the end, Judge Molly Owen agreed, saying “Taking this case to trial was a waste of the court’s time.” Matt was given credit for having already served 210 days in jail.

Matt had to be restrained by three armed guards as he was led out of the courtroom verbally stating his opinion that his stiff punishment was motivated because, in his words, “I’m Indian.”

POLSON — A Polson man was committed in Polson District Court on April 5 to the Montana Department of Corrections for a total of 10 years with all but time served, 83 days, suspended.

Michael Leroy Simmons Jr., 36, entered a plea of guilty in Polson District Court on Feb. 8 to two counts of burglary, one count theft and criminal possession of dangerous drugs, all felonies. The pleas were entered as part of a plea agreement that will dismiss one count of theft and one count of criminal mischief.

According to court records on Nov. 7, 2022, an employee of the Depoe Junction was reviewing surveillance video of the shop from Oct. 21, 2022, when he noticed images of Simmons stealing chainsaws. Simmons also pleaded guilty to burglarizing the Finley Point Grill on Jan. 5. In that burglary, access was gained through an unlocked door at the restaurant. Two

men were seen on the surveillance camera using a grinder to gain access to an ATM inside the restaurant. Approximately $5,000 was taken. The owner of the restaurant said the ATM was a total loss and would cost more than $1,500 to repair.

Police used video surveillance from the Finley Point Grill and at the Polson hotel, where Simmons was staying the night of the January burglary, to identify Simmons as the suspect. Police were also able to identify an accomplice in the Finley Point Grill burglary as Michael Christian Duncan, 28. Duncan confirmed that he and Simmons had broken into the restaurant and used a grinder to gain access to the ATM. Duncan is also facing criminal charges for his involvement. He entered a plea of not guilty in District Court on Feb. 9 to burglary, criminal mischief and theft.

Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher set this case for trial July 10.

Judge Owen went for the suspended sentence, explaining that her primary goal is to make sure the victims of these crimes are made whole. She ordered restitution in the amount of $38,985.88.

Commissioner joins $10 million multi-state settlement with Robinhood Financial

News from the Office of the Montana State Auditor

HELENA — Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Troy Downing announced that CSI joined a multi-state settlement with Robinhood Financial LLC. As part of the settlement, Robinhood agreed to pay $10.2 million in penalties for operational and technical failures that harmed Montana investors.

The settlement stems from an investigation spearheaded by state securities regulators in Alabama, Colorado, California, Delaware, New Jersey, South

Dakota, and Texas coordinated through the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA) regarding Robinhood’s operational failures with respect to the retail market.

The investigation was sparked by Robinhood platform outages in March 2020, a time when hundreds of thousands of investors relied on the Robinhood app to make trades. In addition, prior to March 2021, there were deficiencies at Robinhood in its review and approval process for options and margin accounts, weaknesses in the firm’s monitoring and reporting tools, and insufficient

customer service and escalation protocols that, in some cases, left Robinhood users unable to process trades even as the value of stocks dropped.

The order sets out the following violations:

- Negligent dissemination of inaccurate information to customers, including regarding margin and risk associated with multi-leg option spreads.

- Failure to have a reasonably designed customer identification program.

- Failure to supervise technology critical to providing customers with core broker-dealer services.

- Failure to have a reasonably designed system for dealing with customer inquiries.

- Failure to exercise due diligence before approving certain option accounts.

- Failure to report all customer complaints to FINRA and state securities regulators, as may be required.

Robinhood neither admits nor denies the findings as set out in the States’ orders.

Robinhood will provide access to a FINRA-ordered compliance implementation report to settling states. Robinhood retained an independent compliance consultant who

made recommendations for remediation, which Robinhood has generally implemented.

One year after the settlement date, Robinhood will attest to the lead state, Alabama, that it is in full compliance with the FINRA-ordered independent compliance consultant’s recommendations or has otherwise instituted measures that are more effective at addressing the recommendations.

Montanans can contact the Office of the State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance with questions or concerns by calling 406-4442040 or online at: CSIMT.gov

Michael Simmons Jr.

Darrin Matt

Spring pledge week concludes at MTPR

News from Montana Public Radio MISSOULA — Montana Public Radio raised nearly $456,000 in listener pledges as the annual spring fundraiser concluded this week.

At the end of the onair drive on Monday morning, , April 3, at 9 a.m., the tally reached $455,827 for the celebration event that raised nearly 87-percent of the $525,000 goal. There were a total of 2810 listener pledges during the on-air fundraiser, which ran from March 27-April 3.

“Thanks again for supporting your local, listener-powered Montana Public Radio,” said Anne Hosler, MTPR’s development director. “We’re so grateful for your contri-

butions.”

“You’ve put your trust in MTPR to create hand-picked music and news you can trust every day,” said Ray Ekness, director of the University of Montana Broadcast Media Center. “To repay that trust, I guarantee we will work hard to continue the service you love.”

The drive included the popular “Pet Playoffs,” where dogs outnumbered cats for the third straight year winning 426 to 406. The friendly pet competition also included many pledges for chickens, parakeets, guinea pigs, ducks, horses, goats and more.

Other highlights included a live musical performance from The Basement Boys, the annual MTPR Saturday Night Dance Party, a StoryCorps Missoula special,

challenges from MTPR friends, and more.

“We love creating great radio for our MTPR listeners,” said Michael Marsolek, MTPR program director. “Thanks for the outpouring of support from our valued listeners.”

MTPR needs to raise $2.125 million – 75 percent of the station’s total operating budget –from listeners, sponsors and events during its fundraising year. Listeners can continue to contribute online at: mtpr.org or via the mail if they missed making their pledge of support last week.

Montana Public Radio is a public service of the University of Montana and broadcasts on 89.5 Polson

Learn more at: http:// mtpr.org.

valley views What makes a movie good?

Irecently introduced a good friend of mine to the original Jurassic Park movie. A film that’s won over 20 awards and is considered by some, (or at least me), to be the epitome of filmmaking, I couldn’t imagine anyone disliking such a classic.

“Huh,” she said to me as the credits rolled, “that was really bad.”

My dear friend, whom I still love despite that assertion, has a fondness for movies made by Hallmark. Rom coms, melodramas, and reality television are where she spends

most of her viewing hours and are all things I consider “really bad.”

But what exactly makes a movie bad? Is it films that don’t win awards? Because we’ve all seen performances and films we’ve felt were worthy of accolades come away without a win, like

Taylor Davison Editor, Valley Journal

well-loved movies, Saving Private Ryan, Pulp Fiction, and even Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. None of which won best picture. Is it films that don’t perform well at the box office? What about movies that simply have bad timing on release, getting fewer views due to other films with larger

Talk tax relief

The 2023 Montana legislature began its legislative session with an unprecedented surplus, mainly due to the over-collection of state taxes from Montana taxpayers. Since this is ultimately taxpayers’ money, I - along with other conservatives in the legislature - were determined to return money to Montana taxpayers and to reduce your taxes in the future.

Tax relief has long been an objective of mine, like in the 2021 session when I passed a bill that effectively moved Montana’s standard deduction from $5,000 for a single

person and $10,000 for a married couple to beginning in 2024 to $14,000 for a single person and $28,000 for a married couple. This change eliminated taxes for almost 100,000 low-income taxpayers in Montana and benefits all taxpayers with taxable income above the standard deduction. This change could result in savings of $600 for married taxpayers making $50,000 per year or

releases coming out at the same time or, say, trying to release during a global pandemic?

Is it the film’s ability to go viral online? I’d say the movie Morbius recently disproved that one, as people online referenced it so much that its producers rereleased it to theaters, not understanding that the “fans” were poking fun at the feature instead of singing its praises.

What about films that perform badly on release, only to become “cult classics” later? The

Roxy theater in Missoula recently held a showing of Tommy Wiseau’s, The Room, which I can say without hyperbole is the worst movie I have ever seen (just look up some clips and you’ll quickly understand). Yet, the theater was packed with enthusiastic watchers who seemed to revel in the shared teasing of each scene and knew every line.

All in all, there’s no accounting for taste. Everyone will like what they like, regardless of broad appeal or shiny awards.

Everyone’s opinions are just as valid as everyone else’s, and, as I teasingly responded to my friend’s critique of one of my favorite films, “It’s okay, you’re allowed to be wrong.”

LETTER POLICY

Letters to the editor are welcome. The content is the opinion of the letter writer and not the newspaper. The decision to publish letters is made by the editor.

Letters must be 350 words or less. A writer will only be published twice per month.

more compared to what they may pay on their 2023 income.

This year we passed a bill to move the top marginal rate from 6.5% to 5.9% - this bracket starts at $20,500 of taxable income for single individuals and $41,000 for married couples, so anyone making $20,500/$41,000 or higher will benefit. Since taxes are paid as a percentage of your income, the more you make, the more you will save due to this tax rate reduction. This bill also

raised the earned income tax credit from 3% of the federal amount to 10%. This may result in a refundable credit of $275 or more for low-income taxpayers with children.

I also passed Senate Bill 124, which will increase taxes on large, out of state corporations doing business in Montana who have very few employees or property in Montana. Large corporations like Amazon will now be required to pay their fair share of taxes in Montana. This will result in a state revenue increase of up to $17 million per year and save taxes for Montana

based corporations that also do business in other states.

I, along with our GOP super majorities, passed legislation this year so that Montana resident taxpayers will receive a tax rebate of up to $1,250 for a single taxpayer and $2,500 per couple for married taxpayers. The rebate is equal to what you paid but cannot exceed the $1250/$2,500 amounts.

Also, a property tax rebate of up to $500 will be coming to Montana resident taxpayers for taxes paid on their principal residence. No second homes or in -

see page 11

Letters may be edited for content or length, or may not be published if considered libelous, in poor taste, spiteful, self-promotional or of limited interest to the general readership. Space limitations also dictate when or if letters are published.

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

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

A Taylor’d Approach

Sen. Greg Hertz, Polson

Legislative Notes

from page 10

vestment property are eligible for these rebates. Resident taxpayers may claim these rebates for both 2023 and 2024, resulting in property tax savings of up to $1,000.

Even with all these rebates and tax reductions, our legislature still has up to $1.5 billion to address many other issues in Montana. We have accomplished a great deal this session to lessen Montanans’ tax burden and plan to build on those successes in the final month of the 2023 legislative session.

Senator Greg Hertz

Chair – Senate

Taxation Committee

Polson, MT

Keep third parties

Editor, Montana Senator Greg Hertz is presenting a bill on Friday (SB 566) that is an unabashed attempt to electioneer the next US Senate race at the cost of Montana Libertarians and our ability to maintain ballot access. The bill changes the Senate race to a top two primary where all candidates compete against each other regardless of party (mimicking the terrible primary system in California) which sends the top two candidates on to the general election. This system will automatically remove any third-party candidates so only the two major parties can play. This bill would then sunset after the next US Senate race (it is only affecting this next US Senate race). As you can see this is a direct attempt to manipulate a single race that Greg Hertz is concerned about at that expense of honest and ethical elections. What happened to the Republican mantra of election integrity? Apparently, Greg Hertz does not share that ideal.

The Libertarian Party that has maintained ballot access since the ‘80s is the primary target of this bill, but it will also remove

all other third parties from the ability to compete for the US Senate seat (currently occupied by Senator John Tester). The Green Party, Constitution Party, Veterans Party to name a few. Keep the voice of Liberty alive - Contact your Montana Legislators and demand they vote do not pass on SB 566.

Sid Daoud Chair, Montana Libertarian Party

Talk about drinking

Editor,

April is Alcohol Responsibility Month. As the weather begins to get warmer, it’s a great time for Montana families to start conversations about alcohol at home to prevent underage drinking. As the father of two adult children, I know firsthand that kids grow up fast. I also know it is critical parents are aware of risky behaviors. For some, discussing the dangers of underage drinking may have taken a backseat, but the conversations need to happen. Not only is underage drinking illegal, but it can have adverse effects on the developing brain. Kids need to know the facts about why they should say “No,” so when the time comes,

they are prepared to do so and that they can come to you if they are in a sticky situation.

According to a 2021 report, 25 percent of 12- to 20-year-olds in Montana had used alcohol in the last month and on average began drinking at age 16. Additionally, that same year, eight traffic fatalities involved a 15 to 20-year-old driver with a blood alcohol concentration of over .01 percent. Each one, a tragedy that should never have happened.

The Montana Department of Justice works closely with Responsibility.org, an organization that has been dedicated to eliminating underage drinking for more than 30 years. As a result, Attorney General Austin Knudsen created a public service announcement encouraging parents and caregivers to have the tough conversations with their kids to help them stay substance-free.

For any parents that might need assistance, resources to help start the conversation are available through Responsibility. org’s underage drinking prevention program called Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don’t Mix. These discussions, chats, moments, and even texts can save lives. Don’t worry about it not being perfect. The only bad

conversation is the one you don’t have.

I want to thank parents and caregivers for all they do throughout our state to keep kids safe and substance-free.

Colonel Steve Lavin Montana Highway Patrol

Focus on democracy Editor,

How can the divided Republican party find a ‘non-Trumpian’ to be candidate for president?

We know there is a good and reasonable politically motivated person available; one who knows the truth and the facts and can speak clearly and effectively to our democratic future as a nation.

It is essential that we get back to our democratic form of government with parties honoring their policies and at the same time honoring our democratic form of government.

Beyond all the personal focus on Donald Trump and his future is this much larger issue of saving our democracy. This is primary and essential for our nation at this critical point in time.

Bob McClellan Missoula

You

Consider school bond

News from the Polson School District

POLSON — As we get closer to the bond election, I have just a few more details to share with you. First, ballots will be mailed on April 14 and must be mailed back by April 28. If you want to drop them off at the courthouse on election day, you can do that as well. Last week, I addressed some money-related topics and want to urge you again to make use of the tax calculator on the bond website so that you can make an informed decision when you vote. This week and next week,

we will take a look at some of the things we may take for granted in our own homes or non-school workplaces and how the bond, if passed, will improve day-to-day life for our staff and students. I’m Katrina Venters, mom of two, taxpayer, and high school English teacher, and we’re going to talk about bathrooms today. Did you know that the entire four years my oldest son was at Polson Middle School, he claims he did not use the bathroom there even once? While he may be exaggerating, let’s look at some numbers.

PMS has only two female student bathrooms with

four stalls each and two male student bathrooms with two urinals and two toilets each. With the current population, if students used the bathroom only once a day, they only have 1.7 minutes to use it. If every kid uses the bathroom twice, they have less than a minute each time. Reviewing those numbers makes my son’s story a little more believable and therefore more concerning.

This student bathroom problem exists at all buildings in our district except Cherry Valley. While the bathrooms at Cherry Valley have adequate student space, these bathrooms

have not been updated in years. Though clean, they appear worn down and many of the fixtures do not function. At Linderman, there is only one set of student bathrooms for the entire school. Because they are so old, often sinks, dryers, and toilets are out of order while being fixed, leaving even fewer facilities for students. Combine an inadequate number of toilets and urinals with aging and worn fixtures, and you’ve got a mess. At Polson High School, you’ll find a reasonable number of toilets and urinals but the same problem with wear and tear, made worse by student vandalism. This

Superintendent gives update on assessment participation

News from OPI HELENA — Superintendent Arntzen is pleased to announce that 3,493 or 41.6% of 11thgrade students have completed the online ACT during the first testing window. The first window was opened on March 28 and closed on April 6. During the 2021-2022 school year, 90.5% of high school juniors completed the reading portion of the ACT and 91.9% completed the math portion. During the March 2830 ACT testing window, OPI’s State Assessment Director Cedar Rose observed an administration of the ACT. “For

many Montana schools, this was the first full online administration of the ACT with writing. Through field observations, the OPI Assessment Team was able to observe the benefit of moving to the online platform, and feedback from school personnel has been overwhelmingly positive. While we continue to support schools with ACT with writing administration, the transition has been smooth and well-received,” said Director Rose.

“The number of high school students that have completed the ACT using the new online system is encouraging,”

said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “Our goal was to streamline facilitation and increase access for Montana students. I am thankful to our Assessment Director Cedar Rose and her team for the work they have done to ensure a smooth and positive testing experience for our Montana students.”

The federally mandated end-of-the-year summative assessment for grades third through eighth testing window opened on March 6. Completion rates during the first month of the summative assessments are:

- 11% of students have completed the English

was a problem pre-TikTok, but last year’s TikTok challenges promoting the defacing of school facilities resulted in broken sinks, pipes, and toilets.

Though my son enjoys many things about being a high school student now, he does wish he could still use the staff bathroom because the PHS bathrooms are generally unpleasant.

Although student bathroom problems are the main focus, staff face challenges with inadequate bathroom spaces as well. For instance, if you teach in a mod at the high school or at the western end of the middle school, you have to make a very

specific plan for how you drink your coffee in the morning. This includes calculating the several minutes it takes to reach a staff bathroom and return to your classroom. It often means teachers limit their fluid intake until a time that will allow them to reach a bathroom on their prep period or lunch because a passing period (the time when students pass from one class to another) is simply not enough time to get to a bathroom and back. As you consider how to vote on the bond, please contemplate what sort of bathroom access you think is reasonable for this basic necessity.

Language Arts portion

- 11% of students have completed the Math Computer-Adapted portion

- 5% of students have completed the Math Performance Tasks portion

The federal US Department of Education requires a 95% participation rate for the summative assessment. Schools have until May 26 to complete the summative assessment. In the 20212022 school year, 98.2% of third through eighth grade students participated in the reading assessment and 96.7% of third through eighth grade students participated in the math assessment.

MT Stockgrowers Foundation accepts applications for scholarship program

News from the MSGA

HELENA — Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF) is accepting applications for its annual Education Heritage Scholarship Program. Scholarships will be awarded to three students in the amounts of one $5,000 scholarship and two $2,500 scholarships.

Each year, MSF awards college students who are seeking a career beneficial to ranching with a scholarship. To be eligible, applicants must be currently enrolled in college and have completed at least one semester in college, be a member of Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA), or have at least one parent/guardian who is a member, and demonstrate a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0. Applicants enrolled in vocational and out of state schools will be accepted.

Applicants must complete the online application form, include a copy of their current transcript, write a 500-word essay discussing their educational pursuits, and include two letters of recommendation. Applications are due April 28. Students can apply online at: www.mtbeeffoundation.org

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

SKC students build first tiny home

News from SKC

PABLO —

Salish Kootenai

College’s Building Trades Program has a one-of-a-kind tiny home for sale and is looking for students to construct another home this spring.

From May 15 to June 9, students can receive hands-on training and learn basic skills in construction safety, reading blueprints, framing, roofing, electrical, plumbing, insulation, drywall—all while building a tiny home.

The program is selling its first completed house to raise funds for the program to build more homes. The 200 squarefoot house has a cathedral, open-beam ceiling, kitchenette and full bath. It was built with

locally obtained, quality materials, constructed under the strict guidance of a highly qualified instructor, and would make an ideal home office, starter home, guest house, or home for a retiree.

If interested in buying the house and supporting the program, contact Audrey Plouffe at Salish Kootenai College, P.O. Box 70, Pablo, MT, 59855, or call 406-275-4969. The minimum bid is $28,000; refer to the sealed bid announcement in the classifieds section of this newspaper for more information.

To apply for the program or learn more about it, contact SKC Admissions at admissions@skc.edu or call 406-2754855. Applications are due May 12.

Tiny Home for Sale by Bid

Salish Kootenai College is offering, for sealed bid, a one-of-a-kind Tiny Home. This home was constructed with quality materials, all locally obtained and constructed by local students under the strict guidance of a highly qualified instructor. This open design with cathedral style ceiling and open beam construction could be an ideal home office, starter home, guest house or home for a retiree.

The exterior is designed to meet Montana’s harsh winters, with metal roofing that will give years of low maintenance. The wood siding blends in with the beauty of western Montana.

The home is 200 square feet (10’ by 20’), with a gorgeous living and kitchen area, a full bathroom with shower and excellent cabinet space. The kitchen area is perfect for a small refrigerator to fit next to the cabinets, with an ideal space above the sink for a convection microwave oven. The left lower cabinet has wheels so it can be moved easily, and the hot water heater is enclosed under the counter, with access for maintenance. Two of the walls have tongue and grove wood paneling and the others are finished sheetrock. The house is well insulated with R-21 insulation in the walls and ceiling and has built in electric heat. The bathroom design has great storage space and is very functional with a full size fiberglass shower stall and vanity sink with quality lighting above.

For more information, or to see pictures and to place a sealed bid, interested parties should contact Audrey Plouffe at Salish Kootenai College, P.O. Box 70, Pablo, MT, 59855; 406275-4969. The successful bidder will be responsible for moving the Tiny Home. The minimum bid required is $28,000 as is. The successful bidder will be required to enter into a buy sell agreement with Salish Kootenai College. The College reserves the right to accept, negotiate or reject all bids received. Deadline for bid submittal is 4 p.m., April 27, 2023, to Audrey Plouffe, V.P. of Business Affairs located in the Big Knife Building.

Students installing insulation

Polson High School honor roll quarter 3

Freshman

4.0: Isaiah Begay, Maddox Bird, Lillian Bisson, David DiGiallonardo, Ruger Ellis, Holden Emerson, Cody Haggard, Patience Hatch, Parker Hendrickson, Josie Henriksen, Mark Kagi, Brody Kline, Cruz Lies, Raya Lucas, Teague McElwee, Jude McIntee, Robert Merchant, Kellyn Nelson, Lauren Rauch, Madelyn Rogers, Aria Tyler, Dominic Venters, Alexia Wilson

High- 3.7-3.99: Kaleb Birdrattler, Kalim Crawford, Dean Ducept, Miles Fegel, Arianna Fisher, Vivian Grainey, Marshall Kok, Madison Lake, Ciri Nice, Becca Robertson, Jack Sherry, Brandon Shumate, Kloee Takes Horse

Regular-3.0-3.69:

Noah Agliano, Gerardo Alvarez, Innocent Arnold, Mackinzi Bartel, Cruz Bermudez, Juliet Boen, Emma Boogerd, Brody Bulette, Mac Campbell, Matthew Chiaramonte, Sheamis Cobb, Madelyn Dan-

iel, Brittian Davis, Nathaniel Dotson, Carissa Fanning, D’Vaiah Gasco, Orin Harnden, Hannah Haynes, Carmen Heidegger, Richard Johns, Jasper Jungwirth, Baylee Lemm, Izabell Lorentine, Sev Nelson, Sabra Nickol, Jordan Okland, Allyson Paul, Ashlin Peters, Liliana Ramos, Truman Sawyer, Phoenix Schreckengust, Avari Stone, Khloe Torgenrud, Ava Trotter, Evan Veach, Jaycee Wallin, Koal Wardall

Sophomore

4.0: Ellie Benson, Wyatt Bulette, Jesse Kimball, Kaya

Michel, Alyssa Orien, Haley

Willer, Andrei Young

High-3.7-3.99: Logan

Burke, Kila Cannon, Alice Comstock, Roan Ihnat, Olivia

Jore, Kaycee Norman, Samantha Rensvold

Regular 3.0-3.69: Aiden

Acosta, Chloe Anderson, Swinn Askan, Elanna Baehr, Elaina Buckskin, Ryley Couture, Elizabeth Cunningham,

Kilty Edwards named to Dean’s List

News from University of Dallas

IRVING, TX — Kilty Edwards of Polson was one of more than 450 University of Dallas undergraduate students named to the fall 2022 Dean’s List for earning a semester GPA of 3.5 or higher. Edwards is a sophomore majoring in Mathematics.

Located in one of the largest and fastest-growing metropolitan areas of the U.S., the University of Dallas is a nationally recognized Catho-

Landon DesJarlais, Chase Hansen, Hailey Hanson, Brooke Harding, Kira Hensley, Drake Kenmille, Tristan Lacey, Vivian Lazaro, Ayden Loveless, Madyson Luikart, Sophia Matt, Jack Mausshardt, Sasha McCoy, Shay Morin, Branson Moss, Summer Newman, Sierra Perez, Joshua Reed, Egan Reinhardt, Evan Seyler, Landon Shoemake, Nevaeh

Silva, Lachlan Sloan, Carter Smith, Tristan SpottedBlanket, Haislea Sternick, Laurielee

Truex, Colby Yarger

Junior

4.0: Casey Abramson, Kyle Alexander, Joel DuMontier, Justus Feistner, Espn Fisher, Mark Heninger, Ashley Maki, Carli Maley, Kai McDonald, Lily Niblack, Isabel Seeley, Katelyn Smith, Avery Starr

High-3.7-3.99: Adison

Carlson, Hunter Emerson, Kyler Gage, Addyson Gallatin, Brock Henriksen, August Hertz, Carson Hupka, Dana

Keller, Christian Lund, Achilles Maroney, Olivia Rogers

Regular-3.0-3.69: Castle

Ahlstro-Wisher, Tate Barentsen, Julia Barnard, Trinity Bell, Wica-ta-wi Brown, Hayden

Clairmont, Lauren Collinge, Cole Cross, Samantha Dolberry, Alexandra Dupuis, Ellie

Dupuis, Torrin Ellis, Taegen

Gage, Aiden Gfroerer, Adamary Guerrero, Mckenna Hanson, Myranda Heiser, Harli

Kinney, Emilie Klug, Ryley

Knutson, Clare Konen, Anthony Lichtenberg, Zaylyn Morgan, Zakarius Muzquiz, Brianne Nelson, Shalayne Ostler, Julia Pisciuneri, Amya Rains, Fiona Rettig, Travis Rodriguez, Caitlynn Sanford, Kylee Seifert, Thomas Sherry, Hannah Simpson, Logan Smith, Aiden Sorrell, Lourdes Wahl, George Wyman

Senior

4.0: Addison Bahr, Dawson DuMont, Rylie Dupuis, Jelaysia Forman-Webster, Mila

Hawk, Piper Hoxie, Christopher Lake, Austin Leonard, Aspen McKee, Karli Owens, Layla Reese, Hakyla Riggs, Noah Roberts, Grace Simonich, Madelynn Simpson, Kendall Straub, Clara Todd, Caitlyn Ward, Tyler Wenderoth, Scout Wenzel, Jarrett Wilson, Trent Wilson

High 3.7-3.99: David Bjorge, Dominic DiGiallonardo, Pietro Durando, Owen McElwee, DelRay McGuire, Tia Mercer, Shane Monatukwa, Hope Morrison, Victoria Niblack, Trista Ricciardi, Christian Ruther, Lucy Violett

Regular 3.0-3.69: Archer Brown, Tyneesha Brown, Ryder Catudio, John David, Aryia Dentler, Peyton Devlin, Trent Dwelle, Mirakai Forman, Matthew Harbin, Griffin Humble, Cymian Kauley, Braydon Luikart, Ansley Nordberg, Isabella Paul, Trey Peterson, Bridger Seifert, Drifter Skillicorn, Lucas Targerson, Dillon Taylor, Casey Trosper, Noah Trosper, Colter Wilson

CAPNM announces 2023 art calendar contest for students

lic liberal arts university with campuses in Irving, Texas, and Rome, Italy. Known for the academic rigor of its undergraduate Core Curriculum, rooted in the great works of Western civilization and the Catholic intellectual tradition, UD also offers flexible graduate degrees in business, liberal arts and ministry, all taught by exceptional faculty who are dedicated to the pursuit of wisdom, truth and virtue. For more information, visit udallas.edu.

News from CAPNM

KALISPELL — Community Action Partnership of Northwest Montana (CAPNM) is currently sponsoring its fifth annual Calendar Art Contest within Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, and Sanders Counties and we are inviting all students from K-12 to participate. The contest is for students to submit artwork depicting what energy conservation means to them. We encourage students to be creative and design a work of art showing any type of energy conservation; electric, water, heat, recycling, etc. A

12-month 2024 calendar created from the 13 winning pieces will be used to promote Energy Conservation throughout the year. The cover and each month will be represented by a different student’s artwork.

Entries must be postmarked or submitted to CAPNM’s main office in Kalispell by 5 p.m. on May 19 at 214 Main St., Kalispell, MT 59901. Winners will be announced and prizes will be given out no later than June 2. Students with the 13 pieces of artwork selected for the calendar and their art teacher will each receive a $50 gift card. All artwork submitted

must have the students name, grade, and contact information. CAPNM reserves the right to extend the deadline date of the contest, depending on number of submissions.

CAPNM’s mission is to provide direct services, advocate to alleviate poverty, improve lives and strengthen our communities. CAPNM serves Lake, Lincoln, Flathead and Sanders counties through Community Services, Education and Training, Financial Literacy, Fuel Assistance, Housing and Weatherization programs. We look forward to another successful art contest!

Track & Field

Charlo/Mission (MAC) Softball

Arlee CDC hosts Buttercup Run open house

News from the Arlee CDC ARLEE — The Arlee Community Development Corporation will host an open house on Saturday, April 15, from noon to 3 p.m. with a new gallery display of work by local artists curated by the Killdeer Artisans Guild. The open house is being held in conjunction with the Butter-

cup Run, an annual event with a range of walks and runs to raise money for Arlee schools.

“The Buttercup Run is a great event for everyone, whether you’re a competitive runner or if you just want a fun walk with your family,”

CDC Executive Director Marie Hirsch said. “We are excited to partner with the Friends of Arlee Schools in support

of their mission to support excellence in education of Arlee’s children by providing funds for innovative programs and projects in the schools that could not otherwise be funded.”

The open house will include a fund-raising raffle with all proceeds supporting Arlee schools. The raffle will feature a special item celebrating

the Buttercup Run’s history. “Every year the Run has a different t- shirt designed by a local artist. From now until race day, we are selling raffle tickets on the beautiful quilt made from the run t-shirt designs throughout the years,” said Hirsch. Other raffle prizes include gift baskets and gift certificates from local merchants.

Everyone is welcome to enjoy the art display, snacks, beverages, a chance to win the Buttercup Run quilt and other prizes. Raffle tickets are $2 each or three for $5 and are available at the Arlee CDC office at 92555 US Hwy. 93. Tickets can also be purchased and participants can register for the run’s events online at: buttercuprun.org/register

Market trends shift; most industries remain profitable, some see challenges ahead

News from AgWest Farm Credit

SPOKANE — AgWest Farm Credit has released its quarterly Market Snapshot reports covering the state of major agricultural commodities in its northern region. AgWest’s team of industry experts gather market information from various sources to deliver commodity-specific insights. All Market Snapshots are available at agwestfc.com/ industry-insights.

AgWest’s 12-month outlook for specific Northwest agricultural commodities is summarized below:

Apples

The 12-month outlook sees apple growers as slightly profitable and packers as break-even. Drivers include a small 2022 crop, reduced access to Midwest and East Coast markets, lower yields in New Zealand, challenges with labor costs and availability, supply chain issues and uncertainty regarding the 2023 crop.

Cattle

The 12-month outlook for cattle suggests profitable returns for cow/calf producers and

slightly profitable returns for cattle feeders. Drivers include strong prices, a small national herd, elevated production costs and favorable export markets.

Cherries

The outlook sees cherry growers as slightly profitable. Drivers include uncertainty around demand and the 2023 crop, challenges with labor costs and availability, rising cherry imports and supply chain issues.

Dairy

The 12-month dairy outlook suggests break-even returns. Dairies will face headwinds from continued elevated feed costs, tight forage supply and weaker milk prices. National milk production has increased more rapidly than domestic use and exports, resulting in downward price pressure.

Fisheries

The outlook sees fisheries as profitable. Drivers include softening prices, steady demand, China’s removal of COVID-19 restrictions and rising steel prices.

Forest Products

The 12-month outlook foresees forest product manufac-

turers as slightly profitable and timberland owners as profitable. Drivers include falling lumber demand, reduced lumber output, weakening log markets and elevated input costs.

Hay

The outlook for hay suggests slightly profitable returns for alfalfa and breakeven returns for timothy. Drivers include improvements to irrigation conditions and softening prices. Timothy hay will undergo headwinds from built-up inventories leading to less demand for new crop exports.

Nursery/Greenhouse

The 12-month outlook sees the nursery/greenhouse industry as profitable. Drivers include rising prices, resilient demand, falling consumer sentiment, interrupted deliveries to East Coast markets and increasing interest in drought-tolerant plants.

Onions

The profitability outlook for onions suggests slightly profitable returns. Competition from the large Mexican crop has lowered onion prices in Idaho and in the Columbia Basin of Washington. Growing conditions

in 2023 will influence growers’ profitability as profits are being eroded by persistently high production costs.

Potatoes

The 12-month profitability outlook for potatoes suggests slightly profitable returns. Drivers include favorable weather conditions, lower potato stocks, slower shipments for the remaining 2022 Northwest crop, rising input costs and higher export volumes.

Sugar Beets

The 12-month profitability outlook for sugar beets suggests slightly profitable returns. Improvements in moisture conditions from snowpack will benefit sugar beet production. High production costs will squeeze beet growers’ cash flow.

Pears

AgWest Farm Credit’s 12-month outlook sees pear growers as slightly profitable. Drivers include steady demand, greater competition from Argentina, challenges with labor costs and availability, supply chain issues and uncertainty regarding the 2023 crop.

Small Grains

The 12-month profitability outlook for small grains and pulse crops suggests profitable returns. Despite drought concerns, conditions have improved for barley, durum and wheat acres. Improvements in growing conditions, slow export sales and global supply increases have put downward pressure on new crop prices.

Wine/Vineyard

The wine/vineyard outlook sees the industry as slightly profitable. Drivers include decreasing demand, a below-average 2022 crop size in California, declining import volumes and excess capacity for wine grape production. AgWest is a financial cooperative with approximately $30 billion in total assets that provides financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners and crop insurance customers primarily located in seven Western states. 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

Track & Field Softball

Softball

Tennis Baseball

Track & Field

Baseball

Tennis

Track & Field

Conservation Corner

Students, seeds, and sepctics

News from the Lake County Conservation District

LAKE COUNTY — In March, Lake County CD did a lot of outreach!

Camryn, our Big Sky Watershed Corps member, tabled at Free the Seeds up in Kalispell on March 4 to spread the word about the Pollinator Initiative and rain garden projects in both Lake and Flathead County. On March 10, Camryn and Heidi traveled to the state capitol in Helena for Water Quality Awareness Day. There, Lake County CD spoke to people about the importance of pumping your septic tanks and how to keep them clean. Speaking of septic systems, have you applied for the septic cost share program this year? There are some more details here:

https://lakecountyconservationdistrict. org/septic-maint-reimbursement/

Camryn also began teaching the fourth grade at K. William Harvey Elementary for Lake County’s Junior Conservationists Program. So far, there have been lessons on an introduction to conservation, water conservation, and soil conservation.

Lastly, pollinator seeds have been packaged! If you have signed up to receive pollinator seed this Spring, stop by the Lake County CD office in Ronan on April 10 and 11 or the Flathead Lakers Office in Polson on April 12. If you would like some seed, you can still sign here: https://docs.google. com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdvxuGpIAFfYsQD5QbLH6fbRVer90TACXRAlkiqqbJchjx6aw/viewform

COURTESY PHOTO

Some of the fourth grade art from the soil conservation lesson. We did soil painting!

Local climate advocates to host Earth Day educational event

News from the CCL KALISPELL — The Flathead Valley chapter of Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL) is hosting an educational event for the community on Saturday, April 22, to mark Earth Day. Planned from 1-4 p.m. at the Northwest Montana History Museum located at 124 2nd Ave E in Kalispell, the event is free, family-friendly, and open to

the public.

Focusing on uplifting common-sense solutions to climate change, event attendees will learn how to reduce carbon pollution, clean up the air we breathe and ensure we have a livable world for future generations.

The event starts with the film “Current Revolution: The Transformation Cannot Be Stopped” featuring the role utilities will play in

the transformation to a clean energy system. Next up, the workshop “Electrify Your Life” will provide information on the benefits available through the Inflation Reduction Act to homeowners and renters to make the transition to an electrified home. The second workshop will use an on-line simulator to look at various policies and their relative effectiveness in address-

ing the issue of global warming and the resulting changes in climate.

Local organizations

Flathead Audubon Society, Climate Smart Glacier Country, Flathead Basin Commission, Wild Montana and more will have display booths to educate on their organizations. Clark Nissan is showcasing its electric vehicle, the Ariya, outside the museum. Solar and heat pump installers

will be there, so attendees can begin to take electrification action immediately.

Co-leader of the chapter, Bret Luedke, presenter of the “Electrify Your Life” workshop said, “the IRA provides a great opportunity for people to replace old appliances with energy efficient electric ones that will save them money, make their homes healthier and require less

energy overall.”

Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a nonpartisan national nonprofit advocating for policies to mitigate climate change. Specifically, federal legislation effective in reducing net emissions and building bridges, both in Congress and our communities. For more information and to RSVP go to the Earth Day: Flathead Valley Montana Facebook event.

Interior Department seeks input on modernizing Indian Arts and Crafts Act regulations

Tribes and Native artists and crafters will help shape new rules

News from the Department of the Interior

WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior’s Office of the Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management and Budget and Office of the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs announced on April 3 that they will hold nation-to-nation consultations with Tribes and listening sessions with Indian artists and craftspeople on draft amendments to regulations that implement the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. This is a truth-in-advertising law that makes it illegal to sell any art or craft product in a manner that falsely suggests it is “Indian-made.”

“Arts and crafts are important to Native communities, both culturally and economically,” said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland. “Updating these regulations to include modern forms of art and craft work will support Indigenous artisans and craftspeople. The changes we are exploring are intended to further pro-

tect the authenticity of Indian-made products and help ensure that Native people can receive fair compensation for their work. This aligns with our ongoing work to promote economic opportunity and revitalize Tribal languages, cultures, and lands to address the harms that past policies have inflicted on Indigenous peoples.”

The proposed changes will modernize the Indian Arts and Crafts Act’s regulations and include bringing a coequal focus to promotional activities, expanding the definition of Indian Product, allowing for non-Indian labor to work on Indian Products in limited situations, and using a new certification trademark to certify that an item is

an Indian Product.

Also announced was the appointment of two new commissioners to the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, Jordan Ann Craig and Jamie Okuma. The board, appointed by the Secretary of the Interior, is responsible for implementing the Indian Arts and Crafts Act regulations The board promotes the economic development of federally recognized American Indians and Alaska Natives through the expansion of the Indian arts and crafts market.

Indian Affairs will gather input on the draft regulations from Tribal leaders, Native artists, and other stakeholders through a series of Tribal consultations and listening sessions between April and August 2023. Listening sessions will be held at major events where Native artists gather, such as pow-wows and festivals, in order to maximize opportunities for input to be provided by those who are most affected. Comments will also be accepted in writing until Friday, September 1, 2023. For details on dates and locations of consultation and listening sessions and how to submit comments, please visit the Department’s webpage.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Springtime bear activity increasing in northwest Montana

News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks

KALISPELL — Bears tipping over garbage cans. Bears climbing onto porches pursuing bird feeders. Bears in back yards.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff in northwest Montana have started receiving familiar phone calls in springtime, when bears re-emerge from their winter dens and seek unsecured food attractants, such as bird feeders, residential garbage cans, small livestock, and more. Reports of bear sightings and minor conflicts have started occurring across the Flathead Valley.

“Bears become more active in April and May, and now is a good time for residents to assess their property and remove any unsecured food attractants,” said Justine Vallieres, FWP regional wildlife conflict specialist. “The best way to avoid having a bear on your property is to secure or remove attractants.”

FWP reminds residents and recreationists that Montana is

Yuki

She is a 7 month old beautiful girl. She has a very sweet temperament.

“Bear Country” with populations of grizzly bears and black bears. All bears are potentially dangerous. The majority of human-bear conflicts involve bears protecting their young or a food source. The overwhelming majority of bear encounters do not involve conflict.

Avoiding a conflict is easier than dealing with one.

Bear spray is a highly effective, non-lethal bear deterrent. Carry bear spray and know how to use it.

Never feed wildlife, especially bears. Bears that become food conditioned lose their natural foraging behavior and pose a threat to human safety. And it is illegal to feed bears in Montana. Secure garbage or food in a certified bear-resistant container.

Know your bears. It is important to know the difference between grizzly bears and black bears, whether you are hunting or hiking.

Always keep a safe distance from wildlife. Never intentional-

ly get close to a bear. Loud noise, such as banging pots and pans, using an air horn or your car alarm, or shouting, is a simple, effective short-term way to deter a bear on private property.

A properly constructed electrified fence is both safe for people,

livestock and pets, and has proven effective at deterring bears from human-related resources such as beehives, garbage or small livestock.

Please report bear encounters and conflicts immediately to FWP or your Tribal wildlife management agency. In north-

west Montana, contact: Flathead Indian Reservation - Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Wildlife Management Program, 406-275-277.

For more information on bear safety, visit: https://fwp.mt.gov/ conservation/wildlife-management/bear.

COURTESY PHOTO

Arlee

By Arlee Senior Citizens’ Board for the Valley Journal

ARLEE — Happy April 2023. It seems spring is coming but keeps getting interrupted with snow flurries and some snow that remain on the ground. But for the most part, we have a beautiful blue sky with fluffy clouds, brilliant stars at night and a new moon coming. How blessed we are to live where we can see the night sky showing the planets, the stars and even satellites and planes gliding by.

On that note, we continue to enjoy the Tiensvold’s tasty entrees and savory cooking skills. We hope you bring not only yourselves, but also bring your family, your neighbors and friends to join us at the Arlee Senior Center table. We are still happy to have take-out meals for those who prefer to eat at home. Yet, the research has shown that at our age coming together with our friends and neighbors to break bread helps us enjoy our later years with a much more positive attitude and live a more balanced life. Meals are served on Mondays and Wednesdays at noon, and on the second and fourth Saturdays at 5 p.m. for dinner. Our costs remain at $4 for lunch and $5

for dinner. We do ask for one dollar more for people under 60. We want you to know that this is a donation based meal assisted payment by Area VI/Federal programs.

And if you find that you need help with other areas in your life such as: transportation/ respite/ home health services/information and assistance/or a friendly voice to direct you to the place you need, please call Lake County Council on Aging (LCCOA) in Ronan at 406-6762367. Bev and Martha will be glad to assist you.

You may be able to get tax information and assistance from Poison’s Senior Center at 406883-4735 on Mondays and Thursdays from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Call and schedule an appointment.

We invite you to come visit with us, share a meal, coffee and dessert or even join in a scrabble game, or watch a TV show you enjoy. We truly miss all our snowbirds and hope they soon return, (maybe once the snow is off the ground). They can share their winter stories, as we share our experiences with so much snow this winter.

Happy April 1, April Fools, Happy Easter and come3 enjoy spring with all of us.

Menu:

— Wednesday, April

12: brats with sauerkraut, chips, fruit dessert

— Monday, April 17: beef stroganoff with mushrooms, sweet corn, fruit dessert

— Wednesday, April 19: spaghetti with meat sauce, dinner salad, bread stick, fruit, dessert

Polson

By Pete Mangels for the Valley Journal

Local folks know that we have twelve seasons. April is called “Fake Spring.” It snows in April. It is cold. It is not truly spring until winter ends on May 3. Then spring starts, or as we say, the season of road construction. It lasts until whenever the money runs out. No matter what the season, here are ways you can support us:

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:    Ping pong for the public. Sign up at the Polson Senior Community Center.

Thursday nights are available for those interested in a weekly “board /card game night.”

Several games may be offered, such as scrabble, cribbage, Yahtzee, Uno, Chinese checkers,

backgammon, etc. Separate tables for separate games. B.Y.O.B., (bring your own board), and maybe a ping-pong game. Leave contact information at the center. Let us know if you are interested.

Bowling Fun League: pay by the day, non-sanctioned, no-tap, Tuesdays, 1 p.m. weekly

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

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

Pinochle: Thursdays, noon – 3 p.m.

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

Tai Ji Quan: exercise for balance – Tuesdays, 10-11 a.m., Wednesdays 1-2 p.m.

Veterans’

Rep: first Friday (April 7) and third Tuesday (April18) of each month from 10 a.m.-noon

MENU (subject to change): sit-down or take-out; call before 10 a.m. for delivery - serving on site from 11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. for $5

— Thursday, April 13: oven fried chicken, baked beans, carrots, tomato aspic, cookies

— Friday, April 14: sausage/egg/cheese roll-ups, baked apples, pea/cheese salad, pound cake with sauce

— Monday, April

17: cheesy broccoli soup, soda bread, carrot raisin salad, turtle brownies

— Tuesday, April 18: meat loaf, mashed potatoes, gravy, creamed corn, green salad, cookies

— Wednesday, April 19: soft-shell tacos with fixings, beans and rice, mandarin oranges, lemon/blueberry cheesecake

— Thursday, April 20: turkey pot pie, biscuit, baked peaches, cucumber/onion salad, cherry dump cake

— Friday, April 21: pork tips with gravy, rice, bacon and onion green beans, applesauce, pineapple fluff, vanilla pudding

We are located at 504 Third Ave. E, and are open from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. on weekdays. For more information, 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. We are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for lunch and other activities.

Our menu is the following:

— April 12: turkey, noodles, salad, dessert

— April 14: fried fish

dinner, salad, dessert — April 17: cooks choice, salad, dessert — April 19: lasagna, salad, dessert

Our Sunday roast pork or roast beef dinner is scheduled for April 16 from noon-2 p.m.

Area VI Council on Aging is having a cookbook fundraiser. If you would like to submit a recipe, stop in and get a form.

Pinochle is played every Monday from 3:30-6 p.m. at the center. Everyone is welcome.

We also have pool table available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Come join the fun. Only one week left for taxes. Stop in and get your folder to fill out and make an appointment by calling 406676-2371.

Everyone is welcome to join us for meals no matter your age. We ask for a $7 donation for our Monday, Wednesday and Friday meals and $10 for our Sunday meals.

If you would like a meal delivered to your business just call us by 10 a.m. 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. We are also recruiting board members for the center. If you are interested give us a call.

Montana FFA’s announces winners of Annual State Convention

GREAT FALLS —

Over 1,650 members and guests attended Montana FFA’s 93rd Annual State Convention on March 21-25 in Great Falls. The Montana FFA State Convention hosted 22 career development events, general sessions, and workshops during the four-day event. The winning teams earn the opportunity to compete at the National FFA Convention which will take place this fall in Indianapolis, IN. The new State FFA Officers selected include Gunnar LaHaug - Sentinel from Ronan.

The individual sweepstakes title went to Ethan Bay of Kalispell. The team sweepstakes title went to the Kalispell FFA Chapter.

The sweepstakes award recognizes the chapter who places highest in four of the five major state convention competitions.

Over 250 Day of Service participants teamed up with three locations in the Great Falls area to lend a helping hand. The combined work effort of these student volunteers totaled over 500 hours to improve the city of Great Falls, as well as community businesses and organizations.

Montana Business and Industry representatives sponsored the event as well as promoted their businesses during the two-day FFA Tradeshow. Individuals who were recognized as Honorary FFA Degree recipients were Rob Yates (Montana Ag Teacher President), Mark Sinnard (National Marketing Contest Committee Member),

Curt Robbins (FFA Foundation President), Susan Fraser (MSU Dean of Ag Assistant), Kipp Gilmour (FFA Supporter), Jamie Lannen (FFA Supporter), Kira Bailey (FFA Supporter) and Lyle Armstrong (longtime FFA supporter). Additionally, speakers and special guests included Governor Greg Gianforte, Sen. Steve Daines, National FFA Secretary Jessica Herr from Pennsylvania and Dr. Laymon Hicks from Top Youth Speakers.

Montana FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more information, please contact the Montana FFA Association for upcoming events and ways to get involved.

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

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 Extended to: 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: Open Until Filled

Bookstore Sales Clerk (9 month position)

$13.53 - $14.16 DOEE per hour Closing Date: April 14, 2023, 4:00 PM

Tribal Governance and Administration Department Faculty within the Native American Studies Division (9 month position)

Salary: $42,621 - $45,025 DOEE 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 adjuncts to teach communications, research writing, humanities, and grant writing courses. Must possess a master’s degree in English, liberal arts field of study, or education. A bachelor’s degree in English, liberal arts field of study, or education with a closely related master’s degree will be considered.

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

News and photo from the Montana FFA Association

COURTESY PHOTO

Members from across Montana participating in the Livestock evaluation event.

PUZZLES

ACROSS

1. Pillow covers

6. Cascades peak Mount ___

12. ___ Khan

15. “Dream on!”

19. Argentine name.

20. Stay out of sight

21. Bird ___

22. Partner of void

72. Antlered animal

73. Appraise

74. Pink, as a steak

75. It eats shoots and leaves

78. Many, many moons

80. Deject

82. Criminal

84. Brewer’s product

87. Hideouts

DOWN

1. Junk e-mail

2. “My ___!”

3. Greek war god

4. France neighbor

5. Kind of mail, informally

6. Diffident

7. Basketball basket

64. Thin layers 66. Branch out 67. Less forgiving

68.

79.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 7 9 4 2 4 7 9 1 4 2 8 4 3 1 5 9 1 6 4 8 5 1 9 6 5 7 9 8 5 8 4 6 Place the digits 1-9 in the grid so that each row,

23. Hippodrome, e.g.

24. Country cousins

25. “The Joy Luck Club” author

26. ___ podrida, stew

27. Artwork made from small pieces

29. 3.26 light-years

31. Low cloud

33. Blockhead

35. Grassy area

36. “Siddhartha” author

38. ___ Wednesday

39. Boss on a shield

42. Clear 44. Bind

45. Hawaiian island 47. Common soccer score

48. Course

49. Gold lace

50. Candidate’s concern

51. ___ myrtle (shrub)

53. Celery root

56. Inferior

57. Big dipper

58. Fragments of grass or straw

59. Knack

60. ‘Be-all’ companion

62. Darling

63. Number of events in a heptathlon

65. At one time, at one time

69. Gulf of ___, off the coast of Yemen

70. Alcoholic beverage

column and 3x3 box contains each digit once only.

WORDSEARCH

88. Get ready

91. Repeated, as the party line

92. Muscat native

93. Fossil resin

94. Brown shade

95. Abounding

97. ___ Aviv

98. Wave amplifier

99. Brought into play

100. Golfer’s accessory

102. Arid

103. WSW’s opposite

104. Ann ___, Mich.

106. Bottom line

107. Escape, in a way

109. Ashley ___, forward for the US national soccer team

111. Attacks

114. “Boston Legal” procedures

118. “How to Make an American Quilt” author Whitney ___

119. Allow

121. Like many a state fair

123. Cant

124. Reward

125. Anger

126. Shack

127. Hot spot

128. Christian Science founder

129. Atlantic catch 130. Not alert

131. Mournful poem

8. Sodium, e.g.

9. Fume

10. City on the Arkansas River

11. Cathedral recess

12. Astern

13. Spectacles

14. Female relatives

15. Buffalo’s relative

16. Seedless raisins

17. Mistreatment

18. Having more razzle-dazzle

28. Cuba libre ingredient

30. Blatant deception

32. Air-conditioning on a hot day, maybe

34. Kind of treat

37. “Beowulf,” for one

39. Fuzzy

40. “Hamilton” composer Lin-Manuel ___

41. Internal organ

43. Reduce

44. Attempts

46. Capital of the Netherlands

48. Leave in a hurry, with “out”

49. Bonanza find

52. Sycamore

54. Alkaline liquid

59.

61.

83.

85.

86.

Archaeological find

Sharpens

Clear, as a disk

“Buffalo” Bill

Argentine timber tree

Fill

Chills and fever

Yearn

Sojourn

“Hazel” cartoonist. Key

Chop (off)

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

DOT-TO-DOT

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

MIRROR IMAGE

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

A B C D

SOLUTIONS

108. Erase, 110. Cody, 112. Tala, 113. Sate, 115. Ague, 116. Long, 117. Stay, 120. Ted, 122. Lop.

77. Acrid, 78. Edo, 79. Ott, 81. Aloe, 83. Hurrah, 85. Era, 86. Adios, 88. Gamesome, 89. Emanated, 90. Absented, 91. Peso, 94. Subzero, 96. Fret, 100. Vernal, 101. Immune, 102. Spiral, 105. Relic, 106. Hones,

55. Est, 56. Links, 59. Gel, 61. Lap up, 64. Veneers, 66. Radiate, 67. Sterner, 68. Tensile, 71. Lag, 76. Diapers,

44. Tries, 46. Amsterdam, 48. Peel, 49. Ore, 52. Plane tree, 54. Lye,

34. Dutch, 37. Epic, 39. Unclear, 40. Miranda, 41. Bladder, 43. Cheapen,

28. Cola, 30. Charade, 32. Relief,

4. Monaco, 5. Snail, 6. Shy, 7. Hoop, 8. Alkali, 9. See red, 10. Tulsa, 11. Apse, 12. Aft, 13. Glasses, 14. Aunts, 15. Anoa, 16. Sultanas, 17. Ill-usage, 18. Flashier,

Down: 1. Spam, 2. Hero, 3. Ares,

GIANT CROSSWORD

obituaries

Andrew Jackson

POLSON — Andrew

Dan’l Jackson, age 38, died on April 4, 2023, after he suffered a hemorrhage of his upper GI tract. He was born in Polson on Nov. 27, 1985. It was 20 below zero. After his parents Dan and Cheryl left Niarada to have him delivered, they first stopped at 4Bs for breakfast as Andrew is the fourth of four, and they knew what they were doing and knew they had time.

In 1990 Andrew moved to Round Butte Road with his parents, his pets, cows, sheep and horses. He attended Ronan High School and was active in football, basketball, and 4-H. He graduated in 2004. As a senior, he was awarded FFA State Farmer degree. Andrew attended Dawson County Community College in Glendive before returning to the Mission Valley where he was a cattle buyer, ranch hand, and most generally and importantly an excellent keeper of cattle.

Andrew loved the LA Rams and was an excellent host of all things football and basketball. He also loved watching

Class C girls basketball. He loved going to hunting camp with his dad and brother. Richard reports that Andrew is the only one he knows who bagged a bull elk and buck in the same day.

Frank Sinatra crooned, “I did it my way,” in a song popularized by him in 1969. Andrew was an independent and proud person who lived life out loud and did it his way. He will be horribly missed as Andrew was a loving, generous, thoughtful, and amusing, big-hearted human.

Andrew is preceded in death by his dad, Dan Jackson.

Andrew is survived by his mother, Cheryl Jackson; his siblings, Julie Brubaker (Mike), Danna Jackson (Sanjay Talwani), and Richard Jackson (Carmen); his grandmother, Patsy Wood; his nieces, Bailey, Kali, Sage, Sydney, Brooke, and Sonja and one nephew, Zane. Andrew is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins, bonus relatives, friends, (too numerous to count); special friend, Kourey Mendek, and the fastest dog in Irvine Flats, Paisley.

The family reports that on his last day there was a steady stream of cowboys coming to the hospital to say goodbye to our beloved friend and relative.

Services have been held. The family asks that

you donate blood or consider a contribution to the Red Cross. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home.

Linda Wold POLSON

— Linda Jane Madsen Wold, 83, Polson, passed away on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at the family cabin on the Swan River. She was born in Missoula on Jan. 22, 1940, to Lester and May Madsen. Her brother Bruce was born two years later.

She attended Paxson grade school and Hellgate and Sentinel High schools in Missoula. She was the Spartan Homecoming Queen her senior year. She worked during the summers in the office at Community Creamery, which was owned by her family. She attended the University of Montana where she was a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and an SAE Little Sister. She married Douglas J. Wold on Dec. 29, 1961. They immediately moved to Los Angeles where Doug was working on

his master’s degree at the University of Southern California. Linda finished the requirements for her BS at USC while working full time at Howard Hughes Aircraft, where she held top secret classifications.

The couple moved back to Missoula and Linda worked at First National Bank for three years while Doug studied for his law degree at UM. Their first child, Chantel, was born during this time. When Doug graduated from law school he was also commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the U. S. Army Judge Advocate General’s Corps and the couple moved to Charlottesville, Virginia, for JAGC school. Doug was assigned to Fort Dix, New Jersey, where they spent two years and had their second child, Clay. Linda worked as a dental assistant while at Fort Dix. After two years, Doug was assigned to the U.S. Army Defense Appellate Division and the couple lived in Washington D.C. Linda particularly enjoyed the arts and culture that Washington offered at that time.

After about two years, Doug was offered an appointment as a Montana Assistant Attorney General, and they moved back to Helena, Montana. In 1969 they moved to Polson. Shortly after, their son Chad was born, and the couple and their three children moved

into a home on the west shore where they have lived for over 50 years.

Linda was very active in community life. She particularly enjoyed her long membership in the local P.E.O. chapter. She was also very active in Jaycees, Cursillo, Masumola, Sons of Norway, and the Episcopal Church. Recreationally, Linda loved making pottery, boating, skiing, jet skis, sailing in the San Juans, and midnight rides down Going-To-The-Sun Road. She and Chantel scared the men by bungee jumping 141’ in Canada.

Linda was well known as a Master Gardener, creating spectacular lakeshore gardens which were often the venue of large groups and fundraisers. She was a fabulous host and her “End Of Summer” parties were especially looked forward to. She will be long remembered for hosting the Montana Trial Lawyers Association Annual Meeting dinners of 150300 people in her gardens each July for about 15 years.

Linda enjoyed foreign travel, going to the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, Rarotonga, China, and several trips to Europe and Alaska. During the last decade, Linda was the heart of the management of the family’s VRBO business, operating vacation rentals on Flathead Lake, Whitefish

Mountain, and the Swan River where she suffered her fatal heart attack while preparing for the rental season. She loved to serve others and bring joy to the world. Linda operated two high-end women stores, Applause that was located in Bigfork and Boutique that was located in Polson.

Linda was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Survivors include Doug, her husband of 64 years; their three children, Chantel and her husband Bob and their son Ethan, sons Clay, Chad (Katy) and his four sons, Zander, Keegan, Bode, and Decker.

A memorial service will be held in her gardens when the flowers are at their peak. 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.

Marjorie Nett

PHARR,

Marjorie Jean Weingart Gould Nett, 88, passed away on March 27, 2023, in Pharr, Texas.

TEXAS —

Andrew Jackson

Linda Wold Marjorie Nett see page 27

Margie was born July 19, 1934, to Henry and Minnie Weingart, the fourth of 15 children. Marge had fond memories of growing up in the Ninepipes area. She graduated high school in 1952 in Mission, married Ben Gould, and raised a daughter, Rita. Marge worked as secretary in Mission and Charlo schools. In 1982, Marge married Gene Nett, living in Greybull, Wyoming, where Gene taught and Marge provided daycare. After retirement, Marge and Gene became snowbirds. Marge and Gene settled in Harlingen, Texas, where Marge kept busy crocheting, crafting, and gardening, before entering assisted living. Grandma was generous with hugs, kisses, and smiles. She loved swimming and sunbathing, whether at Flathead Lake or South Padre.

Marjorie is survived by her husband, Gene; daughter, Rita; eight grandchildren; 12 greatgrandchildren, 12 brothers and sisters, and the Nolan family.

Marge was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ralph; and sister, Ida.

William Ashley

PABLO — William

Archie Ashley, age 79, passed away April 4, 2023, at St. Joseph Medical Center, with his sister June by his side.

Bill was born on July 29, 1943, to Archie and June (Roullier) Ashley. He was raised east of Pablo with his sister June and surrounded by a large extended family. Times were tough but they all stuck together, pitched in and made the best of things … the strong family bonds of that time are something to admire.

Bill and his sister would fish the creek all day to take their catch into town and sell it to the local barber to make a little extra money. Bill would also often speak of the old days with Uncle Aggie and Uncle Dave using horses to log or hunt with them. His love of the outdoors and the woods came from that time of his life.

Even from a very young age Bill was always a hardworking man. He did various jobs, some being Christmas tree cutting, getting wood, long haul trucking and working on the pipeline in Alaska. His true passion, though, was always logging.

In the early 90s, Bill Sr. and Bill Jr. joined together to form Ashley logging. Bill and Billy would work together for the next 27 years, until health problems forced Bill Sr. to retire. Being able to work with his son every day doing what they both loved brought both Bills

more joy than can even be described.

Bill met Lois Doney in 1962. She had four children of her own that Bill would take under his wing and raise: Jerolyn, Dale, Rhonda and Barbara. In 1963, William Bryan Ashley was born and Deborah Ashley, who would pass at birth. In 1975, Bill and Lois took on one more child; they would go on to raise their granddaughter Codi.

William was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Lois; sons, William Ashley and Dale Schiele; daughters, Deborah Ashley and Jerolyn Lafromboise; and nephew, Daniel Evjen.

Bill is survived by daughters, Barbara Hill (Dwayne) and Rhonda Hogan; grandchildren, Codi VanNess, Bryan Schiele (Sharilyn), Rhiannon Meyers, Angela Meyers, Brittany Flores (Jose), Iain Hogan, Sean Schaefer, Tiffany Ruiz (Sammy), Michelle Moody (Andrew), and Heather Hill; daughter-in-law, Pam Schiele and sonin-law, Jeff Lafromboise; nine great-grandchildren; special “grandson” Rodrick VanNess; sister, June Skaggs; and nephew, Richard Evjen.

Services have been held.

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.

William Ashley

Thursday, April 13

Masumola group to meet

POLSON — It’s time to dust off those camp trays, picnic baskets and the special bottle you’ve been saving for the Masumola meeting on Thursday, April 13, at 5:45 p.m. Hosts for the meeting are Dick and Kathy Walsh, Dick and Jeana Goldsmith and Irene Marchello who will be at the Masumola Clubhouse to greet all members and guests for a spring fling: Bring your partner or come on your own with your dish to pass. Suggested food distribution: A – H   Hot Dish; I  – O   Dessert; PZ  Salad or Vegetable.

Free Excel Essential Training Part I workshop offered

RONAN — Mission West Community Development Partners, 407 Main St. SW, is offering a free workshop titled, “Excel Essential Training Part I,” on Thursday, April 13, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Call 406-676-5901 or go to: missionwestcdp. org/events/excel-essen-

tial-training-part-i-2/.

The instructor is Allison McCarthy.

Register for Ronan Kindergarten Round Up

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: K. Wm. Harvey Elementary School, Thursday, April 13, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Call to make registration appointments at 406-676-3390 ext. 7700 (Pablo Elementary); ext. 7300 (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 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.

Dirt, mud, worms at library Story Time

POLSON — Stacey Hautanen from public health will be the special guest on Thursday, April 13, at North Lake County Public Library’s Story Time at 9:15 a.m. Remember the library is at a temporary location: Polson United Methodist Church, 301 16th Ave. E.

Friday, April 14

Open Mic Jam

RONAN — 7-9 p.m. and hosted by The Wildflowers. Come on down to open mic for your chance to take the stage and share your talents! We’ll have an open jam once everyone has had a chance to take the stage. Open to the public, and listeners are

Lake County marriages, divorces for March

Marriages

John Howell Dawson and Clarissa

Marie Marmon

Kaylee Nicole Schubert and Bran-

don R. Shirtliff

Joseph M. Martinez and Krstalyn

Rae Griffin

Louis John Wandler and Minda

Carole Kneedler

Divorces

Charles R. Vergeront and Heather

L. Licht

John R. McNutt and Dawn M.

McNutt

Daniel M. Brister and Andrea C.

Brister

John D. Kiewatt and Kaylee M. Purcell

welcome, too. Whether you’re a musician, performer, poet, comedian or just love live music, the Western Montana Musicians Cooperative is for you. Stop by at the Red Poppy building at 1 Eisenhower St SW, Ronan.

Saturday, April 15 Join the Buttercup Run

ARLEE — The annual Buttercup Run will take place on Saturday, April 15, at Arlee High School. All ages are welcome to register for the 1-mile run/ walk, 5K run/walk, 10K run/walk, half marathon run at: https://runsignup.com/ Race/MT/Arlee/ButtercupRun. For more information go to: Infobuttercuprun@gmail. com or call 406-260-7075.

Community Jam held

RONAN — 7-10 p.m. and hosted by Doug Ruhman. Saturdays are jam night at the Western Montana Musicians Coop! Stop by and check out our talented members at the Red Poppy building at 1 Eisenhower St SW, Ronan. Come to listen or come to play - everyone is welcome.

Sunday, April 16

Rock the Missions High School Jam

RONAN — 7-9 p.m. and hosted by Dylan Schock. A jam for high school students only! Bring your own instrument or we have several available for you to play.

Come to listen or come to play at 1 Eisenhower St SW, Ronan. We are a member-based, member-funded Co-op.

Monday, April 17

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.

Tuesday, April 18

‘Great Futures’ luncheon held at Boys & Girls Club

POLSON — Join the Boys & Girls Club in Polson, 110 17th Ave. W, for a luncheon, a “Great Futures” presentation, tours & exhibits on Tuesday, April 18, at noon. Meet the kids, see the club and discover what’s to come.

Wednesday, April 19

Help beautify our town

RONAN — Join community members as they partner with Ronan High School students and Ronan City Hall to clean up the town. From litter patrol to larger projects, this one-day event is sure to leave you smiling as you help beautiful our town.

Free online meditation classes offered

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

Drum Circle

RONAN — 7-9 p.m. and hosted by Doug Ruhman. Join Doug Ruhman for an evening of rhythm and fun. Open to all drummers, percussionists. Come join us at 1 Eisenhower St SW, Ronan. All percussion is welcome.

Thursday, April 20

Discover ‘Things that Go’ at library’s Story Time

POLSON — “Things that Go” will be the theme for Story Time on Thursday, April 20, at 9:15 a.m. at North Lake County Public Library’s temporary location: Polson United Methodist Church, 301 16th Ave. E.

Learn about foraging for mushrooms

ZOOM — Dr. Cathy Cripps will present “Foraging for Mushrooms” via Zoom from 6:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 20. This presentation is brought to you by the North Lake County Public Library. This event is open to all. Register at: tinyurl.com/ mushroomMT

Announcements

Auctions

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

Special Notices

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Connect to the best wireless

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

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

CALL FOR ARTISTS:

Exhibitors for Flathead Lake Festival of Art, July 22 & 23. sandpiperartgalleryandgifts.com

FITNESS CENTER OFFICE MANAGER - ST. IGNATIUS TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must have: high school diploma or equivalent. At least one year of office management or customer service experience. Knowledge of fitness center operations, preferred. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcript/degree, certifications, if claiming Tribal preference, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted. FAILURE

TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION

by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is $16.88 - $19.41 per hour, plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt. org Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes. org. The closing date will be Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. (MST) 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 Wash-

pine, Mt. Year-round, full-time position. Pay $25.00 per hour

Lewistown Public Works

Director- Oversees streets, water/sewer departments. Five years’ experience in engineering/construction fields. Two years’ supervisory experience preferred.

Salary $65,000 to $70,000 DOE plus benefits. Visit www.cityoflewistown.com

HELP WANTED - Tire Truck

Operator At Our Opheim Location. Full-time, Wage DOE. Farm/Ranch Store Hand with light duty shop work

At Our Peerless Location Full-time, Wage DOE. Family Health insurance, dental, 401K, long term disability, holiday pay, vacation and sick leave package. Also Need Seasonal Drivers With CDL For Local Fertilizer Deliveries in Richland, Scobey and Plentywood Areas. PRO Co-op, Tanner Trower 406487-2612

equivalent. Must complete required WIC training within first 60 days of hire as well as additional training in specified time frame. Must possess a valid driver’s license. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcript/degree, certifications, copy of valid driver’s license, if claiming Tribal preference, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted.

WANTED

WIC AIDE - ST. IGNATIUS TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must have: high school diploma or

FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy and subject to random drug testing. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month

Help wanted

Lewistown Park & Recre ation Director- Oversees daily operation of Civic Center, Parks, Trails and Pool. Five years’ experience in parks and recreation or equivalent college degree.

Salary $55,000 to $60,000 DOE plus benefits. Visit www.cityoflewistown.com

classifieds

Help wanted

from pg. 29

probationary period. Salary is $14.19 - $16.31 per hour, plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040 or personnel@ cskt.org. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. The closing date will be Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. (MST)

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.

K-8 MONTANA CERTIFIED TEACHER Mountain View Elementary. Send resume: Mountain View Elementary, Box 1169, Cut Bank, MT 59427. Email questions JerryHofer73@gmail.com or call (404) 336-2638.

Vehicles

Miscellaneous

Public Notices

Legals

Legals Request for Proposals

submitted to Brenna Fulks Brenna. fulks@missionwestcdp.org by Friday, May 5, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. MST.

April 5, 12, 19, 26 and May 3, 2023

MNAXLP

NOTICE OF HIGH SCHOOL BOND ELECTION

INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE

Auto /Truck Starters and Alternators. 55% off retail.

305

I have them for the following cars and trucks:

In partnership with the City of Ronan and Ronan Revitalization (a subcommittee of the Ronan Chamber of Commerce), Mission West Community Development Partners is seeking proposals from firms qualified to provide Economic Development and Planning services to the City of Ronan, Montana. The project will result in 1) a Downtown Master Plan; and 2) a 5-Year Economic Development Strategic Plan. For the complete Request for Proposal and project description, please visit https://cityofronan.org/ your-government/request-for-proposal/ . Proposal submissions must be

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of High School District No. 23 (Polson), Lake County (the “High School District”), that pursuant to a resolution duly adopted at a meeting of the Board on February 13, 2023, an election of the registered voters of the High School District will be held by mail ballot election on May 2, 2023 for the purpose of voting on the question of whether the Board may sell and issue general obligation school building bonds of the High School District in one or more series in the aggregate principal amount of up to Sixteen Million Six Hundred Forty-Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($16,645,000.00), for the purpose of addressing student safety and deferred maintenance needs, providing job training opportunities, and accommodating student enrollment by paying the costs of designing, constructing, remodeling, equipping, and furnishing improvements to Polson High School, to include constructing a secure main entrance and removing

unsecure and unnecessary modular units; constructing additions for job training to include science, technology, engineering, and math classrooms and labs; constructing a new job training center with classrooms, labs, metals fabrication area, woodshop improvements, and tool and material storage; repurposing and expanding space for music education; remodeling the serving kitchen, family and consumer science classrooms, lower level classrooms, and restrooms; making site improvements; and related costs and improvements; and paying costs associated with the sale and issuance of the bonds. Each series of the bonds shall bear interest at a rate or rates to be determined at the time of sale and be payable semiannually during a term of not more than twenty (20) years.

The election will be conducted by the County Election Administrator solely by mail ballot. Ballots will be mailed to all eligible registered voters in the High School District on April 14, 2023, and must be returned by each voter either by mail or in-person to the Lake County Election Administrator, Lake County Courthouse Room 121, 106 4th Ave

E., Polson, Montana 59860, during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), weekdays (exclusive of holidays), April 17, 2023 through May 1, 2023.

On Election Day, May 2, 2023, the only place for deposit of voted ballots will be the office of the Lake County Election Administrator, Lake County Courthouse Room 121, 106 4th Ave E., Polson, Montana, which will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and all ballots must be in the County Elections Office by 8:00 p.m. All ballots must be in the office of the County Election Administrator by 8:00 p.m. on May 2, 2023, to be counted. All ballots will be tabulated in accordance with Montana law, with the preliminary results, if known, expected to be released after 8:00 p.m. that day.

A qualified voter who will be absent from the High School District during the time the election is being conducted may: (a) vote in person in the office of the County Election Administrator beginning April 12th through 8:00 p.m. on Election Day; or (b) make a

public notices

Legals

cont’d from pg. 30

written request before noon on May 1, 2023, signed by the applicant and addressed to the office of the County Election Administrator requesting the ballot be mailed to an address other than that which appears on the registration records.

An elector may obtain a replacement ballot if his or her ballot is destroyed, spoiled, lost, or not received by the elector, by filling out and mailing, emailing, or faxing back a completed replacement ballot request form or by the elector personally appearing at the office of the Lake County Election Administrator located at the Lake County Courthouse Room 121, 106 4th Ave E., in Polson, Montana.

Ballots may be returned in person at the place of deposit listed above, or returned by mail. If returning by mail, please use the then-prevailing first-class-postage price or one Forever Stamp. Postmark date does not apply; ballots returned by mail must be received at the office of the County Election Administrator by 8:00 p.m. Election Day deadline to be counted.

Please note, all electors, as defined in Section 20-20-301, M.C.A., are those who reside within the High School District and are registered to vote by the close of registration on April 3, 2023. For electors who miss the close of registration deadline, such electors may register late and vote in the election by appearing in person at the office of the Lake County Election Ad-

ministrator located at the Lake County Courthouse Room 121, 106 4th Ave E., in Polson, Montana and providing to the County Election Administrator the electors’ voter registration information in verifiable form prior to 8 p.m. on May 2, 2023.

DATED this 6th day of March 2023.

/s/ Toni Kramer, Lake County Election Administrator

April 5, 12 and 19, 2023

MNAXLP

NOTICE OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOND ELECTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of Elementary School District No. 23 (Polson), Lake County (the “Elementary District”), that pursuant to a resolution duly adopted at a meeting of the Board on February 13, 2023, an election of the registered voters of the Elementary District will be held by mail ballot election on May 2, 2023 for the purpose of voting on the question of whether the Board may sell and issue general obligation school building bonds of the Elementary District in one or more series in the aggregate principal amount of up to Twenty-Three Million Three Hundred Fifteen Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($23,315,000.00), for the purpose of addressing student safety and deferred maintenance needs, enhancing educational opportunities, and accommodating student enrollment by paying the costs of designing, constructing, remodeling, equipping, and furnishing improvements to: Cherry Valley Elementary School, to include constructing a secure main entrance and removing unsecure and unnec -

essary modular units; constructing classrooms, a music room, a library, and restrooms; remodeling existing restrooms, serving kitchen, special education classrooms, and support spaces; making site improvements; and related costs and improvements; Linderman Elementary School, to include constructing a secure main entrance and removing unsecure and unnecessary modular units; constructing classrooms and learning spaces, a music room, a library, a serving kitchen, and restrooms; remodeling existing restrooms; making playground and other site improvements; and related costs and improvements; Polson Middle School, to include constructing a secure main entrance; completely remodeling the district kitchen; remodeling classrooms, restrooms, commons area, and support spaces; and related costs and improvements; and paying costs associated with the sale and issuance of the bonds. Each series of the bonds shall bear interest at a rate or rates to be determined at the time of sale and be payable semiannually during a term of not more than twenty (20) years.

The election will be conducted by the County Election Administrator solely by mail ballot. Ballots will be mailed to all eligible registered voters in the Elementary District on April 14, 2023, and must be returned by each voter either by mail or in-person to the Lake County Election Administrator, Lake County Courthouse Room 121, 106 4th Ave E., Polson, Montana 59860, during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.), weekdays (exclusive of holidays), April 17, 2023 through May 1, 2023.

Service Directory

On Election Day, May 2, 2023, the only place for deposit of voted ballots will be the office of the Lake County Election Administrator, Lake County Courthouse Room 121, 106 4th Ave E., Polson, Montana, which will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. All ballots must be in the office of the County Election Administrator by 8:00 p.m. on May 2, 2023 to be counted. All ballots will be tabulated in accordance with Montana law with the preliminary results, if known, expected to be released after 8:00 p.m. that day.

A qualified voter who will be absent from the Elementary District during the time the election is being conducted may: (a) vote in person in the office of the County Election Administrator beginning April 12th through 8:00 p.m. on Election Day; or (b) make a written request before noon on May 1, 2023, signed by the applicant and addressed to the office of the County Election Administrator requesting the ballot be mailed to an address other than that which appears on the registration records.

An elector may obtain a replacement ballot if his or her ballot is destroyed, spoiled, lost, or not received by the elector, by filling out and mailing, emailing, or faxing back a completed replacement ballot request form or by the elector personally appearing at the office of the Lake County Election Administrator located at the Lake County Courthouse Room 121, 106 4th Ave E., in Polson, Montana.

Ballots may be returned in person at the place of deposit listed above, or returned by mail. If returning by mail, please use the then-prevailing first-class-postage price or one For-

ever Stamp. Postmark date does not apply; ballots returned by mail must be received at the office of the County Election Administrator by 8:00 p.m. Election Day deadline to be counted.

Please note, all electors, as defined in Section 20-20-301, M.C.A., are those who reside within the Elementary District and are registered to vote by the close of registration on April 3, 2023.

For electors who miss the close of registration deadline, such electors may register late and vote in the election by appearing in person at the office of the Lake County Election Ad-

ministrator located at the Lake County Courthouse Room 121, 106 4th Ave E., in Polson, Montana and providing to the County Election Administrator the electors’ voter registration information in verifiable form prior to 8 p.m. on May 2, 2023.

DATED this 6th day of March 2023.

/s/ Toni Kramer

Lake County Election Administrator

April 5, 12 and 19, 2023

MNAXLP