4-13-22 issue

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Vol. 18, No. 30

April 13, 2022

Community leaders recognized at Polson chamber banquet

By Taylor Davison Valley Journal

Sports pg. 13

Business pg. 16

FWP pg. 20

POLSON — On Saturday, April 9, the Polson Chamber of Commerce held the Denim and Diamonds Banquet to celebrate those who go above and beyond for the community.

An annual event, chamber president Mandy Smith says the award ceremony is meant to highlight volunteers and the people who have taken leadership roles. “(These people) help make the community the special place that we live in,” Smith said.

There are six awards given out to celebrate groups and individuals for the previous year.

Nominated by members of the community and then chosen by the chamber board, the following awards were given on Saturday for 2021: - Non-Profit Organization of the Year: Mission Mountain Enterprises - Polson Leadership Award: Nate Lundeen - Citizen of the Year: Carmine Mowbray - Community Volunteer of the Year: Mary Martin - Business of the Year: The Cove Deli - Ambassador of the Year: Rich Forbis The event was also, Smith

Mary Martin was awarded Community Volunteer of the Year.

said, the kickoff to more in-person activity from the chamber. The Support Polson Late Afternoon Social Hour (S.P.L.A.S.H.) events, designed to both support local businesses and allow people to network, will resume for the first time since last year, starting on May 19 from 5 to 7 p.m. The location has not yet been determined. S.P.L.A.S.H. events will take place on the third Thursday of each month. w w w.va l le yj our na l.net

The Polson chamber luncheons, which have been held over Zoom for the past several months, will also resume meeting in person starting on May 4 from 12 to 1 p.m. at the KwaTaqNuk. “We’re really excited, and optimistic that maybe we can keep these going now,” Smith said.

Upcoming chamber events and their details can be viewed at www.polsonchamber.com.

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL

Nate Lundeen is the Polson Leadership Award recipient.

Polson Commission votes against de-annexation

Judicial advisory council selected

existing use would have to be approved by the new Flathead Reservation Water Management Board, which is not yet fully operational.

At the same time, the City of Polson has discovered it will need permission from the Water Board to increase the size of its service area to include the annexed acreage. Each side spoke to the challenges the other might face in gaining approval from the board.

“We each disagree on who has the more arduous task,” said City Manager Ed Meece.

Landowner Shelley Smith argued that access to city water should have been in place when the property was annexed eight years ago. “Holding back this project when the city can’t legally serve us with water anyway is the biggest thing to look at,” she told the commission. “We have a well and you don’t have the water rights to serve us.”

Lake County had also tried to purchase the property in hopes of using the well for a community water system since several homeowners in the area have limited access to water.

Commissioner Bill Barron, who was on hand for last week’s meeting, argued for releasing the property from annexation. “To have a well like that and not use it would be a travesty,” he said.

“It would be a huge benefit to the county to be able to develop a water district out there.”

Tony Isbell, one of two commissioners who voted in favor of de-annexation, emphasized the positive impact an RV park might have on the local economy.

The additional cost to the property owners of linking to city water and sewer seemed unfair, he noted, especially when other

MONTANA — Governor Greg Gianforte released the names last Friday of an advisory council that will assist in reviewing qualified candidates to fill the district court judge vacancy in the 20th Judicial District (Lake and Sanders counties). Judge Jim Manley announced his retirement in March, effective June 1.

“Bringing decades of experience working in their communities, the members of 20th Judicial District Advisory Council will support me in identifying exceptional candidates to serve as their new district court judge,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I’ve directed members of the advisory council to identify well-qualified candidates who are committed to the fair, consistent, and objective application of the law and who will interpret laws, not make them from the bench.”

Members of the 20th Judicial District advisory council include: - Boone Cole, former chair of the Flathead Joint Board of Control - Dennis DeVries, former judge for the City of Polson - Becky Dupuis, co-owner of Polson Theatres - Casey Emerson, attorney at Mission Mountain Law - Susan Lake, secretary and treasurer of Lake Farms Inc. - Ann Marie McNeel, attorney and director of Lake County CASA - John Mercer, attorney at Turnage, Mercer, & Wall, PLLP - Ryan Rusche, attorney for the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) - Don Strine, former Sanders County Justice of the Peace - Lori Thibodeau, probation and parole officer for the Montana Department of Corrections - Teresa Wall-McDonald, human resources director at Salish Kootenai Community College - Ben Woods, Lake County Undersheriff Gov. Gianforte announced in March that he is accepting applications and nominations for the 20th judicial district vacancy of any lawyer in good standing who has the qualifications set forth by law for holding the position of district court judge. The application deadline was 5 p.m. Monday, April 11. Applications will be made available to the public.

From April 12 through May 11, the public will be given the opportunity to provide letters of support or other comments regarding the applicants to nominatejudges@mt.gov. Applicants must receive at least three letters of support to be considered for appointment by the governor.

By Kristi Niemeyer For the Valley Journal

POLSON — By a vote of five to two, the Polson City Commission defeated a resolution to de-annex around 70 acres at the top of Polson Hill. The vote, held during the regular meeting April 4, was preceded by a lengthy discussion about the pros and cons of removing lots one and three of the Knife River Annex from the city.

Lyle and Shelley Smith, owners of OH Well Drilling and Pump, initially asked the commission to consider de-annexation in March and laid out their plans to build a motorcoach resort at the site. The property was originally annexed in 2014 as part of a larger parcel added at the request of several landowners.

When Smiths bought the property, they believed it was part of the county. However, they later discovered that it is part of the city, and any development would require hooking up to city water and sewer, a move that could cost from $480,000 to $1 million, if they could secure relevant easements.

They’ve requested de-annexation due to the expense of running water and sewer lines to the property and because the parcel already has a productive well, capable of meeting the needs of their proposed development.

The issue is further complicated by the status of pending water rights on the Flathead Reservation. According to Mikel Siemens of Core Water Consulting in Kalispell, a water right was issued for the Smiths’ well in 1988 and expanded in 1993 for both industrial and household use.

The proposal to change the

2 - April 13, 2022

developers could then piggyback on their efforts.

“I want to see the town up and on the rise,” he said. “It doesn’t feel right to have them (the Smiths) carry the entire burden when they’re trying to start a business that would bring more people and more money to town.”

He pointed out that the parcels proposed for de-annexation are located at the very edge of Polson. “If our city services were closer it would be a different conversation.”

Mayor Eric Huffine also voted for de-annexation.

The majority of commissioners, however, weren’t persuaded to remove the acreage from the city.

Jan Howlett worried about the safety of an on-site septic system.

“As the city grows, I have a real problem with that,” she said.

“Polson is not going to be a small town. I’m very worried about how things are done and what effect it will have in the future.”

Commissioner Carolyn Pardini had recently attended a planning seminar that urged participants to look two decades ahead when making decisions about the future of their community. “Twenty years down the road we might be glad to have that space,” she said.

She also argued that paved streets, sidewalks and a sewer connection are vital components of the cityscape that “will never be developed if it’s de-annexed.”

“I’m supportive of seeing continuity of services going up the hill there,” said Commissioner Brodie Mall in voicing his opposition to the resolution.

Also voting against de-annexation were commissioners Jake Holley and Laura Dever.

Valley Journal

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This Week’s Weather Forecast Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

April 14

April 15

April 16

April 17

April 18

40°/17°

43°/24°

43°/24°

45°/26°

48°/29°

53°/31°

Cloudy 1% chance precipitation

Mostly Cloudy 24% chance precipitation

Mostly Cloudy 20% chance precipitation

Mostly Cloudy 24% chance precipitation

Mostly Cloudy 20% chance precipitation

April 13

Tuesday April 19

Partly Cloudy 10% chance precipitation

58°/34°

Partly Cloudy 19% chance precipitation

Flathead Lake Level 2885.29 ft WED

04/13

6:52 am

8:22 pm

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04/14

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Today in History April 13, 2021 High 48° F Low 31° F Precipitation 0.00 inches Record High 79° F Record Low 21 April 13, 2022 - 3

contents Polson city council ...... 2

Tech Woods ............... 16

Courts .......................... 7

Obituaries .................. 21

Valley Views ............... 10

Schools ...................... 25

Sports ........................ 13

Classifieds ................. 26

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Bipartisan Postal Reform Bill signed into law News from the offices of Senator Daines, Senator Tester

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines was at the White House for the official signing ceremony of his bipartisan bill that supports the United States Postal Service (USPS).

“Happy to be at the White House today to celebrate my bipartisan bill to revitalize and support the Postal Service being signed into law.

My bipartisan bill will help the Postal Service better serve folks across Montana, which is especially important for Montana seniors, veterans and rural communities. It will also help maintain deliveries six days per week! I was glad

to work across the aisle and help get this done for Montana,” Daines said.

U.S. Senator Tester celebrated after President Biden signed his bipartisan Postal Reform Act into law. This critical legislation will ensure long-term, reliable mail service and put the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) on sound financial footing.

“It’s a great day for Montana and for mail delivery in rural America, where the Postal Service is a critical lifeline to prescription medication, Social Security benefits, services for small businesses, and staying connected to family and friends,” said Tester. “I’m proud to have worked across the aisle to get this legislation across the finish line, which

will ensure six-day mail delivery, hold the USPS accountable for improving service, and put the agency on sound financial footing so that Montana families can depend on reliable and affordable mail delivery for years to come.”

Postal Reform Act includes: — Medicare Integration: Requires future Postal Service retirees, who have been paying into Medicare their entire careers, to enroll in Medicare. Currently, roughly a quarter of postal retirees do not enroll in Medicare even though they are eligible. This means USPS is forced to pay higher premiums than any other public or private sector employer. By better integrating Medicare, the Postal Service

estimates it could save approximately $22.7 billion over 10 years.

— Eliminating Health Care Prefunding Requirement: Eliminates the 2006 prefunding requirement for retiree healthcare that has added billions in liabilities to the USPS balance sheet. The Postal Service estimates this provision would drastically reduce its prefunding liability allowing it to save $27 billion over 10 years.

— Service Performance Transparency: Requires the Postal Service to develop a public-facing, online dashboard with national and local level service performance data updated each week to provide additional transparency and

promote compliance with ontime delivery of mail.

— Six-Day Delivery: Permanently require the Postal Service to maintain its standard of delivering at least six days a week.

— Non-Postal Services: Allows the Postal Service to partner with State, local, and Tribal governments to offer non-postal services (hunting and fishing licenses, for example) that provide enhanced value to the public, as long as they do not detract from core postal services and provided the agreements cover their costs.

— Rural Newspaper Sustainability: Expands customer base for special rates for rural newspaper distribution to promote local newspapers.

Long waits for Montana State Hospital leave psychiatric patients in jail News from Katheryn Houghton Kaiser Health News

MONTANA — A woman experiencing delusions sat in Montana’s Cascade County jail for 125 days while waiting for a bed at the state psychiatric hospital. A man with schizophrenia spent 100 days last year in the Flathead County jail on the hospital’s waitlist, at times refusing food and water. A man complaining of voices in his head was jailed for 19 months awaiting a mental health evaluation.

Montana State Hospital’s forensic facility, which evaluates and treats patients in the criminal jus-

tice system, has always had a waitlist, court records show, but the pandemic has lengthened it. As a result, people have been behind bars for months on pending charges without adequate mental health treatment.

Some have undergone long stretches in solitary confinement as jail staffers have struggled to respond to their needs. Others waited so long that courts dropped the criminal charges against them altogether. Some were arrested again on more serious charges.

In Montana, as elsewhere, mental health advocates, attorneys, and

sheriffs say part of the problem is a widespread lack of services to help people with serious mental illnesses. So, the criminal justice system functions as the catch basin for the nation’s limited mental health system.

“The treatment system failed people,” said Matt Kuntz, director of the Montana chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. “They’re locked in their mind, and they’re locked in jail. It is the saddest end to a series of tragedies.”

The psychiatric hospital, overseen by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Ser-

vices, is under intense scrutiny after a federal investigation revealed that, as the facility struggled with massive staffing shortages, its main campus failed to protect patients from falls and COVID-19, which led to at least four deaths.

The hospital’s federal funding is now in jeopardy.

Its forensic facility — a few miles from the main campus — doesn’t receive federal money, and so it wasn’t part of that oversight. But staffing problems plague the forensic site, too. As of March 14, permanent staffers filled 46 of the facility’s 81 fulltime positions, said health department spokesperson

Valley Journal

Jon Ebelt. Contract workers and hospital employees trained for both the forensic site and the main campus helped plug some of the gaps.

As of March 1, 71 people were waiting for treatment or an evaluation at the 54-bed forensic unit, Ebelt said. People with an evaluation in hand or those facing especially serious criminal charges may jump ahead in line.

In one case, court documents show, state officials wrote to Flathead County prosecutors they couldn’t “venture a guess as to when there will be a bed available.” Attorneys were trying to get admitted Ilya

Khmelev, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia and had allegedly violated a restraining order.

After he spent 85 days in jail, a judge dismissed the charges against Khmelev in June 2021, citing the hospital’s “unreasonable delay.” Within days, he was arrested again, this time for allegedly trying to push his way into a house. He waited 15 days for a transfer to the state hospital for treatment. A Kalispell judge dismissed that case in January because Khmelev was deemed unfit for trial. Khmelev could not be reached for comment. see page 6

April 13, 2022 - 5

patients from page 5

Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino said caring for people with a mental illness while they await trial or treatment strains detention staffers.

“Everybody is really trying to do everything they can,” Heino said, referring to jails, local mental health services, and the state hospital. “The limitations on how many mental health professionals we have, that’s an issue across the board, an issue across the U.S. right now.”

Some judges have rebuked the hospital for failing to meet its obligations.

In 2020, Cascade County District Court Judge John Kutzman dismissed the case of Jose Remigio Zapata, who was waiting in jail for a state evaluation while facing charges of child sexual abuse. “He is presumed innocent, and he has spent the last year and seven months in jail,” Kutzman

wrote. “This train wreck lies at the feet of the State Hospital.”

Remigio Zapata could not be reached, and his attorneys declined to comment. The health department declined a request for an interview with its director or the state hospital’s top boss. Ebelt said staffing shortages at the hospital didn’t directly affect the forensic unit’s waitlist. He blamed the increasing delays on too few beds and psychiatrists, numerous court-ordered admissions, and pandemic protocols.

As of March 16, the state reported only 63% of the forensic facility’s beds were full despite its waitlist. Ebelt said admissions are limited because units are broken out by gender and beds may be reserved for patients away for court or medical appointments.

Lewis and Clark County Attorney Leo Gallagher said the most frequent hang-up he’s seen as a prosecutor has been people waiting for an evalua-

tion by the state hospital, which assesses whether they are mentally competent to stand trial. Jurisdictions or defendants’ attorneys can pay for a local evaluation instead, but that requires money and health professionals.

“These folks can be parked in the county jail anywhere from six months to eight months,” Gallagher said. “It’s been going on for years. It has become more acute lately.”

Shylah Hanway, now 20, was arrested in 2020 for allegedly exposing herself to a minor and spent nearly four months on the hospital’s waitlist.

A Cascade County judge had ordered the forensic unit to treat her for disorganized schizophrenia.

Hanway, who continues to grapple with mental health issues, declined to make a statement through her lawyer.

In that case, she spent large chunks of time in solitary confinement in the Cascade County jail, records said, at times re-

“

You put someone with mental health issues by themselves in a cell, they’re not getting what they need.”

fusing to shower or clothe herself, and not eating for days. The initial charges against her were dropped after her attorney argued the wait violated her right to due process. But before that happened, she was charged with a separate felony for allegedly punching a detention officer who tried to persuade her to eat.

After 114 days, a bed opened at the hospital.

But once released from treatment, she was sent back to jail to face the assault charge. Her lawyer, Daylon Martin, said she still believed she was someone else, a woman in her 30s with 23 kids.

Hanway got out on bail in May 2021 but was

- Lawyer Daylon Martin

arrested again the next month. This time she was accused of kidnapping a child who, according to court records, Hanway thought was her daughter. Again, an evaluation deemed she needed treatment, and again she went on the hospital’s waitlist, sitting in jail an additional 125 days.

“You put someone with a mental health issue by themselves in a cell, they’re not getting what they need,” Martin said.

“They got worse waiting to go to the state hospital.”

Cascade County Attorney Josh Racki said softer approaches are more likely if someone is charged with trespassing or damaging property. He said things

Ruling grants preliminary injunction against voting bills News from Upper Seven Law

HELENA — Following oral argument last month, a court has ruled that the state is prohibited from enforcing several election-related bills enacted last year, including House Bill 506, which restricted newly-18-yearold voters from accessing ballots, House Bill 176, which eliminated election day registration, and Sen6 - April 13, 2022

ate Bill 169, which arbitrarily changed voter-ID requirements. Montana Youth Action, Forward Montana Foundation, and Montana Public Interest Research Group (MontPIRG)—together the Youth Plaintiffs—argued that each of these laws restrict young Montanans’ right to vote, and the laws cumulatively create an even greater burden on young voters. The

court agreed that the laws should be enjoined until at least the conclusion of the case and the laws will not be in effect for Montana’s primary elections in June. Specifically, in ruling on HB506 and its effect on young voters, the court stated “these voters previously had a voting avenue open to them that has now been closed by HB506 and the Court finds it is proper to enjoin

this law until its constitutionality can be determined after a full review on the merits.”

In making this ruling, the court found that the Plaintiffs met the initial test of showing that the laws unconstitutionally burdened Montanans’ fundamental right to vote and the court applied its most stringent level of review—strict scrutiny— in evaluating the laws. The

Valley Journal

court also found that the Secretary of State did not present evidence of ballot fraud and that “there have been no instances of student ID- related election fraud” since student IDs have been allowed as voter identification.

In a separate motion filed yesterday, Youth Plaintiffs are seeking summary judgment from the court that HB506 is unconstitutional as a

get complicated if someone with a mental illness harms another person.

“I understand they’re mentally ill, but I can’t just let them go for fear that they will continue to victimize others,” Racki said.

Although violent crimes committed by people with a mental illness often grab attention, they’re rare. People with a mental disorder are much more likely to be the target of a crime than those without.

State lawmakers are studying Montana’s criminal commitment process and have discussed the need to recruit more mental health providers and increase oversight of the state hospital. But the next legislative session isn’t until 2023.

Meanwhile, Hanway, who already spent much of the past two years on the hospital’s waitlist, is back in jail, this time on criminal mischief and theft charges. As of March 16, she had been in jail for 22 days.

vj

matter of law and are anticipating a trial to argue the merits of HB176 and SB169.

Rylee Sommers-Flanagan of Upper Seven Law and Ryan Aikin of Aikin Law Office represent the youth plaintiffs. The court ruling also enjoined the enforcement of HB530, which common interest counsel is challenging in the larger consolidated lawsuit.

courts Stories by Jeff Smith of Anderson Broadcasting for the Valley Journal

Martinez pleads guilty to burglary, assault POLSON — A Polson man who was accused of breaking into another Polson man’s apartment and stabbing him has admitted committing the crimes. Chimeco Rivers Martinez, 18, entered a plea of guilty at District Court in Polson on April 6 to aggravated burglary and assault with a weapon.

The open pleas were entered in exchange for the state agreeing to Chimenco dismiss at senMartinez tencing felony charges of criminal possession of dangerous drugs and kidnapping, and capping the state’s sentencing recommendation at 40 years in the Montana State Prion with 20 years suspended. The judge has a total 60 years prison time combining all

the charges.

According to court records, at about 1:15 a.m. on Nov. 20, Polson Police responded to Providence St. Joseph Medical Center on a report that staff were treating the victim of a stabbing. The victim had suffered “several serious stab wounds and slashes to his arms.” The officers noted the injuries appeared to be defensive wounds to his arms, elbow, bicep, palms and wrist. The victim told police that he was at his apartment when a person entered his unit through a window.

He said he tried to get the person to leave, but the intruder presented a knife and tried to stab him. The victim told police that he tried to defend himself but was unable to and fell over and was kicked in the face. He also told police that he thought the intruder seemed drunk, high, or on something.

The intruder prevented the victim

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from leaving his apartment, despite the victim’s need for medical attention. At this point the victim had suffered serious slash wounds that would later require stitches.

The victim went on to state that the intruder took his vehicle keys, wallet, two iPads, and an extension cord. When the intruder figured out which car at the apartment’s parking lot went to the victim’s keys, he forced the victim to get in the back seat. The victim said his captor “drove like a maniac” but eventually dropped him off at the hospital.

Officers took their investigation to the victim’s apartment and observed a footprint on a windowsill with a broken screen and window, confirming point of entry. The apartment was in disarray, there was blood gathered where the victim appeared to have treated his wounds. The officers also observed

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Valley Journal

coins scattered about and located the victim’s wallet. Drops of blood and more coins lead from the apartment to where the victim’s car was parked. About two hours later police located the victim’s car parked at a parking lot in the 700 block of Polson’s Main Street with Martinez allegedly slumped over the steering wheel. Upon his arrest, Martinez was alleged to have been in possession of a folding pocketknife, methamphetamine, an extension cord, two iPads, and a bag of coins. Officers also observed blood in the back seat of the car and along the window buttons.

Martinez was 17 when the incident occurred, but due to the seriousness of the crimes his case stayed in adult court. Judge James Manley set sentencing for May 25.

Martinez will remain in the Lake County jail until then.

Glass pleads guilty to criminal possession POLSON — A Polson man who risked a potentially fatal overdose by attempting to conceal illegal drugs inside his body has admitted to Jimmy Glass possessing the synthetic opioid fentanyl. Jimmy Justin Glass, 41, was booked into the Lake County see page 8

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Glass pleads guilty from page 7

jail on New Year’s Eve. He entered a plea of guilty at District Court in Polson on April 6 to felony charges of criminal possession of dangerous drugs. A charge of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence is to be dismissed at sentencing.

According to charging documents, on Dec. 30, 2021, law enforcement officers were paged out to a report of loud music coming from a newer white Toyota 4 Runner parked at a trailer park in Pablo. The responding officers observed the suspected white Toyota traveling away from the trailer park and could hear loud music coming from it.

The officer initiated a traffic stop on the Toyota. Glass was identified as the driver.

He told the officer that he was on probation from Idaho and was the designated driver as his passengers were consuming alcohol.

The officer placed Glass under arrest and brought him to the Lake County jail.

Meanwhile, a passenger of the Toyota indicated that Glass was trafficking counterfeit fentanyl pills into Lake County from out of state. A foul odor in the Toyota led investigators to believe that someone may have attempted to hide pills inside their body.

Back at the jail, detention staff had Glass relieve himself in a dry toilet.

That’s when they allegedly located a baggie containing blue fentanyl pills and other non-bagged, or “loose” fentanyl pills. Prosecutor James Lapokta wrote in charging documents that Glass “risked fatally overdosing by concealing pills in his anus to avoid being caught.”

The plea agreement calls for a three-year commitment to the Montana Department of corrections.

Judge James Manley set sentencing for May 25.

vj 8 - April 13, 2022

Mother, son plead guilty to fatal wreck charges

By Jeff Smith of Anderson Broadcasting for the Valley Journal

POLSON — It was a case of back-to-back guilty pleas for a mother and her son from St. Ignatius charged with crimes stemming from a fatal car wreck last January.

Rope Kinkade Ardis, 19, and Roberta Virginia Asencio, Roberta Asencio 40, appeared at District Court in Polson on April 6 for change of plea hearings. Ardis pled guilty to felony vehicular homicide while under the influence, while his mother,

Asencio, pleaded guilty to felony tampering with witnesses and informants.

According to court records, on Jan. 23, 2021, Lake County emergency services were paged out to a report of a one vehicle rollover on Back Road south of Polson. At the scene Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Aaron Day observed that a 2006 Ford Mustang, registered to Ardis, had left the roadway and rolled. Ardis was no longer at the scene, but his mother Roberta Asencio was. One passenger was being treated by an ambulance crew. Another passenger, Saul Blackweasel, died at the scene. Asencio allegedly claimed that she did not know where Ardis was. A wallet and

identification card belonging to Ardis was found near the wrecked Mustang along with one shoe.

It turned out Rope Ardis that another person had picked up Ardis at the crash site and transported him to a relative’s house, then later to St. Luke Hospital in Ronan. While being questioned by law enforcement at the hospital, Ardis admitted to consuming alcohol, but claimed to not know who was driving. He was also in possession of a shoe that matched the one left at the crash site.

Phone records show that Ardis

Moore pleads guilty to negligent homicide

By Jeff Smith of Anderson Broadcasting for the Valley Journal

POLSON — A Marion woman has admitted to stealing a car in Kalispell before being involved in a fatal car wreck with it later in Pablo.

Leasa Sierra Moore, now 19, entered a Leasa Moore plea of guilty at District Court in Polson on April 7 to felony negligent homicide and no contest to felony theft.

According to court records, on Sept. 30, 2020, emergency services were paged out to the report

of a fatal car wreck along U.S. Highway 93 in Pablo.

Several witnesses at the scene told investigators that they saw a small white car pass them at a high rate of speed while weaving through traffic. The white car was seen running a red light at the intersection of Clairmont Road before hitting a vehicle that was turning onto U.S. Highway 93. That vehicle was hit with such force that its driver was thrown out. She was transported to St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula where she later died. The driver of the white car was identified as Moore. The white car she was driving was a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero. It had been reported stolen from the parking lot of The Blue and White Valley Journal

Motel in Kalispell early that morning.

An investigation of the scene showed the Alero left a skid mark that measured 172 feet long. Internal data of the Alero showed it was traveling 98 miles per hour prior to breaking and was likely traveling about 65 miles per hour at the time of impact. The data corroborated witness accounts of the crash.

Clothing worn by Moore matched the clothing of the suspect seen in video surveillance at The Blue and White Motel stealing that car.

Judge John W. Larson of Missoula presided over the case remotely. He set a sentencing date of June. 2.

Moore remains in the Lake County jail.

had called relatives right after the crash but did not call 911 to report the crash or seek aid for Blackweasel. Forensic testing showed Ardis’s DNA on the deployed airbag of the Mustang’s steering wheel. It’s the belief of Lake County Attorney Steve Eschenbacher that Roberta Asencio arranged to have her son picked up at the crash site and taken away.

Eschenbacher says he’ll ask for 20 years in the Montana State Prison with 10 years suspended for Ardis, and a fiveyear commitment to the Montana Department of Corrections with all that time suspended for Asencio. Judge James Manley set sentencing for May 25. Both Ardis and Asencio are at liberty.

Haworth pleads guilty to vehicular homicide

By Jeff Smith of Anderson Broadcasting for the Valley Journal

POLSON — An Arlee woman who was charged with causing a fatal head-on collision on U.S. Highway 93 after fleeing a traffic stop in Polson admitted to causing the wreck.

Shannon Sierra Haworth, 18, entered a plea of guilty at District Court in Polson on April 7 to felony vehicular homicide while under the influence. The plea was entered as part of an agreement that the state will recomShannon mend sentencing be Haworth capped at 20 years in the Montana State Women’s Prison.

According to court records, just after midnight on May 28, 2021, as a Lake County Sheriff’s deputy was returning to the Lake County see page 9

vehicular homicide from page 8

Courthouse in Polson, the deputy observed a vehicle approaching with its headlights on. The deputy made a traffic stop on the vehicle. The driver, later identified as Haworth, seemed distraught and admitted to consuming alcohol earlier. As the deputy was waiting for backup to arrive, Haworth took off south bound on U.S. Highway 93 at a high rate of speed. The deputy lost sight of Haworth’s vehicle.

Other law enforcement officers intercepted the vehicle as it traveled through Pablo with speeds reaching up 120 miles per hour.

Pursuing law enforcement officers were unable to close the gap between them and Haworth. Ha-

worth’s vehicle moved into the northbound lane and struck another motorist head-on, killing the driver and lone occupant of the vehicle instantly. Haworth, who made her initial court appearance in August 2021 while confined to a wheelchair with visible injuries to her lower extremities, had to be airlifted from the scene of the crash to an area hospital.

Lake County Attorney Steven Eschenbacher says he’ll recommend Haworth be sentenced to the Montana State Women’s Prison for 20 years with 10 years suspended. Haworth will have the opportunity to argue for a more lenient sentence. Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher set sentencing for May 26.

vj

Lesage’s sentence reduced

By Jeff Smith of Anderson Broadcasting for the Valley Journal

POLSON — A St. Ignatius woman who admitted to causing a traffic accident that killed another motorist has a chance to avoid prison. Darlene Lesage, 68, pleaded guilty at District Court in Polson on July 15, 2021 to vehicular homicide while under the influence. The plea was entered as part of an agreement that called for Lesage being sentenced to the Montana Department of corrections for 20 years with all but six months of house arrest suspended. Citing Lesage’s actions since the crash occurred, past service to her country as well as community, Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher

ordered 10 days jail time instead of the six months house arrest during her sentencing hearing April 7.

According to court records, on Sept. 11, 2020, Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Wayne Bieber responded to a serious car wreck along U.S. Highway 93 in the Ravalli area. A northbound black Mazda had drifted into the southbound lane and struck a southbound car head-on. A witness told Trooper Bieber that the Mazda was swerving in and out of its lane prior to the collision. The driver of the Mazda, later identified as Lesage, was seriously injured and unconscious when transported to an area hospital. A blood

draw taken at the hospital where Lesage was being treated showed her blood alcohol content at .122. The driver of the southbound car was airlifted to a hospital in Missoula, and later flown to a hospital in Seattle. That person died of their injuries Oct. 2, 2020.

While holding back his tears and having read sealed documents regarding Lesage’s past, the husband of the victim thanked Lesage for her service to our country and to her service to others, and said he forgives her.

Lesage was then placed in handcuffs and escorted out of the courtroom by detention staff to begin serving her 10 days in the Lake County jail.

2022 EMERGENCY WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER SIGN UPS Applications for placement on the CS&KT Division of Fire / BIA-Flathead Agency 2022 Emergency Wildland Firefighting Crew will begin on Monday, March 7, 2022. Last day applications will be accepted is June 2, 2022 @ 4:00 PM.

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• Application to be completed at CS&KT Division of Fire – CANNOT TAKE OUT OF OFFICE. (Application will take Approximately 45 minutes to complete)

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• Applicant must provide 2 forms of Identification to start application process.

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Contact:

LINDSAY ROBERTS or DEVIN CLAIRMONT at (406) 676-2550 with any questions

in the

read public notices www.MontanaPublicNotices.com Valley Journal

April 13, 2022 - 9

valley views Every day is a special occasion A

friend of mine recently lost his grandmother and came to inherit her fancy copper pots and pans. Beautiful, gleaming cookware … once he had cleaned the dust from them, as they’d hung up in her kitchen like a chandelier, unused, since the day they’d been purchased.

He shared that his grandmother had bought them years ago with the intention of using them for special occasions.

However, as the years went on, no occasion seemed quite special enough. His grandmother continued to wait, and wait, and wait to use them, until one day she no longer had the opportunity.

how more worthy of that It’s not uncommon to have something set aside thing than another.

But how special is for special occasions. It’s special enough? Life is likely safe to say most unpredictof us have able, and something often far or other too short. tucked Every day away, maywe get to be a bottle wake up is of wine, an achievemaybe a ment and special outA Taylor’d Approach an opporfit or nice Taylor Davison tunity, and cologne, Editor, Valley Journal something marked to we ofuse when tentimes some undon’t take the time to be known special event comes along in our lives. grateful for. There is, obviously, something to be We may not even be said for planning for the that deliberate about it; future, but the purchase maybe just putting off having a favorite meal or of something for only specific food until a later big, bombastic special date, one we deem some- occasions seems like a

Help prevent a surge S

pring is often about the renewal of life.

This “spring feeling” is even more robust as the cases of COVID-19 receded, and our lives around Lake County are moving back to their regular pace. Still, as physicians, we cannot forget what we have gone through over the last two years. We have taken care of some of our sickest residents throughout this pandemic. And while we feel a sense of 10 - April 13, 2022

relief with the pandemic vaccinations. subsiding in Montana, The providers at St. we have trepidations Luke’s Communiseeing the COVID-19 ty Healthcare believe strongly in case numbers rising again in the value and safety of Europe with Billings et al Local Healthcare Providers vaccines, and this newest variant. we feel the Of course, same about we don’t want our famithe COVID-19 vaccine that has gone through lies, neighbors, or friends the same research process to go through any more suffering due to COVID. as other vaccines. Since And, we do have a great the vaccines have been option now to prevent released, they have had another significant surge: greater oversight and

Valley Views

great way to accidentally undervalue the little celebrations in each day.

My best friend and her husband cook themselves a Thanksgiving meal nearly every other month, or whenever the urge arises, simply because they see no reason to wait all year for their favorite holiday meal. My friend with the like-new copper pots and pans now uses them daily to make meals for the joy of feeding the people he loves. I’ve made a point to wear my favorite dress whenever the mood strikes me, even when it’s just for an evening at home, because I like it just as much in my living room as I do during a fancy outing

and seeing it in the mirror makes me smile.

If you have a particularly special event on the horizon, there’s no shame in going out and getting something to mark the occasion. But if the event doesn’t come to pass, I hope you’ll mark an occasion anyway.

Crack open that bottle of wine to celebrate being with people you care about, even if you see them every day. Put on the fancy perfume because you like the way it smells. Eat the caviar for breakfast because it’s the most important meal of the day. Use the pots and pans because you want to.

Celebrate the small things and try to rec-

safety monitoring than any previous vaccine.

Plus, over 10.5 billion vaccine doses have already been given worldwide.

We understand that community members have important questions about the vaccine. At the same time, there has been significant misinformation and disinformation, which has made it hard to get a straight answer when one is only trying to do what is best for

themselves, their families and their community.

We appreciate that and want the community to know we are available to answer questions. We also recommend individuals review reputable health websites to get the best-known information.

Websites like Mayo Clinic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, YourBestShotMT, and - an excellent website for pediatric questions -

Valley Journal

see page 11

ognize that every day is its own special occasion.

Don’t put off the things that bring you joy. Experience the special things you’ve been looking forward to. Otherwise, one day, you might not get the chance.

LETTER POLICY

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

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

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

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

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.

vaccine from page 10

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.

If you have not yet received your booster shot, please consider scheduling to get that now. Call 528-5331 to do this. If you have never gotten the vaccine, we highly encourage you to get it, and you can by calling the same number.

And, if you have any questions, please know we are here as your local health care professionals to answer those questions. So, let’s all work together to make the COVID-19 pandemic a part of the past. And let’s enjoy getting back to our Montana way of life.

Signed, Isaac Billings, DO Joanna Billings, DO John Foster, MD Ben Grass, MD Laura Hoganson, MD Zach Hovorka, DO Kena Lackman, MD Kelli Larson, DO David Springs, MD Tyler Thorson, MD Megan Vigil, MD Ed Vizcarra, MD Steve Shepro, PA-C Simon Crawford, PA-C Jamie Engeldrum, PA-C Mike Schallock, PA-C Peggy Martino, FNP Katherine Mitchell, FNP

vj

Senators’ wolf column ignores vitriol toward the species G

ray wolves in the amount to an all-out asNorthern Rockies sault on wolves. need federal protection to These include allowing stave off the onslaught of baiting, night hunting measures the states have with special vision devices, passed to kill as many as snaring, and an unlimited possible. take of wolves, as well as Sens. Steve Daines of bounties on the species.

Montana and Jim Risch of The goal is clear: kill as Idaho recently blasted U.S. many wolves as possible Interior Sec. Deb Haaland and drive them down to a for her opinion bare minimum piece questionnumber. ing how states Why do we Marc Cooke need such exare managing Wolves of the Rockies their wolves, treme measures based on a sethat completely ries of measures disregard any several states have taken. sense of fair chase in huntIt’s worth taking a look ing, endanger other wildat both Montana’s and life, and make our states Idaho’s moves to see why and their hunters look like Haaland is justified in con- extremists? sidering restoring federal Admittedly, we are wolf protection. advocates. We see their Our organization, place on the landscape as Wolves of the Rockies, signs of a functioning ecojoined several other groups system, one that includes last year to form the the suite of predators as #RelistWolves Campaign well as prey. However, that to urge the US Fish and doesn’t mean we’re against Wildlife Service to restore hunters. Wolves of the protections for wolves Rockies respects hunters under the Endangered for the role they play in Species Act. That move conservation, and their was made after legislatures success leading the restopassed a series of bills that ration of wildlife is incred-

Valley Views

ible. I have friends who are hunters, and even though I personally don’t hunt, I respect them for their work conserving habitats and helping fund wildlife conservation and management.

But after reading the Risch and Daines column, one wonders whether they just took talking points from the extreme anti-wolf crowd.

Idaho has authorized baiting, night hunting, snaring, and unlimited take. Its agency has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on wolf bounties, paying the Foundation for Wildlife Management, a group that pays its own board members with bounty money. Idaho’s law has a goal to kill up to 90 percent of the wolf population.

Montana passed similar, draconian measures including baiting, night hunting, snaring, and bounty payments. These actions come at the same time that Gov. Gianforte’s FWP says it’s desperate to kill elk – a guise to give bull elk tags to major campaign donors.

Both states have made it clear that they’re not done.

More extreme measures are on the way, including the potential to legally reclassify wolves as predators so they can be shot yearround and poisoned.

No species has ever been so aggressively killed immediately after coming off the Endangered Species List and no species deserves such indignity.

There is no other animal in which we manage to have a bare minimum number, including other predators like mountain lions and black bears.

Montana and Idaho have shown that they can’t be trusted to manage wolves, and until they come forward with reasonable regulations that maintain some sense of ethics, federal protection is warranted.

Marc Cooke serves as president of Wolves of the Rockies, an advocacy group that supports gray wolves.

He is a veteran and speaks frequently about the ecological value of wolves on the landscape.

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April 13, 2022 - 11

letters

COVID causes pre-existing conditions

Editor, Many people switch health insurance companies every so often, most commonly because of a new job.

In July 2020, the Valley Journal published a letter to the editor that I wrote. It began, “COVID-19 will cause pre-existing conditions. As research is gathered about COVID-19 pandemic, a sobering finding is that many people who get the disease will have health problems long after they have recovered from the infection.

Many will have kidney damage, heart tissue damage, or lung damage. COVID-19 can be much more than a twoweek illness. A few years from now, those problems will be ‘pre-existing conditions.’ Think about what this means for your health and your health insurance.”

Two years down the road, that prediction has proved true; an estimated 7-23 million

Americans have long lasting complication from COVID. And of course, many people have other conditions unrelated to COVID, like asthma, diabetes, migraines, cancer, high blood pressure, etc.

This is the worst possible time if pre-existing conditions are no longer covered. It means a health insurance company can say, “Yes, you can enroll in our insurance, but if you need treatment for anything that you already have, we won’t cover it. We’ll only cover new conditions.”

How we vote is vital. Some candidates would like to alter current policy and no longer require insurers to cover pre-existing conditions. When the Affordable Care Act was signed into law in 2010, it ensured that you can’t be denied health care coverage because of pre-existing conditions. That provision is at risk. Despite its enormous popularity, Senator Ron Johnson (R-WI) recently said the Republicans’ goal is to obstruct Biden until they retake power then make good on

Wellness Visit?

promises such as repealing the Affordable Care Act. Montana’s Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Matt Rosendale support repealing the Affordable Care Act. If pre-existing conditions are no longer covered, where will that put you if you change to a new health insurance plan?

Can you afford it?

Stephanie Brancati Big Arm

Dimensional thinking is a spiritual practice

Editor, Some years ago, I was introduced to a book “The Ultimate Revolution” by Walter Starke, published in 1969. It helped me change my life as I contemplated, especially, the portion of his writing I share here.

See what you think.

“This is a revolution to reveal the whole man. It won’t be won by logic alone. It won’t be won by anything alone. Faith without action won’t succeed.

Action without logic won’t succeed. Logic without faith

won’t succeed.

Mystics refer to the third and fourth dimension of life.

Everyday ‘down to earth’ level of life, phenomenal, is third dimensional. Everything labeled is third. Fourth dimension is the spiritual, the total, the infinite. Everything comprehended in its pure “beingness,” in its oneness and unity.

Thinking is limited to third dimension. Fourth dimension is, like God, something that can be experienced but not thought about, for thoughts always limit.

We get the two confused.

Our spiritual instinct senses reality in the fourth dimension, but our minds try to find it in the third. God exists in the fourth, but we keep trying to see God with a third dimensional understanding.

We try to find God in war, in government, in establishment, but these things are part of our man-of-the-world self.

We keep trying to bring God down to this level, when the only way God can be experienced is to take this level up to

God by refusing to judge it in terms of good and bad. Then the Oneness can be experienced.”

Bob McClellan Missoula

Thanks to all who came to club sale Editor, The Valley View Women’s club would like to thank you so much to everyone who donated to our sale, people who attended the sale, and the women’s club members who set up and took down and helped at the sale. The people who donated were very generous.

Our sale was a huge success thanks to everyone who helped support the Valley View Clubhouse and the Polson Rural Fire department. We could not have a rural clubhouse without your support. Thank you again so very much.

Women’s Club President Kelly Bailey Polson

Did You Know Medicare Covers An Annual Wellness Visit? ve your healthThis annual visit is a simple way to improve and protect your health

k for will sk of care.

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dgewater Clinic 12 - April 13, 2022 406) 883-3737

Medicare Annual Wellness Visits give you a chance to talk with your healthcare team about your health history, your risk for certain diseases, the current state of your health, and your plan for staying healthy. Your provider will conduct an exam and screenings as well as discuss advanced care planning for your future. Call today to see if you are due for your next Medicare Annual Wellness Visit and what you should discuss with your physician.

Available at St. Luke Community Clinics Conveniently Located Throughout the Mission Valley St. Luke Community Clinic - (406) 676-3600|Southshore Clinic - (406) 883-2555 St. Ignatius Clinic - (406) 745-2781|Ridgewater Clinic - (406) 883-3737 Valley Journal

sports Bulldogs nip Maidens, 8-5 Story and photos by Rob Zolman / Valley Journal

ST. IGNATIUS — Taking on visiting non-conference cross county foe Ronan Maidens on Tuesday, April 5, the MAC Lady Bulldogs held off a late comeback from the Maidens to grab an 8-5 win.

MAC bats started the game big, scoring two runs in the first and second innings for an early 4-0 lead, while MAC pitcher Payton Smith held the Maiden without a run.

The Maidens broke the scoreless stretch with two runs in the top of the third, however, MAC

picked up two crucial runs to keep pace with Ronan in the bottom half of the third inning.

Headed into the fourth inning down 6-2, the Maidens cut into the deficit by scoring two more runs.

MAC responded by scoring a run in each the fifth and sixth innings to cement the narrow three-run victory.

Payton Smith led MAC at the plate with two RBIs in the win, while Gabby Smith, Jerny Crawford, Rheid Crawford, Hayleigh Smith, Kate Young and Bennan Anderson each finished with one RBI.

LouRasia Weatherwax

Payton Smith pitched the first three innings striking out four and giving up two runs on five hits and no walks.

Picking up the win for MAC in the circle, Izzy Evans finished off the final innings striking out two and giving up three runs on five hits and two walks.

Kiara Sherman took the loss for the Maidens allowing eight runs on 13 hits striking out one.

At the plate for the Maidens Ashlie Welker finished 3-for-4, while LouRasia Weatherwax booked two RBIs on two hits which included a double and a home run.

Izzy Evans

Valley Journal

Lettie Umphrey slides into second base

Kiara Sherman April 13, 2022 - 13

Sibling skiers complete successful season Photos and news from Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation

WHITEFISH — Polson siblings Otto and Greta Lund have been making the trip to Whitefish Mountain Resort every weekend to train for ski racing with the Flathead Valley Ski Education Foundation (FVSEF) team for the past several winters.

Their persistence has paid off with some outstanding results this year.

Over the 2021-22 winter, Otto won four of seven slaloms in the Under 16 (U16) age class, three of five giant slaloms, and three of six super-g’s. Greta skied her way onto the podium in the U14 age class nine times, with four podiums including

two wins in super-g, one podium in giant slalom, and four podiums including one win in slalom.

Both qualified to represent the Northern Division team at regional championship events this March. Western Region championships include competitors from the Far West (California and Nevada), Pacific Northwest (Washington, Oregon, northern Idaho), Alaska, Intermountain (Utah, southern Idaho, southern Wyoming), and Northern divisions (Montana, western South Dakota, northern Wyoming).

Otto Lund was one of just four Northern Division boys who raced in the Under 16 (U16) Western Regional Championships held

March 14-17 in Big Sky. The FVSEF team also qualified three girls for the U16 championships including Kellie Klepper and Raiya McCutcheon from Whitefish and Melody McNalley from Columbia Falls. Greta Lund was one of eight Northern Division girls who competed at the U14 Wester Regional Championships held March 24-27 at Mammoth Mountain, California. The FVSEF team also qualified Jackson Surber from Missoula and Sydney McPhie and Lola Zinser from Whitefish for the Mammoth races. FVSEF teammate and fellow Polson Pirate Jordon Jurasek also qualified for and raced in the U18 Western Regional Junior Championships held March 12-17 at Mission

Ridge near Wenatchee, Washington.

The Northern Division recognized Otto at their annual end of year awards ceremony last weekend in Bridger Bowl. For the season long Gold Cup which is open to all Senior (21 and older), U21, U19, and U16 age classes, Otto was second in the overall standings and received a scholarship of $300.

Right: Greta Lund wins the Big Sky super-g race this past winter racing season.

Below left: Otto Lund races in the giant slalom.

B O N N E V I L L E

P O W E R

A D M I N I S T R A T I O N

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT: Lower Crow land acquisition to protect fish in eastern Montana The Bonneville Power Administration is working with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to acquire an 80-acre property located about 6.5 miles southwest of Ronan in Lake County, Montana. When the purchase is complete, the CSKT would own and manage the property for fish and wildlife conservation purposes, and the We appreciate the hold opportunity to to ensure United States government, through BPA, would a conservation easement permanent protectionserve of the habitat on the property. you and your clients!

BPA’s funding of the property purchase would support conservation of Endangered Species Act-listed species considered in the 2020 ESA consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the operations and maintenance of the Columbia River System.

It would also support ongoing efforts to mitigate for the effects of the Federal Columbia River Power System on fish and wildlife in the mainstem Columbia River and its tributaries to the Pacifi Montana Landpursuant Title Association and c Northwest Electric Power Planning and Conservation Act of 1980.

American Land Title Association Member Information describing BPA’s environmental review requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act is available at www.bpa.gov/environmental-initiatives/efw/ categorical-exclusions. A map and fact sheet mailed to local area landowners will be available to the public upon request once the transaction closes.

For more information, call BPA project manager, Cecilia Brown, at 503-230-3462 or email ckbrown@bpa.gov. You can also call the BPA Communications department toll-free at 800-622-4519; please refer to the “Lower Crow” land acquisition

14 - April 13, 2022

Valley Journal

sports shorts TENNIS Ronan Chiefs and Maidens On Tuesday, April 5, the Ronan Chiefs fell 2-5 to the visiting Columbia Falls Wildcats, while the Lady Wildkats swept the Maidens 6-0.

Chief Dillon PrettyOnTop defeated Wildcat Dale Blickhan in three sets 3-6,6-4,6-3 and Beau Decker picked up a two set 6-1, 6-0 win over Orion Barta.

The visiting Libby Loggers and Lady Loggers on Thursday slipped past both the Chiefs and Maidens by identical scores of 4-3.

For the Chiefs, Decker came away with a 6-0, 6-0 singles match victory, while singles doubles teammates Larenz Alvarez/ Brady Dresden and Dylan Schock/Isaac Cantlon defeated their Libby opponents.

On the Maidens’ side of the court, doubles duo Aaliyah Decker and Alyssa PrettyOnTop picked up a 6-0, 6-2 win. Kaileen Howard and Angie Paca nabbed single wins for Ronan.

Polson Pirates and Lady Pirates Pirate Chris Lake and Lady Pirate Clara Todd were the lone match winners for Polson

tennis during non-conference matches against visiting Dillon on Friday.

On Saturday, Polson hosted a set of tennis duals with Dillon and the Whitefish Bulldogs.

Whitefish defeated both Polson tennis squads 5-2, while the Pirates slipped past Dillon 4-3 and the Lady Pirates fell 4-3 to the Dillon girls.

Against Whitefish, Lady Pirates Clara Todd and Katie Smith picked up wins in their singles matches, while Torrin Ellis and doubles team Trent Wilson/ Owen McElwee nabbed wins for the Pirates.

Todd, Smith and Hope Morrison won their Dillon matches for the Lady Pirates, while Ellis, Wilson, Lake and Otto Lund snagged singles wins over Dillon.

SOFTBALL Ronan Maidens Playing in Missoula on the University of Montana Lady Griz softball field on Wednesday, the Maidens fell 11-7 to the Corvallis Lady Blue Devils.

On Saturday, Maiden pitcher Kiara Sherman struck out five and gave up 10 runs on 10 hits in a 10-3 loss to the visiting Frenchtown Lady Broncs.

Polson Lady Pirates Under the lights Tuesday night, April 5, the Polson Lady Pirates moved to 3-0 on the young season with a 16-0 shutout win over visiting Hamilton Lady Broncs.

In the circle for the Lady Pirates, Katelyne Druyvestein picked up her third win of the season holding the Lady Broncs bats hitless, striking out seven and walking three.

Druyvestein also led the Lady Pirates at the plate with three RBIs followed by Carli Maley and Jaivin BadBear with two RBIs apiece.

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MAC Lady Bulldogs Playing on the road in Troy, MAC Lady Bulldogs made quick work of the hosting Troy Lady Trojans in a 23-2 mercy-rule win late Friday afternoon.

Picking up the win for MAC in the circle, Izzy Evans allowed one run on one hit striking out two and walking one.

Evans helped her cause at the plate going 3-for-4 with a double, a triple and four RBIs, while Jerny Crawford booked four RBIs on two home runs. Also for MAC, Bennan Anderson posted four RBIs and a home run and Payton Smith had three RBIs which included a double and a home run.

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April 13, 2022 - 15

Local woodworking business gets involved in community

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

RONAN — A local woodworking business is working to become more involved in the community, starting with the Boys and Girls Club later this month.

Tech Woods USA of Ronan specializes in thermally modified wood, which is wood that’s cooked to a degree that makes it harder, lighter, more durable, and higher performing. Started originally in owner Marty Perkins’ backyard in 2018, the small business’s nine employees primarily produce gunstock blanks. They have more than that to offer to the local populace, however.

Offering up hobby wood for sale for locals to create everything from coffee tables to spinning projects, as well as starting to dabble in the world of epoxy, Tech Woods makes a point to use every part of a log and not leave any waste. Prior to the purchase of their wood kiln, fired by

a furnace they fuel with scraps to dry out their wood products, they used to offer these scraps up for purchase or for free for locals who needed firewood.

“I saw it as a service to the community,” media specialist and quality control inspector Cari Carter commented. “Not everyone can get out into the woods to get their own firewood.”

Since the start of the pandemic reduced people’s access to logging equipment, members of the community can now also bring their own wood to the Tech Woods sawmill to mill down for a fee, encouraging the continuation of local production.

In the business’s current location, a building that was unoccupied for several years before they moved in during late 2020, they’ve seen several members of the community stop by to see what it is they do. The previously neglected lot is now expanding with new buildings to house their

TECH WOODS USA TECH WOODS USA

sawmill, kiln, and production floor.

“We’ve had so many people drop by and say, ‘what are you guys doing?’” Carter laughed.

“Everyone’s very curious, so I figured we should do something where people can just come by and say hello and see what it is we’re doing.”

Previously employed at the Boys and Girls Club of Ronan, Carter conversed with her former coworkers about let-

ting kids come by and not only learn about what goes into wood production, but also get some hands-on experience for themselves. A group of eight to ten kids, from fourth grade and up, will not only get to see at the sawmill how a product goes from a log to its little, workable pieces, but will also get to work with hobby wood to create some cutting boards they can take home for Mother’s Day. “If you go somewhere where kids can be hands-on with things, they engage a lot more

and it’s a lot more fun for them,” Carter said. “It’s an ongoing up and up thing. It’s getting bigger and better.”

In the spring, Carter says they hope to offer an open-door event or block party to invite the community to visit, but she emphasized people are free to visit now and see what they’re up to. Tech Woods USA is located at 35729 Terrace Lake Road E in Ronan and is open 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Mondays through Thursdays.

They can be reached at 406396-2298.

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16 - April 13, 2022

Valley Journal

PUZZLES LOS ANGELES TIMES SUNDAY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

“Assembling the Parts” By Paul Coulter

ACROSS 1 7 12

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Fruit stand buys One way to be taken Behavioral Analysis Unit’s org.

Govt. loan agency Mountains of __: Genesis locale Bar offering Heros, to some “Might I suggest ... “ + “Since you mentioned it ... “ = “I’ll be darned!”

Superior Wasn’t present?

Violent protester Car jackers?

Irish moonshine Honest about + “L’chaim!” = Realistic Netted, say Kennel club designation Angers Cliffside dwelling Defense secretary under Nixon Dear DOD intel arm Approached old age + Ready to sail = Joined the cause Archaeological site Noticed “__ ideas?”

Phone downloads Irritates Studied for a job?

Google find Lite Have credit from __ male

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Yell + Bent on getting = Need urgently Western __ Super Bowl LVI champ Some wedding guests Snacks, say Biting One may become a clichŽ Raise High point Marsh growths Brief “Out of the question” Sergeant’s order + Type of skate = Get with the program AOL alternative __ Elton John Morally instruct The Mick succeeded him as Yankee center fielder Letters after many a general’s name Full force Experts Patronize + Comfortable = Kind of parent Rouses Changeable type Thingamabob “Goddess of Pop” Hardly promising Cede + Pitching style = Climbing method Writers like O. Henry Aquatic mammal Beltway environs Writer Rehab hurdle Crystal-lined rock “Stagecoach” and “High Noon”

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When repeated, a fish Winged figure of myth Celebration with a tent, maybe Handel bars Apt grab rhyme Put away for later __ Clinton, historic English village that lent its name to a sports car Joke victim “A Hard Road to Glory” author Rent for fishing, say Do-it-yourselfer’s purchase Disagreements Mountain West river named for sheep Clinton said he didn’t do it Printing flourish Actor Dern Nile serpents Indian butter Patron saint of France Risky turn, maybe __ pie Frosh, probably Writes a new version of It’s a long story Brightly colored Hopping targets?

Clear (of) Common cat seat Well aware of Japanese-American Take care of Extra feature Dugout rack item Crude gp.?

“Aim High” federal org.

Merit badge earner

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Little men in the front row Delivery assignment Dig find Sonnet line quintet Like some bonds Auto option Velcro alternative Groom with a bill “M*A*S*H” corporal Chinese currency Authentic “Exodus” hero Crucial trials “Cast Away” escape vehicle Nevada copper town Vacation rental option “... roasting __ open fire” Cello parts Flipper Sask. neighbor Online customer service option Least fresh Deadline Asian noodle dish Lens cover French word of approval Managed Jersey __ Hit lightly “Bonanza” brother Really dig Sound file suffix China problem Able to see right through Had too much, briefly Fed. power dept.

Old food label figs.

Keep every one of TV pioneer

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Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

CRYPTO-QUOTE

One letter stands in for another. Single letters, apostrophes, word length and formation of the words are all hints. Each week the key is different.

CFENWPF TMM VDBN FTUUV SDSEHQP; QFEV STAE T JWHE CBPFWDH JDN DMY TGE. - XDDQF QTNAWHGQDH Ben Stone / Valley Journal

QUICKSILVER EXPRESSO TAKE A BREAK!

51999 US 93 • PABLO 18 - April 13, 2022

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Monday- Friday 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

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(near the walking bridge in Pablo) Valley Journal

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Valley Bank expands in new location

By Kristi Niemeyer For the Valley Journal

POLSON — Valley Bank, which recently moved its Polson branch into the former First Citizens/Unity Bank building near the intersection of Highway 93 and First St. W., is bucking the banking industry’s downsizing trends with its new home.

The spacious new digs, directly across the street from Valley Bank’s previous home, offer three qualities the bank’s management sought: better parking, easier access for customers and room to grow.

Valley Bank was found-

ed in Ronan in 1984 by Al Buhr and community investors, and continues under his leadership as CEO, and his son, Jamie, as president. The bank has branches in Pablo, Arlee, Hot Springs, St. Ignatius and Thompson Falls. The Polson branch opened in the Safeway store in 2006 and moved into the former Glacier Bank location next to the bridge in 2015.

While the latter spot offered expansive views of Flathead Lake, “parking was subpar and getting in and out, especially during summertime, was a nightmare,” said Polson branch manager David Lewing.

“Valley Bank always

wanted to find a more permanent home in Polson where we could found a full-service branch, but it was hard to find the ideal spot,” he added. “You want something with accessibility, visibility from the highway, and a drivethrough that’s easy for people to get in and out.”

When Unity Bank, which bought out First Citizens in 2020, decided to relocate at the Ridgewater development, the building became available.

According to Lewing, “it was exactly what we were looking for.”

First Citizens opened the bank in 1978, and the building has served as a

cornerstone of downtown Polson ever since. Its large lobby once housed several teller windows – reflective of an era that predates online banking. It was also built to accommodate all the equipment banks once needed, including check encoders and proof machines, and a sizeable staff.

With an increasing number of customers banking online via mobile phone and debit card, the banking industry as a whole is downsizing.

While moving into a larger facility appears to be going against that trend, Lewing is confident “the need for a physical

KRISTI NIEMEYER

Banker Laura Burland helps customers from her work station in the spacious lobby of Valley Bank’s Polson branch.

presence is never going to go away, and that’s how I think it should be.

I’m a firm believer in the community bank model,

the need for face to face interaction.”

Valley Bank staffs the main floor with seven

see page 20

Proud Community Partner “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” - Winston Churchill

2022 Customer Appreciation and Conservation Annual Meeting Date: Wednesday, April 27, 2022 Time: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Place: MVP’s Truck Garage behind the Pablo Office

Attention Realtors: Consider having your title work done by a locally owned and operated company dedicated to serving both our clients and our community.

Fidelity Title Agency proudly supports our local schools, civic organizations and charities.

Agenda We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and your clients!

No formal meeting will be held this year, but we will have a drive through event where you may pick-up goodie bags and information! Follow the signs to get your MVP Goodie Bags!

You must have a mask on when entering and going through the pick-up line.

We will also have a drawing signup on our website at www.missionvalleypower.org on April 27th only.

You can sign up once that day with your Name and MVP Account Number for the Grand Prize and other items!

Fidelity

Title Agency of Lake County

Drawings will be held on April 28th!

MVP will go Live on Facebook for the drawings. • Check our page for updates on the Starting time!

Valley Journal

402 First Street East • Suite 101 Polson, Montana 59860

(406) 883-6051 info@lclandco.com

Montana Land Title Association and American Land Title Association Member April 13, 2022 - 17

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE

By: Magi Helena for the Week of April 10, 2022 ARIES (March 21-April 19): Even if it feels difficult, wait for the time to be right. In the following week, you might rush ahead when others want you to wait. You may feel pressured to make premature starts on work projects.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Foster team spirit to minimize the size of a stream of work in the upcoming week. Avoid taking a loved one’s cooperation for granted.

Remain willing to compromise to get the ball rolling on a new project or agreement.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): When you say you mean business, you are not kidding. Be sure to handle your personal affairs with the same level of competence and attention to detail you expect from others. Widen your business contact network this week.

SUDOKU

CANCER (June 21-July 22): You may yearn for more play time when business calls for your attention. Avoid drama and misunderstandings with loved ones and family members as the week unfolds. The dreams you hold sacred may be well within reach.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Revise your decisions by including more consideration for the needs of others. There are times when it is better to put the other person first. Don’t be afraid to ask for forgiveness if you lose it or have a meltdown.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Money isn’t everything. Think through purchases and financial proposals carefully in the week ahead or you may end up wasting money to prove a point. Focus on spending time and money on your family.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Get your ducks lined up in a row.

Get everything streamlined and organized to enjoy the most beneficial results. You could receive the advice and support necessary to achieve a worthy and significant goal this week.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Take it slow and easy. Attend to the necessities of life but don’t let a desire for material success consume all your time and energy in the week ahead. Any display of temper will be counterproductive.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): There are times you must fight for peace or defend your ideals. It may be easy to get projects started in the week to come but do not forget to follow through. Avoid offending family members by being mindful of their feelings.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Don’t let any tendency towards self-indulgence overshadow your good judgment. You may be preoccupied by a research project or disagreements as the week unfolds. Don’t be hesitant to ask for help and assistance.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Weigh pros and cons carefully.

You are more likely to overspend than save as the week begins. Your open-minded attitude can attract levelheaded friends who will help you make wiser financial decisions.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): You won’t need to knock wood to enjoy good luck and blessings in the week ahead. A positive outlook and faith in the outcome of your plans will help guide you toward making the most helpful choices.

COMICS

©2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

©2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

Valley Journal

Answers in Classifieds April 13, 2022 - 19

bank from page 17

employees and has already rented six of the eight office spaces in the second story to two local attorneys and a Human Resources consultant. The new owners have also spruced up the downstairs with fresh paint, new flooring and window treatments, and added new signage. “She’s an old gal that needs some love,” says Lewing of the 45-year-old matron.

The extra space not only gives the bank plenty of room to grow, it also makes way for more community interaction.

A recent open house featured music by the

Montana ShamRockers, and Lewing envisions offering meeting spaces to community groups in the future.

The move represents another way Valley Bank is bucking industry trends. Most banks in the area have consolidated with larger institutions in the past decade: First Citizens was bought by Unity Bank; Security State is now part of First Interstate; and Ronan State Bank was purchased

by Community Bank, and is now owned by Glacier Bank. The only two locally owned banks still standing are Valley Bank and Eagle Bank, which is owned by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai

KRISTI NIEMEYER

Branch manager David Lewing says Valley Bank’s spacious new digs offer an opportunity for the locally-owned financial institution to expand its presence in Polson.

Tribes.

Lewing’s career in banking parallels many of those changes. After graduating from the University of Montana in 2010 with a degree in business management he moved back to his home-

town and went to work for Glacier Bank, working first as a teller, then in new accounts and eventually as a loan officer.

He was hired by First Citizens in 2018, and went to work in the same building he now occupies

before moving to Valley Bank in 2021 as Polson branch manager.

Like his employers, Lewing has deep roots in the Mission Valley. He grew up in Polson, the son of Port Polson Players producers Neal and Karen Lewing, and married Polson native Holly Wing.

The couple is raising their three children here, with the enthusiastic help of both sets of grandparents.

Lewing feels good about giving back to the town that raised him. The bank is active in community organizations and projects like the Coats for Kids program, offers student scholarships and helps support the Polson School District.

Banks across the nation played a vital role in keeping businesses afloat during the pandemic by dispersing federal Payroll Protection Program loans and helping individuals and small businesses meet their financial obligations despite the shutdown. “To have something of that enormity come down the pike and be able to help out was intensely rewarding,” Lewing says.

“That’s what it’s all about – supporting the people who are supporting you,” he added. “And to be able to do that in my own hometown for a locally owned company – it doesn’t get any better than that.”

vj

Bob Larsson receives recognition for 65 years as longest serving instructor in Montana News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks

KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks recently honored the service of its Region 1 (northwest Montana) hunter and bowhunter education instructors at an annual workshop in Kalispell.

The annual workshop is an opportunity for FWP staff and instructors from each region to review the program, discuss updates and new equipment, and to celebrate the volunteerism of the instructors. The heart of Montana’s hunter and bowhunter education programs is the corps of dedicated volunteer instructors. They stand as examples of how each hunter should demonstrate ethics, behavior and responsibility to themselves, landowners, other hunters and the resource.

At the 2022 workshop, several instructors were awarded for 20 - April 13, 2022

service milestones, ranging from five to 65 years. The latest local honorees are listed below.

Among those honored was Montana’s longest serving instructor, Bob Larsson of St. Ignatius. Larsson, 92, still helps in classes, working alongside his adult children and grandchildren who have followed in his footsteps and also serve as hunter education instructors. Larsson was the state’s second certified instructor after the Montana Legislature created the hunter safety program in 1957. Larsson’s son, Andy, accepted the 65-year award in Kalispell on his behalf.

Richard Hjort of Libby received recognition for 45 years of service as a hunter education instructor and 35 years as a bowhunter education instructor.

“The men and women who volunteer to mentor new hunters are passionate and dedicated

to Montana’s hunting tradition and to teaching firearm safety,” said Dillon Tabish, FWP regional communication and education program manager. “These instructors serve their communities in a very important way.

They deserve a sincere ‘Thank you’ from all of us.”

If anyone is interested in the future of hunting, in improving sportsmanship and safety in the field, or teaching an appreciation for the vast hunting resources in Montana, FWP encourages them to sign up to become an instructor. Visit: fwp.mt.gov/ education/hunter for more information or call Dillon Tabish at 406-751-4564.

Local Region 1 Service Milestones: 5 Years (Bowhunter Ed): Jason Clinkenbeard, Arlee; Tom Fieber, Polson; Michael Pierce, Hot Springs 5 Years (Hunter Ed): Jason Valley Journal

Bob Larsson, left, with his son, Andy.

Clinkenbeard, Arlee; Max Mayer, Rollins; Michael Pierce, Hot Springs Oby Schulz, Arlee 10 Years (Bowhunter Ed): Colette Morgan, Plains 10 Years (Hunter Ed): Russell Hunt, St. Ignatius; Colette Morgan, Plains 20 Years (Bowhunter Ed):

COURTESY PHOTO

Robert Larsson, St. Ignatius 20 Years (Hunter Ed): Richard Bondy, St. Ignatius; Robert Larsson, St. Ignatius 25 Years (Bowhunter Ed): Jeremy Plummer, Somers 25 Years (Hunter Ed): Robert Larsson, St. Ignatius 65 Years (Hunter Ed): Robert Larsson, St. Ignatius

obituaries Katherine Schnase POLSON — A life spanning from the year 1919 in a small town in Yugoslavia through Ellis Island, Chicago, WyKatherine oming and Schnase Montana to this year 2022, has ceased and the contributions of another member of the Greatest Generation are complete.

Katherine Elizabeth Burghardt Feiter Schnase, reaching her way into a second century at the age of 102, passed away Monday evening, April 5, 2022, at St. Joseph Hospital in Polson.

Katherine was born to Philip and Elizabeth Burghardt on Dec. 30,

1919, in Yugoslavia. She, her brother Joseph and her parents immigrated to the United States through Ellis Island on Dec. 19, 1923.

From there they traveled to Chicago where they made their home. Philip was a bricklayer by trade and Elizabeth a seamstress. In Chicago, a second brother, Jacob ( Jack) was born, and raised with Joe and sister Kate. Kate graduated from Park High School and secured a job at the Spiegel Store. She married Jack Feiter in 1940 and they had a daughter Jacqueline before Jack was drafted and sent to Italy during WWII. Jack died in 1944 in Italy serving our country, leaving Kate and Jackie at home. Traveling on vacation to Wyoming with her brother Jack, she met Orville Schnase (Sniz), an army buddy of her brother.

Later Orville would travel

to Chicago to ask her hand in marriage. Kate and Jackie then moved to the “wilderness” of Wyoming on Horseshoe Creek near Glendo to begin a new life.

It was there that Carol, John and Ken were born.

In 1954 Orville and Kate bought a farm/ranch west of Charlo, Montana. Kate learned about milk cows, hogs, horses, Herefords, chickens, apple orchards, rattlesnakes and driving tractors. Those things, along with meals, clothes, chores and getting the kids to the school bus on time, were routine for Kate. The family loved the homemade bread and rolls after school as well as the memorable Sunday dinners.

After the children grew and moved on, Kate and Orville moved to a 40acre farm adjacent to the original, which had been sold. There they kept the

horses and raised a few cattle and Kate took a job as a cook and waitress at a local restaurant. She worked there until Orville became ill. He passed away in 1991. Kate continued to live on the farm until 1994 when she moved to Ronan where she stayed for over 20 years. In Ronan she continued to be a part of the Senior Citizens, American Legion Auxiliary and Council on Aging. She also worked at the Breadbasket.

In 2016 Kate moved to St. Joseph Assisted Living in Polson where she developed a love and friendship with the residents and staff and lived there until her passing.

She was preceded in death by her husband Orville; brothers, Joseph and Jacob; daughter, Jacqueline; son, Ken; granddaughter, Sheena; and a great-grandson, Clayton.

She leaves behind sisterin-law, Ann Burghardt and children, Betsy and Peter; daughter, Carol Samson (Barry); son, John Schnase (Barb); grandchildren, Mike Winn (Theresa), Greg Winn (Sonya), David Ortiz (Lisa), Jennifer Lively (Todd), Charlotte Schnase, Nate Schnase (Leslie), Lee Schnase (Carlee); 14 great- grandchildren and 10 great great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice or to the Montana Community Foundation for the Katherine Schnase Permanent Endowment Fund of the Boys and Girls Club of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County.

Services have been held.

Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at: www. shriderthompson.com. Arrangements are under the

care of Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home.

Lori Trogden POLSON — Lori Ann Trogden (Williams) passed away at home in Polson, on April 1, 2022, surrounded by family. She was born on Dec. 17, 1960, in Butte, to Paul and Louana Williams.

For 20 years Lori Lori enjoyed Trogden helping the people in her community find a place to call home and cherished spreading the Lords love within her family. She was a devoted mother and grandmother whose legacy will forever see page 22

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obituaries from page 21

live on.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Mike; and her grandson, Bradley.

Lori is survived by her daughter, Christine (Seth); son, Derek (Erin); son, Matthew; and grandchildren, Julie, Destiny, Trinity, Alex, James, Abigayle and Corbin; her sister, Brenda; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services for Lori were held at The Lake Funeral Home.

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.

Joseph Brooks RONAN — Joseph Gerald Brooks, 77, passed to eternal life on April 4, 2022, with his beloved daughter Cindy, at his side, holding his hand.

Joe was born the tenth

child of Perry Eugene and Mabel Bell Brooks on Sept. 30, 1944, in Portland, Oregon, where his parents had temporarily relocated to work in the shipyards supporting America’s war effort. When WWII ended, the family returned to the beautiful Mission Valley where Joe spent his childhood exploring every creek, river, forJoe est, and Brooks mountain and developing hunting and fishing skills critical to his family’s survival.

Joe graduated from Ronan High School in 1962, where he was a star football player. There, he met Nancy Collins and his plans of college and playing Grizzly football were replaced by the hopes and dreams of a young husband and father. His son, Joe Brooks Jr., was born in 1963 and, to support his family, Joe volunteered for wartime service in Vietnam. He served in the Ar-

my’s 1st Aviation Brigade of the 11th Air Group of the 57th Aviation Company. If it had wings or a rotor, Joe could fly it, but he primarily piloted the De Havilland CV-2 Caribou Fixed Wing as part of the Military Assistance Command Vietnam. He logged over 1,000 combat flight hours and exhibited tenacity and courage in unimaginable conditions.

Upon completing his tour of duty in Vietnam, the Army assigned Joe to Fort Rucker, Alabama, to serve as a flight instructor.

There, his daughter Cindy Brooks was born in 1967.

Joe often reflected about the moment he met Cindy: how she opened her big eyes, looked innocently at her war-weary father, and the two became best friends for life.

After completing his military service with numerous honors, including the Army Commendation Medal for sustained acts of heroism, Joe returned to Ronan and built his family a home in the foothills of the Mission Mountains, complete with a backyard pond where his kids kept

their pet ducks. In addition to working as the Ronan City Foreman and serving on the Ronan City Commission and Lake County Joint Airport Board, Joe embarked on a lifetime of successful entrepreneurial initiatives, building numerous restaurants, subdivisions, Joe’s Conoco, the Ronan-Pablo Cable TV Company, and Ronan Power Products. He parlayed these successes into the purchase of what became the JBar4 Ranch, including the homestead where his parents lived during the Great Depression. He was a devoted conservationist and implemented an easement on the ranch dedicated to protecting pheasant and wetland habitat and the trout fishery in Mud Creek.

Over the course of those years, Joe and Nancy grew apart and divorced.

Joe was later blessed to meet Loretta Shima and become stepfather to her children, Shelly and Shane.

Joe and Loretta nurtured one another’s Christian faith while enjoying a loving marriage for 40 years.

They shared a special bond that inspired everyone around them.

Joe was the last of his generation, something upon which he nostalgically reflected with longing for those who passed before him, including his parents, Gene and Mabel Brooks, and his nine older siblings, Loyal (Frances), Jack, John, and Bob Brooks and Dorothy (Francis) Griffey, Ruth (Leonard) Hawk, Glen (Earl) Grotjohn, Della Bauer, and Pat Krahn. We have no doubt that there is lots of joke-telling occurring in heaven right now, with howls of laughter from the Brooks clan as they embrace their baby brother who finally made it home.

Joe is survived by his wife Loretta; his children, Joe Brooks Jr., Cindy (Lance) Melton, Shelly (Larry) Cordis, and Shane (Carissa) Shima and Jennifer (Kevin) Fortney; his grandchildren, Bobbi and Samantha Brooks, Isabelle Melton, Riley (Ashley) and Rachel Cordis, and Hunter (Lauren), Fisher, and Skyler Shima;

great-grandchildren, Ben, Alice, Aiyana, Kiara, and Hudson; sisters-in-law Ellen, Clarice, and Kathryn Brooks; brothers-in-law Marvin Bauer and Larry Krahn; and dozens of nieces and nephews who enriched his life and for whom he held great love.

There are no words that can do justice to the beautiful life Joe lived. He was a family man, teaching his children to hunt and fish while instilling the values of hard work, humor, courage, independence, integrity, and love. Joe was a voracious reader with his favorite subjects being the Bible, history, and politics.

He was self-taught and brilliant, with the ability to discuss and debate any topic in which you were willing to engage. Joe was also generous to a fault and demonstrated an extraordinary work ethic.

We will celebrate Joe’s life with joy on April 23, 2022, at 12 p.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Ronan. His ashes will be scattered at his parents’ historic homestead in the same place his brother Bob rests.

Tester, Daines bipartisan resolution recognizing National Park Week passes U.S. Senate News from the offices of Senator Tester and Senator Daines

U.S. SENATE — Bipartisan Senate resolution marking April 16, 2022 through April 24, 2022 as National Park Week passed the U.S. Sen-

22- April 13, 2022

ate recently.

“Our national parks help set us apart from the rest of the world, and in Montana we have some of the best,” Daines said. “Enjoying Montana’s great outdoors isn’t just a favorite pastime, it’s part of our way of life.

This National Park week, I

encourage folks to get outside and find their park!”

“National Parks are one of the best ideas that the Federal Government ever had, and we’re lucky to have two of the nation’s finest parks right in our backyard,” said Tester. “Glacier and Yellowstone help

Valley Journal

drive our $7.1 billion outdoor economy, provide beautiful landscapes for families to make memories, and hold significant importance for Tribal Nations throughout the West and in Montana.

As a proud supporter of our National Park System, I encourage everyone in the

Treasure State to get outside and enjoy one of our worldclass parks this week.”

Montana is home to Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park, and in honor of National Park Week entrance into all national parks will be free on Saturday, April 16.

calendar Rural Fire District Board to meet POLSON – The regular monthly meeting of the Polson Rural Fire District Board of Trustees will take place on Wednesday, April 13, at 6 p.m. at the Big Arm Station No. 2, 28565 Seventh Street in Big Arm.

Friday, April 15 Learn about business documentation KALISPELL/ZOOM — On April 15, “Documentation” will be taught (Zoom option).

Clear, concise and factual documentation that is constructive, corrective and positive is critical to any business. Receive guidance and samples for all types of employee personnel file information. Understand

the importance of training for all levels of supervisors who may contribute to an employee’s file. Through a partnership with FVCC, Mission West Community Development Partners offers the chance to attend these workshops free of charge. We will enroll you in the workshops and pay the fee. To be eligible, you must own or work for a for-profit small business with ten or fewer employees located in Lake, Mineral or Sanders County. Entrepreneurs who are planning to start a business are also eligible. If you’d like to enroll, call us at 406-676-5928.

Saturday, April 16 Participate in ‘Park After Dark’ guided hike WAYFARERS — Wayfarers is one unit of Flathead Lake State Park located on the east shore.

Valley View School

KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP

On the April full moon, April 16, at 8:30 p.m., join a park ranger on a 1.5 mile guided hike. This hike offers a unique way to experience your local trails and the shore of Flathead Lake.

Please bring headlamps, sturdy hiking shoes, water, snacks, and warm clothes (camera is optional). The cost is $4 and reservations are required.

Call the ranger station at 406-837-3041 ext. 0 to reserve a spot.

Registration is required.

Call 406-755-2706 ext. 0 to register. Please sign up for just one session.

Bring an Easter basket or bag for each child to collect eggs. Participants will meet at the picnic shelter before walking on a short 30-minute loop to search for Easter eggs.

Dress for the weather as the event will be outside.

Easter Eggs to be found at Lone Pine State Park

POLSON — On Wednesday, April 20, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Montana’s Poet Laureate with Mark Gibbons will take place.

You can join online at: https:/tinyurl.com/mtpoetmark or join the watch party in the large meeting room of the North Lake County Public Library.

Please register at 406883-8225 by April 18.

At least five patrons must register to have the watch party.

KALISPELL — Lone Pine State park is located five miles southwest of Kalispell.

Join us for an afternoon of fun activities including the great Easter Egg Hunt. The egg hunt will be broken up into four sessions starting at 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. and will include other activities after the hunt.

7 out of NO W

Wednesday, April 13

see extended calendar at www.valleyjournal.net

TO K

& Child Find

any questions

CALL 883-2208

Please Bring:

Immunization record & Birth Certificate

(must be a Certified Birth Certificate, not parental copy.

Can be purchased at the Lake County Courthouse for $5)

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12

NE SY OU

Celebrate Earth Day BIG ARM — Celebrate Earth Day on a guided hike along the shores of Flathead Lake. Learn about the different plants, trees, animals and other features at the park. This family-friendly event is open to all ages. The hike will meet at the entrance station at the Big Arm unit at 7 p.m. The cost is $4 and reservations are required. Call the ranger station at 406-837-3041 ext. 0 to reserve a spot.

Enjoy meteor shower viewing KALISPELL — The annual Lyrid Meteor shower will be back this year with a partial moon allowing the possibility to see a few meteors. Known for being one of the oldest meteor showers, the Lyrids will occasionally leave long trace trails through the

Jesus IS the only way. Will you trust in the Lord Jesus Christ to save you today?

You must trust in Jesus Christ To learn more join us at Lake City Baptist Church • 38907 MT HWY 35 406-465-8564 • Sunday service at 10:30 a.m.

Valley Journal

sky. We will go on a short hike to learn more about meteor showers, then return to the visitor center parking lot for viewing.

Call the visitor center at 406-755-2706 ext. 0 to register, as space is limited.

Cost is free.

Cowboy Ball held at Polson Fairgrounds POLSON — The 30th annual fundraiser banquet and auction, The Cowboy Ball, will be held on Friday, April 22, under the big tent at the Polson Fairgrounds. No host cocktails and the silent auction begin at 5:30 p.m. and the prime rib dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.

This event will feature sho down. Tickets are $60 each and are available at 219 Main, Wild Horse Framing, Muley Bluz in Ronan and PFI board members.

Come enjoy dinner, an auction and dancing. Proceeds benefit fairgrounds improvement.

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TH

Must be 5 years old by September 10, 2022 to enroll in school

“. . . though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

ED

Thursday, April 14, 2022 8:30 a.m to 3:00 p.m.

MT Poet Laureate plans online program

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April 13, 2022 - 23

seniors Polson

By Pete Mangels for the Valley Journal

POLSON — April’s full moon is on April 16, the day before Easter Sunday. It has been named the “Pink Moon.” It represents change, growth and renewal (think spring). It is also the time to get rid of things rather than save things. Garage sales come to mind.

My wife says it’s time to clean out my sheds. We’ll see. Maybe I will find treasures that I forgot about years ago. I’m sure they are still there. It’s fun to say, “Oh, that’s where I left that!”

“Tai Ji Quan: Movement for Better Balance” classes (Tai Chi or Shadowboxing) are starting April 12 on Tuesdays and Thursday from 10-11 a.m. for a period of 6 weeks provided by Western Montana Area VI Agency on Aging. Their phone number is 406.883.7482.

The cost is $30. Only $15 if you are a senior center member.

Tax assistance: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays and

Thursdays. This is the last week to file, ends April 14.

Exercise for Mobility: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 10:30 –11:30 a.m.

Tai Ji Quan, (TAICHI) Movement for Better Balance: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10– 11 am.

(See above).

Bridge: Tuesdays and Fridays – postponed but you can sign up Mahjong: Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m. (multiple tables) Pinochle: Thursdays, 12:30 p.m. (earlier or later if you wish). We play 3, 4, or 5 players per table.

Bingo: Fridays, 7 p.m.

Lots of fun, cash prizes, snacks. The number of bingo players is growing.

It is the only regular bingo game in the valley. Still fun for all over 17 years of age.

Bowling: Seniors’ group every Tuesday from 1-3:30 p.m.

Hearing Clinic: Every third Thursday of each month - April 21, from 10 a.m.-noon.

Veterans’ Rep: The first Friday of each month - May 6 and third Tuesday of every month - April 17 from 10 a.m.-noon.

Pool: Open billiards, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. We have purchased a new table cover and are working on new felt and bumpers. It has been at least 20 years since it was last recovered.

MENU (subject to change): — Wednesday, Apr. 13: link sausage and gravy, biscuit, carrots, pea salad, lemon bars — Thursday, Apr. 14: Salisbury steak, potatoes and gravy, mixed vegetables, pear-cheese salad, applesauce cake — Friday, Apr. 15: fish, mac-cheese, beets, green salad, chocolate cake Monday, Apr. 18: split pea soup, roll, creamy peach salad, cookie — Tuesday, Apr. 19: corned beef casserole, green beans, frozen fruit salad, peaches — Wednesday, Apr. 20: chicken thighs, sweet/sour sauce, rice, stir fry veggies, veggie aspic, key lime bars — Thursday, Apr. 21: corn dogs, spud tots, baked beans, green salad, pears The new 2022 AARP Driver Safety Course will be held at the Polson Senior Center on Tuesday, May 24, from 9 a.m. to

1:30 p.m. Call the center to register. The cost is $25 or $20 for AARP members. Take the course and get a Montana mandated discount on your car insurance.

Call us at 406-883-4735 or email us at: polsonseniorcenter@gmail.com or visit us at 504 Third Ave. E. We are open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. Lunch is available from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays for $5.

Dixon

14th: Easter meal – ham, all the trimmings — Monday, April 18th: ham/ bean soup, dessert — Thursday, April 21st: lasagna, salad, garlic bread, dessert Pinochle is back. Pinochle is being hosted every fourth Monday of each month from 7-9 p.m.

The next game is Monday, April 25.

Feel welcome to place an order in advance by calling 406-246-3310. All ages are always welcome.

By Heather Rush for the Valley Journal

St. Ignatius

DIXON — The Dixon Senior Center continues to serve our community and hopes everyone is staying happy and healthy. All are invited to come enjoy dinner. Meals will be served Monday and Thursday evenings at 5 p.m. Meals are $4 per serving and are deliverable to Dixon residents upon request. We are also accepting take-out meal requests for $5 per serving.

The menu for the coming week is: — Thursday, April

DOG AND CAT LICENSES REQUIRED Ordinance 2010-06 of the Ronan Municipal Codes states that no dog or cat shall be permitted to be or remain in the City without having a proper current license affixed to a collar, chain, or harness fasted to or upon each such animal. Licenses expire as of Jan. 1st of each year. 2022 Licenses can be obtained at Ronan City Hall, 207 Main SW, Ronan, MT.

24 - April 13, 2022

Valley Journal

By Irene Pritsak for the Valley Journal

ST. IGNATIUS — Our Easter dinner will be on April 20; a little after the actual day, but with all the

trimmings. We hope you will join us at 5:30 p.m. for ham, mashed potatoes, fresh rolls, cherry pie salad, veggies and Amish sugar cookies for dessert.

The menu: — Friday, April 15: baked fish, rice pilaf, Jell-O salad, chocolate chip cookies — April 19: beef bullets, vegetables, rolls, fruit, peanut butter cake bars — Friday, April 22: ham dinner for our delivery folks, grilled cheese sandwiches with tomato soup, salad, cherry cheesecake.

Our bake sale and bingo games are scheduled for Saturday, April 16, just in time for Easter. Please join us.

Gentle yoga takes place on Wednesdays from 1-2:30 p.m.

Have a great week.

schools St. Ignatius third quarter honor roll 6th Grade 4.0 – Aiden Courville, Kiran Thomas, Aiden Umphrey 3.5-3.99 – Adley Larson, Tristan Sheridan 3.0-3.49 – Gunner Courville, Revelin Hammond, William Morigeau, Kaiven Patten, Aryanna Robert, Kurtis Wood 7th Grade 4.0 – Anna Cronk, Madison Incashola 3.5-3.99 – Sierra Blood, David Broughton, Kieran Incashola, Van Starkel, Jozlynn Stenberg, Nashine Stevens 3.0-3.49 – Ava Clark, Misty Galarneau, Sterling Jensen, Jason Leishman, Lyla Wanberg 8th Grade 4.0 – Maia Christopher, Arianna Robine, Kitra Thomas 3.5-3.99 – Montana Alanis-Taylor, Damian Armijo, Sierra Girsch, Krugger Pierce,

Leslia Stops 3.0-3.49 – Destiny Courville, Jaden Fisher, Jake Helser, Brooklyn McClure, Deana McNutt 9th Grade 4.0 – Amelia Cronk, Isabell Grant, Sawyer Pule 3.5 - 3.99 – Toni Hadley-Houle, Madisyn Hanken, Jack Keast, Kason Page, E’Liena Peone, Lola Schock, Isaac Umphrey 3.0 - 3.49 – McKensey Burke, Hope Druffel, Evelyn Ferencz, Patience Matt, Elexa Monroy, Cameron Oliver, Layla Tenas, Matthew Umphrey 10th Grade 4.0 – Sackett Andres, Paisley Couture, Brianna Dillard, Izabel Evans, Ameah Hunt 3.5 - 3.99 – Lita Bourdon, Heaven Diaz-Morigeau, Kile Gowen, Sheldon McLeod, Keirston Molloy, Keithetta Quequesah, Jak Starkel, Ernastine Tapia Torosian, Jordann Underwood

3.0 - 3.49 – Bayleigh Jones, Codiak Killorn, Rowan McElderry, Emily Morigeau, Devon Paulsen 11th Grade 4.0 – Michelle Jury, Eliana Keast, Cassidy Orr, Kooper Page 3.5-3.99 – Chance Bockman, Natalie Helser, Kellen McClure, Canyon Sargent, Bryce Umphrey, Lettie Umphrey 3.0-3.49 – Nicholas Frost, Natalie Grant, Tre Heath-LaFrombois, Erich Mitchell Morigeau, Andrew Rush, Kariah Thomas, Matthew Watters 12th Grade 4.0 – Emily Hawkins 3.5-3.99 – Matthew Broughton, Kayden Carter, Alyssia Dillard, William Long, Domminick Paulsen, Alexandria Quequesah, Allyson Umphrey 3.0-3.49 – Cheyenne Alanis-Taylor, Nicholas Connors, Jazmin Druffel, Ross McPherson, Ashlee Peterson, Shelby Tryon, Ahni Umphrey

COURTESY PHOTO

Daines meets with Close Up students News from the office of Senator Daines

WASHINGTON D.C. — On April 6, Senator Daines kicked his day off with a Close Up visit with Powell County and Arlee High School students. While visiting our nation’s capital, the students were able to hear first-hand what it’s like to serve Montanans

in the U.S. Senate and get the Senator’s thoughts on Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine.

After the visit, Daines said, “It’s always a good day when I get to meet with young Montanans.

Powell County and Arlee High students represent Montana well and it was great to have them in DC today.”

Over $79,000 for Montana sourced products in MT schools secured Mission West Community Development Partners to receive American Rescue Plan funding to deliver Montana products to Montana Schools

News from the office of Senator Tester

BIG SANDY — As part of his ongoing push to support Montana small businesses and agriculture producers, Senator Tester secured $79,300 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding for Mission West Community Development Partners—previously known as the Lake County Community Development Corporation—in

Ronan. This funding is part of more than $7.8 million in ARPA funding Tester secured for 30 Montana small businesses, including 17 meat processing projects, and resources for three new U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) certified meat processing facilities.

Mission West Community Development Partners plans to use their funds to deliver Montana sourced, value-added products to

Montana schools. They provide leadership, community, and economic development assistance to Lake, Mineral, and Sanders counties and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to help address growth issues in Montana.

“As a former public school teacher, I understand how critical it is that Montana kids get the nutrition they need to focus on their studies,” said Tester. “I’m proud to have secured

this American Rescue Plan funding for Mission West Community Development Partners, and I will always fight to make sure Montana students are getting the resources they need to succeed in our public schools.”

Tester helped negotiate ARPA, which provided this funding, and he was the only Montana statewide official who supported the legislation.

In 2020, Tester held hundreds of meetings with Montana’s workers,

small business owners, frontline health care workers, educators, Tribes, and local officials to solicit input about what Montanans need to make it through the pandemic. Tester used that input to help craft the American Rescue Plan, which provided $20 billion in vaccine funding, $382 million for Montana K-12 schools, and billions for small businesses, rural hospitals and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

April 13, 2022 - 25

classifieds Announcements Auctions DAN KIEDROWSKI RETIREMENT FARM AUCTION ONLINE ONLY. Hogeland, MT (28 miles N. of Harlem, MT). View details/ bid www.ShobeAuction.com.

Bidding closes: Wed., April 20th, 6 p.m. Shobe Auction, Lewistown, MT 406-366-5125

Wanted WANTED TO BUY Guns and/or ammunition, old or new.

Whole estates/collections or single pieces.

Fair prices paid. 207-4641

Employment Help wanted Operator – In – Training.

Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/28601. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled.

NATIONAL MONITORING CENTER MONITOR - (ONE OR MORE POSITIONS) NATURAL RESOURCE DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must possess a high school diploma from an accredited high school or a GED. Possession of, or eligibility for, a Montana State driver’s license. Must be able to type at least 30 words per minute and have the ability to read a map and locate states and cities in the Western United States.

Experience in surfing the Internet. Training or experience with word processing and spreadsheet software WORD and EXCEL. Must be able to open a WORD file, cut and paste a portion of a WORD document, and save the WORD document. Experience in working and communicating with the public, or in an office working with other personnel where communicating infor26 - April 13, 2022

mation was important to that position. Must be able to work throughout the entire shift and be able to stay awake and alert for the duration of the shift. Must be able to communicate clearly by enunciating and speaking works in a clear and understandable manner.

Must be able to write clearly and legibly. 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 a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy.

The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary range is $14.59 to $16.77 per hour, plus benefits. Shift Schedule: Saturday - Tuesday (8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)

To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. #1259/1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, April 21st, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. NATIONAL MONITORING CENTER MONITOR (ONE OR MORE POSITIONS) - NATURAL RESOURCE DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must possess a high school diploma from an accredited high school or a GED. Possession of, or eligibility for, a Montana State driver’s license. Must be able to type at least 30 words per minute and have the ability to read a map and locate states and cities in the Western United States. Experience in surfing the Internet. Training or experience with word processing and spreadsheet software WORD and EXCEL. Must be able to open a WORD file, cut and paste a portion of a WORD document, and save the WORD docu-

ment. Experience in working and communicating with the public, or in an office working with other personnel where communicating information was important to that position.

Must be able to work throughout the entire shift and be able to stay awake and alert for the duration of the shift.

Must be able to communicate clearly by enunciating and speaking works in a clear and understandable manner.

Must be able to write clearly and legibly. 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 a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy.

The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary range is $14.59 to $16.77 per hour, plus benefits. Shift Schedule: Monday - Thursday (12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.) To apply, contact Personnel at 406-6752700 Ext. #1259/1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org.

Closing date will be Thursday, April 21st, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. Position Open The Town of St. Ignatius, Montana is accepting applications for the position of Chief of Police. The applicant shall possess the knowledge, skills and abilities typically obtained through a combination of education and experience such as a Criminal Justice degree, Certification from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and five years’ experience in police patrol, investigation and employee supervision. The applicant must possess a valid Montana driver’s license or be able to obtain upon employment. The Town of St. Ignatius

retains the right to perform a criminal background check and a personality evaluation on individuals considered for this position. Salary is negotiable based upon education and experience.

An application form and job description may be obtained at City Hall at 12 1st Ave, St. Ignatius, MT or by calling 406-745-3791. Completed applications must be returned to the above address or postmarked by 5 p.m. on May 3, 2022. Applications shall be mailed to Town of St. Ignatius, Attn: Mayor Daren Incashola, P.O. Box 103, St. Ignatius, MT 59865.

The Town of St. Ignatius is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

TRIBAL WATER RIGHT REGISTRATION SPECIALIST LEGAL DEPARTMENT (Contract position that expires 9/30/2023 with possible extension) Must have a high school diploma or GED and at least three (3) years of experience in positions related to water rights, hydrology, natural resources, legal, or relevant field. Must have experience in land location and land records research. Must have the ability to interpret maps and aerial photography. Ability to write reports and general correspondence. Must be proficient in the use of personal computers and Microsoft Office applications. Must demonstrate an understanding of the CSKTMT Water Rights Compact and CSKT Ordinance 111-A. Must possess a current valid state driver’s license and be insurable under the Tribes’ insurance policy. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, copies of relevant transcripts and/or certificates and a copy of a valid driver’s license to the Tribal Personnel Department, 406.675.2700 ext. 1259 or visit the csktribes. org website for the application. Salary range $20.00 to $30.00 per hour, negotiable based on experience. Closing date Thursday, April 28, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m. This is not a Testing Designated Position

Valley Journal

(TDP} within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. Eagle Bank FT Real Estate Loan Processor Come join our dynamic, fun team. Hours are M-F 8 am – 5 pm. Previous RE Loan Processor experience preferred.

Basic computer skills, ability to multi-task, attention to detail, ability to work in a fast-paced environment with accuracy, customer service oriented and proven reliability a must. High school diploma or equivalent required. Pay DOE. Applications available at www. eaglebankmt.com.

Eagle Bank is a Tribal Preference Employer.

Mail Services Manager.

Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/28730. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled.

REFERRAL COORDINATOR TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT 1 OR MORE POSITIONS The successful applicant must possess a High School Diploma or GED. One (1) year experience as a referral coordinator or similar type duties working with the referrals of patients for treatment and diagnostic students, or a minimum two (2) years’ full time experience as a medical receptionist, medical assistant, or other medical related field.

Prefer three (3) years’ medical experience with demonstrated customer service in a medical facility. Must possess a valid driver’s license. All applicants must submit a Tribal application and copy of academic transcript/training certificate, completed supplemental background questionnaire (contact the CSKT Personnel Department), copy of driver’s license, proof of enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming

veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted.

The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) months probationary period. Salary is $15.42 to $17.73 per hour.

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

Closing date is Thurs., April 21, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m. (MST) CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. Maintenance Plumber (Journeyman Plumber).

Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana. edu/postings/28476.

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled.

Laborer Montana State University – Bozeman. Facilities Services. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/25757. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled.

Supply and Inventory Associate. Montana State University – Bozeman. Facilities Services. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/28774. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled.

TRANSPORTATION PLANNER - (MAY BE HIRED UNDER A CONTRACT) NATURAL RESOURCE DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Transportation Planning, Urban Planning, City Planning, or Regional Planning or a Bachelor’s Degree in a related field such as Public Policy, Public Administration, Environmental Policy or Studies, Geography or Civil Engineering.

Education must demonstrate emphasis on regional and site planning, preferably with emphasis in the Transporta see page 27

classifieds Help wanted cont’d from pg. 26 tion sector. Experience must include a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in professional work environment, with emphasis on planning and plan preparation.

Must be able to work 40 hours a week, with additional time and evenings and/or weekends when necessary. Must have a valid Montana driver’s license during employment. Must have liability or full coverage insurance on personal vehicle (if used to travel off-site in performance of duties) and a dependable vehicle for transportation on and off job duty station. Must wear Tribal provided safety apparel as required.

Is required to wear CSKT safety apparel as necessary. Required to successfully complete a certified defensive drive course approved by the department. 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-DOE, with benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. #1259/1040.

Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, May 5th, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. Carpenter Foreman Montana State University – Bozeman Facilities Services For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on https://jobs.montana. edu/postings/28980. Equal Opportunity Em-

ployer, Veterans/Disabled WILDLAND RECREATION PROGRAM MANAGER FISH, WILDLIFE, RECREATION & CONSERVATION DIVISION – NATURAL RESOURCE DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must possess a bachelor’s degree in recreation management, or a closely related field, is preferred but not required in instances where an individual possesses five years of experience in the field of recreation or resource management. Training in fisheries, wildlife, forestry, hydrology, geology or other resource fields is desirable. Education or experience in management and communication is also desirable. The program manager should be experienced in backpacking, hiking or other recreational activities associated with mountain, lake or river use. Experience using tools and equipment for the construction of trails, campsites and other facilities is necessary. Education or experience in facility building maintenance and construction is desirable. Must possess a current valid driver’s license and be insurable under the Tribes’ insurance policy. Must wear Tribal Government identification and safety apparel when conducting field activities. Will be required to obtain online defensive driving training upon hiring and renew the training every three years thereafter. 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 range is $32.05 to $36.83 per hour, plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at 406675-2700 Ext. #1259/1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org.

Closing date will be Thursday, April 21st, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. CONTRUCTION TECHNICIAN (FURLOUGHABLE) NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT DIVISION OF ENGINEERING & WATER RESOURCES The successful applicant is required to have a high school diploma, GED or equivalent. Must possess a valid Montana Motor Vehicle Operator’s license and is insurable under the Tribes’ insurance policy. A Montana Commercial Class A, Type 1 driver’s license is preferred. The Construction Technician must have at least the equivalent of five construction seasons of experience operating heavy construction equipment.

Training at an approved heavy equipment operator school will be equivalent to one construction season of experience. The Construction Technician must have a working knowledge of traffic control on construction projects. A current Flagger Certification is preferred. All applicants must submit a completed Tribal employment application, certified copies of relevant academic transcripts and training certificates, copy of a valid Montana state driver’s license, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if you are claiming Veteran’s Preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted with the application. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) months probationary period. Salary is $22.05 to $25.35 per hour. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1259/1040.

Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, April 21st, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE (Polson/Elmo location) TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must possess a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from an accredited college of nursing. A valid and unrestricted Registered Nurse license in the state of Montana or compact state. Three years of full-time nursing experience providing direct patient care, with at least one year of Public Health or Community Health Nursing preferred.

Supervisory experience preferred. A background to manage and supervise a broad range of public/community health nursing skills and public health programs. Public Health Nurse certificate, within 6 months of employment. Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers certification, Heart Saver CPR does not qualify.

Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700 certification within 4 months of employment.

A valid Montana driver’s license with ability to operate a vehicle. Salary is $29.08 - $33.43 per hour, plus benefits, may be employed under a contract. To apply, contact the Tribal Personnel Office at (406) 675-2700, ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt.org. Tribal applications and full advertisement are available online at www.cskt. org. Closing date is Thursday, April 21, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m.(MST) CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

see page 28

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April 13, 2022 - 27

classifieds Help wanted cont’d from pg. 27 PUBLIC HEALTH EDUCATOR - (1 or more positions in Arlee, Mission, Ronan/Pablo, Hot Springs/ Dixon) TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must possess an associate’s degree in a health related field with a minimum of two years’ working in a public health, community health, or health care setting Documented experience providing education to individuals, families, and groups. Valid and unrestricted driver’s license. Heartsaver CPR or BLS within six months of hire. Salary is $21.80 $25.05 per hour, plus benefits, may be employed under a contract. To apply, contact the Tribal Personnel Office at (406) 675-2700, ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt.org. Tribal applications and full advertisement are available online at www.cskt.org. Closing date is Thursday, April 21, 2022 @

5:30 p.m.(MST) CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE WANTED Hate desk jobs? Enjoy meeting new people and engaging with your community? Join our award-winning staff. Help local businesses bring their message to an engaged readership! Ideal candidate is self-motivated, goal oriented with marketing savvy. Pay is commission-based: 20-25% DOE. Mileage, cell phone allowance and shared healthcare membership paid monthly.

Reliable, insured transportation, cell phone, basic computer skills including sending and receiving of attachments via email required. Serious inquiries only. Send letter of interest and resume with three references to summer@ valleyjournal.net.

Work Control Dispatcher **Recent Wage Increase** Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana.edu/ postings/26096. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled.

FURLOUGHABLE MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN II (1 OR MORE POSITIONS) SALISH KOOTENAI HOUSING AUTHORITY The successful applicant must possess a high school diploma or GED and two year’s experience in the operation of truck and/or equipment related to the installation of water and sewer systems, in both community and individual application. Must possess a valid Montana driver’s license (Chauffeur’s, Class 1 and/or Type A preferred). No alcohol related convictions in the last three years. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcript, a copy of current valid driver’s license, proof of insur-

ance and proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy.

The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) months probationary period. Salary range is $17.09 to $19.64 per hour and includes benefits.

To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1029/1259. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, April 21st, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

Vehicles Miscellaneous INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE

Auto /Truck Starters and Alternators. 305 units, all remanufactured and tested for earlier vehicles, prior to 2000.

Closing business. Selling off all rebuilt starters and alternators at 55% off retail. If your car or truck in 1997 or older, at this price you can afford to have a spare. Call Jerry at 406-207-4641.

Facsimile: (406) 556-1433 Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of SARAH S. STEVENSON, Deceased.

Cause No.: DP-22-25 Judge: James A. Manley NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Public Notices Legals Legals Ashley Burleson CROWLEY FLECK PLLP 1915 South 19th Ave. P. O. Box 10969 Bozeman, MT 59718 Telephone: (406) 556-1430

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed personal representative of the above estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or their claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to PETER HOLLATZ, the personal representative, return receipt requested, in care of his attorney, Ashley Burleson, of Crowley Fleck PLLP, 1915 South 19th Avenue, PO Box 10969, Bozeman, Montana 59719, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. see page 29

This week's puzzle answers: Crypto-Quote Solution CHERISH ALL YOUR HAPPY MOMENTS; THEY MAKE A FINE CUSHION FOR OLD AGE. - BOOTH TARKINGTON

28 - April 13, 2022

Valley Journal

public notices Legals cont’d from pg. 28 Dated: April 7, 2022.

CROWLEY FLECK PLLP By: /s/ Ashley Burleson Ashley Burleson Attorneys for Personal Representative VERIFICATION I, PETER HOLLATZ, declare under penalty of perjury and under the laws of the State of Montana that I have read the foregoing and that the facts and matters contained therein are true and correct to my knowledge, except as to matters stated to be on information and belief, which I believe to be true and correct.

Dated: April 7, 2022. /s/ Peter Hollatz PETER HOLLATZ April 13, 20 and 27, 2022 MNAXLP CALL FOR BIDS 911 DISPATCH WORK STATIONS The Commissioners from Lake County, Montana will accept bids for 7 dispatch work stations at the 911 center.

Five work stations in the primary center and two at the backup center.

Stations must be height adjustable and conform to ADA and ANSI-HFES standards. Vendor must be able to supply and install the backup center no later than June 15, 2022. Vendor must be able to supply and install the primary center no later than July 15, 2022. For more information please contact Mark Clary at 406-883-7253.

Bids must be delivered to: Mark Clary, Lake County Office of Emergency Management at 106 4th Ave. E. Polson, MT. 59860 or emailed to mclary@lakemt.gov on or before April 27, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.

April 13 and 20, 2022 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 14, 2022, a special election of the registered voters of the Elementary District will be held by mail ballot election on May 3, 2022 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 Thirty-Two Million Two Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($32,200,000.00), for the purpose of accommodating student enrollment, addressing student safety and deferred maintenance needs, and enhancing educational opportunities by paying the costs of designing, constructing, remodeling, equipping, and furnishing improvements to: Cherry Valley Elementary School, to include removing modular units and installing a secure main entrance; making improvements to improve student access and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act; constructing a new wing to contain classrooms and other learning spaces, a gymnasium, a music room, restrooms, and administration space; remodeling the existing kindergarten and second grade wings and kitchen; upgrading finishes; upgrading sprinkler and fire alarm systems; replacing all or a portion of the roof; upgrading the building envelope and replacing windows; making site improvements, including parking; and related costs and improvements; Linderman Elementary School, to include removing modular units and installing a secure main entrance; making improvements to improve student access and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act; constructing a new wing for classroom and learning spaces, a new music room, kitchen, and administration space; remodeling the existing security vestibule, library, breakout and resource spaces, staff room and related areas; upgrading finishes; upgrading sprinkler and fire alarm systems; upgrading the building envelope and replacing windows; making site improvements; and related costs and improvements; Polson Middle School, to include remodeling special education classrooms, science, technology, engineering, arts, and math classrooms, the existing

kitchen, main entry, commons area, restrooms, and teacher work spaces; building an outdoor learning space; replacing plumbing fixtures; upgrading sprinkler and fire alarm systems; utility work; upgrading the building envelope; 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-five (25) 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, 2022, 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 15, 2022, through May 2, 2022.

On Election Day, May 3, 2022, the only place(s) 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 3, 2022, in order 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 as soon as the ballots are available and until 8:00 p.m. Election Day; or (b) make a written request prior to noon on May 2, 2022, 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 by 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 the 8:00 p.m. Election Day deadline to be counted. If you are mailing your ballot it is recommended that you do so by April 29, 2022.

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 4, 2022.

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 Administrator 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 noon on May 2, 2022.

DATED this 18th day of March, 2022. /s/ Toni Kramer Lake County Election Administrator April 13, 20 and 27, 2022 MNAXLP William P. Williams, IV FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS, PLLC 324 Main SW Ronan, MT 59864 Telephone: (406) 676-4470 Attorneys for Personal Representative bill@fgwilliamslaw.com MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN L. STOKES, Deceased.

Valley Journal

CAUSE NO. DP-22-22

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed Estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or said claims will be forever barred as creditors of the decedent.

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

DATED this 28th day of March, 2022. /s/ Paul Stokes PAUL STOKES, Personal Representative April 6, 13 and 20, 2022 MNAXLP NOTICE OF HIGH SCHOOL BOND ELECTION 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 14, 2022, a special election of the registered voters of the High School District will be held by mail ballot election on May 3, 2022 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 Seventeen Million Seven Hundred Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($17,700,000.00), for the purpose of accommodating student enrollment, addressing student safety and deferred maintenance needs, and enhancing educational opportunities and workforce skills by paying the costs of designing, constructing, remodeling, equipping, and furnishing improvements to Polson High School, to include removing modular units and installing a secure main entrance; making improvements to improve student access and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act; constructing additions to the High School

building to contain science, technology, engineering, and math classrooms and science labs, music classrooms and associated storage areas, art spaces, tribal education space, common areas, and restrooms; constructing a new metal shop with classrooms and tool and material storage; constructing a new alternative high school space with group and study areas, life skills classrooms, restrooms, and storage; remodeling the existing special education classrooms, science classrooms, and common areas; sitework; 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-five (25) 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, 2022, 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 15, 2022, through May 2, 2022.

On Election Day, May 3, 2022, the only place(s) 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 3, 2022 in order 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 as soon as the ballots are available and until 8:00 p.m. Election Day; or (b) make a written request prior to noon on May 2, 2022, signed by the see page 30

April 13, 2022 - 29

public notices Legals cont’d from pg. 29 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 by 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 the 8:00 p.m. Election Day deadline to be counted. If you are mailing your ballot it is recommended that you do so by April 29, 2022.

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 4, 2022.

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 Administrator 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 noon on May 2, 2022.

DATED this 18th day of March, 2022. /s/ Toni Kramer Lake County Election Administrator April 13, 20 and 27, 2022 MNAXLP 30 - April 13, 2022

Montana 20th Judicial District Court, Lake County In the matter of the Name Change of Amanda Gullotta; Amanda Gullotta, Petitioner.

Cause No: DV-22-48 Dept. No. 2001 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE Judge James A. Manley This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Amanda Christine Gullotta, to Amanda Christine Gullotta-Nagy.

The hearing will be on May 11, 2022, at 10:00 am. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Lake County.

Dated: March 17, 2022.

Lyn Fricker Clerk of District Court

By Shannon Bojorquez Deputy Clerk of Court April 13, 20, 27 and May 4, 2022 MNAXLP PUBLIC NOTICE The Board of Lake County Commissioners Proceedings for the period of January 1, 2022 through February 28, 2022 are available for public review in the Courthouse at the Clerk & Recorders Office. Individual requests for personal copies will be accepted by the Clerk & Recorder at her office in the Lake County Courthouse. /s/ Gale Decker, Chairman April 13, 2022 MNAXLP Notice of Annual School and Special District Election Public Test of Voting Systems, Counting of Provisional Ballots, and County Canvass Notice is hereby given by the Lake County Election Administrator, State of Montana that the Annual School District and Special District Election will be held on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, by mail ballot. Ballots may be returned by mail or in-person at the Election Office (106 4th Ave E, Polson, MT 59860) between the hours of 8:00 am – 5:00 pm from April 14th – May 2nd and

7:00 am – 8:00 pm on Election Day, May 3rd. Electors will consider the following issues at the election: Arlee School District #8J two 3-year trustee positions; Charlo School District #7J- two 3-year trustee positions; one 2-year trustee position for the Dixon School District; Polson School District #23 two 3-year and one 1-year trustee positions, Polson Elementary and High School Bond; Ronan School District #30 2 three-year trustee positions; St. Ignatius School District #28 one 3- year trustee position; Arlee Rural Fire District one -3-year trustee position; Chief Cliff Fire Service Area two 3-year trustee positions; Pablo Water and Sewer District three 4-year director positions.

Ballots will be automatically mailed to all qualified electors on April 14, 2022.

A qualified registered elector who will be absent from the district during the time the election is being conducted may: a) vote in person in the election administrator’s office as soon as the ballots are available and until noon the day before the ballots are scheduled to be mailed; b) make a written request, signed by the applicant and addressed to the election administrator, that the ballot is mailed to an address other than the address that appears on the registration card.

If you miss this regular registration deadline on April 4th, you may still register for the election by appearing in person at the Lake County Election Office by noon on May 2nd.

The following events are open to the public and will occur at the Lake County Courthouse for the May 3rd Election. Public testing of the ExpressVote Voting System and DS-450 tabulator will be held at 9:00 am on April 21, 2022 and counting of provisional ballots will begin at 3:00 pm on May 9, 2022, in the Election Office.

The county canvass will be held in the Commissioner Chambers at 10:00 am on May 12, 2022.

DATED this 1st day of April, 2022. /s/Toni Kramer Election Administrator Lake County, Montana April 6, 13 and 20, 2022 MNAXLP

John A. Mercer Turnage Mercer & Wall, PLLP Attorneys at Law 312 1st St E Polson, MT 59860 Telephone: 406-883-5367 jmercer@turnagemercerwall.com MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: HENRY A. DOLEZAL, Deceased.

Cause No.: DP-22-24 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-entitled estate, and that the address of the Personal Representative is set forth below.

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

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

April 6, 13 and 20, 2022 MNAXLP Matthew H. O’Neill O’NEILL LAW OFFICE, PLLC 402 First Street East, Suite 201 P.O. Box 699 Polson, MT 59860 Telephone: (406) 883-5444 Facsimile: (406) 883-1585 matt@polsonlaw.com Attorney for Plaintiffs MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL

Valley Journal

DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY DENNIS McCRUMB, as Trustee of the DENNIS McCRUMB LIVING TRUST, and LUCY McCRUMB, as Trustee of the LUCY McCRUMB LIVING TRUST, Plaintiffs, vs.

THE HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF NORMAN J. SAGMILLER, AND ALL OTHER PERSONS, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, CLAIMING OR WHO MIGHT CLAIM ANY RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE, OR INTEREST IN OR LIEN OR ENCUMBRANCE UPON THE REAL ESTATE DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT ADVERSE TO PLAINTIFFS’ OWNERSHIP OR ANY CLOUD UPON PLAINTIFFS’ TITLE THERETO, WHETHER SUCH CLAIM OR POSSIBLE CLAIM BE PRESENT OR CONTINGENT, M.C.A. §70-28104, Defendants.

CAUSE No. DV-22-54 Hon. James A. Manley SUMMONS THE STATE OF MONTANA SENDS GREETINGS TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action, which is filed in the office of the Clerk of this Court, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to file your answer, together with the appropriate filing fee for each Defendant, with the above-entitled Court, and serve a copy thereof upon the Plaintiffs’ attorneys within TWENTY-ONE (21) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default, for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

This action is brought for the purpose of quieting title to land situated in Lake County, Montana, and described as follows: A portion of the S1/2NE1/4NE1/4 of Section 29, Township 23 North, Range 19 West, P.M.M., Lake County, Montana, more particularly described as Tract B on Certificate of Survey No. 4527, records of Lake County, Montana.

AND The S1/2N1/2SE1/4NE1/4 of Section

29, Township 23 North, Range 19 West, P.M.M., Lake County, Montana.

AND A portion of the N1/2SE1/4NE1/4 of Section 29, Township 23 North, Range 19 West, P.M.M., Lake County, Montana, more particularly described as Tract 2 on Certificate of Survey No. 4528.

Witness my hand and the seal of said Court this 24th day of March, 2022.

Lake County District Court Lyn Fricker, Clerk of Court By: /s/Mary Rensvold, Deputy Clerk Summons Issued at the Request of: O’NEILL LAW OFFICE, PLLC Matthew H. O’Neill P.O. Box 699 Polson, MT 59860 406-883-5444 April 6, 13 and 20, 2022 MNAXLP PUBLIC NOTICE The Board of Trustees of Ronan School District No. 30 will consider hiring Sarah Owens, daughter of Tom Anderson, member of the Board of Trustees, as a 4th grade teacher for the 2022-2023 school year at the regular board meeting on May 9, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. in the K. William Harvey Multipurpose Room. By virtue of relationship, the proposed hiring of Sarah Owens falls within the scope of Section 2-2-302, MCA. April 13, 2022 MNAXLP PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Resolution Requesting to join the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority The Lake County Commissioners will conduct a Public Hearing on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 11:00 am in the Lake County Courthouse, Room 211, 106 4th Avenue East, Polson, MT 59860.

The purpose of the Public Hearing will see page 31

public notices Legals cont’d from pg. 30 be to make a decision on a petition Requesting to Join the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority, established for the purpose of providing for the preservation and improvement of abandoned rail service in Montana.

The text of the Resolution is listed below.

RESOLUTION No. 22-15 RESOLUTION REQUESTING TO JOIN THE BIG SKY PASSENGER RAIL AUTHORITY, ESTABLISHED FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING FOR THE PRESERVATION AND IMPROVEMENT OF ABANDONED RAIL SERVICE IN SOUTHERN MONTANA BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of County Commissioners (the “Board”), as follows: Section 1. Authorization. Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated, Title 7, Chapter 14, Part 16, as amended (the “Act”), boards of county commissioners are authorized to create railway authorities. Under the Act, a “railway authority” may be authorized by law as either a county rail authority or by joint Resolution by two or more counties the counties may create a regional rail authority. The Act gives a railway authority all the powers set forth in the Act necessary to provide for the preservation and improvement of abandoned rail service, including passenger rail service.

Section 2. Purpose. The purpose of an authority is to provide for the preservation and improvement of abandoned rail service for agriculture, industry, or passenger traffic and to provide for the preservation of abandoned railroad right-of-way for future transportation uses, when determined to be practicable and necessary for the public welfare. The establishment of the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority provides: •A means to further the health, safety, welfare, and economic prosperity of the region by advocating for rail as a public transportation option; •The governance structure to investigate, analyze, seek funding for, and develop long-distance, inter-city rail service across southern Montana; and

•Other undertakings contemplated by the Act. Section 3. Name of District and Duration. The Regional Rail Authority (Authority), known and designated as the “Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority,” was created by a Joint Resolution Creating A Regional Rail Authority, last adopted on November 18, 2020. The duration of the Authority is perpetual, provided that, if no bonds, or other debt of the Authority, are outstanding and the Authority determines that it is in the best interest of the counties’ inhabitants or that the purpose of the Authority has been fulfilled, the Authority may dissolve the Authority pursuant to the rules established by the Authority.

Section 4. Governance. The powers of the Authority are vested in a board of directors.

(1) Appointment of Directors. The Boards of County Commissioners in the original participating counties appointed the initial directors of the Authority. The Authority will have the authority to increase the number of directors after the Authority is established and the appointment of the initial directors. If the Authority expands the number of counties, and directors, beyond the initial participating counties, each Board of County Commissioners in subsequent added counties will make board appointments to the Authority.

(2) Number of Directors. The Authority board will have at least five directors. If five or more counties join the Authority, the board membership will equal the number of counties in the Authority, with one member appointed by each county.

(3) Qualifications of board members.

The appointed directors must have an interest in furthering the mission of the Authority and bring varying expertise and knowledge to the Authority.

(4) Length of term. Each director will be appointed for a term of three years.

Section 5. Proposed Boundaries of District. The limits and boundaries of the Authority may be, as set forth below, enlarged to encompass in the aggregate the boundaries as approved by each participating county. The boundary of the area proposed to be included in the Authority for each county shall be the boundary of the county unless designated otherwise.

Section 6. Rule Making Authority to Enlarge District. The Authority has the authority to adopt rules pursuant

to MCA § 7-14-1631, including but not limited to procedural rules for the addition of a county not included in the original joint Resolution, with the county requesting to join adopting a resolution and submitting such Resolution to the Authority. If this request is granted or the county has been previously approved on a provisional basis by the Authority, the Board of County Commissioners of the petitioning county will select, pursuant to its own process, its representative to the board of the Authority.

Section 7. General Powers of Authority. The Authority has all the powers necessary to carry out the purposes of the Act, including but not limited to: (1) sue and be sued, have a seal, and have perpetual succession; (2) execute contracts and other instruments and take other action as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of the Act; (3) receive and disburse federal, state, and other funds, public or private, made available by grant, loan, contribution, tax levy, or other source to accomplish the purposes of the Act. Federal money accepted under this subsection must be accepted and spent by the authority upon terms and conditions prescribed by the United States and consistent with state law.

All state money accepted under this subsection must be accepted and spent by the authority upon terms and conditions prescribed by the state; (4) sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of real or personal property acquired pursuant to this part. The disposal must be in accordance with the laws of this state governing the disposition of other public property; (5) borrow money and issue bonds pursuant to MCA 7-14-1636; and (6) all other powers provided by Montana statutory authority.

Section 8. Public Hearing. Pursuant to MCA 7-14-1621(2), the undersigned County certifies that it held a public hearing and published notice of the hearing pursuant to MCA 7-1-2121, and published a copy of this proposed Resolution as required.

Section 9. Acceptance of Provisional Approval. Having been provisionally accepted by the Authority by Resolution 2021-2 dated October 13, 2021 Lake County passes this Resolution requesting to join the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority. The Board of County Commissioners of the County authorizes and directs that the Resolution be presented to the directors of the

Authority. Upon confirmation of receipt from the Authority, the Commission will appoint a member to the board and provide notice to the Authority of the appointment.

April 6 and 13, 2022 MNAXLP NOTICE FOR PUBLIC HEARING The Lake County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on April 21, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. in the Commissioner’s Meeting Room at 106 4th Avenue East, Polson, MT 59860, in conjunction with Mission West Community Development Partners (MWCDP) for the purpose of obtaining public comments regarding the needs and priorities existing in Lake County for public facilities, infrastructure, affordable housing, economic development and community revitalization, and particularly as those needs affect low and moderate income persons.

For those municipalities, sewer and/ or water districts, and organizations considering applications for funding to the Montana Community Development Block Grant Program, this hearing may serve as the required “first public hearing” to assess and document project needs. The Lake County Commissioners may utilize the feedback received at this hearing to prioritize projects that may need their support and consideration. Information will also be used by MWCDP in their efforts to record needs as voiced by the public for input into a regional 5-year Economic Development Strategic Plan which includes Mineral and Sanders County. Access to various funding programs available for public facilities, infrastructure, affordable housing and economic development will be discussed, including, but not limited to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).

At the public hearing, everyone will be given the opportunity to express their opinions regarding Lake County’s needs and the type of projects that should be considered. Comments may be given orally at the hearing or submitted in writing before 5 p.m. on April 20, 2022, and will be read into the record at the public hearing.

You can call 406-883-7204 or write to Lake County Commissioners, 106 4th Avenue East, Polson, MT 59860. Anyone who would like more information or who wants to submit

Valley Journal

suggestions may also contact Steve Clairmont, Mission West Community Development Part- ners, 406-676-5901. Lake County makes reasonable accommodation for any known disability that may interfere with a person’s ability to participate in this public hearing. Wheelchair accessibility is available through the sheriff’s department on the west side of courthouse.

April 6 and 13, 2022 MNAXLP Thomas Alan Kragh THOMAS ALAN KRAGH LAW FIRM, P.C. 306 Bayview Drive Polson, MT 59860 Tel: (406) 883-9327 E-mail: tkraghlaw@yahoo.com ATTORNEY FOR PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

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MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

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IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: ROBERT A. McLEAN, Deceased.

Montana

Probate No. DP-22-23 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to THOMAS ALAN KRAGH LAW FIRM, P.C., Attorney for the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at 306 Bayview Drive, Polson, Montana 59860, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED: March 29, 2022. /s/ Sean Thomas Amsbaugh SEAN THOMAS AMSBAUGH, Personal Representative /s/ Thomas Alan Kragh Thomas Alan Kragh AT T O R N E Y f o r P E R S O N A L REPRESENTATIVE April 6, 13 and 20, 2022 MNAXLP

Newspaper Association database your clearing house for Montana’s public notices! www.montana publicnotices. com April 13, 2022 - 31

CSKT Early Childhood Services Request for Proposal Lawn mowing and playground cleanup April 2022- November 2024 Early Childhood services had 11 building sites located on the reservation. The site locations are as follows: Polson Head Start- 301 8th Ave W- Polson, MT • Turtle Lake Early- 37181 Turtle Lake Loop- Polson, MT Pablo College Drive- 35639 Stanger loop- Pablo, MT • Pablo Early Head Start- 36156 Division St- Pablo, MT Ronan Early Head Start- 417 Andrew NW- Ronan, MT • Ronan Head Start- 30 2nd Circle NE- Ronan, MT Pache Early Start- 47181 Beaverhead Ln- Ronan, MT • Misson Early Head Start- 307 Old Hwy. 93 S- St. Ignatius, MT Mission Head Start- 28 Toweepah Ln- St. Ignatius, MT • Growing Words Early Head Start- 87 Alexander Ln- St. Ignatius, MT Arlee Head start/ Early Start- 72691 Lumpry Rd- Arlee, MT • ECS Administration- 37401 Mission Dr- St. Ignatius, MT

Early Childhood Services is seeking bids to maintain the lawns in these locations on an as needed basis. Lawn maintenance will include mowing, weed eating, and disposal of brush as requested. Some sites may need raking.

Lawn will need to be maintained inside and outside of the fencing area. Lawn care will average 1 time per week depending on weather and how fast it is growing. There may be times it will be every other week.

Proposal requirements: Proposals must include 1.) Ability to commit time, as needed, and upon request 2.) Proof of liability insurance 3.) Proof of Workman’s Comp or exemption certificate.

4.) Description of recent experience in doing this type of work.

5.) Detailed description of cost required to provide this service. Responses should be clear in terms of incidental costs, as well as hourly rates, travel expenses, etc.

6.) Proposals must be received by 4:30 on April 14, 2022. Mailing address: Early Childhood Services- PO Box 1510, St. Ignatius, MT 59865, ATTN: Doris Gainan

The proposals will be reviewed with a decision made in the 5 to 10 working days after bid closing.

This is an Indian Preference Proposal. We reserve the right to refuse any or all bids. For more information call Doris Gainan at 406-745-4509- ext. 5523.

Indian Preference Certification This is an Indian preference bid and Tribal contractors who wish to receive Indian preference must obtain a certification by the Indian preference office as a legitimate Indian-owned business prior to submission of the bids. This certification must be included with your RFP response.

The selection of the successful contractor and award of this project will be per the provisions of the CSKT Indian Preference Ordinance 101A. It is the sole responsibility of the bidder/respondent to obtain and provide proof of Indian Preference certification from the Indian Preference Office.

All proposals will become the property of the CSKT Early Childhood Services. The Tribes reserve the right to accept and reject and negotiate any element of any proposals received.

32 - April 13, 2022

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