05-31-23 issue

Passenger rail conversation comes to rural Montana

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

RONAN — The Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority (BSPRA) held a series of six community engagement meetings throughout rural Montana last week, including one at the Ronan Boys and Girls Club. Community members gave their input on the possibility of the restoration of passenger rail service through southern Montana.

Passenger rail service ended in the southern part of the state 43 years ago, part of the

ever-decreasing infrastructure and routes throughout the US. However, in 2020, community members from 12 Montana counties came together to form the regional passenger rail authority. Since then, eight additional counties have been added, making the BSPRA the largest transportation district in Montana.

With a goal of restoring and/or modifying past long distance Amtrak routes through the state, the organization is seeking community input to figure out what would work

best for Montanans of the 21st century. Their current project, funded by the Montana Healthcare Foundation to focus on how rail transportation can reduce health disparities in the state, will document what benefits communities could experience from passenger rail service with support from the Montana State University Extension.

A report generated with the feedback of Montanans will be submitted to the Federal Railroad Administration in hopes that they

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will recommend renewal of services when they report to Congress in November. This is part of the Amtrack Daily Long-Distance Service Study currently underway.

At the Ronan meeting, every individual in attendance spoke up in support of the idea of a rail service. One attendee pointed out that, while the conversation centered around starting with a long-distance passenger service, unlike long-distance airlines flights, passengers don’t have to travel from one end to another. Most passengers end up getting on and off at interim stops, meaning a long-distance route is also a regional and local route all in one. Numerous other benefits

for regularly scheduled public transportation were discussed as well. “As I get older, it would help me from a safety standpoint, when driving becomes more of a challenge for those of use reaching retirement age and beyond,” one attendee commented. This sentiment was echoed by several others who included both road safety and easier access to more distant medical care concerns. Providing safe travel during bad weather or in the dark of night were rail travel advantages discussed along with the draw of being able to work via Wi-Fi while travelling. Beyond helping locals with transportation, some attendees pointed out an additional benefit of expanded train travel would be tourists having a new way to explore Montana in the winter. This

could expand tourist season from just summertime to additional seasons and help small town economies.

The presenters also stressed that rail service would not compete with local public transportation, but rather provide a way to fill in existing gaps between services. They also are looking for more input on how best to support what they termed the “first and last mile,” meaning

some people would still have to travel some distance to reach their nearest train station.

A public survey is available online and the BSPRA welcomes input from those who were unable to attend the meetings. The public input report will be available online next month at: bigskyrail.org.

Those who respond to the survey are asked to do so with these assumptions:

- Passenger train service will be a train twice a day in both directions.

- Trains will reliably travel through all weather conditions.

- Passengers can rely on a consistent schedule.

- Trains will offer uninterrupted Wi-Fi connection.

- Train fares will be affordable.

Overall, attendees expressed excitement over the benefits a commuter rail could provide.

“Community and economic health are tied to individual health,” said Ashley Kent of the MSU Extension. ““When you know your community is thriving and vibrant and you’re proud of your town, there’s some intangibles that come to your mental and physical health with that.”

Ronan selects firm to complete downtown planning projects

News from the Ronan Chamber of Commerce

RONAN — The City of Ronan announced at Wednesday’s City Council meeting that it has selected KLJ Engineering to complete a downtown master plan and economic development strategic plan for Ronan’s greater downtown district. The firm was selected after a competitive bidding process that included several qualified bids and a diverse selection committee.

Mission West Community Development

Partners coordinated the selection process and will continue to facilitate next steps, to ensure that the master plan and econom-

ic development strategic plan are aligned with the Ronan’s goals and objectives. Engaged in the process are City Council representatives, economic development staff from Mission West, and members of the Ronan Revitalization Committee.

The master plan will provide a roadmap for the future of Ronan’s downtown area, including recommendations for physical improvements, public engagement initiatives, and a cohesive community vision. The economic development strategic plan will identify opportunities to attract new businesses and investments to the downtown area, as well as strategies to support

the growth of existing businesses.

“We are excited to partner with KLJ Engineering on this important project,” said Chris Adler, Mayor of Ronan. “Their expertise and experience will be invaluable as we work to create a vibrant and thriving downtown.”

The master plan and economic development strategic plan are expected to be completed within 12 months. The city and KLJ Engineering will host a series of community meetings throughout the planning process to gather input from residents and stakeholders.

“We want to make sure these plans reflect

the needs and priorities of our community,” said Whitney Liegakos, Chair of Ronan Revitalization. “The selection committee was really impressed with KLJ Engineering’s approach to public engagement and communication. They think outside the box and meet people where they’re at, so everyone can have a say in this process.”

The city is grateful for the support of USDA Rural Development and the Montana Main Street program. The funding from these programs will help the city to create a vibrant and thriving downtown that will benefit all residents and visitors.

About Mission West

Community Development Partners

Mission West Community Development Partners is a regional economic development organization established to provide leadership, community and economic development efforts for Lake Sanders and Mineral Counties and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

About KLJ Engineering

Based out of Bismarck, North Dakota and with an office in Kalispell, KLJ Engineering is a planning and consulting firm that specializes in aviation, environmental, funding resources, land development, oil & gas, power, public works,

right-of-way, structural, survey, telecommunications, transportation, and water.

About Ronan Revitalization Comprised of community volunteers from various backgrounds, Ronan Revitalization is a state-designated Montana Main Street program and a sub-committee of the Ronan Chamber of Commerce.

The City of Ronan and Ronan Revitalization will share more information in the coming weeks as the project launches.

If you would like to get involved in planning or revitalization efforts in Ronan, please contact Whitney Liegakos at 406- 833-0570.

“ When you know your community is thriving ... there’s some intabgibles that come to your mental and phycial health with that.”

- Ashley Kent, MSU Extension

This Week’s Weather Forecast

Healing Center ............ 5 Courts .......................... 6 Valley Views .............. 10 Governor veto ........... 12 Obituaries ................. 19 Seniors ..................... 23 Calendar ................... 28 Classifieds ................ 30 SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL

spring evening

contact

Kathi Beeks

Boone Goddard

Advertising Sales, Owner (406) 249-1728

boone@valleyjournal.net

Summer Goddard

Publisher, Owner (406) 249-1793 summer@valleyjournal.net

Office Manager, Copy Editor (406) 676-8989

vjmail@valleyjournal.net news@valleyjournal.net

Taylor Davison Editor (406) 676-8989

Jerry Beeks

Advertising Sales (406) 207-4641

jbeeks@ronan.net

2023

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

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New healing center opens in Polson

By Taylor Davison Valley Journal

POLSON — Ladies

Night in Polson’s downtown also saw a ribbon cutting event for a unique new business in town: the Satori Holistic Healing Center.

“It went really well. I bought way too much food, but it was really good,” laughed owner Brianna Seidel, as she spoke of the grand opening. Around 200 people came by to learn about the business, which Seidel said she’s been working towards opening for some time.

“A healing center has been a dream of mine forever,” Seidel explained. “I started about a year and a half ago really getting serious and looking for a space because I’d become a yoga instructor.”

Seidel, a licensed massage therapist for the past 20 years, originally offered her services out of what’s now the entryway of the Healing Center’s location

at 6 Third Ave. W. Prior to moving into the larger area, she worked from her original location for 18 years. “It was a huge undertaking … I had to do a lot of demolition and a lot of work to get (the building) to where it is now,” Seidel said. “It was a big labor of love, but I’m so excited at where it is now and we get to enjoy it, and the community has just been giving me such amazing positive responses, so I’m really excited about it.”

While massage and yoga aren’t new to the area, several of Satori’s offerings haven’t been seen before in Polson. “I think all of it is kind of new,” Seidel commented. “I think breathwork is very new to Polson … same with the sound healing, and the full moon and new moon women’s circles.”

The breathwork offered by Satori is something called Rebirthing Breathwork Mastery (RBM), which is described on the

business’ website as learning an awareness of the body to unravel anything in the way of achieving desires. Sound healing, performed by Bill Cael, with ancient Tibetan singing bowls, is described as using the vibration and frequency of a sound bath to heal. At least one of their offerings is Seidel’s

own creation, a yoga class that’s a combination of gentle and restorative yoga as well as massage. “I love restorative (yoga). It’s one of my absolute favorites because we are so busy throughout our day and we don’t take that time to really slow down and just allow ourselves to listen to our bodies and to

US 93 rumble strip installation completed

Spring roadwork finished between Wye, Big Arm

News from Big Sky Public Relations

RONAN — The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) in partnership with HighMark Traffic Services Inc. announces completion of the

roadwork project on US Highway 93 (US 93) between the Interstate 90 (I 90) Wye Interchange and Big Arm. Rumble strips were added to portions of US 93 south of Evaro near the BuckSnort Steakhouse; north of Ashley River Road to just south of Timberlane Road between St. Ignatius and Ronan; and north of Polson

from Wilderness Valley Road toward Melita Island Road.

“Rumble strips on this busy highway are a strong safety enhancement feature. HighMark Traffic Services did a great job getting the job completed well and without much delay,” said MDT Construction Engineer John Schmidt.

All construction took place

heal,” Seidel said. “I started kind of synergizing (massage and yoga) and I practiced on my clients beforehand, and it’s been really great.”

The Healing Center will soon expand their catalog, including more traditional things like Zumba and dance classes. To see an entire list

at night to reduce traffic delays.

“Working at night on this project was a great success in reducing major traffic delays. Thanks for everyone’s patience,” said Brad Meyer of HighMark Traffic Services.

Rumble strips help to reduce roadway departure crashes. They are a low-cost, high-impact safety measure that also

of their offerings and to learn more about the classes new to the area, visit: satorihhc.com

“We’re just really excited to serve the community and to be able to offer so many different arrays of healing and types of things we just don’t have offered in Polson,” Seidel said.

serve as a guideline to vehicles in low-visibility winter months.

Safety projects like this keep Montana roadways safe and in good condition over time. Questions or media inquiries? Please contact Becca at becca@bigskypublicrelations. com or call our project hotline at 406-207-4484.

COURTESY PHOTO

Brianna Seidel holds the scissors after the ribbon cutting at her new business on Polson’s Ladies Night.

Stories by Jeff Smith of Anderson Broadcasting for the Valley Journal

Lemler pleads not guilty to strangulation

POLSON — A Missoula man is accused of strangling a woman and his baby’s mother. Brent Michael Lemler, 33, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court May 25 to felony strangulation

of a partner or family member and misdemeanor criminal destruction or tampering with a communications device.

According to court records, on Oct. 1, 2022, a Lake County Sheriff’s deputy responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in Polson. A witness at the scene told the responding deputy that Lemler choked a woman identified only by the initials C.S.

C.S. indicated that she and Lemler were arguing over child custody when the argument turned physical. Lemler allegedly punched C.S. in the face. C.S. threatened to call law enforcement. That’s when Lemler allegedly took the phone and threw it against a wall. C.S. tried to escape to her brother’s house next door to call 911, but Lemler followed her. Lemler caught

Pierre pleads not guilty to theft

POLSON — A Ronan woman is accused of making unauthorized purchases on her former employer’s account eight years ago.

Danielle Lea Pierre, 33, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court on May 25 to theft by common scheme, felony.

According to court records on Aug. 4, 2015, Polson Police responded to Super 1 Foods on a report of unauthorized transactions being made on a local business’s account. A representative

of the business said four transactions were charged on the business’s account between April 2015 and Aug. 2015. The transactions totaled to $1,750.22.

Pierre is a former employee of the business that incurred the unauthorized transactions and did not have authority to charge goods to the account.

Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher set the case for trial Nov. 27. Pierre is at liberty.

USDA to aid organic dairy producers

News from the USDA

BOZEMAN — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), announces assistance for dairy producers with the new Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP). ODMAP is established to help mitigate market volatility, higher input and transportation

costs, and unstable feed supply and prices that have created unique hardships in the organic dairy industry. Specifically, under the ODMAP, USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is making $104 million available to organic dairy operations to assist with projected marketing costs in 2023, calculated using their marketing costs in 2022.

up with her and allegedly grabbed her by the throat, lifting her off the ground before slamming her onto a car. He then allegedly choked for about another 10 seconds before the witness intervened. The deputy observed a bruise beginning to form on C.S.’s eye and scratches on her upper chest. The deputy also observed a hole in the wall from the phone being thrown

against it.

In a separate matter, Lemler entered a plea of not guilty to criminal possession of dangerous drugs. That charge stems from a traffic stop on June 3, 2021, in which a syringe loaded with methamphetamine was found.

Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher set both matters for trial Nov. 27. Lemler remains at liberty.

Wetherelt pleads not guilty to endangerment

POLSON — A Polson man is accused of being impaired when he rolled his vehicle with a child inside. Corey Robert Wetherelt, 22, entered a plea of not guilty at District Court in Polson on May 24 to felony criminal endangerment.

According to court records, on April 5, Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Julian Gallegos was dispatched to a report of a single vehicle crash on U.S. Highway 93 near mile marker 68. One motorist and witness indicated that the vehicle in front of him came around the corner traveling southbound and drifted off the side of the road, then appeared to over-correct before rolling and landing up against a tree. Wetherelt told Trooper

Gallegos that he had to brake suddenly because of the vehicle in front of him. The witness told the trooper that there was no vehicle in front of Wetherelt’s.

Trooper Gallegos noticed alcoholic beverages beside Wetherelt’s vehicle. The trooper could also smell the odor of alcohol coming from Wetherelt. Wetherelt initially denied having consumed alcohol prior to the crash, and later admitted that he had consumed two “jack and cokes” earlier that day. Results of a blood draw were pending as of the arraignment hearing. Wetherelt’s sole passenger was a oneyear-old child.

Judge Molly Owen set a trial date of Nov. 6. Wetherelt remains at liberty.

Brent Lemler

Caye sentenced for assault

POLSON — A Polson man is accused of pointing a handgun at a group of people. He was sentenced in Polson District Court on May 24 to the Montana State Prison for 10 years with all but time served suspended. Nathan Caye, 21, entered a plea of guilty to a single count of felony assault with a weapon. The plea was entered as part of an agreement reached earlier that dismisses two counts of the same.

According to court records, on Nov. 26, 2022, Polson Police were dis-

patched to a report of a fight at the VFW tavern on Polson’s Main Street. Upon arrival, police observed multiple people engaged in an altercation on the sidewalk in front of the VFW. As police approached the scene, several people indicated that someone had a firearm. Police observed a male attempting to leave the scene. He was ordered to stop and speak with them. The man, instead, grabbed an object from his waistband and discarded it into a nearby garden planter. Police

quickly moved in and detained the man. Police found the firearm in the garden planter. Surveillance at the tavern shows Caye as the one with the gun. At one point the video shows Caye point the firearm at one male, then a second male, and finally at a crowd of people.

Judge Molly Owen gave Caye credit for having already served 13 days in the Lake County Jail and ordered Caye to forfeit a Smith & Wesson handgun and its ammunition.

Colon pleads not guilty to endangerment

POLSON — A Missoula man is accused of endangering other motorists when he led police on a high-speed pursuit through Lake County. Byron Joseph Colon, 31, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court on May 25 to felony criminal endangerment.

According to court records, on April 3, Colon was the subject of a routine traffic stop by law enforcement. Colon allegedly fled the traffic stop at about 90 miles

per hour through heavily trafficked roads, even crossing U.S. Highway 93 in the Ronan area. At one point, Colon’s vehicle slowed long enough for two passengers to exit his vehicle. Colon then fled southbound on U.S. Highway 93 and east to N. Crow Road. The pursuit continued, eventually leading law enforcement back to the Ronan area and onto Round Butte Road. Other motorists had to take evasive action to avoid being hit before Colon lost control of his vehicle on Round Butte Road. That’s where he was taken into custody.

Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher set the case for trial Nov. 27.

CSKT Early Childhood Services Jobs Available

1 or more Contract Positions (June 15, 2023)

1 or more positions available

• Special Services Aide (Various locations) - $14.33 –$16.47

• Infant/Toddler Teacher (Various locations) - $15.13 –17.39

• Cook (Ronan) - $14.24 - $16.36

• Head Start Teacher Aide (Various locations) - $13.48 –$15.49

• Bus Driver - (Part-Time, Various locations) – $13.73$15.78

• Head Start & Early Head Start Substitute (Various locations) - Wage negotiable depending on education and experience

• Head Start/Early Head Start Aide in Training (Various locations) - $10.82 - $12.44

• Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher/Supervisor (Various locations) - $23.09 – $26.54

• Head Start Teacher/Supervisor (Various locations)$23.48 – $26.99

• Cultural Specialist (Various) - $18.66 - $21.45

• Grandparent (Various) - $12.20 - $14.05

All positions must pass drug test and complete a Criminal Record Check including finger-printing, (no violence against children or individuals, no domestic violence, no sexual abuse or violent acts against children or any person) prior to employment and every 2 years thereafter; subject to random drug testing through the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Personnel Department.

Interested applicants can get a copy of the full position description at the Tribal Personnel Office or at the Early Childhood Services Admin Office in St. Ignatius (Neil Charlo Building). All applicants must submit a completed Tribal employment application. Copy of relevant academic transcript/training certifications. Copy of current valid driver’s license. Completed supplemental background questionnaire. Proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT. If claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS.

Please contact CSKT Early Childhood Services at 406-745-4509 ext. 5506, or CSKT Personnel at 406-675-2700 ext. 1295 for more information.

Stories by Jeff Smith of Anderson Broadcasting for the Valley Journal

courts

Byron Colon

Senate Bill 109 redefines PSC District boundaries

News from the Montana Public Service Commission

HELENA — Following the passage and signing of SB 109, the Montana Public Service Commission announces the creation of new boundaries for the five PSC districts.

SB 109, carried by Senator Keith Regier and signed into law by Gov. Gianforte, uses the newly established Montana House of Representatives district map to create the boundaries of the revised PSC districts. PSC districts are no longer determined by county boundary lines.

Under the recently enacted legislation, each of Montana’s seven most populated cities, excluding Butte, will now be represented by two commissioners instead of the previous one commissioner scenario.

The five commission districts are as follows:

Commission District #1 (Commissioner Randall Pinocci) is comprised of the following House Districts: 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 43, 44, 45. This district encompasses part of Great Falls and part of Billings, running east across the highline and south along the North and South Dakota borders.

Commission District #2 (Commissioner Anthony O’Donnell) is comprised of the following House Districts: 39, 40, 41, 42, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 61, 62. This district encompasses the majority of Billings and the eastern portion of Bozeman, running from Bighorn County along the Wyoming border to Gallatin County.

Commission District #3 (Commissioner James Brown) is comprised of the following House Districts: 37, 60, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 77, 78, 79, 85, 86. This district encompasses all of Butte as well as the western portion of Bozeman and Helena, running from Ravalli County through to Petroleum County.

Commission District #4 (Commissioner Jennifer Fielder) is comprised of the following House Districts: 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 87, 88, 89, 90, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 100. This district encompasses the majority of Missoula, as well as portions of Kalispell, running

from Lincoln County to the northern half of Ravalli County and along the Idaho border.

Commission District #5 (Commissioner Dr. Annie Bukacek) is comprised of the following House Districts: 3, 4, 5, 7, 11, 15, 16, 17, 24, 25, 76, 18, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 91, 92, 99. This district encompasses the majority of Kalispell, as well as parts of Great Falls and Missoula. This district runs from Glacier and Tool Counties south to Powell and Lewis and Clark Counties.

In an effort to allow citizens of Montana to easily identify their commissioner, the staff at the PSC is working on an inter-

active feature on the PSC website that will identify PSC districts by city, town, and address. The new districts are generally depicted as in the accompanying photograph.

The mission of the PSC is to balance the interests of regulated utilities and the customers they serve in order to ensure that Montanans receive reliable service at justified rates. The public is reminded that the Montana Consumer Council is constitutionally designated to represent the interests of ratepayers and the public. Contact ssnow@mt.gov at the Montana Consumer Council for additional ratepayer information or

call 406-444-2771.

The Montana Public Service Commission regulates private, investor-owned natural gas, electric, landline telephone, water and sewer companies, certain motor carriers, and manages safety programs for natural gas pipelines and railroads in Montana. State and federal law requires the Commission to allow regulated utilities to recover their actual costs of providing public utility services. For more information, visit: psc.mt.gov or call 1-800-646-6150. Follow the Commission at Twitter. com/@MT_PSC or check for updates at Facebook.com/MontanaPSC.

COURTESY PHOTO

PSC District map

valley views Celebrate the expanded educational opportunities

As our more than 9,000 students prepare to receive that honorable Montana diploma from our 173 high schools, I reflect on this past year and look forward to the next. Future graduating classes will have an increase in innovative educational opportunities. I am grateful that the 68th legislature focused on parents, students, families, and expanding freedom and transparency in education. I also appreciate the Board of Public Education for accepting the new student-centered school accreditation process to support teachers, school administrators, and trustees.

As State Superinten-

dent I championed four legislative requests that put our Montana students first:

1 . Prioritizing funding our schools through BASE Aid because a promise is a promise.

education system was realized through:

- The creation of public charter schools and community choice schools.

Valley Views

Elsie Arntzen Montana State Superintendent

2. Supporting the mental health needs of students.

3. Revising teacher license fees. My promise to our Montana teachers is that I will not increase teacher licensing fees.

4. Funding to update audiology equipment in Montana schools.

All four asks were granted.

The focus of delivering a flexible and innovative

- Funding the Teacher Residency Program to aid in teacher recruitment through student teaching.

- The development of Career Coaches to make our students Montana Ready.

- A student focus on transformational and personalized learning.

All these closely align with my Montana Alternative Student Testing (MAST) Pilot program that accurately measures the success of teaching and learning while re-

moving a federally mandated one-size-fits-all test.

One of my top priorities for education is getting back to the basics of Math and Reading. I appreciate that the legislature established an Early Literacy Targeted Intervention program for kindergarten through third grade. This program funds the following:

- a classroom-based early reading program

- a home-based reading program, or

- an early reading jumpstart or summer immersion program

Montana school accreditation rules were decades old and in need of revision. During the May 11-12 Board of

Public Education meeting the new accreditation process was unanimously adopted. This new system replaces the antiquated check the box system with a new student-centric approach. Schools will be required to focus on family and community engagement and measure student academic outcomes. This system emphasizes that local control is local accountability and ensures all students receive a quality education as stated in our Montana Constitution.

I am thankful that more parent and family voices were sincerely heard during this legislative session. Parents are the first teachers.

Take on China to defend our Montana way of life

With the weather finally warming up here for spring time, I’ve been spending a lot of time out on my tractor finishing up planting.

Every year, I plant my fields with crops like wheat, barley, peas, and millet. The days are long – Sharla and I start early in the morning and work late until the job is done – but as Montanans know, hard work is rewarding and always reminds us how lucky

we are to live here in Montana. Our Montana way of life is what makes us The Last Best Place, and it’s worth defending for our kids and grandkids.

Legislative Notes

Unfortunately, it’s no secret that there are hostile countries who don’t respect our Montana values and want to undermine America’s place as the world’s leading economic and mili-

tary superpower.   I won’t sugarcoat it: the Chinese Communist Party is the pacing threat facing our country, and they want to take our place on the world stage. Montanans deeply value our freedom and privacy, and China is working to undermine those American values right before our eyes. We

can’t let that happen. It was only a few short months ago that Montanans were able to literally look up into the sky and see China’s direct threat floating across our airspace. The Chinese spy balloon that we watched drift across our state – including over Malmstrom Air Force Base, the home of our intercontinental ballistic missiles – was an unacceptable incursion and one that should never be tolerated. I have

Blessings to the families of our graduating class of 2023. Our future Montana graduating classes will be celebrated by the many gifts of this legislature.

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.

been a leading voice in the Senate to get answers about the spy balloon, and I’ll hold anyone in Washington accountable until we make sure our military has the tools they need to prevent it from ever happening again.

And while the spy balloon certainly got a lot of headlines, the truth is that China has been working to undermine us for a long time now.

see page 11

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

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

Sen. Jon Tester

from page 10

It’s not just our airspace – you may have heard that China is also trying to buy up Montana’s and America’s farmland. As a third-generation farmer, I know that China buying up our farmland poses two threats: it would hurt our food security and our national security. Montana farmers and ranchers feed the world, and if China is able to disrupt our food supply, the impact would be devastating for agribusinesses and consumers. And allowing China to own farmland near sensitive military sites, like we’ve seen happen in North Dakota, is an obvious and direct threat to our national security. We can never let  this happen, so I’m working with my colleagues in Congress to pass a law that will prevent China and other hostile countries from ever buying American farmland. It’s clear that China is actively working to undermine Montana and our country from all angles, and the alarm bell is ringing loudly. Too many folks in Washington like to make a lot of noise about issues facing our country but don’t seem to take much action. But that’s not

the Montana way. Montanans have always expected their elected leaders to work across the aisle to deliver real, lasting results for our state and our national security.

As the Senator who oversees our country’s defense budget, I’m working hard to ensure we secure a budget that gives our military all the tools they need to defend our freedoms and stay ahead of the pacing threat of China.

I’ve worked with both Republicans and Democrats to pass legislation investing in American manufacturing, so that we are not reliant on China for things like computer chips and semiconductors. And I’ll continue fighting to stop China from spying on Americans, whether it’s in our airspace or on our farmland.

At the end of the day, I will always do what’s best for Montana. It’s the only place Sharla and I have ever called home, so you’ve got my word that I’ll continue holding anyone accountable to protect Montana values, and ensure America maintains our rightful position as the world’s premier economic and military power.

Just like the work I do on the farm, I won’t rest until the job is done.

Tort reform lowers costs on small businesses

As the Montana Insurance Commissioner, I am often asked about high premiums in certain lines of insurance. One example is rising premiums in wildfire risk areas. This makes intuitive sense − if the risk of fire and loss is higher, the premium increases to ensure the insurance company can cover their potential losses.

An area of insurance that is not always as obvious is liability coverage. In public policy, it is important the law addresses damages to someone when there is obvious negligence that contributed to loss or injury. However, sometimes the law is too broad and covers more than what a normal person would consider reasonable

One simple example in Montana is liquor liability − the liability of a bar or restaurant if they serve a patron and there is resulting injury or loss. In recent years, several bar and restaurant owners reached out to me regarding the growing costs of insuring this liability.

The premiums were quickly growing, and these small business owners faced the very real problem of not being able to afford their premium payments to stay in business.

Valley Views

The question begs itself − if a server at a restaurant serves an apparently sober customer a drink, and that same customer goes elsewhere and drinks more until intoxicated, and then harms another due to their intoxication − should the server at the original restaurant be held liable?

The first step in addressing issues like these are to look at liability laws on the books and decide if they make sense. If not, the next step is to clarify and modify these laws to rein in what may be unreasonably broad while still maintaining the ability for a victim to seek restitution and damages when warranted.

This session, Senator Steve Fitzpatrick sponsored Senate Bill 107 to address this liquor

liability issue by delineating the circumstances when a server may be liable. This still allows a wronged person to pursue recovery of actual lost economic damages, while still allowing punitive damages under certain circumstances. SB 107 protects consumers and small businesses and gives clarity to liability exposure to help slow increases in liability premiums.

If we can find places where reasonable tort reform will help reduce liability, while still protecting the public interest, we have the potential of making it easier and less expensive for businesses to operate, grow, innovate, and hire more employees in our great state.

I applaud Senator Fitzpatrick and the Montana Tavern Association for addressing this root cause of rising premiums, and Governor Gianforte for signing this into law.

Troy Downing is the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, Montana State Auditor. Commissioner Downing is a two-tour combat veteran, businessman, and entrepreneur.

Commissioner Troy Downing

Governor negates months of work with PL 280 funding veto

Opinion on HB 479 veto submitted by Lake County Commissioners

LAKE COUNTY — HB

479 would have provided $5 million over two years from the Montana Department of Justice to Lake County for reimbursement of a portion of the costs of Public Law 280. Additionally, the bill would have created a task force that would recommend a permanent solution to funding of PL 280 to the next legislative session.

Governor Gianforte negated months of work by State legislators and Lake County Commissioners crafting HB 479 (which passed both houses of legislature by comfortable margins). Governor Gianforte’s veto contradicted his prior statements to Lake County and Montana. In an interview with Jeff Smith on Kerr radio early in the 2023 legislative session, Governor Gianforte stated, “We (the State) recognize this is a problem, but ultimately it is a legislative appropriation issue.” With the passing of HB 479, the legislature exercised that authority to appropriate only to be vetoed by the Governor.

The debate over which governmental entities should bear the costs of Public Law 280 has gone on for several years. In January of 2017, the Commissioners adopted Resolution 17-01. That resolution contained language indicating that the costs of the agreement were absorbing an ever-increasing amount of the County’s budget and payment of those costs were unsustainable.

Since that time the County has steadfastly argued that although it consented to the

State’s entry into the Public Law 280 agreement in 1965, the State obligated itself to fund Public Law 280. This obligation was codified in Montana law in 2021 by MCA 2-1-301. The new law mandated legislative reimbursement of PL 280 costs as long as the County remained in the PL 280.

The Commissioners are steadfast in their resolve that Lake County taxpayers should not be saddled with funding all PL 280 costs. The extension of the effective date of Resolu-

GNP vehicle reservation system begins

24-hour advance reservations released on a rolling basis started May 25.

News from Glacier National Park

WEST GLACIER —

Glacier National Park reminds visitors that vehicle reservations are re -

quired May 26 through September 10 for those entering the park by vehicle or motorcycle from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. at west side entrances including the North Fork, Camas and West entrances.

For the east side of the park, vehicle reservations will not be required at Many Glacier, Two Medicine and St.

Mary (at Rising Sun) entrances until July 1.

Visitors with lodging, camping, or commercial activity reservations (e.g., boat tours and horseback rides) do not need a vehicle reservation and can use their confirmation email to access the portion of the park for which their activity is booked.

tion 22-42(a) does not signal a weakening of that resolve. We are all in agreement that PL 280 provides the best platform for law enforcement on the Flathead Reservation for all of our citizens. Governor Gianforte acknowledged the agreement has been, “a model of success.” We believe the Governor has no plan in place for the State to assume criminal jurisdiction on the Flathead Reservation if Lake County were to withdraw. Out of concerns for the safety of our residents, tribal

Visitors who do not already possess a vehicle reservation can book 24-hour advance reservations at 8 a.m. MDT on Recreation.gov the day before their visit. Vehicle reservations are only available at Recreation.gov.

The park is open 24/7 and visitors may enter the park before 6 a.m.

members and the thousands of visitors who travel through our County, we cannot accept the potential repercussions of our withdrawal at this time. Therefore, we honor the trust we were given to see that the requirements of Public Law 280 are fulfilled, until such time as a legal determination is made by the Court. If it is determined that it is the State’s obligation to fund Public Law 280, we will continue using that funding to maintain the model that has been so successful. If the Court determines it is not the State’s obligation to provide funding, the County will withdraw from Public Law 280 and require the State of Montana to step in to fulfill its obligations.

We must have an answer from the Court before an informed decision can be made. Governor Gianforte’s actions, words and promises have shown ambivalence to Lake County, CSKT, and the residents of Lake County. Tribal members, police officers and people visiting Lake County require a judicial determination not subjected to a veto.

or after 3 p.m. without a vehicle reservation; however, entry to Going-to-the-Sun Road from the west side is restricted before 6 a.m. due to construction activities requiring nightly closures.

For the east side of Going-to-the-Sun Road Corridor, vehicle reservations will be checked

at the Rising Sun check point (located six miles west of the St. Mary Entrance) beginning on July 1. Park shuttles at St. Mary Visitor Center are located outside of the vehicle reservation area and accessible without a vehicle reservation.

Additional vehicle see page 13

JEFF SMITH PHOTO

The public packed into the Lake County Commissioners chambers to hear the verdict on PL 280.

Celebrate National Trails Day

News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks

KALISPELL — Do you want to give back to your local trails?

Celebrate National Trails Day by volunteering at a pair of local state parks in early June.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting a pair of events on Saturday, June 3. Teams will tackle trail maintenance activities, including pulling noxious weeds and fixing damaged sections of trails, at Lone Pine State Park in Kalispell and the Wild Horse Island Unit of Flathead Lake State Park. Tools will be provided. Registration is required for each event.

For more information and to register for the Wild Horse Island event, call 406-837-3041, ext. 0.

For more info and to register for the Lone Pine event, call 40655-2706, ext. 4, or email miranda. boyd@mt.gov.

Lunch will be provided by the

reservations

from page 12

reservation information and frequently asked questions are available on the park’s Vehicle Reservation page.

Glacier National Park is surrounded by a vast amount of additional recreational opportunities, including local tribal lands and national forests. Recreational activities on tribal lands such as hiking, boating, fishing, camping, and more require a permit through each tribe. Visitors can find more information on the Blackfeet Nation and

Kalispell Daybreak Rotary at the Lone Pine event, which is co-hosted by Foy’s to Blacktail Trails. A ride to Wild Horse Island will be provided to volunteers.

National Trails Days is on the first Saturday in June each year to

Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) websites. Information for recreation in the Flathead National Forest and Bob Marshall Wilderness can be found on the Forest Services’ website. Visitors should research and plan before visiting these areas.

Need help planning your trip? Visitors looking for travel guidance can visit the Glacier Country Tourism website for additional information about the areas and businesses surrounding Glacier National Park.

celebrate trails. Across the U.S., tens of thousands of hikers, bikers, paddlers, horseback riders, trail clubs, federal and local agencies, land trusts, and businesses come together in partnership to advocate for, maintain, and clean up public lands and trails.

FLATHEAD PROJECT IRRIGATORS

On Monday, May 15, the Flathead Project Operator had a meeting in Polson,concerning the Flathead Project for 2023. The first thing mentioned,was that this is no longer an Irrigation Project, it’s a fisheries’ project. Management also said they will have a 60 day flush of water down the creeks, even if they have to use stored irrigation water. They also said mistakes will be made this year as they try to fulfill Tribal fishery goals. Also mentioned was that they lost most of the early flush of runoff flows. Yearly quota was not set because the BIA does not know how much water Tribal Fisheries will require.

The good news for Flathead District Irrigators is that all reservoirs that serve the northern districts are close to full, probably next week this will happen. Moiese, Valley View, some parts of Pablo are irrigating now. Mission and Jocko reservoirs at the time of this meeting were low, Tabor and Jocko Reservoirs under 15%, no water in the Mission district’s canals. Manager noted that until district reservoirs are at 50%< BIA would not deliver water. This is a false statement because historic delivery could be from April 15 to September 15, all you have to maintain is minimum pools in reservoirs.

At the close of the 2022 season, Flathead Project reservoirs had 15,000-acre feet of water left. That’s enough for 1 irrigation on 45,000 acres. BIA moved 2500-acre feet from Mission Reservoir to Kicking Horse in January 2023. Also, over 10,000acre feet was pumped to Pablo Reservoir. Mission/ Jockodistricts paid $60,000 to pay for this. A few things for you Irrigators to think about, this was built a Federal Irrigation Project, you have a first lien on your property to prove that, it’s still there. The Tribe had no part in construction, but they were paid 3 times for the land, Reservoirs, and structures that sit on them.

The next major things is that the CSKT compact is not fully passed, it must be approved by the Montana Water Court, this might take up to 4 years to get through all the hearings. One more important thing is that Montana law says the compact cannot be implemented until that review is final. We will not survive 2023, if Tribal Fisheries run the Flathead Project.You are paying $35.50/ acre for Irrigation water, In 2024 it jumps to $39,00 per acre. Tribal fishery pays none.Those who supported the compact, this is what we got, total loss of the Irrigation Project and loss of 2 irrigations and stock water.

We urge you to call Daines, Tester, Rosendale, Zinke, and Gianforte, and ask them to stay implementation of the CSKT compact till it’s fully passed by the Water Court and operate the Project as it’s been for113 years.

- Tim Orr, St. Ignatius, MT

COURTESY PHOTO

Rock Skipping Championships return to Polson

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

POLSON — The Polson

Rock Skipping Championships are making their return after a three-year hiatus, coming up on the morning of June 3.

First started in 2015 by Kevin Avison and Mike Lozar, the event aimed at raising funds for the Mission Valley Ice Arena. In its early days the event saw an attendance of around 50 people. Now, years later, the funds from the event will go toward the Ken Avison Memorial Scholarship fund.

Ken Avison acted as a superintendent in Montana schools for over 30 years and was a big believer in public education. His son Kevin said that the community, comradery, and competition are things he really appreciated, so Kevin believes it is as a good way to honor him and have a good time in the pro-

cess.

“We want to raise the money to award students to be able to go to college, and that was a big part of my dad’s life … helping kids succeed in life and education,” Kevin stated.

The registration fee is $15 for those 12 and under, $20 for 13 and over, and $50 for families. All proceeds will go toward the scholarship fund, minus the cost of pizza and pop provided at the end of the event.

Registration on the day of the event begins at 9 a.m. at The Cove Deli and Pizza. A brief rules clinic will follow before the bagpipe-led procession leads everyone to the nearby business, Riverside Recreation, on the Flathead River. The competition begins at 10 a.m. and Kevin stressed that the event is “bring your own rock.”

An awards ceremony will be held at 11:30 a.m. to crown Montana State Champions

in both age divisions, as well as acknowledge second and third place winners. Judges will determine the winners by counting how many skips they saw, comparing numbers and averaging their scores. Kevin added that all judge’s results are final and anyone who wants to argue their score will have to retrieve their rocks to present to the judges.

This year, former Lake County District Court Judge Jim Manley will participate as a judge. He and Judge DeVries have both participated in the past, something for which Kevin expressed his gratitude. The Cove Deli and Pizza has also been a great supporter, as well as Mayor Eric Huffine and his business Riverside Recreation, allowing the event to happen from their shore. “He volunteered to let us throw from there … He’s a great supporter of the city as well, so we thank him for that,” Kevin commented.

To learn more about the championship or how to get involved, visit: https:// www.facebook.com/Flat

Creatives Indigenous course to jumpstart Indian businesses in Montana

News from the CSKT

PABLO — Creatives Indigenous by Native Max announces a six-week business accelerator program for Salish and Kootenai artists and creatives who want to start a business or expand their businesses.

The accelerator program offers Native entrepreneurs a rigorous exploration and application of topics, including business opportunity analysis, business model development, leadership and

team building, managing cash flow, and more. The program gives participants the resources to take on a journey of learning the building blocks of entrepreneurship, from the starting line to start-up status, with a high-quality curriculum developed in partnership with Creative Startups. What makes the program different is it’s centered on Indigenous values, informed by Native Max founder and lead faculty Kelly Holmes’ decades-long experience as a Native woman lead-

ing a media and fashion business.

“I’m excited to work with our partners on this program,” explains Holmes. “We set out to teach Native creative entrepreneurs and help them discover the confidence, knowledge, and resources to gain revenues, grow their financial success, and eventually create more jobs for their communities.”

James Bible from Salish and Kootenai Business Services explains, “SKBS is very excited to work

with our partners on this program.” “Entrepreneurship and small businesses are significant because they create employment, drive innovation, contribute to community development, provide economic stability, and foster diversity. The success of these companies is essential to the well-being of individuals and communities, as they play a crucial role in influencing the economy and society.

The Kick-Off event will be held at the Salish Kootenai College (SKC)

campus on June 3 and then virtual core modules will be taught online.

The program culminates with in-person business presentations and a pitch contest on July 22 at SKC. Creatives Indigenous courses are designed to promote Native creativity and disrupt the creative industry with authentic Native art.

“What makes our programs unique is how we incorporate and integrate Indigenous knowledge and values into the curriculum,” says Holmes.

Creatives Indigenous is sponsored by the Native American Development Corporation (TRIIA Program), CSKT Economic Development Office, Salish Kootenai Business Services, and the Salish and Kootenai College. For more information or registration support, please contact Creatives Indigenous Program Support Brenna Ortiz at brenna. ortiz@nativemax.com or James Bible, Salish, and Kootenai Business Services at jamesb@slfcorp. com.

VALLEY JOURNAL STAFF PHOTO Zander Avison heaves a few practice rocks into the lake at the last competition in 2019.

Rural-focused gathering for policymakers, funders, partners to be held

News from the MSU News

Service

TOWNSEND — Rural-focused policymakers, funders and partners are invited to participate in a Reimagining Rural gathering on Tuesday, June 13, in Townsend.

Reimagining Rural is a program offered through Montana State University Extension that invites community members in small towns to hear new ideas for rural community vitality. The events are meant to inspire and motivate attendees to imagine a brighter future for their towns.

The June 13 event will showcase effective ways of working with rural communities, celebrate rural community vitality initiatives and prompt discus-

sions about how organizations can work more effectively in Montana’s small and rural communities. Registration costs $50 and includes lunch.

“There is a lot of innovation and success happening in rural Montana right now. We are excited to bring those interested in rural communities together to talk about how to build off these successes,” said Tara Mastel, planning team member and community development associate specialist for MSU Extension.

The event’s morning session includes a panel that will share research and best practices for working in rural Montana. Kris Smith of Headwaters Economics in Bozeman will discuss the new Rural Capacity Index;

Tracy McIntyre of the Montana Cooperative Development Center will share recent success using the cooperative model for rural challenges; and Kaia Peterson of NeighborWorks Montana will discuss rural housing needs.

Also in the morning session, Taylor Crowl of the Montana Community Foundation will address the role local community foundations play in rural communities, and a representative from the Montana Department of Commerce will share modifications the department is undergoing to make their programs more accessible to rural communities Additionally, Mastel will present research on newcomers moving into Montana communities.

The afternoon session will feature presentations and a panel of five small-town community leaders discussing their successful revitalization projects. Community members from Broadus, Cut Bank, Forsyth, Roundup and Worden will talk about how they sparked ideas, participation and excitement in their communities. The projects these communities accomplished included beautification efforts, welcoming events and even community re-branding projects, Mastel said. USDA Rural Development State Director for Montana Kathleen Williams will facilitate a panel discussion featuring the community members.

Following the panel discussion, attendees will be invited

to discuss how they can work more effectively in rural communities. The event will conclude with an optional walking tour of Townsend’s main street and a social.

This Reimagining Rural gathering is a collaboration between MSU Extension and the Montana Community Foundation. The effort is sponsored by the Montana Department of Commerce and the Montana Cooperative Development Center.

To learn more or to register, visit: https://www. montana.edu/extension/ communitydevelopment/ rr_townsend_23.html

Questions may be directed to Mastel at tara.mastel@montana.edu.

Rankin Foundation awards education grants to 51 Indigenous women

News from the Jeannette Rankin Foundation

MISSOULA — The Jeannette Rankin Foundation, a national leader in making higher education accessible to women, recently awarded 51 grants totaling $127,500 to Indigenous women attending Montana Tribal colleges. The Rankin Foundation launched its Native Woman Scholar Grant program earlier this year. The program awards $2,500 Scholar Grants to women and nonbinary students 25 or older who are attending Montana Tribal colleges. Unlike traditional scholarships, the Rankin Foundation’s Scholar Grants are unrestricted and awarded directly to students helping ease students’ financial burden while they work to achieve their first associate’s or bachelor’s degree or complete a technical or vocational education. Every year, 87% of Rankin Foundation Scholars either graduate or continue with their education, compared to the demographic average of 8-31%.

“We are thrilled to now offer the agile support of our Scholar Grants and our network of sup-

port to Indigenous women in Jeannette Rankin’s home state of Montana,” said Michele Ozumba, president of the Rankin Foundation. “These 51 Indigenous women are inspirations to their families, their communities and all of us as they work to transform their lives through education.”

To advise on the delivery of the program, the Rankin Foundation formed a board of leaders from Indigenous and higher education communities. This advisory board includes Dr. Sandra Boham, president of Salish Kootenai College; Tiffany Gusbeth, vice president of student success services at the American Indian College Fund; Misty Kuhl, Montana’s director of Indian Affairs; Amy Leary, executive director of Montana Post Secondary Educational Opportunities Council; and Dr. Kathryn Shanley, University of Montana professor and special assistant to the Provost Native American and Indigenous Education.

“I am working towards my Associate’s Degree in the Native Language Teacher Education (NLTE) program at the Salish

Kootenai College,” Sara Meyers, a recipient of one of the grants, commented. “My goal is to earn high grades, be further connected to my culture and work towards a second degree in another area of interest. I want to be a part of the revival of our Salish language. With my education, I aim to be a Salish Language teacher and encourage others to get their education, be rooted in their culture, and serve

their community.”

“Educated women build the communities where we want to live and work,” said Dr. Sandra Boham, president of Salish Kootenai College. “Women have always held important roles in Native communities. The impact of education for Native women is that it empowers women to achieve economic independence, build self confidence and allow for the integration of Indigenous

knowledge, culture and language into all aspects of the workplaces and organizations in the communities where they live.”

The Rankin Foundation will begin accepting applications for its second round of Native Woman Scholar Grants November 2023. Indigenous students who meet the following requirements are invited to apply: identify as a woman/ nonbinary; are over the age of 25 by June 1, 2024; and can show proof of enrollment in a Montana Tribal College, Tribal affiliation and Pell/SNAP eligibility. Sixty grants will be awarded on a first come first served basis beginning May 2024.

The Rankin Foundation was founded in 1976 at the bequest of Jeannette Rankin who was elected by Montanans as the first U.S. Congresswoman and the first woman to hold federal office. To date, the foundation has awarded more than $4 million to students across the country. To learn more about Rankin Foundation grant opportunities or to support the next generation of Jeannette Rankin Foundation Scholars, visit: rankinfoundation. org

Local high school tennis players compete well at state tournament

2023 MHSA Class A State Tennis Day 1 results

Girls Singles

Round 1: Clara Todd (Polson) def. Kinzee Brimmer (Custer County) 6-0, 6-0

Consolation Round 1: Piper

Hoxie (Polson) def. Amber Stevenson (East Helena) 6-2, 6-3

Quarterfinals: Clara Todd (Polson) def. Debra Don’t Mix

(Hardin) 6-0, 6-1

Girls Doubles

Round 1: Katie Smith/Lucy

Violett (Polson) def. Ava

Schaak/Maia Menke (Billings Central) 6-3, 6-3

Consolation Round 1: Hope

Morrison/Karli Owens (Polson) def. Emma Hollingsworth/Gwren Wolfe (Hamilton) 4-6, 6-3, 6-3

Julia Barnard/Tia Mercer (Pol-

son) def. Lexi Breidenbach/ Lauren Plagenz (Fergus) 6-4, 6-4

Consolation Round 2: Katie Smith/Lucy Violett (Polson) def. Ainsley Scott/Maggie

Mercer (Whitefish) 6-3, 6-4

Boys Singles

Round 1: Beau Decker (Ronan) def. Ryan Hutchison (Corvallis) 7-6, (7-4), 6-4

Torrin Ellis (Polson) def. Aaron

Powell (Corvallis) 6-0, 6-1

Quarterfinals: Torrin Ellis (Polson) def. Jake Larson 6-2, 6-1

Boys Doubles

Round 1: Owen McElwee/ Trent Wilson (Polson) def.

Houston Dunn/Logen Jorgenson (Park County) 6-1, 6-2

Consolation Round 1: Colter

Wilson/Tate Barensten (Polson) def. Owen Schieffert/Isaac

Pileski (Custer County) 6-2, 6-0

Quarterfinals: Owen McElwee/Trent Wilson (Polson) def. Samson Hostman/Charlie Lang (Custer County) 6-3, 6-1

Consolation Round 2: Colter

Wilson/Tate Barensten (Polson) def. Jonathon Hernandez-Puga/Josiah Jones (Beaverhead County High School) 6-0, 6-4

COURTESY PHOTO

Sara Meyers

New Montana Mesonet station constructed

Will bring up to date weather information to the CSKT Bison Range

News from the CSKT FLATHEAD RESERVATION — The CSKT Bison Range and the Montana Climate Office are pleased to announce the construction of a new Montana Mesonet weather station behind the CSKT Bison Range Visitor Center.

This cooperative collaboration — funded by the Native Drought Resilience project through a grant by NOAA’s

National Integrated Drought Information System — will bring updated information to the Flathead Reservation’s Natural Resources Department and the agricultural community to help support both rangeland and conservation management.

The new 30 foot tower is self-contained, powered through a solar panel and communicates via cellular connection. The footprint is 20 feet by 30 feet with no permanent construction (concrete) and is anchored by a large ground screw system.

The Mesonet station records temperature, precipita-

tion, relative humidity, solar radiation, soil moisture at depths down to a meter, and snow depth. Environmental information updated every five minutes.

This station will improve weather, soil moisture, and snow pack monitoring across the Flathead Reservation and will be available to both professional resource managers and interested valley producers via an internet portal at: https://mesonet.climate. umt.edu/dash/

The station not only will assist Bison Range managers and help meet CSKT’s climate resilience goals,

Ninepipes Museum awarded Foundation for Montana History Grant

News from Ninepipes Museum

CHARLO —Ninepipes Museum is excited to announce a recently awarded grant from The Foundation for Montana History in the amount of $6,500 to help preserve our collections. Thank you, FMH, for helping us keep history alive through preservation.

On June 3 the museum will hold another First Saturday event with an SKC Student Art Show. Ninepipes Museum is partnering with Salish Kootenai College (SKC) Art and Design programs to feature art and design students from SKC. This is a perfect opportunity for the students to present and sell their art in a gallery setting. Stop by, meet the artists, and support our student community.

but also will help inform the surrounding valley residents with the up-to-date information and planning for each year’s agricultural season.

Soon to come, educational signage will be placed on the walking path behind the Bison Range Visitor Center to explain what the station does and its importance for meeting the Tribes’ future planning goals.

For more information, please contact Shannon Clairmont at shannon. clairmont@cskt.org or Kyle Bocinsky at kyle.bocinksy@ umt.edu.

On Sunday, June 11, the Heritage Keeper Benefit will take place from 2-5 p.m. at Ninepipes Museum. This second annual Heritage Keeper Benefit is a ticketed fundraising event with music, food, and a live auction. Native speakers, Aspen and Cameron Decker of “xwlxlilt,” (Salish for Alive and Well), will be featured along with the Salish singing, drumming and hoop dancing. Seating is limited so call early at 406-644-3435 to purchase tickets. Check out our website and Facebook page for more information, including how you can buy raffle tickets for Jan Kauffman’s fabulous pine needle art basket.

Scholarship offered

POLSON — The Montecahto Club is a non-profit social service club. We are, once again, offering a vocational scholarship of up to $1000 to an individual in Lake County. Our intent is to make this available to an individual who is pursuing a less-traditional training program for certification or licensure rather than a traditional fouryear degree. Please contact us if you might qualify for this scholarship at 406-887-2704.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Get a job – earn college credits – make a difference!

Full time positions receive the health insurance benefit 12 months a year. Check out the available jobs and detailed job vacancy announcements on the SKC website – www.skc.edu/employment

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

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

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

Salary: $22.48 - $23.22/hour DOEE Closing Date: May 5, 2023

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

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

SKC Early Learning Center Assistant (Full time - 10 months)

Salary Range: $15.17-$15.99/hr DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Special Olympics presents Golisano Health Leadership Award

News from Mallory Frank Special Olympics Montana

CHARLO — As you may know, Special Olympics is a global inclusion movement using, sport, health, education, and leadership programs every day, around the worldthe focus is to end discrimination and empower people with intellectual disabilities.

The Golisano Health Leadership Awards recognize health champions - leaders and organizations - that are making a significant contribution to equal access to health, fitness, or wellness for people with intellectual disabilities. The award also promotes awareness for the progress and remarkable efforts toward fulfilling the goals, values, and mission of Special Olympics Health work.

This is the highest Special Olympics honor for health partners.

With that said, congratulations to Mr. Geof Rohrlach for being awarded the 2023 Local Golisano Health Leadership Award! Geof has been a Special Olympics Montana Healthy Athletes Clinical Director for the MedFests screenings since 2018, and also works as a Family Nurse Practitioner at Tribal Health. Geof clearly has a special place in his heart towards our Special Olympics athletes and their families.

Out of all of the clinical directors involved in our MedFest and Healthy

Athlete events, Geof is the most careful and detailed when it comes to athlete referrals. He carefully checks over the accuracy of each physical exam form before

leaving the event and walks us through the issues observed with each athlete. He wants to be informed with the follow-up of parents and caregivers on the exams/ referrals. He personally communicates with the athletes’ primary care provider when necessary. Geof’s dedication has produced a more complete exam and referral process and has resulted in better overall care and health of our athletes.

More athletes are involved in Special Olympics Montana and competitions due to Geof’s support of MedFests in northwestern Montana.      Geof, we appreciate you so much and are so thankful for your contributions to Special Olympics Montana and to the health of our athletes. Congratulations!

Director of Academic Success

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

Vice President of Academic Affairs

Salary: $75,000 - $85,000 DOEE

Closing Date Extended to: April 28, 2023, 4:00 PM

SKC Loan Officer / Financial Aid Assistant (12 months full time)

Salary Range: $17.84 - $18.72 per hour DOEE

Closing Date Extended to: May 19, 2023

Custodian Part-time

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

Bookstore Director

Salary Range: $40,789 - $45,483

Closing Date: Wednesday, June 7, 2023, 4:00 PM

Student Experience and Campus Life Coordinator

Salary Range: $17.30-$19.23 per hour

Closing Date: Wednesday, June 7, 2023, 4:00 PM

The Liberal Arts Department is actively seeking adjuncts to teach communications, research writing, humanities, and grant writing courses. Must possess a master’s degree in English, liberal arts field of study, or education. A bachelor’s degree in English, liberal arts field of study, or education with closely related master’s degree will be considered.

To apply you must submit an SKC application, resume and applicable transcripts to Human Resources, P.O. Box 70, Pablo, MT 59855. Toll free 877.752.6553, ext. 4985 Direct Dial 406.275.4985/4977

SPECIAL OLYMPICS MONTANA PHOTO

Left to right - Awardee Geof Rohrlach FNP, Mallory Frank SOMT Health and Fitness Director, Dr. Bernadette Corum.

Missoula to host Angelman Syndrome event

Montana’s only fundraising Angelman Syndrome event

News from ASF Walk

MISSOULA — Open to the public, individuals with Angelman Syndrome and their families, friends and supporters from the greater Missoula area, Idaho, Wyoming, and the rest of Montana are invited to participate in this year’s 2023 Angelman Syndrome Foundation Walk. The walk will be held June 10, with check in starting at 10 a.m. and the walk starting at 11 a.m. out of the Missoula Fairgrounds, with food, music, and a raffle to follow. Online registration can be found here: https:// support.angelman.org/ event/2023-asf-walk-mtmissoula/e454454

Last year’s Angelman Syndrome Walk in Montana raised over $18,000, which directly funded support for families affected by Angelman Syndrome in Montana and surrounding areas. “There is very little awareness surrounding Angelman Syndrome. That is why we brought the Angelman Syndrome Walk to Montana for a second year,” said local MT Walk Coordinator Crystal Parker. She shared a personal video of her son, a child with Angelman Syndrome, and what it means for

her family here: https:// www.dropbox.com/s/x4i8yt0k0y67tit/ASF%20 Walk%20Video2023.

mp4?dl=0

Angelman Syndrome is caused by the loss of function of a particular gene during fetal development, resulting in severe neurological impairment present at birth and lasting for a lifetime. Symptoms vary and include severe developmental delays, speech impairments, seizures, walking and balance disorders, and frequent laughter and excitability. While there is no definitive count, it is estimated that Angelman Syndrome occurs in one in every 15,000 live births. An overall lack of awareness for AS among community and medical individuals often leads to misdiagnosis of Cerebral

Palsy and/or Severe Autism. Driving awareness is crucial for this genetic disability, and Montana needs to know about it.

For over 30 years, the Angelman Syndrome Foundation (ASF) has been dedicated to providing individuals with Angelman Syndrome and their families support through education, research, and individual resources and grants. The first ASF walk was hosted in 1999 in Naperville, IL, raising nearly $25,000 and getting more than 200 walk participants. Now, there are over 10,000 participants at more than 50 walk sites nationally. The ASF has funded over $15 million towards research grants nationally. For more information about the ASF, visit www.angelman.org.

Joanne Emerson

RONAN — Joanne Beaver Emerson, age 68, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at her home. She was born on Jan. 31, 1955, in Missoula to Larry and Patricia (Lynn) Beaver.

Joanne was raised in Polson and graduated from Polson High School in 1973. She had many happy memories growing up on the shores of Flathead Lake. She married Wade Emerson in 1987.

She is survived by her husband, Wade; her son, Michael Lytton

and his wife Shelby of Pablo; her daughter, Emily Emerson of Parker, Colorado; four grandsons, Payton, Hunter and Nathan Lytton and Dean Bailey; her brother, Hu (Patsy) Beaver of Polson; sisters, Kathy (Gary) Harding of Pablo and Jeanne (Brad) Cochran of Polson. She is also survived by numerous cousins on both the Beaver and Lynn sides of the family and numerous nieces and nephews.

There will be a Celebration of Life service for Joanne held on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at 1 p.m. at The Lake Funeral Home in Polson. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www.shriderthompson.com. Arrangements are under the care of Shrider – Thompson Funeral Home.

see more obituaries on page 20

2nd ANNUAL

cutline mug

Obituaries

Colleen Kelley

from page 19

A Celebration of Life

POLSON — Colleen Rhea

Kelley was killed in a traffic accident on Sunny Slope north of Polson on October 20, 2022. She was born in Portland, Oregon, on June 12, 1960.

Colleen is profoundly mourned by her mother, Mary Kelley, formerly of Polson, and sister, Mary Jean Martin, both of Helena, many nieces and nephews, and dear friends from all times of her life. Her father, Richard H. Kelley of Missoula died five days after her death, and her brother, Robert preceded her in death.

A “Celebration of Life” memorial potluck picnic will be held in Colleen’s honor on June 11, at Boechter Park in Polson from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. A visit to her memorial tree in the park is planned at that time and her ashes will be scattered on her home ground in a private ceremony following. It is hoped that all her friends and acquaintances will join with her family in remembering this “lady with the hat.”

Lee Boyd

Graveside Service

RONAN — Graveside services for Lee Boyd will be held at Ronan Cemetery on June 8 at 1 p.m.

MSGA celebrates Supreme Court’s WOTUS case decision

HELENA — The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) shares its excitement and relief as the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision to the most recent Waters of the United States (WOTUS) case. Last week, the Supreme Court issued a unanimous 9-0 holding and ruled in favor of the Sacketts, finding their wetlands are not federally jurisdictional. Sackett v. EPA is the Court’s fourth consideration of which waters are federally jurisdictional as WOTUS.

“Today’s opinion is a landmark decision for ranchers

as the decision establishes the reach of the Clean Water Act. MSGA has been an active opponent of this type of regulatory overreach and today’s holding is a significant victory,” stated John Grande, MSGA president. “Not only does this opinion reject the significant nexus, which the 2023 Biden WOTUS definition is based on, it also will require the entire rule to be pulled back and extensive revisions will need

to occur.”

The Sacketts, owners of an excavation company in the Idaho Panhandle, sought to build a home on property along Priest Lake. To prepare the lot for construction, the Sacketts began to fill it with gravel. In 2007, EPA officials intervened and demanded they stop construc-

tion after determining that the Sacketts’ lot contained a federally protected wetland. Under the authority granted to it by the Clean Water Act, the agency ordered the couple to remove the gravel and cease any further construction. The Sacketts sued in 2008, and the case began its journey through the federal court system for the next 15 years, ending at the Supreme Court. Their attorneys argued that the wetland the Sacketts filled is not, jurisdictionally, a “water of the United States,” and thus not subject to EPA regulation.

Colleen Kelley

News from the Montana Stockgrowers Association

Today’s opinion is a landmark decision for ranchers...”

- John Grande, MSGA president

Girl Scouts to take STEM experiences on the road

News from Girl Scouts of Montana & Wyomings

BILLINGS — Girl

Scouts of Montana and Wyoming (GSMW) is getting ready to take Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) experiences on the road to girls in K-12. GSMW has completed their Mobile STEM Learning Center project and will begin providing this valuable resource to nearly 80 communities across Montana and Wyoming. The cargo-style van is equipped with solar to power the myriad of technology available to youth, including 3D printers, microscopes, virtual reality headsets, drones, and more. One goal of the Mobile STEM Learning Center is to show possibilities, provide knowledge, and

give hands-on STEM experience to girls at an early age. While more than half of the U.S. workforce is female, less than one quarter of STEM careers are held by women. From their initial interest in STEM as a child to majoring in a STEM subject in college to pursuing a

STEM career as an adult, the gender disparity needs to change at every stage of girls’ and women’s STEM engagement. The second goal is to address STEM “deserts” created by uneven distribution of STEM opportunities across the country. Approximately 67% of the

population in Montana and Wyoming is rural. This translates to hurdles that can include a lack of access to honors courses, high-level technology business exposure, as well as limited access to quality curriculum and vigorous and engaging math and science courses.

The Mobile STEM Learning Center has been a passion project of Briana Rickman, Director of Fund Development for GSMW, for the past couple of years. “Not only is STEM a strategic priority of the Girl Scout organization, but for myself as well,” she commented.

Wachholz College Cener to hold community open house

News from the Wachholz College Center

KALISPELL — Make plans to visit the Wachholz College Center on the campus of Flathead Valley Community College on June 3 from 12 to 4 p.m. for their Community Open House and 2023-2024 Season Preview. Bring friends and family to this free open house event that is generously sponsored by PayneWest Insurance. “We were hoping to produce an event like this in the weeks leading up to our grand opening back in early November 2022,” said Matt Laughlin, Director of the College

Center. “But it took every last minute to get the venue ready for that first concert and then the snow came and didn’t leave until this spring. Now that the weather is nice and the days are longer, we want to open the doors and invite the community in to see the awesome community asset that is the Wachholz College Center.”

Rather than simply open the venue for tours, Laughlin and his team want to enhance the open house experience by showcasing live music in the College Center’s O’Shaughnessy Outdoor Amphitheater and Swank Recital Hall by some of the Flathead

Valley’s most talented artists including Colton Christensen, Artist Robinson, Halladay Quist, Ben Darce, and musicians from the Glacier Symphony Orchestra. Sweet and savory foods will be available from Knucklhed BBQ, 406 Taco Nite, and Cold Stone Creamery. Another reason to swing by this open house is to be the first to see the exciting lineup of new shows coming to Wachholz College Center in the upcoming 2023-2024 season. “We thought it would be cool to use this community open house as a launchpad of sorts to announce

a lot of the new shows planned for the fall and winter season”, said Laughlin. “Between the outstanding line up of performances that Glacier Symphony has planned for next season and the variety of concerts and lectures that Wachholz College Center is presenting, this venue is well-positioned to be a true cultural hub of northwest Montana. We want everyone in the community to experience it.” Tickets to both Glacier Symphony performances and Wachholz College Center shows will be available for sale in person throughout the four-hour open house.

“Having grown up in rural Wyoming, I realize the barriers and lack of resources available to those smaller communities. This project can help us bridge both gender and geographical gaps by ensuring that girls of every age in rural areas have opportunities to explore STEM possibilities as a future career.”

The Mobile STEM Learning Center will allow GSMW to create and optimize an environment where girls explore freely, expand their perspectives, and hopefully pique their interest and confidence to explore STEM even more. To view the van’s tour dates or to learn more about this project, you can visit www.gsmw.org or contact Briana Rickman at brianar@gsmw.org or 406252-0488.

For those who might not be able to attend the community open house, the Wachholz College Center will re-open later in the evening on June 3 for a concert in McClaren Hall by Big Sky City Lights. Nick Spear and Susan O’Dea who make up the indie folk duo take the stage at 8 p.m. for what is sure to be an unforgettable performance full of lush harmonies, moving melodies, toe tapping originals, and maybe even some special guests. The lobby will open at 7 p.m. For more information visit wachholzcollegecenter.org or call 406-756-1400.

COURTESY PHOTO

Ronan

By Donna Daniels for the Valley Journal

RONAN — The Mission Valley Senior Center is across from St. Luke’s Hospital. We are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for lunch and other activities.

Our menu is:

— Wednesday, May 31: spaghetti, salad, dessert

— Friday, June 2: pork chops, salad, dessert

— Monday, June 5: Swedish meatballs, salad, dessert

— Wednesday, June 7: leftover casserole, salad, dessert

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

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

We also have pool table available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. Come join the fun.

We will be doing a raffle for 4th of July. Tickets are available from a senior member or at the center, one for $1 and six for $5. Besides two baskets to raffle off, we have numerous gift certificates.

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

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

St. Ignatius

By Barb Plouffe for the Valley Journal

ST. IGNATIUS — It is nice to get the rain to nourish the plants and to settle the forest fire smoke. Sending positive thoughts to our neighbors to the north.

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

Menu:

— Friday, May 26: lunch

- Asian beef/ noodles, Ambrosia fruit salad, bun, oatmeal cookies

— Tuesday, May 30: lunch - fish (Sole), cole slaw, fruit, dessert

— Tuesday, June 6: dinner - taco salad, refried beans, fruit salad, brownies

— Wednesday, June 7: dinner - smothered pork chops, mashed potatoes, lettuce salad, rolls, strawberry-rhubarb crisp

If you are interested in a take-out meal, please call, 406-745-4462, by 10 a.m. and leave a message, if no one answers. If you would like a menu, please call and we can send one via email, regular mail or you can come pick one up.

Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy a meal with us. We would love to have old neighbors and new neighbors come and

enjoy our meals. You don’t have to be a senior to join and support our center. We invite you to become a member of the St. Ignatius Senior Citizen Center for a fee of $10.

The St. Ignatius Senior Citizen Center is looking for a housekeeper. The job entails a once-a-week cleaning that usually last 3-4 hours. This includes mopping the main hall, dusting, cleaning bathrooms, and vacuuming the carpet and sofas. All cleaning supplies are provided. If you are interested, please call 406-745-4462. If no one answers, please leave a message.

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

Gently Yoga takes place on Wednesdays. If you are interested, please call Bonnie Kiser at 406-22530171. Her rates are five sessions for $60.

If you need a walker, commode, wheelchair or high-rise toilet seat, we have these items to share. Call 406-745-4462 and leave a message or come in on regular meal day and see what we have.

Our senior center is available for rental. If interested, call 406-745-4462 and leave a message.

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

call and leave a message.

If you need help with other areas of your life such as: transportation, respite, home health services or other information, call the friendly people at Lake County Council on Aging (LOCCOA) in Ronan at 406-676-2367.

Polson

By Pete Mangels for the Valley Journal

POLSON — June 5 is the Strawberry full moon … in Texas. Here it is in mid-July … maybe.

Country Pasta of Polson is continuing their long-time support for our food program. Those fresh noodles enhance our pasta recipes. Thanks to all our local business who provide goods and services in support of our mission to deliver nutritious low-cost meals to our senior citizens in need. Shop local.

Additional staff for our food service is needed. Stop by for an application. The work is full / part time.

We are seeking additional members for our Board of Directors. There’s only one short meeting each month, usually in the a.m. of the second Friday. Volunteer to serve the seniors in the Polson area. Terms of office vary according to leadership position.

Activities:

Bingo: $100.00 payout on blackout guaranteedbingo games on Fridays at 7 p.m. “Playing Card”

bingo on the first and third Wednesday of each month

Exercise: low impactM-W-F from 10:30–11:30 a.m. - free video-assisted self-guidance

Pinochle: Thursdays

noon–3 p.m. - free cookies, coffee, good times

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

Veteran’s Rep: first Friday (June 2) and third Tuesday (June 18) from 10 a.m.-noon

Mahjong: Wednesdays at noon - we need more game sets

Menu (subject to change): $5 a meal - sitdown or take-out; call before 10 a.m. for delivery -11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m.

The monthly menu calendar is available at the center or on-line at our web site.

— Thursday, June 1: salmon loaf, scalloped potatoes, peas, 5-cup salad, cookie bars

— Friday, June 2: chicken bake, herbed pasta, green beans, spice peaches, custard

— Monday, June 5: Rueben soup, soda bread pea salad, pudding

— Tuesday, June 6: spaghetti, creamed corn, garlic bread, green salad, cookies

— Wednesday, June 7: turkey wrap, potato chips, veggie salad, cherry cheesecake

— Thursday, June 8: meatballs with sweet/ sour sauce, rice, stir-fry veggies, oriental coleslaw, peanut butter bars

— Friday, June 9: eggs

Benedict casserole, sausage

links, baked apples, peach Jell-O, chocolate zucchini cake

We are located at 504 Third Ave. E and are open from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. on weekdays. Call 406883-4735 or email us at: polsonseniorcenter@ gmail.com. Submit your email address for updates and additional information from the center.

Hunter Education Committee to meet

News from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

HELENA — The Hunter and Bowhunter Education Advisory Committee will meet at the University of Providence in Great Falls on June 6 and 7.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Hank Worsech has convened the committee to look at improving the hunter and bowhunter education programs. This first meeting will focus on strategies for recruiting new volunteer instructors, implementing field days for online students, and improving landowner relations and hunter ethics.

FWP chose 23 members representing all parts of the state. The group will review the manuals, online programs and field day outlines, and develop actionable recommendations for Worsech and the hunter/bowhunter education staff to implement.

For more information, contact Greg Lemon at 406-444-4038 or email at: glemon@mt.gov.

PUZZLES

GIANT CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Browning’s Ben Ezra, e.g.

6. Derelict

12. Cousin of an ostrich

15. Annexes

19. ___ wrench

20. Cochise, for one

21. Blanched

22. Cave, in literature

23. Primitive percussion instrument

24. Above the ground

25. Boundary

26. Italian meat and tomato sauce

27. Back problem

29. Calling

31. Figure with 10 sides

33. Blue hue

35. Kind of pie

36. “Lohengrin,” e.g.

38. Howard of “Happy Days”

39. Supergarb

42. Peels

44. Kitty

45. Gardener’s need

47. Pilot’s announcement, for short

48. Destiny

49. Ziti, e.g.

50. Harness racer

51. Dentist’s direction

53. Weather

56. Dies (out)

57. Poly- follower

58. Brown study

59. Bakery buy

60. Indonesians e.g.

62. Bottom line

63. Regal headdress

Place the digits 1-9 in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains each digit once only.

65. Baseball stats

69. Corker

70. Aardvark’s tidbit

72. Camp sight

73. Don Juan, e.g.

74. Palm reader, e.g.

75. Kind of beam

78. Cultural Revolution leader

80. State bordering Arizona

82. Mountain goat’s perch

84. Layered dish

87. Send, as payment

88. Slam-danced

91. Bonus

92. Decree

93. Detach a medal

94. Exterior 95. Horace volumes 97. Annex 98. Bias

99. Curb, with “in”

100. Harder to find

102. Arborist’s concern

103. Actor Arnold

104. Aids

106. “___ lost!”

107. Deep 109. One of similar organic compounds

111. Compact 114. Everyday 118. Like, with “to”

119. Common deciduous tree

121. Kind of wrestling

123. Italian wine 124. Blow off steam 125. Compass dir. 126. Capital on the Missouri 127. Claw 128. “Cogito ___ sum” 129. Follow

Calm

DOWN

1. No fancy threads

2. “Thanks ___!”

3. Cloud

4. Dress down

5. Low-budget film, often

6. Battering device

7. Big story

8. Butterfly, e.g.

9. A Greek who got too much sun

10. Acted like a timid horse

11. Bone-dry

12. Farm animal

13. “Long Walk to Freedom” author Nelson

14. Anesthetized

15. City on the Yamuna River

16. Acceleration contest

17. Humanitarian, to a foe

18. Those of great beauty

28. Wine valley

30. Nature’s alarm clock

32. Dave in the Pro Football Hall of Fame

34. Not now

37. Flower holders

39. Breakfast foods

40. Under debate 41. Roof component 43. Lets up 44. Pre-exam feeling, maybe 46. Covered with a design 48. “Charlotte’s Web” girl 49. The “p” in r.p.m. 52. Spiky marine creature 54. Night before

Big Apple attraction, with “the” 56. Imitates a hot dog

59. Double standard?

61. “Rabbit food”

64. Reagan Supreme Court nominee

66. Less cramped

67. Heart part

68. Puget Sound city

71. Bother

76. Snob

77. Shade of black

78. Bonkers

79. Gray, in a way

81. Blast furnace input

83. Hire charge

85. “Dear” one

86. Calculator, at times

88. Necessity

89. Witness

90. Bombarding with junk

91. Composition for two

94. Mint family member

96. “___ Brockovich”

100. Elementary school practice book

101. Clothing

102. Frog’s place

105. Like visiting teams, often

106. One who makes dreams come true

108. Charges

110. “I’m ___ your tricks!”

112. Saws with the grain

113. Ball material 115. Drone, e.g. 116. Acknowledge 117. Contact, e.g. 120. Beer barrel

122. Alumna bio word

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

Brazilian states

DOT-TO-DOT

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

MIRROR IMAGE

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

A B C D

SOLUTIONS

77. Raven, 78. Mad, 79. Age, 81. Ores, 83. Rental, 85. Sir, 86. Adder, 88. Musthave, 89. Onlooker, 90. Spamming, 91. Duet, 94. Oregano,

52. Sea urchin, 54. Eve, 55. Met, 56. Pants, 59. Two, 61. Salad, 64. O’Connor, 66. Roomier, 67. Auricle, 68. Seattle, 71. Nag, 76. Elitist,

41. Pantile, 43. Relents, 44. Panic, 46. Patterned, 48. Fern, 49. Per,

37. Pots, 39. Cereals, 40. At issue,

GIANT

118. Akin, 119. Oak, 121. Indian, 123. Soave, 124. Vent, 125. ENE, 126. Pierre, 127. Talon, 128. Ergo, 129. Dog, 130. Serene, 131. Stews. Down: 1. Rags, 2. A lot, 3. Blur, 4. Berate, 5. Indie, 6. Ram, 7. Epic, 8. Madame, 9. Icarus, 10. Shied, 11. Sere, 12. Ewe, 13. Mandela, 14. Under, 15. Agra, 16. Drag race, 17. Do-gooder, 18. Stunners, 28. Napa, 30. Rooster, 32. Casper, 34. Later,

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL - SPEECH PATHOLOGIST (1 or More Positions) The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) Early Childhood Services

The CSKT Early Childhood Services Department is requesting bids for speech/language services for the period of October 2023 to September 30, 2025.

Scope of work: CSKT Early Childhood Services has an enrollment of about 270+ children ranging from 0 to 5 years of age. Children are screened at least 2 times per school year. In some cases it is recommended that speech/language services may be needed. Head Start/ Early Head Start locations are on the Flathead Reservation – 1 center in Polson, 1 center in Turtle Lake, 2 centers in Pablo, 3 centers in Ronan, 3 centers in Mission, 1 center in Arlee and the potential of home-based services for children 0-5 not enrolled in the program.

The Speech Pathologist will be coordinating with the ECS Special Services Coordinator on referrals for children to receive services. An evaluation will be done by the Speech Pathologist and recommended services will be discussed with the Special Services Coordinator. Once services are started the Speech Pathologist will need to keep case notes on the children they provide services to and keep the Special Services Coordinator updated weekly. Consultation may be requested by parents and/or Early Childhood Services staff on an as needed basis. It is required that the Speech Pathologist be a provider for Medicaid. The Speech Pathologist will be responsible for billing Medicaid or private insurance for the eligible children that receive services. Early Childhood Services will only cover costs for the children who are not on Medicaid or private insurance. It is required that the Pathologist spend at least 80% of his/her time on direct therapy with the child(ren); 15% of his/ her time on documentation; and 5% of time on staffing/parent consulting. It is the Speech Pathologist’s responsibility to provide own training (CEUs) and licensing requirements. ECS will pay mileage from the ECS administrative building to various sites at the federal mileage rate. Specific assessment materials will be provided by ECS.

The Speech/Language services will be needed for variable hours, but will not exceed 40 hours per week.

Early Childhood Services operates from 8 am – 4:30 pm – Monday- Friday. Children are in the centers Monday – Thursday/Friday, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm.

Proposal requirements: Proposals must include

1.) Professional license in the area of Speech/language services. Documented specialized knowledge. Relevant work experience must be shown in a resume or curriculum vitae, including outline of qualifications and appropriate credentials (copies of professional license, specialized training, etc.), and professional references.

2.) Ability to commit up to 40 hrs per week to the provision of this service.

3.) Proof of liability insurance or proof that the individual is an independent contractor.

4.) Proof of Workman’s Comp or exemption certificate.

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

6.) 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. All proposals are negotiable between Early Childhood Services and the contractor.

Proposals must be received by 4:30 on Thursday June 21, 2023. Mailing address: Early Childhood Services-PO Box 1510- 35455 Mission Drive- St. Ignatius, MT 59865, ATTN: Speech Pathologist RFP.

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 contact Carrie Antoine or Jody Jones at 406-745-4509.

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.

Groups partner to celebrate Juneteenth

HELENA — The Montana Historical Society, The Myrna Loy, and the Holter Museum of Art are teaming up on Saturday, June 17, to celebrate Juneteenth National Freedom Day.

Juneteenth is a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved people in the United States. The holiday was first celebrated in Texas, where on June 19, 1865, in the aftermath of the Civil War, enslaved people learned they were set free under the 1862 Emancipation Proclamation.

The holiday offers an opportunity to celebrate Black freedom as a community and recognize African Americans’ long presence and many contributions to Montana’s, and our nation’s, history.

“Most Montanans don’t realize the significant role African Americans have played in our state since the earliest days of non-Indian settlement,” said Martha Kohl, the MTHS Outreach and Education Program manager. “We’ve organized an event that we hope will attract all ages, from youths to senior citizens.”

All the events take place, or leave from, The Myrna Loy at 15 No. Ewing. The free celebration kicks off with an African American history tour of Helena on the tour train from 5-6 p.m. Advanced registration is required at: https://bit.ly/HelenaJune-

teenthTour. At the same time, the documentary “Bicycle Corps: America’s Black Army on Wheels” will be shown. It tells the story of the 25th Infantry’s 1897 bicycle trip from Missoula to Missouri, as part of a test to see if bikes could replace horses in transporting Army troops.

The Holter’s After -school Teen Art Council invites all to celebrate Juneteenth by creating art from 6-9p.m. Chalk and concrete canvasses will be provided. From 6:30-7 p.m. join Helena Mayor Wilmot Collins, Chris Young-Greer, and J.P. Williams in recognizing the holiday. Young-Greer works for the Montana Racial Equity Project and Williams is a descendant of African American MT pioneer Lafayette Mundy (1841-1910), who served in the U.S. Army from 1864 to 1881.

Daya

Lastly, dance to tunes from DJ Andrea Cross Guns during a street party from 7-9:30 p.m. Food and drink will be available starting at 5:30 p.m.

“Juneteenth places African Americans at the center of the conversation about what freedom means, and while it began as a uniquely African American holiday, today it is an important holiday for everyone to celebrate,” said Young-Greer. “All Americans should pause to remember the atrocities suffered by their fellow human beings because of the color of their skin. All Americans should rejoice for the day that freedom finally came, and all Americans should pause to acknowledge African Americans’ full humanity and citizenship, an acknowledgement that was long deferred but should never be denied.”

Wednesday, May 31

Art exhibit held

POLSON — The Sandpiper Art Gallery, 306 Main Street, will hold an invitational exhibit of fiber and glass. This exhibit will feature several regional artists and their interpretations of the theme. It will take place until July 19.

Flathead Reservation Fish and Wildlife Board to meet

CHARLO — The Flathead Reservation Fish and Wildlife Board will meet Wednesday, May 31. All interested persons are invited to attend. The meeting will be held at 6 p.m. at Ninepipe Lodge. The May 31 meeting will feature updates from CSKT Natural Resources Department staff and review of a draft version of the 2024-2025 Flathead Reservation non-member bird hunting and fishing regulations. For more information, visit: fwp. mt.gov/aboutfwp/flatheadreservation-fishandwildlifeboard.

Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library registration kicks off

POLSON — Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library Registration kicks off Wednesday, May 31, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by gifting books free of charge to children from birth to age five. The project was initiated in Montana by First Lady Susan Gianforte and sponsored by the Treasure State Foundation

in partnership with The Dollywood Foundation. With the help of the Friends of the North Lake County Public Library, the North Lake County Public Library District is the affiliate for all children in Lake County (except Arlee, which has its own program). On registration day at the library’s temporary location, 301 16th Ave. E, there will be goody bags, cookies and drinks. Register online at: www. imaginationlibrary.com or stop in and see us so they may receive a new book each month, delivered right to their home.

Saturday, June 3

Enjoy First Saturday event at Ninepipes

CHARLO — The Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana summer events include our “First Saturday of the Month” event from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m., featuring artists, photographers, writers, craftspeople, musicians, and the Frybread Ladies frying up their specialty frybread. Call 406-6443435 or check our website and social media for updates on monthly featured artisans.

Craft fair, hot dog lunch on tap

POLSON — The second annual “Connecting our Community” vendor/ craft fair and garage sale will take place from 9 a.m.- 2 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 301 16th Ave. E. A hot dog lunch will be available for $2 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

Join the ‘Taco throw down’

POLSON — Glacier Brewing Company, 6 10th Ave., will host a Taco Throw Down event by “Belly of the Beast” and “Saddled Up Tacos.” Come join us Saturday, June 3, for a taco throw down where our most popular local food vendors are going head-to-head to see who wins the people’s vote. Tickets are $20 and are on sale now. The throw down will take place from 4-8 p.m. and live music, beer, tacos and great company are guaranteed so don’t miss out.

Sunday, June 4

St. Joseph Scramble held

POLSON — This Providence St. Joseph Golf Scramble will take place at the Polson Bay Golf Course. This is a fun four-person scramble will begin at 8 a.m. and go until 5 p.m. Contact polsonbaygolfcours@gmail.com.

Saturday, June 6

Horsemen discuss safety precautions

RONAN — Mission Valley BackCountry Horsemen will hold their next monthly meeting June 6 at 7 p.m. at the VFW on Round Butte Rd. Our program will be about safety precautions while riding your equine friend and the equipment you can use. We will also be discussing projects we have completed, others that need to be completed, the spring weekend ride

we just had at the Meuli Ranch, along with club business. So, come to our meeting and find out what this club is all about and meet new friends. Hope to see you there!

Thursday, June 8

Watch Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous in Ronan

RONAN — Ronan Chamber of Commerce will host the 4th annual Mission Valley Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous starting at noon on Thursday, June 8, to Sunday, June 12, at 6 p.m. They are excited to present 13 of the most awesome, talented artists coming from across United States as well as internationally this year. The competition will be intense as they carve a “masterpiece” to be auctioned off on Sunday at 1 p.m. Also, the carvers will do a “quick carve” each of the four days. Some of the “quick carves” will be available for auction on Friday evening June 9 at 6 p.m. The competition will be at the Lake County Fairgrounds. We welcome the public to watch these amazing carvers and enjoy the food booths and vendors who will be also on site. No admission fees.

Friday, June 9

Chainsaw carving artist show their skills

RONAN — Watch as amazing works of art are created by international chainsaw carvers at the Fairgrounds in Ronan. The

four-day Mission Valley Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous will hold nightly quick-carve auctions, carvings for sale and craft and food vendors.

Homesteader Days held for the 74th time

HOT SPRINGS —

The 74th annual Homesteader Days and Open Rodeo, one of Northwestern Montana’s not-to-bemissed signature events, will be held June 9-11 in Hot Springs. Fun-filled family events begin on Friday at noon and ends at 11 p.m. There will be a variety of vendors on Main Street with art, crafts and food. In the evening enjoy music and dancing.

Grizzly Memorial Tourney held

RONAN — Come join the Mission Mountain Chapter of the Grizzly Scholarship Association at their annual Golf for the Griz Memorial Tournament on Friday, June 9, at the Ronan Golf Course. The four-person scramble begins at 11 a.m. with a shotgun start. Registration fees are $460 per team which includes greens fees, cart, prizes, dinner, and a snack bar buffet. (Rocky Mountain oysters will be served as a special treat.) Extra dinner tickets are available for $25 each. Dinner will be served starting at 4 p.m. There will be a silent auction with lots and a 50-50 drawing for a chance to win some cash. Entry deadline is June 8, but entries are accepted on a first- come, first-serve basis and limited to 32 teams. For more informa-

tion contact the Ronan Golf Club at 406-6764653. This scramble is sponsored by the Mission Mountain Chapter of the Grizzly Scholarship Association and all proceeds go for Grizzly Athletic Scholarships.

Saturday, June 10

Glacier Bank Golf Tourney on tap in Polson

POLSON — The Glacier Bank Two-Person Better Ball golf tournament will be held at the Polson Bay Golf Course on June 10 and 11. Contact polsonbaygolfcourse@ gmail.com for more information.

Chainsaw carving continues

RONAN — Watch as amazing works of art are created by international chainsaw carvers at the Fairgrounds in Ronan. The four-day Mission Valley Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous will hold nightly quick-carve auctions, carvings for sale and craft and food vendors.

View Quilt Show

RONAN — The Mission Mountain Quilt Show will take place in conjunction with the Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous, on Saturday, June 10, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday, June 11, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in the High School Gymnasium. Our theme this year is “We the People,” exemplified by this year’s raffle quilt. see page 29

from page 28

Additional quilted items will also be for sale along with vendors, a consignment market, a raffle basket and more. Come vote for your favorite quilt. There is no admission fee. The guild supports those who’ve lost their homes to fire by giving Tender Loving Care quilts to fire victims in Ronan, St. Ignatius and Polson communities.

Watch Superoval race at Speedway

POLSON — The Mission Valley Speedway Superoval, 1113 N. Reservoir Rd., is the site of the Late Models, Mod 4’s, Hobby Stocks, Hornets and Legends racing. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for children 8-14; children under 7 are free. Seniors 55 and older, military and first responders pay a $10 admission fee. Family (two adults, three kids) is $40 general admission. Time trials begin at 6 p.m. and racing begins at 7 p.m. Call 406-212-8159 for more information.

Homesteaders continues for day three

HOT SPRINGS — Kids games, vendors, art and crafts shows, a car show and rodeo continue at the Homesteaders Days

festival from 9 a.m.-2 a.m. on Main Street. The Homesteader Rodeo begins at 6 p.m.

Sunday, June 11

Heritage Keeper Benefit to feature singing, drumming

CHARLO — On Sun-

day, June 11, from 2-5 p.m. Heritage Keeper Benefit fundraising event will be held. A ticketed event with music, food, a live auction will feature Native speakers Aspen and Cameron Decker of “Xwlxlilt”, (Salish for Alive and Well), along with Salish singing, drumming and hoop dancing. For more information call 406-644-3435 or check out our website and

Facebook.

Carving auction ends rendezvous

RONAN — Sunday is the final day of the Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous at the Ronan Fairgrounds. The competition will be intense as they carve a “masterpiece” to be auctioned off. The final Chainsaw Carving Rendezvous

along with vendors, a consignment market, a raffle basket and more. There is no admission fee.

Superoval race held at Speedway

POLSON — The Mission Valley Speedway Superoval, 1113 N. Reservoir Rd., is the site of the Late Models, Mod 4’s, Hobby Stocks, Hornets and Legends racing. Time trials begin at 6 p.m. and racing begins at 7 p.m. Call 406-212-8159 for more information.

Homesteaders’ final day takes place

HOT SPRINGS — The final day for Homesteader revelers takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Main Street. The much-awaited parade begins at noon on Main Street and the second day of the rodeo begins at 2 p.m.

auction begins at 1 p.m.

Queen size quilt auctioned

RONAN — Mission Mountain Quilt Guild Show will auction off a queen size quilt in the High School Gymnasium

June 11. The guild supports community home Fire losses. Additional quilted items will also be for sale

Monday, June 12

WMCPGA Pro Am played in Polson

POLSON — The 2023 WMCPGA ProAm will be played on the closed 18hole course from 6 a.m.-5 p.m. Contact polsonbaygolfcourse@gmail.com for more information.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID W. KING PICTURES

Aerial of Armed Forces Memorial Bridge, downtown Polson

classifieds

Announcements

Special Notices

Donating your vehicle? Get more! Free Towing. Tax Deductible. Plus a $200 restaurant voucher and a 2-night/3-day hotel stay at one of 50 locations. Call Heritage for the Blind to donate your vehicle today

- 1-855-901-2620

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

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

1-866-585-6456 Wanted

WANTED TO BUY

Guns and/or ammunition, old or new. Whole estates/ collections or single pieces. Fair prices paid. 406-207-4641

Employment

Help wanted

WIC AIDE

ST. IGNATIUS TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must have: high school diploma or equivalent. Must complete required WIC training within first 60 days of hire as well as additional training in specified time frame. Must possess a valid driver’s license. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcript/degree, certifications, copy of valid

driver’s license, if claiming Tribal preference, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted.

FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy and subject to random drug testing. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is $14.19$16.31 per hour, plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt.org. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. The closing date will be Thursday, June 15, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. (MST)

P.O. Box 103, St. Ignatius, MT 59865. The Town of St. Ignatius is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Enviro-Tire is hiring for 1 CDL driver. This position is open immediately. No tire loading, drop and hook only. CDL Class A truck driver with doubles endorsement for Montana, Idaho and Washington day runs. Home every night. Work site is in Lonepine, Mt. Year-round, full-time position. Pay $25.00 per hour for experienced, qualified drivers. Mandatory DOT drug testing. Vacation & holiday pay. Office phone and fax (406) 755-7716. enviro-tire@ montanasky.com

Vehicles

Miscellaneous INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE

IN RE THE ADOPTION OF: KALEB RYVER DUFF, Minor Child, JASON WOGSLAND, Petitioner, and JOSHUA JOHN DUFF, Respondent.

Cause No. DA-23-1

Hon. Deborah Kim Christopher SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

THE STATE OF MONTANA SENDS GREETINGS TO THE ABOVENAMED DEFENDANT JOSHUA JOHN DUFF

Lake County.

Date: May 15, 2023

/s/ Lyn Fricker Clerk of District Court

May 24, 31 and June 7, 2023

MNAXLP

HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT NO.23 (POLSON) LAKE COUNTY, MONTANA

ELECTION CERTIFICATE

that 2,094 electors voted “HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT BONDS - YES”, and that 1,796 electors voted “HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT BONDS - NO”.

THEREFORE,

BE IT CERTIFIED

that the above bond proposition has been approved in accordance with the provisions of section 20-9-428, MCA, and that the Board of Trustees of High School District No. 23 (Polson), Lake County, Montana is hereby authorized to issue bonds for the purpose and in the amount specified in the ballot proposition.

High School District No. 23 (Polson), Lake County, Montana caused the Lake County Election Administrator to conduct a mail ballot bond election on May 2, 2023, at which the following proposition was considered:

DATED: May 22, 2023.

/s/ Chanel Lake Chair, High School District No. 23 (Polson), Lake County, Montana

Attest:

CSKT

IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

The Town of St. Ignatius, Montana is accepting applications for the position of police officer. The applicant shall possess the knowledge, skills and abilities typically obtained through a combination of education and experience. MT POST certified preferred. 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. Applications and job descriptions can be picked up at City Hall in St. Ignatius or Lake County Job Service in Polson. A Standard MT Public Safety Officer Application and resume must be submitted. Position will be open until filled, with applicants being reviewed every Friday at 5 p.m. Applications shall be mailed to Town of St. Ignatius, Attn: Mayor Daren Incashola,

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.

You are named in a petition to terminate your parental rights and for adoption of the above named child by the Petitioner. Unless you respond in 21 days, the court may decide against you without you being heard and give Petitioner everything asked for in the petition. You must submit your written response to the Clerk of Court and serve a copy on counsel for the Petitioner within 21 calendar days. Counsel for the Petitioner is Justin Kalmbach of Kalmbach Law Office, PLLC, PO Box 249, Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-1159 ext. 2. The 21-day period starts the day after the last date of publication of this notice. If the final day falls on a weekend or court holiday, you may file your response on the next business day. Failure to appear at the hearing constitutes a waiver of your interest in custody of the child and will result in the court’s termination of your rights to the child.

WITNESS my hand and seal of said Court on this 15th day of May, 2023.

Lyn Fricker, Clerk of Court /s/ Mary Rensvold Deputy Clerk

Public Notices

Legals

Legals

Lyn Fricker Clerk of District Court Lake County Courthouse 106 4th Ave E. Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-7254

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

May 24, 31 and June 7, 2023

MNAXLP

Montana 20th Judicial District Court, Lake County

In the matter of the Name Change of Tanna Marie Baruso; Tanna Marie Baruso, Petitioner.

Cause No: DV-23-70 Dept. MOLLY OWEN

NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Tanna Marie Baruso to Tonna Marie Owen. The hearing will be on July 12, 2023, at 10:00 am. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in

Shall the Board of Trustees of High School District No. 23 (Polson), Lake County, Montana (the “High School District”) be authorized to sell and issue general obligation bonds of the High School District in one or more series in the aggregate principal amount of up to Sixteen Million Six Hundred Forty-Five Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($16,645,000.00), bearing interest at rates to be determined at the time of the sale, payable semiannually, during a term as to each series of bonds of not more than twenty (20) years, for the purpose of addressing student safety and deferred maintenance needs, providing job training opportunities, and accommodating student enrollment by paying the costs of designing, constructing, remodeling, equipping, and furnishing improvements to Polson High School, to include constructing a secure main entrance and removing unsecure and unnecessary modular units; constructing additions for job training to include science, technology, engineering, and math classrooms and labs; constructing a new job training center with classrooms, labs, metals fabrication area, woodshop improvements, and tool and material storage; repurposing and expanding space for music education; remodeling the serving kitchen, family and consumer science classrooms, lower level classrooms, and restrooms; making site improvements; and related costs and improvements; and paying costs associated with the sale and issuance of the bonds?

The total number of registered electors who were eligible to vote in the bond election was 9,561

The canvass of the votes establishes

/s/ Deb Anderson Clerk, High School District No. 23 (Polson), Lake County, Montana

May 31, 2023

MNAXLP

CALL FOR BIDS

The Board of Trustees, School District No. 30, Lake County, Ronan, Montana will accept sealed bids for the following for 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years:

Approximately 30,000 gallons of diesel fuel each year for school bus fleet through cardtrol system.

Approximately 5,000 gallons of gasoline each year for school owned vehicles through cardtrol system.

Approximately 50,000 gallons of No. 2 heating Oil, delivered to RMS fuel tank.

Price must be listed on a cost-plus and/or retail-minus basis per gallon. Certification of dealer cost required monthly.

Bids must be delivered to TJ Harold-Marmon, Business Manager/ District Clerk at the District Administration Office at 421 Andrew Street NW, Ronan, Montana on or before 4:00 p.m. on May 31, 2023.

The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

May 24 and 31, 2023

MNAXLP

see page 31

public notices

day of May, 2023.

/s/ Lyn Fricker, Clerk of Court

May 24, 31 and June 7, 2023

MNAXLP

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 23 (POLSON) LAKE COUNTY, MONTANA

ELECTION CERTIFICATE

remodeling classrooms, restrooms, commons area, and support spaces; and related costs and improvements; and paying costs associated with the sale and issuance of the bonds?

Lyn Fricker Clerk of District Court

Lake County Courthouse

106 4th Ave E. Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-7254

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN RE THE ADOPTION OF: KIERRA RAYNE DUFF, Minor Child, JASON WOGSLAND, Petitioner, and JOSHUA JOHN DUFF, Respondent.

Cause No. DA-23-2

Hon. Deborah Kim Christopher SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

THE STATE OF MONTANA SENDS GREETINGS TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANT JOSHUA JOHN DUFF

You are named in a petition to terminate your parental rights and for adoption of the above named child by the Petitioner. Unless you respond in 21 days, the court may decide against you without you being heard and give Petitioner everything asked for in the petition. You must submit your written response to the Clerk of Court and serve a copy on counsel for the Petitioner within 21 calendar days. Counsel for the Petitioner is Justin Kalmbach of Kalmbach Law Office, PLLC, PO Box 249, Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-1159 ext. 2. The 21-day period starts the day after the last date of publication of this notice. If the final day falls on a weekend or court holiday, you may file your response on the next business day. Failure to appear at the hearing constitutes a waiver of your interest in custody of the child and will result in the court’s termination of your rights to the child.

WITNESS my hand and seal of said Court on this 15th

William P. Williams, IV FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS, PLLC Attorneys at Law

324 Main SW Ronan, MT 59864

Telephone: (406) 676-4470

Attorney for Personal Representative bill@fgwilliamslaw.com

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WAYNE FLOYD COE, Deceased.

CAUSE NO. DP-23-31

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 RANDY WADE COE, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, c/o FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS, PLLC, 324 Main SW, Ronan, MT 59864, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 23rd day of May, 2023.

/s/ R. Wade Coe RANDY WADE COE, Personal Representative

May 31, June 7 and 14, 2023

MNAXLP

Service Directory

Elementary School District No. 23 (Polson), Lake County, Montana caused the Lake County Election Administrator to conduct a mail ballot bond election on May 2, 2023, at which the following proposition was considered:

Shall the Board of Trustees of Elementary School District No. 23 (Polson), Lake County, Montana (the “Elementary District”) be authorized to sell and issue general obligation bonds of the Elementary District in one or more series in the aggregate principal amount of up to Twenty-Three Million Three Hundred Fifteen Thousand and No/100 Dollars ($23,315,000.00), bearing interest at rates to be determined at the time of the sale, payable semiannually, during a term as to each series of bonds of not more than twenty (20) years, for the purpose of addressing student safety and deferred maintenance needs, enhancing educational opportunities, and accommodating student enrollment by paying the costs of designing, constructing, remodeling, equipping, and furnishing improvements to:

Cherry Valley Elementary School, to include constructing a secure main entrance and removing unsecure and unnecessary modular units; constructing classrooms, a music room, a library, and restrooms; remodeling existing restrooms, serving kitchen, special education classrooms, and support spaces; making site improvements; and related costs and improvements;

Linderman Elementary School, to include constructing a secure main entrance and removing unsecure and unnecessary modular units; constructing classrooms and learning spaces, a music room, a library, a serving kitchen, and restrooms; remodeling existing restrooms; making playground and other site improvements; and related costs and improvements;

Polson Middle School, to include constructing a secure main entrance; completely remodeling the district kitchen;

The total number of registered electors who were eligible to vote in the bond election was 8,531

The canvass of the votes establishes that 1,935 electors voted “ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DIS- TRICT BONDS - YES”, and that 1,547 electors voted “ELEMENT- ARY SCHOOL DISTRICT BONDS - NO”.

THEREFORE, BE IT CERTIFIED that the above bond proposition has been approved in accordance with the provisions of section 20-9-428, MCA, and that the Board of Trustees of Elementary School District No. 23 (Polson), Lake County, Montana is hereby authorized to issue bonds for the purpose and in the amount specified in the ballot proposition.

DATED: May 22, 2023.

/s/ Chanel Lake Chair, Elementary School District No. 23 (Polson), Lake County, Montana

Attest:

/s/ Deb Anderson Clerk, Elementary School District No. 23 (Polson), Lake County, Montana

May 31, 2023

Providence St. Joseph Welcomes

Angela Lemire, PA-C

Family Medicine – Ronan Clinic

Providence St. Joseph Medical Clinic – Ronan is excited to welcome Angela Lemire, PA-C, to our team of providers dedicated to serving Mission Valley and surrounding areas.

Angela grew up in Missoula and spent her childhood visiting her grandparents in the Flathead Valley. Her roots to the valley began in 1909 when her great grandfather and great granduncle opened Lemire Bros. General Mercantile in Ronan. Angela attended the Yale School of Medicine Physician Associate Program, and upon graduation she eagerly moved back home with a commitment to care for her fellow Montanans.

Angela is now accepting new patients at Providence St. Joseph Medical Clinic in Ronan.

Clinic Location: Providence St. Joseph Medical Clinic – Ronan 63351 US Highway 93 South Ronan, MT 59864

To make an appointment, call 406-676-5680

Providence.org