Rodeo

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

POLSON — The 81st Mission Mountain Rodeo is scheduled for this weekend, June 24 and 25, at the Polson Fairgrounds.

With general seating and admissions of $10 for adults, $5 for kids ages five to 12, and no charge for kids under five, the rodeo will kick off this summer with a variety of mens, ladies, juniors, and youth events. Youth events begin at 6 p.m. with the main rodeo starting at 7 p.m.

Sanctioned by the Northern Rodeo Association, attendees of the main rodeo will get to see all the classics from bareback riding to steer wrestling. Ladies and juniors events include break-away roping and barrel racing, while the youngest competitors will be busy with mutton busting, mini bull riding, and pony buckers.

Just as they have for the past few years, Montana based stock contractor, Big Circle Rodeo, will provide the rodeo animals. “They’ve always provided some great rough stock and livestock for the rodeo for us, so we’re always happy to have them back,” Polson Fairgrounds secretary Una Rose Graham stated. The contractor for youth stock is 406 Rodeo, also based out of Montana.

As a special treat this year, two young teenagers, Audrey Snellman and Oli Leininger, will perform their trick riding act on both nights.

“You don’t get to see a whole lot of (trick riding) anymore,” Graham commented. “We’re excited to see them. It should be really fun to watch.”

There will be plenty to do outside the main event. Slack events take place on Saturday morning at 9 a.m. These events are for “overflow” contestants over the age of 12, who do calf roping, team roping, barrel racing and steer wrestling. It’s everything that wouldn’t quite fit in the highlighted nightly rodeo. In addition, a craft and nonfood vendor fair, where anyone can set up a booth to sell their wares free of charge, will be available both days of the rodeo. For those interested in setting up a booth, call Sharon for details at 406-261-2861.

A beer garden and food concessions will also be available, including everything from hot dogs, burgers and famous handcut fries made on-site. “We have really good rodeo food,” Graham laughed.

Finally, on Friday night after the rodeo, there’ll be a live music performance by Northern Lights out of Missoula to celebrate the traditional start to summer.

“It’s quite a social event,” Graham said. “We look forward to everyone coming out to the rodeo and enjoying a night out.”

COURTESY PHOTOS Two teenagers will be bringing their trick riding act to Polson this year.

Joe Durglo named CSKT Tribal Health Director

News from the CSKT Public Affairs & Communications

PABLO — The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) announce Joe Durglo as Tribal Health Department Head.

Prior to being named the Department Head, Durglo was the Director of the CSKT Tribal Health Business Office. He brings a strong background in health finance and government operations combined with a deep passion for health promotion.

“We are excited to welcome Joe as our next CSKT Tribal Health Director,” said Tom McDonald, Tribal Council Chairman. “He not only brings experience, enthusiasm, and continuity to services but also exemplifies a strong commitment to improving community services. We are excited to see the next chapter of tribal health leadership focused on exemplary healthcare and together, look forward to successful and robust services with him at the helm.”

Durglo has served as Director of the Tribal Health Business Office for eight years, and has served as Interim Tribal Health Director since the departure of Jonathan Owens in late 2021. Durglo holds a Bachelors degree in Business Administration from Montana State University and has Business Executive Program experience, including small business ownership and health-specific engagement. He brings a wealth of experience to the position.

“As a CSKT Tribal Member, this is my home. I have a deep dedication to the people on the reservation and I am excited to be leading the next generation of health services for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and to help demystify the complex nature of healthcare to make it easily accessible to our community. I plan to engage with the community and partner closely with the CSKT Department Directors creating a strong focus and solution-driven efforts on the social determinants of health,” says Durglo.

Durglo also served on the CSKT Council between 20062013. During that time, he held positions of Chairman and Vice-Chairman.

“I have every confidence that Joe is committed to excellence for Tribal Health. In fact, he already has a set of outcome goals for the first year, working towards development of a data-driven process for decision making and improvement. I look forward to working with Joe and supporting him,” says Patricia Hibbeler, director of Tribal Member Services. “CSKT Health Department continues to be an integral service within tribal government. Joe is already creating a route for immediate access, placing customer service at the forefront along with bringing creativity for recruitment and retention for an exemplary medical team.”

Joe has lived in St. Ignatius for his entire life. He is married to Alana and together they have four children and four grandchildren. He also is an avid runner and has participated in several half marathons, thus continuing his awareness and promotion of the importance of health.

“He already has a set of outcome goals for the first year, working towards development of a data-driven process for decision making and improvement.”

- Patricia Hibbeler, director of Tribal Member Services

THANK YOU for making our first week a success and for the warm welcome to downtown Polson! If you haven’t come in yet, please do. We look forward to serving you!

THE MAVERICK

M E N ’ S T H R E A D S & G I F T S

Fresh new fashions just in time for summer. 4th of July is almost here. Hit the water in some new trunks!

214 Main St. Suite B, Polson 406-319-2199

(former Crow’s Nest Building)