06-28-23 issue

‘Somewhere in Montana’ holds world premiere at Showboat

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

POLSON — Main Street was closed in front of the Showboat Cinema in Polson on Thursday evening as a red carpet was laid out for the world premiere of the new film

“Somewhere in Montana.”

A local production written and directed by Brandon Smith and produced by Eden Matson, (both from Polson), and Nova Vento Studios, the film is about a northwest Montana rancher at risk of losing his ranch and a film crew that comes to town in search of a location to shoot their movie. The rancher

and filmmaker – two very different men – learn how to respect each other’s values without compromising their own.

“This is really interesting because this is something I wanted to do my entire life –not kidding, since I was maybe eight years old and I was making movies with Lego pieces and stuff like that,” Smith said. “So, for this to come together? It’s amazing. Completely nerve wracking – I’m a stress ball, they’re going to have to take me out of here on a stretcher – but I’m enjoying myself.”

The film’s cast and crew flew in to watch

the premiere and walk the red carpet, including leads Graham McTavish of films such as “The Hobbit” and “Creed” and Michelle Hurd of “Law and Order” and “Star Trek: Piccard” fame. Co-stars Matt Drago, Kate Orsini, and Melanie Rae Wendt were also present.

“I think the script that Brandon wrote, the message that is contained within it, is about tolerance, mutual respect between two people – myself here and Matt – who have very, very different views. And we don’t convert each other to our view of life, we just see page 2

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL “Somewhere in Montana” cast members pose together on the red carpet.

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listen to each other, respect each other, and go away with our own opinions,” McTavish commented. “It’s a film about community and culture, the importance of tradition and that’s what really drew me to it because I think that message is really important.

You can have differences with people. You can have differences of opinion and world views, but the important thing is you actually give them the respect and listen. That’s why I took (this role).”

“We have a quick trigger on cancelling each other in today’s society, and I think that this film shows that if we look beneath the surface and look at the person

in their totality, in their character and what they stand for, we would be surprised by people,” Drago said. He plays the film’s director Fabian, the protagonist to McTavish’s rancher character. “I’m primarily a city boy. We come to a town like this, we shoot on a ranch, and they welcome us as family right away. And these might not be people that vote the way I do. They

might not see the world the way I do, but my God we need each other. And I think that’s what I’ve learned through this process, through this film, is that at the end of the day we’re more powerful together than we are alone. This film does a really great job of telling it in a realistic way, and a really wholesome way,” Fabian explained.

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL Michelle Hurd

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL Graham McTavish and Matt Drago

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL

Produer Eden Bryant, lead actor Graham McTavish, writer/director Brandon Smith, and actor Matt Drago meet up before the premiere outside Good Coffee Roasting Co., one of the filming locations.

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL Brandon Smith

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This Week’s Weather Forecast

Courts ......................... 8 Valley Views ............... 10 STEM van ................... 14 Ronan brewfest .......... 16 Seniors ....................... 18 MV Choral Society .... 21 Calendar ................... 26 Classifieds ................. 30 MARTY HENSEL PHOTO

camera-friendly trio

contact

Kathi Beeks

Boone Goddard

Advertising Sales, Owner (406) 249-1728

boone@valleyjournal.net

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Office Manager, Copy Editor (406) 676-8989

vjmail@valleyjournal.net news@valleyjournal.net

Taylor Davison Editor (406) 676-8989

vjeditor@valleyjournal.net

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Advertising Sales (406) 207-4641

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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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“The script is so beautiful, it really touches our hearts,” Hurd commented. “And what’s such a beautiful gift to me is I said yes to this film and I came here and I experienced this beautiful place that you guys have, this heaven on Earth –Polson, Montana, – and it has changed my life. Thank you so much for welcoming us.”

The premiere was open to the public and quickly sold out of tickets, but those still interested in seeing the film can find out more about when and where it’ll be showing by going online to: NovaVento.com

Better Newspaper Contest announces award winners

MONTANA — The Montana Newspaper Association’s 2023 Better Newspaper Contest announced its award winners last week.

Lake County’s own Valley Journal took away three awards: First place in Best Niche Publication for the Montana Summer Guide magazine, first place in Best Special Section for the Farm & Ranch publication, and third place in Best Editorial for a column written by editor Taylor Davison.

Other winners included General Excellence Awards for the Boulder Monitor, Choteau Acantha, Belgrade News, Havre Daily News, and the Billings Gazette. The Sam Gilluly Award for Best Montana Daily Newspaper went to the Billings Gazette. The Thomas Dimsdale Award for Best Montana Weekly Newspaper went to Belgrade News. The Mel Ruder Photograph of the Year went to Amy Nelson of the Billings Gazette.

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL

Cast and crew meet up at Perfect Shot to celebrate before the film’s world premiere.

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL

Kate Orsini, Andrew Roa, and Graham McTavish snap a selfie on the red carpet.

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL vj

Mission Mountain Rodeo kicks off rodeo season

Story

by Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

POLSON — The Mission Mountain Rodeo celebrated its 82nd annual rodeo last weekend, packing the Polson Fairgrounds with contestants and onlookers in the first rodeo of the season in the area.

Held every year since 1940 – minus a year off for COVID-19 – the Mission Mountain Rodeo is sanctioned by the Northern Rodeo Association (NRA) and brought in contestants from all over Montana and beyond, along with quite a few well-known locals like the Bagnells, the Lyttons, the Hughes and more.

Kicked off on Friday with stock from Big Circle Rodeo, the event started off with the kiddos with mutton busting, mini buckers, and mini bulls. Then the regular rodeo kicked off at seven, with all the fan favorite events from bareback riding and barrel racing to roping and steer wrestling.

This year also featured the return of teenage trick riders

Audrey Snellman and Oli Leininger, who performed at the rodeo in 2022, along with an additional performer this year. “They did a fantastic performance for us last year, these young

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and Photos

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gals, so we invited them back again,” Una Rose Graham commented. “(It’s) a nice weekend. We want people to come out and enjoy the good food and beverages and the rodeo action and the views that we have. (They get) the chance to see people they haven’t seen, the people they haven’t seen all winter – people are excited to get out and do things.”

To see the final results and winners from this weekend’s rodeo once they’re posted, visit the NRA website at: https:// www.northernrodeo. com/2023-rodeo-schedule.

Stories by Jeff Smith of Anderson Broadcasting for the Valley Journal

Assiniboine sentenced for assault, possession

POLSON — A St. Ignatius man received five years in the Montana State Prison on one count of assault on a peace officer and another five years MSP for criminal possession of dangerous drugs. The sentences are to run concurrently. A total of four years with the Montana Department of Corrections with none of that time suspended was added during the sentencing hearing before Judge Molly Owen in Polson District Court on June 21.

Michael Anthony Assiniboine, 35, was initially charged with burglary and theft for breaking into a residence on Riley Lane in St. Ignatius July 23, 2013

and stealing a Chevy Blazer. The Blazer was later located in Dixon, where a witness claimed Assiniboine attempted to sell him the Blazer. The witness also claimed that Assiniboine would often return to remove parts from the Blazer. Assiniboine is also alleged to have stolen a 2005 Kawasaki four-wheeler on Dec. 29, 2015 from a residence on Sabine Creek Road. Tracks led investigators to the four-wheeler location off road and deep in the woods. While charges from those incidents were pending, Assiniboine was granted permission to attend his father’s funeral on July 8, 2016. Due to his incarceration, law enforcement accompanied him to the services. At some point during the services, someone passed Assiniboia a condom containing syringes, money and

heroin which he tried to swallow. A deputy with the Lake County Sheriff’s office had to deploy his stun gun on Assiniboine and wrestle with him to keep him from ingesting the condom. The bail jumping charge stems from a missed court appearance on a previous drug possession case in 2015.

The sentencing was in accordance with a plea agreement reached during an earlier court appearance in which Assiniboine resolved three separate cases against him. And brought convictions on two counts of burglary, assault on a peace officer and criminal possession of dangerous drugs. In exchange for his guilty pleas on those charges the state agreed to dismiss one count of CPDD and two counts of theft.

Drug court celebrates graduates

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

POLSON — The Lake County Adult Treatment Court celebrated another round of graduations on June 22 with three participants successfully completing the program.

Started by former Judge James Manley in 2016 after he realized a staggering 93% of people, he sentenced had committed crimes related to addiction. The drug court was formed with the mission of providing non-violent offend-

Pierre pleads guilty to burglary

POLSON — A Polson man admitted to his involvement in the breaking into several storage units in Pablo and taking the contents.

Nickalie Chadwick Pierre, 35, entered a plea of guilty in Polson District Court June 22 to two counts of burglary.

According to court records, on April 23, 2020, the manager of the storage unit contacted law enforcement to report several units had been broken into. One tenant reported that everything from her unit was taken. Video surveillance from April 21, 2020, showed images of the burglary. An investigation led authorities to Pierre. On May 24, 2020, Pierre was questioned and admitted to breaking into the units. He told Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher that he sold many of the items to pay for his drug habit. In a separate matter, Pierre pleaded guilty to criminal possession of dangerous drugs involving methamphetamine on Dec. 20, 2022, while the burglary case was pending.

A plea agreement calls for sentencing to be deferred for three years on each count of burglary, and two years on the drug possession charge for a total of eight years. A restitution amount has not yet been determined.

Judge Christopher set sentencing for Aug. 17. Pierre remains at liberty.

ers with substance use disorders with court and treatment services to give them the tools and incentives needed to overcome their addiction and become productive members of the community. For Judge Molly Owens, who took over from Manley after his retirement in June 2022, this was her first round of graduates.

“I like to tell this story: right before I became judge, I was a prosecutor, and I was prosecuting a defendant in front of Judge Manley at this person’s sentencing. I argued

strenuously for this person to spend 12 years in prison. Judge Manley disagreed with me because this person had been a participant of drug court and had been doing really well,” Owens shared. “So, Judge Manley, in his infinite wisdom disagreed with my 12-year recommendation and allowed this person to stay in the community and parent his children and continue on with drug court. Then sure enough – last month was our first graduation since I became judge – the first person

Michael Assiniboine

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL

Graduate Ginae Couture-Ware embraces her mom after accepting her diploma.

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that I presided over for their graduation was the same guy that I, a year ago, said should spend 12 years in prison. So, it really was a full circle moment for me. It just showed me the power of drug court and how positive it can really be for the community, because instead of this person going away for 12 years and breaking a family … he was able to remain in the community. We have broken the cycle we hope, and his kids are with their father and are not having to visit him in prison. It was very rewarding, (it’s) a great program.”

A minimum 14-month-long program based on the progress of the individual, drug court accepts references from probation officers and defense attorneys, misdemeanor and voluntary cases, and even family services (DFS) cases as well. The program works in five phases: first, participants will complete a multitude of weekly requirements from attending drug court meetings, group therapy sessions, legal action center (LAC) meetings, individual therapy meetings and take random drug tests. The next phase is much the same, with meetings focusing on the participant’s problem areas and identifying ways of coping with stressful situations. Phase three will address ongoing recovery needs, including relapse prevention and daily living skills to support the participant in their return to the community productively and responsibly. Phase four focuses on maintaining total abstinence from all drugs and the completion of formal treatment and working on continuing daily living and employment or education

skills.

Once the participant has completed the four phases of treatment, the fifth phase is entirely for their benefit to help maintain sobriety in aftercare, ideally keeping contact with the participant for up to two years. Graduates are invited to come to court and a group session once per month.

“Our main goal of drug court is not just to have them be compliant with everything. We want them to develop long term recovery,” Owens explained.

With partnerships with the Medicated Assistant Treatment program at St. Joseph, two sober living houses, Never Alone Recovery Services in Ronan, Owens commented that the program has a pretty robust infrastructure of support in the county. “We’re lucky in Lake County that we do have so much community support,” she stated. “I think we sometimes think we’re in this rural space with not a lot of resources, but my drug court coordinator and I have talked with other drug courts in western Montana, like Hamilton and in Missoula even, and they don’t have as much support as we do, so we do feel very lucky.”

This month’s graduates –Ginae Couture-Ware, Ashton James, and Michael Pierre Sr. – all of different ages, ethnicities and genders, are what Owens calls very representative of their drug court. “It has been incredibly rewarding … to witness this very special time in these participants’ lives,” Owens said. “Hopefully (we can) help amplify their successes and their transformation, and just show the public how positive that this program can be.”

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL

Michael Pierre Sr. embraces Drug Court Coordinator Dana Comes At Night, a who supported him throughout his journey to graduation.

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL Ashton James accepts her certificate of graduation and speaks about her experience.

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL Ginae Couture-Ware

valley views What you should know about property tax appraisals

Property tax appraisals are currently arriving in the mail. It’s important to review the valuation and appeal it if you do not agree with the valuation. The appeal instructions are in the letter that was mailed to you. You only have 30 days, so do not wait.

If the value of your property increased by 30% that does not mean your taxes will increase by 30%. However, generally if the value of your property increased, most likely your taxes will be increasing.

Property tax calculations are complex and understood by few. To calculate your taxes, you must know the formula. The calculation is: the

market value of your property X tax rate X mill rate = taxes.

The tax rate on various classes of property is controlled by the Legislature. The current residential rate is set at 1.35% and has not changed for many years.

Businesses have a higher rate of 1.89%.

Legislative Notes

For a residential house valued at $400,000 with 650 mills set by the local taxing jurisdiction the tax is: $400,000 X 1.35% X 650/1000 = $3510

As you can see, the main item that determines your taxes is the mill rate. Mill rates are

controlled by your county commissioners, city councils, school boards and voters. The more amenities your elected officials or voters desire, the higher the mill rate. If voters recently voted for new school levies, open space bonds, libraries, parks, law enforcement, new buildings, road improvements, etc., then your taxes will increase as a result of these voter-approved levies. A $400,000 house in Missoula will not pay the same taxes as a $400,000 house in Hel-

ena due to different mills set in each city, county, and school.

Local elected officials can decrease or increase mills as market values change; however, they can only increase revenue raised in the previous year by one-half the rate of inflation plus new growth from new properties. If they want to increase beyond this amount, they must get voter approval.

During the 2023 legislative session I passed Senate Bill 332 which will require local governments to inform voters how much their proposed budgets will increase property taxes. If you are concerned about your property taxes, you need

Defending the ancient forest at Black Ram

To get there, you head up the Pete Creek Road #338 in the Yaak (no one seems to know who Pete was, and I’m keen to know the name the first people called it before Pete rolled into the country), way on up past Mushroom Mountain. At the dust blown hairpin curve left, continue straight into what looks like a giant Walmart parking lot. Once and not so long ago there was an old for-

est there, on the banks of the West Fork of the Yaak River, near the place where water first comes into Montana. From here, you need to go on foot: cross the wooden bridge that spans that wild rushing river and follow Road #523, which was clearcut and widened as a “fire line” for a little fire back in 2018. The road goes north

Valley Views

to attend meetings of your local government and school boards during their budget setting process because 85% of your property tax bill is controlled locally. Also, as voters, you need to consider every levy you vote for, and keep in mind that if you vote yes, your taxes will increase.

Unfortunately, many voters fail to vote when they have the opportunity and oftentimes a minority of the voters who do vote will increase your taxes. You can control your property taxes, but you must get involved with your local governments and support legislators who attempt to place reasonable limits on how much and how

often local governments can increase your property taxes.

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.

‘til it can’t go any more, dead-ending at the forest wall that is Canada. On your left lies a forest that is possibly the oldest in the Yaak, and which is scheduled for clearcutting.

Rick

“These trees,” Leslie Caye says, with significant understatement, “are too big to hug.”

Perhaps like no other forest in Montana, the “Black Ram” forest in

northwest Montana’s Yaak Valley is built on its ancestors. They guide it and direct it. Beneath its ancient canopy of giant cedar, hemlock, spruce, subalpine fir and even larch, down in the wet alpine soil composed of the patient investment of centuries, a secret world exists in which the roots of all the living communicate with one another. We can’t hear it, but we know it’s there. The soil created by the fallen gi-

ants of the past conduct electrical signals between the roots, distributing nutrients to those trees in need. Across the centuries, the old forest continues to take care of its own.

We would not have found out about this forest had the U. S. Forest Service (USFS) not brought it to our attention with a proposal to effectively clearcut it. In addition to being the

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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.

Senator Greg Hertz, a Republican from Polson, chairs the Legislature’s Senate Taxation Committee.

Sen. Greg Hertz, SD 6

Leslie Caye

Bass

place where water first comes into Montana. It’s never been logged, and the agency’s maps show large areas of it possess no fire record. We have been in the old forest at Black Ram. You can look up at the elder trees and become dizzy, they’re so large around and rise so tall. But what one really notices are the elders upon whom the giants stand. The history, written just beneath the surface. What is the voice of such a forest?

I want to tell what the forests were like, wrote the poet W.S. Merwin, I will have to speak in a forgotten language.

Here in Montana, we have not forgotten this language. A master luthier, Kevin Kopp, was gifted a piece of wood about the size of a whale’s vertebrae from an ancient spruce the USFS damaged when building a road to the proposed clearcuts. It’s a beautiful instrument, with a clear bright singular sound that speaks to the centuries of light received from above as well as the slow dispensation of nutrients from her ancestors below. The guitar’s voice asks us, “Can one tree save a forest?”

“These old trees at Black Ram didn’t need to be in this dialogue,”

Leslie says. “They’re one of a kind. You’re not going to be able to cut these down and find any more like them. Someone might get some dollars, but they won’t be mom and pop dollars.” A high volume thru-hiker trail is also being expanded into this area, which will disturb the valley’s last tiny handful of female grizzlies-withcubs. “These bears should be left alone,” says Leslie, “to live the life that they live.” There are other trail options.

The old wet forests in the Yaak hold far more carbon than other forests. They extend in a fringed, breathing curtain of green along the imaginary dotted line that separates us from Canada. There are larch in Black Ram estimated at 600 to 800 years old—living reminders from the last time the world grew hot. They survived, and for what? To be cut down by chainsaws because they are viewed as no longer being “resilient”—whatever that means?

“There are other better places to work in the forest,” says Leslie. A single note of music can be an idea. An idea can be a single seed. Why are we not studying the mysteries of the ancient forest at Black Ram? The light that comes down from far above in this old forest is like waves of

sound made visible. Clearcutting the forest at Black Ram will not save us from fire, but instead move us deeper into the burning.

We are asking that the Kootenai National Forest follow the direction of President Biden and take Black Ram off the books and manage it instead as the nation’s first Climate Refuge, and in such a way that Kootenai people can resume the Sun Dance in these ancestral lands. As recently as the 1930s, the summer drumming ceremony of the yearlong Sun Dance was held in the Yaak. For two weeks, drummers would drum all night. Those sounds still vibrate in the wood of every tree that was living then. And they echo still in the guitar. When we go into the old forest at Black Ram, we wonder how many more hours it has left. We listen to the rush and roar of the West Fork. We walk up to a dead tree leaning against a living one, which, on windy days, rubs back and forth like a bow across a violin or cello. We put our ear to the old snag and listen.

It creaks and sings. We find ourselves smiling. We can’t take our ear away from it. It is the forgotten language, and the language of the future, both.

Carnivores slaughtered

Thismonth Montana’s Fish and Wildlife Commission moved to sharply increase the kill of mountain lions in the state, up to 40 percent of the population in many areas. The move came over the objections of mountain lion hound hunters, sporting groups, and conservation interests. FWP Biologists did not support this increase. The Commission’s justification was that mountain lions are killing too many big game species and action is needed to recover these populations.

abundant big game, and our Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department and Legislature are implementing policies to kill far more deer and elk.

Valley Views

In recent years Montana added the ability to kill three elk per year, special seasons, and expanded early and late seasons onto public lands. There is a disconnect between Gianforte’s rhetoric and reality, which begs the question, what’s going on with Montana’s management of wildlife – all wildlife?

This has resulted in some of the most disgraceful, unethical, and unsporting practices designed to slaughter these species, which are part of our wildlife heritage and valued by Montanans.

For wolves, night shooting, baiting, and snaring is legal. We have massive bag limits, and we’ve gone down the early 20th Century route of paying bounties through a group profiting from those bounties in several states, including with public money.

If this sounds familiar, it is. For over two years The Gianforte administration has waged war on carnivore species, wolves, bears, and now mountain lions, under the facade of caring about public hunters and wildlife.

In truth, Montana has

Gianforte and his hand-picked Commission have followed suit with other Western states playing the “predator card” as the solution to every wildlife issue. Under the guise of “wildlife management” they change the system to support the killing of more wolves, bears, and lions with the justification that the hunting will be great.

But what Montana hunters, and all Montanans, don’t see is how these policies play into the commercialization of their wildlife.

In Utah, groups like Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife and Big Game Forever are fronts that have taken millions of hunter dollars through auction licenses and public payouts, all while promoting their anti-wolf and bear stances.

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Helena Edelson Large Carnivore Fund

Legislature’s health care investments will help Montana families

We would wager that nearly every Montana family has struggled in some way with mental health, diabetes, or postpartum health care. The 2023 Legislature made unprecedented investments in all three of those areas that together will positively impact families in every corner of our state. Not only did we both vote for all of these reforms, but one of us (Senator Jason Small) sponsored the diabetes legislation. The other (Senator John Esp) chaired the Senate’s influential Finance and Claims Committee and shepherded the other bills through the Senate as the Senate sponsor of the legislation. Here’s the lowdown on what these new laws do. Senate Bill 340 by Sen. Small is a straightforward yet game-changing policy for Montanans who

Legislative Notes

need insulin and have private health insurance coverage. The bill puts an upper limit on what Montanans have to pay out-of-pocket for their insulin: $35 per month. Going forward, if you buy your own health insurance or get your health insurance from your employer and you need insulin, you’ll only have to pay, at most, $35 for a 30-day supply of insulin, regardless of how much or what type of insulin you are prescribed. This is a life-changing, and for some, potentially life-saving change to their health insurance coverage.

Sen. John Esp Sen. Jason Small

House Bill 872, sponsored by Flathead Republican Rep. Bob Keenan, makes a generational investment into mental health care. Over the next several years that legislation will spend

$300 million of Montana’s budget surplus to reform and revamp our state’s behavioral health care system. The money will be spent on investments to stabilize and improve mental health services across the state. HB 872 is the largest investment in behavioral health care in Montana history. House Bill 2, sponsored by Conrad Republican Rep. Llew Jones, is the state’s primary budget bill for the next two years. The Legislature allocated $6.2 million in state and federal funding in HB 2 to significantly expand postpartum health care for mothers on the state’s Medicaid program. This additional funding expands postpartum medical coverage—from only 60 days to a full 12 months— for over 1,000 mothers. This pro-family policy demonstrates Montana Republicans’ commitment to mothers and their chil -

dren, including those who don’t have employer health insurance and can’t afford their own private health insurance.

Regardless of whether a Montana family lives in the west or east side of the state, on an Indian reservation, in a big town or on a rural plot of land miles from the closest neighbor, all have struggled with diabetes, mental health, or accessing pregnancy-related health care at one point or another. As the new policies passed by the 2023 Legislature take effect, all of those difficulties just got easier and more affordable for families to address.

Senator Jason Small, a Republican from Busby, is a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe and the sponsor of SB 340. Senator John Esp, a Republican from Big Timber, is the chair of the Senate’s Finance and Claims Committee.

Lead service line replacement program launches

News from the Montana Department of Commerce

HELENA — The Montana Department of Commerce announced the launch of a new program to inventory for the presence of lead service lines in Montana communities. This statewide effort will support the work of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Lead Service Lines Inventory Program and help communities apply for more than $100 million in additional project funding to remove and

replace lead service lines.

“People can be exposed to lead in drinking water through lead pipes,” said Scott Osterman, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce.

“That’s why we’re helping Montana’s water systems inventory all lead service lines across the state –– to make sure all of our residents have safe, clean water to drink.”

Commerce’s Community Technical Assistance Program (CTAP) will provide technical assistance to all public water

systems in the form of online and in-person trainings and community education toolkits. In addition, partner service providers, such as engineers, may be assigned to eligible water systems serving fewer than 10,000 users to complete lead service line inventories at no cost and plan for removing and replacing lead services lines. To access the funding, all drinking water systems will have to complete their inventory and submit a plan for the replacement or mitigation of

That’s resulted in more hunting for wealthy, guided clients and less for public hunters. Some Commissioners directly benefit from increased carnivore quotas through their outfitting companies, earning seven thousand dollars per lion.

Gianforte is listening to these groups, which is evident in the policies his FWP is implementing.

Our organization will strongly oppose the slaughter of carnivores. The Large Carnivore Fund has the strong scientific background and resources to work toward sustainable solutions for all stakeholders, non-consumptive and consumptive, and sound scientific management of these species. While we acknowledge there will be some hunting of carnivores, what’s going on in the Northern Rockies isn’t fair chase or ethical – it’s persecution intended to drive these species population sizes down to arbitrarily minimum numbers.

Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho are working on doing the same thing to grizzly bears, which for now federal protection has prevented. Decades of work to restore grizzlies would be undone in a couple years.

lead service lines by October 16, 2024. The Montana Department of Commerce is working with the Montana Department of Environmental Quality to ensure all eligible water systems receive support to complete these activities.

During the month of May, the Montana Department of Commerce CTAP team and DEQ participated in Lead Service Line Inventory trainings throughout the state. For details, visit the CTAP Lead Service Lines webpage.

We appreciate the intrinsic value of carnivores, and the critical role they play in a functioning ecosystem. Having the full suite of predator species on the landscape leads to stronger, more robust and resilient ungulate herds that thrive in Montana.

We hope all Montanans join us in standing up for our wildlife heritage and the values that make Montana, Montana.

Helena Edelson represents Large Carnivore Fund in Montana.

Ronan road construction to pause for Fourth of July

News from Big Sky Public Relations on behalf of the Montana Department of Transportation

RONAN — This week, crews will be onsite Monday through Thursday, from 5 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Friday until midday. Work will pause for the Fourth of July starting Saturday, July 1, through Tuesday, July 4, to accommodate increased holiday traffic and to give workers time to spend with their families. Crews will return on Wednesday, July 5.

It is anticipated that there will be fewer traffic delays when traveling through the construction zone; however, flaggers will still be present at the truck turnarounds at Round Butte Road with Terrace Lake Road and Old US 93 with 3rd Ave.intersections.

Spring Creek Road Update: Work continues on the new approach to Lake Seed. Once the approach is complete, Spring Creek Road at US 93 will be permanently closed. The closure is expected to take place at the end of June.

Round Butte Road Mill & Fill-Ronan: Work continues on the Round Butte Road resurfacing project. The westbound lane is now paved and milling operations are underway on the eastbound lane. The project is anticipated to be completed early next week.

For more information on the Round Butte Road Mill & Fill project, visit: mdt. mt.gov/pubinvolve/roundbutteroad/

Remember the three Ss of work zone safety when traveling through the construction zone: speed, space, and stress.

e a d y t o P l a y ?

Slow down when approaching work zones and follow posted speed limits. Leave adequate braking room between your vehicle and the one ahead of you. Keep your cool, pay attention, and plan for delays.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Email me directly at sloane@bigskypublicrelations.com or call the project hotline at 406-2074484, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on the RonanNorth project, visit bit.ly/Ronan-North.

Make a Sober Ride Part of Your Fourth of July Plans.

For many Montanans, Memorial Day weekend kicks off the start of summer travel, culminating with Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, these summer months can also be some of the deadliest on Mon-

tana’s roads due to increased motor vehicle crashes. To help ensure everyone enjoys a safe holiday weekend, law enforcement agencies and the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) will be increasing patrols to watch for and stop impaired drivers on Montana’s roadways. Before you make plans to celebrate Fourth of July, plan for safe, sober transportation and insist your friends and family do the same. Remember to always buckle up before you go, as using your seat belt is your best defense against serious injury or death in the event you’re in a crash. This is a Vision Zero Message from the Montana Department of Transportation. Learn more about the goal of Vision Zero and impaired driving prevention here: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/ visionzero/onereason/default.aspx#sober.

Well Child Checks are important throughout childhood, even when your child is healthy. St. Luke incorporates sports physicals into Well

allowing

STEM van visits Arlee

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

ARLEE — The Mobile STEM Learning Center made a stop at the Arlee Community Development Center (CDC) on June 23, opening up the learning program to all the kids who stopped by.

The Mobile STEM Learning Center van – STEM meaning science, technology, engineering, and math –might be brand new to the road, but according to Southwest Montana member Experience Manager Erin Steuer of Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming, the van took two and a half years to complete. After delays with programming and COVID-19, this inaugural summer tour will visit 78 different communities between Montana and Wyoming, a 245,000 square mile region.

“Our little van is going to put on some milage this year,” Steuer laughed.

A cargo style van, the mobile center’s activities – everything from microscopes to 3D pens – are all powered by solar, making it a self-contained mobile learning unit. “It’s pretty comprehensive (from) health science all the way up to 3D printing and that kind of stuff,” Steuer stated. Beyond what’s in the van, when stopped in areas without certain restrictions or with the room to sprawl out, the learning center also has drones and virtual reality headsets that kids can learn to use.

“The Girl Scouts did a lot of fundraising to not only purchase the van, but to purchase

all of the equipment that goes in it,” Steuer commented. “The goal really of the STEM van is to make sure that we can bring hands on STEM programs and education to girls in rural and tribal communities who typically aren’t represented in the STEM world.”

With each stop lasting an hour and a half, the program is free and open to all kids in K-12, Girl Scouts and nonGirl Scouts alike, no registration required.

“In particular with Arlee, we

partnered with the Community Development Center, just specifically because we know it’s a trusted central part of the community, and their staff has been absolutely wonderful in accommodating us and helping us do outreach for the project,” Steuer said. “It’s one of those things where, as you start talking to people in the community you realize that things like this don’t come around very often. Especially without having to drive, say to Missoula, to do a program or

something like that.”

In addition to bringing the van to town, the Southwest Montana Girl Scouts brought along boxes upon boxes of cookies to donate to the Arlee CDC food pantry, contributing to the community in another way as well.

“We brought cookies when we did a program at the YWCA shelter in Missoula, and you could just see how nice it is for just a treat,” Steuer commented. “The food pantry is open just right after

our program too, so it’ll be great.”

To see the schedule of where the van will be next, as well as to learn more or get involved, visit: https://www. gsmw.org/en/get-involved/ support-us/mobile-stem-center.html

“Anyone K-12 should come out and check it out,” Steuer stated. “Try something new and get to experience something that might pique their interest in STEM careers or a path in STEM in the future.”

COURTESY PHOTO

The STEM van will be visiting a total of 78 different communities between Montana and Wyoming.

Pollinator week returns to Ronan

By Chell Little

For the Valley Journal

RONAN — Trivia, food, family and sidewalk chalk competition to boot. A weeklong event filled with fun and activities to raise awareness about native plant life, the insects and animals that help to pollinate plant life and the promotion of less harmful alternatives to the harsh chemicals used in gardens and yards.

The two main events, hosted by Ronan Co-op Brewery, were Tuesday Night Trivia and Friday Sidewalk Chalk Art Competition. This is the second year that Lake County conservation

District has put on the event and that Ronan Co-op Brewery has hosted. “Last year it was really easy-going affair, lots of kids, lots of families,” said Head Brewer Jim Myers. “People can come and bring their kids, check out some other’s artwork and do some themselves. It’s a nice way to bring all ages of people into the brewery and to have a relaxing time.”

Pollinator Week is more than fun and games though, organizers said. It is a national week to promote education on local pollinators and native plant life. On the website or at the events, visitors can learn about local

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)

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

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

Director of Academic Success

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

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

pollinators, native plants and how these two come together to make Lake County beautiful and they help the community.

Lake County Conservation District also used this time to spread the word about the Pollinator Initiative. This initiative helps to create beneficial areas for our local pollinators. Part of this initiative is dedicated to providing free local seeds to the community to bring back more local plant life. To learn more about the initiative, pollinators, or to sign up and get your free seeds in spring and fall, go to lakecountyconservationdistrict.org and click on pollinators.

Salary Range: $17.30-$19.23 per hour

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

Part Time Grounds Maintenance

Salary Range: $11.30-$13.21 per hour DOE

Closing Date: Tuesday, June 20, 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.

Seasonal - Student Housing Maintenance

Salary Range: $12.25-$14.16 per hour

Closing Date: Wednesday, June 28, 2023, 4:00 PM

Cyber Infrastructure Facilitator

Salary Range DOE: $50,176 to $59,563

Closing Date: Thursday, June 29, 2023 4:00 PM

Assistant Director/Lead Teacher – Early Learning Center (10 months, full time)

Salary Range: $38,880 - $45,725

Closing Date: Tuesday, July 11, 2023; 4:00 PM

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

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL

Ronan celebrates first brewfest

By Valley Journal Staff

RONAN — The first ever Ronan brewfest, named the Summer Solstice Festival, kicked off last weekend in the Lake County Fairgrounds. Put on by the

Ronan Chamber of Commerce, the festival featured not only numerous breweries from throughout the state, but also musical talents to play to the family friendly affair.

more photos on page 17

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL PHOTOS Brewfest goers cheers with commemorative glasses.

Tanya and Shad Pease dance to the festival music. Heidi Fleury enjoys the brewfest.

SKC student Jane Dempsey receives scholarship

News from Linda Bone, P.E.O Chapter CA chair of JHH Scholarship

POLSON — P.E.O. Chapter CA received notification of their candidate, Jade Dempsey being selected for the 2023-2024 Jane Hammer Holmgren Scholarship (JHHS).

The scholarship recognizes an outstanding Montana Women who is pursuing a degree in elementary education. It was established in 1996 and given in memory of Jane Hammer Hologram of Kalispell, who passed away after a long difficult battle with cancer. Jane was only 39 years old with two young children and

a promising life ahead of her.

A P.E.O. chapter may nominate a candidate who has completed at least two years of college in pursuing a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree’ or post-graduate work in elementary education and upon completion will be working with students rather than administration.

Jade, who lives in Ronan completed her junior year at Salish Kootenai College and plans to graduate in June 2024 with a degree in Elementary Education. She has a 3.8 GPA and has been on the Dean’s list and President’s list every quarter while attending

SKC. She is a first- descendent of two tribes, Lakota and Salish.

Jade believes that every teacher needs to move forward using technology and learn how to incorporate it into their classroom. She also feels that teachers and parents need to talk to their children about safety on the internet by having open communication with students and their guardians. She is looking forward to providing a safe, trusting environment where children feel comfortable and can come to her at any time. Jade is looking forward to putting her entire self into her students. She has been known to be the

Sign-up open for surplus drawing licenses, permits

News from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

HELENA — Starting today, hunters can sign up for leftover licenses and permits that were not distributed by the drawing through MyFWP on the FWP website. The resulting Surplus License List will be randomized with hunters at the top of the list contacted via email with instructions to finalize their purchase within a specified time.

To be placed on the Surplus License List, resident and nonresident hunters can sign up through the MyFWP portal. This process requires hunters to keep their email address current in their ALS record. Payment of the license fee is not required to sign up on the Surplus License List. Obtaining a license from this list has no effect on your existing preference points.

Hunters must finalize the purchase

of the license/permit within the timeframe specified in the email, otherwise, your opportunity will be offered to the next hunter on the randomized list. FWP may offer opportunities that have not sold out through the Surplus License List to over-the-counter customers at our internal and external license sale providers.

The timeframes to sign up for the various are as follows:

Deer & Elk Permits, Deer B & Elk

B License: June 20 – July 20

Antelope, Antelope B, Crane, Special Mountain Lion: August 9– Aug. 23

Nonresidents who hold a NR Native License, Youth Combo License, or NR College Student Combination License may purchase Deer B and Elk B licenses at half price.

For more information, contact the FWP licensing office at 406-444-2950 or fwplic@mt.gov.

first student to enter the classroom and the last one to leave.

In addition to her academic success, Jade is known to be a leader among her peers and was chosen by her professors to represent the Division of Education by present-

Deadline for LWCF

News from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

HELENA — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is now accepting pre-applications for the 2024 Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant funding cycle. To review the LWCF grant requirements, project eligibilities, and for questions go to the LWCF webpage on FWP’s website. The deadline to submit the pre-approval application form for the first round of funding is Oct. 2.

LWCF is a federal grant program adminis-

Reservation. She was also chosen for the Montana Volunteer Award for 2023.

ing a research project at the annual Research Symposium during SKC’s Founder’s Week this fall.

Jade’s project focused on the civic responsibility of community service and her volunteer work at three non-profit organizations on the Flathead

pre-application form is

tered through FWP that awards approximately $1.5 million annually.

LWCF encourages a full partnership between national, state and local governments in planning and funding public outdoor recreation projects.

Examples of eligible

Jade has also taken the extra initiative to becoming a teacher by attending extracurricular activities in the Division of Education. She is a regular participant in the monthly Flathead Reservation Educator Hub (FRESH) meetings at SKC where she has the opportunity to interact with teachers from across the reservation to learn about the teaching profession and hone in on the crucial skills that are necessary for a master teacher. We would all be happy to have Jade as a teacher for our children.

Oct. 2

projects include: ball fields, public parks, outdoor swimming pools, playgrounds, picnic facilities, walking trails and more. These grants require a 50 percent match.

Minimum grant funding request for this cycle is $25,000.

COURTESY PHOTO

Jade Dempsey

Davey and Whitney Liegakos pose for a brewfest selfie.

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL PHOTOS

seniors

Polson

By Pete Mangels for the Valley Journal

POLSON — Happy Birthday, America! Celebrate safely. It is summertime and the fire season is upon us.

Jane Holland, a long-time volunteer driver for meals on wheels is resigning to pursue other activities. Thanks, Jane for giving your time in serving those in need in our community. Good luck in your next adventure.   Volunteer drivers needed NOW … starting about 10:30 a.m., finishing in about an hour, Monday-Friday.

Green plastic bags used by Super One Foods are needed for our food services. Recycle clean.

Thanks for all the fresh produce that has been donated to the center. Your harvest helps feed the hungry.

We are located at 504

Third Ave. E and open from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. on weekdays. Call 406-883-4735 or email us at: polsonseniorcenter@gmail. com. Submit your email address for updates and additional information from the Center.

Activities:

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

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

Pinochle: Thursdays noon–3 p.m. - free cookies, coffee, and good times

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

Veterans’ Rep: first Friday (July 2) and third Tuesday of each month (June 18) 10 a.m.-

noon

Mah-jong: Wednesdays at noon

Menu (subject to change): $5 per serving - 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. sit-down or take-out - call before 10 a.m. for delivery

— Wednesday, June 28: Cobb salad- with cubed chicken and fixings, focaccia bread, watermelon

— Thursday, June 29: chicken parmesan, baked spud, peas, green salad, peach cobbler

— Friday, June 30: hamburger gravy, mashed spud, corn, stewed tomatoes, cinnamon roll

— Monday, July 3: firecracker taco soup, boom-boom corn bread, festival green salad, red, white, and blue dessert

— Tuesday, July 4: closed for the holiday - celebrate the founding of our Republic

— Wednesday, July 5: deli sandwich, pickle spear, pepperoni pasta salad, pistachio pudding

— Thursday, July 6: chicken/

veggie casserole, spiced pears, bread, stewed tomatoes, dump cake

— Friday, July 7: beef pasties, gravy, rice pilaf, green beans, green salad, cookies

Ronan

By Donna Daniels for the Valley Journal

Mission Valley Senior Center is located across from St. Luke’s Hospital. We are open Monday, Wednesday and Friday for lunch and other activities.

Our menu:

— Wednesday, June 28: salad bar, dessert

— Friday, June 30: roast beef dinner, potato, salads, dessert

— Monday, July 3: closed

— Wednesday, July 5: burgers, dogs, salads, dessert

On July 5 we are having a Patriotic Day so wear your red, white & blue.

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

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

We will have a raffle for the 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.

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

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

Montana Child Care Business Connect introduces new website

News from MCCBC

HELENA — Montana Child Care Business Connect (MCCBC) is thrilled to announce the launch of its new website, www. childcarebusinessconnect. com. The new website serves as a comprehensive resource hub for all stakeholders in the child care industry, providing valuable information, tools, and support to help businesses thrive and provide high-quality care to children and families across Montana.

The MCCBC website is designed to cater to the unique needs of child care providers, early childhood educators, families, and community members. The website offers a user-friendly interface, making it easy to navigate and access a wide range of resources. Users can explore various sections of the website, including business support, professional development, and community capacity growth tools.

One of the highlights of the new website is the

extensive business support section, which provides child care providers with valuable tools and information to help them manage and grow their businesses. From business planning and financial management to marketing and staff recruitment, the website offers practical resources and best practices to support the success of child care businesses in Montana.

The professional development section of the website will offer access to a wide range of train-

ing resources, workshops, and certifications. These resources are aimed at enhancing the skills and knowledge of early childhood entrepreneurs, ensuring high-quality early care and education programs for young children.

Families and communities can also benefit from the website’s community resources section, which provides information on how child care impacts the local economy and how to organize a community into taking action to support a strong child care

network.

“We are excited to launch the new website for Montana Child Care Business Connect, which is a valuable resource hub for all stakeholders in the child care industry,” said Rhonda Schwenke, Program Director of MCCBC. “The website is designed to empower child care providers, educators, and community members with the information and tools they need to navigate the child care landscape in Montana to start or continue successful and

sustainable child care businesses. We believe that this website will serve as a catalyst for fostering collaboration, promoting business best practices, and improving the quality of child care services in our state and we look forward to building out and connecting to many more valuable resources and tools.”

To explore the new website and access valuable resources for the child care industry, please visit www.childcarebusinessconnect.com.

Public health officials remind Montanans: Rabies remains a threat

News from DPHHS

MONTANA — State and local public health officials are reminding Montanans to be aware of the risk for exposure to rabies as summer approaches. The risk for potential encounters between humans and wild animals increases during spring and summer because of the time spent hiking and engaging in other outdoor activities.

On June 13, 2023, DPHHS received the first report of a rabid animal this year. A striped skunk in Powder River County tested positive for rabies. In 2022, 13 animals submitted for rabies testing to the Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) were positive for rabies (nine bats, three skunks and one dog).

Humans and animals exposed to bats and skunks are considered at high-risk for rabies infection. While not without risk, bites from domestic animals that are owned and vaccinated for rabies are considered lower-risk exposures.

Rabies is a fatal disease. The rabies virus is carried in the saliva of infected warm-blooded mammals and is usually transmitted to people and other animals through a bite. Human rabies

deaths in the United States are rare, according to the CDC, and average approximately one to two deaths per year since the 1990s.

Preventative treatment for rabies is nearly 100 percent successful and has dropped the human rabies death rate dramatically since the turn of the 20th century. The last identified human death due to rabies in Montana occurred in 1997.

“Rabies can be prevented by avoiding physical contact with stray or wild animals and seeking preventive treatment if you think you have been exposed,” said Jessica Lopeman, a registered nurse and epidemiologist with the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). “Rabies is not spread through contact from objects that potentially rabid animals have come into contact with, such as animal food bowls after a skunk has eaten dog food. The most common scenarios that lead to a potential rabies exposure would include sleeping with bats in the room or approaching wild or domestic animals to attempt to pet or handle them.”

If someone is bitten by a domestic dog, cat, or ferret, the animal can be observed for signs

of rabies, almost always avoiding the need for treatment. If an animal cannot be located, observed, or tested, a person may need to undergo a series of shots to prevent rabies. Preliminary data from 2022 shows that the administration of treatment to prevent rabies infection was recommended to or administered to 210 Montana residents. All interactions, particularly bites, with a potentially rabid mammal should be reported to the local health departments to assess the risk of rabies exposure and a possible recommendation for preventative treatment. Additionally, any bite wounds should be assessed by a medical provider.

“Any bat that has physical contact with a person, or is found in an area where contact may have occurred but gone undetected, such as a bedroom with a sleeping adult or child, should be tested for rabies when possible,” Lopeman said. “Do not damage the head of the bat, because the brain is needed for the rabies test. DPHHS does not recommend testing bats or other animals for rabies if there has not been any exposure to humans or domestic animals.”

DPHHS recommends everyone following these tips to pre-

vent exposure to rabies: Do not feed or handle wild animals, especially bats. Bats are the leading cause of rabies deaths in people in the United States, and bite marks or scratches may not be noticeable to someone who has contacted a bat. Teach children never to touch wild animals or handle bats, even dead ones. Ask children to tell an adult if they see or find a bat. Do not allow children to bring bats or other wild animals to school for “show and tell.” It’s possible to have an exposure to a bat while sleeping, so if you find a bat in your house, it’s recommended that you contain the animal and contact your local public health for further instructions.

Avoid animal bites from domestic animals. Teach children to never approach stray animals and should always ask an owner’s permission prior to petting an animal. Another common source of bite exposures are adults attempting to rescue a feral animal. Sick or injured animals can become aggressive when someone attempts to handle them.

Vaccinate dogs and cats against rabies. Cats are especially susceptible to rabies exposure because they often have more

FWP’s license donor program benefits disabled vets

News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks

HELENA — Hunters who will not be able to use their license this season have the opportunity to donate that license. Residents and nonresidents can donate their hunting

license to a disabled military veteran or disabled active-duty service member who is working with an organization that uses hunting as part of the rehabilitation process.

The license donor program began in 2013, and each year between 40 and

60 hunters donate their license. Reasons vary, but according to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks licensing staff, many hunters donate licenses because of medical or family emergencies, work commitments or issues with outfitters or reserva-

tions.

The recipients are disabled veterans who were awarded a purple heart and have a 70 percent or higher disability rating. They must be sponsored by a nonprofit organization that provides hunting as a rehabilitation service

contact with wild animals than dogs. All dogs and cats should be up to date with their rabies vaccine and have a current rabies certificate.

Bat-proof your house. Bats must not be allowed in living areas of your home. Put screens on all windows, doors, and chimneys to prevent bats from entering. You can prevent bats from roosting in attics or buildings by covering outside entry points, loosely hanging clear plastic sheeting or bird netting over these areas. This allows the bats to crawl out and leave the building, but they cannot re-enter. To avoid trapping any young bats who will die or try to make their way into your rooms, seal the openings permanently after August or in the fall after bats have left for the season.

Watch for abnormal wild animal behavior. Most wild animals avoid humans and seeing skunks and bats during the daytime is rare. If you see an animal acting strangely, leave it alone and contact law enforcement or an animal control agency if you think it may pose a danger.

For additional information on rabies visit the DPHHS website at: dphhs.mt.gov or contact your local health department.

to disabled veterans in Montana.

To participate in the program, hunters, potential recipients and nonprofit organizations must complete a form. Forms are available on FWP’s Hunting Licenses & Permits webpage un-

der “Donate License Programs” and can be returned to either an FWP regional office or by mail to FWP’s Licensing Bureau, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620. For more information, contact the FWP licensing office at 406-444-2950.

MV Choral Society names new director

News from Valerie Lindstrom, MVCS

MISSION VALLEY

— Cathy Gillhouse, music teacher and choir director in the Mission Valley for 41 years, has accepted the position as the Mission Valley Choral Society’s director replacing Christian Bumgarner who has moved to Idaho. She taught music for the Charlo School District, grades K-12-, four- and one-half years before becoming the choir teacher for Ronan School District, grades 6-12.

Cathy retired 12 years ago but her list of current volunteer work indicates a busy life. She continues as an accompanist for school choirs and Port Polson Players Children Theater; she substitute teaches for music classes; and she has played harp for the University of Montana Music Department

for nine years. Cathy founded and directs the Mission Valley Children’s Choir and directs the Ronan Adult Education Women’s Choir. Cathy’s resume is full of involvement in local and regional musical events. Beyond music she keeps herself fit biking, hiking, running, swimming, and working out. She has received awards for her dedication to music education and in choral competitions.

Cathy’s family includes husband of 52 years, James; three grown children and five grandchildren.

Mission Valley Choral Society is beginning to plan for its future with Cathy at the helm. The choir will perform for the Lake County Centennial Celebration, at noon, Saturday, Aug. 19, at the courthouse. In September MVCS begins practices for its December concerts

and in February for its spring concerts. Information about MVCS can be found at: www.missionvalleychoralsociety.org or on their Facebook page. MVCS news can be found in local media regarding practices and events. If interested in singing with MVCS please text 406-2613304 or 406-370-2076 for information.

Democrats hold spaghetti dinner

RONAN — The Lake County Democrats will host their annual spaghetti dinner and fundraiser on Wednesday, June 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Mission Valley Senior Center. The featured speaker is Ryan Busse, author of Gunfight, an expose of the gun industry.

He is a former firearm executive and an adviser for the US Senate Sportsman Caucus. The cost for the event is $25 per person and gift baskets will be auctioned off. Call Dayna McClure at 406-5445165 if you have any questions.

COURTESY PHOTO

Cathy Gillhouse is the new director for the Mission Valley Choral Society.

Governor, DPHHS announce $24M to support families, children

News from the office of Governor Gianforte

HELENA — Together with Director of the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Charlie Brereton, Governor Greg Gianforte announced on June 22 a $24 million investment in the state’s early childhood system.

“Promoting the healthy growth and development of our young kids, Montana’s early childhood providers support hardworking families, strengthen our economy, and build a brighter future for our state,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We’ll continue to invest in their success as they serve our kids, families, and communities.”

Over the next three years, Montana will receive $24 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for the Montana Bright Futures project at DPHHS.

The project is designed to

increase access to quality childcare, promote strong, healthy families, and address childcare workforce availability, recruitment, and retention.

“We elected to pursue this federal funding given our ongoing efforts to strengthen Montana’s early childhood system, including access to childcare,” Dir. Brereton said. “It will support our continued work with stakeholders to identify and implement targeted strategies that meet the needs of the families we serve.”

As part of the Montana Bright Futures project, DPHHS will pilot a universal home visiting program this year to meet growing demand for expanded home visiting support.

The visits will provide screening and referrals to early childhood and health supports for families in need including behavioral health and economic services.

Universal home visiting will complement the department’s

existing home visiting programs for children under the age of five and ensure families receive early short-term visits in the months following child birth.

“Many families need support in those first few days and weeks following a birth,” administrator of the DPHHS Early Childhood and Family Support Division Tracy Moseman said. “In addition, this is a time when some new mothers face financial and mental health challenges as they care for their newborn. This program will help serve as a bridge to connect new and expecting families to services.”

Contracting local providers, the $24 million investment will also be used to fund Crisis Child Care Centers to serve Montana families needing emergency care for children ages zero to eight. The centers will be used to serve families in crisis, such as those escaping domestic violence, impacted by

a mental health or substance use crisis, or experiencing homelessness.

With an emphasis on underserved communities with vulnerable populations, the centers will also support the prevention of child abuse and neglect by providing families with a safe place to take their children in times of crisis.

DPHHS anticipates the universal home visiting program and the crisis child centers will be two of approximately 10 other strategies to supplement the early childhood system, making up nearly 50% of the funding.

To improve early child care staff retention and address workforce shortages, DPHHS plans to dedicate roughly 25% of the remaining funding to expand the Raise Montana Substitute Services program. The program helps maintain staffto-child ratios by recruiting, on-boarding, and mobilizing substitute child care workers.

In addition, DPHHS intends to offer recruitment and retention mini-grants to licensed child care providers across the state to stabilize their workforce as well as support their continuing education.

In collaboration with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, DPHHS also plans to expand apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs to supplement recruitment opportunities.

Finally, the remaining funding will provide for stakeholder engagement, additional developmental screening, data collection, tribal consultations, and an updated needs assessment and strategic plan to identify other needs of the early child care system.

The investment comes one week after Gov. Gianforte increased funding for the Best Beginnings Scholarship program, expanding access to child care for hundreds of young Montanans.

Tester secures nearly $25M for infrastructure upgrades in downtown Missoula

Funding comes from RAISE Grants secured through the Senator’s bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)

News from the office of Senator Tester

U.S. SENATE — U.S.

Senator Jon Tester today

secured $24.5 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation to make infrastructure upgrades that will support economic development and improve access to downtown Missoula. The funding will come from the RAISE Grant program which Tester fought for in his bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

(IIJA). Tester was the only member of Montana’s congressional delegation to support this bill and was one of the lead bipartisan negotiators who crafted the package.

“By investing in local infrastructure we are supporting Montana communities and improving our economy,” said Tester. “That’s why I worked with Republicans and Democrats

to pass my bipartisan infrastructure law that will create good-paying jobs and invest in Montana’s roads, bridges, high-speed internet, water systems, and more. Missoulians crafted this proposal and now have a great opportunity to improve their downtown by bringing local businesses and other stakeholders together to finish the job.”

Tester has led the charge to secure funding for infrastructure projects that will allow Missoula to adapt its downtown area to fit the changing needs of the community. This funding will address safety and connectivity issues in the downtown area. On the Higgins Avenue corridor, a fourto three-lane conversion will separate bicyclists and motor vehicles, and

create dedicated left-turn lanes. Front and Main Streets will be changed to two-way streets to address safety and circulation issues in the downtown area. This project will fund riverfront trail access from Front and Main and widen the trail. Additionally, an ADA ramp will increase accessibility from the Higgins Bridge to Caras Park.

Poll shows Montanans feel state headed in wrong direction

After historic session, Montanans give lawmakers low marks on key policy areas, express relief over failure of constitutional amendments

News from Middle Fork Poll

HELENA — A recent statewide public opinion poll released today by Middle Fork Strategies shows that Montanans are largely disappointed in the work done by the state’s Republican-led 2023 Legislature, especially on issues of housing, reproductive rights, public education, and healthcare.

A majority of Montanans, by a margin of 50-46%, feel the state is on the wrong track, according to the poll conducted one month after the end of the 68th Legislative session. That’s a more pessimistic outlook compared to February, when Middle Fork’s previous public poll showed

51% of Montanans with a positive view of the state’s direction, despite disapproval for many legislative proposals.

“Looking at what came out of the legislative session, Montanans aren’t seeing real results that will positively affect their lives,” said Brandon DeMars, executive director of Middle Fork. “Working families in Montana are rightfully asking what was accomplished, and they are deeply concerned about new laws attempting to restrict private healthcare decisions and take funding from community schools.”

When asked about their own financial situation, Montanans’ attitudes were unchanged from earlier polling. Forty-two percent reported that their circumstances had remained the same in the last few years, while 39% said they had worsened and 18% felt they had improved. However, when asked about their neighbors and others in their community, 51% of Montanans said the people around them are

doing worse than they were a few years ago, while only 6% saw improvement. This perception is held across party lines and in all areas of the state.

On the issue of reproductive rights, a broad majority of Montanans believe abortion should remain legal in all or most circumstances, consistent with the trends in Middle Fork’s February poll, as well as national research on abortion attitudes. Just one-in-10 residents believe abortion should be illegal outright. When asked about mifepristone, the drug that is prescribed in about half of abortions in the U.S., 63% of Montanans felt it should remain on the market. Additionally, 65% of respondents believe that Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen does not have the authority to tell local pharmacies whether or not they can stock the medication.

Other key findings from the poll:

- 58% of Montanans believe the state’s schools are inadequately funded.

- 66% oppose tax dollars being reallocated from public schools to private and religious education.

- 61% of Montanans oppose Governor Greg Gianforte’s veto of Senate Bill 442, the Legislature’s bipartisan marijuana tax revenue bill.

- 74% of Montanans say the state’s housing crisis was not addressed well by the 2023 Montana Legislature.

- 86% support maintaining and protecting Montana’s successful Medicaid expansion program.

“Montanans saw many of their elected leaders push an extreme agenda and partisan power grabs, while doing too little to help families put a roof over their heads or to defend our freedoms,” DeMars said. “Instead we got tax cuts for the wealthy and bill after bill after bill to recklessly amend our state constitution.”

Sixty-seven proposals to amend Montana’s constitution were introduced over the course

of the legislative session, of which 19 received hearings, and all of which failed to reach the required two-thirds vote threshold to advance. A majority of Montanans surveyed were pleased with the amendments’ failure, with 58% saying it was a good thing that none of them moved forward. Earlier polling on specific amendments found large majorities opposed a range of proposals to change Montana’s governing document.

The results of Middle Fork’s most recent poll can be found at https:// www.middleforkmt.org/ june-2023-montana-pollresults, and a memo analyzing the findings can be found at middleforkmt. org/june-2023-montanapoll-memo. The poll was conducted by Searchlight Research from May 30June 2, among a 600-participant statewide sample. Responses were captured by live telephone survey to both landline and cell numbers.

obituaries

Marcella “Marcy” Bishop

POLSON — Marcella “Marcy” Bishop, age 96, passed away June 23, 2023, at Polson Health and Rehab. Services will be held in September and will be announced. Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.

Daines helps secure big win for Montana ag

News from the office of Senator Daines

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines recently released the following statement celebrating India’s decision to lower tariffs on pulse products. Daines has advocated tirelessly for years with the Biden and Trump administrations as well as directly with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration on a trip to India in 2021.

“This great news for Montana farmers. Montana’s pulse crop producers feed the world. In fact, our farmers are the top producers of pulse crops in the country and India is the top consumer of pulse crops in the world. I advocated for this action with the Trump and Biden administrations and with Prime Minister Modi’s administration on a trip to India in 2021. I am so glad to have played a role in helping further solidify such a strong market for Montana pulse crops and believe it will benefit our Montana farmers for years to come.”

In 2021, Daines traveled to India to encourage leaders to lower tariffs on pulse crops.

In 2020, Daines wrote a letter to President Donald Trump urging him to fight for favorable pulse crop provisions during ongoing trade negotiations with India.

Former Rep. Danny Tenenbaum kicks off State Senate campaign

News from Danny Tenenbaum

MISSOULA — Former Montana Rep. Danny Tenenbaum kicks off his campaign for Senate District 46 this week. Senate District 46 includes urban and rural communities in Missoula, Sanders, and Lake counties.

Tenenbaum currently works for the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes as an Associate Justice on the CSKT Court of Appeals in Pablo. He lives in Missoula with his wife and two sons, where he also teaches preschool part-time at Clark Fork School and works as a substitute teacher for Missoula County Public Schools. He previously worked as a public defender in State and Tribal courts and has won multiple precedent-setting cases before the Montana Supreme Court while defending indigent Montanans.

In 2021, Tenenbaum was elected to represent House District 95 in the Montana House of Representatives. Tenenbaum served on the House Health and Human Services and Judiciary committees. His interim committee work included the Children, Family, Health and Human Services committee and the Governor’s bipartisan Housing Task Force.

Tenenbaum has a record of working across the aisle to secure major victories for everyday Montanans. He helped draft and advance bipartisan legislation to expand housing opportunities for Montanans, protect the rights of children and parents in the foster care system, secure high-quality care for people living with Alzheimer’s disease, and increase penalties for illegal robocalls.

“The hard-working people of Western Montana deserve a prosperous economy, dynamic

public schools, abundant housing, and a clean and healthful environment for future generations to thrive. The coming years will be critical. Montana Republicans are planning to ax Medicaid expansion, defund public schools, and sacrifice our children’s right to clean air and water. Senate District 46 deserves a leader who won’t back down from a fight. I am

committed to building a brighter future for Montana’s working families.” Community leaders supporting Tenenbaum’s campaign include Senator Shane Morigeau, Representative Zooey Zephyr, Senator Ellie Boldman, Missoula County Commissioner Juanita Vero, Missoula City Councilmember Mike Nugent, and MMIW Advocate Claire Charlo.

FWP hosting meetings to kick off biennial hunting season setting

News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks

KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting upcoming public meetings to kick off the biennial hunting season-setting process.

FWP is conducting scoping meetings around the state from June 15 to July 15. FWP staff will look to hunters to provide broad input on regulation changes they’d like to see. Staff will also look for feedback on a few specific proposals.

In our area of Montana, the meeting schedule is:Kalispell, June

29, 6 p.m., FWP Region 1 Office, with a virtual option (490 N. Meridian Rd.)

These scoping meetings are more formal than in past years and will replace the public meetings FWP used to hold to present and discuss tentative regulations. However, these scoping meetings are not the same as public comment meetings. FWP staff will listen at the scoping meetings and capture the general themes and then use the information to develop draft regulations, which will be released for public comment in October.

FWP will hold additional public

meetings in early November to answer questions about the draft regulation proposals. Comment on the draft regulation proposals will be collected through the FWP website during the fall public commenting period. The final decision on regulations will come at the December Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting.

Hunting regulation changes are done every other year.

For more information and to provide general input, visit: https:// fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/publiccomment-opportunities/biennialseason-setting.

Photo from Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Washington, D.C. before his address to a joint session of Congress.

Danny Tenenbaum

Montana Centenarians to be honored in October

DPHHS wants to hear from centenarians

News from DPHHS

MONTANA — The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) will honor Montana centenarians during the 54th annual Governor’s Conference on Aging on October 3, 2023.

The annual conference will take place at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Great Falls. Centenarians will be honored during a noon luncheon.

DPHHS is asking Montanans who will turn age 100 as of December 31, 2023, or those who are already over the age of 100 to submit their name and a brief profile.

“This is an excellent opportunity to honor Montana centenarians and to

celebrate their lives,” said DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton. “I encourage Montanans to submit the requested information so they can be recognized.”

All centenarians who submit information will receive a recognition framed certificate from Governor Greg Gianforte.

Centenarians, or friends or family members, are encouraged to submit the following information by Sept. 15, 2023.

(NOTE: The first five items are required in order to receive a certificate.)

— Centenarian’s name.

— Contact person (who to send certificate to).

— Contact person’s phone number and email address.

— Mailing address (where to send the certificate).

— Birth date of centenarian.

— Is the centenarian a Veteran?

— Where were they born?

Early Deadlines

— If not born in Montana, what is their story about how they arrived in Montana?

— What is the secret to their longevity?

— What has been the most amazing event in their life that they would like to share?

— What is their favorite quote?

— Anything else they would like us to know about the centenarian?

Please provide a picture of the centenarian when the information above is submitted.

Please send centenarian information to:

Governor’s Conference on AgingCentenarians DPHHS - SLTC P.O. Box 4210 Helena, MT 59604-4210 or email Kerrie Reidelbach, DPHHS Senior and Long-Term Care Division, at kreidelbach@mt.gov

This information can also be submit-

ted online here: Honoring Montana’s Centenarians (https://mt.accessgov.com/ dphhs/Forms/Page/sltc/centenarian/0).

The annual Governor’s Conference on Aging was created in 1968 to offer information and education to our older citizens, their families, and caregivers. Attendees include the elderly, persons with disabilities, caregivers, and service providers. There will also be several vendors on hand to share their information. The conference covers topics relevant to all people who are dealing with aging and disability issues.

Registration for the conference is now open. For more information about the event, including how to register, go to the conference website at conference website.

Individuals can also call toll-free at 1-800-332-2272 or call the Senior and Long-Term Care Division at 406-4444077.

Wednesday,

June 28

Democrats hold spaghetti dinner

RONAN — The Lake County Democrats will host their annual spaghetti dinner and fundraiser on Wednesday, June 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the Mission Valley Senior Center. The featured speaker is Ryan Busse, author of Gunfight, an expose of the gun industry. He is a former firearm executive and an adviser for the US Senate Sportsman Caucus. The cost for the event is $25 per person and gift baskets will be auctioned off. Call Dayna McClure at 406-544-5165 if you have any questions.

Irrigators to meet

RONAN — The Flathead Irrigation District monthly meeting is Wednesday, June 28, at 1 p.m. at Mission West Community Development Partners, 407 Main Street SW.

We meet upstairs and an elevator is provided.

Zoom a meditation class

ZOOM — Mission Mountain Zen is offering free online meditation classes. Please join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesday, June 28, and on subsequent Wednesdays, for an online meditation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku, including meditation instruction, practice and discussion via Zoom.

The classes will be each Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. We will cultivate and deepen our centering skills and meditation practice during the class. Please join

us and take advantage of this opportunity.  For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-721-0665 or email at: Jerry.Smyers@gmail. com.

Young competitive golfers invited to golf camp

POLSON — Future Phenoms Golf Camp is designed for competitively driven Montana youth golfers, ages 12-18, who have goals of state championships or college scholarships. Two sessions will be held: 8 a.m.-noon and 1-5 p.m. The cost is $200.

(Two scholarships will be available for each session. Included in the scholarship will be entry into the camp and a $150 travel stipend. Scholarship information can be found by emailing Cameron Milton, PGA at cmilton@pga.com.) Lead instructor is Cameron Milton.

Enjoy first day of Arlee Powwow

ARLEE — The Arlee Celebration Powwow begins with Campers’ Day and gates opening at 9 a.m.

Thursday, June 29

Reading program invites ‘Maker Truck’

POLSON — All summer reading programs will be held at the library’s temporary location, 301 16th Ave. E. (United Methodist Church building). Steph Gillin will bring the “Maker Truck” with all sorts of fun activities. See you at 10 a.m.

Powwow day two holds memorial ceremony

ARLEE — The Memorial Ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. (No gambling until after this ceremony.) Traditional material stick games will follow the Memorial Ceremony. Visit http://www.arleepowwow. com for more information.

Friday, June 30

Annual Chamber Blast held

POLSON — The Polson Chamber of Commerce will hold their 12th annual Chamber Blast Event on Friday, June 30, at Big Sky Sporting Clays, 3500 Irvine Flats Road. Registration takes place from 10-10:20 a.m.; 10:20-10:30 a.m. a Shooter Safety briefing will take place; from 10:30-2 p.m. the sporting clays tournament will be held and from 2-2:30 p.m. lunch will be served and an awards ceremony will take place. Registration deadline is June 19. The cost is $150 per shooter or $450 per three-person team. Registration includes 100 targets, 100 shells, door prizes, lunch and awards. Send registration to: Polson Chamber of Commerce, PO Box 667, Polson, MT 59860.

Youth softball tourney held

POLSON — The Polson Splash Classic Fastpitch Youth Softball Tournament will be held Friday, June 30 to Sunday, July 2. Call 406-890-9215 for more information. Register online at: tourney-

machine.com

Powwow honors the Salish ways

ARLEE — The Arlee Celebration Powwow, “Honoring the Ways of the Salish People,” will begin at 8 a.m. with the Youth CoEd 3-on3 Basketball Tourney. Royalty contestant interviews take place at 11 a.m. Social dancing is at 1 p.m. and the Royalty dance exhibition judging is at 2 p.m. Registration for drum and dance competition is a 4 p.m. Supper break is at 5 p.m. Drum roll call is at 6:45 p.m. and Grand Entry is at 7 p.m. Adult women perform Traditional, Jingle, and Fancy dances and men dance Traditional, Grass, Fancy and Chicken dances. The day ends at 11 p.m.

Saturday, July 1

Attend fundraiser workout at Glacier Brewing Company

POLSON — Join Fellowship Fitness for an epic outdoor workout hosted by Glacier Brewing Company. The workout includes 30 minutes of HIIT Cardio and 15 minutes of stretch. The $25 entry fee includes workout and a beverage with proceeds benefiting Fellowship Fitness, a local non-profit serving the community with free fitness classes. Glacier Brewing Company will also donate $1 to FF for every beverage sold on July 1. Games, food, family fun and prizes are also planned. Follow FF on Instagram or Facebook or email: fellowshipfitness406@gmail.com to learn more and register

for the event.

Ninepipes holds event

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 406-644-3435 or check our website and social media for updates on monthly featured artisans.

Sprint night held

POLSON — The Mission Valley Speedway Superoval, 1113 N. Reservoir Rd., is the site of the Late Models, Hobby Stocks, Northwest Modifieds 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. RV dry camping fee is $50 per one RV. Time trials begin at 6 p.m. and racing begins at 7 p.m. Call 406-212-8159 for more information.

Museum holds ‘First Saturday’ event

CHARLO — The Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana will once again hold “First Saturday” artist events where featured artists, authors, photographers, musicians or crafts persons exhibit their work. The third event of the summer will take place on Saturday, July 1. Check out the museum’s Facebook page and social media for updates on

monthly featured artists. Join epic outdoor workout

POLSON — Join Fellowship Fitness for an epic outdoor workout hosted by Glacier Brewing Company. The workout includes 30 minutes of HIIT Cardio and 15 minutes of stretch. The $25 entry fee includes workout and a beverage with proceeds benefiting Fellowship Fitness, a local non-profit serving the community with free fitness classes. Glacier Brewing Company will also donate $1 to FF for every beverage sold on July 1. Games, food, family fun and prizes are also planned. Follow FF on Instagram or Facebook or email: fellowshipfitness406@gmail.com to learn more and register for the event.

Powwow holds ‘Fun Run’

ARLEE — Registration for the Fun Run begins at 8 a.m. At noon registration for Drum and Dance begins. At 12:45 p.m. the Drum Roll Call takes place and Grand Entry is at 1 p.m. followed by an invocation and welcoming address. Crowning of 202324 Royalty and the Honor Dance, a Down-Syndrome Awareness to honor Kenna Baylor will happen along with a Tiny Tots candy throw, 6-12 girls jingle special, Golden Age exhibition and the Drum competition continues. Dance Competitions for jr. boys, jr. girls, teen boys, teen girls take place. The hand drum contest is at 5:30 p.m. Drum roll call is at 6:45 p.m. and Grand Entry is at 7 p.m. see page 27

from page 27

followed by an invocation and welcoming address.

Introduction of Royalty, Inter-Tribals and exhibition dances for Tiny Tots and Golden age (over 70), and drum contest begins. At 9 p.m. dance contests begin for Jr. and Teens, Inter-tribals, Golden Age, Seniors, junior adults. The day ends at 11 p.m.

Sunday, July 2

Weekly guidance offered at Community Church

POLSON — Feeling lost in your faith? Receive free guidance every Sunday. Come join us on the hill at Polson Community Church, 1814 1st Street E, at 10:30 a.m. On Sunday, June 25, we will also have “Seekers,” an adult Sunday School class, at 9:15 a.m.

Powwow holds tiny tot, gold age dances

ARLEE — Introduction of Royalty, Inter-Tribals and exhibition dances for Tiny Tots and Golden age (over 70), and drum contest

begins. At 9 a.m. dance contests begin for Jr. and Teens, Inter-tribals and then for Golden Age, sr. adult men, sr. adult women, and junior adult men and jr. adult women. Flags retired at 6 p.m. Dance and drum competition winners of 2023 announced.

Flathead Cheese holds annual open house

POLSON — Flathead Cheese, will hold their annual Open House Week from July 2-7, from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily, at their shop, 208 First Ave. E. Call 406-883-0343 for more information.

Monday, July 3

Fireworks go off at dusk on the eve of July 4

POLSON — The Polson Chamber of Commerce will hold the annual fireworks display at dusk on Monday, July 3. Witness the beauty and experience the fun at Riverside Park.

Data and Donuts

YELLOW BAY/ ZOOM — The Flathead Lake Biological Station,

32125 Bio Station Lane, will hold science lectures for the public from 10-11 a.m., either on site or via Zoom. Speakers’ topics are determined by their areas of expertise. Contact Gordon Luikhart at 406-872-4517, for more information.

Tuesday, July 4

Freedom-Fireworks parade

ARLEE — Freedom and Fireworks is the theme of the 71st annual Arlee Fourth of July Parade. Registration will be at Arlee High School entryway, with parade line up beginning in the parking lot. The parade begins at high noon, traveling South on Fyant street turning West onto Bouch before turning North and returning to the high school via Morigeau Street. Trophies will be awarded at the Arlee Jocko Valley Museum following the parade. While waiting

for the trophy presentations, take a step back in time at the museum. The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and by appointment during the summer. For additional parade and museum information, contact Alvaretta Morin at 406-726-3167.

Polson parade on tap

POLSON — On Tuesday, July 4, the “Have a Blast” annual 4th of July parade will be held in downtown Polson, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Pick up forms to enter the parade at the Polson Chamber or for more information call 406883-5969. A $20 donation per group as the entry fee.

Final day of Powwow

ARLEE — The Arlee Celebration Powwow concludes on the 4th of July with the Snake Dance during the final day with social dancing and singing. The Arlee Rodeo takes place at 2 p.m.

Jocko Museum opens

ARLEE — The Arlee Jocko Valley Museum will be open from 9 a.m. -3 p.m. on July 4. The museum is run by the Arlee Historical Society and offers private tours by reservation. The museum is located at the corner of Bouch and Fyant (by the grade school). Enjoy many historical displays, including photographs of Native and homesteading families, genealogy information and a military display commemorating fallen soldiers. Call 406-726-3167 for more information and a viewing appointment.

Thursday, July 6

Reading program holds ‘Boat Day’

POLSON — All sum-

mer reading programs will be held at the library’s temporary location, 301 16th Ave. E. (United Methodist Church building). Boat Day will have all sorts of fun activities. See you at 10 a.m.

Play set in Ireland

POLSON — The Port Polson Players present Tim McGuire’s heartfelt comedy with music, “Carry Me O’er” July 6-16. Set in 1924 Ireland, an aging father, Cullan McGrath, brings his son Jack, a prominent teacher, back to the old homestead of six generations for some lessons in family, history, and a few very big surprises. Seating is reserved by calling the Players box office at 406-883-9212 or online at portpolsonplayers.

Event Highlights:

July 5: Pitchfork Fondue, Ranch Rodeo, & Kyle Shobe & the Walk ‘Em Boys Concert

July 6: Golf Tournament, All-Class Reunion, PRCA Rodeo & Street Dance

July 7: OšKáde Family Events, Parade, PRCA Rodeo & Street Dance

July 8: Art in the Park, Human Stampede Fun Run, OšKáde Family Events, Parade, PRCA Rodeo & Brandon Jones Band Concert

North Star Carnival July 6-7-8 For full schedule of events, visit www.wolfpointhamber.com

PUZZLES

GIANT CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Animates

7. Bursting at the ___

12. Depart

18. Summer cooler

19. ___-doux

20. A bunch of 21. Dissent

23. Having a scalloped edge

24. Compass heading 25. Marine flier 26. Vinyl collectible 28. Some chips, maybe

29. Marriage and others

32. Postal scale unit 35. Santa’s little helper 36. A deadly sin 37. One in position of authority 41. Brewer’s equipment

67. Facilitates

68. Cut from the short loin

74. “It’s no ___!”

75. Lack of vigor

76. Irritates

77. Dresses

80. Koppel of “Nightline”

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

84. Pistachio, for example

85. Entire ranges

86. Economic bloc headquartered in Indonesia

87. A little lower?

89. “Comme ci, comme ça”

90. Entertainment from orbit

96. Alphabetizes, e.g.

97. Bill and ___

98. Chip away at 99. Muzzle

101. Pinocchio, at times 102. Coup group 104. Shrek, e.g.

106. Police, with “the” 107. Publisher’s blunder 109. Klutzy 114. Church officers 115. Frolicked. 116. Luck 117. Couch 118. Set 119. Like a trapdoor

DOWN

1. Lid or lip application

2. Representative

3. Rome’s Via ___

4. “Yadda, yadda, yadda”

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

5. “The Matrix” hero

6. All there

7. Sea cows

8. “A Nightmare on ___ Street”

9. HBO’s “Da ___ G Show”

10. Intro to physics?

11. Like some hair

12. Disease cause

13. Role in Haydn’s “The Creation”

14. Land holding

15. California county

16. Less lean

17. One on the lam

19. Christmas surprise

20. Dust-up

22. Cold

27. Modern journals

30. Chew the scenery

31. Excessive blarney

33. Band instrument

34. “More!”

36. Exposure

38. Bartender on TV’s Pacific Princess

39. Banana oil, e.g.

40. Hot chocolate? 44. Common solvent 45. Swerved 48. Child’s hot weather attire 49. Certifies 50. Pickles 51. Attack verbally 52. Japanese martial art 53. Eventually become 54. “La vita nuova” poet

56. Grazing ground 59. “___ la la!”

60. Some deer 61. Fed. property manager 63. PIN requester 64. Cell divisions

69. Badger cousin 70. Because 71. Consider analogous 72. Civilian selling to soldiers 73. Uniform shade 78. Stockpile 79. Pay to play, as poker 82. Dusting powders 83. Burger topper

Regulate

Allure 88. Awash 90. Evening event 91. Ancient debarkation point 92. Comes to 93. Barely beat

Tea type

Shade 96. Olympic racers 100. Like some jackets 102. Summer month 103. Berry-yielding palm 105. Carve in stone 108. Bunion’s place 110. Computer monitor, for short

Mamie’s man

Fourth-to-last Greek letter 113. Bled

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

Keyboard instruments

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

91. Ararat, 92. Totals, 93. Edged, 94. Oolong, 95. Nuance, 96. Sleds, 100. Tweed, 102. June, 103. Acai, 105. Etch, 108. Toe, 110. CRT, 111. Ike, 112. Phi, 113. Ran.

86. Attract, 88. Flooded, 90. Soirée,

73. Khaki, 78. Amass, 79. Buy in, 82. Talcums, 83. Onion, 85. Govern,

56. Lea, 59. Ooh, 60. Roes, 61. GSA, 63. ATM, 64. Meioses, 69. Ratel, 70. Since, 71. Equate, 72. Sutler,

at, 52. Judo, 53. End up, 54. Dante,

38. Isaac, 39. Ester, 40. Fondu, 44. Acetone, 45. Sheered, 48. Sunsuit, 49. Attests, 50. Messes, 51. Snap

Across: 1. Livens, 7. Seams, 12. Get off, 18. Ice tea, 19. Billet, 20. Several, 21. Nonconformity, 23. Crenate, 24. ENE, 25. Erne, 26. Album, 28. Ante, 29. Rites, 32. Ounce, 35. Elf, 36. Anger, 37. Commissioned officer, 41. Oast, 42. Arcs, 43. Glory, 44. Astray, 46. Not, 47. Sent, 48. Sam, 51. Schema, 52. Jeered, 55. Dilute, 57. Née, 58. Counterarguments, 62. A-team, 65. Odd, 66. Nos, 67. Eases, 68. Porterhouse steak, 74. Use, 75. Anemia, 76. Piques, 77. Habits, 80. Ted, 81. Otto, 84. Nut,

GIANT CROSSWORD

Down: 1. Liner, 2. Iconic, 3. Veneto, 4. Etc, 5. Neo, 6. Sane, 7. Sirenia, 8. Elm, 9. Ali, 10. Meta-, 11. Styled, 12. Germ, 13. Eve, 14. Tenancy, 15. Orange, 16. Fatter, 17. Fleer, 19. Bonus, 20. Scuffle, 22. Frosty, 27. Blogs, 30. Emote, 31. Smarm, 33. Cornet, 34. Encore, 36. Airtime,

classifieds

Announcements

Auctions

JOHNCO STORAGE: Public sale July 5, 2023 at 2:00 pm. at 808 7th Street East, Polson. Sell to highest bidder for CASH OR CERTIFIED CHECK ONLY, contents of unit 247. Units are subject to redemption prior to sale time. 406-883-5405.

Events

Virgelle Merc. Antiques presents its outdoor FLEA MARKET Sunday July 9th. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Over an acre of Antiques and Collectibles. Located off Highway 87 between Loma and Big Sandy. Lunch available and vendor spots available. 1-800-4262926/ 406-378-3110, web VirgelleMontana.com

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 HEALTHCARE RESOURCE ADVOCATE

(ST. IGNATIUS) TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must have a Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in Social Work, Medical or Business Administration or minimum of five (5) years’ increasingly responsible and relevant work experience including 2 years’ experience working with the RPMS data system. Must possess a valid driver’s license. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcript, certifications, proof of state licensure, and 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 not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is $19.98$22.87 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, July 6, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. (MST).

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

DFWRC – RECREATION

PERMIT AGENT

DIVISION OF FISH, WILDLIFE RECREATION AND CONSERVATION NATURAL RESOURCE DEPARTMENT

This is a full-time technical position, responsible for managing annual recreational use permits (hunting, fishing, recreation, and special use), and developing information and procedures pertaining to permits and fish, wildlife, recreation management and enforcement in coordination with DFWRC staff. The position reports directly to the DFWRC Administrative Assistant, and in her absence, to the DFWRC Division Manager. The successful applicant must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, and an AA degree in accounting/bookkeeping, computer science, natural resources or public relations, and two (2) years of work experience in program management with public relations duties. Or, a high school diploma or equivalent, with additional training in the accounting or bookkeeping field, computer science, natural resources or public relations field, with five (5) years of work experience at program management with public relations duties. Must have thorough knowledge of Tribal fishing, bird hunting and recreation regulations pursuant to Tribal Ordinance 44D and the Tribal/State agreement pursuant to fishing and bird hunting. Possession of a valid Montana driver’s license and must successfully complete defensive driving training upon hire and every three (3) years thereafter. Also, must wear Tribal Government identification and safety apparel when conducting field activities. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal employment application, copies of relevant academic transcripts and/ or certificates, a copy of a valid Montana driver’s license, proof of Tribal enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE INFORMATION ABOVE WILL

RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. 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 $21.16 to $23.71 per hour plus benefits. To apply, contact Tribal Personnel at 406675-2700, Ext. 1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, July 13th, 2023 @ 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

REGISTERED NURSE (MAY BE HIRED ON CONTRACT) DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

The successful applicant must possess an R.N. (Registered Nurse) and it is preferred that they have a minimum of 3 years’ work experience in a field that encompasses social work, administration, budget management, case management, supervision and/or health related training. Valid Montana driver’s license. Specialized training and/or a minimum of three years of experience in client advocacy, supervision and professional case management desired. Must pass a required character and background verification for working with elders/vulnerable adults. Shall be designated as part of the CSKT random drug test pool. Will be on initial job probation status for a period of six months. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcripts/ training certificates, a copy of current valid driver’s license and a proof of enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, please submit a copy of the DD214. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION

DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. A favorable determination resulting from a completed background investigation is required prior to your placement in this position. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory sixmonth probationary period.

Salary is $28.82 to $33.13 with benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700

Ext. 1040. Tribal applications are also available on-line at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, July 20, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

Vehicles

Miscellaneous

INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE

Auto /Truck Starters and Alternators. 305 units, all remanufactured and tested for earlier vehicles, prior to 2000. Closing business. Selling off all rebuilt starters and alternators at 55% off retail. If your car or truck in 1997 or older, at this price you can afford to have a spare. Call Jerry at 406-207-4641.

every month and the first Tuesday in July this year is July 4th, Independence Day, Mayor Daren Incashola has deemed it necessary to move the next regularly scheduled council meeting to July 5th at 6 pm. Notices will be posted at City Hall and on the town’s website. Call City Hall at 745-3791 with any questions.

June 21 and 28, 2023

MNAXLP

Notice of Petition for Annexation and Public Hearing

Notice is hereby given that the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes have filed a petition with the City of Ronan for the Annexation of a parcel described as follows: Tract A in C.O.S. 6248 located in Section 2, Township 20 north, range 20 west. This property is located at the corner of Mink Lane and Main Street S.W. in Ronan. On July 12, 2023, at 6:00 pm, a public hearing will be held at Ronan City Hall, 207 Main Street SW, for public comment regarding the proposed annexation of the above-described property. Written comments may be submitted to the above address. Comments must be received no later than July 12, 2023, at 4:00 pm. Questions may be directed to Dan Miller at 406-676 4231

Dan Miller Ronan City Planner

June 28 and July 5, 2023

MNAXLP Montana 20th Judicial District Court, Lake County

In the matter of the Name Change of Emmitt Wayne Sapp; Ashley Tanner, Petitioner.

Cause No: DV-23-83 Dept. No. 2001

NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE OF MINOR CHILD

Public Notices

Legals Legals

TOWN OF ST. IGNATIUS

Since regular St. Ignatius Town Council meetings occur the first Tuesday of

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court to change a child’s name from Emmitt Wayne Sapp to Emmitt Wayne Sapp Tanner. The hearing will be on July 19, 2023, at 10:00 am. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Lake County.

Date: June 5, 2023

Lyn Fricker Clerk of District Court

see page 31

public notices

William P. Williams, IV FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS, PLLC

324 Main SW

Ronan, MT 59864

Telephone: (406) 676-4470

By: Mary Rensvold Deputy Clerk of Court

June 14, 21, 28 and July 5, 2023

MNAXLP PUBLIC NOTICE

The Lake County Conservation District will hold a public hearing on Thursday, July 13th, 2023 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lake County Conservation District Office (64352 US Highway 93, Ronan, MT 59864). The purpose of the public hearing will be to review the conservation district FY 2023/24 budget and the reauthorization of the permissive medical mill levy to cover costs in the group benefits line item for FY 2023/24.

Lake County Conservation District will conduct the public hearing in person and virtually.

To participate virtually, join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web. zoom.us- /j/85728572084?pwd=dVZGM0tzSXQ5UlhOOVVpOGtSSHhVdz09

Meeting ID: 857 2857 2084

Passcode: 984885

One tap mobile

+13462487799,,85728572084#,,,,*984885# US (Houston) +14086380968,,85728572084#,,,,*984885# US (San Jose)

Information related agenda items is available on the district website: www.lakecountyconservationdistrict.org

For more information, contact Caroline McDonald, District Coordinator at 406-676-2811, x102, 64352 U.S. Highway 93, Ronan, Montana, LakeCD@macdnet.org

June 21 and 28, 2023

MNAXLP

Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives bill@fgwilliamslaw.com

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EMMA J. ANDERSEN, Deceased.

CAUSE NO. DP-23-38 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have been appointed Co-Personal Repre- sentatives of the above-named 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 SHELLEY METZ and LAURIE LILLETHUN, the Co-Personal Representatives, 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 14th day of June, 2023.

/s/ Shelley Metz, SHELLEY METZ, Co-Personal Representative

/s/ Laurie Lillethun, LAURIE LILLETHUN, Co-Personal Representative

June 21, 28, and July 5, 2023

Service Directory

Notice of Public Hearing - Preliminary Budget Polson Rural Fire District Board of Trustees will hold a FY 2023-2024 preliminary budget public hearing on July 12, 2023 5:00 pm at the Polson Station #1, 25B Regatta Rd, Polson. Draft copies will be available at the meeting. Budgets may be amended prior to final budget adoption. Any taxpayer or resident in the District may comment at the meeting for or against the budget.

June 28 and July 5, 2023

MNAXLP

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

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: MARY C. ARDEN, Deceased.

Cause No.: DP-23-36 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-entitled estate, and that the address of the Personal Representative is set forth below.

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

A written statement of the claim indicating its basis, the name and address of the claimant, and the amount claimed, may be filed with the Clerk of the District Court, at Polson, Lake County, Montana, or mailed, Return Receipt Requested, to the Personal Representative, c/o TURNAGE

MERCER & WALL, PLLP, Attorneys for the Personal Representative, at 312 1st St. E, Polson, MT 59860.

/s/ Chuck Wall CHUCK WALL

Personal Representative

Estate of MARY C. ARDEN, Deceased.

June 14, 21 and 28, 2023 MNAXLP

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