07-17-24 issue

Last Slice: Hometown woman returns as author

Hospice nurse

who grew up in Ronan

shares

touching

stories about life and death in latest book

By Kathi Beeks Valley Journal

POLSON — On Saturday, Aug. 2, at 1 p.m. at the Lake County Public Library, RuthiE Neilan, (yes it’s spelled RuthiE), returns to her hometown community for a reception and book signing event introducing her latest book and memoir, “A Sweet Taste of the Last Slice.”

Each chapter in her book tells of her unique experiences with hospice clients when she worked as a hospice nurse and volunteer. Neilan’s book title reflects her belief that “Hospice is like being invited to a banquet (with) the very best choc-

olate.” Death represents but a slice of life and it can be made sweet by hospice. She further explained, “Hospice is very holy and very sacred,” providing an avenue for really living until you die.

Growing up on a farm outside Ronan, Neilan graduated from Ronan High School in 1960 and then became a registered nurse attending a program at St. Patrick’s Hospital in Missoula. Later,

while attending the University of San Francisco to earn her BS in nursing, she met and married a military man whose career required frequent moves. She did not actually work as a nurse for 20 years but did continue adding to her knowledge and education. Her interest in and study of hospice, as well as writing stories about her experiences, began when she lived in Stei-

lacoom, Washington. Her hospice training took her to Switzerland and a seminar by famed psychiatrist Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, an advocate for end of life dignity and identifying the stages of grief.

After moving to Tucson, Arizona, Neilan began work on a master’s degree in Expressive Art Therapy. Her thesis, “Living with Dying,

COURTESY PHOTO

A Ronan High School graduate and current resident of Ohio, RuthiE Neilan returns to the Mission Valley on Aug. 2 for a reception event for her new book.

COURTESY PHOTO

In “A Sweet Taste of the Last Slice,” RuthiE Neilan shares stories of her time working as a hospice nurse and volunteer.

Expressively Sharing Breath through Native American Flute and Expressive Arts Therapy,” details how significantly her playing the Native American Flute helped the dying. She believes the Native American flute is a tool and an instrument of prayer. Her flute education included a class at the Feather Pipe Ranch in Helena taught by premier performer Carlos Nakai and flutes created by Arlee flute maker, Ken Light.

Several stories in her book describe Neilan playing her flutes to bring healing and aid the transition of dying. In a phone conversation, she described two additional flute playing experiences, not included in her writing.

As a gift and because of her great admiration for Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, Neilan played her flutes every six weeks for Kubler-Ross, prior to her death in 2004. Neilan said, “I admired her, appreciated her for what she was doing … her bravery. She was taking care of AIDS babies … she was a teacher.”

Neilan explained Native American flute playing from the very beginning was a traditional and spiritual instrument, especially for members of the Lakota Tribe. When asked to play for a dying Lakota man, he allayed her concerns about being a woman, (the flute is traditionally played by a male), as well

as a white woman. He responded, “We have blood of the same color,” and that “times change.” Together, he drummed and sang in Lakota as she played the flute for him.

Asked to explain which were her favorite stories, she and her sister, Frances Abbey, a Ronan resident and one of three of Neilan’s editors, both named the same stories, “First Time Out” and “Jim: A Window in time.”

In “First Time Out” Neilan hears the spirit of her father tell her to take a tomato with her to her first hospice assignment. Begrudgingly she takes the tomato, and it turns out it creates an inroad for conversation with a very disgruntled husband.

Abbey describes her sister Neilan as an angel for hospice patient Jim. Neilan said, “Jim reminded me of my father … he lived very much in the moment.” In the chapter about Jim, she describes how advantageously, she became Jim’s weekly visitor, as his family never came to visit. At the very end of Jim’s life, she helped him die in the skilled nursing facility he called home, rather than a hospital.

A “Second Slice” may be in the future for author Neilan. She explained there are many tid-bits and very short, yet profound, moments with patients and families that weren’t included in the “First Slice.” One brief story came to her mind.

While Neilan handled the transition of an elderly gentleman to a nursing fa-

cility, the patient, said he’d love to have a “Bloody Maria,” describing it as a Bloody Mary with tequila rather than vodka. Neilan said she’d do this, but his wife said “Absolutely not. He’s on morphine. I don’t want him to die.” When Neilan explained she could get permission from his doctor, the wife adamantly refused. Later that night the man died. Neilan regrets not taking an interest in understanding his wife, maybe changing her mind thereby granting her husband’s wish.

Neilan believes readers of her book will get from it what they need to receive. She explained that each story touched her in some way, and “the people taught me about living.” After reading her book, one person said that it was a “feel good book.”

“Writing this book changed my life,” Neilan said, adding that it helped her sort and identify her feelings about her father’s death. She admits to being angry that hospice services weren’t available for her dying father in 1980. She added that if she could “raise a million dollars, she would build a hospice (facility) in Ronan.”

Neilan currently lives in an assisted living facility in Ohio, where she cares for her husband who has Parkinson’s disease and dementia. Regarding her Aug. 2 book signing, Neilan says she’s “really happy to be coming home.”

Columbia River Treaty renewal announced

WASHINGTON D.C. — The Biden Administration announced on July 11 their commitment to modernizing the Columbia River Treaty. The proposal revises the longstanding treaty between the United States and Canada governing the management of the Columbia River Basin and its hydropower dams. The Columbia River flows through western Montana.

“From irrigating the fields that feed

the world to producing the hydropower that powers our homes and small businesses, the Columbia River Basin plays a key role in boosting Montana’s local economies and keeping the lights on in communities across the country,” said Sen. Jon Tester. “The Columbia River Treaty that’s been in place for 60 years was due for an update, so I’m glad to see that after years of negotiations and pressure on the Administration, we are taking an important step toward modernizing this important agreement. But

Wildfire danger very high

News from CSKT Division of Fire

RONAN –Wildland fire officials with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Division of Fire have raised the fire danger within the Flathead Indian Reservation to very high, effective immediately. Residents and visitors are asked to use caution when outdoors.

Very high fire danger means that dry grasses and needles ignite easily, fires can spread rapidly and may be difficult to control. There are no restrictions in place at this time, but residents and visitors are urged to exercise caution when recreating outdoors. Remember, fireworks are prohibited on all tribal, state and federal classified forestlands.

The public needs to be safe when outdoors. Do not drive or park in tall grass. Farmers should hay in the mornings or late evenings. Unattended campfires are likely to escape. Always attend your campfire and use established fire rings. Remember to completely drown your campfire with water, stir the coals and embers, then drown again and make sure the campfire is cool to the touch. If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.

we haven’t crossed the finish line yet, and as we work to finalize the terms, I will be working with Montanans to make sure the updated treaty serves folks on the Columbia River Basin and supports the vital industries that rely on it today and well into the future.”

The Columbia River Basin is responsible for generating 40% of U.S. hydropower, irrigating $8 billion in agriculture products, and moving 42 million tons of commercial cargo every year.

Debris burning is illegal during fire season, July 1 – Sept. 30. Do your part to prevent a wildfire spark. One less spark is one less wildfire.

If you have questions or concerns regarding this notice, please contact Division of Fire at 406676-2550 or contact C.T. Camel, Fire Prevention Specialist, at 406-676-2550 ext. 6407 or email: ct.camel@cskt.org.

News from the office of Sen. Jon Tester

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Tester votes to restore Roe v. Wade

Senator is only member of Montana’s delegation to support the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act

U.S. SENATE —

Continuing his longstanding efforts to protect Montanans’ freedom and privacy to make their own personal health care decisions, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today voted in support of the Reproductive Freedom for Women Act, legislation supporting a return to Roe v. Wade. Tester is a cosponsor of the legislation.

“Montanans of all stripes believe in the right to privacy, so much so that we enshrined it in our constitution – and that includes ensuring women can make their own health care decisions,” said Tester. “The Dobbs v. Jackson decision was dead

wrong two years ago and it’s dead wrong today.

No judge, bureaucrat, or politician should come between a woman and her doctor. Montanans sent me to Washington

“women making personal healthcare decisions by codifying Roe v. Wade. Tester is an original co-sponsor of the Right to Contraception Act, which would guar-

related to contraception. Last month, Tester cosponsored the Right to IVF Act, which would safeguard Montanans, servicemembers, and veterans’ access to in-vitro

to stand up for Montana values, and that’s what I’ll continue to do.”

Tester has led the fight to ensure that Montana women have freedom to make health care decisions as well as access to safe and effective health care.

Tester is a strong supporter of the Women’s Health Protection Act, which would guarantee the right to privacy for

antee the right for individuals to obtain and use contraceptives, and for health providers to prescribe contraceptives and give information

- Senator Jon Tester

fertilization (IVF) and other assisted reproductive technology.

Last year, Tester sent a letter to Walgreens and CVS’ executives pressing

the companies to take immediate action to ensure that all women, including those in rural areas like Montana, have access to safe and effective health care. Tester’s letter came in response to Walgreens’ decision limiting the sale of mifepristone and misoprostol, even in states like Montana where the medications are legal. Tester’s pushback was successful – after sending his letter, CVS and Walgreens announced they planned to become certified and offer mifepristone and misoprostol in states like Montana where laws would allow pharmacies to dispense it. Tester has also signed onto bicameral amicus briefs calling on the Supreme Court to reject a decision that would restrict access to mifepristone.

Senior commodity pickup changes in Polson, Ronan POLSON/ RONAN — Starting Wednesday, July 17, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. every other month on the third Wednesday. Pick up at Polson Loaves and Fish Pantry, 904 First Street E and in Ronan at Mission West Food Enterprise, 407 Main Street.

News from the office of Senator Tester

Daines pushes for grizzly bear delisting five months past review deadline

DOI Assistant Secretary thanks MT for stewardship of grizzlies, states the grizzly Bear ‘Has recovered’

U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing pushed for the delisting of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide Ecosystems and called out the delay in the delisting review, despite the two grizzly populations being well over the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s recovery targets. Current Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks and President Biden’s nominee for Department of the Interior (DOI) Deputy Secretary, Shannon Estenoz, agreed that the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem bears have recovered.

Daines: So last February, of course, the FWS initiated, not a 17-month status review, it›s called a 12-month status review for a reason. If they were to initiate a 17-month status review, we›d be expecting the result here this month, but it›s a 12-month status. The

data is very compelling in terms of where the recovery target is, where the actual populations are… My question is: Would you help us and focus on getting this 12-month review done that should have been completed in February?

Estenoz: Senator, so, thank you, and it›s good to talk grizzlies with you again. First of all, let me acknowledge that I agree with you 100 percent. Not that my agreement matters because the facts are what they are. The Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem population is recovered. The numbers from 2022, 965. Not only that, as I said earlier, the Northern Continental Divide population is also recovered at more than 1,100 bears. And we do have this petition in front of us that’s asking us to delist the GYE as a distinct population segment.

It’s that definition that, you know, we’re working through…We’ve tried to do that before. We’ve tried to do that twice before and the courts have rejected it. So we’re working through that, we’re working through our delisting criteria. And in the meantime, I want to say, because I didn’t say it earlier when we were chatting about grizzlies, I just-- I need to say for the record how grateful we are to both Montana and Wyoming for the stewardship of grizzly bears. And grizzly bears are doing well in those states because the states are taking good care of grizzly bears. And we know that. And then I also want to say for the record that we want grizzlies to be recovered and delisted. I want to say that without reservation. We want that. I want that for all of our listed

process are. And I agree with you, you know, driving toward, you know, a decision as soon as possible.

species, right? A delisting is a celebration. But as I mentioned, in the ESA, the path that you use to get there also matters. It’s not just the listing decision, it’s the path you take that’s often what courts will attack. So we want to make sure we’ve got the path right.

Daines: Yeah, thank you, and agree. But there›s no reason we can›t get this 12-month study wrapped up. We›re at 17 months… you all the Interior can decide to slow roll this thing to the election, if you’d like. I think that’s a big mistake. I think it violates the integrity of this process if we don’t just commit to the 12-month review. It should have been done in February, it’s now the middle of July.

Estenoz: Yeah, Senator, I can assure you that this process is running based on what the needs of the

Daines: When›s it going to be done?

Estenoz: Well… I don’t have a date for you but as I mentioned to you when we met a couple of weeks ago, this issue… it’s in the top five for the Fish and Wildlife Service’s leadership, I can tell you. Martha’s been out to Montana and Wyoming now a couple of times in the last month. So, this is a top priority and I want to stay in touch with you also in the days and weeks ahead.

Daines: I›m just a little skeptical that we›re going to see this get done before the election. I just think we need to get it done just for the sake of the bears, for the sake of the process. I hope we can dissolve the politics; we might be able to, and stay focused on the science and get this done. I realize you want to get a solid review done so it protects ourselves when

we get litigated in court, but…If we gave you two years, I’m afraid you’d come back here and say we’re at 36 months and still thinking about it.

Estenoz: I appreciate that. I appreciate that Senator, you›re right and we have, you know, it›s a little bit further complicated because we have three petitions before us that are all related, you know, and so I appreciate it and as always, I will stay in contact with your office in the days and weeks to come.

In May, Daines pressed DOI Secretary Deb Haaland on the status of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide Ecosystems. Secretary Haaland did not know the recovery targets set by her sub agency, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or the current grizzly populations. Despite bear numbers being well above these recovery targets, Haaland refused to say whether or not the populations had recovered.

News from the office of Senator Daines

ENVATO ELEMENTS PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

Nearly $23M secured for clean drinking water in Montana

Sen. Jon Tester

U.S. SENATE — A direct result of his bipartisan infrastructure law, U.S. Senator Jon Tester recently secured $22,985,000 for the Montana Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, which will work to improve infrastructure for clean drinking water across Montana.

This funding comes from Tester’s bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Tester worked with five Republicans and four Democrats to negotiate the IIJA and was the only member of Montana’s Congressional delegation to vote for the bill.

Daines announces bipartisan Central Asia Caucus

“Ensuring every Montanan has access to clean, reliable drinking water is a no-brainer, and is something I was proud to champion in my bipartisan infrastructure law,” said Tester. Following a major siphon burst last month on the Milk River Project near Babb, Montana, Tester took to the Senate floor to successfully pass the Fort Belknap Indian Community (FBIC) Water Rights Settlement Act which would provide critical funding for repairs on the Milk River Project.

which would make federal funding available to assist in the reconstruction of the St. Mary canal.

After the St. Mary canal siphon burst, Senator Tester called on the Biden Administration to provide immediate support for the local community, small businesses, and irrigators impacted by the failure, which caused thousands of gallons of water to flood the surrounding area. The siphon burst has already caused extensive damage to local businesses and will impact vital irrigation to farmland in the surrounding area. Tester also called on President Biden to include the Milk River Project in his Administration’s domestic supplemental package,

Proud Community Partner

In direct response to pressure from Tester, the Biden Administration announced last week that it is committed to including critical aid for repairs along the Milk River Project and the St. Mary siphon burst in a key domestic supplemental spending package.

Tester has worked to ensure that rural communities have access to modern, reliable water infrastructure. In total in the IIJA, Tester secured approximately $194 million for the Rocky Boy/North Central Water System, approximately $56 million for the Musselshell-Judith Water System, and approximately $17 million for the Fort Peck/Dry Prairie Water System. He also secured up to $100 million for rehabilitating the Milk River Project.

U.S. SENATE – On July 10, U.S. Senator Steve Daines (R-Mont.) announced the formation of the Senate Central Asia Caucus. The Caucus will focus on strengthening the United States’ relationship with allies in Central Asia, increasing trade and investment and supporting regional stability and security as Central Asia becomes increasingly vulnerable to the influence of Russia, China and Iran.

“Now more than ever it’s critical we strengthen our relationship with dependable allies in Central Asia. After spending extensive time in the region meeting with leaders and as our adversaries grow emboldened, Senator Peters and I look forward to working together to improve trade relations, boost agricultural developments, address human trafficking and migration concerns and increase national security partnerships,” Daines said. Senator Gary Peters (D-Mich.) is joining Daines in launching the Caucus.

News from the office of Sen. Steve Daines

MSU team conducts deep-sea research 10,000+ feet below ocean surface

By Reagan Cotton, MSU News Service

BOZEMAN — Many Montana State University students arrive in Bozeman — at its roughly 5,000 feet above sea level — and only climb from there, ascending southwest Montana’s many peaks. But a team from MSU’s College of Letters and Science descended nearly 17,000 feet below MSU’s elevation, traveling to some of the deepest areas of the sea on a recent research cruise.

Postdoctoral researcher Andrew Montgomery and doctoral student Sylvia Nupp are part of associate professor Roland Hatzenpichler’s multidisciplinary lab in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. This spring, Montgomery and Nupp traveled to the Guaymas Basin off the west coast of Mexico for a monthlong research cruise that made Nupp the first student from Montana to descend to the deep sea, according to Hatzenpichler.

It was a trip that Nupp had been preparing for since she arrived at MSU in 2021, after completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Arkansas.

“This happened to be the project that he had funding for at the time, so he asked if I would be interested in deep-sea research, and I said absolutely,” she recalled.

Hatzenpichler’s lab conducts a breadth of microbial research, from work exploring the human gut microbiome to examining the microbes that live in extreme environments, such as Yellowstone National Park’s thermal features. Nupp and Montgomery’s work on the ocean floor fell into the latter category, and the Guaymas

An image of a deep see hydrothermal vent structure named Matterhorn is captured by Montana State University graduate student Sylvia Nupp and post doctoral researcher Andy Montgomer during a dive to ~3700 meters in the Pescadero Basin in the Gulf of California. Sampling equipment on the DSV Alvin can be see in the foreground.

hours, with two scientists accompanying a pilot on each trip. At the sites, each researcher sought different samples. The trips included geochemists, microbiologists and geneticists conducting widely disparate research all at the same location. Nupp scanned the ocean floor for Beggiatoa, colorful microorganisms that grow in filamentous mats of vibrant colors. Their presence, she said, is an indicator of thermal activity and the carbon-cycling microbes they were looking for. The robotic arms of the submarine scooped up mud and sediment from the ocean floor and packaged it in plastic tubing.

Basin is an ideal location for such work.

“Scientists have been studying the Guaymas Basin for about 40 years,” said Montgomery, who is nearing the end of a three-year postdoctoral appointment at MSU supported by an award from the National Science Foundation for early-career scientists.

“The reason that it’s interesting is that the tectonic plates meet there, and the way they move creates hydrothermal activity in the subsurface, similar to what happens in Yellowstone. The sediments are very organic-rich, and the combination of those two things means that the microbiology is very, very interesting.”

The pair spent nearly all of April aboard a research vessel with about 60 other people. The scientist cohort — which also included researchers from Georgia, Massachusetts, Texas, Wisconsin, and Mexico — worked long days

to collect and process samples from the ocean floor, maximizing their short time on the ship.

Nupp and Montgomery were interested in collecting sediment from the ocean floor and analyzing it for the presence of carbon-cycling microbes. Such organisms that live near the extremely hot vents are known as thermophiles, named for their high tolerance for heat.

“Microbes inhabit every inch of this earth and places we can’t even imagine, with different temperatures, pressures and pHs,” said Montgomery. “In this lab, we’re studying microbes that live at what we consider the limits of life.”

During the trip, Montgomery conducted two deep-sea dives and Nupp experienced her first. They descended in a submarine called the DSV Alvin, a type of submersible vehicle used specifically for research, which is

equipped with robotic arms operated by a pilot to collect samples from the ocean floor.

The team visited two primary sites located at roughly 6,000 and 12,000 feet below the ocean’s surface. It took nearly two hours to reach the deeper site once Alvin departed the ship. Despite extensive training, Nupp said nothing prepared her for the rush of diving in the submarine.

“When they actually closed the hatch and it was time to go, I was so excited. We splashed down into the water and it was just instantly beautiful,” she said.

“You could see bioluminescence through the window, which was amazing, and the sea floor itself was kind of incredible. It looked vaguely familiar, because there are crabs and shrimp and things that you’re used to seeing, but it was all kind of weird and suspended.”

Each dive took roughly eight

After the long dive day, the scientists immediately shifted into processing samples as quickly as they could. While they can withstand extreme temperatures, the microbes in the samples are sensitive to environmental changes, so the sediment had to be processed in a temperature-controlled room that Nupp likened to a giant refrigerator. Working through the night, the scientists recorded thorough notes describing the exact attributes of each sediment sample before slicing them into inch-thick “horizons,” which help to examine the variety of life present at different sediment depths. They repeated the process through every sample: roughly 80 bottles, Nupp said.

While the work was taxing and time-sensitive, Montgomery said the pressure created a unique sense of camaraderie within the team, even though they all came from different institutions.

“It’s almost like if you were going to a summer camp,” he said. “You’re constrained to the same

see page 9

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANDREW MONTGOMERY Montana State University student Sylvia Nupp prepares sampling equipment on the deep sea submersible vehicle Alvin during a research trip to the Pescadero Basin in the Gulf of California with MSU postdoctoral researcher Andy Montgomery.

ANDREW MONTGOMERY PHOTO

from page 8

group of people for an extended period of time, and that builds some community that otherwise takes a while to come together naturally.”

Nupp and Montgomery have returned to MSU with samples to study over the coming months. Many microbes collected in extreme environments are notoriously difficult to cultivate for study in a laboratory. Nupp’s continued work will seek to isolate, identify and study the organisms that are contributing to carbon cycling near the sea floor’s thermal vents in Guaymas Basin.

Nupp said Hatzenpichler has pioneered new methods of incubating such

microbes, so she said she is in an ideal environment to further her study.

She also plans to continue collaborating with the scientists she met on the ship. As individual teams pursue their own veins of study, their discoveries will provide fodder for new inquiries across the group.

“This is exploratory work. We’re trying to look at what organisms are doing, because we don’t have an understanding of that yet,” Nupp said. “The next step is setting up incubations with different carbon compounds to see what would produce methane and show activity of methanogens. I’d never been on a research cruise before, so there was a lot of learning from everyone and figuring out where my work fit into

that. It was a very, very collaborative environment, which made it so much fun.”

Nupp, Montgomery and Hatzenpichler also brought their fascination to two local elementary schools, where they discussed work on a research ship. Students painted Styrofoam cups, which were then attached to the outside of submersible Alvin and taken to the deep sea. Compressed by the incredibly high pressure, the cups shrank dramatically. After they came back to Bozeman, Nupp and Montgomery gave students their compressed cups and chatted with them about their experiences in the deep sea.

valley views

Swatting at the noose of cynicism

As hard as I try, in the privacy of my own being, not to get caught up in the scathing absurdities of the moment — e.g., the presidential election, America’ looming fascism, our love of money and war (to name a few) — yikes, here I am, caught up in it all.

And all I can do is reach for a larger truth . . . peace will prevail, the moral arc of the universe bends toward justice. And it so quickly feels like a cliché. Welcome to cynicism!

I swat at it, push it away, but it’s always there. So calm down, I tell myself. I’m doing so right now. In the context of a Biden blank stare and a looming Trump presidency, here I am, reaching for a sense of hope and transcendence — a sense of belief, a sense of joy,

that humanity is evolving, that the present is just a necessary flicker in our becoming.

I invite you to join me as I reach for a larger context in which to put this flickering moment. I begin by quoting Peter Bloom, addressing the looming presidential farce:

“Increasingly, elections have become competitions between the ambitions and personalities of individual ‘great men’ rather than contests of ideas or visions for society.

“This phenomenon reflects a contemporary belief in the outsized power of elite individuals—whether CEOs, celebrities, or political leaders—to drive change and shape the world around them. . . .

“This personalization of politics serves to obscure

the deeper structural issues facing American democracy and society. By focusing on the qualities of individual leaders, we lose sight of the systemic problems that no single person, no matter how talented or well-intentioned, can solve alone.”

Hmmm . . . This opens up a line of thought oh so easily disparaged and dismissed, at least by the corporate media (“the bouncers,” as I call them), whose job is to keep complexity out of our collective national consciousness and reduce politics — national and even global — to a simplistic, win-lose game. This, of course, maintains the present two-party system: evil vs. lesser evil. And those who challenge it, attempting to transcend spectator democracy by participating directly and complexly in the process, are nothing but “spoilers.”

What a joke, eh?

Thinking we can build a political system based on the concept that we’re all in this together.

In contrast, let me snatch a quote from Rupert Ross’s great book on Restorative Justice, Returning to the Teachings. Ross quotes Anne Fausto-Sterling:

“Modern textbooks still like to talk of cutthroat competition, of the survival of the fittest, as the overriding force that drives evolution. . . .

Yet research in the past two decades shows that cooperation among species plays at least as big a role as violent struggle. … And suddenly, it seems, you can find cooperation in plants and animals wherever you look — suggesting a whole new view of evolution and interdependence among all forms of life.”

Working together?

Building society as a collaborative effort? Yeah, it’s nice-sounding clap-

trap and a necessary part of human existence — families have to get along, drivers have to stop at stop signs, etc., etc. — but, come on! America is about winning and losing. The Super Bowl isn’t a focus on politeness. We have a trillion-dollar annual “defense” budget and several thousand nuclear weapons, not just stockpiled but “actively deployed.” So does Russia! What kind of idiot sings “kumbaya” and says we all just need to get along?

This is the noose of cynicism from which we need both personal and collective escape. And the escape isn’t a kick in the bad guy’s kneecaps (whoever the bad guy is). The escape from cynicism is, ahem, loving.

Here’s another quote from Ross’s book, which he calls the first of the Twelve Teachings of the Sacred Tree, that is to say, an expression of indigenous awareness of the

nature of the universe:  “All things are interrelated. Everything in the universe is part of a single whole. Everything is connected in some way to everything else. It is

LETTER POLICY

Action needed to save our democracy

Editor,

Our nation is at a point of desperation. We could be losing our democracy, our personal freedoms, and our country’s values. We are facing the possibility of falling under a dictatorial form of government.

As I write this, Donald Trump seems to be the Republican candidate for president who will be on the ticket. Our nation needs one focus and one focus only because of this man. This focus and work needs to be promoting and encouraging

voting for the Democratic candidate whomever it happens to be. We must save our democracy and avoid a political disaster. Then, after we have voted and have a Democratic leadership, we can face the challenges such as reviving the Supreme Court. This court has become divided, disjointed and dan -

gerous to our democracy. This can all be handled effectively through a democratic process and leadership.

It is my firm belief that we each need to, in our own way, take immediate action to help save our democracy.

Bob McClellan Missoula

Letters to the editor are welcome. The content is the opinion of the letter writer and not the newspaper. The decision to publish letters is made by the editor. Letters must be 350 words or less. A writer will only be published twice per month. Letters may be edited for content or length, or may not be published if considered libelous, in poor taste, spiteful, self-promotional or of limited interest to the general readership. Space limitations also dictate when or if letters are published. Letters must be signed by the author and name, address and phone number must be included – phone number is for verification purposes only. Letters from organizations must include the name of at least one author. Please limit “thank you” letters to four people/organizations or less. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday to publish the following week.

Opinions expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the newspaper.

Peace Voice

Robert Koehler Syndicated Columnist

therefore possible to understand something only if we can understand how it is connected to everything else.”

The world is not simply ours to extract and exploit, to divide into categories, to dump into the trash bin? Bad guys and good guys both matter, even in a presidential race? All I can do is quote a poem I wrote a few years ago. It’s called “The Cardinal”:

I thank you God if that’s your name for the beauty and the trash, the spill, the vomit, the love and exhaust smoke of this new most amazing day. Outside my window a cardinal shocking as a nosebleed pecks the raw winter ground beneath its feet. I thank you for its food and mine, for my coffee and for these words, these malleable

playthings of awareness, which still birth all I think and know. Let them stroke the trembling potential of what I see and what’s to come. The cardinal lifts. I salute it with my cup and swallow.

I know, I know. This solves nothing. This answers nothing. The presidential race and raw hell are still looming and human-created climate change has ahold of the planet. I’m lost. Perhaps we all are, as we stare wide-eyed at the cynical noose dangling from the headlines. Oh Lord, kumbaya.

But look! The cardinal’s coming back. Robert Koehler (koehlercw@gmail.com), syndicated by PeaceVoice, is a Chicago award-winning journalist and editor. He is the author of Courage Grows Strong at the Wound, and his newly released album of recorded poetry and art work, Soul Fragments.

Let it go

My grand daughter likes to watch a certain movie - over and over again. In it, the protagonist belts out a message in song: Let it go. There’s lots to be learned from Elsa.

We should all be better at simply letting it go.

Letting things go. Letting the past go.

Forgive. Forget. Like it never even happened. (Easier said than done.)

way.

Let it go.

Slices

of Life

Jill Pertler Syndicated columnist

The plans for today that go thwarted by a flat tire. The relationship that didn’t work out. The beach day ruined by rain. The marriage that ended in a bad way. When you planned on chicken for dinner and the grocery store is out of chicken.

Letting the future go.

Be open to possibilities - even the ones you’ve never considered or imagined. Control is over-rated anyway. (Easier said than done.)

I learned the lesson of letting go awhile back, but I realized it (again) just this morning. I guess it’s an idea worth repeating.

Or maybe we just have to remind ourselves over and over. In the midst of the storm. In the midst of the calm. In the midst of whatever life throws your

When the air conditioner breaks down on the hottest day of the year. When an unexpected expense threatens your monthly budget. When someone disappoints you and your heart feels like it is breaking.

But you are in control of something even more powerful than circumstances: how you choose to perceive and react to them. And in that vein, I suggest (sing it with me): Let it go.

When you utter harsh words you wish you could take back. When someone utters harsh words toward you. When you break a window. When you break your word.

When any number of things crop into your day or your week or your life and you sigh because you didn’t want or expect that thing or person or event to crop up just then - or ever. But it did.

Just let it go. Realize fully that you can’t change your circumstances. You most often have no control of your circumstances.

I understand this isn’t easy. I know I am asking a lot. I realize sometimes letting go may be unattainable. It is for me some days. But I keep trying. As they say, tomorrow is another day.

In the song from Frozen, Elsa sings, “It’s funny how some distance makes everything seem small, and the fears that

see page 12

Windauer Family Dentistry

is excited to announce that Dr. Windauer's son Jacob and daughter-in-law Emma, have joined the practice as new Associate Dentists! They are 4th generation Windauer dentists and are excited to be back home serving the Mission Valley community.

The office provides Advanced General Dentistry including Implants, Same Day Crowns, Root Canals, Oral Surgery, Clear Aligner Orthodontic Treatment, and General Pediatric Dentistry. We are always accepting new patients!

once controlled me can’t get to me at all.”

This pretty much sums up the rationale and benefit behind letting things go.

Time often brings with it the gift of perspective. When we truly understand this, the mundane of the every dayhowever devastating or joyous – is fleeting. And there’s no reason to perseverate on the fleeting. Best to experience it and then move on.

Let it go.

Letting go is emancipating. It is breathing when breath was a daily struggle.

It is trusting in the future. It is forgiving the past.

It is making meatloaf for dinner when chicken isn’t available.

Letting go is liberating. It is growth.  And there are so many things we can let go.

Let go regrets. Let go drama. Let go trauma.

Let go of the big stuff. Let go of the small stuff.

Let go of the inconsequential. Let go of the life-changing.

Let go of the benign. Let go of the malignant.

Let go yesterday. Let go today. Let go tomorrow, and the day after that.

Let go thoughts of the way things should be. Let go ideas that don’t fit anymore. Let go of anything you can’t control (and let’s be honest, that is just about everything).

Let go and simply breathe. Life is beautiful. The world is beautiful, if we allow it to be.

And allowing it, most often starts with relinquishing control. With letting go. It’s as simple, and as complicated, as that.

Give it a try. Give it a go.

Thanks, Elsa.

Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

Public invited to ‘Going Batty’ field trip in Glacier Park

News from Glacier National Park

WEST GLACIER

— Glacier National Park’s “Going Batty” field trip will be held on Thursday, July 18, in West Glacier from 8-11:30 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, but participation is limited and requires advance registration.

Glacier National Park’s biologist Lisa Bate and her staff, along with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, will lead participants on this late-evening field trip to a site with known bat activity. Wildlife staff will set up mist nets to capture and process bats and use acoustic detectors to detect the ultrasonic calls of bats flying overhead. These monitoring efforts are critical as bats face several

threats, including a disease known as white-nose syndrome.

Participants will not be allowed to touch or handle bats and need to provide their own headlamps or flash lights, suitable clothing for the weather in cluding sturdy footwear as well as a small backpack with food, water, extra cloth ing layers, and bear spray. Participants should also bring their own face masks for protection against transfer of disease from humans to bats.

to 35 participants. For more information and to sign-up, visit: https:// volunteersignup.

wingspan of up to six feet.

In Glacier, biologists have now confirmed the presence of ten bat spe-

This field trip is limited

Small-footed Bat, was confirmed

ing Battycies were added in recent years due to the park’s

in size from the tiny bumblebee bat, weighing less than a penny, to the flying fox bat, which can have a

Inset image is of a grey long-eared bat, one of many different species of bat found in Glacier National Park.

Tester presses Reserve chair on housing shortages

News from the office of Sen. Jon Tester

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Jon Tester recently pressed Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell on solutions to work-force housing shortages during a Senate Banking Committee hearing.

Tester began his remarks by relaying to Chairman Powell that he hears about challenges stemming from rising costs and housing shortages in every corner of Montana: “Look, regardless of where I go in the state of Montana, housing is a big issue. Whether it’s Billings or Butte or Bozeman or Busby or Big Sandy, it doesn’t matter, larger towns to medium sized towns to small towns, housing is a huge issue.

And I think it’s a huge issue all over the country and correct me if I’m not correct in that. And I was wondering how the housing challenges fit into the overall economic picture that you’re seeing?”

Tester specifically pressed Chairman Powell on addressing how housing shortages are impacting the overall economy, and stressed that main street businesses are reeling because they cannot hire employees if they have nowhere to live: “So let me drill down a little bit… I’m speaking more from a standpoint of economic growth, and there are plenty of small businesses, schools, hospitals, main street businesses that can’t hire people, they can’t expand, because there simply is no

place for them to live. How does that fit into your economic outlook metrics?

Because I think, from my perspective at least, I think it’s limiting the opportunity for expansion, it’s limiting the opportunity for entrepreneurs, business startups. Does that fit into the economic picture that you look at?”

Additionally, Tester asked Chairman Powell if policies that incentivize more workforce housing would boost the economy.

In September, Tester introduced his bipartisan Rural Housing Service Reform Act of 2023 – legislation which would improve federal rural housing programs, cut government red tape, and strengthen the supply of affordable housing across Montana.

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

Nursing Faculty (10 months)

Salary Range: $55,935 - $65,551 DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Nursing Simulation Lab Instructor

Salary Range: $54,301-$56,400 DOEE

Closing date: Open Until Filled

Institutional Research Analyst

Salary Range: $45,483-$47,830 DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Childcare Center Cook-Early Learning Center (9.5 months)

Salary Range: $15.65-$16.92/hr DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Custodian Part-time

Salary Range: $14.80/hr

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Health Promotion Specialist

Salary Range: $40,789 - $44,310 DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Custodial Services Team Leader (2 positions)

Salary Range: $16.97/hr

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Security Officer Part Time

Salary Range: $12.57 - $13.84/hr DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Bookstore Clerk (9 months)

Salary range: $14.20/hr - $14.54/hr DOEE

Closing Date: Monday, July 29, 2024 at 4:00 pm MST

Instruction & Outreach Services Librarian

Salary Range: $19.40 - $19.99/hr DOEE

Closing Date: Monday, July 29, 2024 at 4:00 pm MST

President for Salish Kootenai College

Salary Range: to be negotiated with the Board of Directors DOEE

Closing Date: August 15, 2024

NYCP College & Career Readiness Instructor (Part time, 9 months)

Salary Range: $25.01/hr-$29.63/hr DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Accounting Tech/Receptionist

Salary Range: $14.48 - $15.12/hr DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled To

The Nursing Department is actively seeking adjunct nursing faculty who are excited about teaching and student learning. Adjunct nursing faculty will hold a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from both an accredited nursing program and college. If a BSN prepared nurse is currently enrolled in a master’s program, they will be considered as a qualified applicant. Any person seeking adjunct employment please send a completed SKC application, resume, and unofficial transcripts to Teresa Sias at teresa_sias@skc.edu.

seniors

Polson

By Pete Mangels for the Valley Journal

POLSON — The Polson Senior Center is located at 504 Third Ave. E; 8 am.–3 p.m. weekdays. 406-883-4735 - polsonseniorcenter@ gmail.com. Visit us on Facebook!

Activities:

— Wood Carving for beginners:  Wednesdays & Fridays at 1 p.m.  Join any week.

— Bridge: Inquire at the center

— Wednesday: Game Day! Bring a board and a group of friends. Cribbage and other board or card games 1-3 p.m.    — VA Rep.: first Friday and third Tuesday of each month - walk-ins OK

— Bingo: Bingo Friday Night (6 p.m. start); doors open at 5:30 p.m. “Playing Card” Bingo first and third Wednesdays of each month at 6 p.m.

— Exercise: sitting or standing - M-W-F, 10:30–11:30 a.m. - vid-

eo-assisted

— Pinochle: Thursdays 12:30-3 p.m. We always have a chair reserved for you.

— Pool: Open table from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Menu (subject to change): A suggested donation of $5 for your meal will help support the Nutrition Program. We serve lunch from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

— Thursday, July 18: meatloaf, mashed spuds, creamy corn, Jell-O salad, custard with sauce

— Friday, July 19: biscuits and gravy, sausage links, peas, baked apples, brownies

— Monday, July 22: chili-mac soup, creamy peaches, cinnamon rolls, ice-cream bars

— Tuesday, July 23: pork chops, spuds n gravy, mixed veggies, deviled eggs, chocolate pudding — Wednesday, July 24: taco salad, Frito corn salad, key lime bars — Thursday, July 25: beef hot dogs in a blanket, tater tots, cowboy beans, coleslaw, cookie — Friday, July 26:

birthday dinner for lunch - (informational meeting at 11:30 a.m. and lunch at noon) - ham, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole, pineapple/pretzel salad, strawberry rhubarb cake

Ronan

By Donna Daniels for the Valley Journal

RONAN — The Mission Valley Senior Center is located cross from St. Luke’s Hospital. Any age is welcome to come enjoy our meals; you don’t have to be a senior citizen.

We are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for lunch and other activities.

Our menu:

— Wednesday, July 17: Polish dogs, salad, dessert

— Friday, July 19: barbecue chicken, salad, dessert

— Monday, July 22: ham & beans, salad, dessert

— Wednesday, July 24: tator tot casserole, salad, dessert

Pinochle has started again. It’s played on

Mondays from 1:30-4 p.m.

If you need Ensure we have it! Have your doctor send us a prescription and we can fill it. We have Ensure Plus for $19.61 for a case of 24 and Ensure High Protein for $38.52 for a case of 12.

Dues are 2024 are $10 per person and due now.

The Ronan Senior Center is available for renting for your events. Call us if you are having an event and need a location to have it.

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

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

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

see page 15

public meetings

The Polson City Commission meets every first and third Mondays (Wednesday, if the Monday falls on a holiday) of the month at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 106 1st Street East. Meetings are open to the public.

St. Ignatius City Council meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 12 First Ave. 406- 745-3791

Ronan City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m., 207 Main Street SW, Ste A. 406-676-4231

Lake County Commissioners , 106 Fourth Ave. E, room 211, (Lake County Courthouse) 406-883-7278, Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-12 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

The Ronan School District No. 30 Board of Trustees have regularly scheduled board meetings once a month. They meet the second Monday of every month in the K. William Harvey Elementary Multi-Purpose Room. Regular meetings begin at 7 p.m.

The Polson School District No. 23 Board of Trustees have regularly scheduled board meetings once a month. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the District Office, 111 4th Ave. E, 406-883-6345.

The Charlo School District 7J B Board of Trustees have regularly scheduled meetings on the third Thursday of every month. Meetings are held in the school library, 404 1st Ave. W, and begin at 7 p.m. The phone number is 406-644-2206.

The Arlee School District No. 8 Board of Trustees hold regularly scheduled meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Arlee High School Library, 72220 Fyant Street, and begin at 6:30 p.m. The phone number is 406-726-3216.

Valley View Elementary is located at 42448 Valley View Road. The phone number is 406883-2208.

St. Ignatius School District No. 28 Board of Trustees meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the library, 76 Third Avenue. The phone number is 406-7453811.

from page14

St. Ignatius

By Barb Plouffe for the Valley Journal

ST. IGNATIUS — Remember to come to our Pancake Breakfast for Good Old Days on Saturday, July 20, from 7-11 a.m. We will serve pancakes, sausage, eggs, juice, coffee, and tea. There will also be a silent auction and a raffle chance at a 50/50. We play bingo at 2 p.m. Come and enjoy some fun. We have an Area VI Agency on Aging Cook Book for sell. It contains recipes from residents of

Lake, Sander, and Mineral Counties. The cost is $15, and the money goes to help families from these areas that have specific financial needs.

If you would like a takeout meal, call 406745-4462 by 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays and by 2 p.m. on Wednesdays. Mealtimes are listed below. Menus for the month are available in the entryway of the St. Ignatius Senior Center. Remember everyone is welcome at our meals. Come enjoy a delicious meal and good conversation.

Menu:

Friday, July 19: noontuna fish, cottage cheese, mixed fruit, cookies

Tuesday, July 23: noon

- taco salad, bean salad, banana, vanilla pudding Friday, July 26: noon - ham salad with lettuce, sliced tomatoes, watermelon, wheat rolls, peanut butter cookies

Our senior center available to rent. If you are interested, call 406-7454462 and leave a message. If you have question about obtaining elder commodities call or stop by for information and an application. Elder commodities will be at the center on the afternoon of July14. We will call to remind you if you have signed up for them.

Gently Yoga is held on Wednesdays from 1-2:15 p.m. If you are interested,

R e a d y t o P l a y ?

call Bonnie Kiser at 406253-0177. Her rates are five sessions for $65.

The Taiji exercise program will be held on Mondays at 1 p.m. Kory Gunderson is the instructor. For any question call Kory at 406-361-0304. The program charge is $12 a session.

Is it difficult for you or a loved one to trim toenails?

Call “Nurse on the Go” at 406-253-5114 and schedule your 30-minute foot appointment. The cost is $25 a treatment. Nails are trimmed, callous and corns are buffed smooth. The nurse is licensed and insured.

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obituaries

Colleen Ricciardi

POLSON — A beautiful and loving soul, Colleen Ann Ricciardi, passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024, in Missoula at The Village Care Center of natural causes.

Colleen was born on July 5, 1959, in southern California. Her dad, mom and brother moved to Portland, Oregon, in 1971 where she lived until 2017 when she and her mom moved to Montana. A prose from her daughter Brittany – “A Legacy of Love: As a mother and grandmother this is the legacy, we have from you. You taught us how to love and how to fight. You gave us strength; you gave us might. A stronger person would be hard to find, and, in your Heart, you were always kind. You fought for us all in one way or another, you always gave your best. Now the time has come for you to rest, go in peace, you earned your sleep. Your love in our hearts we’ll eternally keep.”

Colleen was passionate about taking care of her family and her friends and was always there for anyone who needed her. She could tell you every-

one’s birthdays without even looking at a list. She also enjoyed reading, dancing, camping, bunko, and loved thrift store shopping. One of her big loves was cats. She told me once that she would have a lot of them if she could.

One of Colleen’s favorite things to do was decorate for the holidays. She had decorations for every holiday you could imagine.

Colleen is survived by her son, Byron and his girlfriend (Erin); daughter, Brittany and her husband (Keith); her brother, Chris Ricciardi; her sisterin-law, and friend Diana Brunner; six grandchildren, (four girls and two boys); five nephews and many friends. She will be missed by all.

Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at: www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com. Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.

Mary (Marney) Wamsley

NORTH OAKS, MINNESOTA — Mary Margaret (Marney) Wamsley was born on June 3, 1926, in St. Ignatius and passed away on Feb. 18, 2024, in North Oaks, Minnesota.

Marney graduated from St. Catherine’s College in St. Paul, Minnesota, and received a master’s degree

from Notre Dame. Following her graduation, she joined the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet and took the name Sister Grace in honor of her mother.

Marney was a respected leader, teacher, administrator, and “change-maker” who was loved by those in that community and by those they served. Her educational experience was vast. She taught at St. Margaret’s Academy, St. Anthony High School, Derham High School, St. Thomas College in Minnesota, and Werribee Secondary College in Australia. She was the principal at Minnesota high schools in Marshall and Wayzata.

Marney was a bright star in the lives of those around her. She was an inspiration to her students, fellow workers, family, and lucky friends. Marney was admired and loved by her family and enjoyed her frequent visits with them. Marney loved the Mission Mountains and Flathead Lake in Montana, the outdoors, dogs, politics (especially Democrats), an occasional Manhattan, ice cream, fond memories, and most of all her family. She was the epitome of loyalty and generosity to her friends. Life will never be the

same without Marney. She was predeceased by her parents, George W. and Grace E. Wamsley; and her brothers, Joe, Jim, George, Phil (Pink), Fran, and Gene Wamsley; nieces, Phyllis Roedl and Lori Kull; and nephew, Dick Wamsley. She is survived by her devoted family, Rod (Barbara) Wamsley; Bev Bauer, Ritzi MacKenzie, Bill (Anne Scully) Wamsley, Pat (Jeff) Wilson, Mike (Wendi) Wamsley, Mary Wamsley, Dennis (Nancy) Wamsley, Madeline Cooper, Maureen (Clinton) Filler, and Mark Wamsley and their extended families, and by longtime friends Mary Kay Buskin, Gayle Lens, Ursala Rericha and many others who loved her.

A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on July 20 at the cemetery in St. Ignatius.

Memorials can be made in memory of Mary “Marney” Wamsley to St. Catherine University, 2004 Randolph Ave. F12, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55105 or: stkate.edu/give

Keith Rennie

POLSON — Keith Rennie, a devoted husband, beloved father and brother, and cherished grandfather, passed away on June 23, 2024, after a brief but valiant battle with cancer. He was 71 years old.

Keith was born on July

1, 1952, in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, and grew up on multiple reservations in New Mexico and Montana with a deep connection to his parents, Albert and Carmen (née Smith) and four brothers, Rod, Ray, Tom and Doug (predeceased) and appreciation of culture. He pursued a career as an attorney, then as an educator, becoming head of the Business Department at Salish Kootenai College, despite a self-proclaimed fear of public speaking. For him, fear was not a reason to forgo pursuit of a meaningful goal. Known for his sharp mind and easy-going demeanor, Keith positively impacted countless lives throughout his career.

Keith’s greatest joy, however, came from his roles as husband to Carole, father to Brandon and Craig, and grandfather to Torrin and Solea. He exemplified the ideal father, always supportive, loving, and ready with a playful joke or wise advice. His grandchildren brought him immense happiness and brought out a particular playfulness familiar to his friends and family.

In his leisure time, Keith enjoyed fishing or a day on the lake; passions he eagerly shared with any

and everyone. He enjoyed a practical joke and delighted in sharing laughter with those around him. Later in life, Keith indulged his musical proclivities whole-heartedly, reveling in new instruments and social bonds.

Keith leaves behind a legacy of humility, integrity, and intellectual curiosity. His confident speculations on a wide range of topics and his ability to engage others in lively discussions will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. His absence will be deeply felt by his family, friends, colleagues, and all whose lives he touched.

A memorial service to celebrate Keith’s life will be held on July 21, 2024, from 4-6 at the Red Poppy Building in Ronan. In lieu of flowers, Keith requested donating blood to the Red Cross or make a donation to the Western Montana Musicians Coop, an organization that Keith helped to create and got immense joy out of participating in. Keith’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at: www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com. Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.

see page 17

Colleen Ricciardi

Mary Wamsley

Keith Rennie

Obituaries

from page 16

Robert Burrell

MOIESE — Robert (Bob) Burrell passed away peacefully on June 30, 2024. Bob was born to Leslie Wayne and Viola Burrell on Sept. 1, 1940, in Moiese. He grew up farming in Moiese, attended the Moiese School and graduated from Charlo High School.

After high school Bob worked as a farm hand for his dad and many others in the valley. He met his life-long love and

partner Barbara Palmer of Ronan, and they married on Dec. 4, 1969. They have two children, Wayne and Mary.

After retiring from farming, Bob served his community as a volunteer at the food bank and mowed lawns for friends and neighbors.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jim and Don; sister, Vicki; and grandson, Lane. He is survived by his wife of 55 years; his children; his brother, Bill; two grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL

A robin feeds its fledgling a snack during a break from flying lessons on a recent sunny morning.

Wednesday, July 17

Senior commodity pickup changes in Polson, Ronan

POLSON/RONAN —

Starting Wednesday, July 17, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. every other month on the third Wednesday. Pick up at Polson Loaves and Fish Pantry, 904 First Street E and in Ronan at Mission West Food Enterprise, 407 Main Street.

Democrats hold Happy Hour

POLSON — On Wednesday, July 17, from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Glacier Brewing Company, 6 Tenth Ave. E, the Democrats will hold a fun event for their volunteers and supporters. They also have daily events to volunteer for and get involved with. Contact the Polson Field Office or call 402507-8240.

Polson museum open 7-days per week

POLSON — The Polson Flathead Lake Museum is located at 708 Main Street, Polson and is open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 1-4 p.m.

Free meditation classes offered

ZOOM — Mission Mountain Zen is offering free online meditation classes. Please join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesday, July 17 and on subsequent Wednesdays, for an online meditation class. The classes will be held from 6-7:30 p.m. For

more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-721-0665 or email: Jerry.Smyers@ gmail.com.

Thursday, July 18

Standing Arrow Powwow begins

ELMO — The Kootenai Tribe, also known as the Ktunaxa Ksanka Band, welcome all nations and the general public to the annual Ksanka Standing Arrow Powwow at the Elmo Powwow Grounds from Thursday, July 18, to Sunday, July 21. The Ksan-

ka Standing Arrow Powwow is a Native American gathering featuring drumming, dancing, and traditional dress. Thursday is campers’ night.

Join Brewery bingo

POLSON — Glacier Brewing Company will hold bingo to benefit SAFE Harbor on Thursday, July 18, from 6-9 p.m.

Watch scuba, snorkel event

POLSON — Missoula Scuba and Snorkel will be at Mission Valley Aquatic Center from 10-11 a.m.

as part of the North Lake County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program. Visit northlakecountylibrary.org or call 406-883-8225, for more information.

Go to ‘Baskerville’ comedy-mystery play

POLSON — Ken Ludwig’s raucous Sherlock Holmes spoof, “Baskerville” has five actors play over thirty characters in this lightning-paced comedy-mystery sendup, running July 5 – 21. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. For reservations call 406-883-

Library will hold a book donation day on Thursday, July 18, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. There is a limit of two boxes at a time. Our Friends of the Library have taken over management of our donation program and have set the third Thursday of each month as “Donation Day.” Please refer to our Materials Donation Policy on our website for more information.

Friday, July 19

Enjoy ‘Rock the Dock’ Concert

POLSON — Music starts at 7 p.m. at the KwaTaq NukResort, 49708 US Highway 93 East, with “Black Cherry” providing the tunes. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

Good Old Days begins

9212 or go to: portpolsonplayers.com.

Rock the Dock Concert provides tunes

POLSON — Music starts at 7 p.m. at the KwaTaqNuk Resort, 49708 US Highway 93 East, with “Kelley and Ben” providing the tunes. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

Library holds Donation Day

POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library’s Friends of the

ST. IGNATIUS — Good Old Days begins with the Little Mr. & Miss Good Old Days Pageant from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. There will be adult and junior division dessert baking contests with a $100 adult prize and a $50 junior prize at 4 p.m. Unlimited entries and no entry fee. Everyone is then welcomed by the St. Ignatius Chamber to a barbecue meal, with gourmet burgers, all the fixings, fresh roasted beef, potato and macaroni salads, baked beans, fruit salad and dessert all for $17 per adult and $8 for children under 10, at the Good Old Days Park from 5-7 p.m. The farmers market takes place from 5-7 p.m. and from

see page 19

MARTY HENSEL PHOTO

Irrigation spray sparkles in the sunshine as summer temperatures continue to rise.

page 18

5-9 p.m. look for Big Toys. Beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the St. Ignatius Amphitheater, Jeff Daniels and Western Front will provide family fun by performing classic country and rock music.

Saturday, July 20

Festival of Art takes place

POLSON — The 9th annual Flathead Lake Festival of Art will take place Saturday, July 20, and Sunday, July 21, at Sacajawea Park from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Join Cowboy Camp Sing-Along

POLSON — Get ready to sing-along to your favorite cowboy songs at the North Lake County Public Library on Saturday, July 20, at 2 p.m. It will be fun for the whole family. We will sing “Shenandoah,” “Cielito Lindo,” “Buffalo Gals,” “Streets of Laredo,” “Ghost Riders in the Sky,” “Cindy,” “Tumbling Tumbleweeds,” “Cool Water,” and more. Join this hootenanny and you won’t regret it. Rich will have books and CDs available for purchase at the performance.

Calling all Flathead Lake lovers to Poker Paddle

POLSON — Get ready for an amazing day of fun on the water at the annual Poker Paddle for Clean Water on Saturday, July 20. This year we reduced ticket costs so you can bring your family and friends. Tickets are $50 for adults

and $35 for youth paddlers 17 and under. Parents or guardians must be present. Lunch is not covered in your ticket price. There will be food cars to order from. The event kicks off at Boettcher Park. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. with staggered start times. Long course launch is at 9 a.m.; mid length launches at 9:30 a.m. and short/ family launches begin at 10 a.m. Limited to 100 vessels. Proceeds benefit Flathead Lakers. Register at givebutter.com.

Enjoy ‘Baskerville’ comedy-mystery play

POLSON — Ken Ludwig’s raucous Sherlock Holmes spoof, “Baskerville” has five actors play over thirty characters in this lightning-paced comedy-mystery sendup, running July 5 – 21. Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. For reservations call 406-8839212 or go to: portpolsonplayers.com.

Dog Races, more at Good Old Days Day 2

ST. IGNATIUS — Day two of Good Old Days begins with a pancake breakfast served at the St. Ignatius Senior Center from 7-11 a.m. Dog Races take place at 1 p.m. Food and craft vendors will be available all day from 1-4 p.m. Register for the Good Old Days parade, (the largest parade in Lake County), at 9 a.m. on July 20. Judging starts at 11 a.m. and the parade is at noon. You must be at the St. Ignatius High School before 11 a.m. to enter the parade. Parade categories include animal drawn vehicle, child rider, Native American, youth 12 & under, farm equip.m.ent, antique car, custom car,

stock car, adult horse rider, commercial, novelty/ humorous, clubs/organizations/group.

Big Sky Mafia’s car/ truck show will take place at the Community Center parking lot from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Big Toys will be at the Good Old Days Park from 1-4 p.m. Bingo will be played from 2-4 p.m. at the Senior Center. Family games like egg races, a water balloon toss, sprints, and gunny sack races happen at 2 p.m. Farmers Games and Olympics begin at 2 p.m. A good old fashioned tug-o-war and kids’ mud hunt take place at 2 p.m. Lawn mower races are at 3 p.m. and mini train rides go on from 1-3 p.m. Mini golf happens from 1-4 p.m. There will be a dunking booth (to benefit the St. Ignatius Fire Dept.) from 1-4 p.m. Tours of the St. Ignatius Mission take place from 2-4 p.m. At dusk enjoy the movie “October Sky” at the park.

Fly-in takes place in St. Ignatius

ST. IGNATIUS — The annual St. Ignatius Barbecue with all the fixin’s and a Fly-in take place at the St. Ignatius Airport on Airport Road from 4-8 p.m. Helicopter rides will be available for $50 a seat. Contact Michael Kuefler at 406-544-2274, for more information.

Challenge yourself at the Buffalo Run

ST. IGNATIUS — On Saturday, July 20, the 41st annual St. Luke Buffalo Run will take place as part of the family-oriented St. Ignatius Good Old Days event. This event is hosted by St. Luke Community Healthcare. Sign up at 7 a.m. The 1-mile fun run

(walk/run), 4-mile run, and 7-mile run all start promptly at 8 a.m. on Main Street in front of Gambles Hardware (112 N. Main Street). Family rates are available this year if you sign up online at: https://runsignup.com/ Race/MT/StIgnatius/ GoodOldDaysBuffaloRun. T-shirts are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Formal same-day registrations will be cut off at 7:30 a.m. the morning of the race. You can still pay cash or check to run your race and buy a shirt; your run just won’t be timed. For more information, call Whitney Liegakos at 406-528-5262 or email wliegakos@stlukehealthcare.org. Proceeds benefit the St. Ignatius Chamber of Commerce.

Enjoy Lake County Fair Horse Show

RONAN — The Lake County Fair Horse Show takes place at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 300 Third Ave. NW, on Saturday, July 20, at 9 a.m.

Republican Boat Parade planned

POLSON — Lake County MT Republicans present “The Republican Boat Parade” on Saturday, July 20, at 1 p.m. All boaters gather in Polson Bay by Memorial Bridge. More details on the website: lakecountymtrepublicans. com. Prizes will be given for best decorated boat. All supporters welcome.

Sunday, July 21

Duck races held

ST. IGNATIUS — At 9 a.m. duck races will take place to benefit Valley Bank scholarships. Buy a

rubber ducky and watch him race.

Huckleberry Pancake Breakfast provided

ST. IGNATIUS — The St. Ignatius Airport on Airport Road is the site for the annual huckleberry pancake breakfast. Join us from 8 a.m.-noon for a traditional huckleberry pancake breakfast with ham, eggs, juice, and coffee. There will be door prizes, 100s of gallons of aviation fuel to be given away to 10 lucky pilots. Helicopter rides for $50 a seat will be available. Contact Michael Kuefler at 406-544-2274, for more information.

Lake County Fair

Shooting Sports

POLSON — The Lake County Fair Shooting Sports events take place at Big Sky Sporting Clays Shooting Range, 42295 Irvine Flats Rd., on Sunday, July 21, at noon.

Race in Flathead Lake Run

LAKESIDE — This is an exclusive and professionally timed run, the only one along the shores of Flathead Lake. Featuring our popular 5K race for $40, in addition to a 10K race for $55 and a kid’s 1-mile run for $25. If you have questions, contact the race director at: FlatheadLake5k@gmail.com.

Final performance of ‘Baskerville’ performed

POLSON — The final presentation of Ken Ludwig’s raucous Sherlock Holmes spoof, “Baskerville,” has five actors play over thirty characters in this lightning-paced comedy-mystery sendup,

on Sunday, July 21. Showtime is 2 p.m. Sunday. For reservations call 406-8839212 or go to: portpolsonplayers.com.

Monday, July 22

Join Mother Goose activities

POLSON — Mondays mean Mother Goose at the North Lake County Public Library. Join us at 9:15 a.m.

Mother Goose is geared toward ages 0 to 3, but all are welcome. We encourage parents and caregivers to participate with their children for this early learning time.

Tuesday, July 23 Lake County Fair continues

RONAN — The following events take place at Lake County Fair on the Fairgrounds, 300 Third Ave. NW, on Tuesday, July 23: Dog Show takes place at 8 a.m.; The Non-perishable Open Class check-in takes place from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Family-style Dinner at 5 p.m.; swine weigh off trailer from 6-8 p.m.

Wednesday, July 24

Irrigators to meet in Ronan

RONAN — The Flathead Irrigation District monthly meeting is Wednesday, July 24, upstairs at the Mission West Community Develop.m.ent Partners building, 407 Main Street.

classifieds

Announcements

Special Notices

Need a non-commercial REGISTERED AGENT with the North Dakota Secretary of State? Please select MLB Enterprises during your filing. For more information, contact mary.nieuwsma@ gmail.com.

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Wanted

WANTED TO BUY: Old Car, Truck, Motorcycle, also old signs and license plates, gas station items or dealership items. Call 406-270-8630 any time.

Employment

Help wanted

SANITARIAN/SAFETY

OFFICER - TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

St. Ignatius

The successful applicant must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Sanitary Science, Environ-

mental Health, Public Health, or other Chemical/Biological or Physical Science. Possession of a valid registration as a Registered Sanitarian issued by the State of Montana or the ability to obtain within ONE year of employment. A valid driver’s license. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcript/ degree, certifications, copy of valid driver’s license, if claiming Tribal preference, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy and subject to random drug testing. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary range: $24.88 to $28.59, plus benefits (May be employed under contract). To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 6752700 Ext. 1040 or personnel@ cskt.org. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. The closing date will be Thurs., July 25, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. (MST) CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

DEWR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT - DIVISION OF ENGINEERING AND WATER RESOURCES (DEWR) NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

The DEWR Administrative Assistant is a full-time office manager/accountant position for the Division. The DEWR Programs include Safety of Dams, Roads and Water Management. Must have a four (4) year Business degree with two (2) years of experience in Tribal Government accounting and administration, OR a minimum of a two (2) year degree in Business with

emphasis in accounting and four (4) years Tribal Government administration and accounting experience, OR, in absence of degree, successful applicant must have at least eight (8) years of progressive responsible experience in all phases of Tribal Government administration and accounting. Five (5) years within the Tribal Organization of increased responsibility of bookkeeping / accounting work, including at least three (3) years with supervisory responsibility and at least three (3) years of experience operating a computerized accounting system. Must have a valid driver’s license and required to successfully complete a certified defensive driving course approved by the Department. Must wear Tribal Government identification and safety apparel when necessary. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal Employment application (Resumes may be submitted but may not replace or supplement the official Tribal employment application), copy of relevant academic transcripts and/or certificates, copy of a valid driver’s license, and proof of Tribal enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary range is $19.87 to $22.83 per hour, plus benefits. To apply, or to request the full position description for detailed desirable qualifications contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. 1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, July 25th, 2024 @ 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

CUSTODIAN (1 OR MORE POSITIONS AVAILABLE) FACILITIES & MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

PABLO, MT

This position is an integral part of the Facilities & Maintenance Department and consists of work to provide technical and skilled custodial, grounds, and maintenance functions in and around CSKT Facilities’ offices, buildings, and surrounding areas. This position is responsible for maintaining a clean, sanitary and safe environment throughout assigned Tribal Facilities. The successful applicant must possess a valid driver’s license with no alcohol related convictions for the last three (3) years. Must be able to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License if requested. One (1) to two (2) years’ experience in cleaning chemicals and their proper uses, with ability to obtain professional/commercial experience through three (3) months of training. One (1) to two (2) years’ experience in the operation of specialized equipment. Knowledge in effective cleaning and sanitizing techniques. Knowledge in basic carpentry, plumbing, and electrical. Skilled in the mixing of cleaning chemicals. Skilled in the handling of hazardous waste. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE INFORMATION BELOW WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal Employment Application (Resumes may be submitted but may not replace or supplement the official Tribal Employment Application), copy of relevant transcripts and/or certificates, copy of a valid 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. 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 six (6) month probationary period. Salary is $13.10 to $15.05 per hour, plus benefits. To apply, contact Tribal Personnel at (406)675-2700 Ext. 1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes. org. Closing date will be Thursday, August 1st, 2024 @ 5:30pm.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

SHORELINE ALCO 87A FIELD TECHNICIAN

SHORELINE PROTECTION OFFICE – POLSON, MT NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

The Shoreline ALCO (Aquatic Lands Conservation Ordinance) 87A Field Technician is a full-time specialized technical position, responsible for inspecting and evaluating proposed construction projects within and around the Reservation waterways. Responsible for land location and record searches pertaining to proposed projects. The successful applicant is required to have a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science or related Natural Resources field or equivalence in work experience with college coursework in public communications, law, wetland ecology, wetland rehabilitation design, plant identification, with experience in investigative evidence collection for research or law enforcement. Must have experience in using Microsoft Office Suite program (Power Point, Word, Excel and Publisher). Must have a valid State driver’s license. Ability to read and understand complex material such as detailed engineered designs, maps and landownership plats, regulatory policies and court cases. Able to operate and maintain ATVs, snowmobiles and off-road vehicles in inclement weather. Must have a proven high degree of skill in accurate mapping and aerial photo interpretation, precise oral and written communications, with skills in collection, preservation and presenta-

tion of such data pertinent to ALCO projects. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE INFORMATION BELOW WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal employment application (Resumes may be submitted but may not replace or supplement the official Tribal employment application), copies of relevant academic transcripts and training certificates, a copy of valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment from a Federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This 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 CSKT, must pass pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period Salary is $22.54 per hour, plus benefits. To apply, contact Tribal Personnel at (406) 6752700 Ext. 1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, August 1st, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

GREETER/SAFETY MONITOR FOREMAN (CONTRACT POSITION) FACILITIES & MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

This position is an integral part of the Facilities & Maintenance Department and is responsible for overseeing facility security to protect company assets, employees, and the public. Position will exercise good judgment and have responsibility for results. Position will be responsible for direction and guidance of workers assigned under their supervision and provide performance reports regarding inspections of the workplace. The successful applicant must possess high school diploma or equivalent. Must have five (5) years’ experience and/or see page 22

Puzzle Answers classifieds

training in security related experience and three (3) years’ supervisory experience. Computer skills in Word and Excel. Must have or obtain First Aid/ CPR certification within six (6) months after hire date, and must always remain current, along with training certification in First Aid/CPR to provide or set up certification training for all employees. Must have a valid driver’s license and have no alcohol-related convictions within the past three (3) years. Must pass background check. Must be able to work Monday through Friday. All applicants must submit a Tribal Employment Application (Resumes may be submitted but may not replace or supplement the official Tribal Employment Application), copy of relevant academic transcripts and/ or certifications, copy of valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE INFORMATION ABOVE WILL RESULT IN 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 range $17.26 to $19.84 per hour. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org Closing date is Thursday, August 1st, 2024 at 5:30 pm. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

PAID CARE REGISTRATION

COORDINATOR - TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

St. Ignatius

The successful applicant must possess an Associate’s degree in Sociology, Social Work, or Business Management or a medical related field or 2 years’ experience in Patient Registration and secretarial work in health administrative office. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Experience with the RPMS computer system, FI computer system, fax machine, scanning is preferred, but not required. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcript/degree, certifications, copy of valid driver’s license, if claiming Tribal preference, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN DISQUALI- FICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This position is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy and subject to random drug testing. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary range: $15.28 to $17.56 (May be employed under contract). 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 Thurs., July 25, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. (MST) CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

JMS Energy is a leader in innovative energy solutions shaping the future of sustainable power. We are hiring a Payroll Manager with a strong background in payroll operations and team management. The ideal candidate will be responsible for efficiency in payroll processing and compliance. Interested candidates are invited to send a resume to

terridt@jmsenergy.net.

CITY ATTORNEY – SPEARFISH, SD. Responsible for providing legal representation to city government. $119,100.80 - $145,121.60. www.cityofspearfish.com

COMMUNICATIONS

OFFICER

TRIBAL LAW & ORDER

The successful applicant must possess a high school diploma or GED. Must be 18 years of age. No felony convictions ever. No misdemeanor convictions in the past year except minor traffic. Must possess a valid Montana driver’s license. Must meet minimum department medical standards. Must never have had a misdemeanor conviction involving child abuse, a sex offense, and assault with a weapon or violent crime against a person or domestic abuse. Must not have any record of habitual use of alcohol within the past 5 years. Must not have any record or history of drug abuse within the past five years. Must not be a subject of a current investigation involving criminal activities, including indictments. Must not have three or more moving violations, in the past 2 years. Must not have a driving while intoxicated or reckless driving conviction within the past 3 years. Must not have been dismissed, or resigned from law enforcement work due to

threat of disciplinary action that could result in termination of employment, during the past 3 years. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, copies of relevant transcripts and/or certificates and a copy of a valid driver’s license to the Tribal Personnel Department or call 406.675.2700 ext. 1040 or visit the csktribes.org website for the application. Salary range $20.02 per hour, plus benefits. Closing date will be Thursday, August 1, 2024 @ 5:30 p.m. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

GREETER/SAFETY MONITOR

(1 OR MORE CONTRACT POSITIONS AVAILABLE) FACILITIES & MAINTENANCE DEPARTMENT

This position is an integral part of the Facilities & Maintenance Department and is responsible for greeting the public, assisting them to the proper department and/or employee, and overseeing facility security to protect company assets, employees, and the public. Position will exercise good judgment and

have responsibility for results. Position will be responsible for work assigned and to provide performance reports regarding inspections of the workplace. The successful applicant must possess high school diploma or equivalent. Computer skills in Word and Excel. Must have or obtain First Aid/CPR certification within six (6) months after hire date, and must remain current, along with training certification in First Aid/CPR to provide or set up certification training for all employees. Must pass background investigation. Must be able to work Monday through Friday. Must have a basic knowledge of security protocol and procedures. Excellent written and verbal communications skills, as well as computer skills. Skills in adjusting work flow to meet facility needs, keeping accurate records, and keeping positive attitude when faced with difficult situations. Must have ability to communicate with clientele, visitors, co-workers and other CSKT employees. Ability to interpret and implement policies and procedures and security protocols. Ability to provide exceptional customer service. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE INFORMATION BELOW WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. All applicants must submit a Tribal employ-

ment application (Resumes may be submitted but may not replace or supplement the official Tribal application), copy of relevant academic transcripts and/or certifications, proof of enrollment from a Federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary range $11.66 to $13.40 per hour. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date is Thursday, August 1st, 2024 at 5:30pm. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

Classified Ads Work!

Deadline Fridays at Noon $7 for the first fifteen words, 25¢ for each additional word. $1 fee for bold $1 fee for box/border $2 fee for color box

Email to: vjmail@valleyjournal.net

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Montana Human Rights Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, familial status, physical or mental disability, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD Toll-free at 1-800669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

Kalmbach Law Office, PLLC

Justin Kalmbach, Esq. PO Box 249 1 Fifth Avenue West Polson, MT 59860

Telephone: (406) 883-1159

Fax: (406) 883-1497

Email: justin@polsonlegal.com

IN THE TRIBAL COURT OF THE CONFEDERATED SALISH & KOOTENAI TRIBES OF THE FLATHEAD RESERVATION, PABLO, MONTANA

IN RE THE ADOPTION OF: N.K.L.M., Minor Children. HEATHER EDWARDS, Petitioner.

Cause No. 23-0102-A SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

THE CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES SEND GREETINGS TO THE NATURAL BIRTHMOTHER OF THE ABOVENAMED MINOR CHILD:

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer or otherwise respond to the Petition to Terminate Parental Rights in this action which is filed in the office of the Clerk of Tribal Court. You have

fifteen (15) working days exclusive of the day of service, Saturdays, Sundays, and Tribal legal holidays from the last date of publication of this Summons. In case of your failure to answer or appear, judgment may be taken against you by default for the relief sought in the Petition. You must file your response in the office of the Clerk of Tribal Court at P.O. Box 278, Pablo, MT 59855 and serve a copy thereof upon Petitioner’s attorney, Justin Kalmbach, whose address is listed above.

WITNESS my hand and the seal of said Court this 13th day of June, 2024.

/s/ By: Serena Montoya CLERK OF THE TRIBAL COURT

July 3, 10 and 17, 2024 MNAXLP

Matthew H. O’Neill

Skyler C. Bagley

O’NEILL & BAGLEY LAW OFFICE, PLLC

402 First Street East, Suite 201 P.O. Box 699

Polson, MT 59860

Telephone: (406) 883-5444

Facsimile: (406) 883-1585

matt@polsonlaw.com skyler@polsonlaw.com

Attorney for Personal Representative

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DAVID A. FRANZ, Deceased.

CAUSE No. DP-24-44

Hon. JOHN A. MERCER

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 20th Judicial District Court, at 106 4th Ave. East, Polson, Montana 59860, or mailed, Return Receipt Requested, to the Personal Representative, c/o O’NEILL & BAGLEY LAW OFFICE, Attorneys for the Personal Representative, at P.O. Box 699, Polson, MT 59860.

/s/ JEANNE M. FRANZ

JEANNE M. FRANZ

Personal Representative

Estate of David A. Franz, deceased.

July 10, 17 and 24, 2024 MNAXLP

Kalmbach Law Office, PLLC

Justin Kalmbach, Esq. PO Box 249

1 Fifth Avenue West Polson, MT 59860

Telephone: (406) 883-1159

Fax: (406) 883-1497

Email: justin@polsonlegal.com

IN THE TRIBAL COURT OF THE CONFEDERATED SALISH & KOOTENAI TRIBES OF THE FLATHEAD RESERVATION, PABLO, MONTANA

IN RE THE ADOPTION OF:

G,M.S.C., Minor Children. HEATHER EDWARDS, Petitioner.

Cause No. 23-0101-A SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

THE CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES SEND GREETINGS TO THE NATURAL BIRTHMOTHER OF THE ABOVENAMED MINOR CHILD:

• Award-winning weekly newspaper

• Well established advertising, subscriber base, website & social media following

• 19 years in business

• Beautiful place to work & live

• Call Summer (406) 249-1793 or Boone (406) 249-1728 for more information

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer or otherwise respond to the Petition to Terminate Parental Rights in this action which is filed in the office of the Clerk of Tribal Court. You have fifteen (15) working days exclusive of the day of service, Saturdays, Sundays, and Tribal legal holidays from the last date of publication of this Summons. In case of your failure to answer or appear, judgment may be taken against you by default for the relief sought in the Petition. You must file your res- ponse in the office of the Clerk of Tribal Court at P.O. Box 278, Pablo, MT 59855 and serve a copy thereof upon Petitioner’s attorney, Justin Kalmbach, whose address is listed above.

WITNESS my hand and the seal of said Court this 13th day of June, 2024.

/s/ By: Serena Montoya CLERK OF THE TRIBAL COURT

July 3, 10 and 17, 2024 MNAXLP