Obituaries

James Violette

POLSON — James (Jim) Glenn Violette, age 84, died peacefully at home on Friday, July 8, 2022, after a short illness. He was born Jan. 17, 1938, in Missoula, to Sherman and Josephine (Arpan) Violette. The family moved to Polson after Sherman’s passing, where Jim loved playing basketball with big brother Don and where he met the love of his life, Sharron (Sadie) Thompson. He graduated from Montana State College in Bozeman in August of 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science, and he an Sharron married on Oct. 19, 1963.

Jim had an amazing military career, with two years in the US Navy stationed on the USS Randolph and over 18 years in the US Air Force. He flew 100 missions as a Wild Weasel in North Vietnam as an F-105 Electronic Warfare Officer. He also flew in F-4s and B-52s. Together Jim and Sharron traveled the world raising their family on military bases in Texas, California, Nevada, North Dakota, Florida, and Virginia, and overseas in Japan, Okinawa, and the Philippines.

Jim retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and the family returned to Polson in 1982. He worked the family potato farm with his stepfather Paul Fleming, brother Don and son Jim Jr. until his second retirement in 1993. He enjoyed eating out, visiting with friends and family, working on computer projects, and keeping up on the news.

Jim is survived by brother, Paul Fleming Jr.; daughter, Mandy Melgaard (John); son, Jim Jr.; four grandchildren, (Lacey, Brittany, Alyssa, and Sherman); and seven great-grandchildren. In heaven, Jim joins his beloved wife, Sharron; brother, Don; uncle, Ed Violette; his parents; and many other beloved relatives and friends who preceded him in death.

The family extends its heartfelt thanks to St. Joseph Hospital in Polson, Logan Health in Kalispell, St. Patrick Hospital and Foundation in Missoula, and Partners in Home

Care (Hospice), for great care and support during his battle with esophageal cancer. There will be a private burial and a public memorial service honoring both Jim and Sharron. Arrangements are underway and will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Gary Sinise Foundation or Shriner’s Hospitals for James Children or the charity of Violette your choice. 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.

Patrick Devlin

POLSON — Friends and family will celebrate the life of Patrick Dale Devlin, 66, on Saturday, Aug. 13, at 2 p.m. at Boettcher Park in Polson.

Pat, a beautiful and fun-loving soul with an infectious laugh that could be slow to build but lasted long, passed away at his home of natural causes on Jan. 16, 2022.

He entered the world on March 25, 1955, in Polson, the fifth of eight children born to Polson schoolteachers Ward and LaVere (Thompson) Devlin. He grew up in a home filled with music, art and - with eight kids and, often, their friends and cousins underfoot - more than a little chaos!

Pat married Deborah Diane Ross in 1977. The couple moved to Denver, where their two children, Katie Michele and Brian Patrick, were born.

In 1986 the family returned to Polson. Pat worked as a shipping and receiving manager for Jore Corporation in Ronan for more than 10 years.

A cherished father and grandfather, “Papa D” was an artist and avid sports fan who loved horses and liked fish (if they were biting). Pat never met a stranger and his heart was as big as all Montana.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Karen, Tom and Greg.

Pat is survived by his daughter, Katie; son, Brian (Andrea); grandchildren, Wyatt Ross and Marlee Mae; siblings, Charles Jeffrey, JeNeil and Kathy and a plethora of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Food will be provided at Pat’s celebration of life.

Governor Gianforte promotes launch of Montana 988 Lifeline

Montana 988 will support suicide prevention and mental health crisis

News from the office of

Governor Gianforte

HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte joined Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) officials, mental health and crisis lifeline experts, and Montana State University (MSU) officials on July 14 to promote the launch of the Montana 988 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline.

“As we all know, Montana faces a tragic epidemic of suicide, devastating far too many families and communities,” Governor Gianforte said. “... this new 988 Lifeline number will help save lives. To any Montanan who might be struggling, know that you are not alone, and you can find folks ready to help by dialing 988.”

Montana 988 is part of the National 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline network of over 200 local, independent crisis centers equipped to help people in mental health related distress or experiencing a suicidal crisis 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the U.S.

The 988 Lifeline will launch Saturday, July 16, 2022. Veterans who dial 988 will be given a prompt to dial “1” to be routed to the Veteran Crisis Line.

Calls made to 988 in Montana are routed to one of three independent crisis call centers: Voices of Hope in Great Falls, The Help Center in Bozeman, and the Western Montana Mental Health Lifeline Call Center in Missoula.

“Together, these crisis call centers provide coverage to every county in Montana,” DPHHS Director Adam Meier said. “It’s important for people to know that when they call 988, more than 90% of the time, they will be connected to a trained mental health and crisis counselor who works in one of the Montana call centers.”

Over the past three years, the Montana crisis call centers have averaged about 10,000 calls per year. More than 90 percent of the calls made in Montana are answered in Montana, with fewer than ten percent sent to another call center in the national network backup system.

To help further bolster call center capacity, DPHHS will use a nearly $400,000 grant to maintain staffing levels to manage call capacity at more than 90 percent with the transition to 988.

Speaking to the importance of those calling 988 being connected to fellow Montanans, Matt Kuntz, of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI-MT), said, “This is important because these individuals are very familiar with the local community mental health resources. When an individual, friend, or family member places that important call to the

see page 21

Public invited to Polebridge Bear Fair

News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks and North Fork Preservation Assoc.

POLEBRIDGE — The Polebridge Bear Fair is planned for Saturday, July 30, from noon– 4:30 p.m. at the Home Ranch Bottoms, 8950 North Fork Road in Polebridge. The family-friendly event is free and open to the public, providing educational opportunities and fun ways to learn about co-existing with bears in northwest Montana. Hosted by the North Fork Preservation Association with partners Polebridge Bear Smart and Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks, the fair will feature exhibits, speakers, and kid’s activities to promote awareness and stewardship specific to grizzly bears, black bears, and people sharing the diverse landscape of Northwestern Montana.

Exhibitors from the Montana Land Reliance, Be Bear Aware, Gallagher Electric (bear) Fencing, Glacier National Park, US Forest Service, Glacier Institute, and Bear Aware Bear Spray Rentals will provide educational resources. Presenters from the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Glacier National Park, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, and the North Fork Preservation Association will address the subjects of “Conservation and Native Traditions,” “Backpacking Safely in Bear Country,” “People and Bears, Vision for Coexistence,” as well as live music and a “Bear Dance,” at the outdoor event. Justine Vallieres, Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Wildlife Conflict Management Specialist will explain the importance of education, “Education is important for public safety and the conservation of bears. ” The North Fork of the Flathead valley, along the western flank of Glacier National Park, is a jewel in the Crown of the Continent Ecosystem. The North Fork River defines the region as a federally-designated Wild and Scenic River, flowing 58 miles south from British Columbia, Canada to the confluence of the Middle Fork of the Flathead River at Blankenship Bridge. This unique and pristine international watershed features glaciated mountain peaks, wildflowers, open grasslands, a wide river valley, diverse wetlands and clear, clean water. A rich complement of indigenous species still exists, including grizzly and black bear, moose, gray wolf, mountain lion, lynx, wolverine, and the endangered bull trout. The increased presence of humans on this delicate ecosystem presents the need for sound stewardship, land planning and wildlife education. The mission of the North Fork Preservation Association is: To champion the exceptional biodiversity and wildness of the North Fork. For more information go to their web site: www. gravel.org. Note, participants do not need a Glacier National Park vehicle reservation to access the free event.

Montana 988

from page 20

Lifeline, time is of the essence. Those answering the Lifeline play such a crucial role.”

According to the National Association on Mental Illness, about 163,000 Montanans have a mental health condition, and more than 573,000 Montanans live in an area where there is a shortage of mental health professionals.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Montana is third in the nation in per capita suicides, and suicide is one of the leading causes of death in our state.

More details on the 988 Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Lifeline can be found dphhs.mt.gov/suicideprevention/988. Additional suicide prevention information and resources are also available on the DPHHS website.

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Flathead Transit

Missoula • Pablo • Kalispell • Whitefish

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

For Information Call • Weekdays: 406-275-2792 • Weekends 406-675-500

10:00 AM 11:30 AM 7:30 PM 11:50 AM 7:05 PM 12:00 PM 6:50 PM Flag Stop Flag Stop 12:15 PM 6:30 PM 1:00 PM 6:00 PM 1:25 PM 5:30 PM 2:10 PM 4:55 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 3:10 PM 4:00 PM

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For Information Call Flathead Transit Weekdays: 406-275-2792 • Weekends 406-675-500 For more information call Flathead Transit Weekdays: 406-275-2792 Weekends: 406-675-5000

Chaysen Fairbrother

RONAN — Chaysen Rae Fairbrother was born on July 11, 2022, at the St. Luke Community Healthcare New Beginnings Birth Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 15 ounces. Parents are Shadow Fairbrother and Katlyn Hindman of Hot Springs. Paternal grandparents are Shannon Fairbrother of Libby and Christina Kelley of Kalispell. Maternal grandparents are Reese Hindman and Joannie Hindman of Hot Springs. Chaysen joins sibling, Caydence.

Chaysen Fairbrother

Kyleigh Molzhon

RONAN — Kyleigh Dodd Molzhon was born on July 13, 2022, at the St. Luke Community Healthcare New Beginnings Birth Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces. Parents are Dalton and Carley Molzhon of Charlo. Paternal grandparents are Dawn and Tim Gies of Rudyard and Jerimy Molzhon of Ronan. Maternal grandparents are Dodd and Shonna Elverud of St. Ignatius. Kyleigh joins siblings, Kynzlee and Stetson.

Kyleigh Molzhon

Lake County Marriage & Divorces for June

Divorces

Kendric J. Hale and Brooke E. Hanson Ryan Z. Stunden and Melian E. Humble Grant L. Mitchell and Gabrielle L. Mitchell Mark S. Douma and Kathleen M. Douma (Collins restored) Robert Lohf and Theresda M. Lohf (Corocoran restored) Daniel M. Clairmont and Barbara A. Clairmont Micheal A. Bartel and Whitey C. Bartel (Cote restored) Robert S. Kenning and Leigh A. Kenning

Marriages

Brooke P. Bonner and Jason David Chan Emilie Ann Angelo and Edward James Pribyl III Tyler James Anderson and Hannah Marie Potter Taelyr Mae Krantz and Trenton J. Abraham Terinee Jo McCready and Brendon Allen Miller Sisa Vuni Vukialau and Heather Rachel Taguchi Trevor Allen Voss and Courtney Lee Summers Zane Anthony Gleich and Hannah Michelle Shutlz Kelly Rae Adley and Jason Matthew Teague Courtney R. Crenshaw and Nickolaus A. Bond Summer Rey Boykin and Jacob Lee Boykin Trevor Jon Sorrell and Joselyn Riley Fleig Brenna Me Hyvonen and Shane Lee Hughes Kail Everett Mantle and Denise Ann Dodge Ian Alexander Smith and Austin Mackenzie Sauve

2022 LAKE COUNTY FAIR SCHEDULE

12 p.m. SUNDAY, JULY 24

Shotgun Competition – Big Sky Sporting Clays

MONDAY, JULY 25

12 p.m. Interview Judging 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. NW Counties Farm Bureau 4-H Dinner

TUESDAY, JULY 26

8 a.m. Dog Show 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Non-perishable Open Class Check-in 5 p.m. Family Style Dinner 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. LIVESTOCK ARRIVAL 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Livestock Weigh-in

WEDNESDAY, JULY 27

7 a.m. – 11 a.m. 4-H Breakfast 8 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Swine Show 10 a.m. Horticulture Barn Opens 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Kid Zone Games & Activities 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Perishable Open Class Check-in 12 p.m. Cat Show 1:30 p.m. Poultry Show 5 p.m. Family Style Dinner 6 p.m. Market Beef Judging 6:30 p.m. Open Class Judges Orientation 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Open Class Judging

THURSDAY, JULY 28

7 a.m. – 11 a.m. 4-H Breakfast 8:30 a.m. Judges Orientation 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Kid Zone Games & Activities 9 a.m. Sheep Show 11:30 a.m. Goat Show 4:30 p.m. Fashion Review 5 p.m. Small Fry Stock Show 5:30 p.m. Market Livestock Dinner

Thursday, July 28 7:00 p.m. Market Livestock Sale

FRIDAY, JULY 29

8 a.m. – 11 a.m. 4-H Breakfast 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Kid Zone Games & Activities 10 a.m. Horse Show 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Kid Zone Games & Activities 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Quilt Show at K. William Harvey 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Lunch Special 2:30 p.m. Rabbit Show 5 p.m. Crabfest - pre-purchase tickets

9 p.m. from Ronan Chamber - contact secretary@ronanchamber.com Teen Dance

SATURDAY, JULY 30

8 a.m. – 11 a.m. 4-H Breakfast 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Kid Zone Games & Activities 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Beef & Dairy Showmanship 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Quilt Show at K. William Harvey 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. Large Animal Round Robin 5 p.m. Small Animal Round Robin 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Ranch Rodeo 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Projects Released

SUNDAY, JULY 31

9 a.m. NBHA Barrel Race 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Stall and Cage Cleaning

Good Old Days returns to St. Ignatius

Story and photos by Charly Reynolds for the Valley Journal

ST. IGNATIUS — Streets filled with families, friends and neighbors July 15 to 17 to celebrate over 39 years of fun, games and food at the annual Good Old Days event. The morning started with the annual Buffalo Run, which travels through and around Main Street. One of the eldest contestants, Bob Foisy, stated that the run was “easy and very nice.” Another gentleman commented the race was “fabulous,” the weather was great, and he had his whole family there with him. “This is such a social event, and it has so much spirit. Others look forward to doing this and it’s almost Fri., Sat., Sun., like a routine every year,” said two women of the Nov 22 nd-Dec. 1st event’s popularity while sitting outside the senior center during the pancake breakfast.

Floats from local businesses made up much of the parade that followed. Smokey the Bear and Bigfoot attended in their lawn mower and ATV as well, to the audible excitement of children. “This parade was one of the best parades so far,” said a young boy on his way to pick up a popsicle. At the end of the parade, the St. Ignatius Fire Department cooled off attendees with the fire hoses on their trucks.

Good Old Days Park was filled with activities beyond the gates, from a variety of food to handmade crafts and goodies under the pavilion to bouncy houses and games for all, including canine friends. Dogs were permitted at all events, and were the main participants in one of the most popular games of the evening: the dog races.

Observers gathered at the orange fence to watch owners and their dogs race to the finish line, where the only rule was “no carrying the animal with you to win.” Several techniques were used by participants to encourage the dogs to run as fast as they could, though some four-legged contestants were preoccupied with sniffing grass and greeting each other.

There were also games for people of all ages, including a water balloon throwing contest, potato sack races, and muddy tug-o-war, along with bingo at the senior citizens center. The evening ended with friends and families gathering at dusk to watch a movie shown from a projector.

Good Old Days will return again next year for its 40th community celebration.

883-8970

Meet. . . Baize

This is Baize. He is a 9-week-old Siberian Husky. He is a super playful, sweet boy who loves the water!

contact Mission Valley Animal Shelter call 883-5312

or visit our Facebook page!

Pet of the week

See the Baseball Comedy

Home Games

July 7-24

At Polson’s Log Theatre on the south end of Flathead Lake

Baize

Sponsored by Bishop Insurance

Polson: 302 1st St. W. Ste. 102 • 883-5372 Ronan: 209 Main Street SW • 676-5300 bishopinsurance.com