08-02-23 issue

Flathead Cherry Festival packs Polson’s Main Street

By Taylor Davison Valley Journal

POLSON — The Flathead Cheery Festival returned to downtown Polson last week to bring everyone out for one of the biggest events of the summer.

Held for over 20

years, this year’s festival dedicated Main Street to hand crafted goods and cherry products brought in by members of the community. Put on this year in cooperation between the Polson Business Community and the Polson Chamber of Commerce, organiz-

er CarolLynn Lapotka said a quarter of all the vendors were new to the event. While some people were concerned this year’s early harvest might interfere with the festivities, Lapotka was happy to report this was not the case. There were plenty of cherries to go around.

Event organizers obtained a special Tourism Events Grant from the Department of Tourism for this year’s festival. Grant funds helped offset promotion costs, allowing organizers the financial freedom to try to draw in as many people as possible.

While Main Street was lined with crafts and cherries, Fourth Avenue was filled with commercial and nonprofit vendors sharing their achievements. For the first time, Third Avenue accommodated two additional food

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL see page

festival

from page 1

courts with 16 different vendors, many offering special cherry-themed confections to celebrate the occasion. Between confections, contests, vendor booths and of

course fresh cherries, there was something for all ages.

“It’s always really heartwarming to see the response of the local community, people visiting and people scheduling their vacations to go to the cherry festival,” Lapotka commented.

“People really come out and support it, I’m grateful for that.”

To see the winners of the festival contests when they’re announced, visit: https://www.facebook. com/flatheadcherryfestival. See more photos on page 5 and 28.

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL PHOTOS Sisters Tyra and Iyla Estvold of Missoula cool off in one of the water misters set up along Main Street.

Samples of locally grown Sweet Red and Rainier cherries were available for customers at a vendor booth.

Local artists provided live music for festival goers.

This Week’s Weather Forecast

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

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For general inquiries: call 406-676-8989, email summer@valleyjournal.net, or send mail correspondence to P.O. Box 326, Ronan, MT 59864. Copyright 2023, the Valley Journal. All rights reserved. Reproduction, reuse or transmittal in any form or by any means is prohibited without written permission of the Valley Journal.

MARY HENSEL PHOTO Valley irrigation

Two Eagle River School to resume

News from Two Eagle River School

PABLO — Two Eagle River School will be starting the 2023-24 school year on the morning of Aug. 24 at 8 a.m. Enrollment applications are

now available at the school. Returning students only need their signed applications; new students need signed applications and all attachments listed on the front page of the application prior to starting.

Happy 14th Birthday Finn River!

- Mommy, Daddy, Gracie & Rowan

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL

A variety of handcrafted items, including these “Forest Biddies” from Mother Felt It were sold by Main Street vendors during last weekend’s Flathead Cherry Festival.

Stories by Jeff Smith of Anderson Broadcasting for the Valley Journal

Richard pleads not guilty to felony assault

POLSON — A Polson woman is accused of pointing a gun at her husband. Elizabeth Simone Richard, 35, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court on July 26 to felony assault with a weapon.

According to court records, on June 15, deputies with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a woman threatening a man with a gun. At the scene, the alleged victim advised that his wife had taken off into the woods with a gun. He further advised

Gravelle pleads guilty to theft, possession

the deputy that he and his wife were having relationship issues. They argued and it escalated to her allegedly attacking him by throwing things, then kicking, scratching and hitting him before firing a round from the gun before running into the woods. At one point, she turned around and allegedly pointed the gun at him after she had fired a round into the air.

Judge James Manley set a trial date of Jan 2. Richard remains at liberty.

Erickson sentenced for felony charges

POLSON — A Polson man was sentenced in Polson District Court July 27 to the Montana State Prison for a total of 60 years on underlying felony charges of criminal mischief and threats and other improper influence in official and political matters. The sentence will run consecutive to a 26 year prison term handed down in a separate matter.

According to court records, the criminal mischief charge was filed against Tyler Frederick Erickson, 29, after a District Court appearance Dec. 1, 2021. On that day Erickson flipped over a table in front of Judge James Manley causing damage to an audio system. He then broke a flat screen used for video conferencing when he el-

bowed it in anger. He was brought to a holding cell where he was able to remove a belly chain and used the chain to break two cameras in the cell. He then made threats to jail staff unless he was placed back in the general population. He continued to threaten harm to jail staff unless his demands were met. However, Erickson’s legal troubles began long before 2021. His first adult criminal conviction occurred in 2014 stemming from a pair of drug possession charges filed in 2013. In total Erickson racked up 7 separate criminal cases against him that included charges of assault on a peace officer. It took prosecutor Ben Anciaux with the Lake County Attorney’s Office approximately four hours to cite Erickson’s history of behavior and criminal activity while in custody and the burden he has caused to the judicial system.

see page 7

POLSON — Judge James Manley set a sentencing date of Sept. 13 for a Big Arm man accused of stealing a car and possessing drugs. Kenneth Ambrose Gravelle, 39, entered a plea of guilty in Polson District Court on July 26 to felony theft and criminal possession of dangerous drugs. The plea was entered as part of an agreement that calls for a separate drug

possession case being dismissed.

According to court records, on March 21, law enforcement came upon a 2010 Audi Q5 parked in the Arlee area, off Saddle Mountain Road. After checking the license plate, law enforcement determined the license plate belonged to a motorhome. The registered owner of the Audi was later determined to be a resident of Missoula. She indicated that the Audi had been left at a repair shop in Missoula and authorized for the Audi to be towed back to Missoula. As the Audi was being towed,

the driver of the tow truck discovered that a person was in the Audi. Law enforcement was contacted and found an unresponsive male, later identified as Gravelle. He was asleep in the back seat where the keys to the Audi were located. Law enforcement had to break a window to gain access to Gravelle. He could not relate to whom the Audi belonged or where he was. When officers booked Gravelle into the Lake County Jail, he was in possession of methamphetamine.

Judge Manley came out of retirement to fill in for Judge Molly Owen.

Nader pleads not guilty to felony assault

POLSON — A Ronan woman is accused of assaulting man with a bong and ripping out his nose ring. Lillian Nader, 25, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court on July 26 to felony assault with a weapon and misdemeanor charges of assault and partner or family member assault.

According to court records, on July 16, a deputy with the Lake Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an assault at an RV park in Pablo. Deputy Glen Miller spoke with a woman who claimed she was assaulted by Nader after she tried to intervene in a domestic assault involving her son-in-law. The son-in-law of the alleged assault indicated that he and Nader were in a relationship for three years, but he decided to go back to his wife. He stated that

Nader was there to return some of his belongings when she attacked him with close fists, hitting him about 15 times in the head and ear. She then allegedly grabbed a bong and hit him in the leg and knee and ripped his nose ring out.

Prosecutor Lori Adams with the Lake County Attorney’s office described the bong as being made of “thick glass, 14 inches tall, weighing about two pounds” and “capable of causing death or serious bodily injury.” The reporting party told Deputy Miller that when she tried to intervene, it resulted in her rolling on the ground with Nader. Deputy Miller observed a red mark on the son in law’s knees, a welt forming on it and the missing nose ring.

Judge James Manley set the case for trial Jan. 2. Nader remains at liberty.

Kenneth Gravelle Tyler Erickson

Erickson

from page 6

custody and the burden he has caused to the judicial system. Anciaux also played a video showing examples of Erickson’s outbursts while in custody. The report of violations is 59 pages long. Erickson is the longest serving inmate of the Lake County Jail.

Judge Deborah “Kim” Christopher gave Erickson credit for having served 798 days in the Lake County Jail as of his sentencing on July 27.

Ronan highway construction begins winding down

tiste Road, drivers should watch for shifting lanes and expect to travel on gravel surfaces.

RONAN — Milling operations are now complete on the Ronan-North project. This week, crews anticipate finishing the northbound lanes, weather and other factors permitting.

When traveling through the northern end of the project area, north of Bap -

Work continues on the intersection of Old US 93 with 3rd Avenue to install the underground electrical conduit that will support the new streetlights.

Next week, crews will be onsite Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Email me directly at sloane@ bigskypublicrelations.com or call the project hotline

at 406-207-4484, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on the Ronan-North project, visit: bit.ly/RonanNorth

USDA extends deadline for Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance until Aug. 11

BOZEMAN —The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending the deadline for the new

Organic Dairy Marketing Assistance Program (ODMAP) to Aug. 11, 2023. This extension gives Montana organic dairy producers more than two additional weeks to apply for the program. ODMAP helps producers mitigate market volatility, higher input and transportation costs, and unstable feed supply and prices that have created unique hardships in the organic dairy industry. This assistance will help keep Montana organic dairy operations sustainable until markets return to more normal conditions.

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

News from USDA

Mission Valley Power Consumer Council seeks input

News from Mission Valley Power PABLO — The Mission Valley Power Consumer Council is an advisory board to the Mission Valley Power utility on issues of rates, service fees, and general utility policy. On July 18, the Mission Valley Power Utility Board made several recommendations to the Consumer Council for policy and practice changes and service fee increases.

The majority of the recommendations by the Utility are based on recovering the actual cost of doing business to ensure the reliable operation of utility services.

The recommended changes also include the elimination

Governor

of the customer line extension credit of $500. This is commonly called aid to construction. MVP is like many other utilities; including Missoula Electric, who are recommending eliminating the line extension credit. MVP has seen an increase in new customers and instead of applying an automatic line extension credit of $500 to eligible customer requests, MVP is recommending that all new customers or new construction requests, pay 100% of the cost of that requested service. This recommendation eliminates the subsidy from existing customers to new customers or customer requests that require a line

change from MVP. Prior to making the recommendation the utility calculated the impact of the practice, and the “credits” would purchase much-needed utility equipment that serves multiple customers. Therefore, the utility wants to eliminate the credit applied when engineering is creating a utility work order.

A related recommended change is to issue work order cost estimates for a period of two weeks. Utility materials have seen significant price increases. One item, utility wire URD triplex, has increased an estimated 178% over the past five years. Therefore, the work order estimates have to remain up to date with pres -

calls on Feds to declare drought disaster

Governor’s statewide disaster declaration remains in effect

News from the office of Governor Gianforte

HELENA — On July 25

Governor Greg Gianforte called on U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to identify 11 counties, including several in northwest Montana, as primary natural disaster areas. The governor’s statewide drought disaster declaration remains in effect.

“With unusually low snowpack and hot, dry conditions in northwest Montana, it is imperative that the U.S. Department of Agriculture aid

Montana communities in accessing critical resources, such as the Livestock Forage Program, Emergency Conservation Program, and Emergency Livestock Assistance Program, to respond to continue severe drought conditions on the ground,” the governor wrote in a letter to Secretary Vilsack.

The governor requested drought declarations for Montana counties facing moderate to severe drought as of July 20, including Flathead, Lincoln, Glacier, Toole, Sanders, Lake, Pondera, Mineral, Missoula, Ravalli, and Sheridan counties. Currently, the USDA has not identified any Montana counties as drought disaster areas.

The governor continued,

ent costs.

The other recommendation is for all service fee charges to be based on actual costs.

The transition to actual costs on service fees is partially based on the fact that utility wages have increased 22% over the past five years. Fuel has increased 84% over the past five years.

The utility proposal is to review and increase all service fees at least annually which is consistent with the federal rules governing Mission Valley Power which can be found in 25 CFR 175 Subpart B. 25 CFR subpart B 175.205 (a) requires that rates and fees are reviewed at least annually to determine if financial requirements are

being met to ensure reliable operations of the utility and to meet federal statutory requirements.

Meeting statutory requirements is based on having sufficient revenues to pay all the utility bills like wholesale power purchase costs and make routine system improvements.

The Consumer Council will hold a public hearing on Aug. 24 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the MVP Pablo Conference Room. Customers can make a statement at that meeting or provide written input by Sept. 1 by mailing a statement to Mission Valley Power, Operations Manual Changes, PO Box 97, Pablo, MT 59855.

Farmland protection becomes part of NDAA

News from the office of Senator Tester

“The Flathead River in northwest Montana is currently flowing at approximately one-third of its July average. Additionally, Flathead Lake sits more than two feet below its full pool level. As a result of sustained dry, hot weather forecasted through the fall, officials project an above-normal fire season for northwest Montana.”

Stressing the devastating impact of drought conditions on Montana agricultural producers, the governor urged, “Relief is needed as swiftly as possible, particularly for our agricultural producers, who are seeing impacts to forage and stock water availability due to drought conditions and low water levels.”

U.S. SENATE — As part of his continued push to protect America’s food security and national security, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today took to the Senate floor to urge his Senate colleagues to support his bipartisan legislation to prevent foreign adversaries –China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran – from acquiring American farmland or agribusiness. Tester’s legislation is set to receive a key vote today as part of the must-pass annual national defense bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

“As a third-generation farmer, I know firsthand that food security is national security – plain and simple,” said Tester on the Senate floor. “Allowing our foreign adversaries to invest in American farmland and agribusiness is a direct threat to our nation’s food supply. Preventing our enemies from acquiring land near our sensitive military sites, like Malmstrom Air Force base in my home state of Montana, is a no brainer. And now we need to protect the rest of our food system.”

Tester concluded his remarks by emphasizing that protecting American farmland and agribusiness is essential toward ensuring America maintains our position as the world’s leading military and economic superpower.

“This is a critical step toward making sure we aren’t handing over valuable American assets to foreign entities who would like to replace us as the world’s leading military and economic power,” continued Tester. “I urge all my colleagues in the room today to support this commonsense solution that will protect our nation’s food supply and defend our country against bad actors.”

Ronan council approves hens in city limits

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

RONAN — The Ronan City Council met on July 26, discussing whether to allow chickens within Ronan City limits.

The animal ordinance of Ronan has disallowed chickens within the city for decades but has become a topic of conversation within the council at recent meetings. Ultimately, the councilmembers decided that hens would be allowed within city limits. With a permit costing $25, six chickens per household will be allowed. Permits can be purchased at city hall. Local police will conduct animal control.

The amendment, modeled after Polson’s amendment was written by City Attorney Ben Anciaux. Roosters will be allowed for a short amount of time, as owners won’t know

which chicks will grow to be roosters. Having more than

six chicks initially is alright as owners won’t know how many

chicks will make it to adulthood.

The amendment passed four to one. To learn more about Ronan’s ordinances, call city hall at 406-676-4231 or visit: https://cityofronan.org/ your-government/ordinances/ ronan-mt-ordinances

In other news:

- The parcel of land annexed for the future small meat processing facility, discussed in the previous city meeting, was assigned a mixed zoning. The zoning ordinance was amended to allow the slaughter and processing of meat.

- Mayor Chris Adler met with Lake County commissioners to discuss the development of the county-wide dog control ordinance. This issue has been up in the air for some time. The County Attorney confirmed they are working to bring all the towns together and move the ordinance further.

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL

valley views Journal mourns passing of founding partner

Nineteen years ago a group of six journalists and entrepreneurs sat on a deck brainstorming ideas for a new, homegrown newspaper. I was one of those six people. So was my husband, Boone. So were Linda Sappington, Chuck Lewis and Bernie Azure. And of course, so was Jim Blow. It was his deck. It was his idea.

After the first issue of the Valley Journal was published a couple months later, we celebrated our vision turned reality with a pancake breakfast. It was a tradition that would stick. Following each week’s newspaper production and delivery, we’d eat pancakes and go home to sleep a few hours before starting all over again. I have to admit that to this day I never eat a pancake

letters Signs of healing

Valley Views

without thinking of Jim. It is with a heavy heart that I learned Jim passed away recently. His son Eric shared via Facebook that Jim had been visiting him in Virginia when he fell ill and died several days later.

Jim was the first person to hire me as a journalist. He was also the first person to ask me to be a business partner. He took our engagement photos. Both he and

Linda Sappington photographed our wedding. Jim’s impact on our lives was immense and his loss is felt deeply. It was a lot of work starting up the Valley Journal. We worked crazy hours and we got to know each other well. What we soon discov-

ered is that Jim never did anything halfway. He was steadfast, kind, incredibly talented and of course hardworking. Rita, his faithful yellow lab, was never far from his side. If Jim covered an event – there were always 20 plus incredible photos to choose from to

publish. Jim’s passion for sports, photography and community journalism were evidenced weekly in the pages of the Valley Journal from its inception until he left for new adventures in the summer of 2010.

Though we’d lost touch over the years I’m so

grateful to have known and worked with Jim. I hope that he’s reunited now with his beloved Rita and they’re enjoying all good things together – especially pancakes.

LETTER POLICY

Letters to the editor are welcome. The content is the opinion of the letter writer and not the newspaper. The decision to publish letters is made by the editor.

Letters must be 350 words or less. A writer will only be published twice per month.

Letters may be edited for content or length, or may not be published if considered libelous, in poor taste, spiteful, self-promotional or of limited interest to the general readership. Space limitations also dictate when or if letters are published.

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.

Editor, The following is Mayo Clinic’s description of narcissism: “Narcissistic personality disorder is a mental health condition in which people have an

unreasonably high sense of their own importance. They need and seek too much attention and want people to admire them. People with this disorder may lack the ability to understand or care about the feelings of others.”

Yes, it is so clear, Donald Trump is narcissistic. But more damaging than this are his behavioral disorders of anger, fear, attack, and blaming others for his own problems. Many of his “base” exhibit some of the same behavioral disorders.

Even though our present Republican party politics has been seriously divided due to all this, I believe we are coming out of this fearfilled divide and showing signs of a political healing. It is ‘wake up’ time in our nation. Let’s each

and all continue supporting our democratic form of government in appropriate ways. We are “one nation under God.” Let’s operate that way nationally and internationally.

Bob McClellan Missoula

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.

Summer Goddard, Valley Journal

Jim Blow

Jim and Rita circa 2010

Library brings ‘Animal Wonders’ to youth during summer reading program

Community Partner

Winston Churchill

Executive Director of the Animal Wonders Montana animal rescue and education facility, Jessi brought five animal ambassadors to the July 27 summer reading program in Polson to teach youth about the wild animals her organization helps rescue. Children got to meet and learn about Slick, a tiger salamander; Wonder, a North American porcupine; Zeema, a keel-billed toucan; Lumi, an Arctic fox; and Gaia, a three-banded armadillo.

Photos by Summer Goddard / Valley Journal

Jessi Knudsen Castaneda with Animal Wonders Montana helps a young boy hold Gaia, a three-banded armadillo.

Bio Station to hold open house

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

POLSON — The UM Bio Station will hold its annual free open house on Friday, Aug. 4, inviting the community in for an afternoon of learning about Flathead Lake and enjoying some outdoor fun.

The Bio Station holds annual open house events thanks to the current director, Jim Elser. He believes when locals meet with Bio Station scientists, they are able put faces to the station’s work and can ask questions to better understand their efforts on

behalf of Flathead Lake. The station focuses on research, monitoring, education and outreach platforms for limnology, ecology, and environmental science. While they couldn’t hold open houses for a couple years due to the pandemic, they’re working on getting back to pre-COVID levels of attendance.

“It’s just an opportunity for people to stop by the station,” Communications Manager Ian Withrow commented. “We have all our different areas of science expertise and will have exhibits available for people to go and check

out … We have a lot going on throughout the afternoon.”

Some of the day’s activities will include hands-on learning stations for kids of all ages. Activities include closeup encounters with stream, pond, and lake creatures, updates from experts on the front lines of aquatic invasive species (AIS) prevention, and a sneak peek at drone and GIS mapping research. Additionally, special guests such as the Owl Research Institute and the AIS detection dogs from Montana Black Dog Services will pay a visit to share their specialties and

show off their skills. Research boat tours will be offered throughout the afternoon. As a bonus, local food vendor Montana Mountain Dawgs will offer a free hot dog to the first 100 attendees.

The Bio Station is not involved with lake levels, however they are prepared to talk about and answer questions regarding that issue as it is at the forefront of many people’s minds.

“This is a really nice opportunity for people to just kind of filter in and out, and we get to kind of connect with people on a slower timescale

where we’re not rushed by some kind of program or anything like that,” Withrow explained. “It’s an open-door policy. If you haven’t been to the bio station, I encourage you to come out … it has a real summer camp vibe to it, and the tone of the open house is along those lines, so it should be fun.”

For questions about the UM Bio Station, people can call 406-872-4500 or go online to: www.flbs.umt.edu. To learn more about the upcoming open house and the events being offered, visit: www.facebook.com/UMFLBS

Arlee Volunteer Fire Department hosts training for traumatic brain injury patients

News from the Arlee VFD

ARLEE — On July 25, the Arlee Volunteer Fire Department hosted an EPIC (Excellence in Prehospital Injury Care) training session, welcoming local healthcare professionals Jake and Abby Hastings. The event proved to be a significant step towards enhancing emergency medical services for traumatic brain injury patients, benefiting the entire Missoula County community.

The EPIC training delved deep into the latest protocols and best practices for providing top-notch prehospital care to individuals with traumatic brain injuries. Participants had the unique opportunity to collaborate with experienced professionals, gaining valuable insights and skills to handle critical situations effectively.

Jake Hastings, a prominent healthcare expert with Simulation in Motion Montana, expressed his enthusiasm for the event, stating, “The Arlee Volunteer Fire Department’s dedication to elevating emergency medical services is commendable. We are grateful for the chance to work with them on this essential training.”

Traumatic brain injuries can have life-altering consequences, making prompt and competent medical attention crucial for better outcomes. With this recent training, the Arlee Volunteer Fire Department has taken a proactive step in ensuring the well-being of residents throughout Missoula County.

This event’s impact is far-reaching, as it empowers first responders and healthcare professionals with the

knowledge and expertise needed to handle traumatic brain injury cases more efficiently. The benefits of this training will undoubtedly be felt by individuals and families who may find themselves in distressing situations in the future.

The Missoula County community can take pride in the commitment of the Arlee Volunteer Fire Department to elevate the quality of emergency medical services. Their dedication to ongoing training and professional development highlights their sincere concern for the welfare of the residents they serve. For further inquiries about the EPIC training or the Arlee Volunteer Fire Department’s initiatives, please reach out to Jake Hastings at jake@ simmt.org or call 325-5135588.

Court grants temporary restraining order, pride goes on Flathead Waters Cleanup approaches

News from Upper Seven Law

HELENA — A federal district court in Helena issued a temporary restraining order on Friday, July 28, ensuring that Montana Pride events will go forward without disruption or fear of liability beginning July 30.

A diverse group of plaintiffs—including a public-school teacher, an advocate for trans rights, businesses, theaters, and nonprofit organizations—challenged House Bill 359 (“HB 359”). By prohibiting a wide range of expression, including dressing flamboyantly in libraries and revealing prosthetic cleavage, the law is not only discriminatory but also wildly vague and over broad. Indeed, the City of Helena expressed concerns that the law put it in the impossible position of either violating its citizens’ First Amendment rights or subjecting its employees to possible liability for allowing drag performances to go forward.

The Court granted the plaintiffs’ request for a temporary restraining order, preventing the law from being enforced until a hearing on a preliminary injunction next month.

Among other problems with the law, the Court observed, “Au -

thorizing members of the public and state authorities alike to draw . . . distinction[s] with respect to others’ bodies likely would require identity-based and gender-based discrimination.”  The Court also compared HB 359 to a drag ban recently enjoined in Tennessee, quoting its sister court’s conclusion that the Tennessee drag ban “reeks with constitutional maladies of vagueness and overbreadth fatal to statutes that regulate First Amendment rights,” and noting that HB 359 “appears to suffer from similar ‘constitutional maladies.’”

“Drag is definitionally political and artistic speech,” said Diana Bourgeois, president of the Imperial Sovereign Court of the State of Montana. “The court’s order today protects our right to be commentators and artists and to create a safe, joyful, and welcoming environment through our expression.”

“The importance of feeling safe in our com -

munity cannot be overstated,” said Chelsia Rice, co-owner of the Montana Book Company. “HB 359 is an attack on the LGBTQ+ community. We will always be a safe place for our community—and it is a relief to know that the courts will back us up.”

“This injunction is a tremendous relief for organizations like The Myrna Loy who are trying to serve our community with arts and culture experiences but are confused about how to navigate the unintended consequences of this law,” said Krys Holmes, Executive Director of The Myrna Loy.

“HB 359 is an affront to the First Amendment,” said attorney Niki Zupanic, Deputy Director for Upper Seven Law. “Montanans of every background and identity must be free to express themselves without fear of state retribution.”

Montana nonprofit law firm Upper Seven Law represents the plaintiffs.

News from the CSKT

FLATHEAD RESERVATION — Grab your team of friends and family and join us on Saturday, Aug. 12, to do your part in “Helping Keep Our Favorite Places Clean.”

The Flathead Waters Cleanup is an annual volunteer event focused on protecting our waterway ecosystem for fish, wildlife, and all to enjoy. Visit the Flathead Waters Cleanup website at: https://www.flatheadlakers.org/upcoming-events/2023-flathead-waters-cleanup

- Simply choose a river, stream, lake or creek location from the map, or visit your favorite

spot any time between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Aug. 12 and collect as much trash as possible. If you don’t see your favorite spot, you can propose one.

- Fill out a site selection survey, one per group please.

- Read the safety guidelines for volunteers along with the CSKT Non-Member Guide.

Anyone under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. If you are participating on the Flathead Reservation you do need a CSKT Conservation Permit.

- Fill out a volunteer registration form.

- Ready, set, clean! We ask that you please

separate plastic trash from other trash collected.

- Fill out the post-cleaning report.

- Join us at Sacred Waters Brewery in Kalispell or Glacier Brewing in Polson for food, drinks, and chances to win amazing prizes!

Please visit the website for updates on kiosk locations for gloves and reusable trash bag pick up sites. Prizes will be given to the team with: the most trash collected by weight and volume, most unique/ weirdest item found, and best and funniest photo submissions. Random prizes will also be awarded throughout the evening.

Ronan Co-op Brewery Car Show

Photos by Chell Little for the Valley Journal

Mission Valley Power (MVP) Consumer Council

Proposed Changes to the MVP Operations Manual including service fee increases

Public Hearing Notice

The MVP Consumer Council has received a proposal from the Mission Valley Power Utility Board to increase utility service fees and change utility practices including but not limited to the practice of providing a new customer with a line extension credit of $500.00. All of the proposed changes are subject to review and recommendation by the MVP Consumer Council. The Consumer Council will hold a public hearing and take written input on the proposed changes. A summary of the proposed changes is described below.

What: Mission Valley Power has proposed to increase service fees to reflect utility actual costs. This means that when fuel and wages increase, so will the utility service fees. Having adequate revenue (including service fees) is key to system reliability. This particular recommendation will primarily impact those customers who are disconnected and need a reconnect. Customers requesting MVP assistance on individual customer issues will also see a charge that reflects the actual cost of doing business.

MVP has also proposed to eliminate the new customer aid to construction credit of $500.00. This means that new customers will pay 100% of the cost of new construction similar to other utilities like Missoula Electric.

An additional change is that all MVP aid to construction or work order estimates will be valid for two weeks. This is necessary as the cost of materials are so volatile. MVP has seen some costs like wire increase by 178% in the last five years. This will eliminate the circumstances where a customer estimate was provided 5 months ago. The proposal by the Utility will require MVP to update all estimates to recover present costs.

MVP has also proposed assessing a fee of 2% when customers pay their utility bill with a credit card. At this time, the utility is absorbing an estimated $120,000 annually in credit card fees. The utility would rather invest the $120,000 in materials to support system reliability for multiple customers.

Why: The cost of providing reliable utility service is increasing. MVP costs must reflect the actual cost of doing business. The elimination of the new customer credit on line extensions is to stop the practice of having existing customers pay a portion of the cost of new connections. That practice is called a subsidy. The recommendation is for all customers to pay their share without having one customer subsidize another.

How can my voice be heard:

MVP customers are invited to come to a hearing on the proposed changes to be held in Pablo at the MVP O ce Conference Room on August 24, 2023 from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. You can also submit written comments by September 1, 2023 by mailing them to MVP, Operations Manual Changes, PO Box 97, Pablo, Mt. 59855-0097. Your voice is important. The Consumer Council wants to hear from you.

GPCF Beautification Committee announces Polson in Bloom contest winners

News from Suz Rittenhouse / GPCF

Photos by Jane Larson

POLSON — Twenty-one beautiful yards were nominated for the 2023 Polson in Bloom contest sponsored by the Beautification Committee of the Greater Polson Foundation (GPCF). Street appeal, color, unique variety and originality were among aspects of the gardens considered for recognition.

Business Winners:

- 1st place: Delaney’s Landscape Center.

Hwy 35

- 2nd place: Bayside Riser, flowers in pots and a mixed flower display graces what was once a weedy slope: Jade Newman. Hwy 93.

- 3rd place: Cotter Law Downtown

Polson

Private Residences:

- 1st place: Nancy Luiso 108 Mission Bay

Dr. Mission Bay

- 2nd place: George and Sandy Huntley and Raina Yarbrough two yards (mother and daughter) next door to each other. Hillside Court.

- 3rd place: Bob and Dodie Carlson. Hillside Court.

Judges Special Recognition honors three stunning yards next door to one

another on Long Lake Drive: Jim and Joanne Simpson, Linda Reksten and Karen and Richard Fisher. Agnes Rinehart was given the special award of the Most Beautiful Garden. Her gardens are located at 1503 15th Ave. E.

Everyone who pulls a weed, picks up a bit of trash or plants a flower to enhance the beauty of their neighborhood is a winner. Bright orange and yellow California Poppies planted along the Demer’s Hts. hillside are a delightful bit of color visible from Skyline Drive and the Beautification Committee congratulates the thoughtful person who planted those flowers. Alice Rautio selected spectacular cultivars for the flower baskets and pots that welcome people to Blue Willow Massage Therapy along Hwy 93. Twila and Wes Delaney of Delaney Landscape Center installed the Bubblegum Petunias at the intersection of Hwy 93 and 35. The welcome cheers everyone who drives by and it announces that Polson is a community worthy of a visit.

Nearly 100 hanging flower baskets that adorn the streets downtown are made possible through donations from businesses and many interested people. This year the city no longer had staffing to water the baskets. Greater Polson Foundation now

collects donations and arranges for watering once a day (twice in extremely hot weather). The intersection bump-outs are maintained by diligent volunteers and the bump-outs are watered weekly along with the baskets. The water is provided by the city. Floral displays help to announce that Polson is a caring, thoughtful community. Tax deductible donations to help with this community wide project can be made to the Greater Polson Foundation at 406-

883-4723.

There is hope for those who have or know of a yard of equal or greater beauty than those honored this year. Next year you can nominate that eye catching yard and provide an address so that the judges can find it. The Polson Beautification Committee needs new eyes. Interested volunteers may call Agnes Rinehart at 406-883-1842, Jane Larson at 406-2409714 or Mary Jensen at 406-849-5288.

Agnes Rinehart Nancy Luiso

Twila and Wes Delaney

Ry Bastion

POLSON — Wes

Bastion is proud to announce the birth of his brother, Ry Gary Bastion. Ry was born June 27, 2023, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. He was 19 inches long and weighed 8 pounds, 6.5 ounces. Ry’s parents are Ella Mae and Andrew Bastion of Polson. Ry’s maternal grandparents are Casey and Tina Hendrickson. Maternal great-grandparents are Ron and Sally Lindberg. Paternal grandparents are Neil and Diane Bastion. Paternal great-grandparents are Gary and Darlene Ek.

Walker Blanken

POLSON — Walker

Lee Blanken was born June 23, 2023, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. He was 20.5 inches long and weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces. Walker’s parents are Dakota Morin and Trent Blanken. Walker’s maternal grandparents are Thomas Morin and Wendy Morin. Maternal great-grandparents are Mary Kay Long and William Long. Paternal grandparents are Cory Blanken and Ashley Overton. Paternal great-grandparents are Glen Blanken and Linda Kirkpatrick.

Riot Rogers

POLSON — Aiden

and Penelope are excited to announce the arrival of their little brother, Riot William Rogers. Riot was born June 21, 2023, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. He was 21 inches long and weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces. Riot’s parents are Claire Frank and Nathaniel Rogers of Pablo. Riot is welcomed by paternal grandparents Darrel Rogers and Deana Rogers, and paternal grandmother Vicki Erickson.

Ophelia Armijo

POLSON — Gabriel Longtree Barnett and Eboni’Rose Longtree Barnett are excited to announce the birth of their sister, Ophelia Lee’Lynn Armijo.

Ophelia was born on June 30, 2023, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. She was 20 inches long and weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces.

Ophelia’s parents are MiEisha Barnett and Manuel Armijo of Polson. Ophelia’s maternal grandmother is Loretta Lynn Longtree, her maternal great-grandmother

is Victoria Azure, and her paternal grandfather is Manuel Armijo.

Lilah Tapia

RONAN — Lilah

Rose Tapia was born on July 26, 2023, at the St. Luke New Beginnings Birth Center. She measured 7 pounds, 10 ounces and 19.5 inches long. Parents are Zachariah and Rosie Tapia of Polson. Paternal grandparents are Douglas Tapia and Theresa Tenney of Polson. Maternal grandparents are Stacey Twoteeth and William Lafley of Arlee. Lilah joins siblings, Leilani and Oriah.

Magnus Johnson

RONAN — Magnus

Arkyn-Lyra Johnson was born on July 22, 2023, at the St. Luke Community Healthcare New Beginnings Birth Center. He measured 8 pounds, and 20 inches

long. Parents are Jarin Johnson and Drew Davis of Polson. Paternal grandparents are Mike Johnson and Brenda Hempelmann of Polson. Maternal grandparents are Tom and O-Na Davis of Ronan.

Keenya Huynh

POLSON — Keenya

Leighanne Huynh was born on May 12, 2023, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. She was 19.5 inches long and weighed 8 pounds, 2 ounces. Keenya’s parents are Morgan Valentine and Jason Huynh of Ronan.

Kingston Brown

POLSON — Micheal, Chris, Quincy, Brody, Dasan, Serenity, and Tobin are excited to announce the birth of their brother, Kingston Mason Brown. Kingston was born on June 29, 2023, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. He was 21 inches long and weighed 8 pounds, 4 ounces. Kingston’s parents are Melissa Jackson and Micheal Brown of Ronan. Kingston’s maternal grandparents are Bobbie and Dwayne Folden, and Curt Jackson. Kingston’s paternal grandmother is Loretta Brown.

RONAN — Henry Dean Kingery was born on July 17, 2023, at the St. Luke New Beginnings Birth Center in Ronan. He measured 7 pounds and 21 inches long. Parents are Hugh and Kari Kingery of Ronan. Paternal grandparents are Robert and Barbara Kingery of Helena. Maternal grandparents are Gail Matt and Chuck Matt of Polson and Gale Eneas of Elmo.

Fawnzi Shourds

RONAN — Fawnzi

joins siblings, Darren and Teddy.

Cordelia Hansen

POLSON — Cordelia

May Hansen was born on June 27, 2023, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. She was 20 inches long and weighed 7 pounds, 3.5 ounces. Cordelia’s parents are Rhandy and Adam Hansen of Polson.

Henry Kingery

Rose Shourds was born on July 8, 2023, at the St. Luke New Beginnings Birth Center. She measured 9 pounds, 2 ounces and 20 inches long. Parents are Kenneth Shourds and Franchesca Finley of Ronan. Paternal grandparents are Janice Ness of Seattle, Washington, and Phillip Shourds of Ronan. Maternal grandparents are Melanie Joseph and Brian Mitchell of Polson. Fawnzi

POLSON — Ryder, Damian, and Greyson Granger are proud to announce the birth of their sister, Celia Marie Granger. Ceila was born June 7, 2023, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place in Polson. She was 20.25 inches long and weighed 8 pounds, 11.3 ounces. Ceila’s parents are Megan and Kiel Granger. Ceila’s maternal grandparents are Charles and Tamara McDaniels. Maternal great-grandparents are Paul and Yvonne Heidegger, and Lyle and Elaine McDaniels. Paternal grandparents are Shane and Tara Granger. Pater-

page 19

Celia Granger

Lila Tapia

Henry Kingery Fawnzi Shourds

Celia Granger see

Ophelia Armijo

Magnus Johnson

obituaries

James Blow

VIRGINIA — On

Tuesday, July 11, 2023, James W. Blow, a beloved dad, grandfather, coach, teacher and retired Naval Officer, passed away. He was sixty-eight. Born to Agnes and Harry Blow on Dec. 29, 1954. James graduated from Emporia High School, class of 1972, and upon graduation he joined the Navy. While in the Navy, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer System Science and attended Electronic ‘A’ Schools in cryptography. His first tour of duty was at the Naval Security Group Activity in Keflavik, Iceland. During this tour he was made a dad with the birth of his son, Eric in 1974. During his time in the Navy, he worked his way from an enlisted to officer over his 25-year

career. Upon retiring, he settled in Montana where he worked in Journalism, Photography, firefighting, teaching and coaching.

Jim loved exploring Glacier National Park and would often spend time hiking and photographing the beauty of the park. Never one to sit still, he was a longtime golfer and in recent years became an avid pickleball player. In his spare time, he put his love of coaching to work by coaching football, basketball, volleyball and tennis in youth, middle and high school sports for boys and girls in Montana.

Jim was always learning and sharing his knowledge with all. In more recent years, Jim also took to baking - breads, cookies, bagels, scones, sweet rolls, and pies sharing them with pickleball friends, teammates,

NOTICE OF FINAL BUDGET MEETING

neighbors, and the kids he coached.  Jim is preceded in death by Harry (father); Agnes (mother); and brothers and sisters, Harry Earnest, Robert, Nelson, Donald, Darlene, Jack, Roy, Ray and Patricia.

Jim is survived by his son, Eric (Val and three grandsons, Caleb, Jackson and Tristan); Harry Blow (brother);

Mary Jane Blow (sister); Shirley Headley (sister); Judith Rice (sister) and Brenda Freeman as well as many nephews and nieces.

A celebration of life will be held on Sept. 9, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Holt Stage Hideaway (2053 Holt Stage Road, Kalispell). Service and tributes will begin around 1:30 p.m. with light refreshments

Car

and hors d’oeuvres to follow.

There will be time for visitors to share stories

Deta

that celebrate Jim’s life. Memorial donations may be directed to Glacier National Park.

Jim Blow

Jim Blow

MARTY HENSEL PHOTO

Sun and water create a brilliant spectacle during irrigation.

A lot happening at Ninepipes Museum

News from Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana

CHARLO — Ninepipes Museum

is the grateful recipient of a grant from the Greater Polson Community Foundation for a much-needed new audio guide system for museum tours. The new touch screen units include a speaker option for visitors who wish to listen as a group. Thank you GPCF for your generosity and unwavering support of your community.

On Aug. 5 Ninepipes Museum will hold a First Saturday event

from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is a shopping event, featuring several special guests, including award winning photographer, June McDonald. Enjoy fabulous live music with The Late Bloomers from noon to 2 p.m. Dan Baldwin of Montana Bison and Leather will show his fine craft, while Stone Wreath Studio and Native Jewelry makers, Nizhoni Friese and Tracie McDonald, will demonstrate their unique work. Come meet these talented folks and take a walk through history in the Ninepipes Museum.

Explore AI business applications

ZOOM — Join us for an exciting 3-hour course on AI and its business applications, hosted by Mission West Community Development Partners and taught by Roxane Rinard from Developing Wings. During the class, we’ll explore the incredible world of artificial intelligence and show you how it

Births

from page 18

nal great-grandparents are Stanley and Arlene Simonson, Stanley and Phyllis Granger.

Braelynn

Triplett-Wilson

POLSON — Riggyn and Rozlyne Triplett are excited to announce

can transform your business.

From creating business plans to writing unique SEO content, AI has the power to save you time and increase productivity by automating routine tasks and analyzing data. And with better decisions, reduced costs, and increased efficiency, you can take your business to

new heights. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from the experts and discover how AI can revolutionize your business. Sign up now and take the first step towards transforming your business with AI! Class limited to 15. If you have any questions, please contact us at, 406-676-5916.

the birth of their sister, Braelynn Alva-Anne Triplett-Wilson. Braelynn was born on May 27, 2023, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. She was 20

inches long and weighed 7 pounds, 9 ounces. Braelynn’s parents are Shelby Triplett and Daniel Wilson of Lake County. Braelynn is welcomed by maternal grandmother

Braelynn Triplett-Wilson

Skooter Lynn Symington (Metzger), maternal great-grandmothers Alva Symington and Karen Wills, and paternal grandmother Kimberly Salomon.

St. Ignatius

By Barb Plouffe for the Valley Journal

ST. IGNATIUS — We will have an AARP Safe Driving Course in October - watch for the date.

The St. Ignatius Senior Center is looking to hire a site manager. They will work with the kitchen staff to plan meals, complete required computer work, visit with meal participants and help the center with other projects. The work is 2-3 days a week for 6-8 hour a day. If you are interested in the position, call 406-745-4462 for more information.

The St. Ignatius Senior Center is also looking for a cook.

Gardens have started to produce, and fresh vegetables are healthy for each of us. If you have a garden and find yourself with extra veggies and/ or fruit, please remember the senior centers and your local food pantries. I know everyone enjoys these items.

If you are interested in 1000-piece puzzle, we have quite a few to give out.

Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy a meal with us. We love to have old neighbors and new so come and enjoy our meals. You don’t have to be a senior to join and support our center.

Menu:

— Friday, July 28: noon - barbeque chicken, bun, cabbage salad, cherry pie

— Tuesday, Aug. 1: noon - pork stir fry, rice, veggies, Mandarin oranges, dessert

— Wednesday, Aug. 2: dinner at 5:30 p.m. - meatloaf, mixed vegetables, cucumber-cream salad, garlic toast, lemon bars

— Friday, Aug. 4: noon - salmon patties, bun, peas-cheese salad, cherry dump cake

If you are interested in a take-out meal, call 406745-4462, by 10 a.m. and leave a message. If you would like a menu, please call and we can email it, or you can come pick one up. There are generally copies of the menu in the center entryway.

We invite you to become a member of the St. Ignatius Senior Citizen Center for a fee of $10 a year. You can join us at any age.

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

Gently Yoga is held on Wednesdays. If you are interested, call Bonnie Kiser at 406-2253-0171. Her rates are five sessions for $60.

We have walkers, a commode, a shower chair, a wheelchair, a high-rise toilet seat, 4-prong canes, regular canes and a transfer bench to loan out. We

also have some Depends, sanitary pads and body wipes that are available. Call 406-745-4462 and leave a message or come in on a regular meal day to see what we have.

Our senior center is available to be rented. If interested, please call 406-745-4462 and leave a message.

The senior center has a computer available for use by the public. If interested in using the computer come in on Tuesdays or Fridays between 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

Ronan

By Donna Daniels for the Valley Journal

RONAN — The Mission Valley Senior Center is located across from St. Luke’s Hospital.

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

Our menu is:

— Wednesday, Aug. 2: potluck day, salad, dessert

— Friday, Aug. 4: fried chicken, salad, dessert

— Monday, Aug. 7: taco bar, salad, dessert

— Wednesday, Aug. 9: chicken, biscuits, salad, dessert

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

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

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

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

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

Polson

By Pete Mangels for the Valley Journal

POLSON — A woman, to whom I delivered a meal, appeared to be caring for a 4- or 5-yearold child. As I did so, the child, unseen by me, bolted to the sidewalk, yelling “Huggy, Huggy, Huggy!” and grabbed both my legs. I told the child that I always have hugs to give away, and I complied with her request. She ran quickly back into

the house, without comment. Grandma smiled as I turned away and got in my car. We have a lot to learn from children and they have a lot to learn from us. Hug someone who offers it.

Volunteer drivers are needed to deliver lunchon-wheels. Pick your day or days to deliver. Deliveries start at about 10:30 a.m. Monday-Friday and finish in about an hour.

The annual meeting of the Polson Senior Center, Inc. will be held the last Friday in August at 10:30 a.m. at the center. We need your input at this meeting. The annual report will be given and elections of officers and the board of directors will take place. The meeting should be over by lunch time.

Activities:

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

Exercise: low impact - M-W-F, 10:30– 11:30 a.m., free informal video-assisted self-guidance    Pinochle: Thursdays noon- 3 p.m. - free cookies, coffee, and complaining about your bad luck

Pool: open table from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. – weekdaysform a group, pick a time

Veterans’ Rep: First  Friday (Aug. 4) and third Tuesday (Aug. 18) from 10 a.m.-noon

Menu (subject to change): A suggested donation of $5 will help support the nutrition program. Serving from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. sit-down or take-out; call before 10 a.m. for delivery.

— Wednesday, Aug. 2: baked chicken, rice pilaf, mixed vegetables, pear /cheese salad, peanut butter bar

— Thursday, Aug. 3: cheeseburger, tater tots, ranch apple salad, banana bread

— Friday, Aug. 4: pork pot pie, biscuit, applesauce cool picked beets, peach Jell-O

— Monday, Aug.7: beef barley soup, bread, green salad, banana pudding

— Tuesday, Aug. 8: turkey roll ups with stuffing, green beans, pears, pears, avocado/bacon/ ranch salad, custard

— Wednesday, Aug. 9: taco salad, deviled eggs, orange/cream cake

Thursday, Aug. 10: barbecue ribs, cowboy beans, tater-salad, fruit crisp

— Friday, Aug. 11: baked fish, creamy pasta, peas, lemon Jell-O, cookie

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

State education forum addresses obscenity, religious expression in schools

News from Alex Sakariassen / Montana Free Press

HELENA — The lead attorney for Montana’s public education agency Wednesday characterized the changes stemming from new obscenity and religious expression laws as relatively minor, despite strong opposition to the measures from educators and librarians as they were debated by the state Legislature this year. The assessment came during the second of four post-session forums hosted by state Superintendent Elsie Arntzen.

As with a June forum focused on the distinctions between Montana’s two new charter school laws, Wednesday’s discussion was primarily led by Rob Stutz, chief legal counsel for the Office of Public Instruction. Stutz conducted a guided tour of language adopted by the 2023 Legislature, beginning with House Bill 234. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Bob Phalen, R-Lindsay, initially sparked concern among educators, librarians and museum staff about potential exposure to criminal penalties for maintaining certain materials in classrooms or in library and museum collections.

Stutz said that the final version of HB 234, signed by Gov. Greg Gianforte in May, changed “very little” in the law that has defined obscenity and the criminal charges associated with its display or dissemination in Montana for the past 50 years. The bill does grant school districts the ability to adopt stricter local policies regarding obscenity — a power already granted to county and municipal governments. But even with the bill’s passage, Stutz said the law is “no more restrictive than it’s ever been.”

“Nothing was changed about the substance of obscenity [or] the crime of obscenity in Montana, except to give school districts flexibility to adopt more rigorous

policies,” he said.

Later, Stutz delved into a pair of bills, passed largely on party lines, that broaden existing law protecting religious expression in the public school system. House Bill 744 allows students to engage in conversations about religious beliefs or practices with other students or teachers, while House Bill 745 stipulates that students may read from the Bible or other religious materials during their free time or to meet classroom requirements for self-selected reading. The latter also clarifies that prayer is permitted on school grounds or school-sponsored events, but that individuals cannot be compelled to pray. Both bills were sponsored by Rep. Greg Kmetz, R-Miles City, and signed by Gianforte in April.

At its peak, the hour-long online forum saw 24 participants Wednesday. David Saslav of Great Falls weighed in several times to inquire about the motivations behind the bills, asking Stutz if the changes had been propelled by specific incidents involving obscene materials displayed in schools or disciplinary actions taken against students for expressing religious views. Stutz responded by saying that he couldn’t speak to the motivating factors behind the bills, only the legal implications of their passage.

The review of the two religious expression bills also fed a brief discussion about U.S. Supreme Court precedent governing religious expression in public schools, namely the court’s 2022 opinion in Kennedy v. Bremerton School District. That case involved a former football coach in Washington state, Joseph Kennedy, who was placed on administrative leave after ignoring repeated directives to stop leading his players in a post-game prayer on the field’s 50-yard line. Kennedy sued the district, and the Supreme Court ultimately ruled that

his actions were protected by the First Amendment — a decision that critics including the ACLU characterized as an erosion of the separation of church and state.

Stutz mentioned the case, noting that HB 744 and HB 745 broadly recognize an individual’s right to engage in such private prayer on school grounds. Sharon Patton-Griffin, a retired educator of 43 years in Great Falls, pushed back, challenging whether Kennedy’s prayer was truly private since it occurred in the center of the field while the stands were still full. She also cited an argument raised by the Bremerton School District that Kennedy’s authority over student athletes may have compelled them to pray alongside him, for fear of not being allowed to play if they didn’t.

Stutz replied that an individual’s right to private prayer in schools has been “long-recognized by the Supreme Court.” Prior to the Kennedy decision, he said, such activities were primarily governed by the “Lemon test” — a three-pronged assessment for determining when government assistance of religion violates the Establishment Clause, set by the court’s 1971 opinion in the landmark case Lemon v. Kurtzman. That test allows for such assistance provided that its primary purpose is secular, that its effects are largely secular, and that there is no “excessive entanglement” between church and state.

OPI’s next post-session forum is scheduled for Aug. 23. It will focus on changes resulting from House Bill 393, a measure sponsored by Rep. Sue Vinton, R-Billings, that grants the parents of students with special needs access to state education funding to cover tutoring and other expenses outside their public schools. The fourth event, slated for Sept. 30, will discuss a pair of parental rights bills carried by Rep. Kerri Seekins-Crowe, R-Billings, and Sen. Theresa Manzella, R-Hamilton.

Now is the time to schedule your student or student athlete for their annual well child check so they're ready for next school year. These comprehensive visits give your child's provider the opportunity to examine their overall health and well-being. If your student athlete also completes a sports physical during their well child check, St. Luke will donate $25 to their school's athletic booster club this fall!

Zero to Five Montana expands tribal early childhood work

News from Zero to Five Montana

HELENA — Zero to Five Montana has received a grant to build on the organization’s early childhood work aimed at improving outcomes for Montana’s tribal communities. The funding was awarded by Zero to Three, a national organization focused on creating lasting, transformative change for children and their families, as part of the Built for Babies project to support states’ capacity to advance family-centered early childhood policies and systems.

Zero to Five Montana aims to establish a statewide Early Childhood Tribal Coalition centered on tribal voices. The vision for this work has emerged from connection through focus groups and ongoing tribal outreach. This effort will help open communication pathways and foster partnerships. The coalition will work to repair elements of historical trauma and societal frameworks that have not worked well for tribal communities.

“We recognize that parents know what is best for their children and are

their child’s first and forever teacher – we value their lived experiences and perspectives,” said Caitlin Jensen, Zero to Five Montana’s Executive Director. “We envision this tribal coalition working to ensure that Montana’s native families have a voice in shaping future policies to best serve their communities.”

This grant will advance Zero to Five Montana’s tribal policy work stemming from the 2021 Infant/Toddler Tribal Language Pilot project and the connection with Salish Kootenai College’s

Early Childhood Tribal Language Summit since 2018.

Zero to Five Montana is a nonpartisan statewide organization working to make a lasting difference in children’s lives by improving access to quality early care and education, forging business partnerships to support families, building cross-sector collaborations to better understand the economic impact and business needs related to early care and education, and promoting efforts and policies that support families and foster community engagement.

Stage I fire restrictions go into effect for portions of Western Montana

News from Northern Rockies Coordinating Group

MISSOULA — Stage I fire restrictions will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on July 29, 2023, for Flathead County, Sanders County and all State land and private classified as forested land throughout those counties. Factors influencing this decision include drought conditions with dry forest fuels, very high fire danger across the area, strained fire suppression resource availability at the area level, a continued hot and dry weather pattern, and frequent human-caused wildfires. Restrictions are intended to minimize unwanted human ignition sources to better allow firefighters to focus on naturalIy caused fires. For the year to date, 82% of Missoula Area wildfires have been human caused.

Under these Stage I restrictions, the following acts are prohibited until rescinded:

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire or campfire.

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site

or whiIe stopped in an area at Ieast three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of alI flammable materials.

Stage I Exemptions:

1. Persons with a written permit that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act.

2. Persons using a device

solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only

be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding materials within three

feet of the device.

3. Persons conducting activities in those dessee page 23

Warm water prompts fishing closures, restrictions

consecutive days. This satisfies angling-restriction criteria for bull trout.

HELENA — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is advising anglers that full fishing closures and hoot-owl restrictions will be in effect starting July 26 on portions of some rivers and creeks in western and southwestern Montana. Full fishing closures prohibit all fishing. Hoot-owl restrictions close all fishing daily from 2 p.m. to midnight. The restrictions will stay in effect until conditions improve.

Full fishing closures in our area:

Within a 100-yard radius of the mouth of Rattlesnake Creek on the Clark Fork River. Maximum daily water temperatures measured at the mouth of Rattlesnake Creek has exceeded 60 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days. This satisfies angling-restriction criteria for bull trout.

Within a 100-yard radius of the mouth of the St. Regis River on the Clark Fork River. Maximum daily water temperatures measured at the mouth of St Regis River has exceeded 60 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days. This satisfies angling-restriction criteria for bull trout

Within a 100-yard radius of the mouth of Cedar Creek on the Clark Fork River. Maximum daily water temperatures measured at the mouth of Cedar Creek has exceeded 60 degrees Fahrenheit for three consecutive days. This satisfies angling-restriction criteria for bull trout.

Within a 100-yard radius of the mouth of Fish Creek on the Clark Fork River. Maximum daily water temperatures measured at the mouth of Fish Creek has exceeded 60 degrees Fahrenheit for three

Stage I fire

Hoot-owl restrictions:

Clark Fork River from the confluence with the Flathead River to the confluence of Warm Springs Creek and Silver Bow Creek.

FWP’s drought policy provides for angling restrictions when flows drop below critical levels for fish, when water quality is diminished or when maximum daily water temperatures reach at least 73 degrees, or 60 degrees for streams that hold bull trout, for three consecutive days. Water temperatures of 77 degrees or more can be lethal to trout.

Restrictions of this nature are designed to protect fish that become more susceptible to disease and mortality when conditions like this exist. FWP officials said one short-term strategy to address heat-induced stress in Montana’s wild trout is to reduce catch-and-release mortality by alerting anglers to fish only in the morning.

Anglers can also help reduce stress and mortality for fish by following these practices when catching and releasing fish, though fish mortality may still occur: Fish during the coolest times of day, where permitted.

Keep the fish in water as much as possible.

Let the fish recover before releasing it.

If high temperatures persist, anglers may want to consider fishing areas with less stressful temperatures, such as larger lakes or reservoirs, or higher elevation waterbodies.

from page 22

ignated areas where the activity is specifically authorized by written posted notice.

4. Any Federal, State, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the

performance of an official duty.

5. All land within a city boundary is exempted. Review local ordinances specific to jurisdiction.

6. Other exemptions unique to each agency/ tribe.

Restrictions will remain in effect untiI there is

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

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

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

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

Early Learning Center (ELC) Lead Preschool Teacher - 9.5 month full time

$22.48 - $23.22/hour DOEE

Closing Date: Open untill filled

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

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

Custodian Part-time

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

Student Experience and Campus Life Coordinator 12 mo. full time

Salary Range: $17.30 -$19.23 per hour

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

Part Time Seasonal Grounds Maintenance

Salary Range: $11.30-$13.21 per hour DOE

Closing Date: Tuesday, June 20, 2023, 4:00 PM

Seasonal - Student Housing Maintenance

Salary Range: $12.25-$14.16 per hour

Closing Date: Open until filled

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

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

Closing Date: Open until filled

Assistant to the Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs (EMSA)

Salary Range: $30,786- $35,307

Closing Date: July 18, 2023 4 PM

Health Promotion Practices Department Chair

11-month term (July off) which includes $2500 Dept. Head stipend

Salary Range DOEE: $45,778 - $48,716

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Custodial Services Supervisor

Salary Range: $18.28 – $18.72 DOEE

Closing Date: Monday, August 14, 2023; 4:00pm

Library Director

Salary Range: $51,350 - $53,696

Closing Date: Tuesday, July 18,2023; 4:00 p.m.

Office Professions Faculty 9 month full time

Salary Range: $43,823 - $46,227 DOEE

Closing Date: Monday, August 14, 2023; 4:00pm

a significant Iong-term change in fire danger and orders are rescinded. For information regarding fire restrictions throughout Montana visit: www. MTFirelnfo.org. Specific restrictions orders and proclamations are provided on the site.

Food Distribution Coordinator 10 month full time

Salary Range: $14.80- $15.67 DOEE

Closing Date: Monday, August 14, 2023; 4:00pm

Accounting Tech/Accounts Receivable

Salary Range: $16.54- $16.97 DOEE

Closing Date: Monday, August 14, 2023; 4:00pm

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

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

PUZZLES

GIANT CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Kind of toast

6. Subtlety

12. Savage despot

18. Some like it hot

19. Hardly hip

20. 1983 World Series champs

22. Dead

23. Kigali is its capital

24. Clear up

25. Charlton Heston played one of these

27. Draw

29. Abominates

30. Poet Elinor

32. Camera diaphragm

33. Antiquity, once

34. “National Velvet” author Bagnold

35. Ship part

36. Bank deposit?

38. Goes for 40. Dry, as wine

41. Chicken ___ 42. Matter 43. Bleed 44. Fuse 45. One of the Ivies 46. Survive longer than 50. Coot

53. Famed chalice

56. Boat in “Jaws”

57. Merger

58. Essence

59. American symbol

60. Face-to-face exam

61. “Get ___!”

62. Created a web site?

WORDSEARCH

63. Act

64. Narc’s find, perhaps

65. Earned

66. About

68. Intellect

69. 1995 film starring Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman

70. Applications

71. Solider on call

73. Emphasize

74. Change of residence

76. Cut

77. “Not only that...”

78. Blueprint

79. Manhandles

81. Climb

82. Can opener

85. “A Doll’s House” playwright

88. Indian coin

89. Advance, slangily

90. Round sound

91. “___ to worry”

92. Literally, “I forbid”

93. Coach

95. Blood carrier

96. Disdain

100. Strove

102. Self-absorbed person

103. As yet

105. Stop working

106. Annual Charles River event

107. Lunar craft

108. Groups of three 109. Soap, e.g.

110. Gets the lead out?

111. Knight mare?

DOWN

1. Coal mine product

2. Inconsistent

3. Looked lecherously

4. Foundation

5. Choir member

6. Ballet legend Rudolf

7. Ailing

8. Mites

9. “Smoking or ___?”

10. Conclusion

11. Jubilance

12. Hot

13. Blocks

14. Fast data processor

15. Barfly’s binge

16. Axis opponents

17. Launch a rebellion

18. Computer memories

21. Mails

26. Like some jackets

28. Bring (out)

31. Black 35. Hot spot 37. Fencing action 38. Director’s cry 39. Witnesses 41. Astute 42. Kind of phone 43. Handed down a decision

44. Safe and healthy 45. Attack suddenly 46. Drunk, in slang

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

Egyptian deities

DOT-TO-DOT

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

MIRROR IMAGE

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

A B C D

SOLUTIONS

T Q I Y F G P S S Q A P I S Z E E Q W U Z F V U C Q X N T P W I T X D T D L R L N E X N Q D N S J U M H O K Z J A X D P Q L S A N A A H T D T K O G W L D I T B A T B A E L X L S E O B N O T H W N D V N J P S E H U P U H O E G A L D I X K Y B N Y U U R N W U U M Q Q Z E H A N G U O S R I S X V J P B T N U L T T H O T H B P S T M O H S M P Y F I T R R K J A X B S P W A Z U E R E B Y E H T E L S E N I S H A P I F N F K I S I S N V T K N Y N K WORDSEARCH

675-5000

7 days a week Monday- Friday 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. TAKE A BREAK! 51999 US 93 • PABLO (near the walking bridge in Pablo)

6 4 9 3 6 4 7 2 8

8 4 4 6 8 1 2 9 5

7 3 7 1 5 9 3 8 2

1 6 2 6 1 7 5 9 3

6 2 8 9 3 6 4 2 1

3 5 3 9 7 1 8 4 5

5 1 SUDOKU

5 7 5 7 9 8 2 3 4

79. Mute, 80. Apostle, 81. Spiders,

72. Valet, 73. Slit, 75. Van, 77. Phone,

62. Scrap, 67. Argue, 68. Miss, 69. Stun,

MIRROR IMAGE 9 8 4 8 6 2 9 1 7

PUZZLES QUICKSILVER EXPRESSO Come in for: • Soup & Sandwiches • Coffee Bar • Free Wi-Fi • Ice Cream • Car Wash & Vacuum • Laundromat • ATM • Flathead Transit/ Jefferson Line connect selectionHUGEofsnacks&beverages!!

105. Retire, 106. Regatta, 107. Lander, 108. Trines, 109. Serial, 110. Erases, 111. Steed. Down: 1. Methane, 2. Erratic, 3. Leered, 4. Basis, 5. Alto, 6. Nureyev, 7. Unwell, 8. Acari, 9. Non, 10. Coda, 11. Elation, 12. Torrid, 13. Areas, 14. RISC, 15. Toot, 16. Allies, 17. Revolt, 18. Caches, 21. Sends, 26. Tweed, 28. Trot, 31. Ebony, 35. Kiln, 37. Lunge, 38. Cut, 39. Onlookers, 41. Keen, 42. Cell, 43. Ruled, 44. Wholesome, 45. Pounce, 46. Oiled, 47. Arrive, 48. Scales, 49. Talons, 50. Murmur,

51. Unease, 52. Diadem, 53. Hours, 54. Radish, 55. Agent, 58. Spiel,

Full Service Espresso Bar

Wednesday, Aug. 2

Free meditation class offered

ZOOM — Mission Mountain Zen is offering free online meditation classes. Join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesday, Aug. 2, and on subsequent Wednesdays, for an online meditation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku, including meditation instruction, practice, and discussion via Zoom. The classes will be each Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. We will cultivate and deepen our centering skills and meditation practice during the class. Please join us and take advantage of this opportunity. For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-721-0665 or email: Jerry.Smyers@ gmail.com.

Final basketball clinic held

PABLO — Salish Kootenai College will hold their final basketball clinic on Aug. 2 and 3 for students in 9th-12 grade. Students will get handson training while learning the fundamentals of basketball. Students will get to play with SKC basketball players at each session.

To register or if you have questions call Coach Harris at 406529-8217.

Chamber Luncheon held in Polson

POLSON — The Polson Chamber of Commerce will hold a

luncheon on Aug. 2 at noon, in the KwaTakNuk banquet room. George Simpson, Interim Police Chief, will speak about the downtown vagrancy issue and the steps being taken to improve the issue.

Thursday, Aug. 3

Reading program decorates cookies, rocks

POLSON — All summer reading programs will be held at the library’s temporary location, 301 16th Ave. E. (United Methodist Church building). See you at 10 a.m.

Players perform comedy

POLSON — The Port Polson Players will perform “The Nerd” at 7:30 p.m. at the Polson Theatre by the lake. To make a reservation call 406-883-9212.

Friday, Aug. 4

Pioneer Days fun begins

RONAN — The Pioneer Days celebration begins on Friday, Aug. 4 and continues through Sunday, Aug. 7 at the Ronan Fairgrounds. Ronan Pioneer Days is a community event with fun for the whole family. There will be plenty of good old-fashioned entertainment. For more information call 406676-8300.

Players perform comedy

POLSON — The Port Polson Players will perform “The Nerd” at 7:30 p.m. at the Polson Theatre by the lake. To make a reservation call 406-883-9212.

Saturday, Aug. 5

Band plays at Big Arm outdoor concert

BIG ARM — The Big Arm Association will be hosting an outdoor concert featuring The Bannack String Band on Saturday, Aug. 5, at 6 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and be prepared to be entertained by “The band that plays history.” The many talented musicians and singers share history through music with a big dash of humor. It is always a fun-filled evening. For more information-contact Nancy Foster at 406-849-5064.

Free car show held

RONAN — All makes, models and vintages are welcome to the Pioneer Days Car Show held south of Glacier Bank from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Prizes will be awarded to the top ten vehicles. Call 406-676-3961 for more information.

More Pioneer Days fun to be had

RONAN — Ronan Pioneer Days continues. Past events have included a mini petting zoo, dummy roping, stick pony racing, lawnmower races,

farmer Olympics, sheep riding and sheep dressing. Visit: www.facebook. com/RonanPioneerDays for more information.

Watch 3-on-3 basketball tournament

RONAN — The 26th annual Ronan Pioneer Days 3-on-3 Tournament takes place Aug. 6 in the Ronan Schools’ parking lot. Registration deadline is July 25 and entry fee is $150.

First Saturday shopping event at Ninepipes Museum

CHARLO — On Aug. 5 Ninepipes Museum will hold a First Saturday event from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. This is a shopping event, featuring several special guests, including award winning photographer, June McDonald. Enjoy fabulous live music with The Late Bloomers from noon to 2 p.m. Dan Baldwin of Montana Bison and Leather will show his fine craft, while Stone Wreath Studio and Native Jewelry makers, Nizhoni Friese and Tracie McDonald, will demonstrate their unique work. Come meet these talented folks and take a walk-through history in the Ninepipes Museum.

Pro trucks race at speedway

POLSON — The Mission Valley Speedway Superoval, 1113 N. Reservoir Rd., is the site of the NW Pro Trucks racing event. Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for children 8-15; children

under 7 are free. Seniors 55 and older, military and first responders pay a $10 admission fee. Family (two adults, three kids) is $40 general admission. RV dry camping fee is $50 per one RV. Time trials begin at 6 p.m. and racing begins at 7 p.m. For more information call 406-212-8159.

Players perform comedy

POLSON — The Port Polson Players will perform “The Nerd” at 7:30 p.m. at the Polson Theatre by the lake. To make a reservation call 406-883-9212.

Sunday, Aug. 6

Players perform comedy

POLSON — The Port Polson Players will perform “The Nerd” at a 2 p.m. matinee at the Polson Theatre by the lake. To make a reservation call 406-883-9212.

Wednesday, Aug. 9

Free meditation class offered

ZOOM — Mission Mountain Zen is offering free online meditation classes. Join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesday, Aug. 9, and on subsequent Wednesdays, for an online meditation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku, including meditation instruction, practice, and discussion via Zoom. The classes will be each

Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-721-0665 or email: Jerry.Smyers@ gmail.com.

Thursday, Aug. 10

Watch ‘Trolls’ on library’s reading program’s Movie Day

POLSON — This week’s summer reading programs will be held at Polson’s Showboat Cinema. See you at 10 a.m.

SNAP information discussed at Arlee CDC

ARLEE — Do you have questions about SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program? Katie Wilkins, benefits coordinator from the Montana Food Bank Network, will be at the Arlee Community Development Corporation on Aug. 10 from 5 – 7 p.m. and Aug. 11 from 1 – 3 p.m. She can help with applications for SNAP and answer questions about the program. To make an appointment to talk to Katie, call 406-215-5113 or email: foodpantry@ arleecdc.org, or stop by the Arlee CDC on Aug. 10 between 5 and 7 p.m. or Aug. 11 between 1 and 3 p.m.

Explore AI business applications

ZOOM — Join us for an exciting 3-hour course on AI and its business

see page 27

applications, hosted by Mission West Community Development Partners and taught by Roxane Rinard from Developing Wings. During the class, we’ll explore the incredible world of artificial intelligence and show you how it can transform your business.

From creating business plans to writing unique SEO content, AI has the power to save you time and increase productivity by automating routine tasks and analyzing data. And with better decisions, reduced costs, and increased efficiency, you can take your business to new heights. Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from the experts and discover how AI can revolutionize your business. Sign up now and take the first step towards transforming your business with AI! Class limited to 15. If you have any questions, please contact us at, 406-676-5916.

Become a website mastermind

ZOOM — A course entitled, “Website Competitor Analysis, Keyword Research, and Website Stats” will be taught from 1-3 p.m. Don’t miss out on the chance to become a website mastermind. Join us for an action-packed class on: Website Competitor Analysis; Keyword Research and Website Stats using ChatGPT. You’ll learn how to crush your competitors, uncover hidden gems in keyword research, and unleash the power of website stats like never before.

ocrity and hello to excellence with the knowledge and skills you’ll gain in this class. Register now and let’s take your website game to the next level. Limited to 15

day, Aug. 12.

Say goodbye to medi -

The instructor will be Roxane Rinard. If you have any questions, please contact us at: 406676-5916.

Friday, Aug. 11

Tropical Painting Program planned at library

POLSON —Join us Friday, August 11 at 2 p.m. at the Polson Library for a relaxing tropical painting program. We will be using acrylic paint and canvas to create a beautiful island scene featuring the ocean, a sandy beach, and palm trees. Create your own window to paradise.

All supplies will be provided. This program is free and open to everyone. We recommend wearing the appropriate painting clothes.

Spots are limited to 10 people. Stop in to sign up or give us a call at 406883-8225. See you at the beach.

Play in 31st annual golf scramble

PABLO — SKC will hold their 31st annual golf scramble at Silver Fox Golf Course.

On Friday the 18-hole scramble begins with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Proceeds support SKC scholarship fund. The cost is $400 per team.

To register online go to: https://advancement. skc.edu/golf-scramble/.

The same time slots will take place on Sun -

SNAP information discussed at Arlee CDC

ARLEE — Do you have questions about SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program? Katie Wilkins, benefits coordinator from the Montana Food Bank Network, will be at the Arlee Community Development Corporation on Aug. 11 from 1 – 3 p.m. She can help with applications for SNAP and answer questions about the program.

8-15; children under 7 are free. Seniors 55 and older, military and first responders pay a $10 admission fee. Family (two adults, three kids) is $40 general admission. RV dry camping fee is $50 per one RV.

skc.edu/golf-scramble/.

The same time slots will take place on Sunday, Aug. 12.

Register for reading program

To make an appointment to talk to Katie, call 406-215-5113 or email: foodpantry@arleecdc. org, or stop by the Arlee CDC Aug. 11 between 1 and 3 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 12

Art Festival takes place

POLSON — The 51st annual Sandpiper Art Festival takes place on the Lake County Courthouse lawn in downtown Polson. Original works of art in a wide range of mediums are on display from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m.

For information call 406-883-5956 or email: festivals.sandpiperartgallery@gmail.com. Exhibitor applications are due by July 1.

Racing Dynamiks on tap at MV Speedway

POLSON — The Mission Valley Speedway Superoval, 1113 N. Reservoir Rd., is the site of the Racing Dynamiks Hot August Nights Pro Late 125.

Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for children

Time trials begin at 6 p.m. and racing begins at 7 p.m.

For more information call 406-212-8159.

Rotary Club of Polson to host BrewFest

POLSON — Rotary Club of Polson’s Signature event, BrewFest, is back for its second year on Saturday, Aug. 12, from noon – 4 p.m. All proceeds from this event will go to support three different Polson youth programs.

Held in downtown Polson, across from Elks Club, 512 Main St. The $25 entry fee includes four beer tokens with each additional token costing $5, with an ID wrist band. There will be a raffle and six prizes awarded.

Call Brooke Duty at 406-250-5827 with your questions. All proceeds go to second and third grade swim safety classes, Polson Youth Soccer and sixth grade girls’ basketball.

Play in 31st annual golf scramble

PABLO — SKC will hold their 31st annual golf scramble at Silver Fox Golf Course.

On Friday the 18-hole scramble begins with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. Proceeds support SKC scholarship fund. The cost is $400 per team.

To register online go to: https://advancement.

Aug. 19 from 4-6:30 p.m. at the Polson Airport. Her co-pilot, Bryan Douglass, will discuss and sign copies of his fascinating book, “Every Reason to Fail: The Unlikely Story of Miss Montana and the D-day Squadron.”

POLSON — Saturday, Aug. 13 is the final day to register for The North Lake County Public Library’s Summer Reading Program.

Thursday, Aug. 17

Reading program ends with ice cream, prizes

POLSON — The final summer reading program will be held at the library’s temporary location, 301 16th Ave. E. (United Methodist Church building). This will be an ice cream social with prize drawings. See you at 10 a.m.

Enjoy Shakespeare in the Parks

PLAINS — Montana’s Shakespeare in the Parks rendition of “Three Musketeers” will be performed on Thursday, Aug. 17, from 6-8 p.m. at the fairgrounds.

Visit www.shakespeareintheparks.org for a full schedule. All performances are free.

Saturday, Aug. 19

View DC-3 airplane, ‘Miss Montana’ at Polson airport

POLSON — The North Lake County Library Foundation invites you to meet Miss Montana, the iconic DC-3 flown to Normandy for the 75th anniversary of the D-day invasion on

Tour the plane and bid on several silent auction items … including a one-hour flight over the Missions and Flathead Lake. Tickets are available online (https:// polsonlibraryfoundation. org/miss-montanaevent/) for $40 for adults and $10 for children 16 and under. Proceeds benefit the renovation of the North Lake County Library.

Attend Legend Madness race

POLSON — The Mission Valley Speedway Superoval, 1113 N. Reservoir Rd., is the site of the Legend Madness race. Admission is $12 for adults, $8 for children 8-15; children under 7 are free. Seniors 55 and older, military and first responders pay a $10 admission fee. Family (two adults, three kids) is $40 general admission. RV dry camping fee is $50 per one RV.

Time trials begin at 6 p.m. and racing begins at 7 p.m.

For more information call 406-212-8159.

Best of the best seen at Small Town Girl Market event

POLSON — The Small Town Girl Market offers antiques, handmade items, repurposed items, food, fun and unique goodies. Admission is $3; kids under 12

from page 26 see page 28

Calendar

are free. Come to Polson Foursquare Church, 40677 Partridge Trail, from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20, to check it out. Email smalltowngirlmarket@gmail.com for more information.

Tuesday, Aug. 22

Library holds website building class

POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library will host a “How to Build a Website” technology class at 2 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 25

Flathead River Rodeo returns

POLSON — The four-time Indian National Finals Rodeo of the year, Flathead River

Rodeo, returns to the Flathead Reservation in Polson on Aug. 25, 26 and 27, at the Polson Fairgrounds.

Indian National Finals Tour Rodeo draws contestants from all over the U.S. and Canada to compete for over $50,000 in prize money and awards, and is a qualifying event for the INFR Finals, held in Las Vegas in November.

Produced by KwaTaqNuk Resort & Casino and the CSKT Tribes, the event features three days of rodeo action, food and beverage vendors, other vendors, a large screen TV in the arena and live music each night after rodeo action.  Polson seniors to elect center officers

POLSON — The Annual Meeting of the Polson Senior Citizens will be held on Friday, August 25th at 11:30 a.m. at the Polson Senior Citizens Community Center. The Annual Report will be presented, Nomination and Election of Officers and Board of Directors

will be held. Lunch will be available immediately following the meeting.

Saturday, Aug. 26

‘Day of Hope’ held in Polson

POLSON — The Day of Hope, Back to School Health Fair is back and coming to downtown Polson on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., located between First St. W and Third Ave. W in front of the Cove in downtown. This free community event is brought to you by our local faith community, multiple nonprofits, and various business sponsors across the Polson and Mission Valley areas.

The Day of Hope will include free health screenings, car seat safety checks, giveaways like free school supplies, backpacks, and more while supplies last. There will be experiences for the kids to explore fire trucks, police cars, meet local VIPS, and more. The Day of Hope will also have some of the valley’s best

food trucks on hand and will have food available for purchase.

Sunday, Aug. 27

Polson golf championship played

Course will host the Club Championship for PBGC pass holders on Aug. 28. Call 406-407-7656 for more information.

eye

Bird’s

classifieds

Announcements

Special Notices

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Valuable ring in Flathead Lake. Call to identify place and ring. 406-883-2585

FREE high speed internet for those that qualify. Government program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service. Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with one-time $20 copay. Free shipping & handling. Call Maxsip Telecom today! 1-866-585-6456

NORTH END TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must be certified as a registered dietitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). A bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, with 3 years of experience in community health, OR a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, with 1 year of experience in community health. A valid driver’s license. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, copy of degree/ academic transcripts, training certificates, licensure, copy of current valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment in 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 above information will result in immediate disqualification during the screening process. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by CSKT must pass a prehire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is $26.47 to $42.59 per hour (DOE), plus benefits. May be employed under contract. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt.org. Tribal applications are also available on-line at cskt.org. The closing date is Thurs., August 17, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. MST CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY - (CONTRACT POSITION) - TRIBAL DEFENDERS OFFICE

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes is seeking a criminal defense attorney to provide representation to adults and juveniles charged in Tribal Court. The successful applicant must be a member in good standing of the State Bar of Montana, or the state bar association in which the applicant currently practices. Applicants to the Montana

Bar waiting for admission may be considered on a contingency basis. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, proof of license showing you are in good standing of the bar of the State of Montana, copy of valid state driver’s license, copies of relevant transcripts and/or certificates, resume and legal writing sample to the Tribal Personnel Department, 406.675.2700 ext. 1040 or visit the csktribes.org website for the application. Salary $72,000.00 - $83,000.00 annually, depending on experience. Closing date will be Thursday, August 10, 2023 @ 5:30 p.m. The successful applicant, if not already employed with the Tribes, must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a six-month probationary period.

CSKT IS AN INDIAN PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE (1 or more positions in Polson/Elmo locations)

TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must possess a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from an accredited college of nursing. A valid and unrestricted Registered Nurse license in the state of Montana or compact state. Three years of full-time nursing experience providing direct patient care, with at least one year of Public Health or Community Health Nursing preferred. Supervisory experience preferred. A background to manage and supervise a broad range of public/ community health nursing skills and public health programs. Public Health Nurse certificate, within 6 months of employment.

Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers certification, Heart Saver CPR does not qualify. Incident Command System (ICS) 100, 200, 700 certification within 4 months of employment. A valid Montana driver’s license with ability to operate a vehicle. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, copy of degree/ academic transcripts, training certificates, licensure, copy of

current valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment in 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 above information will result in immediate disqualification during the screening process. Salary is $31.74 - $36.41 per hour, plus benefits, may be employed under a contract.

To apply, contact the Tribal Personnel Office at (406) 6752700, ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt.org. Tribal applications and full advertisement are available online at www. csktribes.org. Closing date is Thursday, August 17, 2023 @ 5:30 p.m.(MST)

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

DEPUTY CLERK OF COURT I (1 or more positions)

TRIBAL COURT DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must possess a high school diploma or GED. Must be able to accurately type 50 wpm. Must have a high level of clerical, word processing, proofreading, grammar and accounting skills as outlined in job description requirements. Must be able to maintain confidentiality and sign a court confidentiality agreement. The applicant must have high level of customer service and working with outside agencies and the public. All applicants must submit a completed Tribal employment application, a copy of relevant academic transcript, a copy of a current 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 ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a

pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) months probationary period. Salary range is $13.81 to $15.88 per hour and includes benefits.

To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040, or personnel@cskt.org. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org

Closing date will be Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

TRIBAL FORESTRY

DEPARTMENT HEAD

TRIBAL FORESTRY

The successful applicant must have Master’s degree preferred, in Forestry with at least two (2) years’ increasing experience in management of administration, preferably within the CSKT organization. OR, Bachelor’s degree in Forestry with at least five (5) years’ increasing experience in management or administration preferably within the CSKT organization. OR, ten (10) years of increasing experience in Forestry, management or administration preferably within the CSKT organization. OR, equivalent education and experience in a related resource management field (land management, natural resource management or other renewable resource management) including management or administration preferably within the CSKT system. Working knowledge of tribal government and the Tribal organization. Working knowledge of basic management functions. Working knowledge of basic forest management. Working knowledge of state and federal regulations. Basic knowledge of Tribal Self-Governance. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, copies of relevant transcripts and/or certificates to the Personnel Department. Salary is $44.58 to $51.25 per hour plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at 406.675.2700 ext.1040 or apply online at csktribes.org. Closing date: Thursday, August 10, 2023 @ 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.

Farm/Ranch

Animals

Use Happy Jack® mange medicine to treat horse mane dandruff & lice. At Tractor Supply® (www. happyjackinc.com)

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

For Sale Monarch Wood Burning Range. Antique Monarch working range, good condition double ovens. In use at Salmon Lake cabin. Call 406-880-9576 to see.

Services Offered

Miscellaneous

Professional cherry pitting \services by trained and certified staff. 406-676-5907 or https://missionwestcdp.org/ cherry-pitting-services/ for more info.

Vehicles

Miscellaneous INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE

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

see page 30

public notices

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.

Public Notices

Legals

Legals

Charlo School District 7J

In compliance with 20-6-604 MCA on July 18th, 2023 the Charlo School Board of Trustees School District 7J, resolved to sell/dispose of surplus property that is unsuitable for the purpose of the District. Items will be for sale on August 10 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Charlo School.

Items included: Floor Scrubber, PE equipment, Oil Burner Pump, Milk Cooler, Warming Dock, Impact Wrench, desks, tables and miscellaneous outdated items. If interested in purchasing please call or stop by the school on August 10 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at 404 1st Ave West, in Charlo.

August 2, 2023

MNAXLP

John A. Mercer

Turnage Mercer & Wall, PLLP Attorneys at Law

312 1st St E Polson, MT 59860

Telephone: 406-883-5367 jmercer@turnagemercerwall.com

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: JOANNE VICTORIA BROWN, Deceased.

Cause No.: DP-23-41

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

LEGAL NOTICE

On Wednesday August 16, 2023, at 6:00 p.m., the Ronan City Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing at Ronan City Hall to discuss the proposed subdivision known as,

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SUSANNA NORMANDEAU, Deceased.

CAUSE No. DP-23-42

Hon. Deborah Kim Christopher NOTICE TO CREDITORS

O’NEILL & BAGLEY LAW OFFICE, PLLP

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

Estate of Jennifer I. Hogan, Deceased.

July 26, August 2 and 9, 2023

MNAXLP

A written statement of the claim indicating its basis, the name and address of the claimant, and the amount claimed, may be filed with the Clerk of the District Court, at Polson, Lake County, Montana, or mailed, Return Receipt Requested, to the Personal Representative, c/o TURNAGE MERCER & WALL, PLLP, Attorneys for the Personal Representative, at 312 1st St. E, Polson, MT 59860.

/s/ Gail S. Krauthoff

Gail S. Krauthoff

Personal Representative Estate of JOANNE VICTORIA BROWN, Deceased.

July 19, 26, and August 2, 2023

MNAXLP School District No. 30 Ronan/Pablo Schools

NOTICE OF FINAL BUDGET HEARING

The Board of Trustees of School District No. 30, Lake County, Ronan, Montana will meet on August 7, 2023 at 7:00 pm at the K. William Harvey Multi-Purpose room to consider and adopt the final budgets of the Ronan Elementary and Ronan High School Districts for the 2023-2024 school year. The meeting of the trustees may be continued from day to day until the final adoption of the district’s budget. District taxpayers may attend and be heard for or against any part of the school budget. For further information, please contact the Superintendent and/or attend the meeting.

July 26 and August 2, 2023

MNAXLP

The St. Ignatius Rural Fire District will hold its final budget meeting for FY 2023-24 on Wednesday, Aug. 16, at 6 p.m. in the Firehall meeting room. For further information contact Chairman Tim Callahan at 406-745-4116.

August 2. 9 and 16, 2023

MNAXLP

MISSION VALLEY HOMESITES, MAJOR SUBDIVISION

Mark Drinkwater, doing business as DNB Development, has proposed a 224-lot subdivision. The property is within Ronan City limits and is located between Timberline Road and the Ronan Church of Latter-Day Saints. The developer is requesting connection to municipal water, sewer, and street services. Zoning is being proposed for B residential uses. The legal description of the property is as follows. Section 1, Township 20 North, Range 20 West, parcel 2-B Certificate of Survey 7597 as recorded at Clerk and Recorders Office, Lake County Montana. The complete application materials for the proposed subdivision may be viewed at Ronan City Hall, 207 Main Street S.W.

August 2 and 9, 2023

MNAXLP

Matthew H. O’Neill

Skyler C. Bagley

O’NEILL & BAGLEY LAW OFFICE, PLLP

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 Co-Personal Representatives

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That the undersigned have been appointed as Co-Personal Representatives of the above-entitled estate, and that the address of the Co-Personal Representatives 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 Co-Personal Representatives, c/o O’NEILL & BAGLEY LAW OFFICE, PLLP, Attorneys for the Co-Personal Representatives, at P.O. Box 699, Polson, MT 59860.

ESTATE OF SUSANNA NORMANDEAU

BY: /s/ Thomas H. Normandeau THOMAS H. NORMANDEAU, Co-Personal Representative

BY: /s/ Paul H. Normandeau PAUL H. NORMANDEAU

Co-Personal Representative

July 19, 26, and August 2, 2023 MNAXLP

Matthew H. O’Neill Skyler C. Bagley

Attorneys for Personal Representative

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JENNIFER I. HOGAN, Decedent.

CAUSE No. DP-23-44

Hon. Molly Owen

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/ Vernon Davis VERNON DAVIS Personal Representative

William P. Williams, IV FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS, PLLC 324 Main SW Ronan, MT 59864

Telephone: (406) 676-4470

Attorney for Personal Representative bill@fgwilliamslaw.com

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ELAINE PEARL MURPHY, Deceased.

CAUSE NO. DP-23-45 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed Estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or said claims will be forever barred as creditors of the decedent.

A written statement of the claim indicating its basis, the name and address of the claimant, and the amount claimed, must either be mailed to JAMES D. MURPHY , the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, c/o FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS, PLLC, 324 Main SW, Ronan, MT 59864, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 19th day of July, 2023.

see page 31

public notices

Legals

cont’d from pg. 30

/s/ James D. Murphy

JAMES D. MURPHY, Personal Representative

July 26, August 2 and 9, 2023

MNAXLP

William P. Williams IV FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS, PLLC 324 Main SW Ronan, MT 59864

Telephone: (406) 676-4470

Attorney for Personal Representative bill@fgwilliamslaw.com

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MAURICE R. WEBBER, Deceased.

CAUSE NO. DP-23-46

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed Estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or said claims will be forever barred as

creditors of the decedent.

A written statement of the claim indicating its basis, the name and address of the claimant, and the amount claimed, must either be mailed to GRANT L. WEBBER , the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, c/o FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS, PLLC, 324 Main SW, Ronan, MT 59864, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 27th day of July, 2023.

/s/ Grant L. Webber

GRANT L. WEBBER, Personal Representative

August 2, 9 and 16, 2023

MNAXLP

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

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN RE THE MARRIAGE OF: TALLON FORTIN, Petitioner, and MARY KATHLEEN FORTIN, Respondent.

Cause No. DR-23-15

Hon. Deborah Kim Christopher

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

NOTICE: You are named in this

family-law lawsuit. The court may make a decision without your involvement unless you submit a written response to the court and to the Petitioner within 21 days. Read the information below.

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the amended proposed parenting plan, which is filed in the office of the clerk of this Court, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to file your answer and serve a copy thereof upon the Plaintiff’s attorneys within twenty-one (21) days after the service of this Summons, being three weeks after the last publication of this Summons, and in the case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default, for the relief demanded in the Amended Proposed Parenting Plan.

WITNESS my hand and seal of said Court on this 14th day of July, 2023.

Lyn Fricker Clerk of Court

By: Becky Jackson Deputy Clerk

July 26, August 2 and 9, 2023 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

Attorney for Personal Representative

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN RE THE ESTATE OF: WILLIAM ARCHIE ASHLEY, Deceased.

Cause No. DP-23-40 Dept. No. 1

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to Codi Van Ness, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, c/o Kalmbach Law Office, PLLC, PO Box 249, Polson, MT 59860 or filed with the Clerk of the above Court.

Dated this 29th day of June, 2023.

/s/ Codi Van Ness Personal Representative

C/O Kalmbach Law Office, PLLC 1 5th Ave. W. Polson, MT 59860

July 19, 26 and Aug. 2, 2023 MNAXLP