Cycling tour showcases local
By Summer Goddard / Valley Journal
A48-mile bike tour was a feast for the senses as 175 cyclists wove their way through area back roads sampling local-
ly sourced foods and learning about area history at stops along the way.
The scenic ride took cyclists over mostly paved, mostly back roads, to a farm, flower and
vegetable gardens and historical points of interest in the Mission Valley.
Organizer Carrie Sood said committee members began planning this year’s event back in January.
“We’ve been doing (the pedal to plate bike tour) since 2018,” she said. “Riding around and
cycling
looking at people’s gardens and farms is a wonderful thing.”
“It’s really fun and it’s all kinds of people – both old and young,” she continued. “There’s a group of women from Missoula who’ve been participating since 2018.”
This year’s annual Mission Mountain Area Pedal to Plate bicycle tour began and ended at Diamond S Campgrounds in Ronan.
Cyclists who rode traditional bikes hit the road at 9:15 a.m. while those on e-bikes started about 15 minutes later so that all ended up at their first stop - the Three Chiefs Culture Center in Pablo - at about the same time.
Frybread with local honey and cheese was served to refuel riders as they learned about the culture and history of the native Salish, Kootenai and Pend d’Oreille Tribes.
Lake County Superintendent of Schools
Carolyn Hall spoke
to riders at the next stop, the rural Valley View School, about the school’s history. Valley View School sixth grader Ari Kamarainen, who serves as his class mayor, helped to guide tours of the 114-year-old school.
Following a locally sourced lunch of lentil soup and bread at the Valley View Women’s Club, riders continued to the Seli’š Ksanka Qlispe’ Dam overlook. There, cyclists learned about the SKQ Dam, its history, cultural significance of the site and how it was purchased back by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Rob McDonald, communications director for Energy Keepers Inc., the entity charged with managing the dam, described the site as a spiritually powerful place of historic, cultural significance for tribal people. He explained there were natural waterfalls at the site prior to the dam’s construction.
“This has always been a place of power,” McDonald said. “The tribes
gathered here regularly.”
He noted that the dam overlook area is one of the few places a person can see the reservation’s boundaries in all directions – to the north, south, east and west.
Cyclist Peggy Schmidt, who’s participated in the Mission
Mountain Pedal to Plate the last three years, especially enjoyed this year’s tour. “This is the best route yet,” she said.
Friend and fellow cyclist Candy Hartman said she appreciated the historic and cultural information shared at the stops.
After the SKQ Dam,
cyclists traveled on to three gardens, two privately owned and the other community tended. Locally made fudge and fresh fruit popsicles among other locally sourced snacks were offered to riders.
Dinner for 204, planned by a chef from
Hot Springs, waited for participants at the final stop as they returned to the Diamond S Campgrounds in Ronan. Local beer from the Ronan Cooperative Brewery, live music and a farmers market were also offered.
SUMMER GODDARD/VALLEY JOURNAL PHOTOS Lunch was served at the Valley View Women’s Clubhouse.
Cyclists learn about the history of Valley View School at the second stop of the 2024 route.
tour
page 1
Left: Cyclists watch and wait for cattle being moved down Valley View Road. Right: Once the road was again free of cattle, cyclists carried on to their next stop.
This Week’s Weather Forecast
Boone Goddard
Advertising Sales, Owner (406) 249-1728 boone@valleyjournal.net
The Valley Journal newspaper (PE 23-190) is published weekly by Valley Journal LLC. Periodicals postage paid at Ronan, MT.
Business hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Distribution is by mail subscription ($59 per year in Lake County, MT; $74 per year elsewhere in U.S.) and by newsstand sales. Postmaster: send address changes to Valley Journal, P.O. Box 326, Ronan, MT. 59864.
Your homegrown newspaper serves residents of Lake
Summer Goddard
Publisher, Owner (406) 249-1793 summer@valleyjournal.net
County and the Flathead Indian Reservation.
Deadline for display advertising is 2 p.m. Thursday. Deadline for news submissions, calendar items, classifieds and legal advertising is noon Friday, for the following week’s newspaper.
News, letters to the editor and calendar submissions may be sent by email to: vjeditor@valleyjournal.net. Classified and legal advertisements requests should be emailed to: vjmail@valleyjournal.net.
All print subscriptions include full access to online news,
And find us online for more photos, videos, breaking news and special sections!
Kathi Beeks
Office Manager, Copy Editor (406) 676-8989 vjmail@valleyjournal.net news@valleyjournal.net
archives. Sign up online at: www.valleyjournal.net/ subscribe
For general inquiries: call 406-676-8989, email summer@valleyjournal.net, or send mail correspondence to P.O. Box 326, Ronan, MT 59864. Copyright 2024, 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.
MARTY HENSEL PHOTO
sunset clouds over Flathead Lake
Montana’s 2024 General Election is officially underway
News from Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen
HELENA — The 2024 General Election is underway.
The 2024 General Election officially began Friday for Montana’s military and overseas voters. Meanwhile, absentee ballots will be mailed to eligible absentee voters on Oct. 11.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, when polls will open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.
“The Montana Elections Team is excited to serve the hundreds of thousands of Montanans during this historic election,” said Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen. “Participating
in our electoral process is one of our greatest civic duties, and every vote is important in determining the future of our great state and nation. I encourage all eligible Montanans to let their voices be heard this election.”
Montanans can utilize Secretary Jacobsen’s voter resources website: VoteMT.gov, for key steps, including: How to register to vote: Eligible Montanans who are not currently registered can complete Montana’s voter registration application and return it to their county elections office.
Checking registration status: Montanans
should verify that their registration is current and accurate, including their name and address. Only registered absentee voters will be sent an absentee ballot, so confirming status and address information is crucial.
Getting
#VoteReady: Voters can familiarize themselves with the offices on the ballot and the candidates running for those offices and research their sample ballot once it is available from the county elections office. Voters can also find precinct and polling place information and make a plan to cast their votes for the General Election. The Montana
Proud Community Partner
Election Education Video Series answers frequently asked questions, provides details about election procedures, and explains how Montana’s elections are conducted from start to finish.
The Secretary of State’s Office also published a digital version of the 2024 Voter Information Pamphlet (VIP), which provides voters with information about the proposed changes to the Montana Constitution that will appear on the General Election ballot.
County election offices will mail one physical copy of the 2024 Voter Information Pamphlet to each household containing
an active, registered voter. Alternative formats of the VIP, including audio and braille versions, will be available by contacting the Secretary of State’s Office.
Montanans can access the online version of the VIP by visiting: https:// sosmt.gov/elections/vip/.
“Please read and learn about the ballot issues that will be presented to Montanans during the General Election,” Secretary Christi Jacobsen wrote in the VIP.
“We’re pleased to share Montana’s Voter Information Pamphlet earlier than usual and before the physical copies are sent to their mailboxes,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “We’re continu-
ing to ensure Montanans are vote ready ahead of Election Day.”
“As we get closer to Election Day, we’re continuing to encourage all eligible Montanans to get vote ready, including confirming their voter registration is current and studying the races and ballot issues that will be presented to them,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “The Montana Elections Team — the Secretary of State’s Office and our 56 county election offices — are the trusted resources for providing information for our elections, and we’re honored to assist our voters.
“Thanks for voting, Montana.”
- Winston Churchill
FWP seeks volunteers for Wild Horse Island forest project
KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking volunteers for a volunteer work project on the Wild Horse Island Unit of Flathead Lake State Park.
National Public Lands Day is Sept. 28 and recognizes volunteer efforts that steward public lands. As part of that celebration, FWP is organizing a forest project on Wild Horse Island that day. Volunteers will work with FWP staff to thin out trees with hand tools.
Wild Horse Island is a unique park unit with a rich cultural and natural history. The Ponderosa Pine grove on the island is a vital habitat for wildlife. In its current state, Douglas Firs are competing with the Ponderosas for space, water and sunlight, stunting the growth of the latter. The work project will thin out Douglas Firs via manual removal using hand tools.
Attendance is free and FWP will be supplying transportation to the island, tools, extra water and snacks.
Space is limited to 20 vol-
Contractors to complete sign installations
RONAN — Riverside Contracting, Inc. plans to complete final sign installations next week. Single-lane closures may be required where work is occurring.
Crews will be on-site
Monday, Sept. 23, to Friday, Sept. 27, between 7 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. All work is subject to weather and unforeseen factors.
Please follow all posted signage and watch for workers and equipment.
unteers. To sign up, call the Wayfarers Ranger Station at 406-837-3041 and give your name, phone number and email, and number of participants in your group (no more than 5 per group).
If staff is unavailable, leave a voicemail with your interest in attending and contact info listed above.
Participants will meet at
the Big Arm Unit of Flathead Lake State Park at 10 a.m. and return around 3 p.m. Important Details:
The island has very limited amenities, including one vault latrine toilet that’s a short walk from the base of the cove we will arrive at. Cell service will be limited as well, but organizers will have emergency response devices
on hand.
Volunteers will need: Sturdy closed toed shoes, long pants, weather appropriate clothing, plenty of water, and snacks or a pack lunch. Snacks will be provided. Be prepared to hike 2-3 miles.
Learn more about Montana state parks at: https:// fwp.mt.gov/stateparks.
Once sign installation is complete, the project will be put on hold until the design changes for the intersection of US Highway 93 (US 93) with Old US 93 and Third Avenue are finalized. This construction is tentatively scheduled for October, but this date may change based on factors such as the final design completion, contractor availability, weather, and unforeseen circumstances. For more information on the Ronan-North project, visit www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/ ronanurban/.
Section of Highline Trail in Glacier Park closed due to bear encounter
WEST
— Glacier National Park rangers closed a section of Highline Trail this morning from Haystack Butte to
Granite Park Chalet due to a visitor’s encounter with a bear. The species of bear is still under investigation. The closure will remain in place until further notice.
A 35-year-old male
sustained non-life threating injuries from a bear while hiking the trail early this morning. His hiking party encountered the bear near the Grinnell Glacier Overlook trailhead.
The injured visitor
hiked to Granite Park Chalet with assistance from rangers and other hikers where he was met by Two Bear Air and flown to the Apgar horse corrals, then transported by Three Rivers ambulance to the
hospital in Whitefish, MT. No further details are currently available.
Visitors to Glacier National Park are reminded that the park is home to black and grizzly bears. Hikers are highly encouraged
to hike in groups, make noise when hiking, and have bear spray accessible and know how to use it. For information on trail closures in the park, visit the park’s trail status webpage: nps.org.
News from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
News from Sloan Stinson, for MDT
News from Glacier National Park
GLACIER
FILE PHOTO
Wild horses graze on Wild Horse Island.
Art gallery at FVCC presents Marvin Messing exhibition
News from Flathead Valley Community College
KALISPELL
— The Wachholz College Center’s Wanda Hollensteiner Art Gallery on the campus of Flathead Valley Community College announces their new fall exhibition of works by former FVCC painting instructor and surrealist painter, Marvin Messing (1922-2015). The show will feature a selection of his oil paintings, sculptures and intaglio prints that will debut Wednesday, Sept. 25, with an opening reception from 5-7pm. The event is free and open to the public.
Messing was born in Freeport, Illinois and attended college at the Art Institute of Chicago on a Guggenheim Scholarship. His time there was interrupted by World War II, in which he enlisted and served in the Navy. In the 1960s, Messing became actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement
which ended up being one of the most prolific periods of his artistic career. Messing taught portraiture and oil painting at FVCC for 11 years before retiring.
Messing’s artistic influences were drawn from Salvador Dali and Francisco de Goya. He believed that artists had a duty to inform and evoke deep thought about the human condition and he explored these themes throughout his oil painting, sculpture, and printmaking. Toward the end of his career, he described his style as “contemplative art” and often stated “what I am attempting to say is not as important as the viewer’s response.”
Everyone is invited
to attend the exhibition opening reception in the Wachholz College Center’s Wanda Hollensteiner Art Gallery on Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 5-7 p.m. Following the opening event, the exhibition will be available for viewing to the public through November 3. The gallery is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12-4 p.m. as well as during WCC showtimes for patrons with tickets to WCC performances.
To stay up to date on the current art featured in the Wanda Hollensteiner Art Gallery and to find information about the Wachholz College Center, visit: wccmt. org and follow WCC on Facebook and Instagram.
COURTESY PHOTO
The Jester by Marvin Messing
Polson, Ronan, Pablo Hunters Education class announced
News from CSKT & Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
MISSION VALLEY —
Students interested in hunter education are required to register online now at: fwp.mt.gov. A parent or guardian must accompany students under 18 to the sign in. Please bring signed forms from online registration. The course is free of charge. Required: Students must pick up manuals with instructions at (Beaverhead/Piel Qlawqn Math & Science) building on the Salish Kootenai College campus in Pablo. It will be a one-night chance ONLY on Tuesday, Oct. 1. You can stop by between 6.30 and 9 p.m. IMPORTANT: You do not have to attend the whole time. This is your opportunity to pick up the class materials and drop off your signed paperwork. A parent or guardian must accompany students under 18 to sign in.
Student Course Manuals must be read, and all the questions answered at the end of each chapter before the firstclass night. No one will be allowed to take the class without this requirement completed. Volunteer instructors will begin instruction for the Hunters Education course. Classes start on:
Tuesday, Oct. 1: 6:30-9 p.m.
Material Pick up at SKC Beaverhead Building
Tuesday, Oct. 8: 6:30-9 p.m.
Classroom Instruction at SKC Beaverhead Building
Wednesday, Oct. 9: 6:30-9 p.m. Classroom Instruction at SKC Beaverhead Build.
Thursday, Oct. 10: 6:30-9 p.m.
Classroom Instruction at SKC Beaverhead Build.
Sunday, Oct. 13: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Field Day at Polson Shooters Association RangeKerr Dam Road, Polson.
Monday, Oct. 14: 6:30-9 p.m.
Final Test t SKC Beaverhead Building
Individuals 10 years of age or older at the start of the class may be certified upon successfully completing the course. Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1985, must complete a hunter education course before buying a hunting license in Montana.
You must attend all classes and the field day and be on time to be certified. All hunter education classes are free of charge and open to hunters and non-hunters alike. Some students take the courses for the firearm safety and outdoor survival information, even if they don’t plan to hunt.
Adults: Please feel free to attend as many classes as you can with the children. You’re encourage you to take the test and take part in the Field Day with your student. If needed, you can become certified as well.
We provide all the firearms and ammunition; you are not allowed to bring either to the classes or the Field Day. For registration and updates, check the online class schedule at: http:// fwp.mt.gov/education/hunter/ hunterEd.html. For more information on the Polson, Ronan, Pablo Education course contact Lead Instructor Steve Hoffman at 406-880-6750 or Stephanie Gillin-CSKT at 883-552-3966.
Secretary
Christi Jacobsen launches 2024 U.S. Constitution Contest for all Montana students
HELENA Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen launched the 2024 U.S. Constitution Contest on Tuesday during a Constitution Day celebration at the Montana State Capitol. Constitution Day is celebrated nationwide each Sept. 17 to honor the signing of the United States Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787.
This year’s contest – “How does the Constitution preserve our freedom and why is that important to me?” –is open to all Montana students in grades K-12. This marks the fourth time in as many years that Secretary Jacobsen has hosted the contest to engage Montana youth in civics education.
“As Secretary of State, it’s reward -
ing to meet students and share the significance of the document we’re celebrating today. Every student who visits our office is offered the United States and Montana Constitution, encouraging them to learn about our founding principles,” said Secretary Jacobsen. “Participants in this year’s contest may submit an essay, poem, song, artwork, or any creative entry they choose. Information is available at www.civics.sosmt.gov, and I cannot wait to see the creativity of our Montana students.”
Previous participants have been invited to the State Capitol to share their submissions during the Constitution Day celebration. Teachers, students, and parents interested in the Secretary of State’s Constitution Contest can find more information on the Secretary’s civics website.
News from Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen
Lawrence pleads not guilty to homicide
By Summer Goddard Valley Journal
POLSON — James
Phillip Lawrence of Polson pleaded not guilty to felony charges of deliberate homicide and tampering with or fabricating physical evidence in the death of
of Ronan. Lawrence was arraigned in Lake County District Court on Wednesday, Sept. 18. According to court documents, on or about Aug. 31, Lawrence allegedly shot and killed Loder and then destroyed, concealed evidence including a gun, phone and the body of Loder to impair investigation.
On Sept. 4, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of Loder as a missing person. They were informed that Loder had last been seen on Aug. 30 and that suspicious blood and had been noticed in an area east of Loder’s home near Timberlane Road. According to court documents, location of the blood was near a corner where Timberlane Road turns south, adjacent to an 80-acre parcel of land which had been willed to Loder in the past 2-3 years. Five 9mm shell casing and a pair of bloody eye glasses were
located at the site. Multiple law enforcement agencies conducted an extensive search of the area on horseback, foot and via drone technology but found nothing further.
When detectives learned there may be financial motive for Loder’s disappearance due to a dispute over an inheritance estimated in the millions of dollars that included the aforementioned 80 acres, they obtained a search warrant for Loder’s home. They located a copy of a will that listed Loder as primary beneficiary of an estate that also bequeathed $5,000 each to Debra and James Phillip Lawrence.
Video footage from a business on Timberlane Road identified a red, Chevy truck with distinguishing custom features as a vehicle of interest
that matched the timeframe for movement of Loder’s phone near the suspected crime scene. Lawrence’s vehicle was identified as the vehicle in Don Aadsen’s video footage and that of ring cam video from a Jocko Canyon area residence.
According to court documents, officers executed a search warrant at Lawrence’s home and conducted an interview with him in which he waived his Miranda rights and told investigators “I’m toast anyways I guess, so, yeah I did it.”
Following the arrest of Lawrence, who Sheriff Don Bell said cooperated with the investigation, the body of Loder was recovered in Twin Lakes area southeast of St. Ignatius on Sept. 6.
A jury trial for Lawrence has been set for 9 a.m., March 3, 2025.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS
City of Ronan – Wastewater System
The City of Ronan will hold public hearings on October 9, and October 16, 2024 at 5:45 p.m., at Ronan City Hall, for the purpose of obtaining comments regarding proposed improvements to the wastewater system in Ronan, particularly the treatment facility. At the public hearing the proposed project will be explained, including the purpose of the project, activities, budget, possible sources of funding, and any costs that may result for local citizens as a result of the project. All interested persons will be given the opportunity to ask questions and express opinions regarding the proposed project and any environmental impacts. Comments may be given orally at the meeting or submitted in writing to Shari A Johnson & Associates Engineering at engineering@sajmontana.com before 5 p.m. on October 4, 2024. Kaylene Melton, Clerk/Treasurer Sept. 25, 2024
MNAXLP
Edwin “Ed” Loder
James Phillip Lawrence
valley views
Word tomfoolery
We’re in the midst of a presidential election.
This column has nothing to do with politics.
(I bet you’re breathing easier now, huh?)
important condiment in more than just hot dogs, which makes it an iconic American icon.
Slices of Life
Jill Pertler Syndicated columnist
But the business of politics got me thinking - about language and communication and the words we choose to use to explain our angle on things.
For instance: What is your stance on the increased price of mustard?
Answer: Well, to be honest mustard has always been in the forefront of my thoughts, especially when it comes to pricing. Mustard costs are important to us all. I’m sure we can all agree on that. Mustard is an
letters
Some people use it in potato salad. It has been a stalwart in American refrigerators for generations and I think we can all agree that we want to keep it that way. I, for one will go on the official record in saying that mustard is yellow. Definitely yellow. Well, unless it is brown. I think you get where I’m coming from. This column isn’t about mustard (or politics).
It’s about words, and phrasing.
I love words and playing with them. Especially when they benefit me. So here, are a few fun ones that I’ve come
Racism is a non-partisan issue
Editor,
When someone tells you who they are, believe them.
Tim Sheehy joked about one of his experiences as, “a great way to bond with all the Indians while they’re drunk at 8 a.m.” or throwing beer cans at cultural events. He then repeated his racist remarks to other audiences
up with. Feel free to use them yourself. I wouldn’t want it any other way.
For instance, we all like to indulge in our favorite food or drinks now and again. Sometimes, when it comes to ice cream, coffee or a glass of wine, one isn’t enough. On these occasions, I don’t go in for a second helping, instead, I “adjust my levels,” which is word-code for adding a little more to top myself off without actually having a complete second helping.
This way, I’m not double dipping, I’m simply adjusting levels.
In this line of genius ingenuity, instead of saying: I slept in. (Or I overslept.)
I say: I took an early morning nap.
Instead of: I forgot your name (30 seconds
for their entertainment, he tells us who he is. There is no doubt his racist statements reflect his values.
Mr. Sheehy’s racist belief, declared and repeated, inflicts devastation on Indigenous people. His hurtful words are felt by us all. They are particularly damaging as they perpetuate an ugly stereotype almost all of us have had to overcome for gen-
after being introduced).
I say: Did your parents create an unusual spelling for your first name?
Instead of: I sometimes over-post on social media.
I say: I’m saving my thoughts for prosperity. Instead of: I have a bad habit.
I say: There some things regarding overeating that I’m working to rework one cupcake at a time.
Instead of: I bite my nails.
I say: I like to maintain things myself in order to avoid the need for a manicure.
Instead of: I was too lazy to do that today.
I say: I am reconfiguring the steps needed to complete that task in the most energy efficient manner possible. (See how I didn’t even use the
erations. Substance use disorder is one of the contributing causes to the health disparity existing in Montana, where Indigenous people die a generation younger than our non-Indian neighbors.
Response to Mr. Sheehy’s racism must be non-partisan. It is not about being a Republican or Democrat, but a Montanan with Montana value to care for each other. While Mr. Sheehy is a
word ‘procrastination’ there?)
Instead of: I lost my temper.
I say: I was getting in touch with a pent-up feeling of sudden-onset negativity.
Instead of: I skipped my exercise class this morning.
I say: I took an early morning nap.
You see how I’m double-tasking there? Wordsmithing can be so very satisfying - especially when you are still in bed (napping) at 10 a.m.
Take it from me. I may, or may not know this firsthand. But you didn’t hear that here.
Now I’m off to adjust my levels.
Winky winky.
Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author.
Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.
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 regarding candidates in the Nov. 5 general election will not be printed after the Oct. 23 issue in order to allow candidates time for response. 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.
candidate for one of the highest federal offices to represent all Montanans, everyone living in this beautiful place should be appalled. Now that the media has exposed these racist comments, we are waiting for his response. His silence is deafening.
I understand Tribal leaders have called for an apology.
see page 11
Letters must be signed by the author and name, address and phone number must be included – phone number is for verification purposes only. Letters from organizations must include the name of at least one author. Please limit “thank you” letters to four people/organizations or less. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday to publish the following week.
Opinions expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the newspaper.
While an apology would be nice, it does not go far enough. It must be followed with concrete actions he is willing to take to change. This must include meaningful engagement, with Indigenous people, with an open mind and heart, to gain a full understanding of who we are as people and citizens of Montana. While we wait, allies of Indigenous people must join us and demand better from our elected officials.
Anna Whiting Sorrell Ronan
Play safe to guard against traumatic brain injury
Editor, Woo-hoo! It’s football season in Montana! So much excitement for all the players, schools and towns of all sizes. But I have always felt a sense of dread come the fall knowing there may be another young football player who suffers a traumatic brain injury and a screwed up life from playing football like I did at age 15. Or that someone dies from it.
Players please don’t use your head as a weapon when tackling, clocking or running the ball. Your brain is in there and it is who you are. It is just not worth the risk of permanently damaging your precious, young, still developing brain and ending up like me. Google Michael Sidney Allard.
Nothing good there. My life since my brain surgery has been a series of disasters that have negatively affected so many people and I cannot say I’m sorry enough. It breaks my heart that I have hurt anyone. I have been forgetful, erratic in my emotions and behaviors and often make questionable if not poor decisions. I have made hundreds of good and great friends and a couple very close, loving, potentially lifelong mate relationships. But my instability just wears thin and breaks people down. Nobody has had the patience or understanding to remain a friend or partner and they are not at fault. I am a faulty person. Worse, I am untrustworthy. To others and to myself. I am in constant pain, my head and eyes shrieking and feeling as though they are at the point of breaking apart. I am on the autism spectrum. I enter into dissociative states. I have memory loss, chronic fatigue, and cannot verbally communicate well at times. The worst pain I suffer is loneliness. Parents, friends, classmates, girlfriends, boyfriends and community members – all – make sure your players’ coaches are teaching proper technique and your players are using it. You other kids, use a helmet when you skateboard, bicycle, snowboard, in-line skate, rock climb, ski, ride horses, bulls or broncs. Protect your brain. It’s who you are. Play hard. Have fun. Be safe.
Michael S. Allard Deerlodge
Library begins adult book club
MotherGoose is on vacation until further notice. We will let you know when we are ready to restart this popular program. Mother Goose is taking a break until our new Youth Services Librarian joins the team. We hope to have her back very soon. In the meantime, bring your infants and toddlers into the library play space. We have a nursery nook with a baby gate for relaxed play time, so you don’t have to chase your toddler through the stacks.
View from the Library
part and do an activity related to the title. We are starting a new book club for adults called “The Bookfest Club.” We will meet Saturday, Sept 28, at 10 a.m. to discuss this month’s selection, “West with Giraffes” by Lynda Rutledge. Please sign up for this event so we can plan accordingly.
On Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. The Page Turner’s Youth Book Club will meet in the Community Room to discuss this month’s book, “OCDaniel” by Wesley King. Come pick up your free book and then join us to discuss your favorite
On Monday, Sept. 30, at 6 p.m., we are co-hosting the MLN (Montana Library Network) Virtual Program with Montana’s Poet Laureate Chris LaTray. You must register to get the link to this presentation. Register at: tinyurl.com/poetchrislatray
On Friday, Oct. 11, the library will be closed for a staff training day. We will be open Saturday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Story Time is each Thursday from 10-11 a.m.
•
JON TESTER
Working
WORKING FAMILIES
Abbi Dooley, North Lake County Public Library Director
The truth about public charter schools, community choice schools
In a recent op-ed by Representative Eric Matthews, concerns were raised about the role of public charter schools in Montana’s education system. As a passionate advocate for high-quality education, I appreciate that Montana law now supports two different types of charter school options in public education: Community Choice Schools and Public Charter Schools. However, it’s essential to clarify what Public Charter Schools and Community Choice Schools are and how they can serve our communities by providing high-quality and responsive public education options that meet the different needs of our students.
Valley Views
greater flexibility in exchange for heightened accountability. This means they will have the freedom to innovate in their teaching methods and curricular offerings to better serve their students while still taking standardized tests.
Sue Vinton House Majority Leader
Community Choice Schools and Public Charter Schools are public schools. They are free, open to all students, and funded by taxpayers, just like other public schools. The key difference between Charter Schools and Choice Schools in Montana is that Choice Schools will operate with
Contrary to the claim that Charter Schools are “outside of public oversight and supervision,” these schools are, in fact, subject to oversight by their authorizing body, which in Montana is the Board of Public Education. Similarly, Choice Schools will be overseen and supervised by a public agency, the Community Choice Schools Commission and even some local school boards will have the authority to authorize. However, if a Choice School fails to meet specific performance goals or fails to meet community needs, it may be closed. No other school model has this level of accountability, not even your local school district. This level of accountability ensures that only high performing Com-
munity Choice Schools may continue to operate with public funds.
Let me say this once and for all: public Choice Schools and Charter Schools are not private schools. To state otherwise is to intentionally spread misinformation. Choice Schools, like Charter Schools, are publicly funded, do not charge tuition and do not have entrance requirements. They are free, public, and open to all students, regardless of income, and cannot discriminate based on a student’s needs, including special education requirements. Far from being controlled by “out-of-state corporations,” in many other states, charter schools are often founded by local educators, parents, and community leaders who are deeply invested in having the power to choose the best type of school for their children.
Starting this fall, Montana has 19 Public Charter Schools opening, all of which are authorized by the BPE and run by local school boards. Eventually, Choice Schools will be governed by their own govern-
ing boards, allowing them a higher level of autonomy and responsiveness to the needs of teachers and students. This is one of the reasons why the Montana legislature passed the Community Choice Schools Act in 2023—to give communities the power and resources to open high-quality schools that can intentionally diversify academic programs across our state.
Montana’s future Community Choice Public Schools will offer a valuable option for families seeking a learning environment that best meets their child’s needs. Whether it’s a focus on STEM, the arts, classical curriculum, or career technical education, Community Choice Schools and Public Charter Schools can tailor their programs to serve different student populations. In doing so, they provide a much-needed alternative for families who may feel their children are not thriving in the traditional public-school setting to which they are assigned.
The real question is not
MSU professor to discuss research on family dynamics
Vaterlaus will discuss how media, technology, the COVID-19 pandemic and inherent family strengths shape relationships within the family unit at Oct. 15 provost’s lecture.
By Anne Cantrell, MSU News Service
BOZEMAN — When J. Mitchell Vaterlaus worked as a marriage and family therapist, he noticed that many of his clients lacked basic relational skills, including skills in communication, setting boundaries, and combining and establishing familial traditions.
“It made me really interested in thinking about how to do more prevention science,” Vaterlaus said. “How do we prevent these problems so that they don’t need to see a therapist?”
The observation led him to a doctoral program in family and human development and a career in teaching and research. As a professor in Montana State
University’s Department of Human Development and Community Health in the College of Education, Health and Human Development, he now teaches courses in family sciences and developmental sciences and researches the influence of technology on human development and family relationships.
Vaterlaus, who came to
whether Charter Schools and Choice Schools should exist, but how we can best support all public schools – traditional, community choice and charter schools alike—in delivering a high-quality education to every Montana child. Adequate funding is undoubtedly a crucial part of the solution, but so is the willingness to embrace innovation and new ways of thinking about what public education can look like in today’s ever-changing world.
Rather than pitting Choice Schools and Charter Schools against traditional public schools, we should be working together to ensure that every child in Montana has access to an education that prepares them for success in a rapidly changing world. By fostering collaboration and sharing best practices, we can create a public education system that truly serves all of our students. Montana’s citizens deserve nothing less.
Go to: ednavigatemt.com to learn more about Montana’s Choice Schools and Charter Schools.
MSU in 2014, will share highlights of his career and discuss his research on family dynamics in a lecture, “‘All in the Family’: The Scientific Study of Families and Relationships,” on Tuesday, Oct. 15, as part of MSU’s annual Provost’s Distinguished Lecturer Series. The event will begin at 7 p.m. in the Museum of the Rockies’
Hager Auditorium and be followed by a reception. It is free and open to the public.
Vaterlaus said that families possess unique strengths and face various challenges as they develop and adapt to changing environments. His lecture, which is designed for both members of the public and see page 13
from page 12
those in academia, will include information about his research on family dynamics and particularly how media, technology, the COVID-19 pandemic and inherent family strengths shape relationships within the family unit.
Vaterlaus also plans to highlight the resilience and adaptability of families, emphasizing the importance of interventions at the family level to support and strengthen their relationships during times of change.
Vaterlaus, who is originally from Boise, Idaho, came to MSU in 2014 after being on the faculty of the University of Nebraska at Kearney. He has a doc-
torate in family and human development, a master’s degree in family, consumer and human development, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, all from Utah State University. He is also a licensed marriage and family therapist and a certified family life educator.
At MSU, Vaterlaus teaches graduate and undergraduate courses on family and interpersonal relationships, family law and public policy, life-span human development and diversity. He has published more than 70 articles in peer-reviewed journals and has been recognized for his exemplary teaching and research with multiple awards, including MSU’s James and Mary Ross Provost’s Award for Excellence and the MSU Excellence
in Online Teaching Award. His research focuses on three main areas: the influence of technology on human development and family relationships, applied family science, and health and context. Vaterlaus said that when he considers research questions to pursue, he looks for lines of research that are relationship-focused, evidence-based, preventive, strengths-focused or applied – or a combination of two or more of those areas.
His research focused on technology generates especially strong interest, he said.
“People want to know about technology, and people also have questions about how to regulate it,” he said, adding that he enjoys research in this area
because it can be applied and it is novel.
“I think we should focus on healthy technology use instead of problems,” he said. “How do we support healthy use? Sometimes we can focus more on strengths and how people are using it well. If we can build on positive use, then maybe we can have more healthy relationships with technologies.”
One study by Vaterlaus and co-authors Emily V. Patten, Cesia Roche and Jimmy A. Young examined the perceived influence of social media on young adult health behaviors. The research, which was published in 2015 in the journal Computers in Human Behavior, has been cited more than 500 times.
For parents and guard-
ians who are considering how to help their youth develop a healthy relationship with technology and media, Vaterlaus has a few tips: to use the same technologies their youth are using, agree on a family media plan together, set time limits and model healthy use.
“Technology is not something to be afraid of,” he said. “Sometimes we only look at deficits, but we can’t ignore the fact that all of us use (technology and media). There are strengths in technology, too.”
The full schedule for the Provost’s Distinguished Lecturer Series can be found at: www. montana.edu/provost.
Montecahto Club to host political forum
News from the Montecahto Club
POLSON - The Montecahto Club, Lake County Democrats and Lake County Republicans are co-sponsoring a candidate forum on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 5:30 p.m. The forum will be at the Montecahto Club, milepost 6 on Hwy. 35 north of Polson. Refreshments will be provided by the Montecahto Club. Come to support our candidates and hear what they have to say about significant issues in our County/ State. Call 406-5994087 with questions.
Ronan celebrates homecoming
BOONE GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL PHOTOS
The Ronan Chiefs advance the ball on a kickoff return. The Chiefs fell to the Pirates during their homecoming game, 37-14. Right: 2024 Ronan Homecoming Queen and King are Lauryn Buhr and Koda King.
BOONE GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL PHOTOS
Ronan High School’s homecoming court stands before their cheering hometown audience on Friday, Sept. 20. Right: The Chiefs take down an offensive run.
Top left: a Ronan football player nearly intercepts the ball during their homecoming football game last Friday. Right: an aerial image of Ronan’s homecoming football game under Friday night lights was shared by David W. King. Members of Ronan’s 1974 state champion football team attended a tailgate celebration prior to the game. Alumni from 1974 were in town for their 50 year high school reunion. The 1974 team remains the only unbeaten team in the school’s history. Lower left: a Ronan fan donned festive headwear to show their school pride.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DAVID W. KING PICTURES
BOONE GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL
2024 Prep Fall Sports Schedules
Polson
Football
Boys Soccer
Girls Soccer
Golf
Volleyball
Cross Country
Speech & Debate
Volleyball
TWO EAGLE Ronan Golf
Volleyball
Cross Country
Charlo Mission ARLEE
Football
Volleyball
October 8 Tuesday Florence Arlee 6:00 PM
October 10 Thursday Loyola Arlee 6:00 PM
October 15 Tuesday Darby Arlee 6:00 PM
October 22 Tuesday Anaconda Anaconda 6:00 PM
October 24 Thursday Deer Lodge Arlee 7:00 PM
November 1-2 Fri-Sat Districts Deer Lodge TBD
November 7-9 Wed-Fri Divisionals Anaconda TBD
November 14-16 Th-Sat State Bozeman TBD
Cross Country
Football
Football
Volleyball
Volleyball
DATE DAY OPPONENT LOCATION TIME
October 1 Tuesday Hot Springs Mission 7:00 PM
October 3 Thursday Superior Superior 7:00 PM
October 8 Tuesday Plains Plains 7:00 PM
October 10 Thursday Thompson Falls Mission 7:00 PM
October 12 Saturday Superior Superior 9:00 AM
October 17 Thursday Eureka Mission 7:00 PM
October 19 Saturday Troy Troy 1:30 PM
Cross Country
Mission/Charlo Co-Op
DATE DAY MEET LOCATION TIME
September 28 Saturday Mountain West Missoula 9:30 AM
October 1 Tuesday Fish Hatchery Run Arlee TBD
October 3 Thursday Hamilton Invite Hamilton 4:00 PM
October 12 Saturday Polson Shadow Duals Polson 9:30 AM
October 17 Thursday Western B/C Invite Thompson Falls TBD
October 26 Saturday State Cross Country U of M-Missoula TBD
Get a job – earn college credits – make a difference!
Nursing Faculty (10 months)
Salary Range: $55,935 - $65,551 DOEE
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Nursing Simulation Lab Instructor
Salary Range: $54,301-$56,400 DOEE
Closing date: Open Until Filled
Mechanic/Instructor- HCT Department
Salary Range: $52,947 DOEE
Closing Date: Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, 4:00pm MST
Childcare Center Cook-Early Learning Center (9.5 months) Salary Range: $15.65-$16.92/hr DOEE
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Custodian Part-time
Salary Range: $14.80/hr
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
PT-Housing Maintenance Technician
Salary Range: $16.54/hour DOEE
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Custodial Services Team Leader (2 positions)
Salary Range: $16.97/hr
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Indigenous Language and Cultural Specialist - Division of Education
Salary Range: $51,311-$53,586 DOEE
Closing Date: Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024; 4:00pm MST
Dental Assisting Education Coordinator
Salary Range: $16.91-$18.28/hr DOEE
Closing Date: Monday, Sept. 9, 2024; 4:00pm MST
Accounting Tech/Receptionist
Salary Range: $14.48 - $15.12/hr DOEE
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Bookstore Clerk (9 months)
Salary range: $14.20/hr - $14.54/hr DOEE
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Wildlife/Fisheries Ecologist (9 months)
Salary Range: $51,062 - $56,111 DOEE
Closing Date: Monday, Sept. 16, 2024; 4:00pm MST
Nursing Clinical Instructor-9months (3 Openings)
Salary Range: $45/hr -$55/hr DOEE (part-time, 14hrs a week)
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
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
Tutor/Technical Support Director - Business Division
Salary Range: $45,293 - $47,757 DOEE
Closing Date: August 26, 2024; 4:00 pm MST
NYCP Cultural Outreach Coordinator
Salary Range: $42,829 - $45,293 DOEE
Closing Date: Monday, Sept. 9, 2024; 4:00pm MST
Hydrology Instructor Limnology (9 months)
Salary Range: $51,062 - $56,111 DOEE
Closing Date: Monday, Sept. 9, 2024; 4:00pm MST
Indigenous Research Center (IRC) Program Assistant
Salary Range: $39,133-$40,365 DOEE
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Bookstore Sales Clerk (12 months)
Salary Range: $14.20/hr - $14.54/hr DOEE
Closing Date: Monday, Sept. 9, 2024; 4:00pm MST
Academic Transfer Specialist
Salary Range: $35,182-$37,072 DOEE
Closing Date: Monday, Sept. 9, 2024; 4:00pm MST
Maintenance Technician
Salary Range: $16.54 - $16.88/hr DOEE
Closing Date: Monday, Sept. 9, 2024; at 4:00pm MST
Admin. Assistant-Highway Construction Training Department (Part Time 10 months)
Salary Range: $17.37-$18.28 per hour DOEE
Closing Date: Monday, Sept. 16, 2024; 4:00pm MST
Soils & Groundwater Hydrology Instructor-9month
Salary Range: $44,752-$54,848 DOEE
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Wildland Fire Instructor 9 month
Salary Range: $44,752-$58,848 DOEE
Closing Date: Monday, Sept. 9, 2024; 4:00pm MST
Faculty/Secondary Education Department Chair, Noyce Program Director (9 month term)
Salary Range: $62,397-$64,924 DOEE
$2500 Department Chair stipend is included
Closing Date: Monday, Sept. 9, 2024; 4:00pm MST
Indigenous Research Center (IRC) Digital Materials & Tech Specialist
Salary Range:$39,133-$40,365 DOEE
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Digital Design Department Head (9 months) and $2500 Department Chair stipend is included
Salary Range: $46,099-$47,200 DOEE
Closing Date: Monday, Sept. 16, 2024; 4:00pm MST
The Nursing Department is actively seeking adjunct nursing faculty who are excited about teaching and student learning. Adjunct nursing faculty will hold a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from both an accredited nursing program and college. If a BSN prepared nurse is currently enrolled in a master’s program, they will be considered as a qualified applicant. Any person seeking adjunct employment please send a completed SKC application, resume, and unofficial transcripts to Teresa Sias at teresa_sias@skc.edu. Official transcripts will be required upon hire.
Ronan celebrates season with annual Harvest Festival
Community members came out in force for the annual Ronan Area Chamber of Commerce event. With a plethora of kids activities, a petting zoo, craft and vendor fair, live music, a car show, food vendors, a fall baking contest and trail of bales, the Harvest Festival offered a variety of fun for folks of all ages.
births
Richard Luchau
POLSON - Richard James Luchau was born on Sept. 6, 2024, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. He was 20.25 inches long and weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces. Richard’s parents are Cheyanne and Richard Luchau.
Elora and Tallysa Blevins
Evelyn Herreid
Superintendent Arntzen offers update on $500 math, reading grants for Montana teachers
News from the Office of Public Instruction
POLSON - Brandt, Lexi, and Jaidyn are excited to announce the arrival of their little sister, Evelyn Faith Herreid. Evelyn was born on Sept. 4, 2024, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. She was 21 inches long and weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces. Evelyn’s parents are Taylor Stipe and Sam Herreid of Charlo. Evelyn’s maternal grandparents are Dave Stipe and Jeannine Kohl. Paternal grandparents are Tim and Geri Herreid.
POLSON - Meara and Latham Blevins of Ronan welcomed twin girls, Elora Lane and Tallysa Elyse on Sept. 5, 2024, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place in Polson. Elora was 19 inches long and weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces, and Tallysa was 19.5 inches long and weighed 7 pounds, 7 ounces. They join siblings Gideon and Laneya. Maternal grandparents are Lynda and Michael Schmeidbauer. Paternal grandparents are Wayne and Kellie Blevins.
HELENA - On Aug. 20, 2024, Superintendent Arntzen announced that the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) allocated $1.5 million in federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds to Montana teachers for math and reading projects in a partnership with DonorsChoose. This partnership offers K-12 public school teachers $500 to purchase teaching and learning materials, supplies, and technology that increase math and reading skills for Montana students.
“As a teacher of 23 years, I understand the challenges our teachers face when purchasing learning materials for their classrooms,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “These precious tax dollars have supported teaching and learning in over half of our Montana public schools. We are all Montana proud of all our teachers for putting our students first.”
As of Sept. 16, 2024, Superintendent Arntzen has funded 1,283 math projects
and 1,831 reading projects for a total of $1,103,387.20 (Note: some projects support both math and reading). In total, 2,448 Montana teachers in 211 school districts have submitted approved projects. There have been:
- 912 projects in grades K-2
- 738 projects in grades 3-5
- 472 projects in grades 6-8
- 326 projects in grades 9-12
Montana teachers can submit a math or reading project by:
- Visiting the DonorsChoose Montana Teachers page
- Teaching K-12 in a Montana public school
- Creating a new project.
- Ensuring that the project’s total goal is under $500.
- Requesting resources to accelerate teaching and learning in math and/or reading.
For updates on the number of projects funded, total funds awarded, and to view individual projects at:donorschoose.org.
seniors
Polson
News from Pete Mangels for the Valley Journal
POLSON - Banana splits will be served at the Polson Senior Center starting Wednesday when you purchase a paid membership for $15.
The Memory Café by Angel Care will host activities for those in need of cognitive support. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month at the center. For more details call 406-409-8149.
A Nutrition Director is wanted either full or part-time. The job requires basic record keeping, management and phone skills. Wage DOE. Activities:
- Pinochle: (no-pass partners) each Monday, starting Oct.7, 12:30-3 p.m. - Memory Café, by Angel Care: first Tuesday of each month - cognitive support group
- Bowling: “no-tap” Tuesdays 1-3 p.m. Join any time. Call Don at 406885-5617 for details.
- Wood Carving for beginners: Wednesdays & Fridays at 1 p.m. Join any week.
- Bridge: inquire at the center
- Game Day: board or card games on Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m. Bring your friends.
- VSO (Veterans Service Officer:) first Friday & third Tuesday of each month – 9 a.m.-noonwalk-ins OK
- Bingo: Bingo Fridays open at 5:30 p.m. Play at 6 p.m. - “Playing Card” bingo first and third Wednesdays of each month at 6 p.m.
- Exercise: sitting or standing M-W-F, 10:30– 11:30 a.m. - video-assisted
- Pinochle: two days a week - Thursdays 12:30-3 p.m. “pass 4 cards” 3, 4 or 5 handed; walk-ins welcome - Mondays “no-pass
partners” rules - All are welcome to join in.
-Pool: open table from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Menu (subject to change): lunch from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Meals delivered to qualified people who call before 10 a.m. Sign up for daily deliveries.
- Wednesday, Sept.
25: burger stroganoff, noodles, mixed veggies, fruit Jell-O, pistachio desert
- Thursday, Sept. 26: chili dogs, tots, mac n cheese n pea salad, shortbread cookie
- Friday, Sept. 27: birthday dinner for lunch - traditional roast beef dinner, ed velvet cake
- Monday, Sept. 30: cream of potato soup, zucchini bread, green salad, peanut butter cookie
Tuesday, Oct. 1: lasagna, French bread, buttered corn, green salad, fruit crisp
- Wednesday, Oct. 2: Salisbury steak, whipped potatoes, cream peas, pasta
salad, pineapple cake - Thursday, Oct. 3: beef tips, noodles, mixed veggies, fruit Jell-O, cookie - Friday, Oct. 4: barbecue pork sandwich, potato salad, veggie bowl, butterscotch pudding
Ronan
By Donna Daniels for the Valley Journal
RONAN - The Mission Valley Senior Center is located across from St. Luke’s Hospital. Any age is welcome to come enjoy our meals; you don’t have to be a senior citizen. We are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for lunch and other activities.
Our menu:
Sept. 25: chicken, penne pasta, salad, dessert
Sept. 27: birthday dinner – roast beef, salad, dessert
Sept. 30: chicken chow mien, salad, dessert
Oct. 2: hashbrown casserole, salad, dessert
We are trying to find someone who is interested in cooking and dishwashing. It would be a part-time position. If you or someone you know is interested, contact Donna at 406-676-2371.
Our annual bazaar is coming up on Nov. 2 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. If you would like to rent a table call the center at 406-6762371.
We are always looking for new members/ Come in and give us a try.
Pinochle has started again. It’s played on Mondays from 1:30 to 4 p.m.
The Ronan Mission Valley Senior Center is available for renting for your events. Call us if you are having an event and need a location to have it.
We also have a pool table available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m.to 2 p.m. Come join the fun.
Anyone is welcome for our meals no matter what age. We ask for a $7 donation for our Monday, Wednesday, and Friday meals and $10 for our Sunday meal. If you would like a meal delivered to your business just call us by 10 am. Also, we will gladly send you a menu if requested.
St. Ignatius
By Barb Plouffe for the Valley Journal
ST. IGNATIUS _ Mark your calendar for the “Yard and Bake Sale” to be held on Oct. 4 and 5 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
We are looking for a site manager to work 8 to 12 hours a week. If interested, call, and leave message. We will return your call. Menu: - Friday, Sept. 27: noon - tuna fish sandwiches, more seniors page 23
Seniors
from page 22
coleslaw, grapes, cinnamon rolls
- Tuesday Oct. 1: noonpork chops, stuffing, green beans, orange salad, dessert
- Wednesday Oct. 2: 5:30 p.m. - spaghetti /bison hamburger, corn, garlic bread, peach cobbler
- Friday, Oct. 4: noon - fish, broccoli salad, cottage cheese, pineapple, wheat bread, cake
If you would like a takeout meal, call 406745-4462 by 10 a.m. on Tuesday sand Fridays and by 2 p.m. on Wednesdays. Mealtimes are listed with the menu. Menus for the month are available in the entryway of the St. Ignatius Senior Center. Remember, everyone is welcome to join our meals. Come enjoy a delicious meal and good conversation.
Our Senior Center is available to people for renting. If you are interested, call 406-745-4462 and leave a message. If you have questions about obtaining Elder Commodities call or stop by for information and application.
Gently Yoga is held on Wednesdays from 1-2:15 p.m. If you are interested call Bonnie Kiser at 406253-0177. Her rates are five sessions for $65.
The Taiji exercise program will be held on Mondays at 1 p.m. Kory Gunderson is the instructor. For more information call Kory at 406-361-0304. The program charge is $12 a session.
Is it difficult for you or a loved one to trim toenails?
Call “Nurse on the Go” at 406-253-5114 and schedule your 30-minute foot appointment. The cost is $25 a treatment and your toenails will be trimmed, and callous and corns buffed smooth. The nurse is licensed and insured.
obituaries
Alice Lindburg
RONAN - Alice Victory
Elfers Lindburg was born after a difficult pregnancy and delivery. Her mother was not aware that she had been carrying twins and one of the twins had died during the pregnancy. In honor of Alice’s survival, she was given the middle name “Victory.” Even beyond the miracle of her birth, “Victory” truly describes each chapter of Alice’s long and meaningful life. Her story is full of love, faith, and dedication.
Alice was the youngest of six children born and raised on a ranch west of Ronan. Her parents were Herbert and Mary Elfers. Her siblings were Paul Elfers, Natalie Scheele, Doris Mayer, Evelyn Hein, and Laverne Elfers. Raised during the depression, Alice learned to be thrifty, savvy, and thankful. She graduated from Ronan High School, and then studied at Whitworth College before transferring to MSU. There she received her master’s degree in textiles and became an accomplished seamstress. She went on to teach home economics, chemistry, and other subjects at Missoula and Charlo High Schools.
On April 8, 1951, after multiple proposals, Calvin Lindburg married the love of his life. In 1959 they moved back to Ronan and established “Lindburg Drug.” Calvin and Alice worked faithfully in their drug store with hearts that were eager to serve the Ronan Community.
Alice was a judge for many
sewing competitions in the valley, and an avid flower gardener. Her garden was once featured on a Parade of Gardens tour. However, her greatest passion was teaching Bible studies. For decades she led studies in Missoula, Moise, and Ronan, teaching even into her 90s. She loved The Word and was a gifted teacher impacting many lives. She was passionate about helping anyone who wanted to seek and know Jesus. She would get up early on Sunday mornings to provide transportation for children who needed a ride to attend church. She discipled many on a oneto-one basis and served Ronan Alliance Church (Terrace Lake Community) as a teacher, VBS coordinator, and soloist. She also hosted missionaries and church events in her home.
Alice was an exceptional mother, continually helping her children in sacrificial ways. When her daughter MerriLee had cancer, Alice dropped everything to live in Canada for six months to help care for her grandchildren, toddler Jerilyn and baby Victoria, while MerriLee began treatments.
Many define Alice’s greatest legacy as wisdom. Her discerning and Godly counsel was frequently sought out. Her son-in-law, Jeff, referred to her as “the rock of our family.” A constant theme was that love is the greatest guide to victorious living. In fact, love is the greatest thing there is. She would say: “When you have loved all you can, love all the more.” She continually reminded us that Jesus is worthy of our trust, our worship, and our obedience.
Alice always dreamed of seeing Jesus face to face. On Sept. 9, 2024, at the age of 98, her dream
came true.
Alice was preceded in death by all her siblings, and her husband. She is survived by her children, Jonathan (and Shirley) Lindburg, MerriLee (Jeff) Valentine, Robin ( Herb) Wilcox; grandchildren, David (and Julie) Lindburg, MerriLee Lindburg, Steven Lindburg, Jerilyn (and Connor) Wilson, Victoria (and John) Callahan, Olivia (and Thomas) Sexton, Ken (and Kaity) Wilcox and Peter (and Sabrina) Wilcox; great-grandchildren, Bradley and Teaghen Wilcox, Sawyer Wilcox, Liam Wilson and soon to arrive baby girl Callahan. Services have been held.
Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at: www.shriderthompson.com
Arrangements are under the care of Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home.
Edwin Loder
RONAN - Edwin Albert “Ed” Loder, age 67, passed away on Aug. 31, 2024. He was born on April 2, 1957, to Robert Samuel Loder and Edith Adell (Bates) Loder in Hot Springs.
Ed grew up in Plains, with his older siblings, Adell and Jack. Even as a young child he began to develop his talent and craftsmanship, sometimes using his siblings as a creative outlet. Once Ed ground down a hack saw blade to match the key of his brother Jack’s motorcycle to joyride while Jack was away … until their mother found out and made him turn in his “key.”
In 1969, the Loder family moved to Ronan where Ed attended and graduated from Ronan High School in 1975. Shortly after, he began working at a local auto body shop for Tom Seabase, who mentioned Ed being a natural of the trade early on.
In 1977, he married Barbara Erickson. They welcomed their daughter, Erica, in 1979 and later Gregory in 1985. They raised their family in Ronan, where Ed owned and operated Collision Service for 42 years out of the shop just down the road from their family home.
From a young age, he enjoyed working with his hands and bringing life back into old things. Ed was especially proud of the 1924 Model T that he salvaged piece by piece beginning at the age of 16; it took several years, but with a little help from the book “Henry’s Wonderful Model T” he was able to assemble the pieces and end with a drivable (and beautiful) Model T before he even graduated from high school.
Recently, he was able to drive the Model T in the Pioneer Days Parade - on its 100th birthday, Ed’s 50th year of ownership. For decades Ed proved that the art of fixing cars was really more about fixing people’s days. He often remembered the vehicle someone drove (and each occasion he had worked on it) before he mentioned their names. When he started to consider the idea of retirement, his sister Adell asked how he was going to spend his free time. Ed said, “I want to help people.” He was the best at what he did and ever since he “closed shop” in 2022, he was still fielding phone calls from people
see page 24
Alice Lindburg
Edwin Loder
Obituaries
from page 23
asking him to come out of retirement to fix their rig. Ed could look at anything that needed fixing and find a solution in a matter of seconds. Once on a family camping trip, the Buchholz’s RV propane switch went bad, leaving them without heat. Ed emerged from his toasty wood-fired wall tent, took a brief look around, and then repaired the RV with nothing but a nail he found and plucked from a nearby tree.
Ed was a quiet, but successful prankster and he was playing the long game. He would stash “dirt nuts” in luggage, tie buoys on the back of cars, and once even took part in squeezing a friend’s vehicle tightly in between two pine trees … while also connecting the brake pedal to the horn. One July 4th, he and Greg hiked up to Baldy Lake outside of Plains, where Ed spent the entire hike complaining about the “unfair weight of his pack.” Greg shouldn’t have been surprised when they got to the lake and Ed pulled out an entire watermelon because “it wasn’t the Fourth of July without watermelon!”
Ed was a man of simple pleasures and was always spending time on the little things that typically required more time and care. He enjoyed spending time in the mountains and had many stories from hunting camp and
the good company he kept there. Ed and his brother Jack harvested a cow elk one year in deep snow. They took a day to figure out how to pack the elk out. Ed salvaged an old car hood and with his snowshoes, he was able to pull half the elk out with ease while Jack followed behind, breaking through the packed snow with every step he took, dragging the other half of the elk. If the elk and deer weren’t moving, Ed and Jack always spotted good firewood trees to bring home instead.
In recent years, Ed had developed a passion for cast iron cookware. He and Jeanine (Allard) enjoyed scouring antique shops across the west for prized Wagner and Griswold pieces. He would go on to use part of his collection to host numerous breakfasts in his small log cabin, which felt like stepping back in time. Everything from waffles (on one of his many Griswold waffle irons), bacon, eggs, and even percolated coffee brewed over his woodfired cookstove—even though he didn’t drink it. Ed was a doting grandpa who was always scheming large and small ways to make his grandchildren smile. He used the huge cardboard boxes from the shop to build them cabins, school buses, and trains. In the summer months, he would welcome his grandkids with toy trucks and a fresh pile of rocks and dirt. Every birthday card had a special drawing on it. Each
Christmas he would gift the grandkids a silver dollar. To make it even more special, he would build a box around the silver dollar, requiring the grandkids to hammer it open to see their gift. Of course, this was not just any ordinary box, but a beautiful, sanded wooden container stamped with each child’s name that was almost too pretty to break open.
Ed is survived by his daughter, Erica Loder (Cort Buchholz) of Bend, Oregon; son, Greg Loder (Amy) of Sidney; sister, Adell Wright (Dave) of Aztec, New Mexico; brother, Jack Loder (Kris) of Plains; grandchildren, Lincoln and Imogen Buchholz and Barrett, Hayes, Pierce, Margot, and Rhodes Loder; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.
Services have been held. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Lake County Search and Rescue or a charity of your choice. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www. shriderthompson.com.
Arrangements are under the care of Shrider – Thompson Funeral Home.
Last Christmas, his kids gifted him Storyworth — a company that sends weekly emails with unique questions and prompts to which Ed would reply, creating a collection of stories and memories we may not have otherwise heard. One of the June 2024 prompts was “How do you want to be re-
membered?” Ed wrote:
“All my life I have always liked to pitch in on helping with whatever is going on. It has never felt like a big effort to help out. I hope that will be carried on throughout family as time goes on.”
Lois Delaney
ST. IGNATIUS _ Lois (Freshour) Delaney was born in St. Ignatius on Oct. 13, 1933, to George Freshour and Mary Zulema (Krantz) Freshour and was raised on the hill above Pistol Creek along with sister, Helen and brothers, Elmer, Walter, Gere and Don. Lois graduated from St. Ignatius (Mission) High School in 1951 and attended Montana State University. While attending MSU she played the trumpet in the Spirit of the West marching band and earned a teaching degree in Physical Education and Home Economics. She taught PE and Home Economics in Stevensville, Dixon, and St. Ignatius. Lois coached girls’ basketball with Verlin Mintz, volleyball, and later was one of the first female Athletic Directors in Montana, a position she held for eight years. Lois married Walter (Red) Delaney on June 9, 1956. Their four children, Tim, Stan, Doug, and Kay arrived in a span of five years, while she contin-
ued teaching and helping ranch on Post Creek with Red. She raked hay (often with one of the kids riding along) and fed many readers of this notice, fantastic lunches while they helped stack bales in the hay fields. She enjoyed her flower garden, taking care of the bounty Red would bring in from the garden, was a proud Bobcat fan and knew how to sew quite well. When Stan took over the ranch, she excelled in grandparent duties, meeting the school bus at the corner west of the house, provided afterschool snacks, helped the grandkids bake cookies, and provided support on many school and 4-H projects. Lois and Red
were always to be found at local sporting events and traveling around the state following their grandchildren’s teams making many friends in Columbus, Frenchtown, and Charlo. She was an active member of the Mission Valley United Methodist Church and St. Ignatius Senior Center. A special thanks to her Griz friend for the Thursday lunch outings that she enjoyed so much these past few years.
Services have been held Memorials may be made to the St. Ignatius Senior Center or the Mission Valley United Methodist Church.
Lois Delaney
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL - Mental Health Therapist & Behavioral Consultant
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) Early Childhood Service Part time (up to 20 hours per week)
The CSKT Early Childhood Services Department is requesting bids for Mental Health Therapy and Behavioral Consulting services for the period of November 2024 to September 30, 2025.
Scope of work: CSKT Early Childhood Services has an enrollment of up to 300 children ranging from 0 to 5 years of age. Head Start/ Early Head Start locations are on the Flathead Reservation – 1 center in Polson, 1 center in Turtle Lake, 2 centers in Pablo, 3 centers in Ronan, 2 centers in Mission and 1 center in Arlee. ECS also services children not enrolled in Head Start or Early Head Start centers.
The Mental Health Therapist/Behavioral Consultant will provide culturally sensitive and primarily direct/indirect services for children, families and staff. Services include capacity building for staff and family members, directly observing children and the caregiving environment, and designing interventions that involve changes in the behaviors of caregivers. The consultant will collaborate with administrators, staff, family members, and caregivers who intervene directly with children in all settings. The Consultant will promote social and emotional development in children and transform children’s challenging behaviors.
Services provided by consultant will include:
• Conduct individual child and classroom observations and provide written documentation to Admin.
• Design and implement program practices responsive to the identified needs of an individual child
• Support staff with individual child behavior and classroom management
• Provide one-on-one modeling or coaching for individual child support
• Provide crisis intervention services for staff regarding a child’s behavior
• Advise and assist staff in linking to community resources
and services
• Provide support for reflective practices
• Offer training on behavior management techniques
• Educate parents on children’s mental health issues
• Refer parents for community mental health services
• Conduct home visits
• Advocate for parents
• Evaluate the center or learning environment
• Suggest strategies for making the environment prosocial
• Train staff on behavior management techniques
• Train staff on accessing mental health resources
• Educate staff on children’s mental health issues
• Provide support for reflective practices
• Promote staff wellness
• Address communication within the program
• Promote team building
• Participate in staff meetings
• Train staff on cultural competence
• Address programmatic issues
• Design and implement early childhood mental health best practices within the program
• Consult with the director
• Identify and address program needs
• Advise on program policy
The Mental Health Therapist/Behavioral Consultant will be coordinating with the ECS Special Services Manager and/or Mental Health Coordinator on referrals for children and/or families to receive services. The Mental Health Consultant will bill any costs to Medicaid or private insurance first and Early Childhood Services will be invoiced as payor of last resort.
Proposal requirements: Proposals must include
1.) Professional license in the area of Mental Health Therapy and Behavioral Consulting services. Documented specialized knowledge. Relevant work experience must be shown in a resume or curriculum vitae, including outline of qualifications and appropriate credentials (copies of professional license, specialized training, etc.), and professional references. All personnel must have a current license or have their professional license within 6 months of contract.
2.) Ability to commit 20hrs per week to the provision of this service.
3.) Proof of contractor liability insurance
4.) Proof of Workman’s Comp or exemption certificate.
5.) Description of recent experience in doing this type of work.
6.) Detailed description of cost required to provide this service. Responses should be clear in terms of incidental costs, as well as hourly rates, travel expenses, etc.
Proposals must be received by 4:30 on Thursday, October 10th 2024. Mailing address: Early Childhood Services- - PO Box 1510 –St. Ignatius, MT 59865, ATTN: CARRIE ANTOINE- - Mental Health Therapist and Behavioral Consultant BID.
The proposals will be reviewed with a decision made in the 5 to 10 working days after bid closing.
This is an Indian Preference Proposal. We reserve the right to refuse any or all bids. For more information call Carrie Antoine at 406-745-4509 ext. 5506 or carrie.antoine@cskt.org or Jody Jones at ext. 5520 or jody.jones@cskt.org.
Indian Preference Certification
This is an Indian preference bid and Tribal contractors who wish to receive Indian preference must obtain a certification by the Indian preference office as a legitimate Indian-owned business prior to submission of the bids. This certification must be included with your RFP response.
The selection of the successful contractor and award of this project will be per the provisions of the CSKT Indian Preference Ordinance 101A. It is the sole responsibility of the bidder/respondent to obtain and provide proof of Indian Preference certification from the Indian Preference Office.
All proposals will become the property of the CSKT Early Childhood Services. The Tribes reserve the right to accept and reject and negotiate any element of any proposals received.
Wednesday, Sept. 25
Hear ye, hear ye calendar
Irrigators to meet
RONAN — The Flathead Irrigation District will hold their monthly meeting on Sept. 25, upstairs at the Mission West Community Development Partners building, 407 Main Street SW., at 1 p.m.
Participate in CSKT Tribal Health Harvest Fest
ELMO — The CSKT Tribal Health Harvest Fest will be held in Elmo at Ksanka Hall from 4:307:30 p.m. Come celebrate community at this family-friendly event that includes health education, games, fresh local produce, door prizes, and dry meat.
Meditation classes offered
ZOOM — Mission Mountain Zen is offering free online meditation classes. Join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesdays, for an online meditation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku, including meditation instruction, practice, and discussion via Zoom from 6-7:30 p.m. For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-721-0665 or email at: Jerry.Smyers@gmail. com.
Library’s Page Turner’s Club to meet
POLSON — On Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. The North Lake County Public Library’s Page Turner’s Youth Book Club will
meet in the Community Room to discuss this month’s book “OCDaniel” by Wesley King. Come pick up your FREE book then join us to discuss your favorite part and do an activity related to the title.
Thursday, Sept. 26
Fall tips to help your native pollinators and birds
KALISPELL — On Thursday, Sept. 26, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting at Lone Pine State Park, one of their September Speaker Series talks in the Visitor Center Conference Room from 7-7:45 p.m. Join us for an engaging session on how doing less in your garden can actually benefit native pollinators and birds. Learn about the Flathead Pollinator Initiative, get tips on fall
seeding, and hear from local participants about what’s working well in their pollinator gardens. After the talk, celebrate the success of local pollinator gardens with a pollinator party—refreshments will be served. Lone Pine State Park is 5 miles southwest of Kalispell. This event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited, so please register in advance by calling the Visitor Center at 406755-2706, ext. 0.
Mission Valley Choral practices begin
POLSON — The Mission Valley Choral Society’s practices begin on Thursday, Sept. 26, from 7-9 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church. The holiday concerts are scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 14, at the Mission in St. Ignatius and on Sunday, Dec. 15. At Good Shep-
herd Lutheran Church in Polson. The choir invites anyone who enjoys singing. Basses and baritones are especially needed. For information call 406-2613304 or 406-240-6103 or check out the MVCS website: missionvalleychoralsociety.org or Facebook page.
Montecahto Club co-sponsoring political forum
POLSON ¾ The Montecahto Club, Lake County Democrats and Lake County Republicans are cosponsoring a candidate forum on Thursday, September 26 at 5:30. The forum will be held at Montecahto Club at milepost 6 on Highway 35 north of Polson. Refreshments will be provided by the Montecahto Club. Please come to support our candidates and hear what they have to say
this meeting will be Vietnam veteran and author, David (Doc) Chung. He is a Veterans Service Officer for The Military Order of The Purple Heart, Department of Montana. He published a Memoir called “Face of The Enemy, An American Asian’s War in Vietnam and at Home.”
Donate to third annual ‘Stuff the Truck’ football event
about significant issues in our County and State. Call Craig McClure at 406-599-4087 with our questions.
Friday, Sept. 27
Join Parkinson’s Disease summit virtually, in person
KALISPELL/ZOOM ¾ A summit on Parkinson’s Disease will be held on Sept. 27 and 28 at the Red Lion Inn in Kalispell or virtually. Either way, register at: www.summitforparkinsons.org.
Vietnam vet, author to speak at Pachyderms’ meeting
POLSON — Our next Pachyderm meeting will be held on Friday, Sept. 27, at noon at the Polson Rural Fire Station.
Our guest speaker for
POLSON — Bring 2 or more non-perishable food items (per person) to the Friday, Sept. 27, football game between Polson and Columbia Falls to be played at 7 p.m. at the Pirate Stadium and Providence will cover your admission fee to the football game.
Saturday, Sept. 28
66th Annual Mission Valley Elks Golf Tournament held
POLSON — Register at the Polson Bay Golf Course as slots fill up fast for the Saturday, Sept. 28, golf event. Get your 2-person team registered now.
Flathead Lake State Park hosting guided hikes
KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting guided hikes at the Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park in Bigfork. These hikes will be Sept. 28, and Oct. 5 and feature an introduction to how the see page 27
MARTY HENSEL PHOTO
A pelican almost appears to be calling the attention of other pelicans as it spreads its wings for take off.
from page 26
forest recycles nutrients by decomposing various dead organisms. Each hike will be about one mile in length. Please bring weather-appropriate clothing, proper footwear, snacks, and a water bottle. These hikes are limited to 20 people and registration can be done by calling the Ranger Station at 406837-3041 ext. 0. The cost is $4 per participant, and free for kids 12 and under. For more information, call the park visitor center at 406-837-3041 ext. 0.
Tune up our trails on National Public Lands Day
KALISPELL — On
Saturday, Sept. 28, from 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. join us for National Public Lands Day and make a difference in our local trails. We’ll start at 8:30 a.m. at North Foy’s Lake Access, then divide into teams to tackle trail maintenance at Lone Pine State Park and Foys to Blacktail Trails. Enjoy a rewarding day of teamwork and outdoor service, with lunch provided at noon by the Kalispell Daybreak Rotary Club. Please register in advance so we can plan work teams and for lunch by calling 406-755-2706, ext. 0.
Adult book club begins at library
POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library is starting a new Book Club for Adults. “The Bookfest Club” will
meet Saturday, Sept. 28, at 10 a.m. to discuss this month’s selection, “West with Giraffes” by Lynda Rutledge. Please sign up for this event so we can plan accordingly.
Best food, wine party of the year held at FVCC
KALISPELL — Enjoy the best food and wine party, with a dozen local chefs and restaurants offering their best dishes and Summit Beverage offering impressive wines.
The Grand Wine Tasting is the place to bid on amazing auction packages. All proceeds benefit student scholarships. Go to: fvccedu/foundation or FVCC Facebook for details.
Enjoy free entry to Glacier Park
GLACIER PARK — In celebration of National Public Lands Day, entry to National Parks is free on Saturday, Sept. 28. For information on reservations, go to: nps.gov.
Sunday, Sept. 29
‘Hello Fall” concert welcomes you
POLSON ¾ Local musicians will gather in the warmth of community and the peace of Christ at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 409 Fourth Street, E, on Sunday, Sept. 29, from 2-3 p.m. Call 406-883-5864 with your questions.
public meetings
The Polson City Commission meets every first and third Mondays (Wednesday, if the Monday falls on a holiday) of the month at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 106 1st Street East. Meetings are open to the public.
St. Ignatius City Council meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 12 First Ave. 406- 745-3791
Ronan City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m., 207 Main Street SW, Ste A. 406-676-4231
Lake County Commissioners , 106 Fourth Ave. E, room 211, (Lake County Courthouse) 406-883-7278, Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-12 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
The Ronan School District No. 30 Board of Trustees have regularly scheduled board meetings once a month. They meet the second Monday of every month in the K. William Harvey Elementary Multi-Purpose Room. Regular meetings begin at 7 p.m.
The Polson School District No. 23 Board of Trustees have regularly scheduled board meetings once a month. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the District Office, 111 4th Ave. E, 406-883-6345.
The Charlo School District 7J B Board of Trustees have regularly scheduled meetings on the third Thursday of every month. Meetings are held in the school library, 404 1st Ave. W, and begin at 7 p.m. The phone number is 406-644-2206.
The Arlee School District No. 8 Board of Trustees hold regularly scheduled meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Arlee High School Library, 72220 Fyant Street, and begin at 6:30 p.m. The phone number is 406-726-3216.
Valley View Elementary is located at 42448 Valley View Road. The phone number is 406883-2208.
St. Ignatius School District No. 28 Board of Trustees meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the library, 76 Third Avenue. The phone number is 406-7453811.
September 25, 2024 - 27 Valley Journal
classifieds
Announcements
Special Notices
Switch and save up to $250/ year on your talk, text and data. No contract and no hidden fees. Unlimited talk and text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time offer - get $50 off on any new account. Use code GIFT50. For more information, call 1-877-324-0193
Connect to the best wireless home internet with EarthLink. Enjoy speeds from 5G and 4G LTE networks, no contracts, easy installation, and data plans up to 300 GB. Call 855-419-7978
Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-995-3572
Get your deduction ahead of the year-end! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous year-end tax credit. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-855901-2620 today!
Portable Oxygen Concentrator May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-762-1508
Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-601-2865
Employment
Help wanted
SECURITY OFFICER (1 OR MORE POSITIONS)
Various Locations TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
The successful applicant must have: A minimum of 2 years’ work experience in law enforcement/security or combination of training and experience where people skills, planning and coordination are required. Minimum of one year college course work preferred. Must be 21 years of age or over. Must complete/ pass background investigation. No felony convictions. No misdemeanor convictions in past year except minor traffic. Must possess a valid Montana driver’s license throughout employment. Must never have had a misdemeanor conviction involving child abuse, sexual offense, assault with a weapon, domestic abuse or violent crime against a person. Must have not had any record or history of drug abuse within the past five (5) years. Must not be subject of a current investigation involving criminal activities, including indictments. Must not have a driving while intoxicated or reckless driving conviction within the past three (3) years. Must not have been dismissed, or resigned from law enforcement work due to threat of disciplinary action that could result in termination of employment during the past three (3) years. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcript/degree, certifications, copy of valid driver’s license, if claiming Tribal preference, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This position is a Testing
Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy and subject to random drug testing. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is $16.84 - $19.35 per hour, 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 online at csktribes.org The closing date will be Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. (MST) CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.
BUSINESS OFFICE DIRECTOR - TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
St. Ignatius
The successful applicant must have a Bachelor’s Degree in healthcare, business administration or other relevant field. A minimum of ten (10) years’ operations and management experience. A minimum of five (5) years of management level experience in a health care field required. Five (5) years of general medical office billing and collections experience preferred. OR any relevant combination of education and experience totaling fifteen (15) years. Must have valid driver’s license. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcript/ degree, certifications, copy of valid driver’s license, if claiming Tribal preference, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This position is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy and subject to random drug testing. The successful applicant,
if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is $39.38 - $45.26 per hour, plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt.org. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. The closing date will be Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. (MST) CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. STAFF DENTIST
1 OR MORE POSITIONS TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
(ST. IGNATIUS, POLSON)
The successful applicant must have a degree in dentistry from an accredited school of dentistry. Must have a state license of dentistry. Valid driver’s license. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcript, certifications, proof of state licensure, a copy of valid driver’s license, if claiming Tribal preference, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is negotiable, may be employed under contract. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt.org. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. The closing date will be Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. (MST)
CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.
FITNESS CENTER OF-
FICE MANAGER - TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT
St. Ignatius
The successful applicant must have a high school diploma or equivalent. At least one year of office management or customer service experience. Knowledge of fitness center operations, preferred. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcripts and certifications. If claiming Tribal preference, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test, subject to random testing, and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is $16.89 - $19.41 per hour, 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 online at csktribes. org. The closing date will be Thursday, October 3, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. (MST) CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.
ATTENTION ALL WOODCUTTERS!
Get your chainsaws gassed up, and ready to saw, our woodcutting season for 20242025 is beginning and we are recruiting Sawyers who want to cut wood for CSKT elders at $275/cord.
If you are eager to help us out, please contact Shawn or Diane at 406-675-2700, ext. 1303/1317. We look forward to partnering with you.
REALTY TECHNICIAN/ TRAINING TO SPECIALIST TRIBAL LANDS DEPARTMENT
The successful applicant must have a high school diploma or equivalent, with education or training in realty or some other land-related field. Possession of, or eligibility for, a valid Montana motor vehicle operator’s license and be insurable under the Tribes’ insurance policy. Federal background check for access to the BIA TAAMS (Trust Asset Accounting Management System) and be willing to attend all required trainings in the TAAMS system. Some knowledge of land description and location techniques; some knowledge of land record filing systems used in the realty field; some knowledge of the legal documents used in trust and fee simple land transfers. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, other agencies, and the general public. Ability to read, understand and apply formal documents such as contracts, deeds, mortgages, court orders; ability to work out of doors and alone as required. Skill in operating office equipment, including computers, scanners, calculators, and copy machines. Skill in Excel for the reporting requirements of the position. High degree of skill in written and oral communication. All applicants must submit a Tribal application and copy of academic transcript and/ or training certificate, copy of 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. Salary range is $20.20 to $23.22 hour plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040. Tribal applications are also available on-line at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, October 3, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. The successful applicant, if not already employed by CSKT must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.
see page 30
classifieds
Farm/Ranch Animals
When veterinary care is unavailable or unaffordable, ask for Happy Jack® animal healthcare products for cats, dogs, & horses. At Tractor Supply® (www. happyjackinc.com).
Real Estate
Equal housing
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Montana Human Rights Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, familial status, physical or mental disability, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18.
This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD Toll-free at 1-800669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.
For Rent
RONAN DUPLEX RENTAL
2 bedroom 2 bath 1 car garage NO SMOKING NO PETS
Must have good credit & good rental references. First, last & damage deposit $1400. Per month. 406-253-6540
Property manager
Public Notices
already has the building design plans and is now looking for a contractor. Interested parties must register and attend the Pre-proposal Meeting on October 7th, 2024, at 1 pm. To register for the meeting, please visit https:// form.jotform.com/ 242084433678058. For further information, please contact sierra_mahseelah@skc.edu.
Sept. 25 and Oct. 2, 2024 MNAXLP
Salish Kootenai College is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to provide concrete foundation work. The project will involve laying concrete foundations at specified locations on campus. Deadline for proposals 10/7/2024. For further information and the RFP, please get in touch with sierra_mahseelah@- skc.edu
Sept. 25 and Oct. 2, 2024 MNAXLP
MISSION VALLEY POWER CONSUMER COUNCIL
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
The Superintendent of Flathead Agency is accepting letters of interest to serve on the Consumer Council for Mission Valley Power. The Consumer Council was created to provide power consumers with the opportunity to participate in the development of utility policy and to hear appeals and complaints brought by consumers. The Consumer Council was established under the authority of PL93-638, the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975.
There are three vacancies to be filled. The vacancies will be appointed as
Puzzle Answers
(From page 28)
a Lake County Representative, a Sanders County Representative, and a member-at-large. The Lake County and member-at-large appointees shall fill the positions until September 30, 2027. The Sanders County appointee shall fill the position until September 30, 2026. All appointees must reside within Mission Valley Power’s service area. The BIA Flathead Agency Superintendent will make the appointment.
The Flathead Agency Superintendent will accept letters of interest until the close of business on Thursday, October 24, 2024.
Submit letters of interest to: Cheryl Finley Flathead Agency Bureau of Indian Affairs PO Box 40 Pablo MT 59855
For more information, contact Cheryl Finley at (406) 675-2700, extension 1300.
Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 2024 MNAXLP
The following is the complete text of Constitutional Initiatives No. 126, No. 127, and No. 128, which will be submitted to the voters of the state of Montana at the November 5, 2024, General Election. The text is being published per the requirement of 1327-311, Montana Code Annotated.
THE COMPLETE TEXT OF CONSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVE NO. 126 (CI-126)
see page 31
Salish Kootenai College is seeking proposals for the construction of a new geothermal greenhouse. The college
public notices
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
NEW SECTION. Section 1. Article IV of The Constitution of the State of Montana is amended by adding a new section 9 that reads:
Section 9. Top-four primary election for certain offices. (1) As used in this section, the term “covered office” means the office of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, auditor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, state representative, state senator, United States representative, United States senator, and other offices as provided by law.
(2) The election for a covered office must consist of a primary election followed by a general election in which each of the four candidates for a covered office who receive the most votes in the primary election, and only those candidates, shall appear on the general election ballot.
(3) In an election for a covered office, the following conditions apply:
(a) All candidates, regardless of political party preference, affiliation, nomination or lack of political party preference, affiliation, or nomination shall appear on the same primary election ballot separated by office.
(b) Qualified electors, regardless of political party preference or affiliation or a lack thereof, may participate in the primary election for each covered office for which they are eligible to vote.
(c) Each qualified elector may vote
for no more than one candidate for each office in the primary election.
(d) If it cannot be determined which four candidates received the most votes in the primary election because two or more candidates are tied, the tie shall be broken as provided by law.
(e) If four or fewer candidates for a covered office qualify for the primary election ballot, a primary election is not required and all candidates shall appear on the general election ballot.
(f) A space for write-in candidates may appear on the primary election ballot as provided by law.
(g) A candidate may not be required to obtain the endorsement or nomination of any political party or organization in order to qualify for the primary election ballot.
(h) If the legislature requires candidates to obtain signatures to qualify for the primary election ballot, the number of signatures required may not exceed 5% of the total votes cast for the candidate elected for the same office in the last general election for that office.
(i) A candidate may choose to have displayed next to the candidate’s name on the ballot the candidate’s preference for a political party or that the candidate prefers no political party. The format options must be as follows: “Party Preference _________________” or “No Party Preference.”
(j) The ballot may not indicate that a candidate has been endorsed by or nominated by any political party.
(k) Each ballot must include a clear and conspicuous statement informing voters that a candidate’s indicated political party preference does not imply that the candidate is nominated
or endorsed by the political party or that the political party approves of or associates with the candidate.
(4) This section may not be construed to amend, repeal, or modify Article VI, section 2 of the Montana constitution.
(5) This section does not apply to special elections for covered offices.
NEW SECTION. Section 2. Severability. If a part of [this act] is invalid, all valid parts that are severable from the invalid part remain in effect. If a part of [this act] is invalid in one or more of its applications, the part remains in effect in all valid applications that are severable from the invalid applications.
NEW SECTION. Section 3. Effective date. [This act] is effective January 1, 2025.
NEW SECTION. Section 4. Applicability. [This act] applies to elections for covered offices as defined in [section 1] held on or after January 1, 2025.
THE COMPLETE TEXT OF CONSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVE NO. 127 (CI-127)
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
Section 1. Article IV, section 5 of The Constitution of the State of Montana is amended to read:
Section 5. Result of elections.
(1) As used in this section, the term “covered office” means the office of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, auditor, attorney general, superintendent of public instruction, state representative, state senator, United States representative, United States senator, and other offices as provided by law.
(2) In all elections held by the people
for an office other than a covered office, the person or persons receiving the largest number of votes shall be declared elected.
(3) In all elections held by the people for a covered office, the person receiving a majority of votes as determined as provided by law shall be declared elected. If it cannot be determined which person received a majority of votes because two or more persons are tied, the elected person shall be determined as provided by law.
NEW SECTION. Section 2. Severability. If part of [this act] is invalid, all valid parts that are severable from the invalid part remain in effect. If a part of [this act] is invalid in one or more of its applications, the part remains in effect in all valid applications that are severable from the invalid applications.
NEW SECTION. Section 3. Effective date. [This act] is effective January 1, 2025.
NEW SECTION. Section 4. Applicability. [This act] applies to elections held on or after January 1, 2025.
THE COMPLETE TEXT OF CONSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVE NO. 128 (CI-128)
Article II of The Constitution of The State of Montana is amended by adding a new section 36 that reads: Section 36. Right to make decisions about pregnancy.
(1) There is a right to make and carry out decisions about one’s own pregnancy, including the right to abortion. This right shall not be denied or burdened unless justified by a compelling government interest achieved by the least restrictive means.
(2) The government may regulate the provision of abortion care after fetal viability provided that in no circumstance shall the government deny or burden access to an abortion that, in the good faith judgment of a treating health care professional, is medically indicated to protect the life or health of the pregnant patient.
(3) The government shall not penalize, prosecute, or otherwise take adverse action against a person based on the person’s actual, poten-
tial, perceived, or alleged pregnancy outcomes. The government shall not penalize, prosecute, or otherwise take adverse action against a person for aiding or assisting another person in exercising their right to make and carry out decisions about their pregnancy with their voluntary consent.
(4) For the purposes of this section: (a) A government interest is “compelling” only if it clearly and convincingly addresses a medically acknowledged, bona fide health risk to a pregnant patient and does not infringe on the patient’s autonomous decision making. (b) “Fetal viability” means the point in pregnancy when, in the good faith judgment of a treating health care professional and based on the particular facts of the case, there is a significant likelihood of the fetus’s sustained survival outside the uterus without the application of extraordinary medical measures.
Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 9 and 23, 2024 MNAXLP
OVER 200 MONTANA FARMERS AND RANCHERS ENDORSE JON TESTER
JON TESTER DELIVERS FOR MONTANA FARMERS:
Jon knows the challenges facing farmers and ranchers because he is one. Whether he’s taking on boneheaded rules coming out of Washington or blocking our foreign adversaries from buying up American farmland, Jon Tester is willing to take on anyone to defend Montana farmers and ranchers.
“I am supporting Senator Tester for reelection. While we never agree with anyone 100%, Senator Tester has always been 100% for Montana agriculture, whether it’s support for H-2A workers or water systems repair along the Montana Hi-Line with the St. Mary’s river project. As the only farmer in the United States Senate, he has my vote!”
— HANS MCPHERSON
a diversified farmer from Stevensville, Montana and the former president of the Montana Farm Bureau Federation.
“Jon has been a great advocate for American agriculture and our freedom to operate. He opposed regulations like mandatory EID tags and WOTUS, and he has been fighting Brazilian and Paraguayan beef and our foreign adversaries buying our land. He’s working to increase competition and transparency in our markets and reauthorize Country of Origin Labeling. And he has done all of this by working across the aisle with our Republicans.”
— LEO MCDONNELL
a rancher from Columbus running the Midland Bull Test and ranching primarily in Montana and North Dakota. He has also held leadership positions in several state and national cattle associations.
“I know how hard Montana farmers and ranchers work to grow the best food in the world. That’s why I’ll take on anyone who threatens our Montana way of life.”
— JON TESTER
U.S. SENATOR AND FARMER FROM BIG SANDY, MONTANA
“Over the years, I have worked with Jon on issues important to agriculture and to Montana. He’s delivered for farmers on the northern border, on disaster relief, and on keeping steppedup basis. Jon is Montana raised and educated with Montana values and is working tirelessly for all Montanans.”
— GORDON STONER
a fourth-generation durum and pulse farmer from Outlook, Montana and the former president of the National Association of Wheat Growers.
Senate Passes Tester Amendment to Protect U.S. Farmland from Foreign Adversaries
Tester, Cassidy, Grassley, Thune hold China accountable, level playing field for American farmers
3/30/2022
“Montana’s farmers grow the best