09-28-22 issue

Montana’s first cooperative brewery celebrates its second year

sion.

RONAN — On Friday, Sept. 23, the Ronan Cooperative Brewery celebrated its second anniversary since the community came together to open its doors in the midst of a pandemic.

The street closure celebration was combined with this year’s Oktoberfest and head brewer Jim Myers brought out some special beers to mark the occa

To celebrate Oktoberfest, the brewery put their Celestial Sea Marzen - their take on the traditional holiday beer - on tap, along with their Eventide Czech Amber Lager. As autumn goes on, they’ll be bringing back their Stout, award-winning Mud Lake Dunkles Bock and Schwartz Lake Schwarzbier as well. Myers said there’s more to come as the holidays approach.

“When we first started, we

knew we were opening in a town that drinks a lot of domestic beer. We kind of assumed that most of our clientele would be IPA drinkers. … We were wrong. And I’m really happy to be wrong about that,” Myers laughed. “A lot of what we’re making are these European la gers that you’re just not going to get in a lot of other places. One thing I hear when I talk to other brewers down in Missoula is some of them are kind of just

downright jealous of us getting to do this.”

With popular classic rock performed live by local musician Tommy Edwards Sr. and food provided by the Super Gyro truck visiting from Polson, the street and brewery were packed with visitors out to celebrate the brewery’s second year in busi ness. Having opened their doors in 2020, it wasn’t always easy going for the Co-op.

Story & Photos by Taylor Davison Valley Journal

from page 1

“You have to get a couple years under your belt before you’re making money,” events coordinator Eric Brunet explained. “When I first started there as a server, we were steady, but at the end of every month when we’d do the board meetings and get the report from Monty, our treasurer, we were still losing money. We’d be lucky if we were close to breaking even.”

Word spread, however, when the Co-op started to win medals for their brews.

At the North American Brewers Association Confer ence, Ronan brought home

bronze for their Schwarzbier, and silver for their Dunkles Bock. At the Montana Brew Fest in Great Falls, they won gold for both their Dunkles Bock and Kolsch.

“From the exposure we’ve gotten with the awards and Jim just really getting his brewing skills to such an ex ceptional level, word has got

ten out more and more and we’ve gotten busier. I try to line up as many diverse events as we possibly can to keep it going,” Brunet commented.

Thanks to the combined ef fort of the brewery team and board, the monthly net sales board inside the taproom has shown they’ve beaten their goal of $20,000 for three

months in a row.

“When we started this whole project, the idea was the brewery being a little bit of a hub in town for all kinds of different groups to meet at,” Myers said. “Our street closures have done really well, and Eric’s done a wonderful job of getting all kinds of different events in here over the last year. It’s been nice to see people who want to come have a couple beers or some root beer and chill out in a relaxed environment.”

True to its mission of con tributing to the community, the brewery’s street closure events have included a fire department fundraiser, teach er appreciation, pollinator

week, a local car show, and a fundraiser for the Western Montana Musician’s Co-op.

“It’s always such an enthu siastic response by the com munity,” Brunet said. “We’re moving forward. Jim just needs to keep making great beer and I just need to keep lining up cool events. As long as we’re showing marked im provement from the previous year … we’re moving in the right direction.”

“Thanks to the community for all its support,” Myers added. “I look forward to all the coming years of getting to serve the community and provide high quality beer for high quality beer lovers.”

“

As long as we’re showing marked improvement from the previous year ... we’re moving in the right direction.”

- Eric Brunet

Monday

Tuesday

contents

Boone Goddard

Advertising Sales, Owner (406) 249-1728 boone@valleyjournal.net

Taylor Davison

Editor

(406) 676-8989 vjeditor@valleyjournal.net

Summer Goddard

Publisher, Owner (406) 249-1793 summer@valleyjournal.net

Jerry Beeks

Advertising Sales (406) 207-4641 jbeeks@ronan.net

Journal

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

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,

final light

And find us online for more photos, videos, breaking news and special sections!

www.valleyjournal.net

Kathi Beeks

Office Manager, Copy Editor (406) 676-8989 vjmail@valleyjournal.net news@valleyjournal.net

Ben Stone

Media Production (406) 676-8989 ben@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 2022, 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.

Ronan local files as write-in candidate for county commissioner

By Kristi Niemeyer for the Valley Journal

LAKE COUNTY — Paul Guenzler, a Ronan-area cattle rancher and chair man of the Flathead Irrigation District, filed Sept. 2 as a write-in candidate for District 2 county commissioner, just four days shy of the filing deadline of Sept. 6. Although his name won’t appear on the November ballot, he’s running against incumbent Steve Stanley.

Guenzler made the move after a con tentious town hall meeting on Aug. 30 between county commissioners and irri gators, who were largely opposed to the commissioners’ resolution to quit billing, collecting and dispersing operation and maintenance fees for the Flathead Irri gation Project.

That resolution, which would have gone into effect for the 2022 tax year, was amended a week later to take effect in 2023. In the meantime, commission ers and irrigators vowed to seek a legal opinion from the state attorney general on who is responsible for collecting the fees, and to streamline the process.

Guenzler acknowledges that the com missioners’ resolution partly spurred his decision to file for office. Collecting irri gation fees “is something the county has

been doing for 90-some years,” he says. The decision to quit doing so “might have swayed me in to moving forward” with his candidacy, “but it’s not my only thing.”

He also believes farmers and ranchers need more of a voice on the three-mem ber commission. “I just think agriculture is a big part of the Mission Valley, and it would good to have more representation on the commission board,” he says.

Guenzler is serving his third four-year term with the Flathead Irrigation Dis trict. He runs a cow-calf operation west of Ronan on the same land his great grandparents homesteaded in 1910.

“I thought I had a lot to offer as an independent business person who’s been ranching all my life.”

Guenzler notes that he and another Flathead Irrigation District commis sioner have been working with the Con federated Salish and Kootenai Tribes toward a joint management agreement for the Flathead Indian Irrigation Proj ect. He describes the conversations so far as “exciting and hopeful,” and believes his efforts to forge an agreement with the Tribes could be a plus for the county commission.

“We can both win – we’ve just got to work together,” he says. “I have experi

ence in that and an open mind to help get us moving in that direction.”

Guenzler also voices concerns about the influx of newcomers to the Mission Valley, and the impacts of growth on lo cal communities.

“We’ve had a lot of people moving in because they like what’s here,” he says. “One of my concerns is to do the best we can to try to retain the values our com

munity has had.”

He realizes that filing as a write-in candidate will be a handicap in the gen eral election, especially since his name won’t appear on the ballot, but remains committed to campaigning.

“I’m really serious or I wouldn’t have gone in and done it,” he says of filing for the commission seat. “I think I have a lot to offer to the people I would represent.”

S E P T E M B E R I S H E A L T H Y A G I N G M O N T H

SEPTEMBER IS HEALTHY AGING MONTH

We all want our health to last and planning plays a big role in making that happen. In honor of Healthy Aging Month, take a minute to schedule your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. This proactive discussion with your provider allows you to review the state of your current health and plan for your future wellbeing. Don't let your care needs fall behind due to COVID

We all want our health to last - and planning plays a big role in making that happen. In honor of Healthy Aging Month, take a minute to schedule your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit. This proactive discussion with your provider allows you to review the state of your current health and plan for your future wellbeing. Don’t let your care needs fall behind due to COVID. Keep them on track by scheduling your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit today!

Keep them on track by scheduling your Medicare Annual Wellness Visit today!

Schedule with your provider or visit stlukehealthcare org to learn more ValleySchedule with your provider or visit stlukehealthcare.org to learn more.

COURTESY PHOTO

Polson City Commission discusses changes

By Kristi Niemeyer For the Valley Journal

POLSON — The Polson City Commission approved modest increases in park-use and golfing fees for the com ing year during its regular meeting Sept. 9. The only sig nificant hike was for golf-cart storage, which jumped 20%.

Parks and Recreation direc tor Pat Nowlen told commis sioners that city parks were bursting at the seams this summer, with use of the picnic shelters almost doubling from 2021. “People were definitely out there recreating more,” he said.

Groups wanting to reserve shelters at Boettcher and Riverside Park will see a $5 increase for the most popular picnic areas, with higher rates for weekend reservations.

At Polson Bay Golf Course, the season pass went up $35 to $750 for adults. According to Nowlen, fees are slightly more than Larchmont in Missoula and Mission Mountain in Ronan, and considerably less than Canyon River in Missou la and Whitefish Lake Golf Club in the Flathead Valley.

“Our goal is to sit in the middle,” Nowlen said.

In other business:

- The commission unani mously denied a request for a zoning variance from home owner Dana Deranleau, who had sought permission to add a storage shed to his property on 5th Ave. E. An aging rel ative is planning to move to Polson, and he hoped to build an above-ground shed, mea suring 60-by-20 feet, to store her possessions. He purchased the property in 1977 with a 900-square-foot house, and has since added an expansive porch area, a 30-by-30-foot garage, and a tool shed.

During a public hearing pri or to the commission meeting, city planner Rob Edington explained the planning staff’s recommendation to deny the variance. The area is currently zoned for 40% land cover age and Deranleau’s existing

structures already exceed that allowance. Even though sever al other landowners in the area have also exceeded the cover age limits, he noted that such issues should be addressed by a change in zoning regulations rather than a variance.

“This is a lovely property, one of my favorite in Polson,” said commissioner Carolyn Pardini of the hacienda-style house. “But I think it’s really important to keep lot cover age down. The biggest reason is storm drainage – the more concrete you put down and the more coverage there is, the less percolation you have.”

Prior to voting against the variance, commission Laura Dever urged Deranleau to work with the planning de partment to come up with a more acceptable solution.

“I respect everybody’s de

cision,” said Deranleau. “It is a little out of compliance, but I’m just trying find a happy medium.”

- Mayor Eric Huffine and commissioners Pardini and Tony Isbell reported receiving calls from several area contrac tors concerned about a recent change in the Polson building code.

“I’ve received about six phone calls on that from elec tricians and mechanical guys on how are we ever going to get the parts and pieces,” said Huffine.

City manager Ed Meece said the order, which he had signed in June, reflected changes in the state building code. “My understanding is we don’t have any choice in that matter,” he said. “We can’t have a building inspection program under the state of Montana and not follow state code.”

Isbell expressed his ongoing concern about the lack of af fordable housing in Polson and its impact on businesses’ ability to hire employees. By making building codes more complex, “It’s almost like we’re fighting one side against the other,” he added.

- City finance director Kim

Daines calls out credit card CEOs

authority over the affairs of American businesses.

U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve Daines called out the CEOs of Visa, Mastercard, and American Express for agreeing to adopt a separate category of transactions for gun shops making it easier to track and report gun sales. The CEOs decision came at the recommen dation of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), which has no

“…This decision, which is already being hailed by radical anti-gun activists, is the first step towards backdoor gun control on law abiding Americans. Any change that seeks to impact a United States citizen’s ability to legally purchase a firearm belongs with Congress, not payment networks, international standard setting organizations, or the financial in

stitutions that some of you serve,” Daines wrote.

“To be perfectly clear, your hand is not being forced. Creating a new merchant code for gun transactions is a choice being made by each of your companies. You are choosing the side of gun control advocates over the privacy and Second Amendment rights of millions of law-abid ing Americans. You are choosing to insert yourselves into this political debate –

Sassaman offered a report on the Tax Increment Finance (TIF) district, outlining the funds awarded for five projects in FY2022. Approximately $1,035,000 remains in the fund, which is overseen by the Polson Redevelopment Agen cy.

- Meece noted that Tyler Baker, a Salish Kootenai Col lege grad who has served as a management intern for the city for the past year, was hired as special projects manager. His duties include overseeing communications and social media, updating the website, and authoring press releases, in addition to working with the water and sewer department.

- Longtime citizen watch dog Lee Mannicke pointed out that a portrait of Polson’s first female mayor, Norene Mosely, who served from 1971-’77, was tucked under a table in the commission cham ber, apparently due to some construction in the hallway.

“I think she should go back, in due respect, rather have her resting under a table,” he said. Similarly, he suggested a plaque bearing the names of former mayors be rescued from its spot under the table, updat ed and rehung.

which should only be fought at the ballot box and in Congress – and in doing so you are making clear that you are more than unbiased network operators seeking to maximize value for your customers and shareholders. You have become antigun activists yourselves, wittingly or not ...”

Senator Daines’ entire letter can be read at: https://www.daines.senate.gov/ imo/media/doc/V-M-Amex-Letter-onGun-Merchant-Code.pdf

“

I think it’s really important to keep lot coverage down. The biggest reason is storm drainage.

- Commissioner Carolyn Pardini

News from the Office of Senator Daines

Tester discusses recently passed bill

By Taylor Davison Valley Journal

MONTANA — In a press call on Sept. 22, Senator Tester explained the recently passed Infla tion Reduction Act and in what way it would benefit Montanans.

“This is fiscally respon sible legislation that will benefit Montanans now and into the future. By paying down our national debt across the board, we’ll provide working families with real relief and ease inflation rate pressures for the long term,” Tester stated.

The funding for the

financial benefits, he went on, will impact taxes for average Montanans, but will instead impact bil lion-dollar companies. This is done through the creation of a 15% corpo rate minimum tax rate for corporations creating at least $1 billion in income. Stock buybacks by corpo

rations will also face a 1% excise tax. The IRS will also receive an investment of $80 billion over the next 10 years to put toward tax enforcement.

“We have a number of billion-dollar companies in this country that pay zero, nothing in taxes. That’s not really right. So this is just

going to hold folks ac countable and I just think it’s the right thing to do,” Tester said.

Additionally, one of the most significant measures taken by the bill is capping the prices of certain med ications, including insulin at $35. While the original draft of this bill proposed this cap be put into place for everyone, what was passed was a cap only for seniors on Medicare.

Medicare recipients will have a $2000 cap on annu al out-of-pocket prescrip tion drug costs starting in 2025. This is something Tester stated he is working to expand upon.

The subsidies of the Af fordable Care Act (ACA) that lower medical insur ance premiums were also given an extension with this bill. Instead of expir ing at the end of this year, the subsidies will remain in place through 2025.

Finally, the bill will also invest in climate protec tion, including tax credits for families to offset ener gy costs and investments in clean energy produc tion.

Although supporters of the bill, including Senator Tester, have stated the bill will improve inflation rates, some studies have shown it is unlikely to

have an impact on infla tion. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO), which provides budget and economic information to Congress, estimates that the bill will have a “negli gible effect on inflation” in 2022 and 2023. However, they also estimate the bill will decrease the federal deficit by over $100 billion over the next decade.

“This is the greatest country on earth because everybody’s worked to gether to make it that way,” Tester stated. “We all have to pay our fair share, not too much but not too little either. (This bill is) how it’s going to do it.”

“

We have a number of billion-dollar companies that pay zero, nothing in taxes. That’s not really right.”

- Senator Tester

MT Supreme Court affirms decision enjoining restrictive voting laws

News from Rylee SommersFlanagan, Upper Seven Law

HELENA — The Montana Supreme Court has upheld an earlier ruling prohibit ing Montana Secretary of State Christi Ja cobsen from enforcing several election-related bills enacted last year, including House Bill 176, which eliminated election day registra tion, and Senate Bill 169, which complicated voter-ID requirements and excluded student ID from a newly created primary ID category.

Youth Plaintiffs - Montana Youth Ac tion, Forward Montana Foundation, and Mon tana Public Interest Research Group argued that these laws uncon stitutionally restrict young Montanans’ right to vote and cumulatively impose an even greater burden on young voters.

The Montana Su preme Court’s Wednes day decision affirmed the Thirteenth Judicial District preliminary injunction of the chal lenged laws through until a final decision on the merits is issued.

As a result, House Bill 176 and Senate Bill 169 will remain enjoined until the district court issues a new decision. In August, the parties litigated a two-week bench trial, presenting

more than two dozen witnesses and hundreds of pages of evidence about the impact of the challenged laws. If the final ruling permanently enjoins the laws, the November general elec tion will operate under the election laws that governed Montana be fore the 2021 legislative session.

The Court found that Plaintiffs had shown, as an initial matter, that the laws unconstitution ally burden Montanans’ fundamental right to vote, which “is perhaps the most foundational of our Article II rights and stands, undeniably, as the pillar of our par ticipatory democracy.”

Citing testimony “that illuminated the extent of the asserted injury to the fundamental right to vote,” the Court de ferred to the trial court’s findings that young people would face, “additional hoops” that “‘will raise the cost of voting’ in a way that is ‘unique to young voters given their mobility and the fact that they are less likely to possess the primary forms of ID and the forms that must be presented in addition to the student ID.’” The Court noted the Sec retary failed to present evidence of voter fraud generally in Montana and could not show the laws in question

supported the interest in ensuring voter con fidence in the electoral process.

“Ultimately, the Dis trict Court found that SB 169 targets one class of voters, young people, and students from outof-state in particular. The Secretary failed to present sufficient evidence to rebut Ap pellees’ prima facie case that SB 169 would dis proportionately impact and violate their right to vote.”

Similarly, the Court wrote, “HB 176’s elim ination of EDR un deniably narrowed the late registration period previously available to — and well-used by — Montana voters since 2005.” The district court’s finding that the law unconstitutionally “burdens the funda mental right to vote by eliminating a widely used and relied on vot ing option” was not clear error.

“This is a victory for Montana voters and es pecially for students and young Montanans more broadly,” said Hunter Losing, Executive Di rector of MontPIRG. “Young people use Elec tion Day Registration at twice the rate of older Montanans. We will be working hard for great turnout in November.”

“Democracy has won today. We are proud

to be fighting for an election system that facilitates voting, rather than burdening it,” said Kiersten Iwai, Executive Director at Forward Montana Foundation.

“Young people are the voice of the future. Vot ing is our megaphone. We could not be happi er with the Court’s de cision today,” said Isaac Nehring, Founder of Montana Youth Action.

The Secretary did not appeal the injunctions of House Bill 530, which banned paid ballot collection, and House Bill 506, which prevented newly-18year-old voters from accessing ballots. As a result, both laws have been enjoined since April. In July, House Bill 506 was perma nently enjoined when the trial court ruled that it “arbitrarily subjects a subgroup of the elector ate to different require ments and irrationally forecloses an avenue of voting available to all others in the electorate.”

The Secretary of State has not yet appealed that decision.

A copy of the Mon tana Supreme Court’s decision is attached with a copy of this re lease.

About Upper Seven Law: Upper Seven Law is a Montana-based nonprofit law firm ded

icated to holding the powerful accountable. Based on the belief that creativity and innova tion in law are essential to advancing social jus tice and public interest objectives, Upper Seven takes smart risks and in vests the time necessary to build foundations for long-term accountabil ity work. Rylee Som mers-Flanagan and Niki Zupanic of Upper Seven Law and Ryan Aikin of Aikin Law Office repre sent youth plaintiffs.

About Youth Plain tiffs:

Montana Youth Ac tion empowers youth in Big Sky Country to make a difference through politics, civics, and service to com munities in Montana.

Montana Youth Action has middle and high school student chapters across the state.

Forward Montana Foundation educates, engages, and organizes young Montanans to shape their democracy to improve their lives and the lives of their fellow Montanans.

The Montana Pub lic Interest Research Group (MontPIRG) is a student directed and funded nonpartisan organization dedicated to effective, tangible, positive change through education and empow ering the next genera tion of civic leaders.

Fire managers lift fire restrictions

News from the CSKT Division of Fire

RONAN — Effective immediately, fire manag ers across the Flathead Indian Reservation have rescinded Stage I Fire Restrictions. Wide spread precipitation has lowered the fire danger to Moderate and has provided much needed relief for firefighters across western Mon tana. While fire dan ger has lessened, fire season in the Northern Rockies in not over.

Debris burning is closed until Oct. 1. By then, weather conditions will provide more secu rity against the chance of burning debris piles escaping. Typically, the end of September marks the end of fire season, and when open burning is traditionally opened.

With restrictions lifted, please keep the following in mind:

- Never leave a fire unattended until it is cold to the touch.

- When debris burning opens, make sure to keep plenty of water and sufficient personnel, tools, and equipment ready in case of unex pected changes in fire behavior.

- Light the fire only when you have an update on safe weather and safe burning condi tions (e.g. winds calm, weather cool).

- When possible, make plans to re-pile debris as material is consumed. This will allow the fire to burn out as quickly as possible.

- Stay with your fire. Be prepared to put your fire out if it becomes difficult to manage.

Government docs available at library

News from the North Lake County Public Library

POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library has government documents available to take home: buying a used car; get ting out of debt; debt collection FAQs; retire ment planning; avoid ing foreclosure. These documents are between the paperbacks and the magazine section at the back of the library.

VA extends eligibility for legacy veterans and family caregivers

U.S. SENATE — Following sustained efforts from Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee

Chairman Jon Tester, the De partment of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced on Sept. 15 it will extend Program of Com prehensive Assistance for Fam ily Caregivers (PCAFC) eligi bility for certain veterans and their family caregivers through Sept. 30, 2025. The Senator re leased the following statement:

“This is great news for vet erans and their caregivers who can breathe easy knowing they will keep receiving the critical support they need and deserve under VA’s Caregiver Program. While there’s still work to be

done, the Biden Administra tion’s swift action will ensure legacy veterans and their care givers are not discharged from a program that has made a difference for so many.”

Under the Trump Admin istration, VA defied Congress and the concerns of veterans and caregivers by enacting regulations that narrowed the Program’s eligibility to veterans with a 70 percent or higher service-connected dis ability rating, and those with an inability to perform an activity of daily living without assistance each and every time the activity occurs. This led to thousands of veterans and caregivers across the country, including Montana, receiving notifications they were to be

discharged from the pro gram, and leaving many more concerned that eligibility re quirements and reassessments would be used to discharge them from the program in the future. If fully enacted, these new regulations would have led to an estimated 90 percent of post-9/11 veterans losing their eligibility for the program.

In response to the Trump Administration’s restrictive regulations, Tester raised concerns and urged Secretary McDonough to reconsider the Department’s tightened eligibility and delayed roll-out of the Caregivers Program.

Following Tester’s push, Mc Donough announced sweeping changes to the program earlier this year. At a Committee

oversight hearing in March, Tester called on VA Secretary Denis McDonough to revise the Program’s eligibility re quirements and reform the reassessment processes to ensure the Caregivers Pro gram is meeting the intent of Congress. The Senator also led a bipartisan push in April, urg ing transparency and updated guidance on the Department’s recent changes to the Program.

Tester led the fight for years to expand the Caregivers Pro gram to veterans of all eras— successfully including language in the bipartisan VA MIS SION Act of 2018. The Biden Administration’s expansion of eligibility to all veterans under this program will be imple mented on Oct. 1 of this year.

MATT ROSENDALE IS FIGHTING FOR MONTANA

Introduced legislation to help restore America’s energy independence.

Voted against Biden’s irresponsible spending package

Opposed vaccine mandates.

Fought to protect our 2nd Amendment rights.

Worked to secure our Southern Border.

dark get don’ t left in the

Protect all Montanans’ right to vote

Defend our constitutional right to privacy and government accountability

Strengthen public schools and funding

Advocate for sustainable economic growth

VOTE Shirley Azzopardi candidate for House District 93

Paid for by Shirley for Montana, PO Box 287, Ronan, MT 59864 Jan Tusick, Treasurer AZZOPARDI FOR HD93

Paid for by Matt Rosendale for Montana

News from the office of Senator Tester

valley views

Ye thorn in our language

Would it sur prise you to find out that language is interesting to me? The combination of sounds and written symbols we use to convey ideas and concepts to one another is a source of endless fascination. Language’s intricate web of meaning is constantly shifting and evolving with our culture. This process brings new elements in, and in turn, discards others. Today, let’s give attention to one such long abandoned feature of the English language, the “thorn.”

English is a bit of a bizarre tongue, taking influence from a wide range of other languages. Originating as a west ern Germanic language, the “thorn” was brought to the British Isles by Anglo-Saxon migrants from the fifth to seventh centuries. Isolated from similar languages derived mainland Europe by the

English Channel, the language began to evolve on its own. Over time early English began to displace the Celtic lan guages that had been dominant in the British Isles. For roughly 200 years, En glish made use of the runic alpha bet with as many as 33 characters.

DONE that ben there

Ben Stone Media Production, Valley Journal

Irish mis sionaries who were fluent in Latin introduced the use of the Latin alphabet to write English. Slowly this method won out, replacing the older runic scripts. However, two runic characters remained in use while the rest of the old characters were systematically phased out. One of these two runic letters was the “thorn.” The letter appeared sim

Town Pump Challenge

It has been an incred ible two and a half years. Thanks to the ded ication and flexibility of our volunteers, the Polson Loaves & Fish Pantry, Inc. was able to stay open throughout the pandem ic. The support from our community and outside

our community has been constant and generous. We all thank you. The past months have brought new challenges. As prices on everything have risen, more and

ilar to a lowercase b with an extended line down wards, like this: þ. This character represented the same sound as the mod ern digraph “th.” Thus, to write the word “the” in these older versions of English one would simply add the letter “e” after the “thorn.”

While writing remained largely done by hand, having these unique characters in addition to the Latin alphabet presented no is sue. However, this would change with the inven tion of movable type.

In mainland Europe, starting in the late 1400s, new methods of industrial printing were emerging after the break through invention of

the Gutenberg printing press. These faster, more modern ways of copying written text proliferated in many of the neighbor ing countries. English printers imported most of the early sets of move able type from foundries in The Netherlands and Denmark. The Dutch and the Danes both used the Latin alphabet which made their letters compatible with English. However, these Euro pean languages didn’t use the “thorn”, which was the only runic letter left in common use by the 1500s. Thus, printers looked for a substitute character among the Lat in letters and eventually settled on the letter “y.” Combining this substi tute character with “e” to make “the” created the infamous “ye.” So, the correct pronunciation of this strange word is just “the.”

This “y” remained

in use for a couple of hundred years. The first printing of the King James Bible used this y substitute method, but this was changed in sub sequent editions. Today, the use of “ye” is classified as pseudo-archaic; used to make things appear older than they really are. However, there is one place where the “thorn” remains in common use: Iceland. The Icelandic language is the only one in the world to retain the use of this special letter in its modern form. “Thorn” is the 30th char acter of their 32-letter alphabet which mixes Latin characters with ru nic ones.

So, the next time you see a sign evoking a bit of medieval flare using “ye,” you will know where this quirky feature originated from and the fascinating way our language has evolved over the years. In addition to this, I hope

you will remember how to pronounce it ye correct way.

LETTER POLICY

Letters to the editor are welcome. The con tent is the opinion of the letter writer and not the newspaper. The de cision to publish letters is made by the editor.

Letters regarding candidates in the Nov. 8 midterm election will not be printed after the Oct. 26 issue in or der 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-promo tional or of limited interest to the general readership. Space limitations also dictate when or if letters are published.

Valley Views

more of our neighbors are needing help. This summer our storage room looked like Mother Hub bard’s cup board, due to supply chain issues. This has eased considerably as

we have been able to pur chase more shelf stable food from Montana Food Bank Network at whole sale prices. Perishable foods such as bread, eggs, and margarine we buy lo cally. Our bills are higher, but we are able to get foods to distribute. We

would also like to thank all our local growers as they have contributed a lot of fresh produce and fruit for distribution.

Letters must be signed by the author and name, address and phone number must be included – phone num ber is for verification purposes only. Letters from organizations must include the name of at least one author.

With 1 in 9 Montan ans (1in 6 children) expe riencing food insecurity the Town Pump is ready

Mary Martin Polson Loaves & Fish Pantry see page 11

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.

challenge

from page 10 letters

to roll up their sleeves and work with us to raise the needed funds. This year marks 21 years since the Town Pump Charita ble Foundation began the annual campaign to raise funds for Montana food banks.

Our pantry alone served 722 households from Sept. 1, 2021 – Sept. 1, 2022, of those we served 1,971 Household Members, and of those, 707 were first time clients. Just to give you an idea of the age range we serve, 1,039 Adults, 249 Seniors, and 683 children.

Town Pump Char itable Foundation

“Be a Friend in Deed, Help those In Need” campaign started Sept.1 and runs through Nov. 30. The

Town Pump team has set a goal this year of collecting $500,000 in donations statewide for their food bank partners. This year Town Pump is work ing with 107 food bank partners who are each given a goal. This year our goal is $15,000 that they will match. We depend on this campaign, grants, and other donations for all of our fund ing through the year. Our pantry is totally staffed by volunteers, but we have the usual power, water, gas, and insurance bills like everyone. You help us keep our doors open. We can still use you paper egg cartons, and grocery store bags, both plastic and paper. Thank you so much for your won derful support of the pantry and our neigh bors!

vj

Elephant in the womb

Editor, There’s an el ephant in the womb. Montana Senator Steve Daines co-signed S. Carolina Sena tor Lindsey Gra ham’s proposed bill for a national abortion ban.

Traditionally the Republican party has stated they are for indi vidual rights, and has supported keeping power in the state govern ment rather than in federal laws. Apparently these stances have flipped. This is no lon ger your father’s Republican par ty. My mother, who would be over 100 if she were still alive, would no longer

recognize it as her Republican party. That’s the elephant in the room, or the womb in this case; the obvious situation being ignored that a drastic change has happened to a traditional political party that used to be respected. The symbol of the Republican party is the ele phant, and I want it to stay out of the wombs of Montana women.

Brancati Big Arm

Thanks for care

Editor,

When I signed up, I was asked to fill out a form and given a scan tag. The form stated the rules

As an older person recovering from a difficult back surgery, I did the physical therapy at St. Luke’s where I got excellent care. Then I continued to use their ma chines to build back arm and leg muscles. Fortu nately, I get mas sage work done by Sheri Todd on Cold Creek Lane in her wonderful yurt. She recom mended the Trib al Health Fitness Center here in St. Ignatius. I checked it out and they did have the machine I needed for re sistance to build muscle back. It is only $20.00 a month for senior citizens, and I don’t have to buy gas to run to Ronan so often.

that I would not use bad language, I would dress ap propriately, clean my own machine and treat others with dignity and respect. Their staff also cleans the machines. The flat screen TV makes the workouts go much faster. Thank you for having this won derful resource in our community.

LaVonne Olmsted St. Ignatius

106 4th Ave. W. Polson

Cute 4 bedroom 2 bath home on two lots in the heart of Polson. Walking distance to all of Polson’s downtown shops and festivities. Oversize double garage with additional workshop and storage space. Great views of the lake, borders the city park and just 100 yards from the waters edge.

Mature trees, new composite deck, with a 20ft awning, and a large RV pad with hookups. $525,000 Shown by appointment only.

Call Klint at (406) 849-1398 for more information.

Stephanie

sports

Polson, Charlo & Mission celebrate homecomings

BOB GUNDERSON PHOTO

Jarrett Wilson and Clara Todd were crowned homecoming king and queen during halftime at the Sept. 23 homecoming football game.

BOB GUNDERSON PHOTO

Above : Dawson Dumont catches a pass during the Sept. 23 Pol son homecoming football game against the Libby Loggers. The Pirates defeated the Loggers 49-0. Left : Polson Pirate quarter back Jarrett Wilson throws a pass.

BOB GUNDERSON PHOTO

BOB GUNDERSON PHOTO

Corbin Carlson marches in full Pirate gear during Polson’s home coming parade.

BOB GUNDERSON PHOTO

Polson Lady Pirate Grace Simonich makes a kill during the Sept. 24 homecoming volleyball game. The Lady Pirates claimed a straight set victory over the Browning Indians and are now 5-0 in conference play, 6-2 overall.

Meet.

Yara

This is Yara. She is a 1 yr old Husky/Eskimo dog mix. She is super sweet and has a lot of energy. She is good with cats, kids, and male dogs.

883-8970

Crow Canyon Farm Pumpkin Patch

Come pick your special pumpkin 50¢/lb.

Sweet pie Pumpkins $4 each

Fresh garlic $8/lb or $5 for 1/2 lb

Onions $1/lb (yellow, purple, Walla Walla) Cantaloupe & watermelon as available OpeningOct.1-31

427 7th Ave. NW, Ronan 406-207-7647

MICHELLE SHARBONO PHOTO

Sidney Bauer and Keaton Piedalue are Charlo’s 2022 homecoming king and Queen.

BOONE GODDARD PHOTO

Charlo football players pose for a photo following the Sept. 23 game.

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL

Bryce Umphrey and Kooper Page were crowned 2022 homecoming king and queen for the Mission Bulldogs during the Sept. 23 homecoming football game. (See more homecoming, sports photos on next page.)

sports

BOB GUNDERSON PHOTO

Polson soccer player Anthony Lichtenberg makes a header during the Sept. 20 game against Columbia Falls.

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL

Above and below : Young Mission students demonstrate Bulldog school pride as they ride in last Friday’s homecoming parade.

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL

The Mission Bulldogs defeated the Victor Pirates 65-6 during the Sept. 23 home coming football game.

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL

DAVID W. KING PICTURES

Aerial view of Polson’s Sept. 23 homecoming football game submitted courtesy of David W. King Pictures.

Former Ronan athlete runs for suicide prevention, qualifies for Boston Marathon

RONAN— Kira Crenshaw Niedens, a 2005 Ronan High School graduate, has been on the run for some time now. Running, that is, for suicide prevention with hopes of qualifying for one of the bigger races such as Chi cago, New York, and Boston.

Thus far she has run in Mis soula, in marathons in Oregon where she currently resides, and most recently has run in the Revel Big Cottonwood Marathon in Utah. With his race she qualified to run in the Boston Marathon by finishing in 3 hours, 31 minutes and 40 seconds.

“I’ve never been so happy to be 35 as the requirement for

those who are 18-34 was 3 hours 30 minutes and I had an extra 5 minutes as a 35-year-old to qualify,” Niedens said.

Niedens was a Ronan athlete, breaking a 20-year standing record which was subsequently broken again the following year by yet another Ronan athlete. She ran both cross country and track, and played volleyball and basketball as well.

Athletes all have various rea sons to run, and Niedens has a special reason to hit the road and earn money for suicide preven tion.

Suicide affects thousands of families each year and is most prominent in the western states and Alaska, but suicide is no respecter of persons and does not discriminate. Her drive and

motivation to run has earned approximately $4,000 for charity and has led her to continue to run, taking family and friends along for the ride who cheer her on.

She is currently scheduled to run Chicago in October, New York City in November, and is planning on applying to run in the Boston Marathon in April of 2023. Whether she is accepted or not depends upon how many other athletes are applying to run, as the cap for runners is no more than 30,000 and to earn a spot largely depends upon be ing chosen as a top tier runner among all those who apply. Run ners are currently in the applica tion process and should know by end October whether they have a place in this event.

Proud Community Partner

Attention

Title Agency

organizations and charities.

402

schools,

What keeps her motivated to dig deep enough to keep go ing? Niedens said support from family, but also the idea that she is running for a purpose. It is a common practice to see names written on her shirt or on her

arm of those who she will be running for in each race. Not all names she uses are those who have committed suicide, but some may be family members loved and lost that motivate her to push on.

Polson, Montana 59860 (406) 883-6051 info@lclandco.com

work done

owned and operated company dedicated to

both our clients and our community.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” - Winston Churchill

News and Photos from Charleen Crenshaw

Tour treats bike riders to local farms

Story & Photos by Taylor Davison Valley Journal

JOCKO VALLEY — The Mission Mountain Area Pedal to Plate (MMAPP) bike tour kicked off on Saturday in a 26-mile route through farms around Arlee.

“The whole goal behind it is to promote our small-scale ag riculture and the really diverse range of producers that we have here,” explained Mission West Cooperative Develop ment Center Director Kaylee Thornley.

Started five years ago, a group of community members came together to work on ag riculture tourism and stimulate local farms. As the area is great for biking as well, they ap

proached Mission West Com munity Development Partners in Ronan with the idea and Mission West has acted as the fiscal sponsor ever since.

“It really promotes the farms,” Thornley explained. “We attract tourists here, they visit the farms and then when they see them at the farmers market or at the Good Food Store in Missoula, they have that recognition and are aware of the local food we have in this area and want to buy it to support farm families.”

Additionally, funds from the event often go towards sup porting local bike causes, such as kids’ bike and helmet give aways. This year’s funds will be going toward the Pedal Port bike hostile being developed in

Ronan.

The biggest ride ever with 150 participants, this year’s route took participants through local farms Thunder Road Farm, Rock Raven Cap rines, Mountain Meat Shares, and Harlequin Organic Pro duce, and three points of inter est, including the Jocko River and the Garden of 1000 Bud dhas. The last farm on the list, Sophie’s Farm and Orchard, ended up unable to be toured due to illness.

“It’s pretty exciting because it’s a lot of new farms that we haven’t gotten to visit or feature before,” Thornley com mented.

Each farm offered visitors a taste of their local specialties to go along with the tour. Rock

Raven Caprines served goat cheese and on Crow’s View Farm sourdough drizzled with local honey. Harlequin Farm offered Flare Pop popsicles made with produce from Fresh Roots Farm. Mountain Meat Shares, with Rusty Nail Farm, offered Horiatiki salad with fresh produce from Harlequin Farm and hummus from Mon tana-grown lentils and held lunch in lieu of Sophie’s Farm and Orchard.

Thunder Road Farm, the start and end point for the day, offered participants a farm-totable dinner, live music from the Western Montana Mu sician’s Co-op and a farmers market where riders could sup port the farms they’d visited.

“I love the dinner at the

end,” Thornley said. “I feel like it all reinvigorates (the partic ipants). People were dancing and enjoying each other’s com pany and that was just really satisfying to see at the end of the ride, how much people were just enjoying being to gether.”

Mission West is always looking for volunteers to help organize the event through out the year. Those interested should reach out to Thornley at 406-676-5919 or email: kaylee.thornley@missionwest cdp.org.

At this time, next year’s MMAPP ride is planned for the third weekend in Sep tember. To sign up or find out more, visit: www.bikereg/ mmapp.

Montana made Indy feature Kicks-Off Statewide Special Screenings in Polson

The Year of the Dog filmed on location, features a Montana-based cast and crew

News from Alison Graham, AJGrp

POLSON — The Montana-based produc ers of the independent feature, The Year of the Dog, in partnership with the Polson, Mon tana-based film distribu tion company, Nova Ven to Entertainment, will host a week-long special screening, in Polson at Showboat CinemasSept. 30 to Oct. 6.  Filmed exclusively on location in Bozeman, Livingston, and the Par adise Valley with a cast and crew predominantly pulled from all over the state - Bozeman and Missoula, Butte and Liv ingston, Red Lodge and Polson - The Year of the Dog is about two strays: Matt, an alcoholic strug gling to maintain sobriety and Yup’ik, a rescue dog

with an unusual athletic gift.

Award-winning film maker, Robert Grabow who hails from Living ston, wrote, co-directed, produced, and starred in the film. Grabow says, “To debut our film in Montana, and Polson specifically, is a dream come true. I’m from Liv ingston. I’m a Park High School graduate, as was my grandfather. To make this film in Montana with Montana locals and then have this chance to share our film, which we think is special, with our Montana family is every thing. A huge thank you to Nova Vento Enter tainment and Showboat Cinemas and to the town of Polson for making this possible.” The Year of the Dog features an accomplished cast of TV and film actors including two Native American ac tors who are currently on the groundbreaking FX series Reservation Dogs: Lakota actor Michael Spears and Jon Proudstar, whose heritage includes Yaqui, Mayan, Jewish,

and Latino ancestors.  Spears, who hails from Bozeman, is currently filming the titular role in the feature Sitting Bull, on location in eastern Canada. Proudstar, a vet eran of 43 films, ((Dances with Wolves, Skins, Into the West, Yellow Rock, Longmire, and Reserva tion Dogs, Season 2) had four big releases in 2021, which include The Heart

Stays, Wastelander, Deep Woods, and Mammoth. Proudstar is said to be on the short list for Emmy consideration for his performance as Leon in Reservation Dogs. Additional actors in clude, Broadway actor Aaron Finley, a Boze man local, (starred in the Emmy Award-win ning Moulin Rouge and performed in the original

productions of Kinky Boots and Rock of Ages); and reality TV actor Abram Boise, a Living ston local (MTV’s Road Rules South Pacif ic and The Challenge).

As writer and co-di rector of The Year of the Dog, Grabow, plays Matt in the film and is credited with roles in the SYFY Network TV series Z-Nation and the feature film Mickey and the Bear which pre miered at the South by Southwest and Cannes Film Festivals.

Grabow says that “The Year of the Dog is more than a feel-good dog film; it’s a heart-warming journey of forgiveness, finding purpose, being vulnerable, making con nections, and ultimately healing.” In addition to being a well-acted, in teresting film with great music and an abundance of cool dog moments, Grabow hopes that his movie “inspires people to continue to open them selves up emotionally and to connect with those they love.”

Beautifully shot in Bozeman, Livingston, and Paradise Valley, The Year of the Dog is a heartwarming film fea turing great Montana landscapes and indige nous themes.

In addition to its week-long screening in Polson, The Year of the Dog is also slated for sev eral other special screen ings at nine theaters across the state in Havre, Glasgow, Cut Bank, Livingston, Lewistown, Wolf Point, Dillon, as well as in Salmon, Idaho, until October 30. Follow ing the feature film’s spe cial screenings, The Year of the Dog heads to New York to premiere at the Chelsea Film Festival.

Information on special screening locations and times, production stills, cast and crew, trailers and national release dates are available online: www. theyearofthedogmov ie.com, Instagram: @ theyearofthedogmovie, Facebook: @TheYearoft heDogMovie, and Twit ter: @YearofDogMovie.

Mission Valley Choral Society practices for Christmas concerts

POLSON — Singers have until Oct. 11 to join the Mission Valley Choral Society to practice for Christmas concerts.

Practices are Tuesdays, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the New Life Church in Polson. Choir Director Christian Bumgarner has created a varied musical selection from Antonio Vivaldi’s “Gloria” to “Sleigh Ride” arranged by Andy Beck, and “We Wish you a Merry Christmas” arranged by Alice Parker.

Christmas concerts are scheduled for 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17 for St. Ignatius Mission and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 18 for the Ronan Performing Art Cen ter.

Questions can be directed to 406-261-3304.

News from the Mission Valley Choral Society

Local State Farm agents make donation to Chief Cliff Fire Department

POLSON — The cost of a wildfire like the recent Elmo Fire can be devastating to a com munity and an already stretched thin fire depart ment. That helps explains why the Chief Cliff Fire Service Area Department took to social media requesting donations to help feed and provide support to the firefighters in the front lines battling the Elmo Fire.

Wildfires across the west and northwest have provided plenty of data for insurance agents to know costs incurred by fire departments don’t stop at supporting those putting their lives on the line. When local State Farm agents in Flathead, Lake, and Lincoln coun ties became aware of the

call for donations they decided to work together to maximize their sup port. Agents worked with State Farm to leverage community funds, grants, and included personal donations to help raise $15,000 for the Chief Cliff Fire Service Area to assist with the fire effort.

“The Chief Cliff Volunteer Fire Depart ment worked tirelessly for weeks to battle this blaze,” said Kalispell agent Matt Downing, who helped spearhead the effort. “We wanted to show our appreciation for those who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our communities.”

Ten agents who made personal donations and participated in the effort are:

Jeff Andrews (Polson)

Matt Downing (Ka lispell)

Sandy Goode-Long (Kalispell)

Jeremy Hicks (Kalis pell)

Lyle Mitchell (Colum bia Falls)

Tim Murphy (White fish)

Dan Schneller (Kalis pell)

Jon Shaw (Kalispell)

TJ Wendt (Kalispell)

Theresa Wilson (Lib by)

The Chief Cliff Vol unteer Fire Department, located in Elmo, provides fire protection and emer gency response services to the Elmo community. The Fire Department’s mission is to prevent the loss of life and property. The Chief Cliff Volun teer Fire Department also responds to medical emergencies, motor vehi cle accidents, rescue calls, and incidents involving hazardous materials.

News and photo from State Farm

DPHHS urges Montanans to be fall aware

News from DPHHS

MONTANA — Depart ment of Public Health and Human Services officials report that nearly one in three Mon tanans aged 65 and older have reported falling at least once in the last 12 months.

“Falling is not a normal part of aging, but knowing a per son’s risk factors can reduce the chance of an unintentional fall.” DPHHS Falls Prevention Program Manager Melissa Dale said. “As a person ages, they are at an increased risk for falling and sustaining an injury.”

Dale notes that almost half (48%) of the falls among Mon

tanans aged 55 and over are from a slip, trip, or stumble from the ground level. In fact, over 1,900 Montanans were hospitalized due to uninten tional falls in 2021.

Many falls are prevent able through proactive steps. These steps include:

— Find a good balance and exercise program. Look to build balance, strength, and flexibility.

Talk to your healthcare pro vider. Ask for an assessment of your risk of falling.

— Regularly review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Make sure side effects aren’t increasing your risk of falling.

— Get your vision and hearing checked annually. Your eyes and ears are key to keep ing you on your feet.

— Keep your home safe. Remove tripping hazards, increase lighting, make stairs safe, and install grab bars in key areas.

Talk to your family mem bers. Enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe. Falls are not just a seniors’ issue.

Dale states that more than half of all falls occur at home, but this can be reduced by making a few safety modifi cations and through practical lifestyle changes. “Older adults need to be aware of what activ

ities may put them at risk,” she said.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) and DPHHS have partnered to bring aware ness to older Montanans to learn about their falls risk.

The NCOA has a free, falls risk assessment tool, Falls Free Check-Up at: https:// www.ncoa.org/article/fallsfree-checkup. The Falls Free Check-Up is an easy-to-use questionnaire. Upon comple tion of the 12 questions, the risk assessment is provided. The more risk factors calculated, the higher chance an individual has of falling.

“Those who have multiple risk factors for falling, who

Officials remind requirement for online course, in-person field day

HELENA — There are only two remaining trapper education field days left this year before trapping season for most species begins on Nov. 1.

As a reminder, to purchase a Montana resident trapping li cense, trappers must complete the Montana Trapper Edu cation Course online or have purchased a trapper’s license in at least three prior years (in Montana or another state). The trapping course requires an in-person field day.

The trapper education course consists of an online compo nent, an in-person field day, and a written test. This general trapper education course also satisfies the Montana wolf trapper education requirement.

The remaining field day is

Oct. 15 in Kalispell. Trappers who still need to take a trap per education class must com plete the online coursework and attend a field day if they wish to trap during the 20222023 trapping season.

To register for the online course and an in-person field day, go to https://fwp.mt.gov/ hunt/education/trapping.

Volunteer trapper education instructors are still needed to help with field days. For more information or to become a trapper education instructor, please contact Wayde Coo perider at 406-444-4497 or at wacooperider@mt.gov.

Important requirements: Youth six to 11 years old who wish to trap must pur chase a youth trapping license and are exempt from the re quirement to take a trapper education course until they are

12. However, youth trappers are limited to trapping only mink and muskrat.

Nonresidents are ex empt from the trapper educa tion requirement as they can not purchase a trapper’s license to trap furbearers in Montana.

Nonresidents who desire to trap wolves must still take the virtual wolf trapper education course.

Resident trappers who have purchased a trapper’s license during three previous seasons, but have not taken the wolf trapper certification course, must take the course to trap wolves.

Resident trappers who have not purchased a trapper’s license in three previous sea sons, but have taken the wolf trapper certification course, must take the trapper educa tion course.

have fallen, or have a fear of falling are welcome to attend a falls prevention work shop,” Dale said.

DPHHS works closely with local communities across Mon tana to offer falls prevention workshops, which include Stepping On and Stay Ac tive & Independent for Life (SAIL). These programs focus on practical steps to reduce the risk of falling through lifestyle management and physical ac tivity.

To locate Stepping On and SAIL workshops, visit the Montana Falls Prevention Program website at: Falls Pre vention Classes or call 1-844684-5848.

Applications for grants now accepted

News from the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation

The Department of Natural Resources and Con servation is now accepting applications for grants through the Montana Forest Action Plan to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health on state, pri vate, county and Tribal lands, and on federal lands through the Good Neighbor Authority Program.

Up to $500,000 is available per project.

Successful project proposals will involve multiple collaborating partners, engaged in cross-boundary management to address at least one of the follow ing through forest management and conservation actions: forest health; wildfire risk; working forests and economies; biodiversity and habitat; human and community health; urban and community forests.

The deadline to apply for a Montana FAP grant is Nov. 6. Applications must be submitted electroni cally through: https://grants.dnrc.mt.gov/submit.

Three informational sessions on submitting a successful grant application are being of fered via Zoom: Wednesday, Sept. 28, from 1-2 p.m.; Wednesday, Oct. 12 from 9-10 a.m.; and Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 5-6 p.m.

Attendance or correspondence with staff is highly recommended.

Please contact: montanaforestactionplan@ mt.gov to register for these sessions, or if you have any questions regarding the grant process.

News from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks

DAR chapter awards grant to Pablo Elementary School

from the Daughters of the American Revolu tion.”

PABLO — Kuilix Chapter Daughters of the American Revo lution awarded a $500 grant from the DAR’s Helen Pouch Memorial Fund Classroom Grant program to Pablo Ele mentary School Librar ian Gay Speckert for the 2022-2023 school year. Pablo Elementary is a part of the Ronan School District.

Ms. Speckert’s appli cation requested funds for purchasing new chapter books for the elementary school stu dents. “The average age of the chapter/fiction books in the Pablo Ele mentary School library is 26 years,” Ms. Speck ert noted. “Our readers need high interest books to improve their reading skills. With Covid, re mote learning, and the learning loss during this time, kids are behind.” She added that updat ed library books could help start a new cycle of engaged readers who establish good reading habits that will carry them through life.

Ms. Speckert believes that student choice will encourage high interest and therefore increased learning, so she plans on taking suggestions from second, third, and fourth graders who have more library expe rience, as well as from her own research. Three

different series from those suggestions will be previewed during the fall semester and then books will be purchased. “It will be fun and re warding for everyone involved! We look for ward to seeing what the students select,” Ms.

Speckert stated. Pablo Elementary School Principal Ryan Fisher was on hand to see Ms. Speckert receive her check. “Unfortu nately, school budgets do not cover everything that is needed at the school, especially in

the library,” Mr. Fisher remarked, “and we are very pleased to get help

The Helen Pouch Memorial Fund finances DAR projects chosen by the Junior Mem bership Committee and includes the Junior Membership Classroom Grants Program. Two $500 grants are available for each state and the District of Columbia, and come from appli cations received by the State Junior Member ship Committee. Each DAR chapter selects a winner and forwards that application to the State committee. The state’s two winners are

selected at the state level to receive the $500 grants. Applicants must be a classroom teacher for grades kindergarten through 12 th grade, must be endorsed by a local DAR chapter, and com plete the grant award application.

DAR is a non-profit, non-partisan profession al organization of chap ters in all 50 states, its territories, and 13 other countries dedicated to historic preservation, education and patrio tism for all women who love America and the principles of liberty and equal opportunity for all.

“For God shall bring every work into judgment, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.”

Ecclesiastes12:14

“For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known.”

Luke 12:2

God knows our heart. Sin must be dealt with. God provided His son, Jesus Christ, to pardon us from the judgment of our sins.

SIN MUST BE JUDGED

To learn more join us at Lake City Baptist Church • 38907 MT HWY 35 406-465-8564 • Sunday service at 10:30 a.m.

News from Daughters of the American Revolution

COURTESY PHOTO

Pablo Elementary School Principal Ryan Fisher, Librarian Gay Speckert and Kuilix

Chapter DAR member Sharon Adamson

PUZZLES

LOS

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

“Plush” By Gary Larson & Amy Ensz

ACROSS

1 Little rascal

6 Crunchy brownie piece

10 Natural bandage

14 Storm relief org.

18 Sierra Nevada lake

19 Connections

20 Skyline obscurer

21 Ruck of “Spin City”

22 Semis followers

23 Dormitory where honor roll students sleep?

26 Name of Davy Crockett’s rifle

28 Enjoy again, as a favorite book

29 Cubbies home

30 __ carte

31 “Fun Factory” clay

35 Tuft of feathers

37 Name of B.B. King’s guitar

41 Actor Mulroney

43 Santa-tracking org.

46 Ingredient for discerning brew masters?

48 Jazz lick

51 Sudoku digit

52 Birdie topper

53 Historical record

54 App symbol

55 Suzuki with 10 MLB Gold Gloves

58 “Yosemite Valley Winter” photographer

62 Do needlework

64 Dietary fiber

65 Forecast

67 Charge for using, as an apartment

70 Apple platform

71 Take care of eggs by sitting on them?

74 New __: cap brand

75 Cream cheese serving

77 Genre revitalized by Britney Spears

78 Thicken, as cream

79 Some year-end lists

81 Calf’s suckling spot

82 Turns way up

84 Stadium level

86 Rivendell inhabitants

88 __ Island

90 Tacks on

91 Went platinum?

92 Learns about crops like maize?

98 Lost cause

100 Words on an orange juice container

102 “Way to go, fella!”

103 Dodge 106 Edible part of a pistachio

108 Mystery writer Grafton

109 Many pop-ups

111 Refuse

113 Baggage handler?

117 Cheap toupee?

122 Duel choices

123 Morales of “Ozark”

124 With 112-Down, fish story

125 Song that might prompt a “Brava!”

126 Cast

127 Texter’s “until next time”

128 Turow book set at Harvard

129 Burt’s Bees product

130 Fragrant compound

DOWN

1 Not in bed yet

2 Parker who was the 2020 WNBA Defensive Player of the Year

3 “Pequod” captain

4 Mexican sauce flavored with chocolate

Fly, e.g.

__ alcohol

Jueves, por ejemplo

Salon goop

Subj. for some citizenship applicants

10 Help for a tight fit

“Virgin River” novelist Robyn

Tenochtitlan native

“Joy Shtick” writer/comedian

Terrif

Light-up pumps?

Classic TV series set in Korea

Averse to

Farm young

Gift tag word

Genesis plot

Be in a bee

Bustle

“Okey-doke”

OB-GYNs, e.g.

Former Seattle team, familiarly

Trap during a winter storm, say

False witness

Spanish lake

Sardine cans

“I’ll take that as __”

Cub’s home

Ticker

Fistfight souvenir

Circular

Go up

Sacred Nile bird

Colorful clog

Weekly night for leftovers?

Shoulder muscle, for short

Parting words

Ready to be recorded

63 Bit 65 To some degree 66 Sealing stuff 68 Home run run 69 Stallion feed

71 HRH part 72 Lightened (up)

73 Drill, e.g. 76 Bite

78 “Julius Caesar” role 80 Kristoff’s reindeer in “Frozen”

82 Dab at, as lipstick

83 British elevator 84 Graffiti signature

85 Rite answer?

87 Three-time “Modern Family” Emmy nominee 89 Future JDs’ exams

92 Simple shelter 93 Furniture wood 94 Animal that beats its chest

95 Witness 96 Not as flat

97 Russian rejections

99 Govern 101 Smooth engine sound 104 “Likewise”

105 One of the filmmaking Coen brothers 107 Crack squad 109 Turn off the security cameras for, maybe 110 Roomba target 112 See 124-Across 114 Queens, New York, stadium namesake 115 Dazzles

116 Capricorn critter 118 Hodges who managed the Miracle Mets

119 Chemist’s workplace 120 401(k) kin 121 Not a thing

CRYPTO-QUOTE

Ben Stone / Valley Journal

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE

By: Magi Helena for the Week of Sept. 25, 2022

ARIES (March 21-April 19):

Everyone sees the world differently so it’s important to respect others’ opinions as you would like them to respect yours. Your acceptance and tolerance could be more evident as the week goes by but avoid being careless.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):

If the usual methods aren’t working for you, thinking outside the box could solve the problem. Focus on being warm and upbeat in the week ahead, especially if involved in disagreements or misunder standings.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20):

Think out your best course of ac tion given the givens - it’s unlikely that problems will simply disappear overnight. Accomplish your goals through hard work and meticulous research in the week ahead.

CANCER (June 21-July 22):

Make promises sparingly and fulfill them unfailingly. When people are counting on you, don’t disappoint them. A special someone could be in a romantic mood so you could find excitement on your own doorstep.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):

An indiscretion or exaggeration might cause a misunderstanding in the upcoming week. Despite a load of work on your plate, you should have a chance to make amends. Feel free to ask for help with a work-related project.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

Break through barriers in the week ahead. You might be more popular than usual but do not give your heart away too quickly. A discovery or insight can adjust your motiva tions or empower you to do better.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

You may be starting to think about possibilities rather than just about problems. In the week ahead, you may be less competitive and more willing to compromise and give loved ones the benefit of the doubt.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21):

Your friends may be focused on what’s new while you could be more satisfied with the status quo. However, becoming more familiar with the latest drops in the week ahead can give you something to chat about with your tribe.

©2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

You may tend to take good luck for granted as this week begins. Follow up on promises and be sure to express your appreciation if someone grants favors. Take time to research the potential conse quences of crucial changes.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

You may feel some info overload; sift through it for the most signif icant bits and pieces. Feel more confident by doing your homework in the week to come and determin ing whether facts and sources are authentic.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

If you’re not in a race, you’ll enjoy better results if you pace yourself and are thorough. Loved ones may have learned to rely on your efficiency and dependability, so don’t let them down as the week unfolds.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):

Ignorance is only bliss for a moment, until you become better informed. You may want to drift into a beautiful fantasy if you’re feeling flattered by a flirtation. Instead, consider the source and be realistic.

©2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

COMICS

Answers in Classifieds

Daines talks Montana energy, mining in Senate hearing

News from the office of Senator Daines

U.S. SENATE — At a U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources hearing today, U.S. Senator Steve Daines stressed the need for an all-of-the-above, Made in Montana and Made in America energy portfolio, including energy storage like the Gordon Butte Pumped Storage Hydro Project.

“What’s happening in Europe is an example of what not to do – this ener gy crisis is a grave warning … of scaling back our diverse energy portfolio …

Germany just recently had to pass emergency legisla tion to keep its coal plants burning … just to keep the lights on, to keep people warm this winter … If the Biden Administration had its way, that would be the future of American ener

gy … I am not opposed to renewables … but we should be expanding our energy portfolio with these renewables, not replacing baseload power … that’s why I think all-of-theabove [energy] is really, really important, and has

severe consequences if you get it wrong. The Gordon Butte Pumped Storage Hydro Project is a perfect example of how Montana is leading in all-of-theabove solutions,” Daines said.

Daines also called for more domestic mining to allow America to be come less dependent on China for critical minerals.

“The United States is import dependent on China for 31 of the 50 minerals designated as critical. As we move for ward with more renewable sources of energy, China … could constrain the supply

chain and our ability to keep energy storage supply chains moving forward –[China], a country that has slave labor, has far lower environmental standards than the United States. Meanwhile, we have these radical environmental groups in the ninth circuit court who use litigation to tie up the domestic mining of the materials needed for responsible renewable energy development. These constant delays are a threat to our national security, they hurt our economy, and they hold back the future of renewable energy technology,” Daines said.

First Lady Gianforte encourages young Montanans in STEM, reading

News from the office of Governor Gianforte

HELENA — Advancing her initiatives as Montana’s first lady, Susan Gianforte recently traveled to Kalispell and Townsend to recog nize the exceptional work of Montanans pro moting Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education and boosting literacy.

“As I thought about causes near to my heart, education stood above the rest,” First Lady Gi anforte said. “Every Montana child should have access to the resources they need to learn, grow, and thrive. That’s why I’m focused on promot ing STEM education and boosting literacy for young Montanans.”

Earlier this month, the first lady visited

Townsend Elementary School to learn more about its innovative work to incorporate STEM education into the curriculum and pro mote literacy.

The first lady sat in on a first-grade class and spoke with students about the importance of STEM education.

During the class, students read “The Three Little Pigs.” Then, using their budding STEM skills, they built a house with toothpicks and Dots for an imaginary pig. Their challenge was to build it sturdy enough to withstand the wrath of the huffing and puffing Big Bad Wolf, played by their teacher’s hairdryer.

“It’s incredibly encouraging to see Townsend schools utilizing STEM to help their students learn how to solve complex problems and boost their confidence,” First Lady Gianforte added.

In honor of National Coding Week, the first lady last week honored young women in Code Girls United, an after-school computer science program, who were semifinalists in a recent in ternational coding competition.

The members placed in the competition for the development of two separate apps. The first, called “Found,” was created by Isabelle Ashley, Emma Anderson, and Makayla Davenport to

Members of Code Girls United share their app and ideas in Kalispell.

combat human trafficking and the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons crisis. The second, called “Communication Station,” was created by Kiara Van Slayke, Maryn Hobby, Peyton Norris, and Evangeline McCormick to help children make friends through nonverbal communication.

The first lady presented the young wom en with a Spirit of Montana award for their achievements and positive impact on their peers.

Promoting and expanding access to STEM education, particularly for girls and students in our rural communities, and boosting literacy to empower more Montana children are the first lady’s initiatives.

$3.6M se cured for Missoula Airport

Funding will be used to expand the airport’s deicing apron

U.S. Senate — U.S. Sena tor Jon Tester today announced that he secured $3,600,000 in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Grant funds for the Missoula airport to expand the existing deicing apron an additional 18,100 square yards to meet Federal Aviation Admin istration design standards.

“Airports are essential in frastructure in Montana that help create jobs and keep families connected across our state,” said Tester. “I’m proud to have secured these investments that will upgrade the deicing apron at the Missoula Montana Air port, which will help expand operations at the facility, improve safety for folks flying in and out of Montana in the winter, and grow Missoula’s economy.”

COURTESY PHOTO

First Lady Susan Gianforte talks to a firstgrade student at Townsend Elementary School.

COURTESY PHOTO

seniors

Polson

By Pete Mangels for the Valley Journal

The Polson Senior Center is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. Lunch is available from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays. Call 406-883-4735, email: pol sonseniorcenter@gmail.com; or visit/mail at 504 Third Ave. E.

Welcome to the Gathering Sea son! Heavy rain on the first day of Au tumn was certainly a dramatic announce ment. Shine on, harvest moon, shine on.

ACTIVITIES:

“Pitch”, anyone?: Sign up/information at center

Bowling: Fun league, pay by the day - non-sanctioned, no-tap - Tuesdays, 1 p.m. weekly

Exercise for mobility: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 10:30–11:30 a.m.

Bridge: Tuesdays and Fridays - open for all 12:30 p.m. Beginners welcome.

Bridge instructor wanted for new play ers class. Call for details.

Pinochle: Thursdays, 12:30–3 p.m. (ear lier or later if you wish)

Bingo: Fridays, 7 p.m. Lots of fun, cash prizes, snacks. Mark your calendars for “Poker” Bingo on the fourth Thursday of each month -easy to play - no skill in pok er involved

Veteran’s Rep: The first Friday (Oct. 7) and third Tuesday (Oct. 18) of each month from 10 a.m.-noon

Pool: Open table from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Safe Driver Class: The AARP repre sentative presented the new safe driving program. It was a great refresher and em phasized senior drivers.

The next class will be at held at the

North Lake County Public Library in October.

The nutrition director thanks the Polson Food Bank and the public for their do nations of fresh produce and meat for the Senior Center’s nutrition program.

St. Ignatius

By Barb Plouffe for the Valley Journal

ST. IGNATIUS — The St. Ignatius

Senior Citizen’s Center wishes everyone happy fall days. Enjoy the cool weather mixed with a bit of rain.

Our menu for the next week is:

— Tuesday, Sep. 27: lunch - biscuits, sausage gravy, veggies, fruit, Rice Krispies treats

— Friday, Oct. 30: Tater Tot casserole with ground beef, green beans, fruit, des sert will be cook’s choice

The St. Ignatius Senior Center’s fall yard sale will take place on Oct. 7 and 8. We will also have a bake sale on Oct. 7 as well from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

We are taking donations for the yard sale. Please bring any donations to the senior center before Oct. 6. Donations can be left in the center’s entry way. We will set up for the yard sale on Oct. 6. If any of you have time, we would appreciate volunteers. If you have any questions, call 406-745-4462 and leave a message.

Be sure to mark your calendar for Oct. 19. The Lake County Health Department will be offering flu vaccinations from 4-5 p.m.

We hope you are remaining healthy and safe as the season changes.

Have a good week.

Cancer Support Group meets twice monthly

POLSON — A Cancer Support Group for anyone affected by cancer meets twice monthly at St. Joseph Medical Center from noon-1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Gatherings are informal allowing folks to drop-in when schedules and life permits. Brown-bag lunches are welcome. The group will meet in the Leahy Conference Room on the third floor of the medical center. For more in formation call 406-261-3304. The group welcomes those recently diagnosed, those undergoing treatment, cancer survivors, and/or family.

SKC Bison need you!

Check it out - it’s a great place to work!

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

Nursing Clinical Resource Registered Nurse (CRRN)/Assistant Instructor –10 month – full time - $45,178-$49,824 DOEE – closes on Oct. 10, 2022 1 pm

Director of Student Housing – full time – 12 months - $41,963 - $45,483 – closes on Oct. 10, 2022 1 pm

Journey to Wellness Community Outreach Specialist (full time 12 months)$16.54 - $17.40 per hour DOEE – Open Until Filled

Accounting Tech/Receptionist (full time 12 months) - $14.48 - $15.12 per hour –closes on Sept. 6, 2022 at 1 pm

Business Faculty – 9 month - $43,823 - $45,025 DOEE – Open Until filled

Food Distribution Assistant – full time thru June 30, 2023 - $13.53 - $15.23 DOEE –Open Until Filled

Social Work Faculty (BSW working towards MSW in a 2-year period) – 9-month – Open Until filled - $43,823 - $45,025

Medical Office Professions Faculty – 9 months - $41,523 - $43,621 DOEE – closes on Sept. 16, 2022

Director, Institutional Effectiveness – 12 months - $54,870 - $57,216 – Open until filled

ELC Toddler Teacher – 9.5 months – $15.33 - $17.24 per hour DOEE – open until filled

SKC Extension Operations Manager – (12 months) - $20.17 - $23.56 per hour DOEE – Open Until Filled

Highway Construction Truck Driving Instructor – 32 hours per week – part time $18.19 - $19.53 per hour DOEE – Open until filled

Upward Bound Instructor – 12 months - $17.35 - $20.17 per hour DOEE – open until filled

TRIO Student Support Services Director - 12 months - $51,350-$53,696 DOEE- Open until filled

Grants Manager - 12 months - $54,879-$56,043 DOEE - Open Until Filled

Assistant to the Housing Director – 12 months - $33,507 - $35,307 DOEE – Open Until Filled

CHECK OUT ALL THE JOBS AT SKC.EDU

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

Benefits – 6 credits tuition free each quarter to full time staff, health insurance with SKC contributing up to $1,150 per month for a family plan, retirement for full time employees and employer provided life insurance, EAP benefits, generous Thanksgiving Christmas break.

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

obituaries

Joseph M. Stokes

DIXON — Joseph (Joe) Stokes, 69 years old and a resident of Dixon, passed away of a motorcy cle accident on August 28, 2022. He was born in Ronan, Montana April 17, 1953 to Roy J. Stokes and Nellie Jean Brown Stokes.

He joined several brothers and sis ters of St. Ignatius. They later moved to Seeley Lake where Joseph graduated from high school and later worked for the forest ser vice and sawmills.

Later they went to Garland, Utah where he worked at the sugar beet factory. Moving back to Missoula, Montana, Jospeh met the love of his life, Wanda Browers, and they both worked for a time at Real Log Homes. They moved to Arlee and then to Dixon. Joe enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, riding his motorcycle, flipping cars and pickups, spending time with his two nieces, Melissa Christensen and Sophia Stokes. He enjoyed spending time with several other dearly loved nieces, nephews, cous ins and his little bud from door, Fig. Joe always had time to listen to Fig’s stories and work on proj ects together. He also spent time visiting with family and friends. We love and miss you dearly. A special thanks to everyone for their help, calls, prayers and support at this time.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Nellie Stokes, brother Larry Stokes and sister Sadie Young (Jean). Joe is survived by his wife of 47 years, Wanda, brothers Lloyd (Pearl), Dick (Rita), Jerald, James Leo (Frances), sisters Jolene (Jody) McNealey,

Ruth Maiers, Faye Langley, Leathy Hansen and Roxey Cordis, many friends and his little buddy Fig. Cremation has taken place. A memorial celebration will be held Oct. 8, 2022 at the Dixon Seniors Citizens Center at 35 Third Street at 12 p.m. with a potluck dinner to follow.

Juliana Olivia Marengo

POLSON — Juliana Olivia Marengo, age 19, formerly of Livingston, passed away on Satur day, Sept. 17, 2022 at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula after a battle with lymphoma, surrounded by her family.

Memorial services for Juliana are pending.

Arrangements are under the care of the Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.

James and Sharon Violette graveside services held

POLSON — In Loving Mem ory of James Glenn Violette, (Jan. 17, 1938 - July 8, 2022 ) and Shar ron Thompson Violette (Feb. 18, 1940 - March 28, 2021), graveside services and burial will be held on Saturday, Oct. 1, 2022, at 3 p.m. at Lakeview Cemetery, 2000 Hillcrest Drive in Polson, with full military honors.

Governor, DPHHS announce Summer P-EBT benefits for 32,000 children amid inflation

Summer P-EBT.

HELENA — Gov ernor Greg Gianforte joined Department of Public Health and Hu man Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brere ton today to announce the state is issuing $12.5 million in Summer Pan demic Electronic Trans fer (Summer P-EBT) benefits to 32,000 children ages 0-17 next week.

“With prices rising and inflation at a 41-year high, it’s more difficult for Montanans to put gas in their cars and trucks and put food on the ta ble,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This timely funding will provide a boost for hard working families as the school year kicks off.”

Having begun on Sept. 14, eligible Montana families will receive a one-time benefit of $391 per eligible child.

“We’re excited to an nounce thousands of Montana families will benefit from our tailored Summer P-EBT pro gram,” DPHHS Director Brereton said. “We com mitted to collaborating with our federal partners to find a P-EBT solution that works for Montana, and we did so.”

DPHHS worked close ly with the USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to make it practi cal for DPHHS to offer

“We appreciate Mon tana’s commitment to Summer P-EBT to en sure children have access to nutritious foods yearround, not just when school is in session,” said Mountain Plains Regional Administrator Cheryl Kennedy of US DA’s FNS. “The program has great reach, including to rural areas, improv ing nutrition security and helping kids to eat healthier foods at a time when families need extra support to bear increased food costs.”

Families with children under age six receiv ing SNAP benefits and school-aged children who received Free and Reduced Price Meals un der the National School Lunch Program will automatically be eligible for Summer P-EBT. This includes school children who attended a school that qualified for reduced price meals under the Community Eligibility Provision for the 20212022 school year.

For children under age six receiving SNAP benefits, P-EBT pay ments will be made to families on their existing EBT card. Newly eligible families will receive in the mail a new EBT card with the P-EBT funds.

Newly enrolled chil dren in the National School Lunch Program will also be eligible as

long as they applied by August 29. In addition, children under age six who received SNAP ben efits during the summer months are also eligible for Summer P-EBT.

DPHHS requested school districts provide data of children eligi ble to receive Summer P-EBT by June 30. Any school district that has yet to submit their list of students can still do so by Sept. 22. To receive the benefit, the school that the student attends must provide DPHHS with the relevant information.

For any schools that missed the first dead line, a second Summer P-EBT issuance will be distributed in early November. Schools who have already respond ed can be found on the School Participation in Summer P-EBT list.

P-EBT was estab lished in 2020 to ensure access to the equivalent of school meals for those who were eligible and lost access to free or reduced-price school meals due to COVID-19 school closures. From March 2020 to August 2022, DPHHS issued more than $69 million in P-EBT benefits.

Montanans with ques tions are encouraged to call 1-888-706-1535 or email: hhshcsdpebt@ mt.gov. For more infor mation about P-EBT, go to: montanameals.org.

Joseph Stokes

Sharon and James Violette

News from the office of Governor Gianforte

Youth hunting stories by apprentice hunters ages 10 to 17

News from the office of Governor Gianforte

HELENA — Gover nor Greg Gianforte an nounced on Aug. 24 the launch of the inaugural Governor’s Youth Hunt ing Story Contest, open to Montana youth and apprentice hunters ages 10 to 17.

“Hunting is a proud tradition in Montana that will be carried on by the next generation,” Gov. Gianforte said. “To celebrate our hunting heritage, I invite Mon tana’s youth and appren tice hunters who harvest an animal this year to be a part of the first-ever Youth Hunting Story Contest.”

“We’ll read about their adventures, and recog nize ten young hunters

as the contest winners at the State Capitol this December,” the governor continued.

To enter the contest, hunters must submit a story of no more than 500 words and a photo from their hunt. Hunt ers must be a Montana resident and a licensed hunter or apprentice hunter between the ages of 10-17. Eligible entries include the harvest of any legal game, furbearer animals, or birds in Mon tana.

The governor will select 10 winning hunters, five aged 10-13 and five aged 14-17, and invite them to the State Capitol in mid-December to be rec ognized. Winning hunt ers will also receive prizes from Stone Glacier and Vista Outdoor.

The deadline to enter the contest is Monday, Nov. 28, 2022.

To learn more and en ter the Governor’s Youth Hunting Story Contest, visit: youthhunting.mt.gov.

10:00

11:30

11:50

Wednesday, Sept. 28

Irrigators to meet at Mission West

RONAN — Flathead Irrigation District will be holding their monthly meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022. at 1 p.m. at Mission West Community Development Partners, 407 Main Street SW, upstairs. An elevator is available.

Read with Riley

POLSON — Join PAWsitive Reading Partners at North Lake County Public Library and read with Riley the reading dog for 15 minutes on Wednesday from 3-4 p.m. September 28.

Registration is required. Sign up for your slot at the library.

Cancer support group meets

POLSON —A Cancer Support Group for anyone affected by cancer meets twice monthly at St. Jo seph Medical Center from noon-1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month. Gatherings are informal allowing folks to drop-in when schedules and life permits.

Brown-bag lunches are welcome.

The group will meet in the Leahy Conference Room on the third floor of the medical center. For more information call 406-261-3304.

The group welcomes those recently diagnosed, those undergoing treat ment, cancer survivors, and/or family members.

Thursday, Sept. 29

Story time takes place at library

POLSON — Thursdays at 9:15 a.m. at the North Lake County Public Library Story Time takes place. The theme for Sept. 29 is “Colors.”

Ronan Farmers Market held

RONAN — The Ronan Farmers Market is held every Thursday, May 19Oct. 14, from 4-7 p.m. at the Ronan Visitors’ Center on Highway 93. You can shop online at: www. localline.ca/ronan-farm ers-market and pre-order and pre-pay, or go visit the market to see everything local vendors have to offer.

Friday, Sept. 30

Youth Book Club holds meeting

POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library’s Youth Book Club meeting will take place on Friday, Sept. 30 from 3:454:45 p.m. We will discuss

our book, “The Ruins of Gorlan.” Please call the library at 406-883-8225 for more information.

Polson Farmers Market open through October

POLSON — The Polson Farmers Market, downtown at Third Ave. W (in front of the Cove Deli), is open from 9 a.m.1 p.m. every Friday, May through October. The Pol son Farmers Market offers locally produced fresh vegetables, fruits, plants, cut flowers, cheese, eggs, honey, jams and jellies, baked goods, meats and poultry, popsicles, artwork, fabric and craft creations, woodworks, jewelry, and much more.

Montecahto Club, 35432 MT Hwy 35 (opposite the Finley Point Grill). All candidates running for HD 12, HD 15, HD 93 and SD 8 have been invited.

Please join us at the Montecahto Club to hear our candidates share their legislative concerns.

Mondays mean Mother Goose

POLSON — Join us at 9:15 a.m. at the North Lake County Public Library. Mother Goose is geared toward ages 0 to 3, but all are welcome.

We encourage parents & caregivers to participate with their children for this early learning time.

The doors open at 9 a.m.

Tuesday, Oct. 4

Horsemen hold Octoberfest

RONAN — Mis sion Valley Backcountry Horsemen will hold their next monthly meeting on Oct. 4, 2022, at the VFW in Ronan at 7 p.m. Club members and their families and friends will hold an Octoberfest potluck first at 7 p.m. and afterwards we will have our regular meeting. Bring your favorite dish and enjoy the festivities, see old friends and make new friends. Can’t wait to see you there.

Join Dungeons and Dragons Class

POLSON — Join

the North Lake County Public Library’s Dungeons and Dragons Class on Tuesday, Oct. 4 from 6-8 p.m. Come and learn how to play this classic Role Playing Game using pen and paper. Jason Seidel will teach an introductory class on what the game is, how to play it, and how to create your own character.

Wednesday, Oct. 5

Polson Chamber meets

POLSON — Rob McDonald will discuss the water compact at the Wednesday, Oct. 5, Chamber luncheon held at the KwaTaqNuk Resort at noon.

Monday, Oct. 3

Hear MT legislative candidates to share concerns

POLSON — The Montecahto Club, Lake County Republicans and Lake County Democrats are hosting a Montana Legislature Candidate Forum on Monday, Oct. 3, from 6-8 p.m. at the

Gary Buchanan

DO NOT FEED ANIMALS

classifieds

Announcements

Auctions

2022 STATE OF MONTANA

SURPLUS PROPERTY AUCTION – Helena, MT. Online bidding opens on Sept. 17 and ends on Oct. 1. Go to pateauction.com or download the Pate Auction app to your mobile device for listing and details.

Wanted

Wanted: Valmar and Gandy air seeders, implement mount style. Call Paul at 763-286- 2037 with model and condition.

WANTED TO BUY

Guns and/or ammunition, old or new.

Whole estates/collections or single pieces. Fair

paid. 406-207-4641

Employment

Help wanted

HVAC Maintenance Techni cian – Air Conditioning/Refrig eration **UPDATED** Facili ties Services/Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana. edu/hr/postings/28193.

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

Electrician (Journeyman) Facilities Services/Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announce ment and application procedures, click on: https:// jobs.montana.edu/ hr/post ings/29373. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

Project Manager **UPDATED SALARY** Planning, Design & Construction/Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana. edu/hr/postings/28323.

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

PUBLIC HEALTH REGISTERED DIETITIAN TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must be certified as a registered di etitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). A bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, with 3 years of experience in community health, or a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, with 1 year of experience in com munity health. A valid driver’s license. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, copy of academic transcripts, certificates and licensure, copy of current valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. Failure to submit all of the above informa tion will result in immediate disqualification during the screening process. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The success ful applicant, if not already employed by CSKT must

STATEWIDE

Montana’s

pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary peri od. Salary is $26.14 to $30.05 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 on-line at cskt.org. The closing date is Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. MST. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana.edu/hr/postings/31185

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

Journeyman Carpenter Facilities Services/Montana State University - Bozeman. For complete job announce ment and application proce dures, click on: https://jobs. montana.edu/postings/30789.

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

DENTAL ASSISTANT (1 or more positions St. Ignatius, Polson)

TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must possess a Certificate of Com pletion in a Dental Assistant Training Program and/or an AA in a recognized Dental As sistant training Program and/ or 3 years’ experience. A valid driver’s license is required. All applicants must submit a

Tribal application, copy of ac ademic transcripts, certificates and licensure, copy of current valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. Failure to submit all of the above information will result in immediate disqualification during the screening process. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by CSKT must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is $16.49 to $18.96 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 on-line at csktribes.org. The closing date is Thursday, Oct. 13, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. MST.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER

Custodian Supervisor I Facilities Services/Montana State University - Bozeman. For complete job announce ment and application proce dures, click on: https://jobs. montana.edu/postings/30799

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

Urgently needed! A-Plus HealthCare is actively seeking to hire a caregiver for a client in the Ronan/Charlo area. This client is needing 5 days a week from 2 pm-8:30 pm. This position pays $14.75 per/hr. If this sounds like a good fit for you please contact us at 406 755-4968. Ask for Lorie. We look forward to talking with you! see page 30

Locksmith - Facilities Services/Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement

Environmental Services Manager - Facilities Services/ Montana State UniversityBozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https:// jobs.montana.edu/post ings/30607. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

Ready for something new? We are hiring.

*disclaimer - newspapers aren’t your typical 9-5 job. You’ll ...

Meet new people. Get outside. Write stories. Hone your photography skills. Assist advertisers. Learn something new every day. Join our team!

Reporter / Photographer and Advertising Sales Representative positions open. Email resume, inquiries to: summer@valleyjournal.net

classifieds

Help wanted

Irrigation Technician Facil ities Services/Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana. edu/postings/30022

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

Laborer/Equipment

Operator I. **Recent Wage Increase** Facilities Services/ Montana State University –Bozeman. For complete job announcement and appli cation procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana.edu/ postings/30105.

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

Database & Website Specialist (MAY BE HIRED UNDER A CONTRACT)

NATURAL RESOURCE DEPARTMENT

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or relevant related degree from an accredited university (with

an emphasis on web design)

OR an Associate degree in Computer Science from an accredited university (with em phasis on data entry or web design). At least five (5) years’ data entry working experience in an enterprise-level content management environment.

At least 3 years’ experience in website front-end devel opment web programming languages such as HTML and CSS, JQuery, and JavaScript.

At least 1 year of experience servicing, supporting and trou bleshooting Content Manage ment Systems OR at least 1 year of experience supporting database software. Must be able to work 40 hours a week, with additional time and eve nings and/or weekends when necessary. Requires pro longed sitting, some bending, lifting, and stooping at times.

Must possess a valid driver’s license and be insurable under the Tribes’ insurance policy and maintain such as a condition of employment. May be required to provide technol ogy support outside of normal business hours and through various methods of communi cation as necessary. Requires

occasional moving or lifting of computer equipment not to exceed 50 lbs. Must have a dependable vehicle for transportation between tribal offices AND have liability or full coverage insurance on said vehicle (if used to travel off-site in performance of duties) and maintain such as a of employment. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, supplemental questionnaire for positions requiring background inves tigation, copy of relevant transcript and/or certificate, a copy of a valid driver’s license and proof of Tribal enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference a copy of DD214 must be sub mitted. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is negotiable, dependent on experience, plus benefits. To apply, contact Person

nel at 406-675-2700 Ext. #1259/1040. Tribal applica tions are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, Oct. 27th, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER

Custodian I - Facilities Services/Montana State University - Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana. edu/postings/29525.

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

Preventive Maintenance Manager. Facilities ServicesMontana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and appli cation procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana.edu/ postings/32290

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

GIS ANALYST (MAY BE HIRED UNDER A CONTRACT) NATURAL RESOURCE DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must possess a Master’s of Arts or Master’s of Science with three years of relevant profession

al-level experience or Bach elor’s of Arts or Bachelor’s of Science with a minimum of five years of relevant profes sional-level experience. Edu cation must be in the field of GIS and Geospatial Analysis, Geography, Forestry, Water Resources, or a closely relat ed Natural Resources field. Exposure and emphasis on water resources is preferred. Education and experience must demonstrate focus on GIS and Geospatial Analysis, analytical aptitude, and ability to work interactively in a team setting. Must be able to work 40 hours a week, with addi tional time and evenings and/ or weekends when necessary. Requires prolonged sitting, some bending, lifting, and stooping at times. ‘ Must have a valid state driver’s license with the ability to secure a current State of Montana driver’s license within six (6) months. Must have liability or full coverage insurance on personal vehicle (if used to travel off-site in performance of duties) and a dependable vehicle for transportation on and off job duty station. Is required to wear CSKT

This week's puzzle answers:

safety apparel as necessary. Required to successfully complete a certified defensive driving course approved by the Department. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, supplemental questionnaire for positions requiring background inves tigation, copy of relevant transcript and/or certificate, a copy of a valid driver’s license and proof of Tribal enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference a copy of DD214 must be sub mitted. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is negotiable, dependent on experience, plus benefits. To apply, contact Person nel at 406-675-2700 Ext. #1259/1040. Tribal applica tions are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date

Crypto-Quote Solution

THE PRINCIPLES OF TRUE ART IS NOT TO PORTRAY, BUT TO EVOKE.

- JERZY KOSINSKI

public notices

click on: https://jobs.montana.edu/hr/postings/30400.

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

Real Estate

312 1st St E Polson, MT 59860

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

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

will be Thursday, Oct. 27th, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

Facilities Engineer Engineer ing & Utilities/Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs. montana.edu/postings/32010

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

Maintenance Painter Facili ties Services/Montana State University - Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana. edu/ postings/30461. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veter ans/Disabled

Budget Analyst II **UP

DATED SALARY** Facilities Services/Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana. edu/hr/postings/30611. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veter ans/Disabled

Mail Clerk/Carrier I. Facilities Services/Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures,

For Rent

Lake house rental Oct 1 thru May 31st. Furnished 2 bed room, 2 bath. No smoking. No pets. Kayaks available. $1000 weekly or $2400 monthly. 406-249-6689

Space available in large commercial building in Polson for classes, meetings, etc. Kitchen available plus several rooms. Call 406-249-6689.

2 bedroom, 1 bath home in Polson. Stove, dishwasher, washer, drier. $1000 a month and $1000 deposit. Renter pays utilities. No pets, no smoking unit. Call Jerry at 406-207-4641 for application.

For Lease: 3 bedroom, 2 bath home close to Polson Golf course and Flathead Lake. $2,400 monthly all utilities included. Mother-in-law unit available $1200 monthly. Call 406-249-6689

Legals

John A. Mercer Turnage Mercer & Wall, PLLP Attorneys at Law

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: CHRIS MAXWELL, Deceased.

Cause No.: DP-22-67

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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

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

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

/s/ George R. Maxwell George R. Maxwell

Personal Representative Estate of CHRIS MAXWELL, Deceased.

Sept. 14, 21 and 28, 2022 MNAXLP

Montana 20th Judicial District Court, Lake County

In the matter of the Name Change of Christina Hodge; Christina Hodge, Petitioner.

Cause No: DV-22-162 Dept. No. 2001

NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Christina Elizabeth Hodge, to Sarye RunsBehindMedicine. The hearing will be on Oct. 26, 2022, at 10:00 am. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Lake County.

Date: Sept. 15, 2022.

Lyn Fricker Clerk of District Court

By: Mary Rensvold Deputy Clerk of Court

Sept. 28, Oct. 5, 12 and 19, 2022 MNAXLP

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

Attorneys at Law

324 Main SW Ronan, MT 59864 Telephone: (406) 676-4470 bill@fgwilliamslaw.com

Attorney for Personal Representative

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL

DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JEAN M. BUDDIE, Deceased.

CAUSE NO. DP-22-69

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have been appoint ed Personal Representatives of the above-named Estate. All persons hav ing claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or said claims will be forever barred as creditors of the decedent.

A written statement of the claim indicating its basis, the name and ad dress of the claimant, and the amount claimed, must either be mailed to LEE M. BUDDIE and DEBRA BUDDIE , the Co-Personal Representatives, return receipt requested, c/o FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS, PLLC, 324 Main SW, Ronan, MT 59864, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 24th day of August, 2022.

/s/ Lee M. Buddie LEE M. BUDDIE, Co-Personal Representative

/s/ D. Buddie DEBRA BUDDIE, Co-Personal Representative

Sept.14, 21 and 28, 2022 MNAXLP

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

Attorneys at Law 324 Main SW

Ronan, MT 59864

Telephone: (406) 676-4470 bill@fgwilliamslaw.com

Attorney for Personal Representative

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EVELYN MARIE RICE, Deceased.

CAUSE NO. DP-22-68

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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

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

DATED this 6th day of September, 2022.

/s/ Vernon Jan Rice

VERNON JAN RICE, Personal Representative

Sept.14, 21 and 28, 2022 MNAXLP

YOUR MESSAGE

Statewide DISPLAY Advertising Program

graphics, logos and text) start at just $406

that’s less than $7 per newspaper!

Legals