Local candidates answer questions at political forum
By Summer Goddard / Valley Journal
Reproductive rights were a hot button topic at a political forum hosted by the Lake County Republican and Democrat groups on Thursday, Sept. 26 at Polson’s Montecahto Club. The most vocal response from audience members, both for and against, came during candidate response to the proposed constitutional amendment that would secure abortion rights as a private health care decision.
About 65 people, in addition to candidates, attended, filling the upstairs meeting area of the
JOANNA HUDOROVICH PHOTO
Greg Hertz, candidate for Senate District 7, speaks during a Sept. 26 political forum hosted by both the Lake County Republicans and Democrats at the Montecahto Club in Polson.
venue to near capacity. Seven candidates for local house district and senate district seats answered five prepared questions and then additional questions from audience members.
Polson High School government teacher
Thomas Spencer served as emcee for the event. Before getting into the questions, candidates were first given time to introduce themselves.
Greg Hertz, Republican, introduced himself as a CPA, businessman and legislator. Hertz owns Super One Foods in Polson as well as five other grocery stores. He’s running for the Senate District 7 seat. Following last session’s redistricting, Hertz explained Senate District 7 is basically comprised of Polson and Sanders County.
Referencing his past work in the legislature as a senator for Senate District 6, Hertz said, “I’m known as the tax guy.” Hertz’ opponent, Craig Pablo, Democrat, wasn’t at the event.
Tracy Sharp, Republican candidate for House District 12, said he decided to run when he realized there are no “masterminds” running the state. “It’s us,” he said. If elected, Sharp said he would represent whether Independent, Democrat or Republican. Sharp’s opponent, Barry Olson, Democrat, wasn’t at the event.
Shirley Azzopardi, Democrat candidate for House District 13, said she’s running because she wants to see government be “responsive to our needs.” Azzopardi said she taught special education for 30 years, 28 in St. Ignatius schools, and is now working for CSKT Head Start.
“I’ve spent a good part of my life in education and believe in public education,” she said. Reducing property taxes, public education and reproductive freedom are her priorities.
Linda Reksten, who is running as the Republican candidate for House District 13, introduced
herself as a third generation Polson resident who returned to Montana after spending 34 years in education in another state. Upon her return, she worked as a Superintendent of Schools for two different school districts before being elected to serve in House District 12. During her time as a representative in the legislature, Reksten served as Vice Chair of the House Education Committee.
With 33 years of experience working for the federal government, Thedis Crowe is the Democratic candidate for House District 13. She is running against Ralph
Foster, Republican, who was not present at the forum. Crowe, an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation, said she is actively engaged in her family’s ranching operation in the Heart Butte area. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in land resource sciences and a master’s degree in Native American studies. Though new to politics, Crowe said she believes she has the skillset needed to represent her district’s citizens at the state legislature.
Shelly Fyant is running as a Democrat for the House District 91 seat. Fyant, who was born in St. Ignatius and lives in Arlee, has served two terms on the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council and was elected chairwoman in January 2020. Fyant says she’s committed to advocating for Medicaid Expansion, public education, affordable housing, pro-
tecting the environment and women’s reproductive rights.
David Passieri is the Republican candidate for House District 91. Passieri introduced himself as an area realtor who’s lived in Montana for the past 20 years. He describes himself as a strong advocate for the rights of property owners and believes his experience serving on the Lake County Planning Board and Board of Adjustment as well as providing testimony during past legislative sessions have helped prepare him to represent his fellow Montanans at the state legislature.
Neither Jacinda Morigeau nor Charles Headley, Democrat and Republican candidates, respectively, for Senate District 46 were able to attend the forum.
The first question posed to candidates was, “What property tax
reform policies do you support for Montana?”
Hertz said a homestead exemption is his number one priority. In order to give voters more choices, Hertz also said he supports reviewing taxpayer approved levies every 10 years.
Sharp responded that he thinks property tax is the worst kind of tax as it can force people out of their family homes. “Ultimately, I would like to see property taxes eliminated,” he said.
Though he doesn’t think that’s likely to happen in the next session, he said it’s something “we should work on.”
In addition to addressing high property taxes, Azzopardi said she’d like to see a thorough examination all of the tax exemptions the state allows. Azzopardi said that the Department of Revenue
page 20
JOANNA HUDOROVICH PHOTO
Linda Reksten, Republican candidate for House District 13, listens to the emcee ask another question.
SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL
The Sept. 26 forum was held in the upstairs of the Montecahto Club.
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SIM-MT partners with SKC, St. Luke for emergent simulation trainings
Partners gather to simulate critical pediatric, mental health situations
On Wednesday, Sept. 18, Simulation in Motion Montana (SIM-MT) partnered with junior and senior nursing students at Salish Kootenai College in Pablo to conduct vital pediatric simulations. The training included scenarios such as asthma, overdose, burns, and hypothermia, providing future healthcare professionals with hands-on experience in treating a wide range of pediatric emergencies.
The goal of this collaboration was to equip nursing students with the skills and confidence they need to address critical, real-life medical scenari-
os. This training not only prepares students to offer excellent care but also benefits the entire community by ensuring that local healthcare providers are well-trained in pediatric emergency care.
Sara Kaull, executive director of Simulation in Motion Montana, emphasized the importance of this simulation training: “Pediatric emergencies require specialized skills and fast decision-making. By working directly with nursing students at Salish Kootenai College, we’re preparing the next generation of healthcare providers to meet those challenges head-on. Their preparedness is an asset to the community, as it improves the overall quality of care available.”
This event demonstrates SIM-MT’s commitment to supporting healthcare education in
Montana’s rural communities, ensuring that students have access to advanced training that will benefit local residents in the long term. By simulating real-world scenarios, the program aims to foster collaboration and readiness, which is critical for both healthcare providers and their communities.
On Friday, Sept. 20, Simulation in Motion Montana (SIM-MT) partnered with staff from St. Luke Community Healthcare in Ronan, alongside public partners from the local school district and sheriff’s office, to conduct vital mental health simulations for medical providers. These hands-on training ses-
sions focused on equipping healthcare professionals and community partners with the skills and knowledge necessary to handle mental health emergencies effectively.
This collaborative event marked a significant step toward strengthening the community’s response to mental health crises. By simulating real-life sce-
narios, participants were able to practice essential techniques and improve their ability to provide compassionate, informed care in times of mental health distress.
“Mental health emergencies are an increasing concern, and it’s crucial that healthcare providers
The Heart of Healthcare in the Mission Valley
News and photos from SIM-MT
Simulation in Motion
from page 5
and public partners work together to support those in crisis,” said SIM-MT Executive Director Sara Kaull. “Our simulation program helps create a stronger network of care in communities like Ronan, where collaboration is key to providing the best possible outcomes.”
The mental health simulation not only benefited healthcare professionals but also fostered collaboration between key community sectors, including law enforcement and education. These simulations are part of a broader effort to ensure rural and local communities are well-prepared for the growing demands of mental health care.
About Simulation in Motion
Montana:
Simulation in Motion Montana (SIM-MT) is a mobile simulation training organization dedicated to improving healthcare delivery in rural and underserved communities
across Montana. By offering high-fidelity medical simulations, SIM-MT helps prepare healthcare professionals for real-life emergencies through practical, hands-on experience.
Allan Bunce named to SNHU President’s List
MANCHESTER, NH – Allan Bunce of Arlee has been named to Southern New Hampshire University ’s (SNHU) Summer 2024 President’s List. The summer terms run from May to August.
Full-time undergraduate students who have earned a minimum grade-point average of 3.700 and above for the reporting term are named to the President’s List. Full-time status is achieved by earning 12 credits over each 16-week term or paired 8-week terms grouped in fall, winter/spring, and summer.
Arlee CDC hosts open house featuring artwork of Sean Parson
News from the Arlee CDC
ARLEE – Mixed media artist Sean Parson is the featured artist at the new exhibit opening Oct. 3 at the Arlee Community Development Corporation. Parson works with materials usually found at his job site as a tile installer, including natural stone and various types of tiles and other materials. The Arlee native draws on his scenic surroundings in the Jocko Valley for inspiration for
both his visual art and his music.
“We love offering new exhibits to showcase different artists and types of artwork,” said Marie Hirsch, executive director of the Arlee CDC.
“We invite everyone to come and see Sean’s work and the other works in our most recent exhibit.
There’s so much talent in this area, and we’re glad we have the gallery space to provide a showcase and a gathering spot for artists and people who love art.”
The public is invited to
view the new exhibit and meet Sean Parson at an open house on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be served and everyone is welcome.
Job Creator
Tim founded Bridger Aerospace—an aerial firefighting company, created hundreds of Montana jobs, and fights wildfires to protect our public lands.
Sean Paron
St. Luke Community Healthcare welcomes three new providers in October
News from St. Luke Community Healthcare
LAKE COUNTY —
St. Luke Community Healthcare is excited to announce the addition of three outstanding healthcare providers to its team: Dr. Michael Dolecki, Dr. Jay Perret, and Katie Troxel, DNP, FNP-C. Their arrival brings expanded services and expertise to the Mission Valley, enhancing the level of care offered to the community.
Dr. Michael Dolecki, Orthopedic Surgeon
A familiar face at St. Luke, Dr. Michael Dolecki, Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon, returns to the team with a wealth of experience and specialized skills. Dr. Dolecki previously served at St.
Luke in the Orthopedics department and is now rejoining to provide care to the Mission Valley once again.
of work, he enjoys outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, skiing, and motorcycle riding. For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Dolecki, contact St. Luke Orthopedics at 406-528-5580.
Dr. Dolecki earned his undergraduate degree at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and completed his medical training and residency at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). With a focus on joint replacements, fracture care, arthroscopy, and sports medicine, he will perform surgeries at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan and see patients at the St. Luke Community Clinic – Ronan. Outside
Dr. Jay Perret, Internal Medicine Physician
Joining the Primary Care team, Dr. Jay Perret, an Internal Medicine Physician, brings a passion for treating chronic illnesses and providing preventive care. Dr. Perret completed his undergraduate studies at the
University of Montana, followed by his Doctor of Osteopathy degree from Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima, WA. He further honed his skills during an Internal Medicine residency at Samaritan Health Services in Corvallis, OR.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Perret and his wife, Kristi, enjoy maintaining their small family farm in Moiese and spending time outdoors with their family. His hobbies include floating down glacial rivers, hunting, fishing, and exploring Montana’s majestic mountains.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Perret, contact St. Luke Community Clinic –Ronan at 406-676-3600.
Katie Troxel, DNP, FNP-C, Family Nurse Practitioner
Also joining the Primary Care team, Katie Troxel, DNP, FNP-C, is a Family Nurse Practitioner with a focus on family medicine, women’s health, preventive care, and dermatology. She earned her degrees from the University of Montana, Western Governors University, and Montana State University, where she completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice. Katie is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and has extensive experience in rural healthcare.
Katie enjoys spending her free time hiking with her dog, fly fishing, and boating on Flathead Lake with family and friends. She will practice alongside Dr. Kelli Larson at the St. Luke Community Clinic –Ridgewater in Polson. For appointments with Katie Troxel, call 406883-3737.
St. Luke Community Healthcare is dedicated to providing high-quality, compassionate care to the residents of the Mission Valley. Their team of skilled healthcare professionals offers a wide range of services to meet the needs of the community. To learn more about the new providers and the services offered at St. Luke, visit: www.stlukehealthcare.org.
Section of Highline Trail in Glacier Park remains closed after bear encounter
WEST GLACIER — A section of Highline Trail in Glacier National Park remains closed from Haystack Butte to Granite Park Chalet after a visitor’s encounter with a bear on the morning of September 19. The trail will reopen once park rangers patrolling the area can determined that the bear is no longer in the area.
A 35-year-old male from Washington state was hiking on Highline Trail with his hiking party near the Grinnell Gla-
cier Overlook trailhead when he surprised a bear at close range. The man was bitten below the knee. Members of the hiking party used bear spray to drive the bear away. They used a satellite communication device to contact park dispatch to report the incident and received instructions on how to bandage the wound. They were able to stop the bleeding with a first-aid kit.
“The hiking party was walking into the wind and faced foggy conditions, which could have contributed to the
encounter,” says John Waller, supervisory wildlife biologist.
“They were well prepared with bear spray, a satellite communication device, a first aid kit, were hiking as a group, and kept their cool when dealing with the bear.”
The injured visitor hiked to Granite Park Chalet with assistance from rangers and other hikers where he was met by Two Bear Air and flown to the Apgar horse corrals, then transported by Three Rivers ambulance to the Whitefish hospital. The injuries were non-
life threatening.
Based on information from witnesses, park wildlife biologists have determined it was a grizzly bear, most likely a male.
“At this time, no action will be taken against the bear, because it was a surprise encounter,” says Waller.
Visitors are reminded that the fall season is when bears are more likely to be active due to hyperphagia. As bears prepare for the long season of winter, during which they will hibernate, they need to eat as much as they can to prepare to go
months without food. For more information about recreating in bear country, please visit the park’s bear safety webpage
Other closures in Glacier due to bear activity include Sperry Trail between Sperry Chalet and Comeau Pass, and Oldman Lake Wilderness Campground.
Visitors are also reminded that trail access in Many Glacier Valley is affected in the Swiftcurrent area due to construction. For information on trail closures in the park, visit the park’s trail status webpage
News from Glacier National Park
Dr. Michael Dolecki
Dr. Jay Perret
Katie Troxel, DNP, FNP-C
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Truth be told
“The
truth will set you free.”
We’ve all heard this iconic sentence, but what does it mean, really? More importantly, what exactly is the truth? That depends on whom you are asking.
Slices of Life
Jill Pertler Syndicated columnist
Because I’ve come to believe that each of us has our own truth. What is my truth, with a capital T, may not be yours, in fact it probably isn’t. I know it isn’t.
To complicate matters, your truth today may differ from your truth tomorrow, as will mine because we are ever-changing, ever-evolving beings. It’s a wonder we ever come to a consensus on anything - even within our own minds.
Truth, as I see it, is
letters
often fluid, flowing like a river through our lifetime. And that river changes in direction. The current slows to a trickle and then roars to a rapids. And we, my friends, are firmly planted on an inner tube, just along for the ride.
But we don’t always see it this way. We see the truth as the truth - unchanging and unwavering.
Sometimes it is. Hurting children is wrong. That is the truth. Hurting yourself is wrong. That is the truth. Destroying the dreams or aspirations of another person Is wrong. That is the truth. Hating someone simply because they check a box that you yourself do not check is wrong. That is the truth.
Constitutional initiatives will improve election process
Editor,
In November, Montanans will vote on two constitutional initiatives that will improve how elections are conducted. CI126 creates an open primary system. All qualified candidates regardless of party will appear on one
When stated this way, the truth seems so simple. But it’s far from that. The truth is one of the most complex concepts up for our consideration. It’s right up there with evil, heaven, God and Bigfoot. Truth - does it really exist?
I think on some level, yes. In each moment, yes. But much of truth ends up being fluid. What was true for me in kindergarten is no longer so by middle school. Circumstances change. Perspectives change. We change. Life changes. And with it, so does “truth.”
Is it warm outside? It depends upon whom you ask. 70 degrees Fahrenheit might be warm for me, but you could very well require at least 80. Someone else might be squarely in the middle at 75, but for each of us, it’s our truth.
ballot, and voters choose a single candidate from that ballot. This system does not favor any party. It allows voters to choose the candidate who best represents their interests. The advantage is: we don’t have to select a partisan ballot.
Four candidates receiving the most votes advance to the general election. CI127 then
Parenthood is a great conundrum of truths, but I think we all (or mostly all) could agree that you are a different parent with child number four as compared to child number one. Each child knows his or her own truths about your parenting, and you also have your own set of truths about parenting at each stage - or each child. Every day changes us, and in that changes our truth, or the way we navigate the world. This can create ramificationsboth small and huge. Think about divorce.
Two people who want nothing more than to be divided at one point in time wanted nothing more than to be united as one at another. Which one is the truth?
They both are. Therein lies the conundrum of the concept. Truth can be
requires that winning candidates receive at least 50% + 1 vote, ensuring those candidates have the support of a majority. Without this requirement, as in current elections with more than two candidates on the ballot, winning candidates may receive significantly less than 50% of the vote, meaning the majority of voters did not support them.
two completely different things, depending on time, circumstance and the people observing it –living it.
Talk about chaos. Makes you wonder how we make sense of anything. Or better put, how we ascertain the truth in anything, not just from our own perspective, but the truth as viewed by the person sitting next to us.
It’s one of the great mysteries of life. And it can be beautiful, if you let it be. Not knowing the truth about the absence or the lack of any real truth causes you to simply trust. And trust, as it turns out, is pretty beautiful and life-changing. Because, unlike the truth, trust is unwavering and steadfast.
Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published play-
wright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.
LETTER POLICY
Letters to the editor are welcome. The content is the opinion of the letter writer and not the newspaper. The decision to publish letters is made by the editor. Letters regarding candidates in the Nov. 5 general election will not be printed after the Oct. 23 issue in order to allow candidates time for response. Letters must be 350 words or less. A writer will only be published twice per month. Letters may be edited for content or length, or may not be published if considered libelous, in poor taste, spiteful, self-promotional or of limited interest to the general readership. Space limitations also dictate when or if letters are published.
This is undemocratic. Requiring winning candidates to have at least 50%+1 votes means they must appeal to the majority, thereby forcing them to moderate any extreme positions. Candidates with extreme views are less likely to gain traction.
Together, these two initiatives have the potential to dial down
see page 11
Letters must be signed by the author and name, address and phone number must be included – phone number is for verification purposes only. Letters from organizations must include the name of at least one author. Please limit “thank you” letters to four people/organizations or less. Deadline is noon Friday to publish the following week.
Opinions expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the newspaper.
the extreme partisanship and rhetoric plaguing our political system and select candidates more representative of the majority of voters.
Caryl Cox Polson
Vote to protect rural hospitals
Editor,
Recently a relative of mine was rushed to the ER in Polson, stabilized, then transported to Missoula a few hours later. Having worked 30 years as an RN, I am well aware how critical, literally, the initial care in our local hospital mattered in terms of outcome.
One third of Montana’s population lives in rural areas. Keeping rural hospitals open is absolutely necessary for health, jobs and the economy.
Studies by University of Pennsylvania and by the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform both reveal
that it’s low reimbursement from private insurers that cause financial losses to rural hospitals, not the amount of reimbursement received from Medicare and Medicaid.
Rural hospitals have low patient volume but still have high fixed costs.
“...The amounts private plans pay, not Medicare or Medicare payments, determine whether a rural hospital loses money.”
When Tim Sheehy proposes privatizing Medicare, I fear what will happen to rural hospitals. Because low reimbursement from private plans causes financial loss to medical facilities, conversion of Medicare plans to private plans will worsen the problem and cause rural facilities to close.
Jon Tester has supported rural health care and legislation to create incentives for new doctors to work and stay in rural areas. Health care is important to me. My vote goes to Jon Tester for US Senate.
Stephanie Brancati Big Arm
Vote for reproductive freedom
U.S. women now live in a country where they’ve been relegated to second-class citizens courtesy of the Supreme Court, whose conservative majority ignored 50 years of precedent and overturned the constitutional right to abortion nationwide. Abortion policy now falls to individual states, and now nearly half ban or limit access to abortion. But that’s not enough for Republicans in Congress. GOP leaders endorse a national abortion ban with zero exceptions for rape or incest. They want to ban IVF treatment, end access to medication abortion, and gut funding for contraception. These anti-choice, anti-woman policies mirror the extreme agenda in Proj-
ect 2025, which flatly rejects the idea that abortion is an essential component of women’s health care.
Valley Views
Don’t be lulled into complacency that our State Constitution will safeguard abortion access in Montana. A nationwide abortion ban would nullify our State constitutional protection of privacy, stripping Montana women of their civil rights to health, liberty, and personal autonomy.
Be assured GOP candidates on the 2024 general election ballot will vote for a national abortion ban. Senate GOP candidate Tim Sheehy states he is “proudly pro-life” and opposes CI-128, a MT ballot initiative that would provide a state constitutional right to make and carry out decisions about one’s own pregnancy, including the right to abortion. When discussing abortion, Sheehy has called it “sinful,” “terrible,” “repulsive,” and said he wants abortion “all to end tomorrow.”
MT-01 incumbent Ryan Zinke has consistently voted in favor of new nationwide restrictions on abortion and health care access for active-duty military personnel and their families. Susan B. Anthony (SBA) Pro-Life America, whose mission is to end abortion, gives Zinke an A+ rating for his anti-abortion voting record. MT-02 GOP candidate Troy Downing supports a federal ban on abortion. Both Downing and Sheehy are endorsed by SBA for the 2024 election
Serving Lake County since 1923
Beth Waterbury St. Ignatius
page 11
cycle.
Governor Gianforte and our Montana Legislature have worked tirelessly the last two sessions to push through a dozen bills restricting abortion access, though most are tied up in court for now. And let’s not overlook Montana’s senior Senator Steve Daines, founder and chair of the Senate Pro-Life Caucus, who is on record stating, “For the pro-life movement, overturning Roe is not the end, but only the beginning.”
The deck is stacking against Montana women and our sisters nationwide. We must push back on government intrusion into our personal health care decisions. This November, vote for candidates who will protect women’s reproductive rights for generations to come. Vote Jon Tester for Senate, Monica Tranel for MT-01, John Driscoll for MT-02, Ryan Busse for Governor, Raph Graybill for Lt. Governor, Ben Alke for Attorney General, Jesse James Mullen for Secretary of State, and vote yes on 128.
vj
Vote for Tester to support rural health care
Asa nurse practitioner in Missoula, prior to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), I was initially surprised that so many patients came from rural areas - especially Lake County. Some had very little money, and could be late because they had hitchhiked or waited on a ride from a friend. Ours was a specialty practice, but much of the work could have been done nearer people’s homes if there had been a program in place. Then as now, rural hospitals, and some rural practices, were struggling - and rural people were struggling.
Valley Views
Gail Trenfield St. Ignatius
Without these programs, St. Joseph’s Hospital in Polson, and St. Luke’s in Ronan, might not make it. That would mean decreased services, delayed care and very expensive transport to Missoula.
The ACA, which, for Montana, included Medicaid Expansion, has made a great difference. Research has shown that this program, covering care that would have otherwise been charity care, improves finances of all hospitals - but especially rural hospitals. This does not mean that these hospitals are getting rich, but they are surviving.
What is more, the ACA has reduced health care costs, nationally and statewide. We could do more, but what we have done already has made the system more reasonable and efficient - and provided money-saving preventative care. We look to our Montana Legislature and US Congress to continue these essential programs. This session, Montana State Legislature will decide whether to continue Medicaid Expansion. The US Congress will decide whether to continue to fund the ACA and Medicaid Expansion.
Senator Tester has strongly supported the ACA, and he has been active in using this act to meet the specific needs of Mon-
tanans. In fact, he has received the 2024 Rural Health Champion Award from the National Rural Health Association. He responded, “As a third-generation farmer that lives 12 miles off the main strip of a town of about 600 people, I see firsthand the consequences of policies being made in Washington that don’t take rural America into account.”
Jon Tester has also worked to lower drug prices through the Inflation Reduction Act; incentivizing young physicians to build careers in rural hospitals; and by securing funding to make this happen.
Senator Tester’s opponent, Tim Sheehy, is lacking in governmental experience - leading him to advocate an entirely private health care system. He has been recorded saying, “Our hospitals have been built around federal health care subsidies. So in my opinion, we need to return health care to pure privatization.” Sheehy claimed that the system worked before health insurance, when people simply
paid for medical care out of pocket.
The truth is that, as health care has become more complex and effective, people have struggled to pay since the early twentieth century.
Tim Sheehy seems unaware of what losing the ACA and Medicaid Expansion would mean for Montanans. Health care costs would skyrocket; we would likely lose protections for pre-existing conditions, and vital rural medical facilities would lose federal funding and possibly be shut down – hospitals like St. Joseph’s in Polson, and St. Luke’s in Ronan.
Losing health care is a serious concern for individuals and communities - but this is the reality of what Tim Sheehy has called for with “pure privatization.”
When we vote this November, the fate of health care funding and rural hospitals will be on the line. We should support Senator Tester and local legislators who understand the importance of rural health care.
Vote with a commitment to each other
Editor,
What I love about where we live is our community of people. We are friends and neighbors, sometimes with varying views, but always there for each other in times of need. This election, I encourage all of us to vote for candidates that are
not divisive and hateful. For candidates looking for solutions building off of all that is good in America, and who match our value of building the best communities for our families and children.
It is important to vote and all votes matter; have a plan how you will get your voice heard and you will get to a polling station. Find voting information at Lake County
Montana Election Office.
In voting, I hope that we stand up for decency and fairness. That we protect our freedoms and privacy when deciding on the best reproductive and health care for our families, that we support our freedom to love who we want, to practice all religions, that we examine property tax fairness, and we uphold access to public lands, clean water,
and clean air. This election we have many candidates who will uphold the good in people and create policies that help each of us. We also have candidates who are riding on a rigid platform that is pro-big business and exploitation of the Montana we love and live in.
The montanafreepress. org/election-guide-2024, a non-partisan guide,
is a great way to learn about candidates’ values and how each candidate may align with your own beliefs.
Our children deserve the best. They deserve a good public education so all Montana children may succeed in life. Better education comes from better funding for our schools and teachers. They deserve a future
see page 13
where, with fiscal responsibility, our budget supports programs and policies that work for us, not against us.
Please let your voice be heard and vote for a hopeful future with commitment to decency, kindness, and fairness.
Janet Sucha Charlo
Re-elect Jon Tester
Editor,
“Hello, Jon!” my outgoing husband cheerily called out to Senator Tester in the concourse of the Salt Lake City Airport. The senator, obviously headed to the men’s room, turned around, grinning, and stuck out his right hand. To my surprise, what followed was a five-minute conversation about the state of affairs in the state of Montana.
You’ve read about what Jon, a third-generation dirt farmer, has accomplished in our wonderful home. His work supports numerous infrastructure projects, keeping access open to our public lands, helping our veterans by meeting their many challenges, keeping the government out of women’s healthcare decisions, and improving healthcare, education, high speed internet and water projects in our small communities.
Jon represents us. All of us. Politics aside, he works for small business
owners, veterans, Native Americans, ranchers, teachers and many more. He will talk to you; more importantly, he will listen to you and answer your questions, unlike many politicians who refuse to take questions at gatherings. He is friendly, down home, and salt of the earth.
Jon literally has Montana roots. We do not need another multimillionaire outsider (Tim Sheehy) using our state to attain his personal political ambitions. We need to re-elect Senator Jon Tester. Please vote.
Nancy
Teggeman Polson
Vote for Shirley Azzopardi, HD 13
Editor,
I have known Shirley Azzopardi for over 25 years - as a coworker, a hiking companion, and a friend. Shirley is the best choice for HD 13. She works hard, spending time after work knocking on doors and talking to people about the issues important to them.
As a teacher, Shirley believes in a strong public school system so every Montana child can receive a high quality education. As a parent, she believes that health care decisions should be made between the patient and his/her medical team. As an outdoor enthusiast, she believes in public access to public lands. As a homeowner, she believes that the state government should use our property tax on programs that help Montanans, not to fund the cost of the litigation of new laws known to be unconstitutional. She sees the importance of affordable housing so our children can live the dream of continuing to live in the state in which they grew up. Shirley will work hard for the Mission Valley and the entire state. She believes in the future of Montana. Vote for Shirley if you do, too.
Pam Rodeghiero St. Ignatius
more letters on page 14
PAID POLITICAL CONTENT
Gianforte raised your property taxes up to 111%. I’m running to lower them.
By Ryan Busse
Montana has never been more expensive, and Governor Greg Gianforte is pouring gas on the fire.
Gianforte raised property taxes by as much as 111%. That’s the largest increase in Montana history. What’s worse, he’s handed out tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires like himself, while pricing hardworking Montanans and seniors out of their homes.
One of the most important decisions we face this election year is who we should ask to be our next governor. My name is Ryan Busse. I’m asking for your vote to Get Your Montana Back.
This decision isn’t about political party, and has almost nothing to do with national political elections. For me, it’s about saving the state we love: about lowering property taxes, making Montana more affordable, and protecting our individual constitutional rights.
I’m not a politician. I’m a former executive from the firearms industry. I sold 3 million guns while helping to build a company called Kimber. I’m proud of creating good-paying jobs in Montana.
But under Gianforte, it’s hard to stay afloat even with a good-paying job. That’s why on Day One, I have a plan to lower property taxes for everyone — not just private mansion owners like Gianforte. The nonpartisan Montana Taxpayers Association calls my plan the simplest. I’ll lower tax rates on all classes of property, and cut residential property taxes by $112 million. My plan will also cut taxes on small businesses and family farms and ranches.
With a multi-billion dollar government surplus in Helena, it’s simply unacceptable for Gianforte to continue to raise taxes. No one said “keep the change.”
It’s time for new leadership in Helena. Did you know that Gianforte— one of the wealthiest people in our state—is paying less on his own, personal property taxes this year? He’s the only homeowner in his entire neighborhood whose property taxes actually went down last year.
Don’t be fooled by those mailers Gianforte sent out. The State of Montana, not local governments, sets the overall tax rate for residential property, so it didn’t sit well with me when Gianforte tried to pass the blame for his own tax hike to local elected leaders—most of them fellow Republicans. Now those Republican mayors and county commissioners are calling Gianforte out for his lies.
I’m proud that this campaign is made up of Republicans, Independents, and Democrats who are setting aside their differences on national politics to come together and save our state.
In addition to lowering property taxes, I have a plan to fix our broken funding model for K-12 education. I also have a plan to increase access to public lands, so that you don’t have to be a millionaire like Gianforte to access Montana’s best hunting and fishing spots.
Montanans have a proud history of voting for the person, not political party. Gianforte has failed us by raising our taxes when Montana has never been more expensive. It doesn’t have to be this way. I am asking for your vote. Let’s get your Montana back.
Tim Sheehy: side-stepping responsibility for his words
Montanans deserve a Senator that respects all of us, not one that uses damaging punchlines that divide us.
Senatorial candidate
Valley Views
Tim Sheehy’s disrespectful comments about Native people send a dangerous message -that he is okay using negative and tired stereotypes about Montana Indians in an attempt to get elected.
On August 29, the Char-Koosta News published a shocking investigative report revealing the remarks made by Mr. Sheehy at campaign events
letters
Montana schools need O’Brien’s leadership
Editor,
This letter supports Dr. Shannon O’Brien for Montana State Superintendent of Schools. The Office of Public Instruction needs leadership that brings change that supports students and teachers in Montana’s schools. Current Superintendent Elsie Arntzen and her former Chief Deputy Susie Hedalan implemented policies that decimated the Office of Public Instruction and failed our students and teachers. Susie Hedalan, now Shannon’s opponent, promises to continue
in Shelby and Hamilton last November. Sheehy, a recent Montana transplant, was recorded saying he ropes and brands with Crow members, and that it’s “a great way to bond with all the Indians while they’re drunk at 8:00 A.M.” He further claimed to have had “Coors Light cans flying by your head” while riding in the Crow parade. The Char-Koosta also reported that in separate events in Superior and Helena, Sheehy said Crow tribal members called him “white boy,” and threw Coors cans at his head at their rodeo. Mr. Sheehy shared these damaging stereotypes to his largely white audiences as
these policies. Montana’s schools cannot afford this.
More than half our students are not proficient in math and reading. Montana’s teachers are among the lowest paid in the nation. There’s high staff turnover and shortages of qualified educators. Many first-year teachers are leaving the profession. These alarming statistics demand urgent action and change.
Shannon has the vision and experience to do that. She’s been a teacher, basketball coach, Dean of Missoula College, and a state Senator, where she led successful education initiatives. Her experience equips her
representations of who we are as Indian people, apparently thinking he could elicit some laughs about his experiences in tribal communities. We aren’t laughing.
CSKT’s Tribal Council stands in solidarity with the Crow Tribe who were on the receiving end of Sheehy’s remarks. Our elders have described his words as hateful and we listened. Sheehy said nothing of the many great achievements in our communities, of ever-increasing numbers of Indian people making their way through college to earn advanced degrees, to learn our languages and culture, and support our communities. Our community battles high sui-
with the knowledge and skills necessary to make effective changes and lead our schools in a new direction.
Shannon understands that public education is linked to political action but it’s grounded in classrooms, schools and communities. She will partner with legislators to address the critical problems facing our schools and ensure that every Montana child has access to quality education. Unlike her opponent, Shannon wasn’t handpicked by those intending to degrade our public schools. She’s running to fix existing problems and chart a course that strives to ensure the success of
cide rates especially among our young people who should have their heritage honored, not disparaged by someone who wants to represent us all in the U.S. Senate. Has Sheehy responded to any media questions regarding his words? He told one Fox news reporter that the audio clips were chopped up to make him sound evil. What he neglected to say was any sort of condemnation for those sentiments that came out of his mouth. Does he wish to be a friend to the Native populations he’s asking to represent? Does this ex-Navy Seal realize the harm he has inflicted upon the many Indian veterans in our communities?
every student. Shannon’s running because she genuinely cares.
Montana’s public education needs new leadership. We need a leader that places students, teachers and schools front and center on the state’s education agenda. Montana’s kids deserve nothing less.
Vote for Shannon O’Brien, State Superintendent of Schools.
Sue McCormick
Retired
educator, Polson
Choose healing thoughts, words, actions
Editor, Consider the economic
We have listened to the full audio of Sheehy’s speeches that were recently released by the Char-Koosta News after their reporting was questioned, and Sheehy’s hateful rhetoric is just as unacceptable as it was before. Montana has come a long way since the Lewis and Clark party encountered the Native peoples. Sheehy shows us we still have a long journey ahead to heal these divisions. This Council looks forward to hearing what you say next about your words. Your silence so far has already told us volumes. And for those affected by these hateful, racist, and discriminatory words, we encourage you to step forward and make your vote count.
woes, political turmoil, China news, Putin, car jackings, random shootings, and all manner of negative news coverage.
What initiates and drives these sorts of problems? It is what I call FAG: “Fear, Anger, Greed.” This human response is severe and tragic.
Are we hearing much about possible answers?
We are hearing, over and over, the reports fueled by FAG, but our media and leadership do not focus on “cause and solution.”
The answers will not come from the top down. The answers will only come from the bottom up. The answers will only come through individual minds choosing healing thoughts, words and actions. These positive and healing words and actions will be different for each of us. Making that positive mind-choice has life-changing effects. A dedicated few can change the minds of many. And when the few are spreading healing words and actions consistently and powerfully to the many, positive change takes place. This letter represents one of my ways of trying to spread healing messages. What might be your ways? All our ways are essential and productive when applied.
Bob McClellan Missoula
Michael Dolson, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Chairman
Adult Education Classes Polson School District FALL 2024
Polson School District will be having two adult education sessions this year. The first will begin on Tuesday, October 15 and end Sunday, December 8. If you’re interested in attending a class, please email the teacher ASAP to reserve your spot. The participant fee is a one-time payment for the entire session. If you have additional questions, please contact Deanna McElwee at dmcelwee@polson.k12.mt.us.
Coker’s Kitchen - PMS FACS room
Instructor: Ariel Coker acoker@subs.polson.k12. mt.us
Prerequisite: intermediate level (basic knife skills required)
Thursday evenings from 6:00-8:00 PM Fee $20
Limit: 10
The first class is an introductory class to gather information on allergies and overall interest in certain recipes. Some foods we may prepare are: tamales, lemon chicken orzo soup, homemade shrimp wontons and shrimp wonton soup, chicken parmesan, eggs benedict, lamb cream pasta, creamed spinach, taquitos with a green salsa, Albondigas verde (green Mexican meatball soup), lumpia, pancit, chicken and dumplings, Swedish meatballs, spring rolls with peanut hoisin sauce, and a variety of other meals!
Adult Basketball open gym/scrimmage
Instructor: Camas McClure cmcclure@polson.k12. mt.us
Wednesday evenings 7:00-8:30 PM in PMS gymmen and women invited
Fee: FREE
Limit: 30
Would you like to meet some new people while playing basketball? Email Camas to reserve your spot!
Buff Babes
Instructor: Deanna McElwee dmcelwee@polson. k12.mt.us NASM certified personal trainer
Monday mornings 5:40-6:30 AM in PHS gym/weight room
Fee: $10
Limit: 25
The 50 minute, female-only fitness class includes using weights, TRX straps, bands, balance, and bodyweight exercises to achieve a total body workout. All fitness levels are encouraged to attend - beginners welcome.
Circuit Training
Instructor: Deanna McElwee - dmcelwee@polson. k12.mt.us NASM certified personal trainer Fee $10
Thursday mornings 5:40-6:30 AM in PHS gym/ weight room Limit: 25
50 minute workout for men and women. Includes HIIT, weights, TRX straps, bands, balance, and bodyweight exercises to achieve a total body workout. Intermediate fitness levels encouraged to attend.
Open Sew
Instructor: Stephanie Anderson - sanderson@ polson.k12.mt.us
Fee: $15
Thursdays 5:00-8:00 PM in PHS room 211
Limit: 16 participants
Come sew with us! Bring your project or come for ideas and use the class machines. All levels are welcome, but the instruction is not comprehensive for beginners. If you are stuck or want to try a new pattern, we will support each other in learning and growing on our sewing journeys. I will have a serger available too.
Bread Baking
Instructor: Stephanie Anderson - sanderson@ polson.k12.mt.us Fee: $20
Mondays and Tuesdays 4:00-6:00 PM in PHS room 211
Limit: 16 participants
Learn some of the science behind bread baking. Each week we will create a different kind of bread, including quick breads and yeast breads. If you have always wanted to make your own bread, but were afraid to try, this class is for you! We may also dabble in sourdough. The class is set to be on two consecutive nights so we have time to let the yeast do its job.
The Art of Creating Mandalas
Instructor: Ian Donovan - idonovan@polson.k12.
mt.us
Tuesdays from 4:00-5:00 PM at Linderman Elementary Room 126
Cost: FREE
Limit: 20 participants
Attendees will be using a variety of tools, such as a compass, protractor, and straightedge to create designs in a circular pattern. Students choose from a few different mediums, such as colored pencils, colored pens, or crayons to then color their designs, keeping in mind symmetry and color patterns in relation to the color wheel. It can be therapeutic, soothing, and satisfying throughout the creative process in completing a finished product. There will be examples to look at and a step by step process taught that attendees can continue on their own after the class has completed, if they so choose.
Pickleball
Instructor: Tammy Kelley - tkelley@polson.k12.mt.us
Day: Sunday mornings in PHS gym
Fee: $10
*9:00-10:00 AM Beginning Pickleball (limit 12 participants)
*10:00-11:00 Beginning Pickleball (limit 12 participants)
Join our Adult Ed Beginning Pickleball class, perfect for anyone looking to learn the fundamentals of this fun and fast-growing sport! No prior experience is needed—just bring a paddle and enthusiasm, and get ready to enjoy an exciting way to stay active and meet new friends!
*11:00-12:30 Intermediate Open Play (limit 12 participants)
Step up your game with our Intermediate Adult Ed Pickleball class, designed for players with some experience. In this open play format, you’ll have the opportunity to practice and refine your techniques in a fun, social setting while enjoying a great workout!
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence and AI tools
Instructor: Connor Mulvaney - cmulvaney@polson. k12.mt.us
Tuesdays from 5:00-6:30 PM
Location: PHS Room 305 (In building by the stadium)
Fee: $10
Limit: 20 participants
Explore the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and how to use generative AI tools like ChatGPT. This course will demonstrate various usages of AI tools and cover “best practices” for interacting with an AI model. This course is designed to help students understand how to use AI tools and will include “practice time” for students to practice working with various AI tools. (personal computer not required)
The Female Endurance Athlete
Instructor: Lindsy B. Campbell, PT, DPT, Cert MDT, Cert PN1 lindsybcampbell@gmail.com
Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 PM at PHS room 207
Fee: $20
Limit: 20 participants
This course will cover topics specific to the female athlete. We will cover strength training, injury prevention, recovery techniques, flexibility, nutrition, and special considerations for the female athlete throughout the lifespan. Part of this class will be didactic, but there will also be a high level of participation. We will exercise together and design individualized training and nutrition programs.
3 Yard Quilting
Instructors: Jennifer Wyman and Trude’ Hunsucker jwyman@polson.k12.mt.us
Tuesday and Thursday evenings 5:00-7:00 PM at Linderman (new wing)
Fee: FREE
Limit: 10 participants
Have you always wanted to make a quilt, but feel overwhelmed and not sure where to begin? Then look no further. This class will teach you the basics of quilting using only 3 yards of material. Bring your sewing machine. We will supply quilting tools, but you are welcome to bring your own. Join today and let us help make your first, or fifty-first, quilt a success.
sports shots
Fall Mack Days third week results announced
News from CSKT
2024 Fall Mack Days on Flathead Lake continues on until Nov. 3. Anglers just completed the third week of the nine-week event. Mack Days Fishing Events are sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes with up to $200,000 in cash and prizes to be awarded at the conclusion of the event. There are many ways to win in the event from being in the Top Angler group to winning lottery drawings. Check out the website at: www.mackdays.com for information, entry, fishing tips, etc.
A total of 6,723 lake trout entries have been entered so far in the event. Friday’s total was 504, Jerry Benson of Plains had the high count of 87, Saturday’s count was 820 and Terry Krogstad of Kalispell had a high of 74, also the Kreis boat from Huson had a total of 101 between Laurie-51 and Richard-50. Sunday’s total was 893, with Mike Benson bringing in the first 100
limit of the event. The weekday total came to 1162. On Monday, Terry turned in a high of 36, on Tuesday Lyndon Lee of Canada turned in 6, on Wednesday Patrick Casey of Townsend turned in 9, and on Thursday Jerry Benson turned in 74 lake trout entries.
Several anglers were vying for the heaviest bucket of four lake trout. Winner at the end of the day was Rick Skates of Big Arm with a 29.65 lb. bucket=10 pts. Second place goes to Jens Gran of Polson with 25.4lbs.=8 pts. There are two more Bucket of Fish Days - Saturday, Oct. 5, and Sunday, Oct. 20. Winner of each Bucket Day receives $200. Overall award is by total points after the three days. Tie is broken by total weight.
Total anglers registered in the Fall 2024 Event is at 341 anglers. The majority of anglers have Montana addresses with a few sprinkled in from Texas, Washington, Illinois, Florida, Oregon, North Dakota, Minnesota, and California.
Johnny Cash” is still waiting around the bend for
someone - he is the $10,000 lake trout. Tagged fish caught over the 3rd week were: $100 tags-Larry Karper of Florence and Steve Mack of Helena. Twelve tagged lake trout have been caught so far in the event.
Leading the anglers is Michael Benson of Lonepine with 599 lake trout entries. Jerry Benson turned in 220 for the weekend. David McDaniel of Polson is in 3rd with 358; in 4th is Richard Kreis of Huson with 309; and in 5th is Terry Krogstad of Kalispell with 303.
Laurie Kreis is leading the fantastic fishing Ladies with 258; Julie Perkins is 2nd with 149, in 3rd is Lorinda Freeman of Polson with 25, in 4th is Debbi Sacchi of Thompson Falls with 19, and Jolene Tatum and Jenny Perth of Missoula each have 10.
For 12 & Under: Zander Oliver of Missoula has 2, Eli Yang, Bucky Yarrow, Bear Yarrow, and Tayzee Whimper each have 2, Payton Kuchera of Kalispell has 1. 13-17 Category-James Kuchera of Kalispell has 8.
Our website is: wwwmackdays.com
BOB GUNDERSON / GUNDY ARTISTRY
Sammy Rensvold slams the ball over the net in a September game against the Lady Libby Loggers. Right: McKenna Corley winds up to hit the ball over the net.
Public invited to Mount Brown Hawk Watch event
News from Glacier National Park
WEST GLACIER
– Glacier National Park will host its annual Mount Brown Hawk Watch Program on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. near Lake McDonald Lodge.
The event will be held at the Golden Eagle interpretative sign near Jammer Joe’s parking lot, beginning at 11 a.m. Park biologists will teach volunteers how to identify and count migrating raptors. Educators from Montana Wild Wings Recovery Center will also be on
site with live raptors from 12 - 2 p.m. to provide a close-up on raptor species that migrate past Mount Brown. For the last hour of the event, counting migrating raptors will resume from 2 to 3 p.m. Participants should bring their own binoculars, (there will be a small number provided) and be prepared to count Golden Eagles on their annual migration south past Mount Brown. Biologists, park staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer questions about the integral role of raptors in our ecosystems, the
risks they face, and why Glacier has started the Mount Brown Hawk Watch Program. Attendees do not need to stay for the whole time; snacks and hot beverages will be provided.
Beginning Sept. 23 through October, volunteers can also choose to count migrating raptors from the Jammer Joe’s parking lot at Lake McDonald Lodge from noon to 4 p.m. each day, or hike on their own to count migrating raptors just below Mount Brown fire lookout. The hike to the Mount Brown observation point is about
4.5 miles/7.2 km oneway (about 9 miles/14.5 km roundtrip) with an elevation gain of over 4,000 ft/1,220 m. Volunteers interested in hiking to the observation point and participating in the count should email the Glacier Citizen Science Office, GLAC_citizen_science@nps.gov, for additional details.
Each year in the fall, Golden Eagles migrate from northern breeding grounds to warmer climates. One of the most important North American Golden Eagle migration routes passes directly through Glacier
National Park along the Continental Divide. Many other raptors also use this migration corridor during the fall and spring months.
In the mid-1990s biologists documented nearly 2,000 Golden Eagles migrating past Mount Brown annually. Recent data from outside Glacier National Park indicates a significant decline in Golden Eagle numbers. Due to this concern, the park initiated a Citizen Science Raptor Migration Project in 2011 to investigate possible locations for a Hawk Watch site. Hawk Watch sites
are part of an international effort to track long-term raptor population trends using systematic migrating raptor counts. Observers also record data on sex, age, color morph and behavior of raptors, as well as weather and environmental conditions.
To see a map of Hawk Watch sites around the world on the HawkCount website
Glacier National Park Conservancy donors provide support for this program. Contact GLAC_citizen_science@nps.gov or call 406-888-7986 for more information.
obituaries
John Fleming
ST. IGNATIUS - John Fleming, 77, passed away peacefully of Parkinson’s disease and Lewy Body Dementia on September 19, 2024, with his family by his side.
John was born on Nov. 12, 1946, in Polson, to Jim and Billie Fleming. He grew up on a farm in Pablo where he spent his childhood raking hay, changing irrigation pipe and worrying that someone might forget to pick him up in the field to make it to baseball practice. He loved sports and excelled in many of them. He graduated from Ronan High School in 1965 and went to Carroll College where he earned a BA in Business in 1969. At the insistence of the Selective Service System, he served in the US Army for 2 years after college, part of which was in Vietnam.
Upon returning from Vietnam, John attended UM Law School for a year before deciding education was his field of choice. He went back to school to complete elementary and secondary education degrees and later a M.Ed. He began teaching at St Ignatius Schools in 1974. He briefly taught Title I in the high school before settling in to teach fifth grade and in the latter half of his career, middle school social studies, where he was able to indulge in sharing one of his great interests, Montana history. He was
often busy after the school day ended, teaching driver’s education and coaching soccer, middle school football, Odyssey of the Mind and Academic Bowl.
After 40 years in the classroom and teaching generations of Mission Bulldogs, he retired in 2014. Running into former students and having a quick chat always brought a smile to his face.
Public service and fairness were important to John, and he served on the Lake County Planning Board, the St. Ignatius Rural Fire Department Board and the Montana Education Association-Montana Federation of Teachers Board for many years. In 2019, he was inducted into the Montana Federation of Public Employees Hall of Fame for his lifetime of work in support of labor unions. He was proud to be elected by his neighbors to serve two terms as a Representative in the Montana Legislature.
John and his wife of 49 years, Lydia, raised three boys in the shadows of the Mission Mountains near St. Ignatius. His relaxation came in the form of raising cattle on their small ranch, a marginally remunerative side hustle that he enjoyed immensely.
John was proceeded in death by his parents and brother Jim. He is survived by his wife, Lydia and sons, Louis of Missoula, Will (Brandi) of Great Falls, and Ian (Brenda) of Los Alamos, New Mexico; grandchildren, Daphne, Donna, Eli, Bennett, and Cooper; and siblings, Mary, Joan, Pat, Neil, Greg, Peggy, Annie, Katie and Elizabeth.
John’s family would like to
thank the staff of Edgewood Memory Care for wonderful care during the last months of his life. They would also like to thank Jennifer Doty, PA at Providence Neurology, Tom Normandeau, and the staff and instructors at Rock Steady Boxing in Missoula for helping him cope with the challenges brought on by his disease in the last several years.
Donations in John’s memory can be made to either St Ignatius Middle School, for a “Buddy Bench” to help carry on John’s kindness and dedication to education by mailing a donation to St. Ignatius Schools, PO Box 1540, St. Ignatius, MT 59865, or to Fort Connah Restoration Society, PO Box 82, Charlo, MT 59824 or fortconnah.com to help sustain the preservation of local history.
Please join us in celebrating John’s life on Nov. 9 from 1-4 p.m. at Fort Connah, near St. Ignatius.
Warren (Chuck) Shepard
Chuck could be found on the tractor mowing the field with his infectious smile we will all so fondly remember him by. Chuck relocated to the Frenchtown Valley and with his first wife, Joyce, had four children: Chuck “Jr.”, Craig, Carrie, and Megan.
In the early 70s, Chuck and partner, Stan Watkins, established Watkins Shepard Trucking. With humble beginnings, they hauled beer west to Washington and apples back into Montana. At the time Chuck retired in the late 90s, they had grown the fleet to over 700 trucks with multiple terminals around the country.
In the late 90s Chuck met the love of his life, Donna Patinella. Together they enjoyed nearly 30 years of fishing, hunting, traveling, boating on Flathead Lake, and entertaining family and friends.
seniors
Ronan
By Donna Daniels for the ValleyJournal
RONAN – The Mission Valley Senior Center is located across from St. Luke’s Hospital. Any age is welcome to come enjoy our meals because you don’t have to be a senior citizen. We are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for lunch and other activities.
Our menu: - Wednesday, Oct. 2: hashbrown casserole, salad, dessert - Friday, Oct. 4: beef Stroganoff, salad, dessert - Monday, Oct. 7: spaghetti, salad, dessert - Wednesday, Oct. 9: chili, frybread, soup, sandwiches Flu Shots will be available on Oct. 2 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Bring your insurance card. Seniors bring your Medicare/Part B coverage cards. No one will be denied due to an inability to pay.
Our Sunday Roast Pork Dinner is on Oct. 13 from 12-1 p.m. Come join us for a delicious meal.
FRENCHTOWN - Warren Charles Shepard “Chuck” passed away at home surrounded by family and friends on Sept. 15, 2024. Chuck was born Nov. 27, 1942, in Ronan. His lifelong passion for farming and ranching was cultivated while growing up on the family farm. Years after leaving the farm,
Chuck is survived by his wife, Donna Patinella; father-in-law, Richard Dumaine; daughter, Megan Shepard, son, Chuck “Jr.” (Becky) Shepard and son, Jay Goemmer; grandchildren, Carson Shepard, Lindsey (Rand) Pritzkau, Levi Shepard, and Hailey Shepard; great-grandson, Rhett Pritzkau, and his loyal companion Shelby.
Chuck is preceded in death by his father, Charles Shepard; daughter, Carrie Shepard; son, Craig Shepard; and mother-inlaw, Lucia Dumaine.
A celebration of life will be held at Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula on Oct. 2, 2024, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Guests are encouraged to share their fondest memories while we celebrate our beloved Chuck.
We are trying to find someone who is interested in cooking and dishwashing. It would be a parttime position. If you or someone you know is interested, contact Donna at 406-676-2371.
Our annual bazaar is coming up and held on Nov. 2 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. If you would like a table, call the center at 406-6762371.
We are always looking for new members. Come in and give us a try.
Pinochle has started again. It’s played on Mondays from 1:30 to see page 19
John Fleming
Chuck Shepard
Seniors
4 p.m.
page 18
The Ronan Senior Center is available to renting for your events. Call us if you are having an event and need a location to have it.
We also have pool table available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come join the fun. Everyone is welcome to join our meals, no matter what your age. We ask for a $7 donation for our Monday, Wednesday, and Friday meals and $10 for our Sunday meal.
If you would like a meal delivered to your business just call us by 10 a.m. Also, we will gladly send you a menu if requested.
St. Ignatius
By Barb Plouffe for the Valley Journal
ST. IGNATIUS -A yard/bake sale will take place on Oct. 4 and 5 at the St. Ignatius Senior Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be cookies, breads, bars, and many more items for the bake sale and clothes, craft items, bedding, kitchenware, and many other items in the yard sale.
On Oct. 12 bingo will be played at the center at 2 p.m. with a special blackout prize.
We are looking for a Site Manager to work 8 to 12 hours a week. If interested, call and leave
a message. Menu:
- Friday, Oct. 4: noon
- fish, broccoli salad, cottage cheese, pineapple, wheat bread, cake
- Tuesday, Oct. 8: noon
- sloppy Joe’s, tator tots, carrot/celery, peaches, biscuit, dessert
- Friday, Oct. 11: noontuna salad sandwiches, tomato soup, fruit, banana cream pie
If you would like a takeout meal, call 406745-4462 by 10 a.m. on Tuesday and Friday and by 2 p.m. on Wednesday. Times of meals are listed with menu. Menus for the month are available in the entryway of the center. Remember everyone is welcome at our meals. Come enjoy a delicious meal and good conversation.
Our St. Ignatius Senior Center is open to people renting it. If you are interested, call 406-7454462 and leave a message.
Jagger
If you have question about obtaining Elder Commodities call or stop by for information and application Gently Yoga is held on Wednesdays 1 to 2:15 p.m. If you are interested, please call Bonnie Kiser at 406-253-0177. Her rates are 5 sessions for $65.
The Taiji exercise program is held Mondays at 1 p.m. Kory Gunderson is the instructor. If you have questions, call Kory at 406-361-0304. The charge is $12 a session. Is it difficult for you or a loved one to trim toenails? Call “Nurse on the Go” at 406-253-5114 and schedule your 30-minute foot appointment. The cost is $25 a treatment to have your nails trimmed, and callouses and corns buffed smooth. The nurse is licensed and insured.
Petoftheweek
told the state’s legislature to reduce property taxes. Republicans “held a super majority and they didn’t do it,” she said.
In her response, Reksten noted that more people moved to Montana than went to Hawaii this year. She said she supports shifting the tax burden to those who are moving in and building big houses on the lake. “They should pay their fair share of taxes,” she said, to which there was audible agreement from audience members.
Crowe said she received a letter from the governor in November of 2022 that cutting property taxes was key to the state’s budget. “That does not reflect what actually happened,” she said.
Fyant said she’d like to see a housing fairness credit coupled with a homestead exemption.
She noted that despite the state’s previous $2 billion budget surplus, people in Lake County ended up with higher property taxes.
“It’s up to you to decide who to vote for for property tax relief,” she said.
In his response, Passieri said he “lives and breathes property taxes.” As the state’s tourism base continues to increase, Passieri said he supports implementing a bed tax to help subsidize the correlating toll on public resources and roads.
“ We have a problem with our health care system in the United States... We need to look at how we’re delivering health care.”
The second question candidates were asked is “How important is Medicaid Expansion to Montana?”
“We have a problem with our health care system in the United States,” Hertz said. “Outcomes aren’t good. We need to look at how we’re delivering health care.”
He further noted that some of his employees only want to work 2-3 days a week so they don’t lose government benefits.
Regarding Medicaid Expansion, Sharp said “We need to make sure those who really need it are getting it,” but that the rolls need to be cleared of those who don’t.
Azzopardi said she supports Medicaid Expansion and simplification of the sign up process. She added that she’d like to see a permanent expansion of the program for full capture of the 90% costs paid the federal government.
“This is a real hot button issue,” Reksten said. She added that in recent talks with a local hospital administrator, she learned that hospitals could lose between $4 million to $5
funding their 90% of the program and would hate to see the state stuck with the entire cost.
- Greg Hertz, SD 7 candidate
million if Medicaid Expansion is not approved. She explained that when federal monies given to the state during the pandemic went away, people had to reapply. “We need to look at it and provide for those who really need it,” she said.
Crowe described the Medicaid reenrollment process as “broken.” She said Medicaid Expansion is badly needed and worries about the impacts to people, hospitals and services if it’s not approved. “We need to rework the system,” she added, “so it benefits those who need it.”
Fyant said she supports Medicaid Expansion and noted that “90% of those on Medicaid are working people.” “Medicaid keeps our rural hospitals open,” she said. “It results in $775 million in economic activity.” She further added that she’d like to see expanded outreach activities to assist people in the application process.
Passieri said he’d support Medicaid Expansion only if there’s another five-year sunset. He said he doesn’t trust the federal government to keep
The next question Spencer posed was about Constitutional Initiative 128 and whether or not candidates support its passage and why CI-128 would amend the state’s constitution “to expressly provide a right to make and carry out decisions about one’s own pregnancy, including the right to abortion.”
Hertz said he doesn’t support amending the constitution to put abortion rights in it. He also said that parents wouldn’t need to be notified if their child has an abortion and he disagrees with this.
Sharp also said he doesn’t support CI-128. He said the spark of life and divinity of every person is something that should be treated sacredly.
Azzopardi supports the passage of CI-128 and sees laws concerning abortion a form of government overreach. “Montanans deserve to make these decisions for ourselves,” she said. “It is not the government’s place to tell anyone what to do with their body.”
Reksten said she is opposed to CI-128 because it would be changing the state’s constitution. She said she thinks the push for the initiative came more from planned parenthood rather than citizens. “Funding was all out of state,” she said. “Montana people didn’t
weigh in on this at all.”
Crowe said she supports CI-128 and “the right of women to make their own choices about their bodies.” She said constitutional initiatives are not brought forward by out of state interests, they must come from the state’s citizens.
Fyant also supports CI-128. She argued that Montanans did weigh in on the topic by bringing forth the initiative and that while only 30,000 signatures were required to put the issue on the ballot, more than 60,000 signatures were collected.
Passieri said he is not in favor of CI-128 because women can get an abortion. “It’s already supported,” he said. “I don’t know why this is in front of us. If you really look at it, this opens up pandora’s box on so many levels. Do we really need this? Is this a representation of evil?”
The fourth question posed was “What can state government do about affordable housing?”
“We need to build more houses,” Hertz said. Noting that it can take up to two years to get a new subdivision approved, he said, “we need to speed up the process to get things done.”
Sharp agreed that cutting back on barriers for builders is a key way to address the nationwide housing problem and that it’s not an issue that will be solved overnight. “The best thing government can do is get out of
the way,” Sharp said.
Azzopardi said she’d like to see coal tax funds used to build affordable housing and provide for low-interest loans for affordable housing.
Cutting regulations and streamlining permitting processes to make it easier for builders to build is how Reksten said the government can help with the housing crisis.
The $100 million set aside as a loan program for water and sewer will also help developers she said. Allowing accessory dwelling units was something else she said she supported last session.
Prefacing that though much was accomplished by the governor’s housing task force, Reksten said, “There’s a lot more that needs to be done.”
Crowe said she and her husband were lucky to have built their home in 2018, prior to the post pandemic cost increase in building materials. Having sat in on meetings of the governor’s housing task force, Crowe said that minorities were not represented and believes this needs to change.
Fyant said the limited amount of tax credits available for housing don’t stretch far enough to help Montanans. Federal dollars are left on the table she said because the state doesn’t have matching funds. She’d like to see expanded tax credits and more infrastructure developed for affordable housing.
see page 21
public schools there are kids who will be left out – most likely low income and children with special needs.”
political forum
from page 20
Passieri said what’s really needed and rarely discussed is innovation. He advocates for thinking outside the box to address issues like affordable housing. “Innovation is what our focus really needs to be,” he said.
The final question Spencer asked candidates was about education. “What are your views on our state of education?” he asked, and “What can we do to improve?”
Hertz responded that the United States is falling behind other countries in regards to education and that a lot of people say we just need more money. But teachers, he said, are dealing
with kids that don’t have support at home. He said he thinks more educational options – such as charter schools, homeschooling and private schools – will provide better outcomes.
Sharp said he thinks there needs to be more competition in education. He said that the United States spends more money on education than other countries but are falling behind in results. He said he thinks less money should be spent on education so that schools do better with the money they have. Azzopardi maintains that educating all children is important. “It is our responsibility as a society to take good care of all of our children,” she said. “If we privatize our
Referencing her work on the education committee, Reksten said the passage of proficiency based learning – which determines whether a student has the skills and abilities needed to move forward (rather than being determined by “seat time”) is a step in the right direction. Targeted intervention to ensure children are proficient in reading by the end of the third grade was another measure Reksten said she helped to pass. “There’s a lot more to do but we’re on the road to getting it fixed,” she said.
Crowe said that after looking at the state budget, “In 2025, it looks like there’s going to be a decrease in education funding.” She said she’d like to see budget surplus monies “reinvested for the future of our state.”
Fyant noted that Mon-
tana ranks 50th in the nation when it comes to starting salaries for teachers. Building a pipeline of teachers, lifting the 3% cap on school funding and allowing quality educator payments to schools are ways she’d like to improve the state’s education system. Passieri said he thinks that education is adequately funded and that the system is broken. The public school system, he said, should be seen as a privilege. Low test scores, he added, aren’t about funding.
Candidates next answered a question submitted by the audience regarding the separation of church and state and if it has been taken too far.
Hertz said he thinks the separation has gone too far when you can’t have a copy of the 10 commandments posted in a courtroom. He also said he thinks there needs to be a check on the power of the judicial branch.
Sharp responded that “without a common framework of morality, we’d have anarchy.” He expressed concern over the post-constitution period he believes our country is in “both at the federal and state level.”
People being unified by a document – a constitution – isn’t the normal way people are ruled, he said. Taken too far, separation of church and state puts the country at risk of the more common rule by man.
Azzopardi said she supports the separation of church and state as well as checks and balances in government.
Reksten expressed concern with the number of bills that have been stayed by the judiciary. She indicated that the judiciary is usurping the power of the legislative branch.
Crowe said she agrees with the separation of church and state and that she believes checks and balances are important.
Fyant said she believes in the separation of church and state and that she is from a generation of people whose family members were removed by the Catholic church – sent away with some never seen again.
Passieri said he believes in life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness under one God. He noted that the first congressional meeting started with a prayer. “There is no separation,” he said. “There absolutely should not be.”
Nowhere in nature he argued, does any plant or animal borrow sunshine from tomorrow for the sake of today. “We are borrowing from tomorrow’s future,” he said.
Voters will select their candidate for these as well as state and national offices during the Nov. 5 general election. Citizens can check their voter registration status at their local election office or by visiting vote.org.
JOANNA HUDOROVICH PHOTOS
Tracy Sharp, Republican candidate for House District 12, left, and Shirley Azzopardi, Democratic candidate for House District 13, right, answer questions prepared by emcee Spencer Thomas. Questions they and all attending candidates answered were centered on health care, housing, education, property taxes and abortion rights.
JOANNA HUDOROVICH PHOTO Audience members listen to local candidates speak on a variety of issues.
Get a job – earn college credits – make a difference!
Nursing Faculty (10 months)
Salary Range: $55,935 - $65,551 DOEE
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Nursing Simulation Lab Instructor
Salary Range: $54,301-$56,400 DOEE
Closing date: Open Until Filled
Mechanic/Instructor- HCT Department
Salary Range: $52,947 DOEE
Closing Date: Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024, 4:00pm MST
Childcare Center Cook-Early Learning Center (9.5 months) Salary Range: $15.65-$16.92/hr DOEE
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Custodian Part-time
Salary Range: $14.80/hr
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
PT-Housing Maintenance Technician
Salary Range: $16.54/hour DOEE
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Custodial Services Team Leader (2 positions)
Salary Range: $16.97/hr
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Career Advisor for TRIO Student Support Services Program (10 months)
Salary Range: $37,744 - $40,824 DOEE
Closing Date: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024; 4:00pm MST
Social Work / CD Instructor (9 months)
Salary Range: $44,752 - $46,014 DOEE
Closing Date: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024; 4:00pm MST
Accounting Tech/Receptionist
Salary Range: $14.48 - $15.12/hr DOEE
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Bookstore Clerk (9 months)
Salary range: $14.20/hr - $14.54/hr DOEE
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Wildlife/Fisheries Ecologist (9 months)
Salary Range: $51,062 - $56,111 DOEE
Closing Date: Monday, Sept. 16, 2024; 4:00pm MST
Nursing Clinical Instructor-9months (3 Openings)
Salary Range: $45/hr -$55/hr DOEE (part-time, 14hrs a week)
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
To apply you must submit an SKC application, resume and applicable transcripts to: Human Resources,
P.O. Box 70, Pablo, MT 59855. Toll free 877.752.6553, ext. 4985 Direct Dial 406.275.4985/4977
Tutor/Technical Support Director - Business Division
Salary Range: $45,293 - $47,757 DOEE
Closing Date: August 26, 2024; 4:00 pm MST
Hydrology Instructor Limnology (9 months)
Salary Range: $51,062 - $56,111 DOEE
Closing Date: Monday, Sept. 9, 2024; 4:00pm MST
Indigenous Research Center (IRC) Program Assistant
Salary Range: $39,133-$40,365 DOEE
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Bookstore Sales Clerk (12 months)
Salary Range: $14.20/hr - $14.54/hr DOEE
Closing Date: Monday, Sept. 9, 2024; 4:00pm MST
Social Work Instructor (9 months)
Salary Range: $47,752 - $56,111 DOEE
Closing Date: Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2024; 4:00pm MST
Maintenance Technician
Salary Range: $16.54 - $16.88/hr DOEE
Closing Date: Monday, Sept. 9, 2024; at 4:00pm MST
Admin. Assistant-Highway Construction Training Department (Part Time 10 months)
Salary Range: $17.37-$18.28 per hour DOEE
Closing Date: Monday, Sept. 16, 2024; 4:00pm MST
Soils & Groundwater Hydrology Instructor-9month
Salary Range: $44,752-$54,848 DOEE
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Wildland Fire Instructor (9 months)
Salary Range: $44,752-$58,848 DOEE
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Faculty/Secondary Education Department Chair, Noyce Program Director (9 month term)
Salary Range: $62,397-$64,924 DOEE
$2500 Department Chair stipend is included
Closing Date: Monday, Sept. 9, 2024; 4:00pm MST
Indigenous Research Center (IRC) Digital Materials & Tech Specialist
Salary Range: $39,133-$40,365 DOEE
Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Digital Design Department Head (9 months) and $2500 Department Chair stipend is included
Salary Range: $46,099-$47,200 DOEE
Closing Date: Monday, Sept. 16, 2024; 4:00pm MST
The Nursing Department is actively seeking adjunct nursing faculty who are excited about teaching and student learning. Adjunct nursing faculty will hold a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from both an accredited nursing program and college. If a BSN prepared nurse is currently enrolled in a master’s program, they will be considered as a qualified applicant. Any person seeking adjunct employment please send a completed SKC application, resume, and unofficial transcripts to Teresa Sias at teresa_sias@skc.edu. Official transcripts will be required upon hire.
Wednesday, Oct. 2
Neurodegenerative Disease Support Group to meet
RONAN — On Wednesday, Oct. 2, a support group for family of and those with neurogenerative disease meets at St. Luke Community Hospital, 107 Sixth Ave. SW, Conference Room 107, at 7 p.m. For more information call Monte Jenkins at 406-253-3484.
Join ‘Moms Connect’
POLSON — On Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. join Women Connect at the Wellness Hub in Elmo to create a supportive community while learning. On Oct. 2 Billie Bear to visit and create by sewing. Materials will be provided. Childcare and dinner will be provided. Attend one or all in the 5 week free series. Register at: www.familiesfirstmt.org/moms-connect. html
clear water, cloudy sky
Flathead Lake State Park hosting guided hikes
KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is hosting a guided
hike at the Wayfarers Unit of Flathead Lake State Park in Bigfork. This hike will be on Oct. 5 and feature an introduction to how the forest recycles nutrients by decompos-
ing various dead organisms. Each hike will be about one mile in length. Please bring weather-appropriate clothing, proper footwear, snacks, and a water bottle. These hikes
are limited to 20 people and registration can be done by calling the Ranger Station at 406-837-3041 ext. 0. The cost is $4 per participant, and free for kids 12 and under. For
more information, call the park visitor center at 406837-3041 ext. 0.
Polson Chamber hosts monthly luncheon
POLSON — The Polson Chamber of Commerce will meet for lunch at Bunkers at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 2.
Thursday, Oct.
3
Library holds ‘Story Time’
POLSON — Story Time is held each Thursday from 10 -11a.m. Join us to read books, make crafts and play games with your little ones at the North Lake County Public Library. This program is geared for kindergarten readiness ages 3-5. Miss Mallory will be running this program during our transition in Youth Services.
SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL
Blue-grey clouds are reflected in the clear waters of Flathead Lake State Park, Big Arm unit.
from page 23
Public invited to ‘Night of the Trades’
KALISPELL — Flathead Valley Community College invites the community to join us for our “Night of the Trades” Open House at the Occupational Trades Building on campus in Kalispell, Oct. 3 from 6-8:30 p.m. Discover your pathway into high-demand careers and network with local industry reps, no reservation needed.
Prospective students explore hands-on career sessions led by FVCC instructors, parents attend information sessions outlining pathways for success in the trades, and local industry leaders share current job opportunities available right here in the Flathead Valley. Night of the Trades is free and open to the public. For more information and to sign up for sessions, visit fvcc.edu/ occupational-trades.
Attend ‘Owning Your Online Presence’ workshop
RONAN – Attend a workshop at Mission West Community Partners, 407 Main St. SW, about ‘Owning Your Online Presence’ from 11 a.m.-noon.
Friday, Oct. 4
Rebecca Folsom 4-piece band performs in Ronan
RONAN – On Friday, Oct. 4, at 7 p.m. at the Ronan Performing Arts Center, the Rebecca Folsom Band will perform
tender ballads of blues and gospel. Season tickets are $80. Single tickets are $13 and available at missionvalleylive.com or at First Interstate Bank in Polson or True Value in Ronan. Tickets available at the door.
St. Ignatius seniors host bake, yard sale
ST. IGNATIUS – On
October 4 and 5 at the St. Ignatius Senior Citizen Center a Bake Sale and a Yard Sale will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.
Lots of house items, clothes and craft items plus cookies, breads, muffins, cake, candy and many more items. Lunch will be served at noon on Oct. 4.
Saturday, Oct. 5
Join celebration of dog rescuers
RONAN – Life Savers Animal Rescue will celebrate everyone that helps make rescue possible on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at Ronan City Park Pavilion, Eisenhower Street & 4th Ave. There will be sandwiches, chips, cookies and refreshments as well as some give-away items and of course dogs. We encourage you to come and bring your dogs.
St. Ignatius seniors host bake, yard sale
ST. IGNATIUS – On October 5 at the St. Ignatius Senior Citizen Center a Bake Sale and a Yard Sale will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lots of house items, clothes and craft items plus cookies, breads, muffins, cake, candy and many more items.
Monday, Oct. 7
‘Excel Essentials’ workshop planned
RONAN – Attend an ‘Excel Essentials’ workshop and master the fundamentals at Mission West Community Partners, 407 Main St. SW, from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 9
Join ‘Moms Connect’
POLSON — On Wednesdays from 6-7:30 p.m. join Women Connect at the Wellness Hub in Elmo to create a supportive community while learning. On Oct. 9 join Joanna Hazen to visit and move your body and celebrate all it can do. Childcare and dinner will be provided. Attend
one or all in the 5 week free series Register at: www.familiesfirstmt.org/ moms-connect.html
Thursday, Oct. 10
Learn ‘Google Analytics’
RONAN — Learn ‘Google Analytics’ at Mission West Community Partners, 407 Main St. SW, from 11 a.m.- noon.
Library holds ‘Story Time’
POLSON — Story Time is held each Thursday from 10 -11a.m. at the North Lake County Public Library. This program is geared for kindergarten readiness ages 3-5.
public meetings
The Polson City Commission meets every first and third Mondays (Wednesday, if the Monday falls on a holiday) of the month at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 106 1st Street East. Meetings are open to the public.
St. Ignatius City Council meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 12 First Ave. 406- 745-3791
Ronan City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m., 207 Main Street SW, Ste A. 406-676-4231
Lake County Commissioners , 106 Fourth Ave. E, room 211, (Lake County Courthouse) 406-883-7278, Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-12 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
The Ronan School District No. 30 Board of Trustees have regularly scheduled board meetings once a month. They meet the second Monday of every month in the K. William Harvey Elementary Multi-Purpose Room. Regular meetings begin at 7 p.m.
PREVENT: Read your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) and protect your Medicare number.
DETECT: Look for services you didn’t receive, double charges, or items your doctor didn’t order. Request a Health Care Tracker from SMP to compare appointment information with what is printed on your MSN.
REPORT: Call SMP if you suspect health care fraud, errors, or abuse, or if you would like to request a Health Care Tracker.
The Polson School District No. 23 Board of Trustees have regularly scheduled board meetings once a month. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the District Office, 111 4th Ave. E, 406-883-6345.
The Charlo School District 7J B Board of Trustees have regularly scheduled meetings on the third Thursday of every month. Meetings are held in the school library, 404 1st Ave. W, and begin at 7 p.m. The phone number is 406-644-2206.
The Arlee School District No. 8 Board of Trustees hold regularly scheduled meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Arlee High School Library, 72220 Fyant Street, and begin at 6:30 p.m. The phone number is 406-726-3216.
Valley View Elementary is located at 42448 Valley View Road. The phone number is 406883-2208.
St. Ignatius School District No. 28 Board of Trustees meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the library, 76 Third Avenue. The phone number is 406-7453811.
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Employment
Help wanted ATTENTION ALL WOODCUTTERS!
Get your chainsaws gassed up, and ready to saw, our woodcutting season for 20242025 is beginning and we are recruiting Sawyers who want to cut wood for CSKT elders at $275/cord. If you are eager to help us out, please contact Shawn or
Diane at 406-675-2700, ext. 1303/1317. We look forward to partnering with you.
TCC SOCIAL ADVOCATE TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT - Ronan
The successful applicant must possess a Bachelor’s degree in either Social Work, Health & Human Services, Community Services or related field. At least one year working in customer service. Care Coordination Certificate within six months of hire. Must have Basic Life Support for Healthcare providers within three months of employment. Must possess a valid driver’s license. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcript/ degree, certifications, copy of valid driver’s license, if claiming Tribal preference, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy and subject to random drug testing. The successful applicant, if not already
Puzzle Answers
(From page 25)
employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is $23.92$27.49 per hour, plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt.org. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org
The closing date will be Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. (MST)
CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.
BUS DRIVER (MAY BE HIRED ON A CONTRACT) - TWO EAGLE RIVER SCHOOL
The successful applicant is required to possess a high school diploma and Commercial Driver’s License w/school bus endorsement. Previous driving experience; excellent driving record/skills; no history of reckless or unsafe driving habits and/or suspended driving license privileges. Must pass drug test, background check, fingerprinting (no violence against children or other individuals, no sexual abuse against children). Have knowledge of Flathead Reservation roads, Montana State traffic laws, local and tribal driving ordinances and GSA requirements. Must have general vehicle maintenance and mechanical knowledge. Must be willing to promote
a program of drug and alcohol-free education. Must be willing to be a team member of active staff and demonstrate cooperative behavior. Experience working with Native American youth and/or knowledge of Native American culture a plus but not required. All applicants must submit a Tribal Employment Application, Letter of Interest, Resume, Four Reference Letters, copies of training certificates if applicable, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. Include a Letter of Reference, Cover Letter or a Resume as personable supplement to the application packet. This is a
Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. A favorable determination resulting from a completed Background Investigation is required prior to your placement in this position. 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. Rate of pay will be $17.00 per hour. To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. #1040 for an application. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. This position is OPEN UNTIL FILLED. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. see page 27
Classified ads work! Email to:
vjmail@valleyjournal.net
Farm/Ranch
Animals
When veterinary care is unavailable or unaffordable, ask for Happy Jack® animal healthcare products for cats, dogs, & horses. At Tractor Supply® (www. happyjackinc.com).
Real Estate Equal housing
EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY
All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Montana Human Rights Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, familial status, physical or mental disability, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not know-
ingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD Toll-free at 1-800669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.
Legals
Salish Kootenai College is seeking proposals for the construction of a new geothermal greenhouse. The college already has the building design plans and is now looking for a contractor. Interested parties must register and attend the Pre-proposal Meeting on October 7th, 2024, at 1 pm. To register for the meeting, please visit https:// form.jotform.com/ 242084433678058. For further information, please contact sierra_mahseelah@skc.edu.
Sept. 25 and Oct. 2, 2024 MNAXLP
Salish Kootenai College is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to provide concrete foundation work. The project will involve laying concrete foundations at specified locations on campus. Deadline for proposals 10/7/2024. For further information and the RFP, please get in touch with sierra_mahseelah@skc.edu
Sept. 25 and Oct. 2, 2024
MNAXLP
NOTICE OF SECOND CDBG PUBLIC HEARING
City of Ronan – Wastewater System
The City of Ronan will hold a public hearing on October 16, 2024, at 5:45 p.m., at Ronan City Hall, for the purpose of obtaining public comments regarding a proposed application to the Montana Department of Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and other programs, as applicable, for proposed improvements to the wastewater system in Ronan, particularly the treatment facility. At the public hearing, the proposed project will be explained, including the purpose and proposed area of the project, activities, budget, possible sources of funding, and (if applicable), any costs that may impact local citizens as a result of the project. All interested persons will be given the opportunity to ask questions and to express their opinions regarding this proposed project.
Comments may be given orally at the meeting or submitted in writing to Shari A Johnson & Associates Engineering at engineering@sajmontana. com before 5 pm on October 17, 2024. Kaylene Melton, Clerk/Treasurer
October 2 and 9, 2024
MNAXLP
NOTICE OF FIRST CDBG PUBLIC HEARING
City of Ronan – Wastewater System
The City of Ronan will hold a public hearing on October 9, 2024 at 5:45 pm at Ronan City Hall to gather public input on community development needs and priorities. The purpose of this hearing is to (1) obtain comments on the City’s overall community development needs, including public facilities, economic development, and housing needs, with a focus on the needs of low- and moderate-income residents. (2) Seek citizen input on which activities should be prioritized to address the identified needs. (3) Discuss potential applications for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding and other state/federal funding sources to address local housing, public facilities, or other community needs. (4) Gather suggestions from residents on specific projects the City should consider pursuing.
*Citizens are encouraged to attend and provide oral comments at the hearing. Written comments and oral comments will also be accepted until
at the hearing or submitted in writing before 4:30 pm on October 11, 2024. For more information or to submit written comments, please contact Kaylene Melton, City Clerk/Treasurer, City of Ronan. Phone: 406-676-4231.
Kaylene Melton, Clerk/Treasurer
October 2 and 9, 2024
MNAXLP
MISSION VALLEY POWER CONSUMER COUNCIL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
The Superintendent of Flathead Agency is accepting letters of interest to serve on the Consumer Council for Mission Valley Power. The Consumer Council was created to provide power consumers with the opportunity to participate in the development of utility policy and to hear appeals and complaints brought by consumers. The Consumer Council was established under the authority of PL93-638, the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act of 1975.
The Flathead Agency Superintendent will accept letters of interest until the close of business on Thursday, October 24, 2024.
Submit letters of interest to: Cheryl Finley Flathead Agency Bureau of Indian Affairs PO Box 40 Pablo MT 59855
For more information, contact Cheryl Finley at (406) 675-2700, extension 1300.
Sept. 18, 25, Oct. 2, 9, 16, 23 2024 MNAXLP
There are three vacancies to be filled. The vacancies will be appointed as a Lake County Representative, a Sanders County Representative, and a member-at-large. The Lake County and member-at-large appointees shall fill the positions until September 30, 2027. The Sanders County appointee shall fill the position until September 30, 2026. All appointees must reside within Mission Valley Power’s service area. The BIA Flathead Agency Superintendent will make the appointment.
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TIM SHEEHY WANTS TO TRANSFER PUBLIC LANDS SO WEALTHY OUTSIDERS LIKE HIM CAN BUY UP EVEN MORE
EXPERTS AGREE. If public lands are transferred to state and local governments, they inevitably get sold to the highest bidder as local jurisdictions can’t afford to manage them.
When Tim Sheehy came to Montana, he bought 37,000 acres and prime elk habitat, sold access for $12,500 a week to millionaires like him and denied access for Montanans.
Sheehy’s proposal to transfer off public lands would let out-of-state millionaires like him buy even more of the best land Montana has to offer, and Montanans would lose access to the hunting land they have enjoyed for generations.
“Local control has to be returned. Whether that means some of these public lands get turned over to state agencies, or even counties.”
— TIM SHEEHY
STOP TIM SHEEHY BEFORE OUR MONTANA PUBLIC LANDS ARE GONE FOREVER.
Whoops: Montana GOP Senate Candidate Steps On Third Rail With Public Lands Position …inevitably it leads to selling off and privatizing public lands… OCTOBER 18, 2023
Tim Sheehy refused to provide access to Montanans to hunt on his “prime elk country,” instead selling luxury hunting packages to
$12,500