19 minute read
Hospitals awarded
from 10-13-21 issue
Local caregiver, hospitals honored by MHA
News from the Montana Hospital Association
HELENA — The Montana Hospital Association is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 Montana Healthcare Awards.
The Montana Healthcare Awards program is the largest and most representative award program recognizing excellence among Montana’s hospital and healthcare field. Awards recognize healthcare professionals who have offered dedicated service to their communities and organizations that have implemented successful, innovative programs to advance patient care. Local
winners of the 2021 Montana Healthcare Awards are:
Caregiver of the Year
Award: Marion Cooper, Director, Providence St. Joseph Assisted Living (Polson). As Director of Providence St. Joseph Assisted Living, Marion Cooper’s pre-emptive actions resulted in not only zero COVID-19 deaths but zero COVID-19 infections within the assisted living facility for 18 months. In addition, Marion spent the year finding creative ways to ensure residents were safe, supported and able to maintain social bonds.
Best Place to Work:
Small Hospital: St. Luke Community Healthcare, Ronan.
Leadership in Quality
and Patient Safety: Providence St. Joseph Medical Center (Polson) for its multi-disciplinary infection prevention plan which resulted in five years and 5 months without a case of hospital-onset C. difficile infection, the single most common pathogen responsible for healthcare-associated infections in the United States.
Quality Program of the Year (awarded by the Montana Flex/Performance Improvement Program):
St. Luke Community Healthcare, Ronan. This award recognizes excellence in performance and quality improvement among Montana’s smallest rural hospitals, also known as Critical Access Hospitals.
Other winners in Western Montana were:
Trustee of the Year
Award: Dr. William Bekemeyer, Providence Montana Community Mission Board of Directors (Missoula). Dr. Bekemeyer has served his community more than 30 years as an internal medicine, critical and pulmonary medicine physician, including more than 20 years of leadership positions at St. Patrick Hospital and the Providence Montana health system.
Innovation in Health-
care Award: Logan Health – Whitefish, for its Shared Leadership Model. The Shared Leadership model is a nurse-driven project that empowers nursing staff to manage and express their practice with the highest level of professional autonomy. The project is credited with increased job satisfaction that resulted in the hospital’s retention rate of 99.8% for 2020.
“Every day, healthcare heroes give their time, talents and hard work to help heal their neighbors. At the same time, Montana hospitals are working around the clock to keep the lights on for our communities. It’s our honor to take a moment to showcase the individuals and organizations who are leading the way to make Montana stronger and healthier,” said Rich Rasmussen, Montana Hospital Association CEO.
Ronan WWII Medal of Honor Recipient recognized
News from the office of Senator Jon Tester
U.S. SENATE — Chairman Jon Tester of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee took to the Senate floor today in support of designating a state funeral in honor of the last surviving Medal of Honor recipient from World War II, as well as to recognize five Montana Medal of Honor Recipients for their service and sacrifice during the war.
“The Medal of Honor represents a small token of our appreciation for the spirit, determination, and gallantry of those who performed far beyond the call of duty— those of our Greatest Generation who gave everything on the battlefield,” said Tester. “This includes five brave Medal of Honor recipients from Montana who pitted bravery and heroism against great odds and showed exemplary devotion to our nation.”
Tester recognized five Medal of Honor recipients from Montana; one was from Ronan.
Technician Fourth Grade Laverne Parrish, U.S. Army – Ronan, Montana
Laverne Parrish was born in Knox City, Missouri and raised in Pablo. In 1945, he treated all 27 causalities in his company at the cost of his own life during the fighting in Binalonan, Luzon, Philippine Islands. He was presented the Medal of Honor posthumously by President Harry S. Truman at the White House, and laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery in Ronan.
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Week three 2021 Fall Mack Days results announced
News from CSKT Natural Resources
There are six weeks remaining in the 2021 Mack Days Fishing Event on Flathead Lake that is sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. Up to $200,000 in cash and prizes is available to many of the hard-working anglers who have caught at least one or more lake trout. Catching one lake trout and entering it qualifies you for a chance in the lottery drawing that begins at $50 and goes to $2,000.
“Freddy Mack,” the $10,000 tagged lake trout is still in hiding out in Flathead Lake. No one has had the good fortune to find him, yet. He seems to have taken cover out there in the deep somewhere. There are three $5,000, five $1,000, and over 9000 tagged lake trout with values from $100-$500 that have been released throughout the lake. Catching tagged lake trout the past week were: $100- Sandy Lanch, Larry Ashwell of Missoula, Felix Gauci of Stevensville, Ken Rickert of Thompson Falls, Roger Schiff and Gina Schiff, of Whitefish. Julie Perkins of Kalispell caught two $100 trout. Catching $200 tagged lake trout were Dan Deutchman and Dan Seman of Missoula.
The lake trout anglers are led by Felix Gauci of Stevensville with a total of 572 lake trout entries. Anglers are working hard to bring in their catch. Weather has been sunny and warm with some wind but generally good fishing weather. Going out before light and coming in at dark makes for a long exhausting day. They love to fish. Second place is held by Larry Karper of Florence with 409 fish; in third place is Sam Cusker of Bigfork with 366 fish; in fourth place is Mike Benson of Lonepine with 311 fish; in fifth place is Jack Kirkland of Missoula with 292 fish; in sixth place is Richard Kreis of Huson with 289 fish; in seventh place is Scott Bombard of Missoula with 287 fish; in eighth place is Larry Ashwell of Missoula with 248 fish; in ninth place is Laurie Kreis of Huson with 211 fish; and in 10th place is John Gauci of Florence with 197 fish.
Laurie Kreis is first in the Ladies with 211 fish; in second place is Julie Perkins of Kalispell with190 fish; in third place is Kim Mack of Missoula with 75fish; in fourth place is Debbie Sacchi of Thompson Falls with 49 fish, and in fifth place is Gina Schiff of Whitefish with 43 fish.
The 70 and over group is led by Larry Karper with 409 fish; Jack Kirkland is second place with 292 fish; Larry Ashwell is in third place with 248 fish; John Gauci is in fourth place with 197 fish; and Paul Grove of Wyoming, Illinois, is in fifth place with 101 fish. Brynn Blowers of Missoula turned in three fish to lead the 12 & under group and Wyatt Best of Florence is in second place with one lake trout entry. Kaden Blowers has one entry in the 13-17 group.
Total catch for the event is at 6,743. The weekend catch was 1,604. Friday’s total was 559, Saturday’s was 555, and Sunday was 490.
There have been no large lake trout entries over 36 inches and 20 pounds.
The smallest lake trout entries are from Brad Ivanoff of Arlee with a 191mm (7.5 inches) and Scott Bombard of Missoula with a 202mm lake trout (8 inches).
Friday, Oct. 1, was the first of the three “Bucket of Fish” days. Winning with his four largest lake trout under 30 inches was Jens Gran of Polson with a weight of 24.7 pounds for 10 points. In second place was Rick Skates of Big Arm with a bucket weight of 23.95 pounds for 8 points. In third place was Roger and Gina Schiff of Whitefish with 20.7 pounds for 6 points. In fourth place was Sam Sacchi of Thompson Falls with 16.25 pounds for 4 points and in fifth place was Jack Kirkland of Missoula with a bucket weight of 15.9 pounds for two points. The second Bucket Day takes place on Saturday, Oct. 16 and the third day will take place on Nov. 7. The heaviest weight wins $200. Points are totaled at the end of the three days and overall awards are given.
Weekend drawing winners are: $200 - Sam Sacchi; $100 - Jeremy Williams of Big Arm, Larry Ashwell, Richard Kreis, and Sam Cusker.
There are sixty-four different lottery drawings plus other categories that give you a chance to be successful and earn awards. Entering the event is free and entries continue to be taken until the last day of the event. Go to: www. mackdays.com for information and to see the list of statistics, or call 406-270-3386. There is plenty of time left to get involved in the Mack Days fishing event.
Tight lines everyone.
Reminder: recovering skulls, sheds, other natural objects prohibited in state parks
News from Mt. Fish, Wildlife & Parks
KALISPELL — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is reminding the public that collecting antlers, horns, skulls, and other natural objects is prohibited in Montana State Parks, such as Wild Horse Island on Flathead Lake.
Shed hunters are reminded to check site-specific regulations and opening dates before venturing afield. For bighorn sheep horns or skulls, on property that allows collection, the law allows a person to recover and possess the horn or horns and attached skull of a mountain sheep that died of natural causes. They are required to present the skull/horns to FWP where they are plugged. A person may not possess mountain sheep parts if the sheep was unlawfully killed, captured, or taken, including being struck by a vehicle.
Regardless, it’s never legal to collect horns, skulls, and other natural objects in state parks.
In January 2021, an individual pleaded guilty in Lake County justice court to unlawfully recovering and possessing the horns and skull of a bighorn sheep from the Wild Horse Island Unit of Flathead Lake State Park. The individual was fined $2,000 and cannot access the island for two years.
“The bighorn sheep on Wild Horse Island are a treasured resource for everyone to enjoy. Our game wardens work hard to patrol the state park and prevent the illegal collection of horns,” FWP Warden Captain Lee Anderson said.
“Game wardens Morgan Post and Chris Neu did outstanding work on this recent investigation.”
Anyone with information about crimes involving fish, wildlife or park regulations is encouraged to call FWP’s 24-hour tip line at 1-800-TIPMONT. Callers can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward up to $1,000 for providing information that leads to a conviction.
The Glacier Symphony, Chorale celebrates 25 years
News from the Glacier Symphony and Chorale
Every season of the Glacier Symphony and Chorale is a singular one, but the upcoming 2021/2022 season is even more remarkable as the organization returns to live performances following a difficult 2020/2021 season of cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic and celebrates 25 years under the leadership of Maestro John Zoltek .
A native of Rhode Island, John Zoltek moved from Seattle to Montana in 1996 to assume the position of Music Director and Conductor of the Glacier Symphony and Chorale. Under his guidance, the Glacier Symphony and Chorale has grown into one of the most vibrant and active symphonic organizations in the state of Montana, performing year-round with up to 24 concerts and events per season. In 2007 Maestro Zoltek presented a dream of his to the Glacier Symphony Board – to host a classical music festival. Out of that concept came Festival Amadeus, which in August celebrated its 14th successful season as the only week-long classical music festival in the region. Over the years, Zoltek has maintained an international presence with conducting engagements in Canada, Europe and South America. He has worked with notable composers Alan Hovhaness, Sofia Gubaidulina, R. Murray Schafer, Stephen Chatman and Mark Armanini. Zoltek is also quite active as a composer himself in both the classical and jazz genres, as well as performing as a jazz fusion guitarist.
“We are so pleased to have the opportunity this season to recognize John’s musical vision, talent and dedication to GSC and showcase all of those things in our programming,” says Board President Mark Holston. He continues, “Throughout our 39th season audiences will be treated not only to his considerable talent as a conductor, but also as a jazz guitarist and composer in both the classical and jazz genres. This is a season that should not be missed.”
The season opens on Oct. 30 and 31, with the first of the MasterWorks concerts and concludes with the Spring Festival in May, a program which includes the iconic Requiem by Mozart and the massive Symphony No. 5 by Mahler. On each of the MasterWorks concerts audiences will be treated to a performance of one of Zoltek’s many exciting compositions, most notably the world-premiere of his newly-composed cello concerto, Through Tamarack and Pine, written for and performed by Robert deMaine, acclaimed principal cellist of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. The season also includes popular offerings such as the annual performance of Handel’s Messiah, the family-friendly Holiday Pops concert, and the Masquerade Gala and Auction, this year featuring gifted jazz/pop singer-songwriter, Halie Loren. Planned for the spring of 2022 is a catered event called Fusion which will feature Zoltek as jazz guitarist/ composer, leading a jazz combo with strings in a program of his original and electrifying jazz fusion.
Season tickets are available by calling the box office at 406-4077000. More information for each concert can be found on the website: https://glaciersymphony. org/.
Mark Holston concludes, “We hope to see everyone join us for this special season and tribute to the Maestro. It is rare that a symphonic organization has the benefit of such enduring leadership and artistic vision. John has been an integral part of sharing live musical experiences in Northwest Montana, a vital part of our culture. There’s something for every music lover to explore this season, so get your season tickets now so you guarantee yourself a seat for the fun.”
For more information call the Glacier Symphony and Chorale Office at 406-407-7000 or email: info@gscmusic. org
COURTESY PHOTO The Glacier Symphony and Chorale opens their 2021/2022 season Oct. 30 and 31 with the first of the MasterWorks concerts. The season includes the annual Handel’s messiah performance and the Masquerade Gala and auction among other performances. Gov. Gianforte appoints local to Invasive Species Council News from the office of Governor Gianforte HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte announced Martin Charlo of Pablo to the Invasive Species Council. Charlo has served in a variety of capacities over the last decade for the Confederated Salish & Kootenai Tribes. He currently serves as treasurer for the CSKT Tribal Council. Charlo’s term will NOW OPEN INrun through May 31, 2025. RO
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Montana fully authorized to use ARPA funds
News from the office of Senator Tester
U.S. SENATE — During a recent Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearing, Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen confirmed to U.S. Senator Jon Tester that the state of Montana is authorized to use all currently received American Rescue Plan Act funding for critical projects like water and broadband investments. Tester also confirmed that Montana can start planning how to use the second round of ARPA funding without additional input from the Department of Treasury, debunking concerns from state officials.
Senator Tester was the only member of Montana’s Congressional delegation to vote for the ARPA.
“I’ve heard some concerns that in Montana, some of the funds that you’ve already gotten out from Treasury to the states specifically aren’t getting out for projects – and that proposes some problems, especially with winter coming up in Montana. And we might miss opportunities to make upgrades to broadband, or other critical investments,” said Tester. “I have heard some folks in Montana leadership, blaming this confusion on the Treasury Department, because the funding is coming in two tranches. That doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. Secretary Yellen, beyond the restrictions on uses of these funds provided by Congress and through Treasury’s guidance, is there anything that the Treasury department is doing which would prevent states like Montana from receiving the funds in two tranches, and using the funds that they have already received now?”
“Senator, there is no restriction that Montana faces in using the funds that have been allocated, or making plans to use the funds that will be made available in the second tranche,” responded Yellen. “That can be done now, there’s absolutely no need to wait.”
Tester continued: “Do they need your approval to start planning what they might use the rest of the funds for? And to clarify: state’s with split payments, do not need Treasury’s approval to start getting the funds that they already have out the door. That’s correct? Just to make it absolutely clear.”
“That’s correct, and they can plan how they intend to use the second tranche as well,” said Yellen. “They can begin doing that now.”
- Treasury Secretary Janet L. Yellen
Library offers tricks, treats
News from the North Lake County Public Library
POLSON — The library’s genrefication project is now complete. Do you love spy fiction, or maybe historical romance, what about paranormal sci-fi? We’ve made it easy to find the books you love with our reorganization of the adult fiction section. We have sorted our books by genre to make it easier for you to find the genres you love and to discover new authors in those genres. This change will allow us to better serve you by identifying what genres are the most popular and which ones are missing or lacking in books. We hope you enjoy the change, and please let us know if you ever disagree with a genre.
Trick or Treat? We’ve got ‘em. Come see us on Friday, Oct. 29, from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. in costume for trick or treating downtown. What will the library ladies dress up as this year? I guess you’ll have to drop in to see.
Still buying magazines? You have access to hundreds of popular digital magazines for free through the library’s Flipster app and Montana Library2Go. New magazines have been added. Try searching for your favorites in the Libby app. Some of our favorites include: “Willow and Sage” (Fipster), “National Geographic” (Libby) and “Sunset” (Flipster), but nearly all of the popular magazines are available, and some unique ones too. Check it out.
FWP staff wraps up aquatic invasive species survey season
News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks
MONTANA — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is wrapping up another season surveying for aquatic invasive species. FWP and partner AIS early detection crews surveyed more than 300 waters around the state, collecting over 2,200 early detection samples looking for new populations of invasive mussels, snails, clams and aquatic weeds.
AIS early detection crews conducted focused surveys for AIS at all fish hatcheries in the state, assessed Eurasian watermilfoil treatments in Noxon Reservoir and supported a state-wide crayfish survey project. AIS staff worked with a variety of partners on Eurasian watermilfoil eradication in Beaver Lake near Whitefish, fragrant water lily removal in Holland Lake and Asian clam eradication in Lake Elmo in Billings.
New populations of several AIS were identified in the state this year including several snail and plant species. New Zealand mudsnails (Potamopyrgus antipodarum) were identified at three new locations including Beavertail Pond east of Clinton, Mitchell Slough adjacent to the Bitterroot River near Victor and Big Sheep Creek near Dell. This is the first time New Zealand mudsnails have been detected in Montana’s natural water bodies west of the Continental Divide. The tiny mudsnails are often transported to new locations when snails cling to plants, muddy boots or fishing gear.
Invasive red-rim melania snails (Melanoides tuberculatus) were detected in the Gardner River and in a warm spring near Beaverhead Rock State Park. Melania snails were likely introduced through a dumped aquarium tank.
Survey crews identified a new population of curlyleaf pondweed (Potamogeton crispus) in Big Elk Creek near Two Dot in the Musselshell River drainage this year. Curlyleaf pondweed is an invasive aquatic plant that can grow in high densities that obstruct boating and water flow for irrigation.
Surveys are still wrapping up for the year, but no evidence of invasive mussels has been found in the state so far this season. If no evidence of mussels is found In Tiber Reservoir, FWP will evaluate lifting the mandatory inspections requirements for boats exiting the lake. Final sampling results will be completed by the end of October.
These new detections are a reminder to ensure boats, trailers, fishing gear, waders and clothing are always clean and free of mud, plants and vegetation; all water is drained; and boats and gear are thoroughly dry before entering another waterbody. Aquarium pet owners should never dispose of aquarium water, plants or animals into natural waterways.
The public can report sightings of aquatic invasive species to FWP at: CleanDrainDryMT.com or call 406-444-2440.
