11-08-23 issue

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your homegrown newspaper November 8, 2023

Vol. 20, No. 8

Medicaid ‘unwinding’ breeds chaos in states Writing, AI pg. 5

Unprecedented enrollment drops come after federal protections ended this spring that had prohibited states from removing people from Medicaid during the three pandemic years

by Phil Galewitz, Brett Kelman, Samantha Liss and Katheryn Houghton, KFF Health News, republished courtesy of Montana Free Press

Taiwan bond pg. 8

Theatre pg. 9

More than two dozen people lined up outside a state public assistance office in Montana before it opened to ensure they didn’t get cut off from Medicaid.

Callers in Missouri and Florida reported waiting on hold for more than two hours on hotlines to renew their Medicaid coverage.

The parents of a disabled man in Tennessee who had been on Medicaid for three decades fought with the state this summer to keep him enrolled as he lay dying from pneumonia in a hospital.

Seven months into what was predicted to be the biggest upheaval in the 58-year history of the government health insurance program for people with low in-

KATHERYN HOUGHTON / KFF HEALTH NEWS PHOTO

People line up outside a public assistance office in Missoula, Montana, before its doors open at 8 a.m., Oct. 27, 2023, to try to regain Medicaid coverage after being dropped from the government insurance program for people with low incomes and disabilities. Each said they had experienced long waits on the state’s phone helpline.

comes and disabilities, states have reviewed the eligibility of more than 28 million people and terminated coverage for more than 10 million of them. Millions more are expected to lose Medicaid in the coming months.

The unprecedented enrollment drop comes after federal protections ended this spring that had prohibited states from removing people from Medicaid during the three pandemic years.

Since March 2020, enrollment in Medicaid and the related Chilw w w.va l le yj our na l.net

dren’s Health Insurance Program had surged by more than 22 million to reach 94 million people.

The process of reviewing all recipients’ eligibility has been anything but smooth for many Medicaid enrollees. Some are losing coverage without understanding why. Some are struggling to prove they’re still eligible. Recipients and patient advocates say Medicaid officials sent mandatory renewal forms to outdated addresses, miscalculated income levels, and offered clumsy

translations of the documents.

Attempting to process the cases of tens of millions of people at the same time also has exacerbated long-standing weaknesses in the bureaucratic system. Some suspect particular states have used the confusing system to discourage enrollment.

“It’s not just bad, but worse than people can imagine,” said Camille Richoux, health policy director for the nonprofit see page 2

“Any type of care that’s put off ... can just get worse if you wait.”

- PAM SHAW, PEDIATRICIAN

Medicaid unwinding from page 1

Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.

“This unwinding has not been about determining who is eligible by all possible means, but how we can kick people off by all possible means.”

To be sure, some of the Medicaid recipients who signed on to the program when the U.S. unemployment rate soared amid COVID-19 lockdowns have since gotten health insurance through new jobs as unemployment dropped back to pre-pandemic lows.

And some of the disenrolled are signing up for Affordable Care Act marketplace plans.

Centene CEO Sarah London, for example, told investors on Oct. 24 that the health care giant expected as many as 2.4 million of its 15 million Medicaid managed care members to lose coverage from the unwinding, but more than 1 million customers had joined its exchange plans since the same time last year.

Still, it’s anyone’s guess how many former Medicaid beneficiaries remain uninsured. States don’t track what happens to everyone after they’re disenrolled. And the final tallies likely won’t be known until 2025, after the unwinding finishes by next summer and federal officials survey Ameri2 - November 8, 2023

cans’ insurance status.

Withoud Medicaid, patients miss appointments Trish Chastain, 35, of Springfield, Missouri, said her Medicaid coverage is scheduled to expire at the end of the year.

Though her children are still covered, she no longer qualifies because her income is too high at $22 an hour. Chastain’s employer, a rehab center, offers health insurance, but her share of the premium would be $260 a month.

“I can’t afford that with my monthly budget,” she said.

She said she did not know she might be eligible for a lower-cost plan on the Affordable Care Act marketplace. That still would mean new costs for her, though.

Gaps in coverage can jeopardize people’s access to health services or their financial security if they get medical bills for care they cannot postpone.

“Any type of care

that’s put off — whether it’s asthma, whether it’s autism, whether it’s something as simple as an earache — can just get worse if you wait,” said Pam Shaw, a pediatrician in Kansas City, Kansas, who chairs the American Academy of Pediatrics’ state government affairs committee.

Doctors and representatives of community health centers around the country said they have seen an uptick in cancellations and no-shows among patients without coverage — including children. Nationwide, states have already disenrolled at least 1.8 million children in the 20 states (Montana not included) that provide the data by age. Children typically qualify more easily than adults, so child advocates believe many kids are being wrongly terminated based on their parents being deemed no longer eligible. Meanwhile, enrollment in CHIP, which

has higher income eligibility levels than Medicaid, has shown only a tiny increase.

Kids accounted for varying shares of those disenrolled in each state, ranging from 68% in Texas to 16% in Massachusetts, according to KFF. In September, President Joe Biden’s administration said most states were conducting eligibility checks incorrectly and inappropriately disenrolling eligible children or household members.

It ordered states to reinstate coverage for some 500,000 people.

Varying timetables, varying rates of disenrollment Idaho, one of a few states that completed the unwind in six months, said it disenrolled 121,000 people of the 153,000 recipients it reviewed as of September because it suspected they were no longer eligible with the end of the public health emergency. Of

Valley Journal

those kicked off, about 13,600 signed up for private coverage on the state’s ACA marketplace, said Pat Kelly, executive director of Your Health Idaho, the state’s exchange. What happened to the rest, state officials say they don’t know.

“I feel like Illinois is doing everything in their power to ensure that as few people lose coverage as possible,” said Paula Campbell of the Illinois Primary Health Care Association, which represents dozens of community health centers.

Nationwide, about 71% of Medicaid enrollees terminated during the unwinding have been cut because of procedural issues, such as not responding to requests for information to verify their eligibility. It’s unclear how many are actually still eligible.

State and local Medicaid officials say they have tried contacting enrollees in multiple ways — in-

cluding through letters, phone calls, emails, and texts — to check their eligibility. Yet some Medicaid recipients lack consistent addresses or internet service, do not speak English, or are juggling more pressing needs.

“The unwinding effort continues to be very challenging and a significant lift for all states,” said Kate McEvoy, executive director of the National Association of Medicaid Directors.

‘People are not getting through’ In many states, that has meant enrollees have faced long waits to get help with renewals. The worst phone waits were in Missouri, according to a KFF Health News review of letters the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services sent to states in August. In the letter to Missouri’s Medicaid program, CMS said it was concerned that the average wait time of 48 minutes and the 44% rate of Missourians abandoning those calls in May was “impeding equitable access” to assistance and patients’ ability to maintain coverage.

Some people are waiting on hold more than three hours, said Sunni Johnson, an enrollment worker at Affinia Healthcare, which runs community health centers in the St. Louis area. That’s a significant hurdle for a see page 6

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Thursday Nov. 9

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Nov. 10

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47°/29°

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contents Writing in AI world.........5 Hunting week 2 ..........13 Gov. in Taiwan ............ 8

Seniors........................19

Valley Views ................10 Calendar .................... 20 VA mental health ........12

Classifieds.................. 25

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Valley Journal The Valley Journal newspaper (PE 23-190) is published weekly by Valley Journal LLC. Periodicals postage paid at Ronan, MT. Business hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

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Your homegrown newspaper serves residents of Lake 4 - November 8, 2023

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“

Writing center director to examine relational value of writing in an AI world

By Diana Setterberg, MSU News Service

BOZEMAN – Language is a meaning-making tool, one that educates and informs, persuades and dissuades, connects and divides. At Montana State University, Michelle Miley has devoted her career to ensuring that students develop the skills to use that tool, along with an understanding that the writing process itself can forge connections between people with vastly different viewpoints.

As director of the MSU Writing Center and associate dean in the College of Letters and Science, Miley believes writing skills are essential in society and that they will remain so, even as generative artificial intelligence platforms that can emulate human writing, like ChatGPT, gain wider usage.

Miley will address those issues and the role writing centers play in helping students find their voices — in addition to the courage to use them — in the third installment of MSU’s 11th annual Provost’s Distinguished Lecturer Series at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 in the Hager Auditorium at the Museum of the Rockies. All events in the lecture series are free and open to the public and are followed by a reception in the museum lobby.

Miley’s lecture, “We

Some people think it’s apocolytpic, while others are thinking ‘Wow!’ The truth is somewhere in the middle.”

- Michelle Miley, MSU Writing Center Director

Write for the We: Learning from Writing Centers in a World of AI,” will describe the guiding principles she has put in place in the Writing Center since she became its director in 2013. At locations in Romney and Wilson halls and the MSU Library, the center is staffed by undergraduate and graduate students who provide one-on-one tutoring and offer writing groups and workshops that complement and support classroom instruction. Through the center’s various models, tutors supported MSU students with their writing over 8,000 times during the last academic year. In addition to course assignments, they also provided help with resumes, cover letters and personal statements for graduate school or other applications.

But the center isn’t just a place for students to seek assistance with specific projects. Miley describes it as a co-learning environment, where the student tutors develop their own leadership

and communication skills while helping their peers do the same.

“For me, this is a pretty special place on campus – a learning environment for our tutors, our students and our faculty,” Miley said.

To create such a place, Miley has drawn from her own and others’ research supporting the premise that writing is a relational activity connecting readers and writers. As director of the Writing Center, she works to ensure that the environment is structured to promote a reciprocal exchange of ideas.

“Writing centers have been thought of as ‘homey’ spots,” she said. “In my work here, I think of home as a place of nurture and growth, a place of safety to figure out ideas. I envision myself creating a place where students feel secure and that they belong enough to do that.”

Generative AI is a topic that comes up more and more often these days, Miley said, adding that she is constantly

COURTESY PHOTO

MSU Writing Center Director and Associate Dean of the College of Letters and Science, Michelle Miley will discuss writing and learning in a world of artificial intelligence on Nov. 14 as part of the Provost’s Distinguished Lecturer Series.

being asked whether, with such tools available, people will even need to develop writing skills in the future.

“Some people think it’s apocalyptic, while others are thinking, ‘Wow!’ The truth is somewhere in the middle,” she said.

At the Writing Center, Miley said, the goal is to teach students how to use generative AI and do so ethically.

“We can think of generative AI as a tool to become more aware of why we write and the ways we think about scholarship,” she said.

Miley will share with the lecture audience her belief that human-generated writing will endure for many reasons, not least of which is our

Valley Journal

innate desire to form meaningful relationships.

That goes back to her

conviction that writing is, at its core, a relational, social activity.

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November 8, 2023 - 5

Medicaid unwinding from page 2

population in which many have limited cellphone minutes.

In Florida, which has removed more than 730,000 people from the program since April, enrollees earlier this year were waiting almost 2½ hours on a Spanish-language call center, according to a report from UnidosUS, a civil rights advocacy group. The Spanish versions of the Medicaid application, renewal website, and other communications are also confusing, said Jared Nordlund, the Florida director for UnidosUS. “They can barely get the Spanish translations right,” he said.

Miguel Nevarez, press secretary for Florida’s Department of Children and Families, which is managing the state’s Medicaid redetermination process, criticized complaints about poor translations and long waits for the Spanish-language call center as a “false narrative.” He said, “The data clearly shows Florida has executed a fair and effective plan for redeterminations.”

In California, similarly jammed phone lines, crowded and understaffed county offices, and trouble downloading renewal applications electronically are all “compounding people’s difficulty to renew” their Medicaid coverage, said Skyler Rosellini, a senior attorney in the Los Angeles office of the National Health Law Program. “We do know, based on the cases we’re getting, that people are not getting through.”

Jasmine McClain, a 31-yearold medical assistant, said she tried everything before Montana ended Medicaid coverage for her kids, ages 3 and 5, in early October. She tried submitting paperwork online and by fax to prove they still qualified. She spent 6 - November 8, 2023

“

It’s not just bad, but worse than people can imagine. This unwinding has not been about determining who is eligible by all possible means, but how we can kick people off by all possible means.”

- Camille Richoux, Health Policy Director, Arkansas Advocates For Children And Families

hours on hold with the state hotline. After her kids’ coverage ended, she went to a state public assistance office in Missoula but couldn’t get an appointment.

One day in mid-October, roughly 30 people lined up outside the office starting as early as 6:40 a.m., before its doors opened.

After three weeks of her pleading for help while her kids were uninsured, the state restored her kids’ coverage. She said a supervisor told her the family’s paperwork submitted online wasn’t processed initially.

“The phone call system was a mess. Callbacks were a week out to even talk to somebody,” McClain said. “It just was just a lot of hurdles that I had to get through.”

Spokespeople for the Montana, Florida, and Missouri Medicaid programs all said their states had reduced call wait times.

Some Medicaid recipients are seeking help through the courts.

In a 2020 class-action lawsuit against Tennessee that seeks to pause the Medicaid eligibility review, parents of recipients describe spending hours on the phone or online with the state Medicaid program, trying to ensure their children’s insurance coverage is not lost.

California, by contrast, started terminating recipients only this summer and is automatically transferring coverage from Medicaid to marketplace plans for those eligible.

The Medicaid disenrollment

rates of people reviewed so far vary dramatically by state, largely along a blue-red political divide, from a low of 10% in Illinois to a high of 65% in Texas.

One of those parents, Donna Guyton, said in a court filing that Tennessee’s Medicaid program, called TennCare, sent a June letter revoking the coverage of her 37-year-old son, Patrick, who had been eligible for Medicaid because of disabilities since he was 6. As Guyton made calls and filed appeals to protect her son’s insurance, he was hospitalized with pneumonia, then spent weeks there before dying in late July.

“While Patrick was fighting for his life, TennCare was threatening to take away his health insurance coverage and the services he relied on,” she said in a court filing. “Though we should have been able to focus on Patrick’s care, our family was required to navigate a system that kept denying his eligibility and putting his health coverage at risk.”

TennCare said in a court filing that Patrick Guyton’s Medicaid coverage was never actually revoked — the termination letter was sent to his family because of an “error.”

Phil Galewitz in Washington, D.C., wrote this article. Daniel Chang in Hollywood, Florida; Katheryn Houghton in Missoula, Montana; Brett Kelman in Nashville, Tennessee; Samantha Liss and Bram Sable-Smith in St. Louis; and Bernard J. Wolfson in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

Valley Journal

“

Montanans sue to stop partisan gerrymander News from Montana Conservation Voters

HELENA — On Oct. 30, 2023, the nonprofit organization Montana Conservation Voters (“MCV”) and a group of individual Montanans challenged the Public Service Commission (“PSC”) district map, which the legislature drew to ensure Republican control of all five PSC commissioner seats.

The lawsuit marks the second legal challenge to the PSC map in two years. After the legislature failed to redistrict the map for nearly two decades, a federal court drew a new map in 2022 to account for population shifts. As initially drafted, Senate Bill

SB 109 is an attack on democracy.

We need elected officials to compete for the votes of all constituents, and that only happens when elections aren’t predetermined by partisanship.”

- Constance Van Kley, attorney for Montana Conservation Voters

109 (“SB 109”) would have codified the court-drawn map and required regular redistricting. However, late in the legislative session, SB 109 was amended to ensure no party, but the GOP could win any of the five commissioner seats.

The resulting map is an unconstitutional partisan gerrymander and a radical break from districting norms.

The new map cracks six of Montana’s seven major urban cores in two and effectively election-proofs PSC races. Legislators continually denied that they gerrymandered the map, but that is impossible—all redistricting software provides statistics about partisanship, and the politicians responsible for the map could not have avoided

knowing what they were doing. Because it purposefully disenfranchises voters on the grounds of partisanship, SB 109 violates the Montana Constitution’s guarantees of equal protection and the right of suffrage.

“Energy policy matters for conservation, and conservation is not a partisan issue.

Montana Conservation Voters proudly supports pro-conservation candidates, no matter whether they have an R or a D after their name,” said Whitney Tawney, Montana Conservation Voters’ Executive Director. “But if our elections aren’t fair and competitive, our PSC commissioners won’t be listening to us when we tell them what matters to

us, whether it’s conservation or our pocketbooks.”

“The PSC needs to stand up for Montanans against the monopolies it is supposed to regulate,” said Joseph Lafromboise, a Chippewa Cree tribal member who lives in PSC District 1. “Tribal members are especially likely to be left in the cold if politicians aren’t even trying to represent all of their constituents.”

“SB 109 is an attack on democracy,” said Constance Van Kley, attorney for the plaintiffs. “We need elected officials to compete for the votes of all constituents, and that only happens when elections aren’t predetermined by partisanship.”

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Governor Gianforte takes trip to strengthen Montana-Taiwan bond News from the office of Governor Gianforte

TAIPEI — Governor Greg Gianforte recently met with President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan to strengthen Montana’s relationship with its longstanding partner and ally.

“Montana and Taiwan share nearly four decades of history as trading partners and friends, built on our common values of individual liberty, innovation, and free enterprise,” Gov. Gianforte said. “It was an honor to meet with President Tsai this morning to convey our appreciation for this longstanding partnership and our optimism for the future.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Governor Gianforte meeting with President Tsai of Taiwan.

President Tsai hosted Gov. Gianforte at the Presidential Office Building in Taipei for the meeting.

“I would like to begin by welcoming Governor Gianforte as he leads this

Presenting Senior Healthcare That Understands Being Senior.

economic and trade delegation. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend our sincere gratitude to him for making Taiwan the first stop of his trip. I am also grateful to Gover-

nor Gianforte for reopening the State of Montana Asia Trade Office-Taiwan after taking office in 2021 to continue strengthening bilateral economic and trade cooperation through concrete action,” President Tsai said.

Industry, educational partnerships ushers in new opportunities Also announced were new industry and educational partnerships to strengthen Montana’s relationship with Taiwan and increase opportunities for Montanans.

“When we reopened our Montana Asia Trade Office in Taipei in 2021, we ushered in a new era of

opportunity for the people of Montana and Taiwan,” Gov. Gianforte said. “These new strategic partnerships among education, trade, and industry leaders will

expand those opportunities even further, boosting growing industries in Montana and deepening our bond with our friend and ally.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Gov. Gianforte and Dr. Mon-Chi Lio of Taiwan sign a memorandum of understanding between Montana and Taiwan education leaders.

see page 24

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Valley Journal

COURTESY PHOTO

An all-star cast of eight favorite Mission Valley performers, brings “Bus Stop,” a classic comedy/drama, to Polson’s Theatre on the Lake for two weekends. Pictured above are Veronica Marquardt as Cherie, and Kai McDonald as Bo Decker, roles made famous by Marilyn Monroe and Don Murray in the 1950s movie adaptation of the Broadway stage show.

‘Bus Stop’ opens 49th theatre season News from the Port Polson Players

POLSON — Port Polson Players in association with MVFA present William Inges’s classic comedy, “Bus Stop” to begin the Players 49th season of live theatre. “Bus Stop” also kicks off the Mission Valley Friends of the Arts annual membership drive.

Tax-deductible contributions help maintain and restore the beautiful log theatre building on the Polson golf

course that has housed the Players since 1986.

“Bus Stop” was popular on Broadway in the 1950s and was nominated for four Tony awards with plenty of comedy, love and drama set in Grace’s Diner during a blizzard. The show runs two weekends, Nov. 10 through Nov. 19. Fridays and Saturdays curtain is at 7 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. For reservations call 406-8839212 or go to portpolsonplayers.com Valley Journal

November 8, 2023 - 9

valley views Good news and bad news I

n simple terms, life ing, 600 miles into the can be summed up trip, it refused to run at as moments of “good all. I guess that’s the bad news” and “bad news.” news. Or at least the first I’ve come to believe it’s rendition of it. best to embrace both: the The good news: I found good and the bad because a mechanic who was willeach makes us who we ing to do a diagnostic on are. Each my car first molds us. thing this Each helps morning.

Jill Pertler us grow as we The bad Syndicated columnist are supposed news: I had a to, meant to, dead battery during our that wouldn’t time here on this earth. hold a charge.

Embrace the positive The good news: The and negative just as surely mechanic was able to put as you embrace those you in a new battery - today. love. (And I hope you do The bad news: The batthat often.) tery was only the tip of The good news: You the iceberg. I had another were born. major repair in need of The bad news: You will repairing. This involved die (or maybe that’s good something called a turnews also; we shall see.) bocharger, which I never All the rest is made up knew existed - before of the middle, good and today. bad.

The good news: New Today was no different. knowledge about the I struggled with an issue inner workings of my auwith my car. I am travtomobile is power. eling across the country The bad news: The turand hoped, believed and bocharger in question is wanted my vehicle to run an expensive repair. Kaconsistently. This mornching!

Slices of Life

letters

Thank you for help with ‘Pedal to Plate’

Editor, The Mission Mountain Area Pedal to Plate (MMAPP) committee is deeply grate10 - November 8, 2023

The good news (perhaps the best of the day): The mechanic looked up the specifics about my car and I had three days (only three!) left on the manufacturer’s warranty on my vehicle. The turbo expense was covered by warranty. Ka-happy!

The bad news: The nice mechanic wasn’t able to replace my turbo-thingy because it had to be done by a certified dealership.

The good news: The nice mechanic told me which dealership to contact.

The bad news: The dealership couldn’t fit me in until two days later, extending my travel time.

The good news: I’m not on a tight schedule. I can afford an extra two travel days.

You see how it goes?

Good news followed by bad news followed by good news and so forth.

It’s a tightrope, a balancing act - and it’s all about perspective. It keeps us on our toes because life is not meant to

ful to the city of Ronan and surrounding area for helping make the 6th annual MMAPP, Sept. 23, 2023, a successful and safe event. Thank you to the motorists who slowed down and gave our riders space. A special thank you to our Lake

be lived on autopilot. It is supposed to be experienced, every moment of every day – good and bad – eyes wide open.

We learn to walk. We fall down. We play with friends. They move away.

We join the band. We are seated last chair. We flirt with someone in math class. They flirt with our best friend.

We graduate high school with honors. We are denied admittance to our first-choice college.

We fall in love. We fall out of love. We find our dream job. Seven years later it’s no longer a dream.

We marry. The honeymoon ends. We have children. They grow up.

Grandchildren follow and they provide a renewed purpose we didn’t know existed.

Health concerns hit, along with a diagnosis.

This is followed by a remission and perhaps even a cure. Things slow down. Yet, we thrive despite not being as young

County Sheriff department who has been with us every year. You keep a close eye on our riders and insist on their safety. A great service. Thank you to Mission West Community Development Partners for helping develop and grow Valley Journal

as we once were. We lose friends, family and significant others to this thing called death.

We keep breathing. We mourn. We find yet a new way to live and laugh. We become more thoughtful.

We become more grateful. We become more joyful. We grow wise. We come to understand we’ve always been wise.

We embrace love, in all its forms and realize it’s surrounded us our entire lives, despite our circumstance, status or temperament.

The good news: we are renewed, reborn, as has happened many times, throughout our lifetime.

More good news: this happens again with the entity we call death. It is but another rebirth. Another life. Another source of good news.

Embrace it as fully as you embrace one another.

Because when you do, you will understand there can be no more bad news.

It’s all what you make of it.

Mission Mountain Area Pedal to Plate. Thank you to Ronan Cooperative Brewery for hosting our event. We are proud to partner with our Ronan community.

Carey Swanberg for MMAPP

And that’s my last piece of good news for the day.

Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

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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.

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Opinions expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the newspaper.

letters

Republicans just said quiet part out loud

Editor, Well, it’s clear now: A vote for a Republican is a vote to cut Social Security and Medicare. How do we know this?

Because a Republican just said the quiet part out loud.

During Republicans’ second (failed) attempt to install rightwing extremist Jim Jordan as the next House Speaker, Representative Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) asked his fellow Republicans to remember that Jim Jordan has shown great “courage” in his battle “to get at the real drivers of debt, and we all know what they are. We all know it’s Social Security, we all know it’s Medicare.”

Sorry, Tom Cole, Jim Jordan, Ryan Zinke, and Matt Rosendale, but Social Security and Medicare are both programs that we, the honest, hardworking taxpayers of this country paid for and to which we are, indeed, entitled.

You know what wasn’t paid for?

Trump’s so-called Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. This was a $1.9 trillion dollar tax cut that slashed the corporate tax rate, much to the delight of rich corporations and the wealthiest Americans.

Surprise, surprise, Trump’s gift to his billionaire buddies put our country further in debt—by a lot. Oh, my.

Whatever shall we do? ask the Republicans in Congress. Should we get rid of Trump’s tax breaks for the wealthy?

No way, we can’t do that. Let’s slash Social Security and Medicare instead.

Great idea.

Wake up, voters. Republican politicians are in business for themselves and for their wealthy donors only. This includes Ryan Zinke and Matt Rosendale, both of whom voted for insurrectionist Jim Jordan to be Speaker. I guess they admire Jordan’s “courage” in his battle to steal from the middle class and the poor and give to the rich, too.

Dana Henricks Florence

Clarifying facts on the 95-mill property tax increase R

ecently opinion pieces and $719. This, at a time State coffers information sent to legislators are awash in hundreds of millions in regarding the counties decision to cash. Explain that one to my wife, levy 77.9 mills instead of the State my siblings, and my neighbors. I sure directed 95 mills has been circulating can’t. in both statewide newspapers, and Any time that a taxing entity lowinternal legislative correspondence. ers mill levies, all property owners It appears that the message being in their jurisdiction get the same distributed is counties are giving percentage reduction in their taxes. large tax breaks to corpoSo, broad based tax rerations and out of state lief is spread across all homeowners while doing taxpayers. Because mill little for the average Monlevies are proportionate, tanan. While the numbers taxpayers with large bills can be interpreted to get more dollars in tax support that message, and relief, but not a higher Sen. John Esp, Big Timber they (the numbers) are in percentage of tax relief.

Chairman, Senate fact accurate, they only tell A large corporation Finance Committee part of the story. may get over a million 49 of the 56 counties have, in my dollars in tax relief with a lower mill opinion, rightfully decided to levy the levy, but to do so they must be paying mill levy required by the property tax many millions of dollars in taxes. limitation law. That law allows propI’m going to use the good Reperty taxing entities to only collect resentative’s example of a large enough property tax to increase their corporation, Northwestern Energy, collections by ½ the rate of inflation and their purported “savings.” Northon their property tax base minus new western Energy doesn’t pay property property. taxes; they pass them directly on to Counties, cities, and schools (which their ratepayers. In my district the make up about 85 percent of the vast majority of my constituents are property tax collections) have lowered ratepayers of Northwestern Energy. If their mill levies to comply with that my math is correct based on the Repsame and other Montana laws. By resentative’s statement, Northwestdoing so they have already lowered ern’s ratepayers would still be paying property taxes for homeowners, small north of $ 20,000,000 across the state businesses, large businesses, and out in property taxes for the reduced mill of state property owners. By levying levy.

77.9 mills instead of the State directed 95 mills, those reductions will expand to include the remaining 15 percent of property tax collections.

Just to use my personal tax bill as an example, the county portion of my bill went down from $1141 in 2022 to $1029 in 2023, the school portion of my bill went up from $625 in 2022 to $857 in 2023, and the state portion went up from $506 in 2022 to $589 in 2023. If the additional 17.1 mills are mandated by the courts to be added to my bill then the state portion will increase to a whopping

Legislative Notes

Valley Journal

When I first came to the legislature, my party was in favor of lower taxes across the board. We favored broad based tax reform. It now appears we advocate for favoring one class of property tax payers over another. I don’t think that is sound tax policy, and if it is, it surely doesn’t make sense to me.

By advocating for increasing the statewide mills by 17.1 mills those proponents are making the statement that it’s acceptable to raise property taxes on all Montanans in order to collect additional taxes from a select minority of the property tax payers.

The 17.1 mill increase being promoted raises about $80 million per year.

Almost $47 million of that increase is paid by residential property owners.

Another $8 million is paid by commercial property owners, our small businesses. About $5 million will be paid by centrally assessed electrical distribution and pipeline companies. As I said, a large percentage of those taxes will ultimately end up being added to consumers’ utility bills.

In this unusual year when there have been such large increases in residential and commercial property values it would seem best to take a conservative approach, as 49 counties chose to do, and keep all the mill levies and thus our taxes as low as possible.

November 8, 2023 - 11

Can political foes be personal friends?

A GOP and a Dem County Chair test a theory

H

eads probably turned as we entered the early 1900s red brick town house in Warrenton, Virginia on a warm September morning. It happened to be the headquarters of the Fauquier County Republican Committee. Its chairman, Greg Schumacher, was welcoming me along with his Democratic counterpart, Max Hall.

This isn’t the first time these two have met. In fact, they’ve been meeting regularly this year to get to know each other despite the heat of Virginia’s up-

coming state legislature elections.

Greg and Max had already collaborated on letters to their local paper about issues they felt important to democracy: urging neighbors not to tear down others’ political signs and standing by the 2022 Fauquier County election results. “Through that process, we decided to meet periodically, just talk and build a relationship.

We both thought, given the polarization in our environment, it should be known that we’re meeting and having good conversations. That we didn’t meet for a duel!” Greg explains with a chuckle.

It’s not always easy, and they admit that, during

election season, they will prioritize campaigning for their respective candidates.

But they definitely agree these conversations are meaningful.

“From my perspective, one of the important aspects is to help to de-demonize the other side.

If we can sit and have a coffee without heckling, that’s a good thing,” Max explains.

Both share the belief that cross-party cooperation can help their community. “If issues come up between the two parties or there is some sort of an incident, the first time you call in the other person you don’t want it to be a crisis.

You want to already trust each other somewhat to be

able to say, ‘can you help me de-stress this?’” Max offers.

The two began by identifying commonalities: both graduated from West Point, have a sense of humor, and have wives named Cathy/Kathy.

Those shared experiences combined with shared personality traits. For such cross-divide conversation to work, Greg says, you “have to be open and willing, not begrudging and seeking contention.”

For others thinking about taking on the challenge of cross-party conversations, they offer advice. “Be intentional, and don’t set expectations.

We’ve kept it open, just seeing where it goes. There

are corollary benefits -- like times we’ve run into each other on the street, shaken hands. People who saw us later said, ‘You shook Greg Schumacher’s hand? Wow. If you two county chairs can do that, maybe I can do it.’” Max recounts. “I’m a big believer in baby steps.

It’s not always big accomplishments.”

They’re keeping it lowkey now that it’s election season. But for the future, they’re considering more baby steps, such as conversations about divisive issues or joint projects such as putting flags on graves for Memorial Day. “And if a tornado comes, all the political division is out the window. We’d just come together,” Greg adds.

“Polarization comes from not having relationships with people from the other side, from not even seeing them as people it’s possible to have relationships with.

But there is more richness to us than our political beliefs.”

Two political party chairs, even in the throes of an election, are finding richness indeed.

Melinda Burrell, PhD, syndicated by PeaceVoice, is a former humanitarian aid worker and now trains on the neuroscience of communication and conflict.

She is vice-chair of the National Association for Community Mediation, which offers resources for community approaches to difficult issues.

Tester presses VA officials to expand mental health research in MT, rural America Chairman calls on VA to fix ‘big mistake’ and expand VA research in rural areas News from the office of Senator Tester

U.S. SENATE — During a Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee hearing Nov. 1 on research at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Chairman Jon Tester pressed VA officials to ensure rural veterans are benefiting from VA research efforts, particularly their mental health efforts, and expand opportunities the Department provides to researchers in rural America.

“Rural America tends to rise to the top when it comes to 12 - November 8, 2023

suicides,” said Tester. “Whether you’re in Alaska or Montana, or any other rural state, they tend to be higher there. Are you guys doing research in rural areas on that?”

The Chief Research and Development Officer for VA’s Office of Research and Development Dr. Rachel Ramoni claimed VA’s ability to do research in rural areas is constrained by the limited number of academic affiliates there. Currently, Montana is one of only three states without a VA research site.

Tester doubled down on his call to expand mental health research in Montana and rural America: “There’s got to be a way, I mean we’ve got internet,

we’ve got broadband, we’ve got a university system in Montana that’s pretty damn good that has everything from a (physician assistant) to nurse programs that are pretty doggone good. I think it’s a big mistake to say you guys don’t have the big university, we don’t have the Ivy League schools and all that stuff … especially when it comes to mental health, rural America is afflicted by it more … than anywhere else on a per capita basis.”

Later in the hearing, Tester pushed Dr. Ramoni again: “I want you to enlighten me because we started out this hearing and you talked about (how) research has to be done in areas where there are major univerValley Journal

sities. Senator Blackburn just talked about Vanderbilt, which is a major university, and how that the VA funded projects were solely for VA and didn’t utilize the university. Enlighten me why more of this isn’t done in rural America, because what you just told her is that you don’t need the universities, and what you told us earlier … is that you need to do research where there are major universities.”

Tester also questioned National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) Montana Executive Director Matt Kuntz on how to improve access to research projects for veterans in Montana.

Kuntz highlighted his support for advancing big projects,

including VA’s Million Veteran Program and the Hannon Precision Brain Health Initiative, and making sure those programs are decentralized enough so “it’s not the VA’s choice whether or not they can come or not to our state. It’s just a matter of when and how.”

A staunch proponent of improving veterans’ mental health care through improved research, Tester championed the Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act and provisions of the STRONG Veterans Act to expand research on veterans’ mental health conditions and treatment, especially in rural areas, to improve their care.

General hunting season enters second week News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks

KALISPELL — Montana’s general hunting season is in full swing, and hunters are experiencing the arrival of winter weather in northwest Montana.

Snowfall began last week across most of the region and

the National Weather Service is advising recreationists to be prepared for rainfall in the valleys and snowfall in the mountains this week.

More than 3,100 hunters have appeared at regional game check stations over the last two weekends. Check stations

are open on weekends during general deer and elk hunting season from 10 a.m. to approximately 1.5 hours past sunset.

The regional stations are located at U.S. Highway 2 West of Kalispell, Montana Highway 83 north of Swan Lake, Highway 200 west of Thompson

Falls, and Highway 93 near Olney.

Hunters must stop at any check station they encounter whether they harvested an animal or not. The counts at the stations represent a sampling of the harvest and do not represent the complete number of

animals taken.

For an estimate of big game harvests from years’ past, visit: https://myfwp.mt.gov/fwpPub/harvestReports.

Montana’s general deer and elk hunting season runs from Oct. 21-Nov. 26, 2023. Other general hunting seasons under-

Region 1 check station summary through second weekend, Oct. 29, 2023: STATION

# OF HUNTERS

WHITETAILED DEER

WT Bucks

MULE DEER

ELK

A hunter at the Thompson Falls game check station displays the bull elk he harvested last weekend.

% HUNTERS W/GAME

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

2023

2022

Hwy 2

1570

1581

82

101

46

50

5

10

11

10

6.2

7.6

Swan

379

465

17

38

4

25

1

0

0

1

4.7

8.3

T. Falls

375

415

17

25

9

13

5

11

8

7

8.0

10.4

Olney

783

719

54

94

29

55

5

7

2

4

7.8

14.6

Totals

3107

3180

170

258

88

143

16

28

21

22

6.7

9.9

FWP PHOTO

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Valley Journal

November 8, 2023 - 13

“

Stockgrowers work to connect consumers, ranchers through food service industry Montana stockgrowers work to connect consumers, ranchers through food service industry

Montana Stockgrowers understand the importance and desire of customers to know where their food comes from.”

News from the Montana Stockgrowers Association

HELENA — The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF) Cattle Drive program has set out to do something no other cattle organization in the state has done—match Montana born, raised, and fed cattle with local restaurants and retailers. The “Montanans Feeding Montana Initiative” seeks to connect the Montana food service industry to the high-quality beef raised by Montana ranchers.

The Cattle Drive program is in its sixth year, with this year launching the value-added focus that intentionally pairs partners together to keep the entire beef supply chain in Montana. One of the program’s goals is to economically increase profitability for everyone involved.

“Montana Stockgrowers understand the importance and desire of customers to know where their food comes from.

- Turk Stovall, MSGA second vice president

What we have strived to do is link some of the best producers in the world, that are right here in Montana, with Montana consumers. We have it all right here in Montana. We have the best ranchers in the world, we have feedyards, and we have a lot of feed coming off the Yellowstone Valley that is being fed. To link Montana consumers through Montana restaurants and retail is really a winwin for everyone,” explained Turk Stovall, MSGA Second Vice President and owner of Yellowstone Cattle Feeders.

Each fall the MSF Cattle Drive program seeks steer donations from ranchers and businesses across the state. Donated animals are transported to Yellowstone Cattle Feeders in Shepherd, Montana, where they are put into the program and fed to ideal market weight.

When each steer is at optimum weight, the process to match the donor’s steer with a restaurant or retailer in the region in

which the steer had originated starts. Working with Blue Creek Marbled Meat Company the steer is harvested. Over 85% of the total steers donated in last year’s Cattle Drive were sold to local Montana retailers and restaurants through this Montanans Feeding Montana Initiative.

“I have always had a deep appreciation for where the food is coming from, what it’s eating, where it’s been, who’s handled it. To be able to come out to Yellowstone Cattle Feeders, from day one, and be able to see that and be handson in the process, it’s been an incredible experience,” shared Andy Glynn, Executive Chef of Billing’s High Horse Saloon and Eatery. “Anyone can go to the grocery store and pick up beef and take it home, put it on the grill and have dinner. But I want it to be more than dinner.

I want it to be a meal. I want it to be a memory.”

Feddes Family Meats in

Amsterdam, Little Belt Cattle Company in Bozeman, High Horse Saloon and Eatery and the Northern Hotel in Billings, and the Black Iron Grill Rotisserie in Miles City all participated in this year’s program.

Additionally, Bret and Kim Lesh purchased beef through this program.

On Friday, MSF released a short film promoting the “Montanans Feeding Montana” initiative and highlighting one of the unique partnerships Montana Stockgrowers has created through this program.

The film focuses on how the program works and the benefits to every sector in the pasture to plate experience. It includes interviews from Montana Stockgrowers members and Montana ranchers, a restaurant owner, and executive chef. Find the video at www.mtcattledrive.org.

“The primary goal of the program is to raise funds for the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation to support educational programs for producers, youth and the general public, academic scholarships, grants, and support leadership opportunities for those in the cattle industry,” explained Heidi Kool, MSF program coordinator. “This is also an exciting op-

portunity for ranchers to consider participating in because donors receive steer progress reports and carcass data of their steer’s performance against the best cattle in the state.”

Donations are currently being accepted for this upcoming year, to donate contact Kool at foundation@mtbeef.org or 406-461-0642, or visit www. mtcattledrive.org. MSF would like to thank all of its generous donors who have participated over the past six years of the program.

A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation was established to ensure the future of Montana’s cattle industry through producer and public education, and promotion of MSGA programs. The Foundation supports the next generation by offering educational programs, academic scholarships and providing leadership opportunities.

The Montana Stockgrowers Association is a grassroots membership organization and is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers. With over 135 years of history, MSGA advocates and ensures cattle ranching remains relevant, safe and a sustainable way of life for generations to come.

Lottery chances available for trophy bison hunt on Blackfeet Reservation News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks

HELENA – Those interested in entering a lottery for a guided trophy bison hunt on the Blackfeet Reservation will have five op14 - November 8, 2023

portunities to enter the drawing.

Chances sold from Oct. 28 to Nov. 16, drawing Nov. 17 Chances sold from Nov. 18 to Dec. 14, drawing Dec. 15 Chances sold from

Dec. 16 to Jan. 4, drawing Jan. 5 Chances sold from Jan. 6 to Feb. 1, drawing Feb. 2 Chances sold Feb. 3 to Feb. 28, drawing Feb. 29 Chances are $10 each, and hunters can pur-

chase up to 20 chances.

The lottery is open to all hunters – tribal members, nonmembers, Montana residents and nonresidents. Winners must pay the Blackfeet Fish and Wildlife Department $2,500 within

Valley Journal

one week of successful draw to secure the hunt.

If more than 250 chances are sold through the lottery, the license will be free to the winning hunter. Successful hunters can keep the bison’s head, hide and meat.

To enter the drawing, go to: fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply.

For more information, contact the Blackfeet Fish and Game Department at 406-338-7207 or visit: blackfeetfishandwildlife.net/.

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

Full time positions receive the health insurance benefit 12 months a year. Check out the available jobs and detailed job vacancy announcements on the SKC website – www.skc.edu/employment Custodian Part-time Salary Range: $13.21/hr Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Native American Studies Cultural Specialist/Instructor (9 months) Salary Range: $25.01/hr-$29.63/hr DOEE Closing Date: Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023; 4:00pm

Part Time Seasonal Grounds Maintenance Salary Range: $11.30 - $13.21 per hour DOE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

College & Career Readiness Coach (2 postions open) Salary range: $17.35/hr-$20.17/hr DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Assistant Director/Lead Teacher – Early Learning Center (10 months, full time) Salary Range: $38,880 - $45,725 Closing Date: Open Until Filled

College & Career Readiness Mentor (3 positions open) Salary Range: $17.35/hr-$20.17/hr DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Health Promotion Practices Department Chair 11-month term (July off) which includes $2500 Dept. Head stipend Salary Range DOEE: $45,778 - $48,716 Closing Date: Open Until Filled

NYCP College & Career Readiness Instructor (Part time, 9 months) Salary Range: $25.01/hr-$29.63/hr DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Custodial Services Supervisor Salary Range: $18.28 – $18.72 DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Early Learning Center-Assistant Teacher (9.5 months) Salary Range: $15.01/hr-$16.92/hr DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Office Professions Faculty (9 months, full time) Salary Range: $43,823 - $46,227 DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Early Learning Center-Toddler Teacher (9.5 months) Salary range: $15.33/hr-$17.24/hr DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Accounting Tech/Receptionist Salary Range: $14.16 - $14.48 per hour DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Indigenous Research Center (IRC) IRM & M Library & Repository Manager Salary Range: $50,176-$53,696 DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Truck Driving Instructor-PT (9 months) Salary Range: $18.19 - $19.53 DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Facility / Instructional Designer (9 months) Salary Range: $43,823-$46,227 DOEE Closing Date: Monday, Nov. 6, 2023; 4:00pm

IT/Computer Science Faculty Salary Range: $45,025 - $49,883 Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Tribal Governance Administration (TGA) Instructor Salary Range: $43,621-$44,670 DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Executive Assistant to the President Salary Range: $41,963 - $46,655 DOEE Closing Date: Monday, Oct. 23, 2023; 4:00pm

Housing Maintenance Technician Salary Range: $31,449-$33,426 DOEE Closing date: Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023; 4:00pm

Instruction and Outreach Services Librarian Salary Range: $20.17/hr-$21.87/hr DOEE Closing Date: Tuesday, Oct. 17, 2023; 4:00pm

Graduate Division Dean Salary Range: $59,563-$63,083 DOEE Closing date: Open Until Filled

Academic Transfer Specialist Salary Range: $33,507-$35,307 DOEE Closing date: Monday, Nov. 6, 2023; 4:00pm

Nursing Director Salary Range: $75,477 -$77,080 DOEE 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

Valley Journal

November 8, 2023 - 15

$125,000 in scholarship awards available to high school seniors Volunteer-based scholarship now open for applications News from Serve Montana, Governor’s Office of Community Service

HELENA — The Governor’s Office of Community Service, Reach Higher Montana, and Montana Campus Compact are pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Youth Serve Montana Scholarship. This year’s scholarship is being offered in two awards, $1,000 for 50 hours of service and $1,500 for 100 hours of service. The scholarships will be offered to 100 Montana seniors attending Montana Campus Compact member institutions next fall.

“We are honored to partner with Reach Higher Montana and Montana Campus Compact to provide scholarships to high school seniors” said Sarah Sadowski, Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Service.

“Their commitment to service is a positive indication these young adults will continually grow to be civically engaged college students, and valuable members of our communities.”

The Youth Serve Montana Scholarship was created to promote volunteerism among high school students.

Funds are available through support from Montana Campus Compact, a network of Montana campuses committed to community service; Reach Higher Montana, a nonprofit dedicated to helping students pursue and fund post-secondary education; and the Governor’s Office of Community Service, a state agency tasked with expanding and promoting community volunteerism in Montana. The Governor’s Office of Community Service administers the scholarship funds.

The Youth Serve Montana scholarship application and FAQs can be found online at: serve.mt.gov.

16 - November 8, 2023

obituaries Wesley John Lundvall LAS VEGAS — John Wes came into this world at St. Luke’s in Ronan, on a pleasant mid-summer’s day, July 29, 1953.

He was first born to Dorothy and Bud Lundvall, younger brother to an older sister and two older brothers, big brother to a younger

sister and two younger brothers. He was a busy, busy boy, exploring everything, talking early and nonstop, commenting on Wesley Lundvall everything he observed,

and explaining everything he knew.

John Wes was brutally bullied from the moment he started school and well into his adult life.

He was married and divorced twice, to Jackie in Seattle and Gloria in Los Angeles; he has two stepsons. John Wes loved driving truck, the open road, meeting

people, and seeing the country. John Wes trained and mentored many new drivers; he was a lifelong learner, read extensively, and helping anyone who needed help was a way of life for him.

John Wes built his life on a living, loving, and interactive faith in God. He passed away mid-morning Sept. 26, 2023.

He was 70 years old.

Governor praises firefighters, DNRC for effective 2023 fire season response State kept 96% of wildland fires to 10 acres or fewer News from the office of Governor Gianforte

HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte recently praised wildland firefighters and staff and leadership at the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) for its effective response during the 2023 Fire Season, keeping 96% of fires under the state’s direct protection to 10 acres or fewer.

“With every fire, we respond with one goal – put out the fire as safely and as quickly as possible. The smaller the fire is, the fewer resources are needed to contain it before it gets out of hand,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Thanks to our dedicated wildland firefighters and commitment to aggressive initial attack, we kept 96% of wildfires under the direct protection of the state to 10 acres or fewer this year.”

The State of Montana is responsible for wildland fire protection on approximately 60 million acres of state, private, and federal lands. Wildland fire crews, aviation resources, and the County Coop Program provide fire protection.

To increase the state’s wildfire preparedness and expand DNRC’s ability to aggressively attack wildfires, the governor secured additional aviation resources and two Type 2 initial attack hand crews this spring.

“Additional firefighting assets provided through House Bill 883 gave DNRC the ability to proactively position crews and aviation resources in areas of high to extreme fire danger,” DNRC Fire Protection Bureau Chief Matt Hall shared.

“This ensured our resources were readily available to suppress new fire starts before they could grow to a catastrophic event.”

He continued, “While supplementary resources played a pivotal role in this season’s successes, the primary credit goes to our dedicated firefighting personnel.”

Valley Journal

on s a e S 49!!

DNRC Director Amanda Kaster also praised the work of the state’s fire managers and partners to increase the pace and scale of forest management.

“In addressing the forest health crisis in Montana, it is evident how vital year-round forest management practices are in reducing the risk for catastrophic wildfires,” said DNRC Director Amanda Kaster. “The Department, in collaboration with our partners, is improving forest health in Montana at an accelerated pace and scale not previously done.”

As of October 30, a total of 1,604 fires burned 117,553 acres of land, incurring a suppression cost of $41.3 million. Of these fires, 21% were lightning caused, and the remaining 79% were human caused or the cause was unable to be determined.

The Comedy

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PortPolsonPlayers.com or 406-883-9212

Work continues on Ronan hwy intersection News from Sloane Stinson, Montana Department of Transportation

RONAN — The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. have completed paving operations from the US Highway 93 intersection with Round Butte Road and Terrace Lake Road, to the intersection with Third Ave. and Old US 93.

Next week, crews will paint temporary road markings on this section of the highway.

Drivers should anticipate turnlane and single-lane closures where this work is underway.

Paving operations will focus on the approach to the Sinclair gas station and the intersection of Round Butte Road with First Ave. Round Butte Road will be reduced to one lane

when this work occurs. Flaggers will be present.

Once this work is complete, paving operations will be suspended until spring.

Crews plan to continue sidewalk construction along Round Butte Road and the southbound couplet, the short segment of roadway connecting First Ave. to US 93.

The southbound couplet will be closed to traffic over the winter.

The installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of US 93 with 3rd Avenue and Old US 93 has been delayed due to unforeseen supplier issues. MDT has sourced another supplier and will keep the public updated.

Crews will be onsite Monday, Nov. 6, through Friday, Nov. 10,

from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. All work is dependent on weather and other unforeseen factors.

When traveling through the construction zone, slow down, follow all traffic control, and watch for workers and equipment. The speed limit remains at 35 mph. Please remember to follow posted speed limits when driving through the project site.

Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Email me at: sloane@ bigskypublicrelations.com or call the project hotline at 406207-4484, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information on the Ronan-North project, visit: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/ pubinvolve/ronanurban/.

Don’t Crowd the Plow

While driving, be on the lookout for snowplows and give operators room to work. Many plows are hit by private vehicles each winter, with the potential to cause harm to all parties involved. The plow truck and operator are taken out of service immediately following an incident.

Drive safely this winter and keep these tips in mind: Don’t pass a plow when the TowPlow is deployed. The operator will periodically rotate the TowPlow back in line with the truck to allow vehicles to pass.

Be aware that, where there is one plow working, others may be nearby. The snow cloud created by one plow may obscure presence of additional plows in adjacent lanes.

When approaching a snowplow from the rear, reduce speed immediately.

When approaching an oncoming plow, don’t crowd the centerline.

Be patient. Plow operators know where they can pull over to let vehicles pass, but remember, the road in front of the plow is likely not as clear as the road behind it.

MDT has tools to help plan for conditions so you can reach your destination safely. Find more plow safety information and winter driving tips at: https://mdt.mt.gov/visionzero/people/winterdriving. aspx. Current construction information, width restrictions, and road conditions throughout Montana can be found at: [511mt.net]

Of course we believe in love at first sight.

We see it every day.

Experience the joy of giving birth in a private, family-centered and supportive environment before, during and after childbirth. Make your appointment today and find out why our physicians are the leading choice for obstetrics in Lake County.

IN RONAN: St. Luke Community Hospital 107 6th Ave. SW 406-676-4441

IN POLSON: St. Luke Community Clinic – Ridgewater 107 Ridgewater Drive 406-883-3737

St. Luke Community Clinic – Ronan 126 6th Ave. SW 406-676-3600

St. Luke Community Clinic – Southshore 104 Rufus Lane 406-883-2555 IN ST. IGNATIUS: St. Luke Community Clinic – St. Ignatius 330 Six Tracts Way 406-745-2781

Valley Journal

November 8, 2023 - 17

seniors Arlee

By Anne Stewart for the Valley Journal

ARLEE — Turn back your clock: fall back mountain time goes into effect on Sunday Nov. 5.

November, the month of falling snow, which means early shoveling - do that easily and watch your heart and health. Make sure you get your flu shots, new Covid boosters and check with your doctor.

Then, maybe November will bring us above average temps, helping us prepare for a real winter.

Here are some fun facts about November: Nov. 1 World Vegan Day, Nov. 2 Deviled Egg Day, Nov. 3 Sandwich Day, Nov. 4 National Candy Day, Nov. 5 National Donut Appreciation Day, Nov. 6 National Nacho Day, Nov. 7 Hug a Bear Day, Nov. 8 Cook Something Bold Day, Nov. 9 National Louisiana Day, Nov. 10 Forget-Me-Not-Day, Nov. 11 Veterans’ Day, Nov. 12 Happy Hour Day, Nov. 13 World Kindness Day, Nov. 14 National Pickle Day, Nov. 15 National Clean Out Your Fridge Day, Nov. 16 National Button Day, Nov. 17 Homemade Bread Day, Nov. 18 National Vichyssoise Day, Nov. 19 Play Monopoly Day, Nov. 20 Beautiful Day, Nov. 21 National Stuffing Day, Nov. 22 Go For A Ride Day, Nov. 23 Fibonacci Day, Nov. 24 Celebrate Your Unique Talent Day, Nov. 25 National Parfait 18 - November 8, 2023

Day, Nov. 26 Thanksgiving (Fourth Thursday), Nov. 27 Black Friday, Nov. 28 Small Business Saturday, Nov. 29 National Lemon Cream Pie Day, Nov. 30 Cyber Monday. WHEW! That should keep us busy.

As usual, all are invited to share a meal with us on Mondays and Wednesdays at noon, and in this month of November on the 4th and the 18th (pre-Thanksgiving Dinner) at 5 p.m.

Please call first so that we can prepare enough food for all at 406-726-3213.

Leave your name, number and whether you plan to eat in or take-out. Costs are still the cheapest in town: $4 for lunch and $5 for dinner and that includes your entree, vegies, fruit, bread, dessert, and drink of your choice.

The Arlee American Legion will be offering all veterans and friends to a spaghetti dinner on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 4-8 p.m. here at the Arlee Senior Center. A free-will offering is asked to support the Legion.

Commodities will be distributed on Nov. 21 here at the Arlee Senior Center.

If you meet the guidelines, please sign up, as this federal aid brings you food for your pantry. We have applications available for you. The Food Bank still gives commodities on Fridays at the old Hangin’ Art Building.

Congratulate our Arlee Warriors and Scarlets on their fall season sports and then come enjoy the boys

and the girls basketball teams at the Arlee High School Gym, Support our youth and then invite them to volunteer for seniors.

Maybe they will shovel your steps or move some furniture.

The Lake County Council on Aging will have their quarterly meeting on Nov. 7 in St. Ignatius Senior Center. All are invited. The Arlee Seniors meeting will be held on Nov. 13 at 10:30 a.m.

Arlee Seniors Board: Cheri Garcelon, Judy Miller, Anne Stewart, Ulie Willison, Gladys Brown, Betty Shoemaker, Jerry Garcelon, Patty Tiensvold and Marie Gillette.

November menu: (Please call on the day of the meal by 9 a.m. Include your name, phone number and the number of meals yo wish and whether you wish to dine in or takeout – 406-726-3213.)

— Wednesday, Nov. 8: beef pot pie, mixed veggies, fruit, dessert — Saturday, Nov. 11: Veterans’ Day – spaghetti dinner sponsored by the American Legion Post 113 – 4-6 p.m.

— Sunday, Nov. 12: board meeting at 10:30 a.m.

— Monday, Nov. 13: Goulash, dinner roll, salad, fruit, dessert —Wednesday, Nov. 15: breakfast for lunch – cinnamon rolls, hashbrowns, eggs, sausage, bacon, fruit Saturday, Nov. 18: roast turkey, dressing, potatoes, gravy, cranberries, roll,

yams, dessert — Monday, Nov. 20: baked potato bar, chili, cheese, meats, fruit, dessert — Tuesday, Nov. 21: commodities 1-3 p.m.

— Wednesday, Nov. 22: cream of potato soup, ham/ cheese sandwich, veggie tray, fruit, cookie — Monday, Nov. 27: beef stew, fry bread, fruit, dessert — Wednesday, Nov. 29: brats/kraut/onions, chips, fruit, dessert

Polson

By Pete Mangels for the Valley Journal

POLSON — I have barely recovered from that semi-annual time change event. I have enough trouble with the changes of seasons. Jumping an hour forward or backward has a negative effect on the sleep patterns for kids, pets and everyone else. I am ok for about five months then it messes with me all over again. What does it take to end this madness? An Act of Congress? Good Luck with that. They can’t make up their minds about anything, including the time of day.

Nov. 11 is Veterans Day. Thank a vet today and every day. The local VFW has room to store additional wheelchairs for use by those in need. Deliver chairs to the Senior Center or the VFW Club at 423 Main. Call for pick-up. We will be closed on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24.

Valley Journal

We have added another meal delivery route and need more volunteer drivers -one day, or a few days. Routes take 45-60 minutes with 8 –14 meal deliveries, depending on route. New drivers get shorter routes. If you are not sure, you may want to ride along with the regular driver to get an idea about routes and delivery procedures. It is not complicated. Routes take place between 10:45 a.m. and noon, Monday through Friday.

Baily Insurance is offering information and assistance for Medicare, prescription drug and supplement plans on Nov. 13 from 1-3 p.m.

Boxes of See’s Candy is now on sale for $27. See Kaye. There are many choices. Buy early. The supply should last until Christmas, unless you open the box.

Need a ride in Polson area for groceries, health care, banking or other necessities? Ride recipients must be 65 years or older, and in need. Call 24 hours in advance. The cost is $5 round trip, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and weekdays only.

Activities: Space is available for playing card table-style board games. Gather up some friends to play and bring your own board. Games are a great wintry day activity, and you won’t have to clean up your house to play host. Semi-private small group spaces are available.

The big hall is available for rental on nights and weekends. Call ahead to reserve a time and date.

Bowling: Tuesdays at 1 p.m. for $13. Open group with no weekly commitment.

Bridge: inquire at center VA rep. : First Friday and third Tuesday of each month (Nov. 16 and Dec. 1).

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

Exercise: sitting or standing – Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10:30–11:30 a.m. - video-assisted self-guidance Pinochle: played Thursdays, noon-3 p.m. - walkins welcome Pool: open table from 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

VA Rep: the first Friday and third Tuesday of each month (Nov. 3 and 21) 10 a.m.-noon Menu (subject to change): A suggested donation of $5 for your meal will help support the nutrition program. We serve lunch from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - sit-down or take-out; call before 10 a.m. for delivery - call in for grab-n-go.

— Wednesday, Nov. 8: chicken Alfredo, pasta green beans, beets, carrot-apple Jell-O, chocolate cherry cake — Thursday, Nov. 9: barbecue pork sandwich, see page 19

Seniors from page 18

tater tots, applesauce, coleslaw, bread pudding with caramel sauce — Friday, Nov. 10: ham/cheese oven omelet, oven roast potatoes, muffin, fresh fruit, cookies — Monday, Nov. 13: Wisconsin cheeseburger soup, roll, green salad, lemon pudding with blueberry sauce — Tuesday, Nov. 14: pork tips and gravy, rice, mixed veggies, cuke salad, fiesta cake — Wednesday, Nov. 15: submarine sandwich, baked beans, pepperoni Italian salad, fluff stuff — Thursday, Nov 16: pigs in a blanket, potato wedges, peas, Jell-O, apple crisp — Friday, Nov. 17: birthday lunch - roast turkey dinner (with gravy) and all the trimmings, pie too (no gravy) We are located at 504 Third Ave. E and open from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. on weekdays. Call 406-8834735 or email us at: polsonseniorcenter@gmail. com. Visit us on Facebook.

St. Ignatius

By Barb Plouffe for the Valley Journal

ST. IGNATIUS — Now that we are going to get some snow and you need something to keep you busy and in a warm place, come and pick up a book to read or a puzzle to put together. We have many and are willing to share.

Thank you to all that came and played bingo on Nov. 11.

The St. Ignatius Senior Center will have a “Bake Sale” at the 4-H Bazaar on Dec. 9 at the St. Ignatius High School Gym. The center is collecting coats, scarves, mittens/ gloves and socks for elementary and middle school kids. We are accepting new and slightly used items. Help us keep kids warm during the winter.

On Nov. 17, Mary B. from the Area VI Agency on Aging will be at the center to go over Medicare Part D information regarding medication plans.

If you are interested in attending, please call and schedule a time to talk with Mary.

I am sending out a plea from the Mission Valley Food Pantry. They need plastic grocery bags, empty boxes that will hold up to 30 pounds, dozen eggs cartons and if you have four hours of time on Tuesdays and Fridays, we need of volunteers to help clients from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

You are welcome to come to the MV Food Pantry at 203 Blaine and check things out on the days we are open.

Our cooks continue to make a variety of good tasting meals using local produce.

We invite anyone to come and enjoy one of our meals or call for a takeout.

Call 406-745-4462 by 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays and by 2 p.m. on Wednesdays. Mealtimes are listed below. Menus for

the month are available in the entryway of the center.

Menu: — Friday, Nov.10: noon - breaded chicken, roasted potatoes, carrots, fruit salad, rolls, cake — Tuesday, Nov. 14: noon - beef enchiladas, corn salad, fruit, dessert — Wednesday, Nov. 15: 5:30 p.m. - Thanksgiving Dinner - roast turkey, dressing, potatoes, gravy, cranberry salad, rolls, pumpkin pie We invite you to become a member of the St. Ignatius Senior Citizen Center for a fee of $10 a year. You can join us at any age.

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

Gently Yoga is on Wednesdays from 1-2:15 p.m. If you are interested, please call Bonnie Kiser at 406-253-0177. Her rates are five sessions for $60.

We have walkers, a commode, a shower chair, a wheelchair, a high-rise toilet seat, 4-prong canes, regular canes and a transfer bench to loan out as well as XXL Depends to be given out. No cost for the items that are loaned out.

Our Center is open to people renting it. If you are interested, please call 406-745-4462 and leave a message.

The Senior Center has a computer that is available for use by the public Tuesday or a Friday between 10 a.m.-1p.m. If you need help with other areas of your life call the Lake County Council on Aging at 406-676-2367.

Flathead Transit

Missoula • Pablo • Kalispell • Whitefish

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Bus leaves at scheduled times.

Pablo

10:00 AM

52001 US Hwy 93, Pablo• 406-275-2792

Missoula

11:30 AM

1660 W Broadway St • 406-549-2339

Evaro

11:50 AM

20750 US Hwy 93, Missoula• 406-726-3778

Arlee

12:00 PM

92345 US Hwy 93, Arlee• 406-726-7777

Flag Stop

27330 US Hwy 93, Ravalli• 406-275-2877

12:15 PM

240 Mnt View Dr, St. Ignatius• 406-745-3634

1:00 PM

52001 US Hwy 93, Pablo• 406-275-2792

Ravalli

Saint Ignatius Pablo

Polson

1:25 PM

49708 US Hwy 93, Polson• 406-883-3636

Lakeside

2:10 PM

7170 US Hwy 93, Pablo• 406-844-3372

NEW

2:30 PM LOCATION! 3:10 PM

Kalispell / Evergreen

195 3rd Ave. E, west side of Smith Foods• 406-755-7447

Whitefish

#9 Spokane Ave., Whitefish• 406-275-2721

7:30 PM 7:05 PM 6:50 PM Flag Stop 6:30 PM 6:00 PM 5:30 PM 4:55 PM 4:30 PM 4:00 PM

For Information Call Flathead Transit • 406-675-5000 weekends • Busses run 7Transit days a week.

406-275-2792 weekdays For more information call Flathead

Valley Journal

Weekdays: 406-275-2792 Weekends: 406-675-5000 November 8, 2023 - 19

calendar Wednesday, Nov. 8 Celebrate with first-generation college students

see extended calendar at www.valleyjournal.net

River reflection

reservation, call 406-8839212 or go to: portpolsonplayers.com.

Saturday, Nov. 11

PABLO — SKC TRIO Student Support Services will celebrate First Generation College Student Day on Wednesday, Nov. 8, with a “Pie Social.” A first-generation college student is an individual who is the first person in their family to attain a college degree.

First Generation College Student Day is celebrated on Nov. 8 to commemorate the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965. This act created TRIO and financial aid programs.

Veteran’s Day Holiday Bazaar held in Ronan

Support group for anyone affected by cancer held Wednesdays POLSON — Anyone affected by cancer will gain understanding of others, inspire and support others or just find a safe place to share or listen when attending the Cheerful Heart Cancer Support Group.

The group meets from noon to 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Chapel at St. Joseph Medical Center. The group is led by Pastor Matthew Connally of the Ronan/ Polson Nazarene Church.

Thursday, Nov. 9 Masumola Club will discuss Mission Valley Ice Arena POLSON — Masumola Club will meet on Thursday, Nov. 9. Social 20 - November 8, 2023

Golden autumn light paints river cliffs reflected in the Flathead River.

hour begins at 5:45. Help celebrate the Thanksgiving season with hosts Connie and Dick Reynolds and Pat and Susan Hartman.

Hosts are providing turkey with gravy (and maybe a few potatoes). Suggested food distribution: A–H - dessert; I–O - salad or vegetable; P– Z hot dish. The program will be about the Mission Valley Ice Arena.

Join Story Time POLSON — Thursdays mean Story Time. Join us at 10 a.m. at our temporary location: First United Methodist Church 301

Sixteenth Ave. E. Story Time is geared toward kindergarten readiness, ages 3-5, but everyone is welcome.

We read books, make crafts, and play games.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join in this interactive program. This program is about “Things that Go.”

Friday, Nov. 10 Gubernatorial candidate to attend Pachyderm meeting POLSON — Our next Pachyderm meeting will

be held on Friday, Nov. 10 at 12, at noon at the Polson Rural Fire Station.

Our guest speaker for this meeting will be Montana Gubernatorial candidate Tanner Smith who is from Lakeside.

Port Polson Players brings “Bus Stop” to the theatre POLSON — Port Polson Players in association with Mission Valley Friends of the Arts present William Inges’ classic comedy, “Bus Stop,” to kick off the Players’ 49th season of live theatre. Bus Stop also kicks off for the Mission Valley Friends of

Valley Journal

MARTY HENSEL PHOTO

the Arts annual membership drive. An all-star cast of favorite Mission Valley performers brings this classic piece of theatre to the stage. Nominated for four Tony Awards, Bus Stop was later made as a film starring Marilyn Monroe and Don Murray.

Bus Stop runs two weekends, Nov. 10, 11, 12 and Nov. 17, 18, 19.

Curtain times are 7 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays, with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Tax-deductible contributions help maintain the beautiful log building on the Polson golf course that has housed the Port Polson Players since 1986. For

RONAN — From 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Ronan Community Center, more than twenty arts and crafts vendors from locally and Missoula to Kalispell will display their wares for buyers and curiosity seekers.

Since Nov. 11 is Veteran’s Day, the club will honor all veterans who have served our country with a special flag presentation that will open the Holiday Bazaar beginning at 9:30 a.m. In addition to the flag presentation, a space has been set aside on the vendor floor to recognize our POWs for their dedication to our country.

Attendees of the event will also have the opportunity to enjoy a lunch of Fry Bread and/or Indian Tacos while perusing the goods on display and bidding on silent auction items that have been generously donated by area merchants.

A limited number of vendor spaces may still be available. Call Connie at 406-676-0588 for more information.

Dance, more at MME ‘Western Shindig’ POLSON — Mission Mountain Empowerment will hold a Western Shindig on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 6:30-10:30 p.m. at the Red Lion Inn. There will be a silent auction, see page 21

Calendar from page 20

entertainment, and dancing for a $25 admission fee (age: 21+ only). Hors d’oeuvres and refreshment included. Tickets available at Twice But Nice and Nifty Thrifty businesses and MME administration office or: www.eventbrite.com.

All proceeds go towards MME and enriching the lives of the individual they serve.

Youth trapping skills class scheduled in Kalispell KALISPELL — A free youth trapping skills course in Kalispell is open to registration. This course is part of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ outdoor skills program.

The class in Kalispell will focus on basic leghold and snare trapping for coyotes, fox, raccoons.

Certified trapper education instructors will teach the course. The course is geared toward youth,

and parents/guardians are invited to participate as well.

The course is scheduled for Nov. 11-12, 2023, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The class will start at the FWP Region 1 office, 490 N. Meridian, on Nov. 11. To register visit: https://fwp. mt.gov/hunt/education/ advanced-education and select “Find a Course Near You” under the Advanced Outdoor Skills section. Trapping licenses are not required. Most of the class will be outdoors and students should dress for cold weather.

For more information, contact Tom Fieber at: tfieber@bresnan.net or 406-250-3386.

Monday, Nov. 13 ‘Mending Broken Hearts’ sessions continue POLSON — Mending Broken Hearts, held Monday, Nov. 13, and 20 at Fun and Fancy Learning Center from 5:30-

Pet o f

Meet. . .

Jett

Jett is a wonderful kitten with an adorable mustache who has been with us since he was only 2 weeks old. He is now 5 months old and looking forward to finding his new home!

or visit our Facebook page!

Join early learning time at the library POLSON — Mondays mean Mother Goose.

Join us at 9:15 a.m.

Mother Goose is geared toward ages 0 to 3, but all are welcome.

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

Tuesday, Nov. 14 Mission Valley Band Festival held in Ronan RONAN — It’s that time of year again. The Mission Valley Band Festival takes place Nov. 14 in Ronan. 165 students from Noxon, Thompson Falls, Plains,

St. Regis, Superior, and Charlo will join together to make beautiful music. They will rehearse in two groups all day, a concert band and a percussion ensemble.

The final concert will be at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 14 in the Ronan Performing Arts Center. Come see this diverse array of young area musicians play.

Thursday, Nov. 16 Join Story Time POLSON — Thursdays mean Story Time.

Join us at 10 a.m. at our temporary location: First United Methodist Church 301 Sixteenth Ave. E. Story Time is geared toward kindergarten readiness, ages 3-5, but everyone is welcome.

We read books, make crafts, and play games.

Parents and caregivers are encouraged to join in this interactive program. This program is about “Pump-

kins and Apples.”

Friday, Nov. 17 ‘Mending Broken Hearts’ weekend retreat to be held POLSON — Develop the capacity of individuals and communities to heal from unresolved grief and the losses created by the legacy of historical and intergenerational trauma at Fun and Fancy Learning Center from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Contact brittany@ familiesfirstmt.org for more information.

November date for large book-movie donations at library POLSON — The Friends of the Library

group has generously offered to take on our book and movie donation program. Starting now, we will accept encyclopedias that are 40 years old or older and textbooks.

Condition rules still apply. There is no longer a limit to how many donations the library can take.

However, if you are planning to bring more than three boxes of materials for donation, please contact us ahead of time so we can make arrangements. If you have a large donation, we would appreciate it if you would drop off during the afternoon on Nov. 17 at the temporary location, 301 16th Ave. E (First United Methodist Church).

vj

the w eek • Private apartments • 24 Hour Care • Personalized Assistance

contact

Mission Valley Animal Shelter call 883-5312

7:30 p.m., focuses on healing unresolved grief and inter-generational trauma.

Contact brittany@familiesfirstmt.org for more information.

• Beauty Salon / Barber Shop • Housekeeping / Laundry

Jett Sponsored by

Bishop Insurance Polson: 302 1st St. W. Ste. 102 • 883-5372 Ronan: 209 Main Street SW • 676-5300

bishopinsurance.com

• Activities Call Joel Mohler or Logan Goodin for a tour.

406-883-8970 11 17th Ave. East, Polson, MT

Assisted Living at its finest

Valley Journal

November 8, 2023 - 21

PUZZLES GIANT CROSSWORD 1

2

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8

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51

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75 82 89

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99 104

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106 111

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108 114

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SUDOKU

119

123

Place the digits 1-9 in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains each digit once only.

2 6

5

2 1 4 8 3

22 - November 8, 2023

2

4

9 5 2

7

4

6 9 5 1 4 8

7 9 5 9 3 4 2 3 1 7 5

WORDSEARCH

120

97

118

128

117

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92 95

110

66

87

91 94

116

59

71

93

68

56

62

90

67

46

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18

38

44

54

17

32

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109

30

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88

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16

ACROSS 1. More eccentric 6. Top stories 12. Au ___ (how a French dip is served) 15. Beach item 19. Itinerary 20. Kind of cut 21. “___ moment” 22. European volcano 23. Japanese food 24. Bout before the biggie 25. Nocturnal mammal 26. Drilling grp.

27. Field of vision?

29. Picturesque 31. Barely get the words out 33. Stylish 35. Biblical boat 36. Canadian territory whose capital is Whitehorse 38. “My man!”

39. A little night music 42. Harsh criticism, so to speak 44. Bad spots?

45. Messy substances 47. Calamity 48. Tree trunk 49. Arctic 50. Airport transports 51. Fountain locale 53. Verb tense expressing the past 56. Little rock 57. Fizzle, with “out” 58. Sister of Apollo 59. Reduce, as expenses 60. “I” problem

62. Diamonds, slangily 63. Aromatic solvent 65. Cakewalk 69. Bring (out) 70. Reply to a captain 72. Durable wood 73. Group of three 74. Spiritual, e.g.

75. Civil War side 78. Blah-blah-blah 80. Martians and such 82. Biblical brother 84. Salad ingredient 87. Black cattle breed 88. Frees 91. Magic charm 92. Bait 93. Care for 94. Confessed, with “up” 95. Emerald ___ 97. Bring home 98. Cuff 99. Smooch 100. Care for 102. Bed or bunk: Brit. slang.

103. Egg maker 104. Endangered species 106. Brood 107. “Duck soup!”

109. Goldsmith, e.g.

111. Falling star 114. Canal site 118. Henry VIII’s last wife 119. Adage 121. ___ acid (substance found in wine) 123. Carried on 124. Decorative case 125. Couple 126. Bruise application 127. Alter 128. Animal shelters 129. Wild ox 130. Dugong 131. Egyptian god

DOWN 1. About 2. Arrange, as hair 3. Bite the ___ 4. High standards 5. Clinton cabinet member 6. Mobile program, briefly 7. High spots 8. Work boot feature 9. Goof-offs 10. Post-toast sound 11. 18-wheeler 12. Employment 13. Like some questions 14. Begin 15. Make waves 16. Fat Man or Little Boy 17. Worldwide crimefighting organization 18. Field sport 28. Fodder holder 30. One who keeps spinning his or her wheels 32. Casting expert 34. Mea ___ 37. Newton, e.g.

39. Long fur scarves or shawls 40. Brisk 41. Army outfit 43. “The more the ___” 44. Cliffside dwelling 46. Dissolute sort 48. Blocks 49. Jewel 52. Literally, “the spirit of the times” 54. Abbr. after a comma 55. Links prop 56. Winter wear 59. Kind of patch 61. Supernatural life forces 64. Feature of a logger’s boot

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

66. Sauce ingredient 67. Cons 68. Cold, creamy desserts 71. “___ rang?”

76. Crosspiece 77. Colander features 78. Blast 79. Ability to hit a target 81. When repeated, like some shows 83. Bad looks 85. ___-Atlantic 86. Come after 88. Amorphous 89. Count 90. Copies of a book 91. Double 94. WWII battle site 96. Bound 100. ___ sausages 101. Not accented, as syllables 102. Go-getter 105. Hurried 106. Gawk 108. _ Jessica Parker, SITC star 110. Western blue flag, e.g.

112. Flight data, briefly 113. “Little Caesar” role 115. Affirm 116. Children’s ___ 117. Combines 120. Pan used in Chinese cookery 122. Aviary sound

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

Words that follow “green” BEAN BELT CARD ENERGY EYED MONSTER FINCH FINGERS FLASH GROCER

HOUSE KEEPER LAND LIGHT PEPPER ROOM SLEEVES TEA THUMB

Valley Journal Valley Journal

51999 US 93 • PABLO (near the walking bridge in Pablo)

TAKE A BREAK!

675-5000

QUICKSILVER EXPRESSO

Monday- Friday 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

7 days a week

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

November 8, 2023 - 23 ge ct sele bevera &

GfEsnacks HiU n s!! o o

Full Service Espresso Bar

SOLUTIONS GIANT CROSSWORD

18. Lacrosse, 28. Silo, 30. Cyclist, 32. Angler, 34. Culpa, 37. Unit, 39. Tippets, 40. Allegro, 41. Platoon, 43. Merrier, 44. Aerie, 46. Libertine, 48. Bars, 49. Gem, 52. Zeitgeist, 54. Etc, 55. Tee, 56. Parka, 59. Pea, 61. Manas, 64. Hobnail, 66. Oregano, 67. Minuses, 68. Possets, 71. You, 76. Transom, 77. Holes, 78. Gas, 79. Aim, 81. Late, 83. Sneers, 85. Mid, 86. Ensue, 88. Unshaped, 89. Numerate, 90. Print run, 91. Twin, 94. Okinawa, 96. Leap, 100. Vienna, 101. Atonic, 102. Dynamo, 105. Hasty, 106. Stare, 108. Sarah, 110. Iris, 112. ETAs, 113. Rico, 115. Aver, 116. Menu, 117. Adds, 120. Wok, 122. Caw.

MIRROR IMAGE D

SUDOKU 2 9 6 8 7 1 4 5 3

1 5 3 6 2 4 8 7 9

7 8 4 9 5 3 1 2 6

9 2 1 5 6 8 7 3 4

4 3 8 2 1 7 6 9 5

5 6 7 3 4 9 2 1 8

8 4 2 7 9 5 3 6 1

3 7 9 1 8 6 5 4 2

6 1 5 4 3 2 9 8 7

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

B

Across: 1. Odder, 6. Attics, 12. Jus, 15. Pail, 19. Route, 20. Poodle, 21. One, 22. Etna, 23. Sushi, 24. Prelim, 25. Bat, 26. ROTC, 27. Optics, 29. Scenic, 31. Stammer, 33. Chic, 35. Ark, 36. Yukon, 38. Bro, 39. Taps, 42. Lumps, 44. Acne, 45. Glops, 47. Ill, 48. Bole, 49. Gelid, 50. Limos, 51. Plaza, 53. Preterit, 56. Pebble, 57. Peter, 58. Artemis, 59. Pare, 60. Egoism, 62. Ice, 63. Ether, 65. Romp, 69. Trot, 70. Aye, 72. Oak, 73. Trio, 74. Song, 75. North, 78. Gab, 80. Aliens, 82. Esau, 84. Romaine, 87. Angus, 88. Unpins, 91. Talisman, 92. Tease, 93. Nurse, 94. Owned, 95. Isle, 97. Net, 98. Smite, 99. Kiss, 100. Value, 102. Doss, 103. Hen, 104. Rhino, 106. Sit, 107. Easy, 109. Artisan, 111. Meteor, 114. Panama, 118. Parr, 119. Saw, 121. Tannic, 123. Raved, 124. Étui, 125. Two, 126. Arnica, 127. Amend, 128. Dens, 129. Yak, 130. Sea cow, 131. Horus.

Down: 1. Or so, 2. Do up, 3. Dust, 4. Ethics, 5. Reich, 6. App, 7. Tors, 8. Toecap, 9. Idlers, 10. Clink, 11. Semi, 12. Job, 13. Unasked, 14. Set to, 15. Perm, 16. Atom bomb, 17. Interpol,

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

C

D

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

DOT-TO-DOT

PUZZLES

MIRROR IMAGE

Montana-Taiwan bond from page 8

First, the governor announced memorandums of understanding (MOU) between leaders in the photonics industry in Montana and Taiwan to boost advanced manufacturing in the state.

Quantum Composers entered into a MOU with Hua Laser Electro-Optics Co., and the Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance entered into a MOU with the Taiwan U.S. Industrial Promotion Office.

“We are partnering with key leaders from Taiwan to be able to create partnerships for our members, to open up both the supply chain of Taiwan to America as well as for American products to be sold into Taiwan – creating channels of partnership,” Jason Yager, President of the Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance said.

Second, Gov. Gianforte announced a MOU between the Montana Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education and the Taiwan Ministry of Education Taiwan to create a Mandarin language program housed at the Man-

COURTESY PHOTO

Gov. Gianforte tours Minghsin University of science and technology.

sfield Center within the University of Montana and an educational exchange program at Montana Technological University.

“The new Mandarin program and student exchange will open new opportunities and career paths for students.”

Finally, the governor announced a MOU between the Montana Department of Commerce and the Importers and Exporters Association of Taiwan (IEAT) to grow and expand trade.

Governor promotes Montana’s semiconductor industry on trade mission Governor Greg Gianforte toured Minghsin University of Science and Technology (MUST) and participated in a roundtable discussion to promote

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• • • •

Medicaid SNAP SSI WIC

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Veterans Pension Survivors or Lifeline Benefits Tribal Assistance Program Housing Assistance

Montana’s semiconductor industry.

“Semiconductor machinery is our second largest export to Taiwan, totaling $30 million in sales last year,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Through Montana Tech’s strategic partnership with Minghsin University of Science and Technology, we’ll build a stronger Montana workforce, boost our semiconductor industry, and further strengthen our ties with Taiwan.”

Earlier today, the governor highlighted a partnership between the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education and the Taiwan Ministry of Education to facilitate shortterm exchanges between Montana Technological University and MUST. Through the exchange,

students at Montana Tech will learn about semiconductor manufacturing and Taiwanese culture.

Governor promotes Montana cattle industry at steak aging facility Continuing his trade mission in Taiwan, the Governor discussed Montana’s growing bioscience industry with Premier Chen Chien-jen of the Executive Yuan, who leads Taiwan’s executive branch.

“Montana ranks sixth among states for bioscience industry growth over the last five years, and fifth in the nation for growth in research and development expenditures,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This means our bioscience industry is expanding, and we’re at the tip of the spear for cutting-edge research.”

The governor promoted

CALL TODAY (866) 585-6456 24 - November 8, 2023

a partnership between Missoula-based Inimmune and Taipei-based ImmunAdd, which are collaborating to develop an adjuvant.

The governor also spotlighted Solo-Dex, a Montana company developing an innovative regional anesthesia that would greatly reduce risks with general

COURTESY PHOTO

anesthesia.

In 2005, the Executive Yuan created the Bio Taiwan Committee aimed at developing the bioscience industry in the country.

The governor also toured the steak aging facility of Mayfull, one of the largest food importers in Taiwan which specializes in beef.

“The people of Taiwan know what Montanans know to be true – Montana beef is the best in the world,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I look forward to expanding our ranchers’ access to this important market.”

Beef is Montana’s third largest export to Taiwan, totaling $16 million in sales last year.

Gov. Gianforte tours Mayfull’s steak aging facility.

BO%GO F F O 0 4 1 0/31 DS OFFER EN

COURTESY PHOTO

Gov. Gianforte discusses bioscience industry with executive Yuan Premier Chen.

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classifieds Announcements Auctions Whispering Pines Mini Storage Public Sale, November 18, 2023, 2:00 pm, 35417 Clairmont Rd., Pablo, MT. Sell to highest bidder for CASH OR CERTIFIED CHECK ONLY. Contents of Units #42, #45, #77, #100 and #111.

Subject to redemption prior to sale time. Call 406-675-8620.

Special Notices Switch and save up to $250/ year on your talk, text and data. No contract and no hidden fees. Unlimited talk and text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time offer - get $50 off on any new account. Use code GIFT50. For more information, call 1-877-324-0193 Dish Network: Only from Dish- 3 year TV Price Guarantee! 99% Signal Reliability, backed by guarantee.

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tablet FREE with one-time $20 copay. Free shipping & handling. Call Maxsip Telecom today! 1-866-585-6456

Employment Help wanted Eagle Bank is committed to full-service community banking – where we believe in…Lifetime Service ~ Lifetime Friendship. We have an opportunity for you to join the Eagle Bank Team as a Loan Assistant. A Loan Assistant works in the loan department and is essentially responsible for assisting Loan Officers & Staff with administrative detail and other varied clerical duties as may be designated, in accordance with Eagle Bank’s policies and procedures. This position offers flexible work schedules with competitive pay and benefits.

To apply send your resume to HR@eaglebankmt.com.

Location – Eagle Bank – 80 Heritage Lane, Polson MT Salary – Depending on experience and/or education.

In accordance with the Indian Self-Determination Act, P.L. 93-638, and the mission of Eagle Bank to serve the Flathead Reservation communities, preference will be given in hiring for suitably qualified Native Americans in the following order: 1 Enrolled members of CSKT; 2 Enrolled members of other federally recognized Native American or Alaska Native Tribes; 3 All other applicants.

RESEARCH AND REVIEW BOARD DIRECTOR TRIBAL LEGAL DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must possess B.A. or B.S. degree required, Master’s degree preferred with emphasis in research. Five (5) years’ experience working in the research field. Ten (10) years’ experience with Indigenous community and/or organizations and/or governments, with preference for experience with CSKT. Preference will be given for verifiable experience in Indigenous Research with

experience in Community Based Participatory Research methodology. Five (5) years of increasingly responsible work experience in developing data tracking for reporting and records management.

Experience coordinating a Board and developing of policy and procedures. Extensive documented experience with cultural, legal, ethical, and moral issues in research projects relating to Indigenous communities. Must pass local, state and federal background checks (upon hire and yearly thereafter) and is subject to CSKT Drug and Alcohol Policies and have a valid Montana driver’s license. All applicants must submit a Tribal application and copy of academic transcript and/or training certificate, valid Montana driver’s license, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference a copy of DD214 must be submitted. Rate of pay is $32.53 to $37.39 an hour. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt.org. Tribal applications are also available on-line at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Monday, November 27, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. This position is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug testing policy.

The successful applicant, if not already employed by CSKT must pass pre-hire drug test.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES The Arlee/Lake County Water and Sewer District is soliciting proposals from engineering firms to evaluate the District’s need for improvements to its public sewer system. The selected engineering firm will prepare a comprehensive Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) including recommendations for improvements that may be necessary to ensure efficient operation and compliance with State, Tribal, and

EPA standards.

The District may use the PER to support funding applications to any funding agency including, Rural Development, USDA; Montana Coal Endow- ment Program, Community Development Block Grant, State Revolving Loan Fund and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation for loans and grants. Therefore, it is imperative that the amended PER comply with guidelines set forth by the Uniform Preliminary Engineering Report Out-

line and meets the requirements of these various funding agencies.

The services to be provided during the Planning Phase will include, but are not limited to: 1. Assessment of existing conditions and summary of system requirements, including data collection; 2. Preparation of a detailed alternatives see page 26

Family-run Newspaper For Sale in beautiful northwest Montana $1.25

your homegrown newspaper October 11, 2023

Vol. 20, No. 4

Pumpkins fall from sky at St. Ignatius airport

Unique fundraiser collects money for annual fireworks show Town council pg. 5

Transit app pg. 6

Sports pg. 16

Story and photos

by Beau Biggs for the Valley Journal

ST. IGNATIUS — The community came together on Saturday, Oct. 7, to watch pumpkins drop out of an airplane at the St. Ignatius Airport.

The event was held as a fundraiser for next year’s Good Old Days fireworks show.

Blackfoot Communication and the Brett Thoft Memorial Foundation sponsored the event along with several others.

The Brett Thoft Memorial Foundation was giving out coats for any child who needed one.

There were also plenty of things for the kids to do at the event, including face painting.

Apple bobbing drew in participants as folks dunked their heads into a barrel of water and at-

tempted to bite into an apple, no hands allowed.

Another line was filled with people waiting for

the free barbeque with burgers and hot dogs.

To win at the pumpkin drop, participants needed

to buy a ticket.

Pumpkins were then dropped out of the airplane and landed on a square with numbers. If a person’s ticket matched the number the pumpkin landed on, they won $250.

Pilot Mike Kuefler said, “There was a lot of planning that went into dropping the pumpkins.

You have to be at the

right height and stay at a consistent speed (while flying) or the pumpkin will miss, and then, we have to make another pass.”

During drop four, the airplane made a couple passes before finally getting the pumpkin on target.

To drop a pumpkin, it takes three people: the

see page 2

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NICOLE TAVENNER PHOTO

Public Notices Legals Legals

• Award-winning weekly newspaper • Well established advertising, subscriber base, website & social media following • 19 years in business • Beautiful place to work & live • QR code links to full listing details w w w. va l l ey j o u r n a l . n e t

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November 8, 2023 - 25

public notices Legals

Sewer and Water Systems (include a contact telephone number.)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR ENGINEERING SERVICES

cont’d from pg. 25

Respondents will be evaluated according to the following factors:

The Consolidated Charlo/Lake County Water and Sewer District is soliciting proposals from engineering firms to evaluate the District’s need for improvements to its public sewer system.

The selected engineering firm will prepare a comprehensive Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) including recommendations for improvements that may be necessary to ensure efficient operation and compliance with State, Tribal, and EPA standards.

3. Development of recommend- ations regarding possible improvements that may be needed including design criteria, construction cost estimates and a prioritization of each proposed improvement; 4. Completion of an amended Preliminary Engineering Report meeting the requirements of the Uniform PER Outline; 5. Conducting two public meetings pertaining to the development of the alternatives for the PER and the final recommendations.

6. Further support and assistance as needed.

Upon the completion of the PER, the District may, at its discretion, utilize the selected engineering firm to develop a funding strategy, prepare funding applications for construction grants and loans, final design of necessary improvements, and/or construction administration and inspection.

Responses to this RFP should include: 1. The firm’s legal name, address and telephone number; 2. The principal(s) of the firm and their experience and qualifications; 3. The experience, qualifications and availability of the staff to be assigned to the project; 4. A description of the firm’s prior experience, total construction cost and name of a local official knowledgeable of the firm’s performance. Include at least three (3) references; 5. A description of the firm’s current work activities and how these would be coordinated with the project as well as the firm’s anticipated availability during the term of the project; 6. A proposed work plan and schedule for the activities to be performed; 7. A list of experience working in similar sized communities involving Public 26 - November 8, 2023

Overall quality of the proposal; 10% Proximity of the location of the engineering firm to the project area;10% Prior experience of firm with similar projects; 30% Engineering firm’s prior and ongoing experience with the District; 15% Availability and experience of the project engineer to be assigned to this project; 25% References; 10% The District may select the engineering firm based on an evaluation of the written proposals or select several finalists to be interviewed. The Award will be made to the firm whose proposal is deemed most advantageous to the District. Questions and responses should be directed to Shari Johnson, PE, Lake County ARPA Technical Representative, engineering@- sajmontana.com; 406-261-3019.

All proposals will be submitted electronically to Shari Johnson, PE, Lake County ARPA Technical Representative, engineering@ sajmontana.com

by December 1 at 5:00 p.m. In addition, please mail (5) copies to the District (attn: Charles Headley) and mark the outside of the response package with “Arlee WW PER - Engineering Services Proposal.”

Arlee/Lake County Water and Sewer District PO Box 272 Arlee ,MT 59821 This solicitation is being offered according to Federal and State statutes governing the procurement of professional services. Accordingly, the District reserves the right to negotiate an agreement based on fair and reasonable compensation for the scope of work and services proposed, as well as the right to reject any and all responses deemed unqualified, unsatisfactory or inappropriate. Compensation for activities will be negotiated following selection of an engineering firm.

The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

November 1 and 8, 2023 MNAXLP

The District may use the PER to support funding applications to any funding agency including, Rural Development, USDA; Montana Coal Endowment Program, Community Development Block Grant, State Revolving Loan Fund and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation for loans and grants. Therefore, it is imperative that the amended PER comply with guidelines set forth by the Uniform Preliminary Engineering Report Outline and meets the requirements of these various funding agencies.

The services to be provided during the Planning Phase will include, but are not limited to: 1. Assessment of existing conditions and summary of system requirements, including data collection; 2. Preparation of a detailed alternatives analysis of potential improvements to the District’s existing sewer system with an emphasis on ongoing lagoon liner issues; 3. Development of recommend- ations regarding possible improve- ments that may be needed including design criteria, construction cost estimates and a prioritization of each proposed improvement; 4. Completion of an amended Preliminary Engineering Report meeting the requirements of the Uniform PER Outline; 5. Conducting two public meetings pertaining to the development of the alternatives for the PER and the final recommendations.

6. Further support and assistance as needed.

Upon the completion of the PER, the District may, at its discretion, utilize the selected engineering firm to develop a funding strategy, prepare funding applications for construction grants and loans, final design of necessary improvements, and/or construction administration and inspection.

Responses to this RFP should include: 1. The firm’s legal name, address and telephone number; 2. The principal(s) of the firm and their experience and qualifications; 3. The experience, qualifications and availability of the staff to be assigned to the project; 4. A description of the firm’s prior experience, total construction cost and name of a local official knowledgeable of the firm’s performance. Include at least three (3) references for projects involving lagoon liner rehabilitation or replacement;

should be directed to Shari Johnson, PE, Lake County ARPA Technical Representative, engineering@ sajmontana.com; 406-261-3019.

All proposals will be submitted electronically to Shari Johnson, PE, Lake County ARPA Technical Representative, engineering@ sajmontana. com by December 1 at 5:00 p.m. In addition please mail (5) copies to the District (Attn: Jamie Bauer) and mark the outside of the response package with “Charlo WW PER - Engineering Services Proposal.”

Consolidated Charlo/Lake County Water and Sewer District PO Box 62 Charlo, MT 59824 This solicitation is being offered according to Federal and State statutes governing the procurement of professional services. Accordingly, the District reserves the right to negotiate an agreement based on fair and reasonable compensation for the scope of

work and services proposed, as well as the right to reject any and all responses deemed unqualified, unsatisfactory or inappropriate. Compensation for activities will be negotiated following selection of an engineering firm.

The District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

November 1 and 8, 2023 MNAXLP Ronan Council Vacancy The City of Ronan will be accepting applications to fill a term on the Ronan City Council. The term of appointment will commence on January 1, 2024 and expire December 31, 2027. In order to apply to fill the vacant City Council position a person must be a registered voter (U.S citizen age 18 or over). No Person is eligible for the office of council person unless he/she is a resident for at least sixty days. An applicant must reside in Ward 2. Ward 2 includes see page 27

5. A description of the firm’s current work activities and how these would be coordinated with the project as well as the firm’s anticipated availability during the term of the project; 6. A proposed work plan and schedule for the activities to be performed; 7. A list of experience working in similar sized communities involving Public Sewer and Water Systems (include a contact telephone number.)

Respondents will be evaluated according to the following factors: Overall quality of the proposal; 10% Proximity of the location of the engineering firm to the project area; 10% Prior experience of firm with lagoon liner projects; 30% Engineering firm’s prior and ongoing experience with the District; 15% Availability and experience of the project engineer to be assigned to this project; 25% References; 10% The District may select the engineering firm based on an evaluation of the written proposals or select several finalists to be interviewed. The Award will be made to the firm whose proposal is deemed most advantageous to the District. Questions and responses

Valley Journal

d o n’t get

left in the

dark read public notices www.MontanaPublicNotices.com

public notices Legals cont’d from pg. 26 all that part of the City lying between Highway 93 and 5th Avenue SW. Application forms may be obtained at Ronan City Hall. We encourage eligible citizens to consider this opportunity to serve your community. City Council members are compensated $100.00 per month.

November 8 and 15, 2023 MNAXLP Request for Bids The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) Department of Human Resource Development is accepting bids from qualified professionals experienced in grant writing and program evaluation services for Tribal programs. The successful candidate will serve as a Grant Writer and Program Evaluator for various grants and programs, including, but not limited to, Tribal Maternal Infant Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV), Circles of Care, Child Youth Trauma Services, Tribal Court Improvement, under the direction of DHRD Department Head for Fiscal Year ’24. This will include writing grant proposals, an implementation plan, quarterly reports, end-of-the year reports, and final summative reports as well as conducting a community needs assessment, as required in each individual grant or program. Such reports and required activities include: 1) Formative and summative evalu-

ation 2) Design evaluation 3) Grant modification documentation 4) Research as requested 5) Empirical data tracking 6) Site visits from various cross-site evaluators 7) Community needs assessment Required experience: 1. Ten or more years of experience in writing successfully funded tribal grants for programs on the Flathead Reservation.

2. Experience working with H.H.S., A.C.F., S.A.M.H.S.A., and A.C.Y. grants, including Tribal Maternal Infant Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV), Circles of Care, Child Youth Trauma Services, Tribal Court Improvement.

Proposal must include: 1. Professional writing samples of written and funded grant proposals 2. Resume or curriculum vitae with relevant work experience 3. Bid for services 4. List of successful grants written and funded (with amounts) Submit proposal to: CSKT Department of Human Resource Development Attn: Rhea Gates, DHRD Administrative Program Manager P.O. Box 278 Pablo, MT 59855 SEALED BID-GRANT W/E All proposals must be received no later than 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 13th, 2023. CSKT DHRD reserves the right to refuse any and

all proposals or bids. For further information, please contact: Rhea Gates, DHRD Administrative Program Manager at (406)675-2700 ext. 1325.

This is an Indian Preference Bid. Tribal Contractors who wish to receive Indian Preference must obtain certification by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Indian Preference Office as a legitimate Indian-owned business prior to the submission of bids. In order to claim Indian Preference, proof of Indian Preference Certification must be included with your bid in the form of a copy of the certificate issued by the Indian Preference Office. Be advised, evidence of your membership or affiliation with a tribe does not constitute Indian Preference certification. The selection of the successful contractor and award of this project will be per the provisions of the CSKT Indian Preference Ordinance 101A. It is the sole responsibility of the bidder to obtain and provide proof of Indian Preference certification from the Indian Preference Office. For more information on Indian Preference certification, contact Melinda Charlo, (406) 675-2700 ext. 1045.

November 1 and 8, 2023 MNAXLP Montana 20th Judicial District Court, Lake County In the matter of the Name Change of Nancy Jeane Allen; Nancy Jeane Allen, Petitioner.

Cause No: DV-23-164

Dept. No.: 2002 AMENDED NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Nancy Jeane Allen to Nancy Jeane Whalen. The hearing will be on December 7, 2023, at 10:00 am.

The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Lake County.

Date: October 16, 2023 Lyn Fricker Clerk of District Court /s/ Mary Rensvold Deputy Clerk of Court Oct. 25, Nov. 1, 8, and 15, 2023 MNAXLP John A. Mercer Turnage Mercer & Wall, PLLP Attorneys at Law 312 1st St E Polson, MT 59860 Telephone: 406-883-5367 jmercer@turnagemercerwall.com MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: MARK EDWARD SELLHORN, Deceased.

Cause No.: DP-23-67 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the

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

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

November 1, 8 and 15, 2023 MNAXLP Ann L. Moderie MODERIE LAW FIRM, PLLC P.O. Box 1180 Polson, Montana 59860 (406) 883-2332 (888) 454-5939 (Fax) ann@moderielaw.com AT TO R N E Y F O R P E R S O N A L REPRESENTATIVE

DISTRICT COURT LAKE COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES M. HARTSOCH, Deceased.

PROBATE NO.: DP-23-65 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-entitled estate, and the address of the Personal Representative is set forth below.

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

A written statement of the claim indicating its basis, the name and address of the claimant, and the amount claimed, may be filed with the Clerk of 20th Judicial District Court, at 106 4th Ave. East, Polson, Montana, or mailed, Return Receipt Requested, to the Personal Representative, c/o Moderie Law Firm, PLLC, attorney for the Personal Representative, at P.O. Box 1180, Polson, MT 59860. /s/ Sarah Bird SARAH BIRD Personal Representative Estate of Charles M. Hartsoch, Deceased Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and 8, 2023 MNAXLP

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL

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Valley Journal

November 8, 2023 - 27

Thanksgiving Turkeys Order yours Today!

Northwest All Natural-Raised Turkeys Also order your custom hams or prime ribs before we run out!

From all of us at Montana Marbled Meats, Have a Safe and happy Holiday season!

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Call us 406-883-6328 (MEAT) 28 - November 8, 2023

Valley Journal