11-20-24 issue

Multi-faceted cattle business part of state’s biggest industry

By Beau Biggs for the Valley Journal

LAKE COUNTY — Beef

cattle is the state’s leading moneymaker, a fact that holds true at the local level with the county home to many cattle operations – both large and small. According to an MSU Census of Agri-

culture, more than 67% of land in Lake County is classified as farm land.

Montana producers shipped out 1.2 million head of cattle in 2023, according to the Montana Agricultural Report, which is a study done by the USDA. Another study done by Montana

State University in 2017 showed that 56% of the agricultural exports from Lake County were cattle.

After local ranchers raise cattle, they often rely on a shipping process to move their product to the next step. “Preconditioning and keeping the health of the

animals up is important so they are ready to go to the next part of the process,” rancher Cody Sherman explained.

Long-time trucker Nick Becker prioritizes keeping animals in a low stress mode when

transporting them. “I like to keep the cattle calm when driving them because stressed animals have more opportunity to get sick or injured,” he said.

According to Penn State’s website, when cattle arrive at the feedlot stressed, dehydrated, and weakened from hauling it decreases the calf’s ability to fight pathogens and predisposes them to diseases, making management upon arrival crucial to a successful transition.

Becker went on to say, “With all the time I have been hauling cattle, my least favorite part of the job would have to be the mess they leave behind, but otherwise, I find it quite fulfilling when taking the animals to the next part of their lives.”

Becker added, “When

I’m not hauling cattle I haul feed to all different parts of Montana, and some of the main feed I haul is corn and hay. I have learned that ranchers typically feed their cattle both corn and hay.”

The typical hay fed to beef cattle, an alfalfa and grass mix, gives the animals a good mixture of minerals to keep them healthy. Corn, according to the North Dakota State University website is high in energy, nearly twice as much as hay, but relatively low in protein, compared with other feed grains.

Sherman has worked in Lake County and many other parts of Montana hauling cattle. He explained that one of the important steps involved in cattle ranching involves getting male calves separated out, weaned and castrated. Then beef cattle are sent to a feedlot

between 6 to 10 months old where they are fed and grow until they are large enough to go to market.

There are different types of cattle herds, each with their own name and purpose. Cowcalf operations keep a breeding herd of cows. Many of these herds are purebreds or composites, a combination of several breeds. Seedstock herds specialize in purebred or registered cattle and keep exhaustive records in attempts to improve cattle genetics to benefit the industry. Stocker herds generally consist of weaned animals purchased in the fall, fed through the winter and then released for spring grazing being sent to feedlots at the end of grazing season.

Sherman had a few suggestions for anyone wanting to get into the

“Red Angus or black Angus are the most common, and the easiest

to get into. It’s hard work. Sometimes you have to go feed the

industry.

(cattle)

animals before you even get breakfast yourself.”

BEAU BIGGS PHOTO vj

cattle business from page 1

This Week’s Weather Forecast

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

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

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Holiday toy drive underway at local restaurants

By Joanna Hudorovich for the Valley Journal

POLSON — The third annual Christmas Community Toy Drive, sponsored by the Finley Point Grill, East Shore Smokehouse and the Lounge, is now underway.

Community members can drop off new, unwrapped toys at any of the above three locations through Dec. 21. Donation boxes are located near the entrance of each establishment.

Every toy donor will have their will have their name placed in a raffle, for a chance to win an exquisite dinner for five, by award-winning chef Pedro Vera. Vera, who organizes the toy drive, has been the head chef of Finley Point Grill for four years. His motive for organizing the toy drive is “to give back to the community, and gift new toys for the less fortunate.”

Toys will be gifted on Sunday, Dec. 22 at the Lounge in Polson, 109 Anchor Way, between 1-3 p.m. Chef Vera will host a dinner, along with a giveaway for donors and contributors afterward.

Vera, who appreciates the generosity of past donors, encourages community members to participate

Nonprofits invited to annual ‘Holiday Retreet’

News from Friends of the Lake County Fairgrounds

again this Christmas season, and spread joy to others. For more information about the toy drive, stop by,

call Finley Point Grill, or check any of the three establishments’ Facebook pages.

LAKE COUNTY — Lake County nonprofit businesses are invited to help create a holiday forest scene inside the Ronan Community Center during the annual Lights Under the Big Sky event. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three decorated trees receiving the most votes from the community, $300 for first place, $200 for second place and $100 for third place. Call Dana at 406-240-0640 by Dec. 1 to register your entry. Rules: Any artificial or homemade tree under 8 feet, decorate for family-oriented event, no electric parts, battery operated lights acceptable (you must turn off and on), create 12X12 or small sign with nonprofit’s name, purpose, sign in - set up Dec. 13 10 a.m.-2 p.m., tree removal Dec. 22 - noon-2 p.m. (trees not removed will be donated).

SOME SOUNDS ARE TOO IMPORTANT TO MISS

The St. Luke Community Healthcare Hearing Center can help resolve your hearing issues, so you can enjoy your favorite festive sounds again. The Hearing Center offers comprehensive hearing tests along with a wide range of hearing aids and accessories.

www.stlukehealthcare.org/hearing-center/

JOANNA HUDOROVICH PHOTO

Finley Point Grill head chef Pedro Vera and owner Dirk De Coninck encourage community members to participate in their annual Christmas Community Toy Drive.

Dollar General now open in Ronan

News from Dollar General Corporation

RONAN — Dollar General is excited to announce its store at 63741 US Highway 93 in Ronan is now open to provide the community with convenient and affordable access to household essentials, including fresh fruits and vegetables.

“At Dollar General, we believe the addition of our new Ronan store provides positive economic growth for the community through the creation of new jobs and career growth opportunities; increased accessibility to affordable products; the generation of tax revenue and access to Dollar

General Literacy Foundation grants,” said Matthew Simonsen, Dollar General’s senior vice president of real estate and store development. “As part of our mission of Serving Others, we look forward to being a strong business partner and good neighbor, as well as welcoming customers to our new store.”

While DG is not a grocer, the company cares about and is invested in the health of its hometowns, currently offering fresh fruits and vegetables in more than 5,400 DG stores, giving the Company more individual points of produce distribution than any other U.S. mass retailer or gro-

cer. Dollar General’s produce set offers the top 20 items typically sold in traditional grocery stores, which includes a curated assortment of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, apples, bananas, strawberries, potatoes, sweet potatoes, lemons, limes, salad mixes and more.

Dollar General plans to create new jobs in the Ronan community as the store is expected to employ approximately six to 10 people, depending on the individual needs of the store. The company provides employees with competitive wages, worldclass and award-winning training and development programs and benefits in-

cluding day-one telemedicine eligibility as well as health insurance coverage options, 401K savings and retirement plans, tuition reimbursement, paid parental leave and adoption assistance to eligible employees. Interested candidates can review and apply for available positions https:// careers.dollargeneral.com.

DG strives to be a good neighbor and is committed to the communities it proudly calls home, evidenced by unwavering support of literacy and education initiatives through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. The addition of the Ronan store opens the opportunity for

schools, nonprofit organizations and libraries within a 15-mile radius of the store to apply for Dollar General Literacy Foundation grants. Since its inception in 1993, the Dollar General Literacy Foundation has awarded more than $254 million in grants to nonprofit organizations, helping more than 21.8 million individuals take their first steps toward literacy or continued education. For more information about the Dollar General Literacy Foundation and its grant programs, visit: www.dgliteracy.com.

Normal hours of operation may be found through the Dollar General app.

New $3M grant at MSU to support dozens of STEM teachers

By Anne Cantrell, MSU News Service

BOZEMAN — A new six-year, $3 million grant-funded project at Montana State University will support dozens of science, technology, engineering and math teachers in rural and underserved areas of Montana as they work toward graduate degrees in science education or deepen their expertise as teachers. The project ultimately aims to strengthen STEM education for students in rural areas of the state.

The grant comes from the National Science Foundation’s Robert Noyce Teacher Schol-

arship Program, which works to support STEM teachers.

“We’re very excited about this project,” said Fenqjen Luo, associate professor in the Department of Education and associate director of the Science Math Resource Center at MSU, who is the grant’s principal investigator. “All project participants will be supported financially, which helps retain great teachers in high-need districts.”

The project – known as Rural and American Indian School Educators as Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Leaders, or RAISE STEM

Polly Dupuis, who teaches math to high school students in Polson, was selected as a Master Teacher Fellow.

Leaders – will develop a group of 26 experienced and exemplary STEM teachers, known as Master Teacher Fellows, from seven high-need school districts in rural and Amer cid:f_m3hmuvlh2 ican Indian communities across Montana, including Browning, Colstrip, Cut Bank, Hardin, Polson, Pryor, Ronan, St. Labre and Superior. Program participants attend monthly network-

ing events and STEM professional development conferences, including the MFPE Educator Conference. They also participate in a weeklong STEM Summer Institute and STEM Leadership Academy every summer on the MSU campus. Participants are eligible to receive a stipend of $12,000 per year for up to five years to fulfill their teaching service commitment and

STEM leadership activities, as well as to fund their master’s degrees through MSU’s Master of Science in Science Education program and for costs related to program participation.

“Our Master Teacher Fellows will strengthen their leadership competence in STEM education, integrate funds of knowledge and culturally responsive and sustaining pedagogy into STEM curriculum and instruction, and lead in designing and facilitating formal and informal STEM activities within their schools and communities to elevate student attitudes, behaviors and achievements in STEM,”

Luo said. Kari Hinkle, who is in her seventh year of teaching high school science and chemistry at Cut Bank Schools, was selected as one of the program’s Master Teacher Fellows. She said there is a great need to invest in STEM education in rural and tribal communities in Montana. She hopes that helping students develop interest and aptitude in STEM subjects will lead to more students pursuing careers in those fields.

“Especially in the medical field in rural communities like Cut Bank, there are always see page 7

page 6

more positions open than there are people to fill them,” Hinkle said.

“With our community, the goal is to provide a lot of great, authentic educational experiences to students who are here in hopes that they will pursue careers as doctors and nurses and EMTs and fill some of those open positions.”

“ Working with pre-service and in-service tachers on a tribal reservation, I’ve seen firthand the imptact of culturally relevant STEM teaching practices.”

-

the impact of culturally relevant STEM teaching practices,” Dupuis said.

Hinkle, who was an NSF Noyce Scholar as an undergraduate student at the University of Montana, said she was eager to apply to the RAISE STEM Leaders program.

“The experience I had (as an undergraduate Noyce Scholar) really helped to advance my education as a STEM teacher, and I expect this program will do the same,” Hinkle said, noting that her earlier Noyce Scholar experience provided numerous opportunities to gain teaching experience and that the financial support was also valuable.

Polly Dupuis, who teaches math to high school students in Polson, was also selected as a Master Teacher Fellow. She said she joined the RAISE STEM Leaders project because she is passionate about supporting and elevating STEM education within Indigenous communities.

“Additionally, the RAISE STEM mission aligns with my goal to foster a community of teachers and learners across the state and provide professional development that helps educators strengthen their STEM skills, refine teaching practices, and create meaningful, inclusive learning experiences for students.”

RAISE STEM

Leaders is housed in MSU’s College of Education, Health and Human Development’s

“Working with pre-service and in-service teachers on a tribal reservation, I’ve seen firsthand

Polly Dupuis, Polson High School math teacher and STEM Master Teacher Fellow vj

Science Math Resource Center and Department of Education.

MSU partners include the College of Letters and Science’s Master of Science in Science Education (MSSE) Program and Department of Physics and the Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering’s Chemical and Biological Engineering Department.

Additional partners include the Museum of the Rockies, School Services of Montana and Population Connection.

News from FLIC

FLIC film festival celebrates 13 years Feb. 14-16 Scholarships applications available

POLSON — The Flathead Lake International Cinemafest (FLIC) celebrates its 13th winter film festival during the weekend of Feb. 14-16, 2025 at the Showboat Stadium 6.

FLIC screens full-length narrative and documentary features, shorts, animation, and student films. FLIC 2025 once again offers a diverse selection of domestic and international films, featuring a record number of entries from 18 countries as well as many homegrown Montana films.

As with previous years, many filmmakers plan to travel to Polson to participate in the festival in person. FLIC has become a destination film festival, renowned for its ardent local audience that enthusiastically supports independent cinema. Spirited discussions between audience members and filmmakers follow most screening blocks, and friendships form at social mixers as film lovers from across the globe converge in Polson to connect over their mutual love of independent cinema.   FLIC gets underway at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day, with a Valentine-themed dessert reception in the lobby of the Showboat Stadium 6, 416 Main Street, Polson. A colorful array of desserts will be featured from some of the region’s local eateries. FLIC screenings then commence at 6 p.m. on multiple theatre screens.

On Saturday, Feb. 15, at 9:30 a.m., FLIC and the Polson Rotary Club will present their traditional free animated children’s film (title TBA) and egg burrito breakfast. The Polson Rotary Club will serve breakfast in the Showboat beginning at 9:15 a.m. Festival film screenings then

resume at 12:30 p.m. and continue on multiple screens into the evening. There will be a break in screenings from 4:30 to 6 p.m. for an informal filmmaker/attendee mixer.

On Sunday morning, Feb. 16 at 9:30 a.m., Polson’s Good Coffee Roasting Company hosts its annual FLIC light breakfast mixer for filmmakers and festival attendees. A wide variety of drinks and delicious Whistle Bakery baked goods and breakfast items for purchase promises a fun jumpstart to FLIC’s final day of weekend screenings.

The weekend’s final event (free to the public) is the awards ceremony and dessert reception from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Showboat. The audience award will also be given to the FLIC audience’s overall favorite film.

If you miss FLIC weekend, the Showboat Stadium 6 will host encore screenings from 7 p.m. Sunday evening, Feb. 16 through Thursday, Feb. 20.

If you have a movie fan on your holiday gift list, FLIC 2025 all-access passes are available for secure/online purchase at FLICPolson.com. Pre-purchased FLIC all-access passes will be held for

Hannah

Some of the filmmakers in attendance at FLIC 2024 last February pose for a photo. FLIC 2025’s list of attending filmmakers is steadily growing.

pickup in the Showboat lobby. All films, times and events are subject to change. In late January, the FLIC 2025 screening schedule will be available to view at FLICPolson.com, where festival passes may be purchased. FLIC is also on Facebook, where information is updated regularly. Email: contact@flicpolson.com.

for PHS grads

News from Polson Scholarship & Education Foundation

POLSON Any student who is currently enrolled as a senior at Polson High School or as a previous PHS graduate are eligible for these scholarships; provided by Polson Scholarship and Education Foundation (PSEF). Fifteen different $1.000 scholarships are geared for high school seniors. Fourteen different scholarships up to $2,000 are available for PHS students enrolled in college. These scholarships are for any accredited four-year, two-year, community college or vocational program. Qualifications vary with each scholarship. All students are encouraged to apply as these scholarships are for every type of student with various GPAs.

Last year 36 students received over $60,000 in scholarships from PSEF. This year the scholarship application is on line at Polson High School website, under the heading “Counseling/PSEF”. All scholarship requirements and applications can be accessed and entered electronically from this web page. For more information and applications contact Chris McElwee cmcelwee@polson.k12.mt.us at the Polson High School Counseling Center or Chris Strom at stromchris2@gmail.com. The deadline for applications is Feb. 14, 2025.

COURTESY PHOTO

FLIC opening party February 2024.

COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

Filmmaker

Everett (far left) and her mother converse with FLIC Director David W. King at the 2024 opening party last February.

Governor unveils historic pro-jobs, pro-family, pro-business budget

relief, law enforcement funding

HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte recently unveiled his “Path to Security and Prosperity,” a historic pro-job, pro-family, pro-business budget for the State of Montana for the next biennium.

Governor Gianforte’s “Path to Security and Prosperity” cuts income taxes, reduces property taxes for primary homeowners, and invests in public safety, education, and Montana’s future.

“The strong foundation of a prosperous society is made up of three pillars: economic freedom, safe communities, and strong families who have access to opportunity,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Our Path to Security and Prosperity helps hardworking Montanans keep more of what they earn, backs the blue, invests in education, and builds a stronger future for Montana. With what we’ve been able to achieve together, Montana can and should be a model for the nation.”

The governor’s budget proposal includes the largest income tax cut in state history, reducing the income tax rate most Montanans pay from 5.9% to 4.9%. The proposal also substantially boosts the earned income tax credit to benefit lower- and middle-income Montanans. Taken together, those two proposals provide Montanans with $850 million in permanent income tax relief.

The Path to Security and Prosperity also adopts a recommendation from the governor’s diverse, bipartisan Property Tax Task Force to reduce property taxes for Montana homeowners for their primary residence and for Montana small businesses. The homestead rate tax cut will lower property taxes for Montana homeowners

Trixie

This is Trixie! She is a very sweet girl about 2 years old who loves to play and is great on walks. She can be shy at first but warms up quick for some snuggles. Come meet her today!

by 15% and for small businesses by 18%. The proposal is projected to directly reduce property taxes for more than 215,000 primary residences and more than 32,000 small businesses, as well as provide indirect relief to over 130,000 renters.

In addition to cutting taxes, the Path to Security and Prosperity spurs job creation, boosts education, and grows opportunity for Montanans so the American dream can come alive for more Montanans.

The governor’s budget expands the business equipment tax exemption from $1 million to $3 million, eliminating the business equipment tax burden for more than 700 small businesses, farms, and ranches. This increase

see page 12

News from the office of Governor Gianforte

COURTESY PHOTO

Gov. Gianforte unveils his “Path to Security and Prosperity” for Montana.

valley views

We need not hate

“Whenhate feels easy, be very wary, lest your hate becomes greater than the one who is hated. Because it is at that point you turn the corner toward evil.”

Slices of Life

Jill Pertler Syndicated columnist

Today, I’ve been contemplating hate.

It’s a definite switch for me. I prefer for focus on love, because love is so much more important and impactful and life-changing. When you truly embrace love, there is no room for hate.

But the recent political activities have brought up strong feelings in many people and some of those involve hate. I’ve listened to the news. I’ve heard people vent in real time. I’ve read posts on social media. And, sadly, there is much hate circulating the airwaves.

It’s made me wonder and ponder the topic.

I don’t purport to have all the answers. In this column, as in many others, I’m only answering

for myself and from my perspective. I hope to encourage thought, discussion and awareness, but I certainly don’t have any of the answers, much less all of them. What I do have are questions.

My first: Is hate ever justified?

I think not. Stay with me here.

But what about serial killers? What about parents who horribly abuse their children? What about sadists and sociopaths? What about elder abuse? What about schoolyard bullies? What about leaders who use their power in inhumane ways? Isn’t that worth our hate?

I think not.

We can have many negative emotions about the actions taken by very bad people, but those emotions do not need to lead to hate.

Hate is a very strong word when it comes to describe feelings toward

Bread Basket gives thanks

Editor,

As Thanksgiving approaches, the members of the Bread Basket Board reflect on the many, many individuals and organizations

other people.

We can hate Brussels sprouts. We can hate a rainy Saturday when we had plans to go to the beach. We can hate cancer. We can hate the death of a loved one.

But hating another person - even if they do unquestionably bad things? I think not.

Here’s the thing: we can hate the actions - the bad things - without hating the person. I know I may be splitting hairs, but I don’t think it’s in our capacity to hate others. It goes against our DNA. Hate is counterintuitive to what we are meant to be. We are meant to be inclusive. To be brothers and sisters. To be family. To love.

Hate is contrary to love. The two cannot co-exist. And we simply cannot live without love.

I remember the Broadway musical, “Wicked.” It is the backstory to “The Wizard of Oz”, and tells of the origins of the Wicked Witch of the West. As a child I feared

that support our efforts to assist food insecure families in the communities of Ronan, Pablo, Charlo and Moise.

Businesses who regularly donated goods to the food bank include Harvest Foods, Lake

her. She was mean and vengeful. She was threatening and combative. She was scary.

She demonstrated no meaningful attributes, because that is what the 1939 movie showed us. But upon seeing the history in “Wicked,” the viewer came to understand the witch who was labeled wicked. Her story illustrated why she became who she was and in knowing that it was much more difficult to see her in the light of all the negative adjectives listed above. It became more difficult to hate her.

I think that might be the case with most people we deem hate-worthy. We don’t know them or their history.

I’m not making excuses for inexcusable behavior, but I am saying that people - each of us - live out our own history, and while behaviors might be inexcusable and hateful, people themselves are not.

We may have to put them in prison for the rest of their life. We may

Farms, Country Pasta, Mission Mountain Organic Eggs, Ronan Subway, School District 30, CSKT Division of Fire and Gardens for Life and our newest partner, Dollar General. Organizations and churches

have to relegate them to whatever justice suits their actions. We may renounce their actions and mourn with the people they hurt. We may never get over the impact they made on our lives.

But we need not hate.

Hate brings about such negativity to the person experiencing it. Hate hurts the person doing the hating, much more than it hurts the hated.

Hate does not heal. It does not inspire. It does not illicit compassion. It does not foster kindness. It does no good.

Instead it eats one from the inside out. Hate is black and bleak where there could be light and love.

So, go ahead, hate broccoli or the smell of moth balls, but reject hate against other humans. It does them no good. But more importantly, it does you no good. Compassion, on the other hand goes a long way to accomplishing something.

Something beautiful. And loving and lovely.

who consistently organize food drives and raffles to support the Bread Basket include St. Luke Community Healthcare, Rocky Mountain Twist, S&K Gaming, Westland Seed, Ronan Middle

And that, my friends, is my wish for you. Today and every 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.

LETTER POLICY

Letters to the editor are welcome. The content is the opinion of the letter writer and not the newspaper. The decision to publish letters is made by the editor. Letters must be 350 words or less. A writer will only be published twice per month. Letters may be edited for content or length, or may not be published if considered libelous, in poor taste, spiteful, self-promotional or of limited interest to the general readership. Space limitations also dictate when or if letters are published. Letters must be signed by the author and name, address and phone number must be included – phone number is for verification purposes only. Letters from organizations must include the name of at least one author. Please limit “thank you” letters to four people/organizations or less. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday to publish the following week.

Opinions expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the newspaper. see page 11

To restore faith in U.S. democracy, adults as well as kids need civics lessons

In an era of political polarization and widespread civic illiteracy, an unlikely group is spearheading a movement to reinvigorate American democracy: middle school students.

Over 6,000 students in 28 states devoted countless hours to prepare for the National

Valley Views

Civics Bee this year. Their enthusiasm highlights a critical gap in our education system and offers a potential solution.

Hanna Skandera and Michael Carney

The stark reality is that civic education in America has been neglected for decades. According to the Institute for Citizens & Scholars, only

a third of adults would pass the civics exam required for U.S. citizenship. Even more alarming, the Annenberg Public Policy Center reports that nearly one-fifth of Americans can’t name a single branch of government. For the younger generation, the outlook is equally grim. The 2022 Nation’s Report Card revealed that a mere 22% of

eighth-graders are proficient in civics.

There’s a growing recognition across the country that we’re facing a civic crisis. From local initiatives to national programs, efforts are underway to revitalize civic education and promote essential democratic skills.

The National Civics Bee, launched in 2022 by the

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, is one of the most innovative responses to this challenge.  This competition, modeled after the National Spelling Bee, tests middle schoolers on crucial concepts like voting rights, separation of powers, and pivotal

School, Ninepipes Lodge, Terrace Lake Community Church, Seventh Day Adventist Church, Faith Lutheran Church, Anderson Broadcasting and many more. The Bread Basket benefits from the generosity of so many individuals who give monetary support, often on a monthly basis. Ranchers, farmers and gardeners in our communities have been overwhelmingly willing to share the fruits of their labors in the form of fresh vegetables, fruit, beef, pork and eggs. Other area food banks

generously share any over-abundance they may have at times particularly the West Shore Food Bank in Lakeside and also including Polson Loaves and Fish and the Mission Food Bank. Corporate sponsors such as Town Pump, Hubbard Ranch, the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation and the Diocese of Helena are huge financial supporters. And last but certainly not least, the Bread Basket Board acknowledges that none of this would reach the people who need it most without the unflagging effort of all of the volunteers who man the distri-

bution days and work behind the scenes to make everything come together for the benefit of hungry children, seniors, veterans and families. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all involved doesn’t begin to express our gratitude. We wish everyone a blessed holiday season.

Leah Emerson Bread Basket Board Chair

Letter to the Salish and Kootenai Tribal Council

Editor,

I write this in deepest concerns of the tribes’ council in just simple

words without any opinions from anyone in the community. This is just an opinion / question type message. Our tribal members are suffering and no one’s doing anything about it. And many years have passed since

distribution of $10,000 a piece came and gone. We haven’t nothing since other than the covid money. Our tribes are supposedly among the richest tribes. $400 three times a year does not buy anything but pocket change to

some. We the people should be due sometime in the near future – might bring comfort for a change.

Thank you with highest regards and respect.

Harold Paul Ronan

moments in American democratic history.

What sets the Civics Bee apart is its non-partisan, apolitical approach and ability to scale nationally in partnership with local chambers of commerce.  In our divisive times, these competitions offer a refreshing focus on the fundamental principles that unite us as a nation. Moreover, it’s not just engaging students; entire families are getting involved by attending events and helping children prepare.

The Civics Bee’s impact extends beyond competition day. This knowledge equips them for a lifetime of active citizenship.

“Before the National Civics Bee, I thought that maybe I could do a bit of volunteer work, but other than that, it was mainly the government’s job [to solve problems],” Washington state champion Benjamin Wu said in a 2023 interview. “But now I know that there’s a lot of things that I and other people like me can do to help our community.”

Following another fraught election, the importance of civic literacy cannot be overstated. Despite our differences, we are bound by a shared constitutional framework. It’s crucial that we, as a society, prioritize teaching these fundamentals.

The success of the National Civics Bee should serve as a call to action. We need to champion similar initiatives, advocate for robust civics programs in our schools, and commit to enhancing our own civic knowledge. Educators, policymakers, and citizens must recognize that a well-informed populace strengthens and revitalizes our democratic institutions.

Our democracy faces numerous challenges, from misinformation to apathy. But if we follow the lead of these civic-minded youngsters, we might just secure a brighter future for our republic. After all, an informed and engaged citizenry is the bedrock of a thriving democracy.

Hanna Skandera is the president and CEO of the Daniels Fund and former Secretary of Public Education of New Mexico. Michael Carney is the president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Enjoy Mission Valley Choral Society Christmas Concert weekend

News from Mission Valley Choral Society

MISSION VALLEY — Save the date for the Mission Valley Choral Society Christmas Concert weekend. Concerts are scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 14, at the St. Ignatius Mission and 4 p.m., Sunday, Dec.15, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Polson.

Director Cathy Gillhouse has selected an inclusive program with contemporary and classical Christmas

songs, a French carol with the Copeland Memorial Ringers handbell choir, a Hanukkah song, a French Canadian Carol with Native emphasis and more. The community choir, 30 voices strong, has existed in the county since the 1960s. The choir brings a diverse group of people together, all ages with varied backgrounds, united to inspire through music.

The concerts are free and welcoming to all. A freewill offering will be taken to help the group with music expense. For information contact 406-261-3304 or 406-260-6103; or check out the MVCS web site: mission-

the governor’s first-term investments that eliminated over 5,000 small businesses, farms, and ranches from the business equipment tax payroll.

Knowing that safe communities are part of the foundation to secure Montana’s future, the governor’s budget proposes increasing the pay of Montana Highway Patrol troopers by $7 million and invests in giving them what they need to do their jobs by more than $1 million.

“At the foundation of a safer, stronger future is our commitment to making public safety a top priority. Working with the Attorney General, we propose increasing pay for the men and women of Montana’s Highway Patrol and giving them the tools, they need to get the job done,” Gov. Gianforte said.

To keep violent criminals off the street, the governor’s budget includes a historic $150 million investment to expand the state prison and $250 million in one-time-only funding to develop and execute a long-term plan to keep communities safe.

Continuing his commitment to

valleychoralsociety.org or Facebook page.

Montana PBS Reports: IMPACT’ to premiere new episode on Nov. 21

From the MSU News Service

BOZEMAN — A new episode of “Montana PBS Reports: IMPACT” will air on Montana PBS at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21. The episode will examine the makeup of the 2025 Montana Legislature, along with a look at issues that are predicted to top the agenda of the upcoming legislative

addressing the drug crisis affecting Montana families, the governor also proposes $8 million in additional resources for communities to address the opioid epidemic and $2 million for drug treatment courts.

The governor added, “While we back the blue, we must also make a commitment to the people of Montana that we will fix our corrections system and improve public safety. Backing the blue requires making investments to close any revolving doors for criminals.”

The Path to Security and Prosperity also protects record funding in public education, builds on the success of the governor’s TEACH Act by raising teacher pay, expands educational opportunities, and provides a financial incentive for schools to adopt “cell phone-free” policies to reduce classroom distractions and improve the mental health of students.

To increase teacher pay, the Path to Security and Prosperity invests more than $100 million over the biennium to raise the amount teachers earn, with a focus on educators who are starting their careers in the classroom. The proposed budget also doubles the cap of the Big Sky Scholarship to ensure stu-

session. In addition, the episode will examine a 2019 tax incentive bill that catalyzed the film industry in Montana and which some filmmakers hope to extend.

“Montana PBS Reports: IMPACT” is a news and public affairs program that provides in-depth reporting on issues important to Montanans. For more details, visit: www.watch. montanapbs.org/show/montana-pbs-reports-impact/. Viewers can watch the new episode on Nov. 21 live on television, online at www. watch.montanapbs.org/livestream/ or on the Montana PBS Facebook page at www. facebook.com/MontanaPBS.

dents have access to the best education possible. It also includes $1 million in one-time-only funding to create incentives for school districts to adopt “cell phone-free” school policies.

Further, to address the need for school repairs, the governor proposed adding $81 million to the School Facilities Trust to help local school districts with deferred maintenance to fill the fund.

The Path to Security and Prosperity also plans for Montana’s future by proposing to spend $1 million to speed up the construction of affordable, attainable housing, $10 million to repair 500 bridges over the next five years, $100 million for local disaster relief, and $300 million in one-time-only funding to protect state pensions and taxpayers from downturns in the economy.

“Our budget holds the line on spending – keeping spending growth well below inflation and has a strong ending fund balance to protect against economic and financial uncertainty, all while avoiding cuts to essential services.”

The governor’s “Path to Security and Prosperity” will be formally released on Friday, Nov. 15.

NRCS Montana success stories available

News from NRCS

BOZEMAN Last summer, Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Montana went around the entire state to capture success stories between field office staff and landowners, producers, and partners. For two weeks, staff from the NRCS state office and a production crew went out to document the various successes with local field office staff, partners, and landowners. Ranging from forest thinning to wildlife habitat restoration, there are various programs and stories that were recorded.

Habitat for Diverse Wildlife: For over four decades, Steve and Rita (Cossitt) Mueller have been partners in both life and their shared love for ranching. While their current chapter unfolds

in Powder River County of southeastern Montana, their ranch’s history stretches back to Rita’s grandfather, “Shorty” Daly, who homesteaded the land in 1911.

Caring for the Land, Cattle, and Community: In the quiet town

of Stanford, Montana, grassy plains spread out to the surrounding mountains where Rick Caquelin has embraced full-time ranching post-retirement.

Realizing the Dream of Bear Creek Land and see page 14

Cattle: In the heart of Montana, Robert and Dede Griffin are transforming their dream ranch just outside of Roy into a haven for both wildlife and community. Thanks to water system improvements and regenerative conservation practices supported by NRCS and other agencies, waterfowl and shoreline birds have also become more common on their property.

Preserving the Legacy with Forest Thinning: Situated in Treasure County, bordered just to the north by the Yellowstone River with beautiful rolling hills to the south, this cherished property serves as both a historical landmark and a cow/calf operation. Collaborating with NRCS, the Ickes family is working to improve their land through forest thinning and fuels reduction.

Sustainable Ranching on Sacred Land: For over three decades, the Kipps have been safeguarding this land, collaborating with the Blackfeet Nation and NRCS.

Protecting Rangelands in the Knowlton-Pine Hills: Staci Ketchum and Erik Peterson are just two of the landowners in Custer County working to reduce conifer encroachment into rangelands through a locally led Targeted Implementation Plan.

Collaborative Conservation: USDA NRCS and U.S. Forest Service Joint Chiefs’ Project Preserves Forested Lands: The Joint Chief’s Landscape Restoration Partnership between NRCS and Forest Service holds great significance for the conservation and restoration of forested lands in northwest Montana.

Restoring Montana’s Forestland: The Davaz Family’s Journey Towards Conservation: Dennis and Karen Davaz acquired property along Eldridge Creek near Livingston, Montana and are committed to restoring the land, which had been idle for over 45 years.

Protecting Nature: Jim Watson’s Commitment to Conservation on His Forested Property: Through the Joint Chiefs’ Project, Jim and Carol Watson have been working closely with NRCS and Forest Services to help with fuel mitigation on their property in the Salish mountains.

Watch all of the success story videos on the NRCS Montana YouTube channel.

Read all of the success story articles on the NRCS Montana website.

Multi-state, nation partnership addresses mining pollution

Eleven governments come together to take first steps to address ElkKootenai Watershed pollution

News from Shane A. Morigeau, CSKT Tribal Attorney, Public Affairs Officer

The eleven governments of the new Governance Body—called for in the March 2024 IJC reference on the Elk-Kootenai/y Watershed—have each approved the Terms of Reference, setting the stage for meaningful action to reduce and mitigate mining pollution in the transboundary Watershed.

The transboundary Ktunaxa Nation is glad to report that all eleven governments constituting the Governance Body— called for in the March 2024 Elk-Kootenai/y Watershed Reference to the International Joint Commission (IJC) from the United States and Canada, in partnership with the Nation—have now approved its Terms of Reference and appointed members. With the Terms of Reference now in effect, the Governance Body can get to the important work of developing an action plan to reduce and mitigate the impacts of mining pollution in the Elk-Kootenai/y Watershed—waterways that are woven into the heart of

Ktunaxa (Ktunaxa Territory) and are vital to the Ktunaxa (people).

“This is a positive first step to officially stand up the Governance Body,” said Donald Sam, Chief and Governance Body member for the First Nation. “It reinforces the collaborative intent of each of the parties. Collectively we can now begin the real work of addressing the serious pollution problem in the cross-border Elk-Kootenai watershed, which is the reason we established a Governance Body in the first place,” Sam continued.

The Governance Body is the first ever of its kind, resulting from the unprecedented multilateral reference to the International Joint Commission, developed by the six governments of the Ktunaxa Nation, the U.S., and Canada. The Governance Body consists of eleven governments—the United States, Canada, British Columbia, Montana, and Idaho, and the six Ktunaxa governments: St. Mary’s Lower Kootenay Band, Tobacco Plains Indian Band, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (Ksanka Band), and Kootenai Tribe of Idaho. There are 18 governance body members from three delegations: six Ktunaxa Nation members (one from each Ktunaxa government), four members from the United States and one each from Montana and Idaho, and

three members each from Canada and British Columbia. The objective of the Governance Body is to enable “timely actions that reduce and mitigate the impacts of water pollution in order to protect the people and species in the Kootenai/y watershed.” This objective will be achieved by fulfilling the functions of the Governance Body, including most significantly, developing an action plan to address the mining pollution in the watershed.

“We were glad to see, with the joint reference, that the U.S. and Canada were finally taking their commitments to Indigenous peoples, the environment, and the International Boundary Waters Treaty seriously,” said Gary Aitken, Jr., Vice Chairman and Governance Body member for the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho. “And now, we’re encouraged that all eleven governments on the Governance Body have been able to agree upon Terms of Reference. We are hopeful that all eleven governments will continue to cooperate and collaborate and get to the real work of healing the river,” stated Aitken, Jr.

The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho hosted the first Governance Body meeting in September in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, and included a tour to the Tribe’s fish hatcheries, which are working to restore burbot and Kootenai

River white sturgeon.

The Governance Body will have monthly virtual information sharing sessions, which started Nov. 14, and will meet again formally in 2025.

“For too long, federal and provincial governments have stood by while our waters suffered. We are encouraged that all eleven governments, and Canada and B.C. in particular, have agreed to change direction and come to the table,” said Tom McDonald, Vice Chairman and Governance Body member for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

“We’re at the beginning of what will likely be a long process, one that will require sustained effort from all governments involved. We will continue to work tirelessly to restore our rivers and the fish and wildlife that depend upon them and hope the other governments will do so as well,” McDonald continued.

In March 2024, the United States and Canada, in partnership with the Ktunaxa Nation, sent a joint reference to the IJC, asking them to convene a Governance Body of Ktunaxa, US, Canada, BC and state governments to develop an action plan to reduce and mitigate the impacts of mining pollution in the Elk-Kootenai/y watershed. This action plan will be based on the reports and see page 15

Multi-state, nation

page 14

recommendations from the IJC Study Board, which was also called for and established under the same joint reference request. The joint reference called for the eleven governments to establish a Governance Body and Terms of Reference by June 30, 2024. While the governments did draft and agree upon the Terms of Reference by the June deadline, the Terms of Reference only became effective after all eleven governments approved them, which only recently occurred when Canada became the final government to approve the Terms of Reference.

The road to the IJC Reference on the Elk-Kootenai watershed, and resultant Governance Body and IJC Study Board, has been a long one. Ktunaxa leadership have been urging Canada and the U.S. to address mining pollution in Ktunaxa homelands for over a decade. In March of last year, Prime in partnership with Tribal Nations and Indigenous Peoples, in order to protect the people

and species that depend on this vital river system.”

Finally, a year after the commitment from the Prime Minister and President, the United States and Canada, in partnership with the Ktunaxa Nation, took an historic and important first step toward meeting the commitment, and submitted a joint reference to the IJC on mining pollution in the Elk-Kootenai/y Watershed.

“We are cautiously optimistic of the IJC process and will proceed with that caution. We will continue to attend meetings and participate,” Jason Louie, Chief and Governance Body member, said.

“We are thankful that the US and Canada—in partnership with the Ktunaxa Nation—are working toward meeting their commitment to reduce and mitigate the mining pollution in the Kootenai watershed. However, just as agreement on the joint reference and the Terms of Reference could not have been reached without deep involvement of the Ktunaxa Nation, future progress will also require Ktunaxa knowl-

edge and inclusion,” said Jason Andrew, Councilor, and Governance Body member for St. Mary’s. “We hope that this is the beginning of a long and strong partnership between the Ktunaxa, US, Canada, British Columbia, Montana, and Idaho—one that will be necessary to ultimately address this serious issue,” Andrew continued.

“It is great to have International Governments working collectively with First Nation Governments of both Canada and the United States to ensure the healing of the waters begins,” said Heidi Gravelle, Chief and Governance Body member for Tobacco Plains Indian Band. “It is through this body that we are focusing not only on the issues that are polluting the water, but also putting western practices along with integral Ktunaxa practices to change the outcomes for the better. It is through collaboration, understanding, and commitment to healthy change, that we will heal our water for future generations and all living things,” Gravelle noted.

Farm Service Agency County Committee elections open

News from USDA, Farm Service Agency

LAKE COUNTY The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) mailed ballots last week for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) county committee elections to all eligible agricultural producers and private landowners across the country. Elections are occurring in

CSKT Early Childhood Services Request for Proposal - Snow Plowing

FY 2024 - 2025

Early Childhood Services is seeking bids to maintain parking lots and sidewalks during the winter season on an as needed basis. Snow removal/maintenance includes plowing the parking lot before staff and children arrive for the day. In addition, shoveling and laying out ice melt on the walkways.

Early Childhood services has 12 building sites located on the reservation that may need these services:

• Polson Head Start - 301 8th Ave W-Polson, MT

• Turtle Lake Early Head Start - 37181 Turtle Lake Loop-Polson, MT

• Pablo College Drive - 35639 Stanger loop-Pablo, MT

• Pablo Early Head Start - 36156 Division St-Pablo, MT

• Ronan Head Start - 30 2nd Circle NE-Ronan, MT

• Ronan Early Start - 417 Andrew NW–Ronan, MT 59864

• Pache Early Start - 47181 Beaverhead Ln-Ronan, MT

• Mission Early Head Start - 307 Old Hwy. 93 S-St. Ignatius, MT

• Mission Head Start - 28 Toweepah Ln-St. Ignatius, MT

• Growing Words Early Head Start - 87 Alexander Ln-St. Ignatius, MT

• Arlee Head start/ Early Start - 72691 Lumpry Rd-Arlee, MT

• ECS Administration - 37401 Mission Dr-St. Ignatius, MT

Depending on the weather forecast snowplowing and shoveling will be coordinated with the ECS Facilities/Transportation manager.

certain Local Administrative Areas (LAA) for these committee members who make important decisions about how federal farm programs are administered locally. Producers and landowners must return ballots to their local FSA county office or have their ballots postmarked by Dec. 2, 2024, for those ballots to be counted.

Proposal requirements: Proposals must include 1.) Ability to commit time, as needed, and upon request 2.) Proof of general contractor liability insurance 3.) Vehicle insurance 4.) Proof of Workman’s Comp or exemption certificate. 5.) Detailed description of cost required to provide this service. Responses should be clear in terms of any incidental costs, as well as hourly rates, travel expenses, etc.

Proposals must be received by 4:30 on November 28, 2024. Mailing address: Early Childhood Services - PO Box 1510, St. Ignatius, MT 59865, ATTN: Carrie Antoine

The proposals will be reviewed with a decision made in the 5 to 10 working days after bid closing.

This is an Indian Preference Proposal. We reserve the right to refuse any or all bids. For more information call Rick Clary at 406-745-4509 or 406-370-6443.

Indian Preference Certification

This is an Indian preference bid and Tribal contractors who wish to receive Indian preference must obtain a certification by the Indian preference office as a legitimate Indian-owned business prior to submission of the bids. This certification must be included with your RFP response.

The selection of the successful contractor and award of this project will be per the provisions of the CSKT Indian Preference Ordinance 101A. It is the sole responsibility of the bidder/respondent to obtain and provide proof of Indian Preference certification from the Indian Preference Office.

All proposals will become the property of the CSKT Early Childhood Services. The Tribes reserve the right to accept and reject and negotiate any element of any proposals received.

seniors

Arlee

By Arlee Sr. Citizens’ Board for the Valley Journal

ARLEE Happy

Thanksgiving from the Arlee Senior Citizens Board

Days are getting shorter, wind is blowing the leaves you raked all over lawn, nights are below freezing, but the beauty of sunny and cloudy days with a little rain mixed in prepares us for those cold winter nights.

Events:

Arlee senior citizens’ Thanksgiving dinner will take place on Nov. 23 at 5 p.m. The Arlee Senior Center will be closed on Thanksgiving.

We invite you, family and friends to come to lunch and dinner this month. Meals are only $4 for lunch and $5 for dinner. Dinners are served on the second and fourth Saturdays of month and we sincerely appreciate all the delicious home ooked meals from Dustin and Randy Tiensvold and Marti Bogess. Lunches are served on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please call 406544-9651 to reserve a meal to eat in or take-out.

Commodities will be given out on Nov. 20. If you know of anyone who could use help with this, we have forms to fill out and be sent to Area VI Council on Aging. Help is always needed to assemble the commodities that day, and we appreciate those who do this. The Arlee Food Bank also has good for those in need. We thank Barb Plouffe from St. Ignatius who brings

us food from the Missoula Food Band for our senior tables.

We wish all those snowbirds a good winter, as the rest of us will be here in our Jocko Valley, maybe having snow and cold, but always having meals and social visits at the Arlee Seniors.

Menu:

— Wednesday, Nov. 20: chicken/cheese quesadillas, Spanish rice, veggies, fruit, dessert

— Saturday, Nov. 23: turkey, dressing, potatoes, gravy, yams, rolls cranberries, fruit, dessert

— Monday, Nov. 25: chili, cornbread, veggies, fruit, dessert

— Wednesday, Nov. 27: Salisbury steak, mushrooms, mashed potatoes, veggies, fruit

By Pete Mangels for the Valley Journal

POLSON The Country Store is up and running. This fine group of volunteers are continuing to provide low cost clothing and household items to those in need in our community. You can help with donations of time and financial support for this long-time community service organization. The Polson Senior Community Center will be closed Thanksgiving Thursday and Friday the 29. However, the Bingo games will be played on Friday as usual.  Doors open at bout 5:30 p.m.

Memory Café Dec. 3rd at 1 p.m. This will be their last meeting at the Community Center. Future meetings will be held at 222B Main Street, the First Tuesday of each month.

Christmas is coming sooner than you think but it’s not too late for See’s Candy. Many choices are available as well as peanut brittle. Activities:

— Bowling: “no-tap” Tuesday 1-3 p.m. Join any time.

— Carving Wood for beginners: Wednesdays & Fridays at 1 p.m. Join any week.

— Bridge: Inquire at the center.

— Mah-Jong: Wednesdays at noon

— Board and Card games: Wednesdays and Mondays, 12:15 -3 p.m. Bring some friends.

— VSO (Veterans Service Officer:) first Friday and third Tuesday of each month 9 a.m. -noon Walk-ins OK

— Spinning Wheelers: first Tuesday of each month (Dec. 3) 11 a.m.-1 p.m. call 208-520-1013

— Bingo: Fridays open at 5:30 p.m., play at 6 p.m. also “Playing Card” bingo first Wednesday of each month only at 6 p.m.  Open the Nov. 29 too.

— Exercise: sitting or standing or dancing, M-W-F, 10:30– 11:30 a.m. Video-assisted Pinochle: Thursday: 12:15 p.-3p. 3,4 or 5 handed.

— Pool: open table from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Menu (subject to change): lunch, $5 donation, from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

— Thursday, Nov. 21: Polish dogs, mac-n-bean casserole, sauerkraut salad, chocolate pudding

— Friday, Nov. 22:  Roast turkey w/ all the fixings and pumpkin pie. Meals served at noon, after drawing for door prizes and a few birthday announcements.

— Monday, Nov. 25: turkey/rice soup, muffin, mandarin orange, lemon pudding

— Tuesday, Nov. 26: chicken strips, steak fries, mixed veggies, green salad, cookie

— Wednesday, Nov. 27: hamburger gravy, mashed spuds, peas, coleslaw, dump cake

— Thursday, Nov. 28: Closed - Happy Thanksgiving Day!

— Friday, Nov. 29: Closed - Happy Day (after) Thanksgiving!!

Our Polson Senior Community Center is located at 504 Third Ave. E; pen from 8 a.m.– 3 p.m. weekdays. Call us at 406-883-4735, email: polsonseniorcenter@gmail. com or visit us on Facebook.

St. Ignatius

By Barb Plouffe for the Valley Journal

ST. IGNATIUS

We will have a table at the 4-H Bazaar on Dec. 14 at the St. Ignatius High School. We will have baked goods and crafts. Donations for the bake sale will be welcomed.

We had good participation in the bingo day on Nov. 9 with two blackouts. So each

winner got $40 and a turkey. We will not have bingo in December. Mark your calendar for Jan. 11, 2025, for our next bingo

We are looking for a Site Manager to work 8 to 12 hours a week.

Menu:

— Friday, Nov. 22: noonturkey soup, veg tray, fruit, fry bread, dessert

— Tuesday, Nov. 26: noon - chicken enchiladas, rice, coleslaw, roll, dessert

— Thursday, Nov. 28:

Have a Happy Thanksgiving

— Friday, Nov. 29: noon - egg salad sandwiches, clam chowder, carrot sticks, banana, dessert

If you would like a takeout meal, call 406-745-4462 by 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays and by 2pm on Wednesday. Times of meals are listed with menu. Menus for the month are available in the entryway of the Center Remember everyone is welcome at our meals. Come enjoy a delicious meal and good conversation.

Our St. Ignatius Senior Center is available to rent. If you are interested, call 406-745-4462 and leave a message. If you have question about obtaining Elder Commodities call or stop by for information and application.

On Nov. 22 we will have a nurse doing foot care. Call to schedule a time. She is licensed and insured.

Gently Yoga is held on Wednesdays from 1-2:15 p.m. If you are interested, call Bonnie Kiser at 406-2530177. Her rates are five sessions for $65.

Polson

obituaries

Douglas Hahn

RONAN Douglas Jerome Hahn, 81 passed away Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. He was born on Dec. 31, 1942, in Helena, the son of Ralph Kaiser and Elizabeth Grace (Horner) Hahn. In 1959, Doug went to work for Bill and Ada Gould, horseshoeing and breaking horses. In 1963 he married Laurie Jean Davis, after which he moved to the ranch, and he continued to work for the Goulds for a while. In the summer of 1964, they moved to Polson to be by her folks, and he worked for her father (Walt Davis) building docks. In 1965 he went to work for Aspen Tree company clearing tree limbs from power lines. Doug was inducted into the service on Jan.12, 1966. During the lineup the of the recruits the Marines took Doug. He was overseas in the Vietnam War. He received an Honorable Discharge on Jan.11, 1968. After returning home from the service, he and some of his other family members purchased a gas station and garage in Troy. During this time Doug purchased a bar and dance hall west of Troy called The Little Opery.

moved to Kalispell, as he was clearing trees there with the same company. They were divorced in July 1981.

Doug met his soulmate Pamela Bossemeryer Boone in 1981after his divorce from Shirley. Doug and Pam were married in June 1987, in Ronan. Doug gained two stepdaughters with this marriage and accepted them and raised them just like his own. They loved him very much. Doug had moved back to Ronan to take over running the ranch for his parents in 1985/86. Doug lost his wife, Pam, in 2010 and has struggled with being alone all these last years, and he was extremely lonesome.

Doug was a BIG MAN with a BIG HEART. He was a jokester and storyteller; he had a memory like an elephant. He was a very honest man, and you always knew where you stood. He had lots of friends, and all the children really loved their uncle Doug.

Doug loved working with the animals and worked with many horses breaking and training them throughout most of his years while physically able. He also loved hunting and fishing. He was a very social person and liked his regular, what he called (safety meetings), at the Valley Club in Ronan with a few of his friends. He loved the ladies and was always going to get married tomorrow, but of course tomorrow never came (because the next was always today).

Amanda Hahn and Andrea Russell; step-granddaughters, Somer Cannon (Matt), Paige Cannon Hebert (Beau), Skylar Anderson, Heather Jackson McKinley (Micah), and Naomi Jackson; step-grandsons, Patrick Jackson (Colette), Colin Jackson (Sydney), and Vinton Cannon, Jr. (Shelby); great-stepgrandsons, Conner Cannon, Ryggin, Cash, and Wesley Douglas Jackson; great-step-granddaughters, Kenleigh, Evelynn, Paisley, and Elaine Remington Jackson; great great-granddaughter, Shauna; his oldest brother, Marion Franklin Hahn (Mickie) of Roy, Washington; his sister, Nyla Grace Rubia of Polson; sister, Dora Ann Mannen of Shelby; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins that loved him dearly.

A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024, at 1 p.m. at Ronan Cemetery. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at: www.shriderthompson.com.

Arrangements are under the care of Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home.

Luylla Claar

Doug’s daughter, Korinne Leanne Hahn (Cannon), was born on Feb. 1969 in Polson. Around the first part of the 1970s he went back to work for the tree trimming company in Washington, which was contracted to work in several states. He became a professional tree trimmer. He and Laurie were divorced in Oct.1975.

While working on the coast in 1977, Doug met his second wife, Shirley Gebhart, and they were married that same year out at the ranch. His daughter Monica Rae was born in 1978 in Tacoma, Washington. The next year they

Doug was preceded in death by two premature sisters; a nephew, Thomas Seibert; his father, Ralph Kaiser Hahn; mother, Elizabeth Grace (Horner) Hahn; his wife, Pamela, nephew, Henry Seibert; brother, (Jay) Ralph James Hahn; sister, Anita Rae Hahn Seibert; brother, Louis Brainerd Hahn; a niece, (Bette) Elizabeth Seibert Hawkins; and grandson, Liam Jackson.

Doug is survived by his daughters, Korinne Hahn Cannon (Vinton) of Delta, Colorado, and Monica Hahn, (Dustin VandenBos) of Conrad; stepdaughters, Erica Boone Anderson, (Eric) of California, and Marcy Boone Jackson (Nigel) of Canada; granddaughters,

logical studies. If one were to compile all her copious notes over decades of study, she would likely have one, if not two, PhDs. She also became a certified chaplain.

Joy’s passion for study was matched by her indefatigable prayer life along with a deep devotion to worship through music and dance. Joy fellowshipped and served across denominational lines and crossed several state lines to be a part of various ministries. She loved the Lord her God with all her heart, all her mind, all her strength, and all her soul.

Joy loved riding horses, singing, playing various musical instruments, dancing, painting, drawing, and supporting her children in their activities and studies. She was vehemently independent and passionately served those dependent upon her. From Head Start children to the adult clients she cared for up to her passing, she served them all as if they were family.

Joy was married to James J. Claar for 34 years with whom she raised two sons, Adam Beau (and Rebekah) Claar and Aaron Joe (and Jenni) Claar.  She is survived by them and her grandchildren, Elizabeth, Annalece, Samantha, and Aaden Claar.

CHARLO Luylla Jo “Joy” Claar, 76, of Charlo, passed into the Lord’s presence Thursday, November 7th, 2024, at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan, of natural causes.

Joy was born in Portland, Oregon, on Feb.13, 1947, to Lyall and Georgia Florida “Jo” Spooner.  In 1955, she was baptized when she was 8 years old and later accepted Jesus Christ as her savior in 1970. In the following years, she was baptized by immersion.

Being an avid learner, Joy graduated from Missoula County High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in education, and earned a master’s degree in theo-

The family is sincerely grateful to the staff at Cedar Creek Integrated Health, and St. Luke Hospital, especially those who supported both her and her family during her passing. Also, a special thank you to the Sheriff’s Office, and ambulance service staff, who aided in her initial treatment.

Her body was laid to rest at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024, in the Ronan Cemetery at 46727 N. Foothills Dr., Ronan, followed by a time of remembrance at Cedar Creek Integrated Health at 11 Main SE, Ronan, with friends and family. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at: www.lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com.

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

Douglas Hahn

Luylla Claar

Wednesday, Nov. 20

Library’s Page Turners to meet

POLSON — On

Wednesday, Nov. 20, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. The Page Turner’s Youth Book Club will meet. This month’s selection is “Kiki’s Delivery Service” by Eiko Kadono. We will have a fun book discussion, games and snacks. Sign up at the front desk or call the North Lake County Public Library at 406-883-8225.

Tribal Health discusses diabetes

ELMO — The Tribal Health Diabetes Team would like to invite the community to a”Diabetes Meet-and-Greet Dinner” held across at the Elmo Health Center. We will learn about diabetes and ask questions as we socialize over dinner from 6-7:30 p.m. To register go to: forms.office.come/r/ zv4um3nJNM?ORIG-

IN=QRCode or call Merissa Pablo for more information at: 406-745-3525 ext. 5179. Food catered and a change to win a door prize.

Meditation classes offered

ZOOM — Mission

Mountain Zen is offering free online meditation classes. Join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesdays, for an online meditation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku, including meditation instruction, practice, and discussion via Zoom from 6-7:30 p.m. For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-721-0665 or email at: Jerry.Smyers@

Nature’s art

gmail.com.

Thursday, Nov. 21

Library holds ‘Story Time’

POLSON — Story Time is held each Thursday from 10 -11a.m. Join us to read books, make crafts and play games with your little ones at the North Lake County Public Library. This program is geared for kindergarten readiness ages 3-5. Miss Mallory will be running this program during our transition in

Youth Services.

Bingo proceeds benefit Lake Monsters

POLSON — Bingo Night will be held at Glacier Brewing Company, (corner of 110th and Main Street), on Thursdays in November at 6 p.m. Join the fun and support the Lake Monsters swim team. Bingo cards cost $1 plus there will be raffles and door prizes.

Wednesday, Nov. 27

Final day to order Thanksgiving dinner

POLSON — Must call 406-493-7556 (or text) your order for the 2024 Polson Community Thanksgiving Dinner by 10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27. Dinner may be picked up or delivered on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28. Food quantity is based on called in reservations and requests on Thanksgiving day cannot, unfortunately, be filled.

Library closes for Thanksgiving holiday

POLSON — On

senter. Tara is program lead for Community Vitality at MSU Extension where she works to support rural community vitality and leaders. You need to register for this program to receive the link to this virtual program. Register at: https://tinyurl. com/TaraMastel.

Meditation classes offered

ZOOM — Mission Mountain Zen is offering free online meditation classes. Join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesdays, for an online meditation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku, including meditation instruction, practice, and discussion via Zoom from 6-7:30 p.m. For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847721-0665 or email at: Jerry. Smyers@gmail.com.

Thursday, Nov. 28

Happy Thanksgiving

Pick up your Thanksgiving Dinner

Wednesday, Nov. 27, the North Lake County Public Library will close at 4 p.m. to start the Thanksgiving Holiday.

We will be closed all day on Thursday, Nov. 28, for Thanksgiving. The lbrary will reopen on Friday, Nov. 29, at 9 a.m.

Library offers virtual program

ZOOM — Wednesday, Nov. 27, the library is co-hosting another Virtual Program in the Montana Library Network Series. “Who are all the Newcomers?” Tara Mastel is our pre-

POLSON — Polson Community Thanksgiving Dinners can be picked up between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, 512 Main Street for those who’ve reserved them.

Reservations for meals must be made by 10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27 by calling or texting 406-4937556. Meals can no longer be picked up on Thanksgiving Day without prior reservations. This dinner is supported by Mission Valley Elks Lodge #1695.

see page 19

MARTY HENSEL PHOTO

The dark vertical outlines of fall trees and the horizontal gradations of a multicolored sky create a crosshatch of stripes and color.

Calendar from page 18

Saturday, Nov. 30

Shop Small Business Saturday

MISSION VALLEY

— Bring your holiday shopping to small businesses and avoid the chaos of larger stores on Small Business Saturday.

Polson storefronts will be open with specials between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Polson tree lighting held

POLSON — Bring the whole family to Polson’s annual tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. at the Lake County Courthouse.

Bookfest Club to read ‘The Secret Garden’

POLSON — On Saturday, Nov. 30, from 10-11 a.m., the Bookfest Club is meeting. The November’s Book Selection is “The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Join us Saturday, Nov. 30, at 10 a.m. for book discussion and pastries in our Community Room. Coffee and tea are available for purchase from The Joyful Cup in the library, or bring your own.

Please be sure to stop by the front desk or call 406883-8225 to sign up.

There will be hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies provided by Lake City Bakery. Come sing some carols and start the holiday festivities with neighbors.

Wednesday, Dec. 4

Chamber luncheon held

POLSON — The Polson Chamber of Commerce will meet at Bunkers Grill at noon on Wednesday, Dec. 4. Lake County Commissioner Gail Decker will be the speaker.

Meditation classes offered

ZOOM — Mission

Mountain Zen is offering free online meditation classes. Join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesdays, for an online meditation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku, including meditation instruction, practice, and discussion via Zoom from 6-7:30 p.m.

For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-721-0665

or email at: Jerry.Smyers@ gmail.com.

Thursday, Dec. 5

Library holds ‘Story Time’

POLSON — Story Time is held each Thursday from 10 -11a.m. Join us to read books, make crafts and play games with your little ones at the North Lake County Public Library. This program is geared for kindergarten readiness ages 3-5.

Miss Mallory will be running this program during our transition in Youth Services.

public meetings

The Polson City Commission meets every first and third Monday of the month (Wednesday, if the Monday falls on a holiday) at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 106 1st Street East. Meetings are open to the public.

St. Ignatius City Council meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 12 First Ave. 406- 745-3791

Ronan City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m., 207 Main Street SW, Ste A. 406-676-4231

Lake County Commissioners , 106 Fourth Ave. E, room 211, (Lake County Courthouse) 406-883-7278, Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-12 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

The Lake County Conservation District , 64352 US HWY 93, Ronan, meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are open to the public and agendas may be found at LakeCountyConservationDistrict.org.

The Ronan School District No. 30 Board of Trustees have regularly scheduled board meetings once a month. They meet the second Monday of every month in the K. William Harvey Elementary Multi-Purpose Room. Regular meetings begin at 7 p.m.

The Polson School District No. 23 Board of Trustees have regularly scheduled board meetings once a month. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the District Office, 111 4th Ave. E, 406-883-6345.

The Charlo School District 7J B Board of Trustees have regularly scheduled meetings on the third Thursday of every month. Meetings are held in the school library, 404 1st Ave. W, and begin at 7 p.m. The phone number is 406-6442206.

The Arlee School District No. 8 Board of Trustees hold regularly scheduled meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Arlee High School Library, 72220 Fyant Street, and begin at 6:30 p.m. The phone number is 406-726-3216.

Valley View Elementary is located at 42448 Valley View Road. The phone number is 406-8832208.

St. Ignatius School District No. 28 Board of Trustees meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the library, 76 Third Avenue. The phone number is 406-745-3811.

PUZZLES

See answers to puzzles in Classifieds.

classifieds

Announcements

Events

ANTIQUES FOR SALEVirgelle Merc. Antiques presents a “Real Country Christmas” at a “Real Country Store” Saturday & Sunday, December 7th and 8th, 9-5 both days. Antiques and Collectibles. Phone 1-800-426-2926 or (406) 378-3110. wwwVirgeleMontana.com. Celebrate the Season at Virgelle, Montana.

Special Notices

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Employment

Help wanted

RESIDENT CARE AIDE TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

(1 or more positions, Various Shifts, PRN) Full time/Temporary Employment Agreement Polson

The successful applicant must be at least 18 years of age, must possess a valid driver’s license, and a high school diploma or general education (GED) preferred, as well as: Level 1: Less than 4 years’ experience of caring for elders. Prefer CPR, first aid and Dementia Care Certification training but not required, must obtain within 6 months of hire, training available by CSKT Tribal Health. Level 2: 5 or more years of experience of caring for elders OR is a Certified Nursing Assistant with no work experience. Prefer CPR, first aid and Dementia Care Certification training but not required, must obtain within 6 months of hire, training available by CSKT Tribal Health. Level 3: 10 or more years of experience of caring for elders OR is a Certified Nursing Assistant with 5 years of work

experience. Prefer CPR, first aid and Dementia Care Certification training but not required, must obtain within 6 months of hire, training available by CSKT Tribal Health. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcript/ degree, certifications, copy of valid driver’s license, if claiming Tribal preference, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted.

FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy and subject to random drug testing. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary range: Level 1 - $14.05 to $16.15, Level 2 - $14.24 to

$16.37, Level 3 - $15.28 to $17.56. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt.org Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes. org. The closing date will be Thursday, December 5, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. (MST)

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

HOME CARE PROVIDER (1 OR MORE CONTRACT POSITIONS)

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

The successful applicant must possess a valid Montana driver’s license. Must have reliable transportation and current liability insurance. Must pass drug test and background checks (criminal, medical, employment, elder abuse, etc.) to be hired. Must be willing to train for Montana Home Health or Montana Certified Nurse Aide State Certification, when available. Must be CPR and First Aid Certified or agree to complete certification as soon as it can be scheduled. This is offered at least once a year. Hospice training or bereavement ser-

vices is helpful. Must have the ability to understand and carry out instructions and keep clear and precise records. Individuals must attend required training courses that are deemed necessary as scheduled by supervisor. Must be willing to complete course work that will maintain the equivalent State PCA Certification requirements, if applicable. Must be up to date on all immunizations: TDAP/DTAP, MMR, Polio, Varicella, Hepatitis A/B and yearly Influenza immunizations. Must have a negative TB Titer on a yearly basis. Must have a means of communication, such as: cell phone or land line and be available to work at any given time. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcripts/ training certificates, a copy of current valid driver’s license and proof of insurance. Proof of enrollment in a Federally recognized Tribe, if other than CSKT and if claiming Veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. A favorable determination resulting from a completed background investigation is required for your placement in this position. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a prehire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) months probationary period. Rate of pay is $18.08 per hour with benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040. Tribal applications are also available on-line at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

REFERRAL COORDINATOR

ST. IGNATIUS - TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must have: high school diploma or GED. One (1) year experience as a referral coordinator or similar type duties working with the referrals of patients for treatment and diagnostic students. OR a minimum two (2) years’ full time experience as a medical receptionist, medical assistant, or other medical related field. Prefer three (3) years’ medical experience with demonstrated customer service in a medical facility. Must possess a valid driver’s license. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcript/degree, certifications, copy of valid driver’s license, if claiming Tribal preference, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy and subject to random drug testing. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory

six (6) month probationary period. Salary is $17.60$20.23 per hour, plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt.org

Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes. org. The closing date will be Monday, December 2, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. (MST) CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

CONSTRUCTION MANAGER

DIVISION OF ENGINEERING & WATER RESOURCES

DEWR COMPLEX – RONAN, MT - NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

As a Construction Manager, you will be responsible for planning, coordinating and managing construction projects for CSKT Division of Engineering and Water Resources (DEWR). This position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field, OR five (5) years of relevant experience in construction project management, with a track record of successfully delivering projects on time and within budget. Applicant must have proficiency in reading and interpreting technical documents, including project blueprints and construction schematics. Strong leadership and communication skills to manage project teams and stakeholders is required. Must be skilled at working on extremely sensitive and complex issues, excellent project management skills, including planning, organizing and prioritizing tasks. Possession of a valid driver’s license is required. Also, must

successfully complete a certified defensive driving course approved by the department, and wear Tribal Government identification and safety apparel while conducting investigations and field activities. FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal Employment Application (Resumes may be submitted but may not replace or supplement the official Tribal Employment Application), copies of relevant transcripts and/or certificates, copy of valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment from a Federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. 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 and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary range is $36.43 to $41.87 per hour, including benefits: Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Retirement, Long-term Disability, and PTO & Paid Holidays. To apply, contact Personnel at 406/6752700 Ext. 1040. FOR MORE INFO: Contact Mark Simpson

- DEWR Irrigation & Infrastructure Program Manager at 406/675-2700 Ext. 1283. Tribal employment applications are also available online at csktribes.org This position will close on Thursday, December 12th, 2024 @ 5:30pm.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

PARALEGAL - CONTRACT POSITION) - TRIBAL LEGAL DEPARTMENT - PABLO, MT.

The successful applicant must have a B.S. degree and/or completion of an accredited paralegal program. A minimum of two (2) years of Paralegal experience, and a minimum of two (2) years of litigation background. Knowledge of and application of legal research tool, legal theories, and civil litigation. Strong knowledge of Indian law. Knowledge of Tribal policies and procedures. Ability to proof read legal documents effectively. Ability to check legal citations and to verify if the cites are still relevant legal precedent. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, copies of relevant transcripts and/or certificates and resume to the Tribal Personnel Department, 406.675.2700 ext. 1040 or visit the csktribes.org website for the application. Salary is $24.81 to $28.51 including benefits. Closing date will be Monday, December 2, 2024 @ 5:30 p.m. The successful applicant, if not already

employed with the Tribes, must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a six-month probationary period.

CSKT IS AN INDIAN PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

Real Estate

Equal housing

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Montana Human Rights Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, familial status, physical or mental disability, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on

an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD Toll-free at 1-800669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

William P. Williams, IV FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS, PLLC 324 Main SW Ronan, MT 59864 Telephone: (406) 676-4470 bill@fgwilliamslaw.com Attorneys for Personal Representative

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KAY L. MOOK, Deceased. CAUSE NO. DP-24-69 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

see page 23

Legals

public notices

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

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

DATED this 7th day of November, 2024.

/s/ Rita Matthews RITA MATTHEWS, Personal Representative

Nov. 13, 20 and 27, 2024 MNAXLP

Lyn Fricker Clerk of District Court Lake County Courthouse 106 4th Ave E. Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-7254

DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN RE THE ADOPTION OF: TERRANCE JAMES STANFORD, Minor Child, MELVIN QUAKENBUSH and TERESA QUAKENBUSH, Petitioners, and RAY STANFORD and JADE MITCHELL, Respondents.

Cause No. DA-24-9

Hon. John A. Mercer SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

THE STATE OF MONTANA SENDS GREETINGS TO THE ABOVENAMED RESPONDENT RAY STANFORD:

You are named in a petition to terminate your parental rights and for adoption of the above named child by the Petitioner. Unless you respond in 21 days, the court may decide against you without you being heard and give Petitioners everything asked for in the petition. You must submit your written response to the Clerk of Court and serve a copy on counsel for the Petitioner within 21 calendar days. Counsel for the Petitioners is Justin Kalmbach of Kalmbach Law Office, PLLC, PO Box 249, Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-1159 ext. 2. The 21-day period starts the day after the last date of publication of this notice. If the final day falls on a weekend or court holiday, you may file your response on the next business day. Failure to appear at the hearing constitutes a waiver of your interest in custody of the child and will result in the court’s termination of your rights to the child.

WITNESS my hand and seal of said

Court on this 1st day of November, 2024.

Lyn Fricker, Clerk of Court /s/ Mary Rensvold Deputy Clerk

November 13, 20 and 27, 2024 MNAXLP

Lyn Fricker Clerk of District Court Lake County Courthouse 106 4th Ave E. Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-7254

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN RE THE ADOPTION OF: SAGE FELIX MITCHELL-STANFORD, Minor Child, MELVIN QUAKENBUSH and TERESA QUAKENBUSH, Petitioners, and RAY STANFORD and JADE MITCHELL, Respondents.

Cause No. DA-24-10

Hon. John A. Mercer SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

THE STATE OF MONTANA SENDS GREETINGS TO THE ABOVENAMED RESPONDENT RAY STANFORD:

You are named in a petition to terminate your parental rights and for adoption of the above named child by the Petitioner. Unless you respond in 21 days, the court may decide against you without you being heard and give Petitioners everything asked for in the petition. You must submit your

written response to the Clerk of Court and serve a copy on counsel for the Petitioner within 21 calendar days. Counsel for the Petitioners is Justin Kalmbach of Kalmbach Law Office, PLLC, PO Box 249, Polson, MT 59860 (406) 883-1159 ext. 2. The 21-day period starts the day after the last date of publication of this notice. If the final day falls on a weekend or court holiday, you may file your response on the next business day. Failure to appear at the hearing constitutes a waiver of your interest in custody of the child and will result in the court’s termination of your rights to the child.

WITNESS my hand and seal of said Court on this 1st day of November, 2024.

Lyn Fricker, Clerk of Court /s/ Mary Rensvold Deputy Clerk

November 13, 20 and 27, 2024 MNAXLP

Matthew H. O’Neill Skyler C. Bagley

O’NEILL & BAGLEY LAW OFFICE, PLLC

402 First Street East, Suite 201 P.O. Box 699 Polson, MT 59860

Telephone: (406) 883-5444

Facsimile: (406) 883-1585

matt@polsonlaw.com skyler@polsonlaw.com

Attorneys for Personal Representative

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BELLA JANE CLAIRMONT, Deceased.

CAUSE No. DP-24-73

Hon. Molly Owen NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-entitled estate, and that 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 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 20th Judicial District Court, at 106 4th Ave. East, Polson, Montana 59860, or mailed, Return Receipt Requested, to the Personal Representative, c/o O’NEILL & BAGLEY LAW OFFICE, PLLC , Attorneys for the Personal Representative, at P.O. Box 699, Polson, MT 59860.

/s/ Ann M. Clairmont

Ann M. Clairmont

Personal Representative Estate of Bella Jane Clairmont, deceased.

Nov. 6, 13 and 20, 2024 MNAXLP

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL

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

Nursing Faculty 2 openings (10 months)

Salary Range: $55,935 - $65,551 DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Nursing Simulation Lab Instructor

Salary Range: $54,301-$56,400 DOEE

Closing date: Open Until Filled

Career Advisor for TRIO Student Support

Services Program (10 months)

Salary Range: $37,744 - $40,824 DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Custodial Services Team Leader (2 positions)

Salary Range: $16.97/hr

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Custodian Part-time

Salary Range: $14.80/hr

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

PT-Seasonal Grounds Maintenance Technician

Salary Range: $15.54/hour DOEE

Closing Date: Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024; 4:00 pm MST

Security Officer Part-Time

Salary Range: $13.20-$14.54/hr DOEE

Closing Date: Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024; 4:00 pm MST

Comptroller - Business Office

Salary Range: $55,149 - $57,613 DOEE

Closing Date: Monday, Nov. 25, 2024; 4:00 pm MST

Wildlife/Fisheries Ecologist (9 months)

Salary Range: $51,062 - $56,111 DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Academic Transfer Specialist

Salary Range: $35,182 - $37,072 DOEE

Closing Date: Monday, Nov. 4, 2024; 4:00pm MST

Nursing Clinical Instructor-9months

Salary Range: $45/hr -$55/hr DOEE (part-time, 14hrs a week)

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Indigenous Research Center (IRC) Program Assistant

Salary Range: $39,133-$40,365 DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Wildland Fire Instructor (9 months)

Salary Range: $44,752-$58,848 DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Supporting Tribal Education Pathways (STEP) Project Assistant

Salary Range: $21.02 - $21.93 hourly DOEE

Closing Date: Monday, Nov. 18, 2024; 4:00pm MST

Soils & Groundwater Hydrology Instructor-9month

Salary Range: $44,752-$54,848 DOEE

Closing Date: Open Until Filled

The Nursing Department is actively seeking adjunct nursing faculty who are excited about teaching and student learning. Adjunct nursing faculty will hold a minimum of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree from both an accredited nursing program and college. If a BSN prepared nurse is currently enrolled in a master’s program, they will be considered as a qualified applicant. Any person seeking adjunct employment please send a completed SKC application, resume, and unofficial transcripts to Teresa Sias at teresa_sias@skc.edu. Official transcripts will be required upon hire.