Happy Thanksgiving!
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your homegrown newspaper November 22, 2023
Vol. 20, No. 10
Montana Co-op pg. 5
Little library pg. 6
Ronan School District hosts band festival Story and photos by Beau Biggs for the Valley Journal
Living products pg. 18
RONAN — High school students from Noxon, Thompson Falls, Plains, St. Regis, Superior, Charlo and Ronan came together on Tuesday, Nov. 14, for a meeting of the bands to produce an evening of music together.
Derek Larson, music teacher for St. Regis who conducted during the event, said student musicians have been working hard for over a month to prepare to play together. “We sent out the music a month and a half ago so that all the other directors could get their kids ready, and then, we
w w w.va l le yj our na l.net
met today and practiced for five hours,” he said. Larson directed the combined bands as students played instruments ranging from flutes to trumpets. “Tonight’s event was excellent,” he said, adding that the group was so well prepared they finished practice an hour earlier
than expected. After the concert, Ronan band director Alicia Lipscomb came on stage to thank everyone for attending. “We appreciate you making it out tonight, and we hope you enjoyed the music all the kids had to offer,” she said. see page 2
Commerce connects Montana’s veterans to housing support News from Montana Dept. of Commerce
BEAU BIGGS PHOTO
St. Regis music teacher Derek Larson leads a combined band of musicians from seven schools who performed together in Ronan for the 13th annual Mission Valley Band Festival on Nov. 14.
band festival from page 1
The audience clapped in response. While helping student musicians to wrap up after the event, Lipscomb spoke about the history of the festival. “I have been hosting this for the last 13 years,” she said, adding that her goal has been to share the combined ensemble experience with smaller schools, which is why schools from as far as Noxon are invited. “I hope we have a bigger audience in the next coming year so more people can hear how great these kids play,” she said. Student Jasmin Hakes who performed at the event said: “My biggest challenge was really just balancing getting ready for this event and going to the FFA nationals.” “This is definitely a good experience,” she added, “It teaches a lot of personal skills on top of musical skills.”
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2 - November 22, 2023
BEAU BIGGS PHOTO
Valley Journal
HELENA — The Montana Department of Commerce facilitates federal rental assistance for Montana’s veterans. Administered by Commerce, HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Program (HUD-VASH) provides rental assistance, case management and clinical services to Montana veterans who are housing unstable or homeless. “No veteran should experience homelessness in the country they fought to defend,” said Scott Osterman, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “It is critical that we ensure Montana’s veterans have a safe, affordable place to call home. Through the HUD-VASH program, landlords can play a critical role in opening the door to veterans who are housing unstable or experiencing homelessness.” Eligible veterans in the HUD-VASH program pay approximately 30 percent of their adjusted gross monthly income in rent; a subsidy is paid directly to the property owner or landlord. Homeless veterans and their families receiving rental assistance also receive VA case management services. Veterans interested in participating in the program should first contact their local Veteran Affairs Medical Center and ask to join the HUDVASH program. Commerce staff will help potential applicants reach the appropriate VA counselor; the VA screens the veteran. If the veteran is eligible, the individual works with Commerce’s Montana Housing Division to receive rental assistance. Veterans are then able to search for housing within their community. Finding landlords that accept HUD-VASH is critical to the veteran becoming housed. In addition to developing an extensive, statewide effort to identify veterans experiencing homelessness or housing instability, Commerce is conducting outreach to landlords to house more veterans. Interested community stakeholders and landlords are invited to attend a webinar, “Landlords in Action: Opening the Doors for Veterans,” on Dec. 7 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. to learn more about the HUD-VASH program. For more information about HUD-VASH and other VA homeless programs, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
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This Week’s Weather Forecast Wednesday Nov. 22
Happy Thanksgiving
Thursday Nov. 23
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
Nov. 24
Nov. 25
Nov. 26
41/28°
36°/21°
32/18°
31°/17°
29°/20°
Cloudy 22% chance precipitation
Partly Cloudy 24% chance precipitation
Partly Sunny 6% chance precipitation
Partly Cloudy 5% chance precipitation
Mostly Cloudy 14% chance precipitation
Monday
Tuesday
Nov. 27
31°/20°
Nov. 28
Partly Cloudy 15% chance precipitation
32°/21°
Mostly Cloudy 19% chance precipitation
Flathead Lake Level 2890.27 (2.73 ft below full pool)
WED
11/22
7:51 am
4:54 pm
2:47 pm
1:58 am
THUR
11/23
7:53 am
4:53 pm
3:04 pm
3:18 am
FRI
11/24
7:54 am
4:52 pm
3:22 pm
4:38 am
SAT
11/25
7:55 am
4:51 pm
3:43 pm
5:59 am
SUN
11/26
7:57 am
4:51 pm
4:10 pm
7:21 am
Precipitation 0.0 inches
MON
11/27
7:58 am
4:50 pm
4:44 pm
8:40 am
Record High 65° F
TUES
11/28
7:59 am
4:49 pm
5:29 pm
9:53 am
Valley Journal
Today in History Nov. 22, 2022 High 36° F Low 18° F
Record Low -6° F November 22, 2023 - 3
contents Montana Co-op.............5 Building materials........18 CSKT grants..................8 Lead poisoning............19 Valley Views ................10 Calendar .................... 26 Honorees.....................16 Classifieds.................. 30
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Valley Journal The Valley Journal newspaper (PE 23-190) is published weekly by Valley Journal LLC. Periodicals postage paid at Ronan, MT. Business hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Distribution is by mail subscription ($59 per year in Lake County, MT; $74 per year elsewhere in U.S.) and by newsstand sales. Postmaster: send address changes to Valley Journal, P.O. Box 326, Ronan, MT. 59864. Your homegrown newspaper serves residents of Lake 4 - November 22, 2023
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2023 County and the Flathead Indian Reservation. Deadline for display advertising is 2 p.m.Thursday. Deadline for news submissions, calendar items, classifieds and legal advertising is noon Friday, for the following week’s newspaper. News, letters to the editor and calendar submissions may be sent by email to: vjeditor@valleyjournal.net. Classified and legal advertisements requests should be emailed to: vjmail@valleyjournal.net. All print subscriptions include full access to online news, Valley Journal
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Montana Co-op gets grant to create community food hubs By Beau Biggs for the Valley Journal
RONAN — The Montana Co-op is working to increase community connection first with food then, as Co-op president Jason Moore says, “by using the three C’s - curriculum, community, and cafeteria.” The Co-op has plans for many programs that will develop the three C’s but is currently focusing its efforts to bring local food to area communities through 12 schools in the valley. The school food hubs program they’re looking to implement is funded by a $100,000 USDA Farm to School Grant the Co-op received this year. The USDA Farm to Schools Grant is also open for 2024 and the Co-op is trying to get another organization to apply for it. “The government would like to see schools being the hub for sustainable food sources in their communities,” Moore said. “The (school hubs) program involves delivering local food to schools by getting the schools connected to the local farmers.” The present challenge is getting more farmers involved. Developing food hubs at area schools would make both freshly grown and cooked food more available to the public. “We (Americans) waste 40 percent of our
“We want to make a healthier community, and to start, we (invite) anyone in the community to come and help out.” JASON MOORE, MONTANA CO-OP DIRECTOR
BEAU BIGGS PHOTOS
food so we need some solutions for that so more people get food and less goes to waste,” Moore said. Using locally sourced food, he added, is one way to decrease the amount of wasted food. Currently operating out of the Red Poppy building in Ronan, the organization is processing large amounts of tomatoes grown this summer at the Red Poppy garden into tomato sauce. The plan is to open the facility’s kitchen for community meals made with locally grown produce - like the 1,000 pounds of donated spaghetti and butternut
squash. Until they get the proper certifications, they are serving free potluck style meals to the public. Instead of bringing something to share, a person can also choose to barter their time to get a spot at the potluck table. Sherry Miller, who works in the Co-op’s kitchen, could be found on a recent Wednesday dicing up tomatoes to create a sauce for a future meal. “I feel fortunate since I have a lot of skills that need to be shared and this is the place that seems to fit everything, I want to be able to do and teach,” she said. While access to local food is the Co-op’s fo-
The Montana Co-op is currently operating out of the Red Poppy building in Ronan located at 1 Eisenhower St. SW. Upper left: fitness classes are being offered through the Co-op. Bottom left: sustainable food hubs at area schools are being developed to connect people to local food sources.
cus, there are plenty of other programs available. Moore shared information about an initiative called, “One Small Town” that the Co-op is a part of. “It’s very similar to the Heart and Soul Community Development program that is in Polson,’’ Moore said. One Small Town is an online international platform founded in 2016 that aims to build cooperative businesses through contributionism one small town at a time. Moore explained, “We hope to be one of the first towns in the United States to fully go through the program and be able to offer
Valley Journal
its full benefits like the discounts on whole food goods.’’ One Small Town allows participants to trade three hours of time per week for access to all affiliated programs the Co-op offers. According to Moore, the Co-op has much to offer the public from knowledge about gardening and growing your own food, to music, physical fitness and art. Volunteers are needed to develop and nurture the various programs. “We want to make a healthier community, and to start, we (invite) anyone in the community to come and help
out,” Moore said. “If you want to get involved in the Co-op you have a couple of opportunities to attend a meeting. You can come into our Friday meeting at 4 o’clock, which will have food and then we hope to have a meeting that we can then roll into the Music Coop to get more people to come and enjoy.” The Co-op also has another meeting time on Monday at 2 p.m. though Moore said, “We don’t have food and music at our Monday meeting but if you really want to get involved that’s another time you can get a hold of us.” November 22, 2023 - 5
First Little Free Library established in St. Ignatius News from Mimi Hildebrandt
ST. IGNATIUS — Little Free Libraries are a global phenomenon that began in 2009 with the first LFL built in Hudson, Wisconsin by Todd Bol. The small front yard and public area book exchanges number more than 150,000 around the world in over 100 countries — from Iceland to Tasmania to Pakistan, and now to St. Ignatius, Montana. A new Little Free Library, located in front of Mission Valley Properties, 101 Mountain View Drive in St. Ignatius will join other LFLs in accessibility of free books for babies, children, middle school age, young adults (YA), and adults. Enjoy reading a book while sitting on the nearby bench, take it home to keep and read again, share it by giving it to someone else who would enjoy it, or return it to the LFL. If you take one book at a time and return any book next time you visit, the Little Free Library will become self-sustaining. From time to time it receives donations of new and gently used books from organizations and from readers who want to share their books. The Little Free Library Mission Valley opened Saturday, Sept. 30. It is open 24/7 to take a book and share a book. “Our Little Free Library doesn’t belong to only a few people, it belongs to the whole town,” says Mimi Hildebrandt, designer and Co-Steward of the Little Free Library Mission Valley, charter #137674. “It’s been my prayer that this Little Free Library will bring joy of book ownership and love of reading in our community. It’s my hope that every home in Mission Valley has books for all ages to read, that more books are accessible to everyone, 6 - November 22, 2023
Sandpiper announces opening of scholarship application period News from the Sandpiper Art Gallery
COURTESY PHOTO
Mimi Hildebrandt stands next to the Little Free Library Mission Valley, located in front of Mission Valley Properties in St Ignatius.
that more books are read, loved, and some are returned so others can enjoy it. My husband Alan built the LFL from scrap lumber, and Julie Bauman painted it using leftover paints. It’s beautiful how God can take my vision, find the right gifted people to create it, and turn leftovers into something so wonderful to be shared by so many.” The Little Free Library 501 (3)c nonprofit organization has been honored by the Library of Congress, the National Book
Foundation, and the American Library Association. Reader’s Digest named them one of the “50 Surprising Things We Love about America.” To learn more, please visit LittleFreeLibrary.org, download the mobile app at LittleFreeLibrary.org/app, and find other book-sharing boxes with the world map at LittleFreeLibrary. org/OurMap. You can leave comments about this library on its pin on the world map, or contact Mimi directly at mission_lfl@ yahoo.com. Valley Journal
Sandpiper Art Gallery and Gifts in Polson has opened the application period for their art scholarship program. Each year Sandpiper Gallery offers scholarships to deserving students from Lake and Sanders Counties. The non-profit Gallery began over 50 years ago in Polson with a mission to encourage and promote appreciation and participation in the arts. Sandpiper Gallery places emphasis in making art available to people and to promote art as a career. The Gallery uses money collected from their art-in-the-park shows for scholarships. Scholarships are available to students accepted or currently enrolled in college, specialized art schools, and vocational institutions. Applicants must meet criteria of majoring in art forms such as painting, sculpture, fiber art, graphic art, photography, and ceramics. Criterion also includes professional careers in education, history of art, restoration, scientific/medical art illustration, art archeology, and museum curatorship. Students may get applications from three sources: their high school, by email at Sandpiperartgallery306@gmail.com, or from the website: Sandpiperartgalleryandgifts.com. Students who have won an award in the past are eligible to reapply. Applications may be mailed to: Sandpiper Art Gallery and Gift, PO Box 1163, Polson, MT. 59860; emailed to Sandpiperartgallery306@gmail.com, attn: Scholarship Committee, or delivered in person to Sandpiper Art Gallery and Gifts at 306 Main Street, Polson, 59860. The Gallery’s phone number is 406-883-5956. Scholarship applications are due by March 31, 2024. Please see the Sandpiper Art Gallery and Gifts for more information.
Volunteers offer home-cooked Thanksgiving meals POLSON — Tracy Plaiss and her amazing group of volunteers are at it again; they are preparing fresh turkey and made-from-scratch mashed potatoes and gravy along with all of the traditional side dishes for folks who’d like a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal. This year they plan to make 2,000 meals that will be picked up or delivered on Thanksgiving day. The pick-up location is the Elks Club in Polson at 512 Main Street. Pick-up takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. To Reserve your meal please text or call 406-4711152. Those interested in helping this effort can leave checks made to “Polson Community Thanksgiving Dinner” at the Elk’s Club.
US Hwy. 93 construction through Ronan continues News from Sloane Stinson, on behalf of the MT Dept. of Transportation
RONAN — The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and Riverside Contracting Inc. will continue paving operations on US Highway 93 north of the intersection with Third Ave. and Old US 93 as weather permits. Traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction through the project area where work is underway. Please follow all traffic control and watch for workers and equipment. Once this work is complete, paving operations will be suspended until spring. Concrete work will also continue along Round Butte Road, along with seeding on the sides of US 93. During the week of Nov. 20, crews will continue seeding and clean-up activities throughout the project area. Crews will be onsite
through Wednesday, Nov. 22, from 6 a.m.-6:30 p.m. All work is dependent on weather and other unforeseen factors. The installation of a new traffic signal at the intersection of US 93 with Third Ave. and Old US 93 has been delayed due to unforeseen supplier issues. MDT has sourced another supplier and will keep the public updated. When traveling through the construction zone, slow down, follow all traffic control, and watch for workers and equipment. The speed limit remains at 35 mph. Please remember to follow posted speed limits when driving through the project site. For more information on
the Ronan-North project, visit: https://www.mdt.mt.gov/ pubinvolve/ronanurban/. Don’t Crowd the Plow While driving, be on the lookout for snowplows and give operators room to work. Many plows are hit by private vehicles each winter, with the potential to cause harm to all parties involved. The plow truck and operator are taken out of service immediately following an incident. Drive safely this winter and keep these tips in mind: Don’t pass a plow when the Tow Plow is deployed. The operator will periodically rotate the Tow Plow back in line with the truck to allow vehicles to pass.
Be aware that, where there is one plow working, others may be nearby. The snow cloud created by one plow may obscure presence of additional plows in adjacent lanes. When approaching a snowplow from the rear, reduce speed immediately. When approaching an oncoming plow, don’t crowd the centerline. Be patient. Plow operators know where they can pull over to let vehicles pass, but remember, the road in front of the plow is likely not as clear as the road behind it. MDT has tools to help plan for conditions so you can reach your destination safely. Find more plow safety information and winter driving tips at: https://mdt.mt.gov/visionzero/people/winterdriving. aspx. Current construction information, width restrictions, and road conditions throughout Montana can be found at: [511mt.net]
Shooting Range Development Grant applications are open News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks
HELENA — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is now accepting applications for Shooting Range Improvement Grants. Approximately $300,000 in funding is available. Application deadline is Feb. 1, 2024. Montana’s Shooting Range Grant Program, administered by FWP, provides funding to non-profit shooting clubs, organizations, local governments and school districts to build and improve public shooting ranges throughout the state. To learn more about the Shooting Range Grant Program and to download this year’s grant application, visit FWP’s website at: fwp.mt.gov/ aboutfwp/grant-programs/shooting-range. Online registration is available at funding.mt.gov. For more information, contact Seth McArthur at smcarthur@mt.gov or 406-4443753. Completed Shooting Range Grant applications can be mailed to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Shooting Range Grant Program, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701.
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Confederated Salish, Kootenai Tribes awarded millions in grants Grants to be used for critical restoration, conservation, preservation initiatives across reservation By Gwen Lankford, CSKT Executive Communications
PABLO — The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes are pleased to announce various successful grant awards that focus on efforts for restoration, conservation and preservation of homelands across the Flathead Indian Reservation. “The initiatives reflected in these grant awards are areas of focus for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes,” said CSKT Chairman Tom McDonald. “We continue to work towards the restoration, conservation and preservation of our homelands to support our community, wildlife, water and landscapes. These grants and partnerships help us strengthen efforts and we are pleased to have the support and increased resources that help us maintain what we value for our future generations.” $3.5 million - America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC) The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) joined its public partners this week in announcing $141.3 million in total grant allocations through the America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC). The 74 new grants will support landscape-scale conservation projects across 46 States, three U.S. Territories, and 21 Tribal and Native Nations. The Confederated Salish 8 - November 22, 2023
and Kootenai Tribes, along with partners in the Crown of the Continent, submitted and were selected for a project titled Bio-Cultural Restoration within the Crown of the Continent (MT). The $3.5 million dollar award will be used to develop Landscape Conservation Design collaborative strategies for 16 landscape features and invasive plant risk assessments; restore whitebark pine; and engage with the community to develop and monitor collaborative actions. Projects will include funding for forage management on the Tribe’s bison range; reconnecting resources and cultural practices; recovering functioning systems that support First Foods and ceremonial species; improving ecological connectivity; and growing a trained conservation workforce. ATBC grants support projects that conserve, restore and connect habitats for wildlife while improving community resilience and access to nature. The America the Beautiful Challenge (ATBC) is a partnership between the Department of the Interior (though the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Department of Defense, Native Americans in Philanthropy and NFWF. The competitive grant awards were made possible with funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Inflation Reduction Act, other federal conservation programs and private sources. In a secondary ATBC award, CSKT in partnership with Fish, Wildlife and Parks, received additional funding for a predator
control initiative. $1.02 million - Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) This week, in conjunction with America Recycles Day, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced nine selectees to receive more than $9.2 million in Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) grants for Tribes and Recycling Education and Outreach (REO) grants The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Natural Resources Department Environmental Protection has been selected to receive $1,023,748 to identify end-markets and expand materials management infrastructure. These objectives will be achieved by expanding existing recycling programs; establishing five new recycling collection facilities; purchasing equipment; and researching end-markers and community partnerships for previously unrecycled materials. These activities will encourage and expand recycling activities to reduce community blight and potential health and environmental contamination associated with illegal dump sites. $1.6 million - Columbia River Basin Restoration Funding Assistance Program The Tribes NRD Division of Environmental Protection recently was awarded $1.6 million dollars in an EPA funded Columbia River Basin Restoration Funding Assistance Program, to work with local partners for the Investigation and risk assessment of residential septic systems distribution on the Flathead Indian Reservation. $904,300 - Environmental Protection Agency for SwimValley Journal
mer’s Itch Reduction Through an EPA Environmental Justice Program of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, the Tribes will receive approximately $904,300 to support health projects to reduce the incidence of cercarial dermatitis (swimmer’s itch) in vulnerable populations around Flathead Lake on the Reservation in Western Montana. The project will develop local partnerships; install rinse stations and outdoor message boards at five public-use beaches; deliver public education and outreach about the parasite and how best to avoid impacts; and install community-designed artworks at the rinse stations. $143,000 - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for Bison Herbivory and Interactions The CSKT Natural Resource Department Wildlife Management Program was awarded $143,000 at the end of October for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Tribal Wildlife Grant Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23 TWG) for a project entitled: Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Investigating Patterns of Bison Herbivory and Interactions. The project will investigate bison movements around the bison range and investigate plants they eat and forage condition. $30.5 million - Federal Highway Administration to Update and Rehabilitate US 93 Last summer The CSKT NRD Roads Program was awarded $30,567,037 to update and rehabilitate U.S. Highway 93 from Dublin Gulch Road to Gunlock Road, as part of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) National Significant Federal Lands and Tribal Projects (NSFLTP) program.
Aquatic invasive species grant applications open News from DNRC
HELENA — The Montana Invasive Species Council is now accepting applications for 2024 Aquatic Invasive Species Grants. The application period ends on Jan. 7, 2024. AIS grants are intended to increase local capacity and involvement to address AIS issues. Projects that focus on AIS management components are eligible including prevention, early detection, education and outreach, research, and treatment. This state funded program awards approximately $250,000 each year. Applicants may request up to $50,000 per project. Grant applicants can be local, state, tribal, or other government entities within the state; and Montana-based non-governmental entities. Applications are due Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024, before midnight. AIS Grant Program Guidelines are here: https://invasivespecies.mt.gov/montana-invasive-species/ Aquatic-Invasive-Species-Grant-Program. The grant application form is here: grants. dnrc.mt.gov. Scroll down to AIS 2024 Grant Application. Contact Liz Lodman at 406-444-0547 with any questions on the grant and application process. Questions can be emailed to: dnraisgrants@mt.gov.
Zinke introduces Fill the Lake Act Legislation would require regulators to maintain full pool during summer season News from the office of Congressman Ryan Zinke
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Nov. 16, Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke introduced the Fill the Lake Act. The legislation would require the Department of Interior to maintain a minimum pool level on Flathead Lake of 2892’ MSL (mean sea level) and a maximum of 2893’ MSL from June 15 to Sept. 15 of each calendar year. If enacted, the Fill the Lake Act would prevent a repeat of the 2023 season when regulators allowed the lake to drop almost two feet below full pool. During the spring 2023, the Flathead Lake ecosystem experienced a rapid runoff of snowmelt. This was exacerbated by the slow-working bureaucracy of the unelected officials of the technical management team (TMT) that advises the U.S. Bureau
of Reclamation on the Columbia River System and the lack of a finalized and enforceable drought management plan. The result was water levels as much as 22 inches to 2 feet below full pool in areas. This created hazardous conditions for boaters, cut off maritime evacuation routes, and was a massive economic blow to the communities and businesses surrounding Flathead Lake that rely on the lake for the recreation economy, agriculture, and in some cases for evacuation from wildfires. “This is a made in Montana solution. Fill the lake is a one-page bill - and it should be - it’s not a difficult concept,” said Congressman Zinke. “Hungry Horse Reservoir exists for the management of water downstream, and that means Flathead Lake. Unfortunately, the delays and bureaucracy created by the Department of the Interior and the technical management team made a bad situation even worse. This bill takes out the ambiguity and forces the Department and its unelected
bureaucrats to do their most basic job so that Montanans don’t suffer from their mistakes again. I’m grateful to the county commissioners, Senator Greg Hertz and the many engaged business owners and residents who kept me and my team informed every step of the way. This bill really is a community effort.” State Senator Greg Hertz said, “The Congressman and his team have been involved in this issue from the first voice of concern and I couldn’t be more thankful. He’s been vital to ensuring our local economy doesn’t suffer at the hand of poor management decisions at the federal level.” Lake County Commissioner Gale Decker said, “At a local level, we rely on the lake for fundamental operations to keep our people safe. It’s an access point for our water cannons during wildfire season and serves as an emergency evacuation route when locals need out. Our lake levels need to be consistent which is why I fully support Zinke’s Fill the Lake Act.” Valley Journal
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valley views Being invited F
or much of my life, months that’s changed. I’ve been the inMy attitude has changed viter. I enjoyed planning and I’ve been going placand inviting people to es - quite literally. those plans. Lunch and But in the shopping last few years with a new I haven’t inacquaintance. Jill Pertler Syndicated columnist vited much A Friday of anyone night out. An anywhere. I exercise class didn’t have the heart for with friends. A Chinese it. I lacked momentum restaurant on a holiday and (to be honest) felt weekend. broken so I took on a Yep. I’m going places. rather new role. And it may not seem I found myself waiting like much, but to me it to be invited. is everything, or at the Not at first. At first I very least it is something. didn’t want to be invited Something significant. anywhere. I couldn’t plan In all this getting out, or commit from today to I realized I rather like tomorrow. I couldn’t plan it, and I give thanks for or commit from 5 to 6 all my new friends who p.m. It felt too big. Too have opened this window overwhelming. Because it for me. In a sense, you’ve was, at the time. brought me back to life But in the last few and it’s pretty awesome.
Slices of Life
letters
Open letter to Sen. Daines, Rep. Zinke
Editor, I am not vermin. I am not a thug. I am not radical. Yet in his Veteran’s Day speech that is literally what Donald Trump called me and other voters who oppose him. I am your constituent and I expect you to stand up for me and other Montanans who don’t support treating anyone like vermin. I expect you and the Republican party to 10 - November 22, 2023
In that, I realize it feels good to be invited. It’s nice. But I’m afraid I’ve emanated the “don’t talk to me” vibe for more than a little while. Too long, but that is what grief will do to you. I’m sure there are people who might have invited me… then, thought twice about it. Because maybe they assumed I wasn’t ready. Or, maybe my grief was so palpable it made others uncomfortable. Who wants to go out to dinner with someone who cries before the main course is served? It wasn’t that bad (always) but I did go through a very tough, a very dark period and I realize I wouldn’t have wanted to be around me
rein in speech by any member of the Republican party that prods disgust for, and violence against, opponents. What happened to decorum in politics? In silence is an unholy alliance. Stephanie Brancati Big Arm
Music to my ears Editor, Imagine this: feeling deep, soul-filling joy amongst mostly strangers, two evenings in a row.
either – at least not for long stretches. Thing is, I didn’t have much of a choice. I was my dinner date seven out of seven, whether I liked it or not. But time can be our enemy and our friend sometimes both at once. Often both at once. Time has provided a gap between now and my loss and that gap has given me space to breathe, to reflect and perhaps, even, to live. To accept invitations. To look forward to them. To participate with joy and happy anticipation. Thank you, to all you you, who have invited me to participate in life again. It is more - so much more - than appreciated. Now I want to take it a step further.
That’s what happened to me. Curious? Friday night, Mission Valley Live presented a concert highlighting Robin Layne and the Rhythm Makers. It was a knee-bouncing, energy-filled evening of incredible talent, bathing us in the happy sounds of music from West Africa, the Caribbean, and Mexico. It was uplifting to realize that everyone in the audience was undoubtedly experiencing a degree of pure joy. On Saturday evening, the Valley Journal
I don’t want to, need to, wait for an invitation (although it will always be nice). I want to invite. I want to plan. I want to be the person who includes others. To have fun. To plan the fun. To be the origin of the fun. So look out, all of you who have looked out for me! I’m on the invitation warpath. I am to repay your kindness with walks, dinner out, plans for next weekend and maybe even a home cooked meal. I can’t wait to be on the other end of the invitation. On the other end of giving. It still feels a little scary, but it also feels good. To move forward. To plan. To invite. Who knew such a little realization could feel so
Western Montana Musicians’ Cooperative held a long concert/jam session at Ronan’s Red Poppy. All the bands were great; Mojo Rising was spectacular. Strangers started talking, connections were made, and smiles blanketed the room. A friend leaned in to me and mused, “Light is dancing in this place.” How true. I wish to thank the visionaries, the businesses that support these groups, the musicians, organizers, see page 11
big? 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.
We must work together for common good W
e hold these the following little quiz. truths to be All questions are true/ self-evident, that all men false (you don’t need to are created equal, that write your answers, just they are endowed by keep them in mind). their Creator 1. If in with certain eminent danunalienable ger, I would Paul Hellweg freelance writer, poet Rights, that try to save among these myself. are Life, Lib2. If my erty and the pursuit of family were threatened, I Happiness. would try to save them. Remember those 3. I would rather be words? What if they’re well-fed than starving. right, what if all people 4. I would rather have are created equal and have a safe and comfortable equal rights? Imagine the home than be homeless. implications: A good op5. I would rather have tion for easing the world’s meaningful employment suffering and to possibly than drudge work with save humanity from its low pay. myriad threats (climate 6. I would rather have change, nuclear war, etc.) a long, full, and good life is simply to accept that all than a short, miserable people are created equal one. and in essence are a lot 7. I would like my like everyone else, includ- children to have a long, ing you. full, and good life. Cynics have said that 8. I would like to have America’s founding fafriends and be loved. thers were only thinking 9. I would rather be of white men when they pain-free than live in consaid “all people.” Perhaps, stant agony. but no one really knows. 10. I hope humanity However, it is obvious survives any potential that all people share an threat of near-term exessential human essence, tinction. and we must accept that The questions could fact if our species is to go on and on, but 10 are survive. I can make you enough to make my point. believe if you’re willing to If your answer was “true” spend a moment to take to all of them, then you
have lots in common with everyone else. The Russian soldier values his life just as much as the Ukrainian values his. Israelis want to survive, Palestinians do too. But what about the jihadists, suicide bombers, and terrorists? They aren’t like us, you might think, they don’t value their lives. Are you sure? Is not there the possibility that jihadists value their lives just as much as you do yours, but are willing to sacrifice it for their concept of the greater good? Every single person on the planet (all eight billion of us) is a unique individual. No one has quite the same dreams, desires, ambitions, or tastes as anyone else. We worship different gods (or none), we have different ethnic identities, we like different foods, we are attracted to different types of men/ women or sometimes both. But that doesn’t make someone who is different less human. Jihadists, suicide bombers, and terrorists are all too frequently motivated by hatred or fear of people who are different. But instead of using differences to justify our own sense of superi-
letters
America at its best, which is music to my ears. Nancy Teggeman Polson
Peace Voice
from page 10
builders, volunteers, and audiences for helping to
create community. Music brings us all together, regardless of our differences. This is small town America at its best. Indeed, it is
ority, we should welcome diversity as an opportunity to broaden our life experience. Every individual truly is unique, and her or his existence should be celebrated. I agree with the French -- vive la diffėrence. Obviously, there are exceptions among the mentally-unbalanced, and there are some so desperate they no longer care about their own lives. But the vast majority of us value our lives. All humans – regardless of race, creed, color, or national loyalty – are essentially the same. We would like long, full, and good lives, and the only way to assure that for all humanity is to put aside our parochial differences and work together for the common good. We can do this, we have to do this; the alternative is too unthinkable. Paul Hellweg is a freelance writer and poet. Samples of his writing can be seen at www.PaulHellweg. com and www.VietnamWarPoetry.com
Federal legislation provides critical pathways for Montanans
I
Western Native Voice
n Montana, we thrive in closeRonnie Jo Horse knit communities, and Ta’jin Perez, sharing connections that enhance our experiences and transcend cultural differences. The work of Western Native Voice exemplifies this unity, empowering Indigenous Montanans to become leaders in our communities and make a difference in our state. While our commitment to advance fundamental rights, foster participation, and educate voters may be rooted in Indian Country, it extends to every corner of the state, protecting the freedoms all Americans hold dear, from Billings to Blackfeet. Voting is a right that our ancestors fought for, a cornerstone of civic life. It’s the cornerstone of civic participation and must be accessible to everyone. It’s how our voices are heard. Yet, red tape often hinders Montanans, especially those in rural and Tribal Nations. Voting should be simple and accessible to all. The Freedom to Vote Act and Native American Voting Rights Act promise to dismantle these barriers, championing every Montanan’s voice, regardless of background. These acts rectify the wrongs in our system and break down the barriers that suppress people’s voices. With support in Congress, they could make voting more accessible and ensure no one in our state is left behind. Long drives to polling centers and endless lines deter voters every see page 12
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November 22, 2023 - 11
Americans must stand in support of Israel T
he most important families and children in their global issue of the day homes, leaving behind bloodis that of the middle east soaked floors, beds and cribs.” conflict. The barbaric evil of Israel’s patience, self-conHamas was in trol, and speciffull display Oct. ically their cal7. The reports are culated response undeniable; “The has been reIDF told CNN markable. Israel that women, continues makchildren, toddlers ing extensive and elderly were efforts to warn Rep. Matt Regier, HD4 Speaker of the MT brutally butchthe residents of House of Representatives ered in an ISIS Gaza by dropway of action.” ping pamphlets, (CNN, Oct. 13) LA Times, sending text messages, and Oct.12 wrote, “Reporting on even phone calls to individuals the violence by Hamas and to warn of impending bombresponse by Israel ... is requir- ings. (Alice Cuddy, BBC). ing onscreen warnings before When has any other country showing pictures of how extended such humanitarian the Hamas onslaught killed effort amid war to warn their
Legislative Notes
critical pathways from page 11
election cycle. The Freedom to Vote Act and Native American Voting Rights Act will cut down on these aggravating hurdles by increasing the number of polling places, especially on reservations. As the Indigenous community has known for too long, this is not a partisan issue; it’s a fundamental right that should be granted to every American. If we allow our freedoms to become politicized, it will cause irreparable damage to our democracy. While we must remove barriers to voting, we cannot ignore additional threats to our democracy. Mistrust in our elections is only growing, and we’ve seen its effects across our communities, with stagnating turnout at the polls. In many areas, there isn’t enough opportunity to engage in civic duties, whether registering 12 - November 22, 2023
enemy of impending attacks? Israel’s concern for minimal casualties comes even with the knowledge Gaza residents cheered the Oct. 7 murder of Israel civilians with a distain for Israel/America (timesofisrael.com, Oct. 8). The delineation between ‘innocent civilians’ and ‘pro Hamas terrorist supporters’ presumed in almost all news stories is very questionable. Post Oct. 7 attacks, the Israeli response has been characterized by high level ethics and morality. If Hamas were to lay down its weapons today, there would be peace. If Israel were to lay down its weapons today, there would be a Jewish genocide. Americans must take a
to vote, participating in public service, or simply advocating for one’s beliefs. People feel ignored by our leaders, and we must empower them to cast their vote - for the sake of our country and our values. By encouraging our communities to become more involved, we can ensure every person exercises their fundamental rights. The Freedom to Vote Act and Native American Voting Rights Act expand voter registration sites and extend pathways to vote for everyone in Montana, making this vital process uniform throughout our state and country. The Freedom to Vote Act also provides grants to recruit a new generation of election workers, ensuring that all people, even those in our state’s most underserved communities, can actively participate in our democracy. Montana’s elected officials should prove their commitment to Montanans and all Indigenous
strong stand in support of alliance with Israel. In everyday conversations, we must speak out against the Hamas hatred and their resolve to destroy Jews. American university students siding with Hamas, the liberal media supporting Hamas with biased headlines, or Congresswoman R. Tlaib promoting Hamas’ false reporting, all must be countered with truth. Likewise, we must speak out and challenge fellow Montanan’s who parrot any narrative of justification for Hamas. This is a terrorist organization that cut open a pregnant woman and then executed both baby and mother (the-sun.com Oct. 12). This kind of evil shares no Western
people by supporting these bills that resonate with the core values of equity and justice, amplifying the call for a more accessible and transparent electoral process. However, our journey towards a fully representative democracy is far from over. The passage of the Freedom to Vote Act and the reintroduction of the Native Voting Rights Act in Congress are critical next steps in this journey. These pieces of legislation fortify the structural integrity of our electoral system and foster an inclusive democracy that places value on every citizen’s voice. The path to a thriving, robust state is paved with the stones of justice, representation, and active civic engagement. Let us tread this path together to fulfill the promise of our democracy and reflect the rich diversity that makes Montana and our nation truly great.
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values. This is not a political battle. Will we as a civilization acquiesce to this evil and those who support it? I aspire to duplicate the courage of Democrat U.S. Senator Fetterman who waved the Israeli flag at a ceasefire protest at the Capitol and Republican U.S. Senator Cruz who stated, “The United States must ensure that Israel has all the weapons and all the time that it needs to utterly eradicate Hamas.” This is one issue on which any American desiring peace must unite. Call out the hideous support of Hamas’ evil and confidently and loudly reaffirm support of Israel.
Large number of lake trout can still be found in deeper water Fishermen: Mack Days are over as of Nov 12. Hunting season slows down the fishing of course. Whitefish are biting in the river above the lake and at the Polson bridge. Rance Hertz Dick Zimmer caught two there days ago. Dan Smith was trolling around Melita Island and caught lake trout. Crappie are in the sloughs. Delta for 90 feet for lake trout and whitefish. Jigging with Glo Grub or a Leadagator or a Rattle d Zastor in white glow are successful. Lake trout will be coming off their spawning beds and will be working the shore lines for perch feeding. If you fish deeper water there are quite a number of lake trout that aren’t going to spawn this year. An Erie jig with a fly above it will do the trick. Not much happening until ice fishing in shallow water on reservoir. Three bodies of water are generally the first to ice over; East Bay, Turtle Lake and Crow Reservoir. If you hit them right, they can be great fishing. For more detailed information give me a call on my cell phone: 406-250-0241 or call Zimmer Tackle at 406-675-0068. Good Fishing, The Macman
Mac Man
Legislature strengthens integrity of Montana’s elections W
e’re now less than a year out from one of the biggest elections in Montana history. Next November, our ballots will be stacked with candidates for president, U.S. Senate, two congressional seats, governor, attorney general, secretary of state, superintendent of public instruction, state auditor, and two supreme court seats (including chief justice), to say nothing of regional and local offices and any potential ballot initiatives. Ahead of such a jampacked election cycle that is sure to produce high voter turnout and its share of controversy over the candidates and issues, we want to highlight the work the Legislature has done to shore up the integrity of our elections.
Legislative Notes
Sen. Mike Cuffe
Our administrative processes for conducting elections need to be above reproach, regardless of political party or ideology. Every single eligible Montanan should be able to cast their vote knowing that it will be counted accurately and have confidence that no ineligible person is able to cast a ballot. The 2023 Legislature created an entire special select committee that took a months-long deep dive into the details of our state’s election processes. Senate President Jason Ellsworth appoint-
Sen. Shelley Vance
Sen. Jason Ellsworth
ed stalwart conservative Sen. Carl Glimm to chair the committee. The committee deliberately looked for loopholes in the system. In the end, the committee found no reason for alarm over the state’s existing processes and no reason to doubt any of Montana’s recent election results, but the committee did identify ways to improve our already good system and informed the broader Legislature of those recommendations. Here is a brief summary of the election integrity improvements that
“
Sen. Carl Glimm
were passed by the 2023 Legislature: Prohibited outside money in election administration, such as the “Zuckerbucks” that generated national controversy in the 2020 election (SB 117, Sen. Shelley Vance) Doubled the number of precincts and elections that will undergo randomized post-election audits (SB 197, Sen. Mike Cuffe) Made all counties subject to post-election audits, even those that don’t use vote-counting machines (SB 254, Sen.
Ken Bogner) Required tabulation machines to be physically incapable of connecting to the internet or otherwise communicating with other devices, preventing any threat of hacking or manipulation (HB 173, Rep. David Bedey) Strengthened laws against “double voting” (HB 892, Rep. Lyn Hellegaard), required vote-counting to continue until complete (HB 196, Rep. Lyn Hellegaard), strengthened laws preventing noncitizens from voting (HB 712, Rep. Zack Wirth), and cleaned up voter rolls and required additional verification of absentee ballot addresses (SB 498, Sen. Shane Morigeau) Those changes combined with existing laws and processes mean that
Sen. Tester condemns anti-Semitism in Montana Senator visits Har Shalom synagogue in Missoula following white nationalist demonstration, pledges support for the Montana Jewish community News from the office of Senator Tester
U.S. SENATE — In response to the recent white nationalist demonstration out-
This threat is not isolated to major cities and urban areas. We are seeing a rise in anti-Semitism in rural states like Montana.”
side of Har Shalom synagogue in Missoula, U.S. Senator Jon Tester recently called on the Biden Administration to provide additional resources to
- Jon Tester, US Senator
strengthen security for rural synagogues and reiterated that anti-Semitism has no place in Montana. Writing to the Department Valley Journal
of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Tester expressed that he has spoken directly with Jewish leaders in Montana who made it clear that rural synagogues need additional resources to enhance security: “I want to make very clear to you that this threat is not isolated to major cities and urban areas. We are seeing a rise in anti-Semitism in rural states like Montana, where in my recent meetings and conversations with Jewish
in 2024, Montanans can be confident that voting machines are secure, only eligible Montana citizens are casting ballots, vote counts are timely and accurate, outside money is not affecting the vote count, and all elections are subject to randomized and robust auditing. 2024 won’t just be the busiest election in state history. It will also be the most secure. Sen. Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, is the President of the Montana Senate. Sen. Carl Glimm, R-Kila, chaired the Legislature’s Select Committee on Election Security. Sen. Mike Cuffe, R-Eureka, chairs the Senate State Administration Committee. Sen. Shelley Vance, R-Belgrade, was Gallatin County’s Clerk and Recorder for 18 years.
leaders and members of their synagogues they expressed to me that they are now more fearful and under increased threat. Just last month, we saw individuals displaying xenophobic, white supremacist and antisemitic banners outside of Har Shalom synagogue in Missoula, Montana and at multiple locations across the city. There is no place for hate or discrimination in any form in Montana.”
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November 22, 2023 - 13
anti-Semitism from page 13
Tester called on both DHS and the FBI to provide greater assistance to the Montana Jewish community: “Since the abhorrent Hamas terrorist attacks in Israel in October, we have seen a sharp increase of antisemitic threats and violence throughout America. Both the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Bureau of Investigations are uniquely positioned to provide additional resources and assistances to synagogues, local law enforcement, and their communities during this devastating time.” Tester concluded his letter by pledging to work with both agencies to do more to protect synagogues and other places of worship: “I was glad to see the Biden Administration’s recent request for additional funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program to increase federal funding to synagogues and other places of worship that are at high risk of attack. But we must do more to stand up against this vitriol and hatred now and we cannot leave rural communities to stand alone. I stand ready to assist your agencies in this important matter.”
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Tester reintroduces Act to protect 384 miles of Montana rivers Senator’s bill designates stretches of the Gallatin, Madison, and Smith Rivers as ‘wild and scenic’ to protect for future generations News from the office of Senator Tester
U.S. SENATE – On Nov. 16, U.S. Senator Jon Tester re-introduced his Montana Headwaters Legacy Act, legislation that will protect 384 miles of Montana rivers — the most significant wild and scenic designation in nearly 45 years. “Protecting public lands in Montana is about preserving the livelihoods of our communities and making sure we pass on that heritage to future generations – and this bill was built from the ground up to do just that,” said Tester. “The Montana Headwaters Legacy Act is built on the passionate work of ranchers, conservation organizations, recreationists, and advocates alike, and I’m proud to continue this fight to ensure that clean, free-flowing rivers, untouched by special interests, can be enjoyed by generations of Montanans to come. Together, we’ll get this bill signed into law to protect the rivers, lakes, and land that make Montana the Treasure State.”
Tester’s Montana Headwaters Legacy Act will protect some of Montana’s most iconic recreational rivers—including the Gallatin, Madison, and Smith as well as headwater streams in the Custer-Gallatin National Forest—to ensure they are permanently protected from short-sighted special interests. The legislation brings together conservationists, outfitters, and recreationalists alike, and is supported by the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, American Rivers, American Whitewater, the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, and the Gallatin River Task Force. “Whether you like to paddle, fish, or just sit by the water and take it all in, each river in the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act offers visitors exceptional opportunities to connect with some of the most beautiful rivers on the planet,” said Kevin Colburn, National Stewardship Director for American Whitewater. “These rivers’ clean water, majestic scenery, and thriving ecology are an inspiration to all who visit, and protecting these values is a gift we can offer future generations. I’m proud to support the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act and thank Senator Tester for his leadership as we protect our rivers and fight to get this legislation across the
finish line.” “We are grateful for Senator Tester’s continued commitment to river conservation. The Montana Headwaters Legacy Act is community-driven, broadly supported, and deeply vetted legislation crafted by Montanans through a decade of public input,” said Charles Drimal of the Greater Yellowstone Coalition. “When passed into law, this Wild and Scenic Rivers designation will support Montana’s world class fish and wildlife populations, maintain ecological integrity, safeguard resilient river landscapes in the face of climate change and ensure the Yellowstone and Missouri headwaters remain clean and free flowing for generations to come.” “The Montana Headwaters Legacy Act would forever secure some of the most iconic stretches of river in the state, not only for current and future generations, but also for the benefit of Montana’s $7.1 billion outdoor economy,” said John Sullivan, Board Chair, Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. “The Wild and Scenic designations would preserve what we love about these waterways. It would ensure they remain wild, clean and free flowing while also preserving public access and many traditional uses of these rivers.” “The Montana Head-
Valley Journal
waters Legacy Act is our best chance of protecting some of Montana’s most cherished rivers while they’re still relatively healthy,” said Scott Bosse, Northern Rockies Regional Director, American Rivers. “Our rivers need it, local communities want it, and future generations will thank us for it.” “Protections outlined for Montana’s rivers and tributaries in Senator Tester’s Montana Headwaters Legacy Act would preserve habitat, protect future river health, and safeguard against additional impacts that face Montana’s rivers today, and in the future,” said Kristin Gardner, CESO, Gallatin River Task Force. “This legislation is a commitment to keeping Montana’s rivers like the Gallatin healthy and ensures that we have the right tools to invest in our rivers for future generations.” “Montana’s rivers are an iconic and critical piece of our state’s outdoor economy, providing essential habitat for healthy fisheries and an economic foundation for communities and businesses across the state,” said Marne Hayes, Director, Business for Montana’s Outdoors. “Senator Tester’s Montana Headwaters Legacy Actestablishes the caliber of protections necessary to preserve these rivers today and for the future and
secure their unique and irreplaceable values.” “Many wild plants that we traditionally harvest for food and ceremony grow right alongside our rivers in riparian landscapes,” said Gerald Gray, Chairman of the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council. “As a people, we depend on clean water and healthy rivers. Our physiological health, spiritual wellbeing, and economy rely on them. That is why on behalf of the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council we are proud to endorse the Montana Headwaters Legacy Act.” “The Montana Headwaters Legacy Act is one of the most important pieces of bipartisan legislation in our lifetimes,” said Eric Ladd, Outlaw Partners CEO. “The importance of the MHLA cannot be overstated as this will be a generational piece of legislation that our children and grandchildren will thank us for passing. Clean and healthy waterways are as logical as gravity.” In 1968, Congress passed the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to preserve rivers with cultural and recreational value in their free-flowing condition for present and future generations. Less than one-half of one percent of Montana’s approximately 170,000 miles of river is designated as “wild and scenic.”
PBS episode examines how Montana cities are managing growing homeless populations From MSU News Service
BOZEMAN — A new episode of “Montana PBS Reports: IMPACT” examining urban camping and a new model of helping victims of domestic violence aired last week on Montana PBS. The episode examines how Montana cities are managing growing homeless populations under a pair of rulings from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that prohibit cities from criminally punishing homeless individuals from sleeping in public places. The episode highlights efforts by leaders in Billings to transform the way the community helps victims of domestic vio-
lence by putting government services like prosecutors and police under the same roof as nonprofits that provide shelter and other resources for those experiencing violence. This model, known as the Family Justice Center model, was pioneered 20 years ago in San Diego and now exists in more than 130 communities nationwide. “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: watch. montanapbs.org/show/montana-pbs-reports-impact/ or the Montana PBS Facebook page at facebook.com/MontanaPBS.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MONTANA PBS
How Montana cities are managing urban camping and a new model of helping victims of domestic violence are examined in the new episode.
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Valley Journal
November 22, 2023 - 15
National Domestic Violence Awareness month honorees announced News from Dana Grant, SAFE Harbor
POLSON — Kind words, caring guidance, and a sense of hope are simple ways a person can support those dealing with violence. Each October, as part of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, SAFE Harbor honors local heroes who have positively impacted others. “People are amazing,” said Brandi Clark, SAFE Harbor Executive Director. “Through their actions, they remind us of the value of real community.” Based on nominations from across the Flathead Reservation and Lake County, the individuals and agencies selected represent the highest level of community service and commitment to others. “These honorees have shown a commitment to supporting others without any expectation of recognition,” added Clark. The 2023 honorees who were recognized last month included: the Lake County Justice Court Clerk’s Office, Lauren Clairmont, Lake County District
Court Clerk’s Office, St. Ignatius Police Chief Jason Acheson, Lake County Crime Victim Prosecutor Lori Adams, and The Helping Hands Fund. When describing the Lake County Justice Court Clerks, the nomination stated, “Each day excellence is the goal of this outstanding program. The staff can balance the complicated layers of reporting and paperwork inherent in their work with a commitment to respect for all people, that means they never lose sight of the human experience people are dealing with as they walk in their door.” For recipient Lauren Clairmont, the nominator said, “Being brave is not like a Hallmark movie where in the end it all turns out well. Being brave is hard. Being brave brings risks. Being brave for someone else is even more challenging. Standing up. Raising voice. Placing oneself in harm’s way. Yet, it is those brave individuals who positively impact society every day. They can be fearless. Seeking solutions. Proposing change.
Receiving pushback from all around. And still they go forward, fearless in the face of the storm.” The Lake County District Clerks were recognized for “A victim centered agency is focused on being trauma informed and believing victims. They work to empower clients, to show empathy, to listen, to understand cultural diversity, to the fact that there are multiple viewpoints, to learning, to trying to connect, to being respectful, and to supporting healing. That is a lot to work on when one’s job involves a million other daily activities. By taking time and being present for each person they serve, this group exemplifies the highest standards for maintaining a victim centered and trauma informed environment, where all people are welcome and safe.” Although he is new to the community, St. Ignatius Police Chief Acheson has already stepped forth in a big way. His nomination said, “Although in some ways, they might be one
of the new kids on the block, this person has shown great wisdom in carrying out work to support the community and directly impact the quality of life for those facing violence. From the first moment they arrived on the scene, they have made it a priority to understand this community and the dynamics that define the world of the Flathead Reservation and Lake County. Once they put their powers of observation to work, this person chooses actions for change rather than complaining in the corner. Reaching out to others, they have formed important relationships with programs that can assist the clients they serve.” Lake County Crime Victim Prosecutor Lori Adams has shown real commitment to her work in the last year. Her nominator said, “When someone steps into provide guidance, assistance, and professional expertise to a survivor, it can be their only lifeline. If that person happens to be a lawyer and former judge, the level of their advocacy can be even more important. In
Library news: Give your opinion, take community survey News from Mallory Witham, Asst. Director Lake County Public Library District
POLSON — Help us, help you. Please take our Community Survey to help us make our newly renovated library better for you. We’d love to hear your opinions. To take the survey, use this link: https:// forms.gle/ViM9SY6vHEamLxt6A or go to our website at: www. northlakecountylibrary. 16 - November 22, 2023
org. You can answer just a few questions or go to the link that will let you give us more information. — Our Friends of the Library group has generously offered to take on our book and movie donation program. We will accept encyclopedias that are 40 years old or OLDER and textbooks. Condition rules still apply. There is no longer a limit to how many donations the library can take. However, if you are
planning to bring more than 3 boxes of materials for donation, please contact us ahead of time so we can make arrangements. We still do not have the space to house donations, so the Friends will come to the library every other Friday to sort and haul them to their storage facility for future book sales. — The Page Turner’s Youth Book Club takes place on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 3:30 p.m. Join us
to discuss “Pie” by Sarah Weeks. Come prepared to share your favorite parts. Also, we will be making and eating some pie, so be sure to bring your appetite as well. Didn’t finish the book yet? That is okay - we still want to hear from you. All meetings are currently being held at the library’s temporary location: 301 16th Ave. E (The First United Methodist Church Building). — The library will
Valley Journal
a short time, one such individual has demonstrated that making a difference in someone’s life is achievable. Over the past year, this person has gone beyond giving 100% to ensure the safety of victims, to hold offenders accountable, to raise the capacity of all those working with the justice system, and to promote a stronger network of professionals within Lake County and the Flathead Reservation.” In describing honoree, the Helping Hands Fund, the nomination said, “Simple acts of kindness are priceless. Words of hope. Demonstrations of empathy. Taking time to listen. Offering solutions. Providing links to new opportunities. Leaving judgement at the door. Changing the trajectory of one’s life because it matters. Each day, everyone has the chance to be that change. People on the fringe know if they walk through the door, the Helping Hands Fund staff will do all they can to help. Their actions are powerful. Their innovations, remarkable. Their heart, huge.”
close at 4 on Wednesday, Nov. 22, and remain closed Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24, for Thanksgiving. — The Board of Trustees will hold their regular meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 28, at 5:30 p.m. This meeting is open to the public and will be held at our temporary location: 301 16th Ave. E (First United Methodist Church). — Mondays mean Mother Goose so join us at
9:15 a.m. Mother Goose is geared toward ages 0 to 3, but all are welcome. We encourage parents and caregivers to participate with their children for this early learning time. — Thursdays mean Story Time so join us at 10 a.m. at our temporary location. Story Time is geared toward kindergarten readiness, ages 3-5, but everyone is welcome. We read books, make crafts, and play games.
Montana State researcher envisions living building materials that function like bone By Diana Setterberg MSU News Service
BOZEMAN — Microbes and bacteria and biofilms – oh my! Though most of us go about our daily business without thinking much of the invisible lifeforms that exist all around us, Montana State University assistant professor Chelsea Heveran is looking for ways to use them to meet sustainability challenges in the building industry. The journal Matter recently published a paper by Heveran, who teaches in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering in MSU’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering. She is the lead author of “Make engineered living materials carry their weight,” which she calls a “perspective piece” exploring the concept of incorporating engineered living materials, or ELMs, into building materials to significantly reduce carbon emissions and environmental costs during manufacture of things like concrete and cement. “We want to use the functionalities of living cells to help make building materials more sustainable,” Heveran said. The article states that manufacturing the materials used in structures accounts for more than 25% of global carbon emissions, and that one way to reduce the impact is to replace some of their 18 - November 22, 2023
MSU PHOTO BY ADRIAN SANCHEZ-GONZALEZ
Chelsea Heveran, assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Montana State University’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering, uses a scanning electron microscope to examine Synechococcus cyanobacteria on Jan. 14, 2020, in the Imaging and Chemical Analysis Laboratory at MSU in Bozeman. Heveran is the lead author of a new paper published in the journal Matter that explores the concept of incorporating engineered living materials into building materials.
traditional components with materials made by, or including, microbes. Already, one Colorado company is manufacturing light-duty cinder blocks with a mineral formed from photosynthetic algae through a method requiring far less carbon than traditional processes, Heveran said. So far, though, engineers have not figured out how to keep cells alive for the long term in structures capable
of bearing heavy loads. Heveran’s paper suggests that engineers could learn much by studying how living bone functions. “Bones, which both maintain living cells for decades and support structural loads, often provide mechanical function for an entire lifetime without undergoing mechanical failure. Such a long service life is almost unheard of in engineered devices such as vehicles and machines,” Heveran
said. “Bone is able to maintain excellent material properties for much longer than most engineering materials because of the coordinated repair and replacement activities performed by resident bone cells.” Could engineers design ELMs to function similarly? “We could get closer to meeting the sustainability potential of engineered living building materials if we can surmount the
Valley Journal
twin challenges of keeping cells alive longer and generating materials to be stronger,” Heveran said. “Right now, the stiffest engineered living materials that we have can only be used for relatively low-load applications.” Heveran says that cells used in bone-inspired engineered living materials do not need to be bone cells – common soil microbes that are associated with biomineral pro-
duction in nature, such as calcite and vaterite, could perform the desirable functions in engineered living materials. Instead, bone can serve as an inspiration for how vascular-like networks can help keep cells alive in rigid materials for a long time so that they can perform desirable functions, like sensing and repairing cracks. Heveran isn’t the only professor on campus working to further ELM technology – she named several researchers in MSU’s Center for Biofilm Engineering involved in team-based ELM projects. Robin Gerlach, Adrienne Phillips, Erika Espinosa-Ortiz, Recep Avci, Matthew Fields and others are actively working on federally funded engineered living materials projects. “By many measures, Montana State University is leading the way in the engineered living materials domain,” she said. As part of the annual Montana Biofilm Meeting in July, MSU hosted the first-ever ELM conference attended by 140 people from universities, private companies and MSU researchers, including students. “It was very exciting to get everybody together this summer to have conversations that let us resolve scientific, regulatory and legal challenges that are currently barriers to ELMs entering society,” Heveran said.
Flathead Transit
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Tickets on sale now for spring TF3 concert News from Wacholz College Center
KALISPELL — Time For Three, the renowned Grammy and Emmy-winning ensemble, is set to captivate audiences at the Wachholz College Center on March 17, 2024, at 7 p.m. Defying musical conventions, TF3 seamlessly blends classical, Americana, and singer-songwriter styles, creating a truly unique and captivating sound that resonates globally. For more information visit: wachholzcollegecenter.org or call 406-756-1400. TF3 has a unique sound that captivates audiences, immersing
them in a musical experience that merges various eras, styles, and traditions of Western music. TF3, consisting of Charles Yang (violin, vocals), Nicolas “Nick” Kendall (violin, vocals), and Ranaan Meyer (double bass, vocals), combines their instruments and voices in a remarkable sound, establishing a distinct voice of expression that resonates with listeners worldwide. Renowned for their charismatic and energetic performances, TF3 has garnered praise from respected outlets including NPR, NBC, The Wall Street Journal, and the Chicago SunTimes. They have graced
illustrious stages such as Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, and The Royal Albert Hall, effortlessly adapting their inimitable and versatile style to intimate venues like Joe’s Pub in New York or Yoshi’s in San Francisco. TF3 was featured on the acclaimed “Night of the Proms” tour, sharing stages with renowned artists like Chaka Khan and Ronan Keating across several European countries. Their collaborations span a diverse range of artists, including Ben Folds, Branford Marsalis, Joshua Bell, Aoife O’Donovan, Natasha Bedingfield, and Arlo Guthrie.
Two locals named to Class C Volleyball All-State list
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CHARLO — Both Karly Alder and Aida Cote, seniors students from Charlo, were named the Class C Volleyball All-State list for 2023.
Weekends: 406-675-5000 Valley Journal
November 22, 2023 - 17
DPHHS urges providers to monitor for lead poisoning in children News from DPHHS
MONTANA — Federal, state, and local officials are urging medical providers to lookout for possible cases of lead poisoning in children after at least 22 toddlers in 14 states were sickened as of Nov. 7, 2023, by lead linked to tainted pouches of cinnamon apple puree and applesauce. The following were recalled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration due to reports of elevated levels of lead found in certain units of the products: • WanaBana brand apple cinnamon fruit purée pouches • Schnucks brand cinnamon applesauce pouches • Weis brand cinnamon applesauce pouches Montana isn’t among the 14 states with confirmed cases, but the FDA and DPHHS said these products were sold at Dollar Tree stores in Montana prior to the recall and have been removed from 19 MT stores. These products are also sold and available nationally through multiple retailers, including Amazon and other online outlets. “If you think your child may have consumed recalled fruit pouches, you should talk to your child’s health care provider about getting a blood test for lead,” said Dr. Maggie Cook-Shimanek, Public Health Physician at DPHHS. “These products also have a long shelf life, so consumers are advised to check their homes and discard these products.” There is no safe level of lead exposure, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention uses a marker of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter to identify children with blood lead levels higher than most. The reported symptoms of children with lead poisoning may include, but not limited to, headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, a change in activity level and anemia. Cook-Shimanek said children are more vulnerable to lead poisoning than adults because their nervous systems are still developing. Although children with lead exposure may have no apparent acute symptoms, even low levels have been associated with learning, behavioral, and cognitive effects. For more information, see the Nov. 13, 2023, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Health Advisory Network message or the FDA Nov. 14, 2023, News Release.
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Tester presses SEC to require corporations disclose lobbying expenditures News from the office of Senator Tester
U.S SENATE — To remove the corrosive influence of corporations and dark money on our democracy, U.S. Senator Jon Tester sent a letter to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) pressing the agency to take immediate action to require corporations to disclose their lobbying expenditures. Writing alongside a group of his Senate colleagues, Tester told SEC Chair Gary Gensler that it is past time for the agency to force corporations to reveal their lobbying activity to their investors: “In the absence of strong lobbying disclosure rules, investors are largely kept in the dark regarding the policy campaigns they are indirectly funding. This raises concerns that investors
may be funding lobbying activities that are counter to the stated missions of the companies they have invested in, that are counter to their own beliefs, or that may even erode the value of their investment… A company’s lobbying activity is of material importance to its investors, and it is past time for the SEC to require strong disclosure rules to ensure investors have access to that information.” Tester argued that the SEC already has existing authority to force corporations to disclose lobbying expenditures: “In order to uphold its commitment to ‘protect the more than 66 million American households that have turned to the securities markets to invest in their futures,’ the Commission must act to require registered companies to disclose important infor-
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mation about their lobbying activities. Under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the SEC has the authority to require registered companies to publicly file financial statements, management salaries, and other important information ‘as necessary or appropriate for the proper protection of investors and to insure fair dealing in the security.’ Accordingly, we urge the Commission to issue a rule updating Regulation S-K to require registered companies to disclose, as relevant, any lobbying strategy, the aggregate amount of direct or indirect contributions to registered state and federal lobbyists, and any
material risks related to or arising from the registrant’s lobbying strategy and expenditures.” The first two bills that Tester introduced this Congress were aimed at getting dark money out of politics and overturning the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision. He also supported legislation to ban stock trading in Congress to further boost the accountability of Members of Congress, and in July, Tester reintroduced his Close the Revolving Door Act which would implement a lifetime ban on Members of Congress from ever becoming lobbyists.
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November 22, 2023 - 19
Fall Mack Days final results announced News from CSKT
FLATHEAD LAKE — The 2023 Fall Mack Days Fishing event on Flathead Lake sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes is in the books. A total of 17,502 lake trout entries were received. It was the second largest event total since the 2019 Fall event, which had 18,214 entries. In 2020, the event total was 14,821, in 2021 it was 14,036, and in 2022 it was 13,901. One hundred thirty five out of 344 anglers turned in one or more lake trout entries. Friday’s fish total came to 472, Saturday’s raging winds kept the total down to 172, and Sunday was a good day with 448 lake trout entries. Weekend totals came to 1,092. Fishing sixty-two days in a row, 60 event days and two days pre-fishing for spots, was the winner of the event, David Myers of Riverton, Wyoming. David had 1,399 lake trout entries for the Friday to Sunday competition days. His goal was to turn in an entry every day of the event and he did. David even had his wife out a couple of days of the event. She reported that her hands were very cold, and she hooked a large lake trout. It pulled the fishing rod out of her hands and over board it went. David tied a treble hook onto another pole, and they went fishing for her pole and were lucky enough to get it back. David turned in 1,423 for the Monday to Thursday fishing event. His 18-day average was 61.61. Great job David. He set a new total record count for Fall Mack Days Fishing event. Coming in second was Felix Gauci of Stevensville with 1,127 and a 59.61 average. In 20 - November 22, 2023
third place was Michael Benson of Lonepine with 1,135 and a 51.72 average. Fourth place was Bob Stewart of Kalispell with 980 total and 46.67 average. Fifth place was Jerry Benson of Plains with 771 and 37.78 average. Sixth place was Larry Ashwell of Missoula with 726 and 34.89 average. In seventh place was Larry Karper of Florence with 624 and 32.56 average. In eighth place was Jack Kirkland of Lolo with 624 and 32.56 average. In ninth place was Richard Kreis of Huson with 543 and 24.72 average. In 10th place was Scott Bombard of Missoula with 450 and 22.33 average. In 11th place was Terry Krogstad of Kalispell with 398. In 12th place was Laurie Kreis of Huson with 307. In 13th place was Claude Kaber of Whitefish with 288. In 14th place was Steve Mack of Helena with 221. In 15th place was Sam Sacchi of Thompson Falls with 215. In 16th place was Julie Perkins of Kalispell with 210. In 17th place was Bryan Long of Kalispell with 193. In 18th place was Jim Flinchbaugh of Kalispell with 185. In 19th place was Joe Minnehan of Kalispell with 175. In 20th place was Brian McDowell of Whitefish with 154 lake trout entries. The winner of the Ladies category was Laurie Kreis of Huson with 307. In second place was Julie Perkins of Kalispell with 210. In third place was Debby Sacchi of Thompson Falls with 143.
Kim Mack of Helena, with 67 entries, came in 4th. In fifth place was Connie Jones of Kalispell with 18 lake trout entries. Connie had a lucky day on Friday catching two in a row with tags. “The Ghost,” the $10,000 tagged lake trout eluded all anglers during the 2023 fall event. A new lake trout will be tagged as the $10,000 fish for the 2024 Spring Mack Days event. Turning in tagged lake trout in the last week of the event were: $100 - Julie Perkins, Richard Kreis, Connie Jones, and Tony Incashola of St. Ignatius. Turning in $200 tagged fish were Connie Jones and Alison Putzler of Kalispell. The winner of the 13-17 age group was Lucia Savola of Missoula with 11 lake trout entries. Alison Putzler took second place with nine lake trout entrees. Winning the 12 & under age category was Blaine Helvey of Thompson Falls, with 18 lake trout entries. In second place was Paisley Helvey with 18 lake trout entries. There was a tie for third place between Zander Oliver of Missoula and Emily Simonich of Missoula, each turning in five lake trout entries. Terry Krogstad of Kalispell won the 70 & over age category with a total of 398. In second place was Mike Cosby of Thompson Falls with 132, and in third place was Paul Grove of Wyoming, Illinois, with 116 lake trout entrees. We would like to thank each and every angler who caught one fish or hundreds of fish; you are all awesome and are helping a conservation effort to increase native fish numbers in Flathead Lake. Valley Journal
COURTESY PHOTO
A tired but happy taped-up David Myers, winner of 2023 Fall Mack Days on Flathead Lake, looks up at the camera. Cracks in the fingers and a blister on his nose, he held on fishing 60 straight days in the event. Excellent angler!
obituaries Lorraine Frost RONAN — Lorraine S. Frost, RN, at the age of 70, passed into the arms of Jesus, on Oct. 21, 2023. Lorraine LorFrost raine or Raine, as she was known to family and friends, was born on May 9, 1953. Growing up in Central California, Raine was a true child of the 60s and 70s and lived her life
with the motto of “just laugh and dance, even if it’s raining.” After her 1971 high school graduation, from Monterey Bay Academy, her zeal for learning moved her on to the sunshine and sand of Loma Linda University where she was accepted into a two-year pilot, nursing program. Raine graduated with her nursing degree in 1973 and began what would become a lifelong passion for healing both the body and spirit of broken people. Professionally, Lorraine was a licensed hospital administer, held multiple specialty certi-
fications in ER/Trauma and Obstetrics/NICU. She was a published author, having written a self-tutorial book for families of HIV/Aids patients, and she was one of the first in the United States to author an online Certified Nurse Aid training course. When she became certified in homeopathic medicine, she seamlessly incorporated that knowledge into her medical care. Throughout her fifty-year nursing career, Lorraine was a frequent guest instructor at Salish Kootenai College, Ronan High School, and countless workshops, across the
United States and as a missionary to India. Lorraine was an accomplished musician with a love for writing music, singing, and playing the piano, violin, and accordion. Her happiest places on earth were the beach or in her garden. She would tell anyone willing to listen, that above all, her greatest accomplishments were her children, Brenda and Jason. Her greatest joys were her grandbabies, Tayler Ann, Jarrett, Daleray, Jesse, Jaslyn, and Gavin. Raine’s truest comfort came from her personal walk, with her best
friend, Jesus. Her love for Him showed in her every endeavor. And when she did fall, she trusted that He would be there to pick her up and love her anyway. In her journal, Raine wrote: “He is in control of time, all time. I am a child of God, and I am not afraid. When it is time, I am going to take a short nap and when I wake up, I expect to see each of you there.” Lorraine’s family and friends take comfort in knowing that she is at peace and resting, until her Jesus wakes her up, and reunites her with all those she loved and treasured. Funeral services have
been held. Please consider donating to one of Raine’s heart projects: Ronan High School / LF-C.N.A. Memorial Fund, 421 Andrew Street N.W., Ronan, MT 59864 or GV SDA Church - Women’s Ministries/SAFE Harbor 36334 Mud Creek Lane, Ronan, MT 59864. 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.
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Valley Journal
November 22, 2023 - 21
Obituaries from page 21
Bruce Thomas POLSON — Bruce Leslie Thomas, 77, of Polson passed away on Nov. 8, 2023, at Logan Hospital in Kalispell. He was born on Sept. 25, 1946, in Kalispell to Leslie and Una Thomas. As a young boy he lived in his mother’s old family home in Rollins before his family moved to Polson in 1954. He attended school in Polson and was a star athlete in football, basketball, and Bruce track. He went Thomas on to play college football first for the University of Montana Grizzlies and then for the Southern Utah Thunderbirds where he graduated with a degree in physical education in 1970. Bruce served in the Army after graduation and spent a year in Korea before coming back to the states in 1972. On Dec. 22, 1970, Bruce married his first wife, Pennie Hansen, in Orem, Utah. They had sons, Jason and Ryan. Bruce moved back to Polson and worked with his father at Thomas Logging, Inc. When the logging industry began to slow, he went to work for the Polson School District’s high school English department and coaching staff where he went on to impact the lives of Polson youth for 30 years. Bruce began his coaching career as an assistant for the football and boys’ basketball teams. He eventually added head girls’ (and assistant boys’) track coach to his list of annual 22 - November 22, 2023
activities. In 1991, he decided to take the opportunity to be head coach of the girls’ basketball program and left his longtime post in the football program. He was an accomplished coach and success followed him wherever he was involved. As the PHS girls’ basketball coach for 15 years, he compiled a record of 207 wins and 136 losses, had three Western A championships and finished second and fourth at state during his tenure. As track and field coach, the girls’ team won state titles in 2003 and 2004, and he assisted the boys’ team to a championship in 1996. The boys’ basketball program won their first state championship during his tenure in 1993. Bruce often drove the team bus and athletes reported he saved their lives on more than one treacherous winter road. On April 12, 1986, Bruce married Mary Alice Currie Wegner in Polson, who had two sons, Shawn and Shane. Together Bruce and Mary Alice had sons, Isaiah and Kaden. In 2007, Bruce and Mary Alice moved to Atmautluak, Alaska, and were educators in the remote tundra village for 10 years before retiring in 2017. One year Bruce coached girls’ basketball in Alaska, which required him to drive a snow machine and pull the team behind in a sled to get to games in other villages. Bruce is preceded in death by his parents; brother, Jay Thomas; and stepson Shane Wegner. He is survived by wife, Mary Alice; sister, Judi ( Jim) Brown; sons, Jason (Eliza), Ryan (Maribeth), Isaiah (Samantha), and Kaden (Kayla); stepson, Shawn (Tina) Wegner; and 25 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We imagine that Bruce will
be remembered most for his kindness, quick wit and hilarious sense of humor. He really gave his best to coaching and teaching. We love you and miss you, Buckshot! Quote the Raven, “Nevermore.” Services have been held. 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.
Richard Christopher POLSON — Richard John “Dick” Christopher passed away on Nov. 11, 2023, a Saturday evening, in the caring embrace of his family and compassionate administrations of St. Joseph’s Hospital’s medical team. He is survived by his children, their loving spouses, and a growing legacy of grandchildren and great-grandRichard children. Christopher Dick was born in Great Falls in 1936, stories involving twin best friends Larry and Garry Wunderwald, some M80s, and GFHS Football Field ended in shattered windows. Later, a ‘49 Buick with surprising speed in second gear may have been raced between stop lights. Speed, it seems ran in the family. Richard’s father, RJ, would often invite Dick along to “test” the new Cadillacs at Rice Motors. One incident almost ran over a herd of cattle on the road. Valley Journal
Another “test,” ended with Dick thrown from his seat and RJ with a steering wheel in his hands. Future “tests “were conducted at slower speeds. These stories, however, belie, the life of honor and integrity Richard led. Starting early, Dick nurtured a sense of duty. His fascination with chemistry and meaningful mentorship in a clothing store traveled with him to the School of Pharmacy at the University of Montana (then Montana State) in 1954. Richard picked the Phi Delta Theta fraternity, and then after a freshman English class and a Greek mixer Corinne “Keenie” Cone picked him out. After a first date enjoying a soda, Dick was smitten. There began an affection that deepened into an epic 53year love story. Keenie went to work at the Mercantile to help him through school, and he spent the rest of his days saying thank you in a million little acts of kindness. This bond would anchor generations, teaching them the meaning of love and devotion. From this union came Kim, a dog named Prince, a convertible, and a trip to El Paso for training in the Army National Guard. There Dick learned Missile Defense Systems he would later practice with a bunch of “farm kids who knew their stuff ” in a great artillery unit out of Lewistown. Returning to Missoula brought the joy of a son, Jeff, and the disappointment of career plans dashed at Missoula Drug. Serendipitously, Dick and Keenie took a job in Polson with Cal Hubbard’s Pharmacy on Main Street, beginning a 40-year partnership and one of Dick’s greatest friend-
ships. Sharing a common ethic of integrity in business, and dedication to employees and customers alike, Cal and Dick worked long hours at the store and longer hours at the hospital and nursing home. As they filled prescriptions they dispensed wisdom, both in technical application and in holistic care. Service and faith mattered to Richard. Service to his wife, his kids, his church, and his community and his unwavering faith in God. Faith ordered his life and grounded his philosophies. This selfless desire to help others was present even in his darkest hours. He always wanted to help. To this end, Dick supported the Elks, Jaycees, Lions, Rotary and most of all his church. 1968 brought another son, Courtney to their new house on Hillcrest, which would, here after, provide the gravitational center of family. Another five years brought a beautiful baby girl, Tiara, and the purchasing of Harbour Pharmacy from Cal. Day by day he constructed a life built on love, faith, and hard work. He put four kids through college, and helped with spouses, and grandchildren when their needs arose. Dick laid the financial and emotional bedrock that supported lives wrecked by divorce. He took in the homeless, gave to the poor, and supported the sick. Family, friends, churches, and Polson were benefactors of his largess. He was a rock in the storm. He would listen and help. They won’t write histories about his greatness, though they should, because those recount dramas and conflict.
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Obituaries from page 22
Instead, Dick mitigated problems before they developed through forethought and integrity. He built structures of trust and devotion out of unrelenting kindness, and steadfast loyalty. Dick was a paragon of virtue. He did it right, every day. It was a discipline buried deep in his soul. Though history may overlook reliable decency, society and his family were built on this sturdy foundation. Richard was the kind of man people aspired to be and his presence was so much larger than his physical appearance. As his children and grandchildren brought others home, Richard became Grandpa to many generations. When Keenie got sick he saw her through highs of remission and the lows of metastasis. He carried her home from St. Patrick Hospital, and after burying the love of his life, he decided, instead of lament for lost years, he would celebrate the time he had with her, punctu-
ating his gratitude in the oft told faith-based comment “that’s a thank you God.” Dick concentrated on the blessing of 53 years. He focused his goodwill on his children, helping them through their troubles and supporting their ambitions. He remained active in the church as an Elder, and as a provider of Meals on Wheels. His was a life of service, kindness, devotion, faith, and gratitude. He will be missed. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, RJ and Almira Christopher; his sister, Margie Rae (Harry) Britton; and his beloved, wife Corinne “Keenie” Christopher. Dick is survived by his daughter, Deborah “Kim” Christopher and her sons, Nick (Lisa) Janeway, Remington Christopher-O’Conlough, Isaac Christopher- O’Conlough; his son, R. Jeffery Christopher ( Julie) and their kids, Amber Nolan, Crystal (Ashley) Walker, Cole (Shantelle) Davis, Bryn ( Jake) Metcalfe and Jacey Christopher; his son, Courtney
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(Renee) Christopher; and his daughter, Kaleigh Christopher; his daughter, Tiara ( Justin) Knowles and their sons, Roman, Ramsey, Christian, and Hunter; great-grand kids, Richard Chavez, Jenisce (Tomas) Monterrosa, Daniel Chavez, Alyssa Janeway, Zevan Walker, Zoe Davis, Ziya Walker, Raine Nolan, Kamiah Davis, Jaxton Christopher, Oakes Metcalfe; and great-great grandkids, Aiden Monterrosa, Link Pell, Everly Monterrosa, Alaya Chavez as well as numerous nieces and nephews. His celebration of life ceremony will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Polson, on Dec. 15, 2023, at 11a.m. Gifts are not necessary, but if you care to donate to either the First Presbyterian Church, Glacier Church Camp, Greater Polson Community Foundation, or a charity of your choosing, that will honor the life he led. The family would also like to thank St. Joseph Assisted Living for their incredible care for the last year of his life. A digital “Zoom”
meeting will broadcast the service at: us02web. zoom.us 950 544 0490 thanks to Scott Heinz and the First Presbyterian Church of Polson. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at: www. lakefuneralhomeandcremation.com. Arrangements are under the care of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory.
Janet Largent RONAN — Janet E. Largent, 89 years old, passed away in Ronan on Nov. 2, 2023. She was born in Silvana, Washington, on Jan. 8, 1934, to Marvin and Ellen Jensen. She is survived by her Janet children, Largent Lee, David (Linda), Margret (Robert) Wootten, and Marvin ( Jeri); her siblings, Mackie ( Joe) Town, Norma (Tom) McSloy, Ray (Sue) Jensen, Laurel (Mehdi) Araghi,
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Annual tree lighting to be held Nov. 25 at Lake County Courthouse POLSON — On Saturday, Nov. 25, at 6 p.m. at the Lake County Courthouse, the annual tree lighting ceremony will take place. Sip hot cocoa and enjoy chocolate chip cookies provided by Lake City Bakery. Bring the family and kick off the holiday festivities with carols and fun activities for the kids.
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Vol. 20, No. 4
Pumpkins fall from sky at St. Ignatius airport
Unique fundraiser collects money for annual fireworks show Town council pg. 5
Transit app pg. 6
Sports pg. 16
Story and photos by Beau Biggs for the Valley Journal
ST. IGNATIUS — The community came together on Saturday, Oct. 7, to watch pumpkins drop out of an airplane at the St. Ignatius Airport. The event was held as a fundraiser for next year’s Good Old Days fireworks show. Blackfoot Communication and the Brett Thoft Memorial Foundation sponsored the event along with several others. The Brett Thoft Memorial Foundation was giving out coats for any child who needed one. There were also plenty of things for the kids to do at the event, including face painting. Apple bobbing drew in participants as folks dunked their heads into a barrel of water and at-
tempted to bite into an apple, no hands allowed. Another line was filled with people waiting for
the free barbeque with burgers and hot dogs. To win at the pumpkin drop, participants needed
to buy a ticket. Pumpkins were then dropped out of the airplane and landed on a square with numbers. If a person’s ticket matched the number the pumpkin landed on, they won $250. Pilot Mike Kuefler said, “There was a lot of planning that went into dropping the pumpkins. You have to be at the
right height and stay at a consistent speed (while flying) or the pumpkin will miss, and then, we have to make another pass.” During drop four, the airplane made a couple passes before finally getting the pumpkin on target. To drop a pumpkin, it takes three people: the
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Dan (Beth) Jensen and many grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and a number of kids she babysat over the years. As the oldest of nine, Janet got an early start taking care of kids, then she raised four of her own on the farm in Moiese. After moving to Ronan, she spent a lot of time babysitting for several families in the area. All that time caring for and feeding kids prepared her for working 17 years in the cafeteria at St. Luke Hospital in Ronan. A memorial will be held next summer. Messages of condolences may be shared with the family online at: www.shriderthompson.com. Arrangements are under the care of Shrider-Thompson Funeral Home.
CALL TODAY (866) 585-6456 Valley Journal
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• Award-winning weekly newspaper • Well established advertising, subscriber base, website & social media following • 19 years in business • Beautiful place to work & live • QR code links to full listing details w w w. va l l ey j o u r n a l . n e t November 22, 2023 - 23
seniors Ronan By Donna Daniels for the Valley Journal
RONAN — The Mission Valley Senior Center is located across from St. Luke’s Hospital. We are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for lunch and other activities. Our menu: — Wednesday, Nov. 22: brunch, salad, dessert — Friday, Nov. 24: closed — Monday, Nov. 27: enchiladas, salad, dessert — Wednesday, Nov. 29: Swiss steak, salad, dessert We are holding the first Memory Café on Wednesday, Nov. 22, from 2-4 p.m. For any questions call Danika at 406-409-8149. If you missed our Thanksgiving Dinner, you missed an excellent meal. Our Christmas Dinner will take place on Sunday, Dec. 10. Don’t miss out on another excellent meal. Our oven is going out. We have applied for grants but that will only cover part of the cost, so we are asking for donations to cover the remainder. If you would like to donate you can send your donation to: Mission Valley Senior Center, 528 Main St SW, Ronan, MT 59864 and note on your check “Oven Fund.” A big thank you for the donations so far. The Ronan Senior 24 - November 22, 2023
Center is available for renting for your events. Call us if you are having an event and need a location to have it. We are looking for help again. If you are interested, please stop in. Pinochle is held every Monday from 3:30-6 p.m. at the center. Everyone is welcome. We also have a pool table available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come join the fun. Everyone is welcome for our meals, no matter what age you are. We ask for a $7 donation for our Monday, Wednesday, and Friday meals and $10 for our Sunday meal. If you would like a meal delivered to your business just call us by 10 a.m. Also, we will gladly send you a menu if requested. Our Sunday Dinner is changing to the second Sunday of the month.
Polson By Pete Mangels for the Valley Journal
POLSON — We will be closed Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 23, and Friday, Nov. 24. See’s Candy is now on sale for $27 a box and there are many choices. See Kaye and buy early. Supply should easily last until Christmas, unless you open the box and eat them all before then.
Need a ride in the Polson area for groceries, health care, your bank, or other necessities? You must be 65 or older and in need. Call 24 hrs. in advance. The cost is $5 per round trip from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., weekdays only. Activities: Space is available for playing card-table style board games. Gather up some friends to play. Bring your own board. A great wintry day activity, and you will not have to clean your house. Semi-private small group spaces are available. Big hall is available for rental on nights and weekends. Call ahead to reserve a time and date. Bowling: Tuesdays at 1 p.m. for $13 - open group - no weekly commitment Bridge: inquire at center VA rep. first Friday and third Tuesday (Dec. 1) Bingo: no bingo on Nov. 24 - “Playing Card” bingo the first and third Wednesday of each month Exercise: sitting or standing - closed Nov. 24. - M- W- F, 10:30 –11:30 a.m. - video-assisted self-guidance Pinochle: Thursdays noon-3 p.m. - walk-ins welcome - closed Nov. 23 Pool: open table from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Menu (subject to change): A suggested donation of $5 for your
meal will help support the Nutrition Program. We serve lunch from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - sit-down or takeout; call before 10 a.m. for delivery - call in for grab-n-go — Wednesday, Nov. 22: chicken enchilada, refried beans, Frito corn salad, gingerbread with sauce. — Thursday, Nov.23: closed - Thanksgiving fullness — Friday, Nov.24: closed … still full — Monday, Nov. 27: cream of chicken soup, egg salad sandwich, fruit salad, pudding — Tuesday, Nov. 28: orange chicken, rice, egg roll, ramen slaw, lemon bar — Wednesday Nov. 29: Meatloaf potato casserole, buttered corn Jell-O, apple-pine down-upside cake — Thursday, Nov. 30: Alice’s casserole, potatoes, baked pears, green salad, frosted brownie — Friday, Dec. 1: TBD We are located at 504 Third Ave. E and open from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on weekdays. Call: 406883-4735 or email us at: polsonseniorcenter@ gmail.com. Visit us on Facebook.
St. Ignatius By Barb Plouffe for the Valley Journal
ST. IGNATIUS — If you could have some type
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of activity that would help with the Winter Blues, call us with your suggestion and we will see what can be done here at the center. If you would like a craft night or afternoon, maybe a movie night, or coffee hour during the day, call us and help us put this together. The St. Ignatius Senior Center will hold a Bake/ Craft Sale on Dec. 8 at the Center from 10 a.m.2 p.m. and at the 4-H Bazaar on Dec. 9 at the St. Ignatius High School gym. Come and see what goodies we have. Any donations are welcome. The center is collecting coats, scarves, mittens/ gloves, and socks for elementary and middle school kids. We are accepting new and slightly used items. Drop them off at the center. Help us keep kids warm during the winter. On Nov. 17, from 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Mary B. from Area VI will be at the center to go over Medicare Part D and the changes that have happened. She asks that people call and schedule a time to discuss your options. We will have elder commodities on Nov. 21. If you are over 60 and think you might qualify, please come and obtain the paperwork. I am sending out a plea on behalf of the Mission Valley Food Pantry. They
need plastic grocery bags, empty boxes that will hold up to 30 pounds, dozen eggs cartons and if you have four hours of time on Tuesday and Friday, we are in the need of volunteers to help clients from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. You are welcome to come to the Food Pantry at 203 Blaine and check things out on the days we are open. We invite anyone to come and enjoy one of our meals or call for takeout. Call 406-745-4462 by 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays and by 2 p.m. on Wednesdays. Mealtimes are listed below. Menus for the month are available in the entryway of the center. Menu: — Friday, Nov. 24: noon - baked fish, rice with veggies, peas salad, muffins, cookies We invite you to become a member of the Senior Citizen Center for a fee of $10 a year. You can join us at any age. The Foot Hills Club meets the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. for snacks and cards. Gently Yoga is held on Wednesdays from 1-2:15 p.m. If you are interested, please call Bonnie Kiser at 406-253-0177. Her rates are five sessions for $60. We have walkers, a commode, a shower chair, see page 25
‘Gifts with a Lift’ program spreads holiday cheer to Montana State Hospital patients
Seniors
News from MT-DPHHS
from page 24
a wheelchair, a high-rise toilet seat, 4-prong canes, regular canes and a transfer bench to loan out as well as XXL Depends to be given out. No cost for the items that are loaned out. Our St. Ignatius Senior Center is open to people renting it. If you are interested, please call 406-7454462 and leave a message. We will call you back with the information you need. If you need help with other areas of your life such as: transportation, respite, home health services, and other information. Please call the friendly people at Lake County Council on Aging in Ronan at 406-676-2367.
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WARM SPRINGS — The Department of Public Health and Human Services announced recently that donation boxes have been set up at various locations across the state to receive holiday gifts to benefit Montana State Hospital patients. The effort is part of the annual “Gifts with a Lift” program that has played an instrumental role in spreading holiday cheer to patients for the past 71 years. The program ensures all state hospital patients have a gift this holiday season. MSH Gifts with a Lift coordinator Derek O’Brien said the program is very important to patients. “Each year, the Montana State Hospital Gifts with a Lift program helps brighten the holiday season for those who are away from family and friends,” O’Brien said. “The program relies exclusively on generous donations from Montanans across the state to provide gifts to those receiving care at MSH. Thanks to the generosity of our neighbors, the program continues to be a great success year after year. The staff and patients at MSH cannot express how much they appreciate the support.” The program is jointly coordinated
“
“... Gifts with a Lift program helps brighten the holiday season for those who are away from family and friends.” - MSH Gifts with a Life Coordinator Derek O’Brien
by the National Alliance for Mental Illness-MT and DPHHS. Suggestions for gift ideas include, but are not limited to, the following: pocket games/books, socks, T-shirts/sweatshirts, cards, winter wear (hats, gloves, jackets), magazines, phone cards, batteries, slippers, blankets/throws, headphones, handheld AM/FM radios, postage stamps, and stationery. MSH is especially in need of winter coats for men and women in sizes M – 3X (larger sizes preferred, hoodies will not be accepted). Individuals or service organizations interested in “adopting” a patient are encouraged to contact O’Brien at 406-6937137. Gifts mailed to the hospital should not be wrapped, however, donations of wrapping paper and gift boxes are welcome.
“Also, to properly acknowledge our generous program donors, please be sure to leave a return receipt as well as your name and address along with the gift,” O’Brien said. Gifts or cash donations can be mailed to Gifts with a Lift, c/o Derek O’Brien, PO Box 300, Montana State Hospital, Warm Springs, MT 59756. Please drop off or mail gifts by Dec. 8 to ensure they arrive in time for the holidays. Please make checks payable to: Gifts with a Lift. MSH is the only publicly operated inpatient psychiatric hospital in the state. It provides treatment to adults who have serious mental illnesses and who are referred from hospitals, mental health programs, and district courts from across the state. The closest location gifts can be dropped off is: Missoula: Shawn Gray – please call contact number below to coordinate pick up of donations, 2685 Palmer Street, Suite E (unable to access from outside), Missoula, MT 59801. Contact: 406-8803173. *All donations in Missoula must be received by 12/6/21. Warm Springs Montana State Hospital: PO Box 300 Warm Springs, MT 59756, contact: Derek O’Brien, 406-6937137.
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.
Call (406) 528-5234 today to schedule your consultation. Orders placed by Dec. 1st are guaranteed by Christmas!
The Heart of Healthcare in the Mission Valley
www.stlukehealthcare.org/hearing-center/ Valley Journal
November 22, 2023 - 25
calendar Wednesday, Nov. 22 Library closes for Thanksgiving holiday
see extended calendar at www.valleyjournal.net
Contrast
Bigart and Joe McDonald will present the SKC Press latest book release, “Agnes Oshanee Kenmille, Salish Indian Elder and Master Craftswoman.” From 11 a.m.-1 p.m. enjoy live music performed by The Late Bloomers.
POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library will close early at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22, for the Thanksgiving holiday and will remain closed through Friday, Nov. 24.
Monday, Nov. 27 Join early learning time at the library
Join meditation class via Zoom ZOOM — Mission Mountain Zen offers free online meditation classes. Join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesdays, for an online meditation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku. Class includes meditation instruction, practice and discussion via Zoom. The classes are held from 6-7:30 p.m. Join us and take advantage of this opportunity. For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-721-0665 or email at: Jerry.Smyers@gmail. com.
Support group for anyone affected by cancer held Wednesdays POLSON — Anyone affected by cancer will gain understanding of others, inspire and support others or just find a safe place to share or listen when attending the Cheerful Heart Cancer Support Group. The group meets from noon to 1 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month in the Chapel at St. Joseph Medical Center. The group is led by Pastor Matthew Connally of the Ronan/ Polson Nazarene Church. 26 - November 22, 2023
POLSON — Mondays mean Mother Goose. Join us at 9:15 a.m. Mother Goose is geared toward ages 0 to 3, but all are welcome. We encourage parents and caregivers to participate with their children for this early learning time.
MARTY HENSEL PHOTO
Fall foliage is silhouetted against a bright blue sky.
Thursday, Nov. 24 Happy Thanksgiving
Saturday, Nov. 25 Shop local on ‘Small Business Saturday’ LAKE COUNTY — Saturday, Nov. 25 is Small Business Saturday – a day to celebrate and support small businesses and all they do for their communities. Please join in supporting your locally owned
businesses by shopping at a small business in your community.
Annual tree lighting held POLSON — On Saturday, Nov. 25, at 6 p.m. at the Lake County Courthouse, the annual tree lighting ceremony will take place. Sip hot cocoa and enjoy chocolate chip cookies provided by Lake City Bakery. Bring the family and kick off the holiday festivities with carols and fun activities for the kids.
A ‘November Gathering’ at Ninepipes Museum on tap NINEPIPES — On Saturday, Nov. 25, from 10:30a.m.-4 p.m. Ninepipes Museum would like to thank our community for its wonderful support by hosting a day to gather. Join us for a day filled with history, stories, live music, authors and artists, refreshments and great sales discounts on bead supplies, mugs, huckleberry products, toys, etc. Help
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the Ronan Bread Basket by bringing a non-perishable food item and receive 50% off on entries to the museum (one donated item per entry). Meet our featured artist, Jan Kauffman, who will show her oil paintings and basket art, and metal worker and traditional blacksmith, Zach Seligman. From 11 a.m.-2 p.m. informal history/ storytelling will take place with museum founders, Bud & Laurel Cheff; and historians, Steve Lozar, Joe McDonald and Bob Bigart. At 1 p.m. Bob
Tuesday, Nov. 28 Learn photography basics POLSON — On Tuesday, Nov. 28, come learn photography basics taught by long-time Polson portrait photographer, Eden Bryant. Learn what is in a photographer’s tool kit, what settings to use, getting a good feel for your camera. Bring your own camera, any kind will do. Join us on Nov. 28, from 6-8 p.m. at Nova Vento Entertainment. Cost of class registration is $35. Paypal: secondwind@slashcomma.com Venmo: https:// account.venmo.com/u/ novaventoentertainment Questions, contact Jessica at: jessica@novavento. com or 406-350-1332. see page 27
Calendar from page 26
Wednesday, Nov. 29 Library holds Page Turners’ Youth Book Club POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library will hold Page Turners’ Youth Book Club on Nov. 29 at 3 p.m. They will be reading “Pie,” by Sara Weeks. Stop by and pick up your book early in the month and come ready to share. Also, we’ll be making and eating some pie, so be sure to bring your appetite as well.
Join meditation class via Zoom 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. Class includes meditation instruction, practice and discussion via Zoom. The classes are held from 6-7:30 p.m. We will cultivate and deepen our centering skills and meditation practice during the class. Please join us and take advantage of this opportunity. For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847721-0665 or email at: Jerry.Smyers@gmail.com.
annual Parade of Lights on Friday, Dec. 1, beginning at 6 p.m. in downtown Polson.
Learn to make cradleboard, yaya doll ornaments ARLEE — The Arlee Community Development Corporation is offering a free youth art workshop for kids in grades three through eight on Friday, Dec. 1, from 9 a.m.-noon. Indigenous artist Jenny Fisher will teach a class on making cradleboard and yaya doll ornaments. Lunch will be provided. Space is limited, so reserve your seat by calling 406-726-5550 or email: info@arleecdc.org
Saturday, Dec. 2 Festival of Trees plans 23rd year MISSION VALLEY — It’s festival time, Festival of Trees that is. This will be our 23rd year in Polson, so mark your calendar for Saturday, Dec. 2. The festival generates funds for the Mission Valley Youth Foundation which serves youth-based non-profit organizations, programs, and charities throughout the Mission Valley. If you are a youth based non-profit and would like to request funding, you can pick up an appli-
cation form from one of our board members (listed below) or submit an email to: mvyouthfoundation@ gmail.com. Please include your mission statement and a short description detailing your monetary request.
Wednesday, Dec. 6 Irrigators to meet RONAN — Flathead Irrigation District will hold a November/December joint meeting on Dec. 6, at 1 p.m. at Mission West Community Development Partners, 407 Main Street SW.
Commissioner Barron joins Chamber luncheon
Join meditation class via Zoom 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. Class includes meditation instruction, practice and discussion via Zoom. The classes are held from 6-7:30 p.m. We will cultivate and deepen our centering skills and meditation practice during the class. Join us and take advantage of this opportunity. For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847721-0665 or email at: Jerry.Smyers@gmail.com.
POLSON — The Polson Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheons give you access to a network of community leaders. Join us at the KwaTaqNuk from noon to 1 p.m. for a taco bar luncheon ($13). These meetings help you promote your business and provides leads from interactions outside of the Chamber. This event helps to give insight to community wide issues and creates synergy and creative collaboration between neighboring businesses.
Thursday, Dec. 7 Join ‘Busy Elves’ workshop held at SKC PABLO — From 6-8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec.7, in the Sherri McDonald Hospitality Room in the SKC gym, a family wellness event entitled “Busy Elves” will take place. This fun evening will include a light dinner (while supplies last), family crafts, door prizes and a photo booth.
Thursday, Dec. 21 SPLASH held at Providence St. Joseph Hospital POLSON — Polson Chamber of Commerce will hold their December SPLASH at Providence
St. Joseph Hospital, 6 Thirteenth Ave. E, from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21. Hosted by Providence St. Joseph Hospital along with Glacier Bank, the business community highlights a different business each month and provides an opportunity for professional networking. Food and beverages are featured. The cost is $2.
Friday, Dec. 22 Pachyderms to meet POLSON — The Lake County Republican Pachyderm meeting takes place at the Polson Rural Fire Department, 25b Regatta Road, from noon- 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22.
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Early Deadline for display ads week of Thanksgiving
For Nov. 29 newspaper Display ads are due by - 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22 We wish you and yours a very
Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, Dec. 1 Polson holds ‘Parade of Lights’ POLSON — The Polson Montana Chamber of Commerce will hold their
Thank you for reading local! Valley Journal
November 22, 2023 - 27
PUZZLES GIANT CROSSWORD 2
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SUDOKU
117
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Place the digits 1-9 in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains each digit once only.
1 8 2 5 3 8 4 4 9 3 7 6 5 9 2 6 2 6 9 3 4 6 2 9 4 8 2 9 4 6 7 1
28 - November 22, 2023
78
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44
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WORDSEARCH
1
ACROSS 1. Compote fruit 6. Convention 12. Wise bird 15. Auction off 19. Be in harmony 20. Free, as a bird 21. Pauses in poetry 23. Song of joyful praise 24. Rotten 25. Disease-fighting protein 26. Monroe’s successor 27. Name 28. Shifts 29. Culls 31. Aggressive dog 34. Brown, for one 35. “Chicago” lyricist 38. Caper 39. Cut back 41. Tool for crushing and grinding spices 45. Circuits 47. “Ali” or “Ray” 48. Dilute 49. Picks up 51. Baby’s first tooth, often 53. Misleading action 54. Movie shots 55. Voting “nay” 57. Lady of Lisbon 58. Islamic leader 59. Beasts of burden 60. Keep out 61. Concur 64. Zap 65. Almost boil 67. Skimmer, e.g. 68. Tennyson poem
70. Branch 73. Distinguish 75. Fabrication 76. “Did you ___?!” 80. Brute 82. Catch 83. Chess pieces 84. Where “Aida” premiered 85. Drain 86. Force into servitude 89. Black Sea republic 91. Mah-jongg piece 92. Temper 93. Forum garb 94. Imbues 97. Blow 98. Certain Scandinavian 100. Midback muscle, for short 101. DiCaprio, to fans 102. Be in session 103. Come (from) 106. Eccentric 110. Seed coverings 111. Russian revolutionary 115. Formal attire 117. Telephone part 118. Chip away at 119. Derogatory suggestion 120. Closet contrivance 121. Fibrous tissue 122. Set 123. Sock hop locale 124. Out 125. Appears
DOWN 1. ___ Bear 2. “Good grief!” 3. Length x width, for a rectangle
4. A lot 5. Screwball 6. Casualty at the Battle of the Little Bighorn 7. Solve 8. “The Lady of the Lake” author 9. Dangerous dive 10. Eye 11. Assembled 12. Wood sorrel 13. Potter’s tool 14. Deliver a tirade 15. Something that functions as part of a larger whole 16. Oscar Wilde poem “The Garden of ___” 17. Put on board, as cargo 18. Grazing fields 22. It won’t hold water 30. Bringing up the rear 31. Greed 32. Accord 33. Make up 35. A Muse 36. Powdery cleanser 37. “Untraceable” actor Billy ___ 40. Big bird 42. Crook 43. Protective covering 44. Admittance 46. Parenting challenges 47. Coal container 50. Like some triangles 52. Attacking 53. Experience 56. Formerly, firearms 60. Good, in the ‘hood 61. Relax 62. Big galoot
W K Q A D T O L J I K H D S I V Q S I J Z L Z A Q D L A O C S T U U Q V G R K D A E O D S H I L S C O R S E S E F E E E Y Y L O X T U B R M A I Q R L A L L E H G N I M W K T B B L M L Q T C G K G A C W F M E E A N U Q A F E I N S H M W R W L D A D M A L O P P O C B G U A F Z M E T R U F F A U T H C N U P C R V I S C O N T I U G E O E H O O L F J R Z C A W Y L L E N N E F N N H R R V O E D N L N U I N O I N O T N A A X S E A V F W P B N H G K Y X Valley Journal Valley Journal
63. Blonde’s secret, maybe 66. Part of N.Y.C. 69. Live’s partner 70. Shills for, e.g. 71. Invoice word 72. Canadian syrup 74. Hebrew month 77. Watch 78. “Fear of Flying” author Jong 79. Certain tribute 81. Color achieved during tempering 83. French sea 84. Innumerable 87. European mountain 88. Old hands 90. “Empedocles on ___” (Matthew Arnold poem) 95. Christmas wish 96. “Bye now” 98. Defeated 99. Supplement 104. Gnatlike insect 105. Spooky 106. Of the ears 107. “Two Years Before the Mast” writer 108. Drop shot 109. Disney dog 110. High-tailed horse breed 112. Zero 113. As mentioned 114. The latest 116. Barnyard male 117. When repeated, a dance
Can you find all the listed words in the grid? Words may appear horizontally, vertically or diagonally, forwards or backwards.
Film directors AKERMAN ANTONIONI CAMERON COEN COPPOLA CUARÓN FENNELL FORMAN JULY
MINGHELLA PEELE REED SCORSESE SHYAMALAN SODERBERGH TRUFFAUT VISCONTI WELLES
November 22, 2023 - 29 ge ct sele bevera &
GfEsnacks HiU n s!! o o
Full Service Espresso Bar GIANT CROSSWORD
31. Cupidity, 32. Unison, 33. Reconcile, 35. Erato, 36. Borax, 37. Burke, 40. Roc, 42. Thief, 43. Liner, 44. Entry, 46. Teens, 47. Bin, 50. Scalene, 52. Raiding, 53. Feel, 56. Ordnances, 60. Bad, 61. Chill out, 62. Oaf, 63. Dye, 66. City, 69. Learn, 70. Abets, 71. Remit, 72. Maple, 74. Tishri, 77. Vigil, 78. Erica, 79. Roast, 81. Steel blue, 83. Mer, 84. Countless, 87. Alp, 88. Veterans, 90. Etna, 95. Peace, 96. So long, 98. Fallen, 99. Insert, 104. Midge, 105. Eerie, 106. Otic, 107. Dana, 108. Dink, 109. Lady, 110. Arab, 112. None, 113. Idem, 114. News, 116. Tom, 117. Cha.
675-5000 Monday- Friday 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Saturday & Sunday 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
7 days a week
Across: 1. Pears, 6. Custom, 12. Owl, 15. Sell, 19. Agree, 20. Uncage, 21. Caesurae, 23. Paean, 24. Spoilt, 25. Antibody, 26. Adams, 27. Title, 28. Dresses, 29. Selects, 31. Cur, 34. Ivy, 35. Ebb, 38. Lark, 39. Prune, 41. Pestle, 45. Routes, 47. Biopic, 48. Thin, 49. Arrests, 51. Incisor, 53. Feint, 54. Takes, 55. Con, 57. Dona, 58. Emeer, 59. Oxen, 60. Bar, 61. Coincide, 64. Fry, 65. Scald, 67. Hat, 68. Idyll, 70. Arm, 73. Identify, 75. Lie, 76. Ever, 80. Beast, 82. Nail, 83. Men, 84. Cairo, 85. Empty, 86. Enslave, 89. Georgia, 91. Tile, 92. Choler, 93. Tunics, 94. Steeps, 97. Erupt, 98. Finn, 100. Lat, 101. Leo, 102. Sit, 103. Emanate, 106. Oddball, 110. Arils, 111. Lenin, 115. Tailcoat, 117. Cradle, 118. Erode, 119. Innuendo, 120. Hanger, 121. Sinew, 122. Cake, 123. Gym, 124. Absent, 125. Seems. Down: 1. Papa, 2. Egad, 3. Area, 4. Reams, 5. Senseless, 6. Custer, 7. Unpick, 8. Scott, 9. Tailspin, 10. Ogle, 11. Met, 12. Oca, 13. Wand, 14. Let rip, 15. Subsystem, 16. Eros, 17. Lade, 18. Leys, 22. Sieve, 30. Last,
ValleyJournal Journal Valley
51999 US 93 • PABLO (near the walking bridge in Pablo)
TAKE A BREAK!
QUICKSILVER EXPRESSO
Come in for: • Soup & Sandwiches • Coffee Bar • Free Wi-Fi • Ice Cream • Car Wash & Vacuum • Laundromat • ATM • Flathead Transit/ Jefferson Line connect SUDOKU 1 5 7 2 4 6 3 8 9
4 3 8 1 7 9 2 5 6
6 2 9 5 3 8 1 4 7
9 6 3 8 2 4 5 7 1
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WORDSEARCH W K Q A D T O L J I K H D S I V Q S I J Z L Z A Q D L A O C S T U U Q V G R K D A E O D S H I L S C O R S E S E F E E E Y Y L O X T U B R M A I Q R L A L L E H G N I M W K T B B L M L Q T C G K G A C W F M E E A N U Q A F E I N S H M W R W L D A D M A L O P P O C B G U A F Z M E T R U F F A U T H C N U P C R V I S C O N T I U G E O E H O O L F J R Z C A W Y L L E N N E F N N H R R V O E D N L N U I N O I N O T N A A X S E A V F W P B N H G K Y X
MIRROR IMAGE C
SOLUTIONS A Starting at 1, connect the dots in numerical order to complete the picture.
B
C
D
Which of the four images below is the mirror image of the larger one to the right?
DOT-TO-DOT
PUZZLES
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classifieds Announcements Events Virgelle Merc. Antiques presents a “Real Country Christmas” at a “Real Country Store” Saturday & Sunday, December 2nd & 3rd. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Antiques & Collectibles. Phone 1-800-426-2926 or (406) 3783110. www.VirgelleMontana. com Celebrate the Season at Virgelle, Montana.
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Employment Help wanted TRIBAL COURT IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM DIRECTOR - (MAY BE HIRED ON CONTRACT) DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT The successful applicant is required to possess a Master’s in Social Work preferred, or BA in Social Work, or Communication Studies and must have work experience working with CSKT Tribal Court system, TSSD, Prosecutor’s office, Defender’s office, 0PHHS, ICWA Services, IV-E Regulations, Case Management experience In Child Welfare, APS and Chemical Dependency Counseling. Preferred working experience in developing and orchestrating training events and conferences. Maintain strict confidentiality of information as required by the position. Must pass background Investigation if hired. Must have never been convicted of or pled guilty to a crime of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual offense or crime of violence (felony). Must not have resigned to avoid disciplinary actions or have been dismissed from employment within the past (3) years. Possess a valid Montana driver’s license and maintain liability insurance. No Involvement with any child or social service protection agency as a client, no alcohol or drug abuse charges or domestic violence charges within the past five (5) years mandatory. Position is required to sign a confidentiality agreement on at least an annual basis and to observe and uphold professional levels of communication protocols. Will maintain and participate in other duties as assigned. Must not have had a conviction of driving under the influence of substance or
per se within the last three (3) years. This position is a mandatory reporter of child abuse and neglect situations. All applicants must submit a completed Tribal employment application, copy of relevant academic transcripts and training certificates, copy of current valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT & 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. 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 pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary range: $22.12 to $25.43 per hour. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040. Tribal applications are also available on-line at www.csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. Eagle Bank is committed to full-service community banking – where we believe in…Lifetime Service ~ Lifetime Friendship. We have an opportunity for you to join the Eagle Bank Team as a Loan Assistant. A Loan Assistant works in the loan department and is essentially responsible for assisting Loan Officers & Staff with administrative detail and other varied clerical duties as may be designated, in accordance with Eagle Bank’s policies and procedures. This position offers flexible work schedules with competitive pay and benefits. To apply send your resume to HR@eaglebankmt.com. Location – Eagle Bank – 80 Heritage Lane, Polson MT Salary – Depending on experience and/or education. In accordance with the Indian
Self-Determination Act, P.L. 93-638, and the mission of Eagle Bank to serve the Flathead Reservation communities, preference will be given in hiring for suitably qualified Native Americans in the following order: 1 Enrolled members of CSKT; 2 Enrolled members of other federally recognized Native American or Alaska Native Tribes; 3 All other applicants. HEALTHCARE RESOURCE ADVOCATE (1 or more positions) - TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must have a Bachelor’s or Associate’s Degree in Social Work, Medical or Business Administration or minimum of five (5) years’ increasingly responsible and relevant work experience including 2 years’ experience working with the RPMS data system. Valid and unrestricted driver’s license. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcripts, certifications, proof of state licensure, 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. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test, subject to random testing, and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is $19.89 - $22.87 per hour, plus benefits, may be employed under contract. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt.org. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. The closing date will be Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. (MST)
Valley Journal
CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE/ ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE MANAGER IN TRAINING OFFICE OF ACCOUNTING, BUDGET & COMPLIANCE Bachelor’s degree and three years’ experience in public or business administration, accounting, or related fields; or any equivalent combination of training and experience. Knowledge of accounting principles and procedures; working knowledge of the Tribal budgeting process. Knowledge of selected Accounting Software programs, Microix, Abila, and OnBase with Spreadsheet programs. Skill in operating a variety of office equipment, and basic computer skills. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others; ability to communicate effectively orally and in ability to interpret regulations and policies; ability to coordinate a variety of administrative processes; possess an analytical ability. Federal background check for access to the BTFA systems. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcripts/ training certificates, a copy of current valid driver’s license and a proof of enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, please submit a copy of your DD214. This position is not a Testing Designated Positions (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) months probationary period. Salary range is $30.65 an hour. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040. Tribal applications are also available on-line at www.csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.
TRANSPORTATION SPECIALIST - (1 or more Positions) ST. IGNATIUS TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must be 18 years or older with a high school diploma/GED. Possess a current and valid Montana driver’s license and be insurable under the Tribes’ fleet policy. Current physical exam or ability to obtain physical exam upon hire. Current on required immunizations or ability to become current upon hire. Verified of recent TB screening or ability to complete the required screening. Certification in CPR/First Aid. Certification in Defensive and Distracted Driving course; or obtain one within 6 months of hire. Certification in Passenger Service and Safety; or obtain one within 6 months of hire. This position is subject to a background check in accordance with Public Law 101-630. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, copy of academic transcripts, certificates and licensure, copy of current valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. Failure to submit all of the above information will result in immediate disqualification during the screening process. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by CSKT must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is $15.56 to $17.89 per hour, plus benefits. May be employed under contract. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt.org. Tribal applications are also available on-line at cskt.org. The closing date is Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. MST CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. see page 31
public notices Help wanted cont’d from pg. 30
DENTAL ASSISTANT 1 OR MORE POSITIONS TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT (ST. IGNATIUS) The successful applicant must have a Certificate of Completion in a Dental Assistant Training Program and/or an AA in a recognized Dental Assistant training Program and/ or 3 years’ experience. Valid driver’s license. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcript, certifications, proof of state licensure, a 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. 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 $16.72 - $19.22 per hour, may be employed under contract. 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 7, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. (MST) CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. PROGRAM HYDROLOGIST JOB CORP WATER COMPACT – RONAN, MT NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must possess a Master’s of Science with three (3) years of relevant professional-level experience or Bachelor’s of Science with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional-level experience. Education must be in the field of hydrologic sciences, engineering, agricultural sciences, soil sciences, or closely related physical science field with emphasis on surface or groundwater hydrology. Education and experience must demonstrate analytical and quantitative aptitude. Possession of a valid Montana driver’s license. Must have liability or full coverage insurance on personal vehicle (if used to travel off-site in performance of duties). Must
wear Tribal government identification and safety apparel when conducting field activities. Required to successfully complete a certified defensive driving course approved by the Department every three (3) years thereafter. Failure to submit the following information will result in immediate disqualification during the screening process. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, copies of relevant transcripts and/or certificates, a copy of a valid Montana driver’s license, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. 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 is negotiable - DOE. To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. 1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes. org. This position will close on Thursday, December 14th, 2023 @ 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.
Public Notices Legals Legals Matthew H. O’Neill Skyler C. Bagley O’NEILL & BAGLEY LAW OFFICE, PLLP 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 DARLENE B. ALLIK, Decedent. CAUSE No. DP-23-69 Hon. Molly Owen NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That
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MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY
IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: DENNIS ALFRED MORIN, Deceased. Cause No.: DP-23-63 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 District Court, at Polson, Lake County, Montana, or mailed, Return Receipt Requested, to the Personal Representative, c/o TURNAGE, MERCER & WALL, PLLP, Attorneys for the Personal Representative, at 312 First St. East, Polson, MT 59860. /s/ Vy Thi Mai Chi Vy Thi Mai Chi Personal representative, Estate of DENNIS ALFRED MORIN, Deceased. Nov. 22, 29 and Dec. 6, 2023 MNAXLP
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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.
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Get a job – earn college credits – make a difference! Full time positions receive the health insurance benefit 12 months a year. Check out the available jobs and detailed job vacancy announcements on the SKC website – www.skc.edu/employment Custodian Part-time Salary Range: $13.21/hr Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Security Officer Part Time Salary Range: $12.57 - $13.84/hr DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Part Time Seasonal Grounds Maintenance Salary Range: $11.30 - $13.21 per hour DOE Closing Date: Open Until Filled
College & Career Readiness Coach (2 postions open) Salary range: $17.35/hr-$20.17/hr DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Assistant Director/Lead Teacher – Early Learning Center (10 months, full time) Salary Range: $38,880 - $45,725 Closing Date: Open Until Filled
College & Career Readiness Mentor (3 positions open) Salary Range: $17.35/hr-$20.17/hr DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Health Promotion Practices Department Chair 11-month term (July off) which includes $2500 Dept. Head stipend Salary Range DOEE: $45,778 - $48,716 Closing Date: Open Until Filled
NYCP College & Career Readiness Instructor (Part time, 9 months) Salary Range: $25.01/hr-$29.63/hr DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Custodial Services Supervisor Salary Range: $18.28 – $18.72 DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Early Learning Center-Assistant Teacher (9.5 months) Salary Range: $15.01/hr-$16.92/hr DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Office Professions Faculty (9 months, full time) Salary Range: $43,823 - $46,227 DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Early Learning Center-Toddler Teacher (9.5 months) Salary range: $15.33/hr-$17.24/hr DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Accounting Tech/Receptionist Salary Range: $14.16 - $14.48 per hour DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Indigenous Research Center (IRC) IRM & M Library & Repository Manager Salary Range: $50,176-$53,696 DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Truck Driving Instructor-PT (9 months) Salary Range: $18.19 - $19.53/hr DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Faculty / Instructional Designer (9 months) Salary Range: $43,823-$46,227 DOEE Closing Date: Monday, Nov. 6, 2023; 4:00pm
IT/Computer Science Faculty Salary Range: $45,025 - $49,883 Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Tribal Governance Administration (TGA) Instructor Salary Range: $43,621-$44,670 DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled
Executive Assistant to the President Salary Range: $41,963 - $46,655 DOEE Closing Date: Monday, Oct. 23, 2023; 4:00pm
Nursing Faculty (2 openings, 10 months) Salary Range: $55,935 - $65,551 DOEE Closing date: Monday, Dec. 4, 2023; 4:00pm MST
Bookstore Clerk Salary Range: $13.53 - $14.16/hr DOEE Closing Date: Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023; 4:00pm
Clinical Instructor (9 months, 3 openings) Salary Range: $45/hr - $55/hr DOEE (part-time, 14hrs a week) Closing date: Monday, Dec. 4, 2023; 4:00pm MST
Academic Transfer Specialist Salary Range: $33,507-$35,307 DOEE Closing date: Open Until Filled
Fine Arts Faculty (9 months) Salary Range: $43,621-$44,670 DOEE Closing date: Monday, Dec. 4, 2023; 4:00pm MST
Simulation Instructor Salary Range: $55,301-$56,400 DOEE Closing Date: Dec. 4, 2023, 4:00pm MST
To apply you must submit an SKC application, resume and applicable transcripts to Human Resources, P.O. Box 70, Pablo, MT 59855. Toll free 877.752.6553, ext. 4985 Direct Dial 406.275.4985/4977
32 - November 22, 2023
Valley Journal