Arlee fire department purchases new radio repeater with money from anonymous donor By Jerry Beeks for the Valley Journal
ARLEE — The residents of the Jocko Valley and surrounding area are a little safer now thanks to a new radio repeater installed on Pistol Creek Lookout. Arlee Volunteer Fire Chief Charles Headley and EMT Director Kai Stein said they wish to thank the anonymous
donor who gave $25,000 to the fire department. Some of the money was used to purchase a repeater that improves communication between firemen during emergency deployment and response. Before the repeater, hand-held radios would only work for short distances, up to a mile. The repeater receives the signal, strengthens, and repeats it all over the
valley. During an emergency, responders coordinate via radio with each other throughout the valley. The new radio repeater enables timelier responses, allowing for fire trucks and ambulances to reach people quicker. A few minutes can make a big difference in an emergency. The rest of the donation has been earmarked for
$27M available to help with home heating bills News from the office of Governor Gianforte
HELENA — Together with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Governor Greg Gianforte announced on Nov. 16 that $27 million in federal funding is available to help Montanans with heating bills this winter and to weatherize more homes. “With inflation at a high not seen in a generation and home heating prices continuing to increase, Montanans shouldn’t have to choose between heating their home and putting food on the table,” Governor Gianforte said. “Winter months can be challenging, and these programs are meant to help eligible Montanans keep their homes warm.” In October, the federal government projected home heating bills will skyrocket by as much as 54 percent compared to last winter. In the last year, inflation has driven up the price of fuel oil by 59 percent, propane and firewood by 35 percent, and utility gas by 28 percent. Additional funding for
the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance and Weatherization programs are available through the American Rescue Plan Act. Based on the recommendations from Montana’s ARPA Health Advisory Commission, Governor Gianforte devoted $27 million for the new program on June 28, 2021. Eligible Montanans can find LIHEAP application information at: liheap. mt.gov. About $14 million in funding will be used to increase heat assistance payments for the lowest income households with the highest energy burden, as well as special populations such as the elderly, disabled, or households with young children. LIHEAP is a federally-funded program that already provides $21 million annually to Montana to reduce the home energy burden for low-income households. DPHHS works to ensure that households with the lowest income and highest energy burden receive the greatest level of assistance. Payments are made directly to energy
providers. The ARPA funds temporarily supplement the existing LIHEAP program and provide an increase in benefits to households that could benefit from these funds the most. A portion of the funds will pay for a new, temporary benefit to pay for utility arrearages and emergency payments for reconnection fees or to stop service disconnects. The increase in payments will only apply for the 2021-22 LIHEAP season. On average, about 18,500 Montanan households are enrolled in LIHEAP statewide, and 460 homes are weatherized each year. The $6 million allocation to the Weatherization Program will reduce energy costs for additional households by increasing energy efficiency in homes. DPHHS officials say these investments have long-term impacts, and the estimated annual savings to each home receiving weatherization services is about $409. For more information about this funding opportunity and all ARPA funding allocated to DPHHS go to: arpa.mt.gov.
JERRY BEEKS PHOTO
completion of the living area on the second floor of the fire station, so some of the firemen will always be present. This will also provide for faster response times when calls come in. This year has been a busy one for the 26 active members of the Arlee Volunteer Fire Department,
with over 360 calls for fire and ambulance response to date, well over the average of 280 calls per year. The department has two wildland fire trucks, one larger structure truck, two tankers, one rescue truck and two ambulances. One of the ambulances is over 25 years old, and some of
the equipment needs updating. Requests are in for county funding to bring some of the older vehicles up to date. In the meantime, surrounding communities will benefit from improved emergency communications thanks to a generous donor.
Small Business Saturday Nov. 27th
Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
30% OFF all consignment
10% OFF
our fully stocked gift shop!
Valley Journal
UPSCALE RE-SALE Home Decor • Gifts Clothing • Jewelry • Made in Montana
305 Main Street, Polson
(406) 319-2015 November 28, 2021 - 9
