11-30-22 issue

Soul food

Communities come together to share Thanksgiving meals

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

LAKE COUNTY — Com munities throughout Lake County came together on Thanksgiving Day to ensure that no one went without a meal.

In St. Ignatius, the community dinner is organized largely by

word of mouth. Local Kimimi Ashley doesn’t remember exactly when the annual dinner started, but it began when people would come to her door looking for help. The need made apparent, Ashley said it was put on her heart to do something for the community.

The first year, Ashley said she reached out on Facebook to an nounce the Thanksgiving dinner and asked if anyone would like to help. A husband and wife team that had just moved to town stepped up and they all met in person for the first time on Thanksgiving Day when they

put the meal together. The tradi tion has continued ever since.

“It’s just come together with people donating and plenty of helpers,” Ashley commented.

“Everyone’s really generous.”

Word spreads online about what’s needed for each meal and

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL

A volunteer at the Polson Community Thanksgiving Dinner prepares to deliver meals to those unable to pick them up.

Thanksgiving

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neighbors join in with what they can provide. Ashley said one woman this year provided all the ham and gravy that will be served with the meal. As for financial donations, both busi nesses and individuals contrib ute so the group can buy what they need.

With around five regular vol unteers, Ashley explained they get 10-15 different people each year as members of the commu nity get the urge to help. Held at the St. Ignatius Senior Cen ter, after two years of offering only take-away dinners due to COVID, this year the team was once again able to offer indoor dining as an option.

Those interested in contrib uting assistance or resources for next year’s meal can reach

out to Ashley via Facebook or look for her postings on the SKQ Voices page at: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/431855127014385/.

The team also holds community dinners every month that peo ple can support.

“I’m Christian, and there’s so many verses in the bible about helping people,” Ashley stated. “One of them has to be that you can tell someone ‘I’ll pray for you for help’ but if you don’t step up and help them yourself, what have you really done? (So) that’s a big thing, putting your faith into action.”

In Ronan, Tribal Waves and the Ronan Chamber of Com merce hosted the community Thanksgiving dinner for around 250 guests from all walks of life, including the elderly, families, and the homeless. After a year of take away meals only, the

group was able to offer sit-down meals as an option last year and once again for this year.

Primarily spearheaded for the last four years by a group of friends from Tribal Waves, Rita Ulutoa explained that the din ner fit right into the community service the nonprofit ministry was already doing. “We enjoy getting to know more of the community members and being able to serve in that way,” Ulu toa commented.

Around 25 people come to gether each year to put the din ner together but other groups within the community help in other ways. Ulutoa explained that local businesses and orga nizations donate the turkeys, local families cook and bring them to the event, another group carves them up and an other group serves them. Then there’s a group that comes along

to bus the tables and clean up.

“The community is a big part of it,” Ulutoa stated. “They provide the turkeys and the pies and the dinner rolls.”

Those interested in volunteer ing for next year’s meal or con tributing monetarily can give Rita a call at 406-871-1648, or reach out via the Tribal Waves Facebook page at: https:// www.facebook.com/Trib al-Waves-106770839378525

“I’d just give a big shoutout to the community for always pull ing together to meet the needs

for the community during Thanksgiving time,” Ulutoa said. “It’s really nice to be a part of a community that … every one always wants to help. It’s definitely a team accomplish ment.”

The biggest Thanksgiving production in the county - the Polson Community Thanksgiv ing Dinner (PCTD) - served its 23rd annual meal this year from the Elks Lodge on Main Street. With what coordinator Tracy Plaiss described as an army of

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL

Volunteers at the Polson Community Thanksgiving Dinner assemble free turkey dinners for pick up at the Elks Lodge on Thanksgiving Day.

PORTER COUNTS / VALLEY JOURNAL A volunteer at the Ronan Thanksgiving dinner cleans up in the kitch en.

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volunteers, the freestanding organiza tion was estimated to have cooked over 1,600 meals from scratch – including ham when the need went beyond the 50 turkeys for reserved meals – all free to anyone who wants one.

Born from a Thanksgiving meal origi nally served at the Polson Senior Center years ago for the elderly without a place to celebrate, Plaiss said the meal just grew from there. With the use of com mercial kitchens donated throughout town and a fleet of delivery drivers to take meals to homes in the Polson area –within reason – PCTD was able to keep going even in the face of COVID.

“This is not the type of event that just stops,” Plaiss commented. During 2020, due to a lack of staff and COVID concerns, the organization was no lon ger able to hold the annual meal at the senior center. However, because they had served 550 meals the previous year and knew how great the need was, they figured out a modified option thanks to the Polson Elks Lodge. Many of the Thanksgiving volunteers are also Elks members. We went on to serve nearly 1,100 meals that year, Plaiss stated.

“We’re able to do this because of the

continued donation support of some of the corporations in the area and in dividual donations from people who understand how big a project this is and how important it is to this community,” Plaiss said.

While many of their individual donors remain anonymous, corporations such as Super 1 Foods have been supporters since the beginning. Super 1 helps ob tain supplies, allows them to use their fridges and freezers for storage, and they make donations. Franz Bread has donated all the bread needed to make the stuffing for the last 15 years, and Lake Seed, also known as Lake Potatoes, donates hundreds of pounds of fresh potatoes each year. The Salvation Army through the Helping Hands Fund, the Elks Lodge and Walmart are also sup porters.

Those interested in contributing to next year’s meal can mail a check to the Elks Lodge at 512 Main Street, Polson, MT 59860, and specify in the memo line that it’s for Thanksgiving, and the money will be stored in an account until next year.

“Our goal is to never have to say to somebody ‘no we don’t have any more food,’” Plaiss said. “As of yet, we’ve never had to turn anybody away.”

from

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL

Polson Community Thanksgiving Dinner

PORTER COUNTS / VALLEY JOURNAL

Polson Community Thanksgiving Dinner

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL

A volunteer for the Polson Community Thanksgiving Dinner hands Thanksgiving meals to a woman waiting for them.

Secretary of State appeals rulings that struck down new election laws

Montana’s top election official, Christi Jacobsen, challenges lower court decisions that declared laws ending election-day registration, tightening voter ID requirements and banning paid ballot collection unconstitutional.

administration laws passed by the 2021 Legislature.

The notice marks the con tinuation of a legal battle that began in April 2021, just a day after Gov. Greg Gianforte signed two of the bills into law. Three separate lawsuits were eventually consolidated into a single case featuring a coalition of plaintiffs that included the Montana Dem ocratic Party, Montana Youth Action and Western Native Voice, along with a cadre of other youth and Indigenous voting rights organizations.

and barred paid ballot collec tion by third-party groups.

MONTANA — Montana

Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen filed an appeal with the state Supreme Court Tuesday challenging the rul ings of a district court judge who overturned four election

Over more than a year of liti gation, those groups and their attorneys have argued that the rights of Montana voters were threatened by laws that ended Election Day voter registra tion, implemented new voter identification requirements

Attorneys representing Jacobsen, the case’s sole de fendant, countered that the new laws were necessary to safeguard election security and bolster voter confidence. This fall, Yellowstone County District Court Judge Michael Moses ruled all three of the laws to be “unconstitutional,” shortly after the Montana Supreme Court upheld his injunction barring Jacobsen from enforcing them while the litigation was ongoing. As a result of the litigation, none of the laws were in effect for the Nov. 8 general election.

“As promised, I am fighting for Montana’s widely popular and common sense laws that improve Montana elections,” Jacobsen said in a statement

sent via email by her office Wednesday. “I remain dedi cated to protecting these laws from the out-of-state liberal machine as I fight to make our elections secure and acces sible for all Montanans.”

Jacobsen’s appeal also ex tends to a fourth law chal lenged in the case, which prohibited county election officials from distributing bal lots to people who were too young to vote but would turn 18 years old by Election Day. Moses struck the law down in July in a separate order.

Reached Wednesday, Upper Seven Law Executive Director Rylee Sommers-Flanagan, whose Helena-based firm represented youth plaintiffs in the case, said her clients would “not back down” from the legal fight.

“It is disappointing that the Secretary continues to expend resources defending laws that they were unable to support with factual evidence in the court below,” she wrote. “Nevertheless, youth plaintiffs remain confident that the dis trict court’s extremely detailed and careful decision will be upheld because the Montana Constitution protects voters from senseless and onerous voting requirements.”

In September, Montana Free Press filed a public re cords request with the Secre tary of State’s office seeking documentation of legal ex penses incurred as a result of this case and other litigation. MTFP is still awaiting word on the status of a legal review of that request.

Upcoming meetings to discuss FWP conservation easements set Housing Task Force

KALISPELL — The public is invited to attend upcoming meetings between Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and private landowners whose land is under conservation ease ment in northwest Montana. These meetings encompass lands under the following easements: Lazy Creek, Lost Trail, Kootenai Valleys, Koo tenai Forestlands, Swan Valley, and Thompson-Fisher. Alto gether, the combined easement acreage encompasses approxi mately 226,300 acres.

A conservation easement is a voluntary legal agreement between a landowner and a land trust or government

agency that permanently limits uses of the land to pro tect its conservation values. FWP holds conservation ease ments to protect vital fish and wildlife habitat, retain working lands, and maintain recre ational access opportunities for the public. Lands under easement remain in private ownership and management and landowners continue to pay property taxes.

The upcoming meetings are required annually by the conservation easement agree ments and provide a forum for discussion of any issues related to public use, land use, access issues, conditions, or other unanticipated issues involving conservation easement lands.

— Nov. 30 - Swan Valley conservation easement north of Condon (16,500 acres), 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., FWP Region 1 Headquarters, 490 North Me ridian Road, Kalispell — Nov. 30 - Lazy Creek conservation easement north west of Whitefish (10,200 acres), 1–3 p.m., FWP Region 1 Headquarters, 490 North Meridian Road, Kalispell — Dec. 7 - Kootenai Valleys (28,000 acres) and Kootenai Forestlands (22,300 acres) conservation easements near Libby and Troy, 10 a.m. – 12p.m., Ponderosa Room at Libby City Hall, 952 E. Spruce Street — Dec. 7 - Thomp son-Fisher River conservation

easement (142,000 acres) west of Kalispell, 1–3 p.m., Ponder osa Room at Libby City Hall, 952 E. Spruce Street — Dec. 15 - Lost Trail Conservation Easement (7,300 acres), 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., Ponderosa Room at Lib by City Hall, 952 E. Spruce Street

Meetings for the Haskill and Trumbull Creek conser vation easements with F. H. Stoltze Land and Lumber Company will be held later this winter, and times and lo cations will be announced at a later date.

For more information, contact Leah Breidinger at: lbreidinger@mt.gov or 406-751-4573.

continues

work, seeks input

News from the Montana Governor’s Housing Task Force

HELENA —Following several focused subtask group discussions, the full Housing Task Force is scheduled to meet at 2 p.m. on Nov. 30, 2022.

The meeting will provide an overview of the rec ommendations submit ted by subtask leads for inclusion in the Phase 2 report. Phase 2 focuses on regulatory changes and best practices that could be adopted by state agencies and local govern

News from Alex Sakariassen Montana Free Press

News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks

housing

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ments. The final Phase 2 report is due to be submitted to Governor Gianforte by Dec. 15, 2022.

Public input on the recommendations is an important part of developing the final report. As has been the case at all task force meetings, there will be an opportunity for public comment at the Nov. 30 meet ing.

In addition, the task force has sched uled a dedicated public comment op portunity the evening of Dec. 7, 2022. The task force anticipates releasing its prelim inary draft report in advance of that date to allow the public to review the draft recommendations and provide substan tive comments for consideration prior to submittal of the final report.

More information about all upcoming meetings, including links to join meetings via Zoom, is available on the task force web page at: https://deq. mt.gov/about/Hous ing-Task-Force

Governor Gianforte selects Capitol Christmas Tree

News from the office of Governor Gianforte

HELENA — In a Good Neighbor Authority timber sale area in the Beaverhead-Deer lodge National Forest, Gover nor Greg Gianforte yesterday selected the 2022 State Capitol Christmas tree.

“Harvested on our public lands, this Montana tree will be proudly displayed in the state capitol for Montanans to enjoy this Christmas,” Governor Gian forte said. “We look forward to welcoming folks in to see it.”

The 2022 State Capitol Christmas tree was harvested from the Rancho Deluxe GNA timber sale in coordination with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conser vation, the Beaverhead-Deer lodge National Forest Pintler District, Sun Mountain Lumber, and Parke Logging, Inc. This marks the first time the capitol tree was obtained from a GNA timber sale.

BDNF District Ranger Cameron Raser provided a special use permit for the harvest, and Sean Steinebach, Outreach Forester for Sun Moun tain Lumber, recommend ed the tree to the gover nor for harvest.

“I was excited to help select the Christmas Tree for the Montana Governor from a GNA timber sale on the BDNF in conjunction with the Mon tana Department of Natural Resources,” Steinebach said. “The effects of these timber sales for our communities and local economies is so important and impacts families throughout the year, but especially during the holidays.”

The Good Neighbor Authority allows states, counties, and tribes to enter into agreements with the Forest Service to conduct au thorized restoration services on National Forest System Lands.

Increasing the number of forest acres treated in Montana, including through the use of the GNA, is a top priority for Gov ernor Gianforte.

Christmas tree permits for na tional forest land are available at local Ranger Districts or online at: Recreation.gov. Permits for the 2022 holiday season are $5 a tree, with a limit of three trees. A

small transaction fee is associat ed with the online platform.

Montanans are encouraged to participate in the unique tradi

tion of harvesting Christmas trees from public lands to benefit forest health and resiliency and improve wildlife habitat.

Apply

COURTESY PHOTO

Gov. Gianforte and representatives from BDNF, DNRC, Sun Mountain Lumber, and Parke Logging, Inc. pictured in front of the tree

Permit required to salvage vehicle-killed deer, elk, moose and antelope

Entire animal must be removed by permit holder

News

HELENA — Anyone wanting to salvage a roadkilled deer, elk, moose are antelope must obtain a Vehi cle-Killed Wildlife Salvage Permit. These are available at no cost and must be obtained within 24 hours of the time a person takes an animal into their possession. Permits are available either through law

enforcement officers on the scene of collisions or online on the FWP website.

As a reminder, any salvaged animal must be removed in its entirety from the roadway by the permittee. The animal may be field dressed before it leaves the area but entrails or any other parts of the ani mal carcass must be removed from site to prevent attracting scavengers and predators.

Other things to keep in mind if salvaging a vehi cle-killer animal: — Road-killed animals

may not be tagged and pos sessed with carcass tags issued for the purpose of hunting.

— Any person who is picking up an animal to be salvaged must comply with all highway rules and regulations while removing the animal. Vehicles shall be parked off the roadway and out of the line of traffic. The permittee acknowledges that collecting vehicle-killed animals on state highways is inherently dangerous and is undertaken at the permitee’s own risk.

— A person may not kill

an injured or wounded ani mal that they encounter for the purpose of salvage. A law enforcement officer may, however, when on the scene of a collision, kill an animal injured in the collision and that animal may be taken for salvage.

— Meat rendered from salvaged animals must be used for human consumption. It may not be used for bait or other purposes.

— Meat rendered from salvaged animals may not be sold.

Commerce awards grants to communities

HELENA — The Montana De partment of Commerce announced on Nov. 22 that more than $433,000 of grant funding has been awarded to grow and assist businesses in seven Montana communities, including two in the Flathead Valley. The job creation, planning, and workforce training grant funding is provided by Commerce’s Big Sky Economic Development Trust Fund (BSTF).

“We know that sustainable, good-paying jobs are at the core of creating financial resiliency for Mon tanans. That’s why Commerce will con tinue to assist local Montana businesses in creating more good-paying jobs for Montana workers,” said Montana De partment of Commerce Director Scott Osterman. “This BSTF grant funding will help these Montana businesses plan for future growth, generate new opportunities through workforce train ing, and create long-term employment for workers in these communities.”

BSTF Job Creation grants are awarded to local and Tribal govern

ments to create good-paying jobs for residents. In addition to grants, BSTF also provides funding for loans. BSTF Job Creation grant funding has been awarded to:

Polson - Lake County received $202,500 of BSTF grant funding to assist Rocky Mountain Twist Corpo ration to purchase equipment that will enable the business to create 27 net new BSTF-eligible jobs within one year.

BSTF Economic Development Planning grants are awarded to eligi ble Certified Regional Development Corporations (CRDCs), as well as Tribal or local governments to assist with economic development planning efforts that promote long-term, stable economic growth in Montana. BSTF Economic Development Planning grant funding has been awarded to:

Ronan - Rocky Mountain Twist Corporation received $90,000 of BSTF grant funding to train up to 18 new full-time jobs within two years.

In 2021, the Flathead County Eco nomic Development Authority received $175,000 of BSTF Job Creation grant funding to assist Nomad Global Com munication Solutions (GCS) with the

creation of 35 jobs. One year later, the company has successfully met that hir ing goal.

“Over the past 20 years, Nomad GCS has desired to build partner ships with local organizations within Flathead County that help both the County and Nomad’s ability to grow. Our partnership with the Big Sky Eco nomic Development Trust Fund has been a resounding success in achieving that goal,” said Nomad GCS Chief of People and Development Clay Bin ford. “The BSTF program has helped Nomad GCS add jobs that would have otherwise been financially more diffi cult to do. We have been able to bring on employees with higher paying wages and promote internal candidates faster because we can backfill positions by utilizing the BSTF mechanism. As we continue to expand our team in the fu ture, we are excited about our continued partnership with the BSTF program to build careers in Montana.”

For more information about BSTF programs, contact Annmarie Robinson at the Montana Department of Com merce at 406.841.2250 or visit: busi ness.mt.gov

Any meat that is unfit for human consumption or un usable animal parts must be disposed of at a legal disposal site. It is unlawful to dispose of animal carcasses or parts in or upon any highway, road, street, or alley or upon pub lic property. It is also illegal to dispose carcasses or parts within 200 yards of a public highway, road street or alley or public property

For more information, visit FWP’s website: fwp.mt.gov/ buyandapply/vehiclekilledsal vagepermit

Shooting range development grant applications are open

HELENA – Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks announces that the application period to apply for a Shooting Range Improvement Grant is now open. Com pleted applications must be received no later than Feb. 1, 2023.

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: https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/ grant-programs/shooting-range.

Online registration is available at: funding.mt.gov. For information contact Seth McArthur at: smcarthur@ mt.gov or 406-444-3753.

Completed Shooting Range Grant applications can be mailed to: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, Shooting Range Grant Program, P.O. Box 200701, Hele na, MT 59620-0701.

from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks

News from the Montana Department of Commerce

REACH works to build new school in Dayton

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

DAYTON — The REACH Foundation has announced its plans to build a new school and community center for the town of Dayton in Proctor Valley.

Started this year by mem bers of the community, Ex ecutive Director Kaci Santos explained that REACH has been in the works for the last couple of years. The conversa tion got started when parents, seeing the issues of the current school, came together wanting better for their kids. On leased Tribal land, the facility has no room for expansion due to the septic system being at ca pacity. This means the school district is unable to add school basics such as a gym and a cafeteria for hot lunches.

Though the normal pro cess for creating a new public school happens through levies and bonds and a taxpayer vote, Dayton has been unable to pass such a measure over the years. Therefore, the idea of the foundation was born. Spearheaded by school board members and parents, an eight-member board includes a Tribal liaison, a principal, a school teacher, and business owners. Santos said REACH is involving “individuals from many different walks of life to make sure we’re getting all the right people engaged to take on a project of this size.”

Though it’s a private or ganization, the school the REACH foundation intends to build will be a public school leased to the school district.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the foundation simply allows for

private money to be used for the school district in lieu of the tax funding they were un able to receive. And since the foundation kicked off in May, Santos said they’ve received over a million dollars in dona tions.

The facility will be built on 10 acres of donated land off of Big Meadows Road. With 1,400 yards of gravel and monetary donations from the community, architect Shane Jacobs from A&E Designs (a company that’s built numerous schools throughout Montana), is working to develop the full site plan.

“It’s not just a school, it’s also a community center. The vision is that there’s a health clinic, … (and) a gym for the public to use as well (and) a business center,” Santos ex plained. “(Right now) there’s

nowhere for people to meet for family reunions … there’s nowhere for people to meet even for school concerts. So, we’re going all in with the vision.”

An estimated $20 million project, Santos said the plan will have to be implemented in phases. Right now, they’re focused on phase one: getting the site planned and utilities installed, then seeing the gym go up. REACH hopes to break ground on the gym next year.

“There’s definitely move ment happening. A lot of individuals in the area know about the foundation, but there are a lot of people who don’t know about the REACH Foundation,” Santos said. “We’re working on getting the word out to people interested in donation toward education

to help our students.”

Those interested in donating money toward the project can do so on the foundation web site at ReachMontana.org. The website also houses architec ture renderings and additional information about the project, as well as a letter of support from the school superinten dent. Anyone interested in volunteering their time or

expertise toward the project can reach out by calling 406250-8453 or emailing: hello@ reachmontana.org. The or ganization is also planning a fundraising event for February.

“This was all started by par ents who said, ‘We need better for our children,’” Santos stat ed. “There are a lot of different ways for people to get in volved. It’s been really fun.”

TY IDLEMAN PHOTO

TY IDLEMAN PHOTO

valley views My run for Senate Majority Leader

Republican and Democrat caucus es met last week to pick leadership teams for the upcoming legislative ses sion. With the House and Senate being held by Re publican super majorities republicans met on the House and Senate floors. Democrats convened in committee rooms.

After weeks of unsuc cessfully trying to get a conservative Republican to challenge Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick (R) Great Falls for Senate Majority Lead er I threw my hat into the ring with minutes to spare. The job of the Majority Leader is to lead in floor debate, negotiate with the Governor on behalf of the caucus, and herald the accomplishments of the Republican Caucus.

These are not my strong points. I am best known as a strict constitutionalist, with libertarian leanings, sort of Republican. I am also known for being a sore loser if these traits are defeated by my own

letters

Join together

Editor, We humans live most interesting physical lives on this planet we call earth. It is certainly filled with a lot of chaos and confusion. This ex ists in our personal lives

caucus.

My platform was simple. First, we have at least $1B more than state government could possibly spend wisely. Spending the one-time cash would saddle future taxpayers with main tenance for any new programs. I promised to pass a Senate Resolution that would prioritize all tax rebate bills so we could hear all of them at one time and pass one, a few, or a hybrid form of all, to the House floor, before we entertained any spending bills.

the 90’s and cut welfare rolls by 50% in 18 months.

Legislative Notes

Second, though every store and shop in Mon tana is sporting “Now Hiring” signs our welfare rolls have grown by 20% since the last session. I offered the path of “able bodied people in Montana do not get welfare. AKA, “get a job”. We did this in

Third, I opined that we should not have a Ma jority Leader that was a member of the minority caucus, the ‘Conservative’ “Solutions Caucus” (SC). Only they call themselves ‘conservative’. They join with Demo crats to pass legislation the Republican majority will not pass. The Solutions Caucus was a favorite tool of Governor Bullock. Governor Gian forte is a favorite tool of the SC. With Republicans as far as the eye can see I have no idea why he thinks he needs them. OK, you caught me. I do see why but let’s not digress.

Fourth, I opined that last session we passed a record number of bills challenged on constitu tional grounds. About one third were protected

by the plain wording of the constitution and up held by the courts, one third were toss ups that could be ruled either way or repealed by judicial activists, the last group were patently unconstitu tional based on the plain wording of the Montana and US Constitutions. I pledged that as Majority Leader, if any bills were flagged by our legal divi sion, or if anyone spotted a constitutional weak spot, we would work with the bill’s sponsor to find constitutional compliant wording. When we lose a suit the people suffering from the problem must wait two more years for an attempted solution.

I pointed out that I had voted for the special session to return the tax surplus to the taxpayers before lobbyists could div vy it up. I have legislation in drafting to exclude able bodied persons from col lecting welfare, and I am not a Captain in the SC rebel forces so would not

be working to attack my fellow Republicans. This was in clear contrast to my fellow Majority Leader wannabe.

Splat! Which is good because I doubt that I would have been Majority Leader long before various forces would have called for a new vote. So, I was ready to serve as Majority Leader until the various remedies were in place, the money returned to those that earned it, and a suit able replacement found.

Rep. Llew Jones, (R) Conrad, the undisputed leader of the Solutions Caucus is once again the chairman of the House Appropriations Commit tee. So he again has the keys to the treasury and can protect his funding sources to defeat fiscally conservative Republicans with coordinated indepen dent expenditures from his lobbyist allies. His captain now speaks for the majority so there will not be a serious challenge to anything fiscal that comes

out of the House. Woe to him that presents any opposition and is facing re-election.

I feel more defeated now than I did a week ago.

LETTER POLICY

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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 let ters are published.

and also in our collective national and interna tional living experiences together. We humans each have a God-given healing power within us to overcome this chaos and confusion. It mani fests through our mindchoice to connect with

the Holy Spirit within. Trust and belief in this spiritual power is all that is needed. The out-working of this power does require per ception, practice, and persistence. For each of us, calling upon this healing power and re

ceiving it will be our own personally appro priate experience. All we need is the willingness.

It is clear that some form and practice of the healing power of God-within is not only needed but necessary. There are many, many

within our world who fully agree with these thoughts. Let’s join to gether in expressing the Healing Power of God within each of us.

Bob McClellan Missoula

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.

Sen. Brad Molnar

SD 28 Laurel / Lockwood

Turkey Trot raises money for food bank

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

POLSON — Polson Running celebrated Thanks giving with a family friendly Turkey Trot this year. With an estimated 100 runners, the untimed fun run cost $5 to participate, all of the proceeds going to the Polson Food Bank to help keep those in need fed this holiday season.

To find out about other upcoming runs in Polson, visit the Polson Running Facebook page at: https:// www.facebook.com/polsonrunning/

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL PHOTOS

St. Ignatius prepares for Christmas Carnival

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

ST. IGNATIUS — St. Ig natius will be welcoming back its Christmas Carnival the first Saturday in December at 2 p.m. in the new high school gym.

Put on by the Chamber of Commerce and technically started back in 2003, the town used to put on raffles with the number of tickets dependent on the amount spent by individuals. When this proved too uneven, organizers got together and came up with a carnival that is more geared towards kids.

“It gives the kids a safe place to go. They can play games, have cakewalks, face painting, crafts, and different booths where they can win (raffle tickets),” explained organizer Darren Orr. Kids can take those tickets to boxes all over the venue for

different prizes, a more efficient option than the prize booth of years past. And after nearly 20 years - minus one year off for COVID - the carnival sees 150 to 200 kids each year.

With booths run by local businesses and a visit from the Grinch, the carnival will end with raffles for both kids and parents before the parade of lights and the lighting of the town Christmas tree kicks off at around 5:30 p.m. This year there will be business, house, and door decorating contests that people can sign up for to win cash priz es as well. Sign-ups are available at Valley Bank until Dec. 16, and judging will take place on Dec. 17.

Additionally, thanks to the generosity of the community, last year’s carnival was the first ever that each kid who showed

up to see Santa got a Christmas present from Kris Kringle right then and there. Orr explained, this year, with the community and businesses throughout the valley donating money and toys alike, they’ll be able to do it again.

“We raised enough in do nations to do (presents from Santa), and it was amazing,” Orr said. “Some kids don’t get anything for Christmas (other wise) … The kids’ faces make it worthwhile.”

Those interested in donating can contact the St. Ignatius Valley Bank at 406-745-3123 to contribute donations straight to the Chamber’s account. Any money or prizes left over from the carnival will go towards the town Easter egg hunt and prize baskets in 2023 to ensure all the funds stay in the community.

COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

COURTESY PHOTO

Ronan principal recognized

RONAN — The Montana Association for Career and Technical Education would like to announce that Mr. Kevin Kenelty, Principal at Ronan High Schools has been selected as the 2022 Montana Career and Technical Education Ad ministrator of the Year.

Under Kenelty’s leadership, Ronan has developed programs in agriculture, industrial arts, business education, technology education, family and consumer sciences, and health occupa tions. This variety has allowed students in Ronan the oppor tunity to see potential career options. The CTE Departments all work together to promote

activities where students can be a part of many programs and really prove themselves in real world situations. The Ronan career and technical education cooperation has been used as an example of how schools cand and should strive to work together. It takes a strong and supportive administrator to accomplish the achievements of the CTE departments at Ronan High School.

The ACTE Administrator of the Year Award recognizes administrative CTE profes sionals at the school, district, county, state, or federal level who have demonstrated lead ership in ensuring teacher and student success and have made significant contributions toward innovative, unique and effective

career and technical education programs.

The Association for Career and Technical Education is the largest national education association dedicated to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for careers. Montana ACTE is a member state with a mission is to provide leadership in devel oping an educated, prepared, and competitive workforce. The Montana Association of Career and Technical Educators pro vides the career and technical education necessary to create the highly skilled workforce that supports the demands of the 21st century economy and promotes economic develop ment in Montana’s communi ties.

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

IN RONAN:

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

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

IN POLSON:

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

St. Luke Community Clinic – Southshore 104 Rufus Lane 406-883-2555

IN ST. IGNATIUS:

St. Luke Community Clinic – St. Ignatius 330 Six Tracts Way 406-745-2781

Of course we believe in love at first sight. We see it every day.

News and Photo from the Montana ACTE

COURTESY PHOTO

Kevin Kenelty

VA establishes Vet Center Scholarship Program

Act to assist aspiring VA mental health professionals

U.S. Senate — The Department of Veter ans Affairs announced in mid-November that it will establish a Vet Center Scholarship Program to assist indi viduals pursuing gradu ate degrees in psycholo gy, social work, marriage and family therapy, or mental health coun seling who will then work at Vet Centers.

Senator Tester success fully secured the schol arship as part of his landmark Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act (Hannon Act).

“Vet Centers play a

critical role in deliv ering quality mental health services and support to veterans, ser vicemembers, and their families—especially in rural states like Mon tana,” said Chairman Tester. “That’s why I’m proud to have worked to deliver this scholar ship program that will strengthen our mental health workforce, and in turn help Vet Centers hire qualified talent to keep providing mental health counseling to those in need.”

Named for a Montana veteran who lost his life to suicide, Tester championed the Han non Act in his capacity as the top Democrat on the Senate Veterans’ Af fairs Committee to bol ster VA’s mental health workforce and increase rural veterans’ access to care through alternative and local treatment options. As part of the law, Tester secured a provision offering scholarships to mental

The Diary Of Anne Frank

health professionals who commit to work at Vet Centers after graduation. Vet Centers are community-based counseling centers that provide a wide range of social and psychologi cal services, including professional counseling to eligible veterans, ser vicemembers, National Guard and Reserve components and their families.

Montana is home to five Vet Centers located in Billings, Great Falls, Kalispell, Missoula, and Helena. The VA expects to award its first round of scholarships in the summer of 2023, pro viding funding to cover up to two years of grad uate studies for individ uals pursuing these de grees. Upon completion of their degrees, these mental health profes sionals will then serve full time for a period of six years at one of VA’s 300 Vet Centers across the country, specifically, in underserved areas.

‘Losing Sight’: New Talking Health subject in the 406 Podcast released

News from Montana DPHHS

MONANA — In Montana, 5% of adults are blind or have low vision. The obstacles of living in a world without vision can feel insurmountable, from trying to navigate one’s outdoor sur roundings to purchasing a bag of chips at a grocery store.

Yet, many thrive and live great lives with little or no sight.

In the newest series of episodes from DPHHS Talking Health in the 406 podcast, guest Jacob Krissovich shares his story of life without sight. Born with normal vision, Krissovich began to lose vision in his early teens and became completely blind in his thirties. This transformation completely changed his life and the lives of his loved ones.

Through Jacob’s story, the podcast series dives into the mental health struggles associated with losing vision. It also asks the awkward questions many may wonder about. The final episode of the series focuses on Fife, Jacob’s guide dog. This companion has been key in allowing Jacob to live an active life.

“Vision impairment or loss is a subject that touches all age groups,” says host Jennifer Van Syckle, a health education specialist with the DPHHS Public Health and Safety Divi sion. “Whether it happens slowly, as was the case with Jacob, or quickly through trauma or stroke, we may all know someone trying to live and enjoy their life without optimal sight.”

The podcasts are told in a story-based format and include a variety of life lessons. The three-part series is now available wherever you listen to podcasts. For more information, or to listen in, visit: http://TalkingHealthInThe406.mt.gov.

New VA scholarship program is part of landmark Hannon

News from the office of Senator Tester

Library board selects general contractor construction manager for library renovation project

POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library District Board of Trustees is pleased to announce they have selected Martel Con struction as the General Contractor Construction Manager for the Li brary renovation project. The library received four submittals to an RFQ/ RFP released in October from Mon tana firms and after much delibera

tion and consideration chose Martel for their overall approach to the proj ect and their subcontractor bidding process. The library is very excited to get preconstruction underway with the hope to begin actual construction in the first quarter of 2023. For more information, please contact Library Director Abbi Dooley. To donate to the Next Chapter Capital Campaign, please visit the North Lake County Library Foundation’s website at: www. polsonlibraryfoundation.org.

obituaries

David Hammer

ST. IGNATIUS — David Hammer, 17, of St. Ignatius, passed away un

Christmas wagon rides

expectedly on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022, in St. Ignatius. Arrangements are un der the care of Garden City Funeral Home.

births

Zu’Alan Mahseelah

Assiniboine and Alan Westerman of Polson.

set up is 10 a.m. - 2p.m. Friday, Dec. 9.

RONAN — Zu’Alan Paul-Bar ry Mahseelah was born on Nov. 19, 2022, at the St. Luke Commu nity Healthcare New Beginnings Birth Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces. Parents are Thomas Mah seelah and LaShaya Assiniboine of Polson. Paternal grandparents are Michael Ann Mahseelah and Keith Baylor of St. Ignatius. Ma ternal grandparents are Belinda

Zu’Alan

Roman Leon RONAN — Roman Allen Leon was born on Nov. 17, 2022, at the St. Luke Community Healthcare New Beginnings Birth Center. He weighed 7 pounds, 6 ounces. Parents are Em manuel and Justine Leon of Ronan. Roman joins siblings Larissa, Emma, Leticia, and Natilee.

Serving Lake County since 1923

Mahselah Roman Leon

News from Malory Witham, assistant director North Lake County Public Library

USDA requests public input

WASHINGTON —

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is asking for public input through a Federal Register request for information on implementation of more than $19 billion provided by the Inflation Reduction Act. USDA’s Natural Resources Con servation Service will use the investments provided through IRA-funded conservation programs to support farmers and ranchers in adopting and expanding climate-smart activities and systems.

NRCS asks for comments on how to target program benefits, quantify impact, and improve program delivery and outreach, especially for underserved producers. Comments are due Dec. 22, 2022. NRCS will identify immediate changes that can be made in fiscal year 2023 and will continue to identify and adopt additional changes in future years.

“Agriculture is at the forefront of the nation’s effort to address climate change, and we want to hear from people on the ground how to implement our programs to maximize climate benefits, promote equity and assist all pro ducers,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “From climate-smart agriculture, to supporting healthy forests and con servation, to tax credits, to biofuels, infrastructure

and beyond, this legisla tion provides USDA with significant additional re sources to lead this historic charge.”

The Inflation Reduction Act provided unprece dented funding levels for several of the existing pro grams that NRCS imple ments. The increased fund ing levels begin in fiscal year 2023 and rapidly build over four years, totaling:   — $8.45 billion – Envi ronmental Quality Incen tives Program   — $3.25 billion – Con servation Stewardship Program  — $4.95 billion – Region al Conservation Partner ship Program   — $1.4 billion – Agricul tural Conservation Ease ment Program  — $1 billion – Conserva tion Technical Assistance  NRCS is asking for public input on to how

to best maximize benefits for climate mitigation, in cluding targeting practices and programs that provide quantifiable reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, NRCS is requesting feedback to help identify strategies and provide recommendations on how to maximize, tar get, monitor, and quantify improvements to soil car bon, reductions in nitrogen losses, and the reduction, capture, avoidance, or sequestration of carbon dioxide, methane or nitrous oxide emissions associated with agricultural produc tion. NRCS is also seeking ideas for how to further streamline and improve program delivery.      Submit comments to: NRCS.IRA.Input@ usda.gov until Dec. 22, 2022. More details are available at: Federal Regis ter notice.

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

Administrative Assistant, Education Division – 12 months full time$16.97 - $19.58 DOEE – Open Until Filled

Administrative Asst. for the Vice President of Academic Affairs - 12 months – full time - $37,106 - $40,727 DOEE - closes on November 14, 2022 at 1 pm

NYCP Grant – College and Career Readiness Coach – 2 positions – full time with benefits – 12 months

$17.35 - $20.17 per hour DOEE Job Locations – Polson and Ronan – closes on November 21, 2022 at 1 pm

Director of Human Resources – full time w/benefits - $63,083 - $68,950 – closes on November 21, 2022 at 1 pm

NYCP Grant – Outreach Coordinator – full time w/benefits – 12 months - $17.35$20.17 per hour DOEE – closes on November 21, 2022 at 1 pm

Early Learning Center Lead Toddler Teacher (9 months) - $22.48 - $23.22 per hour DOEE – Open Until Filled

Nursing Clinical Resource Registered Nurse (CRRN)/Assistant Instructor –10 month – full time - DOEE - Open Until Filled - Bachelor’s Degree - $45,178-$48,677, Master’s Degree - $50,130 - $54,136

Clinical Coordinator/Faculty/Nursing - 10 month – full time – DOEE – Open Until Filled, Bachelors Degree - $45,178 - $48,677, Masters Degree - $50,130 - $54,136

Clinical Instructor/Clinical Resource Reg. Nurse – Part time – 14 hours per week - $35.00 per hour, 9 month term – no benefits – open until filled

Prince Caspian!

He is an 11-month-old German Shepherd. He is a super active, very playful boy. He does get along with other dogs after lengthy introductions. He would do best in a home with no cats as he likes to chase them. He will need a firm handler who has experience with German Shepherds.

Health Promotion Practices – Department Chair – 11 months (July off)$45,621 - $48, 185 DOEE – Open Until Filled ** Department Chair stipend of $2,500.00 is in addition to the salary identified

Journey to Wellness Community Outreach Specialist (full time 12 months)$16.54 - $17.40 per hour DOEE – Open Until Filled

Director, Institutional Effectiveness – 12 months - $54,870 - $57,216 – Open until filled

SKC Extension Operations Manager – (12 months) - $20.17 - $23.56 per hour DOEE Open Until Filled

Upward Bound Instructor – 12 months - $17.35 - $20.17 per hour DOEE – open until filled

Assistant Director of the Center for Prevention & Wellness – $41,648$43,448 DOEE closes on December 9, 2022 4:00pm

Language and Cultural Specialist – $44,310 to $49,003 DOEE closes on December 9, 2022 4:00pm

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

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

St. Ignatius

By Barb Plouffe for the Valley Journal

ST.IGNATIUS — We hope your Thanksgiving was joyful with friends and family. With the cold weather that we are hav ing we are wishing all a warm place to be. Menu for the upcom ing weeks: Lunch is at noon and dinner is at 5:30 p.m. If you wish to have a takeout meal, please call by 10 a.m. for lunch and 2 p.m. for dinner. Menu: — Friday, Dec. 2: lunch - cook’s choice, fruit, veg gies, brownies — Tuesday, Dec. 6: lunch - hashbrown beef bake, veggies, French bread, fruit, Rice Krispy treat — Wednesday, Dec. 7: dinner - pork roast, pota toes, carrots, green salad, fruit with Jell-O, rolls, strawberry shortcake —Friday, Dec. 9: lunch - chicken, potato/gravy, veggies, fruit, rolls, choc olate cookies

The St. Ignatius Com munity Carnival will be at the new school gym at 2 p.m. with activities and prizes for children. It will be a fun time.

The St. Ignatius Se niors will provide cookies for the St. Ignatius tree lighting on Dec. 3 at 5:30 p.m. There will be a Parade of Lights and caroling after the tree lighting. Come and enjoy.

Have a hot cup of cocoa or coffee.

The St. Ignatius Senior Center will have a bake sale at the 4-H Bazaar on Dec. 10 in the new school gym. There will be many vendors and nice Christmas gifts to pur chase.

Bonnie Kiser holds Gentle Yoga classes on Wednesday afternoons at 1 p.m. If you are interest ed, please call 406-2530171. Her rates are five sessions for $60.

Our senior center is open to be rented. If you are interested, please call 406-745-4462 and leave a message. We will call you back with the infor mation you need.

We hope you are re maining healthy and safe as the season changes. Have a good week.

Polson

By Pete Mangels for the Valley Journal

POLSON — We served or delivered 120 Thanksgiving meals on Friday, Nov. 18.

See’s Candy has ar rived. This is a great

holiday gift but we have a limited supply.

Activities: All activities are open to all.  Need a space for a weekday get-together? Plan a par ty at the Polson Senior Center. Call for more information.

— Bowling Fun League: pay by the day, non-sanc tioned, no-tap, Tuesdays, 1 p.m. weekly.

— Bingo: starting Dec. 2, Fridays at 7 p.m. “Play ing Card” bingo played the first Wednesday and third Thursday of each month

— Exercise for mobil ity: M- W- F, 10:3011:30 a.m.

— Pinochle: Thursdays, 12:30 –3 p.m. (earlier or later if you wish)

— Bridge: Tuesday and Friday - open for all 12:30 p.m.

— Pool: open table 8 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays

— Veterans’ Representa tive: first Friday (Dec. 2) and third Tuesday (Dec. 20) of each month 10 a.m.-noon Menu (subject to change): Sit-down, take-

ACROSS

Large wardrobe

Hush-hush org.

Trying to keep cool in a more eco-friendly way?

Disorderly protester

Bag-screening org.

Actress Mireille

“Misery” actor James 91 __ to go

Spot for a nap

Actress Spelling

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” king

Rose garden pests

“Not this movie again!”

Hilltop nest

Haunting

Tempo similar to lento

“SmackDown” org.

So done with craft beers?

With it, once 105 Hideaway

2013 Lady Gaga album

“And when I love thee not, / Chaos is come again” speaker

Step after using a sous vide, maybe 113 Sears partner

Feeling too good for the family car?

CRYPTO-QUOTE

Far from fair

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE

By: Magi Helena for the Week of Nov. 27, 2022

ARIES (March 21-April 19):

Sometimes we just have to dig down into our reserves and make it happen. You may need to exert extra effort to meet deadlines as the week begins. Your sincerity and commitment to excellence should be noticed.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20):

Someone you think of as a friend may want more than that. It might be better to wait until a few more days pass to focus on romance. In the upcoming week, concentrate on making money to take home the winnings.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20):

Your ideas can work if you do things more efficiently. When you remain fully transparent, you never have to worry about talking your way out of having put a spin on the facts. A partner could set a shining example of excellence.

CANCER (June 21-July 22):

Make lists and stay organized so everything gets remembered and gets done. If you fulfill all of your obligations and honor your commitments, you can enjoy some personal time to relax and reboot without guilt.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22):

In the upcoming week you could decide to follow through on a lifelong dream. Create a new you by selecting qualities to emulate from the people you admire. Adopting a winning mindset and making strong choices can take you far.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):

Come to terms with a partner or friend. It takes two to make problems and it takes two to solve them. In the week ahead, you may have an ideal opportunity to nego tiate an agreeable compromise or iron out differences.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22):

The longer you live, the more opportunities you have to learn. It would be wise to be skeptical of facts early this week. The spotlight may be on those in close connec tion, so it is up to you to gracefully accept waiting in the wings.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Where there is a will, there’s a way. Your determination to succeed, especially when working in a partnership, can give you an added edge in any undertaking. Watch out for ways to save money in the week ahead.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21):

You might be given a starring role in a creative project or other activ ity. Confusing conversations could be difficult to sort out now. It makes sense to be prepared for extra bills in the coming week.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19):

You may have blinders on because your attention is riveted on your work or a key project. A partner or loved one might provide the common sense you need to hear to finalize a decision as the week unfolds.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18):

A frosty mood could quickly melt away when warmth is applied. A few thoughtful and sincere words can change someone’s attitude to ward you. Keep working diligently in the week ahead to complete a creative project.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20):

Give yourself plenty of time to find the right response; don’t im pulsively take action over what is probably just a misunderstanding. Take whatever you are offered in the week ahead and you should be content with it.

COMICS

out, or delivery, only $5 from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

— Wednesday, Nov. 30:  Chicken Enchila das, refried beans, salsa, corn salad, fruit crisp  — Thursday, Dec. 1: pork chop, rice, gravy, green beans, Jell-O, pound cake  — Friday, Dec. 2:  fish, mac ‘n cheese, peas, pickled beets, cheese cake bars

—  Monday, Dec. 5: split pea soup, half a ham salad sandwich, pasta salad, cinna mon-apple sauce  — Tuesday, Dec. 6: Goulash, creamed corn, bread, green salad, or ange fluff    — Wednesday, Dec. 7: remember Pearl Harbor -  baked chick en, white bean chili in a bread bowl, green salad, orange dream cake    — Thursday, Dec. 8: pulled pork sand wich, tater tots ap ple-raisin salad, brown ies

—  Friday, Dec. 9: sweet/sour meatballs, rice, veggies, Asian coleslaw, tapioca pud ding

The Polson Senior Center is open from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. on week days. Lunch is available from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. weekdays.  Call: 406-883-4735, email: polsonseniorcen ter@gmail.com;  mail or visit us at 504 Third Ave. E. vj

20 - November 30, 2022

Wednesday, Nov. 30

Free meditation classes offered weekly

ZOOM — Mission Moun tain Zen is offering free online meditation classes. Join the Mis sion Mountain Zen Center on Wednesdays for an online med itation class led by Zen Teacher, Zenku via Zoom from 6-7:30 p.m. For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-721-0665 or email at: Jer ry.Smyers@gmail.com.

inherited artistic ability and a love for drawing. A reception will be held at the Sandpiper Art Gallery, 306 Main Street, on Dec. 2 from 5-7 p.m. For more information call the Sandpiper at 406-8835956.

Parade of Lights planned

POLSON — Parade gets underway at 6 p.m. Join us on Main Street for a spectacular display of floats with Santa, food vendors, hot chocolate, and late night shopping. Check out Polson Business Community on Face book for more details.

Thursday, Dec. 1

Ronan Library invites kids to Story Time Program

RONAN — Every Thursday, from 11 a.m.-noon, the Ronan Library holds a reading program geared toward the developmen tal needs of children 3-6 years old. The weekly program offers interactive readings, activities, and guided crafts for children. Call the Ronan Library at 406-6763682, for more information.

Penguins on tap at Story Time

POLSON — Join us for Story Time every Thursday from 9–10:30 a.m. in the library meet ing room. This program is geared for kindergarten readiness for ages 3-5. Penguins is the theme for Dec. 1.

Friday, Dec. 2

Just Beautiful Things shown at Sandpiper Art Gallery

POLSON — Carole Carberry’s artwork “Just Beautiful Things,” will be show cased at the Sand piper Art Gallery until Dec. 31. Carol is a multi-media artist with a particular interest in watercol or, calligraphy and printmaking. From an early age, she enjoyed an

Hopeful Hearts dinner, fundraiser set

POLSON — Join us at the Elks Lodge on Friday, Dec. 2, for a family friendly event. Dinner, raffle, silent auction and bake sale will take place at 5 p.m. for $13 per adult, and $8 for kids 12 and under. Dinner includes meatball subs, salad, and soup. Funds raised go to toys at regional hospitals and clinics for the holidays. Any remaining funds will be donated to congenital heart defect re search. Additional details, RSVP on Facebook.

Acoustic Music Series continues at library

POLSON — Ken Kenmille and Music Friends will be in the North Lake County Public Library playing his guitar at 3:30 p.m. Feel free to sit and listen or just enjoy as you browse library materials.

MV Live concert held

POLSON — Polson High School is the site for Duke Otherwise show entitled, “Noah ‘Ebenezer Duke’ Show.”

This energetic live show is filled with improvisation, audi ence participation, dancing and outrageous fun. Duke Otherwise is a playful wordsmith, a spirited

Valley Journal

see extended calendar at www.valleyjournal.net

performed, a skilled guitarist, and a skilled tap dancer. The show is at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 3

Santa, Grinch expected at Christmas Carnival

ST. IGNATIUS — The annual St. Ignatius Christmas Carnival is Saturday, Dec 3, at 2 p.m., at the new St. Ignatius High School gym. We will have Santa, the Grinch, and games for kids to play. Following the carnival we will have a tree lighting and parade of lights at around 5:30 p.m. We will have two trailers for caroling as well. There will be a small raffle at the parade also.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church holds sixth annual Christmas Bazaar

POLSON — On Saturday, Dec. 3, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 409 Fourth Ave. E, will hold their sixth annual Christmas Bazaar between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. There will also be a “Grab n’ Go Treats Café. They are still looking for vendors with handmade crafts to sell. Call 406-883-5864, for more information.

MV Youth Foundation holds Festival of Trees

POLSON — It’s Festival time! Festival of Trees that is. This will be the Festivals 22nd year in Polson. Mark your calendar for Saturday, Dec. 3. The Festival generates funds for the Mission Valley Youth Foundation. The Mission Valley Youth Foundation solicits applications from youth based non-profit programs within the Mission Valley. Mission Valley Youth Foundation Board members are: Brooke Ingram, Jamie Buhr, Roxanne Duckworth, Linda Fisher, Laura Burland, Trudy Pedersen, and Brittany Cathey

Monday, Dec. 5

Mondays mean Mother Goose

POLSON — Join us at 9:15 a.m. at the North Lake County Public Library. Mother Goose is geared toward ages 0 to 3, but all are welcome. We encourage parents & caregivers to participate with their children for this early learning time. The doors open at 9 a.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 7

PAWsitive Reading Partners on tap at library

POLSON — Come read with Riley (a registered therapy dog) for 15 minutes on Wednesdays, from 3-4 p.m. Registration is re quired. Bring your favorite book, or pick one from the shelves. Ri ley loves listening to stories. Sign up for your time slot at the library or call us at 406-883-8225.

Free meditation classes of fered weekly

ZOOM — Mission Moun tain Zen is offering free online meditation classes. Please join us and take advantage of this op portunity. For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-721-0665 or email at: Jerry.Smyers@gmail.com.

Thursday, Dec. 8

Story Time on tap at Polson library

POLSON — Join us for Story Time every Thursday from 9–10:30 a.m. in the library meeting room. This program is geared for kindergarten readiness for ages 3-5. Hats, mittens and scarves will be the theme for Dec. 8.

classifieds

Announcements

Auctions

JOHNCO STORAGE: Public sale December 7th, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at 808 7th Street East, Polson. Sell to highest bidder for CASH OR CERTI FIED CHECK ONLY, contents of units 48, 123, AND 270. Units are subject to redemp tion prior to sale time. 406-883-5405.

Lost & Found

Amazing reward for informa tion and the return of my art portfolio left at Glacier Lake School. Please call 406-7452202. Very dear to me.

Wanted

WANTED TO BUY Guns and/or ammunition, old or new. Whole estates/ collections or single pieces. Fair prices paid. 406-207-4641

Employment

Help wanted

Electrician (Journeyman) Facilities Services/Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announce ment and application procedures, click on: https:// jobs.montana.edu/hr/post ings/29373. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

Laborer/Equipment

Operator I. **Recent Wage Increase** Facilities Services/ Montana State University –Bozeman. For complete job announcement and appli cation procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana.edu/ postings/30105. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

HVAC Maintenance Technician – Air Conditioning/Refrig eration **UPDATED** Facili ties Services/Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures,

click on: https://jobs.montana. edu/hr/postings/28193

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

Interior Designer: Planning, Design & Construction –Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and appli cation procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana.edu/ postings/33016

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled.

Contract Specialist. Plan ning, Design & Construction – Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and appli cation procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana.edu/ postings/33123

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

HEALTHCARE RESOURCE COORDINATOR - TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must possess a Bachelor’s or Associate 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 electronic health record data system. Employee must become a Certified Application Counselor for the Federally Facilitated Marketplace within the first 30 days of hire. Em ployee must complete State Health Insurance Assistance Program training and the Tribal Veteran Representative training within the first year of hire. These certifications must be maintained annu ally. Knowledge of eligibility policies, benefits, regulations and eligibility guidelines of third party resources including Medicaid, Medicare, SSI, Veterans Administration, ACA Marketplace insurance and other federal and private employer insurance carriers. Must pass a background and suitability check. Must pos sess a valid Montana driver’s license. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcript/ training certificates, a complet ed supplemental background

questionnaire (contact the CSKT Personnel Department), copy of 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 IMMEDI ATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. The success ful 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 is $18.99 to $21.83 per hour. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. #1040, or personnel@ cskt.org. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date is Thursday, December 15, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m. (MST) CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

PUBLIC HEALTH REGISTERED DIETITIAN TRIBAL HEALTH

DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must be certified as a registered di etitian with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR). A bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, with 3 years of experience in community health, or a master’s degree in nutrition and dietetics, with 1 year of experience in com munity health. A valid driver’s license. 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 informa tion will result in immediate disqualification during the screening process. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The success ful applicant, if not already employed by CSKT must pass a pre-hire drug test

and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary peri od. Salary is $26.19 to $30.10 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 8, 2022 at 5:30 p.m. MST

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

Custodial Supervisor I. **UPDATED SALARY**. Facilities Services/Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application proce dures, click on: https://jobs. montana.edu/postings/33402 Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled Operator-in-Training. Facil ities Services/Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana. edu/postings/33303.

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

Electrician Foreman Facili ties Services – Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announce- ment and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana. edu/postings/32936

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled.

AIDE (Fire/Fuels) 1 OR MORE CONTRACT POSITIONS - FORESTRY DIVISION OF FIRE

Applicant must possess a high school diploma (or equiva lent). Three (3) months of gen eral work experience, which can be any work experience. I.E. mowing lawns, bucking hay, etc. to serve on a fuels, engine or monitoring crew. One (1) season of firefighting experience required to serve on the Helitack crew. Training required for the NWCG FFT2 and FAL3 position is not required for initial hire, but must be obtained within the established probation period. successful applicant is subject to annual medical examination and work capacity test for

arduous positions. Successful applicant must pass both to meet the standards of the Technician position. Ability to perform duties under stressful and adverse operating conditions, such as long work hours, heavy workloads, emergency situations, adverse working and environmental conditions. Must possess the ability to verbally communi cate sufficiently to work as a member of a team. Applicant must submit a completed Tribal application and relevant academic transcripts and training certificates to the Tribal Personnel Department, 406.675.2700 ext. 1259 or vis it the csktribes.org website for the application. Salary $15.07 hour. Closing date will be Thursday, December 8, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m. This 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.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

Project Architect: Planning, Design & Construction –Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and appli cation procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana.edu/ postings/33010

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled.

Irrigation Technician Facil ities Services/Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana. edu/postings/30022

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

PUBLIC

perience providing education to individuals, families, and groups. Valid and unrestricted driver’s license. Heart saver CPR or BLS within six months of hire. This position is sub ject to a background check in accordance with Public Law 101-630. All applicants must submit a completed Tribal em ployment application. Copy of relevant academic transcript/ training certifications. Copy of current valid driver’s license. Completed supplemental background questionnaire. Proof of enrollment from a fed erally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT. If claiming veter an’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted.

FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDI ATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. Salary is $21.80$25.50 per hour, plus benefits, may be employed under a contract. To apply, contact the Tribal Personnel Office at (406) 675-2700, ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt.org. Tribal applications and full adver tisement are available online at www.csktribes.org. Closing date is Thursday, December 8, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m.(MST)

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

Position Open

HEALTH

EDUCATOR

(1 or more positions, Ronan, Hot Springs, Dixon)

TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must possess an associate’s degree in a health related field with a minimum of two years’ working in a public health, community health, or health care setting. Documented ex

The Town of St. Ignatius, Montana is accepting applica tions for the position of police officer. The applicant shall possess the knowledge, skills and abilities typically obtained through a combination of ed ucation and experience such as a Criminal Justice degree, Certification from the Montana Law Enforcement Academy and three years’ experience in police patrol and investigation. The applicant must possess a valid Montana Driver’s license or be able to obtain upon employment. The Town of St. Ignatius retains the right to perform a criminal background check and a personality eval uation on individuals consid ered for this position. Salary is negotiable based upon education and experience.

classifieds

Help wanted

cont’d from pg. 21

Applications and job descrip tions can be picked up at City Hall in St. Ignatius or Lake County Job Service in Polson. A Standard MT Public Safety Officer Application and resume must be submitted or post marked by 5 p.m., December 6, 2022. Applications and job descriptions can be picked up at City Hall in St. Ignatius or Lake County Job Service in Polson. A Standard MT Public Safety Officer Application and resume must be submitted or postmarked by 5 p.m., De cember 6, 2022. Applications shall be mailed to Town of St. Ignatius, Attn: Mayor Daren Incashola, P.O. Box 103, St. Ignatius, MT 59865. The Town of St. Ignatius is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

REGISTRATION & SCHEDULING SPECIALIST Mission & Polson TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must possess an Associate’s De gree in Social Work, Human Services, Business Manage ment or a medical related field or 2 years of experience in a medical clinic or secretarial work in health administrative office. Must have 1 year of ex perience with RPMS database and Epic Electronic Health Record. Must possess a valid driver’s license. All applicants must submit a Tribal appli cation, a copy of academic transcript/training certificates, a completed supplemental background questionnaire (contact the CSKT Personnel Department), copy of 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 sub mitted. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE IN FORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUAL IFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. The successful applicant, if not al

ready employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) months probationary period. Salary is $15.14 to $17.40 per hour. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. #1040, or personnel@ cskt.org. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date is Thursday, December 15, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m. (MST)

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

FORESTRY TECHNICIAN

(Fire/Fuels)

- 1 or more contract positions

Applicant must possess a high school diploma (or equivalent). At a minimum for Technician, two (2) seasons in fire/fuels related work. FFT2 qualified. Faller 3 (FAL3) qualified. Successful applicant is subject to annual medical examination and work capacity test for arduous positions. Successful applicant must pass both to meet the standards of the Technician position. Ability to successfully complete NWCG developmental training to include but not limited to S-131, S-290 and L-280.

Ability to perform duties under stressful and adverse operat ing conditions, such as long work hours, heavy workloads, emergency situations, adverse working conditions and envi ronmental conditions. Ability to communicate effectively and follow oral/written instructions.

Ability to establish and main tain effective working relation ships with other employees within a diverse workforce.

Applicant must submit a com pleted Tribal application and relevant academic transcripts and training certificates to the Tribal Personnel Department, 406.675.2700 ext. 1259 or vis it the csktribes.org website for the application. Salary $15.56 hour. Closing date will be Thursday, December 8, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m. This 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.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER

PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

SNAP-Ed Extension Instruc tors, various locations across Montana. Fun job teaching youth and adults about nutrition, physical activity, food safety and food resource management. For complete description and application instruction, please see msuex tension.org, click on “Careers.” Screening con tinues. Equal opportunity employer, veterans/disabled.

Real Estate For Rent

For Lease: 3 bedroom, 2 bath home close to Polson golf course and Flathead Lake. $2400 month, includes utilities. No pets. No smoking. Additional mother-in-law quar ters available for $1400 month includes utilities. Call 406-249-6689.

Vehicles

Miscellaneous INVENTORY CLEARANCE SALE

Auto /Truck Starters and Alternators. 305 units, all remanufactured and tested for earlier vehicles, prior to 2000. Closing business. Selling off all rebuilt starters and alterna tors at 55% off retail. If your car or truck in 1997 or older, at this price you can afford to have a spare. Call Jerry at 406-207-4641.

PLLC

Attorneys at Law 324 Main SW Ronan, MT 59864

Telephone: (406) 676-4470 bill@fgwilliamslaw.com Attorneys for Personal Representative

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LILA NELSON NORMANDEAU, Deceased.

CAUSE NO. DP-22-82 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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

A written statement of the claim indicating its basis, the name and ad dress of the claimant, and the amount claimed, must either be mailed to ANN RENEE NORMANDEAU , the Per sonal Representative, return receipt requested, c/o FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS, PLLC, 324 Main SW, Ronan, MT 59864, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED this 8th day of November, 2022.

/s/ Ann Renee Normandeau ANN RENEE NORMANDEAU, Personal Representative

Nov. 16, 23 and 30, 2022 MNAXLP

John A. Mercer Turnage Mercer & Wall, PLLP Attorneys at Law 312 1st St E Polson, MT 59860 Telephone: 406-883-5367 jmercer@turnagemercerwall.com

the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-entitled estate, and that the ad dress 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 ad dress 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 MER CER & WALL, PLLP, Attorneys for the Personal Representative, at 312 1st St. E, Polson, MT 59860.

/s/ Charles Howard Kenney Charles Howard Kenney

Personal Representative Estate of AGNES ELIZABETH HAMES, Deceased.

Nov. 23, 30 and Dec. 7, 2022 MNAXLP

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Confederated Salish and Koo tenai Tribes (CSKT) employs over 1,300 employees and the Personnel Department Head and team members do not have sufficient time to provide all of the human resource services and supports required of a growing organization.

an option to renew, with satisfactory performance, at agreed upon rates.

Bidders are requested to provide the following information in their proposal:

General qualifications and experi ence of the company in the provision of human resource services. Curriculum vitae of personnel assigned to this engagement. Details of the types of services available. References from clients. Proposed contract rates and terms for the six (6) month contract period. Any other information that would help the review team to better understand your proposed offering. Proposals are due by noon MST on December 29, 2022.

Mail Submission to: Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Attn: Personnel Department Head, P.O. Box 278, Pablo, MT 59855. Email Submis sion to: Renee.Joachim@cskt.org

Indian Preference Certification

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

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

Public Notices

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: AGNES ELIZABETH HAMES, Deceased.

Cause No.: DP-22-85

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That

Proposals are invited from qualified firms to provide human resources services to the Tribal organization. Services required include, but are not limited to, the following: Develop job description updates, hiring policies and procedures. Develop onboarding process (Department and Personnel Orientation). Assist with Ordinance 69D changes and recommendations for such. Develop workplace envi ronment initiatives. Develop policies and handbook. Update performance review process (Measurable). Up date employee grievance policy and develop employee handbook. De velop exit interviews. Team building. Training. Conflict Resolution. Consult with designated staff as a group and individually to obtain information and provide feedback. The contract will be for a period of six (6) months with

All proposals will become the property of the CSKT Tribal Personnel Depart ment. The Tribes reserve the right to accept and reject and negotiate any element of any proposals received.

For complete copy of request for proposal, please visit csktribes.org

Nov. 30, 2022

MNAXLP

Legal Notices are welcome. Deadline is Friday at noon. Call 406-676-8989

see page 23

Legals

Legals

William P. Williams, IV FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS,

cont’d from pg. 22

In Re: Conditions at Lake County Jail, Case 9:22-cv-00127-DWM

Notice of Class Action Certification

TO: All persons incarcerated at Lake County Jail as of September 3, 2021 to the present, as well as all current and future inmates.

Dozens of individuals have filed lawsuits alleging that the conditions of confinement at the Lake County Jail are unconstitutional and illegal. The Court has not ruled on the merits of these claims or Defendants’ defenses.

If you were incarcerated at the Lake County Jail at any time on or after September 3, 2021, you are a member of the class. The class that has been certified is pursuing claims for injunctive and declaratory relief—not money damages.

You do not need to do anything in response to this notice. Do NOT write or telephone the Court if you have any questions about this notice. If you have questions, please contact class counsel at the following:

Timothy M. Bechtold, 406-721-1435, tim@bechtoldlaw.net

Constance Van Kley, 406-306-0330, constance@upper sevenlaw.com P.O. Box 31, Helena, MT 59624

You may read the full Notice of Class Action Certification at uppersevenlaw.com/classnotice.

Nov. 9, 16, 23 and 30, 2022 MNAXLP

John A. Mercer

Turnage Mercer & Wall, PLLP

Attorneys at Law 312 1st St E Polson, MT 59860

Telephone: 406-883-5367

jmercer@turnagemercerwall.com

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: COLLEEN RHEA KELLEY, Deceased.

Cause No.: DP-22-86

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 Rep resentative, at 312 1st St. E, Polson, MT 59860.

/s/ Mary S. Kelley Mary S. Kelley

Personal Representative Estate of COLLEEN RHEA KELLEY, Deceased.

Nov. 23, 30 and Dec. 7, 2022

MNAXLP