Christmas Carnival

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St. Ignatius prepares for Christmas Carnival

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

ST. IGNATIUS — St. Ignatius 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 prizes 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 donations to do (presents from Santa), and it was amazing,” Orr said. “Some kids don’t get anything for Christmas (otherwise) … 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.

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Ronan principal recognized

News and Photo from the

Montana ACTE

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 Administrator 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 occupations. This variety has allowed students in Ronan the opportunity 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 professionals at the school, district, county, state, or federal level who have demonstrated leadership 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 developing an educated, prepared, and competitive workforce. The Montana Association of Career and Technical Educators provides the career and technical education necessary to create the highly skilled workforce that supports the demands of the 21st century economy and promotes economic development in Montana’s communities.

Kevin Kenelty

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IN ST. IGNATIUS:

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

New VA scholarship program is part of landmark Hannon Act to assist aspiring VA mental health professionals

News from the office of Senator Tester

U.S. Senate — The Department of Veterans Affairs announced in mid-November that it will establish a Vet Center Scholarship Program to assist individuals pursuing graduate degrees in psychology, social work, marriage and family therapy, or mental health counseling who will then work at Vet Centers. Senator Tester successfully secured the scholarship as part of his landmark Commander John Scott Hannon Veterans Mental Health Care Improvement Act (Hannon Act).

“Vet Centers play a critical role in delivering quality mental health services and support to veterans, servicemembers, and their families—especially in rural states like Montana,” said Chairman Tester. “That’s why I’m proud to have worked to deliver this scholarship 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 Hannon Act in his capacity as the top Democrat on the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee to bolster 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 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 psychological services, including professional counseling to eligible veterans, servicemembers, 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, providing funding to cover up to two years of graduate studies for individuals pursuing these degrees. Upon completion of their degrees, these mental health professionals 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 surroundings 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 Division. “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.

The Pulitzer & Tony Award winning play The Diary Of Anne Frank