Local apprentice

National Disability Employment Awareness month celebrates Polson apprentice

News from the Office of the Governor

HELENA — In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Governor Greg Gianforte recently joined the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and the Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) to highlight an apprentice in Montana’s Registered Apprenticeship Program.

“Tray Lichtenberg is a shining example of what’s possible when you set your mind to something, and he’s now on his way to becoming an electrician,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Employers like All Electric, LLC help make these success stories possible, and I appreciate their partnership to help young Montanans achieve their dreams.”

First enrolling in the DPHHS Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) in August 2020, Tray Lichtenberg of Polson is now earning onthe-job training to become an electrician.

Pre-ETS assists students with disabilities ages 14-21 with transitioning from school to postsecondary education or employment by providing them an early start at job exploration.

To support Lichtenberg’s interest in the electrical industry, pre-ETS staff partnered with Aaron Luper of All Electric, LLC in Polson to host Lichtenberg for a work-based learning experience.

Today, Lichtenberg is fully enrolled in the Montana Registered Apprenticeship program as an apprentice.

“I truly appreciate all the support that I’ve received from the State programs and All Electric,” Lichtenberg said. “It’s my dream to one day become an electrician, and I’m getting closer to achieving that goal every day.”

Aaron Luper with All Electric, LLC celebrated Lichtenberg’s accomplishments, saying, “I’m so proud of Tray for his commitment to his chosen career path. He is one determined individual, and an inspiration to all those who know him.” Luper also encouraged businesses to learn about the state programs that connect individuals with disabilities to employment opportunities.

Lichtenberg’s mother, Janene, added, “There was a time when we just weren’t sure what the future had in store for Tray in terms of entering the workforce. But after he began working with the Pre-ETS program that has changed. We are just so thankful for PreETS and to All Electric for their excellent mentorship and support.”

In Montana, the Pre-ETS program provides services for 1,500 students every year.

Since Jan. 1, DLI has added over 700 new apprentices and 60 new employer sponsors to its apprenticeship program, many of which were added following a rule change championed by the governor. The change drastically expanded access to apprenticeships for Montana workers, and it also made Montana more competitive with its neighbors.

Montanans can learn more about the Pre-ETS program at:dphhs.mt.gov/detd/ preets and Montana’s Registered Apprenticeship Program by visiting: apprenticeship. mt.gov.

COURTESY PHOTO Aaron Luper of All Electric, LLC (left) pictured with electrical apprentice Tray Lichtenberg (right)

Recreational Trails Program 2023 application cycle opens Nov. 1

News from MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks

HELENA — Applications for the Recreational Trails Program (RTP) will be accepted from Nov. 1 to Jan. 31. RTP is a federally funded grant program administered through Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks that awards approximately $1.5 million annually. Eligible activities include construction or maintenance of motorized and non-motorized trails or trail-related facilities, purchase of trail equipment, and development of trail education or ethics programs.

Applicants may request up to $100,000 with a 20 percent required match. Grant applicants may include federal, tribal, state, county, or municipal agencies (including school districts), and private corporations, including nonprofits. An organization can submit only one grant application per grant cycle.

A webinar training and a question-and-answer session will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 9 a.m. This session is highly recommended for new and returning applicants. The training will provide helpful information on program requirements and tips on writing a competitive application and using the grant management software. Interested parties must register for the free training to receive a meeting link.

For more information, visit the Recreational Trails Program webpage. For questions, contact RTP Program Manager Stephanie Clemen at: stephanie. adamsclemen@mt.gov.

St. Luke receives award for work with acute stroke patients

News from St. Luke Community Healthcare

RONAN — St. Luke Community Hospital was recognized with the Stroke Recognition Award at the Montana Hospital Association’s annual meeting last month. The Stroke Recognition Award is sponsored by the Cardiovascular Health Program within the state health department. The Recognition Award singles out Critical Access Hospitals that demonstrate that they have the infrastructure and commitment to provide high quality care for patients with acute stroke. Receiving the Stroke Recognition confirms St. Luke meets high standards related to the utilization of evidence-based stroke order-sets and protocols, laboratory and radiology services available 24/7 and administrative commitment to treating acute stroke patients.

The Stroke Recognition Award was launched in 2011, and St. Luke is one of only 19 Critical Access Hospitals in Montana to receive the recognition. Requirements for the recognition include tracking and reporting key stroke outcomes, using outcomes data to initiate quality improvement activities and coordinating regular healthcare provider stroke trainings.

Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and is a leading cause of death in the Montana. Last year, over 2,000 Montana families were directly impacted by the effects of stroke. Symptom recognition and timely, high quality treatment are important factors in reducing death and disability from stroke.

St. Luke Emergency Department Manager, Stephanie Reffner, was appreciative of the award and expressed gratitude for all the staff who helped to earn it. “This is a team effort,” Reffner said. “From the Nurses to Radiology, it takes a team of people to make these positive outcomes happen.”

Know the signs and symptoms of stroke: — Sudden numbness or weakness of the face arm or leg — Sudden trouble seeing — Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding — Sudden loss of balance or coordination — Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Know what to do if you or someone you know experience stroke symptoms:

Call 9-1-1 immediately

For more information about stroke, please visit: www.strokeassociation.org

COURTESY PHOTO St. Luke Emergency Department Manager, Stephanie Reffner, accepted the 2022 Stroke Recognition Award on the hospital’s behalf, but recognized the entire care team for accomplishing this success.

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

Full time positions receive the health insurance benefit 12 months a year. Check out the available jobs and detailed job vacancy announcements on the SKC website – www.skc.edu/employment

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 Director of Human Resources and Public Relations – 12 months – full time -

$59,563 - $72,470 DOEE – closes on November 14, 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 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 Highway Construction Truck Driving Instructor – 32 hours per week – part time

$18.19 - $19.53 per hour DOEE – Open until filled Upward Bound Instructor – 12 months - $17.35 - $20.17 per hour DOEE – open until filled Grants Manager - 12 months - $54,879-$56,043 DOEE - Open Until Filled

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

The positions that are identified as 9-month terms generally refer to faculty and the employment term mirrors the academic schedule. Many of the 9-month jobs have employment benefits such as health insurance which is provided 12 months a year including during summer breaks.

Benefits – 6 credits tuition free each quarter to full time staff, health insurance with SKC contributing up to $1,150 per month for a family plan, retirement for full time employees and employer provided life insurance, EAP benefits, generous Thanksgiving Christmas break. Check it out at SKC.edu