Valley Views

valley views Time to ice fish

Fishermen,

We’ve been given the gift of early ice fishing even before Thanksgiving. Because of this early cool down, it opens the potential for possibly many of the bays on Flathead Lake to freeze.

With the huge amount of forage fish now all over the lake, mostly perch and whitefish, it should draw many of the post spawn lake trout into shallow water.

There are already lake trout showing up in East Bay where there appears to be huge schools of perch. The problem we’ve been finding is that the small perch are so quick and numerous that the larger perch don’t get a chance to get caught. Right now, the safe ice puts us in about a depth of two and a half feet.

This type of fishing is great fun for kids. Nothing like a positive experience of good clean fun to propel your child into a lifelong interest that will help save them from all the mentally unhealthy pastimes offered these days.

My brother and I hit Turtle Lake Sunday, Nov. 20, but with only mediocre results. Next time I’m going to spend some time searching around. This small lake offers perch, largemouth bass, a few crappie, a few pike and an occasional trout and sunfish.

Crow Reservoir is even more of a smorgasbord of fish including brown, rainbow and a few Brook trout, large and small mouth bass, perch, pike, suckers, bull heads and pike minnows. Johnny crappie seed hasn’t make a showing there as yet. A Wana-B Setup will work well there for multiple species. Maggot or nightcrawler or both are the best bait.

Smith Lake West of Kalispell is giving up large numbers of 20” and over pike. Also, predictions are that the next state record perch will come from there.

If anyone would like to share a fishing report give us a call at 406675-0068 or my personal cell is 406-250-0241.

Good fishing!Mac Man

Dick Zimmer

Learning for life

There’s one thing (of many) that I love about life: you are never done learning. If you are open to new practices, habits and ideas there is so much more to explore and discover. Big things, little things and everything in between. The day you stop learning is the day you stop living.

I believe this to my core. I also believe we can help one another, by passing on what we’ve learned. Here are some of the things I know now, but wish I’d discovered sooner:

Loading and unloading the dishwasher is hardly a preferred task. But, it can be made so much easier by paying attention to one detail: the silverware. I’ve always thrown my forks, knives and spoons in with reckless abandon. Forks consorted with knives and spoons neighbored willy nilly with whatever cutlery just happened to be in their vicinity. In a word: naive.

I recently discovered the joy of loading spoons alongside spoons, forks alongside forks. It takes no extra time on the loading end, but it saves countless seconds when unloading. All the knives come out together in one fell swoop and are transferred quickly and easily to the silverware drawer. The order it’s brought to my life has had immeasurable repercussions.

Kitchen garbage. We all have it. I’ve found kitchen garbage practices are regional. In the north, we hide our garbage container - most often under the sink. This isn’t so in my southern experience. Here, the garbage sits in the open. Because I grew up in the north, I prefer the hidden alternative. However, there is more to garbage than meets the eye.

If you are like me, you use the plastic garbage can liners. They get full fast, even when you use a piece of frozen pizza cardboard to press them down with all your might. (And we’ve all done that.) If you have a seemingly full bag and pull it out, you’ll find you can load it up with at least 50 percent more household garbage. You get rid of more while using less bags. I can practically hear Mother Earth applauding. It’s a win for us all.

Okay, so here’s a serious one. Put the utilities in both your names, or at the very least make sure your spouse is a “designated decision maker” for the account. Vehicles also. Trust me on this one. I learned it the hard way.

Talking to your plants isn’t crazy. Not in the least bit. It benefits them and probably you. Kind words said to plants is proven to help them grow faster and better. Think of all the good that kind words can do in general, to plants, pets and people.

Speak kindly always - and not just to plants.

The word “homemade” has come to sound complicated but here’s a big secret: it’s not! Homemade is as simple as putting two four letter words together to make an eight letter word. Homemade usually involves simple ingredients, easy steps and not a whole lot of time. Our busy, over-scheduled world has made homemade seem foreign and alien, while flash fried fish-stuff and chicken gizmos seem ordinary.

It should be the other way around.

Homemade - go for it. You’ll be happy and

Slices of Life Jill Pertler Syndicated columnist

see page 11

LETTER POLICY

Letters to the editor are welcome. The content is the opinion of the letter writer and not the newspaper. The decision to publish letters is made by the editor.

Letters must be 350 words or less. A writer will only be published twice per month.

Letters may be edited for content or length, or may not be published if considered libelous, in poor taste, spiteful, self-promotional or of limited interest to the general readership. Space limitations also dictate when or if letters are published.

Letters must be signed by the author and name, address and phone number must be included – phone number is for verification purposes only. Letters from organizations must include the name of at least one author.

Please limit “thank you” letters to four people/organizations or less. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday to publish the following week.

Opinions expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the newspaper.

from page 10

proud that you did.

Drink lots of water. Every day.

Water is universal to us all. It comprises 60% of our bodies and about 70% of the earth’s surface. Coincidence? I think not. Water is essential to all that is. It removes toxins from our bodies. It purifies the planet. It hydrates animals, humans, trees, grass and birds. It serves as home for fish and countless other creatures.

Without water we would cease to exist. Literally.

Every living thing has value. Even rocks. I’m not going to try to explain this. If something is on this earth, it has value, even if we don’t appreciate that value while swatting mosquitoes or flies.

Last thought (but perhaps the most important): The trees, soil, rocks, rivers and oceans have been around a lot longer than me. Perhaps I should respect that.

Perhaps we all should. Let’s try that.

And let’s never stop learning.

Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

vj

Crack down

Editor,

With all these mass shootings in this country I think that it is time for the Federal government to put their money where their mouth is and really start cracking down on making it hard for someone to purchase any kind of firearms, whether it be an AR 15 or a handgun. Too many people in this country have lost their lives, or family members of the victims have lost loved ones. Because I can guarantee you that if something happens to a member of Congress’ kid there would be changes real quick, no question about it. Then we would see better gun laws.

Lynn Delecaris Saint Ignatius

Don’t repeat history

Editor, History is doomed to be repeated if we do not learn the lessons of the past. The Water Compact (CSKT’s FRWRC) passed all its Federal hurdles and was signed into law by President Trump on December 27, 2020, but there are those on the Flathead Reservation that still deny the Tribe’s rights under Treaty (Hellgate Treaty of 1855) to manage their lands and water. They put up billboards and seek to divide while skulking in the background pressuring County Commissioners and others to object to the Compact. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but history shows us that the invaders moved across this continent killing that which they did not understand, assuming that they were picked by God to teach these lesser people how to be civilized. We killed bison to drive them onto reservations and even now still think that somehow we know better than Natives do. Are we going stay ignorant of the harm we have done to Native languages, culture and rights because we fear retribution for our past mistakes? As the President of FRHRC and a 40-year resident on the Flathead Reservation, I have seen many attempts and actions against the Sovereignty of the Flathead Nation (the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes). It is evident that not only is sovereignty not understood, but by some is met with resistance as evidenced by talk of dismantling the reservation because it is open, meaning all land is not owned by the Tribe and its’ members, by fighting against concurrent jurisdiction of law enforcement, continual complaints by non-Indian residents over purchasing hunting and fishing permits from the Tribe, running Mission Valley Power and the Selis Ksanka Qlispe (formerly Kerr Dam). The Tribe is a good neighbor and supports local fire departments, helps with search and rescue, MMIP task force, and most recently the Tribe and Lake County formed the Unified Command Center for COVID, free COVID testing, etc. We support the Water Rights Protection Act and the CSKT-Montana Water Compact.

Tammy Miller, President Flathead Reservations Human Rights Coalition, Inc., on behalf of the Board of Directors

Grateful for the pioneering spirit

Editor,

Regarding the pending preliminary decree of the Flathead Compact, Mr. Chris Tweeten, lawyer and 1985 Montana governor appointee to the Reserved Water Rights Compact Commission (RWRCC) was caught on tape in 2012 at a public meeting stating, “We agreed to do this extraordinary thing, frankly, with respect to agreeing to subject or to remove non-Indian rights on the reservation from the jurisdiction and control of the state and place that somewhere else at the tribe’s request.” Who gave the RWRCC authority to subject non-Indians or to remove non-Indians for the jurisdiction and control of the state, at the request of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes? The Montana Water Court just completed the objection phase of the Flathead Compact’s preliminary decree. In June 2022, the court issues a letter to a minority of affected western Montana landowners which stated on page two, “This will be your only opportunity to object to the Preliminary Degree.”

I am grateful for the pioneering spirit of the Equal Water Rights organization, funded by Bill & Irene, LLC, for promoting the message that

see page 12

Weekly Holiday Deals!

63932 Hwy. 93 South, Ronan • 406-676-2201

from page 11

the court “must reach a reasoned judgment that the compact is not the product of fraud or overreaching by, or collusion between the negotiating parties.” Montana is the Watershed State, Treasure State, and the Last Best Place due to the abundant clean water. Overreaching by collusion among the negotiating parties may indeed exist. I applaud Bill & Irene, LLC for filing significant water court objections that are intended to be quite revealing to protect theirs and everyone’s water rights. I pray that the court realizes that there are many thousands of other people who did not file an objection, but who also oppose all that this compact stands for.

David Passieri St. Ignatius

Thank you

Editor,

A big thank you to all who pulled together to make the Thanksgiving Dinner 2022 in Ronan a great success! Over 300 people were served a delicious home cooked meal and dessert. A special shout out to Helping Hands for graciously donating vouchers to purchase the food while many community members and local businesses donated and cooked turkeys and baked pies. This wouldn’t be possible with all the support and giving hearts from our community!

Rita Ulutoa Ronan

vj

Ronan High School honor roll - 1st quarter 2022/23

9th grade

4.0: Xander E. Becker, MiQene M. Camel, Tobias R. Cantlon, Olivia A. Cheff, Zoe M. Cross, Owen M. Day, Leona S. Dodson Howe, Carter R. Gainan, Grace S. Heiner, Tryance X. Matt, Sadler L. McCollum, Bayley R. Miller, Rowan R. Parks, Aden N. Smith, Emilia J. Taguchi, Sarah I. Templer, John L. Walt, Bailee R. Woll 3.99-3.50: Sky Anthony R. Barnaby, Raela J. Bartel, Hayley A. Bergh, Nathaniel A. Bisson, Sonny K. Bravehawk, Kamryn G. Brown, Scott W. Cameron, Luc W. Cheff, Madeline N. Duffey, Kolby J. Finley, Caleb J. Herrera, Drew W. Holmlund, Landyn G. Hughes, Maddy L. Illig,

Sonny W. Jarvis, Morgan LH. Jennison, Sara A. McConnell, Skyla K. Nielsen, Braden M. Rolfe, Amy N. Snyder, Cale W. Snyder, Mataya L. Stevens, Shelby R. Taylor, Masyn JP. Wayman, Brodee L. Woll, Casey A. Zepeda, 3.49-3.00: Angelina M. Adams, Antoinette J. Adams, Starleena A. Bigleggins, Tucker W. Bohn, Keeyon M. Burgess, Eyanah S. Burshia, Cashel R. Coleman-Dubiel, Karrlei J. Cooper, Frederick D. Decker, Angel M. Finley, Hayden A. Franks, Gracie A. Fullmer, Joseph L. Fulwiler, Hayden G. Fussell, Kaigen N. Hoag, Westen C. Kent, Kadin R. LeGrow, Traiten J. Marmon, Thomas C. Mosley, Sequoia R. Niemeyer,

Talon J. Pablo, Kevin S. Pierce Jr., Andrew J. Pierre, Caiden L. Pierre, Atwen J. Quequesah, Gavin J. Sinclair, Shalayla M. Wall, OryAnna M. White

10th grade

4.0: Alorah S. Barker, Giselle A. Barron-Valenzuela, Chase A. Brueckmann, Tristan M. Buckallew, Lauryn T. Buhr, Ana Herrero-Garcia, Kylee A. Kelch, Koda R. King, Alexis R. Luedtke, Hanna B. Lytton, Tallon LJ. Morigeau, Parker J. Nolen, Collette N. Onsager, Lola L. Schock, Emma G. Smith,

Emalie R. Taber, Christopher C. Van Gunten, Siena N. Weise 3.99-3.50: Jamian J. Adams, Amberli J. Anderson, Oceanna AAM. Arnoux, Myla L. Bell, Elijah I. Cajune, Seattle R. Chartraw, Connor R. Durglo, Tayen R. Edmo, Aiden TI. Fife, Destiny R. Finley, Robert W. Haggard, Jasmin M. Hakes, Elena K. Helmen, Chad A. Higgins, Jessi Cheyenne James, Gabriel S. Kenton, Melanie M. Mathias, Dominique D. McKay, Saellah CB. Nomee, Sebastian M. Ortega, Jacob W. Piapot, Wade G. Qualtier, Tonsina C. Richard, Kaydance S. Santos, Aaliyah M. Stewart, Gordon M. Stewart, Haylee J. Syverson-Fraley, Rianna J. Talawyma, Laura G. Tromp, Ezra T. Two Teeth, Tirza M. Two Teeth, Jordan I.Vizzerra 3.49-3.00: Nathaniel A. Barrera, Jacob P. Beh Jr., LaSean T. BigDay,. KooSkaniKai M.Bravehawk, Cooper J. Clary, Ridge W. Cote, Brynn A. Courville, Cal August Courville, Esperanza CI. Cunningham, Kylynn S. Dusty Bull, Gabriel X. Gagnon-Rusnac, Lucas D. Johnston, Jairyn R. Krause, Laurance J. Lozeau, Ryle W. Lytle, Kalynn M. Miljies, Wyatt W. Miljies, Josiah N. Misa, Kanyon D. Mock, Steven J. Quequesah, Chevy L. Reum, Isaac A. Rodriguez, Elliot A. Salois-Nimrick, Trey T. Samsel, Treysin R. Sinclair, Sean M. Small, Theodore J. Spotted Eagle, Yanella A. Tillman, Ryan E. Walchuk

11th grade

4.0: Tanner J. Bergh, Kevin R. Bigby, Rachel A. Black Weasel, LeRose M. Black, Colter R. Cornwell, Makayla P. Corum, Cole R. Dalke, Beaudean J. Decker, Madyson J. Esslinger, Madisyn R. Evelo, Tristan M. Fisher, Ameah R. Hunt, Nichole E. Koehler, Briar H. Largent, Taigen J. Lindquist, Ashton B. Losleben, Keyan R. Pretty On Top, Ryanne J. Rider, Kaspian B. Siegle-Dibble, Morgan A. Simpson, Sydney R. Taylor, Shayla R. Torgenrud, Heidi E. Webster, Nathaniel R. Young 3.99-3.50: Stacia R. Aquino, Cash A. Atkinson, Landon J. Bishop, Ethan Z. Buys, Ivan W. Calico, Juliette L. Cheff, Ted J. Coffman III, Mira J. Corum, Leipuuwai GM. Cunningham-Hoyt, Katie L. Dolence, Ashton N. Earthboy, Audrey AR. Felsman-Sorrell, Skylar M. Field, Nathanial D. Franks, Kimber L. Grant, Elijah H. Guardipee, Brent C. Lozeau, Krista M. McCrea, JenaLeigh J. McMillan, Sadie A. Michaud, Jared R. Mock, Abigail M. Porte, Aspen E. Quequesah, Shania A. Smith, Nicholas S. Snyder, Ernastine L. Tapia-Torosian, Jason M. Teague II, Marlo A. Tonasket Jr., LaRhae R. Webster 3.49-3.00: Aden C. Aimsback, Dante M. Baltz, Lakota W. Brings Yellow, WilJames Courville, DaVonne S. Curley, Ian W. Dillard, Drake A. Finley, Hannah A. Fussell, Brooklyn P. Joachim, Angel-Lee S. Little-Marry, Shanel B. Manuel, Kamiah M. Pretty On Top, Kysis K. Santos, Dominique A. See, Coleton R. Sherman, Fortino V. Silva, Wyatt G. Simpson, Kyri J. Uhrich, Luke BD. Zetterstrom

12th grade

4.0: Ridge C. Barney, Maizy A. Blixt, Isaac T. Cantlon, Caleb A. Cheff, Margaret R. Cordova, Tyler L. Corum, Sierra L. Cote, Sharissa D. Couture, Kylie M. DesJarlais, Kylie T. Fetui, Jaslyn W. Frost, Olivia T. Heiner, James C. Kenelty, Robert D. McCrea Jr., Angelene P. Paca, Madison R. Perry, Alyssa R. Pretty On Top, Jesse W. Richey, Dylan P. Schock, Mollena W. Sydnor, Elijah J. Tonasket,

Leina E. Ulutoa, Nora E. Webster, Jeremy A. Wyena 3.99-3.50: Lathan L. Anderson, Trenton J. Burland, Mason C. Clairmont, Margaret L. Deming, Isabella P. Devereaux-Trahan, Joshua L. Hoskinson, Joelle R. Kenton,Monique M. Learn, Destiny U. Reed, Molly D. Spotted Eagle, Aspen M. Taber, Brogan E. Youngren 3.49-3.00: GraceLinn A.Baltz, Cloe C. Barron-Hoover, Kaleigh G. Benson, Sydney J. Black Weasel, Tracee R. Burland, Lucas R.Clark, Matthew D. Coe, Lexis L. Corum, Dylan M. Dillard, Kaileen R. Howard

Gunnar L. Lahaug, Logan R. Lahaug, Hunter T. Learn, Isaiah D. Lefthand, Mystery L. Little, Tyariah A. Morigeau, Brett A. Myers, Novalee N. Pierre, Eowyn O. Rumpel, Adam J. Smith,Remi J. Stalheim, Harlee J. Stokes, Peterson G. Watkins

Volunteer art docent program underway

News from Polson Schools

POLSON — The Art Docent Program is a volunteer-based art history program that allows students to become immersed in art through classroom instruction. The “backbone” of the program is the art docents. Docent, in this context, means teacher or classroom guide that promotes learning. In this program, a docent is a volunteer that is trained to present art related information and lessons in the classroom. We are extremely fortunate to have this program again at Linderman Elementary for all of our students.

Our docent trainer is Edna Lemm; she has been leading the program at Linderman since 2017. Edna is an incredibly talented artist and teacher that’s been involved in our schools since 2002, when she began the art docent program at Cherry Valley Elementary. The program is designed as a supplement to the great art that is already being done at Linderman. Edna conducts a series of workshops where she teaches our volunteer docents the art projects in a step-bystep process. These workshops are usually a half day commitment where the docents create the lesson they will present in conjunction with the classroom teachers at a scheduled date.

We feature Native American artists to expose our students to locals along with tribal members all across the USA and Canada. The featured artists we will showcase in February-March are Starr Hardridge and Ernst Marceau. Ernst, a Blackfeet Tribal member, grew up in Browning, and Starr is an Oklahoma Muscogee Tribal member. Last year we featured Allen Knows His Gun, a Crow from Billings, and George Littlechild, a Plains Cree who lives in Alberta, Canada.

This year’s volunteer docents are: Karen Gunderson, Breanne Utgaard, Felicia Gill, Sharon Thompson, Lakota Thompson, Marlena Looper, Susan McCormick, Nancy Hemphill, Lorilee Kasnitz, Tyanna Smith, Tina Tootell, Kate Condon, Katie Walter, Linda Brownell, Layne Paddock, Shannon Nunlist, Trish Rodrigue, Lindsay Godfrey, Tanya Patrick, Chelsea Kleinmeyer, Vina Little Owl, Cat Hogenson, Amanda Hardin, Shawnalee Cook, Stephanie Eickmeyer, Erika Weber, Nikki McKinsey, Summer Goddard, Whisper Camel-Means,Krista Gage, Josie Lies, Megan Pope, Heather Whisman.

The Polson School District is grateful for the volunteer docents and Edna Lemm for their time and talents. Our students and staff benefit greatly from the commitment and dedication of these generous community volunteers. We need additional docents in our program this year, so if you’re interested in becoming a volunteer art docent, please contact Tom DiGiallonardo by email at tdigiallonardo@ polson.k12.mt.us, or by phone at 406-883-6355 ext 601.

Meet. . . Qwilla

She is about 2.5 yrs old. She is a very sweet girl who loves attention.

Pet of the week

contact Mission Valley Animal Shelter call 883-5312

or visit our Facebook page!

Qwilla

Sponsored by Bishop Insurance

Polson: 302 1st St. W. Ste. 102 • 883-5372 Ronan: 209 Main Street SW • 676-5300 bishopinsurance.com

Two Eagle River School Holiday Bazaar December 10th 9am-3pm

Two Eagle River School

58020 Hwy 93, Pablo, MT 59855

VENDOR SPACE STILL AVAILABLE

PLEASE CALL 406-675-0292

Dixon honor roll – first trimester 2022-23

Fourth grade: Jett Dusty Bull

Fifth: Abram Boyd 4.0, Joey Matt 3.75, Alyra Porter 4.0, Rachel Posio 3.67, Madison Vanderburg 3.92,

Sixth: Denzel Howard 3.5, Delilah Liberty 3.72, Sonny Matt 3.5,

Eighth: Jordan Boye 3.06, Robert Howard 3.06, Dailen Nault 3.56, Bryce Roberts 3.0

FWP seeks public comment on open water fishing contest proposals

News from MT Fish,

Wildlife & Parks

HELENA — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on open water fishing contests proposed for the 2023 season. Participants must comply with state fishing regulations, including daily and possession limits.

Information on the proposed fishing contests can be found on the FWP Fishing Contest webpage: https:// fwp.mt.gov/fish/regulations/contests, or by calling 406-4442449. All comments must be received on or before Dec. 30.

Comments may be mailed to FWP Fisheries Division, Attn: Fishing Contests, P.O. Box 200701, Helena, MT 59620-0701, or emailed to: FWPFishComments@ mt.gov.

883-8970