3-23-22 issue

$1.25

your homegrown newspaper

Vol. 18, No. 27

March 23, 2022

Farm l Ranch

Polson city manager discusses proposed business license

By Taylor Davison/Valley Journal

2022

Inside

St. Patrick’s Day pg. 6

Sports pg. 12

POLSON — Rumors have been spreading through Polson about a new fee soon to be passed on to local businesses.

The reality of the proposal, as explained by Polson City Manager Ed Meece, is less far-reaching than some businesses fear.

Proposed by the city’s executive branch, the primary staff for this project has been Meece and deputy fire chief Kevin Straub, with some research assistance from management intern Tyler Baker and finance director Cindy Dooley. If passed, the business license would be mandatory to operate a business within Polson. However, the license fees, Meece stressed, would not be without purpose.

According to Meece, the primary purpose of the new fee is to offset the cost of conducting Fire and Life Safety inspections.

As part of the business license program, each licensee would receive regular inspections at their place of business that is open to the public, or areas in which employees work.

Presently, fire inspections are primarily performed by Polson Fire Chief Clint Cottle and Deputy Chief Straub, along with occasional volunteer fire assistance. However, according to

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL

The Polson business license proposal still has steps to go through before being presented to the city commission. Public comment and input is invited.

Meece, as Straub is part time it limits the number of inspections that can be done on a regular basis. The license fee would help cover some of the cost of expanding the deputy chief ’s position to full time.

“We’re trying to make it as practical as possible,” Meece said. “It’s about a public service.

There is a direct link between what you are paying and the w w w.va l le yj our na l.net

service that you’re receiving. And there’s a direct link between how much you’re paying and how much service is required.”

The fee structure will be based on the square footage of the business, as the more square footage there is to inspect, the more work there is to be done.

Different square footages will be placed on a different grade, and each grade will receive a specific

fee to keep it a flat number.

The square footages for these grades have not yet been determined, but an example would be 1000-1500 square feet on one level, 1600-2000 on the next, and so on until a certain cap is reached.

While some have expressed concern that problems found in their old buildings will cause

see page 2

license from page 1

their businesses to be shut down, Meece was reassuring. “This is not about shutting people down, that’s really the last resort of a program like this. What we want to do is work with people and help them identify where problems exist, and then work with them to solve those problems… Not only are we trying to identify these problems, but we’re also trying to bring some resources to the table to help the property owner resolve the issue as well.”

The city of Polson has a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district that can provide grants to businesses within its boundaries, which include Main Street, to assist with code updates. Any business within the district, depending on what’s found in need of remedying during inspection, could get significant financial support from the TIF program to help complete the project. Meece stated the City intends to work with businesses in addressing situations in the most timely and cost-effective manner possible.

The inspections that would be held at businesses would not address aesthetics or accessibility, only matters of safety. Inspectors would only be looking for risks of fire and risks to life when passing through a business.

The inspections, Meece went on, would not necessarily even be annual. The word “regular” was selected as the administration felt it would make more sense to be able to tailor the inspection schedule on a caseby-case basis. Businesses without a significant storage of hazardous materials or locations without significant history of fire incidents would be subject to less frequent inspection. Inspectors would still need to return on a regular basis, approximately every 18 months, to make sure there aren’t preventable hazards present.

“You’re only doing these things so the building is safe,” Meece stressed.

“The bottom line is a safe environ2 - March 23, 2022

ment for our citizens, our visitors, our employees, and our emergency responders.”

The information gathered in inspection, such as where flammable materials are stored in a building as well as a layout of the floorplan, can help emergency responders figure out how best to approach a fire.

Knowing these things as they respond to a scene rather than finding out once inside helps emergency responders be sure they can tackle the emergency in the safest way possible for all parties.

The newly proposed business license is still in development stages.

A first draft has been put forth for input and discussion. A second draft that takes public comment into account is still in the works. The first draft of the proposal can be viewed at www.cityofpolson.com/sites/default/files/fileattachments/community/page/4514/12.22.21draft_business_license_1.pdf.

Once the second draft is completed, it will be presented in another meeting for further public input.

After the executive branch feels they have gathered enough information, they will then walk the proposed license to the city commission for discussion, if not a vote. That will also be a public meeting, allowing for further questions and community discussion before anything is ratified.

City commission meetings are held on the first and third Mondays of each month at 7 p.m. at City Hall.

Agendas for these meetings can be viewed online at cityofpolson.com.

The City is striving to handle the development phase of this proposal with as much public involvement as possible, Meece said. Though a date for the next meeting about the newly proposed license hasn’t been set, it is estimated for the last week of March. One week’s notice of the meeting will be provided via the City’s website and issued press releases. Local businesses will be also be contacted directly via email, once the date is set.

vj

Candidates file for state, local offices

By Kristi Niemeyer for the Valley Journal

With the filing deadline in the rearview mirror for county, state and federal elections, it’s clear the most action in the primary on June 7 will occur in newly minted U.S. House District 1, which covers 15 counties in western Montana, including Lake. Five Republicans, three Democrats and one Libertarian are vying for a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives next year.

Best known is former Interior Secretary, Congressman and State Senator Ryan Zinke of Whitefish; his Republican primary opponents are former state representative Al Olszewski, Helena; Mitch Heuer, Whitefish; Matt Jette, Missoula; and Mary Todd, Kalispell. Vying for the Democratic nod are Tom Winter, Polson; Cora Neumann, Bozeman; and Monica Tranel, Missoula. John Lamb of Bozeman is the sole Libertarian on the ballot.

On the state level, Republican Sen. Bob Keenan of Bigfork filed for House District 10 and will face Democrat Mark Phillips of Kalispell in the general election. Keenan’s counterpart in the House, Republican Rep. Mark

Valley Journal

Noland, filed for Senate District 5 and will run against Rob Tracy, also of Bigfork, in the primary.

Republican incumbent Joe Read of Ronan (HD 93) has two opponents in the general election: Democrat Shirley Azzopardi of Ronan and Libertarian Devin Braaten of Polson. Republican Linda Reksten faces Democratic challenger Sterling James Laudon in HD 12; both live in Polson.

Democratic Sen. Susan Webber of Browning seeks to hold her seat in sprawling SD 8, which includes portions of the Blackfeet and Flathead reservations, against Republican Rick Jennison of Ronan.

In HD 15, which also spans the reservations, incumbent Democrat Marvin Weatherwax Jr. of Browning faces primary opposition from Adrien Owen Wagner of Heart Butte and Thedis Crowe of Browning.

On the Republican slate, Betsy Johnson of Ronan squares off against Ralph Foster, St. Ignatius.

Also relevant to Lake County voters is the open seat on District 5 of the Public Service Commission, currently represented by Republican Brad Johnson.

The five-member board, which is charged with regulating utilities in

Montana, was the subject of a recent lawsuit contending that population differences between the state’s five districts violated the one-person, one-vote provision of the U.S. Constitution.

The suit was resolved March 8 when a three-member federal judicial panel approved a new map submitted by Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen.

District 5 now encompasses Lake, Flathead, Teton and Lewis and Clark counties. Facing off in the primary are Republicans Derek Skees and Ann Bukacek of Kalispell, Joe Dooling of Helena, and Dean Crabb of Marion; and Democrats Kevin Hamm, East Helena, and John Repke, Whitefish.

In countywide elections, all the action on the June ballot occurs on the Republican side, with Sheriff Don Bell facing opposition from Ronan police officer Corey White, and county commissioner Steve Stanley taking on Max Krantz and Roy Anderson in District 2, which encompasses the southernmost part of the county.

Deputy county attorney James Lapotka is unchallenged in his quest to replace his boss, county attorney Steve see page 7

With more than 35 years of trusted experience,

Carolyn Cole, Jason Reese & Mann Mortgage can help you with ALL loan types.

Our unmatched access to multiple lenders ensures you the lowest rate and saves you thousands on the life of your loan.

NMLS202131 NMLS438393 Mann Mortgage LLC NMLS 2550 MTL#270418/#105/#801

Find us directly across from Flathead Lake 50125 US Hwy 93, Polson, MT carolyn.cole@mannmortgage.com jason.reese@mannmortgage.com

(406) 883-1445

(406) 883-1445

This Week’s Weather Forecast Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

March 24

March 25

March 26

March 27

March 28

56/39°

52°/31°

51°/28°

46°/29°

45°/28°

47°/29°

Partly Cloudy 23% chance precipitation

Partly Cloudy 24% chance precipitation

Partly Cloudy 19% chance precipitation

Mostly Cloudy 24% chance precipitation

Partly Cloudy 24% chance precipitation

Wednesday

Thursday

March 23

Tuesday March 29

Mostly Cloudy 24% chance precipitation

46/30°

Rain 31% chance precipitation

Flathead Lake Level 2884.61 ft WED

03/23

7:34 am

7:52 pm

1:46 am

10:19 am

THUR

03/24

7:32 am

7:54 pm

3:04 am

11:04 am

FRI

03/25

7:30 am

7:55 pm

4:12 am

12:02 pm

SAT

03/26

7:28 am

7:56 pm

7:28 am

1:13 pm

SUN

03/27

7:26 am

7:58 pm

5:51 am

2:30 pm

MON

03/28

7:24 am

7:59 pm

6:24 am

3:50 pm

TUES

03/29

7:22 am

8:01 pm

6:49 am

5:08 pm

Valley Journal

(8.391 ft below full pool)

Today in History March 23, 2021 High 45° F Low 28° F Precipitation 0.0 inches Record High 71° F Record Low -1 March 23, 2022 - 3

contents Courts ...........................8

Seniors .......................42

Valley Views.................10

Calendar .....................43

Sports .........................12

Puzzles .......................44

Farm & Ranch .............13

Classifieds ..................46

River otters

And find us online for

contact us

more photos, videos, breaking news and special sections!

www.valleyjournal.net

Boone Goddard

Summer Goddard

Advertising Sales, Owner (406) 249-1728 boone@valleyjournal.net

Publisher, Owner (406) 249-1793 summer@valleyjournal.net

Kathi Beeks Office Manager, Copy Editor (406) 676-8989 vjmail@valleyjournal.net news@valleyjournal.net

Taylor Davison

Jerry Beeks

Rob Zolman

Ben Stone

Editor (406) 439-1911 vjeditor@valleyjournal.net

Advertising Sales (406) 207-4641 jbeeks@ronan.net

Reporter, Production (406) 250-4828 sports@valleyjournal.net

Media Production (406) 676-8989 ben@valleyjournal.net

Valley Journal The Valley Journal newspaper (PE 23-190) is published weekly by Valley Journal LLC. Periodicals postage paid at Ronan, MT. Business hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Distribution is by mail subscription ($59 per year in Lake County, MT; $74 per year elsewhere in U.S.) and by newsstand sales. Postmaster: send address changes to Valley Journal, P.O. Box 326, Ronan, MT. 59864.

Your homegrown newspaper serves residents of Lake 4 - March 23, 2022

ROB ZOLMAN / VALLEY JOURNAL

2022 County and the Flathead Indian Reservation.

Deadline for display advertising is 2 p.m.Thursday.

Deadline for news submissions, calendar items, classifieds and legal advertising is noon Friday, for the following week’s newspaper.

News, letters to the editor and calendar submissions may be sent by email to: vjeditor@valleyjournal.net. Classified and legal advertisements requests should be emailed to: vjmail@valleyjournal.net.

All print subscriptions include full access to online news, Valley Journal

archives. Sign up online at: www.valleyjournal.net/ subscribe For general inquiries: call 406-676-8989, email summer@valleyjournal.net, or send mail correspondence to P.O. Box 326, Ronan, MT 59864.

Copyright 2022, the Valley Journal. All rights reserved.

Reproduction, reuse or transmittal in any form or by any means is prohibited without written permission of the Valley Journal.

Violence Against Women Act signed into law Senator was only member of MT delegation to support reauthorization News from the Office of Senator Tester

U.S. Senate — As a part of his continued effort to protect victims of violence and strengthen law enforcement, U.S. Senator Jon Tester recently led the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) through the recently signed 2022 federal government funding legislation.

“The Violence Against Women Act is a lifesaving bill for survivors in Montana and across the country, and it’s about time we got these essential programs back up and running,” said Tester. “This legislation provides resources to critical service providers, domestic violence shelters, and Tribal justice initiatives across Montana, and reauthorizing those resources will improve the safety and wellbeing of folks across the Treasure State. I’m proud to have supported these commonsense crime prevention and response efforts for Montana families, and appreciate my colleagues on both sides of the aisle

who joined me.”

Tester’s legislation passed with bipartisan support in a 68-31 vote, and he was the only member of the Montana delegation to support it.

First enacted in 1994, VAWA provides resources to protect victims and help survivors of violence, including in Indian Country and rural communities. The VAWA Reauthorization Act of 2021 extends these resources until 2027 and contains improvements to keep communities across Montana safe, including: — Reauthorizing funding for critical VAWA programs and modernizing efforts to prevent and respond to violence, including health care, housing, legal and other services for survivors of violence — Improving programs to ensure that VAWA provides access to resources for survivors in rural areas, survivors in Indian Country, LGBTQ survivors, older survivors, and survivors with disabilities — Providing additional access to victim-centered and trauma-informed care for survivors — Improving law enforcement response to domestic violence incidents, including additional tools to hold per-

petrators accountable and better serve victims of domestic violence The VAWA reauthorization bill also includes number of provisions to improve public safety in Indian Country, including: — Expanding special VAWA Tribal jurisdiction and the restoring of Tribes’ ability to hold non-Native perpetrators accountable if they commit sexual assault, child abuse, staking, sex trafficking, or assault a Tribal law enforcement officer in Indian Country — Improving information sharing between federal and Tribal law enforcement — Creating new positions within the Department of Justice responsible for coordinating and advising on culturally specific VAWA programs, and providing technical assistance for Tribes and communities applying for grants The U.S. House of Representatives passed the VAWA Reauthorization Act with bipartisan support in March of 2021, and the Senate included the VAWA Reauthorization Act in the recently signed 2022 “omnibus” funding package.

The government funding bill also provided $575 million for VAWA programs – a $61 million increase over

2021. The bill includes: — $48 million for VAWA grants to rural communities, $43 million for transitional housing, and $55.8 million in VAWA funding for Tribal governments, coalitions and organizations — Releases $2.6 billion from the Crime Victims Fund, a $585 million increase, and provides $130 million from the Crime Victims Fund set-aside for Tribal governments and agencies in order to meet the needs of survivors in Indian Country — $33 million for the Victims of Child Abuse Act — $14 million for Court Appointed Special Advocates, a $1.5 million increase to provide community support for children who have been abused or neglected — $151 million for DNA-related and forensic program, including $120 million for Debbie Smith DNA Backlog Grant Program, to help bring offenders to justice — Over $58 million to combat the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Person (MMIP) crisis, including $50 million in justice funding for Tribes, $25 million to address MMIP cases, and $5.5 million to implement VAWA special Tribal jurisdiction

PREVENTABLE... TREATABLE... BEATABLE...

March is National Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Awareness Month.

CRC is preventable through adequate screening and highly treatable if caught early.

Dr. Cullis and Dr. Hovorka encourage you to schedule your screening today!

For more infomation call (406) 676-3600

Valley Journal

March 23, 2022 - 5

SUMMER GODDARD /VALLEY JOURNAL

SUMMER GODDARD /VALLEY JOURNAL

Ronan paints the town green

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

RONAN — Last Thursday, the city of Ronan gathered on Main Street to enjoy a vibrant green parade in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. Led by a chorus of bagpipes, the parade marched down Main Street surrounded by people clad in shamrocks and small children ready with bags to gather up candy thrown from floats.

Dozens of organizations participated, from the O’Leary’s Old Ladies towing a beer hot tub titled “Irish Stewed” to the Ronan Cooperative Brewery clad in lederhosen.

The parade in Ronan has been going on since 1985 according to organizers, a celebration of Montana’s strong Irish heritage. Montana once had more people per capita of Irish descent than any other place in the United States, 6 - March 23, 2022

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL

according to the Montana Ancient Order of Hibernians, and continues to embrace its ties to the Emerald Isle in these annual celebrations.

While the parade was the subject of controversy last year when a float opted to attach a political sign to their display, the organizers made sure that no such issue would occur again this year, preserving the parade as a family-friendly event for all.

“A big thank you to the parade organizers and participants,” the Ronan Area Chamber of Commerce posted on their social media. “Such a fun event!”

The parade ended with a convoy of firetrucks, honking their horns and throwing candy from their windows to the delight of the children watching.

“It’s the perfect weather for it,” one attendee commented of the mild temperatures that graced the day. “Not too

hot, not too cold, and the kids don’t have to dig through the snow to pick up the candy.”

After the parade, a street party was held by Mission Mountain Enterprises beside the Ronan Co-op Brewery. DJs played a variety of energetic music while people talked with neighbors over a beverage from the local brewery.

Parade award results: - Most Irish went to the bagpipers - Pub Wars went to the Bird and Pheasant - Best Overall went to O’Leary’s Old Ladies Irish Stewed - Greenest Team Float went to Live Oak Belgians, Ninepipes Lodge, and the Ladybird SkyRiders - Best Irish Animal went to the Templer Family Horses - Best Kids Float went to Lilith Futrell

Valley Journal

SUMMER GODDARD /VALLEY JOURNAL

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL

election from page 2

Eschenbacher. The remaining Republican office holders – Katie Harding (clerk and recorder), Robin Vert-Rubel (county assessor/treasurer), and Carolyn Hall (superintendent of schools) – also have no opponents.

Three candidates will be winnowed to two in the non-partisan race for justice of the peace, with Michael Larson, Rick Schoening and Tony Isbell all vying for the post currently occupied by Randall Owens. Incumbents Susan Gardner, Sigurd Jensen and Allen Branine all filed to retain their seats with the Lake County Conservation District.

School board candidates must file with their district offices by March 24. Those elections take place May 3, alongside Special Purpose Districts, including rural fire, water, sewer and irrigation districts. The primary election for county, state and federal offices is June 7.

To register to vote or to check or update your voter registration, visit sosmt.gov/elections/vote. The local county elections office is also seeking election judges; learn more at www.lakemt.gov/election/election.html or call 406-8837268.

vj

briefs

Nominations open for Twentieth Judicial District Judgeship News from the Office of Governor Gianforte

HELENA — The chief justice of the Montana Supreme Court has notified Governor Greg Gianforte there is a vacancy in the Twentieth Judicial District (Lake County and Sanders County).

The governor is now accepting applications from and nominations of any lawyer in good standing who has the qualifications set forth by law for holding the position of district court judge.

The application form is available electronically at: nominatejudges.mt.gov. Applications must be submitted electronically as well as in hard copy by 5 p.m. on Monday, April 11, 2022. Applications will be made available to the public.

Commencing Tuesday, April 12, and continuing through Wednesday, May 11, 2022, the public will be given the opportunity to provide letters of support or other comments regarding the applicants to: nominatejudges@mt.gov. Applicants must receive at least three letters of support to be considered for appointment by the governor.

84th annual cherry growers’ meeting held News from Flathead Cherry Growers, Inc.

POLSON — The 84th annual cherry growers’ meeting will be held on Saturday, April 9, at the Flathead Lake Cherry Growers cooperative cherry warehouse located at 34190 S. Finley Point Road.

The meeting is open to anyone with an interest in cherry farming. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. and the meeting begins at 9 a.m.

Topics will bring attendees up to date on the latest horticultural developments for a productive and healthy orchard.

Advance registration is recommended. General admission is $20 per person and includes morning refreshments and lunch. For more information or to preregister, call 406-982-3069, 406- 982-3065, or email hammons@centurytel.net. Information and the registration form are also available on the Flathead Lake Cherry Growers Inc. website montanacherries.com in the calendar section.

The Saturday agenda will also include several topics and announcements of general interest to all local cherry growers.

2022 Mission Mountain Golf League Located in Ronan next toTrue Value & Rootz Salon

All baby gifts & toys

Informational Meeting & Initial Sign-ups

Men’s informational meeting March 30 - 6:00 PM Fun Night - April 6th st 1 night of league play - April 13th

10% OFF!

Ladie’s informational meeting April 26 - 6:00 PM Fun Night - May 3rd st 1 night of league play - May 10th

All Twirly dresses

Only $10 Offer valid 3-23/ 3-30

Stop on by to see all we have to offer!

406-676-2740

ing L o ok w e for n olfers s&g m a te b oth en s&m ladie

676-GOLF (4653) 3 miles west of Ronan on Round Butte Road

Valley Journal

March 23, 2022 - 7

courts Zeiler spared prison time for good behavior

By Jeff Smith of Anderson Broadcasting for the Valley Journal

POLSON — A St. Ignatius man’s pre-trial turnaround of behavior may have spared him prison time. Charles Henry “Pete” Zeiler, 45, was sentenced at District Court in Polson March 16 to the Lake County jail for six months, each of two counts of misdemeanor solicitation of violation of an order of protection. He was committed to the Montana Department of Corrections for two years all suspended for felony solicitation of violation of an order of protection, and committed to the DOC for five years all suspended on one count of felony criminal endangerment.

Zeiler was initially facing one count of partner or family member assault, two misdemeanor counts of

solicitation of violation of an order of protection, seven felony counts of solicitation of violation of an order of protection, three counts of felony violation of an order of protection, misdemeanor violation of a no contact order, and felony criminal endangerment.

According to court records, on May 12, 2021, a woman reported that Zeiler intentionally swerved his vehicle at hers while extending his middle finger at her. The woman reported to the Lake County Sheriff ’s office that Zeiler may be going to the residence of the subject of the protective order. She was identified by her initials J.B. A Lake County deputy responded to the scene and spoke with J.B. She said she had been in a relationship with Zeiler for the last year and a half and described multiple incidents of abuse

including a recent black eye. Zeiler allegedly called J.B.’s phone repeatedly while the deputy was there.

Records show Zeiler has two prior convictions for partner or family member assault. The solicitation charges are the result of Zeiler getting his father to call J.B. and relay messages.

Prosecutor Molly Owen with the Lake County Attorney’s office had sought a prison term totaling 12 years. Judge Manley cited positive steps taken by Zeiler prior to announcing the suspended sentence, and ran it consecutively to a five year suspended commitment to the DOC from a PFMA conviction in 2018. Zeiler was given credit for having already served 33 days in jail. He was also ordered to enter and successfully complete the Lake County Drug Court.

Baylor sentenced to more than six years News from the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office

MISSOULA — A Pablo man who admitted to trafficking methamphetamine and heroin in the Lake County community was sentenced on March 17 to six years and six months in prison, to be followed by five years of supervised release, Keith Baylor U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said.

Keith Charles Baylor, 35, pleaded guilty in November 2021 to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin.

8 - March 23, 2022

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided.

In court documents filed in the case, the government alleged that in May 2021, Lake County Sheriff ’s Office and Flathead Tribal Police officers were on routine patrol when they made a traffic stop of Baylor when he failed to signal.

Officers determined that Baylor was on state probation, which had a pick-up order for him, and also had an active tribal arrest warrant.

Baylor was arrested and during a search of the vehicle, law enforcement found gram quantities of meth and heroin along with drug paraphernalia. A search of a cell phone found in the vehicle indicated that Baylor was involved in drug distribution. Baylor told officers he

had made several trips to Spokane to transport drugs and had been working with larger drug dealers in Billings.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Lake County Sheriff ’s Office, Flathead Tribal Police and Homeland Security Investigations.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a U.S. Department of Justice initiative to reduce violent crime. Through PSN, federal, tribal, state and local law enforcement partners in Montana focus on violent crime driven by methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbers, firearms offenses and violent offenders with outstanding warrants.

Valley Journal

Montana joins suit against SHIP News from the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance

HELENA — Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Troy Downing has ordered long-term care insurer, Senior Health Insurance Company of Pennsylvania (SHIP), to immediately stop forcing Montana policyholders to choose between exorbitant premium increases or severe benefit reductions.

Earlier this year, 141 Montana SHIP policyholders received “Coverage Election Packets,” requiring them to choose between reduced benefits or increased rate premiums. The average premium increase for Montana SHIP policyholders is 70%, while some face increases of nearly 600%. For example, a 77-year-old Montanan who has paid premiums for 21 years faces a 412% increase amounting to almost an $8,000 rise in annual premiums. The average Montana policyholder has paid premiums for 25 years and is 88 years old.

“These unapproved rate increases could force senior citizens to choose between the long-term care they rely on or their financial security.” Commissioner Downing continues, “In complete disregard for Montana law, SHIP placed their financial burdens on the backs of their customers by giving them an ultimatum ─ pay up or lose your benefits.”

In violation of Montana law, SHIP issued election packages to customers that were not submitted, reviewed, or approved by the Office of the Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI). Further, CSI alleges SHIP engaged in unfair and deceptive acts and practices intended to mislead policyholders and misrepresent the benefits, conditions, and terms of SHIP’s policies.

SHIP has been insolvent since 2019 with a reported deficit of approximately half a billion dollars. In January 2020, SHIP was placed into rehabilitation by the Pennsylvania Insurance Commissioner. Per the Rehabilitation Plan, approved by a Pennsylvania court, SHIP increased premiums and cut benefits in Montana without approval from CSI. Joining nearly 30 states, Commissioner Downing has asked the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to strike down SHIP’s rehabilitation plan arguing the plan circumvents and violates Montana law, threatens state sovereignty, and needlessly hurts policyholders.

SHIP policyholders had until March 15 to choose between reduced coverage or higher premiums with an effective date of April 1. Policyholders who did not make an election will be imposed a choice by SHIP. “The Pennsylvania Supreme Court will not decide this case until after March 15. I advise all SHIP customers to find an option that best fits their needs and return their election packet before the deadline. Please do not hesitate to contact our agency for assistance when making this decision.” Downing continues, “Rest assured, protecting Montanans is our prime directive.”

SHIP policyholders are encouraged to contact the CSI with questions regarding their coverage and file a complaint with our agency. The team can be reached at 406-444-2040, or by going to CSIMT.gov.

Superintendent Arntzen seeks public comment News from the Office of Public Instruction

HELENA – Superintendent Elsie Arntzen is reminding Montanans that submitting written public comment to the Board of Public Education (BPE) on her licensing flexibilities for Montana teachers will help ensure that quality educators fill Montana classrooms. To submit public comment on flexible teacher licensing, please send it to bpe@mt.gov by 5 p.m. on April 8. The BPE will vote to adopt the licensing flexibilities during the meeting on May 12 and 13.

“Montana students deserve the highest quality teachers,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen.

“These teacher licensing flexibilities will attract teachers with multiple pathways and skills that reflect the unique needs

of our students and communities. I encourage parents, teachers, and community members to share their input through this transparent process and submit public comments to the Board of Public Education.”

Through new and innovative licensing revisions, Superintendent Arntzen is removing red tape and putting Montana students and teachers first. Emergency authorizations of teacher licenses have doubled since 2020, which highlights the need for flexible and innovative revisions to Montana teacher licensing rules. Some of the revisions include: - Equalizing alternative teacher preparation pathways - Earning multiple endorsements to expand credentials - Increasing access for expired licensees to reen-

Local students receive scholarship News from Reach Higher Montana

HELENA — Reach Higher Montana has announced the Class of 2022 High School and College Scholarship recipients. This year, the Montana-based nonprofit organization has awarded 30-$1,000 scholarships to Montana high school students and 50-$1,000 scholarships to continuing Montana college students.

Of the 80 Montana students to receive scholarships, two attend school in Lake County: Jazlyn Dalbey of Polson High School, and MaryJane Yellowmule. Salish Kootenai College.

For more information, please visit Reach Higher Montana’s website.

ter the classroom - Flexibility of initial license competencies through a test, portfolio, or verified GPA - Acceptance of lifetime licenses - Increasing career technical educators by accepting diverse degrees, allowing associate degrees, and work experience equivalencies - Allowing school counselors to pursue administrative licenses - Providing license reciprocity from other states for military spouses and dependents - Recognizing licenses for nationally board-certified teachers Please read more about the flexible and innovative changes to teacher licensing rules.

For more information, please contact Chief Operating Officer Dr. Julie Murgel at julie.murgel@ mt.gov, or 406-444-3172.

Flathead Transit

Missoula • Pablo • Kalispell • Whitefish

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

For Inform mation Ca all • We eekd dayss: 406-275-2792 • We eeke end ds 406-675-500

10:00 AM

Dixon Schools honor roll

Grade Four Abram Boyd 3.53 Joey Matt 3.87 Alyra Porter 3.8 Grade Five Denzel Howard 3.45 Delilah Liberty 3.95 Sonny Matt 3.45 Sheray Rossbach 3.5 Grade Six Alyson Bigcrane 3.78

Lucy Metcalf 3.5 Jordan Boye 3.2 Grade Seven Bryce Roberts 3.47 Reese Swensen 3.93 Grade Eight Tyler Boye 3.58 Amelya Delay 3.92 Katie Porter 3.67 Adele Ranney 4.0

Pablo

52001 US Hwy 93, Pablo 406-275-2792 • Weekends 406-675-5000

Missoula

11:30 AM

1660 W Broadway St • 406-549-2339

11:50 AM

20750 US Hwy 93, Missoula• 406-275-2792

12:00 PM

92345 US Hwy 93, Arlee• 406-275-2792

Flag Stop

27330 US Hwy 93, Ravalli• 406-275-2792

12:15 PM

240 Mnt View Dr, St. Ignatius• 406-275-2792

Evaro Arlee

Ravalli

Saint Ignatius Pablo •

52001 US Hwy 93

7:30 PM 7:05 PM 6:50 PM Flag Stop 6:30 PM

1:00 PM

Weekdays: 406-275-2792 • Weekends 406-675-5000

6:00 PM

1:25 PM

49708 US Hwy 93, Polson• 406-275-2792

5:30 PM

2:10 PM

7170 US Hwy 93, Pablo• 406-275-2792

Polson

Lakeside

Kalispell / Evergreen

2:30 PM

2076 US Hwy 2 W, Evergreen• 406-275-2792

3:10 PM

#9 Spokane Ave., Whitefish• 406-275-2792

Whitefish

4:55 PM 4:30 PM 4:00 PM

For Information Call Flathead Transit

Weekdays: 406-275-2792 •call Weekends 406-675-500 For more information Flathead Transit

Valley Journal

Weekdays: 406-275-2792 Weekends: 406-675-5000

March 23, 2022 - 9

valley views

Growing up gaming I

recently overheard a couple speculating on whether kids who are raised on video games will have the same level of imagination as those who weren’t. If something will be taken away from them if they experience too much exposure to this medium. To anyone ruminating on that same question, as someone who grew up on video games I’d like to try and put some minds at ease.

The primary console I grew up with was an N64, translucent green with truly terrible controllers for tiny hands.

My dad and I would go to pawn shops to find games to play, or rent them from our local vid-

eo store when one looked Mario 64 in all my years with the game because interesting. We played I preferred to simply plenty of games togethrun amok in the colorful er as a family, and the worlds, my memories own narof such silly ration and shared adscenarios ventures are streaming something through I look back my head as on fondly I gleefully to this day. ignored the Still, as an A Taylor’d Approach game’s set only child Taylor Davison objectives. with two Editor, Valley Journal The racing hardworkgames I ing parents, played were I spent a lot of time playing an assort- ripe for drama, my own ment of games by myself. telenovelas playing out at every corner, pass, and And my imagination wreck. A tank game my ran wild. cousin and I would play I never completed often, meant to be commore than a couple levposed of short rounds els in my favorite Super

The trees you can email C

this approach in the past: ities around the globe are transoverplanting female trees forming urban jungles that resulted in a pollen apocalypse into literal jungles. Drivin the US. en by rising Nevsensitivity to ertheless, environmentrees usher in several tal and air quality issues, significant benefits cities are optfor urban ing to boost ben there their tree landDONE that populations scapes.

Ben Stone in urban arOften, the Media Production, Valley Journal eas. In a premost vital vious column, of these I described a pitfall to improvements is the re10 - March 23, 2022

duction of ambient temperature. When sunlight is absorbed by leaves in photosynthesis, less heat radiates into the atmosphere. In contrast, darker-colored streets generate increased temperatures by absorbing the rays. Additionally, trees improve air quality by removing CO2 and other pollutants from the air.

Dust and fine particulates are captured by the leaves before being washed away when it rains. Visualize an umbrella with air

and lots of combat against each other, had us instead driving around side by side, exploring the map to find the perfect fort where we could play pretend for hours. No matter the intention set for a videogame by its developers, I constantly and consistently found my own fun in their worlds.

I replayed some of those old games I loved so much as a child in recent years, and was a bit saddened to find they didn’t hold that same spark for me anymore.

Without the rampant imagination of my childhood, I’m more limited to the fun I can find within games. Now I simply follow the story laid out

before me, and, well, I suppose I remember my own stories invented in those worlds as better.

The expanses of a child’s mind are often hard to fathom as an adult. But just like the old - and accurate - joke of a child being more interested in playing with a box than the toy that came inside, their innate creativity will always rebel against the confines of any medium. In my experience, video games were just another doll house, an added visual element to my favorite activity of playing pretend in precisely my own way. Whatever shiny new tool comes along for kids to play with, it’ll never

filters-that’s what trees are in cities.

All of this is fine and dandy, but how do you email a tree? Well for that we need to go to the land down under. In the early twenty-teens, the city of Melbourne, Australia chose to highlight their urban development, based on scientific studies of the benefits of trees in cities. These Aussies commissioned a bold new initiative to catalog each and every one of their more than 70,000

trees. Once the data was collected, the city’s urban forest team collaborated with a data visualist to display the information visually. The result was the Urban Forest Visual.

First published in 2013, this massive online interactive map allowed visitors to see every tree in the whole city along with what species and age the tree was.

Alongside the map, when looking at a specific tree, was an option

Valley Journal

see page 11

be enough to tear them away from the more interesting activities that only they can come up with and perceive. All it will do is give them a new way to play it out.

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.

trees from page 10

to email the tree. The map’s designers’ originally intended email as a method for the public to quickly alert the city of any issues regarding the trees or ask questions. However, as is so often the case, intention does not always equal the final use method. New visitors to the site read the words “Email this tree”-and responded! Soon love letters to the trees began to flood in from the city residences and around the globe. The urban forest team then commenced to respond to these emails on behalf of the trees.

Numerous heartwarming stories have emerged. Take the one of a young boy who emailed a tree sharing about his school.

When the “tree” replied to him, he was so overjoyed that he took the printout to his Show and Tell. The school was thrilled and decided to plant the same kind of tree in their garden. Or take for example, the man who wrote a thank you note to the tree under which he met his wife for the first time.

The city of Melbourne designed this as part of a bigger urban forest strategy. Each year they are adding 3,000 trees to their already sizable 70,000. The goal is to increase the city’s canopy cover from today’s 25% to 40+% by 2040. The city set out to improve the lives of their residents and along the way, they inadvertently ended up creating a giant map of trees for anyone to converse with via email. So, if you are feeling lonely or have always wanted to “talk” to a tree, you can find the map online at melbourneurbanforestvisual.com.au.

letters

vj

Character counts

Editor, Hats off to Marc Racicot for his recent opinion piece “Donald Trump is Wasting Our Time.” The former Republican governor and RNC chair focuses on human character, including, “decency, honesty, humility, honor and faithfulness.” He urges all Americans to vindicate the truth.

I agree with Mr. Racicot completely. I believe character is as important as it is elusive in politics.

As an example, Putin is heinously committing atrocities in Ukraine daily with an appalling lack of morality. And yet, our ex-president still idolizes him, calling him “savvy,” “smart,” and “genius.” In my opinion, Trump is doing way more damage than merely wasting our time.

With this somewhat rare trait of solid charac-

ter in mind, I made a list of my favorite Republicans. It includes Jeanette Rankin, Abraham Lincoln, John McCain, Mitt Romney, George Will, David Brooks, and Liz Cheney. Not a Republican myself, I don’t agree with all of their policies, past and present. But I do respect these people, for showing strength, conviction, and most especially character. In my mind, character truly counts. It always has.

Nancy Teggeman Polson

Investment in the future Editor, In response to Republican talking points about the partisanship and lack of accomplishments of the Biden administration, I wrote earlier about the progress made in the areas of jobs and children…but

that is only part of the picture. Another accomplishment has been the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Under many administrations, Republican and Democrat, Congress has been unable to pass a much-needed infrastructure bill, leaving us with lead in our water systems, unsafe bridges, and an internet system that is far behind that of many other countries. In fact, our infrastructure system earned a C- score from the American Society of Civil Engineers earlier this year.

At long last, thanks to a growing sense of compromise and a president who worked very hard on this issue, we are on the road to recovery.

What does this mean for Montana?

To Montanans, this means about $2.82 billion for roads and bridges; $144 million

at community airports; $15 million to study expansion of Amtrak rails; money to fund safer drinking water in rural areas, including up to $100 million for the Milk River Project; $2.5 billion for carbon capture demonstration projects; $937 million for a large-scale carbon capture pilot project; $2.7 billion for loans to create a carbon transportation infrastructure; $2.5 billion to complete all authorized Indian water rights settlements; $31 million for Montana community colleges; $34 million for tribal colleges.

Aside from getting needed work done, this is money that is flowing into our economy. It means jobs and prosperity for Montanans. It means an investment in our future.

Gail Trenfield St. Ignatius

Now

! g n i Hir Apply on line or ask for an application!

Positions available: Line cooks, Expo’s, Dishwashers

Join the team Valley Journal

March 23, 2022 - 11

sports Hoopsters shine in all-star spectacular (Ronan) booked a team high 15 points, Kaylah Standeford (Plains) netted nine points and Madison Chappuis (Bigfork) added eight more for Team B. Polson Lady Pirate Jazlyn Dalby won the girls 3-point competition during halftime of the girl’s game, while game MVP honors went to Team A’s Christensen and Team B’s Chappuis.

In the boys’ game, Mission Bulldog Zoran LaFrombois scored 16 points to lead Team B over Team A 105-99.

Keaton Piedalue (Charlo), Levi Fullerton (Arlee), Ross McPherson (Mission) and Marlo Tonasket (Ronan) all scored 15 points each,

By Rob Zolman Valley Journal

RONAN – Prep hoopsters from across the valley were given the opportunity to put on their school jerseys and play one last time if front of their families, friends, and fans during the 25th annual Mission Valley All-Star event held on Tuesday, March 15, at the Ronan Event Center.

Hot Springs’ Katelyn Christensen led Girls Team A in the 74-52 win with a game high 16 points, followed

by McKirah Fisher (Arlee) and Emma Berreth (Bigfork) who both scored nine points apiece.

Olivia Heiner

and Ruben Couture (Ronan) chipped in 11 points more to round out the scoring for Team B. Both Cederick McDonald (Mission) and Colton Graham (Polson) paced Team A with a game high 17 points followed by Payton Cates (Ronan) with 15 points. Also for Team A, Ben Old Person (Arlee) and Stetson Reum (Charlo) both scored 10 points.

LaFrombois won the boys 3-point competition and Team B MVP honors while Cates nabbed the Team A MVP honors.

2021 Mission Valley All-Stars Tuesday, Mar. 15 – Ronan Event Center GIRLS TEAM A (Light Jersey) Kason Page (FR-Mission) 6, Hayleigh

Smith (JR-Charlo) 1), Katelyn Christensen (SR-Hot Springs) 16, Mady Currie (SR-Mission) 6, McKirah Fisher (SR-Arlee) 9, Emma Berreth (SR-Bigfork) 9, Jazlyn Dalby (SR-Polson) 8, Dani Coffman (SRRonan) 6, Scout Nadeau (JR-Bigfork) 4, Krystina Boes (SR-Plains) 5, Leina Ulutoa (JR-Ronan) 4.

GIRLS TEAM B (Dark Jersey) Kooper Page (JR-Mission) 4, Kassidi Cox (SR-Charlo) 3, Raven Parsons (JR-Arlee) 1, LaReina Cordova (SR-Ronan) 4, Janelle AfterBuffalo (SR-Two Eagle River) 0, Olivia Heiner (JR-Ronan) 15, Kaylah Standeford (SR-Plains) 9, Madison Chappuis (JR-Bigfork) 8, Lauryn Aldridge (SOPH-Hot Springs) 4, Turquoise Pierre (SR-Polson) 4.

BOYS TEAM A (Light Jersey) Xavier Fisher (SR-Polson) 9, Coyle Nagy (SR-Charlo) 3, Payton Cates (SR-Ronan) 15, Bryce Gilliard (JR-Bigfork) 6, Stetson Reum (JR-Charlo) 10, Cederick McDonald (JR-Mission) 17, Elijah Tonasket (JR-Ronan) 6, Ben Old Person (SOPH-Arlee) 10, Colton Graham (SR-Polson) 17, George Brown (SR-Bigfork) 2, Nate Oldhorn (SRTwo Eagle River) 4.

BOYS TEAM B (Dark Jersey) Jack McAllister (SR-Hot Springs) 2, Keaton Piedalue (JR-Charlo) 15, Levi Taylor (SR-Bigfork) 4, Levi Fullerton (SR-Arlee) 15, Ross McPherson (SR-Mission) 15, Jayden Weeks (JR-Plains) 3, Zoran LaFrombois (JR-Mission) 16, Marlo Tonasket (SOPHRonan) 15, Ruben Couture (SR-Ronan) 11, Nick Walker (JR-Bigfork) 9.

Above: 2022 Mission Valley Girls All-Star Team Below: 2022 Mission Valley Boys All-Star Team

4 out of ED

TO KN OW

“But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” Isaiah 64:6

TH IN

GS YO U

NE

There is no amount of good works, religious traditions, or denominational rituals that can remove your sin debt. Only Jesus Christ, THE only Son of God, can provide pardon for sin, afforded to us on the cross, bringing us into a right relationship with God.

Pinky

Classes keep you accountable!

Spin, Bootcamp, Strength Conditioning, Yoga, Bones & Balance, HIIT

Our “GOOd” is nOt GOOd enOuGh To learn more join us at Lake City Baptist Church • 38907 MT HWY 35 406-465-8564 • Sunday service at 10:30 a.m.

12 - March 23, 2022

Pet o f

Meet. . .

This is Pinky!

She is 1.5 yrs old.

She is a very sweet and loving DSH.

the w eek

contact

Mission Valley Animal Shelter Call 883-5312 or visit our Facebook page!

Pinky Sponsored by

www.missionfitnessmt.com

805 7th St. E., Polson • 406-883-1001 Valley Journal

Wright Real Estate Co. 63228 US Hwy. 93 Ronan, MT

(406) 676-8610 www.westernmontanaland.com

Farm l Ranch

2022

Food Choice Bill allows for return of raw milk operations

By M.S. Sacry for the Valley Journal

F

or most of the history of mankind, consuming animals and animal products required a much closer relationship with harvest and production than the methods of the 21st century.

If you wanted beef, you’d have to raise and kill it yourself, or at the very least, be in contact with someone local who did. If you wanted milk, you’d have to milk your cow, twice per day.

But by the 1920s there was a push by public health advocates for pasteurization and sanitation that led to commercialization of the meat and dairy industries on a large scale. At the time, it made a lot of sense. Only 8 percent of American homes had refrigeration at the start of the 1930s and by the end of the decade only 44 percent would have the appliance.

Food-borne illness outbreaks tied to dairy products were so prevalent that some scientists in the late 1800s and early 1900s even pushed formaldehyde as a possible preservative, experimenting with the cost/benefits of using the chemical that already had known negative health impacts.

Hundreds of children reportedly died.

A century later, almost all American homes have refrigerators, as well as 14 - March 23, 2022

NICOLE TAVENNER PHOTO

Chase Jordan adjust hoses on his family’s new milking machine.

NICOLE TAVENNER PHOTO

Macy Jordan of Jordan Homestead carries empty milk churns to the barn for an early morning milking.

access to resources to help keep their meat and milk safe, either by keeping it cold and/or pasteurizing it at home.

However, laws across the U.S. have continued to

operate in the memory of illness outbreaks that occurred decades ago, in favor of highly regulated meat and dairy industries. As regulation, commercialization, and

conglomeration have proliferated, fewer and fewer Americans know where their food is actually coming from. A famous online survey done by the Innovation Center

Farm & Ranch

of U.S. Dairy found that 7 of 100 American adults thought chocolate milk comes from brown cows. Another study of American schoolchildren released in 2021 found more than 1/3 of children ages 4-7 believed that bacon, hot dogs, chicken nuggets, shrimp, cheese and hamburgers come from plants. Nearly half the children in the study thought that French fries originated from animals.

Emily and Travis Jordan are parents who worry about statistics like these. They say their primary driver in moving

toward a homestead-type lifestyle over the past few years has been so their children have knowledge about where their food comes from.

Travis says he wants to teach his children that farm animals can be both cute and cuddly as new chicks and calves, but also deliciously nutritious when it comes time for a purposeful harvest. Two years ago, the couple started eyeing milk cows as part of this lifestyle.

“Emily was excited about cows and kind of see next page

NICOLE TAVENNER PHOTO

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL

Rose, the Jordan’s jersey milk cow, eats some grain while she’s milked.

Snowbird from page 14

begged for them,” Travis said.

The family found that they loved milking.

“We didn’t expect it to be so easy,” Emily said.

At the time, there

wasn’t a whole lot the family could do with their extra milk.

“Milk was more illegal to sell than if you sold marijuana,” Travis said.

“In terms of the fines, at least. The fines were higher.”

In summer 2021, that

all changed when the Local Food Choice Act was passed and signed into law by Governor Greg Gianforte. State Senator Greg Hertz of Polson sponsored the bill and argued in its favor before the state’s Health and Human Services Com-

mittee.

“I am not asking for any grants. I am not asking for any credits,” Hertz told the committee. “I am just asking the government to get out of our way.”

The bill allows the sale of raw milk by small

farms with up to five lactating cows, 10 lactating sheep or 10 lactating goats. It also deregulates other requirements for other homemade cottage foods and allows expanded opportunities for smaller poultry producers who slaughter less than

1,000 birds per year.

The Jordans couldn’t resist the opportunity to market their milk and quickly found that demand was high. People have come from Thompson Falls, Whitefish, and see page 17

Thank You When you live and work in an ag community, you understand the hard work it takes to be homegrown.

We at the Valley Journal want to say thank you to our local ranchers and farmers for the hard work they put in day in and day out.

We’re Your Homegrown Newspaper and proud to offer a locally raised product, just like you, since 2004.

Farm & Ranch

March 23, 2022 - 15

16 - March 23, 2022

Farm & Ranch

Raw Milk from page 15

Missoula to get milk from the farm. The bill prohibits retailing the milk. Instead, customers have a refrigerated drop box in Ronan where they can pick up milk they’ve purchased.

There is no point-of-sale system.

“It’s on the honor system,” Travis said. While a couple of people have taken advantage and stolen milk, the Jordans say they have been pleasantly surprised by people’s honesty.

The Jordan Homestead plans to expand from one cow to five in the near future. They also have chickens and are eyeing other ways to make use of their land.

“How much can you accomplish on a 5-acre parcel?” is the questions the Jordans are now exploring.

Their 13-year-old now says that when he graduates, he’d like to try milking cows for a living.

Travis said the couple are aware that locally produced raw milk has a hurdle of misconceptions to overcome. Travis said that he also was very

NICOLE TAVENNER PHOTO

NICOLE TAVENNER PHOTO

Travis Jordan enters the milking barn under the watchful gaze of curious goats.

skeptical at first, but through education learned about modern ways of sterilizing and handling the milk that make him comfortable when giving it to his own children and market-

ing it to others.

“How much ignorance can we dispel?” is another question the farm homes to tackle as it markets products to the public, Travis said.

As the Jordans find success in their new endeavors and explore future possibilities, Travis says that it’s the Local Food Choice Act that really opened up opportunities.

“90% of credit goes to the bill,” Travis said, saying that it made owning a dairy cow to go from being “a hobby and

money drain to something sustainable.”

To reach the Jordans, visit the Jordan Homestead on Facebook or at its website: https://www.jordanhomestead. us/.

vj

Heart of Sky Fencing Farm • Residential • Commercial Celebrating 10 years serving the Mission Valley

(406) 544-9364 • www.heartofskyfencing.com • Facebook.com/hosfencing Farm & Ranch

March 23, 2022 - 17

Ronan Ag Appreciation Dinner returns Friday

“

Beth and Craig Blevins to be honored

The Blevins family has been and continues to be an instrumental part of the Montana ag industry.

We are so proud to have them in our community and thank them for everything they have contributed.”

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

RONAN — On March 25, the Ronan Area Chamber of Commerce will host their annual Agriculture Appreciation Dinner for the first time in two years, this time honoring locals Beth and Craig Blevins.

The Blevins have been a busy couple during their decades living in Mission Valley. Beth has served as a veterinarian in the area for 35 years, while Craig has worked as an A.I. tech for 45. On top of their careers, raising Black Angus and commercial cattle on their farm, and bringing up their children Michaela and Ethan, the couple has dedicated years of their lives to the community.

Craig served as beef superintendent for four years, served on the Market Livestock Committee, and held the role of Vice President of the 4H council locally. Beth, on top of volunteering with many of the same organizations, is a member of the Round Butte Women’s Club, has given numerous educational presentations for children on bringing their animals to the fair, and taught cooking classes for lefse and crème brulee. Both Blevins belong to the Western Montana Stockmen’s Association.

Beyond all they’ve contributed to Ronan, the two have made an impact on the agricultural industry of Montana as a whole, according to the Ronan Chamber of Com18 - March 23, 2022

COURTESY PHOTO

Beth and Craig Blevins have been selected as the honorees for this year’s Ag Appreciation dinner.

merce. The Blevins have both served many roles within the Farm Bureau, with Beth acting on both the Livestock and Animal Health Committees,

and Craig serving as past president and current director of the Northwest Counties Farm Bureau and as the district one director on the Montana Farm Farm & Ranch

– Ronan Area Chamber of Commerce

Bureau Board.

The programs this couple have given their time and energy to contribute to the funding and education of young people interested in agriculture, as well donations toward the Montana Stockmen Association’s heifer program.

“The Blevins family has been and continues to be an instrumental part of the Montana ag industry,” the Ronan Chamber of Commerce said in a statement. “We are so proud to have them in our community and thank them for everything they have contributed.”

This year, the committee will be mixing up how future ag appreciation nominations are done. In the past, the committee itself has come up with the nominees and voted on the winner. This year, however, to make sure the agriculture community itself can submit nominations, there will be a section for it on the back of each ticket. Attendees will be able to write in and submit whomever they’d like to be considered for recognition next year.

Ronan’s ag appreciation dinner, held for more than four decades, allows citizens to come together and show their

gratitude for the hardworking producers of the Mission Valley.

The Ronan Chamber gives special thanks to Jack and Susan Lake for the donation of potatoes, the Boys and Girls Club of Ronan for cooking the potatoes, Allentown and Pizza Café for the donation of homemade buns, Glacier and Valley Banks for sponsoring and hosting the social hour, Jack Stivers for his committee work on the event as the master of ceremony, Westland Seed for the event decorations, and finally Dave Marmon and Crew for grilling steaks for the event.

“There’ s so much that goes into (the dinner), and so many people that really put their time, effort, and energy into this event,” Ronan Chamber of Commerce Manager Katie Jo Elliott commented.

“This is just one way that we try to show our appreciation and gratitude to the people that dedicate their lives to agriculture... The Chamber of Commerce would like to thank Craig and Beth Blevins and their family for the work they’ve done and continue to do in our community.”

Montanans nationally recognized for commitment to family farms News from the Montana Farmers Union

DENVER — A Montana Farmers Union (MFU) member and local chapter were recognized nationally for their leadership in National Farmers Union (NFU) during the organization’s annual convention held recently in Denver, Colorado.

In recognition of his passion for family farming and rural America, Paul Neubauer received the Bruce Miller Award.

MFU’s Cascade County Chapter also was nationally recognized for their commitment to NFU and for growing its members with a Leadership Award.

The Bruce Miller Award is

COURTESY PHOTO

Montanan Paul Neubaur accepted his Bruce Miller Award in recognition of his passion for family farming and rural America.

an unexpected honor, Neubauer said, adding that being considered an embodiment of

NFU’s vision and mission “was a very meaningful thing for me to reflect on.”

Farmers Union is a grassroots organization focused on serving family farmers and ranchers through strong education programs, by advocating member-driven policies and legislation at the state and federal level, and cooperation through producer-owned coops – all important things to Neubauer.

Neubauer experienced production agriculture for the first time in college and came to Vilicus Farms north of Havre in 2018 and began P/N Custom Grazing in 2020.

His involvement in Montana Farmers Union runs deep, with him serving as the Cottonwood Local Farmers Union Chapter president. He also serves on the Montana Premium Processing

Cooperative board, helping to build access to meat processing in Havre.

“It seems like such a clear opportunity for me to exercise my ethic of doing work on behalf of my community,” Neubauer said about his work with the meat processing coop, adding that cooperatives are a valuable tool for creating opportunities that benefit producers and community members alike.

In his role as Vilicus’ farm foreman, Neubauer “is the driving force behind every daily mission,” including mentoring apprentices, interns and employees, a Facebook post on Vilicus Farms’ page reads. see next page

D&J MEAT PROCESSING INC. W E

P R O V I D E

Local meat processing for ranchers, hunters +406-745-0643 8 am - 5 pm M-F

Slaughtering • Processing • Packaging 34408 Pierce Lane, St. Ignatius Farm & Ranch

March 23, 2022 - 19

Montanans recognized from page 19

“We all really love Paul here on the farm, and we’re trying to come up with a name for the award we want to give him, but they don’t make plaques big enough to fit the endless description of what Paul does better than most everyone else,” the congratulatory post from the crew continued.

MFU’s Cascade County chapter’s commitment to NFU’s mission also was recognized at NFU’s convention with a Leadership Award.

“In today’s busy world, it takes even more to keep a sub-division viable and active, but having a local connection is so important to many Farmers Union members,” the award criteria read.

“It’s an honor in that it’s an acknowledgement of the value of local chapters within the Farmers Union family,” said Eric Bergman, president of the chapter who accepted the award.

Local chapters are able to focus in on what matters to them and then incorporate that into the larger grassroots organization, Bergman said.

“We’re happy to get (the award) because I think it’s important that we continue to acknowledge and strengthen membership from the ground up,” he added.

The longtime MFU member said he became a member after MFU reached out as he was beginning to farm from scratch. He liked the policy positions as well as the history of cooperative organizing among producers.

The Cascade chapter works to incorporate its priorities into its community through activities such as inviting speakers to chapter meetings and holding community meetings about statewide issues. They also have financially supported the Montana Premium Processing Cooperative, which is set to be operational by this June.

Perhaps the least glamorous yet most important effort is to continue the chapter, Bergman said.

“We are maintaining the effort to stay organized at a local level – in a time in history where local civic engagement may be less on people’s radar than it has been in the past.

But I don’t think it’s any less important than it has been,” he said.

vj

20 - March 23, 2022

KRISTI NIEMEYER PHOTO

Safety of Dams coordinator Gregory Wilson looks over the completed spillway at Crow Dam, west of Ronan. The road over the dam is slated to reopen April 1 after a two-year closure.

Crow Dam spillway project wraps up

By Kristi Niemeyer for the Valley Journal

W

eather cooperating, on April 1 detour signs come down, the road traversing Crow Dam southwest of Ronan opens after a two-year closure, and Crow Reservoir will gradually begin to fill again after 16 years of limited storage.

Farmers in the area will no doubt be relieved. Downstream, the reservoir waters the lush Moiese Valley, which grows a mix of alfalfa, potatoes and grain, as well as supplying irrigation to smaller organic farms and livestock operations.

Farm & Ranch

Engineer and Safety of Dams Coordinator Gregory Wilson says weather, a pandemic, challenging terrain and irrigation demands were all factors that made the reconstruction of a spillway on Crow Dam a complex, four-year project.

The 900-foot long earthen dam, constructed in 1933 as part of the sprawling Flathead Indian Irrigation Project (FIIP), was first flagged by engineers in 1996 as “high hazard.”

According to a joint report by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Bureau of Reclamation, if the dam failed it could place the lives of more than 200 people living downstream in

danger.

In 2006, restrictions were placed on the dam’s storage capacity due to concerns about its concrete spillway, built 90 years ago to prevent excess water from gushing over the top of the dam, which could cause the impoundment to fail.

“Water flowing over earth is a bad thing where dams are concerned,” says Wilson. Improvements at Crow aim “to protect the public and at the same time retain irrigation water for the season.”

The Bureau of Indian Affairs’ see next page

Crow Dam from page 20

administered by the Tribes, has been refurbishing aging dams across the reservation for more than two decades, including impoundments at McDonald Lake and Pablo Reservoir in the Mission Valley and Lower Dry Fork Reservoir near Lone Pine.

Although every dam is unique, “Crow has been our most challenging project so far,” says Wilson.

Crow Dam Road, which cuts across the top of the dam, is a well-used local thoroughfare, linking Round Butte Road to Hwy. 212, west of Charlo. The old spillway tunneled beneath the road.

Phase one of the project, launched in 2018, entailed removing portions of the old spillway on the west side of the dam, constructing the lower spillway structure and adding a stability berm along the dam’s base.

Phase two, begun in 2020, closed the road to through traffic, allowing the contractor to remove the tunnel, build

KRISTI NIEMEYER PHOTO

Work winds down on the upper spillway so that Crow Reservoir, which retains irrigation water for the Moiese Valley, can begin to fill again after 16 years of limited storage.

the inlet and upper spillway and then construct a bridge over the top of it all before restoring public access.

As the reservoir rises, water will spill

over an impressive looking piano-key weir (so named because the structure, seen from above, resembles a set of piano keys) on the upper spillway, de-

signed to improve flow efficiency.

The two phases cost around $19 million, a sum financed by the federal government through SOD allocations. The contractor is a joint venture between Montana Civil and Big Sky Civil, two construction companies that teamed up to bid this relatively high-dollar project. Over its four-year duration, they’ve employed around 25 tribal and non-tribal laborers – including carpenters, concrete workers and heavy equipment operators.

During a recent visit, crews were putting final touches on the extensive concrete work and area around the spillway. A giant crane removed a light plant, deployed this winter to give crews additional light.

Although water levels will rise this spring, Wilson says filling the impoundment to its brim won’t happen immediately. Engineers need time to evaluate the repairs before allowing the reservoir to fill to capacity. see next page

Ronan’s newest car lot!

Looking for something in particular?

Great selection of used Trucks • Cars • SUV’s.

Stop in a talk with Brady.

Farm & Ranch

March 23, 2022 - 21

Crow Dam from page 21

He also stresses that work remains to be done on Crow Dam. The 90-year-old outlet pipe at the bottom of the reservoir and the gate house at the south end of the dam control stream flows to the creek below. “We’re looking at alternatives on how best to install a new pipe through the base of dam without interfering with the irrigation season,” he says.

He doesn’t anticipate embarking on that project for at least two years.

Meanwhile, the SOD team is forging ahead with other rehab projects, which will be funded in part with money from the Compact Settlement, a complex agreement between the Tribes, state and federal government that resolved water right claims on the

22 - March 23, 2022

“

We hope to start (Kicking Horse Reservoir) construction next year without interfering with irrigation.”

Reservation. The $1.9 billion settlement includes funding for rehabilitation of the FIIP storage and delivery system.

Kicking Horse Reservoir, southeast of Ronan, is next on the SOD list. Wilson expects his office will complete design plans this year for removing and replacing the old piping and reducing seepage through the dam and at its foundation.

“We hope to start construction next year without interfering with irrigation,” he says. That’s the challenge on all of these projects, he adds – how to take advantage of

– Gregory Wilson, engineer and Safety of Dams coordinator

Montana’s short construction season while not interrupting irrigation deliveries.

Also on SOD’s horizon are repairs to the outlet works at Mission Dam and Upper Dry Fork Dam, as well as possible modifications to emergency spillways at both sites.

Even with more money available, Wilson acknowledges that finding contractors with the labor force and equipment to tackle these specialized projects is apt to be a challenge. He emphasizes that developing and hiring a pool of local talent is a priority.

Farm & Ranch

CSKT Compact Implementation Officer Rob McDonald views the ongoing construction projects as a boon to the local economy and an opportunity “to illustrate a career path to young people,” ranging from high-paying construction jobs to engineering.

“It’s about finding the next generation and bringing them up to fill these positions,” he adds. “We definitely hope Greg finishes his career with us, and we hope somebody will come up under his mentorship as we move into the future.”

“Until you get your hands

dirty, you’ll never know whether you like it or not,” adds Wilson of his line of work.

Construction on the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project, which ferries irrigation water to more than 127,000 acres of land within the boundaries of the Flathead Reservation, began in 1908. A Bureau of Reclamation report, authored in 2001, describes it as “one of the most expansive and intricate of the Indian irrigation efforts,” with 14 dams and reservoirs and more than 1,300 miles of canals and ditches. It’s the largest irrigation project in Montana.

Each project checked off SOD’s list “is another tool in the bag to help with water deliveries, so FIIP overall will benefit,” says McDonald.

vj

lakeseed@ronan.net

406-676-2174

Lake Seed Inc. 35822 Spring Creek Rd. Ronan, MT 59864

www.lakeseedinc.com Your LOCAL

SOURCE for High Quality, Proven CROP PRODUCTION and ANIMAL FEED Products.

We have the Seed for you!

• BARLEY Raised on Farm LAVINA (Beardless Forage) HAXBY (Feed Barley)

• OATS Farm raised, Certified OTANA (Forage) AJAY (Feed)

• HARD RED SPRING WHEAT

Certified HRS raised and proven on our Farm

SY GUNSIGHT EGAN HRS WB 9668

• Forage Blends and Cover Crops • Grass and Alfalfa Seed for any situation, from lawns to pastures • Crop Protection Products • Animal Feeds - All Pets large and small, 4-H Market Animals We are committed to providing the seeds for your success!

Farm & Ranch

March 23, 2022 - 23

“

Fertilizer prices double in 1 year Farmers and ranchers left with tough choices headed into spring

By M.S. Sacry for the Valley Journal

F

armers and ranchers have always been at the mercy of market volatility and weather, but 2022 could be one for the record books.

While the annual inflation rate hit 7.9% across the board for American families in February, some costs for farms and ranches have skyrocketed far beyond that.

“Fertilizer prices have nearly or already have doubled for certain nutrients,” Micah McClure of Westland Seed said. “This has impacted many local farmers and ranchers in the valley. In certain markets, the prices for some crops have risen enough that they are able to absorb some of the inflated fertilizer prices that we are experiencing. For cattle ranchers specifically, the market is in a difficult situation as the current cattle prices will make it difficult to compensate for the increased price of fertilizer.”

Fertilizer prices had already risen steeply by the end of 2021, and the war between Russia and Ukraine has only pushed them higher. Russia is a major exporter of fertilizer, with the country supplying 20% of the world’s ammonia, 18% of the world’s potash, and 15% of urea, according to past USGS data.

With sanctions now in place, prices have continued to climb.

On March 15 U.S. Senator Steve Daines sent a letter co-authored by more than a dozen fellow senators to President Joe Biden, the Secretary of Agriculture and other cabinet leaders, telling of the plight of farmers. The letter states that since 24 - March 23, 2022

Planting legumes in a year of high fertilizer prices can help reduce some fertilizer inputs such as nitrogen, which is one of the highest inflated nutrients.”

– Micah McClure, Westland Seed

January 2021 the United States Department of Agricultural Marketing Services noted the following price increases: anhydrous ammonia by 203%; urea by 141%; liquid nitrogen 162%; monoammonium phosphate (MAP) by 74%; potash by 125%. The letter also noted that the cost of farm diesel has risen 95% in the same time frame.

“Ongoing supply-chain bottlenecks and the rising cost of energy are among the factors sending fertilizer prices soaring, and disruptions stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will only compound the problem. As a result, Americans will pay more at restaurants, grocery stores, and other places,” Daines wrote.

“We are therefore urging your administration to review all possible options to lower the cost of fertilizer… Quickly undertaking such measures is the most immediate—and perhaps only—near-term opportunity to partially remedy the high costs of fertilizer impacting American farmers and ultimately American consumers.”

Farmers will have to be extra savvy in order to turn a profit among skyrocketing costs.

“It is important for farmers to know that some crops that they are growing this season have a higher market value than others,” McClure said. “Even with the increased fertilizer prices, they still need to consider making the appropriate application of fertilizer.

Depleting your crops of the necessary nutrients will cause the farmer more money in yield loss and depleted soil nutrients than if they spent the extra amount on the correct amount of fertilizer for their fields. Soil sampling through local agronomy consultants will help determine the minimum amount of nutrients needed to reach one’s yield goals. This will minimize the total amount of fertilizer used as well as any excess fertilizer that may be wasted from over application.”

In some cases, there may be substitutions that can be made.

“Manure may be a substitute for fertilizer in certain crops systems, but highly depends on the crop, as some require higher amounts of nutrients than manure can provide,” McClure said. “Consult with your local agronomist to see if fertilizer is an option for you.”

Alternative crops can also help the soil.

“Planting legumes in a year of high fertilizer prices can help reduce some fertilizer inputs such as nitrogen, which is one of the highest inflated nutrients,” McClure said. “Legumes create symbiotic relationships with bacteria that can fix atmospheric nitrogen and provide it directly to the plant, therefore reducing the need for fertilizer. Leguminous plants include crops such as alfalfa, clovers, dry/soybeans, peas, lentils, and chickpeas.”

Farm & Ranch

The

Presents:

Cowboy Ball Fundraising Banquet & Auction

Friday, April 22nd Dinner • Auction • Dancing Tickets at: 219 Main, Wildhorse Framing, Muley Bluz-Ronan.

Information: (406) 883-1100

n i a t n u o M n o i Miss

O E D RO Friday, June 24th & Saturday June 25th

USDA offers farm loans for underserved, beginning farmers and ranchers News from the USDA Farm Service Agency

T

he U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) reminds producers that FSA offers farm ownership and farm operating loans to underserved applicants as well as beginning farmers and ranchers. Underserved or beginning farmers and ranchers who cannot obtain commercial credit from a bank can apply for FSA direct or guaranteed loans.

USDA defines underserved applicants as a group whose members have been subjected to racial, ethnic or gender prejudice because of their identity as members of the group without regard to their individual

For farm loan program purposes, underserved groups are American Indians or Alaskan Natives, Asians, Blacks or African Americans, Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders, Hispanics and women. qualities. For farm loan program purposes, underserved groups are American Indians or Alaskan Natives, Asians, Blacks or African Americans, Native Hawaiians or other Pacific Islanders, Hispanics, and women.

In order to qualify as a beginning farmer, the individual or entity must meet the eligibility requirements outlined

for direct or guaranteed loans.

Additionally, individuals and all entity members must have operated a farm for less than 10 years. Applicants must materially or substantially participate in the operation. For farm ownership purposes, the applicant must not own a farm greater than 30 percent of the average size farm in the county at the time of application. All

direct farm ownership applicants must have participated in the business operations of a farm for at least three years out of the last 10 years prior to the date the application is submitted to FSA. Substitutions for as much as the full three years of experience may be made depending on education, military experience, participation with a SCORE mentor, and farm management experience as a hired hand. Your local FSA office will be able to provide more details on acceptable substitutions.

If the applicant is an entity, all members must be related by blood or marriage and all entity members must be eligible beginning farmers. At least one of the members must have three

years or more experience in the business operations of a farm prior to the date the application is submitted.

Direct loans are made to applicants by FSA. Guaranteed loans are made by lending institutions who arrange for FSA to guarantee the loan. FSA can guarantee up to 95 percent of the loss of principal and interest on a loan. The FSA guarantee allows lenders to make agricultural credit available to producers who do not meet the lender’s normal underwriting criteria.

The direct and guaranteed loan program offers two types of loans: farm ownership loans and farm operating loans. see next page

Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center (MMFEC) is a Shared-Use Food Processing and Manufacturing Facility.

AAAAAAAAAAAA BAAABABAB CABACC SASSB OOAACBB AAAAAAAAS “WS BAAAB AC BAAA

CAA BSSBB”

MMFEC’s focus is on incubating start-up food product enterprises, strengthening Montana’s food supply chain and bolstering our local food economies. The facility is 13,000 square feet, FDA registered, USDA Meat Inspected, Certified Organic and licensed for retail and wholesale food production and storage.

MMFEC also partners with a number of government agencies and organizations to support programs that provide:

C A L L F O R Y O U R F R E E E S T I M AT E TOLL FREE: 1-855-MQS BARN (677-2276)

Serving Select Regions of: Montana, Idaho and Washington

• Food product and market testing & development • Food safety trainings and certifications • Food labeling, packaging development & sourcing • Processing for farm-to-institution markets • Food business technical assistance • Guidance on Organic certification • Food Science technical assistance

[For detailed service areas, please visit our website]

w w w. m q s b a r n . c o m Farm & Ranch

www.mmfec.org 406-676-5905 March 23, 2022 - 25

USDA farm loans from page 25

Farm ownership loan funds may be used to purchase or enlarge a farm or ranch; purchase easements or rights of way needed in the farm’s operation; build or improve buildings such as a dwelling or barn; promote soil and water conservation and development; and pay closing costs.

Farm operating loan funds may be used to purchase livestock, poultry, farm equipment, fertilizer, and other materials necessary to operate a farm.

Operating loan funds can also be used for family living expenses; refinancing debts under certain conditions; paying salaries for hired farm laborers; installing or improving water systems for home, livestock or irrigation use; and other similar improvements.

Repayment terms for direct operating loans are scheduled from one to seven years. Financing for direct farm ownership loans cannot exceed 40 years. Interest rates for direct loans are set periodically according to the government’s cost of borrowing. Guaranteed loan terms and interest rates are set by the lender.

For more information on FSA’s farm loan programs and underserved and beginning farmer guidelines, please contact your local FSA office or visit farmers.gov.

vj 26 - March 23, 2022

Local pollinator initiative branches out

By Taylor Davison Valley Journal

T

he Lake County Conservation District is expanding its pollinator initiative this year, bringing the movement into urban Ronan.

The local pollinator initiative began in 2017 when district board member Susan Gardner brought up her concern about the bees. A sheep farmer with a deep interest in agriculture and flowers, Gardner pointed out how quickly pollinator habitat is being removed over large areas.

One of the concerns the conservation district has had to face is the risk that comes with native bumble bees being put on an endangered species list. While not necessarily an upcoming risk in Montana, it has already happened on the east coast. District Conservation Coordinator Heidi Fleury explained.

“When native bees are put on the endangered species list, it starts to put limitations on what can be done with the land,” Fleury said. “So, to keep ag lands and production, it’s important to keep all the pollinators off the endangered species list.” Areas that have had their bees added to the list have seen restrictions and new regulations in both chemical spraying and systemic insecticides, making it more difficult to fend off aggressive

COURTESY PHOTO

Studies have shown that the protection of bees contributes to the protection and prosperity of agricultural land. The Lake County Conservation District is doing its part to keep Montana’s native pollinators off the endangered species list.

plants that encroach on seeded land.

Gardner wrote the pollinator resolution used by the conservation district, and it was sent off to the statewide organization.

The first in the state to propose such a resolution, they became the pilot program for the state of Montana. Working with the local U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) service center for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), they were able to create seed mixes of flowering plants to be given out to landowners to increase pollinator

habitat and began working on education and outreach.

“It’s important for so many reasons,” Fleury stated. “It’s a larger issue, so we’re trying to deal with it on a local level.”

The district has prioritized education, spreading the word about threats to native pollinators. One such method has been through their ongoing conservation speaker series. In an upcoming presentation on March 30, Janene Lichtenberg of Salish Kootenai College will share her bumble bee research gathered over the last

Farm & Ranch

few years in the Mission Mountains.

So far, Lichtenberg and her team have identified 15 different species of native bumble bees on the Reservation alone, with an indeterminant amount yet to be found.

A study conducted by one of her students even revealed that native bees prioritize gathering pollen from native species of flowering plants over invasives such as knapweed, despite their abundance.

“People sometimes forget, or aren’t even aware, that there’s this huge number of native bees and some are essential

for our native flowers,” Lichtenberg said.

Outreach with farms and ranches has also been a high priority. The district gives away wildflower seed for smaller plots, but they have also worked on landscape-level projects for different producers that graze animals. For those, they use cover crops with flower species within them that can also be grazed in the fall, a nice bumper crop that helps with habitat without taking land out of production.

Over the years, the see next page

Conservation district shares small acreage pollinator planting tips

By Taylor Davison Valley Journal

T

he Lake County Conservation district held a “How To” guest speaker series recently with Pheasants Forever on renovating land for planting flowering species. Establishing new plants on a small acreage ultimately boils down to a few simple steps.

Consider the land and seeds: First and foremost, it is important to know about the land being worked before planting.

What species of plants are already present? Is the land dry, or irrigated? What’s the precipitation zone? All these components are big factors in a successful seeding. Consider which plants could tolerate the challenges of the soil and weather before pro-

NICOLE TAVENNER PHOTO

ceeding.

The time of year for planting is another important consideration.

If planting in the fall, a plant that can survive the cold of the winter, like winter wheat, should be selected. If in the spring, plants such as barley or turnips are

more likely to thrive.

“There’s a lot to be said about good quality seed,” presenter Liam O’Connor of Pheasants Forever added. While pollinator seeds can be expensive, he encouraged planters to avoid the urge to skimp out.

Quality seed brings with

it a better chance of germination.

Prepare the seed bed: Limit the competition of other vegetation when planting.

Different plant species require different levels of moisture, but another factor to consider is which plants are already

RESERVE ONLINE, VIA EMAIL OR OVER THE PHONE

www.lakecountyconservationdistrict.org/booking

lakecountycd@ronan.net • 406-217-6959

28 - March 23, 2022

Farm & Ranch

present. All vegetation in an area has to compete for water, nutrients, and sunlight. Water, O’Connor emphasized, is number one, and the most limiting factor when it comes to planting. The more existing competition in a seed bed, the harder it will be to establish new plants.

Another decision new planters must face when it comes to their soil health is whether or not they should spray or till their land.

“Quite honestly, trying to establish a good pollinator plot with the lifespan you want, and the plants you want to succeed, without using some chemicals initially in the seed bed prep is really, really hard to do,” Ben Montgomery with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) said. “Using chemicals in the very

beginning while prepping the seed beds eliminates some of the need to use it in the future to stop aggressive plants from encroaching. Get a handle on it before you establish.”

A broad-spectrum herbicide kills plants that are actively growing through contact with the plant itself, and so are best to use before intentional plants are placed.

When it comes to tillage, soil types need different types. Light tillage is good for sandy soils or scraping the top, while heavy tillage is best to break up hard clay or acres of aggressive plants. Following that up with a chemical application can go a long way to eliminate competitive species.

While these methods see page 30

Pollinator initiative from page 26

conservation district has contributed to 720 acres in pollinator habitat. They’ve conducted 5-acre studies in irrigated pastures where they interseeded legumes to add diversity to the pasture and add flowering species. Now, they’re looking to contribute to the urban landscape as well.

Thanks to a grant from the state, the district has been able to buy plants to coordinate with ten different businesses throughout Ronan to bring native wildflower pollinator gardens into town.

Sage Jibben, a part of the conservation district who also belongs to Americorps, has been recruiting volunteers for the planting scheduled for the third week in April. They like to do planting around Earth

Day as the warmth and spring moisture gives seedlings the best advantage. The planting follows Pollinator Week, which will be held during the first week in April. During Pollinator Week LCCD sets up seed pick up locations in Polson and Ronan and pollinator trivia nights at the breweries.

“I’m excited to see it happen. I’m excited to see all the flowers blooming,” Jibben said.

“I’ve been getting everything ready, bagging up and mixing the seed, so it’ll be interesting to see what grows from those seeds.”

Working within the limits of the grant funding they received, Fleury speculates they could potentially work with up to 15 different businesses if they were to implement a small cost share for plants. “I think it would be so cool if

Cut Coupon and Bring in for Discounts

10% OFF Chemicals

Small Lawn & Garden Chemicals

Fertilizers

50lb. bags of Lawn & Garden Fertilizer

Seeds

there were a bunch of wildflower plots in front of all the local businesses,” Fleury said.

In the last couple years Fleury says interest in pollinator conservation has grown. As the state’s pilot program, the Lake County Conservation District received a grant to allow Fleury to visit other conservation districts throughout the state to promote their own pollinator initiatives. Out of the 58 conservation districts in the state, 20 have now followed Lake County’s lead.

For those who would like to contribute to pollinator habitat by planting or volunteering, contact Fleury at 406-6762841 ext. 102, or at lakecountycd@ronan.net. Learn more ways to get involved and help the bees at https://lakecountyconservationdistrict.org/pollinator-initiative.

vj

Montana Northwest Farm Credit Services issues $11.1M in dividends News from Northwest FCS

BOZEMAN — Northwest Farm Credit Services customer-members in Montana have received their annual cash patronage dividends for 2021, which totaled nearly $11.1 million.

“Our customers are more than borrowers, they are owners.

Being a cooperative allows us to pay a portion of our earnings back to customers who helped create the association’s success,” said Northwest FCS Montana President Megan Shroyer. “Patronage dividends provide significant benefits to our customers, our Montana rural communities and the families who live here.”

The Northwest Farm Credit Services Board of Directors approved 2021 cash patronage dividends of 1.25% of customer-members’ eligible average daily loan balances. Eligible customer-members received

patronage payments totaling $165.2 million.

Northwest FCS’ purpose is to improve the lives of their customers, employees, communities and the industries they serve. One of the association’s key business principles is to return a significant portion of net earnings to customer-members based upon their use of the cooperative.

Northwest FCS is a $14.8 billion financial cooperative providing financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishing operations, timber producers, rural homeowners and crop insurance customers in Montana, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Alaska.

Northwest FCS is a member of the nationwide Farm Credit System that supports agriculture and rural communities with reliable, consistent credit and financial services. For more information, go to northwestfcs.com.

Spring has Sprung!

Ask About

Coming in late April:

Soil Samples & Field Scouting

Dry Shod & Muck Boots

50lb. bags of Alfalfa, Grass & Seed Mixes *Some Exclusions May Apply

Greenhouse will be open with vegetable and flower plants for sale.

15% OFF

Any questions on Seed (Scott), Fertilizer (Forrest), Chemical (Micah), Feed & Ag products (Mitch), just give them a call or come in & see them.

until May 1st

We look forward to doing business with you in 2021

One mile west of the Dairy Queen, Ronan • 676-4100 Farm & Ranch

March 23, 2022 - 27

Check out our selection of Montana Olivelle - the art of flavor offers a good selection of oils, vinegars, rubs and spices.

Terrapin Ridge - has some great glazes, vinaigrettes, sauces and aiolis.

Be sure to visit us for seafood Thursdays. Come check out our great selection.

Also all first responders and active or retired military receive 10 % OFF orders ALWAYS! 46878 US HWY 93, Polson, MT • (406) 883-MEAT • montanamarbledmeats@outlook.com Farm & Ranch

March 23, 2022 - 29

pollinator planting tips from page 28

aren’t something that should be done every year, they are diverse and valuable tools that should be utilized before the first seeding.

Aggressive species like crab grass will take more than one shot of chemicals to be rid of, but using one type of management tool over and over is something to shy away from for the health of the soil.

Finally, when it comes to fertilizer, presenters said they’ve often found it wasn’t necessary. It’s possible its usefulness can vary from plant to plant, and individuals should always do their research before planting

their seeds. They did mention, however, that weeds are quite fond of fertilizer.

Plant the seeds: Once it comes time to plant the seeds, pay attention to what planting depth each species requires. A lot of native prairie seeds won’t grow if they’re planted too deep.

All seeds need a smooth seed bed without dirt clots to optimize their seed-to-soil contact, giving them the best chance to grow.

When tilling, it’s best to go over the soil with some sort of compaction tool afterwards to firm up the seed bed and avoid fluffy soil. If the area is too small for a compaction tool, simply

watering down the soil and leaving it alone for a couple of days will help the seed bed settle down before planting.

A lot of needed equipment for planting can either be rented, or created at home with a little imagination. Tilling can be achieved with a chain link fence dragged behind a four-wheeler, and a drum filled with water makes a great compression tool.

There are a few different methods for seeding: broadcast seeding, which involves scattering seed by hand or mechanically over a relatively large area; air seeding, which can handle many types of terrain and often eliminates the need for tillage; and conventional

seeding, in which the soil is worked down to a fine tilth to prepare the ground for the seed. O’Connor shared that he himself prefers broadcast seeding as it lays the seed right out on the soil’s surface, which does well for the germination of native plants. However, if the seed bed has a thick layer of thatch or mulch, broadcast seeding is unlikely to take.

No-till drills are great for land over 10 acres, a useful way to get a spread of seeding established at multiple depths, but aren’t the most practical option for small lots.

Finally, don’t drown out the new seeds. Make sure they stay moist but

• Appointments

• Mufflers/Exhaust

• Oil Changes

Always proudly supporting local, organic, sustainable growers.

• Front End Overhauls • Brakes • Service Truck Available

Providing these great products for our customers for nearly 50 years.

MANY TIRE BRANDS to choose from

We are your organic, natural, NON-GMO grocery store.

Car • Truck • Tractor • Semi • Industrial and much MORE!

49523 US Hwy. 93, Polson • 883-6258 www.beacontires.com 30 - March 23, 2022

has to work that much harder to come back from being cut down.

Don’t give up: “I can’t tell you how many seedings I’ve been involved with where the first year the landowner’s like ‘I failed.

It’s not going to work.’

You tell them ‘Just don’t look at it,’” Montgomery laughed.

It can take a few years for the seedlings to really begin to thrive, and in the first couple it may look like it failed while it establishes its root system below the surface. Keep maintaining the land, keep weeding, and sooner or later the new vegetation will be able to thrive.

MISSION MOUNTAIN MISSION MOUNTAIN NATURAL Foods and Gifts NATURAL Foods and Gifts

Locally owned and operated since 1981 • Alignments

missing an irrigation won’t be the end of the world, O’Connor said.

Maintain the land: After the seeding is completed, weeds will still be an annoyance.

Spot spraying and hand pulling weeds are great ways to mitigate the issue, and a few years after the planted seeds are established burning can be used as an option as well. Post-seed mowing will also mitigate the spread of weeds as long as the weeds are taller than the planted seedlings. The presenters emphasized that, after a year or two, mowers can take tops off seedlings without an issue. However, when they’re still close to their time of establishment, the plant

Farm & Ranch

319 Main Street • Downtown Polson • 883-2847

319 Main Street • Downtown Polson • 883-2847

vj

Farm-fresh food available through CSAs S

fied organic or Montana homegrown, and freshly harvested at their peak within a day or two of delivery.

Because everything is grown locally, as the growing season progresses, the items received in a weekly pick-up change as well.

Early in the season, there will be vegetables like lettuce, carrots, green onions, herbs and leafy greens, while late summer harvest will include vegetables like peppers, potatoes, and squash veggies.

CSA members also have the opportunity to purchase “add-on” shares to be delivered with their regular produce share, such as organic eggs, organic milk, raw honey, artisan cheese, bread, and coffee—all produced locally.

For more information, visit www.wmgcoop.com.

33

rd

Annual Banquet Saturday, April 9, 2022

Ronan Community Center

U

pringtime is almost here, which means farmers and local producers will be bringing out the freshest goods in the Mission Valley area soon.

If you are in the market for fresh, local produce, or you want to introduce your family to new, local and healthy choices each week, you might find a Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, program a viable option.

The Western Montana Growers Cooperative (WMGC), a coalition of independent growers in the Flathead, Jocko, Mission, and Bitterroot Valleys, offers such a program to neighboring communities within the western Montana region.

According to the WMGC’s website, the goal of the CSA is to provide members with

a wide range of fresh, quality area products by enhancing the sustainability of local farms and contributing to local economic growth, while cutting out the middleman in reducing the demand of produce being shipped here from long distances.

The CSA program works in this manner: members purchase a “share” of what the coop farmers plan to grow prior to the start of the growing season, and select a community delivery site.

Once the season begins, every week a box of whatever growers are harvesting is delivered to the prearranged drop off site where it can be picked up and taken home from there.

A variety of foods can be expected. First off, all the fruits, veggies, and herbs delivered by WMGC are either certi-

U

By Rob Zolman Valley Journal

Please join us to benefit LOCAL conservation of ground nesting bird habitat.

Fun will start at 5 p.m. with cocktails available.

Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.

Tickets still currently available 100% of net fund raising proceeds are spent on Mission Valley habitat improvement projects

SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL

Community Supported Agriculture connects people to foods grown by farmers in their area, like the large family share of vegetables above from the 2021 season.

Farm & Ranch

For more information call Dave 644-8329 March 23, 2022 - 31

Equine massage therapy offered in Mission Valley Photos and story by Rob Zolman / Valley Journal

POLSON — Among other farm-related talents, horses have the uncanny ability to jump fences, breeze around barrels and run-down cattle.

All these activities require healthy muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints performing at their optimum potential.

Based on human massage techniques, a therapeutic equine massage treatment administered by a certified equine massage therapist may create long-term benefits for your horse by enhancing the horse’s overall health

and wellbeing when body pain or muscle soreness hinders performance.

Many of the benefits that horses receive from massage therapy – pain relief, relaxation, increased joint mobility and flexibility – are similar to the benefits that humans receive from hands-on treatments.

“Often times we think of massage as relaxing, and a luxury, but it has multiple benefits to all aspects of a horse’s wellbeing,” explained Krystal Zolman, a Mission Valley-based certified equine massage therapist and owner of Zolman Equine Bodyworks.

According to Zolman,

“pain relief is the most common reason horse owners seek out an equine massage.”

Muscle strain and soreness stem from overworking certain muscle groups, like the muscles of the back or hindquarters. Although muscle soreness is only a mild injury, the signs are often subtle and hard to spot, while the discomfort and pain can easily limit your horse’s overall performance.

Aching muscles are common in horses who need to work harder with the hind legs and over the back to maintain collection. Heavy muscling and restrictive side reins

also predispose horses to muscle soreness.

By eliminating sore and tight muscles, regular massage therapy sessions remove restrictions which would hinder the recovery period. Unrestricted muscles are more easily reached by nutrients which allows them to more easily grow and adapt to their workload.

“Horses are extremely emotional animals and can feel stress, depression, and anxiety in a similar way to humans,” said Zolman.

A massage treatment may help to alleviate these issues. During an equine massage, blood pressure is reduced,

and the breathing rate is slowed, which helps the horse to relax. The heat generated during a massage can also help to encourage a general feeling of calm and wellbeing which will ultimately improve the overall relaxation of your horse.

Many horses spend the majority of their day inside a stable or paddock and only get turned out once a day for an hour or two.

It is imperative for horses to maintain range of motion, otherwise other parts of their body will compensate and take up the extra workload, resulting in significant muscle fatigue, inflam-

mation, and reduced flexibility.

A massage improves flexibility through stretching techniques, designed to ensure correct alignment and rehydration of muscle fibers. Hydrated muscles have more elasticity, and a greater ability to stretch, thus improving flexibility.

Older arthritic horses also become more susceptible to pain and stiffness in their joints as their mobility slowly declines.

A targeted massage of the joints and surrounding muscles can be a good way to alleviate joint pain, allowing for more free flowing movement. see next page

Benefits of Equine Massage Therapy Increases blood flow to the muscles Reduces inflammation Promotes healing

Releases natural pain relieving endorphins

d o n’t get

left Improves circulation

Improves joint mobility Increases range of motion

in the

dark read public notices www.MontanaPublicNotices.com

32 - March 23, 2022

Farm & Ranch

equine massage from page 32

A therapeutic massage can also play a key role in post-trauma rehabilitation, getting your horse back into work sooner with less chance of weakness or reinjury.

“A massage can break down scar tissue and bring blood and oxygen circulation to the area for speedier healing of muscle damage,” explained Zolman. “By loosening the tissue and fascia associated with the scar, a massage lengthens and stretches the muscle fibers that may have been restricted by the scar tissue.”

In addition to relieving pain and restoring normal

function, equine massage can be utilized as a very powerful tool in injury prevention for horses.

The number of massage treatments needed depends on the severity of each horse’s individual situation. In many cases, a specific problem can be

R E D N U L L A T I FIND

addressed in only a couple of treatments.

“As a reminder, it is always advisable to have a veterinary consultation regarding any injury to your horse,” noted Zolman. “And while a therapeutic massage treatment will not replace tradition-

al veterinary medicine, in the right situations a massage regimen may help reduce stress and establish a comfortable and smoother transition for your horse’s return back to work.”

vj

f o o R One ANIMAL HEALTH * FENCING CLOTHING * FOOTWEAR

fe.

I t ’s a way of li urdoch’s!

Welcome to M LAWN & GARDEN * AUTO * TOOLS HARDWARE * PET * TACK

FAMILY. WORK. PETS. LAND

You can count on Murdoch’s to help you take care of it all in one stop.

Polson, MT | 170 Heritage Lane | 406.883.2140 | murdochs.com Farm & Ranch

March 23, 2022 - 33

Five tips for gardeners new to Montana

By M.S. Sacry for the Valley Journal

I

t’s been almost a decade since I spent my first glorious summer in the shadow of the Mission Mountains, which felt like heaven after living the entirety of my life in the humid eastern Texas heat that stifled from April to September. Over the years I’ve lived in numerous places across the western half of Montana, and wherever I’ve found myself I’ve always tried to grow things and have some sort of garden, even if it was on a tiny patio of my Kalis-

FILE PHOTO

Sourcing local seeds benefits both local markets and growers.

pell apartment.

Over time I’ve had the privilege to live in

Smokeless tobacco products increase your risk of death from heart disease and stroke.

There are no harmless tobacco products Make the choice today to put your health first. Quitting is hard, but there is help.

Call 1-800- QUIT-NOW

places where my garden space has continued to grow, and as I’ve tried

more and more plants, I’ve gotten better at it.

It was frustrating to

me at first. In Texas, it seemed as though anything you tossed in the soil would flourish.

I had been taught by generations of gardeners and had grown up tending a one-acre plot with my family. When I arrived in Montana, I had little space and few resources, and nearly everything I had learned about seeds past “chunk ‘em in the dirt” seemed to be upended. The following are tips that new residents to the Mission Valley might find helpful when they try their hand at gardening, and I do encourage them to try, for whether it’s

Mission Valley Power would like to remind everyone that intends to burn grass or fields, to pick days that are not too windy. If you are burning near a power pole, we advise you to cut or pull high weeds around it first. It’s the smart thing to do!

This precaution will prevent power outages should the pole catch fire. We advise you to call your local fire department before burning.

Remember, safety first.

for free personalized coaching and 8 weeks of free Nicotine Replacement Therapy.

883-7900

36079 Pablo W Road, Pablo 34 - March 23, 2022

Farm & Ranch

beauty or food production that is the end goal, gardening has always been worth the effort for me, even amongst some failures made by a southern girl in a northern land.

1. Assess your space and make a plan for it.

I have wanted to grow butternut squash and giant pumpkins for years now, but it’s never been a real possibility until this year, where I will have more space. Space has always been a luxury. Even in my 20x20 plot in the Meadow Hill Community Garden in Missoula, there simply

see next page

MT gardener tips from page 34

wasn’t enough space to accommodate the wide-ranging vines.

This year I’ll get to try my first crop of butternuts, with squash seeds I bought when there was no possibility space-wise for me to grow them. The seeds have been waiting in my stash for years.

There are plenty of ways to grow vertically and container grow for folks with limited space.

I’ve been in that situation for much of the past decade and every year I get better at assessing space-wise what I can and can’t grow, so I can pack as much into

my growing season as possible. Do your research and make a plan.

2. Get your seeds from local sources. I was strolling the aisle of a box store last week and I came across five racks of bulbs and seeds that will likely never grow in Montana. These plants were suited for Zones 8-10, and as I looked into the empty bins, I wondered who had bought them all up? Maybe people with a greenhouse, but more likely beginner folks who saw a pretty photo and didn’t think to look at the growing zones, I thought. It’s a rookie mistake that I have done several times myself.

There’s nothing wrong with getting seeds from

a box store - just know your climate and pick the right ones.

I personally have found that shopping local seed stores are much more helpful than a trip to the box store. Some of the best seeds I have gotten over the years have come from Triple Divide Seeds in Ronan.

“Buying seeds locally does not only benefit the local markets, but it will benefit the growers as well,” Micah McClure of Westland Seed said. “Having seeds that have been historically used in an area will more likely be well-adapted to the certain growing conditions, allowing for a healthier growing plant.”

By going to a local

store like Westland Seed you are also more likely to be able to get help from ag professionals who can help you steer clear of making a poor choice and can help guide you as you grow as a gardener over time.

Seed libraries are another great source of seeds that are often sourced locally. Missoula has one located in the public library.

3. Learn to save your own seeds. One year of bok choy gone wild means that I’ll likely never need to buy bok seeds again. By learning to save your own seeds you can help fuel next year’s harvest. Saved seeds can also be used to barter with other gardeners.

Farm & Ranch

4. Make a plan for food preservation. Just five years ago I did not know how to dehydrate cherry tomatoes. I was ignorant of the ways of preserving home grown Chinese cabbage by blanching and freezing. I didn’t realize that my strawberries could freezer burn if I put them into the wrong container. If you plan to preserve something, do some research first.

There are so many ways to preserve foods and the internet has much to offer. Try new things.

Make your harvest last.

While a store-bought tomato might taste like disappointment when compared to a homegrown one, a homegrown one laid to waste

is an even greater devastation.

5. Become involved in community. There is no better resource than fellow gardeners in the area. Joining a community garden has been the one of the best experiences in my life.

You turn compost together. You fight squash bugs together. You water each other’s plots when you are out of town and apologize when your sunflower spreads seeds across to your five neighbors. Growing things can be a gamble.

It can be messy. But the people who do it share a kinship that’s worth exploring.

vj

March 23, 2022 - 35

Make land more resilient to drought News from the Farm Production and Conservation Business Center

N

ow that the 2021 crop year has ended, it’s time to start planning for 2022 and beyond. Many farmers and ranchers west of the Mississippi River had a very difficult year in 2021 due to drought. Those in other areas of the country were spared from the worst of the drought this time but may not be as lucky in future years.

So, as you’re planning for 2022 production, you may want to consider some conservation practices that can help make your land and livestock more resilient to drought and help your bottom line.

USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service can help you conserve water and build resilience to drought, through conservation practices that improve irrigation efficiency, boost soil health, and manage grazing lands.

Irrigation Efficiency USDA helps you improve your irrigation efficiency to ensure each drop of water is used wisely. Saving water on your farm can help during drought and can offset rising water costs; reduce expenditures for energy, chemicals, and labor; and enhance revenues through higher crop yields and improved crop quality. Funded conservation practices include conversion to more efficient irrigation systems, such as micro-irrigation or subsurface drip irrigation, installation of irrigation pipeline, irrigation water management, structures for water control, and flow meters.

Tools like drip irrigation, which provides water precisely where 36 - March 23, 2022

Farmers and ranchers may consider employing conservation practices to make their operations more resilient to future drought.

and when it’s needed, can achieve greater precision with flow meters and soil moisture sensors.

Soil Health In addition, soil health conservation practices, such as reduced- or no-till, cover crops, mulching and residue management can help to make your soil, and the plants you grow or animals you raise, healthier.

Healthier soil can absorb and retain more water for longer periods of time, making your farm or ranch more resilient to drought. Using soil health practices, you can conserve water by increasing your soil’s water-holding capacity and use conservation tillage to keep the

ground covered, reducing water loss through transpiration and evaporation.

Improve drought resiliency And soil health practices increase organic matter, and each pound of organic matter can hold up to 20 pounds of water.

Every 1% increase in organic matter results in as much as 25,000 gallons of soil water per acre. Each 1% increase in organic matter can also provide up to 30 pounds of more available nitrogen per acre. That means less money and time spent on inputs like water and fertilizer, which make your operation more profitable.

Rotational/Prescribed Grazing, Water Sources for Farm & Ranch

Livestock Drought also impacts grazing lands, and NRCS works with you to increase the resilience of your livestock operation.

Ranchers can adapt to dry conditions in two main ways: increasing the availability and suitability of forage and ensuring that cattle have an adequate and reliable source of water. For forage, rotational or prescribed grazing (rotating cattle among pastures) can relieve pressure on stressed vegetation and ensure a more consistent supply of forage for animals. NRCS conservationists can also work with you to plant more drought-tolerant forage species, plants best suited to local soils and con-

FILE PHOTO

ditions. For reliable sources of water, NRCS can help you with installing watering facilities, water wells, or water pipeline for livestock. Having available forage and water for livestock can make a big difference in difficult drought conditions.

USDA and NRCS are here for you, helping you recover from drought and prepare for the next one. For more information on drought recovery assistance at www.farmers. gov/protection-recovery/ drought#recovery.

For more information on conservation practices to make your operation more resilient to drought in future years, go to www.nrcs.usda.gov.

MSU researcher studies decline in development on forest, agricultural land News from Meaghan MacDonaldPool / MSU News Service

BOZEMAN — A Montana State University researcher is part of a new study that finds rising gas prices led to a steep decline in the development of forest and agricultural land across the country from 2000 to 2015 compared to the previous two decades, resulting in a broad shift toward denser development patterns throughout the United States.

Published in the journal Environmental Research Letters, Daniel Bigelow, assistant professor in the Department of Economics in the College of Agriculture, and researchers from Oregon State University and the U.S. Forest Service also found that falling gas prices and, to a lesser extent, rising income drove land development from 1982 to 2000.

Since then, however, income growth has been stagnant and gas prices have risen sharply.

The researchers conclude that gas price increases, more than

“

Once land gets developed it generally is not going back to forest or the agricultural use that it was previously. That’s why this is such an important issue ... it’s not something that can be undone.”

– Daniel Bigelow, assistant professor in the Department of Economics in the College of Agricuture, MSU

changes in income and population, most significantly shaped the recent shift toward denser development.

“Increasing gas prices raise commuting costs in areas with longer commutes, which makes land less attractive for housing development in such areas,” said David Lewis, a natural resource economist at Oregon State and co-author of the paper.

The change in land development patterns led to seven million acres of national forest

and agricultural land being saved from development from 2000-15, which the researchers described as “a remarkable decline” with important implications for the natural environment.

The researchers found the pace of land development steadily increased in the 1980s and peaked in the mid-tolate 1990s before beginning a steady decline starting around 2000. It plateaued around 2010 at a level amounting to less than one-quarter of the peak

development rate in the 1990s.

Notably, the declining land development rates began well before the Great Recession of the late 2000s.

The researchers used data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Resources Inventory from 1982 to 2015, the latest year for which data was available, to create a county-level dataset of land development patterns for the 48 contiguous U.S. states. Hawaii and Alaska were not included in the study.

Other studies have documented or suggested this trend, but the causes and consequences of the change have not been explored in depth, Bigelow said. In the new paper the researchers took a more comprehensive look at the trend and analyzed several facets of land development, with a particular focus on population growth and changes in income and commuting cost.

The findings highlight a potentially significant connection between land development pat-

Complete, Reliable Land Title Service Since 1923 We would like to thank our AG Community for all your years of service.

terns and efforts to price carbon emissions that are aimed at mitigating climate change, the researchers said. Since gas prices would rise if carbon emissions were priced, the new research findings show how carbon pricing would indirectly conserve forest and agricultural lands by reducing land development.

The researchers note some limitations of the analysis, particularly that it didn’t explicitly model the impact of land-use regulations. They also note that the findings are not necessarily representative of a similar global trend in land development.

Perhaps, most importantly, they say the downward trend in land development is likely not permanent. For example, some speculate that the COVID-19 pandemic could shift where people prefer to live – from higher- to lower-density areas.

That would add pressure to develop new lands in low-density areas.

Bigelow and his colleagues

see next page

MEMBER

MONTANA TITLE ASSOCIATION AMERICAN LAND TITLE ASSOCIATION

Lake County Abstract & Title Company

314 First Street East, Polson • 883-6226 Fax • 883-2586 • www.LCTitles.com Farm & Ranch

March 23, 2022 - 37

Cattle price transparency act will crack down on market domination

By Senator Steve Daines

I

n Montana, cattle outnumber people by nearly three to one, so it’s no wonder that Montana beef plays such a large role in our rich legacy of agriculture and our economy. Montana ranchers take pride in producing the best cattle and highest-quality beef in the world. The last thing they should have to worry about is getting a fair price for their product.

I’m hearing concerns from hardworking Montana cattle producers who are struggling to

land development from page 37

believe this research lays the groundwork to help study land development after the pandemic and other future large economic shocks.

“Land development is irreversible, so once land gets developed it generally is not going back to forest or the agricultural use that it was previously,” said Bigelow. “That’s why this is such an important issue to so many people and so many groups because it’s not something that can be undone.”

vj

38 - March 23, 2022

compete with the four biggest packers who currently dominate the market. These large packers face serious allegations of creating a fiercely anti-competitive environment through unfair practices like price fixing and market manipulation. This is a direct threat to the livelihoods of Montana ranchers who are being undercut and forced to sell cattle at lower prices, while the big packers are continuing to raise prices Montanans pay at the grocery store. This is unacceptable. For years, I have

been pushing for a full investigation into these anti-competitive actions so that we can put a stop to this once and for all and ensure our Montana ranchers are receiving a fair price. Our work isn’t over.

In November, I helped introduce a bipartisan bill to improve fairness within the cattle market for Montana ranchers.

The bipartisan “Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act,” will help increase price transparency in cattle markets and crack down on the four major meat packers that are current-

ly dominating the market. It would help ensure that the largest meat packers aren’t unfairly shutting out Montana ranchers by hiking prices and using their power to manipulate the market.

I’m also working to strengthen the labeling of beef products because Montana ranchers deserve to be rewarded for producing the best and freshest beef in the country, and Montana families deserve to know the true quality of what they are buying.

Current USDA rules allow foreign beef born and raised in other

countries, but processed and packaged in the United States, to receive the “Product of USA” label. This is a disadvantage to Montana ranchers and misleading to Montana families. To put a stop to this, I’m working with my colleagues to pass the “USA Beef Act” to ensure only beef that comes from cattle born, raised and slaughtered in the United States can use the “Product of USA” label.

I have long worked to address unfair practices like these that are hurting Montana ranchers.

Recently, the Biden ad-

ministration announced steps to increase transparency in cattle markets and released an “Action Plan” to address unfair practices. While this is a welcome step forward from the Administration, we must continue to fight to ensure Montana ranchers are treated fairly in the marketplace and that packers are held accountable.

Montana ag is more than just a major economic driver in our great state, it’s part of our way of life. We need to be doing all that we can to support our ranchers, not stand in the way.

Farm & Ranch Specials

Gift shop is fully stocked!

Something for everyone!!

Ed Hume Seeds

10% OFF

Blowout sales on winter consignments.

Green Thumb 5 cu. ft.

Poly Wheelbarrow

Where We Tend to Bend the Trend (406) 319-2015

305 Main Street, Polson

$7499

Sku 274222

Find the right supplies for your projects, plus expert advice.

Farm & Ranch

Welcome spring

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL

Horses graze in an open pasture near Valley View under the new season’s blue skies.

Birdies - Bogeys - Pars... Long Drives and Short Putts Spring time in Montana, Hey golfers go nuts!

Golf course and Cantina Grill restaurant

Open 7 days a week!

Cantina Grill •

Book your tee times at golfmissionmountain.com Reservations recommended for Friday & Saturday Supper Club.

676-GOLF (4653)

Located 3 miles west of Ronan on Round Butte Road

46664 Golf Course Way

Farm & Ranch

March 23, 2022 - 39

New to Downtown Polson...

Appliances at

Harbor Light Furniture, Flooring & Mattress Gallery Stop by to see our selection of NEW Appliances & SO MUCH ZLINE 40” Range MORE! We’re here to help you get what you need.

Fast, Friendly, Local Service

883-4177 • 415 Main St. Polson Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

www.harborlightfurnitureandflooring.com 40 - March 23, 2022

Farm & Ranch

California, Washington top origin states for new MT residents News from Eric Dietrich Montana Free Press

MONTANA — A new report says Montana’s population grew by 1.1% overall in 2020 and is thought to have accelerated to “extremely strong” 1.6% population growth in 2021.

California, Washington and Colorado are the top states of origin for people who moved to Montana in 2020, the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to tax filing data presented to a legislative interim committee this week.

The study, produced by the Legislative Fiscal Division in an effort to understand how migration patterns will affect the state’s long-term tax revenues, provides some of the first-available hard data on pandemic-era migration trends.

Widespread anecdotal evidence already indicates that the pandemic and a subsequent shift toward remote work has brought waves of new arrivals to Montana, bolstering local economies and driving up housing prices across the state.

The fiscal analyst who prepared the study, Sam Schaefer, also used the tax form data to identify where in the state new taxpayers are moving and compare the incomes of new and existing Montanans.

In total, partial-year residents moving into

Montana filed 18,077 state tax forms, compared to 11,416 forms filed by residents who left the state over the course of the year — a net gain of 6,661 filers. Because many taxpayers file on behalf of other people in their household, that figure is probably lower than the total number of people who moved into Montana in 2020.

Citing non-tax-filing data, the report says Montana’s population grew by 1.1% overall in 2020 and is thought to have accelerated to “extremely strong” 1.6% population growth in 2021.

The tax data study’s key takeaways include the following: - Southwest and northwest Montana are seeing the most in-migration on a percentage basis.

Montana’s urban centers — counties encompassing Bozeman, Kalispell, Missoula, Billings and Helena — saw the most in-migration in terms of absolute numbers in 2020.

On a percentage basis, however, the picture is slightly different. Gallatin County, including Bozeman, ranked highest in the state with 5.2% growth in tax filings in 2020. Behind it were Madison County, including Ennis and the Yellowstone Club (4.8% growth), and Flathead County, which includes Kalispell and Whitefish

ONAN No. 30 30 ONANSCHOOL SCHOOL DISTRICT DISTRICT No.

BY APPOINTMENT APPOINTMENT ONLY BY ONLY

Kindergarten Round Pre-registration Kindergarten Round UpUp Pre-registration

For Ronan/Pablo For Ronan/PabloResidents Residents

Friday, 8:00 a.m. a.m. to 3:00 p.m.p.m.

Friday,April April1,2,2022 2022«««»»» << << >> >> 8:00 to 3:00

Re

KWH Elementary School At At KWH Elementary School Hearing, Speech and Basic Screening:Screening: Hearing, Speech and Basic School Readiness School Readiness & Motor Skills & Motor Skills

Placement for Two Age Groups Include: Screening Includes: Hearing, Speech and Bas Must be 5 Years Old by Sept. 10, 2022

Allow 30 minutes to Complete t

MONTANA LEGISLATIVE FISCAL DIVISION

Data shows that new arrivals are not faced with the “scenery tax” experienced by many Montanans.

Must be 4 Years Old by Sept. 10, 2022 (Limited Availability for 4 Year Old Age Group)

Beginning Monday, March 14, 2022 y Requirements for Registration include:

registration appointments by ca

(4.5% growth).

Several rural counties in northwest Montana saw high growth rates as well: Sanders (4.4%), Lincoln (4.3%) and Mineral (4.3%). Those northwest Montana counties also stood out as the topranked counties in the state for growth specific to taxpayers over the age of 65.

- At least some new arrivals are high earners: The amount of wealth flowing into Montana with new arrivals has been a particular point of concern in discussions about pandemic migration, particularly among residents worried about income inequality and new arrivals outbidding existing residents for limited housing supplies.

The study indicates new arrivals in 2020 had significantly higher incomes on average than existing Montana residents: about $110,000 for new arrivals versus

about $82,000 for current residents.

In contrast, the median income for new arrivals, $42,557, was lower than the median for current residents, a statistical quirk that indicates the average figures may be skewed upward by high earners. The study says the top 10% of new residents had an average income of about $599,000 — nearly double the average income reported by the equivalent slice of Montana’s highest income earners.

The median income for existing Montana residents in 2020 was about $50,000.

Those figures represent federal adjusted gross income, which includes capital gains and business income in addition to wages, and is sometimes adjusted downward to account for things like retirement contributions or student loan interest.

Valley Journal

see page 42

County Birth Certificate Ronan School District No. 30 at 6 Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB) Ext. 7700 (Pablo Elementa Immunization Records

Ext. 7300 (KWH/Ronan Eleme

Ext 7450 (Special Services Depa

Plan Accordingly<>Registration an

should be completed in approxim

K. WM. HARVEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ext. 7300

Beginning Monday, March 14, 2022 you may make registration appointments by calling the Ronan School District No. 30 at 676-3390: Ext. 7700 (Pablo Elementary) Ext. 7300 (KWH / Ronan Elementary) Ext. 7450 (Special Services Department) Plan Accordingly<> Registration and Screening should be completed in approximately 30 minutes March 23, 2022 - 41

seniors

residents from page 41

Polson

By Pete Mangels for the Valley Journal

I am madder than a March hare, according to my grandmother. March Madness is what they call this time of year when 64 college basketball teams vie for the National Championship.

All that a team has to do is win six games in a row. That team and their fans will be very happy. The other 63 teams will be mad. The craziness ends April 4.

The shortest player in this tournament is 5’7” tall (Arkansas); that is just a foot shorter than the average player. The tallest is 7’4” (Purdue). He is 9” taller than average. I’m 5’7” tall and I can’t watch my favorite shows because of all this madness.

April Fool Day is the first of April. Pranksters engage in practical jokes that are clever, witty and harmless to the victim. Trust no one on this day, including politicians. Trust your elders, who are hopefully wise enough not to participate in such foolishness.

Tax assistance by trained personnel is available for free at the Center from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays through April 14. Call ahead for a shorter wait time. Bring your tax stuff.

Volunteer drivers for lunch delivery to shut-ins are also needed. As little as one day a week for about 2 hours. We will train and assist you in learning the routes. You can work any day of the week, on a regular basis or as a substitute.

Call us at 406-883-4735, email us at polsonseniorcenter@ 42 - March 23, 2022

gmail.com or visit us at 504 3rd Ave. E. We are open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

Lunch is available from 11:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. weekdays for $5.00.

Activities: We are having a raffle to win a beautifully crafted, crocheted queen or king bed spread. Tickets are on sale at the Senior Center; $1.00 each or six tickets for $5.00.

Exercise for mobility: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Bridge: Postponed Mahjong: Wednesday, 12:30 p.m. (multiple tables) Pinochle: Thursday, 12:30 p.m. (earlier or later if you wish). We play 3, 4, or 5 players per table.

Bingo: Friday, 7:00 p.m. Lots of fun, prizes, snacks.

Hearing clinic: Every third Thursday (March 10) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Veteran’s rep: The first Friday (April 1) and third Tuesday (March 15) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Pool: Come in with a friend and practice for fun and bragging rights. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. We have purchased a new cover for the table. Now the bumpers and felt need replacement. Anyone out there who can refer us to a skilled table repairman?

Miscellaneous: We have mornings open for small groups.

We have Tuesday, Thursday and Friday afternoons available for use of the smaller meeting room. Main hall use is by reservation but is open most days as long as scheduled events are not disrupted.

MENU (subject to change): - Thursday, March 24: Polish weiners, tots, creamed peas, sau-

erkraut salad, banana bread - Friday, March 25: Traditional dinner for lunch – roast turkey with all the fixin’s, birthday cake. Coupon worth $5.00 presented to each person dining who was born in March.

- Monday, March 28: Turkey noodle soup, muffin, pea salad, peaches - Tuesday, March 29: Baked fish, jo-jos, buttered beets, green salad, key lime pie - Wednesday, March 30: Sweet and sour meatballs, noodles, stir-fried veggies, coleslaw, oranges - Thursday, March 31: Hot turkey sandwich, whipped potatoes, carrots, three-bean salad, poke cake - Friday, April 1: Filet mignon, potage du jour, braise de asparage, chocolate mousse

St. Ignatius

By Irene Pritsak for the Valley Journal

ST. IGNATIUS — The St. Ignatius Senior Center is ready for spring! After a fun St. Patrick’s Day dinner, we are ready for more green. Bulbs are pushing their way through the soil and dried leaves at my house and brightening up our days.

Menu for the following week: — Friday, March 25: John Wayne casserole with ground beef, veggies, fruit, pineapple sheet cake — Tuesday, March 29: soup and sandwich, veggies, fruit, chocolate almond toffee Please join us for chair yoga starting on Wednesday, March 30, from 10-11:30 a.m.

Meals: lunches are served Valley Journal

Tuesdays and Fridays at noon and dinners are served the first and third Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. You can order take-out lunches by calling the center before 10, and dinners by calling by 2 PM. Lunches cost $4 for seniors, $5 for under 60, $3.50 for 6-12, and $2 for under 6.

We also have frozen meals available for $2.50.

Enjoy your week.

Dixon

By Heather Rush for the Valley Journal

DIXON — The Dixon Senior Center continues to serve our community and hopes everyone is staying happy and healthy. All are invited to come enjoy dinner. Meals will be served Monday and Thursday evenings, at 5 p.m. Meals are $4 per serving and are deliverable to Dixon residents upon request. We are also accepting take-out meal requests for $5 per serving.

The menu for the coming week is: — Thursday, March 24: stuffed peppers, salad, rolls, dessert — Monday, March 28: tacos, rice, beans, salad, dessert — Thursday, March 31: barbecue pork sandwich, salad, dessert Pinochle will be back in the spring. We will be taking a break during the winter for the safety of our seniors.

Feel welcome to place an order in advance, call 406-2463310. All ages are always welcome.

- There’s little evidence that new arrivals are paying a ‘scenery tax’: Montana’s wages, which are comparatively low by national standards, have long been discussed as a sort of “scenery tax” that residents pay in exchange for the pleasure of living amid worldclass landscapes. The tax study, however, indicates that may be a thing of the past for new arrivals.

“They came here and got similar-paying jobs, or they brought their jobs with them. It wasn’t a scenario where they took a 10% pay cut to live in Montana.”

While Montana’s pandemic-era migration trends continued into 2021, similar tax data for last year isn’t currently available because many residents haven’t yet filed their 2021 taxes. Schaefer said this week that he expects 2021 data to be available in late fall.

The full Legislative Fiscal Division study is available on leg.mt.gov.

vj

calendar Wednesday, March 23 Flathead Irrigation District to meet RONAN — Flathead Irrigation District will hold their monthly meeting on March 23, at 1 p.m. at the Ronan Community Center, 303 Third Ave. NW, (use kitchen back door).

Lutheran Church Psalm 23 series POLSON — Good Shepherd Lutheran Church invites everyone to our series of the 23rd Psalm. The theme for Wednesday, March 23, is “God Gives Us a Place of Honor.” We all know what it feels like to be “put in our place,” to be put down or shamed. And at times we’ve all done it to someone else. Once again, this ancient text speaks right into our world with a word of promise for each of us – God never has a word of shame for us.

God gives us a place of honor, so that we might set a table that celebrates the gifts of others. This week, we will soak in the

see extended calendar at www.valleyjournal.net promise that God delights in each of us.

Soup and Bread are served at the church, 409 Fourth Ave. E, at 5:30 p.m. followed by a message of trust and hope at 6:15 p.m. There is no charge for the meal.

Learn QuickBooks II ZOOM — Mission West Community Development offers free workshops to help you learn the skills you need to help your business succeed. On Wednesday, March 23, QuickBooks Level II will be taught from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. via ZOOM. Keep your company’s financial data complete and up to date with QuickBooks Pro 2020 for Windows. You’ll learn: transaction entries, working with balance sheets, understanding other current liabilities, fixed assets and depreciation, setting up long-term liabilities, equity and petty cash accounts. We’ll also discuss budgeting and cash flow, custom fields, and integrating with MS Office. To register go to: https://lccdc.ecenterdirect.com/ and click on training events.

obituaries Steven Giuliani RONAN — Steven J. Giuliani, age 27, of LaPorte, Indiana, formerly of Homewood, Illinois, passed away on March 8, 2022. He was born on Jan. 18, 1995, in Hazel Crest, Illinois. Steven graduated from Homewood Flossmoor High School.

Steven Giuliani He is survived by his Mom, Lynn Kiedrow (nee Jezler); and his Dad, Marty Kiedrow, both of Ronan; his big brother, John Maxedon (Aimme); nephew, Benjamin Maxedon; niece, Grace Maxedon; grandfather, Roger Jezler; grandparents, Mary and Dan Kiedrow; aunt, Jennifer Jezler; uncle,Rog (Maggie) Jezler; cousin, Kyle Jezler. Steven is also survived by his

constant friends, John Weller and Beth Pickos; his long-time friend, Selena Herring; and his “Stretchy” kitty, Oreo.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Hazel Jezler; and his dear friend who also left this earth... may they find each other in happiness and free from anguish.

Steven had a special gift when it came to all animals, which he so cared for with gentleness and kindness. He was a kind, loving and generous person and was always jumping in to help the helpless. Steven will be greatly missed. He was loved by his family and friends and will forever be in our hearts. May he finally find peace. Stevie will always be with his mom in her heart and soul forevermore.

Donations to the local Humane Society may be made in his name.

There will be no services at this time.

Burns Funeral Home – Crown Point has been entrusted with arrangements: www.burnsfuneral.com.

Friday, March 25

Learn about Bumble Bee research

Buy used books at library

ZOOM — The Lake County Conservation District will host a Zoom meeting from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30. Join them for an exciting evening with Janene Lichtenberg from SKC. She will share her knowledge of Bumble Bee Research. Email: sjibben@macdnet.org for any questions.

POLSON — North Lake County Public Library’s (2 First Ave. E) Friends of the Library will hold a used book sale both Friday and Saturday, March 25 and 26, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This will be a huge sale.

Wednesday, March 30 St. Ignatius Rural Fire District announces meeting ST. IGNATIUS — St. Ignatius Rural Fire District notice of regular meeting: The St. Ignatius Rural Fire District will conduct their regular meeting on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, at 6 p.m. in the fire hall meeting room. For further information you may contact Chairman Tim Callahan at 406-745-4112.

Learn Excel Level II ZOOM — Mission West Community Development offers free workshops to help you learn the skills you need to help your business succeed. On Wednesday, March 30, QuickBooks II for QuickBooks Pro 2020 on Windows. You’ll learn: transaction entries, working with balance sheets, understanding other current liabilities, fixed assets and depreciation, setting up long-term liabilities, equity and petty cash accounts. To register go to: https://lccdc.ecenterdirect.com/ and click on training events.

Serving Lake County since 1923 Attention lenders: Consider having your title work done by friendly professionals at a locally owned and operated title company that has stood the test of time!

We offer complete, reliable title services in our conveniently located office in downtown Polson.

We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and your clients!

Montana Land Title Association and American Land Title Association Member

Lake County Abstract & Title Co. Valley Journal

314 First Street East • Suite 101 Polson, Montana 59860

(406) 883-6226 www.lctitles.com

March 23, 2022 - 43

PUZZLES LOS ANGELES TIMES SUNDAY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

“Freakonomics!” By Ed Sessa

ACROSS 1 8 14 20

21 22

23

25

26 27 28 30 31 32

34

35 36

43 44 45

46 47

50 51 52 55

56

59 60 61 63 64 65

Big do Attacks Discusses, with “out” Traditional Eastern garments Arch support 1974 Top 10 Ringo Starr hit “Surgeon freaks out over higher __!”

Dish out messily, as goulash Email clutter Nerve cell transmitter Bring comfort to Jared of “Fight Club” Luv TV Drs. Isles and Quincy Build-it-yourself furniture chain Scott in an 1857 case “Cattle rancher freaks out over __!”

Estate planning list White option, briefly “__ go down to the seas again”: Masefield Put on notice Ones at home on the range Stock seller, often Hesitant sounds Vaccine safety agcy.

It may accompany vertigo “Landscaper freaks out over cut back __”!

Open, as an envelope Write “mispell,” e.g.

Hard-to-move type Hawks Popeye’s stop Country singer Haggard

67 69 70 71 72

74 76 77 78

80

82

83 84 85 86

88 90

91 93

97 98 99 100 102 103

106 109

110 112

115

116 117

118 119 120

Mekong River land Grammy, alternatively All, in scores Curved moldings Ski resort near Montpelier “Let me sleep on it” Dr. Seuss’ Sam-__ Billionth: Pref.

“Shrimper captain freaks out over __!”

Punk rock’s Joey or Dee Dee No. on a landscaper’s doc Came out on top Newspaper stand?

Some fictional turtles Name in early Genesis chapters Auricle, in anatomy Sombrero wearer’s title, often Breakfast strips “Restaurant owner freaks out over __!”

Aunties’ mates Card relative?

NBA great Ming La-la preceder New Mexico art colony Julie with multiple Tonys and Emmys TriBeCa neighbor How many ER orders are given Perceptiveness “Car rental agency franchisee freaks out over __!”

Common workday starting hr.

“Swan Lake” heroine Longtime “General Hospital” actress Major course Affirmatives Taco truck fare-

DOWN 1 2

3 4 5 6 7

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

18 19 24 29 33 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 46

47 48 49

50 51 53 54 56

Itty bit “Hungry, hungry” game beasts “Let me clarify ... “ It’s not unusual __ kit Itty bit Unofficial EU leaders group Bottom-line name Letter abbr.

General __ chicken Just okay Tin mints Radon detection aid Book before Joel Minor league rink org.

Burn sans flames “Balloonist freaks out over __!”

Stage attention-getter Church councils Bedouin, e.g.

With it, old-style Tackled moguls Folk legend Phil Cocktail hour array Gold measure Woolf’s “__ Dalloway” Salon and Slate Large serving bowl Is down with Subj. of arms negotiations Buttercup relative Krypton, for one “Electrician freaks out over drop in his __!”

Chill Retract A long ways off Now and then “Perfectly Good Guitar” singer John

57 58 59 62 64 66 68 73 75 78 79 81 83 85

87 88

89

90 91 92 93 94 95

96 98 101 104 105 107 108 109 111 113

114

Attacked via email Arm bones “Law & Order: __” Daily Planet name Gorged oneself Sign of summer Passes out College sports airer Netflix title puggle dog __ de guerre: alias Morally repugnant Trade center Sickly looking Travis Tritt’s “Tell __ Was Dreaming” FBI file Original name of a classic NOLA sandwich Offer an unwelcome opinion, maybe Left one’s seat Lighter fluid Pain relief brand “Argo” spy org.

Cuts partner Fifth-century enemy of Rome Explicit, in a way What’s done for fun?

On the briny Dire day for Caesar Pepper et al.: Abbr.

Pressure __ consequence “Beat it!” __ Bo Paris Jazz Festival saison Seat holders

©2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

CRYPTO-QUOTE

One letter stands in for another. Single letters, apostrophes, word length and formation of the words are all hints. Each week the key is different.

GYB YLU L YLJIXJ ANZYS SYLD YX GYB NU USJNVNDZ SB BVXJTBQX YNQUXMA. - SYBQLU L FXQCNU Ben Stone / Valley Journal

QUICKSILVER EXPRESSO TAKE A BREAK!

51999 US 93 • PABLO 44 - March 23, 2022

7 days a week

Monday- Friday 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday & Sunday 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

675-5000

(near the walking bridge in Pablo) Valley Journal

Come in for: • Soup & Sandwiches • Coffee Bar • Free Wi-Fi • Ice Cream • Car Wash & Vacuum • Laundromat • ATM • Flathead Transit/ Jefferson Line connect

Full Service Espresso Bar

GfEsnacks HiU n s!! o o

ge ct sele bevera &

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE

By: Magi Helena for the Week of March 20, 2022

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A partner may prefer facts rather than fantasies. Do not let criticisms be personally hurtful. You will possess a sharper competitive edge in the upcoming week if you’re part of a group of likeminded individuals.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Enjoy some mental challenges or puzzles to exercise your mind. In the coming week, you may need to come up with innovative ideas to solve problems at work. Brainstorm solutions with savvy people.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You may be ready to join new friends and old companions on a more productive path as this week unfolds. Some new acquaintances may only remain in your circle for a short time, but they may offer fresh insights.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Seeing is believing. It may be difficult to perceive the road clearly if you are blinded by wishful thinking.

In the week ahead, test out theories before you put them into action and listen to the advice of wise companions and partners.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You may glow with enhanced mojo.

Hang out with talented individuals and find yourself in lofty circles.

Money may feel a bit tight, so avoid making rash financial decisions or impulsive purchases this week.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Check messages and conversations for hidden meanings. Some people might say exactly what they mean but others could offer more cryptic signals. In the week ahead, your perceptions may be sharper than usual.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You are stimulated by people who are familiar with the latest discoveries and technologies. New friends could influence how you choose to handle family issues in the week to come. Recognize any problems so you can fix them.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Appreciate the hard work that must be exerted to live up to ideals and reach your goals. You may be all business when dealing with financial matters but still be compassionate towards someone in need.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Press the pause button on your decisions. Someone might be friendly or flatter you in the week to come, but this does not mean that you should pursue them romantically.

Think things through before acting.

SUDOKU

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Hope springs eternal. You may be determined to stop hibernating and break out of your cave as spring arrives. Loved ones and friends could agree in the week ahead that it is time to try something different.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): You might jump the gun or feel that someone else is making an inconvenient spur-of-the-moment decision. Don’t let a minor misunderstanding drive a wedge between you and your loved ones in the week ahead.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The mind operates as a magnet that attracts things and people of similar vibration. Positive, contented, uplifting and encouraging words will bring people together.

Focus on sound principles to guide your life.

COMICS

©2022 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

Answers in Classifieds Valley Journal

March 23, 2022 - 45

classifieds Announcements Auctions JOHNCO STORAGE: Public sale APRIL 6, 2022 at 2:00 pm at 808 7th Street East, Polson. Sell to highest bidder for CASH OR CERTIFIED CHECK ONLY, contents of units 11, 31, 54, 140, 189, 213, 216, AND 280. Units are subject to redemption prior to sale time. 883-5405.

Special Notices ANTIQUE DEALER GIANT RETIREMENT SALE! Antiques, rare, unique, vast collection! March 31-April 3 and June 9-12, 9 am-2 pm, 2590 Murphy, Missoula.

Follow on Instagram @yellowbirdantiques

Wanted WANTED TO BUY Guns and/or ammunition, old or new.

Whole estates/collections or single pieces.

Fair prices paid. 207-4641

Employment Help wanted The Town of St. Ignatius intends to hire a part-time, short-term worker to mow and maintain city properties. The position will pay $10 per hour.

Must be 16 years old and possess a valid driver’s license.

Any questions can be directed to Scott Morton, Public Works Director, at 552-3870. Interested parties should send a letter of interest to City Hall, PO Box 103, St. Ignatius, MT 59865.

The job will remain open untll filled.

Supply and Inventory Associate. Montana State University – Bozeman. Facilities Services. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/28774. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled.

46 - March 23, 2022

Laborer Montana State University – Bozeman. Facilities Services. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https:// jobs.- montana.edu/postings/25757. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled.

St. Ignatius Mission is looking for a Maintenance worker for repairs and cleaning. Responsible for applying basic fixes to equipment and building systems, lawn care and maintenance in the summer and snow removal in the winter. The hours are 9 am-5 pm Wednesday, Thursday and Friday with additional hours if needed on the weekends. Skills and abilities include being able to follow instructions, learn and train from supervisor and willing to become part of a team. Would need a knowledge of general carpentry and repair. Ability to use hand tools and power tools. Must be physically able to climb ladders, bend, be able to lift 50 pounds at a time and have a valid driver’s license, high school diploma or equivalent required.

Related experience preferred or on-the-job training. Salary available upon negotiation.

Applications available at the Church office at St. Ignatius Mission, 300 Beartrack Ave, PO Box 667, St. Ignatius 59865. For more information call 406-745-2768.

DEPUTY COUNTY ATTORNEY NEEDED IN HARDIN IMMEDIATELY: $80,246/year, good benefits. Email humanresources@bighorncountymt. gov or call (406) 665-9735 for more information. Job closes April 2, 2022. EEO/ AA Employer CYTS DATA MANAGER DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT FINANCE & GRANTS DIVISION The successful applicant is required to possess a Bachelor’s degree and up to two years’ experience working with Federal Grants in the areas of developing program logic models and program process implementation and outcomes data collection plans, as

required for evaluation, (Prefer a B.A. Degree in business administration, sociology or social work). Position is also required to possess knowledge of designing data management systems and working with systems designer to ensure the proper function of the database for accurate data reporting. Must also write portions of Federal Grant Report, where proper data measures are required to be reported. In addition, the position must demonstrate experience presenting data in charts, graphs or tables or professional presentations, including power point presentations. Must be able to analyze data using statistical techniques within Microsoft Excel and possess at least three years of experience managing programs that serve at-risk families/children, as well as the ability to develop effective and practical strategies for implementing program objectives as assigned by supervisors and team input which is agreed upon. Successful applicant must pass background investigation.

No misdemeanors pending and/or in process. Must have never been convicted or pled guilty to a crime of domestic violence, child abuse, or elder abuse, sexual offense or crime of violence (felony). Must not have resigned to avoid disciplinary actions or been dismissed from employment within the past three (3) years.

Must possess a valid Montana driver’s license and maintain liability insurance. Must not have been involved with any child or social service protection agency as a client. No alcohol or drug abuse charges or domestic violence charges within the past five (5) years mandatory. Annual confidentiality agreement and investigative background check required. Position is a testing designated position (TDP) under the terms and conditions of the CSKT drug-testing program and implementing rules. Must not have had a conviction of driving under the influence of substances or a per se within the last three (3) years. This position is a

mandatory reporter of child abuse and neglect situations.

All applicants must submit a completed Tribal employment application, supplemental questionnaire for background investigations, copy of relevant academic transcripts and training certificates, copy of current valid driver’s license and proof of liability insurance, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT & if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of your DD214. This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. A favorable determination resulting from a completed background investigation is required for your placement in this position. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6 to 12) month probationary period. Salary range: $21.27 to $24.45 per hour. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1259/1040.

Tribal applications are also available on-line at www. csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, April 7th, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. Maintenance Plumber (Journeyman Plumber). Montana State University – Bozeman.

For complete job announcement and application procedures,click on: https://jobs. montana.edu/postings/28476.

Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled.

Mail Services Manager.

Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https:// jobs.montana.edu/postings/28730. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled.

Work Control Dispatcher **Recent Wage Increase** Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana.edu/ postings/26096. Equal Op-

Valley Journal

portunity Employer, Veterans/ Disabled.

ACCOUNT MANAGER WANTED URGENTLY. ANY WORK EXPERIENCE CAN APPLY.MUST BE ACCURATE, COMPUTER LITERATE, HAVE GOOD TYPING SKILLS AND HAVE A GOOD SENSE OF COMMUNICATION. WILL EARN $3340 MONTHLY. Email at paulmoscoe1@gmail.com for application.

ADVERTISING SALES REPRESENTATIVE WANTED Hate desk jobs? Enjoy meeting new people and engaging with your community? Join our award-winning staff. Help local businesses bring their message to an engaged readership! Ideal candidate is self-motivated, goal oriented with marketing savvy. Pay is commission-based: 20-25% DOE. Mileage, cell phone allowance and shared healthcare membership paid monthly.

Reliable, insured transportation, cell phone, basic computer skills including sending and receiving of attachments via email required. Serious inquiries only. Send letter of interest and resume with three references to summer@ valleyjournal.net.

K-8 teacher Mountain View Elementary. Send resume to Mountain View Elementary, Box 1169, Cut Bank MT 59427. Email questions to JerryHofer@gmail.com or call (406) 336-2638.

TCC TRANSPORTATION SPECIALIST - (St. Ignatius) TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must be 18 years or older with a high school diploma/ GED. Possess a current and valid Montana driver’s license and be insurable under the Tribes’ fleet policy. A current physical exam or ability to obtain physical exam upon hire. Current on required

immunizations or ability to become current upon hire.

Verified recent TB screening or ability to complete the required screening. Certification in CPR/First Aid or obtain one within six months of hire.

Certificate in Defensive and Distracted Driving course; or get one within six months of hire. Certificate in Passenger Service and Safety, or obtain one within six months. Salary is $13.58 - $15.60 per hour, plus benefits. To apply, contact the Tribal Personnel Office at (406) 675-2700, ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt.org. Tribal applications and full advertisement are available online at www.cskt.org. Closing date is Thursday, April 7, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m.(MST) CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. Operator – In – Training.

Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https:// jobs.montana.edu/postings/28601. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled.

REGISTERED NURSE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT The successful applicant must possess an R.N. (Registered Nurse) and it is preferred that they have a minimum of 3 years’ work experience in a field that encompasses social work, administration, budget management, case management, supervision and/or health related training.

Valid Montana driver’s license.

Specialized training and/or a minimum of three years of experience in client advocacy, supervision and professional case management desired.

Must pass a pre-hire drug test.

Shall be designated as part of the CSKT random drug test pool. Must pass a required character and background verification for working with elders/vulnerable adults. Must adhere to CSKT Social Media Policy and Tribal resolutions regarding code of conduct.

Must sign confidentiality agreement as part of work standards. Will be on initial job see page 47

classifieds Help wanted cont’d from pg. 46 probation status for a period of six months. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a supplemental questionnaire for background investigations, a copy of academic transcripts/training certificates, a copy of current valid driver’s license and proof of insurance and a proof of enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy.

A favorable determination resulting from a completed background investigation is required for your placement in this position. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6 to 12) month probationary period. Salary is negotiable with benefits.

To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1259/1040. Tribal applications are also available on-line at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, March 31st, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

SAFETY OF DAMS PROJECT ENGINEER NATURAL RESOURCE DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must have at a minimum, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or other related Engineering degree from an accredited ABET Engineering College with emphasis on hydraulics, hydrology, and design of earthen embankments and general dam design. Must possess a Professional Engineering (PE) license or ability to acquire in 6 months. At least five (5) years’ experience in planning, design, and construction management. Experience with computers, including dam design software such as Auto CADD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, etc. Experience with work processing and spreadsheet software such as WORD and EXCEL and other Microsoft Office applications.

Experience with construction scheduling software such as Primavera and Microsoft Project and con-

struction management software such as Procore.

Must have knowledge in budgeting, planning, civil engineering survey and design techniques.

Professional knowledge of theories, principles, practices and techniques of civil engineering to plan, design, construct and maintain dams and associated structures. Knowledge of heavy civil construction and project management. Knowledge to efficiently utilize survey equipment for design and construction purposes. Knowledge of professional services and construction contract development and management. Must Possess a current valid driver’s license and be insurable under the Tribes’ insurance policy. Must wear Tribal Government identification and safety apparel when conducting field activities. Will be required to obtain online defensive driving training upon hiring and renew the training every three years thereafter. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, completed supplemental questionnaire for background

investigations, copy of relevant transcript and/or certificate, a copy of a valid driver’s license and proof of Tribal enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This is not 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 and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary range is negotiable, dependent on experience, plus benefits. Shift schedule: Monday – Thursday.

To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. #1259/1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org.

Closing date will be Thursday, April 7th, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

RESTORATION TECHNICIAN - NATURAL RESOURCE DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must possess a high school diploma or equivalent, with some training or continuing education in a Natural Resources field. A minimum of three (3) years of progressive work experience demonstrating one or more of natural resources management, field natural resources monitoring, restoration activities, or a closely related work background. OR a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree in a Natural Resources field and one year of job-related work experience. For both high school and BA/ BS job pathways above, demonstration, through school or work history, of aptitude to learn and work with computer software applications. Knowledge of field inventory and monitoring procedures.

Knowledge of plant communities and revegetation techniques. Knowledge of general civil construc-

tion practices. Proficiency with the safe utilization of hand and small power tools. Proficiency with common computer software applications including spreadsheets and word processors. Basic knowledge of importance of culturally sensitive and rare plants. Possession of a valid driver’s license with the ability to obtain a Montana driver’s license within six (6) months. Also, must wear Tribal Government identification and safety apparel when conducting field activities. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, completed supplemental questionnaire for background investigations, copy of relevant transcript and/or certificate, a copy of a valid driver’s license and proof of Tribal enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted.

This is not 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 and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is $20.31 to $23.35 plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at 406675-2700 Ext. #1259/1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, Mar. 31st, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

Service Directory FOR ALL YOUR ACCOUNTING NEEDS

FIDUCIARY INCOME TAX PREPARATION FINANCIAL STATEMENT PREPARATION QUARTERLY REPORTS INDIVIDUAL AND BUSINESS INCOME TAX PREPARATION BOOKKEEPING PAYROLL

211 Main Street Polson, MT (406) 883-4368 • (406) 883-9250

ADVERTISE HERE! as low as $25 per week (4-week commitment)

Call 676-8989 for details

YOUR MESSAGE

SDAP:

Statewide DISPLAY Advertising Program ads (images, graphics, logos and text) start at just $406 per week… that’s less than $7 per newspaper!

406-249-1728 TO LEARN MORE Valley Journal

March 23, 2022 - 47

classifieds Help wanted cont’d from pg. 47 PAYROLL SPECIALIST -OR- DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE PAYROLL TECHNICIAN OFFICE OF ACCOUNTING, BUDGET & COMPLIANCE Payable Specialist: A valid state driver’s license is required. Minimum training and experience: high school graduate or GED and two years of accounting courses above high school level; a certificate is preferred. Or four years of experience in payroll functions, or any equivalent combination of training and experience.

Payroll Technician: A valid state driver’s license is required. Minimum training and experience: High school graduate or GED and one year of accounting courses above high school level; a certificate is preferred. Or two years of experience in payroll functions, or any equivalent combination of training and experience. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic

transcripts/training certificates, a copy of current valid driver’s license and proof of insurance and a proof of enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, please submit a copy of your DD214. These positions are not Testing Designated Positions (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 and serve a mandatory six (6) months probationary period. Salary ranges: Payable Specialist is $22.11 to $25.41 per hour or depending on experience Payroll Technician is $20.04 to $23.03 per hour. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1259/1040. Tribal applications are also available on-line at www.csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, April 7th, 2022 at 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

Classified ads work!

Call us today.

406-676-8989

MONITORING & MEASUREMENT PROGRAM MANAGER NATURAL RESOURCE DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must possess a Master’s of Science with five (5) years of relevant professional-level experience or Bachelor’s of Science with a minimum of seven (7) years of relevant professional-level experience. Education must be in the field of hydrologic sciences, engineering, or a closely related physical sciences field with emphasis on hydrology. Education and experience must demonstrate analytical aptitude, exposure to both surface and ground water hydrology, and experience working with water resources data collection, data management, and data reporting. Must have or be able to secure a current State of Montana driver’s license. Must wear Tribal Government identification and safety apparel when conducting field activities. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, copy of relevant transcript and/or certificate, a copy of a valid driver’s license and proof of Tribal enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This is not 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 and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is negotiable, dependent on experience, plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at 406-6752700 Ext. #1259/1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, April 7th, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

STATEWIDE ADVERTISING

Montana’s statewide advertising network REACH 400,000+ readers each week

60 Newspapers 1 low cost

2X2 $406 | 2x3 $650 | 2X4 $1,100 | 2X5 $1,500

REACH

THE 2 X 2 ad measures 3.7” horizontal by 2” vertical

48 - March 23, 2022

406 FOR

406

$

Valley Journal

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 alternators 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.

Public Notices Legals Legals William P. Williams, IV FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS, PLLC 324 Main SW Ronan, MT 59864 Telephone: (406) 676-4470

Attorneys for Personal Representative bill@fgwilliamslaw.com MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF THERESE A. GOOD, Deceased.

CAUSE NO. DP-22-17 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named 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 address of the claimant, and the amount claimed, must either be mailed to SHAWNEE LEE GOOD, the Personal 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 15th day of March, 2022. /s/ Shawnee Lee Good SHAWNEE LEE GOOD Personal Representative March 23, 30 and April 6, 2022 MNAXLP

public notices Legals cont’d from pg. 48 Chuck Wall Turnage Mercer & Wall, PLLP Attorneys at Law 312 First St. East Polson, MT 59860 Telephone: (406) 883-5367 Fax: (406) 883-5328

ChuckWall@TurnageMercerWall.com

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: RICHARD RAGSDALE, Deceased.

Cause No.: DP-21-82 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 Representative, at 312 First St. East, Polson, MT 59860. /s/ Debra Letherman Debra Letherman Personal representative, Estate of RICHARD RAGSDALE, Deceased.

March 16, 23 and 30, 2022 MNAXLP Copyright Notice: All rights reserved re common-law copyright of trade-name/ trade-mark, ANDREW ROBERT LIN-

N®.—.as well as any and all derivatives and variations in the spelling of said tradename/trade-mark — Common Law Copyright © 2008 by ANDREW ROBERT LINN®. Said common-law trade-name/trade-mark, ANDREW ROBERT LINN®, may neither be used, nor reproduced, neither in whole nor in part, nor in any manner whatsoever, without the prior, express, written consent and acknowledgment of ANDREW ROBERT LINN® as signified by the red-ink signature of ANDREW ROBERT LINN®, hereinafter “Secured Party.” With the intent of being contractually bound, any juristic person, as well as the agent of said juristic person, consents and agrees by this Copyright Notice that neither said juristic person, nor the agent of said juristic person, shall display, nor otherwise use in any manner, the common-law trade-name/trade-mark ANDREW ROBERT LINN®, nor the common-law copyright described herein, nor any derivative of, nor any variation in the spelling of, ANDREW ROBERT LINN® without the prior, express, written consent and acknowledgment of Secured Party, as signified

by Secured Party’s signature in red ink.

Secured Party neither grants, nor im-

plies, nor otherwise gives consent for any unauthorized use of ANDREW ROBERT LINN®, and all such unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Secured Party is not now, nor has Secured Party ever been, an accommodation party, nor a surety, for the purported debtor, i.e. “ANDREW ROBERT LINN,” nor for any derivative of, nor for any variation in the spelling of, said name, nor for any other juristic person, and is so-indemnified and held harmless by Debtor, i.e. “ANDREW ROBERT LINN,” in Hold-harmless and Indemnity Agreement No. RK-091680HHIA dated the Sixteenth Day of the Ninth Month in the Year of Our Lord One Thousand Nine Hundred Eighty against any and all claims, legal actions, orders, warrants, judgments, demands, liabilities, losses, depositions, summonses, lawsuits, costs, fines, liens, levies, penalties, damages, interests, and expenses whatsoever, both absolute and contingent, as are due and as might become due, now existing and as might hereafter arise, and as might be suffered by, imposed on, and incurred by Debtor for any and every reason, purpose, and cause whatsoever. Self-executing Contract/ Security Agreement in Event of Unau-

thorized Use: By this Copyright Notice, both the juristic person and the agent of said juristic person, hereinafter jointly and severally “User,” consent and agree that any use of ANDREW ROBERT LINN® other than authorized use as set forth above constitutes unauthorized use, counterfeiting, of Secured Party’s common-law copyrighted property, contractually binds User, renders this Copyright Notice a Security Agreement wherein User is debtor and Andrew Robert Linn® is Secured Party, and signifies that User: (1) grants Secured Party a security interest in all of User’s assets, land, and personal property, and all of User’s interest in assets, land, and personal property, in the sum certain amount of $500,000.00 per each occurrence of use of the common-law-copyrighted tradename/trade-mark ANDREW ROBERT LINN®, as well as for each and every occurrence of use of any and all derivatives of, and variations in the spelling of, ANDREW ROBERT LINN®, plus costs, plus triple damages; (2) authenticates this Security Agreement wherein User is debtor and Andrew Robert Linn® is Secured Party, and wherein User pledges all of User’s assets, land, consumer goods,

farm products, inventory, equipment, money, investment property, commercial tort claims, letters of credit, letter-of-credit rights, chattel paper, instruments, deposit accounts, accounts, documents, and general intangibles, and all User’s interest in all such foregoing property, now owned and hereafter acquired, now existing and hereafter arising, and wherever located, as collateral for securing User’s contractual obligation in favor of Secured Party for User’s unauthorized use of Secured Party’s common-law-copyrighted property; (3) consents and agrees with Secured Party’s filing of a UCC Financing Statement in the UCC filing office, as well as in any county recorder’s office, wherein User is debtor and Andrew Robert Linn® is Secured Party; (4) consents and agrees that said UCC Financing Statement described above in paragraph “(3)’’ is a continuing financing statement, and further consents and agrees with Secured Party’s filing of any continuation statement necessary for maintaining Secured Party’s perfected security interest in all of User’s property and interest in see page 50

This week's puzzle answers: Crypto-Quote Solution WHO HAS A HARDER FIGHT THAN HE WHO IS STRIVING TO OVERCOME HIMSELF. - THOMAS A KEMPIS

Valley Journal

March 23, 2022 - 49

public notices cont’d from pg. 49 property, pledged as collateral in this Security Agreement and described above in paragraph “(2),” until User’s contractual obligation theretofore incurred has been fully satisfied; (5) consents and agrees with Secured Party’s filing of any UCC Financing Statement, as described above in paragraphs “(3)” and “(4),” as well as the filing of any Security Agreement, as described above in paragraph “(2),’’ in the UCC filing office, as well as in any county recorder’s office; (6) consents and agrees that any and all such filings described in paragraphs “(4)” and “(5)” above are not, and may not be considered, bogus, and that User will not claim that any such filing is bogus; (7) waives all defenses; and (8) appoints Secured Party as Authorized Representative for User, effective upon User’s default re User’s contractual obligations in favor of Secured Party as set forth below under “Payment Terms” and “Default Terms,” granting Secured Party full authorization and power for engaging in any and all actions on behalf of User including, but not limited by, authentication of a record on behalf of User, as Secured Party, in Secured Party’s sole discretion, deems appropriate, and User further consents and agrees that this appointment of Secured Party as Authorized Representative for User, effective upon User’s default, is irrevocable and coupled with a security interest.

User further consents and agrees with all of the following additional terms of Self-executing Contract/Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use: Payment Terms: In accordance with fees for unauthorized use of ANDREW ROBERT LINN® as set forth above, User hereby consents and agrees that User shall pay Secured Party all unauthorized-use fees in full within ten (10) days of the date User is sent Secured Party’s invoice, hereinafter “Invoice,” itemizing said fees.

Default Terms: In event of non-payment in full of all unauthorized-use fees by User within ten (10) days of date Invoice is sent, User shall be deemed in default and: (a) all of User’s property and property pledged as collateral by User, as set forth in above in paragraph “(2),” immediately becomes, i.e. is, property of Secured Party; (b) 50 - March 23, 2022

Secured Party is appointed User’s Authorized Representative as set forth above in paragraph “(8)”; and (c) User consents and agrees that Secured Party may take possession of, as well as otherwise dispose of in any manner that Secured Party, in Secured Party’s sole discretion, deems appropriate, including, but not limited by, sale at auction, at any time following User’s default, and without further notice, any and all of User’s property and interest, described above in paragraph “(2),” formerly pledged as collateral

by User, now property of Secured Party, in respect of this “Self-executing Contract/Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use,” that Secured Party, again in Secured Party’s sole discretion, deems appropriate. Terms for Curing Default: Upon event of default, as set forth above under “Default Terms,” irrespective of any and all of User’s former property and interest in property, described above in paragraph “(2),” in the possession of, as well as disposed of by, Secured Party, as authorized above under “Default Terms,” User may cure User’s default only re the remainder of User’s said former property and interest property, formerly pledged as collateral that is neither in the possession of, nor otherwise disposed of by, Secured Party within twenty (20) days of date of User’s default only by payment in full. Terms of Strict Foreclosure: User’s non-payment in full of all unauthorized-use fees itemized in Invoice within said twenty (20)-day period for curing default as set forth above under “Terms for Curing Default” authorizes Secured Party’s immediate non-judicial strict foreclosure on any and all remaining former property and interest in property, formerly pledged as collateral by User, now property of Secured Party, which is not in the possession of, nor otherwise disposed of by, Secured Party upon expiration of said twenty(20) day default-curing period. Ownership subject to common-law copyright and UCC Financing Statement and Security Agreement filed with the UCC filing office. Record Owner: ANDREW ROBERT LINN®, Autograph Common Law Copyright © 2008. Unauthorized use of “Andrew Robert Linn” incurs same unauthorized-use fees as those associated with ANDREW ROBERT LINN®, as set forth above in paragraph “(1)” under “Self- executing Contract/ Security Agreement in Event of Unauthorized Use.

March 16, 23, 30 and April 6, 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: ROCKY T. SHRIVER, Deceased.

Cause No.: DP-22-14 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 Representative, at 312 1st St E, Polson, MT 59860. /s/ Klint E. Shriver Klint E. Shriver Personal Representative

Estate of ROCKY T. SHRIVER, Deceased.

March 9, 16 and 23, 2022 MNAXLP The Lake County Commission is applying for grant funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation RAISE program to rebuild and pave three currently chip-sealed roads that are prone to flooding, heaving and related damages from high use of heavy transport. Proposed roads are major transportation corridors that, when out-of-service, limit the transport of goods and services, as well as resident access to jobs and services.

The Commissioners will be passing a Resolution to Submit an Application to the Department of Transportation RAISE program on Monday, April 4, 2022, at 11:00 am.

The roads being proposed for improvements under this application include both Dublin Gulch and North Reservoir Roads in their entirety; and the first mile of Lower Moiese Valley Road beginning at the intersection with State Highway 212. Any comments should be made in writing to lakecommissioners@lakemt.gov or to Lake County Commissioners at 106 4th Avenue East, Polson, MT 59860 or by phone at 406.883.7204 by April 4, 2022.

March 23 and 30, 2022 MNAXLP LEGAL NOTICE On Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 3:30 pm, the Lake County Board of Adjustment will hold a public hearing in the large conference room (Room 316) of the Lake County Courthouse.

The options for attendance are through ZOOM* or in person. The hearing will include the following items:

CONDITIONAL USE EXTENSION REQUEST Aldibs Morning View LLC, represented

by Jean Claude Aldibs, is requesting an extension to conditional use approval (#FP 20-54) to allow for a home occupation within the Finley Point Zoning District. The applicant would like to use an existing accessory building for a private and exclusive one-stylist hair salon to be open only when he is in town. The +/-4.92-acre subject property is located at 33724 Lilac Hedge Lane within the Finley Point Zoning District, sub-unit E – Finley Point Interior, and is legally described as tract D & E on COS 4656, located in section 20 of T23N, R19W.

District and is legally described as lot 4 of Stone Wall Estates Phase II, a subdivision located in section 31, T23N, R20W.

D.R. BARR FAMILY TRUST AND DEBORAH KAY WILLIAMS LIVING TRUST VARIANCE AND CONDITIONAL USE REQUESTS Dexter Barr on behalf of the D.R. Barr Family Trust and Deborah Kay Williams Living Trust are requesting a variance to the 30-foot setback from the subdivision road right-of-way and a conditional use to allow impervious surface coverage to exceed 26% of the buildable area of the lot. The requests are associated with construction of a detached dry garage for personal storage. The +/-0.52-acre subject property is located at 34158 Field Stone Way within the Stone Ridge Estates Zoning

OSHER CONDITIONAL USE REQUEST Gallatin Construction on behalf of Kim Hasle, acting as POA for Barbara Osher, is requesting a conditional use approval for the construction of a guest house. A guest house within the Masumola Zoning District requires conditional use approval. The +/-2.40acre subject property is located along Masumola Road in the Masumola Zoning District and is legally described as lot 2 of block 3 Sunny Shore Villa Site, located in section 21 of T23N, R20W.

DE CONINCK VARIANCE REQUEST Dirk De Coninck is requesting a variance to the density requirements within the Finley Point Zoning District, Sub-Unit F – Finley Point Highway.

The request is associated with allowing the existing RV Park to be used for employee housing. The +/-9.25-acre property is located at 35103 MT Hwy 35 and is legally described as tract A on COS 5274, located in section 28 of T23N, R19W.

STENE CONDITIONAL USE see page 51

43 N E W S PA P E R

A S S O C I AT I O N

PARTICIPATING NEWSPAPERS

Legals

JOIN MONTANA’S EFFECTIVE Statewide Online Advertising Program (SOAP)

ALDIBS MORNING VIEW LLC

250,000 IMPRESSIONS FOR $1,499 CALL: 406.443.2850 DETAILS: mtnewspapers.com Valley Journal

public notices Legals cont’d from pg. 50 REQUEST Willie Stene, on behalf of John and Patricia Stene, is requesting a conditional use approval for the construction of a bath house to support two existing dry storage/cabins. A guest house within the Masumola Zoning District requires conditional use approval.

The +/-4.85-acre subject property is located along Baypoint Road in the Masumola Zoning District and is legally described as lot 5 of block 2 Mountain View Villa Site, located in section 21 of T23N, R20W. Information regarding the agenda items is available from the Lake County Planning Dept. Written comments received by April 4, 2022 will be included in the staff report to the board. All written and verbal comments are welcome and will be forwarded to the board for their consideration. Comments received after April 4 will be provided to the board at the meeting, which may not provide sufficient time for review of the comment. Comments may be mailed to Lake County Planning Dept, 106 4th Ave E, Polson, MT 59860 or faxed: 406-883-7205 or e-mailed: planning@lakemt.gov.

Please note: If you would like to attend the public hearing via ZOOM, please contact the Planning Department at the email above or at (406) 883-7235 prior to the meeting to receive instructions regarding how to attend the meeting virtually.

March 23, 2022 MNAXLP LEGAL NOTICE The Lake County Planning Board will hold a public meeting Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 7:00 pm in the large conference room (Room 316) of the Lake County Courthouse. The options for attendance are through ZOOM* or in person. Agenda items include: LAKESHORE PROTECTION REGULATIONS WORK SESSION The Planning Board will hold a work session regarding updates to the Lake County Lakeshore Protection Regulations. The Planning Board will continue

discussion on section 5, dealing with the criteria for issuance of a permit.

The current lakeshore protection regulations can be provided by the Lake County Planning Department or found on the Planning Department’s webpage. The public is encouraged to attend this meeting and participate in the process.

Information regarding the agenda item is available from the Lake County Planning Dept. Written comments received by April 4, 2022 will be included in the board packets. All written and verbal comments are welcome and will be forwarded to the board for their consideration. Comments received after April 4 will be provided to the board at the meeting, which may not provide sufficient time for review of the comment. Comments may be mailed to Lake County Planning Dept, 106 4th Ave E, Polson, MT 59860 or faxed: 406-883-7205 or e-mailed: planning@ lakemt.gov .

Please note: If you would like to attend the public hearing via ZOOM, please contact the Planning Department at the email above or at (406) 883-7235 prior to the meeting to receive instructions regarding how to attend the meeting virtually.

March 23, 2022 MNAXLP Cassie R. Dellwo Five Valleys Law, P.L.L.C 1410 S. Reserve Street, Suite C Missoula, Montana 59801 (406) 203-1410 cassie@fivevalleyslaw.com Attorneys for Jon A. Hocker and Marilyn Hocker Jette, Co-Personal Representatives for the Estate of Phyllis Hocker MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF PHYLLIS HOCKER, Deceased.

Dept. No. 2 Probate No. DP-22-12 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have been appointed Co-Personal Representatives of the

above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to John A. Hocker and Marilyn Hocker Jette, the Co-Personal Representa- tives, return receipt requested, in care of Cassie R. Dellwo, at 1410 S. Reserve St., Suite C, Missoula, Montana 59801, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 1st day of February, 2022. /s/ Jon A. Hocker Jon A. Hocker Co-Personal Representative c/o Cassie R. Dellwo FIVE VALLEYS LAW, P.L.L.C. 1410 S. Reserve Street, Suite C Missoula, Montana 59801 DATED this 24th day of January, 2022. /s/ Marilyn Hocker Jette Marilyn Hocker Jette Co-Personal Representative c/o Cassie R. Dellwo FIVE VALLEYS LAW, P.L.L.C. 1410 S. Reserve St., Suite C Missoula, MT 59801 March 9, 16 and 23, 2022 MNAXLP Notice of Close of Regular Voter Registration and Option for Late Registration Notice is hereby given that regular* registration for all School Elections, the Arlee Rural Fire District, the Chief Cliff Fire Service Area, and the Pablo Water and Sewer District Elections to be held on May 3, 2022, will close at 5:00 p.m., on April 4, 2022. *NOTE: If you miss this regular registration deadline, you may still register for the election by appearing in person at the county election office before 12:00 pm (noon) the day before Election Day. Voters in School District #73 will need to register at the Lake County Election Office and bring proof of registration to their school clerk to be issued a ballot.

Voters in School District #7J or #8J who do not reside in Lake County will need to register in Sanders or Missoula County accordingly and appear in

person at the Lake County Election Office to be issued a ballot.

All active electors who reside in the above-mentioned districts or a school district (which has triggered an election) are entitled to vote at said election.

If a voter does not reside in but owns land in either the Arlee Rural Fire District or the Chief Cliff Fire Service Area, they may present proof of payment of taxes of the land to the election office to receive a ballot.

If a voter does not reside in but owns land in the Pablo Water and Service District they may provide written proof of the individual’s qualifications to the election administrator at least 25 days before the election.

Ballots will be automatically mailed on April 14th to active status electors only. If you are a registered voter and do not receive a ballot, contact the county election office to update your information as necessary and receive a ballot.

Persons who wish to register and who are not presently registered may do so by requesting a registration form in person at the county election office located at 106 4th Ave E, Rm 121, Polson, MT 59860, by mail, or you may print an application from https:// sosmt.gov/- elections/forms and return it to the election office. If you have moved, please update your registration information by filling out a new voter registration application and submitting it to the county election office.

DATED this 3rd day of March 2022. /s/ Toni Kramer Election Administrator Lake County, Montana March 9, 16 and 23, 2022 MNAXLP CALL FOR BIDS Lake County Commissioners are requesting sealed bids for up to: •400 tons of MC 800 cutback asphalt for the 2022 season.

1) Prices shall be on a per ton basis F.O.B. Pablo, MT and specify minimum load quantities (approx. 10,000 gallons).

2) Bid shall include an option price to add liquid anti strip agent at point

Valley Journal

of loading.

3) Truck shall have unloading pump and hoses to fill County tank.

4) Driver shall have Worker’s Compensation Insurance.

5) Driver shall have protective clothing suitable for handling hot asphalt products.

Bids shall be opened on Tuesday April 4, 2022 at 10:00 am in the Commissioner’s Office at 106 4th Ave. East, Polson, MT 59860. All bids shall be clearly marked “Sealed Bid”.

For more information contact Jay Garrick, Lake County Road Supervisor, (406) 883-7206. /s/ Gale Decker Gale Decker, Chairman Board of Lake County Commissioners March 16 and 23, 2022 MNAXLP Matthew H. O’Neill O’NEILL LAW OFFICE, PLLC 402 First Street East, Suite 201 P.O. Box 699 Polson, MT 59860 Telephone: (406) 883-5444 Facsimile: (406) 883-1585 matt@polsonlaw.com Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF FLORENCE B. BROWN, Decedent.

CAUSE No. DP-22-8 HON. DEBORAH KIM CHRISTOPHER 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 20th Judicial District Court, at 106 4th Ave. East, Polson, Montana 59860, or mailed, Return Receipt Requested, to the Personal Representative, c/o O’NEILL LAW OFFICE, Attorneys for the Personal Representative, at P.O. Box 699, Polson, MT 59860. /s/ Susan M. Ray-Badger SUSAN M. RAY-BADGER Personal Representative Estate of FLORENCE B. BROWN, Deceased.

March 16, 23 and 30, 2022 MNAXLP

Legal Notices are welcome!

Deadline is Friday at noon.

406-676-8989

Looking for a legal?

Search the Montana Newspaper Association database - your clearing house for Montana’s public notices!

www.montana publicnotices.com March 23, 2022 - 51

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL-Part-time Occupational Therapist The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) Early Childhood Services

The CSKT Early Childhood Services Department is requesting bids for Occupational Therapy services for the period of April 2022 to September 30, 2024.

Scope of work: CSKT Early Childhood Services has an enrollment of up to 267 children ranging from 0 to 5 years of age. Children are screened at least 2 times per school year. In some cases, it is requested that children have Occupational Therapy services available for them. Head Start/ Early Head Start locations are on the Flathead Reservation – 1 center in Polson, 1 center in Turtle Lake, 2 centers in Pablo, 3 centers in Ronan, 3 centers in Mission and 1 center in Arlee.

The Occupational Therapist will be coordinating with the ECS Special Services Coordinator on referrals for children to receive services. An evaluation will be done by the Therapist and recommended services will be discussed with the Special Services Coordinator. Once services are started the Occupational Therapist will need to keep case notes on the children and/or families they provide services to and keep the Special Services coordinator updated weekly. In some cases consultation may be requested Early Childhood Services staff on an as needed basis.

The Occupational Therapy services hours needed will be variable.

Early Childhood Services operates from 8 am – 4:30 pm – Monday- Friday. Children are in the centers Monday – Thursday, times varying depending on centers.

Proposal requirements: Proposals must include 1.) Professional license in the area of Occupational Therapy services. Documented specialized knowledge. Relevant work experience must be shown in a resume or curriculum vitae, including outline of qualifications and appropriate credentials (copies of professional license, specialized training, etc.), and professional references.

2.) Ability to commit 10-20 hrs per week to the provision of this service.

3.) Proof of liability insurance or proof that the individual is an independent contractor.

4.) Proof of Workman’s Comp or exemption certificate.

5.) Description of recent experience in doing this type of work.

6.) Detailed description of cost required to provide this service. Responses should be clear in terms of incidental costs, as well as hourly rates, travel expenses, etc.

Proposals must be received by 4:30 on Thursday, March 31, 2022. Mailing address: Early Childhood Services- PO Box 1510-St.Ignatius, MT 59865, ATTN: CARRIE ANTOINE- SEALED BID-Occupational Therapist.

The proposals will be reviewed with a decision made in the 5 to 10 working days after bid closing.

This is an Indian Preference Proposal. We reserve the right to refuse any or all bids. For more information call Carrie Antoine at 406-745-4509 ext. 5506 or Jody Jones at ext. 5120.

Indian Preference Certification This is an Indian preference bid and Tribal contractors who wish to receive Indian preference must obtain a certification 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.

---------------------------------------------------------All proposals will become the property of the CSKT Early Childhood Services. The Tribes reserve the right to accept and reject and negotiate any element of any proposals received.

52 - March 23, 2022

Valley Journal