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, 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.

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, Keith Baylor 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.

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.

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 reenter 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.

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

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.

Dixon Schools honor roll Flathead Transit

Missoula • Pablo • Kalispell • Whitefish

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