5-3-23 Valley Journal

Head Start celebrates students with return of annual powwow

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

RONAN — Head Start celebrated its students and families with the return of its annual powwow at the Ronan School District Event Center on April 28.

Though this is the first powwow held for the program since 2019 due to COVID, the student celebration has been a staple in the community for

decades. Andrea “Ondi” Adams, a Head Start teacher since 2006, has also been a Head Start student and parent herself. She’s seen the powwow evolve over the years.

“It’s really grown,” Adams explained. “It used to be we’d have it at different venues a long time ago. As a parent I remember it being in the Arlee Community Center, it was in the Mission Community Center, and the

high school in Ronan. But since we’ve been having it at the Event Center it’s really grown, and it’s really popular with the children and families.”

Head Start and Early Head Start are programs that offer comprehensive services to low-income families. Along with providing medical, dental, health screenings, developmental screenings, and nutritional services for children, every child

also receives a variety of learning experiences to foster intellectual, physical, social and emotional growth.

“Teachers put a ton of effort into planning and prepping and putting it into their lesson plan so those are all really great learning experiences for the kids,” Adams said. These learning experiences can include language lessons, traditional food cooking

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL see

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activities, and even motor activities where kids can learn to bead with materials appropriate for their age.

Additionally, the program invites parents to be involved and make dance regalia for their children.

“That’s been really powerful,” Adams commented.

“That parent involvement component is really powerful for families to build their skills within advocacy, with understanding the education system, opportunities for volunteering, for employment, for skill building. It really is a great program.”

Adams explained that Director Jeannie Christopher has also made it a priority each year that the kids within the program receive moccasins to wear. Working with moccasin maker Patty Bundy, Adams explained, “She’s kind of come out of retirement and has just done an amazing job getting moc-

casins for all the children.”

With an estimated attendance of around 800 people, teachers, kids and their families danced to the five drums that attended and enjoyed a community meal provided by Head Start to bookend a year of hard work.

“I think people are just really ready to be gathered

and connecting and getting to see friends maybe they only see a couple times per year,” Adams said. “It’s a great time to celebrate for all of the teachers, children and families.”

Those interested in helping out at next year’s powwow can do so by reaching out to the Head

Start office at 406-7454509. Volunteers for making fry bread, helping teach parents to sew outfits for their children, and more are invited to reach out. Donations of shawls, shirts, vests, or traditional regalia materials would also be greatly appreciated.

vj

Shooting ....................... 5 Legislative roundup ..... 6 Valley Views ............... 10 Seniors ...................... 22 Obituaries .................. 26 Births .......................... 27 Calendar .................... 28 Classifieds ................. 29 SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL

Mission Reservoir

us

Boone Goddard

Advertising Sales, Owner (406) 249-1728

boone@valleyjournal.net

Summer Goddard

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

www.valleyjournal.net

Kathi Beeks

Office Manager, Copy Editor (406) 676-8989

vjmail@valleyjournal.net news@valleyjournal.net

Taylor Davison Editor (406) 676-8989

vjeditor@valleyjournal.net

Jerry Beeks

Advertising Sales (406) 207-4641

jbeeks@ronan.net

2023

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.

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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.

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MDT announces roadwork in Lake County this summer

Pavement preservation and safety project on US 93

News from Big Sky Public Relations

LAKE COUNTY — The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), in partnership with Riverside Contracting, announced a pavement preservation and safety improvement project occurring on and around US Highway 93 (US 93). A safety project is taking place near Pablo on Glover Road, just west of US Hwy 93. In addition, pavement preserva -

tion work will be completed and extends from just north of Ronan to north of Pablo, ending at the intersection of US 93 with Minesinger Trail. Roadwork will take place for a few weeks late this summer.

Guardrail and signage will be added to the curves on Glover Road at the canal crossing. A flasher will be installed for eastbound vehicles to alert travelers of the roadway curves and canal bridge. These additions are intended to improve safety and help prevent vehicles from going off the roadway.

Additionally, crews will be completing pavement preser -

Officer involved shooting occurs off Cold Creek Lane

News from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office

ST. IGNATIUS — On April 24, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office received a request from a citizen to aid him in a welfare check. At about 2:30 p.m. a deputy went to the residence on Cold Creek Lane with the citizen. Shortly after their arrival, the person who was the subject of the welfare check brandished a large bowie knife and charged at the deputy and citizen. The deputy shot the man with the knife before he was able to injure the deputy and citizen. The man, identified as Christopher Ochs, 27, of Missoula, died at the scene.

This is all the information the Sheriff’s Office is going to release at this time out of respect for privacy of the family of the deceased and pending an independent investigation being conducted by The Montana Division of Criminal Investigation. The Missoula County Coroner’s Office is handling the death investigation. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office send our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Ochs.

vation work on US 93 from north of Ronan to north of Pablo. This will include crack sealing, chip sealing and fog sealing. This means that additional thin layers of asphalt will be applied to the roadway and portions of the Minesinger shared-use path to add life and longevity to the existing pavement. Updated pavement markings and signage will also be completed.

“We recognize there is a quite a bit of roadwork taking place on Highway 93 in 2023. Preservation projects like this allow us to avoid having to do more expensive rehab or reconstruction projects down

the road. Our goal is always to be proactive about keeping our good roads in good condition and enhancing safety for all users.” Bob Vosen, MDT Missoula District Administrator, said. “We encourage you to reach out with questions.”

Drivers can anticipate 1015 minute delays when traveling through the work zone.

“Our goal is to move traffic swiftly throughout this project. Thanks in advance for your patience,” Cale Fisher of Riverside Contracting said.

Those with questions are encouraged to reach out to Becca MacLean at becca@

bigskypublicrelations.com or call the project hotline at 406-207-4484. Updates will be provided as construction approaches.

The project team will also be providing text message updates. Anyone can register for these announcements. To sign up for text updates, text GLOVERSAFETY to 41411. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency may vary. Text STOP to cancel. Texting alerts are not managed by MDT and may have different privacy and security policies. For more information, visit: https://smstc.us/t41411/

Spring debris burning by permit begins

Flathead Indian Reservation.

FLATHEAD RESERVATION — Spring burning by permit season started Monday, May 1. To burn from May 1 to June 30 you will need a burn permit. You can apply for one at the Division of Fire website: csktfire.org

Burning is a great way to clear dead vegetation and clean up. Before you light your piles or grass this spring, take the necessary precautions to ensure your burn does not become the next wildfire. Careless debris burning is the number one cause of wildfire on the

If you intend to burn, have in place:

- A current weather forecast for your local area

- Water source (such as a hose, buckets, pond or lake)

- Fire tools or equipment depending on the size of your burn

- Enough help to respond in the event that fire behavior increases Burn early in the day and check the weather for the afternoon or next day wind conditions. Do not burn when high or erratic winds are in the forecast or dry conditions prevail. Have

proper personnel, equipment, and water supply with you and always make sure the area is cold to the touch before leaving. Checking the following day is also important as stumps or roots may be holding heat that could re-ignite.

If a fire does get out of control, call 911 immediately.

Remember you are responsible for any and all suppression and property costs if your fire escapes your control.

If you have any questions about debris burning, call the Division of Fire at 406676-2550.

News from the CSKT Division of Fire

Legislature discusses nursing homes, bonds, medical institutions

By Caven Wade UM Legislative News Service University of Montana School of Journalism

Committee tables bill for onetime stabilization for struggling nursing homes

Lawmakers have tabled a bill that would have given a onetime emergency stabilization payment of $5 million from the state general fund to the Department of Public Health and Human Services for nursing homes.

Rep. Jennifer Carlson, R-Manhattan, sponsored House Bill 891, which would have given emergency relief money to nursing homes that have stayed open and are 60 miles away from another nursing home.

“I know that the Appropriations Committee has done a lot, and you guys probably are right now with Section B and rates, and getting nursing homes enough to stay open, but this problem has been going on for enough years that I really think it’s appropriate to help stabilize some of these nursing homes that might just need a boost,” Carlson said.

Eleven nursing homes closed their doors in 2022 in Montana. HB 891 originally attempted to appropriate about $41 million from the general fund to stabilize nursing homes, but was heavily amended by the House Appropriations Committee to drop that number down to $5 million. Following the amendment, the committee passed the bill unanimously, and then the House passed the bill with heavy bi-partisan support on a vote of 83-15 on April 3. The Senate

Finance and Claims Committee then tabled the bill on a party-line vote 13-6 on April 17.

Margaret MacDonald, a former state senator representing Big Sky 55+, was the only supporter of the bill to testify at the Senate Finance hearing. She said this bill would give nursing homes the boost they need to get out of the “deep water” they have been in over the past few years.

“These facilities have been operating way under water for month after month after month, and this bill helps the department to at least identify those that we might lose, and try and keep their doors open for that time period before the new fiscal year starts,” MacDonald said.

She said this bill is an important piece of the puzzle to give nursing homes immediate help, and allow them to keep their operations going before the new budget kicks in.

No opponents testified against the bill at the hearing.

Sen. Chris Pope, D-Bozeman, raised questions on a section of the amendment about what timely payments mean in the bill, and shared concerns over the vagueness of the wording and on whether DPHHS could spread this over time.

“That is actually one of my issues with this amendment. To be honest with you it’s very vague, and it really just says that as the department decides to do it, and I am not a fan of that. Frankly I think it should be written what we’re going to do and when we’re going to do it, and who’s going to decide. I think that’s a lot better policy than saying that at their discretion they might do this one thing,” Carlson said in response to Pope.

Carlson said the original intent of the bill was to provide these emergency funds before June 15, and before the new fiscal year kicks in on June 30.

Bill that would make organizations suing over hunting, fishing and trapping pay bonds awaits Governor

A bill on Gov. Greg Gianforte’s desk would require a judge to place a bond and collect securities from plaintiffs who are seeking injunctions that prevent the ability to hunt or harvest wild game in the state.

Rep. Jedediah Hinkle, R-Belgrade, is sponsoring House Bill 419, which he said would strengthen a portion of the Montana Constitution that gives residents the rights to hunt and harvest through the “Heritage Clause.”

“It’s a great bill. It’s a design to eliminate the process of hurting people through legal assaults and lawsuits,” Sen. John Fuller, R-Kalispell, who carried the bill in the Senate, said.

HB 419 also creates language in Montana law that outlines the process of individuals or groups seeking injunctions or restraining orders that would directly undermine the constitutional right to hunt, fish and trap, and states that, “The amount of the written undertaking must be the greater of $50,000 or a reasonable estimation of the aggregate losses to all persons whose opportunities are diminished by the injunction or restraining order.”

The bill passed the House on a party-line vote 65-33 on Feb. 23, and passed the Senate on party-lines again 33-17 on April 18.

The bill now awaits Gov. Greg Gianforte’s signature before becoming law.

“Time and time again we watch lawsuits that are ultimately won by the defendant, and the process is the punishment, and so the financial toll on these individuals as they defend themselves is astronomical,” Fuller said.

No supporters of the bill spoke during the floor discussion on the bill.

Sen. Willis Curdy, D-Missoula, spoke against the bill during the Senate floor debate, and said that this essentially makes it so individuals who want to place an injunction against agencies like Fish, Wildlife and Parks would need to have the financial capabilities to put up a $50,000 bond.

“It basically denies Montanans’ rights to challenge their government, and hinders access and equal protection of the law. This is another one of the pay-to-play bills that we’ve seen come across this body in the last couple weeks,” Curdy said.

He said that it would have a decimating impact on local hunting and angling groups, and could impact the right to hunt, trap or fish in Montana. He said out-of-state groups would have no problems generating cash for bonds to move forward with injunctions if this bill were passed.

Lawmakers stall tax credits for health care preceptors overseeing clinical rotations

The Senate Finance and Claims Committee tabled a bill, which would have created a tax credit for health care preceptors who oversee student clinical

practices, but are not paid for their service.

Rep. Kenneth Walsh, R-Twin Bridges, sponsored House Bill 496, which would have given health preceptors tax credits of $1,000 per clinical rotation, up to $5,000 per year. The tax credits would not be available to licensed individuals who are contracted or paid to oversee educational clinical trials.

“What the current situation is that it’s getting more and more difficult to find those preceptors so that the students can get those clinical hours and remain. The good thing is if they can find students that go to school here in Montana, one because they’re good schools, two they have a good quality experience, they’ll typically stay back in the state, develop their own practices, and become part of the communities,” Walsh said at the bill’s hearing on April 18. “I think, as we say: Rural areas struggle – I think if we can give more preceptors in those areas then we can get those students to take up residency there.”

The bill passed the House of Representatives on a narrow vote of 54-43 on March 29, and was transferred over to the Senate where it passed a second reading vote 27-23 on April 18. All 16 Democrats and 11 Republicans voted yes on the bill with 23 Republicans voting no. Following the Senate vote, HB 496 was referred to the Senate Finance and Claims Committee, where the bill was killed on a nearly party-line vote 12-7 on April 19.

HB 496 would have taken $57,000 from the state general fund in 2025, and that would increase every year until 2027 see page 7

where it would reach $174,000 during that fiscal year.

Jean Branscum, chief executive officer of the Montana Medical Association, was the only individual to testify at the hearing and she spoke in support of the bill. She said this program is necessary in Montana and would have a large impact on medical providers across the state.

“It pays for those individuals once they’ve gone through the schooling they go into a clinical study, and they have preceptors that kind of do that on-the-job training, and we have that happening now, but preceptors aren’t paid to do that. They do that on a volunteer basis. We have a big growth in medical schools and other schooling, so the demand for preceptors has made that availability space pretty tight,”

Branscum said. She said with the demand, people are willing to pay for preceptors, but Montana schools are currently not doing that, and this would be an innovative way to provide incentive to get more professionals into these programs.

Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson, was one of the senators who voted no on the bill, and spoke against it during the floor discussion. He said if the state really wants to encourage health care preceptors to partake in these clinics, then Montana should follow in the footsteps of other states and provide a stipend to health care professionals.

“It would be like adjunct professors at universities who would get $900, $1,000, $1,500. If we quit giving them stipends, I assume we wouldn’t have too many adjunct professors at the universities either. This tax credit

is going to be used by maybe 50 to 200 people out of our 500 tax returns that are filed. It just brings back another tax credit that we tried to eliminate,” Hertz said.

He said this bill is a worthy project and touches on an issue worth looking at, but all this bill would do is add clutter to the tax code that lawmakers have tried to reduce throughout the session.

Bill that would add regulations and licensing fees for abortion clinics passes

Lawmakers have passed a bill to the governor’s desk that would make it so that abortion clinics will be treated the same as hospitals, and have to follow the same regulations and pay mandatory fees.

Rep. Lola Sheldon-Galloway, R-Great Falls, is sponsoring

House Bill 937, which creates a $450 annual licensing fee that abortion clinics have to pay to cover the cost of annual inspections of clinics, and gives rulemaking authority to the Department of Health and Human Services.

“The opposition will say they are regulated, but every listed organization that regulated them proves they are actually self-regulated. As of today, none of our state agencies do any inspections to regulate these facilities,” said Sen. Theresa Manzella, R-Hamilton, who carried the bill in the Senate. “Opposition will say private doctors’ offices aren’t inspected, but the department says surgeries aren’t done in doctors’ offices.”

Manzella said abortions can occasionally be deemed as surgical procedures that need state oversight, but that it has been made clear that abortion clinics

are here to stay, so it’s the Legislature’s duty to keep them in check.

“Passing this bill will give us the ability to oversee these clinics, keeping them as a safe environment for the protection of women,” Manzella said.

The bill passed the House of Representatives on a party-line vote of 66-33 on April 4, and passed the Senate 27-20 on April 20.

No Senators who supported the bill spoke in favor of it during the floor discussion.

Sen. Shannon O’Brien, D-Missoula, spoke against the bill during the Senate floor discussion on April 19. She said all healthcare providers and facilities already follow rigorously developed standards of care to ensure safety of patients and staff.

“I must also share that this is unnecessary regulation. These

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www.lakemt.gov/solidwaste/solidwaste.html

Over ten First Nations, Tribes demand action on dangerous mining operations

News from the CSKT

FLATHEAD RESERVATION —

Over ten First Nations and Tribes are calling on Canadian officials to address the growing crisis of industrial mining in British Columbia. In a letter sent to Prime Minister Trudeau and B.C. Premier Eby last week, the coalition of First Nations and Tribes condemn the governments of Canada and British Columbia for allowing the mining industry to lay waste to Indigenous territory, and demand that Trudeau and Eby honor their “legal and ethical obligation to protect transboundary waters and the communities they sustain.”

The letter comes during a period of intense pressure on Canada and British Columbia to finally stand up to the powerful B.C. mining industry. In late March, following negotiations between Prime Minister Trudeau and President Biden, Canada jointly committed to “protect fragile ecosystems” in Canada-U.S. transboundary waters, and stated its intent to “reach an agreement in principle by this summer to reduce and mitigate the impacts of water pollution in the Elk-Kootenai watershed,” a transboundary watershed that has experienced downstream pollution from B.C. mines for decades. Further bilateral

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clinics and these medical providers are in compliance and must be in compliance with federal standards, including the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, and other federal legislation. I’ll share that facility overregulation, it simply makes no sense, especially when applied to medication abortion,” O’Brien said.

She said this bill is

talks between Canada and the United States are scheduled for this week.

straight from a national anti-abortion playbook, and the Legislature can do better than pass legislation that hinders healthcare access for women.

Caven Wade is a student reporter with the UM Legislative News Service, a partnership of the University of Montana School of Journalism, the Montana Broadcasters Association, the Montana Newspaper Association and the Greater Montana Foundation. He can be reached at caven. wade@umontana.edu.

The Indigenous leaders who write to Trudeau and Eby are asking Canada to back up its commitment with real action at the April bilateral talks. “It is time for Canada to fulfill their promise and end the poisoning of our natural resources,” said Chairman Tom McDonald of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes. “It is encouraging that the recent joint statement from Prime Minister Trudeau and President Biden recognized the need for action, but a vague commitment to ‘work together’ is not enough. Canada and the United States must announce a Joint Reference to the International Joint Commission during the bilateral talks this week.” Chairman McDonald added, “Canada has kicked the can for far too long. There is absolutely no excuse for further delay.”

For decades, the governments of Canada and British Columbia have stood by as the mining industry in British Columbia wreaks havoc on transboundary waters—even as British Columbia’s own Auditor General documented widespread, systemic non-compliance with the province’s mining regulations. Mining toxins threaten crucial salmon habitats in Alaska and

British Columbia, and the threat of full-scale dam failures looms large across the region. Recent studies show there is a dangerously high probability for Copper Mountain mine’s existing tailings dam to fail and cause disastrous effects on downstream wildlife and communities. When confronted with this research, mine officials have implied the risk is just the cost of doing business. In the Elk-Kootenai(y) watershed, decades of selenium contamination from Teck Resources’ mines has already seriously damaged rivers and critical fish populations in Canada and the United States.

“The Colville Tribes and the Sinixt have fought against Teck’s pollution of the Columbia River for nearly two decades” said Chairman Jarred-Michael Erickson of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. “Water is sacred. We will always assert our sovereignty to protect our resources. It is long past time that pollution of our waterways be eliminated at the source.”

“Our wild salmon rivers of Southeast Alaska and Canada connect our cultures, traditions, and families. The Canadian and U.S. administrations must respond to our Tribes and First Nations, which have joined together in the call for the International Joint Com-

mission to address our concerns about pollution from these mines and British Columbia’s resistance to be held liable for impacts to our traditional territories and way of life” says President Richard (Chalyee Éesh) Peterson of the Central Council of Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska, Alaska’s largest federally-recognized Tribe.

Rather than address pollution, Canada and British Columbia continue to greenlight large-scale mining expansions—highlighting a dangerously close relationship between industry and government. This relationship was on full display earlier this month, when former B.C. Premier John Horgan announced plans to join the mining industry. As Premier from 2017 to 2022, Horgan repeatedly undermined attempts to address Teck’s pollution in the Elk Valley and Kootenay watershed. Now, only a few months after stepping down as Premier of British Columbia, and the day after resigning his seat in the B.C. Legislature, Horgan has announced he plans to join the Board of Directors of Elk Valley Resources, a proposed spinoff of Teck Resources. The Horgan announcement is only the latest in decades of similar scandals. In 2013, for instance, Imperial Metals donated hundreds

of thousands of dollars to the B.C. Liberal Party, and its controlling shareholder hosted a $1-million fundraiser for then-Premier Christy Clark. A year later, when the company’s tailings dam failed and caused the worst mining spill in Canadian history, the company faced no fines or criminal charges.

“While Canada and British Columbia stonewall efforts by First Nations, Tribes, and the United States to address pollution, B.C. mining continues to leach toxic pollutants into our transboundary waters,” said Vice Chairman Gary Aitken Jr. from the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho. “We are monitoring the death of our river systems, while those in power have corrupt relationships with the mining industry and refuse to stand up to pollution. It’s like watching a loved one die, knowing that they could be saved.”

This week, First Nations and Tribes across what is now known as British Columbia, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Alaska stand together, calling on Canada and British Columbia to prioritize people over profit. “Canada and British Columbia’s failure to appropriately regulate mining across our homelands jeopardizes our culture, our food security, and most importantly see page 9

from page 8

the health of ?a·kxam isqapiqapsin (All Living Things) for which we are responsible. Despite the Canadian Constitution, the federal Fisheries Act, the provincial Environmental Management Act, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples adopted by Canada and British Columbia, we continue to see coal mining pollution impacting our rivers, groundwater and fish” says Ktunaxa Nation Chair Kathryn Teneese. “Canada has failed to properly regulate pollution from coal mines for too long, and their proposed new Coal Mining Effluent Regulations are not enough to reverse the harm to our waters. We need more than a soft commitment to agree to a solution in principle. The Kootenay River deserves, and the Ktunaxa people, expect clear federal action from the Canada-U.S. bilateral negotiations.”

Short-Term Rental owners from across state share stories with Legislators

News from John MacDonald

HELENA — Owners of short-term rental (STR) properties across Montana gathered at the State Capitol recently to meet their legislators, share their home sharing experience, and advocate for fair STR rules.

More than two dozen property owners from as far as Libby and Prey visited the Capitol April 5 to encourage lawmakers to support legislation that allows them to continue to share their homes to supplement their income.

The effort was organized by Airbnb for its Host community in Montana, 77% of whom have just one Airbnb – their own

primary residence.

More than 30% of Airbnb Hosts in Montana report that the additional income has allowed them to stay in their homes, and 42% say it has helped them keep pace with the rising cost of living. Onefourth of all Airbnb Hosts in Montana are over the age of 60.

Hosts said they wanted to dispel common myths of STR owners, including that Hosts are typically out-of-state corporations with multiple properties, or that their STRs take badly needed housing off the market.

Many local Hosts wanted to share with legislators that being a short-term rental host has become a financial

lifeline.

“My husband and I are fourth generation landowners and were just able to afford to retire at the age of 71,” said Sherri Manley, who lists her Ennis short-term rental through Airbnb. “Our short-term rental has only been in existence for one year and was renovated to supplement our income. Long-term renting would not be practical for us because we have a large family who visits and uses the home to house them.”

Another local shortterm rental owner, Annalee Venneri of Helena, said, “As a single income household with a state employee salary I found myself in a possible housing

insecurity situation. When I found out my rent would be more than a mortgage, I decided to buy my house. I host my spare bedroom in an attempt to offset my bills, rebuild my savings, and pay off debt from the purchase.”

The 2023 Legislature considered a number of bills that could have negatively affected property owners’ rights to put their homes up for short-term rental. As of Wednesday (April 5), the most onerous of those bills had been tabled. Hosts said they were appreciative of legislative efforts to push back on those bills.

Legislators have also considered bills that would help protect the

rights of short-term rental property owners. Sen. Daniel Zolnikov, an outspoken supporter of short-term rentals, met with hosts Wednesday morning, encouraging them to meet their representatives and share their stories.

“Montana’s shortterm rental (STR) owners should have the right to utilize their property to make additional income to keep up with the increasing cost of living without burdensome rules and regulations,” said Sen. Zolnikov. “Making it harder for Montanans to share their homes with guests looking to spend money in local cities only hurts our economy.”

valley views Water Displacement 40th Formula

Whenbrowsing products sold in hardware aisles, nothing is as universally recognizable as WD-40. The distinctive yellow and blue cans are wildly associated with mechanics, handyman repair, and general fixing. Used for everything from loosening old bolts to fishing lure preparation, there seems there is scarcely a problem that someone hasn’t tried spraying some WD-40 on. With a never-ending list of potential uses for the odd-smelling chemical, one must wonder how it came to be.

The story of WD-40 beings in the early 1950s in southern California. A small aerospace company called the “Rocket Chemical Company” based out of San Diego was attempting to create a product to solve the

issue of rust & corrosion, specifically for the Atlas Missiles, the first ever functional ICBMs. Rust was a huge problem for the industry at the time but would eventually be solved by a series of material science breakthroughs in areas such as metallurgy, paint and coatings, and synthetic materials. After a series of attempted formulations of this chemical rust inhibitor, the Rocket Chemical Company eventually reached its 40th attempted formula in 1953. This formulation combined a special set of solvents

and corrosion inhibitors and suspended them in a petroleum-based oil. Thus, the new substance was given the affectionate name “Water Displacement, 40th Formula” or “WD-40” for short. Upon testing the substance on metal surfaces, it was discovered to be incredibly effective at repelling water, in addition, being non-conductive, WD-40 could be utilized around sensitive electronic components. Furthermore, the petroleum-based oil gave the formula excellent lubrication properties as well.

After initially selling the formula for use in in-

Library operates elsewhere

The Library will be closed Friday, May 12 for a Staff Training Day. We will be open Saturday May 13 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Our digital library is always open. Go to our website at www.northlakecountylibrary.org to browse magazines, download e-books and audio books or stream videos using

Kanopy. We are currently operating at 301 16th Ave East (First United Methodist Church). We will be open for our regular hours of service: Monday – Friday 9 a.m.

to 6 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Church hours and services will continue as normal each Sunday. Our book drop at the library building location has found a new home helping out another library. All

dustrial applications, the President of the Rocket Chemical Company, Norman B. Larson, birthed the idea of packaging this formula in aerosol cans and selling it to the general public. In order to pressurize the cans, an accelerant was added to the formulation and in 1958, WD-40 was sold directly to consumers for the first time. The product caught on very quickly, causing the company to double in size in just two years. As WD-40 sales escalated, consumers discovered more and more creative applications for the amazing product. In 1968, kits containing WD-40 were sent to soldiers fighting in the Vietnam War for use on their firearms to prevent corrosion due to the wet jungle environments. The following year, in 1969, the Rocket Chem-

ical Company would officially change its name to the “WD-40 Company,” after what was at the time its only product. In the next couple of years, the company would continue to grow by leaps and bounds to the point of going public in 1973. During this time the cultural legacy of WD40 was cemented in the broader American lexicon. By the early 1990s, a survey discovered that 80% of American homes had a can of WD-40 – incredible.

While the WD-40 Company would go on to release other products, none of them so far have been able to surpass the extreme levels of sustained popularity enjoyed by their name-sake product. So, the next time you find yourself faced with a stuck bolt, a fishing lure

in need of preparation, or one of the more than 2000 other uses listed on WD-40’s fan website, you can know where that humble blue and yellow can come from.

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.

returns need to be made at our temporary location of 301 16th Ave E. or to one of our Partner libraries (like Bigfork, Kalispell and Missoula). Remember, we are fine free for most items, so you won’t be charged if things are returned within 30 days of the due date. Please let us know if you need items renewed until you

can return your materials. We’re still working on an afterhours solution for our temporary space.

Due to our renovation project, we must limit taking donations. We will accept one small box or bag per family, per week on Tuesdays. Thank you for your understanding as we settle into our tempo-

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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.

Ben Stone Media Production, Valley Journal

Mallory Witham North Lake County Public Library District

View from the Library see

Kayak the river

Mymiddle son flew in (on a plane) to visit his brothers and me in Florida. As it was just me and the three boys (#testosterone), it fell to reason we’d want to do something both athletic and outdoorsy. Kayaking on a river seemed like a good fit.

I’ve kayaked lots of times - during the summer, at the lake. We have a little trek we take whenever the whim hits us. We go up a narrow river - against current - until we hit a small rapids (turn around time) and head back - with the current. It’s a course encompasses about a mile and a half.

The Florida river website (I thought) offered two courses. One was 4.7 miles, the other 2.5. Gosh did the 2.5 sound doable. More than I was used to, but I’m tough, and I enjoy pushing myself from time to time. Besides, my boys would be watching. We arrived at the kayak rental place and were offered just one route: the 4.7 mile one. Apparently the 2.5 mile rookie route was no longer available, or maybe I just imagined it.

I attempted the math in-

library

Go fish

side my head. It goes without saying 4.7 is a lot more than 2.5. I gulped and didn’t say a word as we paid our kayak rental fees. I was with my boys. And much like when they tricked me into the upside down scary rollercoaster at Disney, I wasn’t going to back out.

En route to the river, our van driver described the excursion, and let it slip that the trip was actually closer to 5 miles versus the advertised 4.7. We’d been awarded a bonus .3 miles! I cringed.

There was none of that.

It was just me, my kayak, the paddle and the 4.7 (or let’s just be honest and call it 5) miles of endless river.

The experts at the kayak shop told us the trip would take three or four hours. Half an hour in I was feeling the strain just a bit in my arms, and the kayak seat was, let’s say, less than comfortable.

Slices of Life

Jill Pertler Syndicated columnist

They were swimming and playing like only a family of otters can. They popped their heads up from the water and stared. We watched them and they watched us.

My son described them best when he said they looked like a batch of river puppies.

It was, in a word, very, very cool. Worth the trip, actually.

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rary location.

Mondays mean Mother Goose! Join us at 9:15 a.m. Mother Goose is geared toward ages 0 to 3, but all are welcome. We encourage

We got to the river and set out on the 4.7 (or quite possibly 5) mile trek.

Five miles! And they hadn’t even offered us a fail-safe option for bailout should that option be needed.

“Ladies and gentlemen, if you can’t make the whole trip, and are in danger of kayak failure, pull over to the side of the river and call the number on your wristband. We will send an air-conditioned river van to pick your party up ASAP.”

parents and caregivers to participate with their children for this early learning time. Thursdays at 9:15 a.m. is Story Time. Join us to read books, make crafts and play games with your little ones. This program is geared for Kindergarten readiness ages

I wasn’t tired - yet, but I wondered just when that would happen.

And then I saw a diving bird. It disappeared under the crystal clear water and swam underneath the boat. Pretty cool.

A bit further downstream, turtles sunned themselves on a river rock. All along the route, trees grew from within the river itself. Their bark looked like driftwood and their leaves hung heavy with gray moss.

But the highlight came about three-quarters in when we saw critters we weren’t expecting (hoping, but not expecting.)

And it wasn’t alligators.

It was a family of otters.

3-5. It is important that all children attending have an opportunity for appropriate, safe play for their age. Please be mindful of this when bringing older children to Mother Goose and younger children to Story Time.

We could have watched the otters all day, but there was the rest of the river to conquer. So, we paddled on and (I’m proud to say) finished the 4.7 (probably 5) mile route without calling it quits. We didn’t even think of calling it quits.

The tour guides said we’d do the trip in three or four hours. It took us less than two. Along the way we saw otters (exclamation point). And why boys saw me (effortlessly) pull off the 4.7/5 miles.

It was a good day.

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

Mac Man

Dick Zimmer

Fishermen, Perch are biting at East Bay. We caught 200 and I’m filleting 80 right now. Also, lake trout at Big Arm in 50 feet and up at the Delta. Caught on Rattle D Zastor. I’ve got a new setup: a dropper below a flat jig. Trolling at Angel Point West. Swan and Lake Mary are still iced up. Crow Reservoir, trout, perch and bass possibility. Smallies may be coming into Crow using worms. Sloughs are open Fennin, Mcwinniger and Church. Good Fishing, The Macman

Let her speak

WhenAmericans think of Montana, they picture snow-capped peaks, rolling prairies, and rainbow trout darting through the crystal-clear rivers that run through it. Or they simply think of America’s first national park, Yellowstone – or its popular TV namesake.

There are also some truths about Montanans: We’re independent-minded, and community-centric. In snowy weather, you’ll never see one car off the road; you’ll always see two, because we stop to help to dig one another out of a ditch.

And, in Montana, freedom runs generations deep. But these days, we’re losing our luster for all the wrong reasons. With the 2023 Montana Legislature ending, America is seeing a different version of the “Last Best Place.” Extremist Republican legislators

letters Shop smart Editor,

banned TikTok, attempted to limit electoral choices by keeping third-parties off the ballot, tried to further restrict access to abortion despite the state’s strong constitutional right to privacy, and, in the ultimate affront to free speech, barred State Representative Zooey Zephyr, a bright, brave and talented trans legislator, from representing her 11,000 constituents back in our hometown of Missoula. The Legislature’s Republican supermajority continues to strip away Montanans’ freedoms. On April 26, Zephyr was formally banned from the floor for allegedly breaking the House rules of decorum for previous heart-felt comments about a proposed ban on gender-affirming medical

Legislative Notes

care. Just days before her floor privileges were taken away, Montanans turned up in the House gallery, chanting, “Let her speak.” Armed guards were called in, the gallery was cleared, and seven peaceful protesters were arrested.

This is not who we are.

We’ve run for office and served our communities. Between us we have 10 decades of experience in making change. And although we’ve seen this kind of anti-democratic, authoritarian behavior before, this isn’t Montana. Banning a lawmaker – the first transgender legislator in Montana history – is a step too far and puts cruelty and malice on full display. Some lawmakers even deliberately misgendered Zephyr in calling for a ”commitment to civil discourse.” This extremist

supermajority is intent on taking away freedoms enshrined in Montana’s Constitution, and is attempting to prevent us from fighting back.

It’s an embarrassing spectacle for a state that elected the very first woman to hold federal office – Jeannette Rankin, first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1916.

As Montana women who have worked in the public, private and nonprofit sectors and the rough-and-tumble world of politics, we expect our egos to get bruised and to occasionally lose skirmishes. But we’ll not stand by in silence in the face of bigotry, sexism and undemocratic practices.

As proud Montanans, who value family, community, freedom, and engaging with our neighbors, we don’t expect to witness the sheer spitefulness from a supermajority that has

lost its vision for Montana and refuses to show compassion and respect to communities who are too often targeted, bullied and belittled.

We expect more. So do most Montanans.

Zooey Zephyr’s our friend. And, if she can’t speak, we will: Don’t let extremists strip away your freedoms, rights, and dignity. We’re never going to stop fighting for our freedoms – that’s what real Montanans do.

It’s time to take action. Please get engaged, and support and follow Rep. Zephyr and other women in leadership. Your support and your voice matter.

Let’s commit to being more tolerant, kind and helpful neighbors, and get back to pulling one another out of the ditch.

Carol Williams is Montana’s first state Senate female minority and majority leader, and a leading

advocate for children, education and families in Montana and America. She served in the Montana House of Representatives and Montana Senate, representing Missoula. She also was a general election candidate for lieutenant governor in 2000. Her husband, Pat Williams, is a former member of Congress from Montana.

Whitney Williams is a sixth-generation Montanan, Missoula-based businesswoman and candidate for governor in 2020. She is founder of the Snowbird Fund, helping Indigenous communities search for missing loved ones, and cofounder, alongside Ben Affleck, of Eastern Congo Initiative, a multi-million-dollar grantmaking and advocacy initiative. She is the daughter of former Congressman Pat Williams and former Montana Senate Majority Leader Carol Williams. whitney@ williamsworks.com.

When I want to buy a new car, I want to be able to negotiate a price rather than blindly pay the asking price. That’s because I’m a smart shopper.

A recent letter to the editor in the Valley Journal stated that Medicare Advantage is being cut by $307 billion and criticized Jon Tester because he voted for it. “Cut” is incorrect. Quite the opposite, it’s a savings. Medicare can now

provide the same or better coverage to the letter writer, plus save a huge amount of federal money. This is a good thing for Medicare.

The federal government is sometimes a smart shopper, too. Recently, the government passed legislation allowing negotiation of drug prices with pharmaceutical companies for Medicare accounts. That negotiation is saving the US government a bundle. A really big bundle.

The Congressional Budget

Office estimates negotiating Medicare prescription prices will save the federal government $237 billion over a decade. This is not a cut to Medicare; it’s a cut to federal deficit. That’s a win-win. Lowering the cost of a service, while still providing the same service, is a savings, not a cut. Think of all the places that money can be used, lowering debt, improving education, national security.

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, “The law

actually improved Medicare’s drug benefit by tackling high drug prices, a longstanding concern for people with Medicare, and capping what Medicare beneficiaries pay out of pocket for prescription drugs, along with other drug benefit improvements, like free vaccines and capping insulin copays.”

That’s smart shopping by the federal government.

Stephanie Brancati Big Arm

We have the mindpower Editor,

We are hearing and reading this prediction over and over again these days: “Our democracy is in peril.”

President Biden knows this and has been attempting to promote many of the policies which form our democracy. But our severely divided Republican party has taken the spotlight. It is causing disruption and lack of progress in see page 13

Carol Williams Whitney Williams

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our system of government.

Donald Trump’s narcissistic delight is front and center with all the news focus on him these days. And, of course, there is a large contingent of voters in his “base” who continue supporting him. This is a total distraction to our Republican legislative body. The mind is a powerful tool. Trump’s grip on his voting base with a mind-set of fear, anger, attack, and blaming others continues to confound the Republican legislative body and many of our nation’s voters.

Each of us has the mindpower to choose how we think, speak, and act. I believe that by our next presidential election, the majority of the voting public will be guided by trust in democracy, positive thinking, and wise judgment.

Bob McClellan Missoula vj

Jade Dempsey receives 2023 Montana Student Volunteer Award

News from Director Kathie Maiers TRIO Student Support Services

PABLO — Jade Dempsey, SKC TRIO SSS Scholar and Elementary Education Student, is one of 12 Montana College Students awarded the 2023 Montana Student Volunteer Award.

Dempsey is involved in many community service projects, all involving collecting donations for a community organization. For example, she has collected donations for a fundraiser her family does every year in remembrance of her nephew, who passed away on his birthday. This is the sixth year. They do silent auctions, bake sales, a raffle, a free spaghetti meal, and a live

auction. All proceeds will go to the Ronald McDonald House in Missoula, Montana.

In the first year, 2018, she and her family raised over $4,000. In 2019 they raised over $6,000, and in 2020 they skipped a year due to COVID. In 2021, they raised $8,602. Finally, in 2022, she and her family raised $18,000 for the Ronald McDonald House. Dempsey hopes to do the same this year.

Dempsey is also involved with the Boys and Girls Club in Ronan and Polson and collects donations for the clubs. For example, Walmart in Polson donated many school supplies, such as crayons, markers, and colored pencils. She had a trunk full of supplies and

Serving Lake County since 1923

dropped them off at the Boys and Girls Club in Ronan.

Dempsey also collected donations for Safe Harbor in Ronan. This program helps people escape domestic violence by providing shelter and supporting women and their children to get an apartment on their feet. She collected this

vital organization’s bathroom, kitchen, clothing, toys, and other household items. Dempsey finds volunteering very rewarding, and she plans to continue. As you can see, Dempsey is committed to her communities and has a warm, caring personality, making her an outstanding volunteer.

Polson students perform in Mary Poppins Jr.

Story

by Taylor Davison Valley Journal

POLSON — Students

from grades five through 12 strutted their stuff on stage last week in the Polson High School Theater Department’s rendition of Mary Poppins Jr.

A Disney and Cameron Mackintosh show, the one act play acts as a shortened version of the classic Broadway Marry Poppins tale. While the story is a classic, bringing in a cast of 30 students of such different ages is something new for the theater department.

“I knew I wanted to bring another musical to the high school – last fall we did the Addams Family with just high school – and I knew I wanted to do a Broadway Disney Junior, so I thought it would be fun to incorporate some younger grades to try and build the program,”

Director Brittany Simonich explained. “I know Neal and Karen Lewing have done such an excellent job with their children’s programming, but we wanted to offer another option to middle schoolers this year.”

While the Lewings of the Port Polson Players offers a children’s theater program that’s now returned from COVID-19, there has been little other theater experience offered to Polson School’s middle and grade school students. Simonich said that she and co-director Bob Di -

Giallonardo are working to expand the opportunities and varieties of theater experiences available to students. With the possibility of a dinner theater in the future, as well as exploring musicals, comedies, and dramas, the teachers are working to increase their students’ interest by letting

them vote on the plays they tackle and getting them excited about future performances.

“This year we’re actually very fortunate to be working with a vocal coach, Sarah Larkin, who’s new to the area … she’s a true professional,” Simonich commented. “She’s been giving vocal lessons,

she’s been working one on one, (and) she’s just been a huge asset to the show.” Additionally, the department has been working with choreographer JoLeah Nicholas, who has helped the cast choreograph both “Step in Time” and “Supercalifrasee page 15

and Photos

Poppins

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gilisticexpialidocious.” “We’re trying to bring a lot more expertise and professionals to make this as well done as possible,” Simonich said. As for any students considering whether or not to get involved in the theater program, Simonich had a simple answer: “Do it.”

“There’s a place for everyone in theater,” Simonich stated. “Whether it’s makeup, costuming, helping with choreography, helping with set and prop construction, there’s something for everyone. It’s such a welcoming environment (even for) students who maybe had their niche somewhere else in high school activities, there’s always a place for them in the theater department.”

More photos on valleyjournal.net

Co-op brewery’s firefighter fundraiser returns this week

By Taylor Davison / Valley Journal

RONAN — The Ronan Cooperative Brewery and the Ronan Volunteer Fire Department will be teaming up again this Friday, May 5, to raise funds for local firefighters.

Scheduled from 4-8 p.m., local firefighters will serve up tri-tips to the music of local blues band Mojo Rising. Half of all beer sales will go straight to the fire department.

“It’s a fun way to get to meet your first responders without being in an emergency,” Head Brewer Jim Myers commented.

The Co-op held this fundraiser for the first time on April 1, 2022, and despite somewhat limited promotion of the event, Myers said they still received exceptional support from the community. According to Monty Cheff, Coop treasurer at the time, the event was able to bring in over $1,000 for the VFD with beer sales alone, plus whatever the department brought in from steak sales and tips donated from servers.

“Last year was great. As chilly as it was outside, we still had a phenomenal turnout of people,” Fire Chief and Mayor Chris Adler commented. “This year they prolonged it into May, so the weather will actually be warmer, and it’ll just be another good time.”

“It feels good to be able to help these guys out,” Myers stated. “This money can go toward training and resources that are needed. So many of these things aren’t visible on a day-to-day basis, but I can tell you firsthand, there’s been a

couple of times when I’ve been involved in emergencies and man when you see these guys show up and they know what to do it is such a relief … It’s nice to be in a position for the brewery to help out and give something back.”

“We do have a lot of firemen who like beer,” Adler laughed.

“They support the brewery, and the brewery supports us.

I was almost skeptical when the brewery started in town – naturally I support any business that comes to Ronan, but they have done a great job and they’re doing a good job and it’s a real neat thing. They

got us a lot of money last year that went to good use, and the outpouring of people is just amazing. But Ronan is unique in that everybody supports the fire department no matter what. We’ve had really good community support no matter what our venture has been, so it’s been really rewarding to be a part of something that gives back.”

Those interested in finding out more about the brewery’s upcoming community fundraisers and summer events can do so by visiting their social media at: www.facebook.com/ RonanCooperativeBrewery

ERIC BRUNET PHOTOS

Last year’s fundraiser netted over $1,000 for the fire department, despite the chilly April weather. This year’s fundraiser is planned for this Friday, May 5 from 4 to 8 p.m.

Gardner receives Sustained Lifetime Achievement Award

News from Society for Range Management

BOISE, IDAHO – Greg

Gardner received the Sustained Lifetime Achievement Award at the Society for Range Management’s 76th Annual Meeting in Boise, Idaho earlier this February. The Sustained Lifetime Achievement Award is presented by the Society for Range Management (SRM) to members for long-term contributions to the art and science of range management and to SRM.

Gardner, a beef cattle rancher from Polson, earned a degree in range management from Montana State University in 1979 and has been involved with range management ever

since. He and his wife, Lynn, purchased their current 7,000acre ranch in 1990 and have worked hard to further develop it into a model of good range management. They have built five miles of new fence, put in nine miles of stock water pipes, and installed a pumping system to lift stock water nine hundred vertical feet to obtain more uniform grazing. The extensive infrastructure updates allowed Gardner to implement a successful rest rotation system. He has also been aggressive in the control of invasive species. Gardner is a firm believer that one must be a good steward of the land in order to be a successful rancher.

Besides working hard on the ranch, he has found time to

serve two years as president of the Western Montana Stockman’s Association. He has served ten years on the Lake County Conservation District Board, hosted range tours for the local the soil conservation district, and, for ten years, he headed up local youth education programs focused on land stewardship. The Polson Chamber of Commerce has twice named Gardner “Ag Person of the Year.”

For the tremendous contributions to the science and management of rangeland ecosystems he has made, it is with great honor the Society of Range Management recognized Greg Gardner with the Sustained Lifetime Achievement Award.

2023 EMERGENCY WILDLAND FIREFIGHTER SIGN UPS

Applications for placement on the CS&KT Division of Fire / BIA-Flathead Agency 2023 Emergency Wildland Firefighting Crew will begin on Monday, March 6, 2023. Last day applications will be accepted is June 1, 2023 @ 4:00 PM.

• Application to be completed at CS&KT Division of Fire – CANNOT TAKE OUT OF OFFICE.

(Application will take Approximately 45 minutes to complete)

• Applicant must provide 2 forms of Identification to start application process.

Interior Department, National Endowment for the Humanities partner to preserve oral history, records

$4 million will support the digitization of records and creation of a permanent oral history

News from the Department of the Interior

WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior and National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) today announced a new inter-agency partnership to expand the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative through the collection of oral histories and digitization of records documenting the experiences of survivors and descendants of federal Indian boarding school policies. NEH has committed $4 million to support the digitization of records from the United States’ system of 408 federal Indian boarding schools and the creation of a permanent oral history collection, documenting the experiences of the generations of Indigenous students who passed through the federal boarding school system.

Giving back

The Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative is an ongoing, comprehensive effort by the Interior Department to recognize the troubled legacy of federal Indian boarding school policies with the goal of addressing their intergenerational impact and shedding light on the traumas of the past.

“Federal Indian boarding school policies have touched every Indigenous person I know. Deeply ingrained in so many of us is the trauma that these policies and these places have inflicted. This is the first time in history that a U.S. Cabinet Secretary comes to the table with this shared trauma, and I’m determined to use my position to help communities heal,” said Secretary Deb Haaland. “This is one step, among many, that we will take to strengthen and rebuild the bonds within Native communities that federal Indian boarding school policies set out to break.”

“The policies of the federal Indian boarding school system have had a profound and lasting impact on Native com-

POLSON — Clearwater Properties Realtors Jamie Russell, Kathy Crockett and Carlene Wills presented checks totaling $4,190.17 to local nonprofits of their choice on Wednesday, April 19. A percentage of each county’s sales are donated annually to nonprofits of each agent’s choosing. Pictured from left above are Jim Oates, Polson Rotary treasurer; Jamie Russell, Clearwater realtor; Kathy Crockett, Clearwater realtor; Cameron Marengo, with Mission Valley Travel Softball; Brooke Duty, Polson Rotary president; Jessica Schallock with Fellowship Fitness; Carlene Wills, Clearwater realtor.

munities,” said NEH Chair Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo). “The first step toward addressing the intergenerational consequences of these schools is to squarely acknowledge and examine the history of a federal system intended to separate families, erase Native languages and cultures, and dispossess Native peoples of their land. NEH is proud to join with the Department of the Interior in this important effort to shed light on this chapter of our country’s history.”

Creating a permanent oral history program on the history of federal Indian boarding schools has never before been undertaken by the U.S. government and is a resource that has been requested by Indigenous communities. The Department’s oral history project will ensure stories and experiences that survivors share can be understood and learned from for future generations.

In May 2022, Secretary Haaland and Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland released Volume 1 of the investigative report called for

as part of the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative. The report represented a significant step by the federal government to comprehensively address the facts and consequences of historical federal Indian boarding school policies, which resulted in the twin goals of cultural assimilation and territorial dispossession of Indigenous peoples through the forced removal and relocation of their children. Volume 2 is expected to be published by the end of 2023.

As part of the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative and in response to recommendations from the report, Secretary Haaland launched “The Road to Healing.” This year-long commitment to travel across the country is giving Indigenous survivors the opportunity to share their stories and be connected with trauma-informed support. NEH’s Chair Lowe has joined Interior Department staff at several stops on “The Road to Healing,” including this week’s event on the Tulalip Reservation in Washington State. The oral

history project will build on this effort to create space for survivors. Details regarding the facilitation of this effort will be released in the coming weeks.

In addition to NEH’s direct support for the Interior Department’s Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative, NEH will also fund related humanities programs—including scholarly research, convenings, and educational programs—that further public understanding of the history and impact of the federal Indian boarding school system. This funding builds upon previous NEH-supported work such as the Heard Museum’s Away From Home permanent exhibition of American Indian boarding school stories, and the Genoa Indian School Digital Reconciliation Project, which is digitizing and transcribing government records, photographs, oral histories, and other historical materials documenting the experience of Native American children who attended the Genoa U.S. Indian School in Nebraska between 1884 and 1934.

Paddlefish season opens May 1 on Upper Missouri

News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks

HELENA — This year’s Montana paddlefish seasons kicks off on May 1 with the opening of the Upper Missouri River section from Fort Benton downstream to Fort Peck Dam. Anglers must have a White Harvest Tag to participate in catching and keeping a paddlefish from this section of the river. These tags are issued through a lottery system. FWP mails these tags to successful applicants.

Unsuccessful paddlefish drawing applicants will be issued a snag-

and-release only license for the Upper Missouri River. Others may also purchase snag and release tags for this fishery, even if they are not part of the lottery.

The paddlefish season on the Missouri River below Fort Peck Dam and in the Yellowstone River below the mouth of the Bighorn River opens May 15, and the archery fishing season for paddlefish in the Fort Peck Dredge Cuts below Fort Peck Dam opens July 1. As in the past, anglers may only select one area to fish for paddlefish in Montana: Upper Missouri River (White Harvest

Tag), Yellowstone River and Missouri River downstream of Fort Peck Dam (Yellow Harvest Tag) and the Fort Peck Dredge Cut archery-only season (Blue Harvest Tag).

All harvested paddlefish must be immediately tagged and reported within 48 hours. Reporting options include: onsite where fish were harvested (at check points like Intake Fishing Access Site or roving creel staff along the Missouri), on the phone hotline at 1-877-FWP-WILD (877-397-9453) or 406444-0356, or online at MyFWP at: fwp.mt.gov.

Watercraft inspection stations open across Montana

2,000 watercraft inspected so far this year

News from Montana FWP

HELENA — With the exception of Eureka, watercraft inspection stations are open. All vehicles transporting any type of boat, including canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and rafts are required to stop at all inspection stations they encounter.

Watercraft inspection stations are Montana’s first line of defense to prevent the movement of AIS, which can have devastating impacts on Montana waterways.

More than 2,400 watercraft have been inspected so far this year. Of those, 13 boats were found to be transporting invasive mussels. Recently, a pontoon boat was intercepted at the Wibaux inspection station (operated by the Garfield Conservation District). The boat had been purchased at auction in Wisconsin and was being transported to Idaho. Inspectors preformed a decontamination, locked the boat to the trailer and notified Idaho to follow up.

Boat owners should ensure their watercraft, trailers and gear are clean, drained and dry before

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

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

Early Learning Center (ELC) Lead Toddler Teacher (9.5 months)

Salary: $22.48 - $23.22/hour DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Clinical Instructor/Clinical Resource Reg. Nurse Part Time Nursing Dept. (9-month term)

Salary: $35 per hour 14 hours per week Closing Date: Open Until Filled

SKC Early Learning Center Assistant (Full time - 10 months)

Salary Range: $15.17-$15.99/hr DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Director of Academic Success

Salary: $44,310 - $45,656 DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Vice President of Academic Affairs

Salary: $75,000 - $85,000 DOEE Closing Date Extended to: April 28, 2023, 4:00 PM

General and Grants Accounting Assistant

Salary: $38,927 - $40,727 DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Assistant Director of Academic Success

Salary Range: $37,106 to $38,927 DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

transporting and need to be aware of Montana’s inspection rules:

- All watercraft coming into Montana from out of state must be inspected prior to launching.

- All watercraft traveling west across the Continental Divide into the Columbia River Basin must be inspected prior to launching.

- Anyone transporting watercraft must stop at all open watercraft inspection stations they encounter.

- And all boaters are reminded to always clean drain and dry their boat, live wells, anchors, boots and gear when leaving the water.

Bookstore Sales Clerk (9 month position)

$13.53 - $14.16 DOEE per hour Closing Date: April 14, 2023, 4:00 PM

Tribal Governance and Administration Department Faculty within the Native American Studies Division (9 month position)

Salary: $42,621 - $45,025 DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

Student Success Coach - Academic Success

Salary: $36,316-$38,022 DOEE Closing Date: Open Until Filled

SKC Loan Officer / Financial Aid Assistant (Full time - 12 months)

$17.84 - $18.72 per hour DOEE Closing Date: May 5, 2023

Early Learning Center (ELC) Lead Toddler Teacher (9.5 months)

$22.48 - $23.22 per hour DOEE Closing Date: May 5, 2023

The Liberal Arts Department is actively seeking adjuncts to teach communications, research writing, humanities, and grant writing courses. Must possess a master’s degree in English, liberal arts field of study, or education. A bachelor’s degree in English, liberal arts field of study, or education with a closely related master’s degree will be considered.

To apply you must submit an SKC application, resume and applicable transcripts to Human Resources, P.O. Box 70, Pablo, MT 59855. Toll free 877.752.6553, ext. 4985 Direct Dial 406.275.4985/4977

Governor cuts red tape to increase housing supply

HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte recently signed a pro-housing bill to streamline and improve local subdivision review in Montana, delivering on a recommendation of his bipartisan Housing Task Force.

“For too long, burdensome regulations have constricted housing supply, driven up prices, and made buying a home out of reach for Montanans,” Gov. Gianforte said. “To increase the supply of affordable workforce housing, we’re cutting red tape and removing unnecessary roadblocks to home ownership.”

Sponsored by Rep. Larry Brewster, R-Billings, House Bill 211 expedites the subdivision review process by cutting red tape for applicants and local governments.

Regulations at every level of government drive up the

price of newly built homes. The National Association of

Home Builders (NAHB) estimated in 2021 that the average cost of regulation in the price of a new home soared by 44 percent in the last decade, from $65,224 in 2011 to $93,870 in 2021. NAHB also reported that government-imposed regulations account for 23.8 percent of the final price of a new single-family home built for sale.

Last session, Gov. Gianforte signed into law Senate Bill 161, a bill that expedited subdivision review, removing unpredictable, costly, and time-consuming procedural hurdles to homebuilding.

Streamlining subdivision review to increase the supply of affordable workforce housing is a top priority and recommendation from the governor’s Housing Task Force.

Tester secures $900,000 for fish passage projects in Western Montana

ments.

BIG SANDY — U.S.

Senator Jon Tester announced today he has secured more than $900,000 from his bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) for Montana fish passage projects. This funding will help open and improving more than 66 miles of rivers and streams in western Montana through barrier removals, culvert repairs and replacements, and other stream improve-

Tester negotiated the IIJA and helped pass it into law last year, and he was the only member of Montana’s Congressional delegation to support the bipartisan legislation.

“Restoring our watersheds and improving the resiliency of our native species is good for Montana’s rivers and our state’s recreational economy that relies on them,” Tester said. “That’s why I’m proud to have secured this funding to expand critical infrastructure

for wildlife and support the small businesses that power Montana’s outdoor economy.”

This funding will go toward projects across Beaverhead, Lewis and Clark, Missoula, and Powell Counties, and will benefit fish and recreation opportunities by improving access to habitat, providing colder water, restoring stream function, and reconnecting floodplains. These projects will contribute significantly to local watershed restoration efforts and economic develop-

ment.

A longtime champion for fish and wildlife preservation, Tester secured more than $1.5 million from IIJA for fish passage projects in Montana last April. And in September of 2021, Tester helped secure $1.3 million to help Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks (FWP) acquire over 100 acres of land along the north shore of Flathead Lake for a new state park, and an additional $472,500 to help FWP clean up and renovate Westside Park in Mis-

soula.

He was also a strong supporter of President Biden’s nominee for Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Montana’s own Martha Williams, and pushed for her swift confirmation last year, citing the importance of balanced oversight and masterful management of the nation’s fish and wildlife recovery.

Since 1999, the National Fish Passage Program has worked with over 2,000 local communities, Tribes, and

landowners, providing financial, engineering and planning assistance in order to reopen access to 57,736 miles of upstream habitat and 193,783 acres of wetland habitat for fish and other animals.

Smart investments to improve developments help restore fish while ensuring Montanans can continue making a living on the same footprint.

The IIJA includes $200 million over five years for this program, allocating nearly $38 million for 40 fish passage projects in this announcement alone.

News from the Office of Senator Jon Tester

News from the office of Governor Gianforte

COURTESY PHOTO

Gov. Gianforte discusses increasing the supply of affordable, attainable housing in October 2022.

Arlee CDC holds community dinners

News from the Arlee CDC

ARLEE — A series of community dinners are bringing families, friends and neighbors together in Arlee. “We’ve all been through a period of isolation recently,” said Shelly Fyant, Food Sovereignty Coordinator at the Arlee Community Development Corporation. “The Arlee CDC is focusing on ways that we can gather and connect with each other again. We hold a community dinner every three months, and they’ve become very popular.”

The dinners are held in conjunction with a series of cooking classes offered by the Arlee CDC. Students attend a series of three classes taught by chef Addie Steele, then assist her in preparing a dinner with a focus on fresh, seasonal food. “We use local ingredients and follow the Salish calendar whenever possible. The dinner brings people together to share food and share traditions handed down through the generations.”

All residents of Arlee are welcome to attend the next community dinner on Monday, May 8, 6-8 p.m. at the Arlee Indian Senior Center. The dinners are sponsored by the Arlee Community Development Corporation and No Child Hungry Share Our Strength.

First Saturday events return to Ninepipes Museum

News from Ninepipes Museum

CHARLO — Ninepipes Museum

welcomes the summer season with a special First Saturday event on May 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Enjoy live music with Richard Tobel, frybread (The Frybread Ladies), artisans Lori Parr (Lavender Lori), and Tracy Tevis (Designs by Tracy). Historian and artist Steve Lozar will show his work,

and Bob Bigart and Joe McDonald will chat about their latest book, “Salish & Kootenai Indian Chiefs Speak for Their People and Land 1865-1901 ” Check out our website ninepipesmuseum.org, Facebook or call 406-644-3435 for details. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Student Volunteer Award recognizes civically engaged college students across Montana

News from Serve Montana, Gov. office of community service

HELENA — The Montana Student Volunteer Award is presented through a partnership between the Governor’s Office of Community Service and Montana Campus Compact campuses. Honorees of this annual award are college students across the state who demonstrate dedication to service in their communities while pursuing a college degree or certificate.

“Montana’s college students contribute meaningful service that makes a difference in our communities and adds value to their education” says Sarah R. Sadowski, Director of the Governor’s Office of Community Service. “These students are glimmering lights in our bright future, each one is well deserving of a Student Volunteer Award.”

This year, 12 student volunteers across Montana were recognized by their school during a virtual ceremony on Wednesday, April 26. Additionally, each winner will receive a certificate signed by Governor Gianforte and their college president.

Local 2022 Montana Student Volunteer Award Winners: Nadine Kemp of Flathead Valley Community College, Jade Dempsey of Salish Kootenai College, and Sam Sullivan of University of Montana.

CSKT Early Childhood Services Request for Proposal

Lawn mowing and playground cleanup

May 2023 - November 2024

Early Childhood Services provides services in 12 building site locations on the Flathead reservation. The site locations are as follows:

– Polson Head Start - 301 8th Ave. W. - Polson, MT

– Turtle Lake Early Head Start - 37181 Turtle Lake Loop- Polson, MT

– Pablo College Drive - 35639 Stanger Loop - Pablo, MT

– Pablo Early Head Start - 36156 Division St. - Pablo, MT

– Ronan Early Head Start - 417 Andrew NW - Ronan, MT

– Ronan Head Start - 30 2nd Circle NE - Ronan, MT

– Pache Early Head Start - 47181 Beaverhead Ln. - Ronan, MT

– Misson Early Head Start - 307 Old Hwy. 93 S. - St. Ignatius, MT

– Mission Head Start - 28 Toweepah Ln. - St. Ignatius, MT

– Growing Words Early Head Start - 87 Alexander Ln. - St. Ignatius, MT

– Arlee Head Start/ Early Start - 72691 Lumpry Rd. - Arlee, MT

– ECS Administration - 37401 Mission Dr. - St. Ignatius, MT

Early Childhood Services is seeking bids to maintain the lawns in these locations on an as needed basis. Lawn maintenance will include mowing, weed eating, and disposal of brush as requested. Walkways will need to be brushed off from any clippings. Some sites may need raking.

Lawn will need to be maintained inside and outside of the fencing area. Lawn care will average 1 time per week depending on weather and how fast it is growing. There may be times it will be every other week.

Proposal requirements: Proposals must include

1.) Ability to commit time, as needed, and upon request

2.) Proof of liability insurance

3.) Proof of Workman’s Comp or exemption certificate.

4.) Description of recent experience in doing this type of work.

5.) 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 May 12, 2023. Mailing address: Early Childhood Services- PO Box 1510, St. Ignatius, MT 59865, ATTN: Jennifer Birthmark

The proposals will be reviewed by the ECS Direct and a decision made within 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 Rick Clary at 406-745-4509.

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.

seniors

Polson

By Pete Mangels for the Valley Journal

POLSON — May 5 brings us the “mesmerizing flower” full moon. I call it the sneezing pollen allergy moon.

Commodity food for those in need are distributed on a monthly basis. You can help us by recycling your clean and gently used Super One Foods green plastic grocery bags. We use this brand bag only, as they better serve our purposes due to their strength and capacity.

Repurposed cabinets were installed in the “game room” to provide storage for card and board games. We need gently used board games to add to our inventory.

Activities:

- Thursday early evening may be available for those interested in a weekly “board /card game night.” Call us.

- Bingo: $100.00 payout on blackout guaranteed! Bingo games Friday at 7 p.m. “Playing Card” Bingo first and third Wednesdays.

- Exercise: Low impact on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

- Pinochle on Thursdays from 12-3 p.m.

- Pool: Open table from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays.

- Veteran’s Rep: The

first Friday (May 5) and third Tuesday (May 16) from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Menu (subject to change): Sit-down or take-out; call before 10 a.m. for delivery. 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. for $5.

Thursday, May 4: Ham and scalloped potatoes, peas, cornbread, spiced apples, cookies

Friday, May 5: Cheeseburger, ranch potato wedges, coleslaw, frosted cake

Monday, May 8: Corn chowder, banana muffins, green salad, chocolate pudding

Tuesday, May 9: Beef enchiladas, refried beans, Frito salad, lemon bars

Wednesday, May 10: BBQ chicken, rice pilaf, green beans, devilish eggs, cake roll

Thursday, May 11: Hamburger stroganoff, pasta, peas, stewed tomatoes, oranges

Friday, May 12: Hashbrown casserole, link sausage, applesauce, jello, cookies

We are located at 504 3rd Ave. East and are open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. Call 406-883-4735 or email us at polsonseniorcenter@gmail.com.

Ronan

By Donna Daniels for the Valley Journal

RONAN — The Mission Valley Senior Center (across from St. Luke’s

Hospital in Ronan) is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday for lunch and other activities.

Our menu is the following:

- May 5: Mexican Day, salad and dessert

- May 8: Stroganoff, salad and dessert

- May 10: Goulash, salad and dessert

- May 12: Ham hocks and beans, salad and dessert

Area VI Council on Aging is having a Cookbook Fundraiser. If you would like to submit a recipe, stop in and get a form.

Pinochle is held every Monday from 3:30 to 6 p.m. at the center. Everyone is welcome.

We also have pool available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come join the fun.

We will be doing a raffle for Fourth of July. Tickets are available from a senior member or at the Center. One for $1 and six for $5.

Anyone is welcome for our meals no matter what age. We ask for a $7 donation for our Monday, Wednesday, and Friday meals and $10 for our Sunday meal.

If you would like a meal delivered to your business just call us by 10 a.m. Also, we will gladly send you a menu if requested.

We are recruiting board members for the

center. If you are interested give us a call.

St. Ignatius

By Barb Plouffe for the Valley Journal

ST. IGNATIUS — We are having a Mother’s Day Basket Raffle. Some of the items included are a $30 gift certificate to Bev’s Bloomers, yard decorations, handmade potholders, kitchen items with more are coming in. We have been selling raffle tickets since April 19. We will be having a bake sale for Mother’s Day on May 12 and 13 so mark your calendars and come enjoy. We will have a variety of goodies - cookies, bread pudding, zucchini bread, brownies, and many more good items.

We are looking for an assistant cook. if you are interest, call 406-7454462 and leave message if no one answers. You can also apply at the Lake County Job Service.

Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy a meal with us on the following days. We would love to have old neighbors and new neighbors come and enjoy our meals. If you would like a menu, please call and we can email it to you, you can come pick one up, or we will mail you one. You do not have to be a member of the Senior Center, but we may ask if you want

to join for $10 a year. You don’t have to be a senior to join and support our Center.

Friday, April 28Lunch at noon: chicken spaghetti, veggie, fruit, garlic bread, sugar cookie bars

Tuesday, May 2Lunch at noon: scalloped potatoes and ham, spinach and blueberry salaD, buns and dessert

Wednesday, May 3 - Supper at 5:30 p.m.: roast pork, mashed potatoes and gravy, apple jello salad, buns, mixed berry buckle

Friday, May 5 - Lunch at noon: sweet and sour chicken, rice, tossed green salad, dessert

If you are interested in a takeout meal, please call, 406-745-4462 by 10 a.m. and leave a message if no one answers.

Mark your calendars for Women for Wellness event on May 18, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at SKC. Lots of information, testing and interaction. Registration is open and you can register at w4w.skc.edu. Men are welcome and there is a lot of health screening, education materials and interaction

with health care providers from various health care facilities.

Foot Hill club meets the second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 1 p.m. for snacks and cards.

Gentle Yoga resumed on March 29. If you are interested, please call Bonnie Kiser at 4062253-0171. Her rates are five sessions for $60.

Our Senior Center is open to people renting it. If you are interested, please call 406-745-4462 and leave a message. We will call you back with the information you need.

The Senior Center has a computer that is available for use by the public. If you are interested in using the computer, come in on Tuesday or Friday 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or call and leave a message. We will return your call.

If you need help with other areas of your life such as transportation, respite, home health services, or other information, please call the friendly people at at Lake County Council on Aging (LOCCOA) in Ronan at 406-676-2367.

51st Season of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks set to open

Season

set to

start with performances of Measure for Measure and The Three Musketeers

News from Montana Shakespeare in the Parks

BOZEMAN — MSIP is thrilled to announce that their 51st summer tour productions open in Bozeman, Montana, with performances of William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, June 14-17, and Alexandre Dumas’ The Three Musketeers, June 21-24. Performances are held at 8pm at the Montana State University Grove on campus. This is the company’s first

time performing Measure for Measure since the year 2000. Categorized by scholars as one of Shakespeare’s “problem plays,” neither neat comedy nor tragedy, audiences will be captivated by the way this play explores themes of power, class dynamics, and justice through a modern and inclusive lens.

A swashbuckling tale filled with action and adventure, The Three Musketeers will enthrall all generations of audience members as they get swept away to 17th century France, following a young hero’s journey as he embarks to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a Musketeer. Adapted by Robert Kauzlaric, this play is sure to delight audiences of

all ages. This is the company’s first year producing The Three Musketeers.

“I enjoy finding ways in which we can take the material that Shakespeare, and other classics, have given us and work towards making them relevant for our audiences to help them further engage and truly be part of the experience in a fresh, unique way, “says Kevin Asselin, Executive Artistic Director.

This summer, the company will perform in 63 communities across 5 states including Montana, Idaho, North Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming, making this summer MSIP’s largest tour to date. Ushering Shakespeare’s immortal stories of life, love,

and tragedy into a modern era, MSIP is dedicated to preserving the cultural traditions of theatre and literature through live, free performances every summer across the Rocky Mountain West.

“I love the fact that we are grassroots and that our 51year history has been predicated upon the enthusiasm and true ownership of our communities. To be able to foster and be a part of continuing to forward the mission for an organization that is so heavily inspired by our audiences and our communities is quite an honor,” says Asselin.

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is an outreach program of Montana State University’s College of Arts and Archi-

There’s no place like home...

tecture and was founded on the firm belief that Shakespeare belongs to everyone. The accomplished company of performers, designers, and staff work tirelessly to connect communities, many of which are rural, to the arts in local parks and public spaces free of charge, providing a reach and accessibility that is unmatched by any other program of its nature in the country.

Whether in Bozeman or Birney, Pocatello or Powel, the public is invited to experience the magic of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks and their free, world-class performances under the big skies of the West. For the most up to date tour schedule, visit: www. ShakespeareInTheParks.org.

Dr.Vigil made the decision to pursue medicine while serving in West Africa with the Peace Corps and seeing how important access to healthcare is on a human scale. She appreciates the ability to form trusting relationships with her patients and use the science of medicine to help them improve their lives.

“ I am honored when I reflect on the trust patients place in their providers.”

- Dr. Megan Vigil

PUZZLES

GIANT CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1. Child’s play

6. Joan of “The Last Emperor”

10. Cézanne contemporary

15. Venus de Milo’s lack

19. American lizard

20. Artificial bait

21. Light-footed

22. “Groovy!”

23. God for whom a month is named

24. Gulf V.I.P.

25. Flick

26. Teen spots

27. Not seen

29. Coronet

31. “___ Gang”

32. 1987 Costner role

33. Expire

34. Aches

37. 180, so to speak

39. Speculate

41. Bit of kindling

42. Whooping birds

43. Estimated time of delivery

46. Go over 48. Colossal

49. Take back, in a way

50. Chinese discipline

52. Consumed

53. Tolkien creatures

54. Arm

55. Biochemistry abbr.

56. Bermuda, e.g.

60. Morse bit

61. Anti-riot weapon

64. Removals

66. “The Three Faces of ___”

Place the digits 1-9 in the grid so that each row, column and 3x3 box contains each digit once only.

67. Card carrier

68. Irritate

69. Pillbox, e.g.

70. Big Apple resident

72. Running a temperature

73. “___ moment”

74. “The Sun ___ Rises”

75. Functioned as

76. Eastern wrap

77. Delight

78. Tracks

80. Dr. Phil’s last name

82. Gorge

83. Molds, say 84. “1234” singer

85. Advises earnestly

87. Covers

89. Tablet

90. ___ boy

91. It joined the Union in 1845

92. Cold season

94. Tax form info: Abbr.

95. In this way

99. Make lace

100. Be theatrical

102. Hitch

105. Fit of fever

107. Plain folk

109. Fries, maybe

110. Bookstore section

111. Fix

112. “Silly” birds

113. Frosts, as a cake

114. Saved on supper, perhaps

115. Fall (over)

116. The Dow, e.g.

117. Colorful salamander

DOWN

1. Spicy cuisine

2. Stupid

3. Things to avoid

4. Some mixers

5. Pianist Dame Myra

6. Orchestra member

7. Jeep’s modern kin

8. Border lake

9. Socially inept

10. Beaver’s work

11. Selfish endeavour

12. Generous

13. Assumed name

14. Nostradamus, for one

15. “___ Ng” (They Might Be Giants song)

16. Election loser’s demand

17. Farmer’s fertilizer

18. Rears

28. Cut, maybe 30. Surrounding glows 35. Makes aquatints 36. Anticipate 38. Astringent in red wine 40. Be worthwhile 42. Stronghold

64. Author ___ Louis

Stevenson

65. “You ___ here”

68. Arctic floaters

71. People of southwest Nigeria

72. Easily accomplished

76. Refine, as metal

77. Spectral insect

79. Biscotti flavoring

81. Most spent

82. When doubled, a dance

83. Sporting date

84. Impressive skill and delicacy

86. Dec. holiday

87. Charge

88. Alliance

89. Felt badly for

90. Bathroom buildup

92. Adult females

93. Pine exudation

96. Paul Bunyan, at times

97. Loosen, as laces

98. Rock

101. O. Henry’s “The Gift of the ___”

103. Agreeable

104. “___ does it!”

106. Unagi, at a sushi bar

108. Curse

Can you find all the listed words in the grid? Words may appear horizontally, vertically or diagonally, forwards or backwards.

Wind instruments

BANSURI BASSOON BUGLE CLARINET

COR ANGLAIS

EUPHONIUM

OBOE OCARINA PICCOLO SAXOPHONE SHAWM

OLNNROHHCNERFUO

MCAINPORFLQKWSL

BCRARNEVBMJLLNO

OJOKIAACINOMRAH NWCUWKCGHGUAMBZ

EXMAQNROHLEGULF

FLUGELHORN FLUTE

FRENCH HORN

HARMONICA

SOUSAPHONE SUONA

TROMBONE TRUMPET TUBA

DOT-TO-DOT

Starting at 1, connect the dots in numerical order to complete the picture.

MIRROR IMAGE

Which of the four images below is the mirror image of the larger one to the right?

A B C D

SOLUTIONS

104. That, 106. Eel, 108. Hex. MIRROR

98. Stone, 101. Magi, 103. Nice,

93. Resin, 96. Hewer, 97. Untie,

82. Cha, 83. Fixture, 84. Finesse, 86. Xmas, 87. Attack, 88. League, 89. Pitied, 90. Mildew, 92. Women,

77. Ghost moth, 79. Anise, 81. Weariest,

71. Yoruba, 72. Facile, 76. Smelt,

64. Robert, 65. Are, 68. Bergs,

61. Two, 62. Earwigs, 63. Alkali,

43. Duodena, 44. Unravel, 45. Eschews, 46. Ringer, 47. Éclat, 48. Gandhi, 51. Airless, 52. Eritrea, 57. Scholar, 58. Leanest, 59. Esteems,

105. Ague, 107. Amish, 109. Side, 110. How-to, 111. Cure, 112. Geese, 113. Ices, 114. Ate in, 115. Keel, 116. Index, 117. Newt, 118. Three. Down: 1. Cajun, 2. Inane, 3. No-nos, 4. Club sodas, 5. Hess, 6. Clarinet, 7. Humvee, 8. Erie, 9. Nerdy, 10. Dam, 11. Ego trip, 12. Giving, 13. Alias, 14. Seer, 15. Ana, 16. Recount, 17. Manure, 18. Sterns, 28. Edit, 30. Aurae, 35. Etches, 36. Await,

38. Tannin, 40. Pay, 42. Citadel,

obituaries

Raymond ‘Raymie’ Frey

ST. IGNATIUS — Raymond A. “Raymie” Frey, 78, passed away at his home on Sunday, April 16. He was born on Nov. 9, 1944, in Western Montana to Harry and Olive “Tootie” Frey. He was raised in St. Ignatius, graduating from St. Ignatius High School, class of 1963. Ray spent a lifetime learning new skills, earning numerous certifications in various trades.

Raymie married Marsha McDonald on Sept. 3, 1966. He later met the love of his life, Dolly Shubin, in 1980, and married her on June 14, 1986.

A third generation General Contractor, he was the Public Works Director for the Town of St. Ignatius, a Board Member of Lake County Solid Waste Board, and a City Council Member for the Town of St. Ignatius. He was known as “the town goto guy”.

Raymie took great pride in volunteering in the community, including 35-plus years

with the St. Ignatius Volunteer Fire Department … from fireman, to captain, to fire chief, and advisor. Raymie coached local T-ball and supported many other local community activities. Ray excelled in many sports. He earned the nickname “Tank” during his time on the MHS football team, for the way he could plow through the line. He was a power hitter for the Mission Valley Merchant slow pitch softball team the year they went 113-12 and made it to Nationals in Rhode Island. He was fast and an all-around athlete.

He loved following his children and grandchildren to all kinds of sporting events. Ray even tried and succeeded at curling. He would try anything once.

He was also a master in the kitchen creating many wonderful dishes for his family and friends. Some of those dishes included items from his bountiful garden. A lifelong avid outdoorsman, Ray enjoyed sharing hunting and fishing excursions with those close to him; including trips to Spain, Mexico, and South Africa to hunt exotic species. “A bad day outdoors is better than a good day anywhere else,” was often heard.

Outwardly strong and tough, he lived a life

of great generosity and fierce love, dedicated to his family and community. Above all, Ray was a family man and cherished those relationships deeply.

He is preceded in death by brothers, Larry Frey and Edward Frey; parents Harry and Tootie. Ray had numerous beloved aunts, uncles and cousins and loyal dog, Ruby.

He leaves behind his wife, Dolly; children, Colleen (Art); grandchildren, Mackenna and Hunter and greatgrandchild, Crue; Ben (Chris) Emmett, Sadie (Evan) - two bundles of Foster joy; good friend, Marsha; brother, Denny; and his four-legged friend, Nugget.

A Celebration of Life will be held at noon on July 29, 2023, at the Good Old Days Park in St. Ignatius.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the St. Ignatius Volunteer Fireman’s Auxiliary.

Celebration of Life for Bill Schreiber Jr. planned

POLSON — A Celebration of Life event for William Allan “Bill” Schreiber Jr. will be held on Sunday, May 7, at Polson Elks Lodge. This is a potluck.

Doris Nadrau

RONAN — Doris Nadrau, 77, was born November 14,1945 to Dorothy and Ray Nadrau and fell asleep in death on April 24, 2023. She was the youngest of her four siblings: Norbet, Raymond, Leona and Lucille. Doris became interested in plants at an early age and began working in the family-owned greenhouse at only nine years old! She loved to sell her flowers and vegetables so much so that even as an adult she grew and sold alfalfa sprouts commercially for a local business. Doris was a kind, optimistic and thoughtful woman. She appreciated her study of the Bible and thoroughly enjoyed being one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. She also really appreciated the many activities she enjoyed as a resident at St. Luke Extended Care for 13 years, such as crocheting, dancing and many games. The kind and patient care she received from the St. Luke family there was much appreciated. She is survived by many cousins.

Memorial services will be held May 6, 2023 at 1 p.m. at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 37719 South Commerce Drive, Polson, MT. For ZOOM info contact 406-2396150.

Business clinic to be held at Ninepipes Lodge

News from the Lake County Job Service

CHARLO — The Lake County Job Service Employers’ Committee (JSEC) and Job Service Polson invite you to the 2023 Assistance for Business Clinic (ABC) on Thursday, May 18, at Ninepipes Lodge from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

The ABC is a great opportunity to learn more about the regulations that impact you as a Montana employer. Some of the topics include unemployment insurance tax and requirements, workers’ compensation coverage, independent contractor coverage and the differences between an independent contractor and an employee, and wage and hour topics. The ABC is from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and lunch is included. The day is packed full of information and there is opportunity to ask questions for further clarification on a topic. This training would be most beneficial for HR, managers, accountants, and business owners; however, everyone will glean some valuable information.

For more information go to: https://dli. mt.gov/resources/abc-clinics The price is $45 per person/$40 per person when registering three or more employees. Lunch and snacks provided. Proceeds benefit the Lake County JSEC Ken Rohrenbach Scholarship for graduating seniors from a public or private school in Lake County.

To register send your name, email address, phone number, and business name to Liane Kent at Liane.Kent@mt.gov. You will be emailed a receipt for the clinic and payment instructions.

This all-day training starts promptly at 8 a.m. and goes until 5 p.m.

Deadline reminder for hunting applications

News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks

HELENA — The deadline to apply for moose, bighor n sheep, mountain goat and bison is Monday, May 1. The deadline to apply for elk B, deer B, and antelope is Thursday, June 1. All applications must be completed online or at an FWP office. Most FWP offices with license sales are open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m.-5p.m.

Raymond Frey

Adeline Bridgeford

RONAN — Adeline

Rose Bridgeford was born on April 18, 2023, at the St. Luke

New Beginnings

Birth Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces and measured 19 inches long. Parents are Brad and Blakely Bridgeford of Polson. Paternal grandfather is James Bridgeford of Lewistown. Maternal grandparents are Paul and Paula Person of Roswell, New Mexico.

Hallie McDonald

RONAN — Hallie

Shay McDonald was born on April 14, 2023, at the St. Luke Community Healthcare New Beginnings

Birth Center. She weighed 8 pounds, 11 ounces, and measured 21 inches long. Parents are Kody and Becky McDonald of Polson. Paternal grandparents are Rich and Crystal McDonald of Plains and Lori and Sid Seay of Polson.

Maternal grandparents are Bob and Janet Fairchild of Great Falls. Hallie joins siblings, Mia and Nora.

Claire and Daphne Dupuis

POLSON — Claire

Marie and Daphne Kalyn Dupuis were born on Jan. 28, 2023, in Missoula. Claire weighed 5 pounds, 12 ounces, and Daphne weighed 4 pounds, 6 ounces. Parents are Anna and Daylen Dupuis of Polson. Siblings are Lindy, Elise, Ella, Katie, and Kendall Dupuis. Maternal grandparents are Nardy and Gloria Stascavage of Plaines. Paternal grandparents are Kendall and Linda Dupuis of Polson. Great grandparents are Lois Dupuis of Polson and Lou Duford of Ronan.

born on April 16, 2023, at the St. Luke Community Healthcare New Beginnings Birth Center. He weighed 8 pounds and measured 20.5 inches long. Parents are Pascal Hammer III and Motieka Longtree of Ronan. Paternal grandparents are Pascal Hammer II and Shy Bird of Ronan. Maternal grandparents are Loretta Longtree and Victoria Azure of Ronan. Pascal joins his sibling, Echo.

Tuff Saxton Jenson

RONAN — Tuff Saxton Jenson was born on April 14, 2023, at the St. Luke Community Healthcare New Beginnings Birth Center. He weighed 6 pounds, 15 ounces and measured 20 inches long. Parents are Wyatt Jenson and Haley Carroll of Polson. Paternal grandparents are Shaun and Marie Jenson of Polson.

Grace Manuel

RONAN — Grace Nicole Eastwood Manuel was born on April 20, 2023, at the St. Luke Community Healthcare New Beginnings Birth Center. She weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces. Parents are Victor Manuel and Tashina Eastwood of Ronan and Polson. Paternal grandmother is Sylvia Lizaragga of Tucson, Arizona. Maternal grandparents are Johnny and Ramona Eastwood of Polson and Browning. Grace joins her siblings, Sheldon and Cerenity.

RONAN — Pascal Jayce Hammer

Maternal grandparents are Brenda Carroll of Polson and Rick Carroll of Altoona, Pennsylvania.

Pascal Hammer IV

IV was

Adeline Bridgeford Hallie McDonald

Claire and Daphne Dupuis

Pascal Hammer IV

Tuff Jenson

Thursday, May 4

Library hosts story time

POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library will hold Story Time at 9:15 a.m. The May 4 program will be about Star Wars.

Saturday, May 6

Clean up event planned in Mission

ST. IGNATIUS — The community of St. Ignatius is invited to participate in the May 6 town clean up event. Call 406-745-3791 for more information.

Book signing event to be held at Ninepipes Museum

CHARLO — Ninepipes

Museum of Early Montana will host a First Saturday book signing mini-event by authors Joe McDonald and Bog Bigart. There will also be a sale on selected items.

Sunday, May 7

Free cooking classes offered

ARLEE — The Arlee Community Development Corporation is offering free cooking classes on May 7 from 2-4 p.m. at the Arlee Indian Senior Center. Residents of the Arlee School District are welcome to attend these classes taught by Chef Addie Steele. Students will use their new skills to help prepare a community dinner to be served May 8 at the Arlee Indian Senior Center. Space in these classes is limited to eight participants, so call 406726-5550 or email: info@ arleecdc.org to reserve your spot. Sponsored by the Arlee CDC and No Child Hungry Share our Strength.

Wednesday, May 10

Registration deadline for Flathead Lake Youth BB tournament announced

POLSON — The Flathead Lake All-Star Youth Basketball tournament for girls and boys grades 4-8 will be held May 20-21 at Cherry Valley Elementary School. The deadline to register is May 10. Brackets will be posted May 16. Call or text 406-396-8329 for more information.

Thursday, May 11

Excel II class taught at Mission West

RONAN — Excel Essential Training Part II will be taught by Allison McCarthy at Mission West Community Development Corporation, 407 Main Street, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursday, May 11. Call 406-676-5916 with your questions.

RHS Jazz Band Dinner and Dance planned

RONAN — The Ronan High School Dinner Dance will be held at 6:30 p.m. under the big tent in the south KWH lawn. Dinner is $20 and tickets can be purchased on the school website or at the HS office. Dinner is smoked pork loin, potato salad, veggies, rolls and dessert.

Friday, May 12

Library to be closed for staff development

POLSON — The North Lake County Public Library will be closed on Friday, May 12, for staff development.

Saturday, May 13

Electronics recycling event held at Transfer Station

POLSON — Lake County’s 14th annual E-Waste Recycling Day will take place at the Transfer Station from 9 a.m.3:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 16

RMS Band, Choir host concert

RONAN — The Ronan Middle School band concert will begin at 6 p.m. in the PAC. The choir concert will begin at 7 p.m. in the PAC. To learn more, visit the school website.

Thursday, May 18

Save the date for Women 4 Wellness event

PABLO — Salish Kootenai College will hold the Women 4 Wellness event from 10 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. in the Joe McDonald health & Fitness Center. Call 406-275-4913 for more information.

Friday, May 19

Shred Day to be held

POLSON — The 16th annual after-tax Shred Day, sponsored by Glacier Bank and partnering with Western Montana Area VI Agency on Aging, will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at 50510 Highway 93 on Friday, May 19. Protect yourself from identity theft and use the mobile shred truck on site (2 box limit).

Mission Falls Farmers Market starts

ST. IGNATIUS — The Mission Falls Farmers Market will be running Fridays from May 19Sept. 29. We have extended hours from 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the Good ‘Ole Days Pavillion in St. Ignatius. Vendors can sign via Facebook or Instagram or we can be reached by email: missionfallsfarmersmarket@gmail.com

Saturday, May 20

Basketball tournament on tap

POLSON — Flathead Lake All-Star Youth

Basketball Tournament for girls and boys grades 4-8, will be held May 20-21 at Cherry Valley Elementary School. Saturday is pool play and Sunday is single elimination bracket. Email: polsonfiercebasketball@ gmail.com or phone/text 406-396-8329. Register by May 10.

Tuesday, May 23

RHS hosts Spring Pop Concert

RONAN — The Ronan High School’s Spring Pop Concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the PAC. To learn more, visit the school website.

Saturday, June 24

Join the Summer Solstice Beer, Music Festival

RONAN — The Lake County Fairgrounds will be the site of Ronan Chamber of Commerce’s first Summer Solstice Beer and Music Festival on Saturday, June 24. Over 20 different microbrews will be available. Put this event on your calendar. More information to come.

classifieds

Announcements Events

Next-to-New Sale

Clean, reusable items from Awesome Attics and Classy Closets. Saturday, May 20, 2023, 8:30 am - 2 pm. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 409 Fourth Avenue E., Polson. Books, Dishes, Furniture, Kitchenware, Linens, Next-to-New Clothing. Proceeds fund scholarships for women, P.E.O. Sisterhood, Chapter CA.

Special Notices

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FREE high speed internet for those that qualify. Government program for recipients of select programs incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans

Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet service. Bonus offer: Android tablet FREE with one-time $20 copay. Free shipping & handling. Call Maxsip Telecom today! 1-866-585-6456

Wanted

WANTED TO BUY

Guns and/or ammunition, old or new.

Whole estates/collections or single pieces. Fair prices paid. 406-207-4641

Employment

Help wanted

MINI VAN DRIVER FOR LAKE COUNTY COUNCIL ON AGING

We are seeking a part-time to full-time driver, starting at $15.00/hour, to provide transportation from the Ronan area, within Lake County, MT.

Our drivers are one of our biggest representatives of Lake County COA by providing assistance and delivery of clients for scheduled rides and appointments. The driver will be asked to assist with proactive maintenance and operating a wheelchair lift. They may be occasionally asked to assist with other related duties as assigned. Please visit our website for full details: LakeCountyCOA.org

At minimum, all qualified applicants must have:

• High school diploma, HSE or GED, • Knowledge of the Lake County, Montana area • Valid Montana driver’s license with clean driving record. • Current proof of insurance

PLEASE SUBMIT APPLICATION MATERIALS TO: 528

Main Street SW, Ronan, MT 59864 Or homeservices@ lakecountycoa.org before May 31, 2023. Call Bev at (406) 676-2367 ext. 3 with questions.

PROGRAM HYDROLOGIST NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must possess a Master’s of Science with three (3) years of relevant

professional-level experience or Bachelor’s of Science with a minimum of five (5) years of relevant professional-level experience. Education must be in the field of hydrologic sciences, engineering, agricultural sciences, soil sciences, or closely related physical science field with emphasis on surface or groundwater hydrology. Education and experience must demonstrate analytical and quantitative aptitude. Possession of a valid Montana driver’s license or able to obtain within six (6) months. Must have liability or full coverage insurance on personal vehicle (if used to travel off-site in performance of duties). Must wear Tribal government identification and safety apparel when conducting field activities. Required to successfully complete a certified defensive driving course approved by the Department every three (3) years thereafter. Failure to submit the following information will result in immediate disqualification during the screening process. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, copies of relevant transcripts and/or certificates, a copy of a valid driver’s license and current proof of liability or full coverage insurance, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This position is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by CSKT must pass pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period Salary is $26.16 to $30.07 per hour. To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. 1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. This position will close on Thursday, May 18, 2023 @ 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

K-8 MONTANA CERTIFIED TEACHER Mountain View

Elementary. Send resume: Mountain View Elementary, Box 1169, Cut Bank, MT 59427. Email questions JerryHofer73@gmail.com or call (404)336-2638. New teacher bonus $3,000. Enviro-Tire is hiring for 1 CDL driver. This position is open immediately. No tire loading, drop and hook only. CDL Class A truck driver with doubles endorsement for Montana, Idaho and Washington day runs. Home every night. Work site is in Lonepine, Mt. Year-round, full-time position. Pay $25.00 per hour for experienced, qualified drivers. Mandatory DOT drug testing. Vacation & holiday pay. Office phone and fax (406) 755-7716. enviro-tire@ montanasky.com.

WILDLAND RECREATION TECHNICIAN NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must possess a minimum of a high school diploma or GED with four (4) years of work experience/education. Schooling is limited to vocational training in facility maintenance, heavy equipment operation, basic carpentry, or college coursework in the natural resources field. Must be 18 years of age. Possession of, or eligibility for, a valid Montana driver’s license. Must possess a valid Montana Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or obtain one within first year of employment. Must have a current Wilderness First Aid OR obtain within first year of employment. Must be able to lift 50 pounds. Required to have an annual doctor’s physical examination and a signed doctor’s statement that the applicant can perform all the physical tasks listed on the respective position description. Must wear Tribal Government identification and safety apparel when conducting field activities and when attending public events or presentations. Employee will be subject to a background investigation. The employee, upon hire, must take a Defensive Driving Course, and every three years thereafter,

along with obtaining and maintaining a current First Aid/CPR certification. In the event of a pandemic or other exposure of a catastrophic event, the employee is expected to email or call the program manager at the start of each work day. If a mandatory work from home is declared, a remote work (briefing) report is required to be emailed weekly to the supervisor listing accomplishments and projected work items. Failure to submit the following information will result in immediate disqualification during the screening process. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, copy of relevant transcripts, a copy of current valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. 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 prior to your placement in this position. The successful applicant, if not already employed by CSKT must pass pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period.

Salary range $17.15 to $19.71 per hour, plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at 406675-2700 Ext. 1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

PREVENTION SPECIALIST PROGRAM MANAGER (location open for discussion)

TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must have a Bachelor’s degree in a health related, social work, or human services field. Minimum 1 year working in public/ community health and/or prevention. Experience managing budgets and writing reports. Experience managing grants,

preferred. OR an Associate’s degree in a health related, social work or human services field. Minimum 3 years’ working in public/community health and/or prevention. Experience managing budgets and writing reports. Experience managing grants, preferred. OR a minimum 5 years’ working in public/community health and/ or prevention. Experience managing budgets and writing reports. Experience managing grants, preferred. Must possess a valid driver’s license. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcript, certifications, proof of state licensure, copy of valid driver’s license, if claiming Tribal preference, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This position 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 $21.71$24.95 per hour, plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt.org. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. The closing date will be Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. (MST)

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. BLUE BAY CO-MANAGER/ FURLOUGHABLE POSITION NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must possess a high school diploma or GED, must be in the possession of a current valid Montana driver’s license and recent First Aid/CPR certifisee page 30

classifieds

cation, one (1) year of related work experience in campground management or operations, grounds maintenance or building maintenance, required to have an annual doctor’s physical examination and a signed doctor’s statement that the incumbent can perform all the physical tasks listed on the work duty ability form. Must wear Tribal Government identification and safety apparel when conducting field activities. Failure to submit the following information will result in immediate disqualification during the screening process. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, copies of relevant academic transcripts and/or certificates, a copy of current valid Montana driver’s license, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veterans preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This position is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by CSKT must pass pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary range $19.87 to $22.87 per hour, plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at 406675-2700 Ext. 1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM COORDINATOR (St. Ignatius) - TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must have a Bachelor’s Degree in a health related, business, or social field AND 1 year of experience in an administrative capacity. OR 5 years’ experience as a program

manager including experience managing grants or contracts. Must possess a valid driver’s license. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcript, certifications, proof of state licensure, copy of valid driver’s license, if claiming Tribal preference, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMME- DIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This position is 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 $16.86$19.38 per hour, plus benefits.

To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt.org. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. The closing date will be Thursday, May 11, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. (MST)

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

WILDLAND GROUNDS AND MAINTENANCE WORKER NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must possess a minimum of a high school diploma or GED. Must be 18 years of age. Must possess a valid Montana driver’s license. Must be able to lift 50 pounds. Must wear Tribal Government identification and safety apparel when conducting field activities. Failure to submit the following information will result in immediate disqualification during the screening process. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, copy of relevant transcripts, a copy of current valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and

if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This position is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by CSKT must pass pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary range $14.45 to $16.61 per hour, plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at 406675-2700 Ext. 1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A

TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

TRIBAL WATER RIGHT REGISTRATION SPECIALISTLEGAL DEPARTMENT

(Contract position that expires 9/30/2023 with possible extension)

Must have a high school diploma or GED and at least three (3) years of experience in positions related to water rights, hydrology, natural resources, legal, or relevant field. Must have experience in land location and land records research. Must have the ability to interpret maps and aerial photography. Ability to write reports and general correspondence. Must be proficient in the use of personal computers and Microsoft Office applications. Must demonstrate an understanding of the CSKTMT Water Rights Compact and CSKT Ordinance 111-A. Must possess a current valid state driver’s license and be insurable under the Tribes’ insurance policy. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, copies of relevant transcripts and/or certificates and a copy of a valid driver’s license to the Tribal Personnel Department, 406.675.2700 ext. 1040 or visit the csktribes. org website for the application. Salary range $20.00 to $30.00 per hour, negotiable based on experience. Closing date Thursday, May 25, 2023 @ 5:30 p.m. 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.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

per hour, plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at 406675-2700 Ext. 1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, May 18, 2023 at 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

Representative bill@fgwilliamslaw.com

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOHN S. KOOPMANS, Deceased.

Join our Growing Team! Now Hiring Commercial Lender in Polson. Apply online at www.glacierbank.com.

Glacier Bank is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities

HYDROLOGIC TECHNICIAN/ HYDROGRAPHER I NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must possess two years of college education or one year of college with a physical science background, or a high school diploma or GED and one year of experience in Natural Resource Data Collection. Must possess a current valid driver’s license. Must wear Tribal Government identification and safety apparel when conducting field activities. Failure to submit the following information will result in immediate disqualification during the screening process. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, copy of relevant transcript, a copy of current valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This position is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by CSKT must pass pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary range $19.88 to $22.85

Legals Legals

Andrew White 32311 Timberlane Rd. Ronan, MT 59864 406-802-0146

Petitioner appearing without a lawyer

MONTANA 20TH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

In re the Parenting of: Amsden and Dax White, Andrew White, Petitioner, and Ashley Mitchell, Respondent.

Case No: DR 19-12

Summons for Publication

NOTICE TO: Respondent Ashley Mitchell.

You are named in a petition to get a final parenting plan for your children. Unless you respond in 21 days, the court may decide against you without you being heard and give Petitioner everything asked for in the petition. You must submit your written response within 21 calendar days. The 21-day period starts the day after the last date of publication of this notice. If the final day falls on a weekend or court holiday, you may file your response on the next business day.

You must file your written response with the Clerk of District Court at 20th Judicial District Court, Lake County, Polson MT 59860 and serve a copy of your answer on the Petitioner.

Dated this 14th day of April, 2023.

/s/ Deborah Kim Christopher District Judge

April 26, May 3 and 10, 2023

MNAXLP

William P. Williams, IV FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS, PLLC

Attorneys at Law 324 Main SW

Ronan, MT 59864

Telephone: (406) 676-4470

Attorney for Personal

CAUSE NO. DP-23-18 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed 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 KENNETH E. KOOPMANS, 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 13th day of April, 2023.

/s/ Kenneth E. Koopmans KENNETH E. KOOPMANS, Personal Representative

April 19, 26 and May 3, 2023 MNAXLP

Kalmbach Law Office, PLLC Justin Kalmbach, Esq. PO Box 249 1 Fifth Avenue West Polson, MT 59860

Telephone: (406) 883-1159 Fax: (406) 883-1497

Email: justin@polsonlegal.com

IN THE TRIBAL COURT OF THE CONFEDERATED SALISH & KOOTENAI TRIBES OF THE FLATHEAD RESERVATION, PABLO, MONTANA

IN RE THE ADOPTION OF: NASH KURTIS LEE MATT, Minor Children. HEATHER EDWARDS, Petitioner.

Cause No. 23-0102-A

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

see page 31

public notices

Seasons and Regulations

• 2023 Ferry Basin Elk Harvest Seasons and Regulations

• 2023 Moose Harvest Seasons and Regulations

• 2023-2024 Gray Wolf Trapping and Harvest Regulations

Pablo, MT 59855 (406) 675-2700 x 1110

DEPUTY CLERK OF COURT

May 3, 10 and 17, 2023

THE CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES SEND GREETINGS TO THE NATURAL FATHER OF THE ABOVE-NAMED MINOR CHILD:

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer or otherwise respond to the Petition for Adoption in this action which is filed in the office of the Clerk of Tribal Court. You have fifteen (15) working days exclusive of the day of service, Saturdays, Sundays, and Tribal legal holidays from the last date of publication of this Summons. In case of your failure to answer or appear, judg- ment may be taken against you by default for the relief sought in the Petition. You must file your res- ponse in the office of the Clerk of Tribal Court at P.O. Box 278, Pablo, MT 59855 and serve a copy thereof upon Petitioner’s attorney, Justin Kalmbach, whose address is listed above.

WITNESS my hand and the seal of said Court this 27th day of April, 2023.

/s/ By: C. Baylor DEPUTY CLERK OF COURT

May 3, 10 and 17, 2023

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Wildlife Management Program is seeking comments on the following Draft Tribal member hunting regulations for 2023-2024 seasons:

• 2023 Little Money / Camas Bighorn Sheep Harvest

A copy of these regulations can be obtained by contacting Kari Kingery, Tribal Wildlife Program Manager at (406) 675-2700, extension 7217 or by email at Kari. Kingery@cskt.org. Com- ments will be accepted through Thursday May 18, 2023 and may be sent to CSKT Wildlife Management Program, P. O. Box 278, Pablo, Montana 59855 or to Kari.Kingery@cskt.org.

A public meeting to accept comments will be held in the Tribal Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation and Conservation Conference Room at 406 Sixth Avenue East at Polson, Montana from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, 2023.

April 26 and May 3, 2023

MNAXLP

Request for Proposals

In partnership with the City of Ronan and Ronan Revitalization (a subcommittee of the Ronan Chamber of Commerce), Mission West Community Development Partners is seeking proposals from firms qualified to provide Economic Development and Planning services to the City of Ronan, Montana. The project will result in 1) a Downtown Master Plan; and 2) a 5-Year Economic Development Strategic Plan. For the complete Request for Proposal and project description, please visit https://cityofronan.org/ your-government/request-for-proposal/. Proposal submissions must be submitted to Brenna Fulks Brenna.fulks@missionwestcdp. org by Friday, May 5, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. MST.

April 5, 12, 19, 26 and May 3, 2023

Malia Hamel Clerk of CSKT Court PO Box 278

MNAXLP

IN THE TRIBAL COURT OF THE CONFEDERATED SALISH & KOOTENAI TRIBES OF THE FLATHEAD RESERVATION, PABLO, MONTANA

IN RE THE PARENTING OF: ANTOINE BIGKNIFE MILLER-REID, Minor Child, MICHELLE McLOUGHLIN, Petitioner, and SHAYLYNN JAMIE REID, CHAUNCY MILLER, MICHAEL ASSINIBOINE, Respondents.

Cause No. 23-0014-CS

SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION

THE CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES SEND GREETINGS TO MICHAEL ASSINIBOINE:

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to respond to the Petition in this action which is filed in the office of the Clerk of Tribal Court, a copy of which is now served upon you, and to file your response in the office of the Clerk of Tribal Court and serve a copy thereof upon Petitioner’s attorney, Justin Kalmbach, whose address is Kalmbach Law Office, PO Box 249, Polson, MT 59860 within twenty-one (21) calendar days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service. If you fail to respond, a judgment may be entered against you by default based upon the Petitioner’s evidence. Under § 3-1-303 of the CSKT Laws Codified, you may be obligated to pay child support until the above child(ren) reach the age of 18 years. If you fail to pay court-ordered child support, the Court may levy against your per capitas, bank accounts, wages, and other assets and may authorize publication of your name in a local newspaper and suspend or deny your permits and licenses.

WITNESS my hand and the seal of said Court this 19th day of April, 2023.

/s/ Sarena Montoya

MNAXLP

LEGAL NOTICE

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Wildlife Management Program is seeking comments on a Draft Chronic Wasting Disease Surveillance and Emergency Response Plan for the Flathead Indian Reservation. A copy of the draft plan can be obtained by contacting Kari Kingery, Tribal Wildlife Program Manager at (406) 6752700, extension 7217 or by email at Kari.Kingery@cskt. org. Com- ments will be accepted through Thursday May 18, 2023 and may be sent to CSKT Wildlife Management Program, P. O. Box 278, Pablo, Montana 59855 or to Kari.Kingery@cskt.org.

A public meeting to accept comments will be held in the Tribal Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation and Conservation Conference Room at 406 Sixth Avenue East at Polson, Montana from 4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 18, 2023.

April 26 and May 3, 2023

MNAXLP

Legal Notices are welcome. Deadline is Friday at noon. Email to: vjmail@valleyjournal.net