O9-15-21 Valley Journal

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Vol. 17, No. 52

September 15, 2021

Legislators pg. 5

Bears pg. 11

A hoppy first birthday

ROB ZOLMAN / VALLEY JOURNAL

Ronan Co-op Brewery celebrates first year, new brews on tap for fall

By Rob Zolman / Valley Journal

A

Sports pg. 12

year ago the Ronan Coop Brewery, one of the City of Ronan’s more unique downtown businesses, officially opened its doors and poured its first frosty glass of beer.

This past weekend, the brew-

ery celebrated their one-year anniversary, a business milestone that about 22% of all new U.S. small businesses fail to reach according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The brewery celebrated with a two-day birthday bash.

Festivities began Friday night

and ran through Saturday evening, and included local food truck vendors, outdoor yard games, a beer garden, live music and entertainment.

“I love this venue.” said Charles Lutz, band member of the local classic rock trio 440’s, who opened the festivities Fri-

w w w. v a l l e y j ou r na l. ne t

day evening.

“I enjoy playing here. It’s a very intimate setting. The lighting is great, and the artwork really adds character to the place,” said Lutz.

The brewery’s origins are see page 2

brewery

Man who died in Arlee structure fire identified as Leroy Houle

from page 1

tied to a series of Montana Economic Development Association meetings that brought community members together in 2016. The public meetings were held to discuss the town’s needs as many businesses where closing up shop and leaving downtown. Revitalizing Main Street was identified as the biggest priority.

One suggestion for revitalization was to open a downtown brewery that could serve as a gathering place for both community members and tourists. The idea caught traction with community members and the Ronan Co-op Brewery was developed in following years.

The plan seems to be working as a few new businesses have since opened up shop on Main Street.

“We have gotten a lot of visitor traffic this summer from folks passing through who found us either online or saw the billboard along the highway and stopped in for a beer,” said Ronan Coop Brewery Board member and Beer Judge Certification Program Grandmaster Bob Hall. “We also have a strong core of customers from the valley who come in to buy beer regularly.”

Cooperatives, which are owned by members rather than outside shareholders, can operate for the benefit of their employees and community, rather than solely focusing on maximizing profits for shareholders.

Members jointly own the business, have a voice in determining business practices 2 - September 15, 2021

News from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office

ROB ZOLMAN / VALLEY JOURNAL

Patrons poured into the Ronan Co-op Brewery last weekend to celebrate the one year anniversary of the brewery’s opening. Below: beer is brewed on site and served on tap.

and in the case of breweries, may even provide input on the beer being created and served.

The Ronan Co-op Brewery was Montana’s first cooperatively owned brewpub and one of less than 50 community-owned breweries in the country when it opened its doors back in September 2020.

According to Hall, the co-op membership is currently just over 400 member-owners. He noted that those members have really stepped up to meet the challenges of operating during a pandemic to support the co-op in their first year.

“We are fortunate to have a great base of owners and customers who supported us last year,” said Hall. “And yes, we are always looking for new members.”

With Spring Creek Kölsch and Flat Water Pale Ale leading the pack, Ronan Co-op Brewery boasts more

ARLEE — Pursuant to an autopsy conducted by the Montana State Forensic Lab, the Lake County Coroner’s Office has identified the man who died as a result of the Aug. 28, 2021, structure fire on Coombs Lane in Arlee. The deceased is identified as 46-year-old Leroy Houle, of Arlee. The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office in coordination with the State Fire Marshall’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office sends our condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Houle.

One woman killed, four others injured in one-vehicle accident

By Summer Goddard / Valley Journal

ROB ZOLMAN / VALLEY JOURNAL

than six house beers on tap all primarily brewed with Montana ingredients by Bob Hall and head brewer Jim Myers.

As for what’s on tap in the future at the brewery, Hall said he hopes the coop continues to grow with more members and sees an increase in taproom visitation and sales. To that end, three additional beers are set to release soon.

“Fall is the season for malty beers,” said Hall.

“Starting in October, we Valley Journal

will release our Oktoberfest beer, a malty amber lager.

November will see a Sticke altbier, a stronger version of our Amber ale and in December we will re-release ‘MacDonald’ a strong malty Scotch ale that was very popular last year.”

For those who wish to sample local brews on tap, the Ronan Co-op Brewery is located in downtown Ronan on the corner of Main Street and Fourth Avenue SW.

vj

STEVENSVILLE — A 30-year-old woman was killed and four other people, all from St. Ignatius, were injured in a one-vehicle highway accident that occurred on Tuesday, Sept. 7 near Stevensville.

According to information from the Montana Highway Patrol, a Dodge Dakota pickup was northbound on MT Hwy. 203 at approximately 5:30 p.m. when the driver said he looked over at a passenger and started to veer left into the oncoming lane. The driver then overcorrected and went off the right side of the road into a borrow pit. The vehicle reportedly traveled another 200 feet before it went into a roll, eventually coming to rest on its roof. The 30-year-old woman was partially ejected and an 8-yearold girl was fully ejected. The woman later died from injuries at the hospital.

All four of the vehicle’s other occupants, the 37-year-old driver and three girls, ages 7, 8 and 10 sustained injuries. According to the MHP report, none of the vehicle’s occupants wore seatbelts. The crash is still under investigation.

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This Week’s Weather Forecast Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

September 15

September 16

September 17

September 18

September 19

September 20

September 21

65°/40°

64°/41°

67°/41°

75°/48°

54°/40°

56°/37°

Rain Showers 37% chance precipitation

Mostly Sunny 7% chance precipitation

Cloudy 37% chance precipitation

Rain Showers 44% chance precipitation

Rain Showers 31% chance precipitation

60/39°

Rain Showers 36% chance precipitation

Partly Cloudy 20% chance precipitation

Flathead Lake Level 2892.13 ft WED

9/15

7:14 am

7:50 pm

5:36 pm

12:38am

THUR

9/16

7:15 am

7:48 pm

6:20 pm

1:45 am

7:16 am

7:46 pm

6:54 pm

2:59 am

FRI 9/17

(.87 ft below full pool)

Today in History September 15, 2020 High 76° F

SAT 9/18

7:18 am

7:44 pm

7:21 pm

4:15 am

SUN 9/18

7:19 am

7:42 pm

7:43 pm

5:30 am

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6:43 am

Record High 90° F

7:22 am

7:38 am

8:19 pm

7:54 am

Record Low 22° F

MON 9/20 TUES 9/21

Valley Journal

Low 0° F Precipitation 0.0 inches

September 15, 2021 - 3

contents Courts............................7

Births .........................21

Polson commission ......9

Seniors .......................23

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

Calendar .....................24

Puzzles .......................18

Classifieds...................28 9/11 remembered 20 years later

ROB ZOLMAN / VALLEY JOURNAL

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

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

Your homegrown newspaper serves residents of Lake 4 - September 15, 2021

2021 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.

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Legislators meet with county commissioners regarding traffic, districting, other issues

By Kristi Niemeyer for the Valley Journal

LAKE COUNTY – Four Lake County legislators met with county commissioners last Tuesday to discuss a laundry list of concerns, ranging from an over-crowded jail and traffic congestion to redistricting and frustration with the local office of the Department of Revenue.

State Senators Greg Hertz, Bob Keenan and Dan Salomon and Rep. Linda Reksten spent nearly two hours with commissioners and several department heads in the monthly confab.

Legislators opened the meeting with a request that commissioners write a letter to the Montana Districting and Apportionment Commission, urging the five-member board to keep the former boundaries of Montana’s western congressional district relatively intact.

The state was given a second seat in the U.S. House of Representatives after exceeding the one million mark in the 2020 census.

The commission, established by the Montana Constitution, is charged with drawing new political boundaries for federal and state legislative districts every 10 years, using population data from the most recent census.

Montana’s two House districts must have similar population numbers

KRISTI NIEMEYER PHOTO

State Senators Greg Hertz, Bob Keenan and Dan Salomon, and Representative Linda Reksten spent nearly two hours meeting with the Lake County Commissioners last Tuesday.

and, ideally, share common interests.

“Some of the maps we’re seeing now would take Lincoln and Flathead counties and push them east and pull Bozeman and Gallatin County west,” said Sen. Hertz.

While such an arrangement might be more balanced politically, “I don’t think that’s what’s important to the people of Montana.”

Instead, he argued, western Montanans have more in common than residents of eastern Montana, and should be allowed to stay in the same congressional district.

Commissioners were urged to submit a letter

by Sept. 15 since the goal is to make a final decision by late October on congressional redistricting before moving on to redrawing legislative

maps.

Commissioner Bill Barron shifted the conversation to traffic congestion in Polson, and lamented that rebuilding the highway through town is low on the Department of Transportation’s list of priorities.

“That’s unacceptable,” he said. “Traffic has a stranglehold on Polson right now.”

As an interim measure, county and city officials have discussed ways to improve Seventh Avenue, and possibly connect it to a second access to Cougar Ridge that developer Mike Maddy is required to build. An east-west thoroughfare could serve as “an alternate route through Polson for locals and take the burden off Hwy. 93” he suggested, until the highway is widened.

Legislators asked com-

missioners to present a cost estimate at their next joint meeting. “I think

Valley Journal

2021

you can make a really good case for a grant since this isn’t going to cost nearly as much as the others,” said Sen. Salomon, referring to multi-million-dollar construction projects eventually slated for Ronan and the Ninepipe area.

On another issue, commissioner Dave Decker complained about ongoing issues with the local office of the Department of Revenue, especially when it comes to the complicated matter of moving taxable property off the tax rolls and into trust for the Tribes.

Legislators promised to discuss the issue with the new department director,

who Keenan characterized as being “all about customer service.”

County treasurer Robin Vert-Rubel told legislators that the long lines for motor vehicle registration, which had forced her office to scale back its hours this summer, have receded, and the office is once again open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays. “We’re pretty much back to normal,” she said.

Barron added that the Tribes are talking about contracting with the state to provide vehicle registration for tribal members. “That would be a big help to us,” he see page 6

Saturday • September 18th 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Visitors Center • Ronan

Bring the whole family!!

Perfect end of Summer event!!

Kids Games • Bounce House • Petting Zoo • Vendor Market Cornhole Tournament • Food Vendors • Trail of Bales September 15, 2021 - 5

legislators meet from page 5

added, since an estimated 25% of the vehicle registrations in Lake County are for tribal members.

The commissioners also discussed their ongoing frustration with lack of reimbursement for Public Law 280, which gives the state criminal jurisdiction over Native Americans involved in felonies. The Legislature passed a law in 2017 allowing Lake County to pull out of the agreement and shift felony jurisdiction back to the federal government, but Gov. Steve Bullock vetoed the bill.

Barron, a former county sheriff, told legislators that enforcement is costly.

“We don’t want out of it, we just want the state to step up to the plate and take some responsibility for paying for it,” he said.

Barron also mentioned that he meets with Tribal Chairwoman Shelly Fyant at least twice a month in an ongoing

1

KRISTI NIEMEYER PHOTO

State Senators Bob Keenan and Greg Hertz and Commissioners Steve Stanley and Bill Barron were on hand for last Tuesday’s monthly meeting at the Lake County Courthouse.

exchange about common interests, including law enforcement. The Tribes may consider prosecuting minor felonies committed by tribal members, he said, “but even that would be a five-year process.”

Sheriff Don Bell was on hand, along with two deputies, who discussed the upswing in drug use and overdoses in Lake County. “For a long time, it was just meth,” said one

officer. “Now it’s heroine, meth, fentanyl and cocaine.”

Among the state’s most populous counties, he noted that Lake County leads the pack in terms of per capita drug offenses, and is “almost double” the next county on the list, which is Yellowstone.

It ranks no. 2 in violent crimes and no. 6 in drug crimes.

Bell said those statistics

show, in part, “that law enforcement is very active here,” but added that their efforts to control crime are hampered by an inadequate jail.

“I’d like to figure out funding for a jail,” he said. “We turn away no less than 20 felony warrants a week. We run a maxed-out facility.”

Barron suggested that it might be time to consider a regional facility.

Salomon, a Ronan dairy farmer, took the commissioners to task for their letter of intent to quit assessing fees for irrigation districts served by the Flathead Indian Irrigation Project (the move was tabled after a public meeting Aug. 30).

“Irrigators are trying to put together a plan where they have significant say in how the project is operated,” he said. “Just to screw it up and throw a monkey wrench in it is not doing the residents of Lake County any favors.”

Commissioner Gale Decker brought up his frustration with the Department of Justice, which hasn’t responded to repeated requests for guidance on how to interpret the county’s responsibilities under the new Montana Water Rights Protection Act. Until they hear from the Attorney General, the county is refusing to replace infrastructure such as bridges that cross irrigation canals, and takes

the position that those duties now fall to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

“We just want a response,” he said. “I have trouble spending taxpayer dollars to replace someone else’s infrastructure.”

Barron asked if there was any way to include commissioners’ input in future agreements forged between the state and local tribal governments.

“When counties have problems with tribes it’s because of some agreement the state made and commissioners were never at the table,” he said.

“It makes us look like we’re anti-tribe and that’s just not the way it is.”

Legislators and commissioners alike wrapped up the meeting with to-do lists, and agreed to meet again Oct. 5. “I want us to feel like we’re moving forward with long-term and short-term goals,” said Rep. Reksten, who helped facilitate the monthly gathering.

vj

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courts Polson man charged with murder in girlfriend’s death

By Summer Goddard / Valley Journal

AURORA, COLORADO — A 20-year-old man from Polson is being charged with first degree murder in the death of his girlfriend.

Dakota Chinnock was arrested Sept. 5, for allegedly beating his girlfriend, Amanda Farley, 20, of Polson, to death between the evening of Sept.

4 and the morning of Sept.

5. He has been charged with four separate felonies for first degree murder, deliberate homicide, rape and sexual assault with a weapon.

Dakota According to Chinnock charging docu-

ments, police responded to an apartment in Aurora, Colorado at 7:58 a.m. Sept. 5, following the report of a woman was who unconscious and not breathing.

Responding officers found Farley dead upon arrival with significant swelling to her face.

Chinnock, who made the 911 call, allegedly told officers that there might have been a home invasion. Officers noted a fresh

scratch on Chinnock’s forehead and right thigh and that his hands appeared to have dirt and blood on them.

Chinnock and Farley are both Polson High School alums, having graduated in 2020 and 2019, respectively.

Charging documents note that Chinnock said he and Farley had been dating since high school and had moved to Col-

orado to start their lives.

Following further questioning, interviews with neighbors, witnesses, review of text messages and the seizure of a green propane tank believed to be used as a weapon, Chinnock was arrested at 12 p.m. on Sept. 5. He is currently being held without bond in the Arapahoe County Detention Center.

Stories below by Jeff Smith of Anderson Broadcasting for the Valley Journal

Ronan man pleads guilty to dealing heroin POLSON — A Ronan man has admitted to dealing heroin in Lake County. Jose Anders Gonzalez, 30, entered a plea of guilty at District Court in Polson on Sept. 9 to one felony count of criminal possession with intent to distribute. The guilty plea came as part of an agreement that will dismiss at sentencing one count of assault with a weapon.

According to court records, on Feb. 18, Lake County Sheriff ’s deputies responded to a report of a female being assaulted by several people. At the scene, the deputies observed the victim with a split above her eye and a broken tooth. The victim told responding deputies that she had gone to a residence on Sundown Lane near St. Ignatius to confront someone about damages to a car. That’s when she says a male, later

identified as Gonzalez, pointed a loaded pistol at her, then hit her several times with it.

She went on to state that another person held her down while Gonzalez went through her pockets.

She says they also took from her a backpack containing a derringer before allowing her to leave. The victim was able to identify Gonzalez through social media postings.

Law enforcement executed a search a warrant at the Sundown Lane residence. Inside, officers located five grams of heroin, a digital scale and the derringer. They also observed blood spatter consistent with the victims’ version of events.

Judge John Larson of Missoula presided over the case via the zoom platform. He set a sentencing hearing for Oct. 28.

Polson man sentenced for series of thefts, burgarly POLSON — A Polson man was sentenced at District Court in Polson on Sept.

8 to a total of 10 years with the Montana Department of Corrections with 6 years suspended for a series of vehicle thefts and a burglary.

Kyro Antonio Swimmer, 22, pled guilty Aug. 12 to one count of burglary for breaking into the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes Forestry building in Ronan on Nov. 29, 2019 and aiding in the theft of two chainsaws. He also pled guilty to: stealing a red Chevy Cruz on Oct. 3, 2018, the theft of a Chevy truck on Jan. 3, 2020, criminal mischief for destroying private property Feb. 10, 2020, the theft of a one-ton Dodge pick-up with its gooseneck trailer on March 25, 2020, the thefts of a 2008 Pontiac Kyro G6 and a Subaru LegaSwimmer cy in May of 2020.

A co-defendant in the burglary at the CSKT Forestry building, Trevor Gardipe, also of Polson, entered a plea of guilty at District Court in Polson on Sept. 8, to felony counts of burglary and theft. The plea was entered without the benefit of a plea agreement, meaning Gradipe could be sentenced to the maximum 20 years in the Montana State Prison for burglary and five years for theft. Judge James Manley set sentencing in Gardipe’s case for Oct. 27.

Valley Journal

Ronan man sentenced for strangulation, criminal endangerment POLSON — A Ronan man was committed to the Montana Department of Corrections for a total of 15 years with all but five years suspended during a sentencing hearing at District Court in Polson on Sept. 9. Bojai Dominick GrantSchmidt, 20, pled guilty at District Court in Polson on June 17, to strangulation of a partner or family member Bojai and criminal enGrant-Schmidt dangerment, both felonies. The pleas were entered as part of an agreement that dismisses one count of sexual intercourse without consent. The agreement also amended one count of strangulation of a partner or family member to criminal endangerment, both felonies.

According to court records, on Feb. 23, the grandmother of the alleged victim reported the assault.

At the scene, the victim told responding law enforcement officers

that Grant-Schmidt assaulted her “over the course of four days.”

She said on or about Feb. 20, Grant-Schmidt began hitting her because he was drunk. She said he became angry with her because she didn’t want to have sex with him. She went on to state that Grant-Schmidt forced sex upon her despite her telling him no. She said on Feb. 21, Grant-Scmidt choked her with his hands around her neck and pillow over her head.

Grant-Schmidt said he did use the pillow due to “rough sex.”

Another person at the residence told law enforcement that they went into the room of the victim and witnessed her nude from the waist down and pulled Grant-Schmidt off of her. The witness later told a detective she heard the victim screaming for help and telling Grant-Schmidt to get off of her. She also said she saw Grant-Schmidt on top of the victim with “his forearm buried in her neck, choking her.”

Judge John Larson of Missoula presided over the case via the zoom platform.

September 15, 2021 - 7

obituaries Amanda Farley AURORA, COLORADO — Amanda Lynn Farley passed away Sept. 5, 2021, in Aurora, Colorado.

She was born on Feb. 6, 2001 in Missoula, to her parents who adored her. Amanda was loved by many and touched many lives on her journey, no matter how short Amanda Farley it was.

Amanda graduated from Polson High

School in 2019. She had a love of golf, friends, and family. Amanda cherished her time with her family, some of her favorite past times included spending time at the lake, going on adventures, and facetiming her parents.

Amanda was and always will be her father’s little cupcake. There wasn’t a time you would not see Amanda smiling. She cherished her life and lived every moment to the fullest.

Amanda was preceded in death by her grandfathers Vincent Edward Battle, Kenneth Hall Farley, and Gordey Raymond Anderson.

She is survived by her father, Eric

Raymond Farley; her mother, Grace Battle; her step-mother, Tammie DeeAnn Farley; her brother, Tyler Vincent Farley; her step-brothers, Brenden Brit Alan Schliep and Christopher James Kirwin; her step-sisters, Jessica Rose Hall and Kyara Fraga; her uncles, Kenneth Michael Farley and Glenn Delano Farley; her grandmas, Arlene Janet Todd and Yvonne Rose Anderson; and numerous other family members who adored our sweet Amanda.

We are heartbroken she was not on this earth long enough to let her true colors shine through.

Dr. Aron Haire joins Providence emergency department News from Providence St. Joseph Medical Center

POLSON — Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson is proud to announce that Dr. Aron Haire, D.O. has joined the Providence St. Joseph Center staff providing emergency care to the community.

“Dr. Haire will be an incredible addition to our staff. He is an excellent

provider and is immediately available for those seeking emergency care,” said Devin Huntley, Chief Operating Officer of Providence St. Joseph Medical Center.

Dr. Haire has spent nearly a decade in study and working in emergency departments and in air ambulances.

“I am excited to help provide care for the dynamic community of Polson and the Mission Valley,”

said Haire. “I feel blessed to be working with such an experienced group of physicians here at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center.”

Dr. Haire studied premed at Flathead Valley Community College and Montana State University; attended medical school at Lincoln Memorial University in Tennessee and completed his Emergency Medicine residency at Geisinger Medical Center

in Pennsylvania.

He has worked as a waiter, teacher, porter, bartender, cook and black-jack dealer in five U.S. states, three national parks, Central America and Japan. He enjoys road trips, good books, loud music, camping, hiking, fishing, snowboarding, wilderness medicine and raising a good kid. He and his family are absolutely thrilled to be back in the Flathead Valley.

Missing Richmond woman found in Glacier National Park News from Glacier National Park

WEST GLACIER — The body of a recently missing Richmond, Virginia, woman was located in Glacier National Park on Sept. 5 Jennifer Coleman, who was reported missing Wednesday, Sept. 1, was found deceased in a steep and rocky area near the Continental Divide.

Rescuers will extract Coleman’s body when weather conditions permit. Air operations were halted Sept.

8 - September 15, 2021

5 due to high winds in the incident area. Coleman’s family has been notified.

The search in Glacier started after Coleman’s vehicle was found by park officials on Sept. 1 in the Logan Pass parking lot. The search continued through Sunday, with the search area and number of search and rescue personnel increasing as the search went on. As many as 50 personnel had joined the search by Sunday.

Cause of death is currently under

investigation.

Glacier National Park would like to thank the public’s response to the tip line. Although the end result was not the one searchers hoped for, public tips were key to a faster resolution of the search. Glacier National Park would also like to thank Flathead County Sheriff’s Department, Glacier County Sheriff’s Department, Two Bear Air Rescue, and the Flathead National Forest for their cooperation and support.

Valley Journal

briefs

St. Joseph offers non-symptom COVID testing for travel, work News from Providence St. Joseph Hospital

POLSON — Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Polson offers a variety of COVID-19 testing options. Patients who are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to COVID positive patients can visit the walk-in clinic at St. Joseph Medical Center from 8 a.m.-7 p.m., seven days a week.

We can also accommodate those without symptoms and with no known exposures, for example travel tests and pre-surgical tests, in our clinics on Monday through Friday 8:30-11:30 a.m. or 1-4 p.m. For more information, please call 406-883-5680. In case of emergency symptoms, please call 911 or come to the emergency room.

COVID-19 relief available for small producers, processors, distributors, farmers markets News from the USDA

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) announced it will soon publish Requests for Applications (RFAs) for the Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grants program to support agricultural stakeholders who haven’t yet received substantial federal financial assistance in responding to the COVID-19 crisis. This grant program will provide assistance to small businesses in certain commodity areas, including small scale specialty crop producers, food processors, manufacturers, distributors and farmers markets.

A grant forecast is now available to help potential applicants determine their eligibility and to prepare to apply for funding. Eligible entities should visit the PRS grant portal at usda-prs. grantsolutions.gov for complete information on the program, including how to obtain a free of charge DUNS Number from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B) BEFORE applying for this program.

On Sept. 23, USDA will issue another announcement indicating that entities may submit their applications through the grant portal; entities will need their DUNS number to submit an application.

Polson establishes task force to regulate recreational marijuana

By Kristi Niemeyer for the Valley Journal

The City of Polson has established a Marijuana Task Force to begin developing initial strategies and recommendations for regulating recreational marijuana. Sales of legal pot are set to begin Jan. 1 under guidelines passed by the 2021 Legislature.

At the city commission meeting on Sept. 8, city manager Ed Meece noted that the commission and public can review documents compiled by the task force on the city website at www.cityofpolson.com/ citymanager.

He hopes to present recommendations to the commission at its meeting Oct. 18. Draft strategies would prohibit the use of marijuana on all city

property, including streets, sidewalks, alleys, buildings and facilities; and stipulate that marijuana must be transported in or through town in sealed, non-transparent, childproof containers.

Marijuana retailers would require special business licenses, tentatively set at $300 annually, need to be located at least 500 feet from schools or churches, and confine hours of operation to 9 a.m.-9 p.m. The preliminary ordinance bans vending machines or drive-up windows and prohibits those under 18 from frequenting the premises.

The task force also recommends meeting with all local municipalities, and county and tribal government to “to collaborate on consistent regulation.”

Meece plans to meet with the Lake County Commissioners

Tuesday, Sept. 14, to encourage a ballot initiative imposing a local 3% tax on recreational marijuana.

In other matters, Meece mentioned that city staff is crafting a business license ordinance with input from the Polson Chamber of Commerce and business community.

Meece expects to introduce the proposed ordinance at the meeting in mid October.

Matters before the commission included the approval of the city’s first comprehensive update to fee schedules in several years. After a brief public hearing to present fees for the coming year, the commission reconvened and unanimously approved fees for the building and planning departments.

Finance officer Cindy Dooley was praised for her efforts to

develop a more accessible, public-friendly document, “which will definitely make it easier for Polson citizens to understand fees,” said commissioner Carolyn Pardini.

Fees for the Parks Department weren’t included, but will appear later this fall for commission consideration. The city recommends that park fees be returned to their full amount after being reduced by 40% in 2016.

In other business: • The commission unanimously adopted an amendment to the city code, changing the number of members on the Economic Development Council from seven to ten, with three permanent seats for members of the Polson Chamber of Commerce, Polson Business Community and the Confed-

AIS inspectors encounter unusual situation at Wibaux News from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

HELENA – Watercraft inspectors at the Wibaux inspection station intercepted a motorboat entering Montana with mussels attached. The Wibaux inspection station, located on the Montana-North Dakota border on Interstate 94, has intercepted 12 of the 54 mussel-fouled boats intercepted so far this year. This boat was unique in how the mussels were attached to the boat.

Invasive mussels have byssal threads they use to attach to underwater surfaces. The threads or “hairs” are an adaptation found on invasive zebra and quagga mussels but are

“It’s alarming that this boat had mussels attached after only two days in the water. ” - ZACH CRETE FISH, WILDLIFE & PARKS AIS PREVENTION OOORDINATOR

not found on North America’s native freshwater mussel species. Invasive mussels can move from one waterbody to another when their threads attach to the hull or motors of trailered watercraft or when microscopic mussel larvae floats in standing water inside vessels.

The motorboat that Wibaux inspectors encountered on Sept. 6 had just pulled out of Lake Lida in Minnesota that morning after two days on the

water. A close check by inspectors found tiny mussels that were hydrostatically clinging to the motor, transom and hull rather than attached with byssal threads.

The hydrostatic process allows water molecules to bond surfaces together, in this case mussels and the motorboat, and maintain that bond after the water has dried. It’s presumed that invasive mussels were floating near the Lake Valley Journal

Lida boat ramp and were able to cling to the boat as it was loaded onto the trailer.

“It alarming that this boat had mussels attached after only two days in the water,” said Zach Crete, AIS Prevention Coordinator for FWP. “Normally, a boat would have to be moored in the water for several days before mussels would have time to attach.”

Inspectors performed a viability test on several mussels

erated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

• Commissioners unanimously voted down a request from the Polson School District to waive impact fees of $18,441 for a meter connection at the new Linderman Gym. Initially, the district planned to abandon an existing two-inch connection in favor of a new threeinch connection, which the city considered a neutral impact.

The district later decided to keep the two-inch connection as well for irrigation purposes, which significantly upped the school’s water-meter capacity.

As required by city ordinance, an impact fee review board met Aug. 31, and after hearing from both city and school representatives, voted 5-0 to recommend the commission deny the district’s request.

and found some were still alive and siphoning water.

FWP staff remind anyone transporting motorized or nonmotorized boats into Montana that an inspection is required before launching, and stopping at all open watercraft inspection stations is required. Failing to stop at an inspection station can result in a fine of up to $500.

Boaters should ensure their watercraft, trailer and all equipment that is in contact with water (anchor, lines, swim ladder, etc.) is clean, drained of water and dry.

Learn more at CleanDrainDryMT.com or call the FWP Aquatic Invasive Species Bureau at 406-444-2440.

September 15, 2021 - 9

valley views Cacti catastrophe S

ucculents and cacti a certain extent, this is have taken the world correct. However, while by storm in the past sever- most succulents and cacti al years. Even prior to the are raised domestically, the pandemic, an explosion sharp rise in demand for of interest in these small these little bits of verdant aesthetically vegetation pleasing has created a plants, has serious black steadily rismarket and en. Aided by poaching Instagram problem. and a desire For many to be more cacti and in harmony succulents, ben there with nature, this has beDONE that windowsills come a seBen Stone across the rious threat.

Media Production, Valley Journal globe were While quietly being many bitaken over by little pots ological aspects of the containing these unique drought-resistant plants plants. Looking back at make them wonderful history, plant obsessions house plants, their growth are a frequent occurrence. and reproduction are Think of Tulip Mania in very slow. With ever-inthe Netherlands during creasing demand and the 1600s or Fern-Fever in stagnant supply, prices the UK during the 1800s. for these kinds of plants In more modern times, have risen rapidly. Many air plants, orchids, and the of the most sought-after Venus flytrap have been species of succulents and the victims of flora fads. cacti are indigenous to the On the surface, such Americas, with areas like trends might seem posArizona and New Mexico itive because they make being especially prolific. consumers more conscious As the sticker prices on of the natural world. To desert plants rose sharply,

10 - September 15, 2021

poachers began to harvest them from the wild and smuggle them around the world. Of the nearly 1,500 cacti species in the world, 30% are critically endangered and the extra pressure from poachers is exacerbating the problem.

A recent raid of illegal cactus traffickers in Italy uncovered over 1,000 rare specimens worth in excess of $1,200,000 on the black market. In airports all across the globe, seizures of illegal plants are on the rise. In February of this year, a New Zealand woman was caught trying to smuggle 947 samples of cacti and succulents strapped to herself. Eight of the samples were critically endangered and on their own worth over $7,000. In the U.S. alone, the sale of cacti and succulents rose 60% from 2012 to 2017. While accurate figures for the whole world are difficult to obtain, global demand is clearly following a similar trajectory.

Take the unfortunate case of Ariocarpus fissuratus, commonly called

the living rock cactus. To the average person, this little wrinkly plant looks unremarkable, like a dark green sponge. But in the autumn, if conditions are just right, the cactus blooms with stunning bright magenta flowers.

A recent surge in demand for this specific species of cacti has resulted in a rash of poachings. Non-profit nurseries in the southwest have taken in waves of seized and confiscated cacti in an effort to rehabilitate them and reintroduce them back into the wild. Nonetheless, the already limited population has been decimated in the last few years. Nurseries have begun to produce some of these rare plants from seeds for domestic owners but, a living rock cactus requires roughly 15 years to bloom under ideal conditions. Widespread availability will require years of cultivation in nurseries.

I am pleased that more people are promoting indoor gardening. Increased environmental conscientiousness is beneficial

Valley Journal

for mental and physical health. The question is: How to enjoy this hobby without contributing to the demise of endangered species? Choose to only buy from reputable greenhouses and nurseries, not online. Also, ask about the origin of the plants you are seeking to purchase when shopping at a nursery. Sellers should be happy to give you a clear answer of where the plants came from. When shopping for a new addition to your collection, do a quick google search to make sure you are getting a non-endangered species.

Though the vast majority of succulents and cacti sold are common species that are cultivated legally, buyers should be wary of less than savory specimens.

With a bit of due diligence, you can safely enjoy

your favorite house plants without endangering natural ecology.

letters

Kind expressions appreciated

Editor, The family of Merle Jore would like to thank you very much for the cards, flowers & kind expressions of sympathy shown following his sad passing.

The support at this difficult time was very much appreciated and of great support to all of our family.

Roxanne Cote on behalf of the Jore Family, Ronan

LETTER POLICY

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bears seek food sources with arrival of fall Residents reminded to secure food attractants News from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

KALISPELL — With the arrival of fall, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks staff are busy responding to bear conflicts and working with the public to prevent conflicts.

To date, most of the reported conflicts in northwest Montana have involved bears getting into unsecured garbage and livestock feed, hanging around homes feeding on green grass and clover, and killing small livestock, such as chickens and pigs. FWP staff work with landowners on electric fencing, loaning out bear-resistant garbage containers, and securing attractants with the goal of preventing conflicts.

In fall, bears are increasingly active in preparation for winter denning. FWP has received numerous reports of bears feeding on domestic fruit on residential properties, as well as serviceberries, chokecherries, hawthorn, and huckleberries. Numerous bears have been reported in Whitefish feeding on fruit trees, and FWP staff encourage residences to pick up fruit. A Facebook page named Flathead Fruit Gleaning works to connect residents who

want to pick up fruit with those who need fruit picked up. Learn more at https://www.facebook. com/FlatheadFruitGleaning/.

Bears that gain rewards from human food sources can become food conditioned, which means they lose their natural foraging ability and pose an increased risk to human safety. Food rewards can also lead wildlife to become habituated to people, another increased risk to human safety.

Both food conditioning and habituation often lead to euthanizing an animal for safety reasons.

Montana is bear country with populations of grizzly and black bears that frequent higher and lower elevations, especially river corridors. Preventing a conflict is easier than dealing with one.

Bear spray is a highly effective, non-lethal bear deterrent. Carry EPA-approved bear spray and know how to use it.

Never feed wildlife, especially bears. Bears that become food conditioned lose their natural foraging behavior and pose a threat to human safety.

And it is illegal to feed bears in Montana.

Know your bears. It is important to know the difference between grizzly bears and black bears, whether you are hunting or hiking.

Always keep a safe distance from wildlife. Never intentionally get close

FWP PHOTO

FWP staff check vital signs and gather other data on a tranquilized grizzly bear. The 500-pound male was captured in the Condon area after approaching residences seeking food attractants. It was moved into the Middle Fork of the Flathead River drainage.

to a bear.

Loud noise, such as banging pots and pans, using an air horn or your car alarm, or shouting, is a simple, effective shortterm way to deter a bear on private property.

A properly constructed electrified fence is both safe for people, livestock and pets, and has proven effective at deterring bears from human-related resources such as beehives, garbage or small livestock.

Please report conflicts to one of the nearest FWP bear management specialists in your area.

For a list of specialists,

visit https://fwp.mt.gov/ conservation/species/ bear/contact.

Seeing a bear is not necessarily a reportable encounter or an emergency. Report encounters

Valley Journal

where the bear displayed aggressive or defensive behavior toward people, livestock or pets, or damaged property. In an emergency, phone 9-1-1.

For livestock conflicts,

contact USDA Wildlife Services.

Learn more about grizzly bears in Montana by visiting https://fwp. mt.gov/conservation/species/bear.

September 15, 2021 - 11

sports

Ronan volleyball sweeps Mission in three sets Story and photos By Rob Zolman / Valley Journal

RONAN – The Ronan Maidens volleyball team never let neighborhood non-conference rivals Mission Lady Bulldogs feel comfortable in the Ronan Event Center Gym on Tuesday night, Oct. 7, en route to a three-set 25-10, 25-19, 25-13 sweep.

“It was a fun evening. I think our girls did great,” said Ronan Maiden head coach Lacey Phelan.

The first set started out very competitive with Mission even in the lead at one point, 6-5 over Ronan, before Rylie Lindquist serves sparked a 15-4 run by the Maidens to close out the set, 25-10.

Ronan made defen-

sive adjustments and improved its passing in the second set, as the Maidens erased another quick early second set advantage by the Lady Bulldogs to take over the lead for a 25-19 second set win.

In the third set, the Maidens used the momentum they generated in the first two sets to quickly take the set 25-13 and the match 3-0.

“Mission is a scrappy team. They do a good job of getting the ball back over the net. It forced our girls to play in an ‘organized chaos’ type of game,” said coach Phelan.

“Our focus was getting consistent passing so we could run our tempo of offense. I was very proud of their ability to play

a calm and composed game.”

“The Lady Bulldogs are still in the process of finding out who they are as a team,” said Mission Lady Bulldog head coach Dakota Peterson.

“I feel that Ronan was a great game for us to get the opportunity to play so early in the season to make the adjustments as needed.”

On the day, Leina Ulutoa paced the Maidens with 20 assists and four aces, while LaReina Cordova posted 18 kills and Rylie Lindquist booked 13 digs.

For the Lady Bulldogs, Gabby Smith had 11 assists, four digs and three blocks, while Kooper Page posted four kills, eight digs and two blocks.

Ronan Maidens battle at the net 12 - September 15, 2021

Rylie Lindquist

Izzy Evans

Valley Journal

sports shorts Golf

Shooting a 95, both Siefert and Maki tied for third place. Konen scored a sixth place 96.

On the boy’s side, Ellis and Hupka both shot a 76 finishing in fourth place. Hunter Emerson rounded out the top ten with an eighth place 82.

Polson Pirates and Lady Pirates

The Polson Pirates, posting a score of 329, brought home the team title during the Corvallis Invitational on Thursday, Sept. 7, held at the University of Montana Golf Course in Missoula.

For the Pirates, Carson Hupka fired a first place 78 narrowly slipping past second place teammate Torrin Ellis by a single stroke.

Lady Pirate Clare Konen carded a fourth place 95 followed by Kylee Siefert in sixth place with a 103 and Ashley Maki with an eighth place 108.

On Friday, the Lady Pirates picked up a team title and the Pirates placed second during the Cabinet View Invitational in Libby.

Ronan Chiefs and Maidens

In Missoula on Thursday, Sept. 7, the Ronan Chiefs and Maidens golf teams put in a solid performance during the Corvallis Invitational held on the University of Montana Golf Course.

Nash Niemeyer and Ruben Couture both finished in the top 10 for the Chiefs with a score of 88.

Maiden Kylee Niemeyer placed fifth with a score of 100 followed by Alyssa Pretty On Top in

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seventh place with a score of 106.

On Friday in Libby, Pretty On Top tied for third place by carding a 95 during the Cabinet View Invitational. Kylee Niemeyer finished in seventh place with a score of 97.

For the Chiefs, Couture carded an eighth place 82 followed by Nash Niemeyer who scored 90.

Izzy Evans led the Lady Bulldogs with 20 digs followed by Kason Page with 15 digs and Maysa Couture with 10 digs.

Also for the Lady Bulldogs, Rowan McElderry had nine kills and five blocks, while Gabby Smith

had 25 assists and three blocks.

Arlee Scarlets

Hosting an in-conference matchup with the Florence Lady Falcons on Thursday, Sept. 7, the Arlee Scarlets fell 3-1 (28-26, 11-25, 1425, 14-25).

Rheid Crawford paced the Scarlets with 19 digs, while Xaria Jacoboson posted 15 assists and Lark Thomas had 11 digs.

Also, for the Scarlets, Raven Parson booked five kills, three assists and 15 digs. see page 14

Volleyball

Mission Lady Bulldogs

On Thursday the Mission Lady Bulldog’s road game against the Eureka Lady Lions volleyball team was postponed due to COVID-19 quarantine protocols.

Saturday, the Lady Bulldogs defeated the visiting Troy Lady Trojans 3-2 (20-25, 25-12, 25-17, 22-25, 15-13).

ROB ZOLMAN / VALLEY JOURNAL

Ronan Chief Mason Clairmont makes a catch during Friday night’s game against the Columbia Falls Wildcats.

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

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883-8970 Valley Journal

September 15, 2021 - 13

sports shorts from page 13

Jerny Crawford notched 10 kills, an ace and two assists.

Thursday’s road game in Missoula with Loyola was rescheduled to Tuesday, Oct. 12, due to COVID-19 precautions.

Cross Country Polson Pirates and Lady Pirates

The Polson Pirates and Lady Pirates cross country teams made their way to Spokane, Washington this past weekend to compete in the Highlander Invite hosted

by Shadle Park High School.

Running in the 2.5mile junior varsity race,

the Lady Pirates placed three runners in the top 10.

Junior Ashtyn Wagner clocked a third-place time of 16:48.92 minutes and right on her heels in fourth place teammate Halle Heninger with a time of 16:51.10 minutes.

Adison Carlson rounded out the top ten girl finishers in tenth with a time of 17:32.89 minutes.

In the 2.5-mile junior division, Pirate Drifter Skillicorn with a time of 14:17.99 placed ninth.

Kai McDonald posted a time of 15:10.96 minutes in the sophomore division, good for 15th place.

drew Rush took home a tenth-place finish with a time of 16:59.01, leading the Bulldogs to a ninth place team finish with 223 points during the Flathead Invitational hosted at Rebecca Farm on Friday.

With a time of 26:17.13 minutes, senior Madyson Currie was the top finisher for Mission.

Mission Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs

Two Eagle River Eagles and Lady Eagles

Mission Bulldog An-

Charlo Vikings and Lady Vikings

Hayden Smith was the top boy runner and Guinevere Contreras was the fastest girl runner for Charlo during the Flathead Invitational hosted at Rebecca Farm.

and Lady Eagle Aereon Miller were the top boy and girl finishers for Two Eagle River during the Flathead Invitational at Rebecca Farm.

Arlee Warriors and Scarlets

McKirah Fisher and Drew Knoll were the top girl and boy finishers for the Arlee Scarlets and Warriors during the Flathead Invitational at Rebecca Farm.

Football

Arlee Warriors

The Arlee Warriors’ conference home game against the Victor Pirates Friday night was cancelled due to COVID-19 precautions.

Eagle Malacye Piapot

see page 14

ROB ZOLMAN / VALLEY JOURNAL

Polson Pirate kicker Nelson Kaden boots the ball through the uprights for an extra point.

You’re Invited...

To the St. Luke Community Healthcare Foundation Virtual Auction

BOOTS E Bowties Wed. Sept. 29th through Sun Oct. 3rd

Virtual Event Link: BIDPAL.NET/STLBOOTSBOWTIES Learn more at stlukehealthcare.org Proceeds to benefit maternal and children’s services 14 - September 15, 2021

Valley Journal

sports shorts from page 14

A rescheduled game date is unknown at this time.

Polson Pirates

Under the lights Friday evening, the Polson Pirates routed the visiting East Helena Vigilantes, 63-0.

With the win the Pirates, ranked fifth in the state, remain undefeated and move to 3-0 on the young season.

Pirate quarterback Jarrett Wilson rushed for two touchdowns and completed 18 of 23 passes for 247 yards and six touchdowns.

Polson wide receiver Robert Perez had seven catches for 147 yards and Colton Graham grabbed five passes for 48 yards.

Perez and Graham each had two touchdowns.

Mission Bulldogs

On the road Friday night, the Mission Bulldogs fell to 2-1 on the season in a 63-6 conference loss to the Thompson Falls Blue Hawks.

Ronan Chiefs

In Northwestern A conference football action Friday night, the visiting Columbia Falls Wildcats handed the Ronan Chiefs their second loss of the season by defeating the Chiefs 42-6.

Chief quarterback Caleb Cheff slipped into the endzone on a fourth quarter two-yard run for the only Ronan score of the evening.

placed a check mark in the “W” column Saturday afternoon with a 35-28 victory over the visiting Darby Tigers.

Soccer

Polson Pirates and Lady Pirates

Sophia Moderie netted the only Polson Lady Pirates’ goal off a Myranda Heiser assist in a 9-1 road loss to the Whitefish Lady Bulldogs on Tuesday, Sept. 7.

In the boys’ game, the Polson Pirates fell 11-2 to the Bulldogs. Kaden Nelson scored two goals for the Pirates.

As a team, the Pirates had four shots on goal, while Nelson and Ethan McCauley combined for 13 saves.

Charlo Vikings

The Charlo Vikings

vj

ROB ZOLMAN / VALLEY JOURNAL

Ronan Chief Tristan Fisher slips past a Wildcat defender for a first down.

Valley Journal

September 15, 2021 - 15

schools Polson school district scrambles to hire bus drivers News from Polson School District No. 23

POLSON — The Polson School District recently purchased three Van Hool coaches to add to their bus fleet but lacks the drivers to drive them.

The district is struggling to hire enough drivers to transport students.

“Students must get to school and events but we don’t have enough drivers,” said Mike Anderson, Transportation Director. “We can adjust the scheduled times a little,

COURTESY PHOTO

Polson schools need drivers for the three new Van Hool coaches they recently added to their bus fleet.

but we don’t have room to consolidate routes, and because this shortage is industry-wide, we can’t look to charter compa-

nies for help,” Anderson said.

The district is currently operating at a 30% driver deficit this year. The

The Town Pump Charitable Foundation is

providing 500,000 $

CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

for qualified Montana charitable organizations and schools to support backpack feeding programs for hungry Montana children.

district has examined different ways to fill the gap, including utilizing teachers and administrators as activity drivers. In addi-

For Ronan/Pablo Residents CDC: Ages birth to 2 years 11 months old Head Start and Preschool: Ages 3 to 5 years 11 months old

FREE SCREENING

To apply or for more information, visit:

Applications are due by September 30, 2021.

see page 17

FALL CHILD FIND

Backpack feeding programs provide nutritious and easy-to-prepare meals for weekends and holidays when children are not in school.

townpumpfoundation.com/backpacks

tion, the district plans to implement a substitute incentive program. It will pay its substitute quarterly bonuses of $100 for

working 10 days, $200 for working 20 days, and $300 working 30 days.

Additional substitutes will add support to drivers should they need to take a sick day.

“We are also reviving last year’s catchy ad to recruit more drivers,” said Scott Boen, the district’s human resources and communication director. The revised advertisement highlights the following perks: a corner office with a lake view, being paid to travel and

with support of K. Wm. Harvey Elementary, Pablo Elementary and CDC

K. Wm. Harvey Elementary School

Friday, September 17, 2021 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Screenings Includes:

By Appointment Only 676-3390 ext. 7450

Hearing Speech Language Basic School Readiness Motor Skills

16 - September 15, 2021

Valley Journal

PUZZLES LOS ANGELES TIMES SUNDAY CROSSWORD PUZZLE

“Sounds Familiar” By Mark Feldman

ACROSS 1

8 11 14 18 19 20 21

22

24

26 27 28 29 30 31 33

34

38 39 43 44 45

46 48 49 50 51 53 55

56 58

Only astronaut to fly in the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo programs Sushi order Short blue person?

Exile of 1979 Small bits of color Easter lead-in “Xanadu” rock gp.

Aqua __: U.K. mineral water brand Place for reading recipes?

Fragrant tea-flavoring shrubs Quakers in forests?

Emailed Ink on a billionaire?

Extreme disorder Through Madrid mama bear “The Bald Soprano” playwright City center street performer?

Flash __ Third-party accounts Provide with the latest Green stone Where one trying to score may be out U.S. Army medal Classic Pontiac __ pool Like some stockings Congers React to a sprint A montage of them was presented at the 2006 Oscars Native Alaskans Fencing moves

61 Nothing special 62 Bit of carelessness at cocktail hour?

64 Long stretches 66 They’re usually unbeatable 68 Accustoms (to) 69 Storied building material 70 Fit 71 Feds under Ness 72 Current amount 73 Mail ctrs.

75 Stadium cheer 78 Offbeat 79 Eyed impolitely, with “at” 80 Bath buggy 81 Not at all light 83 Corn syrup component 84 Joplin’s “Maple Leaf __” 85 Postal mishap?

89 Legislative group, e.g.

91 Backing-up key 92 Bit in a horse’s mouth 93 Cleaning tools, for short 97 Starter for a noncompetitive race?

99 Deli stock 101 Formed with the tip of the tongue, like the letter L 103 Property receivers, at law 104 Reality TV believer?

106 Axes 107 KC-to-NYC dir.

108 “The Ice Storm” director Lee 109 Acted like 110 Most massive known

dwarf planet 111 Rehab hurdle 112 Screening org.

113 Western movie threat

DOWN 1 2

3 4 5 6 7

8

9 10 11

12 13 14 15

16 17 18 23 25

28 30 32

34 35 36 37

39 40 41 42

44 46 47 49 52

Imagine, colloquially Horse-and-buggy ride sounds Cod relatives Library vol. ID Letters after pis 1906 Runabout, e.g.

Shows hospitality toward, as a visitor Before long, to Shakespeare Bird named for its cry Annoy “This seems familiar” word Jubilance University of Idaho city Malice Spider that stalks its prey Opening number?

Surely is Con job Bar specification “Death in Venice” author Aspect Bugs with brakes Wrapped in a blanket, say Mosque toppers Due Block off Award-winning Mark Tatulli comic strip Relaxes Apply, as a brake Lawn chair Hanks sobriquet for films like “You’ve Got Mail”?

Fashionista dog?

Knish sellers Ooze Oxlike antelope Stretch

QUICKSILVER EXPRESSO TAKE A BREAK!

51999 US 93 • PABLO 18 - September 15, 2021

53 Letters before chi 54 Duchamp contemporary 56 “What about me?!”

57 Layered Italian dessert 58 General direction 59 Bullfight figure 60 Traps 62 Long-running forensic series 63 First name in an 1857 case 65 Activist Greta Thunberg, e.g.

67 Hosp. units 69 Suspect 72 End of a ball game?

73 Like table salt 74 Composer of solo violin Žtudes 75 “Vive le __!”

76 Karen of “Starman” 77 Fashion lines 80 Introduction 81 Portraitist John Singer __ 82 Long-vowel symbols 83 Tatami, e.g.

85 Leave speechless 86 “Thanks, it’s already done” 87 “Stay” singer Lisa seen in GEICO ads 88 “Get a move on!”

90 Salad green 93 Like some popular videos 94 Perceptive 95 Pole tossed by a Scot 96 Downhill traveler 98 Applications 100 Discipline with stretches 101 Lie next to 102 Hide 104 Cricket club 105 Thurman of “Pulp Fiction”

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675-5000

(near the walking bridge in Pablo) Valley Journal

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

CRYPTO-QUOTE

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

UDTF YF RFTFB RSCU FCSEUK QCL Q HERXBEY SC JKDXK ZS VRQXF DZ, QCL D MKQRR YSTF ZKF JSBRL. - QBXKDYFLFM Ben Stone / Valley Journal

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

Full Service Espresso Bar

GfEsnacks HiU n s!! o o

ge ct sele bevera &

bus drivers needed from page 16

the opportunity to drive a $100,000 company vehicle with heated seats.

This year the district’s driver shortfall seems severe. “We simply do not have enough activity drivers to bus our students to sporting events and other activities. We barely have enough drivers to get our students to school. And if drivers get sick, we don’t have substitutes to cover them,” said Mr. Anderson.

With an influx of people moving into the area, the applicant pool should increase, reducing the driver shortage.

“For our student’s sake, I sincerely hope that more candidates show interest in our open bus driver positions,” Boen said.

vj

Arlee teacher among four state finalists News from the Montana Office of Public Instruction

HELENA — State Superintendent Elsie Arntzen is pleased to announce the finalists for the 2021 Montana Teacher of the Year. The selected candidate will go on to represent Montana in the 2022 National Teacher of the Year competition in Washington, D.C. Montana’s current Teacher of the Year, Kristi Borge, teaches kindergarten through eighth grade in a one-room school house in Polaris.

All four finalists received education from the Montana University System. The finalists are: William Stockton of Arlee; Brianna Saltenberger

of Anaconda; Steffani Grogan of Forsyth; and Christina Pavlovich of Livingston.

“Congratulations to our four finalists! Montana is blessed with an abundance of good and passionate teachers, making this a difficult decision every year,” State Superintendent Elsie Arntzen said.

“It is my honor to recognize these wonderful classroom leaders, and I look forward to the finalist representing Montana among other great teachers across the Nation.”

The Teacher of the Year program is a prestigious statewide recognition program for educators that also provides state and national learning opportunities to the Teacher of the Year Alumni.

A finalist will be designated by the selection committee on Sept. 21 and announced by Superintendent Arntzen shortly thereafter.

The selection committee consists of representatives from the Office of Public Instruction, the Governor’s Office, the Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs, Education Advocates, the Montana business community, the Montana Legislature, and the current Montana Teacher of the Year.

Visit OPI’s website for more information about the Montana Teacher of the Year Program: http://opi.mt.gov/ Educators/Teaching-Learning/Montana-Teacher-ofthe-Year.

Plant a dormant pollinator plot News from the Lake County Conservation District

LAKE COUNTY — Want to help pollinators in Lake County? Planting a dormant pollinator plot is one way to help.

Dormant pollinator plots are when you do your plot site prep in the fall, seeding in the winter, and wait till the sprint to see your blooms.

Reserve your free pollinator seed today with LCCD. Free seed giveaways will be happening early October. Visit Lake County Conservation District’s website to reserve your seed and learn more: www.lakecountyconservationdistrict.org.

HATE YOUR CPAP? Operations Manual Update Effective October 18, 2021

Mission Valley Power (MVP) is announcing the implementation of the updated Operations Manual. Effective October 18, 2021. All changes will be permanently set in place. The federal regulations governing the operation of the utility are contained within Title 25, Code of Federal Regulations, Part 175. This Operations Manual provides additional information regarding service policies, practices, and procedures that govern service provided by Mission Valley Power.

Offering alternative sleep apnea treatments.

Sections revised are as follows: Late fee reduction from $15 to 1.5% of balance due and Penalty fee reduction from $40 to $25. Billing cycles have been reduced to 3. Cycle one will bill on the 10th of each month and due the 5th of the following month, Cycle two (irrigation) will bill on the 15th of each month and due in November, cycle 3 will bill on the 20th of each month and due on the 15th of the following month. Auto payment process will run on the due date of the bill and/or next working day.

PPO Insurance Accepted

Call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation

1-406-883-5544 102 1 Ave East • Polson st

Copies of the draft are available at the Pablo Office or it can be viewed on our web site at: www.missionvalleypower.org.

Written comments can be sent to Consumer Council Chair, Mark Warner, PO Box 97 Pablo MT 59855 and needs to be received no later than October 7, 2021.

Valley Journal

September 15, 2021 - 17

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE

By: Magi Helena for the Week of September 12, 2021 ARIES (March 21-April 19): Pull out the list of things you were going to “think about later,” as you now have the imagination to visualize results. Expect to enjoy smooth sailing with both relationships and finances in the second half of the week.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Push past discouragement. Take any doubts and concerns seriously before they trip you up. You may suspect that someone is envious of you, but in the week ahead, you may have a chance to win them over to your side.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Embrace inspiration. You may be motivated by material ambitions and can achieve financial security through hard work. Promises and agreements that are too easy to attain may not go as planned in the first half of the week.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You can be a live wire whether you’re entertaining a romantic partner or mingling in a crowd.

However, in the upcoming week, your serious obligations could interfere with your freedom to socialize.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Not everyone has strong powers of empathy. If they don’t get it, explain it to them. In the week ahead, think for yourself rather than going along with the crowd. By midweek you may be empowered to put plans into motion.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Keep your ego in check and give yourself plenty of self-validation.

Your sterling work ethic is what will gain the most attention in the week ahead. Ignoring social activities and pleasantries can create problems.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Don’t explain, don’t complain. A brief period of misunderstandings may put relationships in a tailspin early this week. This should pass, and then you’ll have an opportunity to share your affections.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Drum up support from friends and promote your dreams in the week to come. Someone is likely to provide the helping hand you need to get projects off the ground.

Don’t waste time debating the fine points.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Out with the old and in with the new. Old conditions and friendships could fall apart due to differences of opinion or dissimilar political views. Avoid making important financial decisions or promises early in the week.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Ignore an itch to adjust plans.

Someone close may want the freedom to do their own thing, so relax and avoid placing restraints on loved ones. The grapevine might be buzzing about you in the upcoming week.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): An internal tug-of-war may leak out and affect your relationships as the week begins. Human inconsistencies are a symptom of human nature, so keep your expectations realistic. A partner’s well-meant advice is worth hearing.

SUDOKU

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t be a wallflower in the week ahead. Enjoy working with talented, imaginative people. If you don’t immediately receive the warm responses you expect from loved ones, be patient and take time for self-care.

COMICS

©2021 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

©2021 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.

Answers in Classifieds Valley Journal

September 15, 2021 - 19

Ronan Chamber shares Trail of Bales map, voting ends Sept. 22

Every year as Ronan’s annual Harvest Festival approaches, decorated round hay bales start popping up around town to bring awareness to the event. The theme for this year’s hay bale competition is the 1980s. Contest entries can be viewed at the locations specified on the adjacent map. Ronan’s Harvest Festival is this Saturday, Sept.

18 on the lawn south of Glacier Bank.

A vendor market, kids’ games, petting zoo, corn hole tournament and more are planned from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ROB ZOLMAN / VALLEY JOURNAL PHOTOS

Many of this year’s hay bale contest entries celebrate music of the 80s.

20 - September 15, 2021

Valley Journal

births Briar Geldrich

Wesson Nash

POLSON — Briar Kay Geldrich was born on July 27, 2021, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. She was 20 inches and weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces.

Briar’s mother is Alexia Geldrich Briar of Polson.

Geldrich Maternal grandparent is Amber Wolfenden. Maternal great-grandparents are Rita and JD Matthews.

POLSON — Wesson Roxy Nash was born on Aug. 28, 2021, at the Nesting Place in Providence St. Joseph Medical Center.

Wesson She was Nash 19 and one-half inches and weighed 6 pounds, 11 ounces. Her parents are Taylor and Max Nash of Polson. Wesson joins siblings, Anniston, Jessalyn and Gatlin in the Nash home. Maternal

grandparents are Nikki and Steve Zetterberg and Roxanne Taylor. Maternal great-grandparents are Patricia and Arthur Zetterberg. Paternal grandparents are Sue and David Nash.

Cecillia Joseph POLSON — Cecillia Del Joseph was born on Aug. 2, 2021, at the Nesting Place in Providence Cecilia St. Joseph Joseph Medical Center. Cecillia’s moth-

er is Deidra Joseph of Polson. Maternal grandparents are Cecillia Alexander and Delbert Joseph.

Alexis Monroe POLSON — Huntyr Smith announces the birth of her sister, Alexis Evelyn Marie Monroe, who was born on Aug. 23, 2021, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Alexis Nesting Monroe Place.

Alexis was 18 inches and weighed 6

Valley Journal

pounds, 10 ounces. Her parents are Jewel Zakit and Jason Monroe of Ronan.

Maternal grandparents are Christy Wheeler and Tucker Zakit. Maternal great-grandparents are Wanda and John Wheeler and Velvet Swarm. Great great-grandparent is Norman Shaw. Paternal grandparent is Nadine Kent.

Paternal great-grandparent is Evelyn Monroe.

Averie Pierre POLSON — Abigail and Rache Pierre announce the birth of their sister, Averie Ann Pierre.

She was born on July 28, 2021, at the Nesting Place

in Providence St. Joseph Medical. Averie was 21 inches and weighed 8 pounds, three ounces.

Her parents are Billie Rae Averie Bear and Pierre Richard Pierre of Elmo. Maternal grandparents are Monica Caye and James Ironmaker.

Maternal great-grandparents are Lucy Caye and Louie Caye Sr. Paternal grandparents are DeeDee Gingras and Francis Pierre.

Paternal great-grandparents are Mary Stasso and Joann Schall.

September 15, 2021 - 21

DAYTON DAZE celebrated Photos and story by Rob Zolman / Valley Journal

DAYTON — The community of Dayton celebrated its local superheroes – the Dayton Volunteer Fire Department/QRU and first responders – with an afternoon of fun, festivities and fundraising during Dayton Daze on Saturday.

This year’s festivities offered a little something for everyone, including a parade that boasted its usual array of emergency vehicles,

22 - September 15, 2021

Valley Journal

fire trucks and loads of candy for the kids.

The Dayton Daze event, held annually since 1991, serves as the department’s largest fundraiser of the year. The Chief Cliff Volunteer Fire Department/QRU is the first line of defense for those living in northern Lake County, including Dayton, Proctor, Elmo and Lake Mary Ronan.

Funds raised this year will aid in the purchase of a greater capacity water cistern.

seniors Dixon

By Heather Rush for the Valley Journal

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

The menu for the coming week is: — Saturday, Sept. 18: breakfast served 9-11 a.m.

— Monday, Sept.

20: dinner - chicken, potatoes, salad, rolls, dessert — Thursday, Sept.

23: dinner - pot roast, veggies, salad, rolls, dessert We are hosting breakfast on the third Saturday of every month from 9-11 a.m. The

next breakfast will take place on Sept. 18. Bring the family and enjoy a meal with friends and neighbors.

Pinochle is being hosted at the Dixon Senior Center every fourth Monday of each month from 7-9 p.m. The next scheduled game is on Monday, Sept. 27.

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

St. Ignatius

By Irene Pritsak for the Valley Journal

ST. IGNATIUS — The St. Ignatius Senior Center reminds everyone their annual fall sale will take place on Oct. 1 and 2. Baked goods will be sold on Friday, Oct. 1. If you have contributions, bring them to the senior center in the next couple of weeks. Please save the dates and join us.

— Wednesday, Sept.

15: dinner at 5:30 – spaghetti, tomato sauce with sausage, parmesan cheese, salad, rolls, fruit,

dessert — Friday, Sept. 17: macaroni and cheese, ham, salad, rolls, fruit, dessert — Tuesday, Sept. 21: sloppy Joes, salad, fruit, dessert We would like to encourage you all to join us for lunch on Tuesdays and Fridays at noon.

Enjoy your week.

Polson

By Peter Mangels for the Valley Journal

POLSON — September is the month for Polson Senior Center’s annual membership drive. Dues are only $15 for the year. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Lunches are served at the center or packaged for take-out. The lunches are well balanced, nutritious, delicious and only $5. A full month menu is available at the center. Home delivery is also available. Call the center at 406-883-4735 for details.

Here is the weekly menu:

— Wednesday, Sept.

15: pork tip gravy over noodles, green beans, tomato/cucumber salad, angel food cake — Thursday, Sept. 16: chicken, creamy pasta salad, stir-fried vegetables, Jell-O fruit cocktail, chocolate pudding — Friday, Sept.

17: cheeseburger, lettuce, tomato, pickles, tots, copper penny salad, spice cake — Monday, Sept.

20: beef barley soup, egg salad sandwich, calico salad, carrot cake — Tuesday, Sept.

21: Shepherd pie, roll, creamy fruit salad, zucchini bread — Wednesday, Sept.

22: meatloaf, baked potato, carrots, Jell-O veggie salad, fruit crisp

Ronan

leave your home.

Our menu for the week is: — Wednesday, Sept.

15: chili and cinnamon rolls — Friday, Sept. 17: pork chops, roasted red potatoes, salad, dessert — Monday, Sept. 20: ham split pea soup or potato soup, sandwiches, dessert — Wednesday, Sept.

22: potluck casserole, salad, dessert — Friday, Sept. 24: roast beef, mashed potatoes, salad, dessert We are planning on having flu shots given at the center in the near future so heads up on that.

Please take care and check on your friends to make sure they are all right. See you at the center.

Montana sees strong recovery from COVID-19 recession

News from MT Dept. of Labor and Industry

HELENA — Montana’s Department of Labor & Industry released the state’s 2021 Labor Day report, which shows Montana is in the midst of a strong recovery from the 2020 recession and is poised to enjoy robust economic growth in the future.

The report, compiled annually by the Department’s Research & Analysis Bureau, gives a detailed analysis of the state’s economy and examines key indicators of economic strength such as unemployment, GDP, and labor force participation.

By Auggie Peterson for the Valley Journal

RONAN — Hope you are all well and taking care of yourselves during the new outbreak of COVID. Please be careful and wear your mask whenever you

is accepting applications for Trooper positions

For details and to obtain application materials on the Patrol’s website https://dojmt.gov/highwaypatrol

Closing Date: 10-01-2021

AA/EEO Employer Valley Journal

Valley Journal

September 15, 2021 - 27

September 15, 2021 - 23

calendar Friday, Sept. 17 Ronan schools hold ‘Child Find’ RONAN — The Ronan/Pablo School District, along with the CDC Centers, will be conducting their annual Child Find free screening on Friday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the K. Wm. Harvey Elementary School. Children ages birth to 5 years old will be screened for delays in speech, language, motor skills and social or basic school readiness skills.

This screening is available for those children who currently reside in the Ronan/Pablo School District. Appointments are required and are taken on a first-come-first-served basis. You may make an appointment for your child by calling Janet at 406676-3390 ext. 7450.

Walk-ins will be subject to availability or scheduled for a later date.

Support ‘Stuff the Truck’ event POLSON — Bring two or more non-perishable food items (per person) to the Friday, Sept. 17 football game between Polson and Ronan and Providence St. Joseph Hospital will cover your admission fee to the football game. The game will be played at Polson High School at 7 p.m.

All non-perishable food will be donated to Polson Loaves and Fish Pantry.

see extended calendar at www.valleyjournal.net Tots four person golf scramble at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 18.

For more information, call 406-883-8230.

Ronan Harvest Festival returns RONAN — The Ronan Harvest Festival returns on Saturday, Sept. 18.

Festivities will be held on the lawn south of Glacier Bank. A vendor market, kids’ games, petting zoo, corn hole tournament and more are planned from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 23

Saturday, Sept. 18

Learn Excel Part II

Golf for tots

RONAN — Mission West is offering this free workshop in September to help your business succeed.

This class is offered via Zoom. Microsoft Excel is

POLSON — Polson Bay Golf Course will host the 6th annual Marine Corps Reserves’ Toys for

an essential tool for managing your company’s data.

Excel II is an intermediate class for students who have a basic knowledge of Excel.

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to: work with lists, work with freeze panes and split panes, use the sort and auto filter functions, use the insert function command to create “IF functions,” use the automatic subtotals and grouping functions, and create and work with charts.

Register at: https:// lccdc.ecenterdirect.com/ events or call 406-6765928. Mission West also offers classes through Flathead Valley Community College.

Check them out on their website calendar: https:// missionwestcdp.org/aboutus/workshops-events/

Saturday, Sept. 25

Check the Facebook page: Pedal2Plate for the most up-to-date information.

Free entry to Glacier Park GLACIER PARK — In celebration of National Public Lands Day, Glacier National Park will allow free entry on Saturday, Sept. 25.

New route, farms for Pedal to Plate event MISSION VALLEY — The annual Mission Mountain Area Pedal to Plate event takes place on Saturday, Sept. 25.

This 30-mile scenic bike tour at the base of the Mission Mountains includes a new route, new farms, a locally-sourced organic food dinner, craft beers, local music and an artisan farmer’s market. Register at: www. bikereg.com/MMAPP. Cost is $70 per person.

Sunday, Sept. 26 Learn about John Muir, Gifford Pinchot BIGFORK — Take a nature walk on Sunday, Sept. 26, at 11 a.m., at the Bigfork Nature Trail in-town trailhead, featuring author John Clayton, discussing the unique lives of John Muir and Gifford Pinchot, who both spent time in and around northwest Montana and the questions their contrasting philosophies raise about “the wild” and our place in it. Contact Kyle Stetler at: kmstetler@ gmail.com for more information.

bowling Lucky Strike bowling results for the week of Sept. 5-11

High Series Scratch: Shawn Barber 690

Alex Wilson 690 High Series Handicap: Shawon Barber 690

Alex Wilson 690 Merchant Wednesday Lucky Ladies High Game Scratch: DID NOT BOWL High Team Game: M-5 Sister Wives 850 Tuesday Twister High Team Series: Jennison Tree 2346 High Team Game: Ball Babies 807 High Game Scratch: Johnie Underwood 224 High Team Series: Ball Babies 2261 Scratch Game Hdcap: Jazz Webster 248 High Game Scratch: Sandi Torres 220 High Series Scratch: Karen Bockmuehl 605 High Handicap Game: Sharon Barber 220 High Series Handicap: Johnie Underwood 599

Sandi Torres 220 Lady Strikers DID NOT BOWL High Series Scratch: Sandi Torres 607 Friday Night Mixed High Series Handicap: Sandi Torres 607 High Team Game: 666 962 Out-O-Rounders High Team Series: 666 2705 High Team Game: The Swabbies 991 Men High Team Series: Junior Tatonkas 2684 High Game Scratch: Jesse Corbett 298 High Game Scratch: Dan Cowan 255 High Game Handicap: Jesse Corbett 298 High Game Handicap: Scott Heuer 290 High Series Scratch: Jesse Corbett 737 24 - September 15, 2021

Valley Journal

High Series Handicap: Women High Game Scratch: High Game Handicap: High Series Scratch: High Series Handicap:

Jesse Corbett Johnie Underwood Kim Wieder Johnie Underwood Johnie Underwood

737 225 250 647 674

Youth coalition files lawsuit to challenge voter suppression laws

By Rylee Sommers-Flanagan, Upper Seven Law

BILLINGS — Montana Youth Action, Forward Montana Foundation, and Montana Public Interest Research Group (MontPIRG) have filed a lawsuit challenging three recently passed laws that restrict young Montanans’ access to voting.

The challenged bills include Senate Bill 169, which changes voter identification requirements

and limits the use of student ID; House Bill 506, which prohibits ballot distribution to individuals who will but do not yet meet age and residency-based voter eligibility criteria; and House Bill 176, which eliminates election day registration. The complaint calls out these bills for unconstitutionally burdening Montana’s fundamental right to vote with cause, let alone a compelling reason.

Montanans should take pride

in the dramatic increase in youth voter turnout since 2014, when only 18 percent of voters under age 30 casted a ballot. By contrast, in 2020, 56 percent of young Montanans turned out to vote. This rise in the proportion of young Montana voters is among the highest in the nation.

In passing these bills, the Montana State Legislature is punishing young voters who are disproportionately impacted by

voter suppression bills.

About bringing this challenge, Scout McMahon, Initiatives Chair of Montana Youth Action issued the following statement: “Young Montanans are engaged and eager to participate in civic life. But when restrictions are placed on youth, the hurdles imposed make it incredibly difficult for us to make our voices heard. And when the voices of young people are stifled, our

Governor invests nearly $150M water, sewer infrastructure projects News from the office of Governor Gianforte

HELENA — Governor Gianforte recently announced the investment of nearly $150 million for water and sewer infrastructure projects across the state.

“Montana is leading the nation in making critical water and sewer infrastructure investments, with more than 80% of them supporting our rural communities,” Governor Gianforte said. “With funds devoted toward constructing new systems and improving existing ones, more Montana communities will have access to reliable, sustainable water and wastewater systems.”

As recommended by the Infrastructure Advisory Commission, $121 million will fund 73 top-ranked competitive grant projects, which the governor announced in mid-August.

Each grant has a cap of $2 million per project. Associ-

ated Minimum Allocation Grants, totaling $20.2 million will also be awarded for those projects.

The governor is also awarding American Rescue Plan Act Water and Sewer Minimum Allocation Grants totaling $5.8 million to 13 eligible projects.

Project rankings were conducted by a team of technical experts in drinking water, wastewater, engineering, and project management at the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.

A website with a dashboard detailing ARPA water and sewer grant project status and statistics as well as an interactive map have now launched and can be found at: arpa-mtdnrc. hub.arcgis.com/pages/ project-applications. To date, the ARPA traffic and inquiries total over 27,000 hits, including the website, articles, community events, forum engagement and a

survey, signaling immense public interest in this grant program.

In addition to HB 632 which appropriated ARPA funds for water and sewer competitive grants, the Montana Legislature also appropriated $150 million of ARPA funds for water and sewer minimum allocation grants to towns, cities, and counties. These grants are not competitive.

Applications exclusive to minimum allocation grants are being accepted on an ongoing basis until Jan. 1, 2023. Applications must be reviewed for eligibility by DNRC before the agency can recommend those projects to the Infrastructure Advisory Commission.

Applicants for competitive water and sewer grants can visit: arpa.mt.gov to log in to see their final score. Technical assistance will continue to be available.

Some of the local projects found on the site in-

clude: Lake County - Lake County/Pleasant View Water and Sewer District; Plains Water Source Replacement; Ronan Water System Improvement; St. Ignatius Sewer Replacement; Lakeside Water and Sewer District Water System Improvements Project; Polson Wastewater Collection System Improvement; Polson Water Distribution System Improvements; Hot Springs Wastewater Preliminary Engineering Report.

Agencies administering and assisting with the ARPA water and sewer grants include DNRC, the Department of Environmental Quality, and the Department of Commerce.

The next Infrastructure Advisory Commission meeting will be held on Sept. 22. Public comments or letters of support regarding a specific project application can be mailed to: dnrarpa@mt.gov or submitted in the Public Comment Form.

Valley Journal

democracy fails to reflect the lived experiences of entire generations.

To create lifelong habits of civic engagement and voting, we must be allowed access to the ballot box. HB 506 literally disenfranchises Montana’s youngest voters, making it impossible for certain individuals to receive their ballots in advance of elections, despite being registered and qualified to vote on election day.”

ARPA’s $7M funding helps lower Montanans’ health insurance costs News from the office of Senator Tester

BIG SANDY — Following his continued push for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to support Montana reinsurance programs and lower the cost of health insurance for Montanans, U.S. Senator Jon Tester today announced $7,129,995 in additional American Rescue Plan Act funding to reimburse health insurance exchange insurers for certain high-cost claims that would otherwise be paid by consumers and the federal government.

Tester was the only member of Montana’s Congressional delegation to vote in favor of the funding.

“This pandemic is highlighting what we already knew: quality health care is too expensive and hits Montanans pocketbooks hard,” Tester said. “That is why I fought to secure this funding to help lower Montanans’ health insurance costs. Rising health care costs hurt working families and small businesses across our state so we need to continue to work together to provide access to affordable health care.”

States that have section 1332 state-based reinsurance waivers, including Montana, will receive funding to improve access to affordable, comprehensive health insurance coverage. The $7.1 million for Montana’s reinsurance program will reimburse health insurance exchange insurers for certain high-cost claims in the individual health insurance market using a mix of federal pass-through funding and association member assessments.

September 15, 2021 - 25

Gov. Gianforte invests $6M to strengthen Montana’s workforce “This funding is going to have a tremendous impact on the people our agency serves.”

News from the office of Governor Gianforte

HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte recently announced the investment of $6 million to strengthen Montana’s workforce and provide job training to Montanans, particularly to individuals with disabilities and those who have become unemployed since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Helping Montanans acquire the in-demand skills needed to fill good-paying jobs is a top priority,” Gov. Gianforte said. “These investments will help more Montana workers access skills training programs, helping them enter or reenter the

- Adam Meier, Director DPHHS workforce or boost their careers to the next level while alleviating our workforce shortage in critical industries.”

Gov. Gianforte approved the use of $2 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funding for the Individuals with Disabilities Employment Engagement Program, which augments the Department of Public Health and Human Services’ Vocational Rehabilitation services.

DPPHS VR provides services to individuals with disabilities to ob-

tain, regain, maintain, and advance in employment. The funding approved will supplement existing VR staff by temporarily adding 10 additional full-time rehabilitation counselors, opening the door to approximately 1,000 additional individuals with disabilities to participate in the program.

Approximately 1,300 individuals are on the program’s waitlist.

“This funding is going to have a tremendous impact on the people our agency serves,” DPHHS Direc-

tor Adam Meier said.

“The opportunity to add additional rehabilitation counselors will allow us to work with our clients who are currently on the waiting list. These individuals are ready and willing to work, and just need the opportunity. We’re excited to increase these efforts across the state to connect our clients with training, assisted technology and other tools that will help set them up to successfully enter the work force.”

The governor also approved an additional $4

million in ARPA funds for the Department of Labor & Industry to provide “rapid retraining” services and enroll Montanans in workforce training programs.

The funds will allow the department to utilize an existing state network of contracted workforce program providers to provide critical training, primarily for those who lost their jobs during the pandemic and need new skills to reenter the workforce.

The funds will be used to conduct and support short-term skills training for Montanans including displaced workers such as those in Colstrip or St. Regis.

“This funding will enable the department to strengthen our al-

ready-robust network of workforce service providers and help more Montanans benefit from the training programs they provide. The end result will be more Montana workers with the skills they need to succeed,” DLI Commissioner Laurie Esau said.

The governor accepted the $6 million funding recommendations from the ARPA Economic Transformation and Stabilization and Workforce Development Programs and Advisory Commission.

ARPA advisory commissions comprise state legislators, agency leaders, and administration officials. More information about the advisory commissions may be found at: arpa.mt.gov.

Montana to modernize old Drought Management Plan News from the office of Governor Greg Gianforte

HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte announced efforts to improve Montana drought and water supply planning last week. This planning effort was discussed during the Governor’s Drought and Water Supply Committee meeting.

Approved in 1995, the existing Montana Drought Management Plan is slated to be updated with support from a new federal grant.

“With every region of Montana facing severe to extreme drought conditions, this is the 26 - September 15, 2021

A new plan will be developed over the next 2 years by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. time to plan for the future and increase our preparedness statewide,” Gov. Gianforte said.

“Drought is having an impact on everyone – from anglers to foresters to agricultural producers.”

Over the next two years, the Montana Department of

Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) will update the Montana Drought Management Plan. The new plan will increase preparedness to meet current and future drought-related challenges across a wide range of water users in the state.

The new plan will improve and formalize the state’s drought preparedness, monitoring, and response. It will also help identify and prioritize drought vulnerabilities and recommend proactive adaptation strategies to reduce the severity and lessen the impacts of drought across communities Valley Journal

and individual users in Montana.

The Bureau of Reclamation awarded DNRC a $200,000 grant to support the planning and updating efforts. The grant will be matched with $100,000 in one-time-only funds provided by the Montana Legislature as well as in-kind DNRC staff time. The Planning Section within the Water Management Bureau is coordinating the resources, stakeholders, and collaboration required to complete the update.

The planning effort will involve substantial input and direction from stakeholders,

including agency leadership, technical experts, impacted water users, and members of the public. The Governor’s Drought and Water Supply Committee, composed of agency leadership, will participate in the update of the Drought Management Plan and provide general oversight during the planning process.

A new website is being developed to share updates and information about the planning process and to provide an avenue for public comment.

Please visit the Montana DNRC Drought Website for more information.

Museum of the Rockies offers free admission Annual Museum Day celebrated on Sept. 18 MSU News Service

BOZEMAN — Museum Day is a national celebration of curiosity in which participating museums match the free admission policy at the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington, D.C.-based museums. It aims to inspire the public, particularly school-aged children and those in underrepresented communities, she said, and it represents a commitment to access, equity and inclusion. This year’s theme is “Experience America.” Museum of the Rockies’ current rotating exhibition is “The Vikings Begin,” which features rare Scandinavian artifacts. Its primary exhibition halls and Taylor Planetarium shows are also available.

Museum Day tickets are available for download at: Smith-

COURTESY PHOTO

Big Mike, a bronze replica of a Tyrannosaurus rex discovered in 1988, greets visitors as they arrive to the Museum of the Rockies.

sonianmag.com/MuseumDay. Visitors who present a Museum Day ticket will gain free en-

trance for two. One ticket is permitted per email address. For more information visit: Smith-

Tester announces $679,000 UM College of Health Funding will be used to expand telehealth services to Montana’s underserved, rural, and Tribal communities

News from the office of Senator Tester

BIG SANDY — U.S. Senator Jon Tester announced $679,441 in new Federal Communications Commission pandemic relief funding for the University of Montana College of Health in Missoula to purchase tele-

medicine kits. The kits will enable critical, remote telehealth services. Funding will also provide internet connected devices for remote patient monitoring services during the pandemic for underserved, rural, and Tribal populations within the state.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that telehealth services are more essential than ever for folks in rural Montana who often need to drive hours to access basic health care,” said Tester. “I’m proud to have secured these resources for the University of Montana

College of Health, which will be a game changer for our state’s underserved communities that need it the most, and I will continue to aggressively hold the FCC accountable to ensure that Montana is never left behind.”

Funding for the University of Montana College of Health in Missoula comes in the second round of the FCC’s COVID-19 Telehealth Program Awards, which was established as a part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act. Valley Journal

sonianmag.com/MuseumDay. The museum, which is a part of Montana State University,

recommends that all individuals, vaccinated or not, wear face masks or coverings indoors.

Audubon offers Jewel Basin hawk watch field trip News from the Flathead Audubon Society

JEWEL BASIN — Flathead Audubon is offering a field trip to view migrating raptors on Sunday, Sept.

19, from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. (approximately). Dan Casey will lead the trip to the Jewel Basin Hawk Watch site. The second half of September offers peak numbers and diversity of passing raptors. Expect to see more than 100 hawks of 10 or more species if conditions are right. Last year the group saw 595 birds on Sept. 21, an all-time high count.

This trip involves a 2.2-mile hike of moderate difficulty (each way), gaining 1,400 vertical feet from the

Jewel Basin parking lot.

Attendees should wear sturdy footwear. Hiking poles are recommended. You should also bring binoculars, water, lunch and clothing layers for changing weather conditions. The trip will be canceled or rescheduled if weather conditions are unsuitable. The trip is limited to 10 participants. Please contact Dan at 406 270-5941 to sign up and get more information. Carpooling will be encouraged for vaccinated people. The road to the Jewel Basin is rough and parking is limited. The time of the field trip includes both driving from Bigfork and hiking to the viewing area.

This field trip is free and open to the public.

September 15, 2021 - 29

classifieds Announcements

Free

Auctions

Free: 1,000 corn stalks, on the ground. Call 883-2678.

Ophus Auction Co. conducts the Stuart MacKenzie Estate Auction. 10 am Saturday September 18th, 2021. Held at the Blaine County Fair Grounds, Chinook, MT. www.OphusAuctions.com 2021 STATE OF MONTANA SURPLUS PROPERTY AUCTION – Helena, MT. Online bidding opens on Sept.

18 and ends on Oct. 2. Go to pateauction.com <http://pateauction.com> or download the Pate Auction app to your mobile device for listing and details.

Wildlife Auction September 25th, 11 a.m. 3625 S 56th Street, West Billings. Confiscated Antlers, Horns, Hides and Skulls. 4-year accumulation from all 7 Montana FWP Regions. Auctioneer Cash Seal Phone (406) 259-4730. www.nationalauctionusa.com

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

Whole estates/collections or single pieces.

Fair prices paid. 207-4641 FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans.

R12 R500 R11 R113 R114.

Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call (312) 291-9169 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com.

Employment Help wanted IRRIGATION ENGINEER I NATURAL RESOURCE DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must possess at a minimum, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, Environmen-

tal Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, Hydrology, Geology, Hydro-geology, or other related engineering degree from an accredited engineering college with emphasis in one or more of the following areas: construction engineering, construction project management, irrigation infrastructure design, hydraulics, hydrology, geotechnical engineering, and design of irrigation infrastructure. Must possess an Engineer Intern (El) license or ability to acquire in 6 months. A Professional Engineering (PE) license is preferred. Experience with computers, including industry standard engineering design software such as AutoCAD, Civil 3D, ArcGIS, etc. Experience with word processing and spreadsheet software such as WORD and EXCEL. Experience with construction scheduling software such as Primavera and Microsoft Project. Experience operating heavy equipment is desired.

All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, copy of relevant transcript and/or certificate, a copy of a valid driver’s license and

proof of Tribal enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy.

The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is negotiable dependent on experience, plus benefits.

To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. #1259/1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, Oct. 7th, 2021 @ 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. REGISTERED DIETITIAN (CLINICAL) - TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT Successful applicant for registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) must have met the Commission on Dietetic Registration’s (CDR) criteria to earn the RD credential. Certi-

fied Diabetes Educator (CDE) status preferred. Level 1 RDN: Bachelor degree in dietetics from an accredited program.

Prefer experience with electronic health record applications. Level 2 RDN: Bachelor or Master’s degree in dietetics from an accredited program with five years’ experience as a registered dietitian in a comparable area of specialty.

Prefer registered dietitian with Certified Diabetes Educator status. Prefer experience with electronic health record applications. All applicants must submit a Tribal application and copy of academic transcript/ training certificate and licensure, completed supplemental background questionnaire, proof of enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted.

The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) months probationary period. Salary is negotiable. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. #1040, or personnel@

cskt.org. Tribal applications are also available online at cskt.org. Closing date will be Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. SKILLED MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN (1 OR MORE POSITIONS) TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT Successful applicant must have at least 2 years of experience in the maintenance field which includes carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and/or HVAC. Must have 2 years of experience in maintaining power equipment and tools.

Must possess a valid Montana driver’s license. Must be able to work some weekends on call under emergency situations. All applicants must submit a Tribal application and copy of academic transcript/ training certificate and licensure, proof of enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. The successful applisee page 29

This week's puzzle answers: Crypto-Quote Solution GIVE ME A LEVER LONG ENOUGH AND A FULCRUM ON WHICH TO PLACE IT, AND I SHALL MOVE THE WORLD. - ARCHIMEDES

28 - September 15, 2021

Valley Journal

classifieds Help wanted cont’d from pg. 28 cant, 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 $14.98 to $17.32 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 cskt.org. Closing date will be Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021 at 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. MONITORING & MEASUREMENT PROGRAM HYDROLOGIST - NATURAL RESOURCE DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must possess a Master’s of Science with two years of relevant professional-level experience or Bachelor’s of Science with a minimum of five years of relevant professional-level experience. Education must be in the field of hydrologic sciences, engineering, or a closely related physical sciences field with emphasis on hydrology. Education and experience must demonstrate analytical aptitude, exposure to both surface and ground water hydrology, and a working understanding of water resources data collection, data management, and data publishing procedures. Must have or be able to secure a current State of Montana driver’s license. Must wear Tribal Government identification and safety apparel when conducting field activities.

All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, copy of relevant transcript and/or certificate, a copy of a valid driver’s license and proof of Tribal enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy.

The successful applicant,

if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is negotiable, dependent on experience, plus benefits.

To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. #1259/1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, Sept. 30th, 2021 @ 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. COMMUNITY HEALTH NURSE – COVID 19 RESPONSE - EMPLOYED UNDER A 1 YEAR TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT ALL CLINIC LOCATIONS 1 OR MORE POSITIONS The successful applicant must have an ASN degree from an accredited college of nursing. Licensed as a Registered Nurse in the state of Montana or compact state.

One year of nursing experience. Public/ Community Health Nursing preferred. BLS certification within 2 months of employment. Required to provide proof of completion of contact tracing training within 2 weeks of hire. All applicants are required to submit a completed Tribal employment application (resumes alone are not accepted). Copies of relevant academic transcripts and training certificates. Copy of current licensure. Must provide a copy of a valid driver’s license. Proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe. If claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 to the Tribal Personnel Department, 406.675.2700 ext.

1040 or personnel@cskt.org or visit the cskt.org website for the application. Salary is negotiable. Closing date is Thursday, September 30, 2021 @ 5:30 p.m. This 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.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

WATER CONSERVATION & PLANNING SCIENTIST NATURAL RESOURCE DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must possess a Master’s of Science with three years of relevant professional-level experience or Bachelor’s of Science with a minimum of six years of relevant professional-level experience. Education must be in the field of hydrologic sciences, engineering, agricultural sciences, or soil sciences or a closely related physical sciences field with emphasis on surface water hydrology. Education and experience must demonstrate analytical and quantitative aptitude. Possession of a valid State driver’s license with the ability to obtain a Montana driver’s license within six (6) months. Must have liability or full coverage insurance on personal vehicle (if used to travel off-site in performance of duties). Also 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. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, copy of relevant transcript and/or certificate, a copy of a valid driver’s license and proof of Tribal enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy.

The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is negotiable, dependent on experience, plus benefits.

To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. #1259/1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, Oct. 7th, 2021 @ 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

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classifieds Help wanted cont’d from pg. 29 MAT (Medication Assisted Treatment) CARE MANAGER - TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must have a Bachelor’s degree in a health-related field with 1 year of substance use disorder experience. Must possess a valid driver’s license. Knowledge of local resources on the Flathead Reservation. Knowledge of substance use disorders, behaviors, and treatments.

Follows Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and Tribal Health Department standards, policies, procedures, and protocols. Maintains confidentiality of information regarding clients, colleagues, and the public. Knowledge of Federal privacy laws related to medical records. Ability to successfully pass civil and criminal background check for persons working with children and vulnerable adults. Ability to communicate with TH recipients, families and community members in a compassionate and respectful manner, acknowledging tribal values and beliefs. Skill in writing and public relations. Ability to independently plan, organize, and implement a wide variety of administrative processes.

All applicants must submit a Tribal application and copy of academic transcript/training certificate, copy of licensure, completed supplemental background questionnaire (contact the CSKT Personnel Department), copy of driver’s license, proof of enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted.

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 $14.98 to $17.32 per hour.

To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. #1040 or personnel@cskt.org. Tribal applications are also available 30 - September 15, 2021

online at csktribes.org. Closing date is Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021 @ 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. REPORTER WANTED Seeking south county freelance writer to contribute weekly stories.

Pay is $65 per story and $10 per published photograph. Weekly assignments. Work is entirely remote. Must enjoy writing, work well independently, have access to reliable computer/internet and be able to meet deadlines.

Knowledge of AP style preferred, but willing to train. To apply, send letter of interest and writing samples to:summer@ valleyjournal.net.

WATER RIGHTS IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAM MANAGER NATURAL RESOURCE DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must possess a Master’s of Science with five years of relevant professional-level experience or Bachelor’s of Science with a minimum of seven years of relevant professional-level experience. Education must be in the field of hydrologic sciences, engineering, or a closely related physical sciences field with emphasis on surface water hydrology.

Education and experience must demonstrate progressive job experience, a body of technical work product completion, quantitative aptitude, and supervisory and management experience.

Experience must demonstrate a working knowledge of water rights administration and policy. Ten years of experience in an administrative field with increasingly responsible experience in office management including computer systems, fiscal responsibilities, contract administration, tribal bookkeeping procedures, payroll procedures, and budget. At least three years of direct supervision and office management experience with emphasis in program man-

agement and accounting or at least five years of experience in an administrative field with increasingly responsible experience in office management including computer systems, fiscal responsibilities, contract administration, and budget of a Tribal or Federal government program. Possession of a valid state driver’s license with the ability to obtain a Montana driver’s license within six (6) months. Must have liability or full coverage insurance on personal vehicle (if used to travel off-site in performance of duties). Also 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. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, copy of relevant transcript and/or certificate, a copy of a valid driver’s license and proof of Tribal enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy.

The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is negotiable, dependent on experience, plus benefits.

To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. #1259/1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, Sept. 30th, 2021 @ 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. HVAC/R Maintenance Technician. **Recent Wage Increase** Montana State University – Bozeman. For complete job announcement and application procedures, click on: https://jobs.montana. edu/hr/postings/23158. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled.

WATER SUPPLY & FORECASTING HYDROLOGIST

- NATURAL RESOURCE DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must possess a Master’s of Science with three years of relevant professional-level experience or Bachelor’s of Science with a minimum of six years of relevant professional-level experience. Education must be in the field of hydrologic sciences, engineering, or a closely related physical sciences field with emphasis on quantitative applications in surface water hydrology. Education and experience must demonstrate quantitative aptitude, including application of statistical modeling to water resource problems. Possession of a valid state driver’s license with the ability to obtain a Montana driver’s license within six (6) months. Must have liability or full coverage insurance on personal vehicle (if used to travel off-site in performance of duties). Also 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. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, copy of relevant transcript and/or certificate, a copy of a valid driver’s license and proof of Tribal enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy.

The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is negotiable, dependent on experience, plus benefits.

To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. #1259/1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, Oct. 7th, 2021 @ 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. Due to expansion, Enviro-Tire is accepting

Valley Journal

applications for 1-2 additional driving positions. 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 $20.00+ per hour DOE and ability. Mandatory DOT drug testing. Vacation & holiday pay. Office phone and fax (406) 755-7716, enviro-tire@ montanasky.com DEWR ADMINISTRATIVE AIDE - (MAY BE HIRED UNDER A CONTRACT) NATURAL RESOURCE DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must possess a four-year business degree with at least two years’ experience in Tribal government accounting and administration. In absence of degree, applicant must have at least six years of progressive responsible experience in all phases of Tribal government administration and accounting. Training and/or experience in Microsoft Excel, Access, and Word. A minimum of six (6) years of experience is required. Formal training in accounting and computer program operation. On-thejob training is acceptable.

Possession of, or eligibility for, a valid Montana Motor Vehicle Operator’s license and be insurable under the Tribes’ insurance policy. Also 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. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, copy of relevant transcript and/or certificate, a copy of a valid driver’s license and proof of Tribal enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy.

The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve

a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is $14.98 to $17.32 per hour, plus benefits. To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. #1259/1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org.

Closing date will be Thursday, Sept. 23rd, 2021 @ 5:30 p.m.

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. GIS ANALYST - (MAY BE HIRED UNDER A CONTRACT) - NATURAL RESOURCE DEPARTMENT The successful applicant must possess a Maste’rs of Arts or Master’s of Science with three years of relevant professional-level experience or Bachelor’s of Arts or Bachelor’s of Science with a minimum of five years of relevant professional-level experience. Education must be in the field of GIS and Geospatial Analysis, Geography, Forestry, Water Resources, or a closely related Natural Resources field.

Exposure and emphasis on water resources is preferred.

Education and experience must demonstrate focus on GIS and Geospatial Analysis, analytical aptitude, and ability to work interactively in a team setting. Must be able to work 40 hours a week, with additional time and evenings and/ or weekends when necessary.

Requires prolonged sitting, some bending, lifting, and stooping at times. Must have a valid state driver’s license with the ability to secure a current State of Montana driver’s license within six (6) months. Must have liability or full coverage insurance on personal vehicle (if used to travel off-site in performance of duties) and a dependable vehicle for transportation on and off job duty station.

Is required to wear CSKT safety apparel as necessary.

Required to successfully complete a certified defensive driving course approved by the Department. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal application, copy of relevant transcript and/or certificate, a copy of a valid driver’s license and proof of Tribal enrollment see page 31

public notices Help wanted

Garage Sale

cont’d from pg. 30

Ronan

from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy.

The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is negotiable dependent on experience, plus benefits.

To apply, contact Personnel at 406-675-2700 Ext. #1259/1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Thursday, Sept. 30th, 2021 @ 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

Farm/Ranch Miscellaneous Free: 1,000 corn stalks, on the ground. Call 883-2678.

Legal Notices are welcome!

Deadline is Friday at noon.

406-676-8989

MOVING/RANCH SALE SAT. SEPT. 18, 2021, 9-4.

39764 ROBERTSON RD, RONAN Vintage items, furniture, household items, tools, hardware, odds and ends. Cash only. No early birds.

custody of children under 18.

This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD Toll-free at 1-800669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

Real Estate Equal housing

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Montana Human Rights Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, familial status, physical or mental disability, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing

Public Notices Legals

CAUSE NO. DP-21-44 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.

Claims must either be mailed to WAYNE M. YODER, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, c/o Field Law Offices, PLLC, PO Box 573, Ronan, MT 59864, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 31st day of August, 2021. /s/ WAYNE M. YODER, Personal Representative Sept. 8, 15 and 22, 2021 MNAXLP Matthew H. O’Neill O’NEILL LAW OFFICE, PLLC 402 First Street East, Suite 201 P. O. Box 699 Polson, MT 59860 Telephone: (406) 883-5444 Facsimile: (406) 883-1585 matt@polsonlaw.com Attorney for Personal Representative

Legals Kimberly L. Field Field Law Offices, PLLC P.O. Box 573 Ronan, MT 59864 Telephone: (406) 676-0677 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RAYMOND M. YODER, Deceased.

CAUSE No. DP-21-58 Hon. James A. Manley NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-entitled estate, and that the address of the Personal Representative is set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent having claims against the decedent’s estate must present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice, or be forever barred as creditors of the decedent.

A written statement of the claim indicating its basis, the name and address of the claimant, and the amount claimed, may be filed with the Clerk of the 20th Judicial District Court, at 106 4th Ave. East, Polson, Montana 59860, or mailed, Return Receipt Requested, to the Personal Representative, c/o O’NEILL LAW OFFICE, Attorneys for the Personal Representative, at P.O. Box 699, Polson, MT 59860. /s/ RICHARD L. KELLOR RICHARD L. KELLOR, Personal Representative, Estate of CAROL TIERNAN, Deceased.

Sept. 8, 15 and 22, 2021 MNAXLP

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

Notice of Close of Regular Voter Registration and Option for Late Registration for the Municipal General Election

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CAROL TIERNAN, Deceased.

Notice is hereby given that regular* registration for the Municipal General

Service Directory ADVERTISE HERE!

Election to be held on November 2, 2021, will close at 5:00 p.m., on October 4, 2021. *NOTE: If you miss this regular registration deadline, you may still register for the election by appearing in person at the county election office (106 4th Ave, Polson, MT 59860) until noon on November 1st.

All active and inactive** electors who reside in the Town of St. Ignatius, the City of Polson, the City of Ronan, and the Lake County Rural District are entitled to vote at said election. **Ballots will be automatically mailed to active status electors only on October 15th. If you are a registered voter and do not receive a ballot, contact the county election office to update your information as necessary and receive a ballot.

Persons who wish to register and who are not presently registered may do so by requesting a form for registration by mail, by email (tkramer@ lakemt.gov), or by coming into the Lake County election office. If you have moved, please update your registration information by filling out a new voter registration card and submitting it to the county election office.

DATED this 2nd day of September 2021.

Toni Kramer Election Administrator Lake County, Montana Sept. 8, 15 and 22, 2021 MNAXLP

FOR ALL YOUR ACCOUNTING NEEDS

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

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

as low as $25 per week (4-week commitment)

Call 676-8989 for details

• 24 hour Towing Service • Provide for all major towing clubs • Jump starts, lock outs, fuel delivery 607 3RD AVE NW, RONAN 676-3961

Valley Journal

September 15, 2021 - 31

15TH Annual

eam! t r u o y p u o sign t e c n a h c t Las day! o t s u t c a t Con

CASA Golf Scramble Polson Bay Golf Course Sunday, September 19, 2021 9 A.M. Registration Begins/ 11 A.M. Shotgun Start

18 Hole / 4- Person Scramble • Callaway Scoring / No Handicaps • Lunch Included Hole-In-One Event sponsored by Don Aadsen Ford of Ronan

• Golf Team Registrations and Business Sponsorships Available •

Thank You!

to our 2020 Gold and Corporate Sponsors!

PROCEEDS: Your support is greatly appreciated to help provide training and support to volunteer advocates who serve the best interests of approximately 60 abused and neglected children in Lake and Sanders Counties.

For more information please contact Barbara Monaco at 883-7264 or bmonaco@mt.gov CASA, Lake & Sanders Counties at 883-0158 Ryan Boden at casa.ryanboden@gmail.com 32 - September 15, 2021

Valley Journal