Plevna School faces COVID-19 spike Staff Report
Baker schools adapt to COVID-19 challenge Staff Report
The Baker School District is back to where it started – at least when it comes to COVID-19. The district started the school year at what is named Scenario 4 – the lightest of restrictions. After briefly going one step more restrictive (Scenario 3) briefly in the first week of October, it returned to Scenario 4 just in time for the Spartans’ football contest Friday, according to Superintendent Aaron Skogen. “We started the year at Scenario 4 when we had zero COVID-19 cases. Then, when we had an uptick within the county, it was agreed that we’d move down to Scenario 3,” Sko-
gen explained. Just before the game on Friday, the level was changed again. “We had an event that was an outside football game over an indoor event. High school volleyball was finished for the week.” “So, meeting with local health officials, the football game, being that it was outside... we were in a position to move back to Scenario 4,” he explained. As of Tuesday, the superintendent said that the scenario level had not been determined yet for the schools and the activities. “We will make that decision tomorrow (Wednesday) and that will dictate the scenario level for Thursday, Friday and Saturday,”
he added. He described the situation as being week to week. “But that could change at any given time. So, it is fluid, but we knew that going in,” he said. Skogen said that because of the county health department and governor’s guidelines, masks have been required since Sept. 30 when the county hit four active cases or higher. “We are requiring masks and following the governor’s directive,” he said. “Thankfully, things have been fairly normal at the school,” the superintendent said. “Right now, we are awaiting test results, or finalizing contract tracing, so it is kind of a fluid time”
MHSA delays start of winter sports
The school also participates in contact tracing. “We like to give information out as soon as possible. It usually translates to about midweek to give us the best opportunity to make an informed decision based on the information,” he said. The elementary school is currently planning for a Halloween event. “The staff wants to put on some sort of Halloween activity for the kids,” he said. “There is a lot of factors that come into play,” the superintendent said. Skogen stressed that the district tries to put information out on webpages, Facebook and on emails sent to parents as decisions are made.
The recent hike in COVID-19 cases in Montana and Fallon County has forced the school in Plevna to increase its vigilance in protecting the students, according to Superintendent Nick Schumacher. One of the first steps was increasing efforts to sanitize the campus. “We had everything laid out in our plan so we are ready for this,” he explained Tuesday. “We have ramped up the cleaning and disinfectant routine here inside of the building. Also, we have restricted the number of spectators at games. We have reduced the number of activities that we offer.” “We are doing the best we can to keep students and adults physically distanced from one another as best as possible,” he said. “In the past, we have had a Halloween parade in our school which is something we won’t be able to do this year, so any Halloween parties will need to be localized in the individual classrooms,” the superintendent explained. According to the Fallon County Health Department, masks are required since the end of September. There has not been a problem with masks on the Plevna school campus, the superintendent said. “The vast majority of our students have been very co-operative with this mandate. That is something we greatly appreciate.” The sports activities have been affected, Schumacher said. “We have not canceled or postponed any activities. However, several of our competitors have canceled or postponed games that we were scheduled to participate in.” The Cougars will play elementary and junior high basketball this weekend – first Wibaux in Plevna Friday and then elementary and junior high basketball versus Broadus in Plevna, he said. The school’s next high school volleyball game will be Oct. 24 in Broadus. The Cougars play in the 2C District.
The Montana High School Association executive board voted during a scheduled meeting on Tuesday to delay the start of winter sports - both practices and competition - in hopes of flattening the curve during the continued COVID-19 pandemic. The MHSA executive board approved the motion of winter sports practices in basketball and wrestling to begin on Dec. 7, with competitions beginning the first week of January. Basketball practices were originally scheduled to begin on Nov. 19, while wrestling was to begin Nov. 21. But, as Montana continues to trend upward in positive coronarivus cases, the MHSA board hopes limiting travel and exposure can help avoid the uptick in positive cases. The MHSA will re-evaluate its guidelines and restrictions during its annual November meeting. The speech, debate and drama season, which had been previously postponed to December, was approved to begin its season with practices on Monday, Oct. 19. Competition will begin on Dec. 1, with meets held virtually for the time being.
Governor Bullock announces Montana’s minimum wage for 2021 Montana’s minimum wage will increase to $8.75 an hour on January 1, 2021 Governor Steve Bullock announced Montanans earning minimum wage will see the rate increase to $8.75 per hour beginning Jan. 1, 2021. “By tying the minimum wage to inflation, we can ensure Montanans earning the minimum wage see a modest increase and have the same buying power, instead of falling further behind,” Governor Bullock said. “We must continue to do more to help working families succeed by bringing in quality jobs, supporting Montana businesses, and investing in education and workforce training, especially as we continue to work toward economic recovery due to the pandemic.” In 2006 as a private citizen, Bullock led ballot initiative I-156 to raise the minimum wage and require that it be adjusted annually for inflation. Approved by Montana voters, Montana Code Annotated 39-3-409 requires the Montana Department of Labor & Industry to adjust the Montana minimum wage for inflation using the Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers (CPI-U). An estimated 8,000 to 10,000 Montana workers, or two percent of the workforce, received hourly wages less than $8.75 per hour in 2020 and are likely to receive higher wages due to the 2021 minimum wage increase. In 2019, the industry with the largest number of workers earn-
ing minimum wage was the accommodations and food services industry. Many minimum-wage workers are front-line workers who are at the greatest risk of COVID-19 exposure. The minimum wage is determined by taking the current minimum wage of $8.65 and increasing it by the CPI-U increase from August of 2019 to August 2020. The CPI-U increased by 1.31% (unadjusted) over the year ending August 2020. To keep the minimum wage at the same purchasing power as the prior year, the wage should increase by $0.11 per hour. However, since state statute requires the wage to rounded to the nearest five cents, the 2021 minimum wage rate will be $8.75. In 2020, the District of Columbia and 29 U.S. states, including Montana, have minimum wage rates that exceed the federal rate of $7.25 per hour. A map of state minimum wage laws is available on the U.S. Department of Labor’s website at http://www.dol.gov/whd/minwage/america.htm. For more information on minimum wage in Montana, visit DLI’s Research and Analysis Bureau’s website at http://lmi.mt.gov/Publications/ minimum-wage-fact-sheet-3. Additional information can also be found on DLI’s Labor Standard’s Bureau at http://erd.dli.mt.gov/labor-standards.
Trick-or-Treat fun in downtown Baker Downtown storekeepers will be rounding up a harvest of sweet treats for trick-or-treaters on Halloween. The Baker Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture is sponsoring the annual “Downtown Trick-or-Treat” Oct. 30, from 3 to 6 p.m. Business owners, not in the downtown area or in the shopping center, are encouraged to be involved by participating in a trunk-or-treat. Each participant is encouraged to decorate the tail end of a pick-up, trunk of a vehicle or any other mobile unit and park in Russell’s parking lot or Bank of
Baker parking lot, so the children can parade by to pick up your treat. It would be a “spooktacular” good time if all business people would join in the fun by dressing up. All participating businesses should register with the Chamber to be included on the list. Everyone in town is encouraged to dress up and join the fun. A list of participating businesses will be available at local stores. To register your business or for further information e-mail bakerchamber@midrivers.com.
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October 16, 2020
Fallon County Times
Free Meals for Kids extended for entire school year Funeral Notice Earline Pritchard, 76
Earline Faye (Livesey, Lantz) Pritchard of Billings, MT, passed away on October 2, 2020 at the age of 76. A family gathering will be held in her memory with no services as per her wishes.
2021 Youth Serve Montana Scholarship Service-based scholarship available to Montana high school seniors The Governor’s Office of Community Service, Reach Higher Montana, and Montana Campus Compact are pleased to announce applications are now being accepted for the 2021 Youth Serve Montana Scholarship. The Youth Serve Montana Scholarship was created to promote volunteerism among high school students. Funds are available through support from Montana Campus Compact, a network of Montana campuses committed to community service; Reach Higher Montana, a nonprofit dedicated to helping students pursue and fund post-secondary education; and the Governor’s Office of Community Service, a state agency tasked with expanding and promoting community service in Montana. The Governor’s Office of Community Service administers the scholarship funds. “These scholarships provide an excellent pathway for students to transition from high school into college and
continue their community engagement efforts,” said Andrea Vernon, Executive Director of Montana Campus Compact. The $1,000 scholarships will be offered to 100 Montana seniors attending Montana Campus Compact member institutions next fall. Qualified applicants are graduating high school seniors who have completed at least 50 hours of volunteer service during the past year. (Due to COVID-19 restrictions and closures, the service hour requirement has been reduced from 100 to 50.) “Now more than ever, we need engaged citizens who are committed to serving their communities,” said Kelly Cresswell, Executive Director of Reach Higher Montana. “Reach Higher Montana is honored to recognize Montana students who demonstrate this commitment through their many hours of service to others.” The Youth Serve Montana scholarship application and FAQs can be found online at serve.mt.gov.
Flexibilities now available through June 30, 2021 U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is extending flexibilities to allow free meals to continue to be available to all children throughout the entire 2020-2021 school year. This unprecedented move is part of USDA’s unwavering commitment to ensuring all children across America have access to nutritious food as the nation recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. “As our nation recovers and reopens, we want to ensure that children continue to receive the nutritious breakfasts and lunches they count on during the school year wherever they are, and however they are learning,” said Secretary Perdue. “We are grateful for the heroic efforts by our school food service professionals who are consistently serving healthy meals to kids during these trying times, and we know they need maximum flexibility right now. I appreciate President Trump for his unwavering commitment to ensuring kids receive the food they need during this pandemic and for supporting USDA in continuing to provide these unprecedented flexibilities.” “Northeastern School District has implemented the USDA waiver to offer all students free meals utilizing the SSO program. We have been able to offer free meals to all students in-person (Brick & Mortar) and through Curbside pickup for virtual students. I am extremely proud of my staff and their flexibility to do their best to keep school meals as
normal as possible during a pandemic. The Child Nutrition Staff have wanted to continue hot meals for students and wanted to offer their favorite meal choices,” said Kimberly Alessandroni, Director of Child Nutrition Services, Northeastern School District. “These waiver extensions are great news for America’s students and the school nutrition professionals working so hard to support them throughout this pandemic,” said School Nutrition Association President Reggie Ross, SNS. “Families struggling to make ends meet can be assured that their students will have access to healthy school meals, whether they are learning at home or in school. School meal programs can remain focused on safely meeting nutritional needs of children in their communities without having to worry about burdensome regulations. The School Nutrition Association appreciates USDA’s ongoing efforts to address the many challenges our members have faced while working on the frontlines to feed hungry children.” Background: USDA previously extended child nutrition waivers through December 2020 based upon available funding at the time. The flexibilities extended today will allow schools and other local program operators to continue to leverage the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) and the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) to provide no cost meals to all children, available at over 90,000 sites across the country, through June 30, 2021.
USDA understands a one-size-fits-all approach is not an effective way to feed children, particularly during the current challenges facing our country. USDA can extend these waivers due to language in the continuing resolution signed into law by President Trump last week. USDA is extending waivers through June 30, 2021, that: •Allow SFSP and SSO meals to be served in all areas and at no cost; •Permit meals to be served outside of the typically required group settings and meal times; •Waive meal pattern requirements, as necessary; and •Allow parents and guardians to pickup meals for their children. These program flexibilities allow schools and local program operators to operate a meal service model that best meets their community’s unique needs, while keeping kids and staff safe. Additional flexibilities are being granted on a state-by-state basis, as required by law, to facilitate a wide range of meal service options and accommodate other operational needs. Early in the pandemic, USDA adapted its summer feeding site finder to ensure parents and children would be able to easily locate sites that were providing meal service. With this new announcement, the Meals for Kids interactive site finder will continue to collect data, voluntarily provided by USDA’s state agency partners, about operating sites including location, meal service times, and additional information.
Secretary Stapleton, Superintendent Arntzen encourage students to participate in Montana Youth Election Secretary of State Corey Stapleton and Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen announced today that the 2020 Montana Youth Election will take place on Oct. 29. All Montana K-12 students are encouraged to participate by visiting https:// youthvote.sosmt.gov/. The website will have new resources helpful to parents, teachers, and students on Oct. 12. Secretary Stapleton said on Wednesday, “I am excited for the next Montana Youth Vote Election on Oct. 29. I look forward to all Montana students K-12 in all schools across Montana participating in one of our most important civic duties, voting. Remember, you can’t complain if you don’t vote!” Superintendent Arntzen added, “The Montana Youth Election is an important component of civics education. I encourage all Montana students to participate in the Youth Election to make their voices heard and engage in our Nation’s electoral process.
Voting is one of the most important rights and responsibilities of American citizens. We must instill the value of participating in the electoral process in the next generation.” The 2020 Youth Election allows middle and high school students to vote on all of the national and statewide races and ballot issues that registered Montana voters will have on their ballot. Elementary students are able to vote for President and a variety of other interests to younger children. Students will have the opportunity to vote from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 29. The results will be posted immediately following the closing of Montana Youth Vote and will be posted on https://youthvote. sosmt.gov/. This year, the Montana Youth Vote Ambassador Program is a way for interested students to volunteer in promoting the Youth Election in their community and become more involved in the election process.
October 16, 2020
Fallon County Times
FILES OF THE TIMES 10 YEARS AGO Friday, October 15, 2010 --
October 11 Griffith Excavating was on location at the Fallon County Fairgrounds to take down the grandstand in order to make way for a new one. The grandstand was built in 1925 for the first county fair. The new grandstand will be finished by next summer. New warning sirens for Fallon County were installed Oct. 7. One siren is located near the Roger Schmidt Amphitheater at the lake, another is located northwest of the railroad crossing near J & M Lumber and a third siren has been placed near the Plevna Fire Station. . .Jake and Wendy Wagner, former owners of the Baker Club, opened Hanging W Meats Oct. 9, coinciding with the first day of hunting season. Hanging W Meats will specialize in custom butchering and processing, and wild game processing. The Wagners also plan to have retail sales in the near future. . .Baker Spartan football parents’ night will be held Oct, 22 and the Lady Spartan volleyball team will hold their parents night Oct. 21. . .SMART director Mona Madler reported at the Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture meeting that SMART bought the office they had been renting from the owner, William Randash. They are renovating and plan to create more office space.
20 YEARS AGO Thursday, October 20, 2000 --
Baker Spartan football team is conference champs. . .Albert “Rich” Batterman has filed for the position of Fallon County Attorney. That position was vacated earlier this year when previous Fallon County Attorney John Huntley accepted a position in New Mexico. . .Two candidates are running for one open seat on the Fallon County Board of Commissioners Nov. 7. . .Les Crow and Don Rieger are the two candidates. . .Jean Tronstad and Gini Knipfer have plans to start quilting classes for beginners. . .Burlington Resources recently donated a Ford Explorer to the Baker Police Department. . .Moonlight Madness held Oct. 13 was very successful. Approximately 550 people were served at the free appreciation supper. . .Murphy Quarter Horses awarded Andrea Buerkle with a saddle blanket for showing the Top Yearling at the 2000 Fallon County Fair. . .Keystone Ranches of Ismay is selling 250 bred heifers Nov. 11 at New West Livestock in Baker. It is their 17th year of selecting and selling bred heifers. . .School Superintendent Jim Stanton reported at the Oct. 26 school board meeting that he and several other superintendents had met in Helena recently with a Local Government Funding Committee. He said the meeting was good and the superintendents had stopped the committee from taking oil and gas revenues away from the schools, for the time being. . .Fallon Creek CattleWomen are sponsoring a Beef Preparation School Nov. 4 at the Plevna Fire Hall.
30 YEARS AGO
Thursday, October 18, 1990 --
Cara Setinc of Baker High School is among the select group of performers who will be gathering in Missoula this week for All State Band. She plays the contrabass clarinet. . .An 80th birthday party for Edith Carlson will be held Oct. 27. . .First playoff game for Baker Spartan football team will be held in Baker. . .Betty Mueller was awarded a 20 year service pin and certificate. Betty has worked for Fallon, Carter and Wibaux Counties for 20 years in the Social Services Department. . .Plevna Pancake and Sausage Supper was a huge success. Volunteers made 2,000 pounds of sausage to cook for the supper and to sell fresh. . .Country Cousins 4-H Club elected new officers: Kris Bechtold, president; Steve Schweigert, vice president; Marnie Merwin, secretary; Jennifer Plummer, reporter; Robyn Pinnow, recreation leader; Heidi Bechtold, flag bearer; Eric Bechtold, parliamentarian. . .Dave Wiseman has accepted a position with the Montana Dept. of Highways. He has hired Wade Besemer and his wife Starla, who are both licensed barbers, to work in The Upper Cut for him.
40 YEARS AGO Thursday, October 16, 1980 --
Winners of the Photo Club contest recently held and sponsored by the Plevna Photo Club were: first - Dean Wang, second - Richard Schaefer, third - Sue Reynolds. . .Sergeant Dent was speaker at the Oct. 10 meeting of Clergy and Helping Professionals on law enforcement in Baker. . .John and Cecelia Zupanik will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary Oct. 26 with an open house at the Dick O’Connor home. . .Members of the Band Boosters and Baker merchants are coordinating their efforts toward the fall style show which they cosponsor annually. . .Boys and girls cross country teams traveled to Billings Oct. 11. Coach Johnson’s girls had a fine day by taking first place in the B division. Girls placing were Carol O’Connor 4th, Max Losing 5th, Doreen Losing 6th, Marcie Celander 10th, Barb Neumann 14th and Kathy Bridgeford 17th.
50 YEARS AGO Thursday, October 15, 1970 --
Oct. 14, saw the first sale day at the auction yards with all the people working together finding shortcuts as well as better ideas gained only by experience. . .As the old press is put out for a time of retirement, a new idea is going into effect at the Fallon County times with better, more efficient equipment taking over. . .Next week the Fallon County Times
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will be going out to over 5,000 homes within a 100 mile radius of Baker to promote the Baker Livestock Auction that will be held Oct. 28. . .Mr. Russ Culver was elected as a delegate to the MSBA Delegate Assembly from District No. 10 which consists of Fallon, Carter, Custer, Powder River and Rosebud Counties. . .Mr. and Mrs. Orville (Smokey) Speelmon celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a series of pre-anniversary dinners given to them by friends.
60 YEARS AGO
Thursday, October 13, 1960 --
The Spartans in their annual Football Day classic lost to the Poplar Indians 20-13, Oct. 7. Leilani Naples, senior, was named football queen by the team members. . .Jim Joyce was elected “Band Member of the Month” for the Month of September. There will be one member elected for each month of the nine school months. . .R. F. Lutts of Carlyle was named as Fallon County chairman of the “Farmers for Kennedy-Johnson” committee. . .Richard Lovec, vice president of the Baker FFA Chapter, is attending the National FFA Convention at Kansas City, MO this week.
70 YEARS AGO
Thursday, October 19, 1950 --
Good news to all gas users in the area is contained in the announcement by the Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. that the Worland-Baker gas pipeline is completed, tested and in full operation at the present time. . .Farmer’s Frolic to be held Oct. 21, promises to be a big day for all who appreciate bargains and a good time. . .Mayor Randash, L. R. Moline, Karl Lentz and L. W. Busch attended a dinner and meeting at Lemmon, SD. The occasion was the celebration of the completion of the blacktopping of U.S. No. 12 through South Dakota. . .Andy Spisla, Fallon County chairman, reports that Oct. 16 was the closing date at which there was a total of 185 signatures and $74.89 in contributions.
80 YEARS AGO Thursday, October 17, 1940 --
Mrs. John Eichenberger and Mrs. H. B. Schendel will match their ability with the country’s outstanding crocheters this fall it was revealed today. They are eligible to enter the fourth Nationwide Crochet Contest. . .Baker Woman’s Club will hold their annual Montana products dinner Tuesday when husbands and escorts of members will be guests. . .County Clerk and Recorder H. M. Trandum reports that 445 men registered in Fallon County Wednesday, national Conscription Day. The first to register in Fallon County was John Andolshek.
90 YEARS AGO Thursday, October 16, 1930 --
Bill Hubbard drove away with the free Ford given away by Burns Bros, at their auction sale. . .With the completion of the pipelines from the Cabin Creek field to Williston and Bismarck, plans are now being made to extend the line to Minot. . .Wayne Cox and Floyd Jensen, both high school students, had the misfortune to break bones in their hands Monday. . .A decided drop in temperatures Monday brought the first snow of the season. The snow continued in short flurries during the morning. This morning Baker thermometers registered five below zero.
100 YEARS AGO Thursday, October 14, 1920 --
The school fair and corn show is over. It was a big success and the originators of it may rightfully pat themselves on the shoulders and say “We did well.” Through, the hearty co-operation of the schools and First National Bank this first attempt at a fair was a winner and had more effect than was intended. . .L. Price went to Marmarth the first of the week to get his Spring lambs ready for shipment. . .A one cent sale will be conducted next week at the Hight Drug Co.’s store. . .Jess Barstow experienced one of the accidents peculiar to childhood last Friday when he fell off the teeter board and broke his arm midway between his wrist and elbow.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
October - Breast Cancer Awareness Month Oct. 15 - Free Business Development, by appointment, call 406-748-2990; O’Fallon Community Choir rehearsals, 7:30 p.m., Lutheran Church. Oct. 18 - Changed For Life Church services, 10 a.m., Baker Senior Center. Oct. 19 - Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., snacks provided, Compass Coffee; Fair Board meeting, 6 p.m., Fallon County Fairgrounds exhibit hall; Oct. 20 - Overeaters Anonymous, 6:30 p.m., American Lutheran Church. Oct. 21 - City Council, 7 p.m., Fallon County courtroom; Knights of Columbus, 8 p.m., St. John’s Catholic Church basement. Oct. 22 - Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 7 p.m., Holy Rosary conference room 2, call Diana 406-232-1458 or Nicole 232-5698; O’Fallon Community Choir rehearsals, 7:30 p.m., Lutheran Church. Oct. 25 - Changed For Life Church services, 10 a.m., Baker Senior Center. Oct. 26 - Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., snacks provided, Compass Coffee. Oct. 27 - Overeaters Anonymous, 6:30 p.m., American Lutheran Church; Lake Board
meeting, 5:30 p.m., courthouse basement conference room. Oct. 29 - O’Fallon Community Choir rehearsals, 7:30 p.m., Lutheran Church. Oct. 30 - Downtown Trickor-Treat, 3-6 p.m. Oct. 31 - Halloween Nov. 1 - Changed For Life Church services, 10 a.m., Baker Senior Center.
•HOPE, do you feel alcohol is causing problems, we can help, Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the American Lutheran Church. •District Court is in session the first Tuesday of the first full week of the month and as often as business warrants. Interested persons are welcome to check a specific schedule at the office of the Clerk of District Court. •O’Fallon Historical Museum: Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m-noon & 1-4 p.m. •Fallon County Library hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. •Driver Licensing Schedule, every Tuesday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m., courthouse.
Join The Times in wishing a Happy Birthday to ... October 16
October 20
October 17
October 21
Doris Householder Robin Wright Riley Williams Cameron Boggs Rikkalyn Wiman-Gisi
October 18
Robert Herbst Chantz Huft Heather Schwindt Joshua Losing
October 19
Justin Moser Sam Smith Emily Burdick
Bridget Schwartz Debbie Wyrick Bailey Wiedmer Carole Bettenhausen Colin Loribiecke Devyn Schwartz Stuart Ness
October 22
Roger Meggers Floyd Richmond Louise Varner Marty Asay
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October 16, 2020
Fallon County Times
Guy Lesh
Tarin DeGrand
“Senior” Citizens Bryce Shelhamer, Olivia Gunderson, and Sophia Dulin
Jessica Stark, Cheyanne Dame, and Aubrey Kirschten twinning in western clothing.
Spartans vs Shepherd Mustangs By Hannah Goerndt
Black Team: Powder Puff Winners. Front: Harlee Graham, Sayge Barkley, Peyton Janeway, Rilee Pettersen, Kaytlynn Gaub. Back: Coach Logan Graham, Briley Gorder, Carlee Gundlach, Mya Hadley, Faith Hansen, Saraya Afrank, Emilia Cuppy, Tyaisha Dietz, Coach Konner Flint.
Sophomores Mercedes Runfola, Faith Hansen, Harlee Graham, and Cayla Duke in 80’s attire.
On Oct. 9, the Baker Spartans attempted to protect their home turf against the Shepherd Mustangs for the Homecoming game. Audience members proudly displayed Spartan pride. Unfortunately, the game resulted in a Spartan loss with a final score of 6-30. Although the game did not turn out as hoped, the Spartans played hard and did not give up. The team was unable to answer in the first half and third quarter, but managed to pull off a touchdown during the fourth quarter. On offense, the Spartans had 30/111 yards rushing, and Avery Uecker was 17/87 yards. For re-
ceiving, the team was 14/130 yards. Garrett Lesh was 6/62 yards and Avery Uecker 6/52 yards. Avery Uecker scored on a three yard run, but the PAT pass was unsuccessful. Defensively for tackles, Guy Lesh had 6, Avery Uecker had 6, and Bruce Higbee had 6. Garrett Lesh and Hawken Custer both had 1 sack each. For fumble receives, Hawken Custer had 1 and Tarin DeGrand also had 1. The Spartans will face off against the Poplar Indians on Friday, Oc. 16 and will host the rescheduled Wolf Point game the following Monday, Oct. 19.
Another Homecoming Week in the books Lady Spartans vs Buffalo Ranchers By Sophia Dulin
Students had quite a busy and exciting Homecoming this past week! There were definitely some changes this year, but overall students were grateful to still get to have the opportunity to experience it with one another! The spirited dress-up days were a sight to see this week and some students really went all out. Tuesday was “Decade Day” where each class chose a decade they would dress up as. The seniors picked the 90’s, juniors the 70’s, sophomores were the 80’s, freshmen chose the 50’s, and the junior high was the 60’s. On Wednesday, students were either twins or rivals and there were many good pairs to see. Some examples were Bobcat vs Griz, Pepsi vs Coca Cola, cowboy and cowgirl and many matching outfits. Next on Thursday, students were assigned a specific generation to dressup as. Seniors were the elderly, juniors were middle-aged adults, sophomores were Gen Z, freshmen were toddlers, and junior high was supposed to be babies. This was the most hilarious of the dress-up days and the students really put in the effort to represent their age
group. Lastly, Friday was the traditional maroon and gold day. With jerseys filling the hallways and students decked out in as much Spartans gear as possible. Students also were able to participate in a scavenger hunt at the end of the day Friday. This was put on by Student Council and quite a fun adventure! Students had to complete many different tasks both inside and outside of the building. The first group from each class was the winner and awarded a prize. Students really enjoyed this high-stakes experience and it was a beautiful day to enjoy the outdoors! Homecoming week festivities ended with the Powder Puff football game on Saturday evening. The classic white and black teams faced off at 7 p.m. on the football field. The night got off with a rough start with Bryce Shelhamer unfortunately getting injured on the first play of the game. She was eventually able to be sent for medical help and the game could then move forward. It was a close game for most of the evening, but in the last minutes the black team was able to score a touchdown. Making them the winners for the 2020 Powder Puff game!
By Macy Varner
The Baker Lady Spartans faced off against the Buffalo Ranchers on Thursday night. Sadly they lost (0-3) Varsity - (19-25) (24-26) (1725) Emily Shumaker led in serving with 3 aces. She also had 1 kill and 2 digs. Camryn Collins
had 1 kill and 1 block. Macy Varner had 1 dig. Mya Hadley had 3 kills and 1 assist. Peyton Janeway had 4 kills and 1 ace. Rilee Peterson had 1 ace, 4 kills, 14 assist, and 2 digs. Sady Harbaugh led in hitting with 7 kills. She also had 2 blocks. JV - (25-22) (25-20) Alex Williams had 1 ace and 1 dig. Braelynn Lovec had 1 kill.
Eve Uecker had 2 aces and led in hitting with 7 kills. Faith Hansen had 2 kills and 1 assist. Kacee Moore had 1 kill and 3 assists. Kaytlynn Gaub had 2 aces and 5 assists. Makala Gallegos had 1 kill and 1 block. Mallory Varner had 1 ace. McKenna Griffith had 2 kills, 1 block and 1 assist. Saraya Afrank had 1 ace.
Mrs. Lynn Beach helps Selena Bruce Higbee has fun practicing Tegan Miller and Nathan Schallenberger Gallegos operate the drone. his flying skills with the drone.
Students reaching new heights By Jalynn Hanes
Baker High School has always tried to stay up-to-date with technology so both students and teachers can experience the latest innovations in the classroom. This past week was a prime example of this, as computer class students were able to practice operating drones during class time. With the use of these new drones, students are soaring to new heights with learning how to control and correctly use these wonderful pieces of technology. The technology teachers, Scott Anderson and Lynn Beach have both worked together to incorporate these drones into the cur-
riculum. In fact, Mr. Anderson has had students help build two of these drones in his computer coding classes. Lynn Beach says the goal in using these drones is to help build and enhance students’ knowledge of new electronics, which is an important framework for teaching STEM. Future careers for students will include technology like drones, and students are well-informed ahead of time by knowing how to use them. The technology courses hope to offer many other opportunities for using drones in the future as well. Lynn Beach mentioned she would like to eventually have students design and build
an obstacle course to fly drones through and also use them to take photos or video footage of school events and class projects. She also hopes to one day have students create a video production in order to showcase the student body, events, or possibly even a sporting event in the future. This would be an interesting perspective of our school! Students really seemed to enjoy practicing with the drones this week and gained some necessary skills to start understanding how to operate these devices. It will be exciting to see what comes next with the use of these drones in our school!
October 16, 2020
Fallon County Times
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Sharks Chloe Tudor, Dacy Buerkle, and Jaeda Paul asking about marketing plans. Carson Sander, Wyatt Thielen and Caiden Gray testing their “aquifers”.
Aquifers and Estuaries By Sophia Schumacher
The earth science class is learning about the earth’s many aquifers and estuaries. Estuaries are where salt water meets fresh water, this forms a transition zone between river environments and marine environments called ecotones. Aquifers are a body of permeable rock, which can contain and hold groundwater. The freshmen class demonstrated how estuaries form by coloring two different jugs of water red and blue, to represent saltwater and freshwater. The class learned how to siphon water, and had the two colored waters flow together over a sand model that represented the coast. When the red and blue waters mix it forms an estuary. The class observed how water recharges an aquifer by filling a cup with gravel and adding water drops. The cup had holes on the bottom, when the water dripped out of the cup, the water had reached the “aquifer”. The earth science class enjoyed learning about the different water systems.
Second grade science By Dacy Buerkle
Mrs. Oberlander’s second grade has recently been learning about how plants transfer water and nutrients. Following the lesson, the students performed an experiment to show what they had learned. They were tasked with putting a piece of celery in water colored with food dye. The students then had to wait 24 hours to see their results. When they returned the next morning, they found that the celery had taken in the food dye and changed colors!
October FFA Officer Meeting By Jenna Paul
On Oct. 7, the Plevna FFA Officer Team gathered in the Ag Classroom to discuss the upcoming Chapter Meeting. They discussed agenda items including a Livestock Committee Report, the plan for John Deere Ag Expo, upcoming fundraisers, upcoming workshops, and the District Leadership School and National Conference Videos. They also came up with some clever game ideas to have at the meeting along with some delicious
snacks. To conclude the meeting, they had a Leadership Team Building Activity. Mrs. Menees offered three fall themed treats: Carmel Apples, a Pumpkin Spice Latte, and Chili. The Officer Team split into groups of two, and in a Shark Tank style created their own product, slogan, marketing plan, and statistics. The winning team consisted of Maddi Butori and Sophia Schumacher and their slogan “Hey pumpkin, want some spice with that?”
Plevna School Menu Monday: Pancakes w/peanut butter, sausage links, apple slices Tuesday: Lasagna, Italian salad, garlic bread, honey dew melon Wednesday: Hot dog on a bun, potato wedges, spinach & berry salad, carrot sticks Thursday: Grilled chicken salad, garlic bread, fresh fruit Friday: Turkey club, chips, celery w/peanut butter, banana Menu Subject to change. Milk served daily-White 1%, Skim, Low-Fat Chocolate. Desserts served at random. Free breakfast is served every day to ALL students
Billings Clinic partners with St. John’s United The rapidly increasing number of new COVID-19 cases in Montana and Wyoming is resulting in more people requiring inpatient hospital care. To allow Billings Clinic to open additional hospital bed space as inpatient volumes surge, St. John’s United is making available to the health care system a twelveunit building that was vacated in March for such use if needed. Billings Clinic will temporarily use rooms at St. John’s United’s Billings West End location to house and care for less acute hospital patients. As an off-campus Billings Clinic unit, it will become operational on Friday with Billings Clinic staff caring for 10-12 patients. Patients transferred to this unit will not have active COVID-19 infection. Teams from the clinic side of Billings Clinic operations have committed to help staff this unit so that hospital teams can continue providing care in their units as much as possible. In addition, Billings Clinic’s geriatric provider group will assist with coverage and care. “We are incredibly grateful to St. John’s United for their support and partnership,” said Billings CEO Dr. Scott Ellner. “This helps our amazing, dedicated staff serve our patients and communities.” St. John’s United is a human services organization that includes retirement living and health and human services - including rehabilitation and transitional care, and physical and occupational therapy - for older adults. It is currently made up of a family of campuses with locations in Red Lodge, Laurel,
Hamilton, Billings Heights and Billings West End. “This is a community problem needing community solutions. Any positive activity that any organization or any individual can do to mitigate spread will reduce the need for unorthodox actions such as this.” said David Trost, President and CEO of St. John’s United. Ensuring the space and staffing to care for patients is a top priority at Billings Clinic during this high capacity time, and St. John’s United has partnered with Billings Clinic for many years. Such partnerships such are common across the country and have become even more important as health care organizations step outside of normal operations in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ashley Sander set up for a birdie.
Physics tries golf By Jenna Paul
The High School physics class is currently discussing the difference between distance and displacement. Distance is measured by how far an object travels. Vectors are used to measure both direction and magnitude. They started with problems in the classroom for a mathematical approach. For the lab assignment, they were each given golf balls and clubs to play mini golf. They used their direction and magnitude to aim for the holes! They started at one of the corners in the courtyard and worked their way down dodging the raised beds and logs.
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October 16, 2020
CLASSIFIEDS Call BoB HerBst 406-978-2233
N or t hwes t Real Es t ate Bob Herbst Box 1511 • Baker, MT 59313 406-778-2995 www.bakermtrealestate.com
HELP WANTED Baker, MT
IMMEDIATE OPENING! Wanting to work in a fun relaxed homelike setting? Superior Care Villa may be the place for you! Part-time cook position. Will cook for 24 - 30 people. Must be able to read and follow a recipe. 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. with every other weekend.
Full-time night caregiver position. 6 p.m. - 6 a.m. with every other weekend. $1.50 differential for night shift.
Competitive pay with benefits. Call Michelle Shumaker 406-778-3201 or 406-891-0185 or stop by and pick up an application
HELP WANTED: CDL Drivers wanted for agriculture business located in southeast Montana. Must have CD L. Must be willing to haul livestock, gravel, equipment, livestock feed and hay. Compensation package will be based on experience. Start immediately. Send cover letter and resume to crosswlesh@ outlook.com. 41-42c
our hay fire on Oct. 7. Your dedication is amazing and it is so reassuring to have such a great Fire Department in our Community. Thanks again. Dan & Britt Buerkle families 42c
SERVICES
NOTICE: Baker, MT. Gun Show, Nov. 6, 7, 8, 2020. Thee Garage, 50 - 8’ tables - $30. Free admission. Open to the public.Friday 3-7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Contact Rick Stark, home 406-778-2428, cell 406-9782428. 41-45c ____________________________ NOTICE: Bowman, ND Gun Show Oct. 23, 24, 25, 2020, 4 Seasons Pavilion. 100 - 8’ tables - $30. Open to the public Friday 3 - 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Free Admission. Contact Rick Stark, home 406-778-2428; cell 406-978-2428. 38-43c
TRUCKING SERVICE: Available to haul cattle, livestock feed, hay, equipment and gravel. Modern equipment. Competitive rates. Cattle savvy drivers. Russell Creek LLC, Ekalaka, MT. Call Bret at 406851-1768. 41-42c
WANTED WANT TO PURCHASE: Minerals and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: P.O. Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201. 36-38p
FOR RENT STORAGE UNITS FOR RENT: Baker Self Storage has units for rent. 1 – 5x10, 1 – 10x15, 4 - 15x20. Call Shawn 406-480-2980. 41tfnc ____________________________ FOR RENT: Three bedroom, one bath, washer/dryer, AC. Very convenient location. Utility shed, chainlink fence. Smoke free, security deposit. Call 406-891-3470. 39-42p
FOR SALE HOUSE FOR SALE: Four bdrm, two bath. Oak floors in two bedrooms and living room. Two storage rooms, two lots close to schools, large garage with off street parking. 713 S. 2nd St. W. Call 406-5803419. 40-43p ____________________________ FOR SALE: 2007 Ford E250. A used yet dependable van used to deliver weekly newspapers. Mileage of 296K reflective of traveling between newspaper offices. Van is located behind Bowman County Pioneer, 18 S. Main, St., Bowman, ND, asking $950. (no phone calls). 39-42c
CARD OF THANKS CARD OF THANKS: Thank you to Dale Buerkle and the Plevna Volunteer Fire Department (Dana Buerkle, Bill Thielen and Bryce Huft) for your prompt response to
NOTICE
LEGALS Hon. Nickolas C. Murnion District Judge 16th Judicial District, Dept. 2 P.O. Box 107 Forsyth, Montana 59327 406-327-6109 MONTANA SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, FALLON COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF A.B. YOUTH IN NEED OF CARE. Honorable Nickolas C. Murnion Cause Numbers: DN-2018-06, DN 2018-04, DN 2018-05, and DN 2018-07 AMENDED SUMMONS/ CITATION FOR PUBLICATION TO: Jeret Wayne Bennett and Tandy Nichole Bennett YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Petition for Termination of Parental Rights and Permanent Legal Custody (the “Petition”) regarding A.B. the child who is the subject of the above-captioned proceedings brought pursuant to Title 41, Chapter 3 of the Montana Code Annotated, has been filed in Cause No. DN-2018-06 in Montana Sixteenth Judicial District Court, in Fallon County, by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Division (CFS), located at 10 West Fallon, Baker, Fallon County, Montana. The Petition requests that CFS be granted the following relief: Termination of Parental Rights and Permanent Legal Custody. A copy of the Petition is filed with
the Clerk of District Court for Fallon County, 406-778-7114, and is hereby served upon you at this time. The child who the subject of the proceeding and date of birth is: A.B. was born on January 14, 2016 in Nevada. The child’s father is Jeret Wayne Bennett and other names he has used include: Jeret Bennett. The child’s mother is Tandy Nichole Bennett and other names she has used include: Tandy Bennett. NOW THEREFORE, YOU ARE HEREBY DIRECTED to appear at the hearing regarding the Petition that is set on the 10th day of November, 2020 at 10:30 o’clock a.m., at the Fallon County Courthouse located at 10 West Fallon, Baker, Fallon County, Montana, then and there to show cause, if any you may have, why CFS should not be granted the relief requested in the Petition. NOTICE: Your failure to appear at the hearing will constitutes a denial of interest in the child, which denial may result, without further notice of this proceeding or any subsequent proceeding, in judgment by default being entered for the relief requested in the Petition. You have a right to be represented by an attorney in these proceedings. If you are unable to afford an attorney, the Court will have an attorney appointed to represent you. WITNESS my hand and the Seal of this Court this 28th day of September, 2020. (SEAL) s/Jeraldine Newell, Clerk of District Court 40-42c MNAXLP ____________________________ Hon. Nickolas C. Murnion District Judge 16th Judicial District, Dept. 2 P.O. Box 107 Forsyth, Montana 59327 406-327-6109 MONTANA SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, FALLON COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF Ju.B. YOUTH IN NEED OF CARE. Honorable Nickolas C. Murnion Cause Numbers: DN-2018-05, Companion Cause Numbers: DN 2018-04, DN 2018-06, and DN 2018-07 AMENDED SUMMONS/ CITATION FOR PUBLICATION TO: Jeret Wayne Bennett and Tandy Nichole Bennett YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Petition for Termination of Parental Rights and Permanent Legal Custody (the “Petition”) regarding Ju.B. the child who is the subject of the above-captioned proceedings brought pursuant to Title 41, Chapter 3 of the Montana Code Annotated, has been filed in Cause No. DN-2018-05 in Montana Sixteenth Judicial District Court, in Fallon County, by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Division (CFS), located at 10 West Fallon, Baker, Fallon County, Montana. The Petition requests that CFS be granted the following relief: Termination of Parental Rights and Permanent Legal Custody. A copy of the Petition is filed with the Clerk of District Court for Fallon County, 406-778-7114, and is hereby served upon you at this time. The child who the subject of the proceeding and date of birth is: Ju.B. was born on June 8, 2017, in Oregon. The child’s father is Jeret Wayne Bennett and other names he has used include: Jeret Bennett. The child’s mother is Tandy Nichole Bennett and other names she has used include: Tandy Bennett. NOW THEREFORE, YOU ARE HEREBY DIRECTED to appear at the hearing regarding the Petition that is set on the 10th day of November, 2020 at 10:30 o’clock a.m., at the Fallon Coun-
FALLON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: We are seeking a Staff Nurse for our Public Health department to support our growing services and clientele. This full-time position performs a variety of activities which protect and promote the health of our citizens. Provides a variety of skilled nursing services in venues including client homes, the Public Health office, public schools, and Fallon County Detention Center. We offer competitive wages and excellent benefit package, including a Monday – Friday schedule and 10 paid holidays. Closing Date: This recruitment will remain open until filled. First review of applications will be on Monday, November 02, 2020. Applications and a complete job description are available at the Human Resources office, 10 W. Fallon Avenue, Baker, Montana or online at falloncounty.net. Submit applications and a copy of current nursing license (resumes optional) to: Human Resources Manager, PO Box 846, Baker, Montana, 59313. Questions may be directed to Kim Cuppy 406-778-2824 or Julie Straub 406-778-8164.
Fallon County Times
The deadline to place classified advertising is 2 p.m. every Tuesday for that week’s publication. Call The Times today (406) 778-3344 ty Courthouse located at 10 West Fallon, Baker, Fallon County, Montana, then and there to show cause, if any you may have, why CFS should not be granted the relief requested in the Petition. NOTICE: Your failure to appear at the hearing will constitutes a denial of interest in the child, which denial may result, without further notice of this proceeding or any subsequent proceeding, in judgment by default being entered for the relief requested in the Petition. You have a right to be represented by an attorney in these proceedings. If you are unable to afford an attorney, the Court will have an attorney appointed to represent you. WITNESS my hand and the Seal of this Court this 28th day of September, 2020. (SEAL) s/Jeraldine Newell, Clerk of District Court 40-42c MNAXLP ___________________________ Hon. Nickolas C. Murnion District Judge 16th Judicial District, Dept. 2 P.O. Box 107 Forsyth, Montana 59327 406-327-6109 MONTANA SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, FALLON COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF L.B. YOUTH IN NEED OF CARE. Honorable Nickolas C. Murnion Cause Numbers: DN-2018-07, Companion Cause Numbers: DN 2018-04, DN 2018-05, and DN 2018-06 AMENDED SUMMONS/ CITATION FOR PUBLICATION TO: Jeret Wayne Bennett and Tandy Nichole Bennett YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Petition for Termination of Parental Rights and Permanent Legal Custody (the “Petition”) regarding L.B. the child who is the subject of the above-captioned proceedings brought pursuant to Title 41, Chapter 3 of the Montana Code Annotated, has been filed in Cause No. DN-2018-0, in Montana Sixteenth Judicial District Court, in Fallon County, by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Division (CFS), located at 10 West Fallon, Baker, Fallon County, Montana. The Petition requests that CFS be granted the following relief: Termination of Parental Rights and Permanent Legal Custody. A copy of the Petition is filed with the Clerk of District Court for Fallon County, 406-778-7114, and is hereby served upon you at this time. The child who the subject of the proceeding and date of birth is: L.B. was born on April 2, 2014, in Wyoming. The child’s father is Jeret Wayne Bennett and other names he has used include: Jeret Bennett. The child’s mother is Tandy Nichole Bennett and other names she has used include: Tandy Bennett. NOW THEREFORE, YOU ARE HEREBY DIRECTED to appear at the hearing regarding the Petition that is set on the 10th day of November, 2020 at 10:30 o’clock a.m., at the Fallon County Courthouse located at 10 West Fallon, Baker, Fallon County,
Montana, then and there to show cause, if any you may have, why CFS should not be granted the relief requested in the Petition. NOTICE: Your failure to appear at the hearing will constitutes a denial of interest in the child, which denial may result, without further notice of this proceeding or any subsequent proceeding, in judgment by default being entered for the relief requested in the Petition. You have a right to be represented by an attorney in these proceedings. If you are unable to afford an attorney, the Court will have an attorney appointed to represent you. WITNESS my hand and the Seal of this Court this 28th day of September, 2020. (SEAL) s/Jeraldine Newell, Clerk of District Court 40-42c MNAXLP ____________________________ Hon. Nickolas C. Murnion District Judge 16th Judicial District, Dept. 2 P.O. Box 107 Forsyth, Montana 59327 406-327-6109 MONTANA SIXTEENTH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, FALLON COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF J.K.B. YOUTH IN NEED OF CARE. Honorable Nickolas C. Murnion Cause Numbers: DN-2018-04, Companion Cause Numbers: DN 2018-05, DN 2018-06, and DN 2018-07 AMENDED SUMMONS/ CITATION FOR PUBLICATION TO: Jeret Wayne Bennett and Tandy Nichole Bennett YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Petition for Termination of Parental Rights and Permanent Legal Custody (the “Petition”) regarding J.K.B. the child who is the subject of the above-captioned proceedings brought pursuant to Title 41, Chapter 3 of the Montana Code Annotated, has been filed in Cause No. DN-2018-04 in Montana Sixteenth Judicial District Court, in Fallon County, by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Division (CFS), located at 10 West Fallon, Baker, Fallon County, Montana. The Petition requests that CFS be granted the following relief: Termination of Parental Rights and Permanent Legal Custody. A copy of the Petition is filed with the Clerk of District Court for Fallon County, 406-778-7114, and is hereby served upon you at this time. The child who the subject of the proceeding and date of birth is: J.K.B. was born on August 28, 2018 in Montana. The child’s father is Jeret Wayne Bennett and other names he has used include: Jeret Bennett. The child’s mother is Tandy Nichole Bennett and other names she has used include: Tandy Bennett. NOW THEREFORE, YOU ARE HEREBY DIRECTED to appear at the hearing regarding the Petition that is set on the 10th day of November, 2020 at 10:30 o’clock a.m., at the Fallon County Courthouse located at 10 West Fallon, Baker, Fallon County, Montana, then and there to show cause, if any you may have, why
CFS should not be granted the relief requested in the Petition. NOTICE: Your failure to appear at the hearing will constitutes a denial of interest in the child, which denial may result, without further notice of this proceeding or any subsequent proceeding, in judgment by default being entered for the relief requested in the Petition. You have a right to be represented by an attorney in these proceedings. If you are unable to afford an attorney, the Court will have an attorney appointed to represent you. WITNESS my hand and the Seal of this Court this 28th day of September, 2020. (SEAL) s/Jeraldine Newell, Clerk of District Court 40-42c MNAXLP ____________________________ LEGAL NOTICE The following is the complete text of an amendment to the Montana Constitution to be submitted to the voters of the state of Montana at the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election. The text below is being published per the requirement of 13-27-311(1) MCA, by Secretary of State Corey Stapleton. Text underlined below shows text to be added. THE COMPLETE TEXT OF CONSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVE NO. 118 (CI-118) Section 1. Article II, section 14, of the Montana Constitution is amended to read: “Section 14. Adult Rights. A person 18 years of age or older is an adult for all purposes, except that the legislature or the people by initiative may establish the legal age for purchasing, consuming, or possessing alcoholic beverages and marijuana.” Ballot Language CONSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVE NO. 118 A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION Under the Montana Constitution, a person 18 years of age or older is an adult, except that the legislature or the people by initiative may establish the legal age of purchasing, consuming, or possessing alcoholic beverages. CI-118 amends the Montana Constitution to allow the legislature or the people by initiative to establish the legal age for purchasing, consuming, or possessing marijuana. ( ) YES on Constitutional Initiative CI-118 ( ) NO on Constitutional Initiative CI-118 42c MNAXLP ____________________________ LEGAL NOTICE The following is the ballot statement of an amendment to the Montana Constitution to be submitted to the voters of the state of Montana at the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election. The text below is being published per the requirement of 13-27-311(2) MCA, by Secretary of State Corey Stapleton. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT NO. 46 AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION PROPOSED BY THE LEGISLATURE AN ACT SUBMITTING TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF MONTANA AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XIV, SECTION
See CLASSIFIEDS Page 7
MONTANA STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS. Separate sealed bids for updating the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan (PDM) will be received by Stillwater County Disaster and Emergency Services (DES), PO Box 1287, Columbus, MT 59019 until 5:00 pm on November 16, 2020. Stillwater County Disaster and Emergency Services in cooperation with Musselshell, Big Horn, Sweet Grass, Golden Valley, Rosebud, Treasure and Wheatland Counties are soliciting bids for a project to update the Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) Plan. This update will include a total of eight (8) counties. Scope of work includes the following: Review current plan for each county; review and analyze natural and manmade hazards; engage the public in each county to develop the updated PDM; these meeting will include first responders, government officials, community groups, nonprofits, private businesses and Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) representatives. Further, evaluate potential hazards and disasters; recommend and prioritize hazard mitigation measures; determine necessary updates to existing plan(s); ensuring that revisions are consistent with state and FEMA requirements and develop a schedule for all eight counties for hosting community meetings. Successful contractor is required to attend all community and government meetings. All proposals must be signed and shall not exceed ten (10) pages. Proposals must include letter of transmittal, statement of qualifications and experience, staffing and project management, history of the firm, work to be performed, references,
fees and schedule. Project must be finalized and approved no later than December 31, 2021. For questions or complete copy of the RFP, contact Bill Pronovost, (406) 322-8015, wpronovost@ stillwatercountymt.gov or Carol Arkell, (406) 322-8060, carkell@stillwatercountymt.gov. ______________________________________ MONTANA DEPT. of Revenue Unclaimed Property Bi-Weekly Online Auctions. www. MontanaUP.org or www.LSA.cc. Coins, Currency, Jewelry, Stamps, Collectibles & more! 13% BP, 3% Cash Discount. Burgess7878. ______________________________________ Nuverra is hiring Truck Drivers! Great benefits and a New Bonus Program! Apply today at www.nuverra.com/careers or call 701-420-8989. Nuverra Environmental Solutions is an equal opportunity employer ______________________________________ Read Montana author Jane Fulkerson’s epic western novel “The Aspen Grove.” Colorado 1883. Realistic story of an intense search for justice. Great Read! Available Amazon.com ______________________________________ If you are reading this ad, you can see that classified advertising works! Reach over 400,000 readers in Montana and beyond to promote your product, service, event and business. To get results, contact this newspaper, or the Montana Newspaper Association at email stacy@mtnewspapers.com or member@mtnewspapers. com. 25 words for the small investment of $149.
October 16, 2020
Fallon County Times
CLASSIFIEDS
FROM PAGE 6
9, OF THE MONTANA CONSTITUTION TO REVISE THE METHOD OF QUALIFYING A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT BY INITIATIVE FOR THE BALLOT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The 2019 Legislature submitted this constitutional amendment for a vote. C-46 modifies the state constitution to specify proposed petitions for constitutional amendments from the people must be signed by at least ten percent of the qualified electors in two-fifths of the legislative districts. It repeals a different standard found to be unconstitutional in 2005. ( ) YES on Constitutional Amend-
ment C-46 ( ) NO on Constitutional Amendment C-46 42c MNAXLP ____________________________ LEGAL NOTICE The following is the ballot statement of an amendment to the Montana Constitution to be submitted to the voters of the state of Montana at the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election. The text below is being published per the requirement of 13-27-311(2) MCA, by Secretary of State Corey Stapleton. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT NO. 47 AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION PROPOSED BY THE LEGISLATURE AN ACT SUBMITTING TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF MONTANA AN AMENDMENT
TO ARTICLE III, SECTION 4, OF THE MONTANA CONSTITUTION TO REVISE THE METHOD OF QUALIFYING AN INITIATIVE FOR THE BALLOT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The 2019 Legislature submitted this constitutional amendment for a vote. C-47 modifies the state constitution to specify proposed petitions for citizen ballot initiatives must be signed by at least five percent of the qualified electors in one-third of the legislative districts. It repeals a different standard found to be unconstitutional in 2005. ( ) YES on Constitutional Amendment C-47 ( ) NO on Constitutional Amendment C-47 42c MNAXLP
Law Enforcement
Baker Police Department
•proactive patrols of schools, businesses and residential areas. Anyone with any information on any area crime is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 406-778-2222.
From the Bench
Justice Court
Mergers, Acquisitions, Farm Bureau ACE program applications now being & the Markets By Jim Cusimano, Big Sky Financial Planning Group
There’s been a drop in activity. What’s next? There hasn’t been much merger and acquisition activity through 2020. This diminished activity comes despite low interest rates, which may help companies manage the cost of borrowing for a purchase. Some of this makes sense, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic leading to widespread economic uncertainty. Through August, mergers and acquisitions came to a relative halt, with activity falling to an 18-year low. 1, 2, 3 Will it pick up next year? It’s difficult to see companies not taking advantage of this fact sooner, rather than later. Some companies have used the low-rate environment of the past several months to “bolster their balance sheet” to put them in a stronger financial position for the years ahead. How do they do it? In some instances, by paying down certain debt and issuing new debt at more favorable rates. Other companies may be more cautious. With an election just around the corner, there may be a desire to wait and see the results, including policies enacted after the inauguration. Once companies have a better understanding of where the “new normal” has landed, the C-Suite may look at the various choices they have with growth in mind. Merger and acquisition activity can cause a lot of enthusiasm in the markets. An unexpected buyout may cause investors to reevaluate an entire portion of the financial landscape. When a company sells an asset, a surprise buyer may cause investors to reconsider certain assumptions about an industry. A change may be coming in a few months, but it’s important to remember that your overall financial strategy reflects your time horizon, risk tolerance, and goals. Citations 1. Forbes.com, April 17, 2020 2. IMAA-Institute.org, September 2020 3. Investopedia.com, August 12, 2020
accepted
The Montana Farm Bureau is now accepting applications for its 2021 ACE (Advocate. Communicate. Educate.) program. The ACE program is designed to empower Farm Bureau members to actively advocate on key industry issues and be confident, effective leaders in their County Farm Bureau and local communities. The focus of the program is built around three primary objectives: developing leaders, engaging local communities and issue advocacy. “Participants will refine and establish premiere leadership and advocacy skills necessary to effectively communicate industry issues, engage in and address the needs of their rural communities and new leadership responsibilities within their county and state Farm Bureau,” said ACE Coordinator Chelcie Cargill. “They will practice public speaking and learn to address the media and non- ag audiences.” Cargill added that in addition to learning about networking and advocacy, participants
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will learn about engaging in local communities and their county Farm Bureaus. This section of the program will teach about the importance of networking across local communities. “Rural Montana needs strong leadership. We need school board members, local government officials and energetic county Farm Bureau volunteers. ACE helps participants realize their value and talent as leaders and identify areas to serve in their communities and county Farm Bureaus.” Learning about key industry issues is the third leg of training for participants. “I believe that advocacy follows leadership. With practiced, ever-evolving leadership skills, participants will be prepared to actively advocate on key industry issues,” said Cargill. The application, which is due by Dec. 1, is online at www.mfbf.org. For more information contact Chelcie Cargill, 406-930-2299, chelciec@ mfbf.org.
•Zachary Peter Catto, Castle Rock, CO, speed, exceed restricted speed limit established local authority, 45/35, bond forfeited $55, ticket issued 9/4/2020. •Zachary Michael Maurer Erickson, speeding on non-interstate, exceed day limit of 70 MPH, 80/70, bond forfeited $20, ticket issued 9/19/2020. •Russell E. Hansen, Joliet, speed, exceed restricted speed limit established local authority, 57/35, bond forfeited $95, ticket issued 9/22/2020. •Pahaa Rayic Moosa-Alhaj, Rapid City, SD, speeding on non-interstate, exceed day limit of 70 MPH, 80/70, bond forfeited $20, ticket issued 9/25/2020. •Edward Dean Rutan, Roundup, speeding on non-interstate, exceed day limit of 70 MPH, 79/70, bond forfeited $20, ticket issued 9/19/2020.
City Court
•Linden M. Krech, Baker, animal at large, bond forfeited $30, tickeket issued 9/25/2020.
Donate a hunting license to disabled veterans armed forces members Montana law allows residents and nonresidents to donate their hunting license and or special permit to a disabled military veteran or disabled active duty service member. This year, there is a higher interest among veterans to take advantage of this program, and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is asking for more hunters to donate licenses. The disabled veteran or active armed forces member must be working with an organization that uses hunting as part of the rehabilitation process. While one cannot choose the organization to receive a donated license, the disabled veteran or armed forces member who receives the license must be a Purple Heart recipient and have a 70 percent or greater disability rating. Each license must be donated or surrendered before the beginning of the general hunting season. The deadline to donate your license is Oct. 23 at a FWP office or postmarked by Oct. 23. After donating the license, a hunter cannot repurchase the same license again during the license year. For more information on the program, visit FWP’s website at fwp.mt.gov. Click Disabled Veterans Hunt License Donation or call Licensing at 406-444-2950.
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October 16, 2020
Fallon County Times
CALL 1-800-472-2218 CLICK WWW.BOWMANSALES.net OR STOP IN AT: 12 S. MAIN ST IN BOWMAN!
Hours Of Operation Mon. - Fri. | 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday | 8 a.m. - Noon
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2020 Ford Expedition Limited Max SUV
2020 Ford Expedition Platinum SUV
2019 Ford Expedition Platinum SUV
2020 Ford Expedition MAX XLT SUV
2020 Ford Expedition MAX XLT SUV
MSRP ....................................................... $80,980
MSRP ....................................................... $78,440
MSRP .............................................................$59,900
MSRP .............................................................$55,900
Final Price .............................................................
Final Price ..................................................................
Final Price ..................................................................
Retail Trade-In Assistance Bonus Cash .......... --$1,250
MSRP ....................................................... $78,640 Select Inventory Retail Customer Cash ......... --$750 Retail Customer Cash ............................ --$3,500 Final price ............................................... $74,390 Retail Trade-In Assistance Bonus Cash .......... --$1,250
Conditional Final Price ............
Conditional Final Price ............
Retail Customer Cash ............................ --$4,000 Final price ............................................... $76,980
$75,730
2019 Ford Expedition Limited SUV
MSRP ....................................................... $51,900 Final Price .............................................................
$51,900
$73,140
2020 Ford Edge Titanium Crossover
2020 Ford Titanium Crossover
$55,900
2020 Ford Explorer XLT SUV
MSRP ....................................................... $47,325 Select Inventory Retail Customer Cash ......... --$750 Retail Bonus Cash .................................. --$2,500 Retail Customer Cash ............................... --$500 Final price ............................................... $43,575 Retail Trade-In Assistance Bonus Cash .......... --$1,000
MSRP ....................................................... $46,265 Retail Bonus Cash .................................. --$3,500 Retail Customer Cash ............................ --$1,000 Final price ............................................... $41,765 Retail Trade-In Assistance Bonus Cash .......... --$1,000
MSRP ....................................................... $45,610 Retail Bonus Cash .................................. --$2,500 Retail Customer Cash ............................... --$500 Final price ............................................... $42,610 Retail Trade-In Assistance Bonus Cash .......... --$1,000
Conditional Final Price ..............
Conditional Final Price ............
Conditional Final Price ............
Conditional Final Price ............
$41,885
2020 Ford Edge SEL Crossover
MSRP ....................................................... $42,100
Retail Bonus Cash .................................. --$2,500
Retail Bonus Cash .................................. --$2,500
Retail Customer Cash ............................ --$1,000
Retail Customer Cash ............................ --$1,000
Final price ............................................... $39,615
Final price ............................................... $38,600
Retail Trade-In Assistance Bonus Cash .......... --$1,000
Retail Trade-In Assistance Bonus Cash .......... --$1,000
Conditional Final Price ............
Conditional Final Price ............
2019 Ford Escape SE SUV
2020 Ford Explorer XLT SUV
$59,900
MSRP ....................................................... $47,385 Retail Bonus Cash .................................. --$3,500 Retail Customer Cash ............................ --$1,000 Final Price ............................................... $42,885 Retail Trade-In Assistance Bonus Cash ........ --$1,000
2020 Ford Edge ST Line Crossover MSRP ....................................................... $43,115
$38,615
$78,440
$37,600
2016 Ford Explorer XLT SUV
$42,575
2020 Ford Edge SEL SUV
$40,765
2019 Ford Escape SEL SUV
$41,610
2019 Ford Edge Titanium SUV
MSRP ....................................................... $35,900
MSRP ....................................................... $31,075
MSRP ....................................................... $30,900
Final Price .............................................................
Final Price .............................................................
Final Price .............................................................
$31,075
$35,900
2014 Ford Explorer XLT SUV
2016 Ford Edge SEL SUV
$30,900
2012 Ford Expedition SUV
MSRP ....................................................... $22,900
MSRP ....................................................... $19,900
MSRP ....................................................... $18,900
MSRP ....................................................... $17,900
MSRP ....................................................... $17,900
Final Price .............................................................
Final Price .............................................................
Final Price .............................................................
Final Price .............................................................
Final Price .............................................................
$22,900
2012 Ford Expedition Limited SUV
MSRP ....................................................... $13,900
$19,900
2012 Ford Edge Limited SUV
2012 Lincoln Navigator Base SUV
2015 GMC Terrain SLE-2 SUV
$17,900
2013 Ford Edge SEL SUV
MSRP .............................................................$12,900
MSRP ....................................................... $12,900
MSRP ....................................................... $10,900
Final Price..................................................................
Final Price ............................................................
Final Price ......................................................................
Final Price .............................................................
$13,900
$18,900
$12,900
2008 Ford Edge Limited SUV
$12,900
2005 Lincoln Aviator Luxury SUV
$10,900
2011 Ford Edge Limited SUV
$17,900
2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited SUV
MSRP ..........................................................$9,900
Final Price .............................................................
$9,900
2006 Lincoln Navigator SUV
MSRP ..........................................................$9,900
MSRP ..........................................................$8,900
MSRP ..........................................................$7,900
MSRP ...............................................................$6,900
MSRP ...............................................................$6,900
Final Price .............................................................
Final Price .............................................................
Final Price .............................................................
Final Price .................................................................
Final Price .................................................................
$9,900
$8,900
$7,900
$6,900
$6,900
for more of our inventory visit
www.bowmansales.net AFTER HOURS: Josh Lindstrom 701-523-6503 | Mark Wald 701-440-8789 | Wayne Bergquist 701-523-6502
October 16, 2020
Fallon County Times
MSU Extension releases MontGuide for Montanans concerned about memory loss Montana State University Extension has released a new MontGuide that explores memory loss and its impact on estate planning and health care. The guide, “Financial, Estate and Health Care Planning Documents for Montanans Concerned About Memory Loss,” explores financial; estate or legacy; and health care documents recommended by legal professionals and gives three examples of Montana couples who face memory loss. The MontGuide discusses the financial, estate and legal documents necessary to deal with a diagonsis like early stage Alzheimer’s, with a focus on documents individuals need to sign while they still have the legal capacity to do so, said Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension family economics specialist. Another example in the MontGuide describes a married couple where the husband suffers from vascular dementia and has difficulty with reasoning, planning, decision making and
memory. Goetting said the guide will describe the legal documents his wife will need to initiate since she is the only one of the two with legal capacity to make financial decisions. Lastly, the MontGuide covers the many complications that arise when neither member of a couple has legal capacity to make financial decisions and sign documents. “Their children must step in to make decisions for them about living arrangements, health care and finances,” said Ed Eck, Professor Emeritus at the Alexander Blewett III School of Law at the University of Montana. Eck is a contributor to the MontGuide. Copies of the MontGuide can be downloaded at https:// store.msuextension.org/publications/FamilyFinancialManagement/MT202005HR.pdf. For those who do not have computer access, copies are available from county Extension or reservation offices.
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Daines calls on HHS to provide PPE, medical equipment to Montana ASAP
U.S. Senator Steve Daines urged U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar and HHS Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Robert Kadlec to ensure Montana has the medical supplies and medicines needed as the state is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases. “I write to you to encourage the expeditious review of Montana’s requests for supplies and medicines from the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) to ensure our health care system, first responders, and care facilities are equipped to handle the COVID-19 crisis,” Daines wrote. “As our state is currently experiencing a regional surge in COVID-19 cases, I would urge you to consider Montana’s unique health care needs to ensure we have the personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and other medical equipment necessary to care for patients and combat the coronavirus.”
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October 16, 2020
Fallon County Times
The Undesirable Assignment ~~Your Boots On The Hill~~ By Daris Howard (Conclusion)
Ed worked for a national park in the summers. One summer, when he was twenty-one, he was assigned to have the park superintendent’s son, David, a rebellious seventeen-year-old, work with him. On the first job, David brought little food, so Ed had to share his, and they were both hungry. Ed saved David from a bear and quicksand because David refused to pay attention to what he was told. After almost two weeks working in the backcountry, they were both hungry, and David was much more humble. The first thing they did when they got back to base camp was to have a good meal. As they ate, David seemed deep in thought, but finally, he spoke. “Ed, how did you learn to survive in the backcountry? How did you know about bears, quicksand, and everything?” “I read the training manuals thoroughly,” Ed replied. “But no manual can totally replace experience. Some of that came from my own years growing up on a farm, along with camping, fishing, and hiking. But I also spent some time asking those who had worked here for a while about their experiences.” David said nothing for the rest of the meal. When they finished eating, Ed headed to the main office to fill out a report on the work they had done, and David headed to see his father. Ed wondered if he would ever see David again. Ed figured David would tell his father he was through with the hard work and danger of the backwoods. Ed also wondered if David would complain about him and how tough he had been on him. Ed filled out the paperwork and had a couple of days off. When he returned for his next assignment, his supervisor handed him the paper with his next task. Ed wasn’t surprised to see nothing about David working with him. When Ed looked up, his supervisor seemed to know what he was thinking. “David won’t be joining you on this trip.” “Is he done working here?” Ed asked. His supervisor shrugged. “All I know is his father, the superintendent, said David wouldn’t be available. I don’t know if that is for now or for good. I figure it will be the lat-
ter. I don’t think David is really cut out for this.” The next job took Ed over a week to complete. He took his days off and then reported for his next assignment. To his surprise, the paper showed that David would join him. The shock must have shown in his face, because when he looked up, his supervisor smiled. “David’s waiting for you at the supply building.” When Ed got to the supply building, David had already packed his pack. He turned to Ed and smiled. “Go through the checklist of things I should have,” David said. “I don’t want to forget anything.” Ed packed his own pack as he went through the list, from food to bedding to work equipment. David had almost all of them. There were only two minor items that David needed to add. As they hiked into the woods to their next job, curiosity was eating at Ed. Finally, he could keep it in no longer. “I thought that when you didn’t come back to work on the last assignment, you had quit working here.” David laughed. “You know, if I was the same person who came here a month ago, that would have been true. But those days with you in the backwoods, with your ability to save me from my stupid mistakes, made me think.” “So why didn’t you join me on the last job?” Ed asked. “I needed time to learn,” David replied. “I spent that week thoroughly reading the training manual—twice, to be exact. I then asked those who were well seasoned in this work about their experiences. Now I am ready to learn from you, and I hope I won’t be as much trouble for you.” Ed was amazed at the change. And the rest of the summer they spent together was much better. There were still some tough times, but David was willing to learn. As the summer ended, and Ed and David shook hands to go their separate ways, Ed thought that maybe he had just shaken the hand of a future park superintendent. Ed smiled at the thought, because he knew David would be a good one.
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NOTICE OF AN EARLY VOTE/ MAIL BALLOT GENERAL ELECTION ELECTION DAY- NOVEMBER 3, 2020 Per Montana Governor Steve Bullock’s Executive Orders 2-2020 and 3-2020 Montana Counties may opt to conduct their November 3, 2020 General Election as a Early Vote/ Mail Ballot Election.
The Election Administrator of Fallon County will be conducting the November 3, 2020 General Election by mail.
All eligible registered voters will receive General Election Ballots in the mail.
General Election Ballots are mailed out on October 9, 2020. Ballots are available for early voting in the Election Administrator/Clerk & Recorder Office on October 2, 2020.
To verify that you are registered to vote, you may call 406-778-7106 to verify your voting status whether active or inactive, or go to My Voter page at www.falloncounty.net, click Departments, Elections, My Voter Page. This will show if you are an Active or Inactive Status. If you are inactive you need to update your voter registration card. Please call our office at 406-778-7106 or visit our web page at www.falloncounty.net for a fillable card, print and send to Election Administrator P.O. Box 846 Baker 59313.
The close of regular voter registration deadline for the November 3, 2020 Mail Ballot General Election, is extended to October 26, 2020. By completing a new voter registration form, voting status would change to active; at which time a General Election Ballot would be mailed out.
Fallon County Times Business Directory Tri-State Chiropractic Center Dr. Charles F. Whitney 111 4th St. NW PO Box 176 Bowman, ND 58623
701-523-3239 Guns N Things LLC 305 N. Merrill Ave. Glendive, MT
406-377-3969 Ernie Huether e-mail: eh7mm@mcn.net
Guns & Reloading Equipment
Fallon County Times 115 S. Main 406-778-3344
By Montana Farm Bureau Federation
July 2020 – September 2020 Welcome to the end of quarter three and the next “Boots on the Hill”. Montana Farm Bureau has continued to attend interim committee meetings virtually and is tracking what is being discussed in the legislature. We want to keep the members updated on legislation that may impact them. Keep an eye on your inbox for these interim quarterly reports and always feel free to reach out to your Montana Farm Bureau Legislative Team with questions. State Government Affairs By Rachel Cone The third quarter of 2020 has brought a lot of excitement to this ever-changing year. We are all learning how to move through and navigate this year, from farming and ranching to interim work at the legislature. As fall arrives, weather is changing and calves are getting shipped out, we are bringing the close of the interim and looking forward to the start of 2021. Since July and into the end of September, interim committees have discussed many topics to move business along and what 2021 might look like. 2021 Legislative Session The timeliest discussion may be the 2021 Montana Legislative Session and what the Legislative Council has been discussing. The Legislative Council has met often in the past few months to elaborate on the possible scenarios of how to hold a legislative session amidst the Coronavirus. These scenarios depend highly on the status of the phase the state is in and range from a full, normal session to an entirely virtual session. The latest information from the Rules Subcommittee of the Legislative Council outlines possible rule changes to allow for more virtual engagement from legislators and the public should the decision be made to have a hybrid or virtual session. The full committee will meet October 15, 2020 to discuss further 2021 Session Planning. Stay tuned for more information on the final decisions regarding what Montana Farm Bureau plans to do in the next
session. Without a doubt the Montana Farm Bureau Team will be ready and able to represent you – the farmers and ranchers, the agriculturalists. Revenue Interim Committee The Revenue Interim Committee met in September to discuss many topics, including the HJ 35 Tax Study. The HJ 35 Tax Study committee also met during this period to discuss over eight subtopics within HJ35. After much discussion, only five were forwarded onto the committee – these included. HJ35-01 - Full inflation for mill levy limit; HJ35-02 - Property tax circuit breaker; HJ35-03 Increase minimum corporate income tax to $200; HJ35-04 - Revise calculation of capital gains tax credit; HJ35-08 - Decouple from CARES Act net operating loss deduction provisions. Once brought to committee in September, only HJ35-02: Property tax circuit breaker; and HJ35-03: Increase minimum corporate income tax to $200 were voted to recommend to be introduced to the 2021 Legislature. Montana Farm Bureau testified on HJ35-01 and voiced some concern for its lack of broadening the tax base for Montanans. It did not pass the committee. Board of Livestock The Board of Livestock has met twice this quarter, once in July and one in September. Many topics were discussed, including the updated plans for the new Montana Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, Brand Rerecord and the updates on the Department’s continuity during COVID-19. The Board presented some new design layouts of the lab to be built. The design looks great. There was an update on a joint venture with the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Livestock – so that the Department of Ag will have space at this hall as well. Please remember that Brand Rerecord is coming up in 2021. The Montana Department of Livestock will send out notices in December 2020, rerecord begins Jan. 1, 2021 and ends Dec. 21, 2021. There is more information on this on the Depart-
Please fill in the OVAL and WRITE IN Brian O’ Connor Hello, I am Brian O’ Connor and I am running as a write-in candidate for Fallon County Commissioner. I have 30+ years working in the oilfield, managing a business and my own farm and ranch operation. I am running for Fallon County Commissioner because it has always been a dream of mine and I feel my combination of skills and experience has taught me a lot about business and making fair decisions and I feel that I work well with others, which would help me to work with and for the people of Fallon County. If I missed any of you while out campaigning, please feel free to contact me at 406-978-2599. Please remember to fill in the oval and place the sticker I handed out while campaigning on the line OR write in Brian O’ Connor. I would appreciate your vote on November 3rd. THANK YOU! Paid for by Brian O’ Connor, P.O Box 361, Baker MT, 59313
If you are being emotionally or physically hurt, call 406-978-9262 for free and confidential help 24 hours a day.
Thee Body Shop 406-778-2263
Auto Body Repair & Refinishing Windshield Repair & Replacement Reflex Spray-In Bedliners Mobile Soda Blasting
24 Hour Towing • 406-853-6722 111 Pleisner St. (1/4 mile east of Baker)
ment of Livestock’s website. Christine Brown discussed updates on the Montana Historical Society Centennial Farm and Ranch Program. Information was provided on the honorary program of 100+ year-old ranches. For more information, email Christine at Christine.brown@mt.gov and visit https://mhs.mt.gov/education/ MTCentFarmRanchProg. National Affairs By Nicole Rolf As 2020 rolls on, lackluster commodity markets continue to make farming and ranching a struggle. In response, Farm Bureau continues the push to include direct assistance for farmers and ranchers in the next COVID stimulus package. Farm Bureau has also advocated for replenishment of the CCC (Commodity Credit Corporation) to allow USDA the flexibility to fund necessary ongoing and future programs. Congress did fully replenish the CCC, when they passed the Continuing Resolution, HR 8337, which will fund the government through December 11. USDA announced in early September, that another round of the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program would be made available. CFAP2, as it is commonly referred to, includes many commodities that were left out of the first package. Farmers and ranchers are encouraged to apply at the website: www.farmers.gov/cfap or by reaching out to their local Farm Service Agency Office. The deadline for application is Dec.11. MFBF continues our work at improving commodity markets. AFBF’s Cattle Market Working Group, of which Montana Farm Bureau’s President was a member, concluded their work in late September and released a report of their findings. For more information and details, visit: https://www.fb.org/ newsroom/new-report-examines-cattle-market-issues-solutions. MFBF is supporting various legislation to make changes that will improve meat processing capacity and competition including the DIRECT Act, HR 7425, the RAMP-UP Act, HR 7490, and others.
Spring Creek Supply Mike and Cindy Stark (406) 588-3861
October 16, 2020
Fallon County Times
Villa Happenings Superior Care Villa residents Laura Bruha, Arlene Gatzke, Betty Kusler and Dude Veroye enjoyed the afternoon adventure.
Superior Care Villa residents Floyd Richmond and Allan Werre are checking out the water pump.
Some of Superior Care Villa residents took a bus ride to Medicine Rocks. Superior Care Villa residents Elsie Turbiville and Judy Fradenburgh posed for a picture under the sign.
Superior Care Villa resident Kathy Householder is ready to go rock climbing. Newcastle, WY, Shine & Show
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2019 Fatality Data show continued annual decline in traffic deaths
Second quarter 2020 projections show reduced overall fatalities. Trends toward risky driving behaviors during public health crisis are cause for concern The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released a preview of 2019 data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System and preliminary estimates for the first half of 2020. Alongside the release of the 2019 preview data and 2020 first-half fatality projections, the agency issued two companion reports, Special Report: Examination of the Traffic Safety Environment During the Second Quarter of 2020 and Drug and Alcohol Prevalence in Seriously and Fatally Injured Road Users Before and During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. Traffic deaths decreased nationwide during 2019 as compared to 2018. There were 36,096 fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2019. This represents a decrease of 739 (down 2%) from the reported 36,835 fatalities in 2018, even though vehicle miles traveled increased by nearly 1%. As a result, the fatality rate for 2019 was 1.10 fatalities per 100 million VMT – the lowest rate since 2014, down from 1.14 fatalities per 100 million VMT in 2018. Fatalities decreased in most major traffic safety categories in 2019: •Passenger vehicle occupants (down 2.8%) •Motorcyclists (down 0.5%) •Pedestrians (down 2.7%) •Pedalcyclists (down 2.9%) Fatalities in crashes involving at least one large truck showed relatively no change, decreasing from 5,006 in 2018 to 5,005 in 2019. Large trucks include both commercial and non-commercial trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,000 pounds. NHTSA also released preliminary fatality estimates for the first half of 2020. The second quarter of 2020, during the height of the COVID-19 public health emergency, showed a continued decline in overall traffic fatalities. The FARS data indicate that an estimated 8,870 people died in motor vehicle traffic crashes in the second quarter of 2020, a decrease of about 3.3% compared to the second quarter of 2019, which translates into 302 fewer fatalities as compared to the same period in 2019. At the same time, at the height of the COVID-19 public health emergency, the total traffic volume decreased by more than 16% in the first six months of 2020. Because traffic volumes decreased more significantly than did the number of fatal crashes, the traffic fatality rate
per 100 million VMT is projected to increase to 1.25 in the first half of 2020, up from 1.06 in the same period in 2019. Road safety is always our top priority, and while we are encouraged by today’s reports showing a continued decline in total fatalities in 2019 and into the first half of 2020, we are concerned by the trend since April showing an increased fatality rate,” said NHTSA Deputy Administrator James Owens. “Now, more than ever, we should be watching ourselves for safe driving practices and encouraging others to do the same. It’s irresponsible and illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, taking risks not only with one’s own life, but with the lives of others.” To assist stakeholders in evaluating the trend and identifying countermeasures, NHTSA researchers compiled data from a wide variety of sources to produce a special report also issued today. The study suggests that during the height of the national public health emergency and associated lockdowns, driving patterns and behaviors changed significantly, and that drivers who remained on the roads engaged in more risky behavior, including speeding, failing to wear seat belts, and driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Traffic data indicates that average speeds increased during the second quarter, and examples of extreme speeds became more common, while the evidence suggests that fewer people involved in crashes used their seat belts. NHTSA also released a study of seriously or fatally injured road users at five participating trauma centers during this time, finding that between mid-March and mid-July almost twothirds of drivers tested positive for at least one active drug, including alcohol, marijuana, or opioids. In particular, the number of such drivers testing positive for opioids nearly doubled after mid-March, as compared to the previous six months, while marijuana use increased by about 50%. Last week, NHTSA announced a series of workshops with stakeholders starting today to bring together State and local officials and safety advocates to discuss data and develop countermeasures to address these serious safety concerns. Over the summer, NHTSA launched a new campaign to remind motorists to drive safely and follow traffic safety laws. NHTSA’s high-visibility enforcement campaign to combat impaired driving ran through the Labor Day weekend and will be repeated later this year in time for the holidays.
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October 16, 2020
Fallon County Times