Local radio host celebrates 20 years in Baker By Brad Mosher
bmosher@countrymedia.net
Vaughn Zenko found his “perfect” job two decades ago. And he has no plans to leave it. “It will be 20 years on Jan. 4,” he said Tuesday. The road to Baker came via an advertisement he saw while watching the Super Bowl as a college freshman. He posted a job wanted ad on an online service he saw during the Super Bowl game. It took five years, but he got a response from a radio station in Baker. The Great Falls High graduate packed up his gold-colored mini-van and headed to eastern Montana at the age of 22, ready to start work not far from his hometown and his parents. “I was working in Milwaukee, in Wisconsin, at the time. The first time I was ever in Baker was when I moved here Jan. 2,” he recalled. “I started on the air the day after that.” He had been working in radio while in Joliet, IL beforehand. “But I didn’t like the corporate radio stuff so I quit and started doing a sales job in Milwaukee.” He said he was advising businesses on how to get the most out of their advertising when the post on the Monster. com website drew a response – five years later – from a radio station in Baker. “I got an email. I said that sounds like fun so I packed up my stuff and moved out here,” he added with a chuckle. He still has the minivan that brought him to Baker. “Its name is Buffy. It doesn’t run anymore but I am committed to that
minivan. We have been through a lot of adventures together. It still is sitting in my backyard waiting for me to fix it. It is enjoying its retirement for right now,” he added, with a laugh. “Originally, that was my parents’ minivan back when I was in high school. I just sort of co-opted it and took it for myself.” “I loved that minivan. We’d take it to concerts and stuff. We’d sleep in the back. It was like the perfect vehicle for a 20-year old kid,” he recalled. One of the biggest road trips was the one which brought him to Baker. “I had quit radio, but my parents lived out here (in Great Falls), so it was a little bit closer. They (the station) wanted me to come out and do sports announcing here. I decided, yeah, lets go.” “I dropped everything in Milwaukee. I wasn’t having a super fun time there and moved out here to give it a shot.” “It turns out that I could do more than sports announcing, so it has worked out well,” Zenko said. Big move He graduated in 1999 from North Central College, a small liberal arts college in Naperville, IL. “It is a western suburb that’s next to Aurora … everybody knows (Aurora) from Wayne’s World.” For Zenko, getting into radio wasn’t quite what he expected at first. “You watch all the movies and stuff and you think it is this lone DJ playing his own music and saying all this important stuff.” “When you actually get into radio, in Chicago anyway, it was like some billionaire in Texas telling you what to say all the time. I hated it.”
“My dream job for retirement was someday to find a nice small radio station where I can go and they are going to let me do anything I want. That was going to be my retirement. I’d just hang out and do my show.” “What do you do when you get your dream job for retirement when you are 22 years old? “I wasn’t about to leave this (Baker). This is perfect. This is everything I ever wanted in radio,” he said. He did sports announce for Baker and Plevna schools and even in Ekalaka or Wibaux, depending on what was going on, Zenko explained. Just a few months later, his role at the station expanded. “They started the rock station in July of 2001. I had hosted a morning show for a little while in Chicago. I kept lobbying … to let me be the morning guy. Eventually, when the rock station went on in July, they let me be the morning show host, he said, explaining how he got the 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. slot in the morning during the week.” “There is not exactly a ‘drive-time’ here. If there is, it is only about two to two and a half minutes. When I first moved here I thought about moving to Plevna because I missed the commute. I missed having like that hour drive to work where I could sip coffee and listen to the radio and stuff. Instead, it is now like five minutes to get here to the old radio station. In Chicago, I lived 26 miles from work and never made it in less than an hour and a half,” he recalled. “Drive time here is a lot different. Here, I might get the pipeliners on their way to work because they have to drive a little bit further,” Zenko said.
KFLN (AM 960) originally hired him, but he also spends a lot of time with the rock station KJJM (105.5 FM – The Rock), both operated by Newell Broadcasting. “I still fill in on the AM station when they need me, but mostly I am on the rock station, which is KJJM,” he explained. “We were technically the first rock and roll station in eastern Montana.” Sometimes, he can even be on both at the same time. He recalled one time when the announcer for one of the stations had car trouble and couldn’t get to work. That left
See ZENKO Page 2
Memorable Spartan sports broadcast recreated By Brad Mosher
bmosher@countrymedia.net
Commissioner Roy Rost swore in Kevin Braun, Commissioner; Jeraldine A. Newell, Clerk of the District Court; and Keli R. Bertsch, Deputy Clerk on Dec. 28, at the courthouse.
It was like a detective story, in a radio format. Something was missing or lost which had a big impact in Fallon County decades ago. It took a lot of prep work, but local radio broadcaster Vaughn Zenko said he was proud of a recent historical broadcast from 2000 when the local Baker high school basketball team was in an overtime state playoff contest. With the basketball season put on hold by Montana state officials until January, the station has been broadcasting recordings of games from the past. “The deal was that we were going to play classic games that we had from back in the day,” he said. “(Recently), it was the most famous game in the history of Baker – the semifinal game from the year 2000 where Baker went on to win the state championship. The semifinal game (with Wolf Point) that went into double overtime and was like the most exciting game in history.” “We did not have a radio copy of that game. I felt we needed to have some kind of archive of that game because it was so impactful to so many people. It was like that big of a game for Baker’s basketball,” he said. So Zenko tracked down a video cassette of that game from the then-coach, Dave Breitbach. Now, he is the principal at Baker. “He found the team’s old video of that game. We got that. We found a VCR. I asked for newspaper clippings or any information people had about the game.”
“Then I put the tape in the VCR and rebroadcast the game off of this videotape from 20 years ago. I broadcast the game as if I was actually there. There was crowd noise. I tried to make it like I was actually there on that day in March at that basketball game.” “We played it Friday night and the response was overwhelming. People who I had never heard of found my number and were texting me that night saying thank you so much for doing this game,” he said. “There were people telling me that they were listening to the game and were crying. Some of the old coaches were telling me they were listening.” “It was a big moment. It was a big community event where like
everybody somehow had a connection back to this basketball game and they were so appreciative,” he said. “It took me about 14 hours to put this game together with all the production that needed to be done to make it sound right.” “It brought people who weren’t in Baker anymore back to Baker for those memories and that basketball game,” he explained. “It was like a super cool moment of how cool radio could be and how big a deal it could be for a community like this one.” “Breitbach said there were a lot of people listening,” Zenko said, noting that the former coach heard from a lot of former players when the game was being broadcast. “It was a fun thing for t
he community.” According to Zenko, it was like a cool Christmas present to the community after a terrible year. “It was a really neat moment last Friday night. Everybody was listening to this basketball game and reliving all these memories.” “It was something fun that radio could do for the community,” he added. “It was super fun.” Zenko said that he doesn’t think any other game had the impact on the community the semifinal playoff contest against the Wolves had. But, he is hopeful the upcoming season will be able to be played and the station can broadcast the current season games. “Still, we might do this one again next year,” he added.
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January 1, 2021
OBITUARIES
Maria Strong, 84
Maria Strong age 84, passed away Dec. 16, 2020. She was born in Grenada, Spain on Jan. 31, 1936, the only child of Angel
and Maria Falquina. She was a longtime resident of D’lberville, MS. She was married to Gordon Strong in 1962 in Madrid, Spain. They retired and settled down in Mississippi. She is preceded in death by her parents, her grandparents and her husband of 58 years. She is survived by two children Caroline (Tom) Heaps of Baker, MT; and Angela (Alex) Dubuisson of Wiggins, MS. She also leaves behind three wonderful grandchildren Isabella, Stephanie, and Christopher. Visitation was held Dec. 19, 2020 at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home on O’Neal Road, Gulfport, with a graveside service on Dec. 21, 2020 at Biloxi National Cemetery in Biloxi, MS.
ZENKO
FROM PAGE 1
Zenko doing both shows simultaneously, going back and forth between the two studios. Finds family, connections For Zenko, the job in Baker also had a big impact on his personal life. His parents eventually moved to Baker and several years ago, he got married. Now, he has two children. But even that hasn’t kept him from doing more than just being on the radio. “One of the first things I’ve done is put on the Baker Rock Show. It was a big rock-androll show we did in the outfield of the softball field by the lake. I brought seven bands in and it was a live event.” “It was super cool. It was the first rock concert ever in Baker,” he added. “Over the years, I have emceed every single Relay for Life they have done in Fallon County.” “We needed a musical for the centennial and we did a play called ‘Wagon Wheels West’ for the Fallon County Centennial. Even though I can’t sing a lick, I wound up as the lead in the musical,” he recalled with a laugh. “I did the best I could. Everybody else in the whole thing could sing, so they
Fallon County Times covered for me.” “I have hosted the talent show at the Fallon County Fair several times.” “I played bass in a band for a while.” But his outside work as a local disc jockey has him seeing the involvement with his community even more. “I have done darn near everybody’s wedding over the last 15 years.” “That is actually super fun because I am at the point now where the kids whose games I was broadcasting when I first got here... like their kids are now old enough to get married.” “Twenty years later, it is super fun. I did their weddings and now their kids are old enough to be in high school. I am doing their (the kids’) games,” he said, adding that he has been able to find the time to be an umpire for Little League Baseball. Zenko is also the chairman of the Fallon County Port Authority. “Right now, we are working on building a child care center in Baker.” He readily admits that he seems to get around in the community so much that it is likely that every resident in the county has probably met him at one time or another over the years. “I’ve announced for the Demolition Derby... and the Bump n’ Runs. I have been all over the place in 20 years and it has
been a wild ride.” “What is neat for me living in a small town like this is whatever you can think of, you can do it and you are going to get support for it,” he said. “If anybody here says that they are bored, they just are not trying hard enough. There is plenty to do. You just have to put in a little effort,” he said.
Death Notice Eddie Pearl Hufford, 77 2020 Year in Review continued
Eddie Pearl Hufford, age 77, formerly of Baker, passed away Dec. 23, 2020 at Warrensburg, MO. Services pending.
Local students named to fall semester 2020 honor rolls Montana State University has announced its undergraduate honor rolls for fall semester 2020. Haylee Barkley*, Melissa Breitbach*, Tannon Dukart, Anna Espeland* and Hannah Gonsioroski all of Baker. There are two MSU honor roll lists: the President’s List and the Dean’s List. To be eligible for the lists, students must be enrolled in at least 12 college-level credits. This honor roll list was current as
of Dec. 22 and includes all registration corrections or grade changes processed to that date. The 1,546 students with a perfect 4.0 grade point average for the semester were named to the President’s List. An asterisk follows their names above. The Dean’s List includes the 3,834 students earning grade point averages of 3.5 or above for the semester.
Tester statement on signing of Coronavirus Economic Stimulus and Government Funding Package
U.S. Senator Jon Tester released the following statement after President Donald Trump signed the coronavirus economic stimulus and the 2021 government appropriations package: “This critical economic stimulus package isn’t perfect, but it’s the result of bipartisan compromise that will do some real good for families and businesses in our state. It’s good news the President finally signed it into law, and I’m thankful we were able to secure this badly-needed relief for Montana’s workers and small businesses that will help reopen our economy and get folks back to work.”
February 28 -- A controversial plan to create a Special Improvement District for improving the streets of Baker was approved Feb. 26 at Baker High School by a narrow 3-2 margin. . .Postal service returned to Ismay after townspeople agreed to have a temporary facility constructed inside the town community center. . .Picture: Senator Daines visits with Montana Teacher of the year, Linda Rost. . .Local schools have threat assessments to protect students. . .Knights of Columbus District Free Throw Contest held in Baker on Feb. 23. Gentre Coulter had 25/25, and will likely be an International Champion. . .High temperature Feb. 22 was 48. Low temperature Feb. 25 was -4. . .Fallon County has been awarded two grants, an RRGL Planning Grant for $15,000 from the Department of Natural Resources & Conservation (DNRC) and Fish, Wildlife & Parks Community Pond Program Grant (FWP) for $20,000. The DNRC grant is for Plevna to develop a Preliminary Engineering Report and Operations & Maintenance Plan for their wastewater treatment system. The FWP is to install a handicap accessible fishing dock on Baker Lake’s west shoreline. March 6 -- Fallon Medical Complex in Baker is one of six facilities in Montana to be named on a list of the 2020 Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the nation. . .SMART (Southeast Montana Area Revitalization Team) and EMEDA (Eastern Montana Economic Development Agency) using recent grant to begin planning for a child care facility in Baker. . .A community hearing covering the proposed Keystone XL pipeline planned route through Fallon County was successful on Feb. 27, at the Fallon County Fairgrounds, according to a company spokeswoman. The construction phase of the project will be starting in April in Fallon County and concluding in December. They will be coming back in the spring 2021 to do remediation, to put it back to the way it was before they came. The man camp will be constructed west of Baker. . .Beginning on March 6 , the Fallon County Times will be printed at Star Printing in Miles City. The new paper will be a little bit larger, and only contain four color pages. . .High temperature Feb. 22 was 48. Low temperature Feb. 25 was -4. . .Baker High School candidates for Prom King are: Ty Tolzien, Ethan Verke,
Dillon Hickey and O’Connell Qualley. Queen candidates are: Taylor Miller, Hope Craft, Addison Bryan, and Alissa Bohle. . .Hunter Education class was held Feb. 29 and March 1 at the Fallon County Shooting Range. Twenty-six students received their Hunter Education Certification. Rick Madler received an award from Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Area Warden, Zach Phillips. Rick has been a Hunter Education and Bow Hunter Education instructor for 20 years. He received a Montana Silversmith Buckle and Plaques for his volunteer services. March 13 -- Baker students excel at the Montana Tech Science and Engineering Fair. For the fourth year in a row, Baker received first place among small schools. . .The Eastern Montana Community Mental Health Center is looking for some help, coloring contest planned for upcoming drug facts week. . .Individuals filed for county positions: Commissioner District #1 - Kevin Braun - R, Sandra N. Kinsey - R, Justin Owen Klauzer - R, Brian G. O’Connor - R, JoDee Pratt - R, Melissa (Missy) Thielen - R, Bill Wyrick - R and Steven P. Zachmann - R. Clerk of District Court/Public Administrator - Jeraldine A. Newell - R. . .On March 10, Senator Daines skyped with the 2020 Montana Teacher of the Year Linda Rost’s students at Baker High School. . .High temperature March 7 was 69. Low temperature March 9 was 17. . .Daines unveils proposals to protect Montana families, improve economic stability during coronavirus outbreak. . .Plevna School received new LED lights for the gym. The SMART Schools Energy Grant, which Mr. Schumacher procured earlier this year, covered 100% of the cost of the lights when added to the rebates, thus incurring no expense to the taxpayers. March 20 -- Headline: Governor closes all schools in Montana. Baker and Plevna will be closed until March 27, by order of Montana Govenor Steve Bullock. They will join the rest of the schools in Montana after the governor issued a recent executive order in an effort to halt the spread of COVID-19 in the Treasure State. The closure will remain in effect until March 27, according to state officials. . .The closure of schools across the state has forced Baker to postpone its planned activities. The math meet that had been scheduled has been postponed,
along with the staff blood draw and the after prom party luncheon. Other activities planned have also been postponed, including the parent-teacher conferences, along with a planned tennis match against Glendive and the Prom scheduled for March 28. . .Governor Steve Bullock announced that small businesses across Montana impacted by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) are now eligible to apply for emergency loans through the Small Business Administration. . .Enos earns top State Honors in National Corn Yield Contest. . .High temperature March 11 was 55. Low temperature March 17 was 8. March 27 -- Three BHS senior basketball players were named to the 3B All-Conference basketball teams. Riley O’Donnell and Caleb Ploeger were selected to the boy’s second team. Halle Burdick was selected for All-Conference Honorable mention. Chloe Tudor a sophomore at Plevna High School was named to the 4C Girls Basketball All-Conference second team. . .Governor Steve Bullock issued a directive on March 24, to extend closures of public schools and dine-in food service and alcoholic beverage businesses through April 10 and mandate social distancing measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Montana. . .There have been no reported cases of COVID-19 in Fallon County, but that doesn’t mean the city of Baker, the county, schools and local businesses haven’t taken steps designed to prevent the spread of the virus. . .High temperature March 23 was 60. Low temperature March 20 was 7. . .Governor Steve Bullock extended the payment and filing deadlines for 2019 individual income taxpayers to July 15 in accordance with the new federal filing deadline. . .The Office of Public Instruction and Montana University System announced today that Montana juniors will have the opportunity to take the ACT free of charge this coming fall semester of their senior year. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and Montana’s pending waiver request from standardized tests, it is likely that juniors will not be taking the ACT this spring. April 3 -- TC Energy announces start of Keystone pipeline. . .S.M.A.R.T. has established a Fallon County COVID-19 Relief Fund at Bank of Baker in coordination with
See REVIEW Page 6
Fallon County Times
January 1, 2021
FILES OF THE TIMES
10 YEARS AGO Friday, January 7, 2011 --
Fallon County officials take oath of office Dec. 29. They were sworn into office by County Commissioner Deb Ranum. . .Nicole Allerdings’ poem. “Snow Season”, was chosen to be in the Montana 2011 Energy Conservation Calendar. . .Chris and Shirley Sakelaris have sold their restaurant to Brian and PC Rambur, and after 22 years in business they are retiring. . .Bill Fried celebrated his 99th birthday Dec. 23. . .An open house was held in the courthouse lobby Dec. 29 to honor Faye Koenig for her 37 years of service as Treasurer of Fallon County.
20 YEARS AGO Thursday, January 5, 2001 --
The price of mailing a First Class mail letter will increase a penny Jan. 7, 200, from 33 cents to 34 cents. . .O’Fallon Men’s Choir will soon begin practicing for the Americanism Program which will be held Feb. 14. . .Clerk and Recorder Mary Lee Dietz is pictured swearing in County Attorney Rich Batterman, Clerk of Court Jerrie Newell and County Commissioner Don Rieger. . .Wanda Schaefer retires after 12 years of driving the Fallon Flyer. Besides driving the elderly to their designated destinations, Wanda also delivered Meals on Wheels to those unable to go out or cook for themselves. . .Edith Crippen will celebrate her 80th birthday Jan. 6 with an open house birthday party. . .Notice of price increase: Hair cuts will be $12 at N Styl, Donnetta’s Beauty Den, Scissor Wizard and Kuts 4 All. . .Starting Jan. 1 subscription rates for the Fallon County Times will go up to $28 in the trade area. This increase is due to the increase in postage and paper. Rates will increase to $33 in-state, and $40 out of state. . .Evelyn and Sam Meyer celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary Dec. 31. . .After over 125 years, the Montgomery Ward retail business is closing up shop. . .Picture: Wayne Thompson removes a huge snow drift that accumulated overnight in his mother-inlaw Laura Caron’s driveway last week.
30 YEARS AGO
Thursday, January 3, 1991 --
Fallon Medical Complex has a new lab. The new lab has room for all the instruments, plenty of storage and is much more com-
fortable for patients. A chair for blood drawing was donated by Wayne and Mary Mangold and family. . .Charlie Neumann, former Plevna resident, was badly hurt when he accidentally fell from a roof. . .Rhyne and Annie Rath celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Nov. 10 and 11. . .Shane Beckers, son of Leonard and Dorothy Beckers of Baker, has graduated from the Warrant Officer Candidate School at Fort Rucker. Daleville, AK. . .About 60 people attended the Christmas program held at Fertile Prairie School put on by the eleven students and conducted by their teacher Elnor Knutson. . .Two Baker Spartan football players were chosen for the East West Shrine football game to be held Aug. 10 in Great Falls. They were Steve Madler and Dusten Hatfield.
40 YEARS AGO Thursday, January 1, 1981 --
Work has begun by the firm of Hengel, Berg and Associates of Rapid City on the study of a geothermal heating district for Baker. . .The Myhre family and friends Christmas party was held at Chimney Creek Sunday afternoon with between 10 and 15 families in attendance. . .The Postal Service must continue to take advantage of advancing technology with the introduction of the nine digit zip code if it is to maintain reasonable service levels and hold down postal costs. . .The Roddy Rost family joined his family, the Tubby Rosts, in Marmarth to celebrate Christmas. The David Crawford family, Scott Rost family and Kay and Sonny Hanson were all in attendance.
50 YEARS AGO Thursday, January 7, 1971 --
Jake Ehret takes his place as county commissioner, replacing Rolph Tunby, who chose not to run for re-election. . .Army Specialist Four Richard A. Koenig recently received the Bronze Star medal in Vietnam. Koenig received the award for outstanding, meritorious service as a helicopter crew chief. . .Thirty 4-H members attend practice judging at Baker Livestock Auction. Livestock was donated by Charlie Shumaker and Bill Almy. . .Mr. and Mrs. Bob Morrison are honored guests as they celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. Pouring were Mrs. Russell Culver and Mrs. Ray Grenstiner. . .Harold Jenrich of the Palm Ranch reports that his son has
landed in Vietnam for a tour of duty. . .Curt Huether is the new County Assessor. . .Three persons are arrested by the sheriffs office and city police for possession of dangerous drugs. . .Judge Alfred Coate presents to the school board the feasibility of initiating a juvenile student court in Baker.
60 YEARS AGO
Thursday, January 5, 1961 --
Governor Don Nutter asks legislature to reduce budget the second day he is in office. . .David Aron Vanhoozier is the first baby born in Fallon County. . .John Rusley has been named chairman of the Fallon County Commissioners. . .R. R. Stevens has been named 1961 chairman of the March of Dimes. . .Robert Anderson has been named new advisor of the Montana Chamber of Commerce. . .Fallon Creek CowBelles donate ten pounds of roast beef to the hospital for Christmas Eve dinner.
70 YEARS AGO
Thursday, January 4, 1951 --
Taylor Waldron of Carlyle, a member of the Red Cross board of directors, will be teaching courses in home nursing at the hospital. . .The Commercial Club will meet at Grainger’s to install their new officers. . .Royal Neighbors install officers - Gladys Critchfield, oracle; Alice Newell, vice oracle; Vivian Kreager, recorder; Mary Sinclair, receiver; Peggy Cate, assistant marshall; Wilma Livesey, outer sentinel; Audrey Hansen, courage; Emma Morton, unselfishness; captain of the degree staff is Mary Smola. . .Carl Losing buys the “Sitting Bull” ranch.
80 YEARS AGO Thursday, January 2, 1941 --
G. J. Zeidler, who has been extension agent in Carter and Fallon Counties since December of 1937, has resigned to join the Montana Central Land Company with headquarters in Lewistown. George Severson, assistant agent for the Extension Service since February of this
year, has been appointed to replace Zeidler. . .The local draft board has received a call for one Army recruit for this month. Royal Shepherd, who was draftee number one, will answer the call. Should he fail to pass, the call will be answered by Francis LaCross. . .James Murphy has been appointed a member of the draft board to replace Mike Thielen who resigned. . .Well, leap year is over. A few bachelors escaped but cupid did a pretty good business in Fallon County. There were more than twice as many marriages in 1940 than in any previous year in the county’s history.
90 YEARS AGO Thursday, January 1, 1931 --
The Christmas tree in front of Keirle Chevrolet Motor Company won first prize as the result of balloting on the five judges for the best dressed Christmas tree. Second went to Midland Lumber and third to Proctor’s Jewelry. . .Plans for the Capital Gas Corporation for extending a pipeline from the Baker-Glendive anticline to Minot, ND, Winnipeg, Manitoba and other Canadian cities have been announced by John Wright of Billings, manager of the Corporation. . .The drilling of eight wells to start immediately in the district north of Baker is included in the plans of Monarch Gas Corporation. This was announced this week by W. H. MacDonald.
100 YEARS AGO Thursday, January 6, 1921 --
At the annual meeting of the American Legion held Dec. 31, at the club rooms, the following new officers were elected: Post Commander, Carl Hansen; 1st Vice Commander, Wallace Robinson; 2nd Vice Commander, Ingwald Norman; Finance Officer, Lloyd Smith; Adjutant, George Vinton; Historian, Wade Gobile and Master-at-Arms, Holger Trandum. . .Millard, the five year old son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed. Croninger, of Baker, died, Jan. 2, of scarlet fever. . . Arnold Crosby, who enlisted in the Navy Machinist Corps, was home for the holidays on a furlough and left Jan. 1 for Norfolk, VA.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Jan. 1 - New Year’s Day Jan. 3 - Changed For Life Church services, 10 a.m., Baker Senior Center. Jan. 4 - Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., Assembly of God Church basement; PTA monthly meeting, 5:30 p.m., Lincoln School Multi-Purpose room. Jan. 5 - Overeaters Anonymous, 6:30 p.m., American Lutheran Church. Jan. 6 - Sons of the American Legion, 6 p.m., American Legion; City Council, 7 p.m., Fallon County courtroom. Jan. 7 - Baker Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture, noon; Baker CowBelles 60th Anniversary, 4:30-5:30 p.m., The Tavern. Jan. 10 - Changed For Life Church services, 10 a.m., Baker Senior Center. Jan. 11 - Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., Assembly of God Church basement; American Legion Auxiliary, 6:30 p.m., American Legion; Hospital Helpers. Jan. 12 - Friends of Library, 5 p.m., library basement; School Board, 6 p.m., high school boardroom; Grief Support Gathering, 12 p.m. & 6 p.m., Stevenson Funeral
Home. Jan. 13 - Baker CowBelles; City Council, 7 p.m., Fallon County courtroom; Property Rights Organization Annual Meeting, 7 p.m., Thee Garage Showroom. Jan. 17 - 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 ... January 1
Rose Crawford Mary Ketchum Brynli Strandbakke Cassidy Ketterling Rushton Curry
January 2
Anita Graham Jadyn Caron Sam Griffith Jon Griffith Wiley Thielen Kaileigh Morris
January 3
Donovan Knote Delphine Hoenke
January 4
Kay Varner Everleigh Alderman Anthony Fradenburgh Jr.
Sarah Mettler Grant Bertsch
January 5
Iven Felt Emeri James Tesla Erickson Jolene Setinc
January 6
Bonnie Bunk Sharon Ferrel Nikki Stieg Karrol Williams
January 7
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January 1, 2021
The Spartan Scroll
Fallon County Times
News from the Baker Schools
Christmas concerts bring in holiday cheer McKenzie Davis and Hannah Goerndt
Peyton Janeway
Gift swapping remains a BHS tradition By Macy Varner
Although some of our normal holiday traditions look a little different this year, we are still trying to keep the Christmas spirit alive. Student Council, Spartanettes and BHS faculty have all taken the opportunity to do something more festive this year and are conducting Chritsmas gift swaps in some way or another! For this past week of Dec. 14 through the 18, Student Council members have been participating in the annual “Secret Santa” gifts with teachers and staff members here at BHS. For this, each member chooses one high school staff member as their “secret santa”. Each day of the week the student gives a gift and a clue about who they are to their secret santa. On Friday, the staff member should be able to guess who their secret santa is and then give their own gift to that student. Students and teachers really have fun with the clue element of this exchange and some really put in the effort this year when giving their secret santa hints. Ashlyn Lutts was one who enjoyed making her clues more difficult for Mr. Waldbillig and even went as far as including other students in on her actions. One hint she left explained that she would be wearing crazy socks, but then made sure to let other suspected classmates know to also wear crazy socks that day. This week usually ends with a luncheon for staff
and students, but due to COVID-19 restrictions we were not able to make that happen this year. Instead, the Student Council served soup for all teachers at noon on Friday from Cabin Creek Cafe. Another gift swap this holiday season included one for members of Spartanettes. Each student was tasked with bringing a $10.00 gift to swap for the meeting. Members then picked numbers to see the order of who would get to choose a gift from the assortment first. In this white elephant swap, gifts were allowed to be stolen twice before they were deemed “dead.” Spartanette members had a blast and this tradition continues to be one that is anxiously awaited by students each year! Lastly, faculty members also took part in a unique gift swapping exchange this year too. All Baker High School staff were told to bring a disguised gift and place it on their desk for Monday the 14th. Then, throughout the week staff members would swap gifts from room to room with one another, not knowing at all what was inside the package. After many swaps, the last gift a person ended up with by Friday of the week is the one they get to keep! Staff members then have the “big reveal” Monday morning with one another to see what gifts they have received. The exchange was fun for teachers and staff, and is unique in allowing the mystery to continue all week long.
Christmas music and jolly tunes are one of the revered experiences for people during the holiday season. The concerts put on by all three schools were still an option for attendees this year and there were even added opportunities for viewing these events this year. Each student’s family members received two admittance tickets to their specific concert. This decision was based on capacity guidelines held for in-person functions and events at this time. Despite this change there was still a positive outcome from this issue. All concerts were streamed live through the NFHS Network so anyone at home would still be able to attend and listen to the performances. The high school band and choir concert was held on
Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. The two elementary concerts were then held on Dec. 17. The students in grades K-2 performed at 10 a.m. and grades 3-6 students at 6:30 p.m. All of these live events will remain available for people to reference through this website if they didn’t have the chance to attend live that day. This streaming option was a nice alternative to the changes that had to be made with numbers of attendees. If wanting to catch up on these performances, don’t miss out on still catching the recorded livestream event, with the link posted for reference on the “Baker Public Schools” Facebook page. All students did a wonderful job and showed off all of the hard work they had been putting in prior to these performances!
Russell Keim
We hold a regular weekly cattle and feeder cattle sale every Wednesday.
Special Sales as advertised. Give us a call to visit about your marketing plans.
C & D Yards • Baker, Montana
Open between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday. Your cattle will be delivered to Lemmon Livestock on Tuesday evening and will be sold on Wednesday.
Cattle will be on feed & water and a brand inspector on site
Wed. Jan. 6- Regular Sale w/ Weaned Calf Special Wed. Feb. 3- NO SALE Wed. Jan. 13- Regular Sale w/ All Breed Calf Sale Wed. Jan. 20- Regular Sale w/ All Breed Calf Sale Wed. Feb. 10- Regular Sale w/ All Breed Calf Sale & Special REPL HFR Sale & & Bred HFR/Stock Cow Sale Bred HFR/Stock Cow Sale Wed. Jan. 27- Regular Sale w/ All Breed Calf Sale You can now reach us on the Internet at www.lemmonlivestock.com If you have livestock to consign or would like us to stop at your ranch, please call Lemmon Livestock at 605-374-3877 or 800-822-8853 Paul Huffman Owner/Manager 605-374-5675 or cell 605-645-2493 C & D Yards Baker, Montana 406-778-3282 Curt Williams Baker Field Rep. 406-978-2520
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
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)
Fallon County Times
January 1, 2021
Cougar Tracks
News from the Plevna School
Coca-Cola Scholarship qualifier
Kindergartners looking spiffy for their Christmas Concert Premier.
By Dacy Buerkle
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation awards $20,000 to high school seniors who have demonstrated a capacity to lead and serve in their communities.
First graders are ready for their virtual performance.
The winners of the scholarship get 4-10 years to use the full amount of the scholarship to pay for tuition, housing, and text books. The scholarship requires an academic record of all classes taken and grades, school clubs and organizations, non-school related awards, community service hours, and paid work experiences. There are over 100,000 applications received each year, but only 150 students receive the prestigious award. The first round of elimination resulted in only 1,609 students to continue to the Semifinalist round. Congratulations to Jenna Paul for being a part of the 1.9% of applicants that advanced to the Semifinalist round!
Feed rations in advanced animal science By Jenna Paul
Students in Mrs. Menees’ Advanced Animal Science have been learning about the essential nutrients, and how they are incorporated into different feed rations. Depending on the species and its desired output, the class studied different rations that should be provided. To start off the unit, they selected bags of trail mix provided by Mrs. Menees. They checked the quality and nutrition aspects of their feed ration. Then, they worked on case studies that helped highlight the general nutrients of different scenarios. From lactating dairy cows to cross bred market hogs, they had to choose three different feed options to create their ration. They also had to choose a feeding program: supplemental, limited, free access, scheduled, or full feeding. Next, they went over different components for different rations. They were tasked with bringing in different feed labels to study the different percentages of specific nutrients depending on the goal of the feed.
Scholarship workshop By Jenna Paul
Dacy Buerkle and Jenna Paul hosted a workshop dedicated to scholarships for the junior and sophomore classes. They discussed the importance of record keeping, time management and keeping track of deadlines. They also highlighted some of the local scholarships that they can apply for their senior year. The students received information detailing different scholarship websites that they can visit to start applying now! Overall, the presentation was helpful in sharing the senior members’ knowledge to the upcoming classes.
Calorimeters in physics By Jenna Paul
Second graders ready for their chance to shine in the program.
The High School physics class created their own Calorimeters for their unit on Thermal Energy. They took two styrofoam cups, felt and thermometers to create their Calorimeter. They started with using the felt to make a sturdy lid to cover the stacked styrofoam cups. Next, they stabbed their thermometer into the felt to measure the temperature of the liquid inside. They worked on a lab to check how their Calorimeters worked. Additionally, they heated various metals to a boiling point, and then poured the metal into their Calorimeters. They recorded the new temperature of the water, and from there found the specific heat capacity of each metal.
Officer team putting up decorations.
FFA decorates Plevna signs By Dacy Buerkle
Mrs. Menees and the FFA Chapter officers recently created decorations for the “Welcome to Plevna” signs outside of town. The officers made Christmas ornaments to bring some festive cheer to town. They plan to continue their decorations throughout the year with different themes.
Biology tests victim stomach contents
Christmas in PE By Dacy Buerkle
Fourth graders ready to belt out their carol
The kindergarten through fourth Christmas carolers.
Elementary virtual Christmas program
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Mrs. Phelps recently created a fun Christmas obstacle course for her students. She titled the obstacle course “The 12 Activities of Christmas.” The students faced twelve Christmas or winter themed challenges in order to complete the course. Participants started with the Rooftop Leap, in which they had to leap from one hula hoop to another without hitting he ground outside of the hoops. This was followed with a Candy Cane Race, where students balanced a ball on a wooden candy cane and raced to a cone, and Christmas Tree Bowling, students had to knock over ten Christmas trees. Next was the hardest portion of the course, the students were asked to throw and ring and loop it around a candy cane. Stuff the Stocking challenged the students’ abilities to work together while one student held up a stocking and
another attempted to toss a rubber duck into the stocking. Following this, the students again tested their aim by trying to toss a snowball into a bucket during Shoot a Snowball. The students were then tasked with pinning a carrot on a snowman while blindfolded as part of Pin the Carrot on the Snowman. The students then tested their speed and coordination by racing around a cone while holding a penguin between their knees in Penguin Walk. During Snowball Throw, students tried to knock down a pyramid of paper cups by throwing snowballs. During Candy Cane Weave and Christmas Tree Weave, students weaved in and out of candy canes and Christmas trees while on a scooter. The students ended the course with their favorite competition, limbo. The students thoroughly enjoyed the challenges and were excited to show off their skills!
Jaiden Dulin adding Biuret Solution to the “stomach contents”.
By Jaeda Paul
Mrs. Schumacher’s sophomore biology class has been studying the four major macromolecules in all living organisms: Carbohy-
drates, Lipids, Proteins and Nucleic Acids. After learning about the jobs of these different molecules, the students were given the opportunity to test stomach contents. In the lab, the students were told that after an autopsy it had appeared that the victim had eaten before his death. Students used Sudan Red III, Benedict’s Solution, Biuret Solution, and Iodine to test whether Lipids, Simple Carbohydrates, Proteins, or Complex Carbohydrates were in the stomach contents. From there on, the students had to take their test results and determine where and what the victim ate before his death. The Sophomores had a blast learning about all the different ways to test for the major macromolecules.
Plevna School Menu Week of Jan. 4 Monday: No School Thursday: BBQ burger on Tuesday: French toast sticks, bun, fries, lettuce, pickle, sausage links, orange slices banana Wednesday: Ravioli w/meat Friday: Chicken flautas w/ sauce, carrot soufflé, pears, onion, tomato and guacamole, garlic toast refried beans, spanish rice, fruit
By Jenna Paul
Mr. Mangold graciously offered to record our kindergarten through fourth grade classes singing Christmas carols for all to enjoy! The video will be available on the Facebook page as well as the Plevna School website.
Regent Realty Business Opportunities 6 Ag Ln • Baker, MT • $298,000 3.893 acres with multiple shops. ~•~
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Give me a call for any of your real estate needs
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PROPERTY RIGHTS ORGANIZATION ANNUAL MEETING Wed., January 13, 2021 • 7:00 P.M. Thee Garage Showroom • Baker, MT
Pipeline updates. Please plan to attend.
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January 1, 2021
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 HELP WANTED: Grasslands Federal Credit Union, Baker Branch has an opening for a Member Service Representative. Come join a fun and dedicated team providing financial services to eastern Montana. The chosen candidate will possess excellent member service skills, a strong work ethic, basic computer/technology experience and a desire to learn new skills. We offer an incredible benefits package and competitive pay. Resume and application required for consideration. Position open until filled. Request an application or more information by emailing emily@grasslandscu.com or stopping by the Baker branch. 51-1c ____________________________ FARM/RANCH HELP WANTED: Located in the rolling hills between Baker and Ekalaka, MT with access to two great school systems. Position is a mix of farming/ranching/mechanics with an equivalent wage of over $20/hr and $400 starting bonus. Includes use of remodeled older log home, the chance to run your own cows with the first 20 for free, along with many other miscellaneous benefits. Must have 2 years of full-time experience, esp calving cows, carpentry skills/CDL helpful and is an alcohol/smoke-free workplace. Call 406-975-6236. 51-1c
WANTED WANT TO PURCHASE: Minerals and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: P.O. Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201. 36-38p
FOR RENT FOR RENT: 2 bedroom, 2 car attached garage, large entry with
washer and dryer, 1 large full bathroom, kitchen and dining areas. $750/per month + MDU + 1 time $750 cleaning deposit. Water, sewer and garbage are paid by owner NO pets. Located at 410 2nd Street West, Baker, MT. Contact Deanna Hayden at 406-975-6802 or on Facebook. 1-2c
FOR SALE WINTER WHEAT AND GRASS ALFALFA HAY FOR SALE: 230 ton of winter wheat hay w/CP of 12% and relative feed value of 93. 122tn of grass/alf w/CP of 16+% & RFV of 128. All bales net wrapped, forage analysis available, located between Baker and Ekalaka. Call 406-975-6236. 52-2c
CARD OF THANKS CARD OF THANKS: A big thank you to all our good friends and neighbors for all the goodies you brought at Christmas. It was very much appreciated. The Collie’s Alex and Alex Jr. 1c ____________________________ CARD OF THANKS: I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Knights of Columbus for the $25 that I won from their raffle. It was greatly appreciated. Donna Morris 1p
NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE The Fallon County Planning Board will hold the Statutorily required meeting on Jan. 4, 2021 at 7 p.m. in the Fallon County Courtroom. The public is welcome to attend. 1c ____________________________ NOTICE: Bowman, ND Gun Show, Jan. 15, 16, 17, 2021, 4 Seasons Pavilion. 100 - 8’ tables - $30. Open to
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
•Paul Jon Gatons, Jr., Seguin, TX, operating with expired registration, failure to re-register, dismissed by Court, pursuant to the defendant providing proof of valid registration on the date and time of the citation, ticket issued 11/3/2020. •David Dreo Hickey, Gillette, WY, revocation of suspended or deferred sentence, original fine of $2,790 revoked, $2,790 re-imposed, original jail of 525 suspended days revoked, 525 days re-imposed and suspended on conditions for two years (12/17/2022), ticket issued 9/14/2015. •Harold Jasen Wyrick, Baker, fail to follow conditions
and requirements of special permit, bond forfeited $135, ticket issued 12/10/2020.
City Court
•David Dreo Hickey, Gillette, WY, revocation of suspended or deferred sentence, original fine of $1,085 revoked with $1,085 reimposed, defendant given credit of $1,000 for 32 days time served, original jail of 150 days revoked with 148 days reimposed and 148 days suspended on conditions for six months, ticket issued 10/18/2016. •Gabino Rivera, Mission, TX, disorderly conduct (1)(a) (i) thru (1)(a)(vi), 1st offense, bond forfeited $185, ticket issued 11/21/2020.
Legal Tip of the Week Did you know … that you may have the right to a court-appointed interpreter if you’re involved in a lawsuit? If you have a limited ability to read, write or understand English or if you have a hearing impairment and require interpretation service, the court should appoint an interpreter for you. This is true if you are a party in a civil or criminal lawsuit, a witness, a juror, or a potential juror. If this is your situation, you would need to ask the court to appoint an interpreter for you. You can do that by filing a Motion to Appoint Interpreter with the clerk of court. To find the Motion to Appoint Interpreter, check out www.MontanaLawHelp.org. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, try our smart search bar. Or call the Montana Legal Services Association HelpLine at 1-800-666-6899. Support free legal information for all Montanans at mtlsa. org/donate/.
Jim Hurley Broker, Owner Home 406-778-3735
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
Indian Trail Ranch Realty, LLC
Judy Brown Sales Cell 406-891-0133
all 2 Lots for sale, r o f s 718 S 1st St. East l lu Dcall L Cal our reaeds. For details O S y e n Judy @ 891-0133 te a t es 406-778-2402
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. 52-3c
LEGALS PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Monday, January 11, 2021 7 p.m. Plevna Community Center Plevna, MT (All information pertaining to this notice can be obtained from the Fallon County Planning Department) The Plevna Town Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, at 7 p.m. at the Plevna Community Center located on Main Street. The purpose of this hearing is to consider the recommendation made by the Plevna Zoning Commission regarding a zone change request submitted by 4J Well Service. The Zone Change is from residential to C-2. All items pertaining to the zone change can be viewed at the Fallon County Planning Department. 4J Well Service has submitted an application for a Zone Change Request. The property in question is located at the Plevna Original Townsite, Block 11, lots 6,7,8,9,10, Plevna, MT. This is zoned Residential and 4J Well Service is requesting to change it to Commercial. The purpose of this zone change is to change the use to a Storage facility for RV Storage, which could be considered a Commercial use. 76-2-307. Zoning commission. In order to avail itself of the powers conferred by this part, except 762-306, the city or town council or other legislative body shall appoint a commission, to be known as the zoning commission, to recommend the boundaries of the various original districts and appropriate regulations to be enforced therein. Such commission shall make a preliminary report and hold public hearings thereon before submitting its final report,
REVIEW
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Fund at Bank of Baker in coordination with the Fallon County DES office and Senior Center. The relief fund is a way to serve our communities here in Fallon County that is directly related to supporting economic stability and development, especially for those individuals, families and businesses that are experiencing economic injury (loss of income, revenue, etc.) as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. . .Wells Fargo ATM, signage disappears as building changes hands. Jade Boggs, the new owner of the building, will soon be moving his Insurance Store from across the street into the building. . .The annual Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Gamma Beta Sorority that was scheduled for April 11 has been postponed. . .Baker Public Schools will continue offering free meals to all kids for the duration of school closure. . .Governor Bullock directs 14-day quarantine for travelers arriving in Montana from another state or country. . .Dan and Rob Stanton will join their brother, Jim Stanton (2013) as they are inducted into the Montana Coaches Association hall of fame summer. Dan was a 1986 Baker High graduate and Rob graduated from BHS in 1988. . .High temperature March 30 was 66. Low temperature March 26 was 20. April 10 -- Headline: Baker City Council decides to postpone SID 36 project. The COVID-19 pandemic drew most of the attention when the Baker City Council attempted its first teleconference meeting. Because of the virus outbreak and its impact on the local economy, the city council decided to push back planned work on Special Improvement District 36. The city received only one bid for the Special Improvement District work, for $3,833,878.12. . .Like most of the country, masks are in short supply locally as we face a global pandemic which has al-
MONTANA STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS ONLINE Teacher Certification offered through Montana Western. Programs designed for teachers seeking advancement and individuals interested in becoming a teacher. Accessible wherever you are. Call (406) 683-7537 for more information.
and such city or town council or other legislative body shall not hold its public hearings or take action until it has received the final report of such commission. 52-2c MNAXLP ____________________________ AUDIT PUBLICATION An audit of the affairs of Fallon County has been conducted by Olness & Associates, PC, Certified Public Accountants. The audit covered the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020. Section 2-7-521, MCA, requires the publication of the following summary of significant findings. Summary of Significant Findings The Audit Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2020 contained an Independent Auditor’s Report on the County’s basic financial statements. The report issued for the fiscal year end June 30, 2020 was qualified. The Audit Report also contained other Auditor’s reports. Following is a listing of the reports and a summary of the findings included. This is only a summary and is not intended to be used as an audit report. 1. Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting and on Compliance and Other Matters Based on an Audit of Financial Statements Performed in Accordance With Government Auditing Standards. 2. Report on Compliance with Requirements Applicable to each Major Program and on Internal Control Over Compliance Required by the Uniform Guidance. SCHEDULE OF FINDINGS AND QUESTIONED COSTS Segregation of Duties Auditor Prepared Financial Statements Total other Post-Employment Benefit Liability Not Recorded Ambulance Accounts Receivable and Revenue Airport Improvement Program 3. Report on Prior Audit Recommendations 4. Corrective Action Plan
PUBLIC INSPECTION OF AUDIT REPORT The complete audit report is on file in its entirety and is open to public inspection at the Fallon County Courthouse, 10W Fallon Avenue, Baker, MT 59313 Respectfully, Brenda J. Wood, Fallon County Clerk and Recorder 1-2c MNAXLP ____________________________ NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Variance Request Tuesday, Jan. 19, 2021 7 p.m. Fallon County Courthouse Courtroom A Public Hearing has been scheduled for Tuesday, Jan.19, 2021, at 7 p.m. in the Fallon County Courthouse Courtroom located at 10 West Fallon Ave. The proposed meeting is handicap accessible. The public is encouraged to attend. The Board of Adjustment will conduct a Public Hearing for Jeff Varner for a variance request regarding a deck he placed on his property. This is an after the fact variance request, as the deck was built and does not meet the 10-foot setback from the property line. Mr. Varner’s property is zoned R-2 Residential, and it is located at 3 West Pleasant Ave., City of Baker, County of Fallon, State of Montana. 17.08.120 - Variance. A “variance” means the approved relaxation or adjustment of the strict application of the terms of these regulations where, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of these regulations will result in the following: (a) Where it is an unnecessary hardship; (b) Where it will not be contrary to the public interest; (c) Where the spirit of this title will be observed and substantial justice done; and (d) Where the relaxation or adjustment of these regulations will not be detrimental to the surrounding proper-
ties. 17.46.020. - Powers. The board of adjustment shall have the following powers: (a) To hear and decide appeals where it is alleged there is error in any order, requirement, decision, or determination made by an administrative official in the enforcement of this part or of any ordinance adopted pursuant thereto; (b) To hear and decide special exceptions to the terms of the ordinance upon which such board is required to pass under such ordinance; (c) To authorize upon appeal in specific cases such variance from the terms of the ordinance as will not be contrary to the public interest, where, owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of the ordinance will result in unnecessary hardship and so that the spirit of the ordinance shall be observed and substantial justice done. The application can be viewed at the Fallon County Planning Department located in the basement of the courthouse. Questions surrounding this Notice can be directed to Mary Grube, Zoning Assistant, 406-7787111. If you are unable to attend the public hearing and would like to testify as a proponent or opponent, a notarized affidavit is required, and shall be mailed to the Fallon County Planning Department, Attention Board of Adjustment, P.O. Box 1134, Baker, MT 59313-1134. 1-2c MNAXLP
ready killed thousands of Americans. Now a handful of women are helping to arm the Fallon County medical personnel with handmade masks. There has been a goal set of creating 1,000 masks from fabric which could be reused and sterilized. . .High temperature April 6 was 67. Low temperature April 3 was -2. . .We all live, work, and play here. Spiffy’s recognizes that many of our LOCAL BUSINESSES have been required to reduce hours, services, or simply close during this difficult time. Our community has the commitment from Spiffy’s to support these LOCAL BUSINESSES during both good and difficult times. Spiffy’s has committed $5,000 to purchase gift cards from local businesses that our customers will be able to choose from during this promotional period of time over the next months. April 17 -- The governor of Montana has extended the directives he issued earlier to April 24. . .High temperature April 10 was 59. Low temperature April 14 was 7. . .Fallon medical facility is preparted for virus threat. According to the director of nursing, the facility is very prepared as medical supplies, medications and personal protective equipment that is used there. April 24 -- Headline: Montana Judge cancels needed Keystone XL permit. Brian Morris, the chief U.S. District judge for the District of Montana, ruled April 15 that the permit was canceled because the Corps of Engineers did not adequately consider the impact on species such as the pallid sturgeon, which is a large fish living in rivers the pipeline would cross along the route. . .In Baker, when the City Council holds its public meetings now, the people on the council have a different view than they are used to, instead of using the Fallon County Courthouse’s normal meeting area, the meetings have been moved onto phones and into the basement of the building, according to the mayor. . .High temperature April 21 was 72. Low temperature April 16
was 18. May 1 -- Headline: Compass Coffee offers caffeine kickstart. Compass Coffee will officially open at 6 a.m. on May 5. The coffee shop has ties to the Assembly of God Church in Baker. . .Carole Bettenhausen ends career with lots of memories. A fixture at Baker for more than 40 years, she will be stepping down at the end of the semester, leaving the administration to fill some big shoes in the Advanced Placement English courses, as well as Spanish, publications and speech. . .High temperature April 27 was 72. Low temperature April 24 was 28. . .Montana governor ends order to close schools. Local districts to make decisions to open or stay closed. Baker schools have decided to continue with online learning for the remaining of the year. Plevna will make a decision next week. . .City of Baker Clean Up Days for 2020 will be May 1 through May 17. . .Reynolds Market donated $2,500 in groceries to the Community Cupboard. . .Picture: There’s some awesome fishing on Baker Lake for trout, crappie, perch and walleye. Pictured is Carrie Gundlach with her three (3) trout caught on April 27. May 8 -- After a lengthy closure as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Fallon County Courthouse will be reopening to the public effective at 8 a.m. on May 11, 2020, while following and adhering to the “Reopening the Big Sky” guidelines established by our Governor Bullock. . . Lindsay Chaska closes out elementary career as teacher. . .Unofficial results for Plevna School Board Election for one trustee for three year term: Total Electors Voting - 185; Lisa Rieger 166; Robert Thielen - 18. . .Per Montana Governor Steve Bullock’s Executive Orders 2-2020 and 3-2020 Montana Counties may opt to conduct their June 2, 2020 Primary Nominating Election as a mail ballot election. The Election Administrator of Fallon County will be conducting the June 2, 2020 Nominating Party Primary Election by mail. All
eligible registered voters will receive Primary Party Ballots in the mail. . .High temperature May 3 was 74. Low temperature May 2 was 32. May 15 -- There may be some supply problems caused by the COVID-19 problems in several meat-processing plants, a local supermarket chain recently warned online. “The impact of coronavirus has now moved into meat processing plants of all species nationwide. Because of this, our supply from one week to the next, including advertised items, is unknown. We usually don’t know what quantities we will receive until our trucks arrive at our stores. We ask for your patience and understanding,” Reynold’s Market posted on its Facebook page on May 6. . .While the graduation ceremony May 17, at Baker High School’s Schillinger Stadium will be closed to the general public, the seniors will get an even bigger send-off when they participate in a parade around the city with a police escort. . .Carol Hadley has been part of education in Baker for 30 years. But shortly, she will be starting a new chapter of her life. She is retiring from teaching at the end of the school year, but begin working full-time at Stevenson Funeral Home in June. . .City creates committee to confront damage from overweight vehicles. . . High temperature May 8 was 63. Low temperature May 11 was 22. . . Anglers at the newly renovated Baker Lake are harvesting some nice-sized rainbow trout, as well as enjoying a rare opportunity to catch some decent walleye. . .May 6, during National Teacher Appreciation Week, the teachers and staff members joined together to parade through the streets of Baker to say “hello” to their students and their students’ families.
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2020 Year in Review will continue in our next issue of the Fallon County Times.
January 1, 2021
Fallon County Times
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Updated Plevna Basketball (Tentative) 2021 Season January 5 - (H) - Terry - 5:30, 7:00 p.m. January 12 - (T) - Wibaux - 4:00, 5:30 p.m. January 16 - (H) - Ekalaka - 4:30, 6:00 p.m. January 19 - (H) - Jordan - 4:00, 5:30 p.m. January 21 - (T) - Custer/Hysham - 4:00, 5:30 p.m. January 23 - (H) - Broadus - 4:30, 6:00 p.m. January 26 - (T) - Broadus - 4:30, 6:00 p.m. January 29 - (T) - Ekalaka - 4:30, 6:00 p.m. January 30 - (H) - Custer/Hysham - 4:00, 5:30 p.m. February 4 - (T) Terry - 5:30, 7:00 p.m. February 6 - (T) - Melstone - 4:00, 5:30 p.m. February 12 - (H) - Wibaux - 3:00, 4:30 p.m. February 13 - (T) - Jordan - 4:30, 6:00 p.m. February 17-20 - (T) - Miles City - District 4C Tournament
COVID-19 Relief Funds Kathy and Jerry Sikorski pose with a bag of black lentils. They have donated more than 6,000 pounds of lentils to food banks and shelters during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Lentil Legacy
Co-op couple donates tons of lentils to those in need
More than 400 pounds of black lentils were left outside the Great Falls Rescue Mission door by the Sikorskis in September. The facility was on lockdown because of the pandemic. Photos by Ryan Hall.
Story by Ryan Hall, Rural Montana Editor
Kathy and Jerry Sikorski of Ekalaka wanted to help their fellow Montanans during the COVID-19 pandemic. They didn’t have the funds to make large donations, but what they did have was an abundance of a crop that can feed people in many ways. “‘We don’t have a lot of money, so what could we donate?’” Kathy remembered saying during a discussion with her husband. “And we both said, ‘We have lentils.’” The Southeast Electric Cooperative members - Jerry’s father Ed was the first president of the co-op’s board - farm between Baker and Ekalaka. They produce about 1.1 million pounds of black lentils, which are known for their nutty flavor, during a good year. From there it is sold for seed or as a food product. This year’s crop was wiped out by hail, but because of the restau-
rant restrictions across the country due to COVID-19, much of last year’s crop remains in storage. Flying in help The Sikorskis immediately began reaching out to various shelters and other community groups to offer assistance. The couple flew their first load of more than 400 pounds of lentils in their Cessna 182 to Bozeman, where a TV crew filmed them unloading. Then they heard that the men’s shelter in Billings needed help. “The men’s shelter was over-the-top excited,” Kathy said of the facility’s staff when the couple called. The Sikorskis also delivered a load to Family Services in Billings, and watched as a long line of cars full of families waited to get their free lentils and other supplies. “It was humbling,” Kathy said. “We are a ranch family. Nobody had any money growing up, but we had never not had food.” “It shocked me,” Jerry said of the need in Billings, adding that Family Services staff told the couple they could take 1,000 pounds of lentils a week if they were available. The couple has also delivered 1,000 pounds of lentils to Lame Deer - “The reservation was so thankful,” Kathy said - as well as loads to Helena, Great Falls and Missoula. Additional drop points include a food pantry in Livingston, and the senior center in White Sulphur Springs. “It’s kind of a lot of friends we got in-
THIS COULD BE YOUR A DV E RT I S E M E N T Contact Tammy O’Donnell 406-778-3344
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volved here,” Kathy said. “We’re doing the simple part of it.” Sometimes they fly about 450 pounds of lentils to a city, and other times they drive about 1,500 pounds to places using their pickup. The couple estimated that by late September they had donated more than 6,000 pounds of lentils. That’s more than $35,000 worth at retail price. “We just do it because we know there’s a lot of unfortunate people who need help,” Kathy said. Hopes to expand The Sikorskis would love to help more families, but they need help to do it. Their network of friends and contacts can only reach so many areas. The hope is that they could establish five dropoff points across the state where they could bring 2,000 pounds of lentils, and then have local volunteers deliver to food pantries and shelters in the area as needed. “People are really reticent to contact us,” Kathy said.
How To Help
The Sikorskis ask that anyone willing to help set up a distribution point, or who would be able to pick up lentils in one of Montana’s larger cities and take them to more rural areas needing assistance, call the couple at 406-7756535.
2020 has been difficult for businesses, non-profits, ag producers and so many others due to COVID-19. In late April the first round of COVID Relief Funds through the CARES Act rolled out for Montanans, in the form of grants and loans. $1.25 billion was allocated to Montana with almost $700 million being allocated to grant and loan programs. Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation (EPEDC), serves Fallon, Carter, Wibaux, Prairie and Dawson County and is committed to providing the support needed in eastern Montana through grant writing, business development and technical assistance. Throughout the pandemic EPEDC has directly assisted 38 businesses, nonprofits and/or others apply for COVID-19 relief funds. These funds had to be spent by the end of 2020 and could be used for a variety of needs to keep doors open such as payroll, rent, util-
ities, supplies and other necessities. As 2020 comes to a close if you received these funds be sure to complete your Final Report before or by Jan. 31. The COVID Relief bill that was signed on Sunday Dec. 28 outlines additional Paycheck Protection Plan (PPP) funding in the amount of $285 billion. This round of PPP will come out with stricter guidelines including being available to employers with less than 300 employees, that experienced at least a 25 percent drop in sales from a year earlier, and capping the available amount per business to $2 million. The agreement also sets aside $12 billion specifically for minority-owned businesses. This round of funds will also allow those who have already received a first round of PPP to apply for a second amount. There is not yet a timeline for when funds will become available to apply for.
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January 1, 2021
Fallon County Times
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