FCT115

Local vandals threaten to close school facilities

Staff Report

Because of damage recently by vandals, access to school facilities may be restricted – or worse.

According to school officials, there has been costly damage to the school recently and it is being investigated.

The damage was extensive enough that it prompted officials to post a warning and a request for assistance on the district’s Facebook page (Dec. 29).

“We are requesting the help of our community to ensure our facilities are maintained and properly cared for.”

“In recent weeks students and/or adults within our facilities (gym, etc.) have been breaking into locked doors, leaving trash, leaving equipment out and not putting it away, accessing equipment they are not authorized to use, breaking school equipment/storage (breaking doors, door frames, door handles, door locks, stage podium, etc.), not using school equipment for its proper use (kicking basketballs into the ceiling-damaging lighting and ventilation system), accessing offices that are restricted from community access, accessing the school outside of the gym without authorization.”

“We want our students and community to be able to access our facilities but if things don’t change immediately, we will have no choice but to restrict access.” the Facebook post explained.

“Using our facilities is a privilege and one that can and will be taken away immediately if we continue to have vandalism and inappropriate use of our facilities. Please help us address

these issues now,” the comment concluded.

According to Superintendent Aaron Skogen, the damage may indeed force the school to make some changes in access.

“Another reason for the post (on Facebook) was the hope that the community could stop this (vandalism),” he said Tuesday.

“We definitely encourage our students and the community to use our facilities, but use them appropriately. As of the post, we haven’t had any issues. We are hoping that it has resolved itself,” he explained.

The damage was mostly in areas accessible by both students and the public, the superintendent said.

The school already has the custodians providing greater scrutiny to the areas as they work, he explained.

“Video surveillance is not cheap, but we do have a lot of cameras. We may need to get more cameras,” he explained.

The superintendent also said that vandalism had not been a problem until recently. “We are hoping to resolve this right away.

“We don’t wand to be in the position where we need to restrict access to the facilities. The community enjoys our facilities and we appreciate that the community pays taxes and wants to use the facilities as much as they do. We just need to make sure they are used correctly,” he added.

So far, the damage hasn’t affected the curriculum for the students, yet. “At this point, it has not disrupted the educational or our extracurricular programs,” the superintendent explained.

Paycheck Protection Program returns to help local businesses Staff Report

The Paycheck Protection Program has returned, with some changes.

The program, designed to help small businesses to mitigate the economic damage caused by the pandemic, provides 100 percent federally guaranteed loans.

The newest version of the program started this week throughout all 50 states after the recent COVID-19 bill became law before the end of 2020.

It will be available for new borrowers and certain existing PPP borrowers. According to program spokesmen, people should contact their local lenders if they have questions on eligibility.

According to the guidelines, borrowers are generally eligible for a second PPP loan if they used the previous loan for authorized uses, have no more than 300 employees and can show at least a 25 percent drop in gross receipts compared with similar periods in 2019 and 2020.

Some additions to the program allows borrowers to set the loan’s cover period from eight to 24 weeks in order to meet business needs.

The loans can also be used to cover additional expenses, including operations expenditures, property damage costs, supplier costs and worker protection costs.

Eligibility now includes 501(c)(6)s, housing cooperatives, direct marketing organizations and others. It also allows more flexibility to handle seasonal workers.

In addition, certain existing PPP borrowers can request to modify their First Draw PPP Loan amount, while some existing PPP borrowers are now eligible to apply for a Second Draw PPP Loan, according to program officials.

The Baker CowBelles held their 60th anniversary at The Tavern in downtown Baker Jan. 7. From left to right (back row) are Pam Owens, Melanie Lund, Amber Hurley, Denise Strickland, Louise Varner, Jean Tronstad, Alexiss Miller and Vikki Taylor. In the front row are Wanda Pinnow, Toni Reetz and Sharon Gookin. PHOTOS/Brad Mosher

Baker CowBelles hold anniversary dinner

Staff Report

Members of the Baker CowBelles met Jan. 7 at the Tavern to celebrate its 60th anniversary.

The non-profit group has been serving as a voice of the women in the cattle industry and have promoted beef through education,

legislation and communication since 1961.

The group started with the name “Baker Bossy Belles” with its first meeting Jan. 7 in 1961 and one of the first decisions of the group was to vote to join the Southeastern Montana Corporation of CowBelles.

The group is one of many that promote the use of beef, with a focus on education in schools, “We support and donate beef to be used by specialty groups such as the FFA, 4-H, senior citizens and other charity event fundraisers,” the group states in its mission statement.

One of the members includes Wanda Pinnow, who has also served as the president of the American National Cattlewomen (ANCW) as well as being named the Montana Cattlewoman of the Year in December

2019. She also has been president of the Montana Cattlewomen from 2014 to 2016.

Among the people attending the celebration at The Tavern were Pam Owens, Melanie Lund, Amber Hurley, Denise Strickland, Louise Varner, Jean Tronstad, Alexiss Miller, Vikki Taylor, Wanda Pinnow, Toni Reetz and Sharon Gookin.

According to Reetz, the current Baker CowBelles president, the group had also been busy during 2020, the year that COVID-19 hit the state and the nation. The CowBelles sent three members to the ANCW meeting in San Antonio, TX, donated food to assisted living facilities, donated beef to the FFA to serve in their Fallon County Fair booth, and handed out “I love Beef” keychains to contestants in the Montana High School Rodeo.

Rural Ismay rebuilding local post office Staff Report

A year after Ismay’s post office was destroyed by a late night fire, it is being reborn like a phoenix out of what was once a smoldering pile of debris in the small community.

A mild winter has helped the reconstruction along, said Gene Nemitz. “We have got a building started. It is enclosed and probably half done. It is framed. The contractor has got the windows and doors now – but he hasn’t got them installed yet.”

“He is far enough along that it is pretty much enclosed so even if the weather gets bad he’ll be alright,” Nemitz said.

According to a representative of the United States Postal Service, it is working with the landlord and looking forward to the completion of the new Ismay facility.

“Until postal operations can be fully restored, we ask our customers to continue utilizing the temporary neighborhood cluster boxes located in the Ismay community center. We thank our customers for their patience during this process,” explained USPS spokesman Floyd Wagoner .

Since the fire, the residents had to briefly get their mail at the Plevna Post Office, approximately 20 miles away.

However, the community was also able to make arrangements to use the Joe Montana Community Center for temporary postal facilities.

At a meeting Jan. 20 in the community cen-

ter, the mayor and town officials approved the plans which could allow partial postal service to return to the community about a month after its local post office burned to the ground.

The owners of the building, Gene and Rita Nemitz, announced plans to rebuild the building, but said that rebuilding the building would have to wait for warmer weather in the spring at the earliest. It had to wait a little longer, starting the rebuilding last fall.

“The investigation is done. It has been ruled an accident,” Rita Nemitz said almost a year ago. “We are working on it to rebuild. It is a slow process.” Part of the wait was tied to insurance and getting current requirements to meet current USPS specifications, she explained.

The building, which burned down in the early morning hours of Jan. 4, had been the post office for the community since the 1940s.

The post office in the old building rented slightly more than 700 square feet, about half the size of the building, Rita Nemitz said. The building had a varied history in Ismay over the years, she added, noting that it could have been an old cafe and an implement store over the years.

When the building is rebuilt, the post office portion will probably be a little larger, but not by much, she added.

Ismay is located approximately six miles east of Highway 12 off Ismay Road. As of 2018, the community had a population of 20.

2

January 15, 2021

Legislative Roundup - Week 1

Fallon County Times

Legislature, Gov. Gianforte offer COVID-19 plans as first Legislator tests positive

By Austin Amestoy

UM Legislative News Service, University of Montana School of Journalism

A bill to reduce COVID-19 liability for Montana businesses and the first meeting of the Legislature’s COVID-19 panel came during the first week of the session, a day after Republican leadership confirmed the first known positive test for the virus in a legislator late Thursday.

Presumptive Chair of the COVID-19 panel, Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, announced in a press release Thursday that Rep. David Bedey, R-Hamilton, tested positive for the virus and was quarantining away from the Capitol.

According to the release, Bedey came into contact with the virus outside the Capitol before the session began.

“We’re already reaching out and notifying those who have recently been in close contact with Representative Bedey and are telling them to quarantine,” Ellsworth said.

Bedey worked in the Capitol throughout the week, including in meetings of the Montana House Appropriations Committee, and wore a mask.

The announcement came during a week of COVID-19-related announcements from the Legislature and the Governor’s office.

During his first press conference Tuesday, Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte outlined his strategy for addressing the coronavirus pandemic in Montana.

About 30 people attended the ceremony in the governor’s reception room. All were masked and in assigned seats, though attendees were not distanced.

The governor expressed faith in the ability of a COVID-19 vaccine and increased testing to slow the pandemic in Montana.

“I’m confident Montanans will

make our comeback,” Gianforte said.

Gianforte also announced his intention to reverse the statewide mask mandate imposed by the Bullock administration once certain criteria are met.

“To combat the virus, I believe providing incentives and promoting personal responsibility are more effective than imposing impractical mandates,” Gianforte said.

The governor said he will repeal the mask mandate once a COVID-19 vaccine is distributed to “the most vulnerable,” and once legislation is passed to protect businesses and schools from lawsuits. Gianforte did not offer a specific date for a repeal of the mask mandate.

He also clarified vaccine distribution priorities for Montana, saying that Montanans older than 70 and those age 16–69 with “specific underlying health conditions” will be first in line for a shot.

The legislation to protect businesses that the governor requested got its first hearing in the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee Friday morning.

Senate Bill 65, carried by Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick, R-Great Falls, would prevent individuals from suing businesses for contracting COVID-19 so long as those businesses were following local or state health guidelines. Suits can still be filed for “gross negligence” or “willful and wanton misconduct” in handling COVID-19 guidelines.

“If we want to open up our state, we need to give clear guidance as to what will lead to liability and what will not,” Fitzpatrick said.

The bill would also prohibit lawsuits against healthcare workers for COVID-19 injury and death in patients under their care and protect businesses that make personal protective equipment, like masks, and sanitization sup

plies from lawsuits.

Gov. Gianforte endorsed the bill in a press release Friday that clarified SB 65 as meeting the requirements for civil protections he listed as a prerequisite to lifting the statewide mask mandate.

Shortly after SB 65’s first hearing, a group of Republican and Democratic leadership met for the first time publicly as the Legislative COVID-19 Panel and reviewed Capitol’s pandemic rules.

Panel Chair Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, opened the meeting with an acknowledgement of Rep. Bedey’s positive test, but insisted Republicans “are taking this virus seriously.”

“No one - no legislator, no member of the public - has to be in this building if they don’t want to be and don’t choose to do so,” Ellsworth said.

House Minority Leader Kim Abbott, D-Helena, and Senate Minority Leader Jill Cohenour, D-East Helena, raised concerns about the health of legislative staff and transparency in reporting legislators’ positive test results by name, which is not currently required under the rules.

“I don’t know how members of the public can make decisions about their own health if they don’t know what’s happening in our building,” Cohenour said.

Republicans and Democrats on the panel agreed a dedicated contract tracer for the Capitol is necessary, and Executive Director of the Legislative Services Division Susan Fox confirmed that staff is working on fulfilling that request.

The committee also heard remote public testimony from Montanans over Zoom, many of whom offered scathing indictments of the Legislature’s failure to enforce public health guidelines.

Whitefish resident Joan Vetter Ehrenberg, audibly emotional, condemned the panel’s current rules as “unconscionable.”

“Don’t risk yourselves and this

community and this state to a greater outbreak and more deaths, because those deaths will be on your hands,” she said.

Democratic leaders said they planned on drafting amendments to panel rules to bring to their next meeting.

Gianforte sworn in as Governor Judge Mary Jane McCalla Knisely swore in Montana’s former Republican Congressman Greg Gianforte as governor of Montana in a private ceremony on Jan. 4. Gianforte placed his hand on a bible held by his wife, Susan, and recited the oath of office, officially making him the first Republican governor of Montana in 16 years.

In his inaugural address, Gianforte touted his “Montana Comeback Plan,” which he campaigned on, outlining four key principles that he said will drive his decision making during his governorship: economic growth, fiscal responsibility, governmental reform and protecting Montanans’ “way of life.”

“Today marks a new beginning for Montanans across our state,” Gianforte said. “The possibilities are vast and our potential is as boundless as our skies.”

Gianforte’s four guiding principles indicate the governor plans to take advantage of a solidly Republican-controlled legislature and governorship - the first occurrence of a “trifecta” in 16 years.

His economic priorities include lowering business taxes and creating new jobs, as well as cutting taxes for Montanans. Gianforte also seeks to reform state government, though he did not specify in what way. His fourth principle - “protecting Montanans’ way of life” - he said involves fighting crime and drug addiction, protecting families and preserving public lands.

Kristen Juras was sworn in as Montana’s Lieutenant Governor

just before Gianforte took the oath.

Representatives and Senators sworn in; leadership lists priorities Members of the Montana House of Representatives and Senate took the oath of office in simultaneous ceremonies at the Montana Capitol Jan. 4, marking the start of the 67th Montana Legislative Session.

With Gov. Greg Gianforte’s inauguration just hours earlier, the balance of political power in Helena shifted solidly toward the Republican party after the statewide election in November saw a wave of conservative victories up and down the ballot - though policy goals for each party show some overlap.

Republicans now control a 67seat majority in the 100-member House of Representatives and 31 seats in the 50-member Senate.

Republican Representatives in the House chose Rep. Wylie Galt, R-Martinsdale, as Speaker of the House.

“To the Democrat members, your voices will be heard and respected. That is a Montana tradition,” Galt said during his first address as Speaker.

House Minority Leader Kim Abbott, D-Helena, said in her opening speech that House Democrats would hold the Republican majority accountable in upholding their duty to Montana’s voters.

Republicans selected Sen. Mark Blasdel, R-Kalispell, as President of the Senate, while Democrats chose Sen. Jill Cohenour, D-East Helena, as Senate Minority Leader.

“Senate Democrats are prepared to tackle the challenges ahead, and we encourage our colleagues to join us in moving the state forward, not backward,” Cohenour said.

Leadership from both parties outlined policy goals in separate press conferences, and while there are some stark differences in the platforms, there are also some commonalities. Both parties seek tax breaks for Montanans, the preservation of public education funding and an increase in good-paying jobs.

House Majority Leader Sue Vinton, R-Billings, touted the “conservative mandate” Montana voters gave the Republican Party following its 2020 election victories and said the party is unified, despite being “as diverse as the citizens we represent.”

Other Republican policy goals include passing a balanced budget with no tax increases, limiting government intrusion of personal freedoms, and stabilizing Montana’s healthcare system.

Democratic leadership worked

to strike a hopeful chord while listing their policy goals, which include increasing the minimum wage, protecting Montana’s Medicaid Expansion program, and investing in career and technical education.

“In Montana, we have a long history of coming together with our colleagues to build a conservative budget that doesn’t spend more than we take in and is prepared for the unexpected,” Cohenour said.

Legislators of both parties now begin the work to pass a balanced budget, their only mandate through the Montana State Constitution.

Proposed bill would eliminate statewide concealed carry restrictions in banks, college campuses One of the first committee hearings of the 67th Montana Legislature featured the debut of a bill that would alter Montana’s firearm rules and regulations, including allowing concealed carry almost anywhere.

Rep. Seth Berglee, R-Joliet, presented House Bill 102 to the House Judiciary Committee Tuesday, which would allow the concealed carry of firearms without a permit everywhere open carry is allowed. If Montanans wished to carry a concealed firearm inside restricted places, like the state Capitol or a bar, they would have to have a permit.

The bill would also allow concealed firearms to be carried inside banks and on state college campuses, specifically prohibiting Montana University System schools and the Board of Regents from restricting the ability of students to possess and carry guns on campus.

“The idea behind this bill is to expand law abiding citizens’ ability to carry a concealed firearm in the areas of Montana where they might not be allowed to now,” Berglee said.

In its current form, the bill maintains some restrictions on carrying concealed firearms in detention facilities, past screening checkpoints in airports, in federal buildings, on military bases, and on the private property of an owner who expressly prohibits it.

Ten members of the public appeared in person to lend their support for the bill, while eight of nine opponents testified via Zoom, a process that included several connection issues and accidental breaches of decorum as the committee worked through the wrinkles of its first hybrid hearing.

Newly sworn-in Attorney Gen-

See ROUNDUP Page 6

eral Austin Knudsen, who spoke

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Fallon County Times

January 15, 2021

FILES OF THE TIMES

20 YEARS AGO Thursday, January 19, 2001 --

The results of an epidemiological investigation of a perceived cancer cluster in Fallon County shows the data does not support the contention that cancer rates are elevated in Fallon County or in southeastern Montana. . .A benefit account has been set up at the Bank of Baker to help defray medical costs for Heidi Wang, daughter of Dave and Cindy Wang. Heidi was injured in a sledding accident in November. . .A benefit carnival to raise funds for a new playground at Lincoln School will be held Jan. 21 at Lincoln School. . .First came Thee Garage, then Thee Showroom, and now to complete the plans for the building which at one time housed the Ford Garage, Thee Cadillac Dining Room has opened for business. Alice Heiser is the owner/manager. . .Speech and Drama will be at their divisional meet Jan. 20 in Culbertson. . .Carousel Flowers has a new owner - Deb Hickey-Singer.

She is asking people to help her choose a new name for the flower shop. The winner will receive a half dozen roses and one rose a month for a year. . .In the past 13 months the rate of natural gas has increased eight times. Now at an all-time high, it continues to be a substantial percentage of the budget of Fallon County residents. Beginning Feb. 1 the rate of natural gas will climb to $9.63 per dekatherm.

30 YEARS AGO

Thursday, January 17, 1991 --

Lincoln School Library completed a reading contest for fourth grade students. Pictured are the winners: Gwen Almy and Melissa Rath. The two girls read a total of 48 books. . .The family of Andrew Sonsalla is hosting an open house for his 70th birthday Jan. 20. . . Gordon Olson was elected president of the AARP. . .Marion Hanson was elected president of the Senior Citizen group. Other officers include secretary Dorothy Madler, treasurer Doris Stanhope, program director Pat Banning and Betty Stanhope was elected to the board to replace Helen Maier

who is retiring. . .Jim and Edith Crippen have been married 50 years. . .Rolph Tunby is sending us his Legislative Report. He has been appointed to several committees and is happy to report that there is a positive attitude among all members. . .Quarter Century Pinochle Club has now graduated and it is now the Half Century Club. Winners at the party held Sunday evening at the home of Marion Hanson were Don Morris, Pearl Randash, De Herbst and Karl Wenz.

40 YEARS AGO Thursday, January 15, 1981 --

Pictured are the winners in the annual Free Throw Contest sponsored by the Baker Knights of Columbus. They were Tonia Feisthamel, J. O. Tooke, Jessie Barefoot, Dan Stanton, Lisa Stout, Molly Barefoot, Keith Helfrich, DeAnna Herbst and Randy Tunby. . .Rosalyn Young and Dena Richmond have been selected delegates to Girls State this year. Alternates are Laurie Breitbach and Kim Lund. Pam Fried was selected as the delegate from Plevna and the alternate is Meg Hanley. . .Danny Bublitz celebrated his fifth birthday Jan. 2 with a party. Those helping him celebrate were Mike Griffith, Brock Collins and Jeremy Roberts. . .Lowell Bergstrom, 64 years old of rural Camp Crook, passed away at his residence in Baker Jan. 9. . .John Robert Corbitt, better known to all as “Bob”, passed away Jan. 8. . .All friends and relatives are invited to attend an open house Jan. 17 in honor of the 40th wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Crippen. . .Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. has asked for a general increase in the retail price of electricity. The increase, if granted in full, would amount to 58.4 percent.

50 YEARS AGO Thursday, January 21, 1971 --

Herb Townsend tours Europe with Great Falls youth choir. . .Mrs. Alice Newell, Mrs. Ervin Keirle and Mrs. Eddie Roberts are pictured at the library open house. . .Kregg Flint races 15 miles in 27 minutes to win Plevna to Baker snowmobile race.

Thirty machines made up ten teams with the first team across the line the winner. . .Members of St. John’s Altar Society honor Father Gilhooley at a farewell party. He is moving to Pompeys Pillar. Father Keane will take his place. . .Clarence Schell installed as president of the Baker Chamber of Commerce. Guest speaker was Bill Almy. . .Steve Rieger receives highest score at 4-H county judging contest. Allan Hanley was second. . .Bob Bechtold and Walter Roth pictured “rushing the season” as they practice a little indoor golf.

Temperatures in the 40s prompted the action. . .Meeting held in Glendive to discuss senior citizen housing. Attending from Baker are Roy McClain, Robert Madler, Russell Culver, Dr. and Mrs. Sam Weeks, Minnie Idecker and Joyce Myhre. . .Erna Wenz elected president of Baker Homemakers. . .Cecil Combrink is elected moderator of the Baker Community Church. . .Baker Homecraft Club met at the Don Dilworth residence. Mrs. Marion Hartse and Mrs. Dennis Hildebrand presented the project lesson on rug making.

60 YEARS AGO

Thursday, January 19, 1961 --

Rev. Reidar A. Daehlin will be in Baker Sunday to officially install Rev. Edward D. Roe as pastor of the American Lutheran Church. . .School district trustees, board members, county officials and interested residents met in the county courtroom for the purpose of studying a bill for reorganization of school districts.

Baker and Fallon County were opposed to the bill as it stands. . .A large group of citizens (150) appeared at the regular school board meeting to protest the nonrenewal of the contract of superintendent L. W. Heftie.

70 YEARS AGO

Thursday, January 18, 1951 --

Dan Fulton has been notified of his election as president of the American Society of Range Management. The election is by mail ballot of the entire membership. . .L. Price reports that during the last seven years the Fallon county chapter of the National Infantile Paralysis organization has spent $2,103.64 on bills for helping local polio cases. . .Staff Sergeant Emmanuel Wenz, who was shot down on his 78th mission near Cherbourg, France June 14, 1944, was buried from the Congregational Church at Plevna today.

80 YEARS AGO Thursday, January 16, 1941 --

Local draft board has sent notices to nine registrants that they have been selected for induction.

They are Francis LaCross, Earnest Sparks, John Breen, Phillip Hanratty, Lawrence Wash, John Rieger, Myron Harris, Davis Heskett and Alvin Hasty. . .The Montana Land Board has granted oil and gas leases on 960 acres of land in Fallon County to L. S. Youngblood of Oklahoma City and granted 41 rights of way. He will pay 12 1/2 percent royalty on oil or gas produced as well as 75 cents an acre annual rental.

90 YEARS AGO Thursday, January 15, 1931 --

L. F. Bruggeman, president of the Baker Commercial Club, announced at a recent meeting that more than $500,000 worth of improvements had been made in Baker last year. . .Eugene Russell and Betty Frankland were quarantined with Scarlet fever this week. . .Baker National Bank reorganized this week with L. Price, president, succeeding W. O’Connell of Miles City. . Miss Ruby DeGrand received a letter from her father this week stating that he had arrived in Belgium. . .The Sauerkraut Squad met Saturday evening at the L. M. Corbitt home and latest initiates are Mr. and Mrs. R. W. Sparks. . .Earl Sawyer broke his shoulder bone Saturday while skiing.

3

UPCOMING EVENTS

Jan. 17 - Changed For Life Church services, 10 a.m., Baker Senior Center.

Jan. 18 - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., Assembly of God Church basement; Fair Board meeting, 6 p.m., Fallon County Fairgrounds exhibit hall.

Jan. 19 - Overeaters Anonymous, 6:30 p.m., American Lutheran Church.

Jan. 20 - Inauguration Day; SMART Annual Meeting, 5:30 p.m., Thee Garage; City Council, 7 p.m., Fallon County courtroom; Knights of Columbus, 8 p.m., St. John’s Catholic Church basement.

Jan. 21 - Free Business Development, by appointment, call 406-748-2990.

Jan. 24 - Changed For Life Church services, 10 a.m., Baker Senior Center.

Jan. 25 - Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., Assembly of God Church basement.

Jan. 26 - Winter Ag Series, 5-8:30 p.m., Fallon County Exhibit Hall; Lake Board meeting, 5:30 p.m., courthouse basement conference room; Overeaters Anonymous, 6:30 p.m., American Lutheran Church.

Jan. 28 - Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 7 p.m., Holy Rosary conference room 2,

call Diana 406-232-1458 or Nicole 232-5698.

Jan. 31 - 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.

100 YEARS AGO Thursday, January 20, 1921 --

A Joint installation was held

by I.O.O.F. and Rebekah Lodge at Hubbard hall. New officers installed included Fred Hasty, Curtis Shreve, H. S. Josselyn, Jay M. Comstock, T. F. Thomas, Don Goe, John Phillips, Bert Madler, Glenn Miller, Lillie Sharp, Clarence Bishop, Frank Zook, G. B. Nye, Arthur Lockhart, Alexander Helgemo, Carrie Shreve, Alice Hasty, Gladys Miller, Ida Gault, Pearl Harris, Bessie Granum, Ollie Phillips, Bertha Zook, Nellie Seeley, Florence Hubbard, Grace Bishop, Mildred Lamb, Henrietta Biffle. . .Royal Neighbors install officers Mrs. Minnie Mellon, Mrs. Jennie Morris, Mrs. Elizabeth Scott, Miss Gladys Miller, Mrs. Clara Lowry, Mrs. Bessie Granum, Miss Elizabeth Saunders and Mrs. Ida Griesy. . .F. H. Becker left Wednesday on a land selling trip. Fallon County’s oil land is in demand in the east.

Join The Times in wishing a Happy Birthday to ...

January 15

Debra Klos Brynli Strandbakke Harper Renner Brittney Peaslee Mardi Brown Travis Zachmann Kyli Gentilini

Luanne Gentilini

January 18

Irene Dockter Doug Post Kenneth Ehret Corb O’Donnell

January 19

Alex Collie, Sr. Ruth DuCharme Cade Huft

January 16

Don Selle Brooklin Heaton Neil Losing Erika Rost Anna Espeland

January 20

Murray Babbit Kevin Klepplid Steve Losing Emma MacKay Barb Ketterling

January 17

Mary Ellen Bagley Delane Rath Maggie Beth Barth Christa Losing

January 21

Wade Sikorski Kristopher Bertsch

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You are hereby notified that the annual stockholders meeting of the

Farmers Union Oil Co. will be held

Tuesday, January 19, 2021 Thee Garage • Baker, Montana Dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m.

Meeting at 7:00 p.m.

Steve Schweigert, Secretary

2020 Member

Tina Rost

ANNUAL STOCKHOLDERS MEETING

Board members will be elected and any and all other business taken care of that may properly come before this meeting.Two seats are up for election.

Published Every Friday in Baker, Montana

Tammy O’Donnell

NOTICE OF

Advertising must be in by 2 p.m. Tuesday Periodicals postage paid in Baker, MT POSTMASTER Send address changes to: FALLON COUNTY TIMES • PO Box 679 • Baker, MT 59313 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $52 Inside County $72 Outside County ADVERTISING RATES: Local.....................................................per column inch $7.10 National Advertising............................per column inch $8.36 Classified.....................................15¢ per word over 25 words $8.95 minimum, all strictly cash Cards of Thanks .........................15¢ per word over 50 words $6.85 minimum, all strictly cash

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January 15, 2021

Fallon County Times

Spartan Basketball

Spartans vs. Forsyth

By Macy Varner & Havyn Wilkinson

The Baker Spartan basketball teams hosted Forsyth for their first game of the season.

The boys were successful with their one game for the night and the girls put up a strong fight against the Dogies.

Baker boys varsity The boys varsity team domi-

nated the Forsyth Dogies during the first game of the season.

The final score was 50-23.

Guy Lesh led with 12 points and 4 steals. Jaxson Tronstad had 10 points and 6 steals. Garrett Lesh had 10 points and 4 rebounds.

Logan Graham had 6 points and 5 rebounds. Konner Flint had 5 points. Ethan Gundlach had 5 points and 4 rebounds. Nathan Schallenburger had 2 points.

Jory Miller had 4 rebounds.

Baker girls varsity The Lady Spartans, despite their best efforts, lost 21-53.

Anika Ploeger led the Lady Spartans in scoring with 11 points. Anika had 2 steals, 1 block and 3 rebounds. Peyton Janeway scored 3 points and had 1 steal, 2 blocks and 8 rebounds. Eve Uecker and McKenna Griffith scored 2 points each, along with Eve catching a rebound and McKenna catching 2 rebounds and 1 steal. Harlee Graham, Emily Shumaker, and Rilee Pettersen all scored 1 point apiece. Harlee had 2 rebounds and 1 steal, Emily had 5 rebounds and 4 steals, Rilee had 1 rebound and 3 steals, and while they didn’t score, Alex Williams got 1 steal and Mya Hadley got 1 rebound.

Baker girls JV The JV girls was just 2 points away from winning the game. The final score was 3335. Saraya Afrank led the JV team in scoring with 10 points.

Saraya had 4 rebounds and 4 steals. Kaytlynn Gaub scored 7

points, 3 rebounds and 1 steal.

Faith Hansen scored 4 points and had 4 rebounds. Carlee Gundlach, Kendall Shepherd, Briley Gorder and Alex Williams all scored 3 points. Carlee had 1 rebound and 1 steal, Kendall had 3 rebounds and 6 steals, Briley had 5 rebounds, and Alex had 5 rebounds and 1 steal. Although they did not score any points, Eve Uecker had 1 rebound and 1 steal, Jessica Stark had 2 rebounds and 1 steal, Mallory Varner had 2 rebounds and 1 steal, and Karrisa Afrank had 1 steal.

Spartans vs. Colstrip

By Macy Varner & Havyn Wilkinson

The Baker Spartan basketball teams traveled to Colstrip on Jan. 9.

Baker boys varsity Unfortunately, the varsity boys lost in a tight game but are ready to come back on top next time! The JV team did win their game. Konner Flint led the night with 19 points.

He also had 3 rebounds and 2 steals! Logan Graham came in with 9 points. Ethan Gundlach had 6 points and 3 steals. Garrett Lesh had 6 points and 6 rebounds. Jaxson Tronstad had 4 points. Guy Lesh had 2 points.

Baker boys JV During the JV game Rory Lingle led with 9 points. Riley Williams had 8 points and 7 rebounds. Bryten Martin had 6 points. Cooper O’Connor

had 5 points and 7 rebounds.

Owen Steig had 3 points. Aiden Wyrwas had 4 points. Quinn Griffith had 2 points and 8 rebounds. Bryant O’Connor had 2 points and 4 rebounds.

Nathan Schallenburger had 2 points.

Baker girls varsity The Lady Spartans put up a hard fight against the Fillies but ultimately lost with a final score of 32-54. Senior Mya Hadley led the for the night with 9 points, 7 rebounds and 4 steals. McKenna Griffith came in next for leading stats with 6 points and 4 rebounds.

Eve Uecker helped out with 4 points, 4 rebounds and 1 steal.

Emily Shumaker brought 4 points, 2 rebounds and 3 steals.

Alex Williams then contributed 4 points and 1 rebound.

Anika Ploeger added 2 points, 4 rebounds and 1 steal. Lastly, Saraya Afrank received 2 points, 1 rebound and 1 steal.

Baker girls JV The JV girls had a struggle against the Fillies as well and unfortunately lost with a final score of 22-63. Jessica Stark was the high scorer with 7 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals.

Saraya Afrank followed close behind with 5 points, 6 rebounds and 1 steal. Kaytlynn Gaub also contributed with 5 points and 2 rebounds. Faith Hansen added 3 points. Mallory Varner added 2 points and 2 rebounds.

2021 Science Fair announcement

By Linda Rost

The 7th annual Baker High School Science Fair will be mostly virtual this year, due to COVID-19. It will take place on Jan. 22, 2021 in Mrs. Rost’s classroom. Students are conducting experiments as normal, but are preparing online slide shows along with their research papers, instead of traditional science fair boards. They will be web conferencing with their judges and presenting their projects with a shared screen. They will also prepare posters on the computer, which will be printed, or created traditional boards if they

choose. These will be displayed in the hallway with awards posted later.

Students will be judged in the following three categories based on the topics they chose: Human Biology and Psychology, Biology and Physical Science.

Judges will include Alison Enos, Shanny Spang Gion, Jay Rost, Kodie Olsen, Roy Rost and Dr. William MacKay. Some of the unique project topics include testing air flow around different types of windbreaks, testing taste response of people who have and have not had COVID-19, investigating the molecular structure and function of SARS-CoV-2 mutations

and determining if white noise affects brine shrimp hatching.

Classes from Lincoln, Longfellow and the Junior High usually come to look at projects and student presentations. This year, those classes are invited to join the web conference and watch the student presentations while they are being judged. While students enjoy the process of choosing and conducting their experiments, many do prefer making traditional science fair boards and would prefer a normal science fair.

Hopefully, next year we will be able to return to normal.

Tegan Miller

Spartan wrestling team

By Sophia Dulin

Forsyth Mixer - Jan. 8, 2021 Riley Davis (103/113) Round 1 - Riley Davis won by fall over Payne Reilly (Forsyth) (Fall 2:16).

Tegan Miller (132) Round 1 - Tegan Miller won by fall over Jolie Beston (Wolf Point) (Fall :54) Jacey Gorder (132) Round 2 - Jacey Gorder won by fall over Jolie Beston (Wolf Point) (Fall 1;46) Tarin Degrand (152) Round 2 - Tarin Degrand won by fall over Tia Kuntz (Harlem) ( Fall 0:10) Round 3 - Tarin Degrand won by fall over Darrius Longknife (Harlem) (Fall 2:41) Jesse Brawley (160) Round 1 - Jesse Brawley won by fall over Alex Edwards (Powder River) (Fall 0:28) Round 2 - Jesse Brawley won by fall over Teajay Fulton (Forsyth) (Fall 3:04) Sophia Dulin (171) Round 2 - Sophia Dulin won by fall over Cale Emmons (Powder River) (Fall 2:55) Marcos Gallegos (205/285) Round 1 - Marcos Gallegos won by fall over Charlie Paige

(Wolf Point) (Fall 3:24) Round 2 - Marcos Gallegos lost by injury default over Gavin Severide (Powder River) (Inj. 1:20) Baker Mixer - Jan. 9, 2021 Tegan Miller (132) Round 1 - Tegan won by fall over Seth McDowell (Powder River) Round 2 - Tegan won by fall over Riggin Schaffer (Powder River) (Fall 0:55) Jacey Gorder (132) Round 1 - Jacey won by fall over Samantha Reed (Wolf Point) (Fall 1:02) Tarin Degrand (152) Round 1 - Tarin won by fall over Alex Edwards (Powder River) (Fall 3:07) Jesse Brawley (160) Round 1 - Jesse won by fall over Alex Edwards (Powder River) (Fall 0:44) Round 2 - Jesse won by fall over Cale Emmons (Powder River) (Fall 3:39) Marcos Gallegos (171) Round 1 - Marcos won by fall over Chance Smith (Wolf Point) (Fall 1:10) Round 2 - Marcos won by fall over Charlie Page (Wolf Point) (Fall 3:14)

Baker Speech and Drama results

By Hannah Goerndt

On Jan. 9, the Baker Speech and Drama team once again competed. The tournaments are held online, so the team participates at Baker High School. The members separate into different rooms to perform and watch rounds, and then spend any extra time practicing or trying to calm their nerves. There are three regular rounds, semi-finals, and finals. The first round begins at 8 a.m., second at 10 a.m. and third at 12 p.m. Semi-finals and finals are scheduled to go at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m., but oftentimes can get delayed depending on how long it takes for judges to finalize their decision. Final placing for the Baker Speech and Drama team was Tuff Ranum with 16th place in Lincoln Douglas Debate, Zachery Craig with 5th place also in Lincoln Douglas Debate. Hannah Goerndt placed 19th in Dramatic Solo, and Chloe Thurlow and Bryce Shelhamer placed 7th in Humorous Duo. The next meet will be online at the High School on Saturday, Jan. 16.

January 15, 2021

Fallon County Times

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Government takes the Chemistry pH labs Citizenship Test

By Chloe Tudor

By Jenna Paul

How many of us truly think we can pass the test we give to those who are immigrating into our country? People choosing to enter the United States to become a permanent resident must take part in the Naturalization process. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) administer the test taken by our Senior Government class. This test is comprised of questions about American government and history, and are asked in an oral manner. The USCIS officer asks

up to 20 questions from a list of 128 possible questions. To pass, the interviewee must correctly answer 12 questions. They each received a packet containing the questions for possible asking with open-ended answers. A few of the questions listed include: name a Senator from your state, who the current Chief Justice is, the President during World War I, a U.S Territory, and what the supreme law of the land is. The senior government class had to answer all of the questions, and passed with a little help from Google.

On Jan. 7, the junior chemistry class conducted a pH lab. They took various solutions and different substances, and made a hypothesis on if it was either basic, acidic or neutral. One of the most interesting variables used was Mrs. Schumacher’s three fish tanks. The first consisted of mainly zebra fish, the second contained betas and the final tetras. Chloe Tudor and Brentan Beyers were expecting to find the tanks each close to neutral, due to the fish making their own sustainable habitat with live plants. The results were peculiar, with the first tank of zebra fish having an astoundingly low pH of 4, indicating that it is acidic. Through further research, the class learned that zebra fish have an ability to live in highly acidic water, though most fish flounder under increased acidification, through evolution of their gills and sedated breathing. Overall, the Chemistry Class had an exciting day of pH labs and new discoveries!

By Jenna Paul

The Plevna Lady Cougars coached by Stephanie Robertus and Ashley O’Donnell started their season with a win of 51 to 32 against the Terry Terriers. Chloe Tudor was the high scorer of the night with a total of 22 points, and Jenna Paul was right behind her with 14 points. The next game will be in Wibaux against the Longhorns.

Biology extracts banana DNA

By Jenna Paul

Students in Mrs. Schumacher’s biology class have recently been learning about macromolecules in cells and DNA. They have focused on the four main macromolecules, which are nucleic acids, proteins, lipids and carbohydrates. For an educational and hands-on lab, they were tasked with extracting DNA strands from a banana.

The first step in this process was to place half of a banana into a bag and mash it. Next, the students took a half a cup of hot water and dissolved some salt into it. After that, they added the salt-water mixture and dish soap to their bag, after which they gently combined it with the banana, as to not make bubbles. Then, they strained the contents of their bags through a filter into a graduated cylinder. Finally, they added isopropyl alcohol on top of the mixture, making sure that it did not combine with the liquid below. The isopropyl alcohol formed a layer on which the DNA floated. The salt drew the water from the cells, and the soap broke down the outer layers of the cell.

This released the DNA, which was able to float up into the alcohol because it had a lower density than the rest of the mixture. Overall, this lab was a very fun and educational experience for the class.

FFA Officer meeting

By Jaeda Paul, Secretary

On Jan. 6, the Plevna FFA Chapter Officers met to discuss all the events that January would hold for the chapter. The group discussed the meeting agenda as well as activities they are planning in January. The only activities that the chapter has for this month are Harvest of the Month, Joint Livestock Committee Meeting, Winter Districts and decorating the signs coming

into Plevna. The team discussed National FFA Week in February, and some ideas to engage the school for that week. The group then laid out the agenda for the upcoming chapter meeting. The meeting will be on Jan. 14 at 6 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room.

The theme for the meeting is New Year’s Resolutions. The group will put together a mock livestock judging game to end the meeting.

Sophia Tudor stopping the ball.

Wyatt Thielen posting up for an inside shot.

Trinity Rieger lighting her candle.

Physics steam boat races

By Jenna Paul

The physics classroom took to the water for steam boat races. Each student made their own steam boat out of a water bottle or pop can. The boat was cut in half for a tealight candle and copper tubing to fit inside. After carefully bending the tubing into a coil, they placed it on top of the candle. They tipped the ends of the copper tubing down into the water to act as their motor.

Then, they filled the tubing with water and lit the candle. The water inside the copper was heated by the candle, causing “steam” to take their little boats down

the pool. Additionally, students changed material for their boats, how the tubing was bent, and the position of the candle in the boat. The class enjoyed putting their knowledge of thermal energy to the test by racing each other at the end of class!

By Jenna Paul

The JV Cougars coached by Jason Bollinger and Stephanie Robertus started their season with a tough game. The boys’ JV team lost a hard-fought game 47 to 23. Cooper Peterson was the high scorer of the game with 9 points, and Caiden Gray was close behind with 6 points.

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January 15, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS Call BoB HerBst 406-978-2233

LEGALS

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: The Town of Plevna is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Town Clerk. This is a part-time position with 15 flexible hours/week. There will be a 6-month probationary period with pay starting at $12.50$15.00/hr. Must be familiar with general bookkeeping. Please send your application to the Town of Plevna, P.O. Box 97, Plevna, MT, 59344. Position will remain open until filled by a qualified applicant.

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FOR RENT FOR RENT: One bedroom house, $500/per month plus deposit and utilities. Landlord pays water, sewer and garbage. 27 Kewanee St., Baker, MT. Call 406-978-3337.

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WANTED WANT TO PURCHASE: Minerals and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: P.O. Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201.

36-38p

CARD OF THANKS CARD OF THANKS: Thank you to all those that called, sent cards and thoughts and prayers. Special thanks to Rod Kilsdonk and Patty Morris for getting me to Billings in a timely manner. Thank you to the Sorority Community Fund, their monetary donation was greatly appreciated. I think that is a good idea you girls have and is very helpful.

John and Carla O’Connor 3c ____________________________ CARD OF THANKS: We want to thank the Baker Fire Department and the surrounding area Fire Departments who helped put out the fire at Doug and Randi Wenz place.

Doug and Randi 3c

NOTICE NOTICE: Bowman, ND Gun Show, Jan. 15, 16, 17, 2021, 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.

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Fallon County Times For your Printing Needs

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 properties.

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

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 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.

1-3c MNAXLP ____________________________ LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given; that the Board of County Commissioners of Fallon County, MT, on the 17th day of May, 2021 at 1:30 p.m., in their office at the County Courthouse will be soliciting proposals for a study to review and update existing County road records by way of researching Commissioner Proceedings, Commissioner Deeds, existing road maps, etc. to locate easements, abandonments, and/or all other information pertinent to County roads.

The updates will determine future procedures and policies for Fallon County roads and will bring the County’s road plat book up to required standards.

MONTANA STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

“Seeking donated property, great tax benefits! Local non-profit housing foundation seeking houses and multifamily properties for temporary / transitional housing. Call Steven 406-594-1044 or email blackmorehousingfoundation@gmail.com” _________________________________________________ ENVISION COOPERATIVE OF Rugby / Mohall ND is seeking a qualified CEO / General Manager. This full service energy, agronomy, and farm supply cooperative with sales of $70 Million and four branch locations located in Central ND. A background in finance, communication, and personnel management is desired. Send resumes to: Larry Fuller, 5213 Shoal Drive, Bismarck ND 58503 or larry.fuller@midco.net Interested contractors will be required to submit a written plan and make an oral explanation as to how their plan will be executed, the time required and costs. This will assist the Commission with information needed for FY22 budget.

The Board of County Commissioners reserves the right to reject any or all written plans, to waive irregularities, or to accept any written plan they deem to be in the best interest of Fallon County. The project will begin after July 1, 2021, which is the new 2022 Fiscal Year.

Dated this 4th day of January, 2021 FALLON COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Roy Rost, Presiding Officer For additional questions, please contact Cindy or Brenda at the Fallon County Clerk and Recorder’s Office at 406-778-7106, 10 West Fallon Avenue, P.O. Box 846, Baker, MT 59313.

3-8c MNAXLP ____________________________ LEGAL NOTICE In compliance with Montana and North Dakota Public Service regulations, Mid-Rivers Telephone Cooperative, Inc. herein provides notice that it provides local telephone and broadband Internet access ser-

vices in the Baker, Carlyle, East Carlyle ND, and Plevna telephone exchanges in Montana and North Dakota. Local telephone is offered in these areas for the rate of $29.00 per month for residential service and $40.00 per month for business service. Internet access rates start at $19.95 per month plus $0.20 per Gigabyte (GB) of data usage.

Mid-Rivers Telephone Cooperative, Inc. complies with Federal, Montana and North Dakota regulations related to the provision of telephone and broadband Internet access services to low-income subscribers.

Discounts of $9.25 per month for qualifying Internet or bundled services and $5.25 per month for phone are available to qualifying subscribers. Larger discounts are available to qualifying customers on Tribal Lands. These assistance services are non-transferable and allow for only one discount per qualifying household. Eligibility standards for these programs are determined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). For further information, please call Mid-Rivers toll free at 1-800-452-2288.

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FALLON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

FALLON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

We are seeking a Director of Public Health for our Public Health department.

We are seeking a Mechanic for our Road department.

This full-time position is responsible for a variety of programs which protect and promote the health of our citizens. This work includes identifying community health problems, diagnosing, and investigating health problems and health hazards in the community. This position leads and participates in the day-to-day operations of the Public Health Department.

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. 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 Julie Straub 406-778-8164.

ROUNDUP

FROM PAGE 2

hearing.

Newly sworn-in Attorney General Austin Knudsen, who spoke in support of the bill, recalled the fear he felt as a law student on campus at the University of Montana in Missoula when he first heard news of the Virginia Tech shooting. The 2007 attack at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University left 32 dead and wounded 17 others.

“I was very, very concerned for my safety and my family’s safety after that, because I had to go to class that day,” Knudsen said. “I was absolutely terrified by what I found - that I was not able to carry (a firearm).”

But Kevin McRae, Deputy Commissioner of the Montana University System, said the bill would decrease safety on Montana college campuses and increase accidental gun injury.

“We believe that the Montana experience reflects national data, which proves that campuses are very safe places,” McRae said.

One argument surfaced again and again in the testimony of the bill’s supporters: the only people carrying firearms in gun-free zones are criminals,

August 14 -- Headline: Mayor JoDee Pratt resigns. It took just a few sentences to announce her resignation Tuesday.

“I am resigning from the office of mayor. It has been a honor to serve you all.

Thank you for your dedication to this wonderful community. This is effective today 8-11-2020,” the note explained. In addition to deciding on Pratt’s full-time replacement as mayor, the council is also looking for a replacement for the Director of Public Works. . .Fallon County Library is a 2020 Census “Be Counted” location. The library staff will be happy to help you navigate the census website to complete the census questionnaire. . .New Teachers: Hillary Frank will be teaching Spanish, history and will also continue a publications program which puts out the yearbook and has stories about school activities published in the Fallon County Times. Amanda Leichtnam is the new English teacher for the eighth, ninth and tenth grades. Cathy Frye will be taking over as the elementary counselor position in Baker. . .High temperature Aug. 11 was 95. Low temperature Aug. 5 was 50. . .On August 7, 2020, Mid-Rivers Communications mailed capital credit checks totaling more than $1,057,000 to its cooperative members and patrons.

August 21 -- Steve Zachmann was sworn into office, as the mayor of the City

and HB 102 would expand means of self-defense to Montanans.

“Our citizens are our government - they are our boss,” said Cascade County Sheriff Jesse Slaughter, who supported the bill. “They have the right to protect and defend themselves, and there shouldn’t be places where they can’t do that.”

However, the bill also includes a section allowing private individuals who prohibit firearms on their property to be sued for violating constitutional rights, a point that proved controversial with supporters and detractors alike.

Brian Thompson spoke in favor of HB 102 on behalf of the Montana County Attorneys’ Association, but proposed amendments to include courtrooms on the list of places where concealed carry is prohibited and to remove the ability for citizens to sue property owners who restrict guns on their private property.

John MacDonald, representing the City of Missoula and appearing as the only member of the public to testify against the bill in person, said the amendments proposed by Thompson would alleviate the city’s primary concerns with the bill.

HB 102 sponsor Rep. Berglee noted the bill will likely be amended before it reaches the full House.

Gov. Gianforte unveils budget proposal with tax cuts, teacher pay incentives

This full-time position performs mechanical repairs and maintenance on all County equipment including but not limited to heavy equipment, motor vehicles, small engine, and various type of grounds equipment.

We offer competitive wages and excellent benefit package, including a Monday – Friday schedule, and 10 paid holidays.

Closing Date: Sunday, January 24, 2021. 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 (resumes optional) to: Human Resources Manager, PO Box 846, Baker, Montana, 59313. Questions may be directed to Bobby Wiedmer 406-978-2015, Alba Higgins 406-778-2019, or Julie Straub 406-778-8164.

Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte unveiled a proposed two-year state budget Thursday that would cut taxes for individuals and businesses and cut $100 million in spending from his predecessor’s final budget proposal.

“After a decade of out of control spending increases, this budget brings fiscal responsibility back to state government, while providing essential services,” Gianforte said at a press conference at the Montana Capitol.

As the first Republican governor in Montana in 16 years, Gianforte’s budget focused on reducing spending and taxes, but added some new spending too, including $2.5 million to help local school boards increase starting teacher pay and a $1 million investment into trades education.

Gianforte said the $100 million in reduced spending over the next two years came from cutting back proposed spending increases from the outgoing Bullock administration’s final budget proposal released in November 2020.

“We’ve done exactly what we promised in the ‘Comeback Plan’ - we held the line on new spending,” the governor said.

During a question-and-answer with the press, Gianforte said he’ll be proposing legislation to redirect funds from Montana’s recently passed initiative to

Year in Review 2020

of Baker, by Kevin Dukart, City Clerk on Aug 18. . .Fallon County now has zero cases of Coronavirus. . .There were about 4,000 people that attended the shows at the Fallon County Fair. Shyla Hadley, fairgrounds manager, reported that is not representative of how many people came out to the fair. Those are the people that were comfortable coming to the shows.

The Cowboy Channel broadcast the rodeo live, so people had a chance to stay home and watch it on TV. . .The number of rodeo records set at the Fallon County Fair & Rodeo in Baker Aug. 15 - 16 was four!

The records broken were for total payout ($211,398), tie-down roping (7.7 seconds), steer wrestling (3.2 seconds) and steer roping (9.2 seconds). . .Mollee Stenberg is a newly minted graduate of Montana State University-Bozeman who will begin her teaching career as the new third grade teacher at Longfellow Elementary School. . .High temperature Aug. 18 was 99. Low temperature Aug. 16 was 52.

August 28 -- Local schools have started the new school year, walking a proverbial tightrope between meeting the educational and health needs of the students, the faculty, the staff and the parents. In an age of COVID-19 guidelines established by state and local health officials, students are returning to their campuses in Fallon County. In Plevna, the students have re-

turned and have adapted to the changes made to mitigate the possibility of any exposure. . .There are many sides to Baker’s new driving instructor. Terry Roelfsema had been retired, but decided to head back into the classroom. Roelfsema has signed on to teach woodworking, construction, sheet metal, electrical/electronics, drafting, in addition to his time behind the wheel of a car. . .High temperature Aug. 19 was 97. Low temperature Aug. 24 was 52. . .The Baker Wrestling Club held their Annual Demolition Derby during the Fallon County Fair August 16, 2020. They had 45 entry’s this year overall - High School Cars (10), Derby Cars (14), Trucks (5), Herby Racers (16) from Baker, Glendive, Ismay, Broadus, Plentywood, Sidney, Wibaux, Bowman, Beach, Belfield and Marmarth.

September 4 -- Headline: Zachmann moves into role as mayor. A month ago, Steve Zachmann was a member of the City Council. Now, the Baker resident is adjusting to his new role – the mayor of the City of Baker. The move was prompted when former mayor JoDee Pratt resigned. . .Candidates running for Fallon County Commissioner are: Kevin Braun, Chuck Lee, Sanda Kinsey, Brian O’Connor and Pete Rising. . .High temperature Aug. 29 was 93. Low temperature Aug. 31 was 46. . .For Plevna Superintendent Nick

legalize recreational marijuana, which included a 20% tax, into addiction recovery and economic development funds, a departure from the initiative’s original promise of revenue streams for “conservation programs, substance abuse treatment, veterans’ services, healthcare costs, and localities where marijuana is sold.”

The governor’s Budget Director Kurt Alme joined Gianforte in presenting the budget, which, in its current form, does not include any state appropriations for COVID-19-related programs like vaccine distribution or financial aid to businesses. Alme said they’re still waiting on direction from the U.S. Capitol on how to spend recently passed federal aid.

“We hope there will be sufficient federal funding to meet our COVID-related needs,” Alme said.

At the start of the conference, Gianforte for a second time denounced the attack on the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters. Mobs stormed inside the Capitol rotunda and the floors of both chambers of Congress as U.S. legislators were set to vote to certify Joe Biden as the next President of the United States.

“Yesterday was a sad, tragic day for America,” Gianforte said. “When I was inaugurated on Monday, I asked you to join me in praying for our state and our country. We need it now more than ever.”

Schumacher, the result Friday afternoon wasn’t nearly as important as being there.

Wearing a clear Plexiglas face shield, he was on the court as a volleyball program returned to the small school campus after a 35-year absence.

September 11 -- Headline: Wild weather swings set to slow down in September.

August brought us temperatures near 100, wind storms gusting up to 80 miles per hour, rain and hail. The area was already experiencing drought conditions going into the summer, but August was almost a continuing cycle of extreme weather battering the region. . .The City of Baker will soon fill its Ward 1 vacancy on the city council. The vacancy was created when former councilman Steve Zachmann assumed the duties of mayor for the city, replacing former mayor JoDee Pratt. . .Tom Davis and the NGSPA Sharptail Championship Association presented Bo Lingle with a generous $500 donation on Sept. 4 for the Baker Baseball Association. . . High temperature Sept. 5 was 92.

Low temperature Sept. 8 was 29. . .Plevna High School was awarded by The Montana High School Association to be one of the winners of its NorthWestern Energy Academic Excellence Awards.

September 18 -- Headline: County Health Department stressing safety during pandemic. Since the pandemic started,

there have been only four Fallon County residents that have tested positive. . .Fallon County businesses have been awarded more than $1.3 million in grants under the Montana Coronavirus Relief Fund grant program over the past three months. . .Photo: Remembering 9/11, 19 years later. . .Big Mac’s Pumpkin Patch has been approved to open for fun and adventure for the 2020 season and the pumpkins are growing. . .High temperature Sept.

14 was 86. Low temperature Sept. 9 was 29. . .Baker Public Schools and Plevna School District announced they were approved on September 9, 2020 for the nationwide USDA Summer Food Service Program Waiver to serve FREE breakfast and lunches to all students grades K-12, regardless of Free/Reduced or Paid status.

Currently, the waiver is valid through December 31, 2020. . .There may have been less than a dozen people inside the Exhibit Hall at the Fallon County Fairgrounds Tuesday evening for the first session of a series of teleconference discussions on the changing role of rural communities

2020 Year in Review will continue in our next issue of the Fallon County Times.

January 15, 2021

Fallon County Times

Local students named Chauncey Dale Robinson, 72 to MSUN Dean’s List OBITUARIES

(Edited)

Oct. 27, 1948 - Dec. 25, 2020 December 25, Christmas 2020, will forever be remembered as the day we lost our beloved Chauncey, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. A Graveside Service was held on Dec. 31, 2020 at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery at Fort Harrison in Helena, MT, with full military honors.

Chauncey will be missed dearly.

Dustin D. Rost of Baker and Alex A. Bohle, Plevna were named to Montana State University Northern Dean’s List for fall semester 2020.

To be included in the Dean’s List, students must carry a minimum of 12 credits and earn a grade point average of 3.25 or better.

Tootsie Hanson turned 95 on Jan. 11.

She celebrated with family over the weekend.

Superintendent Arntzen announces TEACH Act Legislation to increase starting teacher pay

H a p a p l l ening i V s Superior Care Villa resident Gladys Morris’s family stopped by to wish her a Merry Christmas and sing her carols during the holiday season.

Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen issued the following statement regarding HB143, introduced by Rep. Llew Jones, a key component of Governor Gianforte’s Montana Comeback Plan.

The TEACH (Tomorrow’s Educators Coming Home) Act provides $2.5 million annually for wage increases for teachers in their first three years in the classroom beginning in 2023. This is 100% funded by the state general fund and not local taxpayers. Nearly 90% of local school budgets reflect teacher salaries and benefits. Montana currently has 12,581 licensed teachers, and it is estimated that 690 teachers would benefit from this starting teacher pay increase. This act enables Montana to compete for world-class teachers, while retaining local school board control.

“I celebrate the introduction of the TEACH ACT. Recruitment and retention of quality classroom teachers has been and remains a priority. As a 23 year public school teacher, I applaud these innovative efforts to fulfill the promise to Montana students. I look forward to working with Governor Gianforte and the legislature to quickly pass this critical legislation into law.”

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January 15, 2021

Fallon County Times

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