FCT120

Baker mayor sees strong future for city in troubled times

By Brad Mosher

bmosher@countrymedia.net

Steve Zachmann has had a busy 2020. And 2021 may be as busy too.

The former member of the city council became the mayor in the middle of a summer where a global pandemic hit the nation and the state hard.

It also forced the city to make some drastic changes, including closing the recreation department for budgetary reasons.

“I was on the city council for a year and a half and worked with the city council on the planning board for a number of years … so I was pretty familiar with what was going on. So no surprises,” he explained Tuesday.

Then COVID-19 hit the nation and the state hard.

“It was pretty much a surprise for everybody,” he said, noting it added to the challenge.

“Getting fully staffed with the public works department was the biggest task probably. That just took a little time,” the mayor said.

In some ways, the city has been lucky with a milder winter meaning less expenditures for clearing the snow, he said.

“With this warmer weather, it (the snow) is probably just going to get slushy and melt. We’d rather spend the money on upgrading the streets than we do on just moving the snow,” he said.

The mayor said that he hopes to have a schedule planned out for upcoming construction projects by the end of January. “We’ll check on our financing and see what we can get done …. see how we can

work that out,” he said.

He said he has already advised the city council as to what projects he would like to focus on for the upcoming year.

Among the projects planned are completing the George Avenue Project paving, put out a bid proposal for paving the current street dig outs with the George Avenue Project, street patching and sealing throughout the city, coordinate with Fallon County on the street reconstruction between Highway 7 and Triangle Park and do exploratory excavation for the water under the pavement at 4th Street and Center Avenue.

In addition, the mayor also proposed replacing the water main to wells northwest of Baker following the completion of the Montana Avenue Water Main Project, along with doing a study on making adjustments to SID #36 costs prior to considering an assessment for the district. He also wants to look into the cost of working with Fallon County on use of container site for clean up and the need to landscape Steve McClain Park after the Parkview storm drain project is completed.

He also requested council input on the neglected or deficient areas of the city or projects that the city or other agencies could address.

The mayor also said he is hoping to work with different agencies on promoting area wide economic development.

Looking ahead toward specific projects, the mayor said he is hoping to be able to maximize funding for work while keeping the costs down.

“We are putting all the projects that we have ongo-

ing – and some proposed ones – together and take a look on balancing them against what funding we have. So we’ll have a general idea what direction we will be heading. The Plan B and Plan C will probably fall into the SID as we look at that and see how we can parse that project out enough to hopefully reduce some costs so that the assessment is lower,” he said.

“We have some things that we can collaborate with the county on to get done and take some of the costs off the projects.”

With a new administration taking over, there may be some changes when it comes to the Keystone XL pipeline locally, the mayor said. “It is my understanding that the president plans to withdraw the permit for TransCanada to cross the border. I believe some of that infrastructure is already in place, so I am not sure of his standing on that. Because of that looming, it is kind of a wait-and-see as far as TransCanada is concerned.

“I did get an email from TransCanada and they have done quite a bit of adaptations over the last few years to address some of the environmental concerns and that is all in place. That should match up with what the Biden campaign was looking at.

“But, we don’t know what the Biden Administration’s reception will be of those changes.

“They (TransCanada) are just dealing with the roadblocks that come up in front of them and try to get those worked out,” the mayor added.

The man camp west of the city hasn’t been using any water currently, he added. “Everything is provided out there now, but they haven’t being using

Vaccinating for COVID-19 underway in county, state Staff Report

After strong winds buffeted Fallon County for several days, knocking over some things and blowing away others, the weather will continue to stay relatively warm through the end of the month. PHOTO/Brad Mosher

Recent high winds give way to slight snow, mild temperatures

By Brad Mosher

bmosher@countrymedia.net

The high winds which blew through Eastern Montana a week ago gave way to some snow and milder temperatures – a pattern which will continue through the end of the month, according to a forecaster at the National Weather Service office in Billings.

According to Krista Carrothers, the recent front with high winds followed by cooler weather. “That was what we consider a very strong cold front. The winds were very definitely higher with that.

Sometimes, there are cold fronts where all you’ll see is a wind shift of only about five or ten miles per hour.”

“In this case (last week), it was a strong one that had a little bit of snow and cooler temperatures,” she said Tuesday.

As for the future, the Fallon County region will have a chance of snow Friday night and early Saturday, but for the most part it will have milder temperatures, she explained. “It looks like we’ll have a little bit of a front …. but nothing really strong until maybe a week from now. That may be another strong front as well.”

Some weather locations reported wind gusts near 100 miles per hour during the three-day front which passed through the upper Midwest region from Jan. 12 until Jan. 15. In Fallon County, wind gusts were reported hitting 70 miles per hour.

“You see winds pick up right before the fronts move through.

Those winds stay that way and you will get that cold air as the winds pass over and see a significant drop in temperatures,” Car-

rothers said. “I know in our office, we dropped about 15 degrees in 20 minutes. Sometimes, you will see a gradual drop in temperatures.”

“This one (Jan. 12-15) just happened to be a very tight one that had a very sharp drop.”

Although it was a strong weather front that came from Canada, it was not like a ‘Polar Express.’

“That is when you get the polar air mass behind it. Fortunately, that hasn’t been coming down into Montana this year. That has stayed up in Canada,” she said, noting that sub-zero temperatures following cold fronts would show it being a polar cold front.

Looking to the end of January and early February, the forecaster said it looks like there may be just some snow showers in the area.

“Baker may get clipped by it, but it looks like it might be along the Wyoming-Montana border.

Through the end of the month is a little hard to say.”

According to the climate prediction center, the eight to 14 day outlook will be close to normal weather, she said. “It will be on the drier side … pretty much what we have been seeing.” The temperatures will be around 45 degrees during the days.”

“Around the beginning of February, it may be a little cooler, but not significantly. It will be nothing like a couple of years ago.”

“We are not seeing any significant snow in the forecast. It will mainly be showers here or there,” the forecaster said.

“Until we change the pattern, we are pretty much stuck in that pattern of warm up and then cooling down, then back to warming up,” Carrothers added.

any water because it is winter. They haven’t had a need for any water, so at this point the infrastructure is there, we just haven’t supplied them any over the winter. They haven’t needed it.”

Some federal help?

The federal CARES program which helped the city by reimbursement for pandemic related expenditure has ended. “That helped. But it is an unknown what the policies (under the new Biden administration) are going to be.”

The mayor said the city is planning for what they know is coming up in 2021. “We are planning our construction projects based on our current revenues. We are not going to plan on any ifs. We are just going to move forward.”

“I believe in planning to make things work as they are so that we don’t have to count on windfalls and what not. We want to be prepared to respond as needed,” he said.

Financially, the city is doing okay, the mayor explained. “We are are managing expenses without cutting back. The recreation department we had to close out because of COVID.” “We didn’t have a full staff in the public works department for a while and that allowed us to save some wages,” he said.

“We are just planning as normal, like a lot of businesses have. Our revenues are not generated by having a storefront, retail business or service business. It is all through our enterprise funds,” the mayor said. “We have to still deliver water, take care of the sewer and haul garbage. We have been able to maintain that.”

Fallon County and the rest of the state are providing vaccinations for the COVID-19 pandemic following a phased system with first responders, healthcare workers and long-term care residents in the first group.

Members of the second group are scheduled to be receiving vaccinations in mid to late January.

State-wide In late December, then-Gov. Steve Bullock announced the state’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution plan had been updated to incorporate the new federal recommendations for allocation to critical groups in Montana and an estimated timeline.

“As the first phase of Montana’s COVID-19 vaccination plan is fully under way, it’s inspiring to see that thousands of health care workers have already been vaccinated and that it’s now reaching staff and residents of long-term care facilities,” Gov. Bullock said in a release. “As we continue to focus on vaccinating those most vulnerable to this virus, it is incumbent on all of us to keep our friends, neighbors, and loved ones safe as we inch toward the widespread distribution of the vaccine.”

The updated plan outlines an estimated timeline for vaccine distribution in Phases 1a, 1b, 1c and then the last phase (Phase 2).

Vaccines are expected to be available to all Montanans late spring or early summer 2021. The timeline covers from December 2020 through July 2021 and lists which groups are recommended to receive the vaccine in each phase.

Montana has launched Phase 1a that targets front line healthcare workers and staff and residents of long-term care facilities.

The first phase was expanded to include additional healthcare workers with direct patient contact, such as dentists, orthodontists, physical therapists, optometrists, home health workers and others that fit the criteria.

The plan states that Phase 1b scheduled to begin in mid-January and continue through March. Phase 1b includes an estimated 90,000 Montanans, such as persons aged 75 years old or older, frontline essential workers, those residing in congregate care and correctional facilities, and American Indians and other people of color who may be at elevated risk for COVID-19.

Phase 1c is expected to launch in mid-March and continue through July and includes another 171,000 Montanans. Critical

groups in Phase 1c are those aged 65 years and older, people aged 16-64 at high risk due to underlying medical conditions, and essential workers.

The final phase is expected to launch in late spring or early summer for all Montanans ages 16 and older.

“It’s important to highlight that expansion to additional groups in Phase 1a and phases later on will vary from community to community depending on vaccine availability and how quickly the vaccines are distributed,” said Bekki Wehner of the DPHHS Communicable Disease Control and Prevention Bureau. “DPHHS is working with local health jurisdictions to monitor vaccine supplies around the state to ensure availability for each target group. As vaccine supplies increase, we’ll be able to allocate them to more and more providers in the coming weeks and months.”

DPHHS is guided by vaccine priority recommendations from the national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) that recently released new expanded guidelines for vaccine allocation to additional critical populations. These recommendations are supported by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and they have now been communicated to local health jurisdictions.

While Montana is guided by the ACIP recommendations, the updated distribution plan takes into account prioritizing several congregate settings not included in the ACIP recommendations, such as individuals residing in congregate care, correctional facilities, and American Indians and other people of color who may be at elevated risk for COVID-19 complications.

Vaccine shipments enter Montana through state and federal allocations.

DPHHS has enrolled 200 providers to receive and administer vaccines. Montana will be able to fully utilize this network once vaccines become more readily available.

Vaccinations are also occurring through the federal allocation to the Indian Health Service (IHS) and the Veterans’ Administration. Tribal entities were given the opportunity to either receive their allocation through federal or state channels. This includes tribal governments, Urban Indian Health Centers and IHS sites. In Montana, 5 of 8 tribal governments, all five Urban Indian Health Centers and all the IHS sites chose to get their allocation from the IHS.

It wasn’t the butler – it was COVID-19 that killed the mystery There was no mystery to the culprit in 2021 when it came to a murder mystery event planned for February in Baker.

It wasn’t the butler – it was COVID-19 that killed the mystery.

The Friends of FMC Foundation had scheduled a dinner-mystery event for the fall of 2020, then rescheduled it to be Feb. 13 in the Exhibit Hall at the Fallon County Fairgrounds.

But, “I Love the 80s to Death!”

didn’t make it.

It died in January when the event was canceled.

According to Karol Zachmann, one of the event organizers, the decision has been made and the cancellation announced on her Facebook page.

“Their Denver troupe (which is where our actors would be coming from) is now officially closed and will possibly reopen in the next several months, but they are unsure when it

will be when they have actors who are comfortable working in this area again.

The actors can’t come from Minneapolis due to the state mandate is requiring them to quarantine for 14 days if they leave the state and their actors just don’t want to go through that,” she said in the Facebook post.

According to Zachmann, about 100 tickets had already been sold by Monday, but the event had to be canceled a day later.

2

January 22, 2021

Funeral Services for Toby Hurley, 60, of Baker, MT, were Jan. 21, 2021 at Stevenson Funeral Home, Baker. Burial followed in Bonnievale Cemetery.

Toby Roger Hurley passed away Jan. 16, 2021 in Baker, MT. Toby was born Jan. 5, 1961, in Baker, MT to Gary and Audrey (Rue) Hurley. Toby was raised on a small farm north west of Baker with his siblings, Collette, Evan and Stuart. Toby’s parents divorced when he was in high school and he pretty much became the man of the house and learned to be handy at many things. He loved his siblings and especially loved to tease but always made sure they helped out with chores as his mother worked full-time.

During high school Toby worked at the Conoco station for Gene Zacher. He was fond of Gene and his family and found a special friend in co-worker Tom Lecoe. Toby and Brenda would marry in March, 1979 and he later graduated in May. Born to this union were two amazing children; Toby’s pride and joy, Angela and Steven. He enjoyed taking them hunting, fishing and everywhere he could. They idolized their dad and would learn to be quite mechanically inclined.

Toby worked for Albert Quenzer at the Ford Garage when the couple first married.

He was a very talented mechanic and enjoyed working with everyone but gained a special friend in Tom Holman.

Later he ventured into the oilfield where he worked for Herb Arnken at Eastern Well Ser

Toby Hurley, 60

vice on work over rigs. Toby worked his way up from a floor hand to operator and was soon operating his own rig. Toby was highly respected in the oilfield and gained many friendships that carried throughout the years. One of Toby’s classmates, Bill Wyrick, was always a special friend as they worked together in the oilfield and that friendship remains strong.

Toby also had a mechanic business, TRH Automotive, as a side job for extra income. The money was usually used to remodel the couple’s home. Toby was very handy from carpentry to plumbing, he could do it all.

He enjoyed reading Louis L’Amour, especially with a bag of “spits”, sunflower seeds.

Toby always enjoyed a good game of pinochle. He was always checking on Grandma Mildred Hurley, and spent most Sunday’s catching up on “the news”. The couple also spent many Sundays at his mom’s, after church, for feast and a good game of pinoch-

OBITUARIES le. They made many trips to Buffalo, SD to the Rue grandparents for a lovely meal and of course a game of pinochle.

Toby and Brenda would later divorce in 1989 but have always remained friends.

In 2005, Toby found the love of his life, Juanita (Garza) Miller. In this union Toby was graciously blessed with four bonus children and nine grandchildren. Toby pursued a lifelong dream of getting the family ranch up and running.

Family being the cornerstone of his beliefs, helped bring his family together. Toby ran in small circle, the people that knew him, knew he was only a call away. He may have been stubborn but had a heart of gold. Toby was a true oil hand and loved the oil booms, this always brought a grin. Starting as a floor hand and ended up owning and operating Hurley Consulting.

Toby never went any place he didn’t know or make a friend and he will be greatly missed.

Toby is survived by the love of his life Juanita (Garza) Miller; his daughter, Angela (Jeremy) Schallenberger and their children Nathan, Nicholas, and Julia; his son, Steven (Amber) Hurley and their children, Morgan, Mila; her children, Marty Miller, Angie (Aaron) Hunsley, Kristina Miller, and Tera Miller and their children, Torri, Devin, Brextin, Kaylin, Tatin, Aydin, Jozelin, Kenzington, Ellie; brother, Stuart (Mandi) Hurley; sister, Collette (Russ) Maw. Preceded in death by his parents, Gary and Audrey; brother,

Fallon County Times

Kevin Newell, 62

Liturgy of the Word for Kevin Newell, 62, of Baker, was held Jan. 15, 2021, at St. John Catholic Church with Father Jolly Pathiyamoola celebrating. Burial took place at St. John Cemetery.

Kevin passed away Jan. 11, 2021 at his residence in Baker.

Kevin was born April 28, 1958 in Beach, ND to Leon Newell and Marilynn (Hayden) McLaughlin.

Kevin grew up in Baker, MT attending school and graduated from Baker High School in 1976. He then went to work for Zion Construction in the area. Kevin and Debbie (Crippen) were married June 11, 1977 and raised their two children, Wayne and Jennifer.

Kevin began his career with Shell Oil starting as a roustabout and later a pumper. Before Shell sold he became the Schedule Planner. Kevin continued then with Encore starting in 1999 and worked throughout their term until purchased by Denbury in 2010. Kevin retired and Baker continued to be his home.

Kevin committed his life to the oilfield and made countless friends throughout southeastern

Montana. In his free time Kevin found enjoyment in many different activities. Being a craftsman, he created many pieces through his woodworking, leather work and even stained glass. He was fondly called “Cliff” by many because anyone was welcome to take a seat next to him, share a good beer and definitely learn something from his collection of “useless” information. For many years his favorite coffee stop was at KFLN with Uncle Russ and friends. The outdoors is where Kevin enjoyed being, camping, hunting and golfing.

He was a huge supporter of the Lakeview Country Club, serving on the board for many years. In the last several years Kevin and Deb-

bie would get together with their car minded friends and take time to cruise around different parts of the country. If Kevin was driving, Hair Nation was definitely the music of choice. Kevin was a special Papa to his grandchildren and loved them dearly. Kevin looked forward to the almost weekly gatherings with family to share a drink and catch up.

Kevin is survived by his wife of 43 years, Debbie of Baker; son, Wayne Newell of Tomball, TX; daughter, Jennifer (Bryce) Lecoe of Marmarth, ND; stepmother, Susie Newell of Baker; brothers, Dale (Kathy) Newell of Baker, MT, and Kyle (Lynda) Newell of Billings, MT; sisters, Sharee Newell of Baker, MT, and Kamie (Jeff) Garner of Bozeman, MT; grandchildren, Trevin and Reese Lecoe, Kevin and Avery Newell; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his father Leon Newell; mother Marilyn McLaughlin; sister Renee McLaughlin; grandparents.

Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at www.stevensonfuneralhome.com.

Elizabeth Ann Hoyt, 85

Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Hoyt, was born in Carlyle, MT on Aug. 23, 1935. She was one of five sisters, and five brothers in the Waterland family. She started school in Carlyle, MT, and when she was in the 4th grade they moved to Baker, MT where she graduated from Baker High School, in 1953. That fall, she went to college at Omaha Baptist Bible College, graduating three years later, in June of 1956.

She was engaged in April of 1954 to James Mitchell Hoyt from Anita, IA, and they were married on June 30, 1956 at the First Baptist Church of Baker, MT. Within weeks, Jim and Betty moved to Southern California. Betty worked at the phone company for two years until Beth Ann was born on May 6, 1958. They moved to El Segundo, CA in 1960, and welcomed son Brett Mitchell Hoyt on Jan. 24, 1960. A few years later son Bradley Jay Hoyt arrived on Aug. 6, 1962. They moved to Santa Ana, CA, closer to Jim’s work, and welcomed their youngest son Brian Lynn Hoyt on May 7, 1968.

Shortly thereafter they moved to

Brea, CA. Betty achieved a Christian Education Early-Childhood Certification from Omaha Baptist Bible College, as well as a Certificate of Nursery Education, and Nursery School Administration from Fullerton College. She started teaching preschool in 1971, then subsequently became a Preschool Director at church related preschools, for over 27 years. They retired in 2000, and moved to Redding, CA.She is preceeded in death by her mother, Mary and father, George Waterland; her sisters Dorothy and Laurane; her brothers Leroy and Robert; her son Brett Mitchell Hoyt who passed in 2004; as well as aunts, uncles, and cous

ins. Betty is survived by her husband of 64 1/2 years - James Mitchell Hoyt; their daughter Beth Ann (Rob) Wright of Redding, CA; son Bradley Jay (Cheri) Hoyt of Norwalk, IA; and son Brian Lynn (Renee) Hoyt of Brea, CA; and her daughter-in-law Angie of Urbandale, IA; nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren; her brothers Duane (Diane), Leon (Nancy), and Terry, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins!

Betty continued her lifelong “Love of Children”, enjoying helping in the nursery at church, as well as spending time with her own children, and grand and great-grandchildren! Family has always been a priority to Betty and Jim! Following a long health struggle, she went home to be with the Lord Jesus on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021, with family surrounding her, in Redding, CA. Betty will be greatly missed by many Family and Friends!!!

Her Graveside service was held at 10 a.m., on Jan. 14, 2021, at Redding Memorial Park. A Memorial service will be planned at Grace Baptist Church, Redding, CA, in the months to come.

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Fallon County Times

January 22, 2021

FILES OF THE TIMES

10 YEARS AGO Friday, January 28, 2011 --

30 YEARS AGO

February is “Cookie Month” and the American Legion Auxiliary plans to deliver cookies to veteran nursing homes in thee area. . .48th annual Americanism program will be held Feb. 1. . .Jan. 20, TransCanada announced a positive conclusion to its Montana On-ramp “open season” by entering into firm term contracts with independent oil producers. The on-ramp will add about $2 million annually of property tax revenue in Fallon County. . . A lunch and Learn “Heart Health” will be held Feb. 1 at Fallon Medical Complex.

Amie Schillinger, PA-C will present the program. . .Plevna School Trustees are honoring Jule Walker for being named 2010 Montana Superintendent of the Year. Feb. 4 after the Plevna/Jordan basketball game. . .Any non-profit organization interested in managing the beer booth at the Fallon County Fair, please contact the fair office. .

Thursday, January 24, 1991 --

War erupts in Persian Gulf.

Reminders of war are everywhere. Flags flew for two days with yellow ribbons attached.

When the war became a reality, the price of gas in Baker took a dramatic leap for a few days.

Jan. 18, signs at two local stations listed gas prices for unleaded gas at $1.439 and $1.399. At most stations in Miles City, gas was selling for $1.269 or $1.279. . .Angela DeGrand was the winner of the reading contest at Washington School. The fourth grader read 31 books during the weeks of the contest. She is the daughter of Art and Kathy DeGrand. . .Fallon Creek CowBelles held their annual Beef Cook-Off Jan. 12 at the Plevna School. Winners were: Melody Fried, first; April Wenz, second; and Kristin Hagadone, third. . .Dr. Noel Emerson has moved here with his family to join the staff of Community Clinic and Fallon Medical Complex. . .Kitti Kreager is among cast members for Black Hills State University’s production of the musical “Brigadoon”.

40 YEARS AGO Thursday, January 22, 1981 --

.A skating class is being offered by the Recreation Department for first-sixth graders at the city ice rink. The classes are being taught by coach Bruce Inion.

20 YEARS AGO Thursday, January 26, 2001 --

At the Jan. 17 Baker City Council meeting, Mayor Kelly Coldwell announced that Jeff Varner had resigned from the city crew after having worked for the city crew nearly 14 years. . .Baker speech and drama team - divisional champs and will now advance to the state tournament. . .Edith Crippen celebrated her 80th birthday Jan. 6. . .Video Tyme has been purchased by Randy and Marie Sander. Justin and Brook Hadley were the previous owners and Robin Menger was the previous manager. . .Baker Club will be moving from Montana Avenue to First Street. Remodeling is currently underway in the building next to Rollie’s Upholstery. . .The Family Fun Day Carnival held Jan. 21 raised about $3,500 for the new playground equipment fund. The carnival was a huge success. . .The children’s group of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Plevna collected 50 winter coats during their coat drive. . .Honored for 50 years of service at the City, County and State Christmas party was city employee Russell Culver.

Last Thursday noon the Baker Firemen were called to a mobile home located one block south of the Longfellow School. Wally Meidinger and Ashley Stanhope were within a short distance of the fire and were able to arrive on the spot soon enough to be able to use a fire extinguisher to douse the blaze. . .Walt Stieg and Rod Morris have purchased the former Freier’s Dairy from Ken Schell. . .Don Bruha, a student at Longfellow School, was selected as the school’s award winner in the fall Read-A-Thon sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Don read 14 books to raise $98.20. Twyla Williams, Washington School, was selected that school’s winner. She read 179 books and raised $89.35. At Lincoln School, Julie Bublitz read the most books - 32 and Amy Lutts earned the most money, $54.50. . .JoAnn Giesler has been named Fallon Memorial Hospital and Nursing Home employee of the month for January 1981. . .Christmas day when all the restaurants were closed, Mr. and Mrs. Marion Callen hosted 22 truck drivers at dinner.

50 YEARS AGO Thursday, January 28, 1971 --

4-H Photo Fun Club begins next week. It includes six 30 minute television programs. . .Mrs. Tom Bechtold is pictured presenting Mrs. Margaret Jensen $300 to complete the $12,000 coronary care unit. The money donated was raised by having a stew supper in December. . .Clarence Schell pictured as new president of Baker Chamber of Commerce. . .Cecil Combrink

begins special assignment for Shell Oil on evaluating crude oil losses. . .Gary Petersen, general manager of Empire Broadcasting, announces a ten percent dividend for 1970. . .Del Hartwick, school superintendent, attends annual Montana High School Association meeting in Helena.

60 YEARS AGO

Thursday, January 26, 1961 --

Seventeen boxing bouts have been arranged for Baker amateur boxers with Fairview and Glendive competitors through the sponsorship of the Lions Club. . .Mrs. Roy Fowler displayed her agate work at the meeting of the Baker Woman’s Club Tuesday evening. . .Tuesday afternoon a nitrogen gas blow out occurred at a well being drilled about six miles northwest of Baker. The roar could easily be heard in Baker.

70 YEARS AGO

Thursday, January 25, 1951 --

Annual March of Dimes dance will be held Jan. 27. . .The house numbering system has been set up for the City of Baker. Everyone is requesting to see that the proper number is installed on their house by ordinance No. 58. . .Larry Busch, Jr. will leave Feb. 13 for induction into the Army.

Larry volunteered for military service. . .After a lapse of about a year, Russell’s Store was burglarized again. No inventory as to merchandise or how much cash taken was determined. . .Genevieve Hayes was installed worthy advisor of the Rainbow Girls. Other officers were Donna Defferding, Joy Johnson, Joyce Morton, Phylis Olson, Darlene Cretsinger, Jeanette Stark, Laura Yokley, Sandra Hamilton, Connie Gunderson, Joan Phebus, Betty Morton, Gloria Everson, Myra Corbitt, Beverly Heftie, Lucille Griffith and Ashley Corbitt.

80 YEARS AGO Thursday, January 23, 1941 --

Royal Shepherd left for Fort Missoula Wednesday where he will be subjected to final examinations to determine his qualifications for Army service. Royal is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Shepherd of Baker. . .Fallon County range is back to the good old standard. Urvin Cox brought in a number of steers this week and sold them to R. K. Munsell.

One weighed 1,500 pounds. . .Mrs. W. Eilek received word from her son, Bob, who said he flew in one of the new Army

planes in formation for the President’s inauguration. . .The City Bakery is the first in the state to bake vitamin B1 bread. . .Many in the county are confined to their beds with the flu.

90 YEARS AGO Thursday, January 22, 1931 --

Sheriff William B. Frankland dies suddenly from a heart attack. . .Mrs. Minnie Mellor was installed as oracle of the Royal Neighbor Lodge by installing officer Mrs. Dorothy Young. . .George Vinton was elected chancellor commander of the Knights of Pithias at their first January meeting. Other officers are Elmer Rodger, Frank H. Becker, Holgar Trandum, Flace Phebus, Clyde Erther, Henry Niccum, William Alke and Henry H. Kettler. . .Victor North has assumed management of the Keirle Motor Company. Eph Keirle retired from the garage to take a more active part in business of the Baker National Bank.

100 YEARS AGO Thursday, January 27, 1921 --

J. J. Foley of Miles City, manager of the Milwaukee Railroad Oil Development Bureau, arrived in Baker Wednesday to look over the Baker oil structure.

Foley says that his company will send one of the best geologists in the country to this field and if his report proves favorable, several rigs will be placed on the most promising sections and development will start on a large scale. . .An effort is being made by the Baker American Legion to reorganize Company I. . .Yokley brothers are cutting ice on Little Beaver for home ranch. . .Nearly all the Chimney Creekites took in the hardtime dance at Webster Friday night, dressed in their tramp togs and had a glorious time. . .George West, Carl Sherva and Chris Carlson started filling the ice house at Ollie for Norman Rost this week. Norman took over the ice business when he made a deal with C. O. Brady for the meat market.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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.

Feb. 1 - Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., Assembly of God Church basement; PTA monthly meeting, 5:30 p.m., Lincoln School Multi-Purpose room.

Feb. 2 - Groundhog Day; Overeaters Anonymous, 6:30 p.m., American Lutheran Church.

Feb. 3 - Sons of the American Legion, 6 p.m., American Legion; City Council, 7 p.m., Fallon County courtroom.

Feb. 4 - Baker Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture,

noon.

Feb. 7 - 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.

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January 22

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Emily Wheeler Brody Knuths

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January 23

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January 24

Keith Rustad May Lynn Hall Kelli Sebestyen Caden Barth

January 28

Dale Rath Cheryl Weber Pippin Rost Skyla Varner Cristal Beatty Jessica Hoenke Kyler Rost

January 25

Paula Hufford Bernadette Branson Addison Adams

Dr. Caitlin Jacquot, DDS Dr. Weston Hafner, DDS

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January 22, 2021

Fallon County Times

REMINDER SENIORS

Portrait Photos are due March 1, 2021 •Either bring in physical copy to scan or email photos to: frankh@baker.k12.mt.us •If you need someone to take your photo, please contact Mrs. Frank or the publications staff and we can arrange a photo op prior to this date.

Speech & Drama end of the regular season meets

By Hannah Goerndt

January 16, marked the end to the Speech and Drama regular season meets. At this last meet Tuf Ranum placed 12th on Lincoln-Douglas Debate and Hannah Goerndt placed 6th in Dramatic Solo. Bryce Shelhamer and Chloee Thurlow did not attend and Zachery Craig was unable to compete due to unforeseen circumstances.

While this is the end for the regular season, there are still divisionals and state. Divisionals will take place this weekend on Jan. 23. All members will compete, with the top six in each event going to state.

Because the tournaments are virtual, state will be extended so that competitors can still attend school. State will take place Thursday through Saturday, on the Jan. 28-30. The rounds will be spread out between the three days.

Spartans vs. Wolf Point

By Macy Varner & Havyn Wilkinson

The Baker Spartan basketball teams hosted Wolf Point for their second game of the season on Jan. 8. All games for the Lady Spartans were challenging and in close distance, with all three teams coming out on top for the win. The Baker Spartan boys basketball team took on the Wolf Point Wolves at home on Jan. 8.

The varsity and JV team were both victories over the Wolves but the C-Squad was defeated.

Baker boys varsity The boys varsity final score was 57-48 with the Spartans coming out on top. Jaxson Tronstad was the leading scorer with 16 points. He also had 9 rebounds. Logan Graham followed with 12 points and 3 assists. Konner Flint had 10 points and 1 assist. Ethan Gundlach had 7 points, 1 assist, 4 rebounds and 6 steals. Guy Lesh had 7 points and 4 rebounds. Garrett Lesh had 4 points, 1 assist and 11 rebounds. Jory Miller had 1 point and 2 rebounds.

Baker boys JV Breakfast

Week of Jan. 25

Monday: Donut, egg, fruit, milk Tuesday: Bagel, bacon, fruit, milk Wednesday: Early riser, cheese stick, fruit, milk Thursday: Muffin, yogurt, fruit, milk Friday: Poptart, cheese stick, fruit, milk

Lunch

Monday: Cheeseburger, f/f, fruit, milk Tuesday: Chicken quesadilla, lettuce, fruit, milk Wednesday: Sloppy Joe, gems, fruit, milk Thursday: Chili, cinnamon roll, fruit, milk Friday: Galaxy pizza, lettuce, fruit, milk

The boys JV final score was 55-34. Bryant O’Connor led with 21 points. He also had 4 rebounds. Nathan Schallenburger followed with 10 points, 9 rebounds and 1 assist. Guy Lesh had 8 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals. Rory Lingle had 7 points and 1 assist. Riley Williams had 3 points and 2 rebounds. Walker Hadley had 2 points and 1 assist.

Cooper O’Connor 2 points and 3 rebounds. Quinn Griffith had 2 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists.

Baker Boys C-Squad During the C-Squad Quinn Griffith led with 12 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals. Bryten Martin followed with 8 points and 5 rebounds. Riley Williams had 7 points, 6 rebounds and 1 assist. Cooper O’Connor had 4 points, 2 steals and 3 assists.

Carter Gion also had 4 points

and 4 rebounds. Owen Stieg had 3 points and 1 rebound. Aiden Wyrwas had 2 points and 4 rebounds. Colin Lorbiecke had 1 point and 4 rebounds.

Baker girls varsity The Lady Spartans had a tight race with the score for the night but came out with a victory against the Lady Wolves with a score of 55-50. High scorer for the night was Mya Hadley, who finished the evening with 22 points, 8 rebounds and 4 steals.

She was followed by Emily Shumaker who received 11 points, 2 rebounds and 2 steals. Peyton Janeway put in 10 points, 3 rebounds and 5 steals. Anika Ploeger contributed with 7 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals.

Additional support for the scoreboard came from Harlee Graham with 3 points and 4 rebounds, Alex Williams with 4 rebounds and 1 steal and Eve Uecker with 2 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals.

Baker girls JV

The JV girls had quite the close game but were able to squeeze in a win against the Wolves with a finishing score of 28-27. The high earner of the night was Saraya Afrank with 7 points, 4 rebounds and 1 steal. Next in line were Kaytlynn Gaub with 6 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals along with Kendall Shepherd with 6 points as well, 4 rebounds and 2 steals. Faith Hansen added 5 points and 3 rebounds to the game. Jessica Stark brought 4 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals.

Baker girls C-Squad

The girls C-Squad finished with a win against the Wolves ending with a score of 14-9.

High points for this game went to Mallory Varner with 5 points and 2 rebounds. Faith Hansen contributed 3 points and 1 steal.

Kendall Shepherd, Kaytlynn Gaub, and Briley Gorder all added 2 points to the scoreboard for the night.

HOROSCOPES For the week of Jan. 24th

ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, a budding relationship appears to be on the cusp of taking the next step. Your relationships are your own, so don’t be afraid to slow down if things feel like they’re going too fast.

TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, now is the time to institute a change to your daily routine if that’s been on your mind. Planetary energy is pushing you on a course of self-discovery.

GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, small influencers in your life may be imperceptible, but they are slowly turning the wheels of change and you’ll soon be able to realize what is in store.

CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22

Connect with your spiritual foundations, Cancer. They will be your guide through a week that figures to have its share of ups and downs. Faith will help you ride it out.

LEO - Jul 23/Aug 23

The week ahead should be fairly positive for you, Leo. This lifting of weight will inspire newfound freedom to embark on interesting projects or pursue new interests.

VIRGO - Aug 24/Sept 22

You may be looking for fulfillment in your love life or your career this week, Virgo. Some measure of liberation will occur in the days ahead.

LIBRA - Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, as the days unfold, you may find yourself feeling more creative and perhaps a bit more rebellious in your thinking. It is okay to want to set out on a new path.

SCORPIO - Oct 24/Nov 22

Oftentimes you are a master of taking a difficult situation and turning it on its head immediately, Scorpio. Those unique skills may be put to the test this week.

SAGITTARIUS - Nov 23/Dec 21

A reorganization will occur in your life. This may involve physically moving things around the house or an intellectual reorganization that produces a new perspective.

CAPRICORN - Dec 22/Jan 20

Good times with the ones you love do not have to take a back seat to professional goals, Capricorn. Find a way to strike a balance, even if it means delegating more often.

AQUARIUS - Jan 21/Feb 18

Even if you have a mind to help the ones you love, those people have to be receptive to your assistance, Aquarius. Give them a chance to come around.

PISCES - Feb 19/Mar 20

Don’t let others talk you into something you don’t want to be involved with, Pisces. Stand your ground or walk away.

Fallon County Times

Cougar Tracks

News from the Plevna School

January 22, 2021

5

Physics melts Lauric Acid Boys’ JV basketball Dacy Buerkle measuring the temperature of Lauric Acid.

Plevna School Menu

By Dacy Buerkle

Mrs. Schumacher’s physics class has continued their handson learning and experimenting with the subject of Thermal Energy. The students participated in a new project to demonstrate the melting and freezing curves of paraffin wax and lauric acid.

They started by heating a beaker of water to 700 C. They then submersed a test tube of the solidified wax or acid into the beaker and measured the temperature every ten seconds. The students continued this process until the substance was completely melted. The students then reversed the process by putting the test tubes into a bath of ice water and measuring the temperatures until the substance was completely solidified. Following this, the students inserted their data into a table, which then showed the first half of a heat curve for the substance. The experiments turned out well and the students were able to form an accurate heat curve.

Regional BPA

By Jenna Paul

Trinity Rieger was the only Plevna BPA member to compete in the Regional Competition.

She traveled to Baker for the competition. Trinity placed 1st in Administrative Support, 1st in Parliamentary Procedure, 1st in Business Meeting Management, 2nd in Management Marketing/ HR, 2nd in Payroll Accounting, 6th in Banking and Finance and 8th in Fundamentals of Accounting. Congratulations Trinity on your placings, and advancing to BPA State, which will be held March 14-16!

Week of Jan. 25 Lunch Monday: Beef gyro w/tzatziki sauce, Greek salad, grapes Tuesday: Oriental chicken salad, egg roll, plum or pear, breadstick Wednesday: Sloppy Joe, broccoli salad, potatoes, fruit Thursday: Pork loin w/raspberry sauce, brussel sprouts, peaches, dinner roll Friday: Chili, corn bread, fresh broccoli & carrots w/ranch, fruit

By Dacy Buerkle

On Jan. 12 the Plevna boys’ JV team traveled to Wibaux. The team worked hard, but unfortunately lost 27 to 66. The high scorer of the game was junior, Cooper Peterson, with 9 points followed closely by Kalob Bollinger, an eighth grader, with 7 points. Additionally, Caiden Gray contributed 2 points, Wyatt Thielen had 6, Trae Oberlander with 1, and Tristan Buerkle with 2. Keep up the hard work boys!

January 16, the Plevna boys’ JV team played the Ekalaka Bulldogs at home. The exciting boy’s JV game ended with the scoreboard of Plevna 47 to Ekalaka’s 54. Ethan Mellon led the team with 16 points, then came

Caiden Gray adding a point with his free throw.

Tristan Buerkle’s 13, Cooper Peterson’s 8, Caiden Gray’s 7, and Trae Oberlander’s 3 points.

Good job boys, we are excited for your next game!

Girls’ varsity basketball

By Chloe Tudor

The Plevna Lady Cougars traveled to Wibaux to take on the Lady Longhorns on Jan. 12. The Lady Cougars came out strong keeping the score close throughout the first three quarters. In a hard fourth quarter though they lost their momentum and the game 29 to 49. The high scorer of the game was senior, Jenna Paul, with 10 points followed by junior, Chloe Tudor, with 7 points. Jaeda Paul also contributed 4 points, Hayden Lane 2, and Sophia Tudor with 6 points.

January 16, the Plevna Lady Cougars hosted the Ekalaka Bulldogs. The evening commenced with the Plevna JV girls team taking on the Bulldogs, the exciting half-game ended with Plevna 18 and Ekalaka 22.

Sophia Schumacher guiding the ball to the sideline.

Sophia Tudor put in 12 points, followed by Hayden Lane with 3, Whitney Thielen 2, and Jaiden Dulin adding 1 point. Varsity girl’s game came last, with a final score of Plevna 35, Eka-

laka 67. Chloe Tudor scored 13 points, followed by Sophia Tudor 6, Jaeda Paul 5, Jenna Paul 4, Dacy Buerkle 3, Whitney Thielen 2, and Hayden Lane with 2 points. Good hustle girls!

IS THAT UNBORN CALF’S MINERAL BUCKET FULL? IN STOCK AT: Spring Creek Supply Baker, MT

Mike and Cindy Stark 406-588-3861

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)

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January 22, 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

Fallon Medical Complex Employment Opportunities • Full-time Staff Coordinator • Part-time Laundry Aide Nursing services is looking for RN, LPN and C.N.A positions.

Please contact Sue Lunde with any questions at 406-778-5385

Applications can be picked up from the FMC Business Office or Personnel Dept. Contact Theresa Myers, Personnel Manager at 406-778-5302 for additional information on any of the above jobs.

All positions will remain open until filled. EOE.

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.

2-7c

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.

3-4p

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: The Baker Cowbelles would like to thank everyone that helped us celebrate our 60th Anniversary. We are very appreciative of all the businesses that have supported us for the past

60 years. Thank you to the Fallon County Times for the article and pictures.

Toni Reetz, President 4c

LEGALS 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.

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.

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

MONTANA STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

Beautiful Caucasian Shepherd Dog Puppies! Protect your family, property, livestock with this ancient, herding, guard dog. Call to negotiate to your price (406) 210-4807 _________________________________________________ Legacy Cooperative of Bisbee ND is seeking a qualified GM/ CEO. This is a BNSF grain shuttle loading facility and full service Grain, agronomy, and energy cooperative with sales of $200+ million with nine locations. Financial and personal management experience required. Email: resume to larry.fuller@midco.net or call Larry Fuller, (701) 220-9775 for more info. _________________________________________________ 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.

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 Low Income Assistance Available to Mid-Rivers Phone & Internet Customers Mid-Rivers Communications offers Lifeline low-income assistance to qualifying subscribers with discounts of $5.25 per month on phone, or $9.25 per month on qualifying Internet or bundled services. 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 assistance programs are determined by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Lifeline discounts for standalone phone service are scheduled to be phased out by the FCC, decreasing by $2 per year. Please contact your nearest Mid-Rivers office, call us at 1-800-452-2288, or visit www. midrivers.com/low-income-assistance.html for more information.

4c MNAXLP ____________________________ STATE OF MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION BOARD OF OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION Telephonic Business Meeting Agenda Feb. 3, 2021, 2 p.m.

Physical location of Meeting: Board of Oil and Gas Conservation Hearing room, 2535 St. Johns Ave-

nue, Billings, MT Everyone on the premises should maintain at least six feet of separation from any other person. If necessary, individuals will be allowed to enter on a rotating basis, as needed, to comply with social distancing.

Due to COVID-19 considerations, please call into the meeting using the following directions Conference Call Access: Call-in Number: 1-646-558-8656 Meeting ID: 934 9140 7664 and then press # Zoom Meeting URL https://mt-gov. zoom.us/j/93491407664 Meeting Participation Instructions: Many participants are anticipated. To enable this meeting to run smoothly: •Place your phone on mute.

•Do not place your phone on hold.

•The board chair will manage the meeting. Do not speak until called upon by the chair. Opportunity for input will be provided.

The agenda for that meeting is as follows: 1. Call to order 2. Roll Call & Instructions -Steven Durrett, Chairman -Paul Gatzemeier, Vice-Chairman -Mac McDermott, Board Member -Linda Nelson, Board Member -Dennis Trudell, Board Member -Joseph Michael Weber, Board Member -Corey Welter, Board Member 3. Approval of minutes of Dec. 2, 2020, business meeting 4. Public comment on agenda and non-agenda items 5. Well Done Foundation project update 6. Cat Creek Holdings LLC update required by Board Order 30-2020 7. Samson Resources Company reclamation release 8. Financial report 9. Bond summary & incident report 10. Docket summary 11. Gas flaring exceptions 12. Executive Order 1-2021

13. Staff reports 14. Other business 15. Adjourn STATE OF MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION BOARD OF OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION Telephonic Public Hearing Agenda Feb. 4, 2021, 9 a.m.

Physical location of Meeting: Board of Oil and Gas Conservation Hearing room, 2535 St. Johns Avenue, Billings, MT Everyone on the premises should maintain at least six feet of separation from any other person. If necessary, individuals will be allowed to enter on a rotating basis, as needed, to comply with social distancing.

Due to COVID-19 considerations, please call into the meeting using the following directions Conference Call Access: Call-in Number: 1-646-558-8656 (toll-free) Meeting ID: 982 7828 7200 and then press # Zoom Meeting URL: https://mt-gov. zoom.us/j/98278287200 Meeting Participation Instructions: Many participants are anticipated. To enable this meeting to run smoothly: •Place your phone on mute.

•Do not place your phone on hold.

•The board chair will manage the meeting. Do not speak until called upon by the chair. Opportunity for input will be provided.

The Board will conduct public hearings pursuant to Chapter 11 of Title 82 of the Montana Code Annotated on the matters described below. Interested persons have the opportunity to be heard for each docket. For more information or to request accommodation for a disability, please contact Erin Ricci at 406-444-6731 or Jennifer Breton at 406-656-0040, as soon as possible before the scheduled hearing.

Docket 63-2020 Continued from December 2020 APPLICANT: DENBURY ONSHORE LLC – FALLON COUNTY, MONTANA Upon the application of Denbury Onshore LLC for approval of a pilot enhanced recovery project pursuant to A.R.M. 36.22.1229 in the Madison Group involving the overlapping temporary spacing unit comprised of the S½NE¼, E½SW¼, SW¼SW¼, SE¼ of Section 8, W½SW¼ of Section 9, N½NE¼, SW¼NE¼, NW¼ of Section 17, T10N-58E, Fallon County, Montana, for a period not to exceed eighteen months from the commencement of injection operations.

Docket 64-2020 Continued from

December 2020 APPLICANT: DENBURY ONSHORE LLC – FALLON COUNTY, MONTANA Upon the application of Denbury Onshore LLC to designate a permanent spacing unit comprised of the NW¼SW¼, S½SW¼ of Section 19, W½NE¼, E½NW¼ of Section 30, T4N-R62E and the NW¼NE¼, S½NE¼, NE¼SE¼ of Section 24, T4N-R61E, Fallon County, Montana, for the production of oil and associated natural gas from the Mission Canyon Formation/Madison Group with respect to the Little Beaver East Unit MC22-30NH well.

BOARD OF OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION Erin Ricci, Administrative Assistant 4c MNAXLP ____________________________ NOTICE An application for a Lakeshore Permit #01152021 has been submitted to the Fallon County Floodplain Administrator. (All information related to this notice can be viewed at the Fallon County Planning Department). All Your comments and concerns are welcomed.

Date of Notice: Jan. 22, 2021 Date of Application: Jan. 5, 2021 Applicant: Fallon County P.O. Box 846 Baker, MT 59313-0846 Scope/Purpose of Project: Application for a stepped wetland construction project. Natural rock for weir walls, geotextile fabric, “clean” structural fill, cobble for scour pool, substrate to support wetland plants, wetland plants.

Projected Date Of Project: May of 2021 Name of Stream/Water Body: Location of Project: Next to Triangle Park, by Baker Lake, located at the corner of East Fallon Ave. and 3rd Street East, City of Baker, County of Fallon, State of Montana.

GPS: N46□21.572’ W104□16.2020’ Comments concerning this application for a permit related to this activity in the floodplain must be submitted within fifteen (15) days of this notice, or by Feb. 8, 2021. Fallon County Planning Department, Attention: Mary Grube, Floodplain Administrative Assistant, P.O. Box 1134, Baker, MT 59313 grubem@ falloncounty.net.

4c

Fallon County

Times

For your Printing Needs

406-778-3344

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.

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.

Daines’ bipartisan bill promoting Junior Ag loans available through Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame affordable health insurance for Montana Department of Agriculture postpones annual Induction Ceremony & Western Heritage Montanans signed into law Bill prevents health insurance companies Gathering until August from price fixing, collusion U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that his bipartisan bill promoting access to affordable health care for Montanans by increasing transparency and enhancing consumer protections in the health insurance industry has been signed into law by the President.

“My bipartisan bill will now ensure greater transparency and oversight in the health insurance industry and help make health insurance more affordable for Montanans and Americans across the country. I’m glad the President has signed this commonsense bill into law,” Daines said.

A Bozeman Dentist praised Daines’ bill and work getting it signed into law. Watch the full video HERE. For TV elements, click HERE. The “Competitive Health Insurance Reform Act” will ensure that health insurance issuers are subject to the same federal antitrust laws prohibiting unfair trade practices, such as price fixing and collusion, as virtually every other industry in our economy.

The bipartisan bill amends the McCarran-Ferguson Act to restore the application of federal antitrust laws to the health insurance industry, but does not interfere with or impact the authority of state authorities to regulate health insurance provided under the act. This bill will help address instances of artificially higher premiums, unfair insurance restrictions, and harmful policy exclusions.

Loans up to $8,500 available to young Montana farmers and ranchers Montana youth ages 21 and under may be eligible for up to $8,500 in loan financing through the Montana Department of Agriculture’s (MDA) Junior Agriculture Loan Program.

“With the average age of farmers and ranchers being nearly 60 years old, supporting the next generation is vital to Montana’s livelihood,” said MDA Director Mike Foster. “The Junior Ag Loan Program plays an important role in connecting young people who are passionate about pursuing projects in agriculture with the financing they need to get started.”

More than 60 young farmers and ranchers currently participate in the Montana Junior Agriculture Loan Program which was developed to assist rural youth in developing or expanding agribusiness projects. Program benefits often far exceed the actual loan for program par-

ticipants. Many young men and women that were unable to secure conventional financing due to age or inadequate collateral have utilized the program as a means for establishing financing experience and advancing their project’s monetary value.

Projects can involve crop and livestock production, custom farming, marketing and distribution, processing, and other financially feasible activities. Up to 90 percent of projects can be financed through the program with repayment taking place for up to five years. Junior Agriculture Loan Program applications are available on the department’s website at agr.mt.gov/I-WantTo/Apply-For/Grants-Loans/Junior-Agriculture-Loans.

The Montana Department of Agriculture’s mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries.

For more information on the Montana Department of Agriculture, visit agr.mt.gov.

The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Center (MCHF & WHC) has postponed its 2020 Inductee Recognition Ceremony & Western Heritage Gathering, normally held in early February each year, to Saturday, August 14, 2021.

“Due to local restrictions and an abundance of caution related to the Covid-19 pandemic, we are pushing back our annual celebration,” said MCHF & WHC Executive Director, Christy Stensland. “Although these have been challenging times for all Montanans, we look forward to the future and the honor of gathering with you in August.”

The planned Inductee Recognition Ceremony Brunch at the Heritage Inn in Great Falls will celebrate the notable accomplishments and lasting legacies of the inductees to the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame Class of 2020.

The MCHF & WHC annual membership meeting will be held virtually during March 2021. Date and time to be determined.

The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame Gallery at the Charles M. Russell Museum in Great Falls is projected to open in February. More information will be released when available.

For further information, contact the MCHF & WHC at 406653-3800 or email Christy@montanacowboyfame.org.

January 22, 2021

Fallon County Times

September 25 -- Michael Loutzenhiser has been sworn in as the new Ward 1 alderman for the city. Loutzenhiser became the newest member of the City Council on the morning of Sept. 17, when he was sworn in at City Hall by Mayor Steve Zachmann in the lobby of the Fallon County Courthouse. . .The City of Baker decided not to approve a federal payroll tax holiday at the Sept. 16 meeting of the city council. According to Kevin Dukart, the city treasurer and clerk, the holiday would create problems not only for the software the city uses, but also for the employees. . .Photo: Sunsets in Baker have become brilliant red and watchable to the naked eye because of the massive firestorms ranging across the Pacific states. . .High temperature Sept. 22 was 88.

Low temperature Sept. 17 was 40. . . The 2020 Alzada Cowboy Poetry, Music and Art Show has been cancelled. The show has been held on the first Sunday of October for thirty years but due to COVID concerns and other family events the organizers felt it would be best not to have it in 2020. . .MontanaPBS has launched a new streaming option that allows in-state viewers to watch the primary MontanaPBS channel live from web browsers, cell phones, tablets and other smart devices.

October 2 -- Beth Epley of the Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation discusses some of the suggestions made Tuesday in the Fallon County Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall after the second session of a Re-Imagining Rural virtual community gathering which connected Baker with other small towns in the region. . .Ismay gets cameo role in streaming television series, “Doom Patrol”. . .The City of Baker will be closing one block of George Avenue for about three weeks to make repairs and handle drainage from the north end of the football field to nearby Lincoln School property. . .High temperature Sept. 24 was 91. Low temperature Sept. 28 was 33. . .There were 46 units of blood donated at the Vitalant Blood drive which was held Sept. 22. . .The Fallon County 4-H Fall Livestock Judging contest was held Sept. 20, 2020 in the Fallon County indoor livestock arena. Thirty youth judged seven different animal classes and gave three sets of reasons. . .2020 Homecoming Candidates for Baker High School are King candidates Avery Uecker, Konner Flint, Logan Graham and Kyler Afrank and Queen candidates Sady Harbaugh, Macy Varner, Sophia Dulin and Mya Hadley. . .Spartans of the Month October: High School McKenzie Davis was selected

by Mrs. Hoversland; Middle School - Tylar Smith was selected by Mrs. Boggs; Longfellow School - Alexis Connolly was selected by Mrs. Hastig; Lincoln School - Rider Kloetzke was selected by Mrs. Varner.

October 9 -- Headline: Fal-

Year in Review 2020 lon County switches to all-mail ballot with in-person option. . .The Baker Beautification Committee has made a few changes to its flag service. To commemorate the end of slavery, Juneteenth (June 19) has been added to observe the end of slavery. The committee has also added the commemoration of Indigenous People’s Day to October 12, 2020, the day that Columbus Day is also commemorated. . .Rod Morris, who has a local consulting firm, will be taking over as the new Public Works Director for the City of Baker by mid-October. . .A Pancake and Sausage Supper has long been a staple as a fundraiser for the Plevna Volunteer Fire Department.

But not in 2020. The pandemic has forced some changes. First the supper was canceled. Then the sausage making. . .Fallon County has fifteen positive cases of COVID-19, as of Oct. 6.

The entire state of Montana has been hit with a wave of positives, turning the Treasure State into a pandemic hot spot. . . Picture: Sady Harbaugh and Kyler Afrank were crowned this year’s Homecoming Queen and King. . .High temperature Oct. 6 was 80. Low temperature Oct. 1 was 25.

October 16 -- The recent hike in COVID-19-19 cases in Montana and Fallon County has forced the school in Plevna to increase its vigilance in protecting the students. One of the first steps was increasing efforts to sanitize the campus. . .The Baker School District is back to where it started – at least when it comes to COVID-19. The district started the school year at what is named Scenario 4 – the lightest of restrictions. After briefly going one step more restrictive (Scenario 3) briefly in the first week of October, it returned to Scenario 4 this week. . .The Montana High School Association executive board voted Oct. 13, to delay the start of winter sports - both practices and competition - in hopes of flattening the curve during the continued COVID-19 pandemic. . .Governor Steve Bullock announced Montanans earning minimum wage will see the rate increase to $8.75 per hour beginning Jan. 1, 2021. . .High temperature Oct. 10 was 82.

Low temperature Oct. 12 was 34.

October 23 -- The City of Baker has started work to improve drainage along George Avenue near the Baker High School. Mayor Steve Zachmann has said that the project will probably take about three weeks to complete and should be finished by early to mid-November. . .The annual Moonlight Madness was a big draw for downtown businesses Oct. 14. According to Karol Zachmann, the prime rib dinner sponsored by the Baker Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture was a success even though it drew a smaller crowd because of Covid-19. . .The 2020 October Breast Cancer Awareness

Soup and Luncheon event has been canceled because of Covid-19 guidelines currently in effect in Fallon County. . .High temperature Oct. 14 was 51. Low temperature Oct. 18 was 16. . . For the twelfth year, The Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church in Plevna will be a drop off site for shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child.

October 31 -- Gentre Coulter is International Knights of Columbus Free Throw Champion.

He is pictured with the trophy he received. . .The 17th annual Stan Wagner Memorial Game Feed has been postponed. The recent spike in COVID-19 cases prompted the decision to reschedule to a future date.

There will still be an live online drawing on Facebook the night of the Nov. 14. . .A plan to help drain water from the north edge of the Parkview parking lot and the south edge of the City Park was approved Oct. 21 during the City Council meeting. . .High temperature Oct. 27 was 39. Low temperature Oct. 23 was 0. . .Spartans of the Month November: High School - Jory Miller was chosen by Mr. Waldbillig; Middle School - Kate Holliday was chosen by Mrs. Kirschten; Longfellow School - Nakona Selle was chosen by Mrs. O’Connor; Lincoln School - Camryn Kidd was chosen by Mrs. Tunby.

November 6 -- Republican Kevin Braun easily dominated the race for Fallon County Commissioner Tuesday, getting 766 votes out of 1,526 total votes, according to the unofficial early results posted online. . .A local energy company will be permanently closing well sites near the city. WBI Energy will be closing the sites just east of Baker Lake. . .The planned George Avenue drainage repair project has run into a few obstacles, but is still on schedule. . .The Fallon County Gun Range gets new water source. It used to be supplied by a well, and now they have been connected with the city water supply. . .High temperature Nov. 3 was 72. Low temperature Oct. 31 was 22. . .The number of active cases of COVID-19 in Fallon County continues to increase.

November 13 -- The Women’s Professional Rodeo Association has cited the Fallon County Fair and Rodeo committee as the best Large Rodeo of the year. The announcement was made Nov. 2 in Colorado Springs when the WPRA announced its 2020 Committee and Contract Awards. . .Voters in Fallon County did better than the state of Montana when it came to voting. The state had 81.27 percent vote in the general election, while Fallon Coun-

ty surpassed that, with 85.90 percent of the voters voting. . .COVID-19 cases keep climbing in Fallon County, state. . .There are 70 active COVID-19 cases in Fallon County as of Tuesday evening – almost doubling the previous number. . .Laura Bruha will be 95 years young on Nov. 29. . . High temperature Nov. 5 was 73. Low temperature Nov. 9 was 12.

November 20 -- Montana, South Dakota and Wyoming are experiencing the largest spikes in new COVID-19 cases and are also among states considered least prepared, according to a study of Kaiser Family Foundation hospital capacity information. . .Two members of the Montana Army National Guard are currently working alongside staff at Dahl Memorial Healthcare. With several staff members missing work due to the COVID-19, Dahl administrator Ryan Tooke put in a call to Montana Disaster & Emergency Services. Private Drake and Staff Sergeant Thomson were sent to work alongside staff. . .Motor Vehicle transactions temporarily suspended due to a major system upgrade by the Montana Motor Vehicle Division. Services is expected to resume by Nov. 30. . .The Montana Department of Revenue has begun the process to make licenses available for recreational marijuana cultivation and sale by Oct. 1, 2021. . .High temperature Nov. 17 was 60. Low temperature Nov. 12 was 10.

November 27 -- Substitute teachers help local schools meet COVID-19 challenges.

Substitute teachers have been able to help filling in at the local schools when needed. . .The annual Stanley Wagner Memorial Game Feed may have been postponed because of a pandemic, but the raffle went on live – at least on Facebook – Nov. 14 when it had been planned. Ryan Varner was the 1st prize winner of the 2020 Polaris 500 Ranger Side by Side that was the Big Raffle prize.

The second prize in the Big Raffle was a $3,000 gift certificate for Guns N Things and was won by Eddie Smith. The third prize of a John Wayne Commemorative 32-40 Winchester went to Forst Eichhorn. The fourth place Commemorative Legendary Frontiersman 38-55 Winchester was won by Jamie Updike. Brian O’Connor won the Weatherby Raffle, second place went to Cassidy Jesperson, while third place went to Scott Leonard of Sidney and fourth went to Scot Buerkle and fifth was Jon Griffith. . .High temperature Nov. 18 was 63.

See REVIEW Page 9

7

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

•Amanda Eve Field, Wibaux, out of jurisdiction arrest warrant, transferred to another court, courtesy initial appearance for the 7th Judicial District Court, ticket issued 12/17/2020.

•Kalynn Cheyenne Hall, Baker, driving a motor vehicle while privilege to do so is suspended or revoked, 2nd offense, deferred imposition of sentence, fine of $285, ticket issued 7/28/2020.

•Vincent C. Laran, Columbia, SC, speeding on non-interstate, exceed night limit of 65 MPH, 84/65, bond forfeited $70, ticket issued 12/21/2020.

•Michael Millward, Baker, obstructing a peace officer or other public servant, deferred imposition of sentence, per plea agreement, fine of $575, ticket issued 7/16/2020.

•Michael Millward, Baker, negligent endangerment, substantial risk, death/serious bodily injury, deferred imposition of sentence, per plea agreement, fine of $335, deferred imposition of 90 days jail, ticket issued 7/16/2020.

•Vanessa Louiez Seminole, Baker, out of jurisdiction arrest warrant, transferred to another court, courtesty appearance for Powder River County, ticket issued 1/13/2021.

•Vanessa Louiez Seminole, Baker, out of jurisdiction arrest warrant, transferred to another court, courtesty appearance for Yellowstone County, ticket issued 1/13/2021.

City Court

•William J. Churchill, Baker, partner fam mem assault, causing reasonable apprehen of bodily injury in part/fam mem, 1st offense, dismissed by prosecution without prejudice, ticket issued 12/20/2020.

•Cameron Lorey Spencer, Baker, fail/stop school bus stopped, load or unload child, bond forfeited $125, ticket issued 11/24/2020.

•Cameron Lorey Spencer, Baker, careless driving, bond forfeited $85, ticket issued 11/24/2020.

•Jason Michael Williamson, Friendswood, TX, assault, deferred imposition of sentence, fine of $585, ticket issued 11/21/2020.

Legal Tip of the Week Did you know … that you have to pay child support even if the other parent does not allow you to see the kids?

Your kids need support no matter what. If there is a child support order that says you have to pay child support, you must pay it. If the other parent won’t let you see the kids, it’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer.

To learn more, check out our article “Child and MedicalSupport Orders in Montana (FAQ)” on 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/.

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January 22, 2021

Legislative Roundup - Week 2

Fallon County Times

Concealed Carry Bill, Local Health Boards Face Scrutiny in Legislature’s Second Week

By Austin Amestoy

UM Legislative News Service, University of Montana School of Journalism

Tense standoff between Legislators disrupts first Gun Bill Debate in Montana House

The Montana Senate will now consider a bill that would greatly expand where concealed weapons can be carried in Montana after the House of Representatives passed House Bill 102 along party lines.

The debate over the bill briefly ground to a halt last week as one lawmaker shut down another’s comments as a violation of decorum.

Members of the Montana House of Representatives were debating HB 102 when Rep. Jim Keane, D-Butte, who opposed the bill, asked Rep. Seth Berglee, R-Joliet, if he had ever been shot.

Berglee, who sponsored the bill, which allows concealed carry on college campuses and inside banks, among other places, is a military veteran.

Rep. Derek Skees, R-Kalispell, was presiding over the House that day and cut Keane off, ruling that his question was irrelevant and a violation of decorum because of its deeply personal nature.

The spat came in the middle of heated back-and-forth testimony from Republicans and Democrats on HB 102.

“The fact is, this bill makes our communities and college campuses less safe,” said Rep. Kathy Kelker, D-Billings.

Rep. Frank Garner, R-Kalispell, voiced strong support for the measure. Garner, a former Kalispell Chief of Police, said the bill would allow citizens to properly defend themselves, adding that the only people who carry guns in restricted areas are criminals.

“I’m sorry I don’t agree with all my brothers and sisters on this, but it is time for us to provide the opportunity for law-abiding citizens in our communities (to concealed carry),” Garner said. “Criminals be warned - that’s what we’re doing here today. We’re empowering the citizens of Montana.”

Standard procedure quick-

ly dissolved after Skees ruled Keane’s question was inappropriate. House Democrats in the room rose to their feet to oppose the ruling, and with enough members of the House in opposition, the decision on whether to allow Keane to continue was pushed to a vote on the floor. Keane lost the vote 56-41, and Skees allowed him three more minutes to speak on a different topic.

“In this bill, while it says ‘safety,’ people will die,” Keane said, expressing concern over an increase of gun violence, both deliberate and accidental. “When those issues come up and those things happen, who holds us accountable? No one. No one holds us accountable.”

Ultimately, the bill passed the House directly down party lines, with 66 Republicans voting “yes” and 31 Democrats voting “no” (three legislators were not present).

The bill is far from the last measure on guns coming down the pipeline this session. Skees has a draft of a bill in final review that would establish a “Montana school marshall program,” while Sen. Steve Hinebauch, R-Wibaux, is carrying a bill that would allow legislators to conceal carry guns on state property.

But with Republicans commanding a 67-seat majority in the 100-member House and a 31-seat majority in the 50-member Senate, Democrats are unlikely to successfully oppose any firearms bill with strong Republcian support.

Violent offenders automatically removed from State Registry after ten years under proposed bill

Lawmakers are considering a bill that would reform the state’s violent offender registry laws by automatically removing offenders from the list after ten years.

House Bill 91, introduced

by Rep. Robert Farris-Olsen, D-Helena, would wipe convictions for failing to register after ten years as a violent offender in Montana.

Farris-Olsen said the bill will bring Montana law into line with a previous state Supreme

Court ruling.

“These folks have served their time,” Farris-Olsen said during the bill’s first hearing in the House Judiciary Committee Monday, Jan. 11. “They spent their ten years registering, and they complied with their obligations. It’s time to help them come back to our communities.”

Three people testified in favor of the bill, one of whom is a convicted felon and reformed violent offender.

Lonnie Hubbard testified in support of the bill, noting that he had gone on to receive his associate’s degree in science while maintaining a 3.7 GPA after his arson conviction. Hubbard said he received a “failure to register as a violent offender” conviction when he forgot to register after changing his address at age 18, meaning under current law, he would have to stay on the violent offender list for the rest of his life. HB 91 would remove him from the list.

Hubbard’s friend, business owner Conrad Evarts, also threw his support behind the bill, citing his productive relationship with Hubbard.

“He’s one of the most reliable human beings I know,” Evarts said. “The idea that he would be on this list indefinitely for essentially a clerical error when he was a kid really doesn’t help him or other men and women like him become productive members of society.”

A representative from Republican Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s office said the bill was unnecessary, citing existing law that allows violent offenders to manually remove their names from the list after ten years.

But Farris-Olsen noted the bill came at the request of the Interim Law and Justice Committee, a group of lawmakers who met in between Legislative sessions to study specific issues in the justice system, and that HB 91 was determined to be the best solution to problems with the violent offender registry.

“We thought this was the best way to address both sides of that issue - where we look at community safety but also make sure people are able to get off of it,” Farris-Olsen said.

If the bill passes the commit-

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tee, it will then go to the House floor for additional debate.

Bill to establish “Handle with Care” Program goes before House Education Committee

School districts across Montana may soon have another avenue to provide support for children who experience trauma outside the classroom.

Rep. Moffie Funk, D-Helena, brought House Bill 27 before the Montana House Education Committee Monday.

The bill would allow school districts to establish “Handle with Care’’ programs, which allow law enforcement officials to inform districts that a student had a traumatic experience, and that teachers should “handle with care.”

“As we learn more and more about the lasting effects that children of trauma experience, we try whatever means we can to mitigate the trauma,” Funk said. “One of the easiest tools that has shown success in communities across our country and here in Montana is ‘Handle with Care.’”

Funk said the program is already underway in a handful of districts in the state, but that her home district in Helena has been unable to kickstart their own program due to a county attorney requesting Legislative approval.

While districts are allowed to implement the program largely as they see fit, Funk said the basic concept is straightforward: when law enforcement officials believe a child has been involved in a potentially traumatic situation outside of school, they are permitted to contact a designated school official with the child’s name and the message, “handle with care.” No other information about the situation can be shared.

Ten people testified in person and remotely in favor of the bill, praising it as a simple and cost-effective measure to help children.

“Really bad things happen to some kids, and if you can give them a little flexibility in that at school, it doesn’t have to impact every part of their life,” said Matt Kuntz, Executive Director of Montana’s chapter of the National Association for Multicultural Education.

No one testified against the bill, but some members of the committee raised questions about liability and whether parents would be notified if law enforcement delivered a “handle with care” notice for their child.

Funk clarified that school districts would have the flexibility to tweak the program and

that they may choose to notify parents. She also said liability is not a concern, as the only information school districts receive is the phrase “handle with care.”

“This is a small thing that can make a big difference in a child’s life,” Funk said.

The bill must pass the House Education Committee in order to be sent to the full House for consideration.

Republican lawmakers look to limit powers of Local Health Boards in slate of bills

Legislators are considering several bills that would protect police officers who do not enforce orders from local health officials and check the power of health boards to issue mandates during an emergency.

The Montana Senate Judiciary Committee heard Senate Bill 67 Wednesday, which would remove legal penalties for law enforcement failing to enforce the decisions of a local health official.

Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick, R-Great Falls, sponsored the bill, and said it arose from a deep dive into old legislation that became relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fitzpatrick said officers shouldn’t face being charged with a misdemeanor for failing to enforce a public health mandate because they often have to prioritize their time and energies in other areas.

“At the end of the day, we know that law enforcement can only do so much,” Fitzpatrick said. “I don’t want to diminish COVID, but there are also other things in our community that require law enforcement to work with.”

Two sheriffs of counties in Montana testified in favor of the bill. Yellowstone County Sheriff Mike Linder expressed his support, and Sheriff Jesse Slaughter of Cascade County said the current law is unnecessary and that he has an excellent working relationship with his county’s health department.

“Us law enforcement officials, elected officials, sheriffs - we take this pandemic very seriously,” Slaughter said.

“This MCA code is adversarial. It creates an unnecessary adversarial relationship between a government appointee and elected officials.”

But Travis McAdam, a representative of the Montana Human Rights Network, said public health experts should be the ones guiding responses to public health emergencies, and that the bill would weaken their ability to address crises like the coronavirus pandemic. McAdam also said the bill

would legitimize the beliefs of some anti-government militias in the supremacy of the sheriff’s position.

“The pandemic has been a great time for the anti-government movement when it comes to spreading their message, and we worry this bill would give them another tool in their toolbox,” McAdam said.

If the bill receives a majority vote in the committee, it will head to the full Senate.

Meanwhile, House Bill 121 would introduce a check on the powers of local boards of health and health commissioners. The House Local Government Committee first heard testimony on that bill on Thursday.

Rep. David Bedey, R-Hamilton - who announced he had tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday, Jan. 7 - sponsored the bill. It would require local governmental bodies to vote to approve or reject the “directives, mandates or orders” of local public health officials.

“Despite the fears expressed by some, this bill does not limit the power of public health officials to enforce public health regulations, nor does it prevent public health officials from acting during crises when time is of the essence,” Bedey said.

Helena resident Cindi Hamilton said mandates from local health boards hurt her horseback riding business, and that health boards ought to be checked by elected officials.

“Thirty horses no longer have any livelihood to support them because some unaccountable county health officer decided ten months ago that horseback riding is not an essential business,” Hamilton said. “They make these decisions - they’re power-drunk.”

But Gallatin County Public Health Officer Matt Kelley, representing his jurisdiction and the Association of Montana Public Health Officials, expressed concern that the legislation would create confusion as public health officials seek approval from multiple governing bodies. He said public health officials are exhausted from efforts in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is somewhat painful and discouraging to hear those efforts demonized by people calling us power thirsty,” Kelley said.

Questions from the committee centered on whether governmental bodies would be held liable for the fallout of their votes on public health matters. Bedey said he didn’t believe liability would be any different than currently exists today for local elected officials.

If the bill gets committee approval, it will head to the full House for additional debate.

January 22, 2021

Fallon County Times

appening H a l l s Vi

Superior Care Villa resident Alice Abrams celebrated her 60th birthday on Jan. 11!

Happy Birthday Alice!!!!

REVIEW

FROM PAGE 7

Low temperature Nov. 23 was 13.

December 4 -- The residents of Baker got a quick visit from Santa Claus Sunday as he left his sleigh behind and rolled into the park in an old horse-drawn wagon. A short time later, the park lit up even more when the annual Christmas Tree lighting kicked off the holiday season for Fallon County. . .Fallon County recently hit a high of 80 active cases in the county, but that number quickly dropped. However, the county also recently logged its first COVID-related fatality. . . State, local health officials stress mask usage, tracing in COVID-19 fight. . .The Fallon County Fairgrounds is planning a two-night drive-in in the parking area next to the Livestock Barn. The dates will be Dec. 19 and Dec. 20. . .The increase in COVID-19 in Fallon County has had an impact on the local community cupboard. According to Carla Brown, the donations to the food pantry have dropped, and the usage is more. . .High temperature Nov. 30 was 55. Low temperature Nov. 29 was 12.

December 11 -- The City Council has approved a resolution establishing a $500 fee for marijuana business applications at its Dec. 2 meeting. . .Jade Boggs, president of the Baker Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture presented Baker Public Schools superintendent Aaron Skogen with a check for the After School Program. . .Baker Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture Christmas Lighting contest winners: 1st Place - Jason & Lisa Dulin; 2nd Place - Kory Dolph & Taylee Tolzein; 3rd Place - Allan & Trish Barth. . .The first winner of the Be A Winner! Shop In Baker! promotion, was Sid Childers of Marmarth, ND. He received $25 in Baker Bucks. . .The Harbaugh family graces the cover of the 2021 Calendar. The calendar that highlights first responders – Fire, Police & EMT in our communities in an effort to put a human face on the professions. . .Governor Steve Bullock announced that the first round of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine expected to be delivered to Montana in mid-December will target health care workers at Montana’s major hospitals. . .High temperature Dec. 8 was 58. Low temperature Dec. 2 was 14.

December 18 -- Marmarth local, Jimmy Carroll, recently published his first book The Riverside Stories: Ring Bell for Service.

It is the first book in a series of six. . .Santa mailbox moved from park to county building. . .The second winner of the Be A Winner! Shop In Baker! promotion, was Carol Hadley of Baker. She received $25 in Baker Bucks. . .Pete Stanton, newly-named North Star Athletic Association Coach of the Year, former Baker athlete leads Dickinson State University to perfect record. . .Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation is thrilled to announce two new positions. Alissa Miller will join the team as the new Food and Agriculture Development Assistant. Melissa Higbee joins the team as the new Downtown Development Specialist. . . High temperature Dec. 9 was 62. Low temperature Dec. 14 was 4. . .The City of Baker is close to completing the George Avenue project in the residential area east of the Baker High School campus.

December 25 -- The first ever drive-in movie night Saturday at the Fallon County Fairgrounds turned into a free Christmas double feature, thanks to local sponsors and predicted high winds Sunday.

Griffith Excavating and Prairie Rose Classics paid the admission for everyone that attended. . .FMC ‘hugging wall’ brings contact back to local families. They put on the plastic cowls and plastic gloves. Then they put their hands through the holes in the plastic.

The hugging wall is located in the long-term care area near the social service office and uses a converted hall for meeting relatives. . . The third winner of the Be A Winner! Shop In Baker! promotion, sponsored by the Baker Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture, was Mandi Varner of Baker. She received $25 in Baker Bucks. . .High temperature Dec. 22 was 60. Low temperature Dec. 18 was 15. . .The International Dark-Sky Association has officially designated Medicine Rocks State Park as a certified International Dark Sky Sanctuary. Medicine Rocks State Park and Glacier National Park are the only certified dark sky sites in the state of Montana. . . The Fallon County Times Christmas Coloring Contest Winners were: Davie Waterland - Age 3, Parents: David & Sarah Waterland; Carter Kendall - Age 7, Parents: Seth & Julia Kendall; Ashlynn Desrocher - Age 8, Parents: Tony & Kelsea Desrocher.

9

Start-up 101 Business Training Blood drive results

Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation and the Miles City Small Business Development Center are hosting a free online training on Jan. 27, 2021 from 12 to 1 p.m. This training is designed for individuals looking to start a business. The Start-up 101 Business Training will help you take your idea and make it into a business.

Tracy Baker, Miles City Small

Business Development Center Director, will walk you through evaluating your business idea, business tax structure and types, and basics of business planning and financing options. If you have an idea, let us help you through this training to evolve that idea into a business. To register for the Start-up 101 Business Training go to www.epedc. com/training-registration.

By Ella Arnell

There were 39 units of blood given at the Vitalant blood drive on Jan. 12, 2021.

You can give blood more than once a year. Just to make sure you are eligible here are the waiting periods between donations: •Whole blood: 56 days (8 weeks) •Double Red cell (also called Power Red): 112 days (16 weeks) •Plasma: 28 days •Platelets: 7 days The next blood drive will be March 23, 2021 from 12-6 p.m.

10

January 22, 2021

Fallon County Times

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$40,585

2019 Ford Edge SEL SUV

MSRP .............................................................$45,610 Select Inventory Retail Customer Cash ........ --$750 Retail Customer Cash ................................. --$2,250 Retail Bonus Cash ....................................... --$2,000 Final Price ..................................................................

2018 Ford Explorer Limited SUV MSRP .............................................................$34,900

Final Price ..................................................................

Final Price ..................................................................

Final Price ..................................................................

$35,900

2021 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend SUV

2019 Ford Escape SEL SUV

MSRP ....................................................... $31,315

MSRP ....................................................... $31,075

Retail Bonus Cash .......................................... --$500

Retail Bonus Cash ........................................ --$500

Bowman Discount..................................... --$3,500

Final Price ..................................................................

Final Price .............................................................

Final Price .............................................................

2017 Ford Mustang GT Coupe

$30,815

2017 Ford Explorer XLT SUV

2020 Ford Edge Titanium Crossover

$42,270

2020 Ford Edge Titanium Crossover

MSRP .............................................................$43,330

MSRP .............................................................$42,620

Retail Bonus Cash ....................................... --$4,250

Retail Bonus Cash ....................................... --$4,250

Retail Customer Cash ................................. --$1,250

Retail Customer Cash ................................. --$1,250

Final Price ..................................................................

Final Price ....................................................................

$37,830

2017 Ford Expedition EL XLT SUV

$37,120

2016 Lincoln MKX Reserve SUV

MSRP .............................................................$34,900

MSRP .............................................................$32,900

Final Price ..................................................................

Final Price ..................................................................

$34,900

$34,900

MSRP .............................................................$31,650

$31,150

$55,900

$40,610

MSRP .............................................................$35,900

2021 Ford Bronco Sport Big Bend SUV

Retail Customer Cash ................................. --$1,250 Final Price ..................................................................

MSRP ....................................................... $36,900

$36,900

MSRP .............................................................$47,770 Retail Bonus Cash ....................................... --$4,250

Select Inventory Retail Customer Cash ........ --$750 Retail Customer Cash ................................. --$2,750

2020 Ford Edge Titanium Crossover

2019 Ford Edge Titanium SUV

$32,900

2017 Ford Expedition EL SUV

MSRP ....................................................... $30,900

MSRP .............................................................$29,900

Final Price .............................................................

Final Price ..................................................................

$27,575

$30,900

2016 Ford Explorer Limited SUV

2019 Ford Escape Titanium SUV

$29,900

2015 Ford Explorer XLT SUV

MSRP .............................................................$29,900

MSRP .............................................................$27,900

MSRP ....................................................... $27,900

MSRP .............................................................$26,900

MSRP .............................................................$25,900

Final Price ..................................................................

Final Price..................................................................

Final Price .............................................................

Final Price ..................................................................

Final Price ..................................................................

$29,900

$27,900

2021 Ford EcoSport SE Crossover MSRP .............................................................$24,695

2016 Ford Explorer Limited SUV

$27,900

2019 Chevrolet Impala LT Sedan

MSRP .............................................................$22,900

MSRP .............................................................$22,900

l Final Price ................................................................

l Final Price ................................................................

$26,900

2014 Dodge Challenger R/T Coupe

$25,900

2016 Honda Accord LX Sedan

MSRP .............................................................$22,900

MSRP .............................................................$18,900

l Final Price ................................................................

Final Price .................................................................

Retail Customer Cash ................................. --$3,000 Final Price ..................................................................

$21,695

$22,900

$22,900

for more of our inventory visit

$22,900

$18,900

www.bowmansales.net AFTER HOURS: Josh Lindstrom 701-523-6503 | Mark Wald 701-440-8789 | Wayne Bergquist 701-523-6502