FCT918

County Health Department stressing safety during pandemic

By Brad Mosher

bmosher@countrymedia.net

Fallon County is an island of health in a sea of COVID-19.

The County Health Department is trying to keep it that way.

That is what Kim Cuppy is focusing on as the director of the Fallon County Health Department.

Part of that is playing an increasingly important role in helping local groups be more safe during the pandemic.

The county is following the health department guidelines established by the governor, Cuppy said.

“We are not doing anything more or less right now.”

Although the county is relatively healthy when compared to nearby counties, those neighboring areas can still impact and effect local decisions, she added.

“What would make us look at becoming more restrictive is looking at neighboring counties as well as Fallon County. We look for that community spread.

If we had a cluster of cases

where people were acquiring COVID within our county, that would be when we would start looking at clamping down a little bit,” she said.

“So far, all of our cases have been travel based. It has been kind of one case here and there,” Cuppy explained. “Those don’t get us too concerned, but when we see a lot of community spread, that is when we would start looking at some increased restrictions.

“We haven’t had any community spread in Fallon County – yet.”

According to Cuppy, the local positives were mostly people who were exposed elsewhere and returned to the county.

“We have had three cases of people temporarily in Fallon County and ended up testing here because they were symptomatic. Those are not included in our numbers, so they are not reflected in our numbers and are not reflected on the state map or our website,” she said.

“They get reported to their county of residence.”

At present, the county has no active cases, she explained.

Since the pandemic started, there have been only four Fallon County residents that have tested positive.

The county is currently awaiting the results of some recent tests. “We do have a handful of tests out, so our numbers could change at any point.”

The health department does not have any plans for mass testing in the near future, she said.

“Anybody is welcome to get a test at this point. Our testing supplies are still good, so if they are at all concerned, they just need to call us ahead of time.

“We do meet them in the parking lot (for COVID-19 tests). We don’t have them come into the building,” she said.

“They can contact the health department if they just want a COVID test. If they think they need to be seen by a provider, then obviously call the hospital,” Cuppy said. People can call the health department at 406-7782824 and ask anyone who answers about COVID testing, she

advised.

Masks There is a mask mandate for counties with more than four positives. “That was handed down by Gov. Bullock that if the county has four or more active cases, you are supposed to wear a mask anytime that you are not able to appropriately social distance.

“As far as Fallon County goes, we don’t have any specific numbers like that. It would just be on a case-by-case basis,” she said.

The health department is now part of an approval system for public events, with it having input on whether or not the organizers have met the COVID-19 guidelines.

One of the current guidelines that event organizers have to follow in the state is being at no more than 75 percent capacity at any event with 50 or more people, Cuppy added.

She suggested that any organizers work with the health department. “I know we have some events coming up that people have given a written plan of how

Big Mac’s Pumpkin Patch Big Mac’s Pumpkin Patch has been approved to open for fun and adventure for the 2020 season and the pumpkins are growing!

WOO HOO or BOO BOO! In its second year of existence, the pumpkin patch is much more than pumpkins.

The biggest addition is a GIANT bale maze, complete with misdirections, twists and turns and spooky decor.

Co-sponsors of the community event, making this possible and helping with things needed to hold this kind of event are the Bank of Baker, Insurance Store, and B & B Septic. “Without this sponsorship it would be difficult to continue to operate, and we really appreciate the help,” said Laurie MacKay, manager and owner of the patch.

They will be opening Saturday, Sept. 26 & Sunday, Sept. 27 with regular hours from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. each weekend through, Nov. 1, with one special night time event Friday, Oct. 30 from 5-8 p.m., (Weather Permitting.

Watch for cancellations on their Facebook page.)

This year they will be booking private parties for birthdays or groups. Just call Laurie at 406-778-2337 for details and to reserve your spot.

They have also scheduled special events each weekend as follows: Sept 26 & 27 - Opening 1-4 p.m.

Oct 3 & 4 - Face Painting 1-4 p.m.

Oct 10 & 11 - (Sunday) Pumpkin Painting Contest 1-4 p.m.

Oct 17 & 18 - Family Day, bring grandparents for free! 1-4 p.m.

most all inclusive (with the exception of snacks).” It will be less confusing and more

Oct 24 & 25 - (Sunday) Pumpkin Carving Contest 1-4 p.m.

Oct 30 - Special Friday night Scare event 5-8 p.m.

Oct 31 & Nov 1 - (Dress Up & Trick or Treat) 1-4 p.m.

Big Mac’s has invited local photographers for fall family photo opportunity.

A small retail store will provide you with the opportunity to sample traditional pumpkin and fall snacks as well as a few retail items.

“Last year was definitely a learning experience and weather was definitely a challenge,” said Laurie. “We have changed from a cover charge and then buying tickets once inside the patch for various activities to al-

convenient for those attending. Inclusive means the following activities are included: Bale maze, hayride, straw castle, saw dust pit, corn hole, football toss, ball races, pumpkin slingshot, dice games, giant chair and scarecrow, reading nook, scarecrow photo board, corn diggers and much, much more. The cover charge is $12 per person or $50 per car load, which includes one pumpkin and all the activities. Season tickets are $25 per person. Two and under are free.

They are filling a niche for fun fall and family activities in the area, located 13 miles south and five miles west of Baker, MT, at the Donald & Laurie MacKay Ranch, south of Baker, at 316 Scorio Butte Rd. Roads signs will be posted.

State grant programs help local businesses, organizations Staff Report

Fallon County businesses have been awarded more than $1.3 million in grants under the Montana Coronavirus Relief Fund grant program over the past three months.

The program was opened by Gov. Steve Bullock for competitive applications May 7, with grants being issued to businesses and non-profit organizations since then,.

The Fallon County allotment of grants has totaled $1,350,377 by Sept 15, according to the Montana official state website. By comparison, the neighboring counties of Carter ($261,182), Prairie ($244,903) and Wibaux ($351,656) have also received grants.

Custer County to the west has received $3,657,001 under the grant program.

Forty-six of the grants were for $10,000, but the largest grants were for local government agencies.

Fallon County government received $372,744 in grant money.

Baker K-12 School District received $199,235 from the Public School Funding for Pandemics Impact grant program, while Plevna K-12 school district got $46,879 from the same program. Two other

Plevna businesses receiving grant money included Flat Line Inc. and CIC Custom Automotive Repair Fallon County Public Health Department received $25,000 from a public health grant in May. Under the Montana Loan Deferment program, five local businesses got some financial assistance, with 4J Well Service and Eastern Energy Trucking topping the list with $71,590 and $47,760 in monies from the program.

The largest group of businesses got grant money under the Business Stabilization Grant program, with more than 40 on the list for assistance.

Both Baker Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture and Southeast Montana Area Revitalization Team received money from the Social Services Nonprofit Grant.

A complete list of grant recipients can be found at https://commerce.mt.gov/Montana-Coronavirus-Relief/Awarded-Grants

they can think they can do it the safest. That goes to our health board. They will then vote on those events so they can make it something safe for our community,” Cuppy explained.

“People have been really good about turning in plans and working with us,” she said. “Those things are so individualized that I would just urge people to continue to do that.

“We urge people to be creative and call us. We want to work with people and we want to see events happen. Of course, we want to keep our community safe too.

“If they work with us, chances are the event can still happen.

It is just going to look a little bit different than it did before,” Cuppy said.

There are different ideas and ways to let imagination solve some of the problems facing organizers locally when it comes to making events safer, she explained.

In some cases, it could just be as simple as spacing out vendors or customers more.

“We have talked to individuals about things like traffic flow and having one-way traffic, having a larger area or mass hand-sanitizing stations. There are a few different things that we would ask them to do to be able to safely pull off those events,” she added.

“Just be creative,” she stressed.... and safe.

Battling misinformation A problem for the local health department is the prevalence of misinformation about the pandemic in the public discourse, she said.

“That has been an issue from the beginning. I would say there is a lot of conspiracy theories or just misinformation. We always just tell people to call the health department if they have questions. We are totally up to date with what is going on, not only in our county, but regionally.

“If they see something like that and they are questioning it whether it is true or not, just give us a call and we can give you the most accurate information,” she said.

r e i n b g m 9 e /11, m e R years late r 19

The Baker Fire Department remembers 9/11 and those who were impacted by flying the American flag high on one of their trucks in front of the Fire Station.

“Be Counted”

Fallon County Library is a 2020 Census “Be Counted” location.

The library staff will be happy to help you navigate the census website to complete the census questionnaire. The FCL staff will continue to assist you through the end of September, with a full week of “It’s Not too Late to be Counted” happening at the library Sept. 21 - 26. Remember your participation counts, “Be Counted”.

For every Montanan counted, the State of Montana receives $2,000 a year in federal funding. Over the next ten years, that adds up to $20,000 per person counted. These funds will be used in every Montana county for medical assistance, educational support, city and county infrastructure, highway planning and over 300 additional programs.

Census data is also used to define legislative and school districts. It is also used to apportion seats in the US House of Representatives. Montana is one of the states that could gain another representative so getting a complete count is more important than ever.

The Fallon County Library is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop by anytime the library is open to receive help in completing the 2020 Census.

Governor Bullock announces COVID-19 Outbreak Vitalant Blood drive Response Protocols for Schools Governor Steve Bullock announced outbreak response protocols to support K-12 schools as they respond to suspected or positive COVID-19 cases and take public healthbased measures to minimize the spread and keep students safe and healthy.

“The Outbreak Response Protocols provides guidance requested by school nurses and other education advocates to ensure K-12 schools are responding to COVID-19 consistently and taking measures backed by science,” Governor Bullock said. “By following these protocols in consultation with local public health, our schools can properly quarantine, recommend testing, and take other measures to minimize the spread and keeps kids healthy while preserving in person learning for the students and families who depend on it.”

Governor Bullock brought together a group of public health experts to develop the Outbreak Response Protocols after school nurses and education advocates requested guidance. The document is based on an outbreak response plan put together by Rhode Island and includes best practices from the CDC and other expert groups to provide high level guidance for schools as they work with their local public health agency to respond to suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19.

The response protocols include information on COVID-19 symptoms, when to call for emergency care, determining close contacts, when to quarantine, isolate, and recommend testing, and when to allow students and staff to return to school. The document also includes information on when to involve local public health, how to screen symp-

tomatic students and staff to determine if testing or isolation is appropriate, and guidance on athletics and extracurricular activities.

Many schools, especially those without school nurses, have requested information from public health on when individuals should be quarantined or isolated, testing protocols, and when they can return to school. The document includes different protocols for a case with symptoms that are not suspected to be COVID-19, suspected COVID-19 cases, confirmed COVID-19 cases, and close contacts. For example, if a student or staff member has COVID-19 related symptoms, the protocol includes sending the individual home to isolate, recommending testing, and a requirement to get a test or recover before returning to school.

For students in athletics and

extracurriculars, the guidance recommends hand sanitizing, wearing face coverings when appropriate, and prioritizing activities where physical distancing can be maintained.

Other recommendations include minimizing travel, keeping practices or events small, and sanitizing equipment and frequently touched surfaces.

Based on national guidelines, an athlete who tests positive should be cleared by a healthcare provider before resuming participation. Schools should have plans in place for isolation, treatment, and appropriate transportation for a visiting traveling athlete, extracurricular activity participant, or staff who develops COVID-19 symptoms.

The guidance has been distributed to public health officials, schools, and education advocates.

Taxable Events in Retirement Accounts

By Jim Cusimano, Big Sky Financial Planning Group

What triggers a tax liability for an individual or a trust?

When you distribute, sell, or receive assets from a retirement account, taxes usually follow. It is true for individuals; it is true for trusts. These decisions represent taxable events.

Many retirement accounts are tax-deferred, but not tax-exempt. So, at some point, a “day of reckoning” arrives for these accounts, and taxes are due. The tax liability may differ greatly, depending on account ownership.

Trust income is now taxed much more than individual income. This is a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. 1 As an example, in 2019, a trust could earn up to $2,650 in taxable income without federal taxes on its qualified dividends or capital gains. That threshold was almost 15 times higher ($39,375) for an individual. Factor in a $12,200 standard deduction in that same year, and an individual could potentially have up to $51,575 in qualified dividends to manage their federal income tax liability. 1 Additionally, an individual has to have net investment income or modified adjusted gross income in excess of $200,000 per year to face the 3.8% net investment income tax (NIIT). Compare that with a trust: the threshold is just $12,750. 2 Using a trust involves a complex set of tax rules and regulations. Before moving forward with a trust, consider working with a professional who is familiar with the rules and regulations.

Say an investment in your retirement account is sold for a capital gain. If it has been held in your account for less than a year, that capital gain is short term; shortterm capital gains are usually taxed at the same rate as earned income. If those shares have been in your account for more than a year, then long-term capital gains tax rates likely apply, which are either 0% or 15% for most individuals. 3 A trust also faces the possibility of capital gains tax in this situation whether it distributes the gain or it doesn’t. Both trusts and individuals can use capital losses to offset capital gains. 1, 4 Suppose you receive dividends in a retirement account. In an ordinary brokerage account, qualified dividends are taxable annually whether the money is distributed, reinvested, or left in cash. The threshold for taxation of qualified dividends is much lower for a trust than for an individual. Reinvested dividends in an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) are not taxed. 1, 5 Regarding IRAs, it is important to note that distributions from traditional IRAs must generally begin once you reach age 72. The money distributed to you is taxed as ordinary income. When such distributions are taken before age 59 1/2, they may be subject to a 10% federal income tax penalty, although the CARES Act allows some exceptions to the penalties for 2020. (You may continue to contribute to a Traditional IRA past age 70½ under the SECURE Act as long as you meet the earned-income requirement.) 6 How are taxable events in retirement

accounts reported, and when are taxes withheld? Each tax year, Form 1099s tell the story. The 1099-DIV tracks dividends, the 1099-INT displays interest income, and the 1099-R shows distributions out of pensions, IRAs, retirement plans, and insurance contracts. 7 Now to withholding. Distributions from employee retirement plans have taxes withheld unless a trustee-to-trustee transfer occurs (i.e., the invested assets go seamlessly from one retirement plan to another, with the individual or trust never taking possession of them). The withholding rate in such instances is 20%. An IRA owner can choose not to withhold tax from an IRA distribution; otherwise, the withholding rate is 10%. There is no withholding at all, of course, on investment income from a taxable brokerage account or capital gains and losses. 8 Keep in mind that this article is for informational purposes only and not a replacement for real-life advice. Also, tax rules are constantly changing, and there is no guarantee that the tax treatment of IRAs and other qualified retirement plans will remain the same in years ahead, for individual taxpayers or trusts.

Citations.

1. The Tax Adviser, April 25, 2019 2. Internal Revenue Service, May 28, 2020 3. Tax Policy Center, May 2020 4. CRRCPA.com, August 27, 2019 5. Investopedia, January 21, 2020 6. TheStreet, May 13, 2020 7. Nolo.com, August 12, 2020 8. The Balance, July 14, 2020

Daines urges Administration to provide support for Montana Census, ensure all Montanans are represented

U.S. Senator Steve Daines sent a letter urging the Administration to direct additional Census resources to Montana in the final weeks of the field data collection operations to ensure all Montanans are represented.

“Given the rural nature of Montana and the additional challeng-

es brought about by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of Montanans may go uncounted and entire communities could be underrepresented at the federal level,” Daines wrote. “I am requesting that trained Census personnel from states which are nearing full enumeration be relocated to Montana as soon as possible.”

Vitalant Blood Drive will be Tuesday, Sept. 22, from 12-6 p.m. at the Senior Citizens building.

Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome.

Please call Ella Arnell at 406-778-3829 to make your appointment.

For more information or to schedule a donation call 877-258-4825 or visit us at vitalant.org.

Remember to bring your ID, eat a good meal and drink lots of fluids. It has been suggested that anyone over 60 not make an appointment at this time.

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

•Collin James Hunter, Miles City, careless driving, bond forfeited $85, ticket issued 8/1/2020.

•Kathryn M. Ivy, Ekalaka, speeding on non-interstate, exceed day limit of 70 MPH, 96/70, deferred Imposition of Sentence for a period of five months (2/9/2021), no violations of any form, defendant must motion court for dismissal of deferred sentence, ticket issued 7/17/2020.

•Bryce D. Kramlick, Baker, speeding on non-interstate, exceed day limit of 70 MPH, 90/70, bond forfeited $70, ticket issued 8/26/2020.

•Carl Norman Schwarze, Arden Hills, MN, speeding on non-interstate, exceed day limit of 70 MPH, 79/70, bond forfeited $20, ticket issued 8/22/2020.

•Bailey Alan Wiedmer, Baker, no motorcycle endorsement, bond forfeited $85, ticket issued 8/29/2020.

City Court

•Lisa B. Griffith, Baker, speeding, 25 MPH urban district, day, 35/25, bond forfeited $20, ticket issued 8/14/2020.

•Ricky L. Hammer, Pleasant, TN, speeding, 25 MPH urban district, night, 35/25, bond forfeited $20, ticket issued 8/13/2020.

•Dillon Cole Hickey, Baker, speeding, 25 MPH urban district, day, 35/25, bond forfeited $20, ticket issued 8/19/2020.

•Daniel Jaya Holli, Dickinson, ND, speeding, 25 MPH urban district, day, 35/25, bond forfeited $20, ticket issued 7/21/2020.

•Michael S. Martino, Union Spring, AL, speeding, 25 MPH urban district, day, 35/25, bond forfeited $20, ticket issued 8/14/2020.

•Brett A. Shepherd, Wilmington, IL, disorderly conduct (1)(a) (i) thru (1)(a)(vi), 1st offense, bond forfeited $185, ticket issued 8/23/2020.

Legal Tip of the Week Did you know … that all schools in Montana must have a Title IX Coordinator?

A Title IX Coordinator handles complaints of harassment or discrimination. Every school must have a clear grievance process for receiving and resolving sex-based discrimination reports.

Learn more about victims’ rights and resources at: MTCrimeVictimHelp.org. Use the Help Tool to find information for your situation. Still can’t find what you’re looking for? We have LiveHelp available to chat with a trained victim advocate. Or call the Montana Legal Services Association HelpLine at 1-800-666-6899. Support free legal information for all Montanans at https://www.mtlsa.org/donate/.

September 18, 2020

Fallon County Times

FILES OF THE TIMES 10 YEARS AGO Friday, September 17, 2010 --

Sept. 9 a fall storm hit the area and .81” of precipitation was recorded in just 15 minutes. Water was flowing so fast through the street gutters that it spilled nearly halfway across the street in many areas of town. Golf ball size hail was reported both north and south of town, and marble size hail was reported in town. . . Baker Police Chief Randy Ketterling has issued a warning to both Baker and Plevna residents to keep their vehicles and homes locked due to the high incidents of thefts. A group of four or five young men has been seen breaking into vehicles in the late, late evening to early morning. . .More than 100 people joined together after the Fall Festival to march from the Bank of Baker to Heiser’s Bar for the third annual Stockings for Soldiers fundraiser. The march commemorated the ninth anniversary of 9/11 when terrorists flew planes into the Twin Towers in New York and the Pentagon in Virginia. . .Punt, Pass and Kick winners were Alissa Bohle, Scotti Jo Robinson, Paitton Herbst, Colin Lorbiecke, Jacob Wang, Paul Wang, Joseph Fisher and Mason Melby. . .Kelly Gray’s steer won the carcass contest in the Champion of Champions show held each year in Miles City during the Eastern Montana Fair. She also placed fifth in the live show.

ert and Lillian (Pinnow) Joseph of Billings celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary Sept. 3.

Pinto, Comet, Ranchero, Torino, Bronco, 1/2 ton and 3/4 ton pickups and four wheel drives.

30 YEARS AGO

60 YEARS AGO

High temperature Sept. 12 was 103 degrees. . .Creative Stitches moved to Main Street in July and was open Tuesdays and Thursdays. Owner Connie Lang is now celebrating new full-time status of her enterprise. Brenda Schweigert works with Connie in the business. . . .Fallon County Development Corporation has been speaking to people in the community about the possibility of a large landfill in the Cedar Creek Anticline. This landfill would import solid waste from outside of the state. . .There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony Sept. 22 in Ismay. The 82 year old bridge will be a historical site and a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new bridge will be held. . .Winners of the annual Baker Jaycee’s Run, Punt, Pass and Kick Contest this year are: Ryan Wade, Jace Schillinger, Jeremy Kary, Paul Schwartz and Jeff Rieger. . .Baker is featured in the “Governing” magazine, a publication of Congressional Quarterly, Inc. The magazine cover features a picture of the southwest side of Main Street in Baker in the early morning hours with the city’s new vacuum sweeper being used. The author of the article used Baker as an example of a small town facing economic crisis.

“Curfew is going to be rigidly enforced,” said Police Chief Robert Townsend. “Children under 18 must be off the streets at 10 p.m. unless accompanied by a parent.” Friday and Saturday nights the curfew will be 12 midnight. The penalty for violation will be a $20 fine for the parents who must claim their children. . .An overflow crowd greeted the Jaycee Jaynes first style show as they presented fashions from five hometown stores: Russell’s, Samsel’s, B and E Shoppe, The Style Shop and Penneys in the high school gym Tuesday evening. . .Coach Al Genatone is faced with quite a problem in naming a starting lineup for the game on Sept. 16, with the Scobey Spartans. He said most of his men are small and inexperienced. Cheerleaders for the game will be Molly Agler, Margaret Coen, Midge Morrow and Cathy Stevens. Les Christian is assistant coach and Walt Leutkens is athletic director.

Thursday, September 20, Thursday, September 15, 1990 -1960 --

20 YEARS AGO Thursday, September 22, 40 YEARS AGO 2000 -Thursday, September 18, 1980 --

Country Media, Inc. of Scottsbluff, NE has reached an agreement to purchase the assets of Dickson Media. Inc., the parent company of the Fallon County Times, Steve Hungerford is president and founder of Country Media. . .Lightning-caused fire, burns 6,365 acres in Carter County Sept. 16. . .Volunteers digging in a dinosaur bed near Marmarth believe they have unearthed a 65 million year old palm tree fossil. The 17 foot tree includes two leaves and was found in a site along a stream bed in the Hell Creek rock formation north of Marmarth. . .Residents south of Plevna will be happy to drive on new blacktop soon. . .Shawn Hoenke and Janalee Osman were crowned king and queen at Homecoming festivities held this past week. . .The first economic development meeting of the fall was held Sept. 11. Their main area of concern is getting Highway 323 paved. . .Bank of Baker will hold their annual Tailgate Party Sept. 30 south of the Rec Center Complex. It will be held before the Baker vs. Huntley Project football game. . .A quilt made

by Linda Clark of Marmarth was selected for the People’s Choice/ Best of Show Award at the Willard Homemakers Quilt Show held last weekend. There were 102 entries on display. . .Rob-

The results from a pool survey taken by residents of Fallon County show that the majority of the county would like to see a new public pool built in Baker. . .The 70th year celebration of the L. Price Co. was held Sept.

12 and 13. . .Winner of the golf club tourney held Sept 14 was Tom Tobin with a score of 74. . .We now have a new police officer in Baker. Loyd Hansen is his name and he comes from Rapid City. . .Daniel T. Folske, a May graduate of North Dakota State University in Fargo, has been named as Fallon-Carter Extension Agent. He assumed his duties Sept. 15 and will succeed Gene Hoff, who retired in June. . .Montana Bank is presently involved in a remodeling process which will give the bank a new exterior look.

50 YEARS AGO Thursday, September 17, 1970 --

At the first annual stockholders meeting of the Baker Livestock Auction held Tuesday evening, approximately 300 people were served by the Chamber of Commerce. . .Should we say that winter officially hit Baker Saturday when our backs were turned?

As several residents have stated, one minute they looked out the window and the next they had to do a double take as there was snow on the ground. . .Tuesday evening Mrs. Grace Davis, president of the Baker Woman’s Club, opened the 58th year for the local club in the meeting room of the library. . .Friday starts this year’s new car showings and open house viewing in Baker as Erwin Heberle Ford had his cars on display. He will show the Cyclone, Monterey, LTD, Galaxie, Mark IV, Cougar,

Send a Letter to The Times Letters to the editor are wel- possible. We reserve the right

come and will be published if they adhere to the following rules: They must be signed (unless e-mailed) and include an address and phone number for verification.

They must be an issue of public interest and preferably concern only one topic.

Letters should be as brief as

to edit the letters for length as well as taste and libel. Letters should be typed or legibly written. Letters from outside the immediate area will be considered only if they are of local interest. Letters to the editor, guest columns and guest editorials do not necessarily reflect the opinion of this newspaper.

70 YEARS AGO

telephone off the wall and took the coins that were in it. . .Baker now has a new furniture store and is a real asset to the town.

This week Leif Holmlund moved his Furniture Exchange to Main Street in the Lake Theatre building. . .The Junior Women’s Club gave a tea Tuesday for the young women of the community at the L. Price home.

90 YEARS AGO Thursday, September 18, 1930 --

The rain, hail and wind storm which descended upon this territory last Thursday afternoon wrought its greatest damage in the south country. There, according to reports, window lights in many homes were broken and roofs were badly battered from hail. Barns were leveled and losses of stock were reported. . .Prospects of a successful grid season are the expectations of coach Robert Graham. . .A number of small Baker children are now attending kindergarten classes under the direction of Mrs. Austin Compton. Classes are held three times weekly at the community hall. . .Mary Jo Collins won the baby contest as sponsored by the Schneider Studio. Murial Joyce Pickard took second place.

evening to check on progress being made toward raising sufficient funds to build the new hospital. Dan Helgeson, chairman, reported that information received from the architect indicates that revised plans for the new hospital were well underway, but information from the State Board of Health was not so encouraging. This year’s appropriations for hospital construction had been reduced by the President through some revision of the bill after it passed both houses of the Congress. It was decided that a financial drive be held at once in Fallon County.

80 YEARS AGO Thursday, September 19, 1940 --

Public enemy number one in Baker this week was the fellow who entered the W. Kruckeberg filling station and carried off cash amounting to 30 cents, two gallon cans of oil and two gas tank caps. He also jerked the pay

The oil well of the Petroleum Co. No. 56, near Winnet, brought in oil last Thursday and has made the fortunate stock holders rich. The company was organized by Miles City people and several Baker citizens took advantage of the opportunity to buy several units and are glad to have it now. The well is producing 1,200 barrels per day which means a big income for all of the stock holders. . .The L. Price Co. has installed an automatic Curtis electric air compressing motor at the store, to accommodate the customers having cars, with free air at times. . .One of the first of a series of Educational rallies will be held in the Lake Theatre Sept. 29, and one trustee and the teachers from each school district are required to be present for the entire day. . .Stewart Bros., contractors of Marmarth, were in Baker this week to get a line up of the work being contracted for on the Yellowstone Trail.

NOTICE

FAIR BOARD APPOINTMENTS

Fallon County Commission-PO Box 846-Baker, MT 59313-0846 or deliver to the Clerk and Recorder’s office10 West Fallon Avenue-Baker, MT, by 1:30 PM, Monday September 21, 2020.

“Letter of Interest” forms may be picked up at the Clerk and Recorder’s office or you may submit your own letter. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Clerk and Recorder’s office at 778-8182. The Commissioner’s will appoint, Monday, September 21, 2020 at 3:00 PM. The appointments will be effective October 1, 2020.

Media Consultant

General Manager

Production

Brad Mosher

Reporter

Oct. 1 - Baker Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture, noon.

Oct. 4 - Changed For Life Church services, 10 a.m., Baker Senior Center.

•HOPE, do you feel alcohol is causing problems, we can help, Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the American Lutheran Church.

•District Court is in session the first Tuesday of the first full week of the month and as often as business warrants. Interested persons are welcome to check a specific schedule at the office of the Clerk of District Court.

•O’Fallon Historical Museum: Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m-noon & 1-4 p.m.

•Fallon County Library hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays.

•Driver Licensing Schedule, every Tuesday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m., courthouse.

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

September 18

Steve Baldwin David Crawford Zane Beck JaNae Crawford

September 19

Mary Ann Hecker Rose Straub Emberly Thilmony Steven Rath Kallie Brown Molly Losing

September 20

Roy Olson Lorraine Meschke Janice Wolenetz Natalie Straub Del Kenitzer Sharon Tronstad Douglas Laird

September 21 Ken Brott

TO ORDER, contact any Plevna Fireman

Shannon Johnson Stringer

Ph. 406-778-3344 • Fax: 406-778-3347 P.O. Box 679 • Baker, Montana 59313-0679 e-mail: fctimes@midrivers.com falloncountyextra.com

Steven Weber Tina Rost Jeff Hastig Ken Phillips Pyper Mettler

September 23 Marvin Gookin Vivian Pinnow Sheryl Singer Janet Zenzo Tom Barth Carter Kendall

September 24 Tannon Dukart Taylyn Dukart Bill MacKay Brynlee Hastig

Registration and Barbecue Sept. 23rd 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Services Wednesday nights starting at 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

FUN STUFF FOR THE KIDS 1 - 18 ARE WELCOME

702 S. 2nd St. E. • Baker, MT

Deadline to get your brand on the Baker CowBelle’s brand napkins is October 1st.

Call or text Toni Reetz 406-978-3253 or Wanda Pinnow 406-978-3521

Baker Agronomy Center

Pancake & Sausage Supper. bulk and unsmoked must be picked up the evening of Thursday, October 8.

Normal pickup will be Saturday, October 10.

September 22

KIDS FOR CHRIST

will not hold their annual

They will still make sausage to sell-

Jim Hurley Scott Veroye Brody Zachmann Janae Miller Travis Hadley

Lakeview Baptist Church welcomes you to

Plevna Volunteer Fire Dept.

(USPS 184940)

Megan Slagter

Sept. 17 - Free Business Development, by appointment, call 406-748-2990.

Sept. 20 - Changed For Life Church services, 10 a.m., Baker Senior Center.

Sept. 21 - Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., snacks provided, Compass Coffee; Fair Board meeting, 6 p.m., Fallon County Fairgrounds exhibit hall; Fallon County Water & Sewer District/Stanhope Addition, monthly meeting, 5:30 p.m., library basement.

Sept. 22 - Overeaters Anonymous, 6:30 p.m., American Lutheran Church.

Sept. 24 - Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 7 p.m., Holy Rosary conference room 2, call Diana 406-232-1458 or Nicole 232-5698; O’Fallon Community Choir rehearsals, 7:30 p.m., Lutheran Church.

Sept. 27 - Changed For Life Church services, 10 a.m., Baker Senior Center.

Sept. 28 - Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., snacks provided, Compass Coffee.

Sept. 29 - Overeaters Anonymous, 6:30 p.m., American Lutheran Church, Lake Board meeting, 5:30 p.m., courthouse basement conference room.

The Fair Board has two position(s) that each have an expiring 3-year term of September 30, 2020. If you are interested in being a member on this Board, please submit a letter of interest to:

2020 Member

Tina Rost

UPCOMING EVENTS

Thursday, September 21, 100 YEARS AGO 1950 -Thursday, September 16, Fallon County Memorial Hospital committee met Monday 1920 --

Published Every Friday in Baker, Montana

Tammy O’Donnell

3

Full Service Agronomy Plant

Fertilizer • Crop Protection • Seed

• Recommendations and farm service geared around your operation • Latest in crop management products to maximize this year’s crop potential Grower owned company helping to achieve success in the field Stop in and visit:

Parker Murnion

Call: 406-778-2929

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

4

September 18, 2020

The Spartan Scroll

Fallon County Times

News from the Baker Schools

Jory Miller

Spartan football begins Lunch has a new look at Baker High School

By Hannah Goerndt

On Sept. 11, with the thought of the devastating attacks in the back of everyone’s minds, the Baker Spartans faced off against the Glasgow Scotties. To honor those in our community and those that lost their lives in this tragic event, the Spartanettes and Student Council presented the flag, loaned from Fallon County Fairgrounds, while the Pep Band performed the National Anthem. Not only was this the first football game of the season, it was also Senior Parent’s night.

This evening was perfect for the first home game of the season with many memorable moments to share.

The seven senior football players this year are Ashton Afrank, son of Les and Alisha Afrank; Kyler Afrank, son of Jer and Tina Afrank; Konnor Flint, son of Klint and Brenda Flint; Logan Graham, son of Jason and Kelly Graham and Darin and Johnna Koenig; Jory Miller, son of Jon and Alissa Miller; Jonathan Reetz, son of Jim and Tammy Reetz and Avery Uecker, son of Shawn and Ede Uecker. Most of the boys were a bit disappointed that Senior Parent’s night was the first game instead of the last, even though they understood that it was possible they wouldn’t get one if they didn’t do it right away. “I don’t really like it, it doesn’t feel as sentimental and memorable to me,” said Logan Graham.

Going into the game the seniors were excited and ready to get out on the field. Only a few were nervous, including Kyler

Afrank, who was slightly anxious about further injuring his hip, which took him out of his junior wrestling season in order to recover. When asked about how he felt about it being his senior season, Jory Miller said, “it didn’t feel any different and he just wanted to get out and play.” Konner Flint said, “I am excited to start and my goal for this last year is to make it to the playoffs.”

Unfortunately, the Spartans were dealt a difficult loss in their first game against the Glasgow Scotties, who were a tough competitor to beat. The Scotties won 46-12 at the conclusion of the game. The Spartans were not able to score in the first quarter, but in the second Garrett Lesh scored a touchdown on a 15 yard interception return, but the PAT run was unsuccessful. Jory Miller was able to score on a 72 yard kick return, bringing the Spartans to 12 points, but with another failed PAT kick run.

On offense, the Spartans rushed 31/104 yards. Avery Uecker was 9/38 yards and Donnie Steen was 8/35 yards. With passing, Jaxson Tronstad was 6-20 for 74 yards. For receiving, Avery Uecker was 3/11 yards, Garrett Lesh was 2/23 yards, and Jory Miller was 1/33 yards. As for defense, on tackles Avery Uecker had 14, Kyler Afrank had 9, Garrett Lesh had 7, and Nathan Schallenberger also had 7. Garrett Lesh had one interception for his touchdown.

The Baker Spartans will host the Red Lodge Rams on Friday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. for the second game of their varsity season.

Baker Public Schools Announcement Baker Public Schools is proud to announce the District was approved on September 9, 2020 for the nationwide USDA Summer Food Service Program Waiver to serve FREE breakfast and lunches to all students grades K-12, regardless of Free/Reduced or Paid status. Currently, the waiver is valid through December 31, 2020 and after that point, the breakfast and lunch program will return to normal under the National School Lunch Program. This is the same waiver the District received in the spring during closure to offer free and nutritious meals to our students. The After School Snack program will be charged to those attending the program like normal and adult lunches will be charged as normal as well. We encourage all of our students to participate in the free lunch and breakfast program.

By Jalynn Hanes

Lunch hour is one of the things students all over the country look forward to most.

It is a time to take a break from your daily work, socialize with friends, and enjoy a good meal. With the introduction of new guidelines in the light of COVID-19 this year, Baker’s school lunch program has taken on some interesting changes. Some of these changes are not ideal for students and others have become positive ones that many wish could stay.

Lunch for high school students has changed drastically this school year, and many may even say for the better. Students that wish to have hot lunch are now able to eat their lunch in the complex lobby of the high school. In order to keep distance between grades, all high school lunches are delivered up to the school for students to eat on campus. Only a select number of students

are assigned to a table to eat and each meal has been pre-packaged and well-organized by the cafeteria staff. A few students who go to lunch say they quite enjoy lunch this way and that they are impressed by the steps the school is taking in order to provide a safe and healthy environment for the students to eat in.

Students from the elementary schools and middle school continue to eat in the cafeteria, although there is now increased precautions with how this all works. Each grade has their own schedule to the cafeteria that allows them to be easily spread out and be socially distanced. There is no longer a salad bar for students, which is a change that many have had to adjust to as well. The other major difference is that kindergarten students have their lunches in the multipurpose room at Lincoln School. Otherwise students grades 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8 eat at separate

times in the cafeteria at Longfellow School.

Superintendent Aaron Skogen informed me that, “we currently transport about forty (40) meals to Lincoln Elementary each day as well as an additional thirty-plus (30+) meals to the high school complex lobby.” He mentioned how this is definitely a challenging process that our cafeteria staff has been figuring out and troubleshooting for several weeks. Elementary Principal Bo Lingle added that, “we will need to continue this schedule change until the Health Department and the school system determine that it is safe to increase the number of students in the cafeteria at one time.” Despite the challenges, students are grateful that hot lunch is still available and we thank our wonderful cafeteria staff for their hard-work and efforts to keep serving healthy lunches in the safest way possible to students during this pandemic.

Baker High School starts new “Spartan of the Month” Program

By Macy Varner

Baker Lady Spartans take on Colstrip Fillies at home

By Macy Varner

The Lady Spartans put up a hard-fought battle Sept. 12 with their first conference game against the Colstrip Fillies.

Varsity

Lost in three games: (27-25), (25-12),(25-9).

Sady Harbaugh pounded 6 kills. Peyton Janeway joined forces with 14 digs, 4 kills, 3 blocks and 1 ace. Macy Varner added 5 digs. Rilee Pettersen had 3 digs and set up the team with 13 assists. Emily Shumaker had 3 digs and 1 ace. Camryn Collins had 4 kills. Mya Hadley had 1 ace, 1 block and 1 dig. Anika Ploeger and Harlee Graham both added 1 dig each.

JV

Lost in three games: (25-13) (25-17) (15-13).

Eve Uecker swept the floor with a total of 9 digs, 1 kill, and

1 assist. Harlee Graham totaled 4 digs, 3 kills and 1 ace. Kaytlynn Gaub followed with 2 digs, 2 aces, and 1 assist. Camryn Collins helped out with 2 kills, 2 digs, and 1 block. Alex Williams contributed 6 digs. McKenna Griffith, Braelynn Lovec, Makala Gallegos and Faith Hansen had 1 kill. Hallie Flint had 1 dig.

C-squad

Lost after five hard-fought games: (25-14) (17-25) (25-6) (19-25) (15-5).

Kaytlynn Gaub helped her team with 12 assists, 4 aces, 4 digs, and 2 kills. Saraya Afrank joined forces with 8 kills, 3 digs, and 2 aces. Teja Dietz contributed 4 aces. Briley Gorder added 4 kills and 2 blocks. Karissa Afrank chipped in with 6 aces, 2 digs, and 1 assist. Carlee Gundlach added 3 kills. Jessica Stark had 2 digs and 1 kill. Raquel Tronstad added 1 kill.

After spending many long hours at home last spring during quarantine, I decided to work on a new plan that I could implement if I were to be elected student body president for the next school year. I think it is very important that students at Baker Public Schools represent both themselves and our community well. Our school has so many kind and talented students and often many of them aren’t recognized for their efforts. So I decided selecting a “Spartan of the Month” would be a great way to do this and give recognition to the actions and achievements of all students here at Baker Public School.

With this process, I hope that “Spartan of the Month” will unite all three schools and help successful students stand out in our community. Each month, one teacher from Lincoln, Longfellow, the Middle School and the High School will be chosen to pick a student who they believe is deserving of this award. Teachers will be looking for students who portray the qualities we pride ourselves on as Baker Spartans, like being kind, helpful, respectful, hard-working and well-spirited. Each student that is chosen will receive a certificate of achievement, incentives and their photo in the Spartan Scroll.

The Student Council and myself are extremely excited to start this new effort to unify students, teachers, and our schools, especially in this trying time. We are so grateful to be back in school and to have the opportunity to make a difference. The first “Spartan of the Month” will be chosen at the beginning of October and we hope to continue this effort in future years to come!

Baker School Menu Breakfast

Monday: Donut, egg, fruit, milk Tuesday: Cereal, bacon, fruit, milk Wednesday: Slider, cheese, fruit, milk Thursday: Muffin, yogurt, fruit, milk Friday: Fruit bar, cheese, fruit, milk

Lunch

Monday: Sub sandwich, apple, carrots, chips, milk Tuesday: Burrito, salad, fruit, milk Wednesday: Cheeseburger, french fries, fruit, milk Thursday: Spaghetti, salad, fruit, garlic toast, milk Friday: Pizza stick, salad, fruit, milk

Quality Transportation a project?

Decks • siDing • Roofing Pole BaRns • kitchen & BathRoom RemoDels

Come in early and get your estimates.

406-778-3304 Baker, MT

2020

SEPTEMBER 13 - 19, 2020 NATIONAL TRUCK DRIVER APPRECIATION WEEK

We salute our owner/operators and staff for their dedication, hard work and commitment to safety, every day of the year.

Open

Monday - Friday

7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Saturday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Servicing Customers & YOU with Safe On-Time Delivery

IF YOU BOUGHT IT A TRUCKER BROUGHT IT!

Serving the area for 35 years

1985 - 2020

IT IS OUR PRIVILEGE TO SERVE OUR COUNTRY ON THE HOME FRONT -Delivering pipe & pumping units to the local oil and gas companies from all points in the United States and delivering building products throughout the U.S.

September 18, 2020

Fallon County Times

National Honor Society welcomes new members

5

By Havyn Wilkinson

The Baker National Honor Society had the chance to welcome new members on Sept. 10, in the high school gymnasium. This induction ceremony is usually held in the spring, however it was put on hold this past school year during the quarantine shut-down.

New inductee members for this ceremony were Emily Shumaker, Anika Ploeger, Alex Williams, McKenna Griffith, and Ashlyn Lutts.

There were a designated number of people who could attend the ceremony in the gym. This included administration, teachers leading the ceremony, current member Macy Varner, and a few close family members of students involved. The rest of the student body was able to watch the ceremony via Google Meet from their classrooms. The ceremony went quite smoothly, other than one humorous mute button hiccup with the audio of attending guests!

This gave everyone quite a nice laugh and realization that this new virtual attendance can get quite confusing when streaming in live from all sorts of different places. The ceremony continued on quickly and it was enjoyable to honor these hardworking and motivated students!

After hearing about this event, some may wonder what the purpose of this organization is and how it can benefit students. National Honor Society is a student organization that recognizes achievement in scholarships, service, character, and leadership skills. The NHS organization focuses on modeling positive attitudes and behavior, serving as school leaders, and providing the community with service.

Any student at Baker High School in grades 10-12 with a 3.5 GPA minimum are welcome to apply for this organization. The application process always happens around the beginning of second semester each year. Students who are eligible have to conduct an interview and fill

Front (l-r) Mya Hadley, Sady Harbaugh, Macy Varner, Sydney Kirschten. Back (l-r) Kyler Afrank, Ashton Afrank, Avery Uecker, Konnor Flint, Logan Graham and Jory Miller. Not pictured Jonathan Reetz. (l-r) Ashlyn Lutts, Emily Shumaker, Anika Ploeger, McKenna Griffith, Alex Williams and Macy Varner. out an application.

Being in the NHS offers many benefits for students too, such as qualifying for potential scholarships, better opportunities to be accepted into certain colleges, and it improves students’ attitude and involvement in the community. The NHS advisor Michelle Anderson mentioned, “I plan to continue the activities that have become a cornerstone of our organization, which include providing tutoring services to students grades 7-12, reading to Lincoln School library classes, cleaning a section of Highway 12, visiting residents at Superior Care Villa, and sponsoring the Knight’s Ball (father/ daughter, mother/son dance).” Well-rounded students who choose to help out more often in their community are the ones who make it a better place. Congratulations to these new National Honor Society members and this high honor you have received!

By Sophia Dulin

On Sept. 12, the Lady Spartans faced off against the Colstrip Fillies at home. This was also a special night to honor senior volleyball players, cheerleaders and their parents. Senior night had a change of date and was moved up earlier this past weekend.

This was decided after the realization that events could quickly be cancelled at a moments notice and then Senior Night couldn’t occur. This change was a relief for parents and their players, as they still received the chance to have this memorable experience this season!

Senior volleyball players this year are Mya Hadley, daughter of Jeff and Josi Hadley; Sady

Harbaugh, daughter of Trent Harbaugh, Kelly Thatcher and Donna Gorder; and Macy Varner, daughter of Gye and Chayni Varner. Our senior cheerleader this year is Sydney Kirschten, daughter of David and Nicole Kirschten.

I gathered some thoughts from our senior volleyball players this past week and asked how they are feeling about this upcoming season. Macy Varner commented on the uncertainty of games this year and stated that she definitely doesn’t take any of them for granted. Being that it is her last chance to play, she appreciates every opportunity to play the sport with her peers. Sady Harbaugh elaborated, “I think

it’s more stressful this year, because it’s our last year so we want to make it our best.” Mya Hadley also feels strange like the other two and sad that her years of sports are going by too fast.

When asked to reflect back on their favorite moment in their volleyball career thus far, all were quite proud of when they beat Colstrip at Divisionals last year in just 3 games! Major team goals these players hope to focus on this season are working on their communication skills on the court and just growing together as a team in order to work better and improve. They are all a little nervous for this season but mostly are just excited and ready to work hard!

Cougar Tracks

News from the Plevna School Plevna School Menu Monday: Hot ham ‘n cheese pocket, cucumbers, grapes Tuesday: Barbecued chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, orange slices Wednesday: French dip, chips, pea salad, peaches Thursday: Crispy chicken salad, mandarin oranges, garlic bread Friday: No School Menu Subject to change. Milk served daily-White 1%, Skim, Low-Fat Chocolate. Desserts served at random.

Free breakfast is served every day to ALL students.

Senior Night for Fall Sports

By Jenna Paul

September 12, before the varsity volleyball game against Ekalaka, Plevna’s seniors Jenna Paul and Dacy Buerkle were recognized along with their parents for their support and involvement at Plevna School. Jenna Paul presented a purple rose to parents Albert and Lynn Paul; Dacy Buerkle presented her rose to parents Darin and Nicole Buerkle.

Plevna HS/JH football players

By Jenna Paul

Senior Parent’s Night: Volleyball

Plevna school has two students co-oping with Baker for high school football. Dean Alford #72 is playing on the varsity and JV team. He plays right tackle, left tackle and left guard.

Wyatt Thielen #70 plays defensive end and tackle; he also plays on the freshmen/ JV team. The next varsity game is Sept. 18,

where they take on Red Lodge in Baker.

We have three students co-oping for junior high football Kalob Bollinger #55, Turk Rieger #15 and Hugo Thielen #75. Kalob is center and defensive end, Turk is tight end and middle backer, and Hugo plays defensive tackle. Their next game is on Sept. 19, where they take on Ekalaka in Baker.

Plevna HS/JH volleyball Summer Food Service games with Ekalaka Program

By Jenna Paul

As our second and third games came for our Lady Cougars, Ekalaka came ready to play. On Sept. 11, our Lady Cougars traveled to Ekalaka to play. The first junior high match was 24-26, followed by the second match with a win for our girls 25-17, the final match ended 10-15.

The varsity team was up next with the first match ending 12-

25, the second with 3-25, and the final match concluded with the score of 14-25. On Sept. 12, Ekalaka came ready to play once again. The junior high scored 9-25 in the first match, 16-25 in the second, and 12-15 in the last.

Our varsity team scored 4-25 in the first match, 12-25 in the second, and 9-25 in the last one. We are proud of your progress and cannot wait to see the coming games!

September Officer Meeting

By Dacy Buerkle

On Sept. 8, the Plevna FFA Officer Team came together to plan the upcoming Chapter Meeting. The team started by preparing a welcome for the new members and a welcome back for returning members. Along with Mrs. Menees, adviser, the officers also put together an agenda for the chapter meeting the following week. They ended their meeting with ideas for snacks and activities for the chapter meeting.

We have great news to share with you today. Due to available waivers and procedural changes in the Federal Summer Food Service Program, the Plevna School District is eligible to participate in this program until the end of the calendar year.

Please contact the District Office with any questions.

This program will begin Monday, Sept. 14.

What this means for our families and our kids: •There will be NO change to the quantity, quality, or service of our school meals.

•Every student will receive

Breakfast and Lunch - FREE OF CHARGE. •We can no longer provide free meals to local adults.

•We cannot serve students who are not enrolled in our school.

•Faculty/staff are permitted to continue to purchase a school lunch.

•This program is scheduled to end on Dec. 31, 2020.

Upon termination of this program, the district will return to our established food service program charging students $2.05/ lunch and offering free breakfast.

Vote for Chuck Lee

Independent for Commissioner of District 1

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

20 First Ave. SW • Bowman, ND 58623

701-523-5651

Vote for experience - my attitude has always been “I WORK FOR YOU!”

I retired from Fallon County after 20 years of service, and still want to help. I have experience in dealing with Fallon County issues, and the issues in Helena.

I have received over 4 million dollars in grants for Fallon County.

I have an accounting background, but have also worked in Planning, 911 and Disaster & Emergency Services.

Paid for by Chuck Lee, PO Box 575, Baker MT, 59313

Regent Realty

~Price Reduced~

121 N 1st St. W. • Baker, MT • $69,500 This is a perfect 3 bed 2 bath home in Baker, MT. This home has established grass as well as a front deck and dog run. The kitchen features oak kitchen cabinets, a pantry, a movable island, and open concept dining, living and kitchen area. The master suite is complete with a shower/tub bathroom and walk in closet. There is 2 other large bedrooms and another shower/tub bathroom. This home has a large parking area in back with alley access. For more questions or a showing please text or call.

Braylea Wyrick Real Estate Agent

406-891-1005

regentrealtymt.net

facebook.com/regentrealtybrayleawyrick

September 18, 2020

CLASSIFIEDS Bob Herbst Box 1511 • Baker, MT 59313 406-778-2995 www.bakermtrealestate.com

HELP WANTED

Fallon Medical Complex Employment Opportunities • Full-time Maintenance Assistant • Full-time Housekeeper • Full-time Staff Coordinator • Full-time Resident 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. FARM/RANCH HELP WANTED: Located in the rolling hills between Baker and Ekalaka, MT with access to two great school systems. This 70% farming/30% ranching position has an equivalent wage over $20/hr and includes use of modern five bedroom home, the chance to run your own cows with the first 20 for free along with other misc benefits. Must have three years of full-time experience, be competent with an airseeder and having a CDL helpful but not required. An alcohol and smoke free workplace.

Call 406-975-6236.

38-40c

WANTED WANT TO PURCHASE: Minerals and other oil/gas interests.

Send details to: P.O. Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201.

36-38p

HOUSE FOR SALE HOUSE FOR SALE: Four bdrm, two bath. Oak floors in two bedrooms. Two storage rooms, two lots close to schools, large garage with off street parking. 713 S. 2nd St. W Call 406-580-3419.

35-38p

FOR SALE FOR SALE: Pool table and sticks, bar and stools, whiskey barrel table and chairs, hutch with electric fire place w/remote, bunk beds, cabinet with three shelves w/glass doors, long dresser - 9 drawers, upright dresser - 5 drawers and seven child cots blue. Call 406-978-9740.

38-39p ____________________________ RUMMAGE SALE: Friday & Saturday, Sept. 18-19, 8 a.m. Lot of

new material, new and barely used shoes, dishes, odds and ends. Prairie Manor - look for sign, 2B or Common Room.

38p ____________________________ ESTATE SALE: Friday & Saturday, Sept. 18-19, 8 a.m., 713 S. 2nd St. W. New items daily. Nuts, screws nails and ect., old bottles, fishing equipment. Antique glassware by appointment, 406-580-3419.

38c

KITTENS TO GIVE AWAY: Sweet loving kittens to give away to a good home.

Boxed trained. 406-588-3441.

38c

NOTICE NOTICE: Bowman, ND Gun Show Oct. 23, 24, 25, 2020, 4 Seasons Pavilion. 100 - 8’ tables - $30. Open to the public Friday 3 - 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.

- 3 p.m. Free Admission. Contact Rick Stark, home 406-778-2428; cell 406-978-2428.

38-43c

LEGALS LEGAL NOTICE The following is the complete text of an amendment to the Montana Constitution to be submitted to the voters of the state of Montana at the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election. The text below is being published per the requirement of 13-27-311(1) MCA,

by Secretary of State Corey Stapleton. Text underlined below shows text to be added.

THE COMPLETE TEXT OF CONSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVE NO. 118 (CI-118) Section 1. Article II, section 14, of

FALLON COUNTY EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY: If you are a service focused nursing professional seeking a rewarding career that also contributes to our community, you may be who we need! We are seeking a Staff Nurse for our Public Health department as our services and clientele continue to expand.

This full-time position performs a variety of activities which protect and promote the health of our citizens. Provides a variety of skilled nursing services in venues including client homes, the Public Health office, public schools, and Fallon County Detention Center. We offer competitive wages and an excellent benefit package.

Closing Date: Tuesday, October 06, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. Applications and a complete job description are available at the Human Resources office, 10 W. Fallon Avenue, Baker, Montana or online at falloncounty.net. Submit applications and a copy of current nursing license (resumes optional) to: Human Resources Manager, PO Box 846, Baker, Montana, 59313. Questions may be directed to Kim Cuppy 406-778-2824 or Julie Straub 406-778-8164.

We hold a regular weekly cattle and feeder cattle sale every Wednesday.

Special Sales as advertised. Give us a call to visit about your marketing plans.

C & D Yards • Baker, Montana

Open between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesday. Your cattle will be delivered to Lemmon Livestock on Tuesday evening and will be sold on Wednesday.

Cattle will be on feed & water and a brand inspector on site

Wed. Sept. 23- Regular Sale w/ Yearling Sale Thurs. Oct. 15- Special Weigh-Up Cow, Bull Hfrett Wed. Sept. 30- Regular Sale w/ Yearling Sale Wed. Oct. 21- Special All Breeds Calf Sale Wed. Oct. 7- Regular Sale & 1st Special All Breeds Thurs. Oct. 22- Special Weigh-Up Cow, Bull Hfrett Calf Sale Customer Appreciation Sale Wed. Oct. 28- Special All Breeds Calf Sale Wed. Oct. 14- Special All Breeds Calf Sale Thurs. Oct. 29- Special Weigh-Up Cow, Bull Hfrett You can now reach us on the Internet at www.lemmonlivestock.com If you have livestock to consign or would like us to stop at your ranch, please call Lemmon Livestock at 605-374-3877 or 800-822-8853 Paul Huffman Owner/Manager 605-374-5675 or cell 605-645-2493 C & D Yards Baker, Montana 406-778-3282 Curt Williams Baker Field Rep. 406-978-2520

AN ACT SUBMITTING TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF MONTANA AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE III, SECTION 4, OF THE MONTANA CONSTITUTION TO REVISE THE METHOD OF QUALIFYING AN INITIATIVE FOR THE BALLOT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The 2019 Legislature submitted this constitutional amendment for a vote. C-47 modifies the state constitution to specify proposed petitions for citizen ballot initiatives must be signed by at least five percent of the qualified electors in one-third of the legislative districts. It repeals a different standard found to be unconstitutional in 2005. ( ) YES on Constitutional Amendment C-47 ( ) NO on Constitutional Amendment C-47 38-39c MNAXLP

’S P

eS t

C

trol

N or t hwes t Real Es t ate

The deadline to place classified advertising is 2 p.m. every Tuesday for that week’s publication. Call The Times today (406) 778-3344

on

Call BoB HerBst 406-978-2233

the Montana Constitution is amended to read: “Section 14. Adult Rights.

A person 18 years of age or older is an adult for all purposes, except that the legislature or the people by initiative may establish the legal age for purchasing, consuming, or possessing alcoholic beverages and marijuana.”

Ballot Language CONSTITUTIONAL INITIATIVE NO. 118 A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROPOSED BY INITIATIVE PETITION Under the Montana Constitution, a person 18 years of age or older is an adult, except that the legislature or the people by initiative may establish the legal age of purchasing, consuming, or possessing alcoholic beverages. CI-118 amends the Montana Constitution to allow the legislature or the people by initiative to establish the legal age for purchasing, consuming, or possessing marijuana. ( ) YES on Constitutional Initiative CI-118 ( ) NO on Constitutional Initiative CI-118 38-39c MNAXLP ____________________________ LEGAL NOTICE The following is the ballot statement of an amendment to the Montana Constitution to be submitted to the voters of the state of Montana at the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election.

The text below is being published per the requirement of 13-27-311(2) MCA, by Secretary of State Corey Stapleton.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT NO. 46 AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION PROPOSED BY THE LEGISLATURE AN ACT SUBMITTING TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF MONTANA AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XIV, SECTION 9, OF THE MONTANA CONSTITUTION TO REVISE THE METHOD OF QUALIFYING A CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT BY INITIATIVE FOR THE BALLOT; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. The 2019 Legislature submitted this constitutional amendment for a vote.

C-46 modifies the state constitution to specify proposed petitions for constitutional amendments from the people must be signed by at least ten percent of the qualified electors in two-fifths of the legislative districts.

It repeals a different standard found to be unconstitutional in 2005. ( ) YES on Constitutional Amendment C-46 ( ) NO on Constitutional Amendment C-46 38-39c MNAXLP ____________________________ LEGAL NOTICE The following is the ballot statement of an amendment to the Montana Constitution to be submitted to the voters of the state of Montana at the Nov. 3, 2020 General Election.

The text below is being published per the requirement of 13-27-311(2) MCA, by Secretary of State Corey Stapleton.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT NO. 47 AN AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION PROPOSED BY THE LEGISLATURE

Fallon County Times

Swanke

6

Swanke’S PeSt Control

Rhame, ND 701-440-8380

Residential & Commercial

• Mouse Control ~ Monthly Service • Insect Spraying ~ (Average sized house

w/attached garage $50)

• Prairie Dog Control • Noxious Weed Spraying

Reasonable Rates

Licensed in ND, SD & MT Do you have pasture being overtaken by

Cactus, Cheatgrass, Big Sage

and other moisture robbing pests such as Canadian Thistle, Clubmoss, Silver Sagebrush, Broom Snakeweed and Fringed Sagewort

We offer a wide variety of proven weed control programs that

Improve Range Performance

by Increasing Forage Production.

Plu’s Flying Service, INC. Darrin Pluhar Owner/Operator Ekalaka, MT (406) 775-6640 (406) 853-0039

Fallon County

Times

For your Printing Needs

406-778-3344

MONTANA STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS Montana State University Police Department seeks highly motivated POST-certified peace officers to join its team in Bozeman. Apply here: https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/21635 _______________________________________________________________________________ Research Associate – Weed Science. Southern Agricultural Research Center (SARC), Montana State University Montana Ag Experiment Station . For complete job announcement and application procedures: https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/21543. Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled _______________________________________________________________________________ If you are reading this ad, you can see that classified advertising works! Reach over 400,000 readers in Montana and beyond to promote your product, service, event and business. To get results, contact this newspaper, or the Montana Newspaper Association at email stacy@mtnewspapers.com or member@mtnewspapers.com. 25 words for the small investment of $149

September 18, 2020

Fallon County Times

7

CALL 1-800-472-2218 CLICK WWW.BOWMANSALES.net OR STOP IN AT: 12 S. MAIN ST IN BOWMAN!

Hours Of Operation Mon. - Fri. | 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Saturday | 8 a.m. - Noon

Home of the Ford Boys

Check out our inventory for your next Trophy Truck

2019 Ford F-250 Lariat Crew Cab Short Bed Truck

$54,900

2017 Ford F-350 2019 Ford Lariat Crew Cab F-250 Crew Cab Long Bed Truck Pickup

$54,900

$52,900

2017 Ford F-550 Chassis Cab Truck

$52,900

2017 Ford F-250 2016 Ford F-250 Lariat Crew Cab Lariat Crew Truck Cab Truck

$51,900

$49,900

2014 Ford 2015 Ford 2017 Ford F-350 2015 Ford F-350 2015 Ford F-350 2016 Ford F-350 Crew Cab F-350 Crew Cab F-250 Crew Cab Lariat Crew Cab Lariat Crew Lariat Crew Truck Truck Long Bed Truck Truck Cab Truck Cab Truck

$48,900

2016 Ford F-350 Lariat Crew Cab Truck

$44,900

$47,900

$46,900

$46,900

2017 Ford 2016 Ford F-350 2017 Ford F-550 2014 Ford F-250 Crew Cab Chassis Cab Chassis Cab F-250 Crew Cab Truck Truck Truck Pickup

$42,900

2013 Ford F-250 2012 Ford F-250 Lariat Crew Cab Lariat Crew Pickup Cab Truck

$29,900

$46,900

$29,900

$38,900

$38,900

$37,900

2014 Ford F-350 Lariat Extended Cab Truck

2010 Ford F-350 Crew Cab Truck

2010 Ford F-250 Lariat Crew Cab Truck

$26,900

$26,900

$24,900

$44,900

2016 Ford F-550 Chassis Cab Truck

$32,900

2011 Ford F-250 Lariat Crew Cab Truck

$24,900

2008 Ford F-250 2008 Ford 2009 Ford 2008 Ford F-250 2008 Ford F-250 2013 Ford Lariat Crew Cab F-250 Crew Cab F-250 Crew Cab Lariat Crew Cab Lariat Crew Cab F-350 Quad Cab Truck Truck Pickup Truck Truck Pickup

$24,900

$23,900

$23,900

$18,900

2012 Ford F-250 2002 Ford 2008 Ford F-250 2006 Ford F-350 Lariat Crew F-250 Crew Cab Lariat Crew Cab Lariat Short Bed Cab Truck Truck Short Bed Truck Crew Cab Truck

$14,900

$13,900

$13,400

$12,900

$17,900

$17,900

1999 Ford F-350 Extended Cab Truck

$7,900

for more of our inventory visit

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

8

September 18, 2020

Fallon County Times

Tester declares Postal Service explanations for box After School program removal ‘unacceptable,’ continues push for answers keeps rolling despite More than 7,000 Montanans have contacted Tester with concerns about USPS since March After weeks of silence and followed by inadequate explanations from U.S. Postal Service (USPS) Postmaster General Louis DeJoy regarding the removal mail collection boxes from communities across Montana, U.S. Senator Tester is doubling down on his push for answers.

This week, USPS government affairs officials—not Postmaster General DeJoy— finally responded to Tester’s Aug. 13 letter blowing the whistle on collection boxes being removed from Montana communities.

However, the USPS response did not provide a full accounting of all boxes removed from across the state, something Tester has sought aggressively in his effort to secure answers for Montanans.

“My office also received information that was subsequently reported by local press that numerous mail collection boxes were removed from Missoula, however, USPS has not disclosed any removed boxes from that city,” wrote Tester in a letter to Postmaster General DeJoy. “These gaps in transparency are unacceptable. I ask that you provide the following details for the entire calendar year of 2020: •The number of boxes that were removed across Montana, including a breakdown of business and residential boxes.

•The address of each box removed.

•The date each box was removed.”

Additionally, USPS officials wrote that the removals were based on density tests performed in late June, raising questions about the accuracy of data collected during the summer months of a global pandemic.

“I ask you to provide additional information about the density tests that informed USPS’ box removal process,” Tester continued. “In Bozeman, for example, several of the business boxes that were removed were located on the Montana State University (MSU) campus. It is not surprising that density tests conducted in June when there are very few students on the MSU campus would show these boxes aren’t being highly trafficked as opposed to when school is in session. Additionally, as these tests were apparently conducted in the middle of a global pandemic that has dramatically altered the normal course of life across the country, I am skeptical that this information could produce an accurate assessment of whether a box was eligible to be removed. I ask that you provide the specific test information for the business boxes in Montana and how that information compares to any previous tests conducted in previous years.”

Tester has led the charge to hold Postmaster General Louis DeJoy accountable after USPS undertook policy changes that have delayed mail and threatened to undermine the agency. More than 7,000 Montanans have contacted Tester to express concerns

about mail delays since the pandemic began in March.

Tester blew the whistle on USPS for removing dozens of mail collection boxes from towns across Montana, leading USPS to pause its removal of collection boxes nationwide until after the election. He recently announced legislation that would prevent USPS from removing any further mail collection boxes across the country, force the agency to reinstate the boxes that were removed, and require DeJoy to submit a report to Congress explaining why collection boxes were removed in the first place.

Tester has also urged DeJoy to correct operational changes that are needlessly delaying veterans’ access to prescriptions and pushed back on the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) following reports that it was scaling back its relationship with USPS, urging VA Secretary Robert Wilkie to address any concerns with the status of prescription deliveries for veterans—especially in rural states like Montana.

In July, Tester introduced bipartisan legislation to provide $25 billion in emergency assistance to help USPS recoup pandemic related losses and other operational expenses. He has also pushed Senate leadership to make significant emergency investments in the agency a part of any new coronavirus aid package, as well as to provide support and protective equipment for the agency’s employees.

Governor Bullock pivots Innovate Montana Symposium to Online Business Success Platform Innovation Hub to provide free resources to support economic recovery for Montana’s business community Governor Bullock announced that the long-running Innovate Montana Symposium will this year pivot to an online video portal intended to help businesses with economic recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Montana’s business owners and entrepreneurs have certainly proven their ability to innovate in response to the challenges created by COVID-19,” said Governor Bullock. “It is crucial we ensure that main street Montana has the business tools they need to continue adapting. In addition to the opportunity to learn through a free video series, the Innovation Hub will provide a digital space for Montana’s vibrant business community to share with and support one another.”

The Innovate Montana Symposium, which for four years was the largest gathering of entrepreneurs in Montana, was originally slated for Sept. 24 in Missoula. Due to the circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Innovate Montana Symposium will switch to an online platform this year.

The new platform seeks to provide assistance to and foster camaraderie between Montana entrepreneurs and business leaders amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The Innovation Hub will provide a dynamic

learning environment, hosting video sessions focused on the needs of Montana’s business community and offering statewide resources to provide tangible value.

The videos will be available for free to all in a curated, topical format that will touch on key issues confronting leaders during the COVID-19 emergency. Some examples include How to Move Your Brick-and-Mortar Online, Talent Retention, Conserving Cash, Crisis Management, Finding Growth Opportunities, Marketing in Recessions, and Growth Strategy.

“We’ll really miss the chance to gather in person in Missoula this year, but the Innovation Hub will serve as a resource to help Montana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem continue to thrive and grow,” said Ken Fichtler, Director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. “I’m confident that business leaders will find both value and actionable steps they can take to improve their business.”

The Governor’s Office of Economic Development is working with business leaders in Montana and beyond for the video series. A launch in October has been targeted for the Innovation Hub, and further announcements will follow as more detail becomes available.

SPRING CREEK SUPPLY To Order Call Mike: Home: 406-588-3861 Cell: 406-891-0365

Fall Pre-Booking PROMO on Riomax Products!

SAVE $80 PER TON

Fallon County

Times

For your Printing Needs

changes Staff Report

The after school program for students in the Baker School District has survived many challenges in recent months.

Because of recent budget cutbacks, the City of Baker and its Recreation Department no longer was involved with the after school program, but Superintendent Aaron Skogen was able to coordinate with the Fallon County Commission to get the financial support it needed to keep the program going.

“So far things are going good,” the superintendent said Tuesday.

However, the program is facing another challenge. “We do have a hiccup. We are looking for a director for the program again,” he said, adding that the person selected has had to step down for personal reasons.

The district is accepting applications until the director position is filled. “The job description is on our website,” the superintendent said.

The after school program runs Monday through Friday until 5:30 p.m. at Lincoln Elementary School. The program is for students from Kindergarten through sixth grade, he added.

“At this point, it is running very smooth. The individuals who have helped us run it have run the program in the past. We were able to start the school year very similar to the way the City Rec Department used to run the program.”

The program is now being financially supported both from the parents and from county funding, the superintendent explained.

“They (the Fallon County Commissioners) agreed to help fund the program and they started our fund balance. We do charge parents $4.60 a day,” he added.

The participants get a nutritious snack each day while having a chance to get tutoring with their classwork and homework, in addition to games and other activities available.

“We won’t really know until the year’s end how we are doing (financially),” the superintendent explained. “All of our numbers were projected on what we anticipated for the cost of staff. So we are going to re-evaluate come spring and sit down with the commissioners on how the program went for the year... what the funding revenue looked like.”

“We are not trying to make money off the program. We are hoping just to break even,” the superintendent said.

In terms of participation, the number of students participating is about average for the amount of participation in the past. “We typically average about 20 (students) a day.”

This is the first time the district has had full administrative control of the program, he explained.

O’Fallon Community Choir rehearsals The O’Fallon Community Choir will start preparing for their 42nd Annual Christmas Concert in December on Sept.

24.

If you enjoy singing and being

es Fallon County Tim

Classifieds Sell!

44 • • Call 406-778-33

406-778-3344 Financial Report for the Fallon County School Districts Baker 2019-20

*CAN BE COMBINED WITH QUANTITY DISCOUNTS*

Start Ordering 7/7/2020

Orders Due

Delivered by

9/30/2020

12/20/2020

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.

Plevna 2019-20

Thee Body Shop 406-778-2263

part of a great group of people, come join the choir Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 at 7:30 p.m. at the American Lutheran Church.

Practices are scheduled for every Thursday until the concert.

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)

The above data published in compliance with Section 20-3-205 MCA

Rural Initiative goes virtual drawing local interest

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 first part of a Reimagining Rural virtual community gathering connecting Baker with other small towns in the region. PHOTO/Brad Mosher

By Brad Mosher

bmosher@countrymedia.net

There may have been less than a dozen people inside the Exhibit Hall at the Fallon County Fairgrounds Tuesday evening for the first session of a series of teleconference discussions on the changing role of rural communities, but that was expected by local organizers.

According to Beth Epley of the Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation, that was about the number expected at the Baker meeting to listen to guest speaker Ben Winchester talk by computer from his home.

But there were more than a dozen other communities also connected

for the Reimagining Rural discussion.

“This was a joint effort between Eastern Plains and Montana State Fallon and Carter County Extension,” she explained.

“It was the first one and I was hoping for anywhere from five to 15 … and it ended up about that,” Epley said.”I would love to see more, just because the more ideas we have bouncing around, the better. I was pretty pleased the people that we had. I thought they had good insights.”

Winchester was the guest speaker in the virtual series. He is a senior research fellow with the University of Minnesota Extension’s Center for Community Vitality.

Part of his presentation Tuesday was on what he calls a “brain gain” of people between the ages of 30 and 49 years old in rural areas and the social and economic opportunities that creates in the rural regions of the Midwest.

A trained rural sociologist, Winchester admits that he has been studying small towns in the Midwest for more than 20 years.

He has given a presentation on the Reimagining Rural Initiative before, to the Western Governors Association, where he addressed the governors of Oregon, North Dakota, Idaho and New Mexico who hosted workshops in their states.

Winchester stresses the need for the economic development in the rural sections of the west to help create environments that give newcomers and others a chance to start careers, pursuing new skills and have more chances to succeed and prosper.

“No rural community is immune to people moving in,” he said Tuesday.

He also said that statistically approximately 31 percent moved into rural areas for a job, while 25 percent had lived previously in that or a similar rural area. In addition, he said that according to his research about 75 percent of the people moving into rural areas have household incomes of more than $50,000 a year and that 47 percent have children in the household.

“People move all the time. The average American moves about 12 times in their lifetimes,” he said.

Gage Arthur Bretzel Kacen John James

Patricia and Brayden Bretzel, of Glendive, are proud to announce the arrival of their son, Gage Arthur.

Gage Arthur was born Sept. 1, 2020 at the Glendive Medical Center. He weighed 8 lbs. and measured 20” long.

He is the grandson of James and Sonja Groll of Beach, ND and Kenneth and LaNae Bretzel of Plevna. He is the brother to Gunner who is two years old.

Dillon and Kadri James and proud big sister Madisyn want to announce the arrival of their son, Kacen John.

Kacen John was born on Aug. 6, 2020, at 2:31 p.m. at Glendive Medical Center in Glendive. He weighed 7 lbs. 8 oz. and measured 20.5” long.

He is the grandson of Dave and Jodi Schuetzle of Plevna, Bob and Sara Brown of Baker, Bill James of Baker.

There also is a big transition coming soon, he added. “Seventy-five percent of rural homeowners are Baby Boomers and older. Thirty percent are 70 years old and older,” he said, noting that within the next decade or so there will be a transition to new and younger owners.

He also stressed during the teleconference the need for rural communities to also think more regionally and being able to use each nearby community’s assets.

He explained that each town needs to have certain essential services to survive and grow, but there are some things that can be spread around between the smaller communities in a region.

He also provided a few warnings, saying that the communities need to involve the newcomers and not be afraid of making some changes.

“Don’t try and rebuild it the way it was,” he said. A town or community may have been dying for a reason, Winchester explained.

One successful example for communities to remember is the use of co-operatives. “Thank God for co-ops,” he said. “Co-ops are the way forward. Why that works is that they answer to their local shareholders.”

He also advised that groups don’t just grab bodies for volunteers. “Do a better job matchmaking, but you need the right volunteers,” he said, noting that the newcomers may do things a little different than the way it had been done before, but that was probably needed.

The communities “need to market to others, not just market to ourselves,” he added. “A 70 year old culture is vastly different than a 30 year old culture.”

He also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has made some major shifts and changes, but it is still too early to speculate about what the impact will be.

He did say that one of the changes has been that some jobs are no longer tied to urban areas, allowing people to work from small towns at jobs which were previously based in the big cities.

The next session of the virtual community gathering will be Sept. 29, starting at 6 p.m. in the Exhibit Hall at the Fallon County Fairgrounds in Baker.

Fallon County Library News

By Stacy Moore

September 21-25 is the library’s “Not Too Late To Be Counted Week” at the Fallon County Library, please stop by for coffee and cookies and fill out your 2020 Census. As stated before, it is so important for each person to be counted. The number of people gathered in this survey determines the amount of Federal Funds the State of Montana will receive, and most important, to be able to secure that 2nd House Seat. Please stop by and “Be Counted”.

Baker, Montana and The Fallon County Library were also part of a CBS News story that aired on Sept. 13, 2020. This story was also about the 2020 Census and how are numbers are so low in our area.

If interested in seeing this piece go to https://www. cbsnews.com/news/montana-libraries-help-citizens-fill-out-census-forms-as-state-hopes-for-another-congress-seat/. A big thanks to all who spoke with Walker Dawson.

We will also be starting Storytime, Oct. 1, 2020 at 11:15 a.m. Some changes are in order, but we hope to see all of you with your little ones.

Summer Reading was a great success with over 90 participants in every age group from young children to adults. Thanks to the Montana State Library for funding this program.

We have three Mobile Hotspots also funded by the Montana State Library and Institute of Museum and Library Services. We are now told they will be funded through September of 2021. These are on a 14-day checkout so if you need internet, feel free to stop by and check one out.

Some new rules are in place for our patron computers, after school children will be asked to get off the computers if they are gaming and someone comes in needing to use the computers for business or school purposes. Thanks to all for understanding some of the new processes.

10

September 18, 2020

Fallon County Times

Villa Happenings

Superior Care Villa residents enjoyed an afternoon outing on the Superior Care Villa bus. Pictured are Superior Care Villa residents Hilda Sieler in the back row, Judy Fradenburgh and Dude Veroye in the middle row and Elsie Turbiville and Betty Kusler in the front row.

Superior Care Villa resident Kathy Householder also joined the rest of the crew for an enjoyable afternoon outing.

Bus rides around town are one of the residents favorite activities and especially now with Covid-19, it gives them something to look forward to. Pictured are Superior Care Villa residents Arlene Gatzke, Allen Werre in the back row and Laura Bruha and Hilda Sieler in the front row.

2020 Country Media Holiday Cookbook

will be coming out the week of November 20th and will be available at participating merchants.

We need your favorite recipes for this year’s edition by Friday, October 30th, 2020.

RECIPE:

_____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________

NAME ______________________________________________ ADDRESS __________________________________________ PHONE _____________________________________________

Mail to: Fallon County Times PO Box 679 • Baker MT, 59313 Email: fctimes@midrivers.com

The Undesirable Assignment

By Daris Howard

(Part 2) Ed worked for a national park in the summers. One summer, he was given the assignment of working with the park superintendent’s son, David. Ed was only twenty-one, and David was a rebellious seventeen. David had refused to pack the food Ed told him to take, taking only snacks instead. So, by the time they reached their assigned work area after four days of hiking, David was already out of food.

Ed ended up needing to share his food, which meant they were both hungry.

Besides the bucksaw and ax they each carried, Ed had a small chainsaw. The fifth day out in the woods, they started to clean the trail. That is, Ed cleaned. David just moped and complained about the work and being hungry.

“Well, you know,” Ed said, “if you would get in and work, we could get this job done sooner and get back to park headquarters.”

“How long will it take us?”

David asked.

“Probably three days if we work long hours, and if we both work,” Ed said. “Five days if I have to do it alone.

Then we’ll have the four-day hike back.”

David gasped. “I’m supposed to go hungry for seven days and do this stupid work, too?”

“Well, I’m going hungry, too, because you didn’t pack what I told you to pack,” Ed said.

David angrily jumped up.

“I’ve had enough of this garbage. I’m heading back.”

“And just how do you plan to do that?” Ed asked. “You have a four-day hike with no food, and you don’t know the woods. You might get lost and not make it back.”

“You should give me some food, and I will leave my pack so I can hike faster,” David replied. “And I will just follow the trail.”

Ed mulled that over a minute. If he gave David some food, would he just be enabling him? But if he didn’t give him food, he could be blamed for David starving.

“All right,” Ed said. “Since you will be hiking faster, I will give you what I would share with you for two days. That’s all I can spare and be able to finish the job and hike out myself.”

Ed gave David the food, and David complained it wasn’t very much.

“I don’t have very much because you didn’t bring what you were supposed to,” Ed replied.

Grumbling, David dumped everything else out of his pack.

He then put back in the water and the food. He didn’t even plan to carry his bedroll.

As David headed out, Ed yelled after him, “Don’t forget your bear training in case you meet one.”

Ed went back to work. He was hungry and wanted to get this job done so he could head back as well. He had just started cutting some small saplings with the bucksaw when he heard a scream. He turned to see David running across the meadow with a bear on his tail. David scurried up a tree, and Ed grabbed the chainsaw

as he headed in their direction.

He jerked the pull cord as he ran, and the saw roared to life.

The bear stopped at the base of the tree and turned toward Ed. Ed slowed to a walk as he continued toward the bear. Ed kept pulling the throttle as he approached the bear. The roaring of the engine did the trick, and the bear ran off.

David was shaking when he climbed down from the tree.

Ed shut off the chainsaw and turned to David.

“Did you even read the bear-training guide for this job?” Ed asked. “That was a black bear, and black bears can climb trees. You would have been his lunch. Climbing trees will only help you when an adult grizzly is chasing you.

They’re too heavy to climb.”

David’s voice quivered as he spoke. “I thought that material was a waste of time.”

“Well, you know,” Ed replied, “you may consider there are reasons why people tell you something. They have been there before and are trying to help you avoid the same mistakes they made. Only a fool doesn’t learn from others and must make all the mistakes on his own. And nature isn’t forgiving. If you make just one mistake, it could be your last.”

David said nothing for a moment, and when he did, he spoke quietly. “Maybe it would be better if I stayed and helped. Then we could hike out together.”

Ed smiled. He knew David had learned another valuable lesson, and there was no use saying more.

(To be continued)