VOLUME 99
ISSUE 36
TIMES
FALLON County
BAKER, MONTANA 59313
fctimes@midrivers.com 406-778-3344 $1.00
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 2015
Breitbach joins the staff at Baker Public Schools
TOM BREITBACH
By Lori Kesinger Tom Breitbach has returned to his hometown and is teaching earth science/eighth grade science, biology and physics. He will also be assisting with high school girls’ basketball and high school golf. Breitbach grew up in Baker and graduated from Dickinson State University with a degree in composite science. He also earned a master’s degree from Lesley University. Breitbach was influenced by his dad and several other teachers in his decision to become an educator. His dad taught vo-ag and vo-ed for over 30 years at Baker High School.
Breitbach started his teaching career in Verona, ND. For the past 25 years he has been teaching at Shields Valley in Clyde Park. “I have been teaching for 27 years but changing schools is challenging. I have already received so much help from administrators and teachers that the transition from Shields Valley to Baker has been a smooth one,” Breitbach said. “I simply want to provide the students here with the best education I can give them.” Breitbach further said he wants his students to leave his classes with a better understanding of the natural world around them.
Breitbach is married to Marci (Sieler) who is originally from Plevna. She is a certified athletic trainer working at Superior Care Villa and will also do some training with BHS athletes. “Being able to come back home was important to both my wife and I. I feel the Baker school system is a very good system and I wanted to be a part of it,” Breitbach said. Breitbach enjoys spending time with his family and is also an avid golfer.
Ismay Community Church celebrates 100 years of God’s faithfulness By Lori Kesinger A friendly, little church on the prairie has stood the test of time to declare the goodness and grace of God to a rural community. The Ismay Community Church is celebrating a 100 years since its beginning on the first Sunday in September. Ismay was once a bustling town of cowboys and railroad men. The town began in 1908 with the construction of the railroad across Montana and consisted of many of the amenities of early towns including a general store, banks, gas station, elevator, train depot and jail. In 1914, a few people gathered together and decided they wanted to start a church amidst the hub of activity. They borrowed $500 from the General Assembly of the Presbyterian to start the church in 1915. Stained glass windows, hardwood pews, ornate deacons chairs and pulpit, and a reed organ were all part of the original building and the church was called the First Presbyterian. It was a privilege for the church to serve God and the community. Time after time, the hymns of God’s love and faithfulness resounded from the organ as children turned a wheel to create the stream of air that would cause the reeds to vibrate and the organist played. The gospel was proclaimed and the church flourished for years until there was a decline in population. It especially declined when the state rerouted Highway 12 six miles outside of town in 1937. Church attendance and services fluctuated over time but service was always held on Easter Sunday. The congregation worked closely with the Presbyterian Church in Miles City for many years. Rev. John B. Fitz from the Presbyterian Church in Miles City served the church from 1942 until his passing in 1968, followed by Rev. Rubesh and Rev. Glaner. Services were usually conducted once or twice a
month. During the 70s, a group of people studying the Bible discussed forming a new, non-denominational church at Ismay. In the spring of 1979, Rev. Bill Wohlers, pastor of the Emmanuel Congregational Church of Plevna, now the Emanuel Evangelical Free Church, was contacted to see if he would be willing to conduct services in Ismay. The church was incorporated as the Ismay Community Church in April the same year. No membership has been required since then and it continues as a non-denominational church. In 1981, Rev. David Johnson was pastoring when a major remodel of the church building was undertaken to preserve the historic and original structure of the building. Hundreds of volunteer hours were given on a weekly basis over a four year period before the project was finally completed in 1984. Donations for the project and the hours spent in labor were all so the Lord’s work could continue for years to come. The building was lifted up and a new basement was constructed under it. Once the basement was completed with a fellowship meeting room, kitchen and washroom, work began upstairs. The interior walls were revamped and all of the wood was refinished. Several work days were held in the fall of 1984 to scrape and repaint the exterior. The remodel included the installation of a furnace to replace a single gas stove used for years to heat the building. Indoor
Chief Reddick appointed to State Police Board By Lori Kesinger Baker Police Chief Mike Reddick was recently appointed to the executive board of the Montana Association of Chiefs of Police (MACOP). Reddick was recognized by his peers for his police administrative skills and experience and was recommended POLICE CHIEF for a position on the board. MIKE REDDICK The MACOP is a group of police administrators from across the state. They provide professional training and peer support to other police administrators in Montana in an effort to attain higher standards of excellence in the profession. The MACOP also provides significant support to numerous philanthropic causes within the state of Montana, including sponsorship of the Junior Police Leadership Academy. Reddick is one of only two eastern Montana representatives on the board. The other being Assistant Chief of Police Brien Gault of Glasgow.
Morris appointed new council member By Lori Kesinger The Baker City Council has a new member. The Council appointed Randy Morris to fill the vacant council seat most recently held by Brandon Schmidt. Morris has been a lifelong member of the Baker community and said he has always been interested in city government. He is currently employed as an agent at the Insurance Store. Morris will serve Schmidt’s term until the next City election in June 2016.
Monday Night Football
The Biggest And Best Parties Happen At The Corner!
Free All-U Can-Eat Hot Wings
plumbing also took the place of an outhouse. The public was invited to join the dedication service on a fall day in late October 1984. Two hundred people came together to celebrate the restoration of the church. In the years that followed, numerous ministers served the needs of the church including Rev. Byrd Stilwell, Rev. Steven May and Rev. Pat Linger. The church has always been thankful for the First Baptist and Emanuel Evangelical Free Churches of Plevna for sharing their ministers and for the many guest speakers from across Southeastern Montana who have filled in over the years. Today at Ismay, a post office, fire department, elevator and the church are the remnants of the once thriving town. The Bible believing church that opened its heart and doors to anyone attending persevered through it all. Some families have SEE ISMAY CHURCH, PAGE 6
Fall Festival promises to be better than ever By Lori Kesinger During the second weekend in September, the Baker Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture will be celebrating the changing of the seasons with the seventh annual Fall Festival. The Fall Festival will transform a portion of downtown Baker on First Street West into a walkable street festival with a selection of vendors and activities Saturday, September 12, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Several vendors, crafters and artisans have committed to selling their wares throughout the day. A variety of handcrafted items, artwork, products, and more will be available. Dave and Wendy Shreeve from Forsyth will also be on site selling their famous Prairie Fire Kettle Korn. Members of Fallon Medical Complex Foundation will have hot dogs and tacos-ina-bag for purchase at lunch time. Children of all ages will have the opportunity to enjoy inflatables brought by Funflatables sponsored by the Baker Oilfield Open Golf Committee and Fallon County Commission. The free inflatable fun from noon to 4 p.m. will include a joust arena, velcro
wall, cotton candy combo, and obstacle courses. In the afternoon, a Duck Race will be held on the patio of the Baker Club hosted by the Chamber. Ducks can be purchased for the fun race and cash prizes will be awarded. The Baker CowBelles and Chamber will host a Chili and Stew Cook-Off to award bragging rights to the best cooks in southeast Montana. Judging will take place at 4:30 p.m. and prizes will be awarded for Spiciest, Beefiest, Best Display, and the People’s Choice. The public is welcome to try the entries for free starting at 5 p.m. More teams are wanted for the cook-off competition. People interested in forming a team should contact the Chamber at 406-778-2266 for rules and information. The second annual Rib Cook-Off will also be held in conjunction with the Fall Festival off First Street West on Railroad Avenue. Ribs and sides will be served to the public starting at 5 p.m. for $10 per person, ages ten and under free. Live music and entertainment sponsored by the Fallon County Commission will be in SEE FALL FESTIVAL, PAGE 6
RANDY MORRIS
NFL RED ZONE SUNDAYS
T r y Yo u r 3-2-1 Luck Drink Specials i n o u r Friday & saturday Casino! NIGHT
Visit Our Website at www.FallonCountyExtra.com