10-22-25 issue

Charlo man assists in Bob Marshall rescue

By Joyce Lobeck for the Valley Journal

As far as Tom Zimmerman is concerned, a young man from Charlo is a true hero.

“I wouldn’t be telling my story if not for him,” Zimmerman said of Marty Frisk. “He’s the hero. I want the world to know what he did.”

Frisk could not be reached for comment.

Zimmerman’s story began on Sept. 5 when he was clearing a trail in the Bob Marshall Wilderness in the Ovando area in preparation for hunting when either he or his horse slid and went over a 15-foot cliff. Zimmerman isn’t sure which and isn’t sure if he lost consciousness. But either way, he finally realized he was lying in a pile of rocks and logs at the base of the cliff in extreme pain as his horse had rolled over him and crushed his ribs. His uninjured horse was standing beside him.

“I knew I was in bad shape,” he recalled. “But I knew I had to get out of there.”

He managed to pull himself back up to the trail and, leading his horse with his pack horse following, he walked as far as he could until it was getting dark. “The pain got so bad I had to quit for the night. I was

going to take a little break so I grabbed my sleeping bag and a

water bottle, laid down on the ground and pulled my sleeping

bag over me. I couldn’t move after that. I heard an elk bugle 100 yards from me all night. He was talking to me. I knew it was no use to holler … no one was around. But I was hoping a kid I had seen up there the last couple of years would come hunting.”

Around 8:30 in the morning, he heard a horseshoe hitting rocks, Zimmerman said, so he hollered. The “kid” heard him and asked what was wrong. It was Marty Fisk. After putting his sleeping bag on Zimmerman and giving him juice and a granola bar, Frisk rode out to where he could get a cell phone signal and called 911 and Zimmerman’s girlfriend and daughter. “It was like in the movies,” Zimmerman said. “I could hear the Two Bear helicopter come. It flew over three times but couldn’t see me. The kid came back five hours later, switched horses, put my sleeping bag with an orange liner in the meadow and called 911 again. The helicopter came back about five hours later and hoisted me up.”

Zimmerman was taken to the hospital in Seeley Lake, then flown by Life Flight to St. Pat’s Hospital in Missoula, where he

COURTESY PHOTO

Tom Zimmerman, from Stevensville, credits Charlo resident Marty Frisk with saving his life after he and his horse suffered a fall during a Septbember pack trip in the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

Bob Marshall rescue

from page 1

spent a week.

In the meantime, Frisk gathered up Zimmerman’s horses and equipment and took them to the trailhead, where he was met by Zimmerman’s family.

Zimmerman, a Stevensville resident, arrived at the Missoula hospital 22 hours after he was hurt. “I don’t think I would have made it to the second night without Marty,” he said of his rescuer. “What a hell of a young man. He definitely went above and beyond to get me out of there.”

Cheerful Heart helps Lake County cancer patients

LAKE COUNTY Cancer patients in Lake County can receive non-medical help provided by Cheerful Heart at no cost to a patient currently undergoing treatment. Help includes transportation to treatment or medical appointments locally or to Missoula and Kalispell, gas cards, meal preparation, a personal care program and a local cancer support group.

The organization provides support to the oncology clinics in Polson and at St. Luke’s in Ronan. Both clinics carry inventories of head coverings

including wigs, hats and scarves, Knitted Knockers (breast prosthesis) and ComfyChemo shirts available for no charge to patients.

A cancer support group meets from 10 to 11 a.m. on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month in the Leahy Conference Room on the third floor of the St. Joseph Medical Center. Matthew Connally leads the gatherings and welcomes anyone affected by cancer.

The Cheerful Heart Volunteer Coordinator makes referrals to other services.

Cheerful Heart, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit, has served cancer patients in Lake County since 2002. Those with questions or needs can call 883-3070. Check

out the Cheerful Heart web site at www.cheerfulheart.org or email cheartinc@gmail.com.

Mailing address for the organization is Cheerful Heart, P.O. Box 688, Polson, MT 59860.

Auction time for SAFE Harbor

News from SAFE Harbor

RONAN The SAFE Harbor Art Auction and Celebration will take place on Oct. 25 at the Ronan Community Center. It is a time when community partners from across the region share their creations, talents and services to help raise awareness and financial supp0rt for SAFE Harbor. At the celebration, both a live and silent auction take

place with original artwork, jewelry, quilts, p0ttery, carving, sculptures and photography. Special baskets are also auctioned that include lodging, movie passes, theater tickets, concert tickets, travel, dishware, dinner coupons, service vouchers and a variety of other house wares. Popular items include lodging and experiences like a group art class, a fishing excursion or a day on Flathead Lake. If you or someone you know has something to share, please contact us at 406-240-0640. The staff, the board of directors and the clients of SAFE Harbor truly appreciate all your help in making this annual event a continued success. Thank you for your assistance and support.

CSKT Wildlife Management Program report on recent deer deaths

Hemorrhagic disease suspected in whitetailed deer mortalities in Hot Springs and Mission Valley areas.

News from CSKT Wildlife Management Program

WESTERN MON-

TANA — A recent increase in deer deaths have been reported on the Flathead Reservation from the Hot Springs and multiple Mission Valley areas. The CSKT Wildlife Management Program suspects that a hemorrhagic disease (EHD), is responsible for these white-tailed deer and elk deaths.

The disease has been confirmed to be in these

areas, as well as in a few areas surrounding the Reservation. Though it is a viral disease transmitted by biting midges, it is not contagious to humans but can influence deer and elk species. Outbreaks tend to occur near water sources in late-summer and early fall when certain small fly species emerge. The recent frost will cause the outbreak to end, though mortalities will likely continue through the next week or so. Though the flies will be gone, any deer that was bitten before the frost and has already contracted the disease and will succumb to the symptoms; this can take up to 10 days.

CSKT Division of Fish, Wildlife, Recreation and Conservation staff are continuing to monitor the

situation. It is not necessary for the public to report additional dead deer suspected of EHD in these areas, but potential outbreaks observed in new areas of the Reservation should be reported by emailing: Wjldlife@cskt org or calling the Wildlife Conflict Call number at 406-275-2774.

It is important to note that, while the disease can cause significant die-offs in localized deer populations, the outbreaks are usually short-lived and not widespread. Effected areas are generally localized and not spread across large areas.

Meat from animals that appear healthy at the time of harvest remain safe to eat when properly cooked, though please consider having any harvested animal tested for Chronic Wasting

Disease.

There are differences between symptoms of EHD and Chronic Wasting Disease.

An animal with EHD may present with:

Lethargy - completely unaware of human presence

Foaming at the mouth

Swollen / blue tongue

Infection kills animals very quickly, often see group die-offs in small localized areas. Animals found in otherwise good body condition, appear healthy.

An animal with CWD may present with the following symptoms:

Droopy ears, neck and head

Animal walking in circles, unaware of human presence

Excessive drooling

Animal will be very emaciated (can count ribs and

often see hip bones)

Please contact the CSKT Wildlife Program with fur-

Support Local

ther questions; Wildlife@ cskt.org or call Kari Kingery at 406-675-2700 Ext. 7217.

https://donorbox.org/montana-newspaper-foundation-charitable-giving. print and digital journalism to ensure a vibrant future for Montana’s newspaper enterprises and champions the value of a free press.

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MARTY HENSEL PHOTO fall colors

Montana overcrowded prison system solutions come at a cost

Long overloaded with too many inmates and not enough space to hold them, the state has turned to prisons as far off as Mississippi. Officials cite limited options; inmates’ lawyers and families say the repercussions, both practical and legal, are substantial.

by Christopher Cartwright, Montana Free Press

TUTWILER,

MISSISSIPPI — The cotton is just beginning to bloom. It’s late August in the Mississippi Delta, an alluvial plain formed by soil deposited from the Missouri, Ohio and Mississippi rivers over thousands of years. The temperature sits around 85 degrees. The white cotton bolls sprout from green shrubs that cover the fields, which are broken only by tree lines — signaling the presence of bayous, rivers and cypress swamps — and a tall, barbed-wire fence running alongside U.S. Route 49.

The fence encloses the Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility, a privately managed prison operated by CoreCivic, the largest prison-op-

opened

said at the time that

erating company in the country with nearly $2 billion in annual revenue.

A water tower adjacent to the prison welcomes drivers to town: “Where The Blues Was Born.”

The story goes that W.C. Handy, who popularized American blues music, first heard it played in Tutwiler in 1903 as he waited to catch a train.  Abandoned buildings pervade the community. There are only a few businesses in town, including two gas stations, a liquor store, a Dollar General, a laundromat and a historic funeral home, which once

prepared the body of Emmett Till, a 14-yearold boy lynched in 1955. There are more beds in Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility — 2,672 — than residents of Tutwiler.

Approximately 240 of them are currently occupied by Montana inmates.

This January, CoreCivic announced a two-year contract with Montana to hold inmates at the Tallahatchie prison, an announcement that followed other contracts with CoreCivic’s Saguaro Correctional Center

in Eloy, Ariz. In total, about 600 male inmates — roughly 20 percent of Montana’s adult male prison population — are imprisoned out of state. According to Carolynn Stocker, the communications director for the Montana Department of Corrections, the contracts cost the state around $19 million per year.

The Montana DOC states that such out-ofstate contracts are a temporary response to years of overcrowding at Montana’s only state-owned prison for men in Deer Lodge, where ground

he needs to be where he can see his kids.”

RECENT HISTORY

Montana’s out-of-state contracts with CoreCivic began in 2023, when Republican lawmakers included roughly $4 million in annual appropriations for 120 outof-state beds in a prison infrastructure bill. The resulting contract with CoreCivic’s facility in Arizona charges Montana $90 per prison bed per day and runs through October 2025.

has recently broken for additional housing units and more cells. Yet for some with family in the out-of-state facilities, the arrangement has included fewer programs for inmates and increased costs.

The Montana family of Tallahatchie inmate Del Crawford can’t visit in person because of the expenses, according to his mother, Texas resident Phyllis Richardson. Hers is a common concern.

“His kids can’t come. He can’t see his family,” she said. “And as far as I’m concerned, like I said,

Last year, the Montana DOC signed another contract for beds at the Arizona facility through July 2026. And in January, CoreCivic announced the Mississippi contract, which reserved 240 prison beds at an initial rate of $82 per bed per day through the end of 2026. Both stemmed from years of overcrowding at state facilities. Sen. Barry Usher, R-Laurel, who chairs the Montana Criminal Justice Oversight Council, told Montana Free Press that he hopes inmates can be brought back once more space is added to the state prison.

“I think at this point we don’t have any choice,” he said. “… Because we just don’t have room until we build more room or figure out something instate.”

The reasons for the growth in the prison

CHRISTOPHER CARTWRIGHT / MTFP PHOTO

The Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility, a 2,672-bed prison in Mississippi that holds around 240 Montana inmates,

in 2000 amid a boom in private prison construction. The Greenwood Commonwealth, a local newspaper,

the county was “finding financial freedom from an unlikely source.”

overcrowded prison

from page 5

“

No matter what happened, there are loved ones on the other side. At least in Montana, I could visit. I could keep his mental health OK because I’m here. They’ve taken so much away from us by moving them.”

-

Audra

food.

Both the Arizona and Mississippi prisons are in rural communities.

and we might see our population drop down to around 1,000.”

Holcomb

“There is a rise in violent crime across the state; however, by far the most popular felony offense that we put people in prison for in the state is criminal possession of dangerous drugs for both men and women,” he said in an interview with MTFP. “And it’s not with intent to distribute.”

THREE DECADES IN THE MAKING

Although the out-ofstate CoreCivic contracts were enacted recently, the path that led Montana to Mississippi began decades ago.

In 1994, the Associated Press reported overcrowding at the Montana State Prison and stated that the DOC planned to address the issue by allocating funds to probation, parole and treatment programs.

Former Montana Department of Corrections Director Rick Day was quoted as saying that the “next two years could be the watershed years,

The opposite happened. Montana’s incarcerated population more than doubled in a decade, increasing from 1,478 people in 1991 to 3,328 people in 2001, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics. Similar to today, many of those incarcerations were for drug offenses and probation or parole violations, according to a 2002 Billings Gazette article.

Then as now, Montana contracted with out-of-state prisons, including some operated by CoreCivic, which was then known as the Correctional Corporation of America (CCA). By 2001, federal data reported that 33% of Montana inmates were held out of state.

As prison populations grew in the 1990s, so did the number of private prisons. CCA built the first in the U.S. in 1984; by 2001, the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics reported there were 158.

One of those prisons was in Montana. On Oct. 15, 1998, the Great Falls Tribune announced

the name of the new CCA prison near the Canadian border in Shelby: Crossroads Correctional Facility. That same day, roughly 1,400 miles away, residents in Mississippi awoke to news that CCA would build the Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility in Tutwiler.

“It’s going to bring revenue and jobs into the town that are desperately needed, and businesses are going to spring out from it,” former Tutwiler Mayor Robert Grayson told the local newspaper. “I believe that this prison is going to have a very big, positive impact on the town.”

Locals have similar views today. While Mississippi’s minimum hourly wage is $7.25, a CoreCivic billboard outside town advertises correctional officer jobs starting at $19.13 per hour. The Tallahatchie facility pays $2.9 million in property taxes and, with 440 employees, has an annual payroll of $27.7 million.

Tutwiler residents, including Tupac Gibson, who helped build the prison, said the area re-

lies on those funds.

mother whose son is imprisoned in Tallahatchie population are contested. A 2024 legislative select committee pointed to a recent rise in violent crimes, which usually results in longer sentences. But ACLU of Montana lobbyist Henry Seaton, who served on the Criminal Justice Oversight Council until Gov. Greg Gianforte removed him in July, attributed much of the problem to drug and parole offenses.

“We’re in the heart of the Delta. What you see now is what you see,” he said, before listing the few businesses in town.

“That’s all we’ve got, besides God and love.”

COSTS TO VISIT

Finances are also at the forefront of the minds of Montana residents with family members in out-of-state prisons.

Helena resident KC Betchie said a threenight trip to visit her brother, William Case, in Arizona cost around $1,400. He was convicted of assaulting a police officer when police entered his home in 2021 without a warrant. The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear his case next month.

“My family has the means to go down there and visit,” she said. “Not every family does.”

Betchie and others with family incarcerated in Arizona also said commissary items had higher costs than those at in-state facilities due to taxes there. While Montana has no sales tax, the sales tax in Eloy, Ariz., is 9.7% for nonfood items and 2% for

For those visiting the latter, the closest hotels are approximately 15 miles away in Clarksdale, Miss. Airports are even further. The two largest are Memphis International Airport — roughly 87 miles — and Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport, 144 miles away. Round-trip airline tickets between Bozeman and Memphis range between $290 and $680, according to recent Google Flights data.

Audra Holcomb, whose son Erin is imprisoned in Tallahatchie on a deliberate homicide conviction, said visiting has proved too costly.

“No matter what happened, there are loved ones on the other side,” she said. “At least in Montana, I could visit. I could keep his mental health OK because I’m here. They’ve taken away so much from us by moving them.”

FEWER PROGRAMS AND LEGAL IMPLICATIONS

CoreCivic denied a request from MTFP to tour the Tallahatchie County Correctional Facility in late August.

Stocker, the communications director for the Montana DOC, said in an email, however, that the department conducts regular visits to both prisons, with 17 visits to the Arizona prison in

2023 and seven to the Mississippi facility this year. One of the Arizona visits was an audit of inmate medical services, and Tallahatchie has a medical audit scheduled later this year, she added. According to DOC data, there have been two deaths at each outof-state prison since the contracts began, with all four deaths occurring in 2025. Two men in their 30s died at the Arizona prison; in Mississippi, a man in his 40s and a man in his 70s died. All remain under investigation, according to a Montana DOC database. In comparison, there have been six deaths at the Montana State Prison this year, with four still under investigation.

Criminal justice reform advocacy groups, including the Montana Innocence Project and the American Civil Liberties Union of Montana, expressed concerns to MTFP about the limited re-entry and parole programming options available at the out-ofstate prisons.

Montana’s contract with Tallahatchie states that the daily bed rate will increase once the prison implements several programs, including a program called the Integrated Correctional Programming Model (ICPM) offered at some prisons in Montana. In her email, Stocker stated that Saguaro and see page 9

Governor, Montana Chamber host Energy Summit

News from the office of Montana Governor Greg Gianforte

BOZEMAN – During an economic summit focused on unleashing American energy, Governor Greg Gianforte today convened energy consumers, producers, policymakers, and fellow governors for a conversation on America’s energy landscape and needs for future growth and innovation.

“In Montana, we are leading on energy with our ‘all-of-the above’ energy strategy and that was on full display at today’s Chamber summit,” Gov. Gianforte said. “With unprecedented access to the Trump administration, a stark departure from what we saw under the Biden administration, governors are leading the way to power our states, our country, and the world.”

At the 2nd Annual Big Sky, Bright Future Economic Summit co-hosted by Gov. Gianforte and the Montana Chamber of Commerce in Bozeman, business leaders and policymakers met to discuss ways to improve energy reliability, identify growth in energy demand, expand

transmission capacity, simplify regulations, and establish next generation power solutions.

In one of the panels, Gov. Gianforte hosted Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, and Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González-Colón for a discussion about how governors are in a position to lead in powering the nation.

“In Nebraska, when I took office, we recognized we had the opportunity to grow businesses but had to remove the limitations on the growth of our power sources. We had an extraordinary advantage as we are the only state in the United States that’s public power, and it’s important that we work together to

unleash the best options,” Gov. Gordon said.

Highlighting the need for regulatory reform to unleash the best available energy production for each state, Gov. Gordon added, “When we say all-of-theabove, we really mean best-of-the-above. And with governors you find a real practical sense with how we solve problems. In Wyoming, we export

a tremendous amount of energy. So we approach it knowing that we can’t go into the future by regulating ourselves, rather going into the future by innovating.”

Gov. Gianforte also asked the governors about each state’s relationship with the federal government. In their answers, each praised President Trump and his cabinet

for working together with governors.

“Gaining access to the federal agencies can be difficult for our territory. The first thing that happened in the last four years was Washington dictating what the island needs. They decided to have Puerto Rico as an island for renewables with solar panels and batteries. While I don’t have anything against that, you cannot run an island with businesses, factories, hospitals for 24 hours a day on batteries,” Gov. GonzálezColón said.

Gov. González-Colón added, “When President Trump came in office, I was instantly able to get a meeting with him and Secretary Wright. It’s been a night and day difference in working with the agencies. Since he’s been

in office, the Department of Energy has sent a team eight times to the island to meet with my administration.”

The summit also included a video address from Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy Chris Wright.

“From the start, President Trump has made it clear that the era of energy subtraction is over. We are not out to subtract energy sources, drive up costs and burden families. We want to bring back commonsense and unleash American energy across the board – producing record levels of oil and natural gas. We want to revitalize the coal and nuclear industries and advance next-generation technologies that secure our energy independence,” Sec. Wright said.

COURTESY PHOTO

Gov. Gianforte (right), Gov. Gordon (middle left), Gov. Pillen (middle right), and Gov. González-Colón (left) during the Big Sky, Bright Future Summit in Bozeman.

New program to support previously incarcerated individuals to begin

News from the office of Governor Gianforte

HELENA – Joined by Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brereton and Department of Corrections (DOC) Director Brian Gootkin, Governor Greg Gianforte announced on Oct. 15 the launch of the Healing and Ending Addiction through Recovery and Treatment (HEART) Initiative Reentry Program following approval from the U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The new program provides targeted behavioral health support to previously incarcerated individuals with the goal of ensuring their successful transition back into the community.

“This initiative represents our continued commitment to ensuring incarcerated Montanans can fully and successfully reintegrate into the community,” Governor Gianforte said. “By offering sustained support to those with behavioral health needs, we are working to give Montanans the help they need to rebuild their lives after exiting the correctional system.”

In 2024, the governor announced CMS approved a waiver sought by DPHHS to provide three new Medicaid funded behavioral health services for Montanans as a part of the HEART Initiative. The HEART Initiative was introduced by Gov. Gianforte

“We know

that unmet behavioral health needs contribute to cycles of incarceration, leading to the shared interest from DPHHS and DOC in this initiative.

in his first week in office and invests state and federal funding to expand treatment and recovery services for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders.

The new program provides a targeted set of Medicaid services to eligible individuals with behavioral health needs starting 30 days before their release from incarceration. This proactive support is designed to bridge the gap between correctional and community-based care.

“We know that unmet behavioral health needs contribute to cycles of incarceration, leading to the shared interest from DPHHS and DOC in this initiative,” Dir. Brereton said. “This program allows us to proactively connect individuals to care to improve their chances of success post-incarceration. It’s a smart, preventive investment that will benefit Montana communities.”

Previously incarcerated individuals face an alarmingly high risk of overdose, hospitalization, and crisis in the weeks immediately following their release. The HEART Reentry Program

nity.

- Charlie Brereton DPHHS Director

directly reduces these risks by ensuring improved continuity of care and treatment.

In collaboration with community-based case managers, the program will be administered by DPHHS and DOC wherein the departments will identify and enroll eligible individuals in services ahead of their scheduled prison release dates. Individuals with behavioral health conditions nearing release from a state prison will receive comprehensive services, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT), case management to plan and coordinate services in the community, community-based clinical consultation as needed, and a 30day supply of medication in hand upon discharge.

Beginning case management with a community provider before release enables the individual to establish a relationship with a community-based provider to help them navigate the transition. This provider will continue to support the individual after discharge, helping them secure stability and maintain treatment as they reenter the commu-

“It is our mission to rehabilitate and empower the people under our supervision by providing them with the tools to successfully return to Montana communities,” said Dir. Gootkin. “This investment in their overall well-being through the HEART Initiative delivers much-needed support during a critical time as they set the framework for a future beyond the cycle of incarceration.”

Other services approved by CMS under HEART include tenancy supports, short-term inpatient and residential substance use disorder treatment in larger facilities, and the forthcoming contingency management service, the most effective evidence-based treatment for stimulant use disorder.

The program comes as the State of Montana has prioritized workforce supports for previously incarcerated individuals. Earlier this year, the Montana Legislature passed and the governor signed into law House Bill 718, which established an Office of Reentry at the Montana Department of Labor & Industry. The office will play a key role in the governor’s 406 JOBS initiative, re-engaging individuals of prime working age who have exited the workforce.

For more information about the program and eligibility criteria, go to: https://dphhs.mt.gov/ HeartInitiative/JusticeInvolved.

Montana Red Cross offers training in Polson

Red Cross training is for those interested in helping neighbors during disasters

News from the MT Red Cross

GREAT FALLS — Montana Red Cross is offering in-person training in Polson on Saturday, Oct. 25, for those interested in supporting their communities during emergencies such as home fires, wildfires and other disasters.

The free training will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Polson Rural Fire District Station, 25b Regatta Road, and is open to residents of Lake, Lincoln and Flathead counties. Participants will learn how to provide comfort, care and critical assistance to families affected by local disasters. Breakfast, lunch and snacks will be provided.

“When disaster strikes, it’s the volunteers who are there first — offering a warm blanket, a hot meal or simply a listening ear,” said Shellie Creveling, Red Cross community disaster program manager for Northwest Montana. “Volunteers are the heart of our mission, and Red Cross couldn’t do this work without them. That’s why we’re encouraging more people to step forward and join our team.”

Each year, the Red Cross responds to hundreds of disasters across Montana — most commonly home fires. Volunteers play a vital role in meeting families’ immediate needs, such as food, shelter and emotional support. During larger-scale events like wildfires, the Red Cross also opens emergency shelters and coordinates broader relief efforts.

To register for the training and complete a Red Cross volunteer application, visit: volunteerconnection.redcross.org . If you have questions, need more information or would like to pursue a different Red Cross volunteer opportunity, email: IDMT.Recruiting@redcross. org

overcrowded prison

from page 6

Tallahatchie are significantly smaller than the Montana State Prison, which limits the availability of programs for inmates.

“The DOC expects vocational programming and ICPM to be provided to Montana inmates in Tallahatchie in the near future,” she wrote. “In fact, DOC staff members are traveling to Arizona next month to train CoreCivic staff members (including those from Tallahatchie) on the delivery of ICPM.”

She added that existing Tallahatchie programs include life skills, computer classes, carpentry and rehabilitation courses. Saguaro offers those, along with a few more, Stocker said.

Additionally, both Montana residents with relatives in the prisons and criminal justice reform advocates said there was a lack of transparency in how inmates are selected to be sent out of state. In response, Stocker said that DOC staff selects inmates based on factors including “custody level; proximity to parole eligibility; participation in treatment and other programming; health/ mental health needs, and separation requirements.”

Prison lawyers and criminal justice reform advocates have also expressed concerns over

the increase in difficulty that comes with communicating with inmates across state lines.

Brady Smith is the legal director of the Montana Innocence Project, a nonprofit that focuses on freeing those who are wrongfully incarcerated.

She said that a lack of face-to-face contact with inmates, made onerous by the organization’s financial constraints, has complicated making legal appeals on their behalf.

“There are pretty strict deadlines on the timing of when we can file claims, and so timing is very important in our cases,” she said. “… When you have people who are hundreds of miles away, then there

“

The reality is, we need more beds. Once today’s expansion is finally finished, we’ll have another 117 beds right here. A step in the right direction, this new project will help us get closer to our goal of expanding capacity.”

are issues with getting communications from them; getting communications to them.”

Montana Innocence Project Executive Director Amy Sings In The Timber added that the organization is concerned about possible “constitutional issues

- Gov. Greg Gianforte in an April 2025 press release

around access to the courts and due process.”

“I think all of that has been something we’ve been trying to keep tabs on, but quite honestly, it’s been a little difficult to do so because of the way that the contracts have expanded,” she said. “They’ve expanded so

quickly.”

AT A CROSSROADS

As inmates remain out of state, the primary solution proposed by state officials and Gov. Gianforte has been to build more prison space. Currently, five new housing units are being built at the state prison and are expected to be completed in the fall of 2028.

“The reality is, we need more beds,” Gianforte said in an April news release. “… Once today’s expansion is finished, we’ll have another 117 beds right here. A step in the right direction, this new project will help get us closer to our goal of expanding capacity.”

The recent select

ATTENTION

committee report also encouraged the construction of more prison beds and projected that the system will see up to 1,530 new offenders in the next two decades. But after years of continued prison growth, those like Amy Sings In The Timber argued the state should be looking at alternatives.

“Instead of building bigger prisons and expanding and extending contracts, why are we not focusing on decarceration?” she asked. “Why are we not focusing on solutions that keep people from being in these perpetual cycles of violence and entrapment, in so many ways?”

DEVELOPERS, REALTORS, CONTRACTORS, PLANNERS, MORTGAGE LENDERS

PUBLIC MEETING

LAKE COUNTY SUBDIVISION REGULATIONSATTAINABLE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

WEDNESDAY - OCTOBER 29, 2025

LAKE COUNTY ANNEX – 1ST FLOOR COMMUNITY ROOM 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM

The Lake County Commission engaged IMEG Engineering, Missoula, MT, to conduct a review and update all of its subdivision regulations. The project goals included the specific identification of any regulations that may have been impeding the development of affordable and attainable housing for Lake County residents; and to further document those types of programs and/or legislative initiatives that could potentially incentivize developers and/or contractors to increase the housing supply for rent or purchase to median household-income families.

This public meeting is being held to share the findings, including a preliminary look at the proposed regulations which will be formally introduced to the Planning Board later this year. The draft agenda is posted on the Lake County website (https://www.lakemt.gov). The meeting will be conducted by IMEG Engineering Staff, with Lake County Planning Department Staff, Commissioners and others on hand to participate in and engage in discussions.

For further information, contact Tiffani Murphy, Lake County Planner at 406-883-7243 or Joe Dehnert, IMEG Engineering at Joseph.M.Dehnert@imegcorp.com

valley views

The occasional phone call

I’m an observer of life.

I think a lot of us are. Often, relationships are part of those observations. Life is filled with relationships.

People come in and out of our personal world. Relationships soar and they fade. It all seems rather random, as does the way this process often begins:

end up starting a conversation.

Others aren’t so random: your sister or brother. Your cousins. Your parents.

Slices of Life

Jill Pertler, Syndicated columnist

Sometimes relationships start out strong but fizzle quickly. Other times they are nothing more than lukewarm, but remain for years.

Your science teacher implements an alphabetical seating order and your future spouse ends up sitting next to you. A neighbor moves in next door, and you find you have similar interests and hobbies. You get a new job with a cubby next to a friendly co-worker. You meet a fellow walker while on your morning hike and you get to talking. A lady in the checkout lane in the grocery store smiles and you

Sometimes they last for less than a minute, but impact us for much longer. Sometimes they last for millions of minutes and impact us for just as long.

Some relationships are fleeting. A random meeting. An exchange of smiles. And then they are gone. Over before ever beginning almost.

Others are given the gift of time to grow.

Over the years, some march on, like the winds

of time. Some (too many) fade - into nothingness or perhaps just the occasional phone call.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve become more aware of this process. So many of my friends, my family, my people, have become the occasional phone call.

We keep in touch, but not really, because we don’t really see each other and we certainly don’t talk every day like we used to.

But we don’t want to let it go, not completely. There is still something there. Or at least we want to think there is, or hope there is.

It is bittersweet - more bitter than sweet, but I guess it’s an unavoidable progression of the human experience.

I believe grief has accelerated this process in my life. (I like to blame lots of things on grief, but I think this one is warranted.)

In this acceleration, I am able to see things more clearly. (Yet another benefit of grief.)

When we are young, we are surrounded by lot and lots of people. As the years go by, that pool of people grows more and more shallow (in more ways than one.)

Because of life changes, the people we relied on and talked to every day become more distant, until they exist no more.

But there are some, the most special and reveled of relationships, that we just can’t let die. They become, what I’ve labeled to be relationship defined by the occasional phone. call. They are connections that we wish were still more intact - but they aren’t.

They are the connections that were so important to us at one point, but time and responsibilities and life got in the way.

They are people who should be important to us, and they are, but somehow other people and responsibilities came into our lives and the time to cultivate the connection was all but snuffed, until over the years, it simply fizzled into a phone call here and there.

We call because we aren’t ready to let go. We don’t want to.

But life marches on, as it is wont to do. People come and go into and out of our lives. We like to think relationships are permanent, but not many are.

And that’s okay.

People enter and exit our lives for a reason. Often the entering is easier and more welcomed, but perhaps the exit should be just the same. Each can teach us something - not only about life but about ourselves.

Because nothing is ac-

cidental. Not even a brief encounter, much less the occasional phone call.

Jill Pertler is an award-winning syndicated columnist, published playwright and author. Don’t miss a slice; follow the Slices of Life page on Facebook.

LETTER POLICY

Spiritually-based thought needed

Editor,

Our present lives as humans on earth are filled with increasing chaos, confusion, and the development of advanced methods of killing each other.  There is a clear and empow-

ering answer to all this. It involves the “power of the mind.”

We humans have been gifted with brains and minds. The mind and brain are distinct yet interconnected entities. The mind is the abstract set of cognitive processes that include thoughts, consciousness, emotions, and perceptions, while the brain is the physical organ

responsible for these emotions.

As humans we choose what motivates our thinking. Many people choose negative thoughts and fear. Many choose positive thoughts and love.

Our world needs more public expressions of our spiritually based thought systems of trust, joy, forgiveness, peace, and love. This involves dedication to the

practice of inner listening and following guidance.

As I think about our present lives, Jesus comes to mind. In human body and beyond, he is a perfect example of one who chose to practice and demonstrate the power of God’s Love within each of us.

Bob McClellan Polson

Letters to the editor are welcome. The content is the opinion of the letter writer and not the newspaper. The decision to publish letters is made by the editor. Letters must be 350 words or less. A writer will only be published twice per month. Letters may be edited for content or length, or may not be published if considered libelous, in poor taste, spiteful, self-promotional or of limited interest to the general readership. Space limitations also dictate when or if letters are published. Letters must be signed by the author and name, address and phone number must be included – phone number is for verification purposes only. Letters from organizations must include the name of at least one author. Please limit “thank you” letters to four people/organizations or less. Deadline is 5 p.m. Friday to publish the following week. Opinions expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the newspaper.

Andreas Runningwolf

briefs

RONAN - Andreas Sage Irvine Runningwolf was born on Oct. 10, 2025, at the St. Luke Community Healthcare New Beginnings Birth Center. He measured 6 pounds, 15 ounces and 19.5 inches long. Parents are Zakarius Muzquiz and Tamryn LaFromboise of Ronan. Paternal grandparents are Tony and LeeAnna Muzquiz of Pablo. Maternal grandparents are Mike LaFromboise and Ashley Gervais of Browning.

Leo Ryan

POLSON - Aspen Ryan is excited to announce the arrival of little brother, Leo Alder Ryan. Leo was born on

Oct. 3, 2025, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. He was 20.5 inches long and weighed 8 pounds, 1 ounce. Leo’s parents are Hannah and Casey Ryan of Ronan. Leo’s maternal grandparents are Gregory Smith and Lisa Smith.

Maternal great-grandparents are William Smith, Mary Smith, Robert Yank, and Clara Yank. Paternal grandparents are Les Ryan and Lindsey Ryan. Paternal great-grandparents are Alice Sorrell, John Ryan, Porky McClure, Stuart Brown, and Mae Brown.

Charles Irvine

POLSON Charles Tiger Irvine was born on Oct. 7, 2025, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. He was 20 inches long and weighed 7 pounds, .3 ounces. Charles’ parents are Mystica Hunter and Camrin Irvine of Ronan. Charles’ maternal grandparents are Kimberly Thompson and James

Thompson. Maternal great-grandparents are Ronald Hunter, Grandma and Grandpa T., and Donnie and Char Burland. Paternal grandparents are Josh Jenson and Ann Jenson. Paternal great-grandparents are Mary Jenson and Kurt Folden.

Ledger Parker

POLSON - Lawson Parker is excited to announce the arrival of little brother, Ledger Roy Parker. Ledger was born on Oct. 2, 2025, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. He was 19 inches long and weighed 6 pounds, 3 ounces. Ledger’s parents are Destiny and Brandon Parker of Polson. Ledger’s maternal grandparents are Darla Russell and Jeremy Goldade. Maternal great-grandparents are Dorothy Cantrell, Dan Russell, Roy Baker, and Karen Baker. Paternal grandparents are Diane and Morris Parker.

New Beneficiary Advisory Council recruiting members

News from DPHHS

Montana The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is recruiting members for the new Beneficiary Advisory Council (BAC). This council is a critical opportunity for Medicaid participants, their families, and caregivers to provide direct feedback on program access, challenges, and improvements. We need your support: Please share this opportunity with your staff and encourage direct outreach to the Medicaid participants you serve. Find the application and full details at: DPHHS Beneficiary Advisory Council Website. Applications are preferred by Nov. 7, 2025.

Questions? Contact Savannah Olsen at: savannah.olsen@mt.gov or 406-444-8072.

Polson Loaves & Fish Pantry excited to announce Town Pump’s 2025 charitable campaign

News from Polson Loaves and Fish Pantry

LAKE COUNTY Be a Friend in Deed, Help Those in Need. Sept. 1 through Nov. 30, please mail your check to 904 First Street E, Polson, MT 59860 and Town Pump will match donations up to $15,000.00. These donations will help feed people with food insecurity in our community. #feedingthepeopleofpolson

CONSUMER COUNCIL VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

The Superintendent of Flathead Agency is accepting letters of interest to serve on the Consumer Council for Mission Valley Power. The Consumer Council was created to provide power consumers with the opportunity to participate in the development of utility policy and to hear appeals and complaints brought by consumers. The Consumer Council was established under the authority of PL93-638, the Indian SelfDetermination and Education Assistance Act of 1975.

There are four vacancies to be filled. The vacancies will be appointed as a Lake County Representative, a Missoula County Representative, and 2 members-at-large. The appointees shall fill the positions until September 30, 2028. All appointees must

reside within Mission Valley Power’s service area. The BIA Flathead Agency Superintendent will make the appointment.

The Flathead Agency Superintendent will accept letters of interest until the close of business on Friday, October 31, 2025. Submit letters of interest to:

Dawn D. Davis, Ph.D.

Acting SuperintendentFlathead Agency

Bureau of Indian Affairs

Department of the Interior P.O. Box 220 Fort Hall, Idaho 83203

For more information, contact Dawn at 208-238-2301 or dawn.davis@bia.gov

October 22, 2025 - 11

Andreas Runningwolf

MT Tech student pursues nursing through Lance Scholars Program

News from Megan Strickland, Marketing and Communications Specialist, MT Tech.

BUTTE

- When

Kally Strohm was a high school senior, she knew she’d have to leave her tiny town of Richey, Montana — population 164 — to reach her goal of earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing.

“I didn’t want to go to Bozeman or Missoula because they’re big towns with big colleges and expensive,” she said. “Coming from such a small town, even Butte feels big. Montana Tech felt like the right fit— and it has the #1 nursing program in Montana.”

To make college possible, Strohm applied for as many scholarships as she could.

“I probably applied for 30 scholarships,” she said. “I searched for them every day my senior year. My counselor was a huge help.”

Her persistence paid off. In addition to a number of smaller scholarships, Strohm received the Lance Scholarship from Montana Technological University.

The Lance Scholars Program annually provides 50 in-state students with the opportunity to receive a $4,000 per year scholarship, renewable for up to an additional three years (up to $16,000 total). It was established through the generosity

MT Marinara Program continues in partnership with Departments of Commerce, Agriculture

News from OPI

of Ryan (Petroleum Engineering, ’84) and Lisa Lance. Ryan has served as the CEO of ConocoPhillips since 2012.

The Lance family made a $31 million donation to Montana Tech in Spring 2022, most of which is dedicated to the Lance Scholars Program.

“I was really excited when I found out,”

Strohm said. “I immediately told my mom, ‘I got this scholarship and it’s $16,000!’ It was a huge relief, and it felt like all my effort was worth it.”

Strohm said the scholarship is motivating her to stay focused.

“It definitely makes me try harder because I want to keep my GPA up and not lose it,” she said. “I study all the time.”

Strohm hopes to become a labor and delivery nurse after

graduation, then move into critical care in the ER to prepare for her long-term goal: becoming a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).

She encourages other high school students to apply for as many scholarships as possible.

“Apply for everything,” she said. “It can never hurt, and you never know what you’ll get.”

The Lance Scholars Program is open to Montana high school seniors or transfer students who meet the following criteria:

Student must have a 3.0 GPA or higher at time of application.

Student must be a resident of Montana.

Student must be an incoming first-year, transfer, or a Highlands College student moving

to a bachelor’s degree program.

Student must complete the dedicated scholarship application for the Lance Scholars program.

Student must complete the FAFSA.

Applicants will be asked in 3-5 sentences to answer the question: During your time at Montana Tech, what is one thing you’d like to learn or experience that has the ability to effect change in the world?

Upon acceptance to Montana Tech, qualifying students will receive a link to apply for the Lance Scholars Program and submit materials on their personal URL (PURL) page. The deadline to apply is February 15. For more information visit: www.mtech. edu/lancescholars.

HELENA – Superintendent Hedalen is pleased to announce that the Montana Marinara program will continue thanks to the support of the Montana Department of Commerce and the Montana Department of Agriculture. This popular initiative ensures that schools across the state have access to locally sourced, nutritious foods, strengthening Montana’s agricultural economy while providing students with healthy meals. This initiative is in alignment with President Trump’s efforts to “Make America Healthy Again” by expanding access to fresh, nutritious foods in schools. By connecting local farmers with school meal programs, Montana Marinara advances our shared goals to improve student health and strengthen regional food systems.

The Montana Marinara program is a cornerstone of the Office of Public Instruction’s efforts to bring fresh, food products to school districts. USDA Foods tomatoes are sent to the Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center in Ronan, where they’re mixed with locally sourced carrots, onions, squash, and safflower oil from the Western Montana Growers Cooperative in Missoula. The end product is a vegetable-rich, affordable option that schools can receive through OPI’s distribution system.

Superintendent Hedalen expressed gratitude for the collab-

oration that makes this program possible. “The Montana Marinara program is a great example of how local partnerships can strengthen our schools and our agricultural communities. By bringing Montana-grown produce into school meals, we ensure students receive nutritious, high-quality food while supporting farmers and food producers across the state. When grant funding was lost, we worried that this valuable initiative might come to an end. Thanks to the Montana Department of Commerce and the Department of Agriculture, this program will continue, providing districts with affordable, locally sourced meal options that benefit our children and our economy.”

“Nutrient dense foods are absolutely essential to our children’s well-being and future health,” said Montana Department of Agriculture Director, Jillien Streit. “Through this program and local value-added processing, we are supporting our agricultural producers while giving our kids the building blocks to succeed.”

Despite the loss of a USDA grant, we successfully secured $70,000 through the generous collaboration of the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Commerce to sustain our program. Montana Marinara, a flagship product in our line of locally sourced, value-added foods for schools, exemplifies this effort.

COURTESY PHOTO

Kelly Strohm posses for a photo in front of the Health Sciences Department at Montana Tech.

Superintendent Hedalen announces release of new AI guidance for

News from Montana OPI

HELENA — Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen recently announced the release of Montana’s K–12 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance, a first-of-itskind resource designed to help schools and districts across the state navigate the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI in education responsibly.

Developed in collaboration with the Montana Digital Academy (MTDA) and education stakeholders statewide, this living document provides practical principles, policy alignment, and

classroom strategies for schools as they explore AI’s potential to support teaching, learning, and operations while maintaining a strong focus on student privacy, and local control.

“This guidance is about empowering Montana educators and districts to approach AI with confidence and care,” said Superintendent Susie Hedalen.

“We’re proud to lead the way in crafting practical, Montana-made resources that balance safety, ethics, and innovation. By partnering with the Montana Digital Academy, we are shaping tools that serve every corner of our state.

Our goal with this guidance is that students and

“ We’re proud to lead the way in crafting practical, Montaa-made resources that balance safety, ethics and innovation.”

Superintendent Susan Hedalen, OPI

educators will be able to approach AI with critical thinking skills and an understanding of the power of this technology as well as the ethical responsibilities that come with it.”

“We’re so happy to be part of this work and grateful for the Superintendent’s leadership in setting a thoughtful direction for AI in our school,”

said Executive Director of MTDA Jason Neiffer.

“Through our Frontier Learning Lab, we look forward to partnering with schools across Montana to turn this guidance into practical strategies that serve teachers and students alike.”

The guidance emphasizes human-centered, ethical use of AI ensuring

that technology supports, rather than replaces, learning. It outlines clear principles for data privacy, transparency, academic integrity, and responsible innovation, while highlighting both the benefits and unpredictability of AI adoption. The Frontier Learning Lab, a branch of the Digital Academy, stands ready to aid in implementation of best practices around AI and provides trainings to schools across the state.

Key focus areas include: Professional Learning for Educators: Building AI literacy, ethical awareness, and confidence in using AI tools safely and effectively.

Accessibility: Ensuring all students including those in rural, tribal, and under-resourced communities benefit from responsible AI use.

Policy and Governance: Aligning AI practices with Montana law, local control, and tribal sovereignty.

Implementation Roadmap: Providing regional support through MTDA’s Frontier Learning Lab, service cooperatives, and higher education partners. The Office of Public Instruction will review and update the guidance periodically to ensure it remains relevant as technologies and classroom practices evolve.

Proud Community Partner

- Winston Churchill

MSU offers informal cooking sessions to help students beyond the classroom

By Anne Cantrell, MSU News Service

BOZEMAN — In the waning late afternoon light of a teaching kitchen in Montana State University’s Herrick Hall last week, onions and leeks sizzle in hot pans on four stovetops, while delicate squash, cut up and rubbed in olive oil and sprinkled with salt, roast in the ovens below. Students talk and laugh together as they mince garlic for their current project: creating a dish of creamy garlic penne pasta with roasted vegetables.

The students were participating in the Student Stir, an informal program offered by the College of Education, Health and Human Development that aims to help undergraduate students learn how to cook meals that are inexpensive, quick and nutritious while also providing participants a social space to combine cooking and eating together. It’s one of the ways the college is working to support students beyond the classroom.

“This is one of the pieces of the puzzle,” said Sara Heller, academic adviser in the College of Education, Health and Human Development and the event’s organizer. “Students need tutoring support and af-

Offered by the College of Education, Health and Human Development, the Student Stir aims to help undergraduate students learn how to cook meals that are inexpensive, quick and nutritious.

fordable housing, but they also need access to healthy meals so they can function and do well in school.”

During the Student Stir session, students cooked with vegetables grown at MSU’s student-run Towne’s Harvest Garden. Three students who are part of the Montana Student Dietetics Association at MSU led the session, teaching their fellow students how to prepare and safely chop vegetables,

among other skills.

Each hour-and-a-half-long Student Stir session is open to a maximum of 14 students, Heller said. Along with hands-on instruction and various tips for cooking the day’s dish, students receive a packet containing recipes, a cost analysis, a sample grocery list and links to information about budgeting, other recipes and more. After preparing the recipe, students then eat together and are invited to take

leftovers with them.

Heller said the college started the Student Stir in 2024, after members of the Montana Student Dietetics Association at MSU expressed interest in leading cooking classes for their peers. Around the same time, Heller and Herrick Hall Food Lab manager Cailyn Gillis learned about research that found many young adults lack foundational cooking skills. Heller and Gillis teamed up

Fall Mack Days - week 6 results announced

News from CSKT

FLATHEAD LAKE

Three weeks are all that is left in the 2025 Fall Mack Days Fishing Event. It is not too late

to get some entries into the lottery drawings that begin at $2,000 and go down to $100. Every lake trout entry will give you a chance at winning and you may be a lucky angler with a $10,000,

$5,000, or $1,000 tagged lake trout at the end of your line. There are also over 9,000 lake trout with $100-$500 tags. 2025 Fall Mack Days will end Nov. 2.

Mack Days fishing

events are sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and are used as a management tool to reduce the non-native lake trout in Flathead Lake. It would be easy to forget about

with a group of four undergraduate students in a human development and family science class to come up with a plan to address those foundational skills through informal cooking classes. The College of Education, Health and Human Development’s dean’s office invested $200 to pilot the Student Stir, and then the first session was held in the spring of 2024.

Heller said that previous Student Stir sessions have featured recipes for fajita vegetables and chicken; vegetarian chili and cornbread; and build-your-own frittatas.

Heller noted that all of the students who completed evaluations of the Student Stir said they felt more confident in the kitchen since participating in the program.

“I’ve never taken a cooking class, and I wanted to try something new as well as learn new recipes that I can use, take home and try out,” one student noted in their feedback. “I learned new tips and tricks for the kitchen, and the recipe book was super helpful,” another student said.

Four more Student Stir sessions will be offered this academic year. Interested students are invited to contact Heller at: sara.heller1@montana.edu or 406-994-4002 to learn more.

the native bull trout and westslope cutthroat in the lake, but this isn’t about a management plan that is easy or one to forget. This is an on-going effort to ensure that the native fish in Flathead

Lake will be here for future generations. This is about caring about what happens in the lake, which is one of the last strongholds for these nasee page 15

COURTESY PHOTO

Mack Days

from page 14

tive fish. This is about doing what is right for the Flathead ecosystem and for generations of Montana and tribal people to come. Lake trout have moved from Flathead Lake up into Glacier National Park and are affecting the ecosystems there. There are on-going efforts in the park to keep them from increasing and moving into more areas. Come out and be part of this effort to make a difference.

Weather was a little harsher during week six, especially on Saturday. Sunday through Friday were a good fall fishing days with winds, rain, and cold causing anglers problems on Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday the anglers dealt with wind and Sunday dealth with wind, rain, and cold. While some chose not to go out, others didn’t seem to be hampered by the weather at all. The fish total for Friday was 590, Saturday 339, and Sunday 101. The final total is 12,883. The total after six weeks in fall 2024 was 12,762, in 2023 -12,889, and in 2022 - 11,253.

David Myers of Riverton, Wyoming, has a total of 845 to lead the anglers in the Top Twenty Angler category – 60 Friday, 55 Saturday,16 Sunday. Anglers have now begun to reach the 18-day average part of the competition. Once they reach 18 days, the Top Ten Anglers are placed by that average.

Their entries in the lottery are limited by the average and entries have to be above the drop day number to be entered. David now has 46.94 for an average. His lowest day is 14 fish entries. The 14 will be dropped if he comes in with more on the 19th day and he will gain lottery entries for anything over 14 and his average will move up. For instance, if he has 20, drop the 14 and 6 entries go into the lottery. In second is Terry Krogstad of Kalispell with 785 for 17 days, 54-19-0; 3rd is Larry Ashwell of Missoula with 718 in 16 days, 55-36-0; 4th is Julie Perkins of Kalispell with 713 in 17 days, 64-19-0; 5th is Jack Kirkland of Lolo, 552 in 15 days,64-32-0;

6th is Devon Bukowski of Kalispell, 545 in 18 days, 18-17-24; 7th is Patrick Casey of Townsend with 510 in 17 days, 64-32-0, 8th is Michael Benson of Lonepine with 400 in 15 days, 23-25-0; 9th is Lyndon Lee of Canada with 383 in 18 days, 27-32-2; 10th is Bob Stewart of Kalispell with 359 in 14 days, 3517-0. Richard Kreis of Huson is 11th with 359, 12th is Janet Myers of Riverton, Wyoming, 301; 13th is Jerry Benson of Plains, 252; 14th is Larry Karper of Florence, 231; 15th is Laurie Kreis of Huson, 230; 16th is Dan Deutschman of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, 200; 17th is Angie Morrow of Kalispell,178; 18th is Felix Gauci of Stevensville,

152; 19th is Steve Mack of Helena,136; and 20th is Ted Stewart of Kalispell, 105.

Julie Perkins is 1st in the Ladies with 713, 2nd is Janet Myers with 301, 3rd is Laurie Kreis with 230, 4th is Angie Morrow with 178, and 5th is Shaunda Albert of Pablo with 52.

12 & Under leader is Carter Lindsay of Pablo with 8 and Olivia Cottet of Polson leads the 13-17 with 5.

70 & Over leader is Terry Krogstad with 785, 2nd is Larry Ashwell with 718, 3rd is Jack Kirkland with 552, 4th is Michael Benson with 400, and 5th is Jerry Benson with 252.

Weekend Winners: $200-Larry Karper,

$100-Lyndon Lee, Patrick Casey, Korey Hemdahl of Kalispell, and David Myers. There are several ways to win in the different categories and in the lottery drawings. You can fish one day or several. Entries continue to be taken until the last day of the event. Bonus dollars are paid as your total number of lake trout entries goes up. Check out the bonus chart on the website: www.mackdays. com.

Lake trout with $100 tags were turned in by: Steve Mack, Stephanie Mix of Stevensville, and Richard Kreis. The 2nd day of the Bucket of Fish competition was won by Jens Gran of Polson with a bucket of four lake trout

under 30” that weighed in at 29.05. Michael Benson was 2nd with 28.75 pounds, 3rd was Larry Karper with 22.7 pounds, 4th were Richard and Laurie Kreis with 19.25 pounds, and 5th was Stephanie Mix with 19.15 pounds.

The last day of the Bucket of Fish will be Sunday, Oct. 26. $200 goes to the winning bucket each day of the competition. Go to the website: www.mackdays. com for information, entry page, fish ID, rules, etc.

Reminder to always be careful out on the water. Have all safety equipment on board and keep a close eye on the weather.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BOB GUNDERSON / GUNDY ARTISTRY

Polson Pirate soccer player Jackson Bontadelli battles for the ball in a Oct. 18 playoff game against the Park High Rangers. Right: Roman Sawyer attacks against Park High defenders. Polson won the game 1-0 and will play Columbia Falls in semifinals this week.

Polson Pirate goalie Maddox Bird sends the soccer ball deep into Park High Territory. Center: Brody Kline slides in and steals the ball from a Park player. Right: Roman Sawyer celebrates his winning goal against Park High - a header off of a corner kick.

seniors

St. Ignatius

By Theresa Yares for the Valley Journal

ST. IGNATIUSMedicare Open Enrollment started Oct. 15. Dixie will be here from Area VI on Friday, Nov. 14, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. to help with this. One hour appointments for singles, and two hour appointments for couples are available. Bring a current medication list, email address, Medicare red/ white/blue card, and a cell phone. Call the Center at 406-745-4462 to sign up. Questions? Call Dixie at 406-872-2282.

Mandy Jo, RN, has openings for toenail care on Oct. 27 and Oct. 30. Call the center at 406745-4462, or Mando Jo at 406-253-5114 to make an appointment time.

An AARP Classroom

Driving Course will be held on Nov. 6 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. here at the St. Ignatius Senior Center. Call the center at 406-745-4462 to sign up.

Menu:

- Friday, Oct, 24: chicken stir fry, rice, peaches, cookie

- Tuesday, Oct. 28: spaghetti, green salad, mixed fruit, French bread, dessert

- Friday, Oct.31: stew, oranges, fry-bread, sugar cookies

- Tuesday, Nov. 4: pulled pork, peaches, vegetable tray, lemon bars

Everyone is welcome at our meals (young and old). Come enjoy a delicious meal and good conversation. If you would like a takeout meal, call 406-745-4462 by 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays and by 2 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Mealtimes are at noon Tuesdays

and Fridays and at 5:30 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Menus for the month are available in the entryway of the center. Our St. Ignatius Senior Center is available for rent. If interested, call 406-745-4462 or stop by. If you have questions about obtaining Elder Commodities, call or stop by for information and an application.

Gentle Yoga is held on Wednesdays from 1 to 2:15 p.m. If you are interested, call Bonnie Kiser at 406-253-0177. Her rate is five sessions for $65.

Polson

By Pete Mangels for the Valley Journal

POLSON - Mail-in ballot season is upon us. Remember to put the year of your birth on the

signed return ballot envelope in the space provided. If you are mailing your ballot, do so seven days before the election. Better yet, just turn it in at the county courthouse any time before or on the election day. Register to vote now. Voting is your voice, not slogan shouting, and yes, every vote counts. Elections are Nov. 4.

Our Polson Senior Citizens Community Center provides space for groups to meet for physical and mental health or social and educational purposes. Our Polson Senior Community Center is open for reserved special events on weekends and evenings. Call for details. Thanks to those bringing harvest foods to the center. We use them as we are able, and the rest is shared with our patrons.

- Bingo: Fridays at

6 p.m. Standard games (Wear a costume on Oct. 31) - Wednesdays, “playing card” elimination style bingo at 6 p.m. Easy and fun.

- Pinochle: Thursdays (standard) and Mondays (no pass): noon-3 p.m. Eighteen players last week.

- Pool: Open table from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

- Spinning Wheelers: first, second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 208520-1013.

- VSO (Veterans Service Officer:) first Friday and third Tuesday of each month – 10 a.m.-noon Walk-ins OK.

- Bridge and Mahjong groups meet regularly at the center.

- Bowling fun-league is on Tuesdays at 1 p.m. at the Sportspage Bowl.

- Exercise class (sitting, standing and low impact video assisted)

M-W-F 10:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Menu (subject to substitutions): lunch $5 donation - served from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday - Wednesday, Oct. 22: Taco salad with sour cream and salsa, black bean salad, pretzel fruit Jell-O - Thursday, Oct. 23: Beef hot dog in a blanket, tattered tots, honey carrots, coleslaw, fruit medley, cookie - Friday, Oct.  24: birthday dinner at lunch time - roast pork with all the trimmings, vegetable medley, cinnamon-applesauce, carrot cake - Monday, Oct. 27: cabbage-patch soup, peanut butter/jelly sandwich, green salad, fruit medley, Krispy rice treat - Tuesday, Oct. 28: chicken enchiladas, spicy see page 23

AARP releases results of 2025 Vital Voices Study

Study highlights needs, concerns of older Montanans

HELENA — AARP Montana released new research today that examines how Montanans age 45 and older feel about issues such as health care, financial security, energy costs, caregiving, livable communities and more. This is part of an ongoing effort by AARP in all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands to better understand the needs and attitudes of older Americans and assist in the development of programs, policies and resources to support them.

In Montana, AARP surveyed 720 people and found that, among residents 45-plus:

Montanans age 45+ want Social Security tax relief

79% say it’s extremely or very important to eliminate or phase out Montana’s tax on Social Security income

60% support raising the base amount

Seniors

of taxable SS income from $25k to $40k (individual) and $34k to $49k (adjusted)

Housing affordability is a real concern for Montana resident

4 in 5 (83%) say housing affordability is a very or fairly serious problem where they live

Extremely or very concerned about ability to afford housing costs in the future: Home insurance: 44%; Property taxes: 40%; Utility bills: 40%; Home repairs or updates to age in place: 37%; Monthly rent or mortgage payments; 3 in 4 (74%) say elected leaders should place a very high or fairly high priority on affordable housing

“These results not only support our advocacy and outreach efforts on legislative priorities, but they become important for community leaders throughout Montana,” said Tim Summers, AARP Montana State Director.  “As local and state officials make public policy decisions that impact the lives of all Montanans, it’s essential for them to have reliable research results that accurately

from page 17

beans, corn salad, fruit medley, lemon bars  - Wednesday, Oct. 29: Shepherd’s pie, roll, apple sauce, green salad, pound cake with sauce

Thursday, Oct. 30: barbecue pork sandwich, potato salad, baked peaches, 4-layer dessert  Friday, Oct.  31: Halloween lunchtime for seniors. Wearing a costume during lunch is encouraged. Prizes to be awarded. Special menu will include witches stew in a caldron, croaky frog-eyed salad, petrified pumpkin bars.

The Polson Senior Community Center is open 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. on weekdays, or later by appointment. Contact us at 406-883-4735; 504 3rd Ave. E; Email: polsonseniorcenter@ gmail.com ; visit us on Facebook!

vj

gauge public opinion.”

This is the third round of Vital Voices research that AARP has conducted.

From 2019 to 2024, AARP Montana used findings from Vital Voices when meeting with legislators and delivering public testimony.

“In 2022 we found that an overwhelming majority of Montanans age 45+ wanted tax relief,” said Summers.  “As a result, last session, AARP Montana championed legislation to do just that.”

This new data will once again be provided to local and state leaders, who will be able to use the data to:

Predict the need for a specific program or interest in a particular issue.

Enhance program and product innovation and development.

Track issues and attitudes over time to assess shifts in public opinion.

Take action on critical advocacy issues.

To see the Montana report as well as AARP insights on Americans 45+ in every state visit: aarp.org/vitalvoices.

DNRC launches Montana Forest Products Manufacturers Interactive Map

News from DNRC

HELENA – The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation recently launched the Montana forest products manufacturers map, an interactive dashboard that displays wood products facilities across the state. The tool helps forest landowners, contractors, and community members quickly find nearby manufacturers and identify partners for projects and processing needs.

The map features each facility’s product information including the types of products made, wood species used, and size classifications with direct links to their websites for more information.

Access the map and view Forest Product Industry Week events, tours and workshops at: https://dnrc. mt.gov/forestproducts.

Great presentations offered at library

POLSON - The North Lake County Public Library offers an impressive lineup of presenters during the upcoming week. Call ahead to assure yourself of a spot.

First off there’s “Let’s Talk About Pollinators” with Abi Saeed, which will be held at the Polson Library on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. via MLN Virtual Programming. This is a virtual program from the Montana Library Network.

This presentation will be focused on learning about the different kinds of Montana’s pollinators and how you can integrate them into your yards and gardens, and how to keep pollinators safe from pesticides through responsible landscaping practices. You must register to get the link.  Register at: https:// tinyurl.com/AbiSaeed

On Wednesday, Oct. 29 hear from Flathead Lake Kayaker, author, Gary Hawk at the Pol-

son Library on from 6-8 p.m.

Author Gary Hawk will talk and hold a book signing about his book, “Into This Radiance: Kayaking Flathead Lake.” He will share his complex relationship with an immense place—Flathead Lake.

Hawk has paddled a sea kayak for over nineteen years, and he takes the reader along with him as he explores the lake’s bays, islands, and the distances between them. This Montana author will have books for sale during the event. Finally, learn about macroinvertebrates at the library on Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 4-5 p.m.

The Flathead Lake Biological Station will present “Build Your Own Macroinvertebrates.” Join us for an interactive kid’s program presented by a Flathead Lake Biological Station educator and learn all about macroinvertebrates.

Wednesday, Oct. 22

Free meditation class offered

POLSON - Join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesdays for online instruction, practice and discussion via Zoom and in-person. The classes will be rom 6 to 7:30 p.m. We will cultivate and deepen our centering skills and meditation practice during the class. For more information and a Zoom link to the class call Zenku at 847-721-0665 or email at: Jerry.Smyers@ gmail.com. Go to: www. missionmountainzen. org for more information.

Thursday, Oct. 23

FVCC presents the ‘Tempest’

KALISPELL The Flathead Valley Community College Theatre Department presents William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” opens Thursday, Oct. 23. There will be a shipwreck, sorcery, revenge and redemption. Join us on campus in Kalispell for performances Oct. 23-25 and Oct. 30-Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. in the FVCC Joe Legate Black Box Theatre.

Friday, Oct. 24

Ladies Night Out held

POLSON - The annual Ladies Night Out event in downtown Polson takes place from 5-8 p.m. Grab your gals for an evening of shopping, food, drinks and deals. Pick up a trick or treat

tote bag at the Chamber tent. Enter to win a prize gift basket. Costumes are encouraged. Pick up a $5 savings pass at participating businesses.

Mission Valley Live presents Pipeline Vocal Project

POLSON - The music of Pipeline Vocal Project is Alaska’s fir professional vocal trio comprised of a lead, bass and vocal percussion. This group puts a unique twist on well-known favorites for all eras.

Enjoy their music

arrangements on Friday, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. at the Ronan Performing Arts Center. Single tickets are $13 in advance and $15 at the door. Youth 18 and under are free. Go to First Interstate Bank in Polson, Ronan True Value in Ronan, missionvalleylive. com or call 406-471-5849 for tickets or information.

Join free Community Friendship Dinner

POLSON - Polson Churches host free community friendship dinners on Friday nights starting at 5 p.m. On the

4th Friday of each month JourneyBe, 101 7th Ave. W, plays host.

While there are different flavors of churches and meals, each one is free and open to the public.

If you are interested in helping out, talk to the host at any of the participating sites to see how you can get involved.

Saturday, Oct. 25

Red Cross training held in Polson

GREAT FALLS —

Montana Red Cross is offering in-person training in Polson on Saturday, Oct. 25, for those interested in supporting their communities during emergencies such as home fires, wildfires and other disasters.

The free training will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Polson Rural Fire District Station, 25b Regatta Road, and is open to residents of Lake, Lincoln and Flathead counties. Participants will learn how to provide comfort, care and critical assistance to families affected by local disasters. Breakfast, lunch

and snacks will be provided.

Saturday Story

Time held

POLSON - This program is held at 10 a.m. and is a repeat of the Thursday theme and is focused on 3-5 year olds. We read stories and have activities for kindergarten readiness.

Folk Artist ‘The Tallest Man on Earth’ to Perform at Wachholz College Center

KALISPELL -  On

MARTY HENSEL PHOTO

A single fisherman, bundled for the cool weather, stands and fishes from the docks.

Calendar

from page 19

Saturday, Oct. 25, The Wachholz College Center at Flathead Valley Community College is thrilled to bring Swedish singer-songwriter Kristian Matsson, better known by his stage name, “The Tallest Man on Earth,” to the Flathead Valley this fall. Since launching his solo career in 2006, Matsson has captivated audiences worldwide with his intimate performances, emotional storytelling and charismatic stage presence. Critics often draw comparisons between The Tallest Man on Earth and Bob Dylan, citing similarities in both songwriting and vocal style. Tickets are on sale now and start at $33 inclusive of all fees. For more information about this show or to purchase tickets visit: wccmt.org or contact the WCC ticket office at 406-756-1400.

Little ones love Mother Goose

POLSON - The Polson Library’s Mother Goose Program is held on Fridays at 10 a.m. for 0-24 month olds.

Harvest-Holiday Bazaar held

ST. IGNATIUS - On Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Mission Valley United Methodist Church, top of Post Creek Hill, a Harvest-Holiday Bazaar will be held. Vendors reserve your table today by calling Evelyn Jeannotte at 406745-4327.

Monday, Oct. 27

Master Gardner

Level I begins

POLSON - On Monday, Oct. 27, from 2-4 p.m., Master Gardener Level 1 Class begins at the Polson Library. This is class 1 of 8. This class continues weekly until Dec. 15. This class is full with a waiting list. Please attend if you have registered.

Tuesday, Oct. 28

FLBS Pesticide Stewardship

Seminar

YELLOW BAY - The Flathead Lake Biological Station welcomes you to a public seminar during this year’s Montana Pesticide Stewardship Partnership Program on Tuesday, Oct. 28, starting at 6:30 p.m. This seminar will provide an engaging evening of science, stories, and ideas for action that can help protect Montana’s waters. Join the team to learn more about pesticides, nonpoint source pollution, and actions that can be taken to improve water quality. The seminar will be followed by light refreshments and conservations with fellow attendees. This meeting is a gathering of PSPP partners, scientists, educators, and community members who are dedicated to protecting Montana’s waters through collaboration, science and stewardship.

Join Adult Coloring Program

POLSON - The Polson Library will host an Adult Coloring Program on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 10:30 a.m. Join us for a relaxing Adult Coloring Program with Stephanie. It’s time to celebrate fall colors and themes. Coloring supplies are provided, or bring your

Learn about Montana pollinators

POLSON - “Let’s Talk About Pollinators” with Abi Saeed will be held at the Polson Library on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. via MLN Virtual Programming. This is a virtual program from the Montana Library Network.

This presentation will be focused on learning about the different kinds of Montana’s pollinators and how you can integrate them into your yards and gardens, and how to keep pollinators safe from pesticides through responsible landscaping practices. You must register to get the link.  Register at: https:// tinyurl.com/AbiSaeed

Wednesday, Oct. 29

Hear from Flathead Lake Kayaker, author, Gary Hawk

POLSON - At the Polson Library on Wednesday, Oct. 29, from 6-8 p.m. author Gary Hawk will talk and hold a book signing about his book, “Into This Radiance: Kayaking Flathead Lake.” Gary Hawk will share his complex relationship with an immense place—Flathead Lake. Hawk has paddled a sea kayak for over nineteen years, and he takes the reader along with him as he explores the lake’s bays, islands, and the distances between them. This Montana author will have books for sale during the event.

public meetings

The Polson City Commission meets every first and third Monday of the month (Wednesday, if the Monday falls on a holiday) at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 106 1st Street East. Meetings are open to the public.

St. Ignatius City Council meets the second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at City Hall, 12 First Ave. 406- 745-3791

Ronan City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m., 207 Main Street SW, Ste A. 406-676-4231

Lake County Commissioners , 106 Fourth Ave. E, room 211, (Lake County Courthouse) 406-883-7278, Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-12 p.m. & 1:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m.

The Lake County Conservation District , 64352 US HWY 93, Ronan, meets monthly on the second Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. Meetings are open to the public and agendas may be found at LakeCountyConservationDistrict.org.

The Ronan School District No. 30 Board of Trustees have regularly scheduled board meetings once a month. They meet the second Monday of every month in the K. William Harvey Elementary Multi-Purpose Room. Regular meetings begin at 7 p.m.

The Polson School District No. 23 Board of Trustees have regularly scheduled board meetings once a month. Meetings are held the second Monday of each month from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the District Office, 111 4th Ave. E, 406-883-6345.

The Charlo School District 7J B Board of Trustees have regularly scheduled meetings on the third Thursday of every month. Meetings are held in the school library, 404 1st Ave. W, and begin at 7 p.m. The phone number is 406-6442206.

The Arlee School District No. 8 Board of Trustees hold regularly scheduled meetings on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are held in the Arlee High School Library, 72220 Fyant Street, and begin at 6:30 p.m. The phone number is 406-726-3216.

Valley View Elementary is located at 42448 Valley View Road. The phone number is 406-8832208.

St. Ignatius School District No. 28 Board of Trustees meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the library, 76 Third Avenue. The phone number is 406-745-3811.

PUZZLES

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Employment

Help wanted

Extension Agent in Roosevelt County, Culbertson, MT. Full time. Exciting job with lots of autonomy! Will develop, implement and evaluate Extension programming. Complete information and to apply: www.montana.- edu/extension/careers. In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. Montana State University does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of

race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL

(Addictions Specialist Level 1-3, General Level 1-3, Co-Occuring Level 1-3)

TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

(1 or more positionsVarious locations)

The successful applicant must have for -Behavioral Health- Addictions Specialist, Level One: Associates of Arts (AA) or Bachelors of Arts (BA) in Chemical Dependency (CD) or Addictions Studies, other related degree as accepted by the Montana Board of Behavioral Health/ Psychology Board licensing/ candidates eligibility. Addictions Counselor Candidate’s License in Montana (LAC-c).

For Level Two: Level One qualifications PLUS Licensed Addiction Counselor in Montana (LAC). Less than three (3) years’ experience as an LAC. Level Three: Meets Level Two requirements with 3+ years of experience as an LAC. Provides clinical supervision and/or clinical consultation as assigned. For Behavioral Health- General, Youth, Adult, Addictions, or Integrated Care Specialist: Level One: Masters (Arts or Sciences) in Social Work, Psychology, or other related degree as accepted by the Montana Board of Behavioral Health/Psychology Board licensing/candidates eligibility. Clinical Social Worker or Professional Counselor Candidate’s License in Montana (LCSW-c, LCPC-c, LAC-c). Level Two: Level One qualifications PLUS Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Montana. Less than three (3) years’ experience as an LCSW/LCPC. Level Three: Meets Level Two requirements

with 3+ years of experience as an LCSW/LCPC. Provides clinical supervision and/ or clinical consultation as assigned. For Behavioral Health- Co-Occurring Chemical Dependency/ Mental Health Specialist - Level One: Masters of Arts in Social Work, Psychology, or other related degree as accepted by the Montana Board of Behavioral Health/Psychology Board licensing/candidates eligibility. Associates of Arts (AA), Bachelors of Arts (BA) in Chemical Dependency (CD) or Addictions Studies, Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) or other related degree as accepted by the Montana Board of Behavioral Health licensing/candidates eligibility. Licensed Addiction Counselor PLUS Clinical Social Worker or Professional Counselor Candidate’s License OR Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor PLUS Licensed Addictions Counselor Candidate’s License. Co-Occurring services provided on a regular basis within designated role on the BH team. Level Two: Level One qualifications PLUS Licensed Clinical Social Worker or Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor AND Licensed Addictions Counselor. Less than three (3) years’ experience as an LCSW/LCPC. Less than

three (3) years’ experience as an LAC. Level Three: Meets Level Two requirements with 3+ years of experience as an LCSW/LCPC and LAC. Provides clinical supervisor and/or clinical consultation as assigned. CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS: Active candidate’s licensure under Montana State’s Board of Licensing (i.e., LCSW/ LCPC/LAC candidate’s license) or Licensure under Montana State’s Board of Licensing for scope of practice for identified level, such as Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), Licensed Clinically Social Worker (LCSW), etc. Licenses or permits are active, unrestricted, and unencumbered by administrative or board action, including probationary or other disciplinary actions taken by the overseeing licensing board. Must have valid driver’s license. Basic Life Support within 30 days of hire. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, copy of degree or academic transcripts, and training certificates, copy of current licensure, a copy of current valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE

ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a prehire drug test. Salary range: Addictions Specialist Level 1 - $18.05 to $20.75, Addictions Specialist Level 2 - $22.44 to $25.79, Addictions Specialist Level 3 - $28.55 to $32.82, General Level 1 - $22.90 to $26.32, General Level 2$24.83 to $28.54, General Level 3 - $30.65 to $35.23, Co-occurring Level 1 - $25.92 to $29.79, Co-occurring Level 2 - $31.21 to $35.87, Co-Occurring Level 3 - $33.86 to $38.92. To apply, contact Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt. org Tribal applications are also available online at www.cskt. org/ personnel. The closing date will be Monday, November 3, 2025 @ 5:30 p.m. (MST).

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

PUBLIC HEALTH

EDUCATOR - Ronan TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

The successful applicant must have an Associate’s Degree in a health related field with a

Puzzle Answers

(From puzzles on page 21)

Word Search Answers

minimum of two years working in a public health, community health, or health care setting. Documented experience providing education to individuals, families, and groups. Valid and unrestricted driver’s license. Heartsaver CPR or BLS within six months of hire. All applicants must submit a Tribal application, a copy of academic transcripts, certifications, proof of state licensure, copy of valid driver’s license, if claiming Tribal preference, proof of enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of the DD214 must be submitted. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test, subject to random testing, and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary is $22.37 - $25.71 per hour, plus benefits, may be employed under contract. To apply, contact Personnel at see page 23

public notices

(406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt.org. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. The closing date will be Monday, November 3, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. (MST)

CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER

Extension Agent in Rosebud/Treasure Counties, Forsyth, MT. Full time. Exciting job with lots of autonomy! Will develop, implement and evaluate Extension programming. Complete information and to apply: www.montana.edu- /extension/careers. In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profile. Montana State University does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.

Real Estate

Equal housing

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and

the Montana Human Rights Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, familial status, physical or mental disability, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD Toll-free at 1-800669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

CAUSE

NO. DP-25-67

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-entitled Estate. All creditors of the decedent having claims against the decedent’s estate are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or said claims will be forever barred as creditors of the decedent.

A written statement of the claim indicating its basis, the name and address of the claimant, and the amount claimed, must either be mailed to DICK BRATTON, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, c/o FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS, PLLC, 324 Main SW, Ronan, MT 59864, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 16th day of October, 2025.

/s/ Dick Bratton DICK BRATTON, Personal Representative

Oct. 22. 29 and Nov. 5, 2025 MNAXLP

Daniel Rasmussen 11693 Dixie Rd. Central Point, OR 97502 541-621-1269

Danielrasmussen36@gmail.com

IN THE TRIBAL COURT OF THE CONFEDERATED SALISH AND KOOTENAI TRIBES OF THE FLATHEAD RESERVATION, PABLO, MONTANA

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: Tracy Tevis, Deceased.

Cause No. 25-0127P

William P. Williams, IV FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS, PLLC

Attorneys at Law 324 Main SW Ronan, MT 59864

Telephone: (406) 676-4470

Attorney for Personal Representative bill@fgwilliamslaw.com

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF RICHARD A. MENKE, Deceased.

Representative within 4 months after the date of the first publication or said claims will be forever barred.

Climas must either be mailed toe the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, and/or mailed to the Clerk of Court of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal Court, P.O. Box 278, Pablo, Montana 59855.

DATED this 22nd day of September, 2025.

Daniel Rasmussen 11693 Dixie Rd. Central Point, OR 97502

Oct. 22, 29 and Nov. 5, 2025 MNAXLP

William P. Williams, IV FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS, PLLC

Attorneys at Law 324 Main SW Ronan, MT 59864 Telephone: (406) 676-4470

Attorneys for Personal Representative bill@fgwilliamslaw.com

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARY E. HALL, Deceased.

CAUSE NO. DP-25-61 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appoint-

ed Personal Representative of the above-entitled Estate. All creditors of the decedent having claims against the decedent’s estate are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice or said claims will be forever barred as creditors of the decedent.

A written statement of the claim indicating its basis, the name and address of the claimant, and the amount claimed, must either be mailed to LAWRENCE HALL, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, c/o FRENCH, GRAINEY & WILLIAMS, PLLC, 324 Main SW, Ronan, MT 59864, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED this 30th day of September, 2025.

/s/ Lawrence Hall LAWRENCE HALL, Personal Representative

October 8, 15 and 22, 2025 MNAXLP

Chuck Wall TURNAGE & WALL, PLLP Attorneys at Law 312 First St. East Polson, MT 59860 Telephone: 406-883-5367 ChuckWall@TurnageWallLaw.com

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: JAMES JAMBOR, Deceased.

Cause No.: DP-24-2025-56

NOTICE TO CREDITORS BY PUBLICATION

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Estate of Tracy Tevis, Deceased Cause No. 25-0127P

Notice is hereby given that the undersigned, Daniel Rasmussen, has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate.

All persons having claims against the above-named estate are require to present their claims to the Personal

Dept. No. 2002 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That the undersigned have been appointed as Co-Personal Representatives of the above-entitled estate, and that the address of the Co-Personal Representatives is set forth below.

All creditors of the decedent having claims against the decedent’s estate must present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice, or be forever barred as creditors of the decedent.

A written statement of the claim indicating its basis, the name and address of the claimant, and the amount claimed, may be filed with the Clerk of the District Court, at Polson, Lake County, Montana, or mailed, Return Receipt Requested, to the Co-Personal Representatives, c/o TURNAGE & WALL, PLLP, Attorneys for the Co-Personal Representatives, at 312 First St. East, Polson, MT 59860.

Tonya Reimer TONYA REIMER

Char Jambor CHAR JAMBOR

Co-Personal Representatives Estate of JAMES JAMBOR, Deceased.

October 15, 22 and 29, 2025 MNAXLP

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