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December 31, 2025
Vol. 22, No. 17
Valley-wide blood drives planned in the New Year by Joyce Lobeck for the Valley Journal
E
Wolves pg. 5
Made in Montana pg. 13
Greenhouse gases pg. 14
very two seconds someone in the United States needs lifesaving blood. That’s a need Polson’s movie theater strives to help meet at least in the local community. Showboat Stadium 6 has a continuing commitment to hosting several blood drives a year. It all started a few years ago, co-owner Becky Dupuis said, when their daughter worked in a lab preparing blood for transfusions at a hospital in Denver that did a lot of liver transplants. “She said it takes 37 pints of blood for a liver transplant,” Becky recalled. “She said they’re always short of blood. When we heard that, we decided we should figure out a way to help.” Becky and her husband, Gary, started giving blood. “But then we decided we could have blood drives in the theater.” A call to the Red Cross office in Kalispell con-
PHOTO COURTESY OF GARY DUPUIS / SHOWBOAT STADIUM 6
The spacious lobby of Showboat Stadium 6 in Polson serves as a location for several blood drives during the year, with the next one planned for Jan. 22. After donating, people can enjoy complimentary theater popcorn.
firmed it and Showboat Stadium 6 began hosting blood drives three or four times a year. Timing is a little tricky as movies start showing at 4 p.m., Becky said, but they work around it by opening up the lobby for the drives from 9:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. The next blood drive at
the theater complex will be Jan. 22. Future blood drives there have been scheduled for March 25 and May 28. “We love having people come here,” Becky said. “We have someone there to chat with them and they get popcorn afterwards. I think people enjoy coming to the thew w w.va l le yj our na l.net
ater to donate. They like to come see the theater when it isn’t open. Also, we love the people who do the drive. They’re so kind and fun.” Becky said the organizers “are happy” if they collect 23 to 25 units of blood during a drive at the theater. “It’s amazing. It seems like we never
have trouble getting people to donate. We do send out reminders but the slots just fill up. People in the community are so generous.” A number of blood drives are scheduled at other locations in Polson in the coming weeks and see page 2
blood drives from page 1
months. Area residents are encouraged to step up and make an appointment to donate the gift of blood that may well be the gift of life for someone close to them. Upcoming blood drives include: Jan. 2 at St. Joseph Medical Center, 6 13th Ave. East, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Other blood drives there will be held March 6 and May 1. Mission Valley Power at 85 Pablo West Road in Pablo will have blood drives from 10 a.m.3:30 p.m. Jan. 14 and April 15. New Life Church, 1414 2nd St. W. will have a blood drive from 10:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Jan. 20. Kwataqnuk Resort, 49708 U.S. 93, will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 3. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 409 4th Ave. E., will have a blood drive 12-5:15 p.m. March 17. Red Lion Inn, 209 Ridgewater Drive, will host a blood drive 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m. April 29. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1202 4th Ave. E. will have a blood drive 12-5:15 p.m. May 19. Three upcoming blood drives also are in scheduled in other communities in Lake County. They include: In St. Ignatius, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints will have blood drives from 12-6 p.m. Feb. 3 and March 31. In Arlee, there will be a blood drive at the Arlee School from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 4. For more information about a local blood drive and to make an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org.
vj 2 - December 31, 2025
Montana tribes ‘tell the stories themselves’ in new state museum by Nora Mabie, Montana Free Press
S
ome museums resist incorporating smudging, a traditional Indigenous cleansing practice, out of fear that the smoke could damage exhibits or bother visitors. It involves participants burning sage, sweetgrass or tobacco in a shell and then blowing out the flames and wafting the smoke over themselves. But the smudging room stands prominently at the east entrance of the new Montana Heritage Center, located there because Plains tribes traditionally built their tipi doorways facing east to greet the rising sun. “This kind of stuff is usually a little bit of a fight for a lot of museums,” Nina Sanders, the state history museum’s first curator of Indigenous collections, said on a recent December afternoon as she gazed up at the high ceilings, sunlight beaming in from above. “Everybody was incredibly open,” she continued. The room has an HVAC system to filter smoke, there’s plenty of natural light and spaces to sit. The inclusion of, and intentionality behind, the smudge room is just one example of how museum leaders partnered with tribes to ensure Native American stories are accurately reflected in the new exhibits. “[Smudging is] important to us because we view these artifacts as living items,” said Major Robinson, a citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe who worked as a consultant for the heritage center’s re-
PHOTO BYLAUREN MILLER, MONTANA FREE PRESS, CATCHLIGHT LOCAL/REPORT FOR AMERICA
The new state history museum also tells the story of genocide, starvation and assimilation alongside an exhibit about Native resilience, featuring Indigenous art — beaded moccasins, picture frames and belts, among other items.
model. “And so when you’re interacting with them, you want to protect yourself and take care of yourself. That’s why we encourage people to go in there, smudge yourself and go in and see these exhibit spaces.” Sanders, who is Apsáalooke and has worked for the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian and Field Museum in Chicago, said it’s not uncommon for museums to have just one section dedicated to Native Americans. “That doesn’t happen here,” she added. “We do have a section that’s allocated to Native people, but you’re going to see their history shown throughValley Journal
out. It’s woven through, as it should be, because it’s all of our history.” History, as told by museums, can also favor written perspectives from researchers and anthropologists, which can lead to a White-focused experience, rather than one that acknowledges Native culture that predated settler arrival by millenia. The new state history museum, however, aims to share multiple perspectives to, as Sanders says, “tell the truth of history.” A walk through the museum Adjacent to the smudge room, the first exhibit at the museum’s east entrance is a display of shoes — including
moccasins, cowboy boots, military boots, sneakers, sandals and high heels — in a circle, representing a round dance, a traditional Indigenous ceremony in which participants form a circle. “It’s very celebratory,” said Amanda Trum, curator of collections at the heritage center. “It’s very uplifting. And you feel like you’re represented in some way, whether you’re a cowboy, a skier, or a Native person.” Another exhibit shows a flattened Cree tipi from the 1800s that weighs just 30 pounds. There’s also an elk tooth dress that belonged to see page 8
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Today in History December 31, 2024 High 34° F Low 27° F
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December 31, 2025 - 3
contents Wolves...........................5 Births ..........................17 MSH residents...............9 Calendar......................20 Valley Views ................10 Puzzles........................22 Greenhouse gas..........14 Classifieds...................23
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Valley Journal The Valley Journal newspaper (PE 23-190) is published weekly by Valley Journal LLC. Periodicals postage paid at Ronan, MT. Business hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Distribution is by mail subscription ($59 per year in Lake County, MT; $74 per year elsewhere in U.S.) and by newsstand sales. Postmaster: send address changes to Valley Journal, P.O. Box 326, Ronan, MT. 59864. Your homegrown newspaper serves residents of Lake 4 - December 31, 2025
2025 County and the Flathead Indian Reservation. Deadline for display advertising is 2 p.m.Thursday. Deadline for news submissions, calendar items, classifieds and legal advertising is noon Friday, for the following week’s newspaper. News, letters to the editor and calendar submissions may be sent by email to: vjeditor@valleyjournal.net. Classified and legal advertisements requests should be emailed to: vjmail@valleyjournal.net. All print subscriptions include full access to online news, Valley Journal
archives. Sign up online at: www.valleyjournal.net/ subscribe For general inquiries: call 406-676-8989, email summer@valleyjournal.net, or send mail correspondence to P.O. Box 326, Ronan, MT 59864. Copyright 2025, the Valley Journal. All rights reserved. Reproduction, reuse or transmittal in any form or by any means is prohibited without written permission of the Valley Journal.
State judge allows 2025-26 wolf hunting, trapping regulations to stand Environmental groups had argued in their unsuccessful motion for a preliminary injunction that letting hunters, trappers and wildlife managers kill up to 558 wolves would do long-term harm to their viability in Montana. by Amanda Eggert, Montana Free Press
A Helena judge has allowed the wolf hunting and trapping regulations the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission adopted earlier this year to stand, despite flagging “serious concerns” about the state’s ability to accurately estimate Montana’s wolf population. In a 43-page opinion, district court Judge Christopher Abbott wrote that leaving the 2025-2026 hunting and trapping regulations in place while he considers an underlying lawsuit will not “push wolf populations to an unsustainable level.” In its lawsuit, first filed in 2022, WildEarth Guardians, Project Coyote, Footloose Montana and Gallatin Wildlife
NEIL HERBERT / NATIONAL PARK SERVICE PHOTOGRAPHER
A male wolf in Yellowstone National Park’s canyon pack is pictured above.
Association challenged four laws adopted by the 2021 Montana Legislature aimed at driving wolf numbers down. Earlier this year, the environmental groups added new claims to their lawsuit and asked the court to stop the 2025-2026 regulations from taking effect. The groups argued that a record-high wolf hunting and trapping quota of 458 wolves, paired with the potential for another 100 wolves to be killed for preying on livestock or otherwise getting into conflict with humans, would push the state’s wolf population “toward long-term decline and irreparable
harm.” According to the state’s population estimates — figures that the environmental groups dispute — there are approximately 1,100 wolves across the state. In a Dec. 19 press release about the decision, Connie Poten with Footloose Montana described the ruling as a “severe setback,” but argued that the “resulting slaughter will only strengthen our ongoing case for the protection of this vital species.” “The fight for wolves is deep and broad, based in science, connection, humaneness and necessity. Wolves will not die in vain,” Poten said.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks declined to comment on the order, citing the ongoing litigation. Montana Sportsmen for Fish and Wildlife and the Outdoor Heritage Coalition, nonprofit groups that backed the state’s position in the litigation, could not be reached for comment on the order by publication time Monday afternoon. The order comes more than a month after a two-hour hearing on the request for an injunction, and about three weeks after the trapping season opened across the majority of the state. The trapping season is set to close no later than
Valley Journal
March 15, 2026. During the Nov. 14 hearing at the Lewis and Clark County courthouse, Alexander Scolavino argued on behalf of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission that hunters, trappers and wildlife managers won’t come close to killing 558 wolves this season. Scolavino added that the highest number shot or trapped in a single season was 350 wolves in 2020 — well shy of the 458-wolf quota the commission, the governor-appointed board that sets hunting seasons for game species and furbearers, adopted
in August. Abbott agreed with Scolavino’s argument, writing in his order that it’s unlikely that hunters and trappers will “achieve anything near the quota established by the commission.” To reinforce his claim, he noted that hunters and trappers have not killed 334 wolves — the quota commissioners adopted for the 2024-2025 season — in any of the past five seasons. “In short, nothing suggests that the 2025/2026 season is likely to push wolf populations to an unsustainable level or cause them irreparable injury,” he concluded. Abbott seemed to suggest that livestock-oriented conflicts are waning and that it’s unlikely that the state will authorize the killing of 100 “conflict” wolves. He noted that livestock depredations dropped from “a high of 233 in 2009 to 100 per year or less today.” On other issues — namely the Constitutional environmental rights asserted by the plaintiffs and the reliability of the state’s wolf population-estimation model — Abbott appeared to side with the plaintiffs. Those issues remain unresolved in the ongoing litigation see page 6
December 31, 2025 - 5
According to the state’s wolf management dashboard, 83 wolves have been shot or trapped as of Dec. 22. wolf hunting, trapping from page 5
before the court. Abbott wrote that the plaintiffs “are likely to show that a sustainable wolf population in Montana forms part of the ‘environmental life sport system’ of the state.” The environmental groups had argued in their filings that the existing wolf-management framework “will deplete and degrade Montana’s wolf population,” running afoul of the state’s duty to “preserve the right to a clean and healthful environment.” In his order, Abbott incorporated material from the plaintiffs’ filings regarding the economic and ecological benefits of wolves, including “the suppression of overabundant elk, deer and coyote populations,” “restoring vegetation that aids water quality, songbirds and insect pollinators,” and “generating income and jobs” by contributing to the wildlife-watching economy anchored by Yellowstone National Park. Abbott also expressed “serious concerns” about the way the state estimates wolf numbers — a model that relies, among other things, on wolf sightings reported by elk hunters — but ultimately concluded that the court is currently “unequipped” to referee “the palace intrigues of academia” in the wildlife population-modeling arena. In the press release about the decision, the environmental groups described these pieces 6 - December 31, 2025
of Abbott’s order as “serious and valid questions” that the court must still address. Another lawsuit relating to the 2025-2026 wolf regulations is ongoing. On Sept. 30, Rep. Paul Fielder, R-Thompson Falls, and Sen. Shannon Maness, R-Dillon, joined an outfitter from Gallatin County and the Outdoor Heritage Coalition (which intervened in the environmental groups’ litigation) to push the state to loosen regulations by, for example, lengthening the trapping season and expanding the tools hunters or trappers can use to pursue and kill wolves. The plaintiffs in that lawsuit argue that liberalizing the hunting and trapping season would reaffirm the “opportunity to harvest wild fish and wild game animals enshrined in the Montana Constitution,” and bring the state into alignment with a 2021 law directing the commission to adopt regulations with an “intent to reduce the wolf population.” According to the state’s wolf management dashboard, 83 wolves have been shot or trapped as of Dec. 22. The department closed the two wolf management units closest to Yellowstone National Park to further hunting and trapping earlier this year after three wolves were killed in each of those units. Amanda Eggert has covered energy, environment and public lands issues for Montana Free Press since 2021.
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Valley Journal
Life Savers Animals rescue holds 2026 Calendar Fundraiser Introducing our 2026 Rescue Dog Calendar This beautiful, full-color calendar features photos of some of the wonderful dogs we’ve rescued recently. From brave survivors to goofy, lovable companions, each month highlights a dog whose life was transfored thanks to caring people like you. Perfect for: • Gifts • Office and home decor • Dog lovers of all ages • Anyone who wants to make difference Price is $25 How to Order: You can purchase your calendar online at: //lsar.printify.me/ Together, we can save more lives - one calendar at a time. Thank you for supporting Life Savers Animal Rescue! Why it Matters Every dollar raised goes directly towards helping animals in need. Your purchase helps us provide rescue food, safe shelter, medical care, and hope to dogs who deserve a brighter future. About Us Life Savers Animal Rescue is a foster-based rescue located in Polson. Our mission is to compassionately foster lost, abandoned and surrendered dogs and place those pets into caring adoptive homes, thereby enriching lives through adoption. We are an all-volunteer 501)c)3 organization and 100% of our income goes to programs to help the animals and people that love them. https://lsar.rescuegroups.org (406) 676-4200 lsar@lsar.org
Get outside on New Year’s Day News from MT Fish, Wildlife and Parks
HELENA — Celebrate the first day of America’s semiquincentennial with a First Day Hike at a state park near you. On Jan. 1, Montana State Parks will host First Day Hikes across the state. These fun and informative hikes are open to all ages and are family friendly. Montana’s parks offer a variety of winter-friendly opportunities, from hiking, snowshoeing and wildlife tracking to photography, picnicking, and more. First Day Hikes is an annual, nationwide event co-sponsored by America’s State Parks. First Day Hikes began in Massachusetts in 1992 and spread nationwide in 2012. The event encourages people to start the new year with an outdoor adventure. First Day Hike events
FILE PHOTO
The Big Arm unit of Flathead Lake State Park is one of many state parks open to the public for New Year’s Day hikes.
in Montana are planned at the following parks: Cooney State Park This will be a fairly easy hike on Trail A at Red Lodge campground. You will hike from the East end to the West end of the campground and back. You will have the opportunity to see deer, rabbit, bald eagle, osprey and many other species of birds.
First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park The Loop Trail is approximately a 3-mile moderately strenuous hike. The hike starts from the visitor center and gains 400 feet in elevation to the top of the Buffalo Jump. Makoshika State Park The Bluebird Trail is a moderate, 1-mile outand-back hike. There
is a little incline about halfway through the hike, and the trail is slippery when wet. Missouri Headwaters State Park Fort Rock Trail is a 2-mile easy hike but certain spots may be icy depending on weather. Pictograph Cave State Park Journey through time as you explore one of
Montana’s most ancient homes, occupied by humans for over nine thousand years, this site tells the story of the early peoples of North America, as they sought refuge in the natural rock shelter of the cliff and told their stories for generations by painting them on the walls of this sacred place. Several state parks in northwest Montana Participating parks include Flathead Lake State Park (all units), Lone Pine State Park, Somers Beach State Park, Whitefish Lake State Park, Les Mason State Park, Lake Mary Ronan State Park, Logan State Park and Thompson Chain of Lakes State Park. Spring Meadow Lake State Park Take a short interpretative hike (0.9 mile) discussing the history and flora/fauna of Spring
Meadow Lake State Park Travelers’ Rest State Park Walk in the footsteps of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and talk about how Travelers’ Rest State Park is the only archaeologically verified campsite of the Expedition in the nation. For more details about these hikes go to fwp. mt.gov/stateparks/firstday-hikes Hikers should wear weather-appropriate clothing, bring a water bottle and ice cleats or snowshoes if the trail conditions are snowy or icy. First Day Hike participants are encouraged to share their adventures on social media with #FirstDayHikes. For more information on Montana State Parks, visit stateparks. mt.gov. Out-of-state vehicles are subject to an $8 entrance fee.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM ST. LUKE The holidays are upon us. We hope you can find time this season to slow down, connect with loved ones, and reflect on the joy these special days bring.
Happy Holidays - From Our Family to Yours
The Heart of Healthcare in the Mission Valley
www.stlukehealthcare.org Valley Journal
December 31, 2025 - 7
Montana tribes from page 2
a survivor of the 1870 Baker Massacre, in which U.S. troops killed at least 173 people at a peaceful Blackfeet camp. A book of drawings by George Catlin, a 19th-century painter and traveler, shows some of the earliest depictions of Native Americans. Another area of the museum tells the story of genocide, starvation and assimilation. Exhibits detail the 1851 Fort Laramie Treaty, 1855 Lame Bull Treaty and 1855 Hell Gate Treaty — agreements that tribes, often under duress, reached with the federal government that have far-reaching consequences today. A nearby exhibit on the boarding school era features an Apsáalooke child’s drawing of officers taking a child from her mother. A large backlit photo of a flyer reads “Indian land for sale” in big, block letters. Sanders said the exhibit engages visitors in “a serious conversation about the death and destruction and the taking of the land.” She knows it can make people feel uncomfortable, which she says, “is OK.” “We should have moments where we’re a little bit uncomfortable and start thinking about our past and how we would rather do things in the future,” she said. Adjacent to that exhibit, though, is one of Native resilience, featuring Indigenous art — beaded moccasins, picture frames and belts, among other items. “Even when things were terrible, they were still creating beautiful things,” Sanders said. “And it’s not art for art’s sake. They’re creating incredible things for their family mem8 - December 31, 2025
bers, for people that they love.” The sovereign nations section of the museum is Robinson’s favorite exhibit. Each tribal nation has a dedicated display case, and each nation’s leaders chose the items inside. The Chippewa Cree Tribe’s case features state Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy’s grass dancing outfit. The Apsáalooke case displays a beaded vest. From there, museum visitors can step into a lodge, or tipi, where videos showcase each tribe’s celebrations, songs, languages and cultural leaders. “If you see the film there and watch it the whole way through, it shows all of the sovereign homelands of Montana,” Robinson said. “It really captures the beauty of our land, our people, our traditions. I love how you can just sit and drink that in.” Robinson hopes that when visiting the museum, Native Americans see themselves, their relatives and their communities authentically reflected. He hopes non-Native visitors come away with a greater understanding of — and appreciation for — the nation’s first people. “Our contributions are important,” he said Tribal collaboration Tribal relationships with museums can be complicated. Where museums might describe items as artifacts, Sanders said, tribal community members may see them as living objects, ancestors or relatives. And while items in museums are often displayed behind glass cases, not to be touched, it may be important for some tribal members to interact with items for cultural and religious reasons. Most of the Native items on display or in the museum’s
BY LAUREN MILLER, MONTANA FREE PRESS, CATCHLIGHT LOCAL/REPORT FOR AMERICA
Nina Sanders, the state history museum’s first curator of Indigenous collections, is seen in the section of the new gallery where the sovereign nations in Montana told their own stories on Dec. 15 in Helena.
collection were donated from individuals or institutions, she said. Some items may have been obtained hundreds of years ago by fur traders. In some instances, wealthy families traded services, like health care, for Native items. Federal agents would also withhold food rations in exchange for objects. And anthropologists collected items. Tribes may also not want museums to display certain items, like burial objects, human remains and religious items. One exhibit in the state’s history museum includes a video about an Indigenous child whose remains were found in 1968 in southwest Montana. The child’s remains are estimated to be at least 12,000 years old, and he was buried with dozens of tools. The child’s remains were later reburied at the site in 2014. Valley Journal
Rather than display the tools or replicas of them, the heritage center’s exhibit features photos of the tools and a video where contemporary Native leaders share why they believe the tools should be reinterred. History, as told by museums, can also favor written perspectives from researchers and anthropologists, rather than oral histories and traditions from tribes. A researcher may know one incident as a battle, for example, where a tribe knows it as a massacre. Because museums help inform academics, historians, educators and the general public, Sanders said, tribal collaboration is critical. “When Native people engage with museums, they’re giving themselves and their communities the opportunity or a space to tell the stories themselves,” she said. But establishing meaningful
and lasting relationships with Native leaders across the state isn’t easy. It takes time, effort and a long-term commitment to building trust. Each tribe in Montana has a historic preservation officer, responsible for managing cultural programs and ensuring the protection of sacred sites, traditions and items. Historic preservation officers, Sanders said, wear lots of hats in their communities, often operating with a small staff and limited funding. Displaying tribal items in a state museum, she said, may not be among their top priorities. Plus, the heritage center is run by the state, which Robinson said can trigger “a healthy skepticism” among tribal leaders. “You know, when the state comes in and says, ‘We’re here to help,’ tribal members are going to take 10 steps back and think, ‘OK, how’s this going to work?” he said. To meaningfully collaborate with tribes during the museum-planning process, representatives from the Montana Heritage Center met with tribal governments across Montana and asked each council to recommend people from their own communities to join a stakeholder group. That group, composed of about 15 tribal cultural leaders and historic preservation officers, met regularly with museum leaders to provide feedback on exhibits, objects and narrative framing. Robinson, a member of the stakeholder group, said the collaboration strengthened the entire exhibition. “By doing that authentically with them, I feel the stories went deeper,” he said. “This is a deep collection and a deep representation of Native people.”
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Residents gather to celebrate holidays together By Wendy Davis, Maxwell Senior Housing
RONAN — Christmas is always a time of bringing out the best in a person. Sharing the spirit of giving, and sharing with those next door, down the street and especially with those who have no or limited family. Traditionally, families gather from near and far, but when your family is gone, or is far away, or one has limited contact, we create family in neighbors. The elders and those who have other challenges at Maxwell Senior Housing in Ronan, understand this most of all. So with the coordination of a few, the tradition of Christmas still takes place for those in this
COURTESY PHOTOS
Residents of Maxwell Senior Housing in Ronan gathered on Dec. 21 to share a meal, above, decorate a community room, right, and participate in a white elephant gift exchange.
complex who deem neighbors as family, and who value each other for the stories and tales they tell. On Dec. 21, with the help of Ethyl McCready, Cathy McCoy, and Wendy Davis, a gathering of residents took place
for games, dinner and a white elephant gift exchange. For those who could not attend due to physical limitations within the building, 8 meals with dessert were delivered to them so they would also know that they are important to us all.
Birthday HAPPY
GRACIE MAE
AND JUST LIKE THAT... THE WORLD BECAME A MORE MAGICAL PLACE. 13 YEARS AGO TODAY.
Along with dinner, those who could assisted in lighting up and decorating the community room, and outside to share with others, the “Spirit of the Season.” The units have worked on sharing their skills and creative abilities with others to
light the way for those who live there. Thanks to Ronan Public Housing for having the community room available and able to use for those who live there as well. It means a lot to those of us who do.
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR WONDERFUL CUSTOMERS FOR SUPPORTING US ANOTHER YEAR! from all of us here at
MISSION MOUNTAIN NATURAL FOODS
ALL OUR LOVE DARLING GIRL. - MOM, FINN & ROWAN
319 Main Street • Downtown Polson • 883-2847 Valley Journal
December 31, 2025 - 9
valley views Happy New Year 2026 “F
endings and newness that or the oak trees comes with the abstract New Year’s Day concept of time. is just another day. For And each January, we the chickadee we have all get the opportunity not turned a new year. But we humans are crea- for a reset. A reset on goals. A retures of hope; we dare to set on priorbelieve that ities. A reset today is new.” on perspec- Source UnJill Pertler tive. A reset known Syndicated columnist Happy on mindset. A reset on New Year! life. The above What a gift – if we let quote came across my it be. desktop, and although It’s a new year and it’s I tried, I couldn’t find a perfect time to assess. its origin. Still, I think What about your life the sentiment is filled do you love? What do with an optimism that is you want to keep? What uniquely human. And that’s quite simply do you want to change? How can next year be beautiful. better than the last? How As humans, we are can next year be the best gifted an exclusive perone yet? spective. We are able to It doesn’t take a new sense the beginnings,
Slices of Life
letters
Assimilation program would be money, effort better spent Editor, So, my slightly different viewpoint on this country’s current immigration mess… (coming from what was a 4-year-old immigrant, whose family fled from the Russian occupation of Hungary, naturalized in 1982.) If we can for a moment just remove our political based view on this and simplify it down to this: Most immigrants just want a better and/or a new way of life. 10 - December 31, 2025
year to gain a new perspective, but it’s an opportune time nonetheless. An opportunity for hope. An opportunity to believe today is new - in a way that other days haven’t been. This January 1 we all enter a new year, with new outlook and opportunities. Don’t let them pass you by. You can decide to do new things, try new things. Or, maybe you want to return to something that you stopped doing, but miss having in your life. Maybe you want to reconnect with someone who used to be important to you. Maybe you want to work on your eating habits, or drinking habits or exercise habits. Maybe you’d like to meet
They don’t know or care who is president much less from what party. The world just simply saw this message from the U.S. five years ago: “Come one, come all, our door is wide open! No need to apply, just come!” So they did, by the millions in those few short years. Fast forward to today: our current message (from the same U.S.) is “Get out!, If you don’t, we’ll send you back!” And that is just wrong. The money, time and effort this country is spending on this could be much better served by creating what is similar to what
new friends, or start a new hobby or just practice finding peace so you can sleep better at night. The options are endless and who better to invest in than yourself ? Changes don’t have to be large. I like to do things in baby steps because they are more easily achieved. And baby steps are still steps. They are steps in the right direction. Here’s another powerful truth: it’s all up to you. You (and you alone) have the innate ability to embrace your new year with a new perspective. It all comes from deep within, and the choice is yours. How will you choose to perceive the future? How will you choose to move into
Ellis Island was all about (look it up for you younger folks). An assimilation program where for 30 days you are housed, fed and educated about the country you wish to become a part of - our language, our laws, our political systems, our customs, our history. You learn how to be a self sufficient person and live within your means. You pledge allegiance to your new home, friends and family. If that doesn’t work for you then we gently send you on your way. Just sayin.’ Roland Godan Ronan Valley Journal
tomorrow? Spend some precious time with yourself and these answers will come. They will be obvious. Perspective and perception shape our reality. In fact, they have a substantial role in creating it. Hope keeps us engaged and moving forward. It keeps things new. And when you understand and realize this, it is huge. Dare to believe in the new. It can change everything, in a good way. Isn’t all that exciting? I certainly think it is. Or at least it can be, if you make it so. Make it so. I know I’m certainly going to try. Or better put, I’m going to continue to try. My hope for us all is to see
All hat and no cattle Editor, Comes to mind reading the “Murder on the high seas” article in this week’s Valley Journal. When you and your party continue to support someone with the power to commit such action and yet do not use your influence and skills to persuade your party representatives to use their voices, and more importantly their votes, to dissuade your president from taking acsee page 11
2026 with both hope and newness. Happy New Year! 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 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.
Gianforte appoints Montana Department of Corrections deputy director
Announcement comes two months after President Donald Trump appointed the agency’s current director, Brian Gootkin, to become the U.S. Marshal for the District of Montana by Zeke Lloyd, Montana Free Press
MONTANA — Gov. Greg Gianforte on Monday appointed Eric Strauss, who currently serves as the state Department of Corrections’ deputy director, to lead the agency. The an-
COURTESY PHOTO
Eric Strauss is the new director of the Montana Department of Corrections. Credit: Provided by Gov. Greg Gianforte’s office
nouncement comes two months after President Donald Trump appointed the agency’s current director, Brian Gootkin, to become the U.S. Marshal for the District of Montana. Strauss will assume his new role Jan. 6. The department man-
letters from page 10
tion which curtails the availability of more affordable health care for so many of those who live in our state, why are
ages the state’s roughly 3,400 incarcerated individuals across a combination of public and private facilities, including a 1,500-person prison for men in Deer Lodge and a 250-person facility for women in Billings. The agency also oversees about 10,500
individuals under state supervision, either on probation or parole. The agency is currently in the process of expanding its correctional capacity while about 600 inmates serve time out of state and even more remain in jails. Corrections broke ground on a prison expansion in Deer Lodge in April. The 2025 Legislature also allocated more funding for increased correctional capacity in the coming years. Strauss hails from northeastern Montana and currently lives in Clancy with his wife and two children, according to a press
release from the governor’s office. He has been deputy director at the corrections department since 2024, and before that worked at the state Department of Labor and Industry, and prior to that worked at St. Peter’s Health in Helena. He is a graduate of the University of Montana with an undergraduate and a master’s degree, both in communications. Neither Corrections nor the governor’s office responded to questions about Strauss’s new salary. Gootkin was paid about $160,100 annually, according to a state database.
sports shorts Basketball Polson Girls POLSON — The Polson Lady Pirates basketball team defeated Park City on Dec. 19, 58-39. Rylee Taylor-Jefferson led her team with 20 total points while teammates Aleysia Black and Hinkley Moss each contributed 12. The Lady Pirates narrowly defeated the Laurel Lady Locomotives the next day, 3735. Taylor-Jefferson was the lead scorer again in that game with 15 points. Hinkley Moss scored 8. Next up, the Lady Pirates will play Beaverhead County on Jan. 3.
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State employees donate nearly 10,500 pounds of food to Montana Food Bank Network News from the office of Governor Gianforte
HELENA — Governor Greg Gianforte recently announced state employees donated nearly 10,500 pounds of food to Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) in his fifth annual interagency food drive competition held in December. This donation exceeded records set in previous years. Last year, state agencies collected over 7,500 pounds
of food, with the Montana Department of Commerce winning the contest. This year, state agencies collected 10,422 pounds of food with the Montana Department of Health and Human Services winning the contest. “Thanks to the generosity of our state employees, we donated more food than ever before to help feed our neighbors this holiday season,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Congratulations to the Department of Health and
Human Services for winning this year’s agency food drive competition.” Launched by the governor on the second day of his annual 12 Days of Giving campaign, the interagency food drive ran from December 2 through December 15 to benefit MFBN. Since 1983, MFBN has been Montana’s only statewide food bank, partnering with more than 330 locations, including food pantries, shelters, senior centers, and
schools. The organization distributes over 16 million pounds of food annually to Montanans across all 56 counties. The governor announced the results of the interagency food drive competition in a message to state employees: 1st place: Montana Department of Health and Human Services (9,505 food items donated) 2nd place: Montana Department of Commerce (2,269 food items donated)
3rd place: Montana Department of Administration (1,885 food items donated) According to MFBN, a $1 donation provides at least four meals for Montanans in need. The network’s most needed items include canned tuna or meat, peanut butter, fruits canned in own juice, and canned vegetables (low/ no sodium). For more information on how to help end hunger in Montana through MFBN, please visit: mfbn.org.
Bill completing Continental Divide National Scenic Trail one step closer to becoming law News from the office of Senator Daines
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines announced that his bipartisan bill directing the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Department of the Interior to prioritize completion of the Continental Divide National Scenic Trail (CDT) passed the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) is the co-lead on Daines’ bill. “Our outdoor way of life is something that brings Montanans together, and as an avid hiker and backpacker myself, completing the Continental Divide Trail is a huge win for our state. It will support local jobs, boost economic development for gateway communities, and increase public access to Mon12 - December 31, 2025
PHOTO BY STEVEN SHATTUCK / CONTINENTAL DIVIDE TRAIL COALITION
The Continental Divide National Scenic Trail passes through the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area of the Rocky Mountains in Western Montana. The trail stretches across the United States some 3,100 miles between the borders of Mexico and Canada, as it follows the highest elevations of the continent.
tana’s natural beauty. I’m thrilled to see my bill pass
out of committee and will fight to get it across the
finish line,” said Daines. Background:
Valley Journal
Designated by Congress as part of the Na-
tional Trail System in 1978, the CDT stretches more than 3,000 miles and passes through Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Idaho. The trail follows the Continental Divide and transverses some of the nation’s most treasured natural, historic, and cultural resources. Daines has been fighting to complete the trail since 2022. The Continental Divide Trail Completion Act would: – Direct the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to establish a Trail Completion Team – Recognize the value of cooperation between federal land managers, states, Tribes, towns, and others – Ensure that eminent domain will not be used to complete the trail
2026 Made in Montana Trade Show buyer registration opens Jan. 10 News from MT Department of Commerce
HELENA — The 2026 Made in Montana Trade Show will be held March 13-14, 2026, at the Lewis and Clark County Fairgrounds in Helena. The Made in Montana Tradeshow is a wholesale market open exclusively to store buyers on Friday, March 13, 2026, providing a one-stop marketplace for Made in Montana food and gift producers to meet and sell authentic Made in Montana products to wholesale buyers. Wholesale buyer registration opens Jan. 10 at: https://mtgov.formstack. com/forms/made_in_ montana_tradeshow_ buyer_registration
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Studies reveal importance of experimentation on greenhouse gas-producing organisms By Diana Setterberg MSU News Service
BOZEMAN — It’s been known for nearly a century that swarms of single-celled organisms thrive by consuming chemicals from their environments and expelling methane gas as a byproduct. In 2024, researchers in the laboratory of Roland Hatzenpichler, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry in Montana State University’s College of Letters and Science, published the first-ever descriptions of methane-producing microbes outside the lineage Euryarchaeota, which – in a soon-tobe-published study – they have confirmed to be ubiquitous in the environment. These methanogens are members of the lineage Thermoproteota within a part of the tree of life called Archaea. Until the journal Nature published the findings from Hatzenpichler’s group last year, scientists believed all methanogens existed in the Euryarchaeota. Hatzenpichler said scientists are eager to know how much methane thermoproteotal microbes produce because methanogens produce approximately 60% of the world’s methane – a gas 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat in the atmosphere, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. After the thermoproteotal group was discovered, scientists began preparing genomic models to predict the organisms’ environmental impact. But new evidence from Hatzenpichler’s lab, published Dec. 12 in the journal Science 14 - December 31, 2025
MSU PHOTO BY MARCUS “DOC” CRAVENS
Joelie Van Beek, a Montana State University graduate student in the Hatzenpichler lab, prepares a sample for an experiment on methanogens.
Advances, indicates that another newly identified methanogen in the Thermoproteota defies the predictions of those models. MSU researchers hypothesized that the new microbe, a member of the group Methanonezhaarchaeia, would convert carbon dioxide to methane. However, through experimentation on cultures of samples harvested from a Yellowstone National Park hot spring, Hatzenpichler’s former graduate student Anthony Kohtz and current graduate student Sylvia Nupp discovered that the organism grows and produces methane not by feeding on carbon dioxide but
on methylated compounds, which are omnipresent in the environment. Both Thermoproteota previously identified at MSU also use compounds such as methanol for growth and survival. Hatzenpichler said the results of the research cast doubt on the validity of the genomic models and demonstrate the necessity of further experimental study to validate or disprove modeling predictions. “Our genome predictions say a huge chunk of CO2 is converted to methane, based on a few experiments and the assumption that the results are representative of all of those Valley Journal
genomes,” Hatzenpichler said. “But we have historically ignored one group of organisms (Thermoproteota), so we’re ignorant about what is making methane and about the substrates that are converted in the first place. And most researchers don’t actually measure which compounds are converted to methane in the environment. A lot is simply based on assumptions.” To further bolster foundational knowledge, Hatzenpichler’s group is continuing its research into thermoproteotal methanogens under a fouryear, $1 million research grant awarded in September 2024 by
the U.S. Department of Energy’s Biological and Environmental Research program. In collaboration with researchers at the DOE’s Joint Genome Institute and Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, the goal is to determine how much methane is generated by a widely distributed group of methanogens within the Thermoproteota – the Methanosuratincola – and to better understand their physiology and biological processes. Another paper from Hatzenpichler’s lab, recently accepted for publication by the journal Current Opinion in Microbiology, reveals that methanogens belonging to the Thermoproteota live in any environment devoid of oxygen, including landfills, oil reservoirs, rice paddies, wastewater treatment plants and wetlands – not to mention in Yellowstone’s hot springs, where the three lineages identified at MSU were found. “Experimentally, it’s very demanding, and we probably can’t do it for all the environments we want to study,” said Hatzenpichler, who is also director of MSU’s Thermal Biology Institute. “On a global level, hot springs are completely irrelevant to methane emission, so now we need to go to ecosystems that are more important than hot springs to methane production.” He said graduate student Nicole Matos Vega, a recent recipient of a Graduate Research Fellowship awarded by the National Science Foundation, has collected and cultured microbes from mangrove swamps see page 15
Montanans recover more than $50M from federal government in 2025
Staff closed more than 600 cases for constituents in 2025, and attended more than 2,000 meetings and events in Montana News from the office of Senator Daines
U.S. SENATE — U.S. Senator Steve
Daines recently announced that his staff helped return more than $50 million from the federal government to Montanans in 2025, closed hundreds of cases for constituents and attended thousands of meetings and events throughout the state. Over 95 percent of the recovered money was from the Internal Revenue Service. “Serving Montana is
an honor and a privilege. I’m proud of our dedicated team and their service to our constituents. Their work quite literally paid off for the people of Montana,” said Daines. Specifically, Montanans received the following from federal agencies: • $52,007,666.49 from the Internal Revenue Service • $755,261 from
the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs $418,455 from the Small Business Administration $300,972 from the U.S. Department of Education $91,042 from the Social Security Administration $77,240 from the U.S. Forest Service $56,637 from the Office of Personnel Management
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AIS team best in west from page 14
in Puerto Rico. She discovered, for still poorly understood reasons, that they are “making a lot of methane.” Hatzenpichler said Matos Vega also will study the methanogens in their native swamps to ensure that they react the same way in the lab as they do in their natural habitat. Another target ecosystem is wastewater, studies of which have already begun on samples provided by collaborators in Illinois. Graduate student Joelie Van Beek, a new recipient of a NSF EPSCoR Graduate Fellowship, found thermoproteotal organisms living in Bozeman’s wastewater treatment plant, and those may be brought into culture, as well. Hatzenpichler said having the plant nearby will make it easier for his lab to test a number of variables in that ecosystem. One problem with genomic modeling is it relies on measured levels of compounds found in
various environments to predict whether methanogenesis is taking place, Hatzenpichler said. However, he noted that just because the level of a compound is low in a particular environment doesn’t mean that it isn’t important there. Instead, it may be low because the methanogens there are consuming it. “Genome analysis is very, very powerful, though limited, and experimentation is very demanding,” he said. “The idea with our research is that we will try to understand these ecosystems from all different kinds of angles.” Roland Hatzenpichler, associate professor, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry: roland.hatzenpichler@ montana.edu
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$23,185 from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service $22,438 from the U.S. Department of the Treasury $18,298 from the Health Resources and Services Administration $10,000 from the National Guard $3,150 from the U.S. Department of Justice $2,237 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
•
$2,166 from the Railroad Retirement Board • $2,000 from the U.S. Postal Service In addition to recovering money for hardworking Montanans, Daines’ office worked on 1,122 casework messages from constituents and worked on 639 cases, including a quarter of veterans-related cases. Daines’ staff also attended 2,170 meetings and events in Montana on behalf of Senator Daines in 2025.
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Commission changes to address hunting pressure, mule deer numbers News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks
HELENA — On Dec. 4, the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission set the Montana hunting regulations for 2026 and 2027. In doing so, it made a variety of changes to address concerns about nonresident hunting pressure and mule deer numbers. “The commission’s action were a culmination of a lengthy process that started this past summer with public meetings around the state,” said Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Director Christy Clark. “Both the commission and FWP heard a lot of input from hunters, landowners and the public. This input was critical in the final regulations that were approved.” It’s important for hunters to be aware of the changes when planning for next hunting season. “It’s true, some of these changes will reduce revenue coming to
FWP from license sales, but when it comes down to it, this is about protecting the resource, not revenue,” Clark said. Hunting pressure During the past several hunting seasons, FWP staff and Fish and Wildlife Commissioners have heard growing concern and frustration with hunting pressure from nonresident hunters, particularly in eastern Montana. The commission approved an amendment to the regulations that would cap the sale of a particular nonresident deer license. This cap would essentially cut the number of these licenses available to nonresidents by about 2,500. “The reason that I brought this forward was to start discussion,” said Commission Chair Lesley Robinson during the Dec. 4 commission meeting. “And something has to be done. We have a lot of overcrowding.” Mule deer Mule deer declines, particularly in eastern
Montana has been a concern for the public, the commission and FWP. During its meeting the commission made an effort to address some of these concerns. First, in 2026 and 2027 most mule deer B licenses will be valid only on private land. The commission also reduced the total number of deer licenses a resident can hold from eight to three. These changes follows changes the 2023 Legislature made, which reduced the number of deer B licenses a nonresident could hold to one, although nonresident holding a combo license may possess two deer B licenses. Additionally, in 2024 FWP reduced the mule deer B licenses down to the minimum number within the quota set by the Commission in Region 7, which was 1,000 tags. FWP has also reduced the number of deer B licenses available in other regions, especially Region 6. The number of deer B license sold by FWP
in 2024 were the lowest since 2016. This reduction in deer B licenses is a direct response to declining mule deer numbers. Other commission actions General The archery regulations were changed to remove the let off for hunting bows. Prior to this, the let-off was a maximum of 80 percent. Antelope The quota of 90020 licenses (archery antelope) was increase from the FWP proposal of 5,100 to 5,600, but Region 3 was removed from this bundle and placed in its own pool with 500 licenses. Bighorn sheep Three quotas were adopted for these licenses: 250-20 any ram: 1; 68030 adult ewe: 1; 680-31 adult ewe: 1. Adjustments to bighorn sheep hunting district 250 to remove the geographical boundary that was described as “valid in portion of HD south of Nez Perce Road and West Fork Road.” This change
made the sheep license valid throughout the entire hunting district. All bighorn sheep hunting districts that are currently designated as either-sex were changed to any ram for all limited opportunity drawings. Black bear The archery black bear fall sub-quota was retained in all black bear units with harvest quotes, but the archery sub-quota percentage allowed increased from 20 to 30 percent of the total fall quota. Hunters may purchase and accrue bonus points for any limited black bear permits. Hound hunting season was extended to June 15 to coincide with the end of hound training season. In Region 2, the boundary where hound hunting is allowed was changed to mirror the occupied grizzly bear polygon. Mountain lion The winter season dates were changed to Dec. 1 to May 25. Mountain lion hunting
with hounds is prohibited in occupied grizzly bear habitat after April 14. A single license is all that is required to hunt mountain lions in open areas and the special limited and unlimited licenses were eliminated as recommended by FWP. Quotas will be established in June. Deer and Elk The quota of the 799-20 elk license was increased from 280 to 325. A second antlerless elk B license will be available to any holder of an elk permit in hunting districts 702, 704, or 705, subject to the same restrictions in time, open areas, and limitations associated with the permit. All Region 1 elk B licenses will only be valid on private land. Eliminate all antlerless elk archery opportunity in Region 1. All other hunting regulations were approved as proposed by FWP. For more information please visit the Fish and Wildlife Commission page for the Dec. 4 meeting.
FWP highlights successful 2025 chronic wasting disease monitoring season News from MT Fish, Wildlife & Parks
HELENA — Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks recently concluded its general season sampling effort 16 - December 31, 2025
for chronic wasting disease (CWD), marking one of the most productive monitoring periods to date. This achievement was made possible through the direct participation of
hunters across the state. A message of thanks to our hunting community FWP wishes to extend a sincere thank you to the thousands of hunt-
Valley Journal
ers who brought their harvests to check stations or submitted samples this fall. We recognize that your time in the field is valuable, and taking the see page18
births RONAN — Alexander James Bridgeford was born on Dec. 23, 2025, at the St. Luke Community Healthcare New Beginnings Birth Center. He measured 7 pounds, 6 ounces and 19 inches long. Parents are Brad and Blakely Bridgeford of Polson. Paternal grandparents Alexander Bridgeford are James Bridgeford and the late Glenda Bevis of Polson. Maternal grandparents are Paul and Paula Person of Roswell, New Mexico. Alexander joins his sibling, Adeline Rose.
Pay and Jim McAlpin. Paternal grandparents are Holly Hitchcock and Josh Lefthand. Paternal great-grandparents are Vickie Hitchcock, Abraham Caye, Tim Courville, and the late Patrick and Naida Lefthand.
Bridger Cumings POLSON — Bridger Zachariah Cumings was born on Nov. 24, 2025, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. He was 20 inches long and weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces. Bridger’s parents are Megan and Derrick Cumings of Polson. Bridger joins siblings Wayland, Rory, and Shepard.
Augustus Clinkenbeard
Curtis Ahenakew
POLSON —Louetta is excited to announce the arrival of little brother, Augustus Eugene Clinkenbeard. Augustus was born on Dec. 10, 2025, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. He was 20 inches long Augustus and weighed 6 pounds, 7.9 ouncClinkenbeard es. Augustus’ parents are Amelia and Stephen Clinkenbeard of Hot Springs. Augustus’ maternal grandparents are Jennifer Skare and Brian Pittsley. Maternal great-grandparents are Chucky and Kerrie Clinkenbeard.
POLSON — Curtis Leslie Azrael Ahenakew was born Nov. 25, 2025, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. He was 20 inches long and weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces. Curtis’s parents are D’Vea Acevedo of St. Ignatius and Aaron Ahenakew Jr. of Helena. Curtis’s maternal grandparents are Leona Acevedo and Nigel Ernst. Maternal great-grandparents are Frank and Roxanne Acevedo. Paternal grandparents are Aaron Ahenakew Sr. and Michelle Fisher. Paternal great-grandparents are Bill and Mona Fisher.
Felix Lefthand-Garcia
POLSON — Teddy Morigeau is excited to
POLSON — Felix Orion Lefthand-Garcia was born on Nov. 17, 2025, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. He was 19.75 inches long and weighed 6 pounds, 3.6 ounces. Felix’s parents are Sierra Garcia and Justice Lefthand of Ronan. Felix joins sibling Timeaus. Felix’s maternal grandparents are Felix Jenaya Thomason and Howard Lefthand-Garcia Lilly. Maternal great-grandparents are Johanna and Mike Zundel and
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Koen Pierre POLSON — Koen Joseph Thomas Pierre was born Dec. 1, 2025, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. Koen Pierre He was 21 inches long and weighed 8 pounds, 4.1 ounces. Koen’s parents are Zoey Raymond and Isaac Pierre of Polson. Koen’s maternal grandparents are Jennnifer Nugent and Dale Nugent. Maternal great-grandfather is Mark Raymond. Paternal grandparents are Rene Pierre and Francine Vernwald-Pierre. Paternal great-grandmother is Sandra Cline.
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announce the arrival of little sister, Mackie June Morigeau. Mackie was born on Dec. 8, 2025, at Providence St. Joseph Medical Center’s Nesting Place. She was 19.5 inches long and weighed 6 pounds, 10 ounces. Mackie’s parents are Ylena and Theodore Morigeau of Polson. Mackie’s maternal grandparents are Chuck and Tina Gazdik. Paternal grandparents are Todd and Teresa Mongeau.
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FW&P highlights from page 16
extra step to participate in sampling is a service to Montana’s wildlife. “We would like to thank our hunters and local communities for your collaboration with our seasonal CWD staff who handled collecting and receiving their samples throughout the season,” said Sam Treece, FWP’s wildlife CWD technician supervisor. “We are sincerely grateful each and every year for your contributions in aiding the wildlife heritage of Montana.” Why monitoring matters: Protecting Montana’s herds Monitoring is a critical tool in preventing the largescale population impacts that CWD can have on deer, elk and moose. By providing samples, hunters are giving biologists the data needed to track where the disease is moving and how prevalent it is in an area. Without this data, the risk of CWD going undetected increases, which can lead to significant, long-term declines in herd health and hunting opportunities. Proactive management based on hunter-submitted data is the only way to help ensure Montana’s big game populations remain resilient for future generations. This year, hunters received CWD test results in an average of 7.6 days. 2025 sampling by the numbers The commitment of Montana’s hunters led to several record-breaking milestones this season: 18 - December 31, 2025
Total Samples: For the 2025 season ( July to present), FWP has processed 8,372 samples statewide. Record Participation: The fourth week of the season (Nov. 13–19) saw 1,741 samples collected, the highest sampling week ever recorded for that period. Positive Detections: To date, 428 samples have returned positive or suspect results across the state. Of those, 247 were white-tailed deer, 178 were mule deer, and three were elk. Current season summary by species: White-tailed Deer: 4,427 samples Mule Deer: 3,005 samples Elk: 894 samples Moose: 46 samples For a summary of results, visit FWP’s online dashboard. Looking forward While the general season has ended, FWP continues to accept samples and process final submissions. CWD sampling is available at FWP regional offices throughout the remainder of game damage and shoulder season hunts. For faster service, FWP recommends calling the office beforehand. For a list of regional offices, visit: fwp.mt.gov/ aboutfwp/contact-us. Hunters can check for their individual results online. FWP remains committed to transparency and science-based management, and we look forward to continuing our work alongside Montana’s hunters to protect our shared wildlife heritage. Learn more at fwp. mt.gov/CWD.
USDA announces national batching deadline Jan. 15 deadline for Major NRCS Conservation Programs News from USDA
BOZEMAN — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) established a national Jan. 15, 2026, batching deadline for the first funding round of key conservation programs. This national batching date ensures producers have a clear, consistent timeline for participating in Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). This includes NRCS’ new Regenerative Pilot Program, which provides targeted Farm-
er First assistance through EQIP and CSP. “The NRCS team continues its commitment to Montana’s producers — advancing conservation, strengthening service delivery, and keeping our promise to the farmers, ranchers, and foresters who feed and fuel our nation,” said NRCS State Conservationist Gayle Barry. NRCS programs are continuous sign-up programs, but due to the government shutdown, the agency is implementing an initial national batching period to ensure producers have access to funding and support. Updated NRCS Program Timelines All NRCS conservation programs remain continuous sign-up. Farmers and ranchers have until Jan. 15, 2026, to apply for the first batching period.
National and State Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) will follow later in the year. PL-566 and Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) opportunities remain open for sponsors based on available funding. Programs with a January 15, 2026, batching period deadline include Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) New NRCS Regenerative Pilot Program (EQIP & CSP) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) projects already selected for implementation with producers For more information, please visit nrcs.usda.gov or contact your local USDA Service Center.
Wachholz College Center introduces the ‘Performing Arts Series’ 2026 Season kicks off with ‘Choir of Man’ musical on Jan. 2 News from Wacholz College Center, Flathead Valley Community College
KALISPELL — The Wachholz College Center (WCC) is thrilled to announce a new series to their lineup entitled “Performing Arts Series.” The Performing Arts Series brings the best in music, theater and dance to the McClaren Hall stage, inspiring and entertaining audiences of all ages through exceptional cultural performances. The series touts a large variety of performances from Broadway-style musicals, ballets, step troupes and acrobatic nouveau cirques to family-friendly plays. Look for the pink-colored
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tickets on posters and marketing materials to identify which are “Performing Arts Series” acts. Coming up first is a musical production direct from London’s West End, Choir of Man, making a stop in Kalispell on their international tour Friday, Jan. 2. The Choir of Man is known across the globe as the “ultimate-feel good show” featuring pop, classic rock, folk and Broadway hits by your favorite artists such as Adele, Katy Perry, Guns & Roses, Sia, Luther Van Dross and Paul Simon. A multi-talented cast of nine combine their hair-raising harmonies, foot-stomping singalongs and world-class tap dance in this riotously enjoyable homage to that gathering place we all love so much: your local pub! On Feb. 9, get ready for the return of International Guitar Night (IGN) as the tour celebrates its 26th Anniversary. IGN is the world’s premier see page 19
Wachholz from page 18
touring guitar festival, each show bringing together the most innovative acoustic guitarists for a special evening of solos, duets and quartets that highlight the dexterity and diversity within the world of acoustic guitar. Founder Brian Gore started IGN in 1995 as a forum for the world’s finest guitarists/composers to play their latest original songs and share musical ideas and talent with their peers. This year’s dynamic lineup features classical guitar virtuoso Thu Le from Vietnam, Brazilian flamenco sensation Lucas Imbiriba, Russian fingerstyle innovator Alexandr Misko, and, for the first time, ukulele master Taimane from Hawaii. In April you won’t want to miss Cirque Kalabanté, a show by Yamoussa Bangoura, inspired by daily life in Guinea. This performance shares the beauty, youth and artistry of African culture. A colorful show beyond its scenery, costumes and staging, it makes any theatre vibrate with energy and represents the strength, agility and life’s joys of young Africans. The audience will see acrobats execute gravity-defying moves and human pyramids, accompanied by the contemporary sounds of live Afro-Jazz, percussion and kora. For more information on any of these shows or for ticket details, please visit: wccmt. org or contact the WCC ticket office at 406-7561400.
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USDA grant brings free wellness series to farmers, ranchers MSU Extension in Missoula County is offering free wellness education for Western Montana farmers and ranchers facing increased pressures in their industry. From the MSU News Service
BOZEMAN — Farmers and ranchers across western Montana are invited to participate in Better Together: A Wellness Series for Farmers and Ranchers, a free, in-person workshop series made possible through a newly awarded U.S. Department of Agriculture Western Regional Agricultural Stress Assistance Program grant. The series is led by MSU Extension in Missoula County in partnership with Deep Roots Montana. It aims to support the mental, emotional and social well-being of agricultural producers facing increasing pressures related to climate uncertainty, market volatility, long work hours and isolation. “Farmers and ranchers are incredibly resilient, but resilience does not mean going it alone,” said Sarah Holden, horticulture
Participants will leave with tangible practices they can realistically use in daily life.
agent with MSU Extension in Missoula County. “This WRASAP grant allows us to offer practical, evidence-based tools and create a supportive space where producers can connect, build skills and strengthen their well-being.” Julie Engh Peters, one of the workshop facilitators, is co-owner of Red Hen Farm and Orchard in Missoula County and a certified life coach with Deep Roots Montana. Peters brings both farming experience and professional training in mindfulness, mental fitness and emotional regulation. “This work is deeply meaningful and deeply demanding,” said Peters. “We are offering this series as an act of gratitude and support for farmers and ranchers who give so much of themselves to their land and communities. Participants will leave with tangible practices they can realistically use in daily life.”
-Julie Engh Peters, workshop facilitator
Each session is interactive and hands-on, focusing on stress management, mindfulness, emotional agility and strategies for navigating uncertainty in agricultural life. Light refreshments will be provided. The free workshops will be held Monday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. on Jan. 12 and 26 and Feb. 9 and 23 at The Exploration Center in Missoula, located at 1075 South Ave. W. The workshops are open to producers from Lake, Mineral, Missoula, Ravalli and Sanders counties, as well as surrounding areas. Advance registration and completion of a brief survey are required. For more information or to register, contact Holden or visit https://missoulaeduplace. org/get-involved/our-calendar.html/ event/2026/01/12/better-together-a-wellness-series-for-farmers-ranchers-register-here/547967.
Superintendent Hedalen announces a $10M grant Education in Innovation Research Grant awarded to Montana Office of Public Instruction News from MT-OPI
HELENA — Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen announced that the Montana Office of Public Instruction (OPI) has received an almost $10 million federal Education Innovation and Research (EIR) Program grant over five years to expand early literacy supports across the state. The funding will scale Montana’s Science of Reading and Early Literacy Targeted Intervention work, with a focus on improving
literacy outcomes in rural, tribal, and other high-needs schools through proven, evidence-based strategies. This grant represents a major investment in what we know works. By expanding high-impact tutoring, strengthening classroom instruction, and engaging families as partners, we are taking decisive action to ensure every Montana child has the opportunity to become a confident, capable reader.” The grant will support high-impact tutoring for students in grades 1–3, providing virtual, one-on-one instruction with certified teachers trained in evidence-based literacy practices. Students will receive tutoring three times per week for 30 minutes, using individualized learning plans based on ongoing student data to target foundational Valley Journal
skills and comprehension. Educators in participating schools will receive professional learning in evidence-based reading instruction, including the Science of Reading, to support effective core instruction and a multi-tiered system of supports. OPI will also provide training and tools to help educators use student data to monitor progress and align instruction across intervention levels. The initiative also emphasizes family engagement, expanding opportunities for parents and caregivers to support early literacy development and increasing awareness of their children’s literacy progress. For eligible schools interested in participating, we will have more information in the new year. December 31, 2025 - 19
High winter waters
SUMMER GODDARD / VALLEY JOURNAL PHOTO
Those participating in this year’s Polar Plunge won’t have far to go to wade or jump into the water at Riverside Park in Polson. According to a Dec. 19 Facebook post by Energy Keepers Inc., Flathead Lake’s water level is anticipated to crest within the next week or so before it begins to draw down for spring flood risk management.
calendar Wednesday, Dec. 31
Friday, Jan. 2
POLSON - Join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesdays for online instruction, practice and discussion via Zoom and in-person. The classes will be from 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.
Little ones love Mother Goose
20 - December 31, 2025
POLSON - The Polson Library’s Mother Goose Program is held on Fridays at 10 a.m. for 0-24 month olds.
Saturday, Jan. 3 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.
Wednesday, Jan. 7 Attend Public Safety Forum POLSON — Polson Police Chief George Simpson will present a recap of 2025 public safety and trends on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 8:30 a.m. at City Hall. This quarterly forum provides an opportunity for Chief Simpson to engage directly with the community and share timely information on public safety issues. It is also a great opportunity to hear the outlook of 2026
and ask questions that our Chief of Police can address.
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 from 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.
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com. Go to: www.missionmountainzen.org for more information.
Thursday, Jan. 8 Listen to ‘Rewilding the Jocko’ BIGFORK — Science on Tap’s Rusty Sydnor, a CSKT ecologist, will present “Rewilding the Jocko” on Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, at the Flathead Lake Brewing Company Pubhouse at 6:30 p.m. Information and tickets are available at: ScienceOnTapFlathead.org.n
Saturday, Jan. 10 Museum announces annual WinterFest POLSON — The Miracle of America Museum has announced their fifth annual WinterFest will be held on Saturday, Jan. 10, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be hot cider, chili, rides, demonstrations and of course the largest display of unique and rare tools and toys of winter. This year the Flathead Snowmobile Association will join in the fun.
see page 21
Calendar from page 20
Mission Valley Live presents Sterling Drake
Attend winter talk with Frank Tyro
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.
POLSON — Sterling Drake, an award-winning musician whose soulful tunes reflect his deep love of the landscapes, people, and culture of the American West, will perform at Polson High School on Friday, Jan. 16, at 7 p.m. Go to: missionvalleylive. com for tickets and more information.
CHARLO — Frank Tyro, a professor at SKC from 1984 to 2016, will present a documentary “Walking Bear Comes Home - the life and work of Chuck Jokel,” from 1-3 p.m. at Ninepipes Museum on Jan. 17.Frank has traveled to Churchill, Manitoba 48 times with the Great Bear Foundation and as a co-leader of the Arctic Ecolology Field Coursees.
Saturday, Jan. 17
Wednesday, Jan. 21
Saturday Story Time held
POLSON - The Polson Library’s Mother Goose Program is held on Fridays at 10 a.m. for 0-24 month olds.
Free meditation class offered
Saturday, Jan. 24
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.
POLSON - Join the Mission Mountain Zen Center on Wednesdays for online instruction, practice and discussion via Zoom and in-person. The classes will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. We will cultivate
Friday, Jan. 23 Little ones love Mother Goose
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.
Saturday, Feb. 7 Vitamin String Quartet tour in Kalispell KALISPELL — The Wachholz College Center is thrilled to welcome Vitamin String Quartet (VSQ), one of the most popular string ensembles in the world, to the Flathead Valley on Feb. 10, 2026. Tickets are on sale now and start at $39.60 inclusive of all fees. To purchase tickets visit: wccmt.org or contact the WCC ticket office at 406-756-1400.
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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 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.
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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.
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.
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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.
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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. Valley Journal
December 31, 2025 - 21
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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.
Public Notices
Legals Legals Legal Notice Shoreline Protection Office proposed changes to Ordinance 64A Revised fee schedule The Shoreline Protection Office is requesting written comments for proposed changes to Ordinance 64A Revised fee schedule for the period of January 10, 2026 through February 10, 2026. A digital copy of the proposed changes can be requested by email, email requests to craig.pablo@ cskt.org or frank.acevedo@cskt.org. Physical copies can be picked up at the Shoreline Protection Office at
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301 Main Street, Polson, MT 59860. Written comments can be dropped off, mailed to the same office and location mentioned above or emailed to the aforementioned email addresses. Comments must be received no later than 4:30 pm, February 10, 2026. The proposed changes and comments will be presented to the Shoreline Protection Board at a public hearing February 11, 2026 at 9:00 am at the
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