FCT312

Marathon school board meeting draws capacity crowd in controversy over teacher By Brad Mosher

bmosher@countrymedia.net The public library in Plevna was filled Tuesday evening with dozens of people waiting for a decision regarding the employment status of a teacher who had become a lightning rod in the community. More than half of the more than 3 1/2 meeting was focusing on the public comments, discussion and decision regarding the employment status of Paige Boyer, a teacher and guidance counselor at the school. The meeting was also streamed online using Zoom and brought comments from far outside the small community on Highway 12 west of Baker. After more than an hour of public comments regarding the teacher, the board struggled at first to come to a decision. After a motion was made and seconded for non-renewal without cause, the board had two votes in favor of removal with two abstentions and started to proceed. However, the board was stopped by the legal counsel, Andrew Vigeland of the Montana School Boards Association, who forced a halt to the proceedings. He stated that with two votes for and two abstentions, the four-person board could do three things, including table it for a later meeting. After briefly tabling the motion and announcing plans to take it up in either the April or May meeting, one of the board members who had been an abstention asked for the original motion to be reopened. After it was reopened, the motion was approved and seconded again, but this time there were three ayes – Chairman Scott Rieger, Will Sparks and with Janet Stickney adding a

deciding third vote to not renew Boyer’s contract without cause. Vice chairman Teresa Rieger abstained again. Within a few minutes after the board’s decision not to renew, most of the people attending the meeting left. But not before many verbally announced they were opposed to the decision not to renew the teacher’s contract without cause. Earlier in the meeting, Falecia Rader told the board it needed to take a look at the use of political and ideological displays inside the school. “Those things should be used to encourage civil exchange of ideas. I am hopeful that none of them are displayed in a manner that would facilitate ridicule, shame or ostracize.” Rader posted on Facebook about the meeting and the situation regarding the teacher. She commented that as a graduate of Plevna she felt she had gotten an excellent education because of well trained faculty. She also stated that she was disappointed to see that a teacher at a time when rural communities are struggling to recruit and retain qualified teachers, her contract was not renewed. Wide discussions In addition to the employment situation of one teacher, members of the audiences also said that there are problems at the school in how the students and the staff interact. Another parent said his son wrote a controversial Black Lives Matter and anti-BLM because it was part of a first amendment exercise. “It was a class assignment. That article (published information) was like a half-truth. It wasn’t the whole thing. It was a different class. It was a freedom of speech article with two opposing views. It was Trump versus Pence... it was mask versus no-mask... it was

COVID-19 in county, state still low Staff Report Fallon County vaccine doses near the 1,000 mark with 446 fully immunized, according to statistics released Tuesday by the Montana Department of Health. Throughout the state, more than 310,000 people have received at least one dose of vaccines, with a total of 117,763 considered to be fully immunized. According to the statistics reported by the state, Fallon County had administered 989 doses by Tuesday. The total included 543 who had received the first of two doses. The state estimates that there are 2,157 people in the county to be vaccinated. Fallon zero still The current COVID statistics still list Fallon County as having zero active cases, while neighboring Wibaux and Prairie counties also have no active cases. To the south, Carter County has four active cases, while listing 136 as recovered. The county also has had five fatalities since the pandemic hit the state. By comparison, Yellowstone County has 583 active cases, followed by Flathead (146), Gallatin (114), and Missoula (97) counties.

gay versus not gay... It was two opposing views in that I can say what I want and you can think what you want,” the parent said. “That is what freedom of speech is.” “It wasn’t supposed to be a hate thing. I understand that it got taken that way and I am really sorry that it did,” the parent added. Another member of the audience focused on the impact of some actions by students and faculty in regard to race. “As you can see, there are only two African-Americans in this room.... okay there is three in a state that has .1 percent African-American. I have been talked to by some staff members and some teachers and I have heard the name-calling of some Native Americans. That comes from staff members’ mouths and it is unacceptable.” “We have been taught through the years that nothing will change. For everybody else in this room, you believe that there is change. I didn’t want to come to this meeting, because I know it is not going to change because in 47 years of my life, I have seen nothing change.” “Nothing is changing. When my kids go to school they are called the same thing I was called. Nothing changed. “Why is okay that we have reservations in our area that we play basketball against when we talk about them like dogs. Why is that okay? Teachers accept it. Coaches do it. But why is it okay?” “I wasn’t going to say anything, but it gets really frustrating to hear that we are not going to address this,” he told the board. “We are almost 60 years out of the civil rights movement, and it is no better than it was then. You can think it is because we live in a bubble, but it is not.”

He added that he has been talked to like a dog because of the color of his skin. “My kids get talked to like dogs, because of the color of their skin. It is not okay.” “It is not okay,” he said, stressing that it starts with the leadership. “If you are not a leader, then step down.” At one point, the legal advisor had to make a point in the discussion. “This a recommendation for non-renewal without cause,” he said, stopping one parent in the middle of a description of an incident. “So general statements of support or opposition are just fine, but if you are talking specific allegations and discussions of work performance – those are things (that) teacher Boyer has the right of privacy. The comments need to remain generic.” But the board then voted. Vocal support In addition to local support, the teacher had people speaking up for her via Zoom during the meeting. One of her supporters, April Veach of Billings, told the board that she was shocked and disappointed in the way the school district had handled the employee. “About six years ago, I met the staff member in question through a home study. I was adopting my bi-racial niece who had been removed from care from her mother. Paige comes into my home and does my home study and (was) incredibly professional. When this came about and I see this current state of events, it was as a Not In Our Town member. I monitor our inbox. I couldn’t believe that this was the same person. “I know things come up and I believe this is an opportunity to grow. When you have an opportunity to grow and you have a staff member that has that vast

experience and disagreements come up, we can grow from them,” she said via Zoom. “We can heal. Someone said how do we all get along. We heal and we move on.” “I would like to say I fully support Paige. People can grow and heal together. The community can too,” Veach added. “As a parent, I would fully support any staff member that has the educational background, but also that compassionate component to look at our students and love them as they are when they have differences, disabilities, religions, LGBT.... our small communities desperately need that.” “Here in Billings, we have the same struggles, but smaller communities feel it so much differently. I would just ask to please consider renewing her because I do believe that she is a gift,” Veach said. “I fully support her and I fully support the school district. I do believe you have what it takes in due time to heal from this.” Earlier in the meeting, Veach also told the school board that there were things going on at the school which needed to be addressed. “There are students in your school – African-American, Native American and such. You also have different religions and things that you (the school board) may not be aware of. There are things going on that are obvious … people of color … and things that are not obvious. We want to be mindful of that. How do we help the students feel safe. It sounds like we have faculty issues but also students who are stuck in the middle of this,” she said. “How can we help our faculty and our students and our students’ families?” Student safety was a key point the board should focus on, she

said. “Especially in a state that has one of the highest suicide rates among our youth to come into a classroom and not feel safe. Our students should come into a classroom and be able to learn freely and be able to trust in teachers,” she said. One parent told the board that she tries to teach compassion, diversity and acceptance to her children at home, but when the children go to school they hear something different. “They ask me why is it okay at school but not at home – I don’t know how to answer that because it should not be allowed in school,” she said. A second member of the Not In Our Town group in Billings also offered to help via Zoom. The students need to feel welcome in an environment of learning, Jerry Clark said. The chairman of Not In Our Town-Billings said the community, the school board and the teachers have a responsibility. “In order for our kids to learn, they have a responsibility. If our students do not feel welcome there, do not feel safe, do not feel appreciated … if they feel bullied, they are not going to be able to have the mindset to be able to utilize their God-given talents. That is why they are there in school.” He added that he would happy to provide assistance to the community. A former student at the school said that the teacher who was the focus of the meeting and discussion had helped her make it through a tough time a year ago when she had a close friend die. Another speaker complained that young students are often hearing things at school meant to degrade them.

Fallon Medical Complex recognized again

Fallon Medical Complex (FMC) announced it has been named a 2021 Top 100 Critical Access Hospital by The Chartis Center for Rural Health. This annual award honoring rural hospital performance is determined by the results of the iVantage Health Analytics’ Hospital Strength INDEX. This is the second year in a row that FMC has received this honor. Based entirely on publicly available data, the INDEX is the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. Utilizing 50 independent indicators, the INDEX assesses performance across eight pillars of performance that span market-, value- and finance-based categories. Fallon Medical Complex received one of the 100 highest overall scores among all 1,350 Critical Access Hospitals nationwide. “The Top 100 Critical Access Hospital award program reminds us that rural providers haven’t lost touch with their mission and are committed to delivering better quality, better outcomes and better patient satisfaction,” said Michael Topchik, National Lead

er, The Chartis Center for Rural Health. The top CAH hospitals are recognized for managing risk, achieving higher quality, securing better outcomes, increasing patient satisfaction, and operating at a lower cost than their peers. The determining factors for the award are based on eight indices: inpatient market share, outpatient market share, quality outcomes, patient perspective, cost, charge and financial efficiency. Over the course of the last 11 years, the INDEX has grown to become the industry’s most comprehensive and objective assessment of rural hospital performance. States with the highest number of Critical Access top performers are Iowa (14), Kansas (13),

Nebraska (13), North Dakota (12) and Wisconsin (11). Across this state, only five of Montana’s 49 Critical Access Hospitals were named to the list. “We were pleased to have been named to this prestigious list for the second year in a row,” remarked David Espeland, FMC’s CEO. “The most remarkable part is that it was achieved through a completely third-party, comprehensive evaluation of our organization. We did not apply for the designation or ask to be included in the study. Nevertheless, I am very proud of FMC’s staff for doing all the right things for our patients and residents, day after day, to qualify again us for this elite award.”

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March 12, 2021

Fallon County Times

OBITUARIES

Frank Klauzer, 98

Frank Klauzer, 98, passed away on Feb. 16, 2021 in Andover, KS. His goal has always been to live to 100, and he got close, but unfortunately not all the way. We were looking forward to that celebration, and while not 100, he lived 98 full years – and that is worth celebrating in itself. Frank was the third son of Frank, Sr. and Anna Klauzer. He was born in Mill Iron, MT and lived there until he was 20 and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corp in 1942. He served as a bombardier navigator on B-24’s, and flew for 23 years, serving in World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars. Frank retired from the Air Force in 1965. The family then moved to South Dakota, settling near Rapid City. Frank and Pat resided there until they moved to the ranch at Redig, SD; then over to Camp Crook, SD where Frank retired again, this time as Postmaster from the Postal Service. During his life, Frank worked as a farmer, cowboy, lumberjack, sheep herder and real estate agent, in addition to his Military and Civil Services. Frank was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Patricia (Dietz) Klauzer; his parents Frank Sr. and Anna (Felix) Klauzer, his sisters, Annie Malenovsky, Mary Klauzer, Bertha Tallman, Agnes Blake; brothers, Larry,

Thomas, John, and Albert Klauzer. He is survived by members of his family, including two children, Jim (wife Lyn) of Ontario, OR, Judy (husband Jim) Stroot of Andover, KS, two granddaughters, Jaimi (husband Nickolay) Schwarz of Chicago, IL, and Abby Stroot of Las Vegas, NV, two great grandchildren, Kira Nicole and Alexander James Schwarz, of Chicago, IL, his brother Raymond Klauzer and a number of cousins, nieces and nephews. Frank was a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Disabled American Veterans. Frank was honored to participate in the 2019 Kansas Honor Flight in a trip to Washington DC with his son Jim. He was the oldest participant and the only veteran attending having served during three wartime campaigns. Frank will be honored at a full Military service at the Black Hills National Cemetery, date and time yet to be determined, tentatively in May, 2021. A memorial has been established with the Carter County Museum in Ekalaka, MT. The Carter County Museum is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing science, history, and culture to the Montana community. Frank’s Air Force uniform and memorabilia will be on exhibit, per his wishes. Your donation helps make it possible for the museum to keep the collections local and available to the public through exhibitions, educational programming, and outreach. All donations are tax deductible. Please forward donation directly to Carter County Museum, 306 N. Main St, Ekalaka, MT 59324 – Attention: Frank Klauzer Memorial Fund.

Austin Gaub

Gentre Coulter and Emily Enos

Ashlee Burdick

Annual Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest The Knights of Columbus Council #6294 of Baker Annual Free Throw Contest was conducted at Baker, Ekalaka and Plevna Schools in January. Girls and boys, ages 9-14, shot 15 free throws to determine council winners. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic no further contests will be conducted this year. Council winners this year were: Girls Age 9 - Ashlee Burdick - Baker - 6/15 Age 10 - Claire Schumacher Plevna - 6/15 Age 11 - Avery O’Connor Baker - 11/15

Age 12 - Jayda Harbaugh Baker - 6/15 Age 13 - Emily Enos - Baker - 10/15 Age 14 - Sophia Schumacher Plevna - 12/15 Boys Age 9 - Chaes Oberlander Plevna - 8/15 Age 10 - Corbin Buerkle Plevna - 8/15 Age 11 - Kaeden Oberlander Plevna - 11/15 Age 12 - Cru Schwartz - Baker - 10/15 Age 13 - Austin Gaub - Baker - 10/15 Age 14 - Gentre Coulter Baker - 14/15

Willard Homemakers By Terry Bruha, Reporter

Willard Homemakers held their February and March meetings at the Baker Senior Citizens Center. Dues were paid by members for the New Year Election of Officers resulted in: Molly Barkley - President Jeannie Tronstad - V. President Carol Sparks - Sec. - Treasurer Terry Bruha - Reporter Bills were presented for groceries for the Ag Series meal that

our club served in February. New business discussed was: March Blood Drive and Spring Council Meeting, Terry Bruha and Jeannie Tronstad will be working on Quilts for Local Veterans which the club will sponsor. We will serve a meal for club member Peggy Smith’s Auction Sale. Our next meeting will be at Terry Bruha’s home on April 6. The meeting was adjourned. Delicious treats were provided by Janice Buck

Fully immunized Montanans Cards at the Activity Center surpass total infections

With COVID-19 backing off, folks are anxious to return to normal, so three tables were filled to play pinochle March 7 at the activity center. Even some new faces attended. Mary Ketchun was the only one to get double pinochle credit so it helped her lead the pack to the most points followed by Cecilia Dworshak and Iven Felt. The Bowman friends invited us to come join them on Tuesdays and Thursdays. EVERYONE is welcome to come have fun with us every Sunday at the center starting play at 1:30 p.m.

Avery O’Connor, Jayda Harbaugh and Cru Schwartz

The total number of Montanans fully immunized against COVID-19 surpassed the total number of infections since the start of the pandemic, according to data from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. “This encouraging milestone is a testament to the tireless efforts of our health care workers

who are administering these safe, effective vaccines. It’s also a testament to Montanans who have taken steps to protect themselves, their families, and their neighbors from the spread of the virus,” Governor Gianforte said. “We’ll keep up our efforts as the light at the end of the tunnel shines more brightly with each passing day.” The total number of Montanans fully immunized as of March 9, is 117,763, while total infections to date are 101,093.

Plevna (l-r): Corbin Buerkle, Sophia Schumacher, Claire Schumacher, Kaeden Oberlander, and Chaes Oberlander with their plaques.

LET TER TO THE EDITOR Dear Editor, I am very discouraged about the false claims being made against me, the FMC Board of Trustees and Sue Lunde, DON. It’s unfortunate that liberties have been taken in making statements that are not grounded in fact, and it’s equally unfortunate that social media allows that type of behavior, since there is no requirement for accountability on behalf of the person making the false claims online. For instance, it was posted that I had asked the police to be present at last week’s Board of Trustees meeting. Anyone who called to confirm that statement discovered that I had not called law enforcement at all. Then, it was posted that our Board President would be co-hosting a future community session. This was publicly refuted at last week’s board meeting, because our President had not consented to such action. Prior to the adverse postings, no attempt was made to contact me for a civilized discussion about the various concerns. The statement that was read at the board meeting sounded like an investigative reporter who had uncovered a bunch of dirt on a corrupt business and wanted to be the first to announce it. Nonetheless, unlike newspapers which are required to check their facts prior to publishing damaging statements, the verbal statement made at the board meeting simply made false accusations without any proof. Regrettably, we cannot defend ourselves against false claims, since we are bound by confidentiality, like law enforcement, lawyers, and bankers. Taking pot shots on confidential topics online is like shooting fish in a barrel. It’s very un-sportsman-like. If I am doing such an awful job as the false statements contend, why is FMC named one of the top 100 Critical Access Hospitals in the nation for a second year in a row? And why has the average employee been working at FMC for nine years? We must be doing something right. Respectfully, David Espeland, CEO Fallon Medical Complex, Inc.

Fallon County Times

10 YEARS AGO Friday, March 18, 2011 --

City of Baker Homeowner Rehabilitation and Demolish Project is progressing quite well. To date, four homes have been rehabilitated and one mobile has been replaced with a newer model. Two homes are under construction and one pending a contract signing. . .Jordan Gray, sophomore at Baker High School, was selected to the District 38 All-Conference Basketball First Team. Kyle DuCharme, junior at BHS, was selected to the second team. . .Baker and Plevna FCCLA will be at the State Convention March 18-19 in Billings. . .Plevna alumni basketball game will be held March. 25 in Plevna. . .Winners of the Show Me and Teach Me about Montana Agriculture Design Contest were: third grade - Paige Inion, fourth grade - Chantel Tronstad, fifth grade - Taylyn Dukart, sixth grade Paul Wang. . .Baker High School junior, Tessa Kilsdonk, daughter of Rod and Lisa Kilsdonk, spent from Feb. 28 - March 4 in Helena serving as a legislative page in the House of Representatives.

20 YEARS AGO Thursday, March 16, 2001 --

According to Mayor Kelly Coldwell, the street project on Highways 7 and 12 in Baker has been delayed once again. . .American Legion celebrated its 82nd birthday March 12. Bob Neumann and Lew Price were awarded 55 year certificates and awards at the birthday party. . .Baker High School 2001 prom candidates are Lisa Wood, Janalee Singer, Katie Straub, Stacie Smith, Josh Madler, Justin Thilmony, Drew Abrams and Braden Duffield. . .Local NAPA store has gone through many changes since its sale to Dale Leivestad and Del Espinosa. The latest change is the appointment of a new manager, Chuck South. . .High temperature March 12 was 50 degrees. . .Delmar “DJ” Jensen will celebrate his 80th birthday March 18. . .Plevna High School drill team, coached by Julie Woolston, came home from the District 4-C Tournament with the half-time entertainment trophy. Members of the team are Brook Buerkle, Leanne Klos, Shanna Medearis, Amanda Woolston, Cody Bainter, Mandi Alberts and Rachel Brockel. . .Lakeview Country Club has hired Maria Varner as the new clubhouse manager. . .Baker and Plevna students will compete at the State FCCLA Convention March 22-24 in Missoula. . .Baker Furniture is introducing Bob Hunt as their serviceman. . ,Orlynn Sieler celebrated her 81st birthday at the home of her daughter, Roger and Paula

FILES OF THE TIMES

Fuchs, north of Plevna.

30 YEARS AGO

Thursday, March 14, 1991 --

Megan Husby will represent Fallon County at the State Spelling Bee in Butte, April 6. She is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Husby. Second place winner and alternate to the State Bee is Wesley Vaughn, son of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Vaughn. . .Guy Stickney of Plevna School was the overall winner in Fallon County of the Ag Week bumper sticker contest. He is the son of Steve and Jan Stickney of Ismay. . .An open house birthday party for Mary O’Donnell Petersen will be held March 17. . .Kenneth Rustad was honored on his 75th birthday March 3. . .Timothy O’Connor was recently promoted to the rank of sergeant in the United States Air Force. . .Two Baker Student Council members, Kim Newell and Angel Strait, and one chaperone, Terry Curry, along with 75 other Montana students, will attend the Regional Student Council Conference in Las Vegas. . .Students in the fourth grade at Washington School wrote letters to local businessmen asking them to use mesh or canvas bags instead of paper or plastic. They are learning about recycling. Their teacher is Mrs. Rita Breitbach.

40 YEARS AGO Thursday, March 12, 1981 --

Mike Ross, announcer for KFLN radio, was struck and very seriously injured Wednesday evening while walking in from the station on Highway 12. . .Oilfields in the Baker area have been seeing more drilling activity since 1981 began and the drilling should continue to increase. . .Former Fallon County Commissioner Kenneth Rustad said that Milwaukee Railroad’s attempt to close the Baker depot, if approved, would hurt the Baker community. . .Scott Townsend, member of the Baker Spartan basketball team, was chosen by the newspaper media to join in the membership of the “outstanding players” of the tournament in Glendive. . .Local members of Baker High School’s class of 1944 held a mini reunion at the Denzil Young home last Thursday evening. Former classmates enjoying visiting were Mary Murphy Stark, Marlys Lutts Lindstrom, Nellie MacKay Rost, Ben Loren who was in Baker visiting from Alaska and Denzil Young. Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Rost were also guests.

50 YEARS AGO Thursday, March 18, 1971 --

60 YEARS AGO

Thursday, March 16, 1961 --

The Easter Seal Drive is well underway with Mrs. Gary Stanhope in charge. . .Mel Rogstad and Francis LaCross are to date the only candidates to file in the school trustee school election. . .Americanism winners in the essay contest of the American Legion and Auxiliary are Delila Fried, Susan Stickney, Loretta Sieler for the senior group; Cynthia Rindy, Gail Schaffer and Joe Nelson in the junior division.

70 YEARS AGO

Thursday, March 15, 1951 --

Five Montanans died in the winter’s worst blizzard last week. . .Dr. S. A. Weeks has been named medical advisor to accompany Boy Scout delegates to the Boy Scout World Jamboree August 3-13 in Austria. . .The local Harris Kochel Post No. 6697 team, despite several handicaps and predictions, proved their basketball playing ability by copping second place in the state VFW tournament held at Whitefish this past week. . .Baker Woman’s Club is sponsoring an art exhibit of Montana artists in the lobby of the lake Theatre this week.

Full Service Agronomy Plant

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80 YEARS AGO Thursday, March 13, 1941 --

Dr. C. F. Hogeboom and Dr. Robert Weeks are pictured looking over the new coronary care unit at the Fallon Memorial Hospital. . .Emmett LaBree, John Buerkle, Ambrose Thielen and Bob Lund furnished livestock for the 4-H judging contest. . .Winners of the Fallon Creek CowBelle Cook-Off are Dixie Rieger, Ruth Scott and Carol Buerkle. . .Six attend DECA convention. They are Mary Hufford, Jesse Schell, Dennis Freier, Liz Slaughter, Terri Yockim and Debbie Peters. . .Three Baker girls enter beauty contest. Participating in the Miss Eastern Montana pageant will be Sheila LaCross, Bev Breitbach and Marnee Wiman. . .Mary Paula Young, Dennis Bechtold, Tom Sparks and Vernon Buerkle are named winners in the Americanism contest.

Baker Agronomy Center

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March 12, 2021

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

The community was stupefied with grief Saturday morning to learn that L. Price, Sr. had died from a heart attack. He had just returned home from a trip to California and Arizona where he visited his daughter and sister. . .Baker Girl Scouts have an attractive window display in the Penney Store in commemoration of Scout Week. . .Eph Keirle sold his recently acquired residence occupied by the H. G. Watt family to H. A. Barchus. . .Celebration of the Legion’s birthday will be one of the big events for the American Legion Auxiliary, announced Mrs. Wright, president of the Fallon County unit.

90 YEARS AGO Thursday, March 12, 1931 --

Local whisters who engaged in the return match with Ekalaka last Saturday were successful in beating the Ekalaka players by 93 points. . .Mr. and Mrs. R. F. Smith and their daughter Edna left Saturday morning for Livingston where they will locate. Smith has been appointed to take charge of liquidating the Gardiner State Bank of Gardiner. . .Weather permitting, the Boy Scouts will go on a hike Saturday morning with their Scoutmaster Mr. Phillips. . .Mr. and Mrs. H. V. Mathews and children left for Great Falls Saturday where Mr. Mathews will be in charge of pipeline and gas fields for the Northwest States Utility Co. They lived here two years and he was in charge of the Gas Development Co.

100 YEARS AGO Thursday, March 17, 1921 --

Mr. and Mrs. Sid Goldin, who left Fertile Prairie about a year ago to try some other parts of the state, returned to their farm home Sunday. . .W. W. Larson sold his restaurant near the depot to V. E. Bisbee who moved the furniture and supplies to the Commercial Hotel room at the north side of the building. . .Freeman Cate and wife arrived from Melrose, WI, the latter part of the week to take up farming in the Minnesota Valley. . .The State Board of Education is contemplating a ruling that states a school is not to be opened unless it has at least five pupils. . .The home of Mrs. F. Seeley caught fire Sunday night while the family was at the show and except for the timely arrival of neighbors would have been destroyed. It is thought the heavy wind caused an extra draft which overheated the stove.

The Montana Association of Clerks and Recorders is sponsoring two scholarships ($1,000 and $500), for graduating seniors who will be attending IN STATE SCHOOLS. The last day of acceptance of applications is March 12, 2021. Application forms are now available at the Fallon County Clerk and Recorder’s office at the courthouse in Baker, or the Guidance Counselors at the Baker and Plevna High Schools. Application forms must be received by the Clerk and Recorder by 5:00 PM, March 12, 2021 and will be judged based on need, scholar, school and civic involvement.

With questions feel free to contact Brenda Wood by mail at PO Box 846-Baker, MT 59313; the office at 10 West Fallon Avenue-Baker, MT 59313 or phone 778-8182

(USPS 184940)

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

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March 13 - Derry Diegel’s 80th Birthday Celebration, 11:30 a.m-1:30 p.m., Gunner’s Ridge Bar and Grill, Glendive. March 14 - Daylight Saving Time; Changed For Life Church services, 10 a.m., Good Life Center. March 15 - Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., Assembly of God Church basement; Fair Board meeting, 6 p.m., Fallon County Fairgrounds exhibit hall; Fallon County Water & Sewer District/Stanhope Addition, monthly meeting, 5:30 p.m., library basement. March 16 - Overeaters Anonymous, 6:30 p.m., American Lutheran Church. March 17 - St. Patrick’s Day; City Council, 7 p.m., Fallon County courtroom; Knights of Columbus, 8 p.m., St. John’s Catholic Church basement. March 18 - Free Business Development, by appointment, call 406-748-2990. March 20 - First Day of Spring March 21 - Changed For Life Church services, 10 a.m., Good Life Center. March 22 - Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., Assembly of God Church basement. March 23 - Overeaters Anonymous, 6:30 p.m., Amer-

ican Lutheran Church. March 25 - Multiple Sclerosis Support Group, 7 p.m., Holy Rosary conference room 2, call Diana 406-232-1458 or Nicole 232-5698. March 28 - Palm Sunday; Changed For Life Church services, 10 a.m., Good Life Center.

•HOPE, do you feel alcohol is causing problems, we can help, Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at the American Lutheran Church. •District Court is in session the first Tuesday of the first full week of the month and as often as business warrants. Interested persons are welcome to check a specific schedule at the office of the Clerk of District Court. •O’Fallon Historical Museum: Open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m-noon & 1-4 p.m. •Fallon County Library hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; closed Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays. •Driver Licensing Schedule, every Tuesday, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., 1 p.m.-3:30 p.m., courthouse.

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March 17

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March 18

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March 12, 2021

Fallon County Times

Harveanna Lee

Riley Davis

State B Boys Wrestling results Wrestling competitions officially came to an end this past weekend, but this season wasn’t a disappointment in the slightest. It is a rare occasion in the history of Baker High School to have the entire wrestling team attend the state competition, so this was an accomplishment in itself for our boy’s team! Overall, Baker scored 18 points as a team for the entire competition and many fought hard to continue competing in their weight class over the course of the weekend. A special congratulations goes out to freshman Riley Davis, who placed sixth overall in the state! His final match against Trevor O’Hara of Fort Benton-Big Sandy was his last match-up in the tournament. Great job to all of these boys on their hard work and determination this season!

Fifth graders enjoy reading in the fresh air This recent heat wave has brought a want from us all to be outside and appreciate some warmth once again this year. Mrs. Sheila O’Connor’s 5th grade class was able to take advantage of this nice weather last week and decided to go read together on the playground. This was a great opportunity to enjoy the fresh air while also experiencing a different environment to focus on their learning and comprehension!

Olivia Gunderson

Sophia Dulin

Students continue to challenge themselves in virtual competitions Some bright students here at Baker High School geared up this past week to participate in a couple of different academic competitions. These were the Montana Tech Science and Engineering Fair and the Intermountain Junior Science and Humanities Symposium. Students proved their hard work and dedication to furthering their knowledge in the sciences by presenting their projects professionally in a variety of settings for these competitions. Sophia Dulin discussed the “Development of Natural Paint from Clinker Pyro Metamorphic Rock” and received a blue ribbon and advanced to the finals. She then received a bronze medal, the ASM Materials Educa-

tion Foundation award, the MT Tech-University Mining Dept. Award and the MT Tech University Metallurgy Dept. Award. Sayge Barkley presented the “Development of Bio-plastic from Feather Keratin” and received a red ribbon, the NOAA Taking the Pulse of the Planet Award, the RICOH sustainable development award and the Yale Science and Engineering Award. She also received fourth at the symposium and will be advancing to Nationals! Harveanna Lee explained the “Exploration of U.S. Cancer Data” and received a white ribbon at the science fair and received third place at the symposium for her poster. Olivia Gunderson researched the “Bio-

informatic Investigation of Prion Protein Sequences from Multiple Species” and received a red ribbon. At the symposium, the top 18 students from Montana, Idaho, Utah, Nevada and Colorado were selected to compete in the oral competition. Sayge, Sophia and Olivia all qualified for this competition! All four of these students will likely continue their efforts and compete at the state science fair at the end of this month. We wish them congratulations on these wonderful achievements and much success in future competitions to come this year!

Lady Spartans Divisional Tournament results The Lady Spartans finished out a very hard-fought and memorable season this past March 2. It was sadly not the intended outcome that these ladies hoped for entering into the Divisional Tournament, and unfortunately they lost out of the competition after their game against the Joliet J-Hawks. These ladies played extremely hard in this first game at the Billings First Interstate Arena, but ultimately Joliet pushed back and was ready to put up their best fight to stay in the tournament. The final score of the game was 59 to 39, Joliet with the win for the play-in round. Anika Ploeger led in points for this game with 13, along with 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 steal. Emily Shumaker came in next with 9 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist. Peyton Janeway contributed to the game with 7 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals. Mya Hadley added 6 points, 4 rebounds and 1 assist. Harlee Graham had 3 points, 6 rebounds

and 1 steal. Eve Uecker had 1 point, 4 rebounds and 1 assist. McKenna Griffith had 1 rebound and 1 steal. Makala Gallegos and Kaytlynn Gaub both had 1 rebound for the game. All of these ladies should be extremely proud of their successes this season and we congratulate them on making it to compete at the Divisional Tournament, which hasn’t happened for many years here at BHS!

Anika Ploeger

Emily Shumaker

Fallon County Times

March 12, 2021

Cougar Tracks

News from the Plevna School

5

I Love to Read week By Chloe Tudor

Emory Rieger looking at her dirt slide underneath the microscope.

Weston Robertus analyzing sand particles.

Second grade take on dirt By Chloe Tudor

Mrs. Oberlander’s class dedicated their science studies to soil over the fourth week of February. These studies followed the interesting lesson prior explaining soil erosion. The study of soils, also known as pedology, goes hand-in-hand with erosion. Mrs. Schumacher set up a lab for the students to observe the soils under a microscope. The

class enjoyed learning about the four different types of soil: clay, loam, sand and silt. Each took on a different shape and color underneath the microscope, and the Second Graders analyzed and logged their findings. After two days of examining and reading, the students created their own informational Google Slides about the four soils. Overall, the class enjoyed the topic of soils and gained an ample amount of new information.

First grade Presidents’ Day By Whitney Thielen

Mrs. Downing’s first grade class spent Presidents’ Day talking about Abraham Lincoln. They learned that he was the 16th President, and he was born on Feb. 12, 1809, in Kentucky. Lincoln was married to Mary Todd Lincoln, and they had five children. He was assassinated on April 15, 1865 by John Wilkes Booth. After learning some interesting facts about Abraham Lincoln, they proceeded to make log cabins in the shape of what they thought Lincoln had built. They used pretzel sticks and peanut butter to make their log cabins.

I love to read week this year is focusing on snowy events and locations, the Iditarod Trail in particular! The Iditarod Race, also known as “The Last Great Race”, has been an intense competition since it was founded in 1973. It is an event to test the best mushers from around the world, and will start this year on March 6 commencing at 10 a.m. Iditarod means “distant” or “distant place”, originating among the Ingalik and Holikachuk people. The competition begins in Anchorage, Alaska, and 52 people will be participating in the upcoming competition. The treacherous path between An-

chorage and Nome has 23 checkpoints. The teams each start with 16 dogs, but are often narrowed down to 6 by the conclusion of the race. Only Northern dog breeds are allowed to enter; this includes Siberian Huskies and the massive Alaskan Malamutes. The teams face many hazards along the way, including aggressive moose, weather changes, overexertion of dogs and mushers, foot and heart issues, dehydration, and tangled lines. The winning musher will take home $50,000 and a new pickup, and the final sled team will receive the Red Lantern Award. A lantern is lit during the race and is not extinguished until the last team has crossed the finish line

Knights of Columbus Free Throw Contest

Our elementary students have the opportunity to go inside the igloo and read. They are also reading books about Alaska, the Iditarod, Balto, Julie of the

Throughout the month of January, the Knights of Columbus Council #6294 of Baker held their annual Free Throw Contest at the Baker, Ekalaka and Plevna Schools. Mr. Mangold and Mrs. Phelps organized the Knights of Columbus Free Throw contest for the Plevna School. Girls and boys ages 9-14 could participate in this competition. The students each shot 15 free throws to determine who the Council Winners would be this year. Sophia Schumacher had the highest score for the 14 year old girls with 12/15 free throws. Next, was sixth grader Kaeden Oberlander with 11/15 in the 11 year old boys’ division; Corbin Buerkle won the boys 10 year old division with 8/15 shots. Chaes Oberlander made 8/15 winning the 9 year old boys division, and Claire Schumacher made 6/15 winning the girls 10 year old competition. Great job students, we are proud to see you hard at work sinking free throws!

By Jaeda Paul, Secretary On March 2, the Plevna FFA Officer Team met to discuss all the happenings in the month of March, and any important events that need to be planned. The officers first put together the agenda for the chapter meet-

Wolves, and factual books about previous Iditarod’s. Ask our elementary students how they enjoyed their “I Love to Read Week”!

Arctic chill takes over the kindergarten

By Whitney Thielen

FFA Officer meeting Brody Knuths making his log cabin.

Mason Lai exploring the igloo.

Link Rieger excited to create his own snow.

By Jenna Paul To celebrate I Love to Read Week, Mrs. Bidwell’s kindergarten class focused on snow and the weather cycle. The class read

ing. Old business will include Harvest of the Month for February, FFA Week, and Districts. The new business will entail March’s Harvest of the Month, CDE Days, the fourth round of District competitions and St. Patrick’s Day sign decorating. The group came up with leadership activities for the members at the Chapter meeting. The officers

Little Snowflake, which allowed for the students to learn a snowflake’s path through the weather cycle. To learn more about the weather cycle, they each made a snowstorm in a jar! They used baby oil, white paint and Alka Seltzer tablets. To show how precipitation work, they experimented with shaving cream, water and blue food coloring. The kindergartners also made artificial snow, it was almost like real snow, except for the lack of melting! Students are also doing an Arctic versus Antarctic Unit, where they are learning about animals from each place. To finish their Unit, they will also write a report and make a diorama on an animal they each choose.

discussed ideas pertaining to the Banquet at the end of the year. In April, the officers will be putting on an FFA “Game of Life” at the chapter meeting. The officers planned all of the blocks and cards that are used during the games. Overall, it was a very productive meeting as the officers planned the last few months of the school year.

Good Luck to Plevna’s FCCLA Students

as they compete virtually in their State Competition!

Back Row (l-r): Whitney Thielen, Izzy Cuppy, Dean Alford, Jenna Paul, Wyatt Thielen, Jaeda Paul Front Row (l-r): Sophia Schumacher, Jaiden Dulin, Maddi Butori, Kali Dulin, Ella Gray

2020 - 2021 PLEVNA SCHOOL SPONSORS

4J WELL SERVICE ABC PLUS ALBERT & LYNN PAUL, JESSICA, JENNA, JAEDA & JORDAN B&B FARMS, NORMA, DAN, BRITT & DON BUERKLE FAMILIES B & B SEPTIC SERVICES BADLANDS ELECTRIC BAKER BODY SHOP BAKER DRUG BAKER FURNITURE BAKER METAL & RECYCLING BANK OF BAKER BATTERMAN LAW OFFICE BIG HILL BOARDING BIG SKY FINANCIAL BILL & KATIE LANE, HAYDEN, COLTON & LIAM CACTUS CATTLE COMPANY, BOBBY, MISSY, WYETT, WHITNEY & WILEY THIELEN

CHOICE CONSTRUCTION CIRCLE R STEEL & INSULATION CLIFF & JENNIFER TUDOR, COURTNEY, CHLOE, SOPHIA & SARA CT EXCAVATION, INC. CORNER BAR DALE & SHARON BUERKLE DARCY L. WASSMANN, P.C. DARIN & NICOLE BUERKLE & FAMILY DAVE & JODI SCHUETZLE & FAMILY DEEP CREEK CONTRACTING DICK’S HEATING & COOLING DIRECT ELECTRIC EILEEN & LISA RIEGER FALLON COUNTY TIMES FALLON COUNTY VETERINARY SERVICE FARMER’S UNION OIL CO. FRED & DONNA HOUZVICKA GIFF & VIVIAN (PANASUK) WOOD GRASSLANDS FEDRAL CREDIT UNION

GRIFFITH EXCAVATING, INC. GRIFFITH RENTAL GRIFFITH STEEL HURLEY’S AUTOMOTIVE HWY 12 EQUIPMENT INSURANCE STORE ISMAY GRAIN COMPANY, LLC, RITA, GENE, LOREEN, LEE & NANCY NEMITZ J & M LUMBER JAMES R. CAMPBELL D.D.S JORDAN & ASHLEY O’DONNELL, RAY, CORB & BO LORIN & CAROL BUERKLE MITCHELL’S CRANE & TRUCKING NEMITZ TRUCKING, LEE, NANCY & FAMILY QUALITY TRANSPORTATION PLEVNA BAR & GRILL PLEVNA PUBLIC SCHOOLS PRAIRIE FUELS PRAIRIE ROSE CLASSICS

PRECISION PARTS & SUPPLY QUALITY TRANSPORTATION RACHEL’S ACCOUNTING REYNOLDS MARKET RIEGER FENCING & CONTRACTING ROLLING RUBBER POINT S RUSSELL’S CLOTHING SCOT & NIKKI BUERKLE, TRISTAN & TAYVN SPIFFY’S STEFFES RANCH, INC., LARRY, CARMIE, CHAD, HEATHER, STEPHANIE, JOE & SHAWNNA STEVE & JAN STICKNEY STRAUB HEATING & COOLING THEE BODY SHOP THEE GARAGE BAR & STEAKHOUSE WAYNE & MARY MANGOLD WBI ENERGY WILLIE, PENNY & TIFFANY BENNER

6

March 12, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS

Fallon County Times

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

HELP WANTED

corder or drop off at the office 214 Park Street, Ekalaka, MT P.O. Box 315 214 Park Street Ekalaka, MT 59324 10-12c ____________________________ HELP WANTED: Full-time and part-time positions open at The Box. To apply, call 406-778-3731 or send a Facebook message on The Box page. 8-11c ____________________________ HELP WANTED: Self motivated, mature and responsible individuals for seasonal positions working in many aspects of an aerial application business located at the Ekalaka Airport. Punctuality and dependability a MUST! Must be 18 years of age and have a clean driver’s license to commute in company vehicles. Season starts April 1, and runs through October with flexible hours, start dates and schedules. Can also be a perfect fit for teachers and students looking for an extra summer/ weekend hours. Starting wage depends on experience with seasonal bonuses paid based on performance and longevity. For further information contact Darrin Pluhar at Plu’s Flying Service, Inc. 406-853-0039. 7tfnc

WANTED

HELP WANTED: The Farm Service Agency office located in Baker, MT is accepting applications for a full-time Permanent Program Technician position. Duties include carrying out office activities for farm programs, explains procedures, program regulations and forms to producers and other agency personnel. The position involves using a high degree of initiative and judgment in planning and carrying out assigned tasks and resolving problems encountered. The vacancy announcement will be posted on USA Jobs from March 03, 2021 through March 17, 2021 at www.usajobs.gov and all applicants must apply through USAJobs by the closing date. USDA is an Equal Opportunity Provider, Employer and Lender. 11c ____________________________ HELP WANTED: Baker Furniture is looking for someone that is outgoing, enthusiastic, have great interpersonal skills, love people, and have a positive attitude. We need a professional full-time or part-time sales associate to join our family-owned company that loves to assist customers with their home furniture and appliance needs. The job requires the ability to greet customers in the showroom, complete training to master product knowledge, organizational skills and a working knowledge of computers. We offer employee discounts, health insurance, paid time off and a Simple IRA Plan. The work schedule is 9:30 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Applications may be picked up at the front desk, resume may be mailed to P.O. Box 1525, Baker, MT 59313, or emailed to bfurn@midrivers.com. 10-11c

POSITION OPENING Part-time Public Health Nurse Assistant Carter County Public Health Department Posting Date: March 9, 2021 Hours: Two days each week Department: Carter County Public Health APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 1 p.m. on March 29, 2021 FUNCTION: Part-time position, offering great challenges and a flexible weekday schedule. Successful applicant will perform activities that protect and promote the health of our citizens. Provide a variety of skilled nursing services in venues including public schools and client homes. Support all public health related duties, including promotion and maintenance of good health, flu shot clinics, home health visits, Maternal and Child Care checkups and immunization clinics. Individual will work with a variety of ages, from infants to elderly. The work will be performed under the general direction of the assigned Public Health Nurse. REQUIRED: •High School diploma and equivalent and completion of an accredited nursing program or higher •Current and valid license to practice as a licensed nurse in the State of Montana •Must possess or be eligible for a Montana driver’s license •Office experience, including answering phone, computer skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat and other software programs concerning the position Job Description available upon request. TO APPLY: 1. County Application 2. Resume

3. Names, addresses and phone numbers of three (3) employment-related references To: Carter County Clerk and Recorder or drop off at the office 214 Park Street, Ekalaka, MT PO Box 315 214 Park Street Ekalaka, MT 59324 11-13c ____________________________ POSITION OPENING Program Supervisor Carter County Public Health Department Posting Date: March 1, 2021 Hours: 32 – 40 hours/week, Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Department: County Public Health Department Salary: $15.00/hour starting Sixmonth probation plus full benefits APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY 1 p.m. on March 22, 2021 FUNCTION: Position requires work with electronic billing systems, patient accounts, and reporting communicable disease; compliance with state and federal health programs and statutes and regulations; drafting, filing, and managing state, federal, and private grants relating to public health; supervision of state health programs; scheduling inoculations, medical testing, and reporting in compliance with Montana health programs; and performing secretarial and work-related administrative support, conducting phone and email communication, and preparing schedules and appointments for the County Health Nurse and County Public Health Officer. Work requires a strong and dependable work ethic, organizational skills, reliability, and respect for patient privacy rights. REQUIRED: •Graduation from high school or GED; and •Office experience, including answering phone, computer skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, Adobe Acrobat and other software programs concerning the position 2 years preferred DESIRED: •Proficiency with Microsoft applications. •Type 50 WPM Job Description available upon request. TO APPLY: 1 County Application 2. Resume 3. Names, addresses and phone numbers of three (3) employment-related references To: Carter County Clerk and Re-

WANT TO PURCHASE: Minerals and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: P.O. Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201. 36-38p

FOR SALE FOR SALE: 2000 Mountaineer. 170,000 miles, moonroof, lots of options. Call for details, 406-7758844. If no answer, leave message. 11-12p

NOTICE NOTICE: Gun Show, Bowman, ND, April 9, 10, 11, 2021. 4 Seasons Pavilion. 100 - 8’ tables - $30. Open to the public Friday 3 - 7 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Free Admission. Contact Rick Stark, home 406-778-2428; cell 406-978-2428. 11-15c

LEGALS School Board Trustee Vacancy Announcement The Plevna School District #55 has a vacant position for the Board of Trustees. If you are interested in being considered for this position and you are a registered voter living in the Plevna School District, please contact the school business office to request an application. The appointed term will expire in May 2022. During the regularly scheduled board meeting on April 13, 2021, the Plevna Trustees will review the applications and appoint a new Trustee. For further information, please contact District Clerk, Jill Hildebrand, at 406-772-5666. Deadline for application submission is April 8, 2021, at 4 p.m. 11c MNAXLP ____________________________ NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the City Council of the City of Baker, Fallon County, MT, will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 17,

2021 at 7 p.m. in the courtroom of the Courthouse at 10 West Fallon Avenue in Baker, Fallon County, MT, for the purpose of consideration of an increase in rates for public garbage collection and disposal charges to its consumers. The cost of materials, labor, equipment, power and other operating expenses since the rates were established in 2014 are to the extent that present operating revenues are not sufficient to meet the requirements to properly operate, maintain and upgrade garbage collection and disposal service to the City of Baker consumers. The City Council, did, at their regular meeting of Feb. 3, 2021 pass Resolution of Intent No. 717, a resolution of intent of the Baker City Council to adopt a new rate schedule for garbage service, establish a date for a public hearing and creation of public comment period. Aforementioned resolution is on file in the Office of the City Clerk at 10 West Fallon Avenue, Room 120 in the Courthouse and available for public inspection. The proposal is to raise the monthly garbage collection and disposal rates or derivatives of those rates at approximately 15% as illustrated below: Category Current Rate Proposed Adjusted Rate Residential $21.00 $24.00 Small Business $37.00. $43.00 Medium Business $67.00 $77.00 Large Business $95.00 $109.00 Extra-Large Business $315.60 $363.00 Additional Garbage Tub $19.50 $22.50 Additional Apartment $17.50 $19.00 Motel-Overnight Room $3.87 $4.45 Motel-Kitchenette $8.40 9.60 Persons desirous of commenting upon the proposed rate adjustments may submit written comments prior to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2021 to: City of Baker Garbage Rate Schedule Comments P.O. Box 1512 10 West Fallon Avenue Baker, MT 59131 Further at the hearing, all persons, associations, corporations or companies affected or interested, including the Montana Consumer Counsel, may be present and heard and may be represented by counsel. The hearing may be continued from time to time by the City Council of the City of Baker. At the conclusion of the hearing, all interested parties must be allowed to make arguments that they may consider proper. Final decision will be made by the City Council within 30 days after the conclusion of hearing, which shall be final ten days after being filed with the City Clerk. The address of the person who may be contacted for further information regarding this notice is Kevin Dukart, City Clerk County-City Administration Building, 10 West Fallon Avenue, Room 120 – Baker, MT 59313, and his phone number at that address is 406-778-2692. BY ORDER OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAKER, MONTANA, this 18th Day of February 2021. s/s Kevin J. Dukart, City Clerk--City of Baker, Montana 59313 9-11c MNAXLP

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Baker Municipal Airport Baker, Montana AIP NO. 3-30-0004-022-2021 Notice is hereby given that sealed bids for the construction of airport improvements for Baker Municipal Airport, Baker, MT, will be received by the Fallon County and the City of Baker, Montana, until 1:00 PM MST, on March 30, 2021. Bids received will be publicly opened and read aloud at the Commissioner’s Office at the Fallon County Courthouse, 10 West Fallon, Baker, Montana, 59313. The bid documents are to be mailed or delivered to Fallon County Clerk and Recorder, Fallon County Courthouse, 10 West Fallon, Baker, Montana 59313. The Bidder proposal shall be sealed and endorsed, “Airport Improvements, Baker Municipal Airport, AIP No 3-30-0004022-2021”. Any bids received after the designated time above will be returned to the bidder unopened. The proposed work includes the following elements: The proposed aviation fueling system will include new 10,000 gallon Jet-A and 10,000 gallon 100LL above-ground UL2085 storage tanks including foundations, associated piping and equipment, complete with new fueling cabinets and hoses, a new fuel management system, electrical service improvements and overhead lighting. Plans and specifications are on file and may be seen at the office of Fallon County Clerk and Recorder, 10 West Fallon, Baker, MT, and the offices of KLJ, 2611 Gabel Road, Billings, MT. Complete digital project bidding documents are available at www.kljeng.com “Projects for Bid” or www. questcdn.com. You may download the digital plan documents for $33.00 by inputting Quest project #7638791 on the website’s Project Search page. Please contact QuestCDN.com at 952-233-1632 or info@questcdn. com for assistance in free membership registration, downloading and working with this digital project information. An optional paper set of project documents is also available for a non-refundable price of $110.00 per set at KLJ, 2611 Gabel Road, Billings for each set obtained. Contact KLJ at 406-245-5499 if you have any questions. Bidders must obtain Bidding Documents from the Engineer or through QuestCDN and must be shown on the plan holders list to be considered a responsive Bidder. Each bid shall be accompanied by a separate envelope containing a bid security made payable to Fallon County in the amount of ten (10) percent of the total bid price. The security may consist of cash, a cashier’s check, a certified check, a bank money order, a certificate of deposit, a money market certificate, or a bank draft. The security must be drawn and issued by a federally chartered or state-chartered bank or savings and loan association that is insured by or for which insurance is administered by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; drawn and issued by a credit union insured by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund; or a bid bond or bonds executed by a surety company authorized to do business in the State of Montana. Bidders are required to furnish a current Montana Public Contractor’s Registration. Subcontractors for work over $5,000 shall also be the holder of a Montana Public Contractor’s Registration of the proper classification. The successful Bidder will be required to furnish a Contract Performance Bond and Payment Bond in the full amount of the Contract. Award of contract or contracts will be contingent upon securing funding from the Federal Aviation Administration. Fallon County and the City of Baker, Montana, reserves the right to hold all bids for a period of 60 days after the date fixed for the opening thereof to reject any and all bids and waive defects and to accept any bids should it be deemed for the public good and also reserves the right to reject the bid of any party who has been delinquent or unfaithful in the

See CLASSIFIEDS page 7

MONTANA STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS ONLINE Teacher Certification offered through Montana Western. Programs designed for teachers seeking advancement and individuals interested in becoming a teacher. Accessible wherever you are. Call (406) 683-7537 or go to www.umwestern. edu/online for more information. _____________________________________________________________________ PRIVATE TREATY HEREFORD BULLS. MCMURRY CATTLE in BILLINGS. WEBSITE: mcmurrycattle.com. REASONABLY PRICED. PROVEN BALANCED TRAIT GENETICS. Delivery available. HP (406) 254 1247. CELL. (406) 697 4040 Email mcmurrycattle@gmail.com

March 12, 2021

Fallon County Times

CLASSIFIEDS

FROM PAGE 6

performance of any former contract to the Owner. The requirements of 49 CFR part 26 apply to this contract. It is the policy of Fallon County and the City of Baker to practice nondiscrimination based on race, color, sex or national origin in the award or performance of this contract. The Owner encourages participation by all firms qualifying under this solicitation regardless of business size or ownership. Fallon County and the City of Baker, in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. A full list of Federal Provisions

by which the Bidder must comply, are incorporated by reference and contained within the specifications. Federal Contract Provisions are also available at: http://www.faa.gov/airports/aip/ procurement/federal_contract_provisions/ Dated this 11 of March 2021. /s/Roy Rost, Chairperson Fallon County Board of Commissioners Baker, Montana 11-12c MNAXLP ____________________________ STATE OF MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION BOARD OF OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION Telephonic Business Meeting Agenda April 7, 2021, 2 p.m. Physical location of Meeting: Board of Oil and Gas Conservation Hearing room, 2535 St. Johns Avenue, Billings, MT Everyone on the premises should maintain at least six feet of separation from any other person. If necessary, individuals will be allowed to enter on a rotating basis, as need-

ed, to comply with social distancing. Due to COVID-19 considerations, please call into the meeting using the following directions Conference Call Access: Call-in Number: 1-646-558-8656 (toll-free) Meeting ID: 935 9682 5821 and then press # Zoom Meeting URL: https://mt-gov. zoom.us/j/93596825821 Meeting Participation Instructions: Many participants are anticipated. To enable this meeting to run smoothly: •Place your phone on mute. •Do not place your phone on hold. •The board chair will manage the meeting. Do not speak until called upon by the chair. Opportunity for input will be provided. The agenda for that meeting is as follows: 1. Call to order 2. Roll Call & Instructions 3. Approval of minutes of February 3, 2021, business meeting 4. Public comment on agenda and non-agenda items 5. Financial report 6. Bond summary & incident report 7. Docket summary

8. Gas flaring exceptions 9. Inactive well review 10. Staff reports 11. Other business 12. Adjourn STATE OF MONTANA DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION BOARD OF OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION Telephonic Public Hearing Agenda April 8, 2021, 9 a.m. Physical location of Meeting: Board of Oil and Gas Conservation Hearing room, 2535 St. Johns Avenue, Billings, MT Everyone on the premises should maintain at least six feet of separation from any other person. If necessary, individuals will be allowed to enter on a rotating basis, as needed, to comply with social distancing. Due to COVID-19 considerations, please call into the meeting using the following directions Conference Call Access: Call-in Number: 1-646-558-8656 (toll-free) Meeting ID: 938 9040 2252 and then press # Zoom Meeting URL: https://mt-gov.

zoom.us/j/93890402252 Meeting Participation Instructions: Many participants are anticipated. To enable this meeting to run smoothly: •Place your phone on mute. •Do not place your phone on hold. •The board chair will manage the meeting. Do not speak until called upon by the chair. Opportunity for input will be provided. The Board will conduct public hearings pursuant to Chapter 11 of Title 82 of the Montana Code Annotated on the matters described below. Interested persons have the opportunity to be heard for each docket. For more information or to request accommodation for a disability, please contact Erin Ricci at 406-444-6731 or Jennifer Breton at 406-656-0040, as soon as possible before the scheduled hearing. Docket 28-2021 APPLICANT: DENBURY ONSHORE, LLC – FALLON COUNTY, MONTANA Upon the application of Denbury Onshore LLC to convert the Coral Creek 24-33 well (API #25-02505164) located in the SE¼SW¼ of Section 33, T7N-R60E, Fallon

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County, Montana (Lookout Butte Field) to an enhanced recovery injection well in the Red River Formation at a depth of approximately 8,658-8,930 ft. Staff notes this application is eligible for placement on the default docket. Docket 64-2020 Continued from December 2020 APPLICANT: DENBURY ONSHORE LLC – FALLON COUNTY, MONTANA Upon the application of Denbury Onshore LLC to designate a permanent spacing unit comprised of the NW¼SW¼, S½SW¼ of Section 19, W½NE¼, E½NW¼ of Section 30, T4N-R62E and the NW¼NE¼, S½NE¼, NE¼SE¼ of Section 24, T4N-R61E, Fallon County, Montana, for the production of oil and associated natural gas from the Mission Canyon Formation / Madison Group with respect to the Little Beaver East Unit MC22-30NH well. BOARD OF OIL AND GAS CONSERVATION Erin Ricci, Administrative Assistant 11c MNAXLP

Retirement questions that have nothing to do with money MSU Extension examines Think about these factors before you leave work for the last time. By Jim Cusimano,

Big Sky Financial Planning Group Retirement planning is not entirely financial. Your degree of happiness in your “second act” may depend on some factors that don’t come with an obvious price tag. Here are some non-monetary factors to consider as you plan your retirement. What will you do with your time? Too many people retire without any idea of what their retirement will look like. They leave work, and they cannot figure out what to do with themselves, so they grow restless. It’s important to identify what you want your retirement to look like and what you see yourself doing. Maybe you love your career, and can’t imagine not working during your retirement. There’s no hard and fast rule to your dream retirement, so it’s important to be honest with yourself. An EBRI retirement confidence survey shows that almost 74% of retirees plan to work for pay, whereas just 27% of retirees report that they’ve actually worked for pay. 1

While this concept doesn’t have a monetary value, having a clear vision for your retirement may help you align your financial goals. It’s important to remember that your vision for retirement may change - like deciding you don’t want to continue working after all. Where will you live? This is another factor in retirement happiness. If you can surround yourself with family members and friends whose company you enjoy, in a community where you can maintain old friendships and meet new people with similar interests or life experience, that is a definite plus. If all this can occur in a walkable community with good mass transit and senior services, all the better. Moving away from the life you know to a spread-out, car-dependent suburb where anonymity seems more prevalent than community may not be the best decision for you. How are you preparing to get around in your eighties and nineties? The actuaries at Social Security project that the average life expectancy for men is 84 years old, and the life expectancy for women is 86.5 years. Some will live longer. Say you find yourself

in that group. What kind of car would you want to drive at 85 or 90? At what age would you cease driving? Lastly, if you do stop driving, who would you count on to help you go where you want to go and get out in the world? 2 How will you keep up your home? At 45, you can tackle that bathroom remodel or backyard upgrade yourself. At 75, you will probably outsource projects of that sort, whether or not you stay in your current home. You may want to move out of a single-family home and into a townhome or condo for retirement. Regardless of the size of your retirement residence, you will probably need to fund minor or major repairs, and you may need to find reliable and affordable sources for gardening or landscaping. These are the non-financial retirement questions that no pre-retiree should dismiss. Think about them as you prepare and invest for the future. Citations 1. EBRI/Greenwald Retirement Confidence Survey, 2020 2. SSA.gov, 2021

Superintendent Arntzen joins Governor Gianforte for the Signing of Montana’s TEACH Act Governor Gianforte signed into law the Montana TEACH Act (Tomorrow’s Educators Coming Home) – HB 143 – sponsored by Representative Llew Jones of Conrad. This important legislation is ensuring that Montana’s teachers in their first, second and third year of their career have the guided support to engage Montana students in learning. Stabilizing the teacher workforce is important for sustaining educational continuity in Montana and is a part of Montana’s comeback plan. Elsie Arntzen, Superintendent of Public Instruction: “The Governor and the Legislature have aligned their initiatives with my priorities in support of Montana’s teacher recruitment and retention efforts returning Montana’s competitiveness for attracting world-class teachers to its place of leadership among our regional, western states. Having highly qualified teachers in Montana’s classrooms benefits our families and students. I thank Governor Gianforte for joining this

effort putting Montana students first.” “The TEACH Act will help increase starting teacher pay and make it easier for tomorrow’s educators to stay in Montana or come back home,” Governor Gianforte said. “Democrats and Republicans in the legislature delivered on this bill to strengthen our classrooms and communities, which will help us lead the Montana comeback. I appreciate Superintendent Arntzen’s support and Representative Jones’ efforts to get the TEACH Act across the finish line.” The TEACH Act provides $2.5 million annually to increase teaching opportunities for Montana’s early career teachers, beginning in 2023. The program is 100% state funded, representing a significant savings to local taxpayers since almost 90% of a school’s budget is expended on teacher salaries and benefits. There are nearly 16,000 licensed teachers in Montana. The TEACH Act is estimated to benefit almost 700 teachers newly entering the field of teaching.

FWP accepting applications from new landowners for block management Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is accepting applications from landowners who are interested in participating in the 2021 Block Management Program. Block Management is a cooperative effort between landowners and FWP to help manage wildlife and public hunting activities on enrolled lands. Through the Block Management Program, landowners and FWP enter into voluntary agreements that determine how hunting will be conducted on the landowner’s property. Details such as permission requirements, times when permission will be granted, hunting opportunities provided, and vehicle use are a few examples of what is covered in an agreement. Block Management offers various bene-

fits to landowners enrolled in the program. These benefits include assistance of FWP staff to help monitor hunting activities, compensation to help offset impacts associated with allowing public hunting, wildlife management, a free subscription to “Montana Outdoors” and a complimentary, non-transferable sportsman or big game combination (non-resident) license. Landowners do not relinquish any rights by enrolling and are covered by Montana’s recreational liability statute as well as livestock loss reimbursement, both of which are extended to landowners who allow access at no charge. Yearly budgets are limited, so lands offered for enrollment are prioritized on a region-wide basis. Habitat quality, regional

access needs, and hunter opportunity are considered while prioritizing properties. For more information, or to receive an application packet, interested landowners can contact their local biologist, warden or FWP hunting access coordinator. Here is a list of hunting access coordinators by FWP region: Regions 1 and 2: Kendra McKlosky, 406529-2008 Region 3: Coleen O’Rourke, 406-5777867 Region 4: Derrick Miller, 406-454-5871 Region 5: Dale Nixdorf, 406-247-2959 Region 6: Tim Potter, 406-228-3708 Region 7: Travis Muscha, 406-234-0929

death taxes and their misconceptions

While delivering estate-planning presentations across Montana, Marsha Goetting, Montana State University Extension family economics specialist, saw a pattern among some attendees. When it came to understanding state and federal taxes after death, many people were misinformed. Goetting said there was a time when the federal estate tax affected many Montanans and, as a result, tax minimization became a major goal for families in their estate planning. But now, the federal estate tax affects less than 1% of deceased persons’ estates because Congress increased the amount of the federal estate tax exemption and indexed the amount yearly for inflation until 2026. During 2021 the federal estate tax only affects estates valued above $11.7 million. For married couples, the amount that can pass free of the federal estate tax during 2021 is $23.4 million. Goetting also found that many of her presentation attendees believe there’s still a Montana inheritance tax on the value of assets the deceased passed to heirs. “Montana passed a referendum eliminating the inheritance tax in 2001,” she said. “It does not matter if the heirs are Montana residents or if they live in another state or country. There is absolutely no inheritance tax on the Montana real and personal property – such as checking accounts, savings accounts, stocks, bonds and mutual funds – passing to others.” Regarding property owned outside of Montana, Goetting said it depends on whether the property is real or personal. If a deceased Montanan had personal property located out of state, such as checking and savings

accounts, certificates of deposit, stocks, bonds and mutual funds, those assets are subject to Montana law. There is no Montana inheritance tax on the value that passes to heirs, she added. However, if a deceased person was a Montana resident and owned real property in another state, the real property is subject to that state’s inheritance tax laws. Nearby states of North Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado and Washington also do not have an inheritance tax. Because federal estate taxes are not an issue for most Montanans, Goetting recommends families place their emphasis on what they want their legacy to be for their children and grandchildren. For example, a father who has two children from a previous marriage wants to provide not only for his current wife but also leave a legacy for his children. He wants his children to inherit the land that’s been in his family for generations. His concern, however, is that if he left the land to his wife that she could remarry and pass it onto her new family. Goetting says the father could place the land in a trust, and the terms of the trust could require the trustee to pass all income to his wife during her life. Then, at her death, the assets pass to the father’s children. Because of the terms of the trust, the husband would assure his land will pass to his children after the death of his wife. “If you are in a federal estate tax bracket are looking for ideas that minimize gift and federal estate taxes, contact your certified public accountant or attorney,” Goetting said. “Both professionals can help you achieve your estate planning goals.”

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Montana legislators call on President Biden to reverse Keystone Pipeline decision Over 90 Montana lawmakers signed a letter sent to President Joe Biden and Montana’s congressional delegation on March 9, supporting the Keystone XL Pipeline and the jobs and revenue it would create for Montana. The letter highlights how energy is the lifeblood of Montana’s economy and how the pipeline would especially benefit rural, Eastern Montana communities.

Legislators from across the state signed the letter opposing President Biden’s cancellation of the Keystone pipeline and the politically motivated decision-making surrounding the project. Lawmakers encourage President Biden to take a closer look at the details of the project, including its net-zero carbon emissions, and reverse his decision to cancel Keystone XL.

Governor Gianforte, Ag Development Council announce over $830,000 in grants and loans Governor Gianforte and the Agriculture Development Council announced the recipients of $834,646 in grants and loans awarded through the Growth Through Agriculture (GTA) program. “Expanding value-added agriculture helps Montana businesses thrive,” Governor Greg Gianforte said. “The investments made through the Growth Through Agriculture program make it possible for producers and businesses across the state to grow their operations, create jobs, and access new markets. These value-added projects play an important role in promoting Montana’s high-quality commodities and boosting our economy.” The GTA program awarded grants to a total of 30 Montana agricultural businesses and organizations from Pinesdale to Plevna, The application process was highly competitive with projects aimed at creating robust markets for Montana’s agricultural producers. Successful projects ranged from a feedlot development to allow for more in-state livestock finishing, to increasing processing capacity for Montana crops and meat, and expanding value-added food and beverage products, such as fermented foods. A full list of funded projects is included with this release. The GTA program was established by the legislature to strengthen and diversify Montana’s agriculture industry by developing innovative agricultural business improvements and the commercialization and marketing of new agriculture products. The Montana Department of Agriculture administers the program with counsel from the Agriculture Development Council, a seven-member committee appointed by the Governor. GTA funding requires the investment of at least $1 in matching funds for every $1 in grant or loan assistance received. The Montana Department of Agriculture’s mission is to protect producers and consumers, and to enhance and develop agriculture and allied industries. For more information on the Montana Department of Agriculture, visit agr.mt.gov. Local 2021 Growth Through Agriculture Program awards: Lame Jones Meats - Plevna - $20,000 Grant to purchase specialty meat processing equipment including a smoker and a sausage stuffer to expand and diversify business.

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March 12, 2021

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At the halfway mark, Montana agriculture is in good hands By Nicole Rolf and Rachel Cone, Montana Farm Bureau Federation As we review the official first half of the Montana Legislative session, it’s safe to say the session is looking good for Montana agriculture. Of the 3,357 total bill draft requests, 1,121 have been formally introduced. Montana Farm Bureau has taken a stance and lobbied for or against 60 of those, based on the policy directives of our farming and ranching members. Many of the bills we have supported are already on their way to the Governor’s desk. There are no bills left alive from the first half that we have opposed, unless they have been amended in a way that either no longer makes them harmful or, in some cases, even makes them policy we could now support. We return to Helena this week after a restorative transmittal break. This is the session’s ‘half time.’ Montana is a citizen legislature, which means many of our Representatives and Senators go home to tend to businesses, families and their communities during the transmittal break. With only 90 days every other year to do the legislative work of the people, legislators, lobbyists and legislative staff and volunteers put in long days to get the work done. We commend each of our elected officials for their commitment to this work and the time they dedicate away from their homes and families to make the process work. Floor sessions re-convene Monday, March 8 and committee hearing are scheduled to begin again the next day. We’ll jump right back into action, with 113 bills already scheduled for committee hearings this week.

While most of our efforts focus on bills intended to direct state policy or law, we also spent some of our time in the last week before transmittal break testifying in support of a number of resolutions. Resolutions are intended to send a message to Congress or the President to show the intent of a state’s elected body. Sometimes, we call these “Letters to Santa” with a laugh; but sometimes, Santa listens and responds to the requests. In fact, we’ve been told by Congressional staffers that these resolutions are quite helpful and directive. Senate Joint Resolution 18: Resolution on state management of grizzly bears, sponsored by Sen. Bruce Gillespie (R), SD 9. Montana Farm Bureau Federation member policy supports. This resolution expresses Montana’s desire and ability return management of the grizzly bear populations in our state to our state. Montana has established a strong, effective track record in managing grizzly bears and other species such as wolves, and developed an approved management plan for the Yellowstone distinct population segment that provides for the continued presence and genetic future of grizzly bears on the landscape. Our wildlife managers are much closer to the ground and understand the complexities and realities of our grizzly bear population far better than federal managers in Washington, DC, and it’s past time that responsibility was returned to Montanans. Senate Joint Resolution 7: Resolution to remove Hidden Pasture Creek from Wilderness Study Area, sponsored by Rep. Jeffrey Welborn (R), SD 36. Montana Farm Bureau Fed-

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eration member policy supports. In 1993, the Bureau of Land Management recommended that Congress exclude the Hidden Pasture Creek Wilderness Study Area located west of Dell, Montana, from the wilderness system. However, more than 15,000 acres of this area has continued to be managed as de facto wilderness as a result of inaction to release the land from a WSA. The southern boundary of the ‘Wilderness Study Area’ is a county road that has historically been and remains today, the principle transportation route for those living and using the Big Sheep Basin for ranching and recreation and the business of the Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service and Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Leaving this area a de factor wilderness through its classification as a Wilderness Study Area makes it difficult if not impossible for many residents of Southwest Montana to conduct business in the area, and there is no doubt it should be released back to the intended multiple-use management of the BLM. Senate Joint Resolution 16: Urge support for Keystone XL Pipeline, sponsored by Sen. Steve Hinebauch (R), SD 18. Montana Farm Bureau Federation member policy supports. Montana Farm Bureau members support the completion of the Keystone XL Pipeline for three primary reasons: first, its completion will significantly increase the tax base of our rural communities; second, it creates jobs in our rural communities and finally, it provides stimulus to our local economies. House Joint Resolution 7: Joint resolution regarding the St. Mary and Milk River proj-

ect, sponsored by Rep. Casey Knudsen (R) HD 33. Montana Farm Bureau Federation member policy supports. This important resolution urges Congress, the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Reclamation to repair the funding allocation structure and authorize funding for the replacement and rehabilitation of the St. Mary River Diversion and Milk River Project. This infrastructure was built in 1903 and provides water for irrigation, consumption, recreation and tribal use across north-central Montana. The Milk River Project provides drinking water for more than 19,000 people along the Hi-Line and supplies irrigation water to more than 700 farms with the capacity to feed 1 million people annually. When the Drop 5 structure of the Milk River Project in north-central Montana failed in May 2020, project beneficiaries paid 48% of the cost to replace the Drop 2 and Drop 5 structures and improve the Drop 1 structure. The total cost of rehabilitation is estimated to cost more than $200 million, with requirements that project beneficiaries (irrigators) pay for 74% of those costs. This is not a reasonable or sustainable cost for irrigators to carry. This resolution asks for the Department of the Interior and Bureau of Reclamation to assist in the rehabilitation and replacement of the structures and to reconsider the funding methods to make modernizing this structure sustainable for all water users. For more legislative updates and details on these issues, follow our Live with Your Lobbyist broadcast each Friday at noon on our Montana Farm Bureau Facebook Page.

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The Fallon County Times is located at 115 S Main Street. Our mailing address is P.O. 679 Baker, MT Do you need a copy of this week’s 59313. If you want reach us by phone, call 406-778Fallon County Times? 3344 or fax to 406-778-3347. Our e-mail address is fcYou may pick up a Fallon County Times at Reynolds, times@midrivers.com. Our website is www.falloncounBaker Rexall Drug, GETIM Here, Farmer’s Union Oil, tyextra.com or find us on facebook. J & A Mini Store, Red River Inn, Fallon County Times in Baker every week. The new issue can be found at How to place a classified ad these businesses every week by Thursday afternoon. Classified advertising representatives are available Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. How to subscribe and closed on Fridays. Customers may come in to place Call 406-778-3344 to start your subscription. Inside the ad or call 406-778-3344. Rates vary according to county rates, $52/year, $35/6 months and $97/two years; number of words and weeks it runs. The Times will run Outside county: $72/year, $52/6 months and $137/two ‘Found’ ads at no cost. years. If you need to put your subscription on hold, call 406-778-3344 and we can stop delivery. We can also Sometimes we goof change your address for the winter months (snowbirds). If you see something incorrect in the newspaper, please Newspapers are delivered to the post office Thursday by call us. Editorial errors should be reported to 406-778- noon (weather permitting) all are sent second-class due 3344. It is our policy to promptly correct factual errors to postal regulations. and clarify misleading information.

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The “Gotta Question” is a way for the public to submit a question relating to the County, City or School to the Fallon County Times. The Times will not seek an answer for any question which has a person grudge against any public official, employee or any other individual. The “Gotta Question” is not for personal vendettas but to help keep the public informed on County, City and School issues and to keep those in office accountable for their actions.

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If you are engaged or made the dean’s list, the Times wants to know about it. Regular features have weekly deadlines and all items are subject to editing. When submitting written notices of events, please include a daytime telephone number. Events open to the public free of charge may be run as briefs. Open houses, weddings, anniversaries and birthday invitations are considered ads.

If you want to place a display ad, call the Times at Times articles may be reprinted with permission and 406-778-3344 and ask for Sales Manager Tammy Engagements are free as long as time, place or exact without alterations. Please call 406-778-3344 to request O’Donnell. date of wedding is not specified. Wedding article may permission. run in the Times at no charge if a) wedding items were purchased here or b) wedding announcement or invitaHow to publish news of record Do you need a back issue? News of record page includes a calendar of events, tion appeared in Fallon County Times. Otherwise there The Fallon County Times does keep some back issues. births, obituaries and other news of record. Calendar is a $20 charge. Photo may accompany article at no exWe have only a limited amount, so back issues are sold of events are limited to the name of the organization, tra charge. on a first-come, first-served basis. We have bound books date, time and location of meeting and a phone number to make copies if needed. for the public to call for information. Births each week Club news for your organization, such as a meeting or may be submitted to the Times by 2 p.m. on Tuesday. guest speaker/special program should include date and Obituaries may include a quality photo. All obituaries time, location, phone number for information, etc. The Times attempts to foster an open and vigorous debate among readers on the editorial page. Letters to the editor must be signed (which is published), include an address and phone number (not published). The letter must be an issue of public interest and preferably concern only one topic. Letters should be as brief as possible. We reserve the right to edit for length as well as taste and libel. Letters from outside the immediate area will be considered only if they are of local interest. Send letters to Fallon County Times, P.O. Box 679, Baker,

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If you have a news story or tip call 406-778-3344. You may also mail a note or a news release to: Fallon County Times, P.O. Box 679, Baker, MT 59313 or e-mail: fctimes@midrivers.com.

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must be submitted in writing; deadline is 2 p.m. Tuesday. There is a charge for all obituaries. Fallon County Times has two options for submitting obituaries: Death Notice Includes the person’s name, age, town of residency and information about funeral services - NO Charge. Add a photo for $25. Standard Obituary $50 for the first 200 words, $25 for each additional 200 words. Includes a small photo at no extra cost. Add $25

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BOARD OPENING: The City of Baker Board of Adjustment has an opening for a Board Member.

If you would like to serve on this Board, please contact Mary Grube, Fallon County Planning Department at 406-778-8111 or send a letter of interest to grubem@falloncounty.net.

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BAKER RURAL FIRE DISTRICT is accepting bids for a 2004 Ford F550 wildland fire truck.

The truck has 14,241 miles on it. It has a diesel engine, manual transmission, fourwheel drive, aluminum bed with a 400 gallon poly tank with a built-in 20 gallon foam tank. An 18 hp gas engine Hale pump and an electric reel. The truck will be sold as-is. A detailed list of the specifications may be obtained by contacting the Baker Rural Fire District at 406-978-3473. The bids must be received on or before 7 p.m. April 8th, 2021. The bids can be mailed to Baker Rural Fire District, P.O. Box 881, Baker, Mt 59313.

The Baker Rural Fire District reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive irregularities, or to accept any bid they deem to be in the best interest of the Baker Rural Fire District.

You must be a resident of the City of Baker.

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This Board is a Quasijudicial Board and conducts public hearings of appeals from the City of Baker Zoning Administrator. These appeals may include a variance from the Zoning Title, or a Conditional Use as described in the City of Baker Zoning Title 17. Mary will train any new board members as to what their duties and expectations are.

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New COVID pharmacy program expands vaccine availability

Staff Report

A new federal COVID pharmacy program expands the locations where people may get vaccinations by relying on a collaboration between the federal and state governments with national and independent pharmacy networks. It is designed to increase the access to COVID-19 vaccines across the nation. Other vaccinations But in Fallon County, the Baker Rexall Drug pharmacy in downtown Baker will not be participating. According to the new owners of the local drug store, the success of the county health department and the Fallon Medical Complex have been successful handling the distribution of the vaccine in the area. Co-owner Alyse Webber said that people can get other vaccines at the Baker Rexall Drug Store on Main Street from the pharmacist, but that she didn’t feel there was a need to participate with the COVID vaccination program at the local level. “We won’t be giving any COVID vaccines until all the vaccines from those two facilities is used up,” she said. Webber, who had been working there since 2016 before recently purchasing the business, stressed that the vaccines were readily available to residents by the County Health Department and FMC as they get the supply. “We give flu shots. We also do pneumonia and shingles vaccines – they are the most common. We can do a variety of other vaccines as well...like hepatitis... preventative things like that,” she said. “There is no appointment necessary, but it good for them to

contact us prior to coming in,” Webber said. “That way, we can make sure we can bill it and make sure it is covered.” The people also need to bring in their insurance card and personal information. Montana expands In Montana, Gov. Greg Gianforte announced that the state is participating in the program to extend the availability of the vaccines throughout the rural areas. A federal order has made sure Montana teachers will be eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, prompting independent pharmacies across the state to announce upcoming vaccination clinics for some school districts. They will also be able to get a vaccine through retail chain pharmacies. Starting March 8, teachers and daycare workers have been among those added to the list in the Phase 1B plus category for vaccinations through the pharmacies. Under Montana’s state vaccination plan, teachers and child care workers would not have been eligible to receive the vaccine until Phase 1C, following changes to the state’s vaccination plan by Gov. Gianforte that prioritized high-risk individuals and bumped teachers. Expanding vaccines According to the Center for Disease Control, the program is one component of the Federal government’s strategy to expand access to vaccines for the American public. The program is being implemented incrementally based on the available vaccine supply, with select retail pharmacy locations providing COVID-19 vaccine to eligible individuals. As vaccine availability increases over time, the

program will expand to ultimately include all 40,000+ pharmacies. “Pharmacists are highly trusted and trained healthcare providers who have direct access to and knowledge of their patient populations. Pharmacists are trained to counsel patients, administer vaccine, and provide vaccine education, and pharmacies are readily accessible in communities – with most Americans living within five miles of a pharmacy,” the CDC explained on its website. “Recognizing this, the federal government made them a key part of its COVID-19 vaccination strategy. While the program will ultimately expand to include more than 40,000 pharmacies, it is important to know that early on, when vaccine supply is still limited, many pharmacies may not have vaccine or may have very limited supply.” Under the federal program, as the program begins its initial implementation, certain retail pharmacies nationwide are receiving limited COVID-19 vaccine supply directly from the federal government. They will use this supply to vaccinate state-selected priority groups at no cost. In addition, the program will begin with per capita allocations by each jurisdiction that will be divided among the selected pharmacy partners based on number of stores and reach. As the program expands and supply becomes more readily available, the allocation may be adjusted to reflect partner size (number of store locations nationwide), reach (percent of the total US population living within 5 miles of a store location), and ability to vaccinate (throughout). The program also got an ex-

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~• Updating everything •~ By Daris Howard My wife, Donna, and I are hoping to build a new home. As we get older, we realize that our house with its myriad of stairs will not be sufficient for us. We have purchased some land and have started the impossible task of getting building permits, moving our current house contents into storage and the millions of other jobs associated with building and selling. As we wait for engineering and permits, we have started the arduous task of getting our home ready to sell. This has required multiple trips to the hardware store as we plaster, paint and fix up anything that might be amiss in our home. On one of these trips, I ran into Barbara, a good friend I hadn’t seen for a long time. I have known Barbara and her husband for many years. Her husband passed away some time ago. Barbara had been a homemaker and had probably always felt her husband would be there to provide for their family. But his death left her with the challenge of making a living and dealing with many decisions in life. I had to admit that it surprised me to see her at the hardware store. The items a person would purchase there didn’t seem like something that would interest her. “So, what brings you here?” I asked. “I’m replacing some cupboards, and I needed some knobs for the new ones,” she replied. That sounded reasonable for her. A new knob was one thing; a major repair was another. “How about you?” she asked. “I just replaced and patched some drywall, and the trim on the wall was old and worn out,” I replied, holding up a piece of wood. “I hope to get some new trim to match the old so the repaired section will match the rest of the wall. If I can’t match it, I might have to replace all of it in that room. It seems fixing a house is a never-ending

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project, with one thing leading to another.” Barbara nodded. “I totally understand that. What got you started?” “We’re preparing our house to put it on the market,” I replied. “Sounds like where I was after my husband died,” Barbara said. “I decided there were a lot of things wrong with my house. I decided to sell it and buy a new one. But in reviewing the sales opportunities with a real estate agent, he told me I could get a lot more money if I updated and fixed some things first. So I set about doing that, then continued fixing more.” “Did you do the repairs yourself?” I asked. She shrugged. “A lot of them. But if I couldn’t figure out how to do it on my own with the help of YouTube, I hired someone. I just about remodeled the entire house. It took nearly a year before the real estate agent and I felt it was ready to sell.” I was amazed at her initiative. “So, these new knobs are for your new house?” Barbara shook her head. “No. You may remember that a few years ago we purchased some apartment complexes as an investment. When I finished with all the work on my own house, I realized those apartments needed new makeovers. I am about halfway through that job, and these knobs are for one of the apartments.” By this point, I was almost speechless. Not only had she taken on redoing her own house, but she was also now renovating the apartments. “Donna and I are hoping to build a new home, and we’d love to see yours,” I said. “Where do you live?” “Don’t you remember where I live?” she replied. “You’ve been there a hundred times.” “But I thought you bought a new house,” I said. Barbara laughed. “Heck, no. After I got everything done on mine, I realized my house was what I was looking for in my new one, so I just kept it.”

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March 12, 2021

Fallon County Times

la Happenings l i V

Superior Care Villa Resident Arlene Gatzke celebrated her 81st birthday on March 1. Happy Birthday Arlene!

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panded role recently. “On March 2, the president announced a directive that all states prioritize school staff and childcare workers for COVID-19 vaccination and is challenging states to get teachers, school staff and workers in childcare programs their first shot by the end of March. “To help states do this, the federal pharmacy program will prioritize vaccinating all school staff and childcare workers during the month of March. Teachers and staff in pre-K-12 schools and childcare programs

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will be able to sign up for an appointment at over 9,000 pharmacy locations participating in the program nationwide,” the CDC explained on its website. In addition, aside from reaching teachers nationwide, states and territories will also select which populations who are eligible for vaccination through the program according to their vaccination plans. According to the CDC, the new program is designed to make it easier for individuals to access free COVID-19 vaccine at a pharmacy in their community. In addition, the plan is to improve vaccine distribution while decreasing the logistical and operational burden on state, and local health departments.