Issuu

Dan Clark, the director of the Local Government Center at Montana State University-Bozeman, explains the role that the non-profit is operating under in Baker while using the county-owned property.

Brenda Stoddard makes a point during the March 18 meeting at Longfellow gymnasium.

Fallon Medical Complex CEO Dave Espeland explains the situations that the non-profit is facing in Baker, including a drop in public membership.

FMC meeting draws crowd, heated remarks Betty Mueller, president of the of the Fallon Medical Complex Board of Trustees, made a point during the March 18 on the lack of public membership and involvement at the annual meetings. PHOTOS/Brad Mosher

By Brad Mosher

bmosher@countrymedia.net For almost two hours, there were fiery comments aired during a special public meeting covering the Fallon Medical Complex and how it is operating in Fallon County. While some members of the audience shouted claims of abuse at the operators of the medical facility and the members of the board of directors sitting on the gym floor, others praised the work of the people at the complex. The meeting started with Dan Clark, the director

of the Local Government Center at Montana State University-Bozeman, explaining the role that the non-profit is operating under in Baker while using county-owned property. He also asked people at the meeting to keep in mind the need to build up a community and not try to tear it down. “My hope was to at least help the community understand what is it they should expect,” Clark explained after the meeting. “This is a very complicated relationship between the county and FMC, which is a non-profit. It appeared to me (during the meeting) that clarity would be helpful and that it would be understood that the (FMC) is not a public entity. “Some of these (comments) were individual grievances they have which may not be a public issue, but are a beef with the organization or with an individual,” he said. “There are certain things for any community to survive – school, hospital and a vibrant Mainstreet or downtown. We don’t want to have this issue be a point (of division),” he explained. He said that he has seen some communities become so divided that they start disappearing. They have Facebook posts about how much they hate their communities, then

complain that there are no new businesses coming to the towns. “This is the downside of social media. If you are a community that trolls each other (online).... then maybe I should go to Miles City or maybe I should go to Glendive,” Clark said, noting the choice that providers and other businesses have when they look for someplace to expand into. They have choices where to invest. “How do they use their energy to be more aspirational,” Clark said. Concerns aired The community had a chance to air out some concerns, according to David Espeland, the Chief Executive Officer of the health care company which serves the southeastern Montana region including Carter, Wibaux and Custer counties. “There’s a lot of things that need to be said, but I think it is being fueled by a lot of disinformation out there. There are some false statements being made. I need to call them out on that (disinformation), just like they need to call out their concerns about me. I am willing to tell them the truth. I am willing to show them that they are wrong.. “Only if everybody’s willing to come to the table,” he said after the sometimes boisterous meeting concluded. “Everybody has to be willing to be

working towards the same goal. If there are people that are not … what irritates me is there is so much umbrage against me. It tells me that they do not want to work towards a goal – they want to see me burn,” he said. “They want to see me get fired. That isn’t productive.” He noted that there were a mix of people among the more than 100 attending the meeting in Longfellow Gym March 18. He said that the board at the complex has an annual meeting which often has few if any people attending. “We send out requests for people if they want to have it … but it seems no one wants to have it. The way the corporation should work is if they have interest, they should join as a member. Then, when it comes time for the annual meeting, they have a vote on who is going to be the next trustee or two – or whatever happens to be vacant.” “I ask people do you want to have an annual meeting and nobody ever says yes,” Espeland said, adding that the people need to become motivated and participate. “Nobody wants to be a volunteer any more. Nobody wants to do something that they are not paid to do.

See FMC MEETING Page 2

Parkview 1 apartments may reopen in May – or sooner By Brad Mosher

bmosher@countrymedia

Anika Ploeger & Emily Shumaker

Logan Graham & Konner Flint

District Basketball All-Conference Teams

Four BHS basketball players were named to the 3B All-Conference basketball teams. Anika Ploeger, a junior, was selected to the girl’s first team and Emily Shumaker, a junior, was selected to the girl’s second team. Logan Graham and Konner Flint, both seniors, were selected to the boy’s second team. These players are nominated by and voted onto the team by the 3B coaches.

The former residents of Parkview Retirement Complex may soon be moving back into the Baker facility, according to one of Fallon County’s commissioners. The project to renovate Parkview 1 started almost a year ago when three county commissioners held a meeting in the common area to discuss the need to repair and renovate the building and for the residents to move elsewhere until the job was completed. County Commissioner Steve Baldwin was one of the three at the June 2020 meeting and has said that the $2.2 million project is nearing completion and residents may get the chance to move back in sometime in May – or maybe a little sooner. The company doing the renovations still has some things to finish up before the residents can return, Baldwin explained. “We are hoping that by the end of April they (residents) can move back in,” he said Tuesday. “We still have some electrical things – but they could probably be done at a later date. We are still on our timeline. The contractors have

told us they are still on time as far as they are concerned.” The workmen are already installing carpet in a couple of the rooms and have put all the counter tops in, the commissioner explained. “They are getting down to the nitty gritty inside the apartments.” The workers are still finishing up the interior painting, he added. From the start During the June 2020 meeting, commissioner Deb Ranum told the residents the complex has been in need of repair for a number of years and it has always been put off. “We have known for years that we would have to fix it up. We just kept putting it off and putting it off and doing other projects.” According to the people in the building, some of the needed repairs included a carpet with gaps covered by strips of duct tape and also has exposed nails coming through. The residents have also cited problems with drainage where water comes through the walls into the basement and also problems keeping the rooms warm or cool, depending on the season. The June 2020 meeting was

held in the greeting room of the complex with commissioners Deb Ranum, Roy Rost and Baldwin. Identified as Parkview 1, the project started after the residents were relocated. The project was to repair the building interior and exterior, which meant forcing the building to be vacated. Chad Sutton of SDI Architects + Design in Miles City is the project designer for the more than $2 million renovation and repair of the oldest section Parkview Retirement Complex. T. W. Clark Construction of Billings won the bid for the project in February 2020 with a $2,062,706 offer. In addition to repairing the water drainage and damage, the contractors were also to update the air conditioning, plumbing and fixtures in the 12 apartments in the older Parkview 1 building. The building was built in the 1980s. “We are going to address some problems they are having with water on the outside of the building finding its way into the inside of the building. There are some structural problems with the foundation on the south side of the building. So that is going to be excavat-

ed and a new overlay foundation is going to be added to that south base,” Sutton said before beginning work. “The new foundation is to fix a big crack. There are some pretty substantial cracks in the foundation on the south side of the building. It is a structural problem that we need to stop so that we don’t keep expanding the crack,” he explained. The water problem has several causes, Sutton said. “They have some ground water that is making its way in from underground and coming up. Also, there is close to 26,000 square feet of roof that drains into the courtyard. It is coming off the nursing home, the hospital, Parkview 1, the new expansion that was done. There is a whole bunch of them trying to get into a manhole and the storm drain. When you get the big heavy rains, it is not able to take (all the water) right now.” There is some water damage to the main floor, he added. “That is going to get repaired.” “The carpet (on the main floor) has some wrinkles in it because it has gotten wet so many times. The plywood that is underneath it has warped and

See PARKVIEW Page 2

March 26, 2021

FMC MEETING

FROM PAGE 1

“I’d be happy to hold the meetings,” he said. “When I held the mill levy meetings at FMC and why we need the mill levy.... I have two people show up.” “I usually have one FMC employee and I usually have one person from the community,” the CEO explained. “Generally I have only about three people listen to me talk about this and it is in the newspaper and put on the website.” “Nobody is interested. Nobody wants to attend the annual meeting. Nobody wants to come to talk with me about the problems …. And then, all of a sudden, I have this insurrection going on.” “It is confusing to me,” he said. He noted that some people in the audience were angry and were not interested in letting go of that anger. “It really comes down to both sides wanting to work towards the common good for this community... and to solve problems.” In addition, Espeland said he was limited in some of his comments by patient privacy rules. “There are a lot of things that I could disclose, but they are confidential and I am bound by confidentiality. Some of that is happening here.” Chance to speak For Brenda Stoddard, a local businesswoman with some questions about the FMC operations in Baker, the evening was an opportunity to focus on how to improve the situation between the commu-

PARKVIEW

nity and the Fallon Medical Complex. “The public needed to be heard. This was the public’s meeting tonight and the public’s chance to ask questions to David (the CEO) and the board,” she said. Stoddard added that the hospital board needs to expand its 15 minutes of comments and allow for more public opportunity to speak. “That would help... but they (the board) still have business to complete. “But, I don’t see this (Thursday’s public meeting) ever happening again – ever. “I think the public was able to be heard and that is what needed to be done. I think the ball has progressed forward.... and we are going to be able to move forward from this.” While retention can be a problem for the FMC workforce, Stoddard said that she thought that the one example used to illustrate the problem had been from someone who didn’t like Baker to begin with. “In my 30 years of business on Main Street in Baker, I have never heard anybody be negative. We are always welcoming,” she said, adding that she knows of people who leave motel rooms in Miles City to come to Baker. Stoddard owns Spirits Plus on Main Street. During the meeting, Stoddard also focused her criticism on some of the interpersonal aspects of the organization as well as the need for the non-profit to better explain their actions and funding to the public.

FROM PAGE 1

is underneath it has warped and delaminated so it needs to be replaced.” There is more to the project than just repairing water damage, Sutton said in July 2020. “The other portion to this project will be upgrading the heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. It has hydraulic hot water heat and the pipes have been failing and springing leaks all over the building for the last probably ten years. It has gotten to the point where it is not worth fixing. We are looking at replacing all of the heating and air conditioning in all of the 12 apartments,” he said. When the residents return to the apartment after the repairs are finished, they will notice some small changes, especially in closet space. “It isn’t very much, about 18 inches by 24 inch space for the duct work. Actually, the ground floor apartments will give up more than the upper floor because the heat pump and furnaces are going to be located in the basement. It is going to come up from underneath so the first floor apartments will have their duct plus the duct for the unit above them going through,” Sutton explained.

Place an obituary Fallon County Times has two options for submitting obituaries: Death Notice -

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Dr. James R. Campbell, DDS Family Dentistry

Complete general dentistry for adults & children:

• Preventive • Cosmetic • Implants • Crowns

• Root Canals • Extractions • Dentures • Fillings

Practice located in Baker since 1994

202 South 4th Street W. Baker, MT 59313

(lower level of Fallon Medical Complex)

(406)778-5150 (406)778-5431 (800)676-7161 Ext. 5431 231

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Fallon County Times

OBITUARIES

Eldon “Ben” Bondell, 87

Services for Eldon “Ben” Bondell, 87, of Gladstone, formerly of Baker, MT, will be March 26, 2021, at Stevenson Funeral Home in Dickinson with Pastor Jim Biswell officiating. Burial will follow at the Bonnievale Cemetery in Baker, MT. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed on the Stevenson Funeral Home website. Click Ben’s photo, choose photos and videos, and click watch webcast. The link will be available 15 minutes before the service. Ben passed away March 21, 2021 at St. Benedict’s Health, Dickinson. Ben was born in Richland County, MT on March 13, 1934, the son of Dinah (Madsen) and Robert Bondell. He moved with his parents as a young boy to the farm located on the big hill. He grew up and began working on the farm, helping his mother. He married Lillian Kinnison on June 15, 1959 in Miles City, MT.

To their union three children were born, Nellie Jean, Sheila Fae and Frank Robert. Together they farmed, ranched and raised their family. He enjoyed raising Angus cattle and Appaloosa horses, and farming. Ben enjoyed being outdoors, climbing gumbo buttes and driving around the cattle and crops. The Bondell farm continues on in the family with the children still operating it today. He was a member of the Appaloosa Association and lifetime member of the American Angus Association. He enjoyed being with

his grandchildren. To the end he enjoyed his walks, especially walking through the cattle. Ben is survived by his wife of 61 years Lillian; his children Frank (Lanita) Bondell of Baker, Sheila Bondell of Baker; grandchildren Christine Goroski, Lacy (Tim) Perkins, Kandace (Owen) Siebert, Shanda (Dustin) Laufer, Robert (Heather) Bondell, Shad (Ashley) Bondell; great-grandchildren Grace and Arian, Lukas, Trenton, Shayla, Harper, Bennett, Tyla, Axyl, Abel, Kacetyn, Brexlyn, Laeklyn, Brody, Linken, and Novah. Ben is preceded in death by his parents Dinah and Robert; daughter and son-in-law Nellie and Adrian Goroski; brother Verner; and great-grandson Braxtyn. Remembrances and condolences can be shared with the family at stevensonfuneralhome. com. Arrangements by Stevenson Funeral Home, Dickinson, ND.

Wayne E. Susa, 73 On March 16, 2021, Wayne E. Susa, loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away at home at the age of 73. Wayne was born on July 25, 1947 to Edward and Elizabeth (Marcinack) Susa in Beach, ND. He met and married Betty L. DaMoude from Nelson, NE on June 9, 1973. They raised two children, son Derek and daughter Jolene. A Vietnam veteran, Wayne served in the US Army from 1966 through 1969 achieving the rank of E5. He operated Susa Lumber Company, alongside his father from 1969 to 1986. He and Betty purchased their first floral shop, in Baker, MT in 1974 and Wayne found his true calling. In 1987 they purchased Scott’s House of Flowers in Moscow, ID and moved the family west. Wayne will be fondly remembered by the many residents of Moscow, Pullman and surrounding areas for his beautiful and artfully designed floral arrangements. He received

many accolades for his thoughtful wedding and funeral pieces. Wayne was passionate about his yard and property. His beautiful flowers and trees kept him busy from spring to fall each year. He loved camping, mentoring and playing with his two granddaughters, Carissa and Kasey. A lifelong member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Wayne was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and frequently served as a greeter for mass. Wayne was preceded in death by his father Ed and mother Eliz-

abeth. He is survived by his dear wife, Betty, of 47 years, along with his son Derek (Nikki) of Colorado Springs, CO, and daughter Jolene of Moscow, ID, granddaughters Carissa and Kasey, sister Rose (Ron) Marie Johnson of Longmont, CO, sister Dorothy (Darren) Smith of Zahl, ND and brother Eddy (Carleen) Susa of Baker, MT, along with numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. A memorial will be held at 1 p.m. on March 24, 2021 at the family home located at 1415 Orchard Ave, Moscow, ID, Fr. Joseph McDonald presiding. Memorial donations in memory of Wayne can be made to the Knights of Columbus, 618 E. First St., Moscow, ID 83843. Arrangements have been entrusted to Short’s Funeral Chapel of Moscow and condolences may be left at www.shortsfuneralchapel.com.

Esther Lenor Bechtold Galipo of Gilbert , AZ passed away on Jan. 25, 2021. Esther was born in Baker on March 26, 1919 to Ludwig and Elizabeth (Schell) Bechtold. She was the 13th of their 15 children. Esther leaver behind daughter

Patti (Jim), two grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, plus many nieces and nephews in and out of the Baker area. Our family was blessed to have her with us for so many years. Wir lieber dich Gram

Esther Lenor Bechtold Galipo, 101

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Fallon Medical Complex

202 South 4th Street • Baker, MT 59313 406-778-3331 Hospital • 406-778-2833 Clinic

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March 2021

VISITING SPECIALISTS

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Community Clinic Provider Schedule For an Appointment Call • 406-778-2833 NOTE: Schedule is subject to change without notice

For an Appointment Call 406-778-2833

Fallon County Times

March 26, 2021

FILES OF THE TIMES

10 YEARS AGO Friday, April 1, 2011 --

Forty-two couples attended the 2011 Baker High School Prom March 25. Payton O’Donnell was crowned king and Jamie Fischer was crowned queen. . .Baker High School was one of the schools chosen by Senator Max Baucus’ office to hold a question and answer session. Twelve government students took part in the session, March 28. . .The fire department was called to a structure/barn fire on the property of Sue Noll at 852 101 Road, March 28. A heat lamp had been knocked over and started some straw on fire in the barn where the goats were housed. One animal was lost, one round bale of straw and a little hay. . .Pinochle winners March 27 were Dick Molstad, Millie Molstad, Mel Rabe and Iven Felt. . .Tiffany Benner’s presentation, “Rachel’s Challenge” qualified her to go to National FCCLA in Anaheim, CA; Jalyn Walker is the 2011-12 state FCCLA president.

20 YEARS AGO Thursday, March 30, 2001 --

Montanans from all corners of the state converged on Billings March 26 to welcome President George W. Bush to Big Sky Country. Molly Lyson and her government class from Plevna were some of those in attendance. Brenda Fradenburgh and her son Ryann were able to shake his hand as he exited the Metra. Other Baker residents attending were Father Thomas Tobin and Reiny Barth. . .Encore Acquisition Company announced March 8 that 7.15 million shares would begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange. The company will trade under the ticker “EAC”. . .Open house retirement party for Virginia Gundlach will be held April 7. . .Army Pvt. Yance T. Gray has graduated from the three week airborne training course at the Army Airborne School at Fort Benning, GA. . .Mildred Moline celebrated her 92nd birthday. . .Stan and Dolores Erlenbush celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary March 25. . .March 23, family and friends gathered at the home of Frank and Ellen Gonsioroski to celebrate the birthdays of Frank and his sister Mary Hopkins of Milwaukie, OR. Frank is 91 years old and Mary is 86.

30 YEARS AGO

Thursday, March 28, 1991 --

High temperature March 19 was 71 degrees. . .Cub Scout Pack 256 held the annual Pinewood Derby at Longfellow gym March 17. Winners were John

Williams, Michael Klang and Justin Madler. . .There will be an After Prom Get-Together at BJ’s banquet room from 10 p.m. - 3 a.m. The party is open to all Baker High School kids, whether or not they attend the prom. . .School election will be held April 2. One trustee position is vacant and three men are running for the position - Randal Hanson, Ken Woods and Steve Baldwin. . .Ryan Hecker, Baker High School senior, took top honors at the Academic Olympics last week. He had the highest individual score on the written exam. Ryan is the son of John and Mary Ann Hecker. . .Delbert and Alice Kay Schweigert will celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary March 30. . .1991 Baker Prom candidates include Dusten Hatfield, Steve Madler, Kyle Newell, Mary Mahon, Cara Setinc, Julie Bublitz, Tammy Hornung and John Manning.

40 YEARS AGO Thursday, March 26, 1981 --

Montana-Dakota Utilities will phase out their retail merchandising operations in Montana within 90 days announces Del Kenitzer, local MDU manager. . .Fallon Creek CowBelles met for lunch last Thursday at Geno’s. Gene Domagala, restaurant owner, is pictured with Lola Thielen as she presents him with a hand-painted plaque. The group presented the plaque and a cake to Domagala in appreciation of his promotion of beef and the CowBelles organization. . .Beta Sigma Phi celebrated their first birthday at their March 16 meeting at the home of Terry Curry. . .Al Fradenburgh was re-elected president of the Lions Club. . .Louise Hoenke and Vera Horton will celebration their 80th birthdays. . . Jim Schillinger’s team won the BHS intramural volleyball tourney held last week. Members of the winning team are Jeff Wood, Mike Brewer, Pete Stanton, Marcie Celander, Sandy Engesser, Kay Dixon and Sharon Donaldson.

50 YEARS AGO Thursday, April 1, 1971 --

Mayor Ervin Keirle is pictured cutting the ribbon at the grand opening of the new Ben Franklin store, located across from the post office. Mr. and Mrs. Bob Anderson are the owners. . .Mrs. A. M. Scoles is nominated by the 101 Booster Extension Homemaker Club as Mother of the Year. Notice is received she has won the state competition and will travel to New York City in May. . .Trap shooters will be classed according to ability. Claude Ware is club president. .

.Cub Scouts race homemade cars. Winners are Russell Stoddard, Jay Stoddard and Barry Jensen. . .Ralph Losing family pictured with two of the first four Murry Grey calves to be born near Baker. . .Pat Hoke, Mike McGonigal and Jeannie Huntley attend state speech meet. . .Recent acquisition, for the museum are an antique teacher’s desk from the Ollie School, a handcrafted corner shelf of thread spools made by Andrew Speelmon and donated by Isabelle North and lectern from the EUB Church of Ollie.

60 YEARS AGO

Thursday, March 30, 1961 --

Girls State delegates have been chosen. They are Bonita Livengood, Mary Williams and Judy Hatton. . .Keirle Chevrolet Garage has been sold to Gary Agler and Robert Dahlman. . .Postmaster Ruth Sieler was advised today that during the period March 31-April 14, 1961, the post office department will advertise for bids to build and lease a new post office building in Plevna. . .Dr. Robert Weeks addressed the Tuesday evening meeting of the Baker Woman’s Club on the subject of “Diet” when the ladies met at the home of Mrs. Calvin Lund. . .Vern Bublitz resigned his position as cashier of the Baker National Bank to spend full time managing his ranching and farming interests.

70 YEARS AGO

Thursday, March 29, 1951 --

The Ismay home talent play given here March 24 and sponsored by the Baker Lions Club was well attended. . .Miss Alexandra Jean Hamilton has been chosen to represent Baker High School at Montana Girls State to be held June 11-17 on the campus of Rocky Mountain College in Billings. . .Rex Flint, Mr. and Mrs. Eph Keirle and Mr. and Mrs. Vern Bublitz attended the Independent Bankers meeting held in Billings Saturday. . .Fallon Post No. 35 is again sponsoring an American Legion junior baseball team. . .Pfc. Francis Hayes, Jr. arrived home Tuesday morning from Lackland AFB, San Antonio, TX.

80 YEARS AGO Thursday, March 27, 1941 --

Injuries suffered when the

pommel of his saddle crushed into him caused the death of Albert Schneider, prominent farmer and horticulturist in the Willard area. . .The Lutheran Church will give a waffle supper next Saturday evening. The cost of which will be 25 cents per plate. . .Baker library project is getting underway. The committee in charge reports that an NYA project to furnish labor for excavating and building a basement and otherwise remodeling the building has been approved and work will commence soon. . . S. G. Watt purchased the former Felt residence from Dr. F. C. Diekman and plans to move into it after next week.

90 YEARS AGO Thursday, March 26, 1931 --

A Baptist Church organization embracing 17 charter members was formed in Baker Monday evening at the close of a series of evangelistic meetings which have been held for the past two weeks in Grainger’s Hall. . .By a 22 majority vote, taxpayers of School District 12 approved the $25,000 bond issue necessary to construct the new gym and class rooms. A total of 206 taxpayers balloted. . .The Elizabeth Hospital will, next Wednesday, go into the managership of Miss Mary Braddock of Marmarth and Miss O’Brien of Miles City. . .Dr. Barr, county health physician, reports numerous cases of mumps in the Plevna area.

100 YEARS AGO Thursday, March 31, 1921 --

The first of the famous common law trust organizations, so extensively used in the Cat Creek oil field is today being perfected in Fallon County by C. L. Burns. The trustees of the new corporation will be L. E. Rushton, cashier of the Baker State Bank; W. F. Laddig, cashier of the Fallon County Bank; W. C. Keyes, cashier of the Ollie State Bank; J. M. Comstock, director of the First National Bank of Baker; and O. O. Lentz, a prominent merchant of Baker. . .In the case of Stanhope vs. Ekalaka Telephone Co., the jury awarded the plaintiff judgment of $500 for suffering and $270 expenses. Stanhope was badly hurt about a year and a half ago by being thrown from his horse through a broken down telephone wire belonging to the Ekalaka Telephone Co.

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.

BOARD OPENING: Send a Letter to The Times

Letters to the editor are welcome and will be published if they adhere to the following rules: They must be signed (unless e-mailed) and include an address and phone number for verification. They must be an issue of public interest and preferably concern only one topic. Letters should be as brief as

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 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.

You must be a resident of the City of Baker.

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.

Published Every Friday in Baker, Montana 2020 Member

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

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UPCOMING EVENTS

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. March 29 - Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., Assembly of God Church basement. March 30 - Overeaters Anonymous, 6:30 p.m., American Lutheran Church; Lake Board meeting, 5:30 p.m., courthouse basement conference room. April 1 - April Fool’s Day April 2 - Good Friday April 3 - Gamma Beta Annual Easter Egg Hunt, 1 p.m., Fallon County Fairgrounds. April 4 - Easter; Changed For Life Church services, 10 a.m., Good Life Center. April 5 - PTA monthly meeting, 5:30 p.m., Lincoln School Multi-Purpose room; Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., Assembly of God Church basement. April 6 - Overeaters Anonymous, 6:30 p.m., American Lutheran Church.

April 7 - Sons of the American Legion, 6 p.m., American Legion; City Council, 7 p.m., Fallon County courtroom. April 8 - Baker Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture, noon, Thee Garage. April 11 - 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.

Join The Times in wishing a Happy Birthday to ... March 26

Marvin Schopp Gary Holst Quentin Burdick

March 27

Ken Schell Dave Stevens Kinch Rost Avery Thompson Randy Tunby Brandon Buerkle Missy Thielen

March 28

Lolita Cameron Robin Asay Dillon Scheetz Jessa Gion

March 29

Dallas Enos Karen Barth

McKenna Hoversland

March 30

Fritz Goerndt Eugene Vennes Leroy Cunningham Alisha Afrank Mason Brown Alexiss Miller Mike Nelson

March 31

Lora Heyen Jeanna Manseau Emma Grace Thielen

April 1

Marjorie Griebel Beverly Rath Jorja Hanes Karl Mettler Lincoln Phillips Olivia Guse

NOTICE OF CLOSE OF REGULAR VOTER REGISTRATION AND OPTION FOR LATE REGISTRATION Notice is hereby given that regular* voter registration for the Health Facility Levy Mail Ballot Election held on May 4, 2021, will close at 5:00 PM on April 5, 2021. * NOTE: If you miss this regular registration deadline, you may still register for the election by showing up at the Fallon County Election Office up to and including on Election Day between noon and the close of business on the day before Election Day. You can complete and submit a voter registration card, but you will need to return to the Fallon County Clerk & Recorder’s Office, 10 West Fallon Ave. on Election Day to pick up and vote a ballot. All qualified active and inactive registered electors of Fallon County are entitled to vote in said election. Persons who wish to register and who are not presently registered may do so by requesting a form for registration by mail or by appearing at the Fallon County Election Office, PO Box 846, 10 West Fallon Ave. Baker, Montana. If you have moved, please update your registration information by filling our a new voter registration card and submitting it to the Fallon County Election Office.

Notice of Mail Ballot Election 13-1-109, MCA

Notice is hereby given that on May 4th, 2021 An Official Health Facility Levy Election will be held BY MAIL BALLOT. BALLOTS WILL BE MAILED OUT ON APRIL 14, 2021 Active Electors only will receive a ballot, by mail. Inactive Electors must request a ballot from the County Election Administrator Dated this 15th day of March 2021 Brenda J. Wood, Election Administrator PO Box 846 Baker MT 59313 406.778.7106 Advertising must be in by 2 p.m. Tuesday Periodicals postage paid in Baker, MT POSTMASTER Send address changes to: FALLON COUNTY TIMES • PO Box 679 • Baker, MT 59313 SUBSCRIPTION RATES: $52 Inside County $72 Outside County ADVERTISING RATES: Local.....................................................per column inch $7.10 National Advertising............................per column inch $8.36 Classiﬁed.....................................15¢ per word over 25 words $8.95 minimum, all strictly cash Cards of Thanks .........................15¢ per word over 50 words $6.85 minimum, all strictly cash

March 26, 2021

Fallon County Times

Students experience STEM products By Erica Verke Students in Science and Technology classes this past week had the opportunity to hear from the “STEM guy” and his crew firsthand. Sergeant Steve Webber (STEM guy), Sgt. Tanner Steinke and Sgt. Justin Qualley of the Montana Army National Guard brought presentations and activities for students to participate in that related to STEM education. These presentations were conducted March 16-17, in the classes of Mrs. Lynn Beach, Mrs. Karen Wang and Mrs. Linda Rost. Students really enjoyed the interactive lessons and activities they were able to participate in, which include a variety of technology students might not otherwise have access to. The presentations were as follows of topics called “zSPace”, “Oculus Rift”, “Pitsco Wind

Tunnel”, “FLIR Cameras” and “TETRIX Robotics”. The “zSpace” is an augmented virtual reality system, where the viewer can see 4D images in a 360° platform referencing Human Biology, Astronomy, Mechanics, Zoology and Paleontology. “Oculus Rift” is a virtual reality system that allows students to view all the body systems and can see inside select organs. “Pitsco Wind Tunnel” is a program that allows the students to explore Drag, Aerodynamics and Bernoulli’s Principle by using 3D printed models. “FLIR Cameras” are forward looking Infra-red Radar Cameras that let the students use the infra-red spectrum using “heat vision.” Lastly, “TETRIX Robotics” allows the students to control robots searching for hidden objects. Students truly had a blast learning and experiencing these different resources

for the two days they were allowed to do so in their classes. The opportunity for students to try out this useful technology, that may potentially be a part of their career in the future was both a monumental and rewarding experience!

Zander Rost has fun steering the robot around the classroom. Tuf Ranum tries out the virtual “Oculus Rift” simulator.

BPA members enjoy a team bowling activity in their down-time.

2021 NHS Inductions By Kylee Janz

The National Honor Society inducted three new members, Hallie Flint, Walker Hadley and Kacee Moore on March 18, at the High School gymnasium. The induction was done over Google Meet for the entire school to view. The current members of National Honor Society are Emily Shumaker, Anika Ploeger, Alex Williams, McKenna Griffith, Macy Varner and Ashlyn Lutts. These members helped conduct the ceremony as they welcomed in three new members to their organization.

BPA members attend virtual State Competition By Jaelynn Quenzer

Last week on March 14 and March 15, Baker High School BPA attended their virtual state competition. They were not able to attend state in Billings like normal, so they made the best of it and even were able to enjoy bowling in Baker as a group. Alissah Hickey, a senior competed in Payroll Accounting and Fundamental Spreadsheets (Excel). Camryn Collins, junior, competed in fundamental accounting, Payroll Accounting, Administrative Support Concepts, Management, Marketing and Human Resource Concepts, Digital Marketing Concepts, and Health Insurance and Medical Billing. Camryn and Alissah also did a team event which was Financial Analyst. Camryn said “I enjoyed taking the payroll accounting test and the fundamental tests.” Havyn Wilkinson competed in Fundamental Desktop Publishing and Human Resource Management. Havyn said she really enjoyed playing music trivia at the end of the day. The following students have qualified for National BPA with their placings at state. Computer Modeling - Karmen Headdress placed 5th, Computer Security - Alynn Albritton placed 3rd, Financial Analysis Team - Camryn Collins and Alissah Hickey placed 3rd, Fundamental Spreadsheets - Alissah Hickey placed 10th, Health Insurance and Medical Billing - Cheyanne Dame placed 3rd, and Digital Marketing-Camryn Collins placed 2nd. National BPA was scheduled to be in Orlando, FL but will now be virtual from May 5-9.

Fallon County Times

March 26, 2021

Cougar Tracks

News from the Plevna School

Harvest of the Month By Dacy Buerkle

Kindergartners created leprechauns!

St. Patrickʻs Day By Whitney Thielen

On March 17, or Saint Patrick’s Day, Mrs. Bidwell and the kindergartners celebrated Green Day by making leprechauns and eating gold colored licorice and Rolos! March 17, was actually the day of St. Patrick’s death; he was captured from his home in Britain at the age of sixteen. He was brought to Ireland and was a slave there for four years, until he had a dream that a boat was ready to take him home. He escaped and walked two hundred miles to the dock, to head back to Britain. When he returned home, he had an urge to go back to Ireland and spread Christianity. When he made it to Ireland, very few people knew about Christianity, as a result, he is widely known to have brought Christianity to Ireland.

Grains, such as barley, oats, rice, cornmeal and wheat, are the Harvest of the Month for March. Whole grains contain the entire grain kernel, bran, endosperm and germ, which allows a more nutrient density. The innermost center is oily and contains Vitamin E and B, healthy fats, proteins and trace minerals. Including whole grains as part of a balanced diet, is associated with lower body weight and a reduced risk of diabetes, cancer and other diseases. Wheat can be classified in many different ways, such as the season in which it is grown, as

well as color, and hardness. For example, winter wheat is typically planted in the fall and harvested during early to mid-summer depending on conditions. Spring wheat accounts for over half of Montana’s wheat production, making it the most common type in Montana. Kamut, which is an ancient variety of wheat, is also grown in Montana. Montana is the third top producer of wheat and barley and the seventeenth for oats. In 2013, wheat production in Montana had a value of over $1.3 billion which included 203,070,000 bushels overall! This month keep in mind that whole grains are an important part of a healthy diet!

Dallas Ayers and Felicia Li focused on their project. Second graders trying out their homemade tortillas.

Second grade tortillas

By Dacy Buerkle

Mrs. Oberlander’s second graders combined their culinary arts and history skills to accompany their most recent reading, The First Tortilla. The students made corn tortillas in class and cooked them on a griddle. A few of the students found out that they preferred other forms of carbohydrates over tortillas. The second graders enjoyed reading their story and the hands-on lesson that followed

Twist-O-Matic

By Chloe Tudor

Mrs. Benner’s third grade class was challenged to perform a series of trials on a new ride for Acme Corporations. The objective was to find out what tension, rubber bands and number of twists were necessary to send the Twist-O-Matic spinning five

times in the opposite direction. The students soon realized that the thicker the rubber band, the faster their “ride” spun. Though the students were not actually working for Acme Corporations, they still enjoyed the involved lesson teaching about potential energy.

A few of the FFA boys participating in one of the leadership activities.

FFA Chapter meeting By Jaeda Paul, Secretary

On March 11, President Dacy Buerkle called to order the seventh meeting of the Plevna FFA Chapter. There were 17 members present; the treasurer’s report the secretary’s minutes were read and approved. For old business, Sophia Schumacher recapped February’s Harvest of the Month, which was beets. The officers traveled around and spoke with classes about the nutritional aspect of beets, as well as the anatomy of a beet. Dacy Buerkle congratulated everybody who competed in Day 2 of Winter Districts. She announced the placings of the Mechanics, FBM, Floriculture and Greenhand teams and members. For new business, Madison Butori let everybody know that on March 17, during study hall, the officers will be traveling to

classes and talking about grains. Jenna Paul notified the Chapter members of the upcoming spring district competition; events at this competition include Meat Judging and Horse Judging. March 26-27 are CDE Days in Missoula; the teams that will be competing include Vet Science and Floriculture. For the month of March, the officers will be decorating the signs outside of town with butterflies, shamrocks, rainbows, and a pot of gold to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. After the meeting, members participated in a number game in which a group must count to ten without teammates saying the same number, and a word game in which members had to pair up and spell words using only their noses. Madison Butori hosted the St. Patrick’s Day meeting, and brought a traditional Irish dessert known as Blarneystones for the members to try.

plevna school menu Week of March 29

Mon: Crispy chicken wrap w/lettuce, tomato & ranch, apple, chips Tues: Pulled pork on a bun, loaded coleslaw, potatoes, grapes

Wed: Finger steaks, California blend veggies, mashed potatoes, fruit, dinner roll Thurs: NO SCHOOL Fri:NO SCHOOL Milk served daily

It’s not too late! 2020 IRA deadline is April 15, 2021

Fallon County Times Business Directory Tri-State Chiropractic Center Dr. Charles F. Whitney

Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advice offered through GWM Advisors, dba Goss Advisors, a registered investment Advisor. GWM Advisors, Goss Advisors, and Badlands Wealth Management are separate entities from LPL Financial.

111 4th St. NW PO Box 176 Bowman, ND 58623

701-523-3239 Guns N Things LLC 305 N. Merrill Ave. Glendive, MT

406-377-3969 Ernie Huether e-mail: eh7mm@mcn.net

Guns & Reloading Equipment

If you HANDYMAN are being RELIABLE emotionally SERVICES or physically hurt, Licensed and Insured

Drywallcall • Siding Painting • Windows 406-978-9262 TOLBY LEHNER for free and Fallon County Times confidential help 406-939-3842 115 S. Main lehnerenterprises@gmail.com 24 hours a day.

406-778-3344 Marmarth, ND 58643

LEHNER ENTERPRISES construction & contracting

Thee Body Shop

406-778-2263 Auto Body Repair & Refinishing

Windshield Repair & Replacement Reflex Spray-In Bedliners Mobile Soda Blasting

24 Hour Towing • 406-853-6722 111 Pleisner St. (1/4 mile east of Baker)

March 26, 2021

CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED

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

Call BoB HerBst 406-978-2233

N or t hwes t Real Es t ate Bob Herbst Box 1511 • Baker, MT 59313 406-778-2995 www.bakermtrealestate.com

Robbie Christiaens 978-2152

FREE JUNK CAR REMOVAL

Fallon County Junk Vehicle Program Bruce Moore: 406-851-1280

IMMEDIATE OPENING!

Wanting to work in a fun relaxed homelike setting? Superior Care Villa may be the place for you!

Part-time Caregiver Evening position. 4:45 p.m. - 9 p.m. C.N.A not required Competitive pay with benefits.

HELP WANTED: Self motivated,

ROOMS OPEN & AVAILABLE In room visitation ~ CALL AHEAD for appointment Call Michelle Shumaker 406-778-3201 or 406-891-0185 or stop by and pick up an application

HELP WANTED

WATER TRUCK DRIVERS

203 Moore Lane • Baker, MT 59313 406-978-2621 Class A Tanker Endorsement, Competitive wages DOE, health insurance, dental/vision,

MUST PASS DRUG AND ALCOHOL TEST

Please call Heather at 406-978-2621 HELP WANTED: The City of Baker, Montana is accepting applications for one temporary part-time employee in the Department of Public Works. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid Montana Drivers License. Applicants must have the skills necessary to operate machinery and equipment required for the general maintenance, of city buildings, facilities and grounds as well as perform strenuous labor under, at times, adverse weather conditions. Other duties as assigned. The scheduled hours will not exceed 20 per week. Application forms may be obtained at the City Ofﬁce at 10 West Fallon Avenue in Baker. Completed applications may be returned to the above location or mailed to: City of Baker, P.O. Box 1512, Baker, MT 59313. Open until ﬁlled. The City of Baker is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. 13-14c ____________________________

HELP WANTED: The City of Baker, Montana is accepting applications for two temporary full-time employees in the Department of Public Works. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and possess a valid Montana Drivers License. Applicants must have the skills necessary to assist with the maintenance, repair and operations of municipal streets and utilities as well as perform strenuous labor under, at times, adverse weather conditions. Other duties as assigned. The scheduled hours will not exceed 40 per week. Application forms may be obtained at the City Ofﬁce at 10 West Fallon Avenue in Baker. Completed applications may be returned to the above location or mailed to: City of Baker, P.O. Box 1512, Baker, MT 59313. Open until ﬁlled. The City of Baker is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. 13 -14c

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

Association Executive Director: The Montana Newspaper Association (MNA), a non-profit organization representing 85 member newspapers and 44 associate members, seeks an Executive Director. This position will work closely with and report to a volunteer board representing a cross-section of our membership. Our new executive director will carry forward the strategic plan and transformative vision of the organization established by the board. They will direct operations of the 135-year-old MNA, its for-profit advertising sales subsidiary and the Montana Newspaper Foundation. Responsibilities include financial planning and operations,

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 ____________________________ 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

FOR SALE FOR SALE: 9’ Sickle Bar Trail Mower, PTO/Belt Drive, extra cutter bars. Excellent shape. $3,000 or best offer. 406-772-5634. 13-14p ____________________________ ESTATE SALE: Leland and Virginia Gundlach residence 406 1st St. West, Baker, Thursday, March 25, 1-6 p.m., Friday, March 26, 10 a.m-6 p.m, Sunday, March 28, 1-5 p.m. 13c

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

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 ____________________________ NOTICE: Interested in a meaningful career? Fallon Medical Complex is offering C.N.A Classes June 1425, 2021 and State Testing June 2829, 2021. Cost of the class which includes books and State Testing is $575. We will have an initial class meeting May 12 at 4 p.m. in the Care Plan office. We must have five people to have the class. If interested in the medical field give me a call and we can set up job shadowing or have questions contact Michelle Smith RN ADON at 406-778-5388. 12-20c

Fallon County Times

For your Printing Needs

LEGALS Montana Sixteenth Judicial District Court, Fallon County In the Matter of the Name Change of Layne Austin-James Silver-Farris, Petitioner Cause No: DV 2021-7 Dept. No.: Honorable Nickolas C. Murnion NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Layne Austin-James Silver-Farris to Layne Austin-James Silver. The hearing will be on 04/27/2021 at 10:30 a.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Fallon County. Date: 03/15/2021 s/Jeraldine A. Newell Clerk of District Court (Court Seal) s/Keli R. Bertsch Deputy Clerk of Court 12-15p MNAXLP ____________________________ INVITATION FOR BIDS LEASE OF STATE LANDS Sealed bids will be accepted by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Ag & Grazing Management Bureau, P.O. Box 201601, Helena, MT 596201601, through April 9, 2021 for a 10-year grazing lease on the following described lands in Fallon County. All: Section 16, T7N, R61E: containing 640 acres of grazing land. The minimum bid is $1,421.46 based on a grazing carrying capacity of 106 AUMS at a rate of $13.41 per AUM. By law all bids in order to be considered valid must include a deposit in the form of a certiﬁed check, cashier’s check or money order in the amount equal to 100% of the amount bid for grazing, a non-refundable lease application fee of $25.00. In order to be considered, all bids must be accompanied with a completed application to lease state lands. The successful bidder must in addition to the rental, make settlement with the owner of the existing improvements on the land. The State Board of Land Commissioners reserves the right to reject any and all bids. Bid forms may be obtained from the Department at the above address or in person at 1539 11th Avenue, Helena or by calling 406-444-4951. Ag & Grazing Management Bureau Montana DNRC 13-14c 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 p.m. 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, MT, 59313. The bid documents are to be mailed

Rich Menger: 406-978-4004

or delivered to Fallon County Clerk and Recorder, Fallon County Courthouse, 10 West Fallon, Baker, MT 59313. The Bidder proposal shall be sealed and endorsed, “Airport Improvements, Baker Municipal Airport, AIP No 3-30-0004-022-2021”. 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.

MONTANA STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS

legislative work, marketing/advertising, seminars and conventions, contests, ofﬁce and personnel management, publications. Successful candidate will understand community newspapers, web-based news and advertising, use of social media and exhibit strong communications and interpersonal skills. Send letter of application, resume, salary history and salary expectations to Montana Newspaper Association, 825 Great Northern Blvd., Ste. 202, Helena, MT 59601 or email eleonard@ madisoniannews.com. Deadline for applications is April 30, 2021. _________________________________

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. MC brand MCMURRY CATTLE BILLING. WEBSITE: mcmurrycattle.com REASONABLY PRICED. PROVEN BALANCED TRAIT GENETICS. Delivery available. HP (406) 254 1247

CELL. (406) 697 4040 Email mcmurrycattle@gmail.com ROCKIN’ L GENETICS and SNOWY MOUNTAIN ANGUS Selling 50 yearling bulls and a donation heifer. Tuesday, March 23rd at 1:00 at Lewistown Livestock Auction. JR Lund: 406-350-1059, Theresa Abegglen: (406) 366-0292. _________________________________ Northwest Community Health Center is looking for a motivated and team oriented Full Time Certiﬁed Pharmacy Technician to join our pharmacy team. The successful candidate will be able to work in a fast paced environment, display competencies in performing detail-orient-

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 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 13c MNAXLP ____________________________ Janette Krutzfeldt Jones Krutzfeldt & Jones, LLP Attorneys at Law 507 Pleasant Street Miles City, MT 59301 Telephone: 406-234-1222 jkjones@midrivers.com Attorney for Heidi M. Yeager Montana Sixteenth Judicial District Court, Fallon County In the Matter of the Estate of James D. Bickle, Deceased Cause No. DP 2021-3 Nickolas C. Murnion District Judge NOTICE TO CREDITORS HEIDI M. YEAGER GIVES NOTICE that she has been appointed personal representative of the estate of JAMES D. BICKLE. All persons having claims against the estate are required to present their claims no later than four months from the date of the first publication of this Notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the personal representative, return receipt requested, in care of counsel at the address set forth below or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. Dated July 22, 2021 s/Heidi M. Yeager s/J. K. Jones Janette Krutzfeldt Jones Krutzfeldt & Jones, LLP Attorneys at Law 507 Pleasant Street Miles City, MT 59301 Attorney for Heidi M. Yeager 13-15c MNAXLP ____________________________ REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Separate sealed bids for updating the Pre-Disaster Mitigation Plan (PDM) will be received by the Fallon County Commission P.O. Box 1061, Baker, MT 59313 until 5 p.m. on April 23, 2021. Fallon County Commission in cooperation with the Carter County Commission are soliciting bids for

See CLASSIFIEDS Page 7

ed work with accuracy, interact with staff and patients in a positive way, and be able to make critical decisions as necessary. Job requires high school diploma and State of Montana Pharmacy Technician License. Experience with pharmacy computer systems, and/or one or more years’ experience in a healthcare environment preferred. Position is eligible for comprehensive beneﬁts, and Wage will be determined on experience and qualiﬁcations. To apply please submit resume to: Northwest Community Health Center 320 E 2nd Street, Libby, MT 59923 or via email to maria.clemons@northwestchc.org

March 26, 2021

Fallon County Times

CLASSIFIEDS

FROM PAGE 6

a project to update the Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) (Hazardous Mitigation) Plan. This update will be two counties, Fallon and Carter Counties. Scope of work includes the following: Review current plan for each county; review and analyze natural and manmade hazards; engage the public in each county to develop the updated PDM; these meetings will include first responders, government officials, community groups, nonprofits, private businesses and Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) representatives. Further, evaluate potential hazards and disasters; recommend and prioritize hazard mitigation measures; determine necessary updates to existing plan(s); ensuring that revisions are consistent with state and FEMA requirements and develop a schedule for the two counties for hosting community meetings. Successful contractor is required to attend all community and government meetings. All proposals must be signed and

Non - Voted Levies

shall not exceed ten (10) pages. Proposals must include letter of transmittal, statement of qualifications and experience, staffing and project management, history of the firm, work to be performed, references, fees and schedule. Project must be finalized and approved not later than April 23, 2021. For questions or complete copy of the RFP, contact Dale Butori, 406-778-7121 or email: butorid@falloncounty.com. 13-17c MNAXLP ____________________________ BAKER SCHOOL DISTRICT #12 NOTICE OF INTENT TO INCREASE NONVOTED LEVIES March 15, 2021 The Baker School District is committed to financial transparency; 20-9-116, MCA requires school districts to provide notice of its intent to increase non-voted levies in the ensuing fiscal year. As a result, the proposed notice contains projections (estimates) for all of the District’s non-voted levy supported funds: PLEASE REFER TO GRAPH

These estimates are the District’s best estimates at the current time. They are based on the current year’s taxable value as required by 20-9-116, MCA. If the District’s taxable value increases

as expected, the mill and taxpayer cost increases will be less than presented here. These estimates are preliminary and changes are expected before the ﬁnal budgets are set in August. Please

contact the District Business Ofﬁce at 406-778-2577 or mettlerj@baker.k12. mt.us if you have any questions or need additional information. 13c MNAXLP

Fallon County

Times

For your Printing Needs

Building the Keystone XL Pipeline will bring Governor Gianforte extends tax filing jobs and opportunity to Eastern Montana By Senator Jon Tester When I disagree with my party, I defend Montana and say so. President Biden’s decision to cancel the presidential permit for the Keystone XL pipeline was a mistake - one that I am fighting tooth and nail to overturn. Working Montana families are depending on the jobs and economic benefits that building the pipeline would bring, and we rely on the energy the oil that will flow through the pipeline will provide to heat our homes and run our equipment. And that’s not to mention the much-needed tax revenue the pipeline would bring in for Eastern Montana counties to help pay for critical services like law enforcement and public education. For more than a decade I have said this: I support the responsible development of the pipeline as long as it is constructed with American steel, built to the highest safety standards, respects private property rights and includes significant consultation with impacted Tribes. Today my support for Keystone XL remains steadfast, and you can take this to the bank: that won’t change based on who is in the Oval Office. Make no mistake - on my farm, I’ve seen firsthand that climate change is a serious issue. Unpredictable weather, longer hotter summers, and shortened growing seasons are all examples of the damage climate change is causing in Montana. These erratic

weather patterns hurt jobs, drive up our debt, and undermine our health. But we can’t pretend we don’t need fuel to power our farm equipment and raise the food that feeds this country. We can’t just turn the spigot off on the gas pumps and expect folks to adapt. As farmers, we would go out of business. That’s why I told President Biden that his decision was wrong, and it’s why I am pushing his Administration to reverse its decision. It’s also why I recently proposed a bipartisan amendment to the COVID relief package that would have overridden the President’s executive order, and why—after that amendment failed to garner the necessary 60 votes it needed to pass the Senate - I signed on to bipartisan legislation supported by my fellow delegation members Steve Daines and Matt Rosendale that would meet the same goal. The rhetoric around the Keystone pipeline has, unfortunately, become political. I believe that’s the wrong approach - we need to get the politics out of this discussion and have a levelheaded conversation about why the Keystone XL pipeline is important for Montana and what we can do to get it built. President Biden needs to come back to the table and talk to folks on the ground to create a plan that makes sense for everyone, not just bureaucrats in DC who have never stepped foot in our state. And I’ll continue to defend Montana and push the President to reverse his decision and get this pipeline built, because our country can’t leave rural America behind as we move into the future.

Daines cosponsors legislation to support Montana families, permanently repeal the Death Tax U.S. Senator Steve Daines, a member of the Senate Finance Committee, cosponsored legislation to permanently repeal the federal estate tax, more commonly known as the death tax. The “Death Tax Repeal Act of

our farming and ranching families. It’s time to fully repeal this crippling, unfair tax,” Daines said. “After a family loses a loved one, they shouldn’t have to worry about what will happen to their family farm or ranch.”

2021” would finally end this purely punitive tax that has the potential to hit family-run farms, ranches, and businesses as the result of the owner’s death. “The death tax hits the heart of Montana -

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deadline to May 17

Governor Greg Gianforte today extended the payment and filing deadlines for Montana individual income taxpayers’ 2020 tax returns to May 17, 2021. “Last year brought real, serious challenges to Montanans, and it’s only appropriate to extend the deadline so Montana taxpayers have some extra time to file, without having to worry about interest or penalties,” Governor Gianforte said. The May 17 deadline is in keeping with the new federal filing deadline announced yesterday. The Department of Revenue advises that the American Rescue Plan Act excludes the first $10,200 of unemployment benefits from federal taxes for those making less than $150,000. Those who have already filed their federal and Montana tax returns do not have to amend their returns. But those who received unemployment benefits in 2020 and have not yet filed should follow the revised instructions for their Montana

return at MTRevenue.gov. The Department of Revenue also reminds taxpayers: •It could take up to 90 days to process refunds for some taxpayers due to security measures taken against identity theft and fraud. Taxpayers can check the status of their refund at MTRevenue. gov. •Electronic filing is the safest and fastest way to file your return and get your refund as quickly as possible. •For those who worked remotely in Montana during any part of 2020, income earned while working in the state is taxable in Montana. •Any taxpayers who move after filing their Montana returns should keep their mailing address current with the department to avoid any delays in receiving their refund or correspondence from the department. Deadlines for quarterly estimated payments of 2021 income taxes have not changed. For more information, visit MTRevenue.gov.

NOTICE OF CLOSE OF REGULAR VOTER REGISTRATION AND OPTION FOR LATE REGISTRATION Notice is hereby given that regular* voter registration for any Rural Fire District Elections held on May 4, 2021, will close at 5:00 PM on April 5, 2021. * NOTE: If you miss this regular registration deadline, you may still register for the election by showing up at the Fallon County Election Office up to and including on Election Day. Between noon and the close of business on the day before Election Day, you can complete and submit a voter registration card, but you will need to return to the Election Administrator Office on Election Day to pick up and vote a ballot if the Districts hold an Election. All qualified active and inactive registered electors of each district are entitled to vote in said elections. Persons who wish to register and who are not presently registered may do so by requesting a form for registration by mail or by appearing at the Fallon County Election Office, PO Box 846, 10 West Fallon Ave., Baker, Montana. If you have moved, please update your registration information by filling our a new voter registration card and submitting it to the Fallon County Election Office.

NOTICE OF FIRE DISTRICT ELECTIONS IF NOT CANCELLED

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Notice is hereby given that the Plevna Rural Fire District Election will be held on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, BY MAIL BALLOT. Active Electors only will receive a ballot, by mail. Inactive Electors must request a ballot from the County Election Administrator, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday - Friday. On Election Day, the polling place will be open from 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM and is located at Election Administrator Office located at 10 West Fallon Avenue - Baker, MT 59313. Electors within the Plevna Rural Fire District only will consider the following issues at the election: Two (2) Trustees to be elected for a three (3) year term. A late registrant may obtain a ballot on election day at the following location: County Election Administrator Office located at: 10 West Fallon Avenue, Baker, MT 59313 Dated this 15th day of March 2021 Brenda J. Wood, Election Administrator PO Box 846 Baker MT 59313 406-778-7106

March 26, 2021

Fallon County Times

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Spring Sports Schedules All schedule’s are tentative Golf - 2021 Friday, March 26 - Forsyth - 9 a.m. start Wednesday, March 31 Forsyth JV meet – 11 a.m. start Thursday, April 8 - Huntley Project - 9 a.m. start Friday, April 9 - Colstrip – 9 a.m. start Thursday, April 15 Shepherd - 9 a.m. start Friday, April 23 - Forsyth - 9 a.m. start Friday, April 30 - Baker 9:30 a.m. start Wednesday, May 5 Roundup - 9 a.m. start Friday, May 7 – Forsyth JV golf - 11 a.m. start Monday, May 10 - Divisional Golf - Eagle Rock Shepherd Tu e s d a y / We d n e s d a y, May 18-19 - State - Eagle Rock - Shepherd High School Track 2021 Tuesday, March 30 Bowman Tuesday, April 6 - Bowman Saturday, April 10 - Wibaux Invite (@ Glendive) Tuesday, April 13 - Bowman Thursday, April 17 - Baker Invite Tuesday, April 20 - Bowman Saturday, April 24 - Sidney Invite Saturday, May 1 - Glen-

dive Elks Tuesday, May 4 - Top 10 - Glasgow Saturday, May 8 - Miles City Thursday, May 13 - District Track @ Baker/With 4-C Thursday, May 20 - Divisional Track - Laurel Friday/Saturday, May 2829 - State Track - Laurel Tennis - 2021 Tuesday, March 30 Glendive (T) – 2 p.m. start Thursday, April 1 - Miles City (H) - 2 p.m. start Saturday, April 10 - Wolf Point (T) - 10:30 a.m., start Monday, April 12 - Glendive (H) - 2:00 p.m. start ??? Tuesday, April 13 - Dickinson (T) - 3 p.m. start Friday/Saturday, April 16-17 - Hardin Invite ??? Tuesday, April 20 - Poplar (H) - 1 p.m. start Thursday, April 22 Miles City (T) - 4 p.m. start Tuesday, April 27 - Wolf Point (H) - 1 p.m. start Saturday, May 1 - @ Miles City vs Red Lodge & Forsyth - 10 a.m. start Saturday, May 8 - E-B Seeding Tournament - @ Baker - 10 a.m. start Thursday/Friday, May 13-14 - Divisional Tennis @ Baker - Start time TBA Thursday/Friday/Saturday, May 20-22 - State Tennis - @ Missoula

OPINION

Rep. Jerry Schillinger jerry.schillinger@mtleg.gov

Montana House of Representatives

P.O Box 200400 Helena, MT 59620 406-974-2478

Fifty-five legislative days of the 67th Montana Legislature are now in the history books. As a result of unprecedented amounts of Federal $ and Executive orders, this Legislature and Governor, is faced with decisions that will have momentous implications for generations to come. I would be remiss if I didn’t include Attorney General Austin Knudsen in this discussion as well. His office has already stepped up to push back on the Federal assault on State rights, most notably the Biden/ Tester cancellation of the Keystone Pipeline and the opening of the Southern Border, unleashing a flood of illegal aliens crossing the border. The Biden administration has reinstated an Obama policy of bussing these illegals all over the country, Montana is reportedly on the destination list. Regarding that, in Appropriations, we eliminated a Bullock program that accepted $4,000,000 of our Federal tax $ for refugee resettlement, that

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March 26, 2021

Your community’s views

We want to hear from you. Send your Letters to the Editor via email to fctimes@midrivers.com

ended up primarily in Missoula. As I mentioned last week, $2.7 billion of new Federal money is coming to Montana as a result of recent legislation. There is going to likely be $500 million or more going into water, sewer, and broadband projects across the state. It is important that counties and cities make our needs known as soon as possible. I would suggest going through normal application channels as well as letting Senator Bogner, Representative Holmlund and myself know. This is a good opportunity to address needed upgrades. In similar fashion, the Office of Public Instruction (OPI), has a carryforward of about $130,000,000 from past covid and $400,000,000 from the recent bill. A couple of the big areas that can be funded is heating and cooling systems and broadband for schools. Be sure to contact the OPI, Superintendent Arntzen, with your questions for any need that you might think of, it costs nothing to ask! It looks like food security projects will be another favored area for some of these Fed $. This might include processing and storage facilities. I would encourage you to use your imagination. Regardless of our feelings about the merit, or lack thereof, of these funds, they are here. Our challenge is to try and best utilize them to enhance Montana’s future productivity without creating new, ongoing

programs that will saddle us with costs we can’t afford in the future. Some might be asking, why not reduce general fund spending and reduce taxes? Simple answer. Our own Senator Tester saw that coming and introduced an amendment that prohibited it. More is better! On some other bills of interest, we passed a bill that allows a taxpayer to enlist an independent appraiser in a tax appeal case. On election integrity, we passed a bill requiring voter lists be audited annually to assure an accurate as possible voter roll. Importantly, we passed a constitutional amendment out of the House 66-33 party-line vote that would establish personhood as beginning at time of conception. One of our votes was absent, unfortunately. This amendment requires a 2/3 approval in both houses which will be a tough climb in the Senate, sad to say. Your voices count! I voted against authorizing the creation of Bitterroot Valley Community College, unfortunately only 38 members joined me on 2nd reading. If we can’t kill it on 3rd reading, I hope we can get the job done in Appropriations. It baffles me why we would create another brick- and mortar- college just a few miles down the road from the University of Montana. Montana is already loaded up with too many colleges that were created mostly, back in the horse and buggy

day and we communicated by smoke signal. This school is projected to serve only 100- 140 students annually at an estimated cost of $1,250,000 per year. It will only grow from there. Ask Representative Holmlund to vote no. Starting Monday morning, we will be hearing House Bill 2 presented on The Floor. This bill has been weeks in the making, starting in our subcommittees. It should pass relatively amendment free. This bill sets all State agency budgets for the coming biennium. It will be a relatively conservative bill, given that the new Governor had only a few days on the job to prepare a budget. I’m optimistic that this administration is going to make great strides, in the next two years, in reforming the way State government does business. Also coming next week is picture voter I.D., something that is long-overdue. My wife Carol and I were thrilled to be able to celebrate our Grandson Jett’s 1st birthday with a visit to the House Floor this week! He was joined by Dad and Mom, Alex and Carmen (Hinnaland) Schillinger. As always, call, text, email or write your concerns and ideas. Jerry.schillinger@mtleg.gov, phone – 974-2478, P.O. 200400, Helena 59620. For Freedom, Representative Jerry Schillinger

March 14, 2021 To Whom It May Concern, RE: Reply to Pre-disciplinary notice from the Town of Plevna. This informational document will serve as my reply to the letter that I received dated March 8, 2021. The letter that I received that was dated March 8, 2021 was erroneous in the least, so I shall share the truth as is necessary. First of all with regards to lagoon mowing. While it is true that the mower that was used for the initial mowing did not possess a mower deck that would reach fully to the edge of the water, it was the only tractor type that was available at that time. The lagoon system was in desperate need of a comprehensive mowing to mitigate the sage. A very thorough, thoughtful first mowing of the Plevna lagoon site was completed. I did continue to work on the “strip of weeds” that remained by using hand tools. That process was time consuming and laborious but worked well as much of the brush was too dense to cut with a weed whacker or a push mower. It is necessary to mention also that the council demanded additional mowing at the lagoon site during the winter and this situation was brought to the attention of Labor and Industry and the winter time mowing demand was stopped by L & I at that time. You should wonder why the council tried to force an unsafe work practice on an employee when it was clear that the task would have posed an immediate and substantial risk of injury. Is it unlawful for an employer to try to force an unsafe work practice? What is an unsafe working condition? When unsafe working conditions place the life of a worker in imminent danger, the worker has the right to refuse work if, there is a reasonable and good faith belief that a condition in the workplace poses an immediate and substantial risk of serious physical injury or death. At a later date an alderman located a “brush hog” walk behind brush cutter at the local rental business. I went to the business to assess the unit and was told that the “brush hog” was “very aggressive” and not suitable for slope mowing. The employee there told me that on a slope this machine would pull downhill and could end up in the water. A statement was made by an alderman at a brief sit down meeting to discuss mowing, paraphrase, “We have to provide you with whatever you need to get the job done.” I was given a July 3rd deadline to get the mowing done. I had two potential sources of help and neither of those options were available. I contacted a contractor who had worked for the town before and had performed very well. They had the equipment needed and were able to come to Plevna and get the work done and would have met the deadline. They would have also taken care of DEQ requested fence work and would have mitigated a large patch of noxious weeds while mowing. The council would not allow this project to move forward. Therefore, as the certified operator for the town of Plevna, I have/had my due diligence with regards to mowing. The council is responsible for the additional mowing not being completed. In February of 2019 I had a surgical procedure. I will only say that this procedure was absolutely necessary & critical. The result of the procedure was a lifting restriction. I have never sought a disability claim as this lifting restriction would not interfere with the duties associated with my town job. Email dated 03/03/2021, “My medical records contain highly personal and sensitive data therefore I claim protection under the “Health Insurance and Accountability Act” (HIPPA). My medical file is in permanent sequester status. A number of cases have ruled that a lifting restriction of twenty five pounds or less is not a disability under the Americans with Disability Act (ADA). Therefore, I am not interested in a disability claim. Lastly, I claim all the protections offered to me under Montana Code Annotated Title 49, et al. It is worth noting also that as directed by the DEQ, I have always used the buddy system while completing waste water ops for the Town of Plevna. This practice allowed the buddy to remove the man hole lids and I would then, from street level, pour the copper sulfate into the flowing water in the bottom of the main. The buddy would then quickly slide the lid back into place and we would move on. So you see that task would be completed the same post- procedure as pre-procedure.” I have done nothing to cheat or trick the Town of Plevna as was alleged in the fraud accusation that was hurled my way on 12/10/2020. I resent having been accused of defrauding the Town of Plevna. Also, I must mention that within a few days of the 12/10/2020 meeting I began to suffer a stress related physical ailment that has only occurred twice before. Spring 1988 when my younger brother was killed in an on the job accident and in December 1996 when my older brother was killed in an on the job accident. This ailment has not yet righted itself so it is safe to say that the Town of Plevna and Human Resources are the cause of this problem. I wonder if the accusation of fraud rises to the level of slander... Now let’s go back to May 2017 and revisit some pertinent information. The Plevna inspector(s) associated with the regulatory agency, MT DEQ, visited our waste water treatment facility. While the walkthrough was being conducted a suggestion was made by one of the visitors that day that a “draw down should be done to allow for more water surface, equaling more evaporation etc.” Again, the regulating agency made the suggestion, as the certified operator, I agreed with that assessment and a draw down was completed. On or about 08/11/2017, I received a letter that threatened termination for having completed the draw down. This letter was written by Human Resources at the behest of the Plevna mayor. I was not contacted or questioned during the drafting of this letter. Had I been contacted 1 would have shared that the process of moving water from one cell to another cell was/is a common management tool and had been used in Plevna for a long time. I have a copy of an inspection report from nearly thirty years ago noting three cells. I found this letter that threatened termination for having completed routine water management quite upsetting. I likened it to a form of harassment and it was fully unjust. Please enjoy the information in the next paragraph that I came upon while researching topics for this letter. *Dark side research has uncovered a variety of unethical leader acts. Various terms have evolved in the literature such as abusive supervision (Tepper, 2000), supervisor undermining (Duffy, et at, 2000), toxic leadership (Frost, 2004), and tyrannical leadership (Ashforth, 1994). Research shows these leaders are oppressive, abusive, manipulative and calculatingly undermining (Tepper, 2007). Their actions are perceived as intentional and harmful. Thus, it was determined that destructive leader behavior is unethical.* Now would be a good time to mention, also, that another town employee made a comment to me after a particularly hostile meeting, “I don’t know how you can stand to put up with the way they treat you - you should just quit”. Additional data states = In workplace harassment situations, the perspective of a “reasonable person” is one aspect of the criteria used to determine whether a work environment is hostile. In September of 2020, at a town meeting, we had a discussion about cleaning sewers with the jet machine. I mentioned that I could help on Saturday after work at about 10 a.m. and any time on Sunday. I assumed that the next weekend we would start that process so I posted the pertinent information at the Plevna post office and the Plevna bar. I waited at the jet location for about forty-five minutes on Saturday and no one from the council arrived to help. In mid December 2019 the Town of Plevna received a directive from the DEQ. This letter was sent as a result of the waste water treatment facility being in “locked out” non-compliance status. THIS non-compliance status was achieved by someone other than the certified WWTFM. “The administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) 17.40.208 (1) & (2) state: “Every water or wastewater treatment system must have an individual in responsible charge at the system site or on call at all times who can respond in a timely manner to threats to public or environmental health. (2) Except as provided in this rule, the individual in responsible charge of a system must be a fully certified operator for that class or a more complex class of system. Failure to have a certified operator in responsible charge of the system will be considered a violation and is subject to penalties of up to $500 per day, per violation.” “The lagoons require a Certified Operator to be in responsible charge of the system, which means the Operator must be able to properly do their job and have full access to all parts of the system at all times. This includes having copies of all keys required to access the system.” There exists additional directive data in this document that satisfies the Mayors’ desire to have a permit for the Plevna system. It is my opinion that since the “termination” letter from 2017, a broad sweeping campaign of “how can we get rid of Corrine” has been waged against me as the certified waste water treatment facility manager for the Town of Plevna. I have been the certified WWTFM for Plevna for quite sometime and to question my competency is laughable. In 2017 it was not a violation to put water into the third cell so the basis for the termination letter was bogus. The directive to conduct a draw down came from the DEQ, the governing agency. The mayor does not hold a current certification as a waste water treatment facility manager. “Harassment is a word that describes any kind of ongoing torment.” Additionally, I was advised in 2017 by an employee of Fallon County that “Fallon County and the County Commissioners have no jurisdiction over the town of Plevna.” I am not an employee of Fallon County and I have learned that prior Plevna personnel matters were always handled “in house.” As the operator for Plevna I never once stated that I wanted a permit for our system. A permit will require a water treatment process/facility to be constructed/installed at the lagoon site. A very costly proposition. It would seem to me that the council should concentrate their efforts on and address the following items: 1) The Town of Plevna has no back up well - why is that? 2) Assess the particulate problem in our water (infiltration or well/aquifer stress). 3) Assess our new water system in order to locate water leaks & coordinate needed repairs. Unfortunately, the last item noted is costing the rate/tax payers lots of money. Lost potential revenue to the Town of Plevna is ongoing and substantial. Lastly, to the residents of Plevna. I have never acted outside of the parameters set by the governing agency for the waste water treatment facility in Plevna. I have never violated the mission statement of the DEQ. Respectfully, Corrine Sander, WWTFM, 4C, Plevna, TM, Exit Statement cc: Pete Boetcher, Plevna Inspector, Wastewater Training & Technical Assistance Specialist, DEQ Susan Bawden, Enforcement Specialist, DEQ Fallon County Times, Fallon County Commissioners, Human Resources

March 26, 2021

Locals have to wait for ‘rescue plan’ details Staﬀ Report

The City of Baker and Fallon County officials will have to wait a little longer to find out how the recent passage of federal legislation will impact the eastern Montana communities. According to Mayor Steve Zachmann, the city was among the groups involved in an electronic ‘town hall’ event Friday set up by the office of U.S. Sen. Jon Tester. “We have got some preliminary information but they were going to get some additional information out. So, at this point, we don’t have enough (information) to count on or to know for sure,” the mayor explained Tuesday. He added that by the end of the week or sometime in the last week

of the month there may be more information. One of the question marks for the way the American Rescue Plan Act will impact the community is how it will be set up in Montana and what restrictions there will be on how the money is used by the community, the mayor explained. “There is some very specific uses for that money and some specific conditions ,” he added. The ‘town hall’ was a meeting of the Montana League of Cities and Towns. “It was a town hall for all the municipalities.” “The monies they are talking about are specifically for infrastructure,” he added. The mayor said that there are still a lot of questions about what the money could be used for in terms of projects already planned

and repaying loans for projects already completed to help the cities get out from under some of that debt. “It still is a bit early. We just found out Friday and we want to look at that before we jump the gun,” he added. “We are waiting for more specifics, more details.” Fallon County also waiting The county hasn’t gotten any precise numbers yet on how much of the $1.9 trillion ARP Act money will be coming to eastern Montana, according to county commissioner Steven Baldwin. “It didn’t give us any numbers from that particular bill,” he said, referring to Friday’s meeting with the Montana League of Cities and Towns. “I am sure those numbers will come out here shortly. These kind

of funds are similar to grants, but there is always a criteria you have to follow in order to get the funding,” he said. The county may have some real numbers as to what money will be available from the ARP to local governments in upcoming weeks, he added. As to the need for funds, Baldwin said that any additional funding can help. “You have to just follow the rules... it is not any different than anything else. “It will be helpful because of the money that went out and strictly spent for COVID-19. It will help all the local governments, I believe,” he added. “It is supposed to be distributed fairly equally, so that everybody gets some help.”

DPHHS provides update on COVID-19 variants in Montana

State health agency continues to work with CDC on surveillance for variant strains Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) officials announced on March 17, that the state now has 19 total confirmed cases of COVID-19 virus variant strains. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notified DPHHS late yesterday (March 16) and today (March 17) of 11 additional variant cases that match two California variant strains and a New York variant strain. These cases involve specimens of Montana residents that were submitted for testing dating back from January to early March 2021. These 11 cases are from Beaverhead, Cascade, Glacier, Hill, Jef-

ferson, Madison, Phillips, Roosevelt, Silver Bow and Valley. When these samples were submitted for testing, the California strains and New York strain had not yet been classified by CDC. These 11 cases are in addition to eight UK variant cases confirmed in Gallatin County residents. Three of the Gallatin cases were confirmed late yesterday as well. The CDC has three separate classifications of COVID variants. The strains identified in Montana are consistent with strains identified across the United States. The three classifications are labeled as followed: variant of interest, variant of concern and variant of high consequence. Currently there are no variants that rise to the level of high consequence in the U.S. “Montana continues to sub-

mit both random and suspect COVID-19 samples to the CDC for testing,” DPHHS Director Adam Meier said. “As more surveillance and testing continues, it’s not surprising to find more confirmed variant cases in Montana and the US. The information that is learned through identifying more variants will be vital going forward.” To date, nearly all states now have confirmed cases of at least one of the variant strains. DPHHS has now posted a map online of confirmed variant strains in Montana. Meier stressed the best thing Montanans can do to protect themselves from COVID-19, including the new variant strains, is to get vaccinated. He said it’s important to continue to follow CDC guidance around wearing a mask for

both vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals. Meier stated it’s important to remain vigilant to limit the spread of COVID-19 because that is how the virus replicates and creates new variants. Montanans are encouraged to continue to practice basic public health prevention methods to keep case numbers low in Montana including: wearing a mask to protect yourself and others, practicing social distancing by staying six feet apart, staying home if you are sick, covering your cough, washing your hands often, and avoiding large crowds. Montanans interested in getting their COVID-19 vaccine are encouraged to visit covidvaccine. mt.gov to find information regarding vaccine availability and scheduling in their area.

Fallon County Times

Montana-made true crime thriller ‘Ted K’ premieres at top international film festival Filmed on-location in Montana, the true-life crime thriller “Ted K” recently premiered at Berlinale, one of the top film festivals in the world. The film was largely shot in and around Lincoln, MT, where producers held a local casting call when filming began in 2018. Film production infused more than $150,000 in wages and another $63,000 in local lodging revenue to the community. “Filming movies, television shows and commercials in Montana elevates awareness about our state and brings outside dollars into our local businesses, hotels and communities,” Montana Film Commissioner Allison Whitmer said. “Montana has been growing as a home for independent cinema thanks to our spectacular, unspoiled nature, charming and vibrant towns and rural areas of our state, which allow us to facilitate authenticity in productions with all that Montana has to offer as the ultimate filming location.” The film received funding from the Big Sky Film Grant through the Montana Film Office, which is part of the Montana Department of Commerce. The Big Sky Film Grant builds partnerships with filmmakers and production companies by providing seed funding to enable the creation of jobs and economic impact related to filmmaking production, enhance the marketing of Montana’s tourism regions, people, history, overall quality of life and support Montana’s filmmaking industry. “Ted K” tells the story of the infamous Ted Kaczynski, known to the world as “The Unabomber,” who built and sent bombs through the mail and evaded police for almost two decades until his arrest at his small cabin near Lincoln in 1996. In addition to being invited to premiere on the international stage, “Ted K” is also receiving positive reviews from Hollywood critics. “We were committed to making this film as authentic as possible, so we knew there was no other place to shoot it other than in Lincoln, Montana,” said “Ted K” producer Matt Flanders. “We simply could not have succeeded without the breathtaking landscape, the unique locations, and the warmth and openness of the people of Lincoln. Having grown up in Helena, I was always aware of the helpful nature of Montanans, but we were completely overwhelmed by the support we received in the making of this film.” The film will be distributed by NEON and Super LTD, the team behind last year’s Academy Award winning film “Parasite.” A release date for “Ted K” has not yet been selected. Learn more about the Montana Film Office at MONTANAFILM. COM.

March 26, 2021

Fallon County Times

p p a enin H a l l

Pet day at Superior Care Villa is enjoyed by several of the residents. Pictured is Jim Hagadone with Maddie and Mickey squeezing into his space.

Kathy Householder shared her lap with Mickey who soaked up all the attention.

Planting and maintaining a successful lawn in Montana

By Tara Andrews, Custer County Extension Agent Last weekend we had such beautiful weather that we sat out on our patio and looking at the lawn we realized there is some work to be done there! As you consider planting a new lawn it is best if you have good drainage. Allow at least a 1% slope away from the house. Roll fill and rake low spots to level the surface after grading and before seeding. You may need to modify infertile and poorly textured soil before planting. You can estimate the texture of your soil by placing a cup of soil in a pint glass jar with a screw lid and then fill the jar with water. Swirl the soil and water until they are well-mixed, then let the soil settle overnight. Swirl it again the next day and then let it sit for a week. Soil particles of different sizes will settle in layers of the sand (at the bottom), silt (in the middle) and clay on top. Use this to estimate the proportions of sand, silt, and clay to see if your soil needs to be modified. Ideally the soil will be 70% sand, 15% silt and 15% clay. Modify clay soils by adding coarse sand for a total soil sand content of 70%. Adding organic matter such as sawdust, ground bark, manure and peat moss will also improve soil texture

Annual Knights of Columbus

5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

We have an elevator!

Baked or fried ﬁsh with cole slaw, vegetables and dessert! All you can eat.

Adults $9 Kids 10 years or younger $4

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St. John’s Catholic Church Basement

Annua l

Friday, March 26th

Fish Fry

of clay soil. Organic matter also helps very sandy soil, increasing water - holding capacity and fertility. Add a nitrogen starter fertilizer at 1/2 pound of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet prior to seeding. Soil must be firm and finely textured prior to seeding. Consider seeding in late April or early May. For even coverage and seeding, sow half the seeds going one direction and the other half at right angles to the first. Lightly rake and roll to incorporate the seeds into the soil but not more than 1/4 inch deep. Use organic mulch such as straw to help hold the moisture and reduce erosion. And hasten germination. It is better to plant a mix of species due to variations of microclimate and shade. A good choice is a mix of 60% Kentucky bluegrass, 30% fescue (either red or Chewings), and 10% ryegrass. For shaded lawns the mix should be 60% fescue 30% Kentucky bluegrass and 10% ryegrass. The perennial ryegrass is not permanent and serves as a nurse grass, making its presence in the mix optional. Seed these mixes at 2-3 pounds per 1000 square feet. For a semi dryland lawn try sheep fescue or its subspecies, hard fescue, or the newer turf type tall fescues. Because these differ in growth habit and texture, they are best planted alone rather than in a mix. Many are also clump forming grasses and must be seeded thickly for form decent lawn. Consider seeding at 3-5 pounds per 1000 square feet. For lawns that are already well established you will want to fertilize at a rate of 2-4 pounds of actual nitrogen per 1000 square feet of lawn per year. Make 2 or 3 applications so that no more than 1 1/2 pounds of available nitrogen per 1000 square feet are available at one time. A good rule of thumb is to fertilize around Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Columbus Day. For a healthy lawn, mow frequently, enough to remove only 1/3 of the grass blade. Let the clippings stay on the lawn to decompose of the lawn and return nitrogen to the lawn. Clippings do not cause thatch. Higher mowing heights help to conserve water, especially important during hot, dry spells. In a healthy well-maintained lawn, thatch will not accumulate. If thatch is heavy or soil is compacted, aeration will provide quicker results than de-thatching. Devices that use solid spikes to aerate the lawn are not effective and can contribute to soil compaction. Aeration is best down by a device that pulls cores 3-4” long. Enjoy your lawn this summer with family and friends! Information from Montguide – Planning and Planting Successful Lawns in Montana, Montguide – Maintaining Successful Lawns in Montana.

FWP reminder: Be bear aware when recreating outdoors Remove or secure food attractants at residences By Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks

Bears are emerging from dens with the onset of spring, and people are reminded to “Be Bear Aware.” Bears can be found throughout Montana. In recent years, grizzly bear populations have expanded and bears are sometimes found in historic ranges beyond western Montana As bears begin foraging for food, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is asking residents to remove or secure food attractants such as garbage, bird feeders and pet food. The most common hu-

Maddie had fun jumping from one residents lap to another. She is pictured sitting with Lola Emery.

man-bear conflicts involve unsecured food attractants. People venturing into the outdoors should “Be Bear Aware” by following these precautionary steps: •Carry and know how to use bear spray. •Travel in groups whenever possible and plan to be out in the daylight hours. •Stay on trails or rural roads. •Avoid carcass sites and concentrations of ravens and other scavengers. •Watch for signs of bears such as bear scat, diggings, torn-up logs and turned over rocks, and partly consumed animal carcasses.

•Keep children and pets close. •Make noise, especially near streams or in thick forest where hearing and visibility is impaired. This can be the key to avoiding encounters. Most bears will avoid humans when they know humans are present. •Don’t approach a bear. If you are camping in bear country, follow these guidelines: •Camp away from areas where you see grizzly signs. •Keep a clean camp at all times. Keep tents and sleeping bags free of food. •Follow all food storage regulations. Contact the applicable land management agency to learn what food storage rules

apply where you’re recreating. Hang all food, trash and other odorous items well away from camp and at least 10 feet above ground and 4 feet from any vertical support, or store in a bearproof container. Livestock feed should be treated the same as human food. Anglers also need to practice safe behavior in bear country: •Don’t leave fish entrails on shorelines of lakes and streams. •Sink entrails in deep water. •If you don’t properly dispose of entrails you increase danger to yourself and to the next person to use the area.

March 26, 2021

Fluctuations in 2020-2021 student enrollment Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen released Montana’s Spring 2021 student enrollment numbers today along with 2020-2021 comparative trends depicting the impact of COVID-19. Per Montana Statue, MCA 20-9-311, the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) collects annual enrollment data from school districts by the first Monday of October and February. School district budgets are dependent on these student count numbers as the structural funding of basic systems of quality public schools. “The disruption to learning is reflected in these current 2020-2021 student enrollment numbers,” stated Superintendent Arntzen, “Current Montana statutes allow for flexibility in the state formula to acknowledge student increase and decline in enrollment. The promise of precious state tax dollars will give opportunities for students to continue learning as the as the new year school year approaches.” OCT 2020: 146,432 total students: Down by 2,749 students (-1.84%) compared to 2019-2020. There were 102,644 elementary students, which was down by 3,912 students (-3.67%) compared to 2019-2020. There were 43,788 high school students, which was up by 1,163 students (+2.82%) compared to 2019-2020. FEB 2021: 145,598 total students: Down by 834 students (-0.57%) compared to OCT 2020 and down by 3,583 students (-2.40%) compared to 2019-2020. There were 103,045 elementary students, which is up by 401 students from OCT 2020, and down by 3,511 (-3.29%) compared to 2019-2020. There were 42,553 high school students, which is down by 1,235 students from OCT 2020, and down by 72 students (-0.17%) compared to 2019-2020. The data shows there has been a spring return of elementary students. The historic trend of a slight decline of high school students is also reflected in this data. This data is considered preliminary and may change slightly over the next few weeks as school districts have until December 31 to change or certify their data.

Baker Community Church

Baker, MT Maundy Thursday Soup Supper • 6 p.m. with short service Good Friday Church will be open Easter Sunday 9 a.m. • Fellowship Breakfast 10:30 a.m. • Worship Service & Special Youth Sunday School ~ Pastor Joe Nagel ~

Emmanuel Evangelical Free Church Plevna, MT Maundy Thursday 7 p.m. • Joint Service with Plevna First Baptist Church Easter Sunday 9:30 a.m. • Brunch 10:30 a.m. • Service ~ Pastor Eric Botzet ~

Plevna First Baptist Church

Town Pump offering library grants to ‘Keep Kids Reading’ The Town Pump Charitable Foundation is offering $1,000 grants to public libraries in Montana to help fund summer youth-reading programs. Libraries can apply now through April 30 at www.townpumpfoundation.com using the Keep Kids Reading application, and grants will be awarded in May 2021. The total grant pool is $60,000. “The Town Pump Charitable Foundation appreciates the critical role libraries play in our

Montana communities,” said Bill McGladdery, director of corporate communications for Town Pump. “Many Montana libraries increase youth-reading programs in the summer months to help prevent the ‘summer slide’ and help children maintain or improve their spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.” Summer youth programs also introduce local citizens to all the library has to offer children and families for free.

American Legion holds 102 birthday party

American Legion Post 35 celebrated the 102nd birthday of the American Legion March 2021 at the American Legion Hall. They served cake starting at 4 p.m.

Peace Luthern Church

Plevna, MT Palm Sunday • 11:30 a.m. Maundy Wednesday 5:30 p.m. • Worship with Holy Communion ( NO Soup Supper) Good Friday • 5:30 p.m. Easter Sunday Breakfast Potluck • 10 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion ~ Pastor Scott Kiehn ~

St. Elizabeth Church Ekalaka, MT Palm Sunday 8 a.m. • Worship and Brunch Good Friday Noon • Worship Service Easter Sunday 8 a.m. • Worship with Holy Communion ~ Pastor Scott Kiehn ~

Medicine Rocks Church

Palm Sunday 10 a.m. • Coffee Time 11 a.m. • Service Easter Sunday 10 a.m • Coffee Time 11 a.m. • “Search for Truth” Skit by kids ~ Pastor Jim Biswell ~

First Baptist Church

Assembly of God Church

Ismay Community Church Ismay, MT Good Friday • 5 p.m. Easter Sunday • 11 a.m. ~ Pastor Ed Smith ~

Aiden Dragomir Anderson

Mimi Canamar and Christ Barnett along with big sister Harmony Anderson want to announce the arrival of their son, Aiden Dragomir Anderson. Aiden Dragomir was born on March 20, 2021, at 7:58 a.m. at Glendive Medical Center in Glendive. He weighed 7 lbs. 5 oz. and measured 21” long. He is the grandson of Leann Barnett.

Legal Tip of the Week

Plevna, MT Maundy Thursday 7 p.m. • Joint Service at Emmanuel Free Church Easter Sunday 9:30 a.m. • Brunch 10:45 a.m. • Easter Service ~ Pastor Josh McLachlan ~

Baker, MT Easter Sunday 10 a.m. • Sunday School 11 a.m. • Worship Service ~ Pastor Levi Durfey ~

Fallon County Times

Baker, MT Good Friday • 6:30 p.m. Easter Sunday 9:30 a.m. • Fellowship Breakfast 10:30 a.m. • Easter Worship Service ~ Pastor Rod Kilsdonk ~ ~ Pastor Joe Epley ~

1 Corinthians 6:14:

“And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power.”

Do you know … how to register a custody or parenting order from another state in Montana? When you register a parenting or custody order from another state in a Montana District Court, that will give Montana the power to enforce your parenting or custody order. If you have moved from out of state and are concerned about the other parent following the custody or parenting order, it may be a good idea to register it here in Montana so Montana can help enforce the order. To learn more, read our article “How to Register YourParenting or Custody Order in Montana” on MontanaLawHelp.org. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, try our smart search bar. Or call the Montana Legal Services Association HelpLine at 1-800-666-6899. Support free legal information for all Montanans at mtlsa.org/donate/.

Changed for Life Church Baker, MT Palm Sunday • 10 a.m. Easter Sunday 9 a.m. • Light Breakfast 10 a.m. • Service Baker Senior Citizen Center ~ Pastor Toby Arnold ~

Lakeview Baptist Church

Baker, MT Easter Sunday 6 a.m. • Sunrise Service at the Iron Horse Gazebo 9:30 a.m. • Brunch at the Church 11:00 a.m. • Worship Service ~ Pastor Mike Davis ~

St. John’s Catholic Church

Baker, MT Palm Sunday Mass • 9 a.m. Holy Thursday Mass • 6:30 p.m. Good Friday Service • 6:30 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass • Saturday, 6:30 p.m. Easter Sunday Mass • 9 a.m. ~ Father Philip Chinnappan ~

St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church Ekalaka, MT Palm Sunday Mass • 11 a.m. Holy Thursday Mass • 5 p.m. Good Friday Service • 5 p.m. Easter Vigil Mass • Saturday, 4 p.m. ~ Father Philip Chinnappan ~

American Lutheran Church

Baker, MT Palm Sunday • 10 a.m. Maundy Wednesday 7 p.m. • Worship with Holy Communion ( NO Soup Supper) Good Friday • 7 p.m. Easter Sunday 7 a.m. • Contemporary Worship with Holy Communion 8 - 9:30 a.m. • Easter Breakfast served by Junior/Senior youth 10 a.m. • Worship with Holy Communion ~ Pastor Scott Kiehn ~