Zachmann moves into role as mayor A month ago, Steve Zachmann was a member of the City Council. Now, the Baker resident is adjusting to his new role – the mayor of the City of Baker. The move was prompted when former mayor JoDee Pratt resigned and fellow city council member Pat Ehret took over as the acting mayor for a brief time. Zachmann is still getting adjusted to the new position. “Always making progress,” he said Monday. There haven’t been too many surprises, Zachmann explained, something he attributes to both the former mayor and the wealth of experience at city hall among the staff. “I was very fortunate in being very familiar with the workings of the city over all the years, having served on planning boards for two separate terms,” he said. The first term was in the 1980s and his last term was in the last decade. “I have always had a good working relationship with the planners, the county commissioners and with the city council, so I was familiar with what is going on. “I also had the good fortune, after I was on the city council two years ago, of having a pretty good open door policy with the mayor,” he said. “If I had questions, we would get together and visit on things. The previous mayor has been pretty transparent on everything that is going on and keeping me informed.” He does admit to one surprise. “The (surprise) is the amount of time it takes to get rolling here simply because I need to get an idea where everybody is at.” Also on his to do list is helping to find a replacement on the city council for his vacancy and a new public works director, in addition to other administrative duties. At the same time, he admits that needs to devote some time to his construction business. “I do some of that after hours to help some people out,” he explained. Public Works vacancy Looking for a new public works director moved a step forward Wednesday when the council was scheduled to set up the review of the applications which have been submitted for the position, the new mayor explained. After that, the council would move forward with plans to do the interviews, he said. “We will probably do them (interviews) in person. The conference room in the basement of the courthouse has got plenty of room so we can maintain social distancing between the committee members and the interviewee. “So far, the applicants are all local. We have had some phone calls from people who are semi-local or regional, but there still are a couple of days yet to take applications,” he said, noting the window will probably be closing before Friday.
“We’d like to have a selection made in the next two weeks,” he added, and if possible, to get the recommendations of the committee by the Sept. 16 city council meeting. “But, we’ll not rush the process just to get it done.” The public works director, because of the size of the department, will have to be hands-on, the mayor said. “It isn’t all managerial type supervision. By the same token, it isn’t all work out on the streets and infrastructure repairs,” Zachmann said. “It is a pretty good blend of both.” Being a small community, the city looks at the people who are available, the mayor said. “We are really happy with the six applications we have at this point.” The city is in a transition of sorts, he explained. “We are somewhat transitioning from just fixing potholes … and some of the smaller construction of streets,” he said. Replacement The council is looking to find a replacement for Zachmann. “Anyone interested in that ward, Ward 1 – the alleyway between First and Second Streets West and everything east of there – any resident of that area sends in a letter of interest to the city. Preferably (they’re) listing some of their experiences and their insights. That letter should be in by Sept. 8,” the mayor said. The city council will later have a discussion and make an appointment. “We are a year and a half away from the next election (for the term of office), so there is a need to appoint. We do have the option of having a city-wide election for that, but the cost and the benefit of that is not great enough, so we are doing the appointment process,” the new mayor said. The time limit could be extended if no letters have been received by the Sept. 8 deadline, the mayor said. “We can’t leave that position open.” Zachmann added that, pending a decision by the city attorney, a person could be recruited and appointed to fill the remainder of the term if there are no letters of interest submitted. However, the mayor said he knows several people who have expressed an interest, but not submitted an official letter yet. Making time The biggest transition has been budgeting time for the mayor’s position as well as his ‘other’ job, the mayor said. “It is just a matter of honoring my obligations I have to my customers and still honor the obligation to serve the city. I come in early in the mornings, before 8 o’clock, and study up on historical things.... the streets issues, the water mains placements. I have been in on all those, so I am up to speed on those, so those are not a problem. It is just that the things that have happened recently that I am not aware of... to get a full view of what has been happening.”
Braun sees Lee hopes to challenging help out Fallon times ahead County again Brad Mosher for commis- Bybmosher@countrymedia. net sioners
Kinsey sees special challenges ahead for commissioners
O’Connor sees experience as strength in commissioner race
Rising sees commission as way to improve region
bmosher@countrymedia. net
bmosher@countrymedia. net
bmosher@countrymedia. net
According to Pete Rising, running to become one of three Fallon County Commissioners is just doing his civic duty. “It is a civic duty for just about anybody who’s registered to vote and pay taxes in the county,” he explained. “People just have got to step up to the plate and maybe take your turn and let the citizens of the county decide who they want to represent them.” After the election in November, he will find out if he will have a new job as one of the Fallon County commissioners. Rising, with a ranch in the northern part of the county, said he also wants to make sure the rest of Fallon County has some input on what is going on. “I own
By Brad Mosher
bmosher@countrymedia.net
By Brad Mosher
Kevin Braun wants to be a Fallon County commissioner. He cleared one hurdle when he beat other republicans in the local primary. Now, he has just one more hurdle to achieve that goal in the upcoming general election. He graduated from Baker High School in 1982 after going to school in Fertile Prairie through the eighth grade. “I tell everybody that I was the top of my class and the bottom of my class (at Fertile Prairie) – I was the only one in it,” he explained with a chuckle. “All through the eight years, I was the only one in my class. It was a oneroom schoolhouse.” He added that he came to the
Chuck Lee has retired after 20 years of working for Fallon County. After that final day, Lee wanted to get to work helping out the county again. He is one of several people who have filed papers to be on the ballot for Fallon County Commissioner, but one of just two on the list as an independent. “It is just one thing I want to do for the people of Fallon County and now is the time,” he explained. One of the big things that Lee would like to push for is to have the commission meetings broadcast over the internet so that more of the people in Fallon County can see what they are doing. “It can be on Facebook or whatever mode we can use. I hear from a few people that talk about the
By Brad Mosher
Sandra Kinsey sees some challenging times ahead for the Fallon County Commissioners and she thinks her experience in working with multiple groups and agencies will help. But even more important is her experience with pandemics, which makes her run even more important to the county, she explained. A former member of the Governor’s Task Force on health issues for the state of Montana, Kinsey thinks that she can bring more leadership skills and understanding ways to work with other agencies in order to assist the county officials in planning for a strong Fallon County future.
By Brad Mosher
Brian O’Connor is hoping that experience and passion will create a path to victory in the upcoming election for Fallon County Commissioner. He admits that being a Fallon County Commissioner would be making a life-long dream a reality. O’Connor, who has more than 30 years experience working in the oilfields, is the manager of B & B Septic Service. He also owns and operates his ranch/farm while raising his children. It is that experience O’Connor thinks would help him as one of the three county commissioners. “It has always been a dream of mine (to be commissioner). “I deal with a wide variety of
Steve Zachmann is making the transition from being on the city council to now being the mayor of the City of Baker. There is an advantage to being a small town, the mayor said. “There is a benefit to being involved with each other,” he said, noting that people with the county and with the city know their people and communities. “I’ve known each of the commissioners for quite some time,” Zachmann said. “I have had some good discussions over the years with them and I have a lot of respect for the work that they do. It is just a matter of approaching it on a professional standpoint and allowing them to do their job, their governance … and the city does the same. “It is a matter of collaborating while respecting each others’ duties,” he said. Helping out Zachmann also gave credit to the city staff for helping him to transition into his new office. “This transition has been very easy for me because of the support of the city clerk and the deputy clerk – Kevin Dukart and Brenda Dietz. Kevin has been here for 26 years and Brenda has been here for 37 (years). “They have just been instrumental. It is just amazing to be able to sit in this chair and I have all this information and all the history without having to dig through the files,” he said.
By Brad Mosher
bmosher@countrymedia. net
2
September 4, 2020
ALL CANDIDATES
FROM PAGE 1
BRAUN
at Montana State University-Billings. He later came back home, working in the family business – ranching near the Montana and North Dakota border – and also pipelining in the oilfield for 20 years. “I always have been interested in the history of politics and how government is run. I was raised in Fallon County and I care what happens,” he said, explaining his drive to become a county commissioner. “I really wasn’t planning on running.... but after some persuasion of many county residents I decided it was the right thing to do.” Braun said the county is heading for tough times, if not already there. “It may get a lot worse before it gets better,” noting the economic impact of the Coronavirus and a drop in the oil markets which happened in the last six months. He cited his experience in business as a big reason for becoming the next county commissioner. “I was on the board of a major multi-million dollar corporation and spent 19 years there. I was the president of the corporation for three years.” “I’ve dealt with people, situations, human resources, hiring and firing, budgets, money and Helena. I traveled all over the United States with this company. I spent every legislative year in Helena … so I have a lot of experience in Helena dealing with them. I believe that when things get tough, not only will we lose oil revenue (in Fallon County), but the whole state will lose oil revenue. The state is going to want oil revenue and we are not going to have very much left,” he said. “I am in favor of any project that brings revenue into Fallon County.” Braun explained that he built up relationships in the state capital over the years. It is those relationships which could become valuable for the county in the future, he said. “We (the county commissioners) need to have a common sense approach. It is all about budgeting. You need to be informed to budget for the highs and the lows. Granted, nobody knows exactly what that is going to be,” he said, noting the need to maintain county services. “There are a lot of things going on. I am more on the conservative side, but we need to maintain what we have. I would like to see all the employees taken care of and the county taken care of, if we can do that, at the current level. But, that may not be possible.” “COVID’s impact on the state as well as who is elected governor could affect Fallon County’s revenue stream. “The legislature has a surplus at this point in time, but how long will that surplus last and where will they start looking at for revenue. Will the state look to Fallon County for more revenue? Will they want more in property tax?”
Fallon County Times “We need to protect our revenue stream. It is going to take people going to Helena to protect it,” Braun explained. “One thing that may have a lasting financial impact on the county is the pandemic,” he said. “When is this going to be over? It is going to have to run its course. Is it one year, two years, or are we going to still be talking about COVID years from now?” “We need to just take care of Fallon County – take care of our roads, take care of our employees and take care of what we have.” “We need smart planning, smart budgets and building relationships in Helena,” he explained.
LEE
idea that we just see the minutes.” “I think it is something we can do inexpensively and give people a better view into what goes on,” he explained. “It can be Zoom. These technologies, I know little about them, but … it is something that can be worked out.” “I would think transparency on the meetings … or availability … in this day and age we are all getting shut down at home pretty regularly. I don’t know that all people want to come down here (for the meetings) and to make an appointment... but they just want to know what is going on,” he explained. Fallon County needs to be aware of the impact the economy has on the people and the businesses in the area, according to Lee. “At some point Fallon County was in ‘high cotton’, but I think we are all going to get drawn back here. The oil fields have been drastically affected here, needless to say. People are losing jobs right and left. We are going to have to be a little tighter with money, that is for sure.” According to Lee, one of his biggest priorities would be to “pull back the reins a little bit” if he is elected. “I have worked here for 20 years as an employee of Fallon County. I think that people are responsive to the community. When people need stuff, they come to the county courthouse. Generally, we are a pretty genial crew down here,” he said. “In my 20 years, I have brought over $4 million in grant funds to this county. I have been to Helena and lobbied for the 9-1-1 services that we provide for four counties here. I have lobbied for disaster and emergency services money through Homeland Security. I have more than paid for myself many times over,” Lee explained. Although he admits being a county commissioner is something he has not done before, Lee said that being involved with local groups and going to Helena when it is needed is a role he can succeed at if he became a commissioner. “There is all kinds of stuff that goes on and if you get wind of it, you can get to Helena and represent Fallon County. That is what I have done repeatedly and I don’t see why that would change.” Lee said he has built a strong base of experience in the county, after working at three jobs over
the years for the county. “I got a feel for the different offices … and how one relates to the other and why something has to be done (in a way) that you don’t necessarily think of,” he explained. He started working for the county in the planner’s office. “I was like the assistant to the planner and back in those days a lot of what I did is maintain an address database and actually made signs that were out there in the country. I even worked at the landfill on certain days,” he said. Later, Lee became the 9-1-1 coordinator and director which put him in charge of the dispatchers. “About five years later I was voted the supervisor of the year.” Next, Lee became involved with disaster and emergency services for the county. “I went through the 2016 tornado and the 2011 flood, and the COVID-19 issues right now we are going through.” “I have been through a lot of these things that we would have to handle through the commissioners office.” Lee noted that he was trained as an accountant so he would know how to handle money, budgets and figure out where to spend and where to cut back. He was born in nearby Bowman and has lived in the county for 27 years. “My father, back in the day worked in the oil industry so I was all over the place as a kid.” He graduated from high school in California and went to Whittier College, La Verne University and California State University at Long Beach. Still, he wants people to remember that he has been serving the county for the last 20 years and would like to keep doing it. “I really believe that I work for the citizens,” he added.
KINSEY
Kinsey came out of retirement to try for the seat on the Fallon County commission in the November election. She also includes the need for communication internally with county agencies. “I feel there is a need for better communication within Fallon County, the county employees and also between the Board of Commissioners and the people of the county.” The presence of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a lot of changes, not only at the county level, but at the state and above, according to Kinsey. “I think with my pandemic background … and my nursing background … medical background … and a common sense background, I think that I can do it,” she said recently. “We are going to have to pay attention on our economy... and every other thing, budget, because of the economy,” a graduate of the Columbus School of Nursing in College of Great Falls, MT and I am still learning more about issues that come up everyday. We all need to work very hard to help each other and respect each other in order to form a better and stronger place to live. The key will be communicat-
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ing with the people as well as the people who are part of the county to explain what needs to be done. “We have to tell them ‘this’ is what we have to do, not because we want to tell you what to do, but because we feel it is better for you. And it will help things in the long run,” she said. Kinsey said it will have to be in a way that it would be convincing to the public. “That way they don’t think they are being bullied into this or that. I think there is a way of doing it or handling it and keeping the (pandemic) numbers down. People need to do the simple everyday things like wash their hands before they eat.” “It is just the basic things that you do to keep the germ away. It is simple. That is what they are telling us to do,” she said. “Masks are basic. It is nothing new. We have had it made for awhile in our country and especially Montana.” “There is something that is pretty unique (about Fallon County) as far as I am concerned in Montana – and especially the eastern part. We should be proud of our county. We have to work at it to keep it that way,” Kinsey stressed. Kinsey has lived in Fallon County since 1963. Since then, she said she has seen the community improve and also lose some services over the years. “The oil business has been very, very successful.... there is farming....small businesses and other businesses that help our economy... we have high-end recreational facilities. I love this country. I was born in Hawaii, came to school in Montana and I settled in Baker,” she said, noting she and her family have put down roots in the county. “I love this county and I will do whatever I can to help the people in this county,” she added. She and her husband have raised four children, have five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
O’CONNOR
people on a day to day basis in my current job, while making business decisions there and for my farm and ranch operation.” “This (being a commissioner) would give me a chance to meet new people, gain more experience and take on a wide range of new challenges,” he explained. “I feel my combination of skills and experience managing B & B Septic Service and my farm/ ranch operations has taught me a lot about business and making fair decisions. I also feel I work well with others and am a fair man,” he said. Among the things O’Connor said he would like to do if he was elected would be to address some of the concerns of the citizens in Fallon County. He also said he wanted to work with the other two commissioners in keeping focused on the best interests of the county residents. He admits that he was interested in being a Fallon County Commissioner when he was growing up. “It was always a dream of mine to do that later on in my years after
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Aug. 26 Aug. 27 Aug. 28 Aug. 29 Aug. 30 Aug. 31 Sept. 1
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doing all the things I have done.” “All my life, I have liked challenges. I have watched what the past commissioners have done and I liked how they worked with the county and their decisions,” he explained. He said that he thought the time is now to chase his childhood dream of being a county commissioner. “I wanted to work for the people of Fallon County.” Working with different companies in the oilfield over the years has prepared him for doing the same with the businesses that the commissioners often deal with, he explained. “There are certain parts of the county where I would like to bring things,” he said. “I’ve had people talk to me about where they (the county) get the gravel from.... and work with the people that have the gravel.” Some of the other things deal with the county and city, and the services they both work together on. He cited the golf course and shooting range and things they are involved with. O’Connor also said that for him, success would come from working with the other commissioners to help the county operate well, in addition to develop more economic strength and stability. “Everything seems like it is going well,” he said, noting that the county has been economically impacted by the pandemic and the oil market problems. O’Connor also said he’d like to see the city maintain on their own and figure out how to make everything work – both the county and the city,” he said. “The county helps and the county will always help,” O’Connor explained, noting that both are interconnected but both also have to be self-sufficient. “The county is doing well maintaining county roads right now and I would also like to see them continue maintaining the roads,” he said. “Everybody has got to work together,” he said. O’Connor has three children, sons Chad Nielsen and Bryant O’Connor, along with one daughter, Brittney O’Connor.
RISING
a lot of property and run a lot of cattle. We need to keep serving the rural people as much as we serve the towns in our county.” He said that he has run for public office before, including an attempt for a state seat while he was living in Roosevelt County. “I listen. I listen to the people. I am approachable. I don’t figure we can solve all the problems at one time. But, we really need to prioritize what needs to be done first,” he said. According to Rising, he knows that there are certain mandates which the commissioners are required to follow. “I think they have handled everything quite well myself,” noting the challenges a global pandemic and a crash in the oil market has brought to the area,. “Our bigger concerns are that we have to look down the road at the fact that what is going to be the availability to get our own industry growing back in our county.” He also said that he worries what the coming election is going to do to those who are in agriculture and how that is going to affect the big picture. “It doesn’t seem like it takes much of a change out east and when it comes back to the states and look especially at Montana... anything from increased taxes, elevate the leases on the state (Bureau of Land Management) lands... all
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the little components can have a major impact on us in agriculture... as well as as the oil and gas industry too,” he explained. Looking ahead, the county has to be both smart and prudent, Rising said. “We have to budget accordingly for that. We have to have some idea of what the next three years to five years down the road is going to look like,” he explained. “We need to start looking at other ways to do business. Hopefully, we need to come up with some ideas and get more value-added types of industries in our county, if we can. They can help create jobs and create different types of revenue instead of relying on these golden chickens, as I call them.” Having the railroad going through the county means that it should also be considered as an asset. “The railroad still has a place at the table with the transportation of our products produced in the state,” he said. The former school teacher said that he remembers when the county had thriving elevators in Baker. “People had a processing mill… we had implement dealers... we had auto delearships...” “We watched that slowly degenerate and go away. He recalled that it wasn’t that long ago that there was some talk about trying to get some Amtrak-type passenger service on the rail through the region. “That would be of value to people (in the county). If the older people could get on the train in Baker and go to Billings in a reasonable amount of time … there would be convenience to that. Those type of things need to be explored.” “I think we need to be open to what things may be out there,” he said. It would also be of great value to the local economy if some regional businesses could set up smaller branches in Baker and the surrounding area. “I bought some implements when we had them in Baker,” he recalled. “If you don’t support locally, pretty soon that (business) is not going to be there. I am a big believer that you work with your locals as much as you can. It is a full day and rather expensive anytime I have to load up and go to Billings for parts. We do it in a day (make the trip), but it makes a full day, but it is better than waiting for the freight to show up here. “Being able to have that option... being a little closer... sometimes that works. Sometimes we don’t have that time to wait.” It all comes back to finding ways to create more value-added businesses and industries in Fallon County, he explained. “If we get one industry or business going, that might create another business.” Part of the changes could come with more vocational education, both in Baker and nearby Miles City. Rising said that adding meat-cutting classes to the curriculum at Miles City Community College could help. “Maybe, if we could help set up a local butcher shop that maybe people can process their own. The people locally that do process, they are not getting any younger either. If we can build that, may be we can come up with ways that we market direct from pasture to table and make a more viable deal for the consumer,” he explained. “There are just some options that we are going to have to look at,” Rising said, pointing out that the commissioners also have to have a long-term vision and plan for the community and the county.
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September 4, 2020
Fallon County Times
FILES OF THE TIMES
10 YEARS AGO Friday, September 3, 2010 --
calves with them through Nov. 7 are eligible to win.
Fallon County Commissioners invited JGA Architects to present the revised plan for the fairgrounds grandstand to interested residents Aug. 30. Approximately 110 people were in attendance. The Commissioners noted that concerns from the last public meeting were taken into consideration and changes were made in the plans. . .Baker Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture is sponsoring the second annual Fall Festival Sept 11. There will be a farmers’ market, food and craft vendors spread throughout Main Street. . .Baker High School homecoming candidates are Tina Koenig, Melissa Stevens, Tasha Larsen, Kamiree Morris, Payton O’Donnell, Daniel Chester, Jade Hoffman and Tanner Apple. . .Class of 1950 held their 60th reunion Aug. 20 at Thee Garage. . .Alvina F. Allerdings will celebrate her 90th birthday Sept 12. . .Twenty-five firefighters and family members spent Aug. 28-29 moving the entire contents of the fire department from its old home to its bright new building.
20 YEARS AGO Thursday, September. 8, 2000 --
Halliburton employees from Williston, ND worked in the alley behind the Fallon County Times Sept. 5, pumping cement into a dry gas well. After plugging it with cement, a cover was put over the top to complete the sealing of the empty well. . .According to Gary Thielen, last Friday night’s electrical storm caused three fires in the Plevna area. The fires were south of the John Bickle ranch, one was north of the ranch, and a larger fire started on the Art Drange ranch and burned onto the Dave and Art Schuetzle ranch. . .The Varner family held a family reunion over Labor Day weekend in Baker. . .This spring 2000 class graduate of Baker High School, Ryan Berger, became the State FFA winner in agricultural communications and the first person from Baker to win a state proficiency in several years. . .Lakeview Country Club Championship was held Aug. 26-27. Winners were Joel Bechtold, Mark Vilhauer, Chad Shepherd, Tom Bechtold, Harvey Vilhauer, Norm Stenerson for the men. Winners on the women’s division were Helen Rieger and Marilyn Askin. . .Isabelle and Mark Jacobsen and their children Alain and Solenn spent several weeks this summer in France. Isabelle is from Rennes, France and all her family lives within 60 miles of each other in that area. They took in Disneyland Paris and toured castles, vineyards and wineries in addition to spending time with her family. . .C & D Cattle Co. is holding a drawing for four quarters of 4-H beef purchased at the Fallon County Fair. Customers weighing fall yearlings and
30 YEARS AGO
Thursday, September 6, 1990 --
Kindergarten class in Baker this year is remarkable. First of all, it is the largest class with 66 students. Secondly, and most unusual, it has four sets of twins. They are: Carson and Connor Beach, Angela and Lisa Abrams, Eric and Kevin Losing, Breeann and Britt Owens. . .Kent Wood recently competed at the Drum Corps, International Championships in Buffalo, NY, and placed first individually in contrabass competition. He is the son of Roy and Judy Wood. . .Homecoming candidates at Baker High School are Chris Clark, Jarrett Hadley, Kris Bechtold, Scott Nichols, Shelley Diegel, Ryan Hecker, Brook Gundlach and Shad Croy. . .Ben Franklin is holding a Customer Appreciation Sale and Grand Opening at their new location on Main Street starting Sept. 5. Grand opening is Sept. 8. . .The first annual Teacher of the Year award will be presented by the Baker Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture at their annual “Salute to Education” banquet, Sept 20. . .A group of about 30 concerned individuals attended Tuesday night’s school board meeting to express their displeasure over changes at the Recreation Complex
40 YEARS AGO Thursday, September 4, 1980 --
50 YEARS AGO Thursday, September 3, 1970 --
Del Hartwick, school superintendent, released the figures for the attendance starting the 1970 school term. Elementary enrollment stands at 706, high school enrollment has 339 students. In 1960 there were 738 students registered in the entire school system, in 1940 there were 419 and in 1970 a total of 1,045. . .Jane Opp, the 1970 Miss Montana, was a guest in Baker Saturday while she attended the wedding of her cousin, Sharon Opp. This week she will be traveling to the pageant in New Jersey with all the hopes of Montana going with her.
60 YEARS AGO
Thursday, September 1, 1960 --
Robert Yokley, Arthur Linden, both of Baker and Errol Ketterling of Plevna returned Sunday from Dillon where they represented both Baker and Plevna High Schools as delegates to Boys State. . .Superintendent W. Heftie reports that Baker schools tallied their largest enrollment this year with a total of 783 students. The high school claims 215 as against 101 last school year. . .Baker Public Library board, now graduated to a county status, held its first regular meeting Monday evening at the library. . .Completion of six new oil wells in Montana with initial production of over 1,000 barrels of oil daily was reported Saturday.
70 YEARS AGO
Thursday, September 7, 1950 --
Pictured are Lester Straub, Roger Meggers and Helmut Straub putting the finishing touches on a new lighted wind tee at the airport. The tee was given to the airport in memory of Jim Nichols. . .Also pictured is James Stanton, new superintendent of Baker schools. He comes to us from Richey. . .Second annual Oil Day will be in Baker Sept. 12-13. . .Plans to build new elementary class rooms and a lunch room for the Plevna schools has been delayed due to the failure to sell the bonds. . .New teachers at Plevna include Kristy Berge, Tammy Wright, Mary Hauck and Norman Panasuk. . .Baker agent Patricia M. Williams is a member of New York Life Insurance Company’s 1980 Top Club. . .Patricia Ann Thompson, 43, of Baker passed away Sept. 2. . .Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Rabe celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary Sept. 14.
The 1950 football schedule includes games with Lemmon, SD, Circle, Forsyth, Ekalaka, Wibaux and Terry. Twenty-four men turned out for football. . .Friday evening while at work on Bagley Elevator, A. W. Callen, manager, who was on the hoist lift, fell 70 feet when a cable broke. . .Enrollment for the first week of school shows 28 in kindergarten, 220 in East Side School, 60 in junior high and 47 in high school. . .Plevna schools open Sept. 11. . .Lorene Anderson, Benitta Bye, Anita Murphy and Dorothy Brewer attended the fifth annual 4-H Club Congress in Bozeman last week.
80 YEARS AGO Thursday, September 5, 1940 --
Saturday will be homecoming day at the Fallon County Fair for residents who have lived here 25 years or more. Forty-nine have signed up and are having their
name printed on a blue ribbon to be worn during the fair. . .There were 419 registered in the Baker schools as they opened Tuesday. . .Miss Ethel Rundel of Roundup and Miss Dorothy Sather of Miles City arrived in Plevna this week to join the teaching staff. . .The Webster Store and Post Office recently acquired by Mr. and Mrs. Dan Shikowsky is being moved from its present site to a new one established in 1910 by Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Webster of Sparta, WI. Mr. Webster freighted merchandise and mail by team from Baker until the first mail route was established and Eber Blake of Medicine Rocks became the first mail carrier.
90 YEARS AGO Thursday, September 4, 1930 --
The weather man smiles as crowds gather for the Fallon County Fair. Quantities of exhibits have been pouring into the County Agent’s office during the past two weeks. . .The center of attention of large groups of fair visits this week are the Hungarian Woolies which are being exhibited in the poultry house. These woolies are not of the sheep family but are a species of rabbit which produces a long coat of fur or wool much in demand in the manufacture of high grade garments. . .R. Moshier, Bill Hills and L. F. Bruggeman were awarded trophies in the Glendive golf tournament Labor Day. . .Specializing in marcelling, Mrs. Lennice Wright will open a beauty booth in the Schneider Studio.
100 YEARS AGO Thursday, September 2, 1920 --
The reception given at the Masonic ball Monday evening for the teachers of the Baker schools was well attended. The patrons were glad of an opportunity to welcome back the old teachers and meet the new ones, and real community spirit prevailed. . .“Auntie” Newberry, as we all know her, has moved to Baker recently purchasing the house formerly owned by Mrs. Pratt. . . The Baker schools opened Monday morning and Supt. Phillips reports a large enrollment of pupils. The number will increase after the harvest. . .Ward Grant Is the new assistant in the Fallon County Bank. . . Farmers are pleased on account of the good rains we are having in this territory. They will have some effect upon the fall plowing and a largo acreage of winter wheat is expected to be put in. Many farmers have started plowing and if this weather continues the ground will be in excellent condition for this work.
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•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 ... September 4
Charlotte Losing Nick Brown Tristen Adamson
September 5
Paul Berger Detta Breitbach Therese Thompson Jase Rost Larry Greenlee Mya Hadley
September 6
Dale Boggs John Miller Kari Standbakke Nevada Breen Jackson Niemerg Kelly Uecker Takoda Adamson
September 7
Larita Huether JoDee Pratt Xander Southwick Andy Hepperle Ryan Griffith Tessa Brown
Tyler Griffith Gary Napton Robert Rusley Katherine Stauss
September 8
Lily Ann Mettler Wanda Pinnow Caleb Ploeger
September 9
Jody Strand Colter Knipp Wyet Christensen Erika Kramlick Laura Burrill
September 10
Isaiah Burns Noah Arnold Greg Gaub Kim Cuppy Myra Wickstrom Brooke Wenz Hailey Wenz Jason Griffith Rick Wiman Dakota Steen
Baker Alumni Scholarship Applications are being accepted for the Baker Alumni Scholarship.
The scholarship will be awarded at the meeting of the Board of Trustees on September 16, 2020. Applications will be accepted through September 15, 2020. Applicants must meet the following requirements: • Must be a graduate of Baker High School • Must be a junior or senior in college • Must have voted in the last election (School, City or General Election) Application forms can be obtained on the Baker Schools website, (www.baker.k12.mt.us) under School Board tab or by calling 406-778-2577, or e-mail mettlerj@baker.k12mt.us or writing to: Baker Public School Attn: Jen Mettler, PO Box 659, Baker, MT 59313
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Sept. 6 - Changed For Life Church services, 10 a.m., Baker Senior Center. Sept. 7 - Labor Day. Sept. 8 - Overeaters Anonymous, 6:30 p.m., American Lutheran Church; Friends of Library, 5 p.m., library basement; School Board, 6 p.m., high school boardroom. Sept. 9 - Baker CowBelles; City Council, 7 p.m., Fallon County courtroom. Sept. 13 - Changed For Life Church services, 10 a.m., Baker Senior Center. Sept. 14 - Celebrate Recovery, 6-8 p.m., snacks provided, Compass Coffee, American Legion Auxiliary, 6:30 p.m., American Legion; Hospital Helpers. Sept. 15 - Overeaters Anonymous, 6:30 p.m., American Lutheran Church. Sept. 16 - City Council, 7 p.m., Fallon County courtroom; Knights of Columbus, 8 p.m., St. John’s Catholic Church basement. Sept. 17 - Free Business Development, by appointment, call 406-748-2990.
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Baker Spartans are ready to play By Sophia Dulin
Get your shakers and cowbells ready. Spartan spectators make sure to get in line for your tickets because the Spartans are here to stay and ready to play. Despite the odds, school sports are back and running this school year. But there will be some new rules and guidelines before you can come cheer on the Spartans. This year, masks will be mandatory for all fans entering and leaving the facilities. This past Friday, the Community Health Board and the school met to set-up guidelines for spectators when attending home school events. Masks will be mandatory for all fans whenever they are out of their seats or when social distancing cannot be maintained while watching events. The school is allowed to fill the stands at 75% maximum capacity. This will allow for 150 rush tickets for the general public, which won’t include activity passes already purchased. Student athletes and cheerleaders will also receive 4 designated tickets for their family members to attend. The visitor crowd will have access to 100 passes for their spectators at well. Concessions will be available, but decided upon on a weekly basis. For further guidelines and information on attending school events, refer to
the Baker High School website or Facebook page. I received the opportunity to talk with some of our student athletes this week before the big games begin and asked them a couple of questions. ¨¨¨Avery Uecker said, “I’m pretty excited because of this whole COVID deal. I didn’t think we would be able to play, but I’m excited we still get to be out on the field.” When asked how it has changed things for cheerleading, and Madison Durden, our cheer captain explained the changes they will have to make. “In cheerleading we can only have 4 girls out on the court instead of the 11 we usually have. We can’t dance for volleyball because we need to stay 6 feet apart and masks have to be worn for stunts and when sitting on the bench.” Eve Uecker, a sophomore volleyball player, said she doesn’t think it will change the level of play. “I expect us to keep playing our hardest and throw away any problem that comes our way.” All the student athletes and cheerleaders want the same thing, just to make sure spectators follow all the guidelines so all community spectators can be present and able to attend the school functions that occur this year. We hope to see you all “safely” at the games!
School info/reminders By Havyn Wilkinson Sports Booster Club Photos These will be taken on Sept. 3 for all cheerleaders, volleyball players, and football players. For parents/guardians who would like to order photos of their players, you can do so by visiting Leslie Bohle’s students and athletes website: www.legacyscholasticimaging.com. When visiting the website, click “Order”
and then search “Baker HS Sports” to find images you would like to order. The deadline for ordering pictures is on Friday, September 11.
Activity Ticket Prices
Tickets are $25 for students, $50 for adults, and $25 for senior citizens. There will be NO concessions available at current high school sporting events until specified otherwise.
Student Officers • 2020-2021 • Seniors
President - Hannah Goerndt; Vice President - Mya Hadley; Secretary/Treasurer - Skylar Wall; Representative - Jalynn Hanes; Alternate Harveanna Lee; Advisor - Mr. Soumas
Juniors
Introducing the 20-21 Student Body Officers
President - Anika Ploeger; Vice President - Sayge Barkley; Secretary - McKenna Griffith; Treasurer - Emily Shumaker; Representative - Emilia Cuppy; Alternate Ashlyn Lutts; Advisor - Mrs. Hoversland
By Hannah Goerndt
Sophomores
(l-r) Zach Craig, Macy Varner, Sophia Dulin, Sydney Kirschten.
Due to the unfortunate requirement of having to go online at the end of last school year, the student body elections had to wait until the first week of this year. Normally the elections are held at the end of the school year, so that on the first day of school officers are already chosen and ready to take on their new position. This year though, the inductions were a bit different. Besides holding the elections at a later time, the speeches that are normally held in front of the student body in the gym, were instead live-streamed through Google Meet. The student body then watched each speech from their 1st period classrooms. Sydney Kirschten ran for Secretary, Sophia Dulin for Vice President, and Zach Craig and Macy Varner were the candidates for President. The position of President went to Macy, but at the time there was not a person running for Treasurer, so Zach gladly took on the position. “I ran for president because I wanted to bring student representation to the school. Even as student body Treasurer, I still intend on doing this.” Zach added that he wanted to hold monthly polls to get opinions from the students so that the representatives in Student Council could make sure student thoughts and opinions are heard. He also stated that he would like to put more power in the hands of the student body, and let them have more say in decisions instead of letting the advisor make most of the decisions for meetings and events. Sydney ran for office for several reasons, a minor one being that the position could assist her in scholarships for getting into medical school. Her main reason was to make sure that officers are active in the student body. She has been in situations where the student body reps weren’t very involved in school activities and she felt that the school year was not as exciting for students. She hopes for a lot of student participation and suggestions when planning events. “Sometimes students are uncomfortable talking to student body reps, so instead we can put up suggestion boxes where they can write out ideas for us to include. I would love to have more school pride and would like to reward the classes with the most spirit so that the students are encouraged to get involved.” Sophia decided to run for the position of Vice President so that she could become more involved in school planning herself and provide a voice for all of the students at Baker High School. She would like to get more students involved in school pride to make a difference in our school. “School pride isn’t just about sports, it’s about everything from academics to clubs. All of these areas need to be recognized and we need to be proud of students in their accomplishments for any area of our school.” Macy as well would like to include all student involvement when it comes to extracurriculars. She has already started working towards her goal of implementing “Student of the Month”. This will recognize a student from Lincoln, Longfellow, middle School, and high school each month. The four students will be voted on by the teachers of that school in honor of the students’ successes, dedication, helpfulness, and kindness. Macy hopes this will encourage students to strive to be the best they can be, both in and out of school, and to unify the student body. “I like being a leader, it gives me the opportunity and the ability to make a change for the better in our school. I want our students to be proud to be a Spartan.”
President - Cayla Duke; Vice President - Kendall Shepherd; Secretary - Faith Han-
sen; Treasurer - Eve Uecker; Representative - Teja Dietz; Alternate - Mercedes Runfola; Advisor - Mr. Nowak
Freshmen
President - Cooper O’Connor; Vice President - Mallory Varner; Secretary - Riley Lutts; Treasurer - Quinn Griffith; Representative - Briley Gorder; Alternate - Riley Williams; Advisor - Mrs. Frank
Middle School
President - Danica Shepherd; Vice President - Caden Barth; Secretary - Madison O’Connor; Treasurer - Selena Gallegos; Representatives 8th - Kyal Hadley, Kayl Hadley; Representatives 7th - Silas Best, Abygale Cuppy; Advisor - Mrs. Kirschten
BHS student polls By Jalynn Hanes
Name: Faith Hansen What class do you enjoy the most? Art What activities do you enjoy doing during school hours? Art, Study Hall What do you look forward to this upcoming school year? Sports and Art Do you prefer to work together in a group or work only with yourself? Depends on what I have to do. If you could implement a new classroom subject, what would it be? Nap Class Name: Macy Varner What class do you enjoy the most? Government What activities do you enjoy doing during school hours? I enjoy visiting with my friends. What do you look forward to this upcoming school year? I look forward to doing fun activities like homecoming and playing volleyball. Do you prefer to work together in a group or work only with yourself? I prefer to do it by myself. If you could implement a new classroom subject, what would it be? I would implement a class that taught taxes and finance stuff. Name: Jory Miller
What class do you enjoy the most? Government or World Literature What activities do you enjoy doing during school hours? Weights What do you look forward to this upcoming school year? Competing in sports Do you prefer to work together in a group or work only with yourself? Working by myself If you could implement a new classroom subject, what would it be? A class that prepares high schoolers for the real world such as taxes, finances, etc. Name: Havyn Wilkinson What class do you enjoy the most? I enjoy study hall, because I love being social in the morning. What activities do you enjoy doing during school hours? Reading and Writing. What do you look forward to this upcoming school year? Football games. (For cheer purposes, we won’t have to split the team as much if we are outside). Do you prefer to work together in a group or work only with yourself? I am very social so I like working in groups. (Unless they don’t do any work.) If you could implement a new classroom subject, what would it be? Korean
September 4, 2020
Fallon County Times
Cougar Tracks
News from the Plevna School
(r-l) JH - Ella Gray, Sophia Tudor, Billie Miller and Hayden Lane ready for the ball.
Cougars volleyball return after 35-year absence By Brad Mosher
bmosher@countrymedia.net
For Plevna Superintendent Nick Schumacher, the result Friday afternoon wasn’t nearly as important as being there. Wearing a clear Plexiglas face shield, he was on the court as a volleyball program returned to the small school campus after a 35-year absence. The era of COVID-19 already has made some changes to the sport in Montana, with the teams sitting on chairs spaced out along the sidelines and no longer switching sides after each set. But, to Schumacher, the biggest change was the team wearing purple and gold with Cougars emblazoned on the shirts. A year ago, the team didn’t exist. If Plevna students were interested in playing volleyball, their only option was to be part of a co-op arrangement with Baker and play the sport wearing Spartan colors and name. The process started over the winter when the superintendent said students approached the school about restarting a program at the school not seen in more than three decades. The process moved forward in the spring, with the students and families helping to get the approval of the school board and hiring of a new volleyball coach, the superintendent explained. The biggest hurdle may have been surviving a global pandemic which closed down on-site learning for all of the schools in Montana. Schumacher was there Friday, watching Plevna battle Circle on the court. Even though the Cougars were swept in three games, the superintendent still had a smile on his face. “It is the first game in 35 years that Plevna has had in this gym,” he said after the contest ended. “It is an exciting way to start the school year, that is for sure. “The girls have been working hard and they are
Mr. Ketchum explaining his operation to the students
The students observing the embryo transferring process
Jaeda Paul #25 and Izzy Cuppy #15 go to the net for a block.
Plevna coaches DaNae Wiseman (left) and Janae Phelps (right) are guiding the new Plevna volleyball program back. Phelps is the head coach for the program starting back up after a 35-year absence. Wiseman is the assistant coach.
going to get some upsets this year. On the varsity team, most of the upperclassmen have not played before. The freshmen, most of them have played with the co-op for the last few years. “Otherwise, this is their (the team’s) first year of volleyball,” he added. He admitted that COVID brought the new look to the sport. “The home team will stay on the same side the whole time. There are a lot of little rule changes, like how substitutions occur,” he said. “But, at the end of the day, it is still volleyball.” The team will face Ekalaka for an away-andhome pair of contests starting Sept. 11 in Ekalaka, then returning home for a second meeting the following day. People will need to check the district website to keep up-to-date on the schedule for the team, according to the superintendent. Janae Phelps, the school’s physical education and health teacher, is on the sidelines as the head coach, with DaNae Wiseman as the assistant coach. According to Phelps, the team is improving all the time. “I think we did a good job and it is great to have the program back,” she said. “We got our jitters out and I am excited to see the girls improve. “Our girls have already made huge improvements,” the coach said. “We are still brand new. We’re getting there.” The girls are excited to have the program back at Plevna, she added.
STATS
by Chloe Tudor
On August 28th, junior high faced off with Cirlcle first. Their first match was 3-25, followed by match #2 with a score of 10-25, the final match ended 5-15. Next the varsity team played, the first match ended with 5-25, the second was 8-25, and the final match concluded with the score of 6-25. Keep playing hard Lady Cougars, a whole season awaits you!
5
Showing off their new Sleeping Giant Genetics hats
Milk Creek Reds Ranch embryo transfer By Sophia Schumacher
On June 19, at 7:30 a.m., Jaeda Paul, Jenna Paul, Chole Tudor, Sophia Schumacher, Dacy Buerkle, Nick Buerkle and Mrs. Schumacher left Plevna to go to the Milk Creek Reds Ranch where they would observe and learn about embryo transferring. Arriving at the Milk Creek Reds Ranch, they were greeted by the Ketchum’s and Mrs. Menees. The Ketchum’s then told them about their operation, facilities, why they have embryo transfers done, and the difference between artificial insemination and embryo transfers. Sleeping Giant Genetics was the company doing the embryo transfers and allowed them to watch the process and gave them a tour of their trailer with all of their supplies and equipment. Will Malcom from Sleeping Giant Genetics also explained how they keep the embryos alive, what they do, and how embryo transferring works. Sleeping Giant Genetics also gave everyone a free hat with their logo on it. Observing the embryo transferring was a fun and very educating experience.
Shop Clean Up Day By Sophia Schumacher
On July 15, the Plevna FFA members were asked by Mrs. Menees to help with the cleaning up of the Plevna Ag Shop. Kalob Bollinger, Tristan Buerkle, Jenna Paul, Jaeda Paul, Jordan Paul, Sophia Schumacher, Madison Butori and Sophia Tudor were able to attend the event and help clean up the shop. To start with Mrs. Menees had Kalob Bollinger, Tristan Buerkle, Sophia Tudor, Madison Butori and Sophia Schumacher clean and inventory the shop’s paint and
wood room, while Mrs. Menees inventoried the welding area of the shop. After a quick break and snack to recuperate, they moved on to cleaning the floors, benches and equipment in the shop. Next, Jenna Paul, Sophia Schumacher, Jaeda Paul, Madison Butori and Sophia Tudor started to organize all of the screws and nails in the shop. During the next break, Sophia Schumacher, Jor-
dan Paul, Madison Butori, Sophia Tudor, Tristan Buerkle and Kalob Bollinger went to Plevna School’s new garden to weed, harvest zucchini and check on the plants. Back at the shop, everyone helped sweep and wash down the floors and welding equipment. At the end of the day, the shop was spotless and organized for the next school year.
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Have a safe and happy holiday weekend! bakerfurnitureandappliances.com
NOTICE
FAIR BOARD APPOINTMENTS The Fair Board has two position(s) that each have an expiring 3-year term of September 30, 2020. If you are interested in being a member on this Board, please submit a letter of interest to: Fallon County Commission-PO Box 846-Baker, MT 59313-0846 or deliver to the Clerk and Recorder’s office10 West Fallon Avenue-Baker, MT, by 1:30 PM, Monday September 21, 2020. “Letter of Interest” forms may be picked up at the Clerk and Recorder’s office or you may submit your own letter. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Clerk and Recorder’s office at 778-8182. The Commissioner’s will appoint, Monday, September 21, 2020 at 3:00 PM. The appointments will be effective October 1, 2020.
a project? Decks • siDing • Roofing Pole BaRns • kitchen & BathRoom RemoDels
Come in early and get your estimates.
Open
Monday - Friday
7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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September 4, 2020
CLASSIFIEDS 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
Indian Trail Ranch Judy Brown Sales Realty, LLC Cell
Jim Hurley Broker, Owner Home 406-778-3735
406-891-0133
VATED 2 Lots for sale, MOTI ER 718 S 1st St. East SELL G N I K O For details call LO L L A T A S! Judy @ 891-0133 R E F F O
~ 406-778-2402 ~ HELP WANTED
Fallon Medical Complex Employment Opportunities • Full-time Maintenance Assistant • Full-time Housekeeper • Full-time Staff Coordinator • Full-time Resident Aide
Nursing services is looking for RN, LPN and C.N.A positions. Please contact Sue Lunde with any questions at 406-778-5385
Applications can be picked up from the FMC Business Office or Personnel Dept. Contact Theresa Myers, Personnel Manager at 406-778-5302 for additional information on any of the above jobs. All positions will remain open until filled. EOE.
Well Service Rig Hand Positions Competitive Wages, Health Insurance, and 401K Plan. Must pass drug and alcohol test.
TO APPLY:
Call 406-778-3856 Stop at the Office at 3614 Highway 7 Baker, Montana or apply online at www.4jwellservice.com. HELP WANTED: The Farm Service Agency office located in Ekalaka, MT is accepting applications for a Full-Time Permanent Program Technician position. Duties include carrying out office activities for farm programs, explains procedures, program regulations and forms to producers and other agency personnel. The position involves using a high degree of initiative and judgment in planning and carrying out assigned tasks and resolving problems encountered. The vacancy announcement will be posted on USA Jobs from Aug. 26, 2020 through Sept. 09, 2020 at www.usajobs.gov and all applicants must apply through USAJobs by the closing date. USDA is an Equal Opportunity Provider, Employer and Lender. 35-36c
WANTED WANT TO PURCHASE: Minerals and other oil/gas interests. Send details to: P.O. Box 13557, Denver, CO 80201. 36-38p
SPACE AVAILABLE SPACE AVAILABLE: Available September, past Runnings Store. Prime retail location, 12,000 square feet of retail space. Reasonable terms. Contact Ken Schell 406-6703317. 33-36c
HOUSE FOR SALE HOUSE FOR SALE: Four bdrm, two bath. Oak floors in two bedrooms. Two storage rooms, two lots close to schools, large garage with off street parking. 713 S. 2nd St. W Call 406-580-3419. 35-38p
YARD SALE YARD SALE: Multi-party yard sale, Saturday, Sept. 12, 8 a.m. - 1 p.m, 117 East Callin Ave., Plevna (1 block east of post office). New dishwasher, leather couch and chair (not on site-photo), safe, smoker, household appliances, shop items, men’s
wranglers, cowboy hats and boots, outdoor gear, Weber grill, garden cart, canning jars and many more treasures. 36c ____________________________ GARAGE SALE: Saturday, Sept. 5, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. Clothing: mens, womens, boys, girls (mostly preteen & up), winter gear, boots, shoes, paks, toys, books, decor, a little household, a little automotive, a little yard/garden, couple rabbit hutches, LOTS of misc. And a lemonade stand! 115 West Montana Ave (old MDU bldg across from J&A) 36c
LEGALS William D. Lamdin, III, MT Bar No. 2415 Dylan D. Crouse, MT Bar No. 56415081 Crowley Fleck PLLP 490 North 31st St., Ste. 500 P.O. Box 2529 Billings, MT 59103-2529 Tel: 406-252-3441 blamdin@crowleyfleck.com dcrouse@crowleyfleck.com Attorneys for The Bank of Baker Montana Sixteenth Judicial District Fallon County, Montana THE BANK OF BAKER, a Montana banking corporation, Plaintiff, vs. INDIAN TRAIL RANCH COMPANY, JAMES HURLEY, LINDA HURLEY, and DCI CREDIT SERVICES, INC., Defendants. Cause No.: DV2019-36 Judge: Honorable Nickolas C. Murnion NOTICE OF SHERIFF’S SALE OF REAL PROPERTY TO BE SOLD at Sheriff’s Sale on the 25th day of September, 2020, at 10 o’clock a.m., at the FALLON COUNTY COURTHOUSE, 10 W FALLON AVE, BAKER, MT 59313, the following real property located in Fallon County, Montana, which is described as follows: Township 8 North, Range 60 East, Fallon County, Montana Section 10: NE1/4, N1/2NW1/4, N1/2SE1/4. DATED this 21st day of August, 2020 s/Trenton Harbaugh, Sheriff of Fal-
lon County
35-37c MNAXLP ____________________________ CALL FOR QUOTES NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Fallon County, MT will receive bids at the Office of the Clerk & Recorder for the construction of 2020 Millennium Sidewalk Project in Baker, MT. The complete set of Contract Documents, including drawings and specifications, is on file with the Owner at the Fallon County Courthouse and the Office of Brosz Engineering, Inc., 109 South Main, Bowman, ND 58623. The above quote will be opened at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 14, 2020 at the office of the Fallon County Commission. CONTRACTOR and any of the CONTRACTOR’S subcontractors bidding or doing work on this project will be required to be registered with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). Forms for registration are available from the Department of Labor and Industry, P.O. Box 8011, 1805 Prospect, Helena, MT 59604-8011. Information on registration can be obtained by calling 1-406-444-7734. All laborers and mechanics employed by CONTRACTOR or subcontractors in performance of the construction work shall be paid wages at rates as may be required by the laws of Fallon County and the State of Montana. The right is reserved to reject any or all proposals received, to waive informalities, to postpone the award of the contract for a period of not to exceed thirty (30) days, and to accept the lowest responsive and responsible quote which is in the best interest of the OWNER. Quotes shall be sealed and marked “MILLENNIUM SIDEWALK PROJECT QUOTE”. Quotes shall be mailed or delivered to the Fallon County Clerk & Recorder by 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 14, 2020. Dated at Baker, Montana, this 24th day of August 2020 s/Deb Ranum, Chairperson Fallon County Commission 35-36c MNAXLP ____________________________ NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING City Of Baker Board Of Adjustment Fallon County Courthouse Courtroom 10 West Fallon Ave Baker, MT 59313 (handicap accessible) The City of Baker Board of Adjustment will conduct a Public Hearing on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2020, at 7 p.m. in the Fallon County Courthouse Courtroom. Information pertaining to this hearing can be viewed at the Fallon County Planning Department. The purpose of this hearing is to review a Conditional Use Permit for Kelly J. Heiser to keep a Recreational Vehicle space behind Mom’s Laundry. July 17, 2019, Mr. Heiser applied for a Conditional Use regarding the RV space. The conditions of approval were as follows: 1) Permit active for one year, 2) should property sell conditional use no longer valid, and 3) the Board of Adjustment reviews a new application after one year. The location of Mom’s Laundry is 4 South Main Street in the City of Baker, County of Fallon and State of Montana. 17.08.035 – Conditional use, ;conditional use permit. (1) “Conditional use” means a use that is not a permitted use in a zoning district due to its unique characteristics and circumstances. It may be permitted subject to conditions that mitigate the impacts associated with the use. (2) “Conditional use permit” means the written permit authorized by the board of adjustment to locate a conditional use at a particular location. Written affidavits may be sent to the Fallon County Planning Department, P.O. Box 1134, Baker, MT, 59313. All interested parties are encouraged to attend. 35-37c MNAXLP NEPOTISM NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to the requirements of Section 2-2-302, MCA, the Board of Trustees of Plevna Public Schools intends to take action on the following matter at the Board meeting to be held on the 8th day of September, 2020, at 7 p.m. at Plevna School: The possible employment of Stephanie Robertus who is related to Trustee Janet Stickney by consanguinity. If you have any questions, comments or objections prior to the Board Meeting, please direct all such inquiries to: Nick Schumacher, Superintendent, 406-772-5666 36c MNAXLP
Fallon County Times
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Asst Ranch/Farm Ops Manager & Feedlot Coordinator *Havre, MT* Responsibilities include direct assistant to the Livestock and Farm Operations Managers, calving coordination, daily animal care, research data collection, and maintenance of facilities and equipment for the beef cattle research program at Northern Agricultural Research Center in Havre, MT. To apply : https://jobs.montana.edu/postings/21571 For more information call (406) 265-6115 _________________________________________________________________________________ If you are reading this ad, you can see that classified advertising works! Reach over 400,000 readers in Montana and beyond to promote your product, service, event and business. To get results, contact this newspaper, or the Montana Newspaper Association at email stacy@mtnewspapers.com or member@ mtnewspapers.com. 25 words for the small investment of $149
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Fallon County Times Business Directory Tri-State Chiropractic Center Dr. Charles F. Whitney 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
Fallon County Times 115 S. Main 406-778-3344
If you are being emotionally or physically hurt, call 406-978-9262 for free and confidential help 24 hours a day.
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)
Fallon County Times
Law Enforcement
Baker Police Department
•proactive patrols of schools, businesses and residential areas. Anyone with any information on any area crime is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 406778-2222.
Justice Court
OBITUARIES
Kent Howard Elliott, 73
From the Bench
•Casandria Lyttle Dalton, Glendive, seatbelt violation, bond forfeited $20, ticket issued 5/27/2020. •Casandria Lyttle Dalton, Glendive, reckless driving, 1st offense, bond forfeited $185, ticket issued 5/27/2020. •Casey John Dey, Miles City, speeding on non-interstate, exceed day limit of 70 MPH, 79/70, bond forfeited $20, ticket issued 8/16/2020. •Colak Fahri, Huntington, NY, speeding on non-interstate, exceed day limit of 70 MPH, 80/70, bond forfeited $20, ticket issued 7/18/2020. •Lee James Strand, Lincoln, ND, speeding on non-interstate, exceed day limit of 70 MPH, 78/70, bond forfeited $20, ticket issued 8/16/2020.
USDA extends Free Meals for Kids through December 31, 2020 Summer meal programs can continue operating as funding allows.
On Aug. 31, 2020, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will extend several flexibilities through as late as Dec. 31, 2020. The flexibilities allow summer meal program operators to continue serving free meals to all children into the fall months. This unprecedented move will help ensure – no matter what the situation is on-the-ground – children have access to nutritious food as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. USDA has been and continues to be committed to using the Congressionally appropriated funding that has been made available. “As our nation reopens and people return to work, it remains critical our children continue to receive safe, healthy, and nutritious food. During the COVID-19 pandemic, USDA has provided an unprecedented amount of flexibilities to help schools feed kids through the school meal programs, and today, we are also extending summer meal program flexibilities for as long as we can, legally and financially,” said Secretary Perdue. “We appreciate the incredible efforts by our school foodservice professionals year in and year out, but this year we have an unprecedented situation. This extension of summer program authority will employ summer program sponsors to ensure meals are reaching all children – whether they are learning in the classroom or virtually – so they are fed and ready to learn, even in new and ever-changing learning environments.” “School Nutrition Association greatly appreciates USDA addressing the critical challenges shared by our
members serving students on the frontlines these first weeks of school. These waivers will allow school nutrition professionals to focus on nourishing hungry children for success, rather than scrambling to process paperwork and verify eligibility in the midst of a pandemic.” said School Nutrition Association (SNA) President Reggie Ross, SNS. “We look forward to continuing our dialogue with USDA to ensure school meal programs are equipped to meet the future needs of America’s students.” “Today’s announcement brings a huge relief to our school meal program and the community we serve,” said Lindsay Aguilar, RD, SNS, Director of Food Services for Tucson Unified School District, AZ. “Many of our families who might not qualify for free meals are still going through a tough time and are worried about how to keep food on the table. Now their children will have one less thing to worry about as they adjust to evolving in-school and remote learning scenarios. These waivers also eliminate a massive administrative burden for our school nutrition staff, allowing them to focus on feeding children.” “These waivers will ensure every hungry child in the city of Cleveland has access to healthy school meals, while eliminating the burdensome, time consuming process of verifying and documenting enrollment,” said Chris Burkhardt, SNS, Executive Director of School Nutrition for Cleveland Metropolitan School District, OH. “Our school nutrition team had to develop and implement a bar code verification system this fall that has greatly complicated and slowed service. With these waivers, we’ll be able to speed up meal distribution for the safety of staff and families and ensure no student is denied access to healthy meals.”
September 4, 2020
Kent Howard Elliott, May 17, 1947-August 26, 2020. Kent was born in Blue Island, IL, the son of Franklin R. and Geraldine B. “Gerry” (Anderson) Elliott. He grew up in Illinois as a small child until the family moved to Walla Walla, WA and later to Billings, MT where he graduated from Billings West High School. Kent later graduated from Pacific University after a time as a VISTA volunteer in North Carolina. Working at what was then Boulder River School and Hospital in Boulder, MT as a conscientious objector during the Viet Nam War, he met the love of his life, Barbara Morgan, and they married on Aug. 31, 1974. Their first two daughters, Sarah and Heather, were born while they continued to work at Boulder where Kent took on managerial roles. They lived in Minnesota while Kent attended United Theological Seminary, later returning to Montana where Kent served churches
of the United Church of Christ in Baker, where their third daughter, Hannah, was born, and in Miles City. The family later returned to Boulder and Kent became a United Methodist deacon to serve the church at Boulder, studying during the summer at Claremont School of Theology. He later served United Methodist churches at Buffalo, WY and at Anaconda and Clancy in Montana, retiring in 2012. Kent took great enjoyment, pride, and delight in his three daughters and his grandchildren and loved the family dogs more than he might have admitted. The family enjoyed camping trips and many other activities. In retirement he turned to writing novels and short stories, and he enjoyed doing readings and selling his books at tables at fairs in the small towns of Montana that he loved. He established Wheatgrass Publishing to publish his and his father’s books. Especially in his final months after he was diagnosed with a terminal form of brain cancer, he enjoyed long phone conversations to catch up on a lifetime of friendships and family relationships he deeply appreciated. Kent was dedicated to social justice, human rights and the common good, including the good of the earth, and his life exhibited a strong sense of integrity and compassion. He instilled strong values by example and in conversation with his children and grandchildren.
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Kent is preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Barbara. He is survived by his three daughters, Sarah Elliott and partner Nik LaFournaise, Heather (John) Willoughby, and Hannah (Felix) Shepherd; grandchildren, Kylie Hanson, Beau Pierce, Gavin Pierce, Cashtyn LaFournaise, Olivia Willoughby, Ian Willoughby, Jacob Willoughby, and Siobhan Shepherd; sisters Lynn (Bob) Dixon, and Susan “Elli” Elliott; and nephews Alex (Beth) Dixon and Tommy (Caito) Dixon. Kent died peacefully of natural causes, surrounded by his family. The family would like to thank the medical care staff of St. James Hospital in Butte for their kind attentiveness to him in his final days and the care staff of Big Sky Living Center for their kindness to Kent and Barb in their final months. Memorials may be directed to any of the churches that Kent served and to organizations working for the justice and environmental causes that Kent supported. Kent would also be honored by your reading his books. A memorial service and scattering of ashes will be held at a later date for Kent and Barb. Please visit www.buttefuneralhome.com to offer a condolence or share a memory of Kent. Axelson Funeral and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Kent and his family.
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September 4, 2020
Fallon County Times
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