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$400 property tax rebates available to Montana homeowners through Oct. 1

Eligible taxpayers can apply through the revenue department website. This article includes a link to the application.

by Eric Dietrich, Montana Free Press

Montana homeowners have until Oct. 1 to apply for rebates of up to $400 on their 2024 property tax bills, relief that is one component of a bipartisan push by lawmakers and Gov. Greg Gianforte to address rising residential property taxes.

According to the Montana Department of Revenue, the rebates are available for single-family homes, apartments, condos and mobile homes owned and occupied by Montana taxpayers for at least seven months in 2024.

Properties owned by limited liability corporations and some types of trusts are ineligible. The Legislature also did not provide for rebates for

An office of the Montana Department of Revenue in downtown Helena.

renters, who typically pay their landlords’ property taxes via their rent.

Taxpayers can apply for the rebate via the revenue department website at getmyrebate.mt.gov. The application requires the property owner’s name and Social Security number as well as the

property’s Montana Cadastral system geocode.

Taxpayers who paid less than $400 in 2024 property taxes will also need to provide the amount of taxes billed on tax notice sent to them by their county treasurer last fall.

Most larger Montana counties also offer an

“iTax” service or other web system that lets the public look up tax bills by address or owner name. That list includes Yellowstone, Missoula, Cascade, Gallatin, Flathead and Lewis and Clark counties. The rebates were part of the second-home tax

and homestead tax relief package passed by the Legislature and signed by Gianforte, a Republican, earlier this year. Other provisions of the package rework tax calculations to reduce bills for owner-occupied and long-

CASA program benefits from football camp

News from Leah Brown Youth Connection Coordinator

POLSON- “More Than a Game” football camp recently presented a donation to CASA of Lake & Sanders Counties and its Youth Connection services. At the inaugural More Than a Game event, which involved grades 3-8 and high school. Athletes were provided elite instruction from wellknown coaches and football players.

More Than a Game football camp started when Polson High School Sophomore Case Cox, who coordinated the event, took an opportunity to watch how tough it can be for kids who get stuck in custody battles between their parents in the Lake County district courtroom. He was inspired to organize a football camp not

property tax rebate

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term rental residences. Those provisions will take effect starting with the 2025 tax bills that will be mailed this fall.

The state previously provided larger rebates of up to $675 on homeowner taxes billed in 2023 and 2022.

More information about the rebates and application process is available on the revenue department website. The application period will be open from Aug. 15 to Oct. 1.

just to teach the game, but to come together to strengthen our community while supporting kids in need. He teamed up with CASA/Youth Connection and donated the proceeds from the camp to CASA/Youth Connection’s work in strengthening families.

CASA/Youth Connection is a nonprofit that provides child advocacy, parenting classes, and supervised family time to help children thrive in safe, stable homes. Executive Director Ann Marie McNeel says, “At CASA/Youth Connection, we understand that every family’s journey is unique, and when a family’s connection is at risk we use our resources to help.”

For over 20 years, CASA has

supported children when they are removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. CASA stands for the volunteers who serve as Court Appointed Special Advocates. These volunteers are trained and mentored to work directly with the children and families the program serves.

Through Youth Connection services, families can receive parenting classes and supervised parenting time. McNeel says, “We serve all families, like parents in the community who want to learn more about parenting skills, as well as parents who need to maintain a relationship with their children while working out parenting plans in the court system.”

CASA/Youth Connection starts with the idea that it’s in a child’s best interest to remain with family when conditions are safe and stable enough. When these conditions are at risk, Youth Connection helps children to maintain contact with their parents and siblings.

McNeel adds, “Our partnerships with the court, local attorneys, Child Protective Services, and other service providers in the community strengthen our capacity to offer families these types of specialized service.”

CASA Advocate Carol Searl says, “There’s no better feeling than making an impact in a child’s life like this,” adding that her volunteer work with

CASA/Youth Connection is “a unique opportunity to make an impact on generations to come.”

Grants and donations make it possible for CASA/Youth Connection to offer its services at no cost, as well as to train and mentor each of its volunteers. A grant from the Children’s Trust Fund helps to provide open enrollment for community parenting classes. Proceeds from More Than a Game football camp will help to open a teen visit room at CASA/Youth Connection’s facility in Polson.

To learn more, call CASA/ Youth Connection at 406883-0158 or email: casa20jd@ gmail.com.

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County offices spread out of courthouse into newly opened annex building

By Joyce Lobeck for the Valley Journal

LAKE COUNTY —

Ask Elections Manager Toni Kramer how she feels about the new officers for the department in the just completed Lake County Courthouse Annex, and she answers with a big smile.

“This department is delighted,” she said. “We’re happy. And grateful. It’s amazing. I’m like a kid waiting for Christmas.”

The Elections Department moved last week from its cramped quarters in the basement of the courthouse to more than twice the space on the third floor of the annex. The move not only gives the department’s employees more much needed room, it also better serves the public, providing improved access and handicapped access that wasn’t available before.

After years of planning and a year of construction, the annex is finished. A grand opening was held on August 9 and the offices relocated there are settled and have been open for business as of Monday, Aug. 18, excepting the superintendent of schools office which moves on Sept. 15. The new three-story, nearly 16,000-squarefoot building adds more space for several county offices and one elected office. As well as elections and superintendent of schools, they include

land planning and environmental health, two sheriff’s detectives, information technology and Geographic Information Systems used for mapping. The annex also houses a new community room for conferences and meetings.

Moving elections out of the bottom floor frees up space to expand the detention area and add beds there, said Gale Decker, chairman of the county commissioners. The former community room on the third floor of the courthouse will be converted to an additional district courtroom the county has needed for some time. As for the remaining space that is now vacant, no final decision has been made on what to do with it, Decker said.

servant who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of the citizens of Lake County, Decker said. “He was quiet, humble, honest, open with everyone. He loved Lake County. We felt naming the building for him would be a good tribute to his service to the county.”

Several of Stipe’s family members were on hand for the opening celebration, among them his daughter and her family, aunt, sisters and several nieces and nephews. His daughter, Taylor, and grandson Brandt Stipe did the ribbon cutting honors.

The grand opening comes a little over a year after the groundbreaking for the annex was celebrated on April 30, 2024. The annex is located on the corner of Fifth Avenue E. and First Street E., kitty corner southwest of the existing courthouse. The new building was completed on budget at a cost of $7 million and on time by general contractor Swank Enterprises.

The building has been

named the “Dave Stipe Annex” in honor of former long-time Commissioner Dave Stipe, a

Charlo-area rancher who died a year before the groundbreaking. Stipe was a beloved public

The annex, which had been in the planning stages for several years, marks the first major building project the county has embarked on since the courthouse was expanded 50 years ago. “It’s been a long time since the last building project,” Decker said. “It’s all about finances … how

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to pay for it. We were reluctant to borrow money.”

But it was time. A lawsuit was filed against the county by some inmates of the detention center, claiming crowded conditions of the jail and lack of adequate activity area. The county settled out of court, agreeing to build an outside exercise area and add beds, Decker explained. Rather than write checks to the inmates, an agreement was reached by all parties for the county to put the settlement money toward something to benefit the public, construction of more space for county services.

In addition, the county had been mandated to build a new courtroom after another district judge was added, he said. But there was no space for it in the existing courthouse. There’s also more demand for services as the county continues to grow, now with some 32,000 residents.

“We just needed more space,” Decker said, noting the county had $7 million for the building project. “We borrowed some money, we put a jail levy on property taxes and had some money saved and set aside. We met with Swank and asked if they could do it for $7 million. They said yes and they kept it at $7 million. In three years, it will be paid off.”

Decker recalled that at the groundbreaking, “it seemed like the actual moving was a long time away. But construction went fast and offices are now moving. Employees are so happy, so grateful. There’s excitement for everyone to be moving into their new spaces.”

Commissioner Bill Barron concluded, “It was just something that was needed. People were working hard in difficult conditions. We even had closets turned into offices. We were bursting at the seams. As part of the construction, each office was built with room to expand as needed so it will serve us for years to come.”

Montana public media gains fundraising momentum in wake of federal cuts

by Zeke Lloyd, Montana Free Press

Renee Driessen and Randy Fuhrmann were eager to attend Montana Public Radio’s 60th birthday celebration at Blackfoot River Brewing Co. in Helena on Aug. 7. The Helena residents wanted to meet the people they heard on the radio every morning.

“We know that they’re under funding stress, so of course we wanted to give them a little extra support both financially and just personally,” Driessen said.

President Donald Trump’s July rescissions package created a roughly $350,000 shortfall for MTPR, about 11% of its annual operating budget. But in a recent summer pledge drive — held in response to the reduction — the station raised nearly $500,000.

In the weeks since national legislation carved a $2.8 million hole in Montana public media outlets’ budgets, organizations including MTPR have courted major donors and small-dollar giftors with new, targeted asks.

But not everywhere was prepared for a fundraising marathon. Unlike MTPR, the Fort Belknap-based station KGVA, which receives about 80% of its funding from the federal government, has found little post-rescission recourse. According to station manager, program director and sole employee Jack Jones, there’s limited opportunity for underwriting or donations from rural, northcentral Montana listeners. Jones said shutting

In the weeks since national legislation carved a $2.8 million hole in Montana public media outlets’ budgets, organizations including MTPR have courted major donors and small-dollar giftors with new, targeted asks.

down the station “is a possibility.”

KGVA, the only tribal station in the state that received the Corporation for Public Broadcasting Community Service Grant, faces roughly $100,000 in cuts. The Corporation for Public Broadcasting began winding down operations in August, just weeks after the rescission.

CPB’s closure made it difficult for media organizations to estimate indirect costs. In addition to passing funds on to stations directly, CPB provided outlets with music licensing rights, satellite systems and national reporting.

Montana PBS faces more than $1.8 million in cuts. In late July, the organization launched its “Bridge the Gap” campaign, with a group of major donors offering $900,000 in matching donations. By Thursday, MT PBS had received more than $100,000 in matches.

Aaron Pruitt, director of Montana PBS, said the organization is also looking for other funding. MT PBS will continue to seek foundation grants, which have been used to upgrade equipment and improve broadcast technol-

ask that system to raise $1.5 million in less than a year,” Siebert said.

After the rescission bill’s July passage, YPR took a new approach to contacting their 7,000-person email list of past and potential donors.

ogy. The organization also receives money from Montana’s university system. In 2024, that support made up roughly 30% of the station’s revenue. Pruitt said the station is “having conversations with our university leadership for them to understand the full impact of [these cuts].”

“We have had wonderful support over all the decades from the Board of Regents, but they have their own funding challenges,” Pruitt said.

Alternative radio station KGLT’s general manager reports to Pruitt, but the station broadcasting across southwestern Montana otherwise operates separately from Montana PBS. The rescission stripped 30% of the KGLT’s budget.

Eastern Montana’s Yellowstone Public Radio faces a $300,000 shortfall, which General Manager Ken Siebert called “a big, extra fundraising lift in a very short period of time.”

“You can’t just take a fundraising system, fundraising staff, a fundraising outreach that is tuned to raise $1.2 million [the station’s annual fundraising tally] and then

“We’re encouraging people to increase their ongoing monthly contributions. We’re encouraging the people who’ve never contributed before to become first-time donors. We’re encouraging people to make additional gifts — doing everything we can to just create an awareness forum and make sure people understand what’s at stake.”

YPR has also looked to attract more long-term donors to help “with the overall stability of the radio station.” Though YPR has already seen an uptick in donations, Siebert is wary of maintaining momentum without depleting donors.

“What we don’t want to do is end up taking money out of our fall drive because people are making gifts now and thinking to themselves, ‘Well, I’m helping.’ You certainly are helping, and we don’t want people to think that’s not the case, but we still have our regular obligations to meet as well.”

Siebert said they’ve opted to avoid grim messaging and instead kept fundraising language hopeful and grateful.

“We also want to make sure that we’re being completely honest with everybody about the need to fill this gap and that it will create some hard decisions by

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the time we get to [July 2026],” Siebert said.

All four Republican members of Montana’s federal delegation voted for the rescissions package.

“Senator Daines supports local public broadcasting and believes waste in the programs should be reduced so taxpayer dollars are used most effectively,” Press Secretary Gabby Wiggins wrote in an email to MTFP on Monday.

When the package passed, Rep. Troy Downing and Rep. Ryan Zinke both celebrated the rescission bill on the social media platform X, but did not provide comments to MTFP on how it is likely to impact Montana’s public media.

A spokesperson for Zinke informed MTFP on Monday that the representative’s position had not changed. Neither Downing

nor Sen. Tim Sheehy replied to requests for interviews or comments this week.

At Blackfoot River Brewing Co. last week, MTPR’s Program Director Michael Marsolek bubbled with enthusiasm about the station’s future. In celebration of the station’s 60 years on air, Marsolek has been playing radio archives, including clips of Kim Williams, a Missoula-based public radio commentator active in the 70s and 80s. Marsolek said he’s heartened to see MTPR’s uptick in first-time donors, but nervous about the collateral impact of lost CPB infrastructure.

“There’s a lot of unknowns, and we just don’t know music rights and satellite distribution and other things,” Marsolek said to MTFP. “But the primary plan — and I’ve been saying this from the get-go — is we just want to continue to give that great content.”

Fall vegetable boxes available

News from the Western Montana Growers Cooperative

LAKE COUNTY — Local vegetable subscriptions, known as our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Veggie Box program, are still available for the fall season Oct. 16-Nov. 20.

We offer two sizes of our local vegetable subscription (aka CSA share): large and small. Wondering which size is right for you? As a general guideline, we recommend a small share for 1-2 people and a large share for any more than that or if you really like your fruits and veggies. You can expect 5-10 items per week in a small share and 7-12 in a large share. Our large shares do contain more fruit and specialty items such as berries and heirloom tomatoes so if you’re really excited about those items, consider a large share (you can always find a friend or neighbor to share with if you’re worried about it being too much.)

Please note that these are general guidelines only—the best way to determine which size is right for you is to look at the week-by-week photos of both share sizes from our most recent season or check out our Instagram page. Shares are available at local delivery sites on Thursdays during the season. For more information or to register for a fall veggie box, visit: https:// wmgcoop.squarespace.com/

INVENTORY

MT workforce strengthened with 406 JOBS initiative

HELENA - Governor Greg Gianforte today launched 406 JOBS, an initiative led by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry’s State Workforce Innovation Board, to meet national education and workforce development goals established by President Donald J. Trump.

In April, President Trump issued two executive orders instructing federal agencies to implement workforce development initiatives to prepare Americans for skilled trade jobs and to advance artificial intelligence in education. The 406 JOBS framework aligns with federal policy and modernizes Montana’s workforce system.

“406 JOBS will work across the public and private sector to promote career, college, military, and entrepreneurship pathways for Montanans to strengthen our workforce and prepare the next generation,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We’re following President Trump’s lead to Make America Skilled Again and opening the door to greater opportunities for all Montanans to reach their full, outstanding potential.”

Signing Executive Order 5-2025, Gov. Gianforte designated SWIB to implement the 406 JOBS initiative as the unifying framework for the state workforce system.

406 JOBS stands for Four Pathways to Employment, Zero Barriers to Work, and Six High Demand Sectors. Those sectors include health care, construction, hospitality and recreation,

advanced manufacturing and computing, education and child care, and financial and professional services.

Earlier this year, President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14278 to “Make America Skilled Again,” by fully equipping workers and streamlining workforce development programs. Last week, The U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of $30 million in grants with awards available up to $8 million for state workforce agencies to address critical workforce needs.

The governor recently held a press conference at the Boeing facility in Helena with DLI Commissioner Sarah Swanson, SWIB Board Member and Executive Director of the Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance Jason Yager, and Boeing Helena Director Kevin Poulin to introduce the new initiative.

“406 JOBS is designed to ensure that every Montanan has a plan for a career and a pathway to achieve it. We need to grow our labor force and tear down barriers to employment. Just last week, DLI

released a new report, showing that more than 100,000 working age Montanans are not employed and not seeking work. Through 406 JOBS, we have an opportunity to reconnect people from all parts of the state to meaningful work,” Commissioner Swanson said.

“Montana is ideally situated to transform our workforce and drive continued economic growth in the state. We are hearing almost daily from companies in the technology and advanced manufacturing sectors looking to come to Montana,” Yager said. “SWIB

is dedicated to reforming our workforce system to be ready for those opportunities, to prepare people for the future, and to bridge the labor gaps in high-demand sectors across the state.”

“Boeing is deeply invested in Montana,” Poulin said. “Workforce initiatives like 406 JOBS will have a wide-reaching impact beyond just one company or site. We know that the partnerships between industry, government, and community groups are

essential to building a strong and capable workplace.”

The order also directs DLI to expand AI training opportunities, support educators in including AI-readiness in career programs in the K-12 system, use AI tools to support job seekers, and use public-private partnerships to accelerate AI technology adoption.

In partnership with the Montana Legislature, Gov. Gianforte this year signed into law a number of reforms to modernize Montana’s state workforce and education systems.

Signing into law

House Bill 449, House Bill 656, and House Bill 823, the governor overhauled outdated structures and strengthened access to training resources across state programs to ensure Montana students receive education and training that prepare them well for in-demand careers.

“Montana’s workforce and education partners anticipated the direction of federal policy and took early, decisive action to align our systems and better serve students, jobseekers, and employers. We are leading with a bold vision of zero barriers to employment in the state of Montana,” Commissioner Swanson said of the reforms.

Increasing access to

The order also directs DLI to expand AI training opportunities, support educators in including AI-readiness in career programs in the K-12 system, use AI tools to support job seekers, and use public-private partnerships to accelerate AI technology adoption.

education and workforce training is a top priority for Gov. Gianforte. In his first year in office, the governor increased apprenticeship opportunities by changing the journeyman-to-apprentice ratio from 2:1 to 1:2. Now, one journeyman can supervise two apprentices.

This rule change has led to a record number of apprentices working in Montana. In 2024, more than 680 Montana businesses offered apprenticeships to train workers resulting in over 3,150 Montanans enrolled in active apprenticeships, a 25% increase over the five years prior.

Building on that success, Gov. Gianforte signed

House Bill 336 into law this year which allows apprenticeship as a pathway to occupational licensing for more than 30 professions in Montana.

In July, Gov. Gianforte launched the state’s first registered teacher apprenticeship program to get more highly skilled and highly qualified teachers into Montana classrooms. This year, the governor secured a historic $100 million to raise teacher pay, with a focus on educators who are just starting their careers.

In his first week in office, Gov. Gianforte introduced the TEACH Act, or Tomorrow’s Educators Are Coming Home Act, to provide

incentives to school districts to increase starting teacher pay. In its first year, the TEACH Act helped nearly 500 teachers begin their careers in Montana. In 2023, the governor increased funding for the program by 40 percent.

Strengthening Montana’s workforce and expanding opportunities for students through career and technical education (CTE) are also top priorities for the governor. This fall, under the newly enacted

STARS Act, DLI will establish a statewide database of industry recognized credentials that high school students can earn for credit. Schools will receive incentive payments based on the number of students attaining industry recognized credentials or dual enrollment credits.

According to data from 2023, a record number of Montana high school students received college credit in a CTE program. Data released by Office of the

Commissioner of Higher Education revealed that over 3,300 high school students received college credit for CTE in 2023, an increase of more than 600 students from 2022.

As designated in the new executive order, SWIB is expected to deliver a implementation plan in 90 days to examine existing agency workforce initiatives and establish annual reporting mechanisms.

valley views

New law shields wildlife location data from public view – but where’s

the line?

Montana’s right to know is a cornerstone of our state’s democracy, guaranteeing access to public documents. But every year, the Legislature debates the contours of that access — what should and should not be open to public inspection. One of the quieter but still consequential examples this year is House Bill 264, which revises Montana’s right to know laws to exempt certain wildlife location data from public disclosure.

Montana Transparency Project

Addie Slanger

held by the department, for one year after the department collects or acquires the data. Precise telemetry frequencies may never be shared.

publicly accessible.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks is now authorized to withhold certain GPS or telemetry data that could be used to track the movements of hunted or trapped species. House Bill 264 revises Montana law to provide explicitly that Fish, Wildlife and Parks may not release precise wildlife location data, whether collected or

Signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte this spring, HB 264 was sponsored by Rep. Jonathan Karlen, D-Missoula. The bill amends Montana Code Annotated § 2-6-1003, which governs exceptions to public disclosure, by adding language that prevents disclosure by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks of the location data or telemetry frequencies of hunted or trapped animals.

The bill creates special exceptions to its prohibitions, allowing for this location data to be shared with research partners or other government agencies pursuant to a data-sharing agreement. It also allows the data to be shared for environmental permitting purposes. The intent is to protect wildlife from poaching, habitat disruption and overexposure. Conservation

What a difference a letter makes

I do the Wordle each morning. For those of you living in a bubble, Wordle is a puzzle that gives you six guesses to find a five-letter word.

be “Wordl?”

Slices of Life

Before we go any further, I have to get two things off my chest. Wordle is a game about five-letter words, yet the name of the game - Wordle - has six letters. This bothers me to no end. Couldn’t the game about five-letter-words be titled with a five-letter word, perhaps may-

Jill Pertler Syndicated columnist

Complaint number two: they give you six guesses for a five-letter word. Why not five? I know that would make it tougher, but a word puzzle with a five-letter title that gives you five guesses to find a five-letter word would be so elegant in my world.

(Moment of silence here to contemplate this great possibility.)

But that’s not what I’m here

groups supported the revision, and the bill received bipartisan approval in legislative chambers.

However, the bill implicates important transparency questions. For journalists, researchers and the public, this could mean new barriers to accessing information that may be critical to understanding wildlife trends, agency decision-making or the ecological impact of development projects. While HB 264’s goal is laudable, the bill adds another carveout to Montana’s promise of transparency and works against the constitutional presumption that information held by state agencies is baseline

to discuss today, although it does have to do with Wordle.

I’ve done the game hundreds of times. I know when I get an “e” in the middle of the word and it isn’t in the right place, it’s likely at the end, or second to end and followed by an “r” or a “d.”

The English language has certain patterns like that. I understand those basic patterns, so usually when I do the Wordle, I pay more attention the patterns than the meaning of the actual words.

Bill amendments show legislators considered potential constitutional hardships. While the original draft proposed a three-year prohibition on the release of wildlife location data, the final draft was amended to prohibit such data’s release for just one year after it is acquired or collected by Fish, Wildlife and Parks.

Montana’s right to know must constantly balance public access with legitimate privacy and safety concerns. But each exception added to the law chips away at the presumption that public data should remain public. House Bill 264 highlights the need for continued scrutiny,

accountability, and perhaps future refinement. As with all legislation affecting transparency, how HB 264 is implemented will determine its true impact. We will be watching closely.

LETTER POLICY

But a couple of days ago, the Wordle made me think in bigger ways that whether I should go with “adieu” or something more simple like “steal” for my first guess. Sometimes I even like to use a word like “early” to get the “y” in the mix.

On this particular day I can’t remember my first or second or even third guess, but by guess number four I had the solution down to two options - dream or dread.

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Opinions expressed in this section are not necessarily those of the newspaper.

And it hit me.

Oh what a difference one letter can make.

Like so many analogies, this equated to life. One tiny alteration can change everything. In this case, one letter converted the word from dream - something we all aspire to – to dread - something we all, well, dread. Life can change on a dime. Many of us understand this firsthand.

So when I was confronted with the dream-dread conundrum, I chose dream. Better put, I choose dream – in Wordle and in real-life.

And, even though the correct answer was dread, I knew I’d still solve the puzzle because I had two guesses left.

Which brings me back to life. When it drags you down with dread, please know you still have more choices, more options, more guesses left. You don’t have to ruminate on the dread - even when it feels like the end.

You can still choose to dream. You can modify the circumstances to move away from dread to something much closer to dream.

It May be as easy as taking one more guess, but it’s often a

little more complex than that.

But even if you are out of guesses, or feel like you are out of them, you aren’t.

Not really. Because life doesn’t limit you like a word game does.

I’m talking about second chances or do-overs or maybe even just starting again from scratch.

It might sound complicated or incredibly hard or even insurmountable, and it may be. But in life I refuse to accept dread as the answer. I may not reach the dream, but there has to be something better between the two.

And remember the difference between dread and dream is only one letter. One letter. Oh what a difference one letter can make.

Oh what a difference one day can make. One breath can make. One thought can make. One interaction can make.

Give it a chance. Give yourself a chance. To dream. Without any typos.

You are in charge of the writing of your future.

So dare to dream big.

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

Turning down the temperature

Howtown halls can be productive again

...

“I do think it’s my job to be there and I do think that I need to model the behavior that I want our government to model.”

his words.

First, I wanted to celebrate Rep. Flood for his insights.

Peace Voice

Melinda Burrell syndicated columnist

Nebraska’s Congressman Mike Flood had just gotten a tongue-lashing from constituents at a town hall meeting, facing tough questions and ultimately chants of “vote him out!” by Democrats angered by his support for Trump’s policies.

In an interview with NPR , Rep. Flood said, “I think it’s somewhat cathartic for them to be able to have the opportunity to address their representative government.” He explained that he tells the police before such events, “I do not want anybody removed or arrested. I want them to be able to say what they have to say. This part of the deal, this is the way people feel right now.”

As a community mediator, I had two reactions to

Rep. Flood understands that these meetings are part of the job of elected officials in a democracy, and that it’s normal for meetings to get tense when so many people feel their concerns are not being heard. He also understands the need – especially for leaders — to de-escalate, rather than escalate, tense situations.

Second, I wished more people knew that public meetings do not have to turn out that way.

Town halls, as well as school board meetings and other public hearings, are an integral part of our democracy. However, the typical format tends to create conflict rather than understanding. People line up for a minute or two at the microphone. They direct concerns to officials often intimidatingly seated on a dais and often prohibited

from responding – even to ask clarifying questions. This approach helps no one. Citizens feel small and ignored, increasingly frustrated and angry. Officials feel attacked and without a constructive way forward. That’s to be expected. We’re hardwired with a need to feel respected, connected to others, and treated fairly. When we don’t feel that way, our ability to think rationally decreases. We’re also hardwired to crave certainty. If we encounter an information vacuum, we fill it with (often incorrect) assumptions.

We can use this understanding of our neurobiology to design better meetings. When we feel validated and safe, our defenses come down and we can listen deeply, think creatively, and solve problems. That’s the state we want our town halls to put us in. How? We start by reframing how we think of these meetings, into opportunities for listening and learning, engaging each other, and

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Turning down from page 11

building trust between people and elected officials. We create meeting agendas that ensure people feel truly heard and respected, which in turn makes them feel secure, relaxed, and able to engage with each other. To do that, conveners can:

· Poll communities in advance to create agendas based on peoples’ concerns

· Engage skilled, nonpartisan facilitators able to establish norms of respect and guide a conversation enabling people to express themselves and hear each other

· Reach out to a wide range of community members, or take town halls on the road to different parts of the community

· Use live-meeting

polling or small group discussions to take the temperature in the room and ensure that quieter folk still express themselves

· Follow up with accessible reports on what was covered and subsequent actions

Officials can ask their local community mediation centers or other skilled facilitators for help. Our public meetings can become part of our way forward.

Melinda Burrell, PhD, syndicated by PeaceVoice, is a former humanitarian aid worker and now trains on the neuroscience of communication and conflict. She is co-chair of the board of the National Association for Community Mediation, which offers resources for community approaches to difficult issues.

GNP invites volunteers to annual hawk watch training

Learn how to identify and count migrating raptors

WEST GLACIER - Glacier

National Park will host volunteer training for its annual Hawk Watch Program on Aug. 26 and Sept. 22.

The training session on Aug. 26 will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in West Glacier in the Community Building. Trainings will provide an in-depth introduction to raptor ecology, identification, migration and teach volunteers how to conduct migration counts at both the Lake McDonald and Mount Brown Hawk Watch sites during the months of September and October.

Once trained, volunteers can hike to an observation point and count migrating raptors just below Mount Brown Lookout, alongside trained raptor migration counters. This is a hike of about 4.5 miles (7.2 km) one-way (about 9 miles (14.5 km) roundtrip) with an elevation gain of over 4,000 feet (1,220 m).

The September 22 training will be an in-the-field training day for volunteers interested in participating in the Lake McDonald Lodge Hawk Watch during the end of September

through October. This field training will take place from noon to 4 p.m. in Jammer Joe’s parking lot adjacent to Lake McDonald Lodge.

To join the Hawk Watch Team, participants will learn from park biologists on how to identify and count migrating raptors. Park biologists will answer questions and share information about the integral role of raptors in our ecosystems, risks they face, and why Glacier started the Mount Brown Hawk Watch Program.

Volunteers interested in registering for either or both training days should email the Glacier Citizen Science Office: GLAC_citizen_science@nps.gov, for additional details.

Each year in the fall, golden eagles migrate from northern breeding grounds to warmer climates. One of the most important North American golden eagle migration routes passes directly through Glacier National Park. Large numbers of other raptors also use this migration corridor during the fall and spring months.

In the mid-1990s biologists documented nearly 2,000 golden eagles migrating past Mount Brown annually. Recent data from outside

Glacier National Park indicate significant declines in golden eagle numbers. Due to this concern, the park initiated a Raptor Migration Project in 2011 to investigate possible locations for a Hawk Watch site.

Hawk Watch sites are part of an international effort to track longterm raptor population trends using systematic migrating raptor counts. Observers also record data on sex, age, color morph and behavior of raptors, as well as weather and environmental conditions. To see a map of Hawk Watch sites around the world go to: www.hawkcount.org.

Funding for the Mount Brown Hawk Watch program is provided by the National Park Service, Glacier National Park Volunteer Associates, and Glacier National Park Conservancy. The Northwest Montana Lookout Association assisted with Mount Brown lookout refurbishments. The Hawk Watch Program is a collaborative project between the Citizen Science office and the Wildlife Department. For more information about the Mount Brown Hawk Watch program, contact park staff via email at: GLAC_ citizen_science@nps.gov or call 406-888-7986.

DPHHS request feedback for $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program application

News from DPHHS

HELENA - The Department of Public Health and Human Services is seeking input from health care providers and other stakeholders as it begins developing Montana’s application for federal Rural Health Transformation Program funding.

H.R. 1, passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, established a $50 billion fund for states with an

approved rural health transformation plan, with $10 billion available annually from FY2026 through FY2030. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) must award the funds by Dec. 31, 2025, and will likely require states to submit applications sometime this fall.

“The Rural Health Transformation Program presents a historic opportunity for our state,” said DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton. “We aim to leverage these funds in a

meaningful, sustainable way that improves health outcomes and brings more high-quality care to our most rural communities. I encourage all Montanans to review the Request for Information and be part of this important process.”

DPHHS is proactively gathering input through a Request for Information.

Feedback from rural health care providers, hospitals, clinics, community organizations, payers, workforce entities, universities, tribal nations,

and local governments will be critical to informing the State’s rural health transformation plan. DPHHS invites interested parties to submit ideas, possible projects, and other relevant information, including projected project budgets, for preliminary consideration.

The RFI is available on the Montana Acquisition & Contracting System under RFI number DPHHS-RFI-20260633AP. In the keyword search function, use the word “Transformation” to locate this

particular RFI. For additional assistance, contact the Department of Administration at 406-444-2575.

A direct link to the RFI has also been posted on the DPHHS home page: https://dphhs. mt.gov/RuralHealthTransformationProgramRFI.

Responses can be submitted in eMACS or via email to: dphhspio@mt.gov by using the subject line “RHTP RFI.” RFI responses should be submitted no later than Aug. 22, 2025.

Complaint filed against City of Whitefish for unlawful arrest, detention

News from Upper Seven Law

HELENA - On Monday, Beker Rengifo Del Castillo filed an action against the City of Whitefish and its employees for violating his constitutionally protected civil rights-.

On April 24, 2025, Whitefish police officer Michael Hingiss pulled Beker over, purportedly for a broken taillight. Beker entered the United States legally under humanitarian parole and lives in Flathead County. When Hingiss stopped him, Beker presented a valid, unexpired REAL

ID compliant driver’s license along with valid vehicle registration and insurance documents. Beker has no criminal history and has never been subject to any federal detainer or order of removal.

Hingiss did not proceed with a normal traffic stop. Instead, he called Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to investigate Beker’s immigration status. Video and audio footage obtained from the Whitefish Police Department show that Hingiss did this because Beker spoke Spanish.

“You can’t detain someone just for being non-white and speaking Spanish, especially when they hand you a valid REAL ID,” said Andres Haladay, Senior Staff Attorney at Upper Seven Law. “This apparent racial profiling violates both the Montana Constitution and the United States Constitution, and damages trust between community members and local law enforcement.”

But Hingiss delayed the traffic stop to call CBP, further delayed the stop until CBP arrived, and kept Beker detained until CBP

took him into custody. Beker was then wrongfully held at an ICE facility in Tacoma, Washington, for nearly a week. He was ultimately released without explanation.

The complaint alleges that Whitefish and its employees violated Beker’s civil rights under both the Fourth and Fourteenth Amendments by unlawfully profiling Beker because he is not white and speaks Spanish, and by extending a routine traffic stop to conduct an immigration investigation, even though Beker provided affir -

LABOR DAY

mative evidence of his lawful presence.

The Fourth Amendment prohibits detentions without reasonable suspicion of a crime. The Fourteenth Amendment protects against discrimination based on race, ethnicity, and national origin.

Beker’s story demonstrates why untrained local police should not masquerade as federal immigration officers. Targeting non-white and non-English speaking individuals for wrongful investigation and enforcement of federal immigration laws violates the law.

The City of Whitefish is responsible for adequately training its law enforcement officials to this effect.

Beker requests that the court enter a declaratory judgement that the Defendants violated his constitutional rights, and award appropriate damages given the constitutional violations, negligence, and failure to train.

Upper Seven Law, a Montana-based nonprofit law firm dedicated to holding the powerful accountable, represents the plaintiff. A copy of the complaint accompanies this press release.

BACK TO SCHOOL

Did you know that blurry vision can lower your child’s school performance by 50%?

Appointments available, book now.

For the Sept. 3, 2025 newspaper:

Display ads are due by 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27

Classifieds, Legals ads, Op-ed and News submissions are due by 12 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 28

Thank you for adhering to these deadlines, for advertising and reading local!

summer@valleyjournal.net • 406-676-8989

(406) 676-3937 • Fax: (406) 676-3938

Cleveland endorses groundbreaking plan to curb corporate, dark money in politics

District, speaks about a constitutional amendment he supports that would eliminate corporate and dark money influence in Montana elections.

News from Russell Cleveland

ST. REGIS — Russell Cleveland, Democratic candidate for U.S. House in Montana’s First Congressional District, proudly announced on Aug. 14 his full endorsement of the bipartisan Transparent Election Initiative, also known as “The Montana Plan,” a historic constitutional amendment to eliminate corporate and dark money influence in Montana elections.

“The voices of Montana’s everyday citizens must be louder than the hidden workings of corporate coffers. I enthusiastically support this innovative initiative, which empowers the people and re-centers our democracy,” said Cleveland.

About The Montana Plan

This first-in-the-nation proposal — crafted by a bipartisan coalition of former Montana officials and legal scholars — uses the state’s authority over corporate charters to remove politically influential powers from “artificial persons,” i.e., corporations. By refusing to confer the power to make political contributions, Montana effectively bypasses the precedent set by Citizens United and reclaims control of its elections.

Drafted under the Transparent Election Initiative led by former Political Practices Commissioner Jeff Mangan, the measure is slated for Montana’s 2026 ballot following submission of the draft constitutional language on Aug. 1, 2025.

Why Russell Cleveland Supports It

• Restoring Real Democracy:

The initiative demands that those exercising political influence do so transparently, ensuring “If a person wants to spend money, then they have to put their name on it.”

• A Bold, Legal Workaround: By redefining corporate powers rather than regulating speech, it sidesteps constitutional obstacles posed by Citizens United.

• Cross-Partisan Momentum: The initiative has drawn support from leaders across the political spectrum — including former Governors Bullock (D) and Racicot (R), and U.S. Senator Jon Tester — setting Montana up as a national model for campaign finance reform.

Russell Cleveland’s Statement “Montana’s rich democratic heritage deserves more than symbolic

Montana Organizations receive AmeriCorps grant awards

Over 100 AmeriCorps members to address community needs through service

News from Governor’s Office of Community Service

HELENA — The Governor’s Office of Community Service announced that Montana has received $2,893,856 in

funding from AmeriCorps. The total funding amount is granted to the Montana Commission on Community Service, the Governor-appointed State Service Commission, which in turn awards the grants to nonprofit organizations and public agencies across the state.

“From promoting our treasured natural resources and beloved landscapes to creating greater opportunity for all Montanans, our AmeriCorps

members get things done,” said Sarah R. Sadowski, Governor’s Office of Community Service Director. “Their service strengthens the fabric of the communities across our state and supports individuals achieving their full potential.”

This funding provides $2,753,856 to five organizations to support 110 AmeriCorps members serving throughout the state. Additionally, two more organizations

gestures. It’s time to act decisively and cut the strings of corporate dark money. I fully endorse The Montana Plan and urge Montanans to support this effort to reclaim the integrity of our elections, no matter what party with which you affiliate.”

Next Steps

• Ballot Qualification Process:

The initiative will proceed through Montana’s constitutional amendment process, including legal review and signature gathering, ahead of the 2026 ballot.

About Russell Cleveland - Russell Cleveland is a U.S. Navy Veteran, lifelong Montanan, and historically Independent voter running on the Democratic ticket for the U.S. House of Representatives (MT-01) in 2026. He champions transparent, fair elections and is committed to empowering Montana’s hardworking families. Financial reform like that described in the Montana Plan is one of Cleveland’s five campaign platform pillars, listed alongside Montana stewardship, youth development, public health, and affordability. To read more about candidate Russell Cleveland, visit his campaign website at: www.russellcleveland.org.

have been awarded funds for planning grants.

— Big Sky Watershed Corps, Montana Conservation Corps, Inc., $1,149,770 — Justice for Montanans Project, Montana Legal Services Association, $596,126 — Fish, Wildlife, and Parks AmeriCorps, Montana Dept. of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, $403,184

— AgCorps AmeriCorps, Montana Dept. of Agriculture

(MDA), $352,786

— Montana Office of Rural Health and Area Health Education Center, $251,990

Planning Grants:

— Montana Campus Network for Civic Engagement, $100,000

— Montana State Library, $40,000

In addition, AmeriCorps will make available $813,450 in see page 15

AmeriCorps grant awards

page 14

Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards for AmeriCorps members serving under these grants. After successfully completing a full term of service, AmeriCorps members receive an Ed Award up to $7,395 to repay qualified student loans and current educational expenses at eligible institutions of higher education and training programs.

Since 1994, more than 11,000 Montana residents have served more than 11 million hours and have earned Segal AmeriCorps Education Awards totaling more than $28.5 million. Across the country, AmeriCorps engages more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors in service annually with nonprofit, faithbased, and community organizations in more than 35,000 communities.

AmeriCorps is a federal agency that improves lives, strengthens communities, and fosters civic engagement through national service and community volunteering. For more information, visit: www.AmeriCorps.gov.

The Governor’s Office of Community Service expands and promotes national service and community volunteerism in Montana. Visit: serve. mt.gov.

Protect your home from wildfire

News from Katherine Searns, MT Dept. of Natural Resources

LEWISTOWN — In October 2020, the East Troublesome Fire tore through Colorado, burning 193,812 acres and destroying 366 homes and 189 commercial buildings. A recent bulletin from the U.S. Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station highlighted one homeowner’s story. They evacuated as the fire approached, returning later to find their home still standing—damaged by smoke, but intact. The house next door was reduced to ashes.

Later that year, a firefighter and neighbor shared the reason this home had been spared: the homeowner’s fire mitigation efforts, made long before the fire arrived. It wasn’t a massive renovation or costly upgrade that made the difference—it was something as simple as regularly raking and clearing pine needles from the property. By removing this ground fuel, they gave firefighters the space and time they needed to defend the home.

That word—defend—is key. When we talk about wildfire mitigation, the goal is to create “defensible space” around a home. This buffer zone helps

slow the spread of fire by reducing the available fuel near a structure. More importantly, it gives firefighters a safer, more manageable area to work in, increasing the chances that they can protect your home during a wildfire.

While large-scale projects can certainly reduce your home’s ignition risk, it’s the small, consistent actions that can make the biggest impact. Take these steps to reduce the risk of fire:

Clear leaves, pine needles, and twigs from your roof, deck and the ground around your home.

Replace bark mulch with rock or other non-combustible materials.

Move wood piles away from structures and off decks—even just for the summer.

Trim up trees around structures and create adequate spacing between vegetation and structures.

Remember, the most critical area to treat is the first five feet around your home.

The best time to act is now. These simple steps don’t just protect your home—they also help safeguard your neighbors, your community, and the firefighters working on the front lines.

Like the homeowner in the story, you can save your own home. The work

you do before a wildfire starts is what matters most.

For more information on defensible space and preparing for wildfire, visit: mtfireinfo.org.

Katherine Sears is a community preparedness & fire prevention specialist for the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation Northeastern Land Office, based in Lewistown.

The school year is quickly approaching. Don’t forget to bring your child in for their summer well child check so they’re ready for the school year. These comprehensive visits are offered at no cost to you and help monitor your child’s overall health and well-being. If your student athlete also completes a sports physical during their well child check, St. Luke will donate $25 to their school's athletic booster club this fall!

obituaries

Terrence Kelley

MISSOULA -Terrence “Terry” Lynn Kelley passed away peacefully on June 5, 2025, surrounded by close loved ones. He was 84 years old.

Terry was born on Sept. 6, 1940, and spent his youth in Ronan and Spokane, Washington, later graduating from East Valley High School. He lived a life rich with curiosity, travel, scholarship, and love. A devoted son, brother, uncle, great-uncle, godfather, partner, and teacher, he left an indelible mark on those who knew him.

Terry was preceded in death by his mother, Casey (Landquist) Kelley, and father, Patrick Kelley. He is survived by the love of his life of 27 years, Paul Trueblood; his brother, Steve Kelley, and Steve’s

wife MaryAnn, along with their children Mason, Apollo, Rylyn, and Sky Ann, and their extended families.

Terry and Paul’s story began at the University of Montana, where Paul— fresh from an accounting class—was instantly captivated by Terry’s presence. After years of knowing each other through mutual social circles and shared time at AmVets functions, they finally found each other in the winter of 1997 and remained inseparable ever since. Their love was deep, joyful, and full of inside jokes, coded language, and shared beliefs.

Terry spent much of his life in pursuit of knowledge and connection. A voracious learner, he earned a B.A. in Spanish and an MBA from the University of Montana, a Master’s in Spanish from Washington State University in Pullman, and a master’s in teaching English as a Second Language from Shenandoah University. He believed that language, culture, and

food shaped the way we see the world—and he spent his life exploring all of it.

He taught English as a second language in Saudi Arabia for 17 years, working with military personnel, and also taught at the Lifelong Learning Center in Missoula from 1990 to 2015, where he earned the moniker of “Teacher Terry.” He also ran international education programs at the University of Montana, including a business exchange with Toyo University in Japan and a social exchange with Kumamoto University. A longtime member and secretary of the Missoula Hell Gate Elks Lodge #383, Terry ran their VALOR Program to support education and reintegration for veterans among many other programs.

Wearing out five passports as a world traveler, Terry studied in Mexico, lived and taught in Colombia for two years, and visited Italy, France, Germany, Portugal, England, and Russia — though he

Arlee CDC invites families to Ninepipes

ARLEE - Arlee families with kids of all age ranges are invited on a trip to Ninepipes on Wednesday, Aug. 27. The trip, sponsored by the Arlee Community Development Corporation, will include a tour of the museum, a nature walk guided by a biologist, a picnic lunch, and time to draw or paint in their art journals. Transportation from Arlee, art supplies, lunch, and museum admission will all be provided by the Arlee CDC. To sign your family up, call the Arlee CDC at 406726-5550 or email: info@arleecdc.org. Include the names of all family members who will be attending and the ages of the children. Participants will meet at the Arlee CDC office, 92555 US Hwy. 93, at 9:30 a.m. on Aug. 27, where a bus will take them to Ninepipes. They’ll return to the Arlee CDC at 2 p.m. Space is limited, so call or email now to reserve your spot.

always said going to Russia during the Cold War was one of the dumbest decisions of his life, having been stopped by the KGB during the trip. He often reflected on how language unlocked different worldviews and deepened understanding between people.

Terry was known for his intellectual curiosity, sharp dry wit, brilliance, and the most beautiful deep blue eyes. He was non-confrontational by nature, deeply kind, and loved by everyone who knew him. He was also known as one

of the worst gift-givers, once giving Paul a “Great Courses” book and DVD on the science behind science fiction — an offering that became a running joke between them for years.

In his free time, Terry loved music festivals — Pig Out in the Park in Spokane being a particular favorite — swimming, tennis, roller dance-skating, ice dance, and a good glass of red wine. Out on the town, he opted for a gin and tonic while listening to blues or jazz. He earned a green belt in taekwondo,

loved cooking, once owned an Austin-Healey sports car, and he enjoyed driving his prized copper 1976 Porsche 914.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Orchard Homes Community Center, located at 2537 S 3rd Street W, Missoula, MT 59804. Friends and family are invited to gather, share stories, and celebrate the truly remarkable life of Terrance Kelley.

Terry Kelley’s legacy is one of love, learning, laughter, and language. He will be deeply missed.

https://donorbox.org/montana-newspaper-foundation-charitable-giving.

seniors

St. Ignatius

By Theresa Yares for the Valley Journal

ST. IGNATIUS - School will be starting soon. This summer has just flown by. Menu:

- Friday, Aug. 22: split pea soup, cauliflower, fruit, corn bread, almond butter cookies

- Tuesday, Aug. 26: tacos, oranges, brownies

- Friday, Aug. 29: spaghetti, corn, green salad, French bread, cantaloupe, blueberry muffins

If you would like a takeout meal, call 406-745-4462 by 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays and by 2 p.m. on Wednesdays. Menus for the month are available in the entryway of the center. Everyone is welcome at our meals (young and old). Come enjoy a delicious meal and good conversation. Our Se-

nior Center is open to people renting it. If you are interested, call 406-745-4462 and leave a message. We will call you back with the information you need. If you have questions about obtaining Elder Commodities, call or stop by for information and application.

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

By Pete Mangels for the Valley Journal

POLSON - The annual membership meeting of the Polson Senior Center, LLC will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, August 22, of at the Polson Senior Community Center. The meeting is open to the public, but only those who

became members prior to July 1, 2025, will have voting privileges. The annual report, nomination, and election of officers will be on the agenda.

We have space for small groups to meet for games, educational purposes, or crafts/ collectors, etc.; Wednesdays are best, however other days are okay too.

The center has an employment opportunity in the Nutrition Department. Call us and ask for Kaye.

Activities (air conditioned):

- Wednesday Play Day: cards, board games, kitchen table games, Dominoes, chess, etc. - Invite a foursome. - casual, cool

- Bingo: Fridays at 6 p.m.standard games - Wednesdays - “playing card” elimination style bingo at 6 p.m. - easy play, easy rules

- Exercise: You decide your level of comfort - M-W-F, 10:30–11:30 a.m. - video-as-

sisted, low impact - cool

- Pinochle: Thursdays (standard) and Mondays (no pass) from 12: 30-3 p.m. Early birds at noon.

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

- Spinning Wheelers: first, second, and fourth Tuesdays of each month. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 208-520-1013

- VSO (Veterans Service Officer:) first Friday and third Tuesday of each month from 9 a.m.-noon -Walk-ins OK.

- Bridge and Mahjong clubs meet regularly at the center.

Menu (subject to substitutions): lunch - $5 donationserved from 11:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

- Wednesday, Aug 20: Stuffed crab, tomato, focaccia, 5-bean salad, cherry cobbler

- Thursday, Aug 21: Polish dog, mac-n-cheese, peas Sauerkraut salad, riced crispy treat

- Friday, Aug. 22: annual meeting of Polson Senior Center at 11:30, with the birthday dinner at noon - roast turkey dinner with all the fixings, cake

- Monday, Aug. 25: beef noodle soup, muffin, five-cup salad, spice cake

- Tuesday, Aug. 26: pork chow mien, rice, egg roll, Asian slaw, fortune cookie

- Wednesday, Aug 27: taco salad, Mexican corn, grape salad, brownie

- Thursday, Aug 28: stuffed peppers, beets, baked apples, fruit Jell-O, custard

- Friday, Aug. 29: burger on a bun, mixed veggies, potato salad, fresh fruit

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

Chromebooks available through Helping Hands of Mission Valley

MISSION VALLEY - Need a Chromebook for the upcoming school year?

Access to technology and the internet enables people to grow and represents “opportunity” for those who are ready to further their lives through education, commerce, and job-seeking.

If you or your family are in need of a Chromebook to stay connected, for educational purposes or to look for work, please contact us at Helping Hands to get these into your hands. They are free.

This school year Helping Hands is limited on school back packs, however if you missed Day of Hope’s backpack give away, we may be able to help.

Suds of Love

Having access to clean clothes and bodies boosts self-confidence and promotes overall health and wellbeing. The “Suds of Love” project through Helping Hands offers a laundry bag that has all the essentials to get a shower and wash and dry two loads of laundry, we also include some basic cleaning necessities like soaps and cleaning cloths. This project directly benefits families facing economic challenges in accessing basic hygiene services but also fosters relationships and provides a sense of dignity to those in need.

The Ronan High School HOSA (Health Occupational Students of Amer-

ica) students recently volunteered their time to put these Suds of Love bags together for Helping Hands. RHS Science teacher and HOSA Advisor Jed Tougas stated, “Our HOSA team is always looking to assist in projects that give back to the wellness of our communities and opening up opportunities to discuss all elements of health.”

In addition to the Suds of Love Project, the HOSA group organizes and staffs the annual Ronan High School Blood Drive. HOSA member Sarah Templer added, “We had fun putting the bags together and it gave us the chance to talk about basic needs like showers and clean laundry that we

sometimes take for granted”. HOSA President Koda King discussed that “Good hygiene and good health often go hand in hand, I’m glad our HOSA team could help with a small part to offer better health”.

The Suds of Love project was developed by Helping Hands of Mission Valley, with the Polson Wash n-Go being instrumental in providing the showers and machines. Financial support for this project came from a grant made by Fresh Life Church. If you’d like to know more about Suds of Love, other projects, directed gift opportunities or ways you can volunteer, please contact Helping Hands at 406-883-0770.

Wednesday, Aug. 20

Free meditation class offered

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

Join library’s book drop movie party, watch ‘Stargirl’

POLSON - Hey Book Drop! Let’s have a movie party. We’ve read “Stargirl”, now let’s watch it. Meet in the Community Room at the Polson Library. We will

start at 3 p.m. and the movie will end around 5 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 21

Rock the Dock

POLSON — Music starts at 7 p.m. at the KwaTaqNuk Resort, 49708 US Highway 93 E, with the group “Off in the Woods” providing the tunes. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.

Grow Together Block Party held

POLSON - On Thursday, Aug. 21, a free, family-friendly celebration will be held at Third Ave E, from 5-8 p.m. The theme is “Grow Together: Land, Business, and Community.” This

event blends land stewardship, business growth, and community spirit for an unforgettable evening. Expect live music by a local band featuring indie-folk, bluegrass and easy summer tunes. There will be games, family-friendly activities like face painting, food trucks, vendors and business open houses.

Donate books at library

POLSON - You are welcome to bring donations to Polson Library from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21. There is a two boxe limit. Friends of the Library manage our donation program, and set the third Thursday of each month as “Donation Day.” Refer to our Materials Donation Policy on our website.

Friday, Aug. 22

Keb’ Mo’, Shawn Colvin coming to Wachholz College Center

KALISPELL - Keb’ Mo’ and Shawn Colvin will be in concert on Aug. 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Wachholz College Center. Keb’ Mo’ and Shawn Colvin, both highly acclaimed and Grammy Award-winning artists, bring their unique blend of blues and folk to the stage. Keb’ Mo’, is renowned for his Delta blues, and rich, expressive voice. Shawn Colvin, is celebrated for her introspective songwriting and ethereal voice.

Reception held for Polson Artists

POLSON - From 6-8 p.m.

on Friday, Aug. 22, an opening reception with appetizers and drinks will be held at 48905 Highway 93 for Artists of Polson Studio Tour event. Call 406802-4469 for more information.

Polson

Friends of the Library hold book sale

POLSON — Polson Library’s Friends of the Library will hold a used book sale on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 22 and 23, in the Community Room at the Polson Public Library, 102 First Street E. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. There will be no Mother Goose or Toddler Time held this day.

Saturday, Aug. 23

Black Powder Range Days held

ST. IGNATIUS — Black Powder Range Days will be held at Fort Connah Black Powder Range, 71450 US-93, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23. Free for Fort Connah Restoration Society members or $5 per person. Proceeds go student art history outreach program. For more information call 406-3872.

Mission Valley Aquatics holds Family Fun Day

POLSON - On Saturday, Aug. 23, the Mission Valley Aquatics & Fitness Center will hold a family fun day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Events include free swimming, food trucks, games and prizes, bounce house, dunk a hero dunk tank and a free book giveaway. No joiners fee and 20% off your first month if you sign up on Aug. 23 during the event.

Go to MV Super Oval

POLSON - The Double Points Throwdown, with twin main events all divisions takes place on Saturday, Aug. 23. Gates open at 4 p.m., qualifying happens at 6 p.m. and racing starts at 7 p.m. For more information, go to: MissionValleySuperOval. com.

Artists Tour begins

MISSION VALLEYThe Artists’ Studio Tour offers a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts to explore various studios and witness the magic of art creation up close. Through this event, we aim to promote and support the vibrant art community in

Polson, creating connections between artists and art lovers. There will be demonstrations, works in progress and finished pieces of art. The self-guided tour is free of charge. Go to: artistsofpolson.com or call 406-802-4469 for more information and the tour map.

Cruisin’ the Flathead Poker Run

POLSON — Registration for Cruisin’ the Flathead Poker Run High & Low Split takes place at Bayside Riser Coffee, 50486 US Hwy 93(across from Ace Hardware) from 8-10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 23. Cruise starts at 10 a.m. Poker cards are available there for $10 a hand. Cruise around Flathead Lake, end at Mountain Meadows Resort, in Proctor for our dinner. Dinner and drinks are extra and off the menu. For information call 406925-525-1134.

CSKT holds ‘Back to School’ event

PABLO - On Saturday, Aug. 23, CSKT will hold a ‘Back to School’ event at SKC. Enjoy free school supplies, backpacks, bouncy houses, face painting and more.

Sunday, Aug. 24

Shakespeare’s ‘As you Like It’ performed

CHARLO — Join MT Shakespeare in the Parks for a free performance of Shakespeare’s “As You Like It.” Pack a picnic, grab your friends, and enjoy this world class performance. Seating is first come, first served. We ask that tall chairs sit further back to allow those on blankets

and in short chairs to see. Pre-show performance: Arrive early for a special pre-show performance. Outdoor location: Palmer Park (212 Charlo 59824). Inclement weather location: St. Ignatius High School (76 Third Ave. St. Ignatius 59865). There are two audio accessibility options available for each of our performances. Go to: shakespearareintheparks. org for details.

Monday, Aug. 25

Shakespeare’s ‘Henry V’ performed in Polson

POLSON — Join Montana Shakespeare in the Parks for free a performance of Shakespeare’s “Henry V.” Seating is first come, first served. We ask that tall chairs sit

further back to allow those on blankets and in short chairs to see. Pre-show performance: Arrive early for a special pre-show performance by TinFinley Band from 5-5:45 p.m. Outdoor location: Polson Fairgrounds Amphitheater (320 Regatta Road, Polson, MT). Inclement weather location: Polson High School Auditorium (1712 Second Street W, Polson).

Wednesday, Aug. 27

Elmo Community save the date

ELMO - CSKT Tribal Health is holding a Harvest Fest in several local communities on various dates. On Aug. 27 in the Ksanka Hall from 3:306:30 p.m. enjoy the 2025 Harvest Fest.

public meetings

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

PUZZLES

Announcements

Auctions

JOHNCO STORAGE: Public sale September 3rd, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at 808 7th Street East, Polson. Sell to highest bidder for CASH OR CERTIFIED CHECK ONLY, contents of unit 216, 213, 56, 145, 48, 261, 249, 251, 181, 64, 85, 126, 260, 129, 133, 130, 246, 170, and 253. Units are subject to redemption prior to sale time. 406-883-5405.

Special Notices

BYOB

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Employment

Help wanted

STATE-TRIBAL

PARTNERSHIP FAMILY

RESOURCE ADVOCATE (ONE OR MORE CONTRACT POSITIONS)

DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

DHRD FINANCE DIVISION

The successful applicant must possess an associate degree in social work or communication studies, and must have work experience working with the CSKT Tribal court system, TSSD, prosecutor’s office, defender’s office, DPHHS, ICWA services, IV-E regulations, and case management experience in Child Welfare, APS, and chemical dependency counseling. Must maintain strict confidentiality of information as required by the position. Must pass a background investigation if hired. Must have never been convicted of or pled guilty to a crime of domestic violence, child abuse, sexual offense, or crime of violence (felony). Must not have resigned to avoid disciplinary actions or have been dismissed from employment within the past (3) years. Possess a valid

Montana driver’s license and maintain liability insurance. No involvement with any child or social service protection agency as a client, no alcohol or drug abuse charges or domestic violence charges within the past five (5) years. Please submit letters of reference, cover letters, and/or a resume to complement the application packet. FAILURE TO SUBMIT COPIES OF THE ABOVE DOCUMENTATION MAY RESULT IN THE DISQUALIFICATION OF YOUR APPLICATION FROM THE SCREENING PROCESS. This position is a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT drug testing policy. A favorable determination resulting from a completed Background Investigation is required before your placement in this position. The successful applicant, if not currently employed by the Tribes, or transferring from a non-safety sensitive position to a safety-sensitive position, must complete & pass a pre-hire drug screen and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. The pay rate is $19.00 to $21.84 per hour, including benefits. To apply, contact the Personnel Office at (406) 6752700, extension 1040. Tribal applications are also available online at csktribes.org. Closing date will be Monday, August 25, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

Extension Agent in Meagher County, White Sulphur Springs, MT. Full time. Exciting job with lots of autono-

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

CONSTRUCTION TECHNICIAN (FURLOUGHABLE/ CONTRACT POSITION) DIVISION OF ENGINEERING & WATER RESOURCES/ DEWR COMPLEX RONAN, MT - NATURAL RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

The Construction Technician will operate heavy equipment and provide miscellaneous laboring duties in support of Safety of Dams and Roads Programs’ construction projects. This position requires the applicant have a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid Montana motor vehicle operator’s license and be insurable under the Tribes’ insurance

policy; a Montana Commercial Class A, Type 1 driver’s license is preferred; must have at least the equivalent of five (5) construction seasons of experience operating heavy construction equipment; training at an approved heavy equipment operator school will be equivalent to one (1) construction season of experience. Required to have a working knowledge of traffic control on construction projects; a current Flagger Certification is preferred. Knowledge of dams and their intended purposes including collecting, storing and releasing water and, concrete construction including formwork rebar tying, consolidation and curing is essential. FAILURE TO SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal Employment Application (Resumes may be submitted but may not replace or supplement the official Tribal Employment Application), copies of relevant transcripts and/or certificates, copy of valid driver’s license,

proof of enrollment from a Federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This position is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by CSKT must pass pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) month probationary period. Salary range is $19.72 to $22.67 per hour including benefits. To apply, contact Tribal Personnel at 406/6752700 Ext. 1040. FOR MORE INFO: Contact Scott Johnston - DEWR/Roads Program Manager at 406/675-2700 Ext. 6202. Tribal Employment Applications are also available online at cskt.org/personnel. This position will close on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 at 5:30pm. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER. Extension Agent – Family & Consumer Sciences and 4-H in Blaine County, Chinook, MT. Full time. Exciting job see page 22

classifieds

Help wanted

cont’d from pg. 21

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

CUSTODIAN - FACILITIES & MAINTENANCE

DEPARTMENT - PABLO, MT

This position is an integral part of the Facilities &

Maintenance Department and consists of work to provide technical and skilled custodial, grounds, and maintenance functions in and around CSKT Facilities’ offices, buildings, and surrounding areas. This position is responsible for maintaining a clean, sanitary and safe environment throughout assigned Tribal Facilities. The successful applicant must possess a valid driver’s license with no alcohol related convictions for the last three (3) years. Must be able to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License if requested. One (1) to two (2) years’ experience in cleaning chemicals and their proper uses, with ability to obtain professional/commercial experience through three (3) months of training. One (1) to two (2) years’ experience in the operation of specialized equipment. Knowledge in effective cleaning and sanitizing techniques. Knowledge in basic carpentry, plumbing, and electrical. Skilled in the mixing of cleaning chemicals. Skilled in the handling of hazardous waste. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE INFORMATION BELOW WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. All applicants are required to submit a Tribal Employment Application (Resumes may be submitted but may not

replace or supplement the official Tribal Employment Application), copy of relevant transcripts and/or certificates, copy of a valid driver’s license, proof of Tribal enrollment from a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT, and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP) within the definition of the CSKT Drug Testing policy. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes, must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a six (6) month probationary period. Salary is $13.44 to $15.45 per hour (Including Benefits: Health Insurance, Life Insurance, Retirement, Long-term Disability, and PTO & Paid Holidays). To apply, contact Tribal Personnel at (406) 675-2700 Ext. 1040. Tribal Employment Applications are also available online at cskt. org/personnel. Closing date will be Monday, August 25, 2025 at 5:30pm. CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

PATIENT ACCOUNT REPRESENTATIVE 1 or more positions TRIBAL HEALTH DEPARTMENT

St. Ignatius

The successful applicant must have an AA Degree in Business Administration (Medical

Puzzle Answers

(From puzzles on page 20.)

Word Search Answers

office admin, etc.) with 2 years of experience with medical billing and/or collections in a medical office setting or 5 years of experience in a hospital or medical office setting as a biller and/or collector. Must possess a valid driver’s license. All applicants must submit a Tribal application. A copy of academic transcript/ training, certificates, or licensures. A copy of valid driver’s license, proof of enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe if other than CSKT and if claiming veteran’s preference, a copy of DD214 must be submitted. FAILURE TO SUBMIT ALL OF THE ABOVE INFORMATION WILL RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS. Salary is $17.38 - $19.98, plus benefits, may be employed under a contract. The successful applicant, if not already employed by the Tribes must pass a pre-hire drug test and serve a mandatory six (6) months probationary period. To apply, contact the Tribal Personnel Office at (406) 675-2700, ext. 1040 or personnel@cskt.org Tribal applications and full advertisement are available online at www.csktribes.org. Closing date is Monday, August 25, 2025 @ 5:30 p.m. (MST) CSKT IS A TRIBAL MEMBER PREFERENCE EMPLOYER.

Real Estate

Equal housing

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Montana Human Rights Act which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, creed, sex, marital status, age, familial status, physical or mental disability, or national origin, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this

newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To complain of discrimination call HUD Toll-free at 1-800669-9777. The toll-free telephone number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275.

C. Bagley

Matthew H. O’Neill O’NEILL & BAGLEY LAW OFFICE, PLLC

402 First Street East, Suite 201 P.O. Box 699 Polson, MT 59860

public notices

cont’d from pg. 22

Telephone: (406) 883-5444

Facsimile: (406) 883-1585 skyler@polsonlaw.com matt@polsonlaw.com

Attorneys for Plaintiff

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

BRENDA RICHEY, AS PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF LORRAINE SUSAN FROST, Plaintiff, vs. AMERICAN PIONEER TITLE INSURANCE, a now defunct Florida Corporation, and its successors and assigns; BENEFICIAL MONTANA, INC., a now defunct Montana Corporation, and its successors and assigns; and THE HEIRS AND DEVISEES OF LORRAINE SUSAN FROST, AND ALL OTHER PERSONS, KNOWN OR UNKNOWN, CLAIMING OR WHO MIGHT CLAIM ANY RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE, OR INTEREST IN OR LIEN OR ENCUMBRANCE UPON THE REAL ESTATE DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT ADVERSE TO PLAINTIFF’S OWNERSHIP OR ANY CLOUD UPON PLAINTIFF’S TITLE THERETO, WHETHER SUCH CLAIM OR POSSIBLE CLAIM BE PRESENT OR CONTINGENT, M.C.A. §70-28104, Defendants.

CAUSE No. DV-25-154

Hon. John A. Mercer SUMMONS

THE STATE OF MONTANA SENDS GREETINGS TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS:

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Verified Complaint to Quiet Title (hereinafter referred to as “Complaint”) in this action, which is filed in the office of the Clerk of Court, a copy of which is herewith served upon you. In the event that you deny any or all of the material facts stated in the Complaint, you must file your written answer together with a $70.00 answer fee for each Defendant with the above-entitled Court, and serve a copy of your answer upon the Plaintiff or attorney at the address as shown on the Complaint.

The Answer must contain a denial of any or all of the material facts stated in the Complaint that the Defendant believes to be untrue, and also a statement, in plain or direct manner, of any other facts constituting a defense. Any matter not denied shall be deemed admitted. If you fail to answer or assert a counterclaim within twenty (20) days after service of the Complaint and Summons, the Plaintiffs may request entry of default judgment against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

This action is brought for the purpose of quieting title to land situated in Lake County, Montana, and described as follow:

A portion of the N1/2SE1/4 of Section 26, Township 21 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Lake County, Montana, further shown and described as being Tract B on Certificate of Survey No. 6096, records of Lake County, Montana.

Witness my hand and the seal of said Court the 23rd day of July, 2025.

Lake County District Court Mary Rensvold, Clerk of Court By: /s/ Mary Rensvold

Summons Issued at the Request of: O’NEILL & BAGLEY LAW OFFICE, PLLC

Skyler C. Bagley P.O. Box 699 Polson, MT 59860

406-883-5444

August 6, 13 and 20, 2025 MNAXLP

Chuck Wall

TURNAGE & WALL, PLLP

Attorneys at Law

312 First St. East Polson, MT 59860

Telephone: 406-883-5367

ChuckWall@TurnageWallLaw.com

Attorney for Co-Personal Representative

Colleen M. Engel-Allen

Mikayla A. Schneider, Esq.

Jon Christiana, Esq.

VANENGEN LAW OFFICE

2825 Stockyard Rd. Suite J-6 Missoula, MT 59808

mschneider@vanengenlaw.com

Attorney for Co-Personal Representative

Kimberly Brownell

MONTANA TWENTIETH JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, LAKE COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: EDWARD CHARLES ENGEL, Deceased.

Cause No.: DP-24-2025-34 Dept: 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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

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

A written statement of the claim indicating its basis, the name and address of the claimant, and the amount claimed, may be filed with the Clerk of the District Court, at Polson, Lake County, Montana, and/or mailed, Return Receipt Requested, to Co-Personal Representative Colleen M. Engel-Allen, c/o TURNAGE & WALL, PLLP at 312 First St. East, Polson, MT 59860, AND/OR Co-Personal Representative Kimberly A. Brownell, c/o VANENGEN LAW OFFICE at 2825 Stockyard Rd. Suite J-6, Missoula, MT 59808.

COLLEEN M. ENGEL-ALLEN and KIMBERLY A. BROWNELL COLLEEN M. ENGEL-ALLEN and KIMBERLY A. BROWNELL Co-Personal Representatives Estate of EDWARD CHARLES ENGEL, Deceased.

Aug. 20, 27 and Sept. 3, 2025 MNAXLP

The Arlee/Lake County Water and Sewer District will hold a public hearing on Tuesday August 26, 7:00 pm in the Brown building, for the purpose of obtaining public comments regarding a proposed user rate increase and an application to the Montana Department of Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program

Service Directory

for improvements to the wastewater system. At the public hearing, the proposed rate increase will be presented. The proposed wastewater project will be explained, including the purpose and project area of the project, activities, budget and possible sources of funding. All interested persons will be given an opportunity to ask questions and to express their opinions regarding the proposed project.

Comments may be given orally at the hearing or submitted in writing before August 25, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. Anyone who would like more information or who wants to submit questions or comments should contact Nicole Rediiske, Project Engineer at 1800 River Drive North, Great Falls, MT 59401 or email Nicole.rediske@tdhengineering.com

August 6, 13 and 20. 2025 MNAXLP

Love local? Love to write? Love to shoot photos? How about meeting new people and learning new things? This is the business opportunity you’ve been waiting for!

ESTABLISHED NEWSPAPER FOR SALE AFTER 20 YEARS

TRUSTED SOURCE, AWARD-WINNING CONTENT, DESIGN

This newspaper has over 20 years of trust, a loyal readership and advertising base. Ready for new ownership. Call Summer to learn more: 406-249-1793.