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Articles from the October 13, 2021 edition


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  • Districts statewide struggling to staff their school bus routes

    Jill Sundby Van Alstyne, Montana Free Press|Oct 13, 2021

    Despite offering perks, paid training, and higher wages, school districts and bus companies across Montana are scrambling to fill vacant school bus driver positions. Though there is a continual need for drivers every year, transportation managers say that schools this fall are experiencing the most extreme need they have seen. They point to a national labor shortage, the effects of COVID-19, and competition from other jobs and unemployment benefits as possible causes. Managers and bus drivers... Full story

  • Changes to annual City Fall Cleanup

    Jack H. Smith, Three Forks Voice|Oct 13, 2021

    With the Fall Cleanup dumpsters scheduled for October 23, City of Three Forks officials announced a significant change to the annual event at the Rodeo Grounds. According to City Clerk Crystal Turner, Republic Services does not have enough drivers to provide the six dumpsters they usually have available to dispose of yard waste. Turner said there would only be two dumpsters available, although they have hopes of getting four. Unlike previous cleanups in the fall and spring, the dumpsters will re...

  • Sheriff discusses break-ins, thefts at local trailheads

    Jack H. Smith, Three Forks Voice|Oct 13, 2021

    Vehicle break-ins and thefts at trailheads in Gallatin County were once again a problem during the summer months of 2021. The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office reported an uptick of the instances in September, and according to Sheriff Dan Springer, trailheads are always an issue, and they are usually a crime of opportunity. "The thieves look to see if anything was left in the car and then break-in," Springer said. Now into October, Springer added they have already started to see a decrease as... Full story

  • 2021 event a boon for rodeo board

    Jack H. Smith, Three Forks Voice|Oct 13, 2021

    After record attendance numbers in 2021, Three Forks Rodeo Executive Secretary Christina Kamps joked that board members are still recovering from July’s annual Three Forks NRA Rodeo. Three months after the event, Kamps said last week she was thrilled with how the event went and how vital the record attendance will be for making the loan payment for the new bleachers and helping out with expenses to fix their tractor and water truck. According to Kamps, the money generated will pay for the February INTERCAP loan installment for the bleachers. T...

  • Niedermeyer hired to fill chamber position

    Jack H. Smith, Three Forks Voice|Oct 13, 2021

    The Three Forks Chamber of Commerce has a new Executive Director. Deb Niedermeyer, who was hired to fill the position earlier this month, said she is thrilled to be selected. Niedermeyer was drawn to the position because of the small-town feel of Three Forks. "I enjoy the main street with its shops, and the people have always been wonderful to us," she said. Niedermeyer has vast experience with QuickBooks and online bookkeeping but has also been involved with chambers for years. "I have always... Full story

  • Partnering with Parents: Tools for Parents

    Steve Fanning, TFES Principal|Oct 13, 2021

    TFS teachers and staff took part in a PIR professional development session this past Friday. These PIR days provide a great opportunity to bring in experts from around the state that can share their insight and talents on a variety of topics, allowing staff to “sharpen the saw” so to speak. This PIR day was focused on social emotional learning (SEL). One specific session caught my attention and was well worth a share to our TFES parents. The session was led by Lauren Davis of MSU, with the key topic being trauma informed strategies. Lau...

  • Middle School Team Shines at Home Event

    STAFF REPORT|Oct 13, 2021

    The Three Forks Middle School Cross Country team did not disappoint in front of home fans at the recent Headwaters Invitational. It was a great day for both the girls' and boys' teams, with top times from numerous runners in the two-mile race. Chris Harmon had a fantastic race for Three Forks with a time of 12:12. Kiai Ingraham-Edmos was also in the top ten, finishing in seventh with a time of 13:10. Also competing for the Wolves were Chayce Roberts (14:39), Howie Gayle (14:57), Cannon Greene... Full story

  • Guest Opinion: County Commissioners discuss bond for Law and Justice Center

    Oct 13, 2021

    Gallatin County voters: we heard you. In two different elections, you rejected proposals to replace your aging Law and Justice Center. And we understand. The price tags for those proposed bonds were a lot to swallow. But we listened. And we're coming back to you this November, voters, with a project that is less expensive for you and still addresses the needs of our courts – a critical pillar of our democracy and economy that we are obligated to provide for our citizens. In this November's e... Full story

  • With regular season winding down, Three Forks Cross Country continues to excel

    STAFF REPORT|Oct 13, 2021

    With just one meet left in the regular season, the Three Forks High School Cross Country team continued their impressive 2021 season with a strong finish at last week's Capital City 7 on 7 event in Helena. In the boys' race, the Wolves finished 16th out of the 45-team field, including many of the top Class AA and A teams. In the varsity number one race, Beau Johnston finished with a time of 18:17.18. In the second race, Garrett Golding finished at 18:10.81. Sophomore Bryon Fanning had a great...

  • Three Forks battles to the final whistle against rival Manhattan

    Jack H. Smith, Three Forks Voice|Oct 13, 2021

    While the outcome did not go their way, the Three Forks High School football team fought to the end of last week’s 26-7 road loss at rival Manhattan. After a scoreless first quarter, the Tigers would outscore the Wolves 20-0 in the second quarter. It was an even second half with Three Forks getting on the board in the fourth quarter on a 64-yard touchdown pass from Owen Long to Austin Allen. Head Coach Connor Sullivan liked the way his team stuck together and competed throughout the game. “I thought the whole team both sides of the ball sto...

  • Wolves defeat Ennis, Big Timber

    Jack H. Smith, Three Forks Voice|Oct 13, 2021

    It was a fantastic week for the Three Forks High School volleyball team. The Wolves picked up two victories, the first a five-set road win over Ennis, and wrapped up the week Saturday with a four-set win at Big Timber. "It's always great to get on a winning streak. The girls are doing a great job of battling through adversity and not giving up. In both matches this week, we found ourselves down in the last sets and came back and won. So, we are starting to build some resiliency, which is somethi... Full story

  • Bozeman Health presents roadmap for inpatient psychiatric unit

    Mara Silvers, Montana Free Press|Oct 13, 2021

    Bozeman Health, the dominant medical care provider in Montana's most rapidly growing region, has announced plans to develop a 12-bed adult inpatient psychiatric unit at Deaconess Hospital by 2023, responding to years of community pressure. The unit will be the first of its kind in Bozeman, and is expected to ease some strain on units in other towns that have struggled to meet patient demand. The health care system's decision was made public after gaining the support of its board members in a... Full story

  • Future Fisheries Improvement Program grant deadline is Nov. 15

    Oct 13, 2021

    Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks reminds landowners, watershed groups and others that this winter's deadline to apply for Future Fisheries Improvement Program grants is November 15. The goal of FWP's Future Fisheries Program is to restore rivers, streams and lakes to improve Montana's wild fish habitat. Entities can receive funding for qualifying projects that benefit Montana's wild fish. Each project is assessed by an independent review panel and final funding decisions are made by the Fish and W... Full story

  • Governor Gianforte Solicits Applications, Nominations for Judgeships in 13th, 18th Judicial Districts

    Oct 13, 2021

    HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today again solicited applications and nominations for vacancies in both the 13th Judicial District (Yellowstone County) and 18th Judicial District (Gallatin County). The governor is still accepting applications from and nominations of any lawyer in good standing who has the qualifications set forth by law for holding the position of district court judge. The application form is available electronically at nominatejudges.mt.gov. Applications must be submitted electronically as well as in hard copy by W...

  • Our Covid Cocoon: The Parents Aren't Alright

    Matt Volz, KHN|Oct 13, 2021

    HELENA, Mont. - My unvaccinated 7-year-old son began hacking and sneezing in late September as the hospitals in our home state of Montana started buckling under the latest covid surge. I took him to get tested when his symptoms wouldn't go away. The cotton swab went up his nostrils and Thomas bucked out of my lap with a mighty snort, nearly ripping the 6-inch swab from the pediatrician assistant's fingers. It came out bent, but the sample was usable, and as she put it away, I asked a question...