Wages bubbling, COLA flat

Lake County workers gain ground on inflation

By Vince Lovato, Polson Live! Editor

LAKE COUNTY -- Lake County employment opportunities are increasing rapidly as Polson continues to attract more franchise businesses and tourists.

Lake County added 67 jobs over the past year, decreasing it's unemployment rate to 3.9 percent, matching the state average and well below national numbers, according to Montana's Department of Labor and Industry. Wages also increased by 3.5 percent statewide.

“Our strong growth and low unemployment are driving up wages,” Gov, Steve Bullock said. “Meaning more Montanans are working and putting more money in their pockets on payday.”

This year, Walgreen's, O'Reilly Auto Parts and Red Lion Inn opened their doors and Kwataqnuk Resort and Polson Health both had major expansions.

The national rate still hovers around 5.5 percent for adults and 17.1 percent for teens, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Bullock wants to continue the trend by pumping money into tourism and job training.

“Strong employment growth...has pushed Montana’s employment level to more than half a million jobs,” said state Labor Commissioner Pam Bucy, who said her department is, “committed to identifying and training more Montana workers to increase this number even further.”

For the first time, the department provided local labor market information for each of Montana’s seven reservations, including the Flathead.

With a labor force of 12,584, which includes the non-Indian population, the Flathead Reservation has the largest number of potential workers compared to the other six reservations. Its 4.3 percent unemployment rate is by far the lowest in the state, mostly due to jobs created by, and in support of, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes centered in Ronan and Pablo.

While unemployment decreased and wages increased, the cost of living rose just 0.4 percent in May, mostly due to a small spike in gas prices, meaning Lake County workers gained on inflation.

WA. MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO bringing DRUGS AND PROSTITUTes TO MISSOULA

MISSOULA – Frederick Glen Johnson, 47, of Spokane Valley, Washington, pleaded guilty today in Missoula federal court to drug and prostitution-related racketeering charges.

According to the U.S. Attorney's office, Johnson faces a mandatory prison sentence of five to forty years, up to five million dollars in fines, and at least four years supervised release for the drug crime. For the racketeering crime involving prostitution, he faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Jeremiah Lynch presided over the change of plea and set sentencing for October 1, 2015, in Missoula.

Johnson pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute and to distribute methamphetamine and heroin as well as one count of interstate travel in aid of racketeering. In court documents, federal prosecutor Cyndee Peterson stated that a co-conspirator of Johnson’s received meth and heroin from sources in Washington state and elsewhere.

The co-conspirator, Johnson, and others conspired to bring heroin and meth into Missoula County for distribution. Co-conspirators estimated that between approximately February 2014 and November 2014, they collectively possessed with intent to distribute, and did distribute, 50 grams or more of a substance or mixture containing methamphetamine, as well as 100 grams or more of the same in heroin. Johnson also brandished a Raven Arms .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun during the drug transaction.

Johnson also pleaded guilty to interstate travel in aid of racketeering, which involved travel between states in order to engage in unlawful activity. Here, the unlawful activity was prostitution or promoting prostitution in violation of Montana state law. The crime also involved Johnson taking affirmative steps to facilitate the prostitution or its promotion. Johnson travelled from Spokane, Washington to Missoula, Montana, with five people, with the intent to promote prosecutions. While in Missoula, Johnson would drive the five individuals to meet with prostitution customers.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee Peterson and investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Montana Violent Crime Task Force, Missoula Street Crimes Unit, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

No downside marketing Polson for tourism

(Valley Journal Letters to the Editor)

Editor,

In response to Margie Hendricks’s letter of May 6, I have been involved in successfully marketing three small communities in the past and Polson is perfectly positioned to become a tourist destination based on what is here already.

The lake, golf course, restaurants, casino, downtown, motels, outdoors, museums, cultures and Highway 93 make this an easy sell to urban middle- and upper-class families who want to enjoy a quaint weekend in a unique setting.

I do not know the MCA cited, but I do know that the final challenge in making Polson a resort destination is a focused branding and marketing campaign.

But to do that, we need some cohesion and a few bucks. Other small cities have been very successful using “heads-in-beds” and “fuel” taxes and grants. While some of those tax dollars should be used to improve city streets and services, many cities use some of it to kickoff a marketing campaign and/or as leverage to win grants.

Our governor is pushing the tourism issues because he knows that when people from another state leave it here, there is almost no downside.

Recent numbers suggest that tourists spent $4 billion in Montana last year. Lake County only received .8 percent of that money.

As for public input, Envision Polson spent lots of money and time to gather a wealth of public demographics and ideas and that research is a powerful tool. I believe city officials will make sure residents have input through the recently formed committee. And whether the so-called resort tax is passed or defeated, we still have a real need to market Polson outside the area.

Polson’s economy is already strong and could be much stronger. More jobs, better roads, more businesses and services: I don’t see much downside.

My suggestion is, don’t reinvent the wheel. Many cities and historic downtowns are reaping the rewards.

I would love to plan a trip to visit some of these nearby cities on a driving tour.

Anyone up for a caravan?

Vince Lovato
Polson

Resort tax would improve community

Editor,

I support Polson’s resort tax as a way to find money to make infrastructure improvements, create jobs, generate private business revenues and provide marketing funds to attract tourists to this beautiful city and county.

From a marketing standpoint, Polson has just about everything a tourist destination needs: the lake, golf, quaint and unique downtown, Highway 93, fast food, mom-and-pop eateries, outdoor recreation, markets, arcades, bowling, sports bars, a casino — and now, two upscale motels — the film festival, micro-breweries, cheese and the chamber’s fabulous annual events.

The one thing Polson doesn’t seem to have is money for the marketing or a focused vision on how to brand and market the city.

Having been involved with these programs before, the concept is to raise enough money to brand and market Polson to urban areas far enough away for families to drive here but too far to make it a day trip.

Tourists who stay overnight typically spend five to 10 times more money than day-trippers. So attracting Missoulians is nice, but getting folks from Helena and Spokane is better.

By applying this tax, Polson would then have the funding to tidy up pot-holed streets and have some money to contract with a marketing company to start that branding and marketing process. It also provides matching funds for grants, which can double and triple the cash needed to promote the area.

To be fair, I would love that marketing company to be mine as I hope to live out my days here in this Shangri-La.

I hope voters pass the tax to help create a vibrant local economy with a robust downtown, rising real estate values, jobs and better facilities for our citizens. (An ice rink, community and/or convention center would be a boon.)

Also, a technology business or software developer only needs affordable land, cheap electricity and a willing local government. Things we have in abundance in Lake County.

Yes, “visitors” can be a pain from Friday through Sunday. But they bring their cash and leave it here. And those funds can make our quality of life so much better.

Vince Lovato
Polson

LAKE COUNTY'S FUTURE IN TOURISM

The U.S. Treasury Department awarded Montana's Community Development Corporation $65 million in New Markets Tax Credits to help stimulate the economy.

The Montana CDC works with investors to turn the tax credits to make projects like the Red Lion Inn in Polson, officials said Monday.

The new 80-room Red Lion creates 42 new full-time jobs and its conference space and adjacent restaurant will attract more regional events and conferences year-round, CDC officials said.

Senator Jon Tester, a senior member of the Senate Banking Committee, supports the CDC's efforts.
"This award is a result of the good work that Montana CDC has done and will continue to do across our state," Tester said.

Senator Steve Daines is also a CDC supporter.

“This allocation will allow Montana CDC to continue working to build success stories,” Daines said. “It’s exciting to see Montana small businesses having the tools and support they need to create more good-paying jobs.”

Participate, support Polson's

Co-Op Farmers Market

Dear Polson (and surrounding towns),

Producers and Residents,We need your help in developing a new, year round, Saturday Farmers/Flea Market at the Polson HUB (401 Main St.).

Please print and post the attached flyer, and share via social media. Here is a recent video about the Polson HUB that also needs shared: https://vimeo.com/131463009.

In addition, here is a recent blog post featuring the Montana Co-op and Kids Co-op HUB in Polson: http://www.orton.org/blog/food-hub-heart-soul-polson-mon

This event starts this Saturday, June 27th (9am-3pm) and will be year round. It includes multiple markets of fresh food, prepared foods, art, body products, plants, and everyone's surplus items: BUY, SELL, TRADE, or GIVE AWAY.

The plan for this market is to create activity downtown Polson and keep money circulating within our economy. If you can produce or create something, if your have surplus items, you can sell it, and earn money. If you make art or music, please come and share your talents with your community.

The cooperative concept supports all local producers, individual needs, and community projects. $10/table/Saturday; 10 x 10 ($20 for 20x10). Inside or Outside. We're currently sitting at 30 available booths.

All proceeds for the market will go to support the Montana Co-op Polson HUB and Kids Co-op Activity Center. Please share this with your friends and family in the Polson area. We need everyone's help to create a more vibrant downtown!

We're also looking for Montana Co-op members that have some time to spend with local youth in guiding them into producing new healthy products and services. Please contact Jason if you have any time or ideas for new Kids Co-op products or services.

The current Kids Co-op products that have been created and need mentors time include making gift baskets filled with local food products, bundling kindling using recycled wood, plants, and a variety of body and cleaning products.

We plan to have several Kids Co-op tables at this new market with local youth displaying and exhibiting their talent and interests.To reserve your table, please contact Jason at 406-285-1149 or 319-2000 (HUB); or email jason@montanacoop.com.

If you produce something made in Montana, we would be happy to feature and sell your product on our shared producer website: www.MontanaCoop.com

Jason Moore

Co-Op Director

Polson Ratepayers to Save $78k

Helena, Mont. – Polson ratepayers will save $77,820, or an estimated $78 per household, thanks to two State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans to the city, totaling $463,000, to fund improvements to the city’s drinking water system. One $231,000 loan is forgivable if certain conditions are met, resulting in even higher savings for the community, according to Gov. Steve Bullock.

“Through strong fiscal management, and a bit of common sense, we’re ensuring ratepayers in Polson can keep more money in their pockets, while making critical infrastructure upgrades. These upgrades will help to support important economic development in the community,” Bullock said of the loan. “We’ll continue to work with local communities to find responsible ways to make critical infrastructure improvements, and save money for Main Street Montana businesses and customers.”

Using the new loan, Polson will construct a new well on the city’s east side to meet increasing demand for water, along with upgrades to a water main.

LHC of Kalispell has been awarded the bid for the project, which is expected to be completed by September of this year.

Last year, Bullock reduced the interest rates on loans through the SRF loan program in order to expand local government’s access to capital to make important upgrades to local infrastructure, while saving ratepayers money. He reduced long-term interest rates in this program from 3 percent, to 2.5 percent, and reduced construction interest rates from 3 percent to 1.5 percent. In addition, he reduced the amount of financial reserves communities must hold in order to receive a loan, and reduced the debt service coverage communities must have. These changes were made possible through strong fiscal management at the state level and the state’s sterling bond rating. In their first year, these reduced rates are expected to provide $40 million in savings for ratepayers across Montana.

The changes to the SRF interest rate were made as part of Bullock’s Main Street Montana Project. This project is building and implementing a business plan for the state of Montana that helps businesses grow, supports job creation, and increases wages. One of the goals of the project is to ensure Montana businesses and communities have an efficient and reliable infrastructure.

The State Revolving Fund loan program, which is administered by the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), enables Montana communities to upgrade or expand critical drinking or wastewater treatment facilities at the lowest possible cost.

Here's a PDF of the city's proposal to upgrade the lagoons-style plant: http://www.cityofpolson.com/pdf/wwt.pdf

UM POLICE IMPLEMENT AGREEMENT TO IMPROVE RESPONSE TO REPORTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT

WASHINGTON – After being accused of a lax response to reports of student sexual assaults, University of Montana Police Department officials fully implemented its agreement with the the U.S. Department of Justice to improve response to those incidents.

The agreement, entered on May 2013, resolved part of the department’s comprehensive investigation of the response to reports of sexual assault by the Missoula criminal justice system and the University of Montana.

Thomas R. Tremblay, the independent reviewer who assesses whether the terms of the agreement have been met, determined – and the department agreed – that the UMPD has met all of its obligations under the agreement and achieved the overall purpose of the agreement.

The purpose of the agreement between the department and the UMPD was to better protect and vindicate the rights of sexual assault victims by transforming the UMPD’s response to reports of sexual assault.

The UMPD’s implementation of the agreement has resulted in a host of historic advances in the Missoula response to sexual assault, including the following:

* Development and institution of model policies and protocols for the UMPD’s response to reports of sexual assault, and for its communication and cooperation with its university and local law enforcement partners;

* extensive specialized training for first responders and detectives in the response to sexual assault;

* cooperation with the development and institution of an External Review Panel – one of the first of its kind – to review closed sexual assault cases for investigative comprehensiveness and indications of gender bias;

* completion of an audit of the community-wide response to sexual assault – one of the first community audits to focus exclusively on sexual assault – including all of the key law enforcement agencies, advocacy organizations and medical service providers serving victims of sexual assault in Missoula County; and

* community advocates and students reporting better communication and coordination with UMPD officers than ever before.

The full implementation of the department’s agreement with the UMPD marks the second completion of the four agreements stemming from the department’s multi-pronged investigation, launched in May 2012, regarding the handling of sexual assault complaints made by women in Missoula.

PROTECTING WOMEN OR DEMONIZING MEN?

US Justice Department awards grant to SKC to fight sexual assaults, dating violence

PABLO - Salish Kootenai College is one of 27 colleges across the country to receive federal grants to reduce sexual crimes, according to a report from The American Bazaar.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Justice Department’s Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) announced it gave a total of $8.5 million to enhance victim services and develop programs to prevent, investigate and respond to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking on campus.

The awards are made with funds from the Grants to Reduce Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, and Stalking on Campus Program.

The campus program supports institutions of higher education in developing comprehensive coordinated campus and community-based approaches to prevent and respond to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

Recipients are required to conduct mandatory prevention and education programming for all incoming students and to train campus law enforcement and all members of campus disciplinary boards to respond effectively to sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking.

Campuses can use funds to develop and adopt policies and protocols that prioritize victim safety and hold offenders accountable.

“We know that victims who receive comprehensive advocacy and services are more likely to achieve their goals of safety, autonomy and healing,” said Principal Deputy Director Bea Hanson of the Office on Violence Against Women, in a statement. “Coordination between on-and-off campus victim services organizations and the local criminal justice system is critical to providing holistic support and services that victims need and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable.”

But a growing number of men say colleges are too quick to believe an alleged victim’s testimony and are investing too much authority in administrators who, they say, too often act as investigators, prosecutors and jurors, according to a Wall Street Journal report.

“To a hammer, everything is a nail, and the men are the nails in these situations,” said Justin Dillon, a Washington, D.C. attorney, whose firm has filed several lawsuits on behalf of accused men.

Lawyers for men say the ramifications of expulsion or suspension are harsh, such as difficulty finding a new school or postgraduate work and some colleges even retain diplomas for months or years after an accused male student completes his coursework, Dillon said.