Community Briefs

Missoula County Recruiting For 2018 Election Judges

MISSOULA - Missoula County is recruiting 800 civically engaged community members to serve as election judges to support the democratic process for the 2018 election year.

It takes a community-wide effort to conduct fair, balanced and organized elections. Election judges are champions of the election process, playing a crucial role in ensuring the strength and integrity of the voting process, providing friendly customer service and in upholding election law.

There are several positions available in addition to election judges, such as polling place managers, poll book judges and Election Center (Fairgrounds) support staff. This is a paid public service position. Individuals are compensated for their time on Election Day and for the time they spend in training.

There is an ever-increasing demand for election judges in Missoula County. The Elections Office is seeking a new generation of election judges to help serve the voters of Missoula County.

This year, the Elections Office is also partnering with local organizations and businesses in launching a new campaign, “Give a Day for Democracy.” This effort encourages local businesses and groups to support their employees and members in serving Missoula voters.

 Anyone who is registered to vote in Missoula County and is enthusiastic about the voting process is encouraged to apply. The Elections Office provides a new online class schedule and registration at http://www.MissoulaElectionJudge.com. Those interested can also call 406-258-4751 or email electioninfo@missoulacounty.us with their name and contact information. Training is held in February at the Missoula County Fairgrounds and there are a variety of daytime, evening and weekend classes.

Missoula County Employee Council Clothing Drive

MISSOULA - Every year, a clothing closet is offered at Project Community Connect. Participants at the event can obtain any clothing item or winter gear needed at no cost. This clothing closet is very popular and can only happen with generous donations from the community. YOUR HELP IS NEEDED.

Missoula County community members are asked to donate new or gently used items that can be added to the clothing closet. Items can be of any size, for men, women or children. Donations close on Jan. 22.

A LIST OF NEEDED ITEMS INCLUDES: Sweaters; Gloves; Long underwear; Long-sleeved shirts; Winter coats; Hand warmers; Pants; Winter boots; Sleeping bags; warm socks and winter hats

Drop-off Locations: REI Missoula - 3275 N Reserve St. Suite K-2; County Courthouse Rotunda; County Courthouse Treasurer’s Office and the Missoula Public Library - Main Floor

Questions? Contact Sindie Kennedy at skennedy@missoulacounty.us or 406-258-3688.

To volunteer or keep up on the latest news, Like the PCC page on Facebook.

Small Business Summit Offers Free Training

HELENA - The Montana Department of Transportation, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program along with Prospera Business Network, the Montana Women’s Business Center invite new, emerging and existing business owners to attend the Annual Small Business Summit in Helena, Mont. at the Best Western Premier Helena Great Northern Hotel. This free three-day event offers a variety of pertinent trainings and resources for small businesses, including motivational speakers, certifications, as well as trainings for human resources, QuickBooks, marketing, branding, workforce training, understanding your financials, understanding how the government can help your business, cyber security and more. Meals are also provided.

To register for the Summit, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/dbesbesummit or call Shannon Hahn at 406.444.7287 or shahn@mt.gov. For additional information visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1312109158934741/

Artists Encouraged to Apply for the Artist-Wilderness-Connection Program

KALISPELL, MT – The Flathead National Forest, Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, Hockaday Museum of Art and Swan Valley Connections invite artists to apply for the 2018 Artist-Wilderness-Connection Program. The artist-in-residence program connects artists and local communities with wild lands on the Flathead National Forest in Northwest Montana. Two artists will be selected to participate in the 2018 program.

Professional working artists of various disciplines, media and styles, including writers and musicians, spend up to two weeks in a backcountry cabin on the Flathead National Forest to focus on their respective art. The program connects artists with the Bob Marshall and Great Bear Wilderness Areas. After completing the residency, artists select a format to share their talents and residency experience with the community and donate a representative piece of their art to the Artist-Wilderness-Connection Program.

 The online application and program information is available at http://hockadaymuseum.org/ under Artist Opportunities, Artist-Wilderness-Connection. Applications are due Feb. 28. Individuals and group collaborations are invited to apply.

 To learn more about this unique artist-in-residence program and help answer your questions, join us for a Facebook Live chat Jan. 26 at 2 p.m. Visit the Hockaday Museum of Art web page under Artist Opportunities to find event details.

 For more information about the program or application process, contact Kathy Martin at the Hockaday Museum of Art, 406-755-5268; Teresa Wenum at the Flathead National Forest, 406-758-5218 or Jessica Evens at the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation, 406-387-3822.