The PCN's Top Stories of 2023

Some look forward to the closing out of another year, while some dread it and there are those who waltz into a new year and not even know the last one was closing out. Which one best describes you has a great deal to do with several factors: how much you enjoyed the 365 days we call a year; how you were able to spend the year; and what memories you made throughout the year.

Let's set aside factors like poor memory so we can at least start on the same level.

What did we each do with the 31,449,600 seconds in last year? That sounds like a lot of time when it is calculated out, on one hand...but when it comes to recalling "where did the time go?" it becomes a task beyond comprehension. I, for one, hope to keep better accountability of my time and hope, when I look back, I will have lived my days to the fullest.

It is once again time to see where 2023 went from the press view, and the top stories from views on the PCN website are condensed for your memory bank. With that being said, here are the articles. The articles are in brief form; dates of the issue the article appeared are also provided.

The Doc is Back In: Dr. Medina Opens up Private Practice in Malta

(By Pierre Bibbs, Feb. 22, 2023 PCN)

Malta officially has a place to see a very familiar face for their medical needs.

Dr. Edwin Medina, M.D., opened the doors of his new private practice named Malta Medical Associates on Thursday, February 2, in Malta.

He is located at 830 Central Avenue South, a building that formerly held the private practices of FNP Thad Giblette and chiropractor Roger Amundson.

From 2000 to 2021, Dr. Medina was the Medical Doctor and Chief of Medicine at Phillips County Hospital in Malta, but due to some differences of opinion with the former PCH administration, his contract was paid out.

"You cannot appreciate the majesty of the mountains until you have seen the depths of the valley," Dr. Medina said. "I think that the Lord has really good things in store. I want to serve the people of Malta for another, at least ten years. My brain is still here. I have a little bit of mobility issues but praise God! I can walk!"

Dr. Medina was born in the mountain town of Gurabo, Puerto Rico, "I'm a Puerto Rican Hillbilly, if you will," he said. "My father was in the Service, so I got to see a lot of the United States when I was a kid.

His father, Jose Medina, was a Captain in the US Army, a Company Commander, who became a Quarter Master towards the end of his career. He retired in 1970. His mother is Dolores "Lolin" Diaz.

After high school, Dr. Medina attended Interamerican University of Puerto Rico and then the University of California San Diego, where he earned a degree in Molecular Biology in 1976.

When COVID-19 hit in 2020 and scientists were scrambling to produce a vaccine, Dr. Medina remembered his studies.

"I remember doing this in school, so it all made so much sense," Dr. Medina said. "God works in mysterious ways. In His wisdom, God had me there at UCSD, and if it wasn't for that, I wouldn't be who I am today."

Dr. Medina worked as a bio-chemist after graduation at Worthington Biochemical in New Jersey. He ended up in New Jersey as a Research Scientist 1 in Quantitative Immunology. His knowledge and ingenuity in the field put him at odds with some of the staff that had been there for years, so Dr. Medina decided to move out of working in research.

After going back home, Dr. Medina, while in his vehicle, was hit by a dump truck.

"That's why my back is bad," Dr. Medina said. "I was at a country road with a yellow light and I made the appropriate braking, but the dump truck behind me did not."

He admitted that he was young and foolish and told the truck driver that he was okay.

He wore a soft collar and was put on Worker's Compensation.

Eventually in Puerto Rico he was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre, an ascending paralysis.

"I couldn't walk for about nine months," Dr. Medina said.

He graduated from Medical School in 1982 and did his internship in Fajardo, Puerto Rico, and had his first permanent license in 1985. During the next ten years, Dr. Medina worked for five medical facilities in Puerto Rico.

He was recruited to work in Connecticut at National Medical Research Corporation in Hartford in 1992. After five years, he moved back to Puerto Rico in his first Medical Directorship in Saint Isabel.

During that time Dr. Medina worked at five different emergency rooms, all at once.

He eventually moved to Michigan in 1998, and had a similar job where he would visit multiple sites and homes of homebound people with Visiting Physicians Association in Kalamazoo.

After a year of traveling around Michigan, and many years traveling around Puerto Rico, Dr. Medina knew that it was time to slow things down.

"I got tired of the windshield time," he said. "We did a 300-mile round trip in one day and I told the manager, this is hard."

All the while, his family was still in Puerto Rico.

"I put my CV (like a resume) on the internet and Larry Putman, (former CEO of PCH) called me," Dr. Medina said.

When he was recruited to work in Phillips County in 2000, one top selling point was that he was allowed to sleep at home, and be called into the emergency room.

Dr. Medina was hired as Chief of Staff and Medical Director. He started at PCH on September 13, 2000.

Dr. Medina became good friends with former PCH providers Pat Armstrong, PA, and Thad Giblette, FNP who helped Dr. Medina acclimate.

"There were no doctors here," Dr. Medina said. "Doctors would come and leave or stay here two years and then leave. So Pat was essentially the Medical Director and did everything. A very smart, compassionate, and good Christian man. He helped me acclimate and get used to this."

"Despite that fact that I am from the Caribbean and it is terribly cold out here, the people of Malta are just genuine, hardworking, honest people."

Dr. Medina also served as the Director of the Phillips County Ambulance Service and Medical Director of Public Health.

Pay-N-Save Brings Forth "Rattlesnake" and "Hillbilly" Flavors for the Taste Buds!

(By Kari Hould – Jul. 12, 2023 PCN)

It's a rare moment that one can catch up with Robert Plouffe at his place of business, the Saco Pay-n-Save, however, it's an opportunity to savor the aroma of fresh fruits and meats while he scurries and bustles between customers. He appears to have more energy than the Energizer Bunny, or comparable stamina. His love for his work shows on his face through his friendly smile.

Don't kid yourself or be misled, Robert is a dedicated man...dedicated to his family, his work...and his community. He is a strong supporter of the activities and on-goings that keep the little town that lays claim to being the Mosquito Capitol of our state.

In a recent visit with Robert, he was able to share the recent awards that he captured at the State Meat Convention in Billings recently. Winning the award is one thing, this humble man equally enjoys the two to three-day get-away that gets him out of the shop.

Robert and his bride (Betty) have been in the business since 1982 and started competing in 1992 or so. This year he received awards for his smoked turkey, boneless ham, bacon, and on BBQ jerky. He won plaques for first, second, third, and fourth place.

"The main reason I go to these conventions besides the comradery, to meet up with old friends, is to try and improve your product and try new things...things change all the time, I try to keep up."

The little well-known store employs five in the meat and processing section of the store and five other employees, and stated he could always use more.

"We picked two new ideas for bacon this year...there's rattlesnake bacon and hillbilly bacon."

He said, "I get a lot of crazy ideas," and when I inquired if he had gopher bacon or prairie dog, he chuckled, shook his head and stated he doesn't as of yet. We mutually agreed that with the success rate of the Loring Gopher Hunt on April 29th there were plenty of opportunities just waiting for someone to jump on the idea.

"We picked up a couple of ideas lately, we have a lot of new flavors, I'm always looking..." and it might be part of the drive that keeps him attempting to keep up with the demand for his jerky products.

With the latest flavors added to his list of palette-pleasers, he now produces between 30-40 flavors. Where else can you find apple cinnamon, onion, peach, spicy southwest chili, and lime chipotle-flavored bacon? Add some dark chocolate, bloody mary, coffee, garlic, or dill pickle-flavored bacon to your grocery list for your next shopping day.

The walls display his plaques from over the years, around 80 of them. This is a true testimonial of both quality and excellence.

This is why people across the state come or stop when passing through Saco. Not only is it the best flavored secret on the hi-line, it's a secret that's making its' way from border to border. It's a "Made in Montana" product, guided from "well-kept and preserved" recipes.

River's Bend Assisted Living Facility To Open Up Soon

(By Kari Hould - Aug. 23, 2023, PCN)

"We're excited...we've had a great response from the community...," were words and thoughts shared by both Tony and Emily Simonsen, who are preparing to open the assisted living facility in Malta. Hopefully, within a couple weeks' time, the doors to the "River's Bend Assisted Living" (River's Bend) will open with new residents.

Just a nice drive to the southwest of Malta, a trip of 391 miles, taking just over six hours, Tony and Emily hail from Sheridan, Montana. Simonsen's recently purchased the former Hi-Line Retirement Center facility, which closed the doors October 1st of last year.

Emily said they will open after the State inspection; they will operate in the newer portion of the facility, with the entrance around the east side of the hospital parking lot. A sign has been ordered for both the front entrance as well as the new "main entrance." As they stated, it will take some retraining after being used to driving up next to the main entrance of the hospital for access.

"The water in Malta is not very good, it's really hard on pipes and faucets. Plus, it's been sitting for a year – there's lot to do," commented Tony.

The kitchen will be used, as will the newer addition and a wing to the left of the new entrance for apartments. The remainder of the building will be closed off at this time.

Tony said, "We're here to serve the community, we're not here for egos...we are moving forward.

You can't have a hospital without an assisted living facility...I see nothing but good things happening! We have a good relationship." When asked, he stated that the corridor between the hospital and River's Bend will be open.

Emily said, "We are getting names and phone numbers of possible residents from the hospital, the drug store and people within the community." They are looking to fill the home, so they welcome sharing the word of their impending opening.

"THIS is the staff," said Tony, pointing to Emily, Connie and himself. "Barb Bushman will be the cook, which will provide meals for the patients at the hospital, also.

"We don't operate like they used to here...everybody here works. The facility will not have RN's or CNA's. They (HLRC) were having to hire traveling RN's and that is a big line item, one we don't need."

The Simonsen's own a 16 bed assisted living facility in Townsend and a 12 bed facility in Sheridan, Montana. "Both are kept full," said Tony. "This facility is nicer than we find anywhere. They did a good job on the building."

This will be home for the Simonsen's, as they plan to spend 95% of their time here now.

The Simonsen's have two sons and four grandchildren. "They're great boys," said Tony, then smiled and added, "and the grandkids are BETTER!"

"Thank you (Malta) for the welcome, we are here to serve the community," said Tony.

"God has called us to do this, so this is what we are going to do."

Phillips County EMS Graduates Five

(By Kari Hould – May 17, 2023 PCN)

EMT Instructor Riley Abrahamson and EMT Board Chairman Vince Mace both relaxed and were a wee bit at ease when the recent session of EMT training came to a close. The graduating five had started in a class of nine. Abrahamson and Mace are pleased to have the five; they will be a welcome addition to the ambulance service. Malta ambulance service will gain the assistance of three, if all sign up after their tests; two live out of town.

In an interview last week, Abrahamson stated that four of the five had passed and were waiting to get scheduled for the State Boards. There is an incentive for the ones who sign up first. The cost of the class was covered this session through private and business donations, and a grant. With the rising costs incurred with the training, this was a big boost of encouragement. Abrahamson stated there have been a couple of changes within the Ambulance Service lately. Crystal Korman of Saco was hired as a Training Coordinator, and Colleen Kauth is EMS Coordinator.

Abrahamson said the program is continuing with its' daily operations; they are still exploring the option of attaining an ambulance barn to house the ambulances from Mother Nature. People in this community are fully aware of the severe climate and the lack of mercury effect on vehicles...especially when the vehicle that is called to transport someone as if their life depended on it. Many times it does.

The ambulance service currently has five ambulances, one of which will be used as a training ambulance. Volunteers who provide this service locally are Vince Mace, Janessa Malmend, William Hofer and Riley. Whitewater is still home to one volunteer, Carli Olson; if a transport is needed to a hospital, the Malta unit has to respond. "Retain and recruit" is the unspoken goal of the Ambulance service.

Malta Public School Board Announces Superintendent Hire

(By Kari Hould – Feb. 22, 2023 PCN)

At the close of the Malta School Board meeting held on Wednesday, February 8, it was announced that Steven Bucks (pronounced Boocs) has been hired to fill the position of superintendent for the Malta School District. Steve and his family currently reside in Lemmon, SD.

Though no transition date was announced, current MPS Superintendent Matt Genger is retiring in June.

The sophomore representatives of the Student Council spoke before the board and guests and gave them an update on recent activities, including assisting with the fundraiser efforts for Skyla Sisco, National FFA Week, and recent FFA competitions.

Principal Shawn Bleth addressed recent parent-teacher conferences and the winding down of wrestling season. He stated that Eric Visican of "Burnt Image" would be in the area soon filming, and would also be at the school.

Mr. Bleth said that the MHSA had failed to approve adding ESports to the extracurricular activities to those passed. However, he would ask that Malta pursue adding the class. He said it will be another option for keeping students involved, would add another avenue to keep kids eligible and motivated academically.

Nationwide, 41% of those enrolled in the ESports have never participated in any athletics or extracurricular activities. This is a large group that has a need that is being unmet. The board gave him the approval to go ahead and pursue the matter.

Elementary Principal Shiloh Seymour reported that parent-teacher conferences had a good turnout. The county spelling bee had been completed; the grades were gearing up for Valentine's Day parties.

Interest in the science fair is up this year with 97 signed up. The B.U.G. assembly had been held and the elementary classes were participating in February's "I Love to Read" month.

The recent PD (Personal Development) speaker spoke on self-care and emotional care. Bench mark testing had been completed, results were positive, with each grade level raising the results.

Transportation updates were presented by Pat Sargent; buses are road ready and he is waiting for the second evac test that is pending.

AD Desiree Egger gave a quick wrap up on activities: wrestling season, the Honors Band and Choir. Of course the big focus is the upcoming district basketball tournament hosted by Malta, and the divisional and state games to follow. The new shot clocks for the old gym have arrived and need to be put up.