HELENA — A key Medicaid expansion bill passed the Montana House of Representatives last week, one step closer to removing the sunset date on a program that has provided insurance coverage to thousands of Montanans. A 2024 report from the Montana Healthcare Foundation shows that in 2023, about 110,000 adults were covered under the state’s Medicaid expansion program. The expansion offers

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Scott Nefzger on Feb. 2, 2025. The world will never know a more positive person filled with life and joy. He was especially filled with a love for Jesus and spent every day in God’s word and a lifetime in prayer. Scott was born Oct. 18, 1952, to Bobbie James and Patricia Faye (McCartney) Nefzger in Circle, Mont. He came into this world as fast as he lived it and actually arrived well before the doctor did. Scott was the youngest of four children and a wild one at that. Many stories are told of vehicles being pushed to their limits and the time he was on his dirt bike jumping the highway. He didn’t make it successfully to the other side of the highway and was hit by a car. Surviving with a great story to tell. Scott attended grade school in Vida and then went on to high school in Billings. After serving his country for two years in the Army, Scott returned to Vida. He met Kim Wolff in 1975 and they were married. They had three girls. Nicole, Natalie and Valarie. Everyday with Scott was an adventure. In the winter, he loved snowmobiles and in the summer he loved boating at Fort Peck. Scott was an amazing slalom skier and loved to show off by putting the ski rope handle on his head and ski “hands free.” He also loved being a grandpa and was always ready to start a motorcycle or round up a gator so the grandkids could have something to drive! Farming was Scott’s passion and his favorite color was green and yellow. His farm was loyal to many beautiful pieces of John Deere equipment. Every tractor, semi, pickup, boat and mower was meticulously cared for and waxed. Special cars and semis even had covers to keep them shining and free of bird droppings. If it rained, Scott would pull out a vehicle and truck brush and wash vehicles in the rain water. He held the same respect for the American flag. He was a true patriot that was very proud of his country. Not a day went by that the flag wasn’t flying on the Nefzger farm. Scott loved making calls and lifting up his loved ones. He was a constant source of joy and encouragement. Even in his final days, he was reminding his family to pray for others and keep thanking God for all He has done. Scott had many wonderful visitors in his last week of life. He was so thankful for his family and friends making the trip to Sidney to surround him in love and hope. Scott went to his final home Feb. 2 with his wife and oldest daughter, Nicole, by his side. Scott is proceeded in death by his mother, Patricia Nefzger; his sister, Lonnie Robinette; and brother, Robert Nefzger. His is survived by his father, BJ Nefzger; wife of 49 years, Kim Nefzger; sister, Kristie Zimmerman; and daughters, Nicole (Shane) Block, Natalie (Kaleb) Phillips and Valarie Van Wechel. Grandchildren include Roman Block, Josie and Waylon Phillips and Maci Van Wechel. A memorial service is planned for this spring to be announced at a later date. (Paid Obituary)

Ronnie “Jo” Schledewitz 68, of Culbertson died Monday, Feb. 10, 2025, in Culbertson. He was born June 7, 1956, in Culbertson, the youngest of six children born to LaVern and Mavis Schledewitz. As the baby of the family, they always said he was spoiled. His siblings loved to share that once he was the last one left at home he went out and bought a dishwasher, so he wouldn’t be stuck doing the dishes. After graduation, he joined the Army National Guard. Over the years he was enlisted, he received various certifications, drove tanks, spent time helping at the Deer Lodge Prison during their strike and spent time at Fort Knox, Ky. In 1984, he married Karen Wendorf and together they had three children, Tyson, Dan and Emmarie. He had a love for the land and outdoors, spending a small amount of time farming and ranching along the Missouri River. Thereafter, he spent most of his years working construction and truck driving, especially enjoying beet harvest. Through the years, work had taken him to Alaska, Oregon and Oklahoma before returning to Sidney. He was always busy with a project whether it be yard work, painting, wood working or tinkering and fixing up old lawnmowers. He had a knack for telling very believable tall tales that left many questioning if it was true. He had a dry sense of humor that was behind every gift, letter or card he wrote. His plans or crazy ideas always had a purpose, intent or lesson. After retiring, he enjoyed watching his granddog Kujo, although for a costly rate. Early morning visits to his grandsons, bringing donuts, chocolate bars or any other treats their mom wouldn’t buy them. The many phone calls to family, weekly visits to see his mom, kids and grandkids. He is survived by his children, Tyson Schledewitz, Dan Schledewitz and Emmarie Koppinger; three grandsons; mother, Mavis Schledewitz; sisters, Rhonda Miller, Sharon Salvevold and Shirley Niles; and brother, Loren Schledewitz. He was preceded in death by his brother, Gary Schledewitz. A memorial service was held Tuesday, Feb. 18, at the Fulkerson Stevenson Memorial Chapel in Sidney, with Pastor Barb Haugerud officiating.

Paul Vernon Four Bear, 20, of Poplar died Feb. 1, 2025, in Minot, N.D. Born Dec. 23, 2004, in Wolf Point to Pauline Lee (Albert Lee) and Cordell Four Bear, he brought much love, laughter and joy to those around him. He had a natural gift for working with his hands. From a young age, he loved building things, fixing up cars and bringing old dirt bikes back to life. He could spend hours tinkering in the garage, always finding something to repair or improve. After high school, he worked at Agland in Poplar before later taking a position as a maintenance technician at the Fort Peck Adult Correctional Facility. No matter where he was, he was always drawn to mechanics, eager to learn, build and create. He had the kind of energy that could light up a room. He loved cruising with music blasting, barbecuing with family and spending time with his nieces and nephews, who adored him. Whether he was fishing, swimming, shooting hoops at Pool Courts or pulling off burnouts and cookies, he was always having fun and making memories. He had a playful spirit and, no matter what life threw his way, he faced it with a big smile and a joke to make everyone laugh. He was kind-hearted, always willing to help and never hesitated to lend a hand. He had a way of making people feel special, leaving a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to know him. He is survived by his mother, Pauline Lee; father, Cordell Four Bear; grandmother, Mary Pauline Boxer; and siblings, Erika Sadler, Dae’Shanna Four Bear, Arimani Katoa and Angel Four Bear. Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 14, at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment was at the Poplar City Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Richard Paul Melbourne, 59, of Poplar died Feb. 6, 2025, at St. Vincent’s in Billings. Richard, the son of Richard P. Yellow Owl and Wilma M. Melbourne, was born on Nov. 13, 1966, in Poplar. He worked odd jobs when available. He enjoyed spending time with his wife, friends and family as well as root digging, fishing, walks or cruising and listening to CCR and oldies. He is survived by his sister, Cheryl Melbourne-Martell of Poplar; brother, Lawrence Melbourne of Portland, Ore.; son, Stanford Melbourne of Regina, Sask., Canada; daughter, Richelle Melbourne of Sioux Falls, S.D.; and one granddaughter. He was preceded in death by his sister, Sandra Melbourne; brother, Lyle Melbourne; son, Richard Melbourne Jr.; and wife, Almyra GrayHawk-Melbourne. A wake will be held Thursday, Feb. 20, at 7 p.m. at the Poplar Cultural Center. Funeral services will be held Friday, Feb. 21, at 1 p.m. at the Poplar Cultural Center. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Kenneth O. Olson, 86, of Williston, N.D., died at Roosevelt Medical Center in Culbertson on Feb. 14, 2025. He was born Jan. 15, 1939, to Ed C. and Mabel Olson in Williston, N.D. He was raised in educated in Williston. He married Patricia Larsen on Oct. 28, 1961. From the marriage, they had one daughter and one son. They were happily married for 57 years and enjoyed fishing and camping. He was employed by the Williston Meat Packing Plant, then Getter and Black Hills Trucking and was a member of the Williston Moose Lodge for many years. He is survived by his daughter, Rechinda Nelson; son, Wade Olson; two grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and sister, Maxine Nelson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia; brothers, Morris, Jim, Alvin, Clarence and Floyd; and sisters, Marion Olson, Irene Sundby and Helene Dietrich. Per his request, there will be no funeral services.

Funeral services for Wanda Fern Ackerman, 64, who died Feb. 10, 2025, are pending under the direction of Bell Mortuary in Glasgow.

Funeral services for Carol Roberts died Feb. 10, 2025, in Wolf Point. Services are pending under the direction of Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point.

Funeral services for Leonarda Ross, 44, who died Feb. 15, 2025, in Wolf Point are pending under the direction of Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel of Wolf Point.