Fulfilling Sidney Health Center’s formal request for National Guard resources, Governor Greg Gianforte has announced he is sending four Montana National Guardsmen to aid the medical center in its COVID-19 response. “As Sidney Health Center and hospitals across the state face strains to their systems, the men and women of the Montana National Guard are playing an important support role,” Gianforte said. “Our entire state thanks them for stepping up to serve their communities.” Hospitals have made, and the governor has fulfilled, formal requests for 148 National Guardsmen to date as hospitals confront strains to their systems. At the direction of the governor, all hospitals have received a COVID-19 response resource guide, which includes instructions on how to submit a formal request for Guard resources. The governor’s office will continue to provide resources to hospitals to help them secure necessary staffing and proactively and directly collaborate with hospitals to help address needs as they arise. At the governor’s direction, Montana Disaster and Emergency Services is assisting hospitals in the process of securing full reimbursements from FEMA for eligible COVID-19 staffing needs.

Valerie Todd of Brockton died Sept. 30, 2021, in Poplar. Funeral services are pending at this time under the direction of Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel.

Janis Spottedbird, 41, of Brockton died Sept. 28, 2021, in Poplar. A wake will be held on Thursday, Oct. 7, at 7 p.m. at the Poplar Cultural Center. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Oct. 8, at 11 a.m. at the Poplar Cultural Center. Interment will follow at Fort Kipp Cemetery. Clayton Stevenson Memorial Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.