If one wonders why Loge wasn’t accruing more time for himself over the years to enjoy the fruits of his labor, it is because of his civic volunteerism and elected official responsibilities: four sessions on the state Legislature Fish Wildlife and Park Committee; two terms on the Region 2 FWP Citizens Advisory Committee; 10 years on the governor’s Private Lands/Public Wildlife Council; 16 years on the Mineral County Conservation Board; eight years on the Mineral/Missoula County Farm Services Agency; two terms on the Mineral County Resource Advisory Council; 50 years on the Mineral County Planning Board; and four terms in the Montana Legislature.
A strong contingent from Mineral County attend the Missoula Chamber of Commerce’s 52 Annual Ag Banquet at the Holiday Inn last Thursday. From left, Harvey Mead, Willy Peck, Roman Zylawy, Curtis Cochran, Sean Heyer, Kevin Donally and Denley Loge. This event is a salute to the people in western Montana who ‘get their hands dirty’ producing the Number 1 staple of life. And love doing it!
This past year, Montana legislative district boundaries were changed by the Montana Redistricting Commission. This happens every 10 years after the Census counts are made to reestablish senate and house districts statewide that represent an equal number of voters.
I will give a rough description of the changes that will affect Mineral and Sanders County voters in the upcoming 2024-2032 elections.
The pulp mill at Frenchtown was part of my growing up in the mid-1960s. I remember the jobs it created, and I remember when the company that owned it at the time, Hoerner-Waldorf, bought one of my 4-H calves at the county fair. They contributed a lot to the community.
Loge is retiring into the ranks of a lot of ex-highway department workers with stories that make either building or maintaining the westernmost stretch of I-90 sound epic. Many of them are true. Few others can say they were in on both ends of the job, and none for as long as Loge has been. The Lookout Pass section, completed circa 1973, has shaped his life in some fashion for nearly 40 of the last 45 years.
Rep. Denley Loge has secured another term in the Montana House following a hotly contested primary election. The St. Regis Republican tallied 66% of the vote in the June 7 election, compared to challenger Randy Mitchell’s 34%. Loge has represented House District 14 since 2017. His district spans both Sanders and Mineral counties. In Sanders County, Loge accumulated 875 votes compared to Mitchell’s 545. In Mineral County, Loge had 898 votes with Mitchell getting 395 there. Loge described the primary as “pretty heated,” but said his approachability and trust within the community put him over the top.
Denley Loge, Chairman of the Montana House of Representatives Transportation Committee, cuts the dedication ribbon as Malcolm ‘Mack’ Long, Director of the Department of Montana Transportation, holds the small end. Engineers, contractors, inspectors and DOT personnel were all smiles at the rededication of the Quartz Flats Rest Area on I-90. Both east and west bound areas closed last March and are now much larger for restroom facilities and more parking for tractor/trailers and passenger vehicles.
The best person in my opinion is Denley Loge. I have know Denley and his family for over 50 years. The dedication he has shown not only to my community, but to those throughout our district is truly amazing. The gives Denley a unique insight to what our communities current needs are and those that are coming down the road. Denley also has the ability to listen to those he represents and takes those values back to Helena and vote accordingly.
I feel compelled to run for re-election to keep civility in our law-making process. This past session with the pandemic, we protected personal choice by not allowing vaccine discrimination, we strengthened our second amendment rights, we strengthened election integrity, and we protected life. These bills did not all pass in the first draft, they needed some revisions and discussions to get the job done and I was part of that. I have the civility, patience and ability to help find solutions to protect our Montana way of life.
“Today it is 70 mph but will be 55 on the east end and 55 prior to mile post 18, then it will drop down to 45 by the Big Horn camp and Quinn's”, explained Loge. “It will take probably about six months before we see signs just because of engineering, ordering and Installing. It has been a slow process, but it’s been taken care of”, he smiled. “I credit the County Commissioners (Sanders County), especially Carol (Brooker). Representative Loge and Tammi Fisher (Montana Department of Transportation Commissioner for District 1). Without their support, this would have never happened”, beams Moreth.
“I feel good that I have allowed the access to thousands of hunter days through the years. The interaction with hunters is always enjoyable when I get the chance to visit. I especially enjoy when the successful hunter is a youth, with their first animal. The smile on the face is so memorable,” Loge said.
Paid for by Loge 4 SD 45. Republican. 1296 4 Mile Road St. Regis, MT 59866.