John Konzen Court dedicated at Troy Activity Center

There is no question of the impact John Konzen made on Troy and Lincoln County as well as the state of Montana.

Konzen, who died a little more than two years ago, spent nearly 50 years of his life in public service to the citizens and students of Lincoln County as an educator and a commissioner.

In honor of his work, the court inside the Troy Activity Center will be known as John Konzen Court.

An informal dedication was held on Wednesday, Dec. 21, between the boys and girls basketball games between host Troy and visiting Libby.

Tony Smith, a former coach of girls and boys basketball in Troy and who worked alongside Konzen, read of the former administrator’s accomplishments during the dedication.

Later, he graciously spoke to The Western News.

“He saved more kids than you could imagine,” Smith said. “He cared deeply about the students, he held them accountable and he worked hard to help students succeed.

“John was known all over Montana. He traveled everywhere to support the school’s athletes and athletic teams,” Smith said. “His impact was huge.”

Current Troy Schools Superintendent/Principal Jacob Francom has fond memories of Konzen.

“He was a real mentor to me,” Francom said. “He urged me to seek the superintendent position. I was initially resistant to the idea, but his confidence in me made a big difference.”

Troy School Board Trustees approved the naming of the court in Konzen’s name this spring.

Wednesday’s event was attended by Konzen’s wife Linda, daughter Cami Winslow and grandson, Jared Winslow, who officiated the girls varsity game.

In 1969, John and Linda moved to Troy. John taught social studies at the junior high and high school for 12 years.

Following eight years as the athletic director for Troy Public Schools, he went on to work as the principal of Troy Junior and Senior High School, a position he held for 18 years.

In 1999, Konzen was elected to the Lincoln County Board of Commissioners. He served as commissioner for 12 years, four of which he worked as the chair of the board.

During his tenure in local government, Konzen continued efforts to improve public education. According to Francom, Konzen gave input on school and community issues to state lawmakers. His advocacy even took him to Capitol Hill where he worked with U.S. Congress members to draft legislation that would benefit rural schools.

Partnering with Montana U.S. Senators Max Baucus and Conrad Burns, Konzen helped secure Safe Schools Money for the area and state and brought in over $8 million in economic development funds for the region. Konzen once testified in front of a U.S. Senate subcommittee on asbestos in Troy and pressured Congress to renew Secure Rural Schools funding.

Following his tenure as county commissioner, Konzen served as the chair of the Troy Public Schools Board of Trustees from 2011 to 2018.

Konzen also supported and helped further many community projects where families could spend quality time together.

Future plans to honor Konzen include the placement of a plaque outside the activity center’s doors to the main gym and the dedication of center court with an inscription of his name.