Celebrating Five Years of Service: Penny Djonne at the Scalehouse
Five years ago, Penny Djonne joined Flathead County’s Solid Waste Department as a Scale Attendant and Cashier at the landfill’s Scalehouse. For many in our community, she has become one of the first friendly faces they see when visiting the landfill.
Penny’s path to Flathead County was a natural one. Before joining the county, she worked for 25 years at Plum Creek running their scales. When the company was bought out, she knew it was time for a new chapter—and she’d heard nothing but good things about working for the county. “It just seemed like a natural transition,” Penny reflected.
One of the things Penny values most about her role at the Scalehouse is the opportunity to connect with people from every corner of the Flathead Valley. “Some people are regulars and you form bonds with them, and there are always new people to meet as well,” she shared. “It’s a balance of familiarity and new and engaging.” That mix of connection and variety keeps her days interesting.
Born and raised in the Flathead, Penny has strong roots here. Her parents and children are still nearby, and she describes this place simply as “home.” Outside of work, she lives a life deeply tied to Montana’s outdoors and her animals. She enjoys fishing, horseback riding, and grouse hunting, and she treasures the time she gets to spend with her two horses.
Her team at the Scalehouse is another point of pride. With four staff members dividing shifts and responsibilities, they have created a culture of mutual respect. “We all respect each other and our time, because we all want time to live our lives outside of work,” Penny explained. That supportive environment allows her to balance her professional responsibilities with her personal passions.
Looking ahead, Penny doesn’t intend to leave anytime soon. “I plan to stick around and continue working here!” she says with a smile.
Penny’s five years with Flathead County highlight not just her dedication to her role, but also the relationships, values, and spirit of service that make our employees the backbone of local government. Her milestone is worth celebrating, and we are grateful for her continued contributions to both the Solid Waste Department and our community.