Brothers Lonny and Teyon Fritzler are reclaiming their childhood home on the Crow Indian Reservation in Lodge Grass, Montana. Their home symbolizes a past filled with struggles, including battles against meth addiction. Both men left the community years ago but have returned with a vision for rebuilding. They aim to restore not only their home but also their community.
Impact of Meth Addiction in Lodge Grass
The town of Lodge Grass, with a population of about 500, has been deeply affected by methamphetamine abuse. An alarming 60% of residents aged 14 and older grapple with drug or alcohol addictions. This widespread problem has left many homes in disrepair, with broken-down structures dominating the landscape of this Native American community.
- Lonny Fritzler: Age 41, began using meth after college.
- Teyon Fritzler: Age 34, started using meth at age 15.
- 60% of residents aged 14+ struggle with addiction (Mountain Shadow Association survey).
Community Renewal Initiatives
Progress is being made in Lodge Grass despite the challenges posed by meth. In recent years, the town has successfully demolished over two dozen abandoned buildings. New businesses are emerging, marking a significant shift in community dynamics. A notable development is a new daycare center, which opened in October 2024, replacing a building that had previously tested positive for meth.
Megkian Doyle, head of the Mountain Shadow Association, envisions expanded initiatives. This non-profit organization is developing a comprehensive campus for addiction recovery services in Lodge Grass, named Kaala’s Village. The campus aims to provide housing and mental health resources for families seeking to overcome addiction.
Kaala’s Village: A Beacon of Hope
Kaala’s Village is set to become a vital resource for families in recovery. The project will include:
- A therapeutic foster home
- Housing for children whose parents are receiving treatment
- Community gardening space
- A location for traditional ceremonies
Lonny and Teyon Fritzler are among the builders contributing to this project, viewing their work as integral to the healing of their community. They believe each wall they construct symbolizes hope and renewal for future generations.
Ongoing Challenges and Resilience
While Lodge Grass faces significant hurdles, such as recent drug trafficking operations targeting local tribes, the community’s spirit remains resilient. Mayor Quincy Dabney has played a crucial role in mobilizing residents for community cleanups and improving local conditions. The lingering presence of meth remains a concern, indicated by derelict structures and ongoing trafficking incidents.
Despite these struggles, there are clear signs of transformation. Neighboring homes are being remodeled or torn down, and plans are in place to offer mental health services within the new community facilities.
The Road Ahead
Kaala’s Village is projected to cost $5 million and will be developed in phases as funding becomes available. The community hopes to open the therapeutic foster home by spring 2026, followed by family housing.
For Lonny and Teyon, restoring their own family home remains a personal journey. They aim to create a nurturing environment for the younger generation, showcasing dedication to their community’s future.
As Lodge Grass continues to rebuild and recover from the impact of meth addiction, the Fritzler brothers embody the community’s spirit of resilience and hope.
