Bitterroot Star - March 18, 2021

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’ ! l a c o L t a t s e B ‘The

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

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Volume XXXVI, Number 35

Council opts for more information on Burnt Fork Estates

Unique vision results in Florence community asset

by Victoria Howell The bulk of last Thursday’s Stevensville Town Council meeting was taken up with a slide presentation by a consultant for the developers of the proposed Burnt Fork Estates subdivision. The presentation, by Andy Mefford with PCI, was the developers’ response to many of the concerns raised at the public hearings that have been held so far. Although the agenda item was listed as “Discussion/Decision: approval, approval with conditions, or denial of preliminary plat for the major subdivision known as Burnt Fork Estates,” citizens who attended the council meeting expecting to comment on the subdivision went home disappointed, as they were not allowed to speak on that topic. Before the presentation, council member Jaime Devlin said she would like to see the developers host an open meeting where members of the public could ask questions and receive answers to their concerns. She said the process hasn’t been working in a way that provides answers. She said there are too many questions that remain unanswered. “This is too big of a project,” said Devlin. “In my opinion at this time it’s not a viable proposal that you have proposed to us. I would like to see the developers do their due diligence. At the end of the day, we have to be able to look at our community members and say this project is going to be okay. I don’t feel like I can do that at this time. So, leading into trying to make a decision in the real near future is not something I’m willing to do.” “I think we heard a week ago tonight pretty much 30 to 1 that people don’t wish to see a C2 [commercial] section out there…” said council member Dempsey Vick. “People who bought in Creekside were told that any development going in would be very similar to what they have now. They’re getting something completely different.” Vick also wondered who would pay the bill for all the necessary upgrades. He also said before making a decision he would like to hear directly from DNRC and DEQ regarding the Town’s water rights situation, something Mayor Brandon Dewey said probably wouldn’t happen. Council member Patrick Shourd also said he thought more meetings were needed to help the public get the answers they need. He also mentioned traffic and stormwater as particular concerns of his. Council member Paul Ludington appeared to favor moving forward with the project, saying that “there are still a lot of hoops that have to be jumped through before the developers can turn a shovel or sell a lot.” He said the process has been going on for over a year already. “We’re not really trying to put the cart before the horse here. We’re just trying to get the process started… We can decide who’s going to pay for what as those issues are resolved…” Mefford offered a comparison between Creekside Meadows Phases 3-5 (which were never built) and the proposed Burnt Fork Estates. Creekside was slated for 127 single-family lots and 28 multi-family units on two lots for a total of 155 units on 129 lots on 57.68 acres with overall density of 2.7 units per acre. Burnt Fork Estates proposes 78 single-family lots, 131 multifamily units on 43 lots, and 16 commercial lots for a total of 225 units on 137 lots on 57.68 acres with overall density of 3.9 units per acre. Mefford said that the maximum possible units will not necessarily be built out that way; density could turn out to be less. See BFE, page 6

Silas Torrey, upstairs in the viewing gallery of the huge gym he built himself, talks about his philosophy and vision for its future use as a community wellness center. Victoria Howell photo.

State-of-the-art features in Florence by Victoria Howell If you want to play pickleball, you can do it right now, on state-of-the-art courts in Florence. And you can do it for free. All because Silas Torrey had a vision. With a background in chemistry and physics, Torrey says nutrition is one of his greatest passions, along with sports and family. For many years Torrey, now 76, operated a restaurant in Missoula called Torrey’s Home Cooking, specializing in cheap, healthy meals. He charged just $6 for a full meal, but in the final two years he dropped that by half to see if he could get more people in. “I was trying to get unhealthy people to come in, but that just didn’t work. I wasn’t reaching the people I wanted to reach,” said Torrey. After that he bought a sailboat and went sailing for 20 years. When he was in Oregon waiting for his boat to be repaired, he ended up playing pickleball with some friendly folks. That experience made him realize that pickleball is a conduit for promoting social interaction while simultaneously providing health benefits. “I

saw the joy that people had playing pickleball.” Torrey bought a piece of property on Highway 93 in Florence about 20 years ago because he liked the location and the setting, adjacent to One Horse Creek with interesting natural features. Years later, he thought he might be able to do something there that incorporated two of his interests: sports and nutrition. He published a letter in local media asking the community what they might like to see there and how they might want to be involved. He held a public meeting, and although he got numerous responses, he ended up pushing forward on his own. “I had about $100,000 to start,” he says. “I just kept putting some extra in every year.” Three and a half years later, he has a beautiful gym with four pickleball courts inside and three outside. He’s added restrooms, changing rooms, and is now renovating the restaurant that was on the place when he bought it. On one side, the gym is decorated with mounts of elk that he shot with bow and arrow, and on the other side is sailing memorabilia related to his boat

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”Bread and Roses,” for which the place is named. He has opened the gym for pickleball play three nights a week, free of charge for now. He says it’s limited to 26 people per night, 12 years and up, with no spectators at this time. Torrey says he tries to match skill levels among players. “Everyone will have equal opportunity here.” “I envision this as a community wellness center,” says Torrey. “I want to encourage families – young people and their parents – that’s who I’m trying to get out here. There’s almost zero opportunity for these people to get out and do this. It’s not something that has been presented as much as it should be.” He says he’s contacting all the local schools to invite them to bring students here. “It can be a fun thing for younger people if they just had the opportunity.” Torrey has construction skills, having built and maintained a number of rental properties for years. He said that by doing all the work himself, with help from his children and grandchildren, he has saved hundreds of thousands of dollars. He said he works on it about six hours every day. He estimates that he will be fully open sometime around September, with a restaurant serving simple, nutritious meals like hearty

soups and wraps for around $4.00 to cover the cost of the food. He also plans to rent the facility out for weddings, anniversaries and birthday parties. “I’d really like not to have to charge,” says Torrey. “I want this to be available to everyone.” He acknowledges, however, that there will be fixed costs, like utilities and staffing that will have to be paid for somehow. “Making a profit just doesn’t mean much to me,” says Torrey. “I have faith that people are going to start chipping in. I’m trying to get the place finished up first. Then maybe people will be willing to invest in this. I have faith that it will come through.” Torrey says his children think he’s crazy for doing business the way he does. But, “All my kids and grandkids seem to want to stay around. When I’m gone, this will be around for them.” He says his philosophy of life is “really very simple. I listen to what everyone has to say. I try to figure out what’s right and wrong. And I treat people fairly.” For more information on the pickleball sessions, contact Silas at 369-2710. Victoria Howell can be contacted at: victoriahowell53@gmail.com

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You will hear more in-depth history of early Montana; facts and information not included in a guided tour. Mark your calendar for March, 20 at 11 a.m. in St. Mary’s Chapel. Patrice Schwenk will present “Shared Histories: The Black Robes Mission to the Rockies.” Patrice is a

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Glass recycling event scheduled by Michael Howell It’s not every day that Bitterrooters get the chance to have their glass waste recycled without having to drive to Missoula. In fact, it’s about one day per year. It is only thanks to the continuing efforts of Ravalli County Recycling that our next chance is even coming up, so you don’t want to miss it. The glass recycling event is scheduled for Saturday, April 17 at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds in Hamilton from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The recycling event will take place at the north end of the Fairgrounds and can be accessed by entering the north gate located on Old Corvallis Road. You pay $1 per gallon bucketful or $5 per fivegallon bucketful to have your glass recycled and help save the planet by reducing what is deposited into our local landfills. Montana has not yet established a glass recycling infrastructure, and there are no bottle manufacturers in the state to melt and reuse our glass. Recycling Works in Missoula collects, crushes, and stores glass locally and then ships it down to Momentum Recycling in Salt Lake City. Momentum is the closest processing facility with the means to efficiently create and use aggregate. “They do a fantastic job of separating and sorting glass so it can be turned back into bottles and products like home insulation and sandblasting material,” said Ted Geilan of Recycling Works. “We are also happy to support local projects that utilize our glass for reuse purposes.” According to organizer Pam Aikins, Ravalli County Recycling volunteers will be

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Glass Recycling event scheduled for Saturday, April 17 at Ravalli County Fairgrounds 10:00am to 3:00 pm. Photo by Michael Howell on hand at the Fairgrounds to process the glass being dropped off in a drive-in/ drive-out scenario, so you don’t even have to get out of your vehicle. Unbroken glass bottles of any color are accepted. No caps, corks or lids are accepted but labels can be left on the bottles and the bottles should be clean. No food residue is allowed. Types of bottles accepted include wine bottles, beer bottles, spirit bottles and clean food jars. No other kinds of glass are accepted. No broken glass. No window

glass. No light bulbs, etc. Aikin said that you don’t have to bring the bottles in a plastic bucket. A burlap bag or other container could be used, and the cost would be estimated. CDC guidelines for social distancing, masking, and sanitizing will be followed. Ravalli County Recycling hopes to make this a quarterly event. Michael Howell can be contacted at michaelonburntfork@gmail. com or (406)239-4838.

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Opinion Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Bitterroot Star -- Page 4

Letters Not alone Col. Sperry, you are not alone! A significant majority of Bitterrooters are conservative and admire your written wit! Keep sharing your thoughts. Jerry Haslip Victor

Vaccine shot On March 6 I received my second virus vaccine shot at Marcus Daly Hospital. Considering the number of people (900+0 receiving shots, the process was very well organized. All the people involved, from the parking attendants to the shot givers were very friendly, courteous and extremely helpful. Well done Marcus Daly and a big thank you to all. Bill Lyon Stevensville

‘The Montana Way of Life’ “I will be forcing debate on Rep. Haaland’s nomination to Interior,” [Montana Senator Steve] Daines said in a press release on Tuesday [3/9/21]. “Her record is clear: She opposes pipelines & fossil fuels, ignores science when it comes to wildlife management and wants to ban trapping on public lands. Her views will hurt the Montana way of life and kill Montana jobs.” Representative Deb Haaland, from New Mexico, said in acknowledging the nomination to become Secretary of the Interior (2/23/21), “I’ve lived most of my adult life paycheck to paycheck. I pieced together healthcare for me and my child as a single mom, and at times relied on food stamps to put food on the table. It’s because of these struggles that I fully understand the role interior must play in the president’s plan to build back better, to responsibly manage our natural resources to protect them for future generations so that we can continue to work, live, hunt, fish, and pray among them .… If confirmed, I will work my heart out for everyone, the families of fossil fuel workers who helped build our country, ranchers and farmers who care deeply for their lands, communities with legacies of toxic pollution, people of color whose stories deserve to be heard, and those who want jobs of the future.” Which of these comes closest to your sense of the Montana way of life? Mary Fahnestock-Thomas Hamilton

Stop the press! Questions for Judge Sperry You wrote (3/10) they called walls un-American but built one around

Washington. Maybe it’s to keep our president and teleprompter captive. You know Washington so let’s test this by costuming you like a sleepy oldster and try getting you through those miles of fence and hundreds of troops. There’s always ways out. God got smuggling Brother Andrew through with cars stuffed with Bibles. The Berlin Wall was torn down by prayer. Poet Robert Frost said there’s something that doesn’t love a wall, but his neighboring dad’s wisdom was, good walls make good neighbors. D.C. — Tear down Washington Wall! (Does friend Ed Agree)? Charles E. Wissenbach Pinesdale

Citizens support improvements Voters and surveys show that the vast majority of citizens support improvements, access, and funding of all our state lands. We voted last year to dedicate marijuana tax revenue to fund much needed projects. Folks from all walks of life love to camp, hunt, fish, bike, snowmobile, horseback ride, on our public lands! We need to remind our political leaders from both camps, to fund the backlog of infrastructure repairs. We rank near the bottom for funding, per capita, compared to other states. Please write, call, or have an adult beverage or coffee, with your local elected official! Encourage them to increase funding to improve and protect the integrity of our public parks, lands, and infrastructure! Please consider a donation to our State Parks improvement fund and get out there and enjoy your public lands!! Joe Petrusaitis Hamilton

Initiative 190

Citizens beware

Aside from being an extremely beautiful place to fish, hunt, recreate, and explore, the Montana outdoors provides the state with essential funding as well as employs tens of thousands of people. Notably, the state’s outdoor economy contributes $2.5 billion annually and employs 31,598 people. Clearly, Montana’s outdoors is worth protecting and investing in. In November 2020, Montanans passed Initiative I-190, legalizing recreational marijuana, with the understanding that nearly half of the tax revenue would fund our public lands and conservation efforts. Now, the legislature is disregarding the will of the voters and reconsidering how the taxrevenue will be allocated. For this reason, it is critical that pressure is placed on state legislators to ensure that the will of the voters is honored, and our state’s greatest investment is supported. The I-190 revenue dedicated to conservation will provide an impressive return on investment by providing a reliable source of state matching dollars for the significant federal resources set aside to expand public access and grow our economy. These dedicated, new revenue investments will also provide competitive grant dollars for cities, counties, tribal governments, and nonprofit partners; help fund maintenance and staff in State Parks; and provide needed resources for conservation easements, river access sites, and wildlife habitat. Leave a message for your legislator(s) by calling 406-444-4800 (or finding them at leg.mt.gov/legislator-lookup) and tell them you want them to honor the will of the voters and ensure we are fully funding conservation in House Bill 2 and House Bill 5. Emma Kardokus Heron

Stevensville citizens BEWARE To say the town council meeting last week was disturbing would be an understatement. The meeting agenda did include further discussion with the planners of the Burnt Fork Estates subdivision. I had assumed that the word “discussion” would include an opportunity for we citizens of Stevensville to not just comment but perhaps actually get to ask questions of the planners representing the developers. No such discussion happened! No comments were asked for! This public meeting was purely for the planners to make their case and refute EVERY concern that has been raised by citizens in the last year. As a resident of Creekside Meadows, I felt vilified, was made to be nothing but a complainer, and we just plain aren’t smart enough to understand their plan. In addition, they are asking for a new evaluation of the impact on our Public Works (water capacities, sewerage treatment capacities and waste water management) by the newly hired Public Works supervisor. Is that a total disregard from the previous evaluation by a supervisor who had participated and led the department for 30 years? Felt like it to me! In addition, the planners feel that they should not be questioned nor asked to pay for any water system improvement because our city has needed a storage tower and more wells for a long time; total disregard for all of us that are still paying and will continue to pay for the last system improvements over the next 20-30 years of our lives. I wonder who will pay for those improvements when they become necessary. Lest I forget, the planners said they will address any of those problems when they arise during the building phases.

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Information about your Bitterroot Star Bitterroot Star promise We strive to cover all the news and entertainment important to the people of the Bitterroot Valley. Our entire staff takes part in deciding what appears in these pages and all content is locally generated. If you have a story idea or want some event publicized contact any of the people you see here. Call us 406-777-3928. Printing information The Bitterroot Star is published every Wednesday by Bitterroot Star Newspaper, Co.. Periodicals postage paid at the United States Post Office in Stevensville, MT 59870. The SSP’s advertising and editorial content deadlines are Fridays at 5 p.m. Our View/Letters Star editorials frequently appear at the top of this page and are written from the position of the newspaper, usually with the influence of several people, and in the hope that they will carry the weight of our decades of leadership. The personal columns and letters appearing elsewhere on this page, and others, represent the opinions of single individuals and do not necessarily reflect the position of the newspaper. The Star welcomes and encourages your letter to the editor. Letters on local topics or issues are given priority for publication; letters should be 600 words or less and may be edited. Shorter letters generally have a better chance of prompt publication. While letters expressing appreciation for a specific, out-of-the-ordinary action are welcomed, letters with lists of names of contributors, donors or volunteers are not accepted as letters to the editor. A signature, address and telephone number (for verification, not Member 2016 Member 2021 publication) are required. We will not publish letters that are libelous or scurrilous in nature. Letters of thanks are offered at a reduced price in our display ads.

And just how will a cash strapped small town pay for any of that? The planners also don’t think the increased traffic on Creekside Drive, Logan Lane, Eastside Highway nor Middle Burnt Fork should be of any concern to anyone because those intersections are already a problem……..why should they accept any monetary or moral responsibility for increasing the hazards on those roads? Oh, I forgot, they have offered $200 per lot for Logan Lane improvements if needed. And, if that isn’t enough, a special improvement district could be formed! Their plan clearly states that the lot owners of Burnt Fork Estates will be required to waive their right to oppose any SIDs if they become necessary. The realization that 5 people (the mayor and 4 council members) have our futures in their hands is very frightening. I can only pray that they fully realize what is at stake here; our financial futures as Stevensville residents is certainly in their hands as well as our safety on the roads, our emergency services response times, our children’s access to quality education without overcrowding and the success of our main street businesses. Nancy Kopszywa Stevensville MT

Turmoil in the USA After watching the turmoil associated with our new President being confirmed and his actions during his first weeks of leadership, I’ve decided that it’s time for me to express my opinion on a few things while I still can. First, I would like to make a few observations about the “insurrection” that occurred on January 6th. That wasn’t an insurrection; that was a riot no different in my opinion than the riots that have been taking place at cities primarily controlled by Democrats over the past year. Hundreds of thousands of Trump supporters peacefully gathered to listen to him reiterate why he felt the election was rigged. He never suggested that the crowd engage in a riot. Less then 200 actually engaged in destructive activity, and some of those rioters had ties to a left leaning philosophy (ANTIFA). Why weren’t the security personnel prepared??? If you followed the details of post-riot news, you would have noted that the D.C. Chief of Security resigned. I contend that others including the Mayor of D.C. and the Speaker of the House, Pelosi, should have been held accountable. I attended the 4th of July parade in D.C. several years ago. The entire “mall” area including the Capitol complex was surrounded by security checkpoints. We had to go through a screening very comparable to that conducted at airports which included “wand” screening for weapons and the inspection of all purses and bags. See Letters, page 5

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Bitterroot Star -- Page 5

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Editorial

Stevensville council holds all the cards The Stevensville Town Council did a good thing when it decided to wait for more information before making a decision on the Burnt Fork Estates subdivision proposal. Despite getting some pressure from the developers to approve the preliminary plat, the council, led by council member Jaime Devlin, held out for a question and answer session between the developers and the public to be followed by at least one more public hearing before considering a decision. Devlin pointed out that the standard process, which doesn’t give the public an opportunity to get their questions answered directly, was not meeting the

community’s needs. “This is too big of a project,” said Devlin. So far, the Town has received over 100 written and oral comments, with only three of those in favor of the proposed subdivision. Opposition is not coming from only residents of the adjacent Creekside Meadows. Many other town residents have also weighed in, on concerns about water rights, water and sewer capacity, traffic impacts, density, and the proposed commercial development. In one letter, 14 downtown business owners expressed their opposition to the commercial zone. While council member Paul Ludington pointed

out that developing this 57.68 acres is a way for Stevensville to increase its tax base and therefore pay for necessary improvements to infrastructure that will benefit all residents, it does not make sense for the council to rush into approval of a project of this magnitude. Two aspects of this proposal are strikingly different than the original Creekside Meadows additional phases: density and commercial lots. Devlin pointed out that the density is almost double that of what was proposed for the Creekside phases that were never built. And the commercial area requires a re-zoning, which means that it was something that was not part of any planned

development in that area. Another troubling aspect is the water rights question. While the Town’s water rights attorney expresses confidence that these issues will be resolved by the end of 2022, an attorney for the Creekside homeowners recommends waiting until these issues are actually resolved rather than approving the subdivision on the assumption that they will be. After the developers’ Q&A and the council’s public hearing, the council still has the option of adding further conditions of approval or even of denying this application outright. Right now, all the cards are in the council’s hands. Let’s hope they play them well.

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Letters

363-3592

Continued from page 4

be of great concern to all of us. The second Impeachment trial for former President Trump has just finished as I write this. What a total waste of time when there are so many problems facing this country that need to be delt with. Oh, and how about the House Democrats assigning a representative who has ties to a Chinese spy to lead the charge against the former President? I’m waiting for the House of Representatives to impeach President Biden using one of the same charges that was used against former President Trump. That is, the charge of withholding money from Ukraine until something was provided. President Biden publicly bragged about doing that back when he was Vice President. Oh, and how about the Biden family scandal that is slowly being uncovered. No doubt in my mind that President Biden was directly and knowingly involved in getting Ukraine and China to donate money to members of the Biden family. Since I mentioned the House of Representatives, how about the censoring of one of the newest members recently for having previously suggested conspiracies which were later proven to be untrue. Why shouldn’t the same thing be done to all of those Democrats involved in the first impeachment conspiracies against former President Trump which were proven to be untrue? President Biden has just announced that we will return to participate in the former 2015 Paris agreement on fossil fuel emissions. If you haven’t ever investigated what this agreement amounted to, let me provide a few details. We pledged to cut our emissions by at least 26% by 2025 as compared to 2005. China who now leads

Why wasn’t that level of preparedness in place for this event??? The Democrats continue to “milk” this event for rationale to continue to scare our citizenry and reduce our freedoms. The inauguration event was more like you would expect in a third world country run by a dictator. Thousands of military troops and a fence topped by concertina wire surrounding attendees? Now I hear many military units have been told to continue to remain in place for the foreseeable future??? Ironic side to all this is that the Democrats contend the border wall between us and Mexico is unnecessary but now they want a wall in D.C.??? As I pointed out in a previous letter our 1st Amendment rights are under a full out attack by the liberals. The rich nerds in California who own and control many of the social & TV media platforms have instigated censorship against anyone who has beliefs opposed to their own. Leading up to the election, they joined together to make sure President Trump was muffled and that any negative information about the Bidens was masked. That my fellow readers is censorship and should scare the h*** out of you. Well guess what’s going on now; they are trying to censor anyone who had close ties to President Trump. And, have you heard the latest, the FBI solicited the Bank of America to search their files and identify anyone who was in D.C. during the riot. Excuse me, isn’t that an invasion of privacy. Now we have to be concerned that just because we happened to be present someplace, sometime, we might be accused of participating in criminal activity??? Folks, that should also

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the world in emissions of greenhouse gases, and has continued to build additional coal-fired power plants, agreed to a goal of zero growth in their emissions by 2060. Excuse me, that doesn’t sound like a very fair contract. Seems to me like we are agreeing to destroy our country in order to save the world??? It should be clear to the reader after watching the weather emergency in Texas and other states, that totally relying on wind and solar energy is unrealistic. This morning I also got to thinking about how this emergency would be magnified if everyone was depending on electric vehicles??? Finally, the new President is not off to a great start on unifying this country. I’ve lost count but I think he has now signed over 30 Presidential Orders on things ranging from stopping the construction of the oil pipeline running from Canada to the Gulf Coast which will result in dramatically more negative economic disasters than just the loss of construction jobs, to an order which when expanded, will allow biological males to participate in female sports, to not only stopping the building of the border wall between us and Mexico but opening up the border to illegal immigration. In the case of the latter decision, how can we rationalize doing this when we are in the middle of a pandemic crisis with emergency economic needs for our own citizens many of which are unemployed and out of work??? Well, I haven’t seen a single action that he has taken that I agree with. These actions in my opinion are more reflective of a dictator rather than a President of a Democratic country! Jerry Esmay Stevensville

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Continued from page 1 Regarding the concern that the Town does not currently have water rights for the proposed subdivision, Mefford’s slide stated, “Many municipalities face similar situations whereas their water rights don’t align entirely with their places of use, points of diversion, yields and volumes prescribed in their legal water rights. The Town is actively working on bringing itself into compliance with respect to water rights. The water rights issue can be worked on concurrently with a subdivision and sanitation application. The developers have agreed to donate all their surface water rights to the Town, as the project is platted out to assist in water rights mitigation present and future. The Town’s water right attorney has expressed confidently the Town has sufficient water rights to complete the water rights place of use application without any water rights from BFE.” Mefford went through the issues that have been brought up through previous public comments and responded to each of those. (The full presentation can be found on the Town’s website at www. townofstevensville.com under Community Development/ Projects and Proposals.) In summary, Mefford presented the following: “The property is already annexed and zoned. The property had a very similar previous entitlement. There is existing infrastructure in place, and which anticipated the lands to be developed. The project complies with the growth policy. The project complies with Town Development Code, Subdivision Regulations, No Variances are proposed. The project is in alignment with existing zoning, or approved zoning if re-zone to C-2 were approved. Traffic Impact Studies have been conducted showing minimal impacts to the adjacent roadway network. Water and Sewer is anticipated to be provided by the Town, of course this will only occur once capacities and designs are verified by professional engineers and the required regulatory reviews are completed and found to be satisfactory. Storm water runoff will be treated and released at pre-development rates in an approved manner and locations. High ground

water concerns will be mitigated by notifications to future homeowners, through elevated slab on grade construction, permitting NO basements or crawlspaces, and utility trench plugs for underground work. The developer is in agreement with the staff report and conditional recommendation of approval by the planning board and looks forward to starting this appropriate and greatly needed addition to Stevensville in 2021.” Mefford said that the developers have been working on this project for over a year. “We want the opportunity for everyone to get their answers. But there is a regulatory process that’s running. The town owes the developer some due diligence on that in following through with what’s on the table. We are well past that deadline.” He said they were granted an extension, but that extension is “extremely expired.” He said the staff report was completed in August, then some additional information was submitted and the report was updated. “For months we tried to get a planning board meeting. Then the board wanted more public participation. Then the two public hearings. At some point, we need to get a decision.” “There were a couple moments where the back of my neck got pretty hot,” said Devlin after the presentation. “The people you’re speaking of are my neighbors, my neighborhood. I visit their businesses, I work alongside them. Creekside was approved for five phases. We understand that that was expired… But that was accepted in the form that it was. Now we have a new developer coming in that isn’t following the same pattern that Creekside was. What you’re proposing is almost double.” “When we are speaking about this community that obviously cherishes and loves this community, that are so passionate that they are willing to fight for this, we have to be really mindful of how they are perceiving this,” said Devlin. “I understand your frustration, but we have to be mindful of the other side. Yes, you are entitled to an answer. You need a decision, but we need answers. Let’s give our community members the opportunity to ask those questions. They are deserving of that.” “I think there are a lot of questions,” said Ludington.

Liz Cook liz@bitterrootstar.com

Star

James Pickford james@bitterrootstar.com

“But this is not a house by the end of this year. This is a house by maybe the end of next year, if they can get the permits that are required. Is the town’s water problem going to go away? No, we’re always going to have that. But the growth policy says you don’t try to divide the pie smaller. You make the pie bigger. What we’re doing with Burnt Fork Estates is making the pie bigger… so that we have more people using our utilities… We are on the cutting edge of doing what is necessary to make sure that the town has what it needs to exist… That was the plan back in 2000 when we annexed this property. We need more people in this town in order to be able to do what we need to do to make sure that we can provide quality water and wastewater treatment. We can’t stay static. It will just cost us too much. We have to be able to move forward… With the help of somebody who is developing additional property in this town we will get that.” Vick pushed for giving the public another chance to speak at a public hearing, especially after hearing the new information presented by Mefford. Devlin said she still wanted the developers to host a question and answer session. Although Mefford was reluctant, he did agree to hold a meeting to answer direct questions from the public. The meeting will be advertised in the Bitterroot Star. “I really appreciate that,” said Devlin. “I think it’s really important.” The council voted to table any decision on Burnt Fork Estates until at least a question and answer session and another public hearing are held. In other business, the council: • approved the mayor’s appointment of Elizabeth Hyde as volunteer firefighter; • approved disposing of surplus phone system and electronics; • approved a Liquor License Ownership Transfer from Bradley Paulson to TKO Walker LLP, 209 Main Street (High Country); • approved Resolution No. 486, reinstating funding for the water/sewer bill assistance program. Victoria Howell can be contacted at: victoriahowell53@ gmail.com or (406) 207-8793.

Creating more, good-paying Montana jobs Senate Republicans tackled many issues in new law will keep our young, talented teachers in the first half of the session, but the most urgent, Montana and bring Montanans that left back home critical accomplishments of the first half all had for better pay. one thing in common: creating more, goodSenate Republicans also passed bills to build paying Montana jobs. rural broadband, providing more Montanans SB 65 protects Montana businesses from with access to reliable, high-speed Internet. Not frivolous coronavirus-related lawsuits. It is key only do these bills, SB 51 and SB 297, help rural to the Montana Comeback Plan because it allows businesses grow and create jobs, but it also offers Montana businesses to reopen their greater opportunity for Montanans to doors and get Montanans back to work enjoy telecommuting jobs – a rapidly in these newly reopened businesses. growing industry in the wake of Republicans also passed multiple COVID-19. tax reform bills that ease the tax The Colstrip package of bills, SB burden on Montana businesses, 260, 265, and 266, protect Montana’s provide incentives to make Montana a interests in the Colstrip coal-fired better place to do business, and create power generation facilities and secures more good-paying Montana jobs. the jobs these facilities create. As SB 159 makes Montana’s top corporate owners in Washington and income tax rate more competitive Oregon face increasing pressure to with other states, which will attract close these facilities, this package of Senator business investment in Montana and bills ensures that decisions impacting provide tax relief for every Montanan the future of Colstrip are made in making more than $18,400. Montana and considering the best The BIG Jobs Act raises the interest of Montanans. business equipment tax exemption to This is just a shortlist from the first $200,000, which exempts 4,000 small businesses half. Senate Republicans have passed many pieces (including 1,500 farmers) from the business of legislation that grow Montana’s economy, create equipment tax completely. This legislation will good-paying jobs, expand access to affordable help existing Montana businesses grow and create health care, protect individual rights, increase jobs. Meanwhile, the Montana Entrepreneur government accountability, and provide Montana’s Magnet Act, SB 184, incentives new companies kids with a quality education. We will continue to to come to Montana and bring their high-paying work on even more legislation that builds on these jobs with them. HB 252 provides employers a tax critical accomplishments. There is no doubt that we will continue leading incentive to invest in trade education for their the Montana Comeback Plan in the second half of employees, grow Montana’s skilled labor force the session. We will also be passing a conservative, here in Montana, and encourage companies to balanced budget that doesn’t raise taxes on invest in Montana jobs. ordinary Montanans and small businesses, grows But Republicans’ job-creation bills didn’t stop our economy, and creates a business-friendly in the private sector. The Tomorrow’s Educators environment that stimulates job-creation and a Are Coming Home (TEACH) Act is also now law. better quality of life for all Montanans. By providing incentives to raise starting teacher Just as in the first half of the session, I pay, the TEACH Act will help Montana’s effort encourage you to participate in the legislative to recruit the next generation of high-quality educators in Montana’s public school districts. The process, and I welcome your feedback.

Jason Ellsworth

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Bitterroot

BFE: Property already zoned

Calendar

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Gamblers Anon

Gamblers Anonymous meets Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Catholic Church, 411 S. 5th Street in Hamilton.

ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL CHURCH 203 Main St. Stevensville • 777-0028

WIC clinics

Ravalli County WIC is a nutrition education program that serves pregnant, post-partum, and breastfeeding women, children from birth to age 5 and women whose pregnancies have ended early. WIC also welcomes dads, grandparents, and foster families. The WIC program is offered In Hamilton Monday through Thursday 8:30-4:30 at 205 Bedford Street, Suite P, District Courthouse Building in Hamilton. The Stevensville clinic is open on Wednesdays at the United Methodist Church, 216 College Street in Stevensville. The Victor Clinic is the second Tuesday of the month at the Victor Nazarene Church. The Darby clinic is open every month on the third Monday of the month at the Darby Library.Call 406-802-7180 for more information.

Family Shelter

The Family Shelter of the Bitterroot is dedicated to helping homeless and needy families in the Bitterroot Valley. If you are interested in helping or need help, call Gary Locke for more information, 239-8833.

Three Mile Coffee

Three Mile Coffee Club meets every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at 1064 Three Mile Creek Road. Everyone is welcome. Good coffee, conversation and get to know your neighbors. All ages welcome. For information call Colleen at 777-3710.

BitterRodders Cars

BitterRodders Car Club meets the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st in Hamilton. Everyone welcome. For more information call 961-3136.

Child care help

Are you struggling to pay for child care right now due to the added burdens of the pandemic or a reduction of working hours? You may qualify for child care assistance through the Best Beginnings Child Care Scholarship! Contact Child Care Resources today to see if you qualify at 406-728-6446. Or, visit us online at childcareresources.org.

Divorce Care

Divorce Care is a free class/support group for those needing support, hope, and healing during and after divorce. Divorce Care meets at Hamilton Assembly of God every Wednesday evening at 6:30 starting February 3 through April 29. Anyone can join at any time. Please see Divorcecare.org for more information.

Soul Suppers

Soul Suppers in Stevensville Served Every Wednesday! Free home cooked carry out meals with a message served every Wed.evening at 6 p.m. 101 Church St. Stevensville. For more information, contact Corey at 406) 214-8708.

Audubon

Join Bitterroot Audubon and the Bitterroot Public Library for a Special Zoom Event on March 25th, at 7 p.m. For assistance , email community@bitterrootpubliclibrary.com or call the library at 406-363-1670.

Defensive Handguns

For Women Only - Introduction To Defensive Handguns March 27 & April 10 2021 This 2 day course is for women with little or no experience with handguns, who may be frightened of handguns or who are considering acquiring a handgun. The first day course is designed to assist you in choosing the right handgun – for you. It will also introduce you to the facilities of the Whittecar Range. The class is limited to 10 participants. For an application or further information call Lee at 642-3590 or Jim at 360-8392.

Worship at 11:00 a.m. In this Church there shall be no outcasts.

Grief Support Group

Starting Saturday March 6th through Saturday May 29th. At the Florence Carlton Community Church 20075 Old Hwy 93 South (White Building between the 2 churches) Call Deborah Foley for more info 208240-4313.

Stevenville Senior Center

Now serving meals at the Center Monday Wednesday and Friday at 11:30 am. You can still order and pickup meals to go on Monday from 11:00 am to 11:30 am.

Bitterroot Celtic Society

Plans are underway for the 2021 Bitterroot Celtic Games & Gathering to be held at the Daly Mansion on August 21-22. Volunteers are needed for planning and at the event. Meetings (currently virtual) are held every 3rd Thursday at 6 PM, and volunteers and the public are always invited to attend. For more info, please call 406-274-8886 or visit www.bcgg.org.

Ravalli Economic Development

The Ravalli County Economic Development Authority Finance Committee will meet Wednesday, March 17, 2021 at 2:15 p.m. A meeting of the RCEDA Board will follow at 3:00 p.m. These meetings will take place at the RCEDA Conference Room located at 274 Old Corvallis Road in Hamilton. Both meetings are open to the public.

Kindergarten registration

Stevensville Primary School will be having Kindergarten Registration in the elementary gym lobby. Students must be 5 on or before September 10th to register. Bring a copy of their immunization records and birth certificate. Questions 406-777-5613 Victor School’s Kindergarten and Pre-K roundup will be April 8th from 10:00-11:30 am Must be 5 by Sept 10th

Pachyderm Club

The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, March 19, 2021 at noon at The Frontier Cafe; HWY 93 in Stevensville. Our guest speaker will be Sheriff Steve Holton. The North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the first and third Friday of each month from noon to 1 P.M. The North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome

Ravalli Republican Women

Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at 11:30 am at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. We will have a class in communication, education and how to navigate The National Republican Women’s site and The State of Montana’s legislature site. Bring your laptops, tablets or I-pads. Ravalli County Republican Women meet the fourth Tuesday of each month.

North Valley Public Library

Story Time Live Online! – Wednesday, March 17, 10:30 am Tune in to North Valley Public

Library’s Facebook Live Wednesday March, 17 at 10:30 am for St. Patrick’s Day stories, songs, a quick early literacy activity, and a link to a creative craft! Zoom Art Club for Kids – Thursday, March 18, 4 pm Is your child in need of a creative outlet? North Valley Public Library is here to the rescue with Zoom Art Club. Join us on Thursday, March 18 at 4 pm. Since we can’t get together in person, let’s get creative and do some fun art projects together on Zoom! You can watch the lessons live or recorded. After you’ve registered on the Library’s website, check your email for the Zoom meeting link and passcode that we’ll use for each meeting. Make sure to register for each month you’d like to attend and pick up your materials at the Library the week of each meeting. This program is suitable for ages 5-11. Crafty Friday! – Friday, March 19, 4 pm Each week, come for a low key craft and chill time at the library. Do the craft, your homework, or just read, it’s up to you. Physical distancing will be observed and masks are required. Ages 12-18. Registration is strongly suggested, sign up on the Library’s website. Space is limited. Upcoming Events Maker Kits for Kids & Teens – Week of March 22 (and the 2nd & 4th weeks of each month) Register every other week for a different science experiment, art/craft project, or a maker activity. Please register for each week you wish to receive a kit on the Library’s website. Check out some fun Maker Kit demonstration videos on the Library’s YouTube channel, NVPL Youth Programs. Pick up your kits on Mondays or Tuesdays during the Library’s open hours, 10 am-7 pm. Kits will be tailored for age groups ranging from 2-18. StoryWalk® - March 29-April 12 North Valley Public Library is partnering with the Town of Stevensville to bring you another amazing StoryWalk®! StoryWalk® is an innovative and delightful way for children — and adults! — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time. Pages from a children’s book are displayed along an outdoor path. As you stroll down the trail, you’re directed to the next page in the story. Join in the fun starting on Monday, March 29 starting on the east end of the Stevensville Bike Path (the part closest to town). Please register on the Library’s website so we know you plan to participate! You can visit the walk any time during the day and it will be displayed for two weeks. Our story will be Do Frogs Drink Hot Chocolate?: How Animals Keep Warm by Etta Kaner. Please practice social distancing while you participate. Other Ongoing Programs & Happenings Book Bundles Need help deciding what to read next!? Have a library youth specialist custom-curate a selection of items for you! Get a pile of books from our collection that we think you’ll love. Let us know your favorite types of books and our experts will create a bundle just for you. Bundles include up to 5 items and will be ready within two to three days. We will notify you when they are ready for pickup at North Valley Public Library. Register for yours on the Kids’ Zone page of the Library’s website. This service will be offered for the foreseeable future for ages 0-18. 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten What is 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten all about? It is a national program that promotes early literacy and reading together with your child. The concept is simple; read a book (any book) to your newborn, infant, and/or toddler. The goal is to have read 1,000 books (yes, you can repeat books) before your little one starts kindergarten. Please register below. You can then pick up a packet in the Children’s Room, print sheets from the Library’s website, or download the app (free in your app store). Each time you reach 100 books come in to the Library to turn in your sheet and get another or just show us your app. For every 100 books you read together, you’ll get your name on our digital “Wall of Fame” on the Library’s website. That’s it! Well, except that you and your child will have cuddle time and be building literacy skills and learning new things together. Register on the Kids’ Zone page of the Library’s website. Happy reading!

Bitterroot Star -- Page 7

Victor Adult Education Spring 2021 Classes For more information about instructors you can visit our web-site at www.victor.k12.mt.us To sign up for a class, please call 642-3221 Co-Ed Basketball: This class is intended for those who would like to have fun and play some competitive basketball. Gym Instructor: Kyle Ball. Meets: (MON & THUR) March 18th-May 6th 7:00-9:00 pm. Open enrollment Cost: $5.00 per night or $20.00 for spring season Co-Ed Volleyball (Beginners – Intermediate): This noncompetitive volleyball is for anyone wanting to learn to play volleyball, or those wanting to get back into playing with a slower pace. Instructor: Amber Kay. Meets: Friday nights 6-7:30, runs 8 weeks starting March 12th Cost: $25.00 Co-Ed Volleyball (Advanced): This Class is intense and intended for those who have played a lot of volleyball. This is a very competitive group of players. Max 12. Gym Instructor: Amber Kay. Meets: Fridays, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. March12–April 30th Cost: $25.00 Get up, get moving and ready for summer! Socially distanced group fitness class with a mix of stretching, cardio, tabata, body resistance, and circuit training. All fitness levels welcome. Optional equipment: yoga mat, 3-10 lb. dumb bells, and resistance bands. Instructor: Bonnie Taylor. Meets: Mondays - April 5-May 10. 5:30-6:30 pm Cost is $5 per session or $25 if you pay up front for all sessions. Independent Personal Fitness: Bring your own fitness goals and work outs, using Victor School's facilities.Equipment available for use includes free weights and machines in the weight room, ellipticals, stationary bikes, exercise balls, bands, yoga mats, jump ropes, ladders, and mini hurdles, or bring your own equipment. Great for those with their own strengthening, stretching or aerobic plans who just need a space to work out. The perimeter of the gym or multipurpose room will be available for those wishing to find a place to walk or jog indoors out of the cold, ice and snow. A facilitator will be onsite to demonstrate care, use of equipment and space. Instructor: Bonnie Taylor. Meets: Tuesdays, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. April 6- May 11. Cost $5 per session or $25 if you pay up front for all sessions. Intermediate Mix Media Painting: Two separate classes offered! Bring your own brushes, paint-thinner in a wide mouth jar with lid and palate (if you have one). Paint and other supplies are provided. Class will be held in the Art Room. Instructor: Steve Wilson. Meets: (THURS, FRI & SAT) 1st class: March 11th & March 12th 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and March 13th 9:00 am – Noon. 2nd class: March 18th & 19th 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. and March 20th 9a.m. - Noon. Max of 12. Cost $35.00 each class

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St. Mary’s Family Center • Stevensville

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Bitterroot Star -- Page 8

Serving the Bitterroot Valley in the areas of tax law, business and estate planning, and real estate property law.

The Bitterroot Star Weather Summary Bitterroot Seven Day Forecast

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Partly Cloudy

Partly Cloudy

Mostly Cloudy

Mostly Cloudy

Mostly Cloudy

Cloudy

Mostly Cloudy

53 / 30

58 / 33

57 / 34

51 / 29

49 / 25

47 / 26

43 / 19

Local UV Index

Detailed Local Forecast

0-2: Low, 3-5: Moderate, 6-7: High, 8-10: Very High, 11+: Extreme Exposure

Today we will see partly cloudy skies, high of 53°, humidity of 58%. Light winds. The record high for today is 71° set in 1972. Expect partly cloudy skies tonight, overnight low of 30°. Light winds. The record low for tonight is 1° set in 1965. Thursday, skies will be partly cloudy, high of 58°, humidity of 50%. South wind 2 to 5 mph. Thursday night, skies will be partly cloudy, overnight low of 33°. South wind 5 mph. Friday, skies will be mostly cloudy, high of 57°, humidity of 50%.

Weather Trivia

Peak Fishing/Hunting Times This Week

0 - 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11+

115 W 3rd Street Suite 103 Stevensville jmasar@lionwoodlaw.com www.lionwoodlaw.com Ready to help.

Why does lightning seem to flicker as it flashes in the sky?

?

Day Wed Thu Fri Sat

Answer: Lightning is not just a single stroke, but a succession of many strokes.

JOHN MASAR Attorney 406-625-2682

Weather History March 17, 1990 - Showers and thunderstorms associated with a slow-moving cold front produced torrential rains across parts of the southeastern United States over a two-day period. Flooding claimed the lives of at least 22 people, including 13 people in Alabama. March 18, 1925 - The great "TriState Tornado" occurred. It was the most deadly tornado in the history of the United States. The tornado claimed 695 lives (including 234 at Murphysboro, Ill. and 148 at West Frankfort, Ill.) and caused 17 million dollars in property damage.

Peak Times AM PM 3:36-5:36 3:57-5:57 4:19-6:19 4:41-6:41 5:04-7:04 5:27-7:27 5:52-7:52 6:16-8:16

Day Sun Mon Tue

Peak Times AM PM 6:42-8:42 7:08-9:08 7:34-9:34 8:01-10:01 8:28-10:28 8:55-10:55

www.WhatsOurWeather.com

Sun/Moon Chart This Week Day Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue

First 3/21

Full 3/28

Sunrise 7:44 a.m. 7:42 a.m. 7:40 a.m. 7:38 a.m. 7:36 a.m. 7:34 a.m. 7:32 a.m.

Sunset 7:45 p.m. 7:46 p.m. 7:48 p.m. 7:49 p.m. 7:51 p.m. 7:52 p.m. 7:53 p.m.

Moonrise 9:44 a.m. 10:07 a.m. 10:35 a.m. 11:09 a.m. 11:51 a.m. 12:43 p.m. 1:44 p.m.

Moonset Next Day 12:22 a.m. 1:27 a.m. 3:30 a.m. 3:31 a.m. 4:26 a.m. 5:14 a.m.

Last 4/4

New 4/11

Last Week's Almanac & Growing Degree Days Date 3/8 3/9 3/10 3/11 3/12 3/13 3/14

High 39 40 43 47 50 56 56

Low 27 27 23 22 23 25 24

Normals Precip 47/26 0.06" 47/26 0.02" 48/26 0.00" 48/27 0.00" 49/27 0.00" 49/27 0.00" 49/27 0.00"

Farmer's Growing Degree Days Date Degree Days Date Degree Days 3/8 0 3/12 0 3/9 0 3/13 0 3/10 0 3/14 0 3/11 0 Growing degree days are calculated by taking the average temperature for the day and subtracting the base temperature (50 degrees) from the average to assess how many growing days are attained.

Chuck Stranahan’s

Flyfishing Journal

Going beyond the ready-made

Make your

mark

Whether you’re a startup or a well established presence in your community, we have the tools you need to reach your customers and now we offer Personalized Branding Options, with Axes, Growlers, Hats, Branded Office Supplies, Corkscrews, Carabiners and more! If you need 5,000 pens with your name, or just one special item to reward your employee who is celebrating 25 years with you, we’re here to help.

Liz Cook liz@bitterrootstar.com

Bitterroot

Star

Jean Schurman ads@bitterrootstar.com

I learned from a friend in Deer Lodge recently that my byline had hit the local paper. There was talk of that since Jesse Mullen, who own the Phillipsburg Post and Silver State Mail in Deer Lodge, took over the Bitterroot Star. Jesse and I are on schedules that have confounded a sit-down meeting, so word that my column had been syndicated, sorta, came as a welcome surprise. We decided to call it my Flyfishing Journal for several reasons. One, the views expressed here, while not necessarily inflammatory or dangerous, are exclusively and unabashedly my own. Second, as the title of a wonderful old book by Dana Lamb says, The Fishing’s Only Part of It. I know a few fly fishermen who are obsessed with numbers of fish caught. Most of us aren’t like that; they’re missing so much. And what they’re missing is often what I try to grasp in this column. A journal takes in all of it. IT’S ABOUT WHY WE FISH – NOT JUST HOW Our interests include every need that might take us to the stream, everything we experience while we’re there, and everything we might store in our hearts and memories when the day is over. There’s more to writing about fly fishing than reporting which fly is the hot pattern, or how far above your nymph you should set your bobber. And a lot of that reporting, the modern folklore of our sport, just happens to be wrong. But I’ll get back to that later. I might go on an occasional rant about conservation. Most of us treasure the fishery resources that nourish our souls, and the whole ethos of water, wildlife, and unspoiled natural habitat that sustains them. Most of us are committed to protecting them. I’ll try to help. And sometimes, when there’s something that gets at the heart of why we fish, I’ll try to preserve the essence of that experience by wrapping words around it. And at that point, if writing is to have value, it must be shared. If, in my words, you see chunks of my heart on my sleeve every now and then, that’s where they belong. That part of me has more to do with my flyfishing than the contents of my fly box. But I’ll share that, too. If you’ve been reading this column for a while, you know what I mean. If you’re seeing it for the first time, welcome – and like the musician who sings and plays his song, this song’s for you. I welcome, value, and appreciate your feedback.

OLD MAN POWELL’S ADVICE One of my mentors was the legendary bamboo rodmaker Walton Powell. He could be downright abrasive, but was always direct. He once started a seminar by asking the attendees, “You wanna catch more fish than the other guy? Then fish where he doesn’t, when he doesn’t, and how he doesn’t.” As we await the skwala hatch on the Bitterroot that’s sound advice. Already the throngs of floaters are pitching #8 nymphs or drydropper rigs at the outside of bends, places that held fish last summer. Those lies might be running a little swift while the nondescript slower water on the inside, near the visible gravel bar, might be more productive. But you have to approach it cautiously. Don’t disturb. No shadows. Comb it out carefully with your casts. Fish it during the pleasant part of the day – midafternoon can be the best time. And as to flies – during the lag between press deadlines

and the time you read this, the dry fly skwala stonefly fishing could come on full bore – but my nagging sense is that it won’t. My young friend and accomplished fly tyer, Hudson Ruiz, captured a #14 nemoura stonefly recently. He took a photo of that fly next to his tie of this year’s nemoura pattern with UV dubbing in the body. Nemouras are out - and that fly will produce. On the middle and lower river there are places up against the banks where you’ll find more nemoura nymphs getting ready to hatch than skwalas. Word to the wise: While a dry-dropper with a #8 skwala on top and another #8 nymph two or three feet below will get you into fish, you might up your odds by going longer on the tippet, and trailing a #12 Hare’s Ear or Copper John behind the bigger nymph – or try a nemoura dry with a #12 or #14 nymph underneath. You might catch more fish than the other guy.

Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS 1. Winter sport 4. Uses 10. Speak softly 11. What you watch for a photo 12. Artist’s creation 13. Write in code 14. Paltry 16. Acid 17. El __ (Texas city) 18. CA city 20. Street (abbr.) 22. Reside 26. Tool 29. Rewrote 31. Milder 33. Vane direction 34. Being 35. Untalkative 36. Determines how heavy it is 37. Ocean

DOWN 1. Terror 2. Asian nation 3. Tiny amounts 4. Cain killed him 5. Plastic 6. Circle part 7. Movie star 8. Caps 9. Germ 15. Distress call 19. Boxer Muhammad 21. What babies grow 23. Objects 24. Locus 25. Swelling 26. Some (2 wds.) 27. Citizen of Denmark 28. Baked pasta dish 30. Removes the water 32. Big truck © Feature Exchange

See Answers, page 13

Outdoors Wednesday, March 17, 2021

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The Southern Ground Hornbill of Tanzania uses its bill to extract insects out of the dirt.

Just the Facts – Part Two

Hamilton 363-4700

by Gary Swant This is a continuation of last week’s article on the fascinating facts about birds. Here is one that is still not understood. Song birds that migrate at night and sing, (warblers, and sparrows) collide with buildings more often than birds that don’t sing (vireos, and flycatchers) while migrating. A possible explanations is that bird species that sing and become disoriented in a city of tall lighted buildings, make stress calls that attract even more birds into the high rise building area, causing more collisions and deaths. Part of the solution is to turn lights off in buildings at night during spring and fall migration. The longest annual migration belongs to the Arctic Tern which breeds in the Arctic Circle and winters in Antarctica, clocking 60,000 miles a year. I have been fortunate to observe this species both in the summer in northern Alaska and in our winter in Antarctica. Last February while watching an Arctic Tern fly over my head along the Northwest Antarctic Peninsula, I was awe struck that a bird weighing only 3.9 ounces, with a wingspan of 31 inches could successfully make such a migration year after year. With an average life span of 20 years, Arctic Terns log 1.2 million miles in migration. Much of the food intake of a bird is primarily accomplished by the bill. Consequently, bills have considerable variation in size and shape. Herons and other species with long spear like bills actually catch their prey in the tips of their bills, they do not spear prey. Not all bills are rigid. Some species have bills where the tip can be opened and closed independent of the rest of the bill. Woodpeckers have bills where the lower mandible is longer than the upper mandible. This moves the force of the strike against wood to the back of the skull and not through the brain. If the strike force was on the upper mandible it would cause a concussion. In addition, spongy bone at the base of the upper mandible helps to absorb the force of striking wood. Other species like swallows and nighthawks fly with their bill wide open, catching insects on the fly. Have you ever noticed that some birds break open a seed at your feeder and others fly off with the seed, only to return quickly for another seed? Jays, and

The Collared Aracari of Panama with its bill adaptation for eating fruit. chickadees take food from your feeder and cache or store the food elsewhere and return later to consume it. It is estimated that scrub-jays store up to 5,000 acorns for use in winter months. Clark Nutcrackers dig holes in the ground and store pine seeds. High altitude Pinyon Pines are dependent on Clark’s Nutcrackers for seed dispersal and germination. Seeds that are buried in the ground and not retrieved spout and start another generation of trees. Some worry that putting out feeders makes bird depend and when feeders are empty bird survival is less. Studies have shown that of those birds that use feeders, half of their diet is still found away from the feeder. Do you ever tire of feeding House Sparrows? They are not very exciting to watch and in addition they are a nonnative species which often out compete and keep other species away from your feeder. If you have a tube feeder you can hang nylon fish line, or chalk line from the top of the feeder to about an inch below the feeder every four inches encircling the feeder. For some reason that I don’t understand, house sparrows will not cross through the lines to feed. All other species of sparrows, finches, nuthatches and chickadees don’t hesitate to cross through the lines into your feeder. House sparrows also spill a lot of seed on the ground, encouraging Rock Pigeons and Eurasian-collared Doves to search under your feeder for seeds.

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This winter has been an amazing year for the expansion of Blue Jay in southwest Montana. We have had 3 to 4 daily at our feeders. Most years we see none. On our recent Christmas Bird Count we had a total of nine Blue Jays. As I write this it is snowing heavily and we have 6 different Blue Jays at our feeders. Never, never use millet bird seed. Yes it’s cheaper, but it does not encourage the use of your feeder by native species. Non-native species like Eurasiancollared Doves and House Sparrows prefer millet. Always place your black sunflower feeder near a hedge row or bush so birds can fly from protection to your feeder and then back to safety. You can increase species and bird use at your feeder by adding suet cages and thistle or Niger seed feeders. During warm weather months provide dripping water near the feeders for even more bird species. I hope that I peeked your interest in what amazing creatures birds are. As mentioned earlier, buy a copy of What is it like to be a Bird. I have been reading one to two bird accounts a day and thoroughly enjoy their unique adaptations and features. Of course, it helps that I do this at seven in the morning, with a cup of coffee in front of the fire place. After reading a few pages I’m ready to take on the rest of the day. I look forward to watching my feeders for birds that demonstrate what it is like to be a bird.

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Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Bitterroot Star -- Page 10

Puppet books make great gifts for beginner readers!

Spring is just around the corner!

“Death in the Afternoon” by Ernest Hemingway

“Tough Trip Through Paradise: 18781879” by Andrew Garcia

“Images of America: Deer Lodge” by Lyndel Meikle

“Wildflowers of Montana” by Donald Anthony Schiemann “A Time for Mercy” by John Grisham

Oregon Country: the Story of the 1843 Oregon Trail Migration” by T.J. Hanson

“Trout: The Complete Guide to Catching Trout with Flies, Artificial Lures and Live Bait” by John Van Vliet

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Obituary Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Bitterroot Star -- Page 11

Josephine Dora Garcia Gonzalez, 1925-2021 Spokane, WA - Josephine Dora Garcia Gonzalez passed away surrounded by family on March 9, 2021 at the age of 96 in Spokane, WA. Dora was born to Jose Z. and Genoveva G. Garcia on January 26, 1925 in San Antonio, Texas. She graduated from Little Flower Catholic High School in San Antonio, Texas. Dora went to Omaha, NE to go to Federal Communication Commission School to study morse code, teletype, meteorology and communication. After completion she traveled to

Kansas City, KS to test for her radio operator license which she passed and then on to Chicago, IL for training with the Civil Aeronautic Administration to learn her tower operator training. Chicago is where she met “Si” Gonzalez for the first time. On February 16, 1946 Dora married “Si” Gonzalez in San Antonio, Texas They moved to Stevensville, MT and raised their three children Rita, John and Roberta in the three mile area. She was a members of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Stevensville.

They owned and operated a dairy farm for 24 years until they sold it and bought the “Mini Market” in Stevensville. Dora was a huge supporter of the Stevensville School activities programs. She enjoyed watching her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in all their school activities. Besides the basketball and football games she enjoyed camping, fishing, gardening and canning to keep her pantry well stocked. She was a talented quilter and gave many family members a beautiful quilt or two. Dora

Fernie May Anderson. They had four children together. Robert opened his own saw mill in Seeley Lake. By 1969, he bought a ranch in Stevensville where he worked for nearly five decades. He was a well-known figure at the Stevensville Cafe where he ate breakfast and lunch almost daily while chewing the fat with fellow long time Stevensville residents. Robert was quiet, had kind eyes and a warm smile. Though quiet, he wouldn’t hesitate to say what was on his mind at the right

moment. He possessed a mastery of ingenuity for using whatever was on hand to fix or build what he required. He had a deep love for nature and his family. Robert is survived by his former wife, Fernie May Anderson, his daughters, Terrilyn Lewis, Tamara Lewis, Toni Lewis Clark (Tim) and his son Robert Lewis (Monica). Services will be announced at a later date. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com

Robert Lee Lewis, 1936-2021 Robert Lee Lewis, affectionately known as Pepaw by his eight grandchildren, passed from this plane on January 20th 2021 in Hamilton, MT. Robert was born the second of 8 children by Rose Brechbill and Edwin Lewis in Stevensville, MT on March 24th, 1936. He grew up in the Ambrose hills where both his parents were raised. At a young age, Robert understood the value of work and bought his first car at 11. While working in timber at Seeley Lake, he met his wife,

loved and participated on a bowling league for many years in Stevensville. Her greatest love was her family and home. She hosted many family dinners which was followed by games and great conversations. She created an environment for lasting, loving memories. Dora is survived by her three children Rita (Ken) Clark in Spokane, WA , John (Nancy) Gonzalez in Seeley Lake, MT and Roberta (Jacques) LeCoure in Ellensburg, WA. She is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, many

Obituary Information

There is no charge for publishing death notices in the Bitterroot Star. The cost for publishing obituaries in the Star is $25 for 300 words, which includes a photo. The best way to submit obituaries and photos is by email to: editor@bitterrootstar.com. For more information contact our offices at 777-3928.

Scott Mucha

Robert ‘Bob’ Reed, 1940-2021

Stevensville - On March 11, 2021, Scott Mucha died peacefully in his sleep, finally ending his lifetime struggle with numerous medical problems, namely diabetes, eye surgeries, kidney transplant, several strokes and kidney failure. He will be sorely missed for his strength, his willingness to help others and especially his sense of humor. He loved his family and friends. He is survived by his parents, Richard and Judy; his sister, Tina (Matt) Blakey; his nephews, Mitch (Brittney) and Matthew Blakey. He specified that no service be held. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www. whitesittfuneralhome.com.

Stevensville - Robert “Bob” Reed passed at his home on March 7, 2021, with family at his side. He was born Aug. 25, 1940 in Missoula, the son of Homer and Emma Reed. His childhood was spent with a fishing pole in his hand, exploring the Rattlesnake and the mountain lakes of Western Montana. Upon graduation from Sentinel, he attended the U of M and played football for the Griz. He then went on to be a smoke jumper for several years.

In 1962, he and Betty Olson were married, and enjoyed 59 years together. Bob began his career early as a car salesman at HO Bell Ford, and as Manager for 93 Chrysler Plymouth Dodge in Missoula, before moving to Stevensville where he opened Country Carriage and later Reed’s Auto Mart. His love of sports led him to start the Stevensville Booster Club, and with the help of many others, they spent countless months building the

Online coaching launches in response to COVID Writing Coaches of Montana seeks community members in Ravalli and Missoula Counties to participate in its coaching program with the mission of helping local students improve their writing skills. Specifically, the program seeks to help students think critically about their writing assignments so they can become confident and competent writers. In August of 2020, in response to COVID-19, Writing Coaches of Montana developed an online coaching program with the help of Rita Braun, Regional Director, and Stefan Olson, a technology contractor. The program meets FERPA (Family

Educational Rights and Privacy Act) student privacy requirements and uses the Google Suite for Nonprofits. Coaches use Google Meet to conduct online coaching sessions with students. Cassie Sheets, the program’s Executive Director, along with Rita, is running a successful online coaching program in the following schools during spring 2021: Corvallis High School, Sentinel High School, Whitefish High School, Whitefish Middle School. Mr. Al Hammel of Whitefish High School said about his English class: “I had an overwhelming amount of positive feedback from each and every one of my students about how much

they valued their time with the writing coaches.” He also expressed appreciation of the opportunity for his students to have human interaction and support from community members in Western Montana. “I just can’t express my gratitude enough for the Writing Coaches of Montana.” Cassie Sheets is currently seeking people interested in learning more about the program and becoming a volunteer online writing coach. To become a volunteer and learn about best writing instruction practices, community members can attend a virtual training Thursday, March 25, 6:00pm8:45pm. Following that training, writing coaches

will view a 45-minute video on their own time to learn how to navigate Writing Coaches of Montana’s online coaching platform. Cassie will be available for follow-up questions at any time. Community members interested in learning more about the program and to volunteer can contact Cassie at cassie@ writingcoachesofmontana. org. To learn more about the program, visit writingcoachesofmontana. org. The Writing Coaches of Montana started with the Missoula County Public Schools in 1995 and then expanded to Ravalli County in 2016 and Flathead County in 2019.

Case counts continue to drop in Ravalli County

Ravalli County Public Health is still reporting low number of positive COVID infections. Ravalli County Public Health has received notification from CDC regarding updated guidance for residents fully vaccinated for COVID-19 virus. People are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose of Pfizer or Moderna or 2 weeks after a single dose of Johnson & Johnson Janssen vaccine. The updated guidance pertains specifically to things residents had stopped doing because of the pandemic. CDC is stating

that fully vaccinated residents can: • Gather indoors with other fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask or physically distancing • Gather indoors with unvaccinated people from a single household without masking or physically distancing, provided none of the unvaccinated are at increased risk for severe illness • You can refrain from quarantine and testing following an exposure provided you do not develop symptoms. • There is no longer a 90-day limitation post vaccination on quarantine. If

you have been fully vaccinated you do not need to quarantine or test unless you develop symptoms after a known exposure. Vaccine is becoming more available. County health is still under the phase requirements as set by Montana DPHHS. However, federal allocation of vaccine is available at local pharmacies, such as Osco, Walgreens, Bitterroot Drug and Corvallis Drug. If you do not fall in to the current Phase 1B or 1B+, please check with the pharmacies for availability.

nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband “Si” of 72 years. A vigil service will be held at Whitesitt Funeral Home at 7:00 pm on March 24. Mass of a Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday March 25th at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Interment will follow at Riverside Cemetery and the reception will be at 393 Groff Lane, Stevensville, MT. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome. com.

current track and football field. He loved spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, and time at his place on the West Fork. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Gene. He leaves behind his wife, Betty, sons Mike (Monique), Jim (Paris), and daughter Debbie, all of Stevensville; as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. At his request, no services are planned. Thank you to all for your thoughts, cards, and condolences; as well as Marcus Daily Hospice and Whitesitt Funeral Home. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www. whitesittfuneralhome.com.

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The Bitterroot Star is your only LOCAL newspaper! We are pleased to provide weekly copies to everyone for free but we can only do that with your continued support. You can invest in the Bitterroot Star by: • Advertising • Subscribing Or, you can pick it up for free at 100+ locations throughout the valley. For more information contact our office at 777-3928. Thank you!

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Bitterroot Star -- Page 12

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Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Bitterroot Star -- Page 13

Calling all Bitterroot avian photographers! by Michael Howell The Bitterroot Audubon Society has announced that it is resuming publication of its annual Bitterroot Bird Calendar and is calling on local photographers to submit photographs for the upcoming edition of the 2022 calendar. Publication of an annual calendar featuring photographs and drawings of local birds has been the organization’s mainstay for raising funds over the last several years. The pandemic disrupted last year’s efforts, but the group has pulled things together to make it happen in 2022. “Calendar sales at the Hamilton Farmer’s Market have always been a key part of the group’s success but the pandemic made that risky, especially for older folks,” said longtime member Mike Daniels. “A lot of our key people were in the high risk category and we didn’t want to put anyone at risk, so we just put it off.” As the surge shows signs of leveling off and maybe even subsiding some by summer, Pam Murphey is ready to give the Farmer’s Market a try this year. Murphey is new to the project and shy about discussing it. “Some of these other people have been involved in this for years,” said Murphy. “They know so much more than me.” But what she does know is that she loves birds, she loves Bitterroot Audubon and the work they do in the community, and she’s bound and determined to help them out with their calendar sales this year. The format for the calendar will follow the traditional style, with one large photo of a bird at the top and another smaller picture at the bottom of the page along with a child’s drawing. The children’s drawings that accompany the photos are chosen from among submissions from a fourth grade class from one of the valley schools. The chance to submit drawings rotates from school to school each year, but this year it has come full circle and it will be fourth graders from Daly School in Hamilton who contribute to the 2022 calendar. According to Daniels, they discovered

Pam Murphy and Michael Daniels from the Bitterroot Audubon Society are out inspiring local photographers to send in their photos of local birds for possible publication in the upcoming 2022 Bitterroot Audubon Calendar. Deadline for submission of photos is April 15. Photo by Michael Howell that fourth graders are at the optimal age to contribute good bird drawings. “Before that, their birds are pretty abstract, if you know what I mean. By the age of four they have just learned to really draw a bird and are excited about it,” said Daniels. “After that, by grade five, they don’t seem to show much interest.” Right now, the focus is on looking for local photographers to submit something for consideration before the April 15 deadline. Daniels said that the calendar committee, consisting of six or seven judges, is looking especially for photos of birds that have not already appeared in past calendars. They have published a long list of these so far uncalendared birds that can be found on the group’s website: www.bitterrootaudubon.org. Photos need to be extremely sharp, a minimum of 300-600 dpi, in an uncropped format. The monthly

calendar photos are printed in the portrait format. Daniels said they are looking for photos that help families identify and learn about the birds, so the critical marks for identifying the bird need to be pictured. “Photographers should remember that these are all just suggestions and that anything goes if it’s good enough,” said Daniels. As it states on the organization’s website, “While we have created this prioritized list for photographers to ‘focus’ on some possible birds, we will still lovingly receive any bird photo you would like to send in!” Photos should be sent to bitterrootcalendar@gmail.com before April 15. Please indicate 2022 Calendar in the subject line. The money raised by the calendar sales goes to all sorts of projects. They sponsor a scholarship fund for any Montana student who is majoring

in Natural Resources, whether it’s in forestry, biology or even mining. They support local conservation and habitat restoration projects. They also donate to other non-profit organizations that don’t have the same fundraising capacity, such as the valley’s winter eagle project. They also support the efforts of groups like the Bitterroot Land Trust as they strive to preserve natural habitat for birds and other wild creatures in the valley.

Crossword Solution

Michael Howell michaelonburntfork@ gmail.com or (406)239-4838.

© Feature Exchange

No One Else Comes Close to the Bitterroot Star • Largest Readership • Competitive Advertising Rates • Local News Liz Cook: 880-2007 | liz@bitterrootstar.com James Pickford: 540-3331 | james@bitterrootstar.com

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Bitterroot Star -- Page 14

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Wednesday, March 17, 2021

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Legals Wednesday, March 17, 2021

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Oleta Rae Kendrick Cause No.: DV-21-61/7 Dept. No.: 1 HON. HOWARD F. RECHT AMENDED Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Oleta Rae Kendrick to Lee Kendrick Marrow. The hearing will be on March 31, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Date: February 17, 2021. PAIGE TRAUTWEIN Clerk of District Court By: Mary Fliss Deputy Clerk of Court BS 2/24, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17 ****** Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of James Timothy Etheridge: Petitioner Cause No.: DV-21-72/3 Dept. No.: 1 HOWARD F. RECHT Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from James Timothy Etheridge to James Timothy Snow. The hearing will be on March 31, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Date: February 17, 2021. PAIGE TRAUTWEIN Clerk of District Court By: Mary Fliss Deputy Clerk of Court BS 2/24, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17 ****** Bill Nelson, Esq. NELSON LAW OFFICE PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840 Telephone: (406)363-3181 Facsimile: (406)552-0153 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF Robert Andrew Martin, Deceased. Cause No. DP-21-19 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must be either mailed to the Personal Representative, Kelly Martin, return receipt requested, c/o NELSON LAW OFFICE PLLC, 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED this 22nd day of February 2021. Bill Nelson, Attorney for P.R. 217 N. 3rd Street, Ste J Hamilton, MT 59840 Kelly Martin Personal Representative BS 3/3, 3/10, 3/17

ceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Laurel S. Housh, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at the Law Offices of Richard A.Weber, 345 West Main, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. Dated this 17 day of December, 2020. Laurel S. Housh Personal Representative BS 3/3, 3/10, 3/17 ****** RICHARD A. WEBER, P.C. 345 West Main Street Hamilton, Montana 59840 Telephone: 406/363-6888 Fax: 406/363-2972 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY In Re the Estate of: KATHLEEN FRANCES ROUBIK; Deceased. Case No.: DP-21-24 Dept. No. 11 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Andrew C. Roubik, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at the Law Offices of Richard A.Weber, 345 West Main, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. Dated this 25 day of February, 2021. Andrew C. Roubik Personal Representative of The Estate of Kathleen Frances Roubik BS 3/3, 3/10, 3/17 ****** Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Teri Lynn Lorimor: Petitioner Cause No.: DV-21-83/5 Dept. No.: 2 Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Teri Lynn Lorimor to Teri Lynn Clark. The hearing will be on 4/8/2021 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Date: February 24, 2021. PAIGE TRAUTWEIN Clerk of District Court By: Janenne Sorenson Deputy Clerk of Court BS 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31 ****** Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Blaize Edge: Petitioner Cause No.: DV-21-85/3 Dept. No.: 1

******

Notice of Hearing on Name Change

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Blaize Adrian Edge to Blaize Jeffrey Geneav. The hearing will be on March 7, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Date: February 23, 2021. PAIGE TRAUTWEIN Clerk of District Court By: Mary Fliss Deputy Clerk of Court BS 3/10, 3/17, 3/24, 3/31

In Re the Estate of: JANET A. ANDERSEN; Deceased. Case No.: DP-20-154 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said de-

****** MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JU-

DICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE: THE PETITION FOR INCLUSION AND EXCLUSION OF LANDS IN THE DALY DITCHES IRRIGATION DISTRICT IN RAVALLI COUNTY, MONTANA B-BITTERROOT HOLDINGS, LLC, Petitioner. Cause No. DV-82-95/736 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE OF HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing has been set in the courtroom of the above-entitled Court at the Ravalli County Courthouse, Courtroom No. 2, 205 Bedford, Hamilton, Montana, Ravalli County, Montana, for the inclusion of land in the Daly Ditches Irrigation District, the 22nd day of April, 2021 at 1:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard, at which time and place all persons interested in the Petition of B-Bitterroot Holdings LLC to add certain lands described in the Petition to the Daly Ditches Irrigation District in Ravalli County, Montana, may appear to be heard. Said Petition is on file the Clerk of District Court and is open to public inspection. Respectfully submitted this 8th day of March, 2021. Paige Trautwein Clerk of Court BS 3/17, 3/24 ****** Stevensville Elementary School District Resolution (20-9-116, MCA) Resolution of Intent to Impose an Increase in Levies As an essential part of its budgeting process, the Stevensville Elementary School District Board of Trustees is authorized by law to impose levies to support its budget. The Stevensville Elementary School District Board of Trustees estimates the following increases/ decreases in revenues and mills for the funds noted below for the next school fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021, using certified taxable valuations from the current school fiscal year as provided to the district: Fund Supported Estimated Change in Revenues* Estimated Change in Mills* Estimated Impact, Home of $100,000* Estimated Impact, Home of $200,000 Transportation $ 0 increase/decrease 0 increase/decrease $ 0 increase/decrease $ 0 increase/decrease Bus Depreciation $ 0 increase/decrease 0 increase/decrease $ 0 increase/decrease $ 0 increase/decrease Tuition $ 29,000 increase 1.74 increase $ 2.35 increase $ 4.70 increase Adult Education $ 0 increase/decrease 0 increase/decrease $ 0 increase/decrease $ 0 increase/decrease Flexibility $ 0 increase/decrease 0 increase/decrease $ 0 increase/decrease $ 0 increase/decrease Building Reserve $ (200) decrease (0.01) decrease $ (0.01) decrease $ (0.02) decrease Total $ 28,800 increase 1.73 increase $ 2.34 increase $ 4.68 increase * impacts above are based on current certified taxable valuations from the current school fiscal year Regarding the increase in the building reserve levy referenced above, the following are school facility maintenance projects anticipated to be completed at this time: 1. Increased Special Education Costs 2. Deferred Maintenance Stevensville High School District Resolution (20-9-116, MCA) Resolution of Intent to Impose an Increase in Levies As an essential part of its budgeting process, the Stevensville Elementary School District Board of Trustees is authorized by law to impose levies to support its budget. The Stevensville High School District

Board of Trustees estimates the following increases/decreases in revenues and mills for the funds noted below for the next school fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021, using certified taxable valuations from the current school fiscal year as provided to the district: Fund Supported Estimated Change in Revenues* Estimated Change in Mills* Estimated Impact, Home of $100,000* Estimated Impact, Home of $200,000 Transportation $ 0 increase/decrease 0 increase/decrease $ 0 increase/decrease $ 0 increase/decrease Bus Depreciation $ 0 increase/decrease 0 increase/decrease $ 0 increase/decrease $ 0 increase/decrease Tuition $ 29,000 increase 1.37 increase $ 1.85 increase $ 3.70 increase Adult Education $ 0 increase/decrease 0 increase/decrease $ 0 increase/decrease $ 0 increase/decrease Flexibility $ 0 increase/decrease 0 increase/decrease $ 0 increase/decrease $ 0 increase/decrease Building Reserve $ 1122 increase 0.05 increase $ 0.07 increase $ 0.14 increase Total $ 30,122 increase 1.42 increase $ 1.92 increase $ 3.84 increase * impacts above are based on current certified taxable valuations from the current school fiscal year Regarding the increase in the building reserve levy referenced above, the following are school facility maintenance projects anticipated to be completed at this time: 1. Special Education Cost Increases 2. HS Gym Roof Repairs 3. Deferred Maintenance 4. Safety Personnel and Equipment BS 3/17 ****** Annual School Election Petitions of Stevensville School District No. 2, Ravalli County, Montana for the Election of two (2) trustees to be elected for a three (3) year term for the Stevensville Elementary/High school district, one (1) trustee to be elected for a three (3) year term for the Stevensville High school district (Lone Rock Position) and two (2) trustees to be elected for a one (1) year term for the Stevensville Elementary/High school district. The petitions can be picked up at 300 Park Street, Stevensville, MT at the Superintendent Office or the Business Office. Deadline for petitions is March 25, 2021 by 4:00 p.m. BS 3/17 ****** PUBLIC NOTICE Town of Stevensville Separate sealed bids for the construction of 3rd Street East Improvements will be received by the Town of Stevensville at 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, Montana 59870 until 3:00 p.m. local time on Thursday April 1, 2021. The project generally consists of: Resurfacing of 3rd St. E. from Main St. to Park Ave., sidewalk replacement from Pine St. to Spring St., four (4) sewer service replacements and nine (9) water service replacements. Complete digital project bidding documents are available at https:// www.townofstevensville.com/rfps. You may download the digital plan documents. The plans and specifications may be examined through this site for no charge. There will be a non-mandatory PreBid Conference for all bidders that will be held on March 24, 2021 at 1:00 P.M., local time on-site at the Town of Stevensville Town Hall. Interested CONTRACTORS are encouraged to attend. Representatives of the Public Works Department and HDR Engineering, Inc. will be present to describe the project and answer questions. A limited number of people at a time will be allowed into buildings. Please limit personnel to one person per entity.

Bitterroot Star -- Page 15

If your firm is interested, please submit a proposal as described on our website at https://www. townofstevensville.com/rfps. BS 3-17-2021, 3-24-2021 ****** PUBLIC NOTICE Town of Stevensville Separate sealed bids for the construction of 5th Street Improvements will be received by the Town of Stevensville at 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, Montana 59870 until 3:00 p.m. local time on Thursday April 1, 2021. The project generally consists of: Resurfacing/paving of 5th Street from Park Ave. to the west about 160 feet, a pedestrian bulb-out concrete curb and gutter, and signing/ striping. Complete digital project bidding documents are available at https:// www.townofstevensville.com/rfps. You may download the digital plan documents. The plans and specifications may be examined through this site for no charge. There will be a non-mandatory PreBid Conference for all bidders that will be held on March 24, 2021 at 3:00 P.M., local time on-site at the Town of Stevensville Town Hall. Interested CONTRACTORS are encouraged to attend. Representatives of the Public Works Department and HDR Engineering, Inc. will be present to describe the project and answer questions. A limited number of people at a time will be allowed into buildings. Please limit personnel to one person per entity. If your firm is interested, please submit a proposal as described on our website at https://www. townofstevensville.com/rfps. BS 3-17-2021, 3-24-2021 ****** PUBLIC NOTICE Town of Stevensville The Town of Stevensville is accepting Statements of Qualifications (SOQ) from consulting firms interested in the preparation of Global Permit Application and Mitigation Change Application for the Twin Creeks Well Field and Well 1. One firm will be selected to perform the work specified in the Request For Qualifications (RFQ). Teams may be established as necessary; however, it is expected that the prime consultant will be capable of completing the vast majority of the work, and the SOQ must clearly identify the prime for this contract. As a rule, the prime consultant must complete at least 50% of the work for a specific project or assignment unless written exception is given. Montana professional engineering licensure is required for this work and must be in-hand at the time your proposal is submitted. If this requirement is not met and clearly identified in the proposal, your proposal will be considered nonresponsive. If your firm is interested, please submit a proposal as described on our website at https://www. townofstevensville.com/rfps. BS 3-17-2021, 3-24-2021 ****** NOTICE OF MEETING & PUBLIC HEARING Stevensville Planning & Zoning Board NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town of Stevensville is in receipt of an application for the rezoning of future phases of the TWIN CREEKS SUBDIVISION. The application seeks to rezone a portion of Phase 2 and Phase 3 from R-1 Low Density Residential to R-2 Medium Density Residential. Additional information, including the application for rezoning, can be found on the Town’s website: https://www.townofstevensville. com/comm-development/page/ projects-proposals NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Town of Stevensville is in receipt of an application for two parcels having the legal description of LOTS 1 TO 4 LOTS 17 TO 20 BLOCK 10 STEVENSVILLE FIRST STREET CLOSED ADJ LOTS 1 & 20 PF #8043 ALSO ALLEY CLOSURE #542621 and MAY ADD (STEVENSVILLE), S26, T09 N, R20 W, BLOCK 005, Lot 002, LESS E 150’ OF N 60.2’ OF LOT 2 BLOCK 5 MAY ADDN. The application seeks to rezone the parcels from R-1 Low Density Residential to R-2 Medium Density Residential. Additional in-

formation, including the application for rezoning, can be found on the Town’s website: https://www. townofstevensville.com/commdevelopment/page/projects-proposals The Town of Stevensville Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public hearing on the applications on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at 6:30 p.m. prior to making a recommendation to the Town Council. Due to the risks associated with the ongoing COVID-19 Pandemic, the public hearing and board meeting will be held by electronic means, and live-streamed on the Town’s website and Facebook page. Written comments may be mailed to the Clerk of the Town of Stevensville, 206 Buck Street, P.O. Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870, or emailed to clerk@townofstevensville.com. Written public comment must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on March 31, 2021. Citizens may consult the Town’s website for further information about how to virtually participate in this meeting. Questions may be asked or more information may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at 406-7775271. ATTEST: Jenelle Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 3-17-2021, 3-24-2021 ****** Notice of Annual Membership Meeting of the Bitter Root Humane Association The Annual Membership Meeting of the Bitter Root Humane Association will be held on Wednesday, March 17th, 2021, at 6:00pm. The meeting will be held at the Bitterroot Valley Board of Realtors Office, 224 N. 4th Street (corner of 4th & Cherry Street) in Hamilton, MT 59840. The Board of Directors will report to the membership on the state of the organization through committee and financial reports, provide an update on the new shelter and hold elections for the Board of Directors. The public is welcome to attend. BS 3/17 ****** LEGAL NOTICE GREG DOBSLAW, NOTICE IS NOW GIVEN, THAT PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF MC 60-6-601, ET, SEQ, ANT THE CONTRACT YOU SIGNED, THE CONTENTS OF YOUR STORAGE UNIT IS NOW SUBJECT TO AN OPERATORS LIEN. UNLESS THE ACCRUING BALANCE IS PAID IN FULL, BEFORE 12 NOON, FRIDAY, MARCH 19, 2021 THE CONTENTS OF THE STORAGE UNIT WILL BE REMOVED AND SOLD AT XTRA SPACE RV & MINI STORAGE, 350 OLD CORVALLIS RD., HAMILTON, MT, 59840, AT 1PM ON SATURDAY,MARCH,20, 2021 BS 3/17 ****** MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: DOROTHY C. SIMPSON, Deceased. Probate No.: DP-21-32 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to SUSAN R. WORTMAN, LionWood Law, PLLC, 115 W. 3rd Street, Suite 103, Stevensville, Montana 59870, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED this 10 day of March, 2021. SUSAN R. WORTMAN c/o LionWood Law, PLLC 115 W. 3rd Street, Suite 103 Stevensville, Montana 59870 LIONWOOD LAW, PLLC Attorney for Personal Representative John S. Masar BS 3/17, 3/24, 3/31

Wednesday, March 17, 2021

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Delivery Service Monday-Friday 721-2456

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