Law enforcement has often been considered a “man’s job.” Today, that is an outdated view. Seventy years ago, that was the prevailing view. However, living in Stevensville is one of the women who was breaking that mold all those years ago. Angie Holland just turned 100 years old last week, and after working for 30 years in law enforcement, she walked that walk and talked the talk and now looks back on her service to her community with pride.
Holland was a policewoman for over 30 years. Retiring as a sergeant, she was the frst-ever woman promoted to that rank in her department. According to her, she got along well with everyone and that was a big reason she saw promotions. However, the process was not without challenges.
Born on March 3, 1926, Holland frst started in the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). However she was limited on what kinds of things her bosses would let her do. Holland wanted to get out, be on patrol and do real police work. Few women in those days were allowed to do much else other than work desks and dispatch and “the men weren’t very friendly,” there, says Holland.
She found another option and left not long after, moving to the Los Angeles School Police Department (LASPD), also referred to as the LA Unifed Police. The LASPD still covers all schools, from elementary up to high school, and they oversee police work on all county and city properties that house schools in Los Angeles County. The department operates in a similar way to School Resource Ofcers in Montana, but on a much larger scale.
She worked from 1952 to 1982, with the vast majority of that in the LASPD. Holland was one of only eight women in those years. When she started there, the department was only about a dozen ofcers strong. Now, the department has grown to over 600 ofcers and overshadows numerous standard police departments across the country, not only in size, but in training and versatility. Much of that growth occurred within Holland’s time in the department. Holland held numerous positions over the years,
working in the child division with troubled youth, as well as head of investigations. She is proud of her time in investigations and said she was the one investigating break-ins and crime on properties, which usually included theft.
One situation she recounted involved a man who stole a number of typewriters. This was a signifcant deal, because for context there were no computers at the time. Her report led to his capture, and when they went to his house it was packed with a lot of equipment.
Security for high profle school guests was anoth-
er of Holland’s responsibilities. She would stay with the individuals that would come to speak at schools and travel with them on school properties. Through this part of the job she said she had the opportunity to connect with and meet numerous well known people that came out of Los Angeles in those days, including current sitting representatives, actors and more.
Holland oversaw numerous ofcers by the time she would retire from the department and she helped onboard new ofcers into the department. She carried a gun, and often patrolled in an unmarked vehicle, which was standard at that time. She said it was an interesting conversation with LAPD ofcers when she was pulled over, while patrolling at night.
She has been retired for 44 years. Looking back, she said she did it because it paid well. “Well above what other women were making at that time,” said Holland. She loved her job and said, “I’m so glad I had the opportunity.”
Holland celebrated her birthday last Tuesday. The party was attended by retired and currently active ofcers and deputies from numerous departments, from places including Oregon, Ravalli County, Los Angeles and more. According to Stevensville Police Chief John Boe, “She’s kind of like a diamond in the rough, here. Nobody knows she’s got this background.”
Boe was one of the driving forces in organizing the party, and credited a retired LA County Sherif’s Deputy, Augie Tando, who lives in the area. Tando had connections and helped to gather some of Holland’s history. As Boe explained, “A lot of people were interested once they found out she was around.”
At 100 years old, she is still sharp and witty, and she attributes this to the fact that she still goes to the gym every day to ride the bicycle. She eats a good diet and added, “I’m not a gossip. Being a police person, you know how to keep things to yourself.”
She is also a bit of a loner, and can often be found doing her puzzles in the entrance lobby to The Living Centre in Stevensville. According to witnesses, some employees may sometimes “misplace” pieces of her puzzle on purpose, something which Holland is often wise to.
‘Bears of Durango’ flm screening, discussion with bear experts
Dive headfrst into bear dens and bear behavior through the lens of the “Bears of Durango” flm, followed by a discussion with local bear experts on Thursday, March 12 at 6 p.m. The free event is at the Hamilton Performing Arts Center, located at Hamilton High School (327 Fairgrounds Road).
The event begins at 6 p.m. with an introduction by the flmmaker, Dusty Hulet, followed by a screening of the “Bears of Durango” flm, and then an open discussion with a panel of bear experts at 7:15 p.m. The event is free, with no pre-registration or tickets required, and is presented by the Bitterroot Bear Resource Committee, a local group of citizens working to reduce conficts between people and wildlife in the Bitterroot Valley.
The “Bears of Durango” flm details the research and implications of a Colorado Parks and Wildlife research project aimed at better understanding and addressing increases in human-black bear conficts. Beginning in 2011, a team of wildlife researchers, led by Dr. Heather Johnson, spent six years investigating the factors that drive human-bear conficts and the efects of expanding human development on bear populations. The flm won a series of awards, and the research fndings have impacted discussions on human-wildlife coexistence.
“If we want our native biodiversity here, if we want these large carnivores to be back on our landscapes, ultimately we’re going to have to fgure out, how do we coexist? How do we share a single landscape?” said, lead wildlife researcher, Dr. Heather Johnson.
After the flm, stay for an open discussion with Dr. Johnson, Chris Servheen, Ph.D., and members of the local bear team for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, James Jonkel and Brandon Davis. Heather is a research wildlife biologist
at the USGS Alaska Science Center in Anchorage. She has a Ph.D. in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana, a Master of Science in Wildlife Science from the University of Arizona, and a Bachelor of Science in Ecology from the University of California, San Diego.
Chris Servheen, Ph.D. from Missoula, earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of Montana, his master’s degree at the University of Washington, and his doctorate at the University of Montana working on grizzly bears in the Mission Mountains. Chris was the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Grizzly Bear Recovery Coordinator for 35 years until retiring in 2016. During that time, he wrote the 1993 Grizzly Bear Recovery Plan and led the grizzly bear recovery program in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington. Chris has worked on many international bear projects and continues to work on bear topics after retirement.
James Jonkel and Brandon Davis are part of FWP’s western Montana wildlife team and specialize in bear work, including preventing and responding to human-bear conficts. Jamie has worked for FWP for 30 years with over 50 years of experience with wildlife management and confict reduction. He has worked in Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Alaska, New Mexico, Canada and Russia with various private and public entities. He received his Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology and a minor in Journalism from the University of Montana. Davis has a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana. He has been part of the bear team since 2024 and has been working with FWP since 2019 on various species including elk, wolves, bighorn sheep and bears.
Representatives from the Stevensville Police Department with Angie Holland. Photo courtesy John Boe.
Sports
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Florence girls divisional champs
In a stunning display of defensive domination, the Florence Falcon girls basketball team routed Missoula Loyola 55-34 in Pablo on Saturday, March 7 to win the Western B Divisional championship.
In Saturday’s championship game, Florence held Loyola to a season low 34 points, as they deployed a “box and one” defense to counter Loyola’s one-woman wrecking crew, Spencer Laird.
The task of guarding Laird fell mainly to Florence’s Emory Ralston, Taylor Pyette and Kendyl Meinhold, who all had superb defensive performances. Laird still managed 24 points in the game, but most of these came in the second half as Florence had already built up their lead.
“We’ve never thrown a box and one on Spencer before, and I have watched other teams try it,” said Florence head coach Shane Meinhold. “We thought with our athleticism and the way we pressure the ball, the box and one might throw their rhythm off how Loyola likes to run their offense. The girls did a great job executing it.”
Florence’s offense was crisp and effective all night and the Falcons jumped out to a 14-7 first quarter lead and a 30-14 halftime lead. It was more of the same in the second half, as Florence kept up the pressure and rolled to the 55-34 victory.
Saturday’s meeting was the fourth time that Florence (ranked #4 in the final 406mtsports.com poll) and Loyola (ranked #2) have played this season. Florence won the first matchup 48-59, then Loyola won the next two games 67-52 and 62-57. Florence’s divisional win evened the series at two wins each.
Offensively for Florence, Kendyl Meinhold led a balanced attack with
13 points. Ali Meinhold had 11, Maggie Schneiter and Madigan Hurlbert each had 10. Jaden Fisher had 6, Taylor Pyette had 3, and Shelby Crocker added 2.
Falcons soar i nto state
Wi th their divisional victory, Florence earned the West’s #1 seed at the Class B State Tournament in Bozeman on Thursday, March 12 to Saturday, March 14. Florence plays Huntley Project, the South’s #4 seed, bright and early on Thursday morning at 9 a.m. at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse.
“We are feeling really good heading into state,” said Meinhold. “The girls are playing really hard and fighting for each other. I keep saying it, but our maturity compared to past years is a big difference maker for us.”
All the teams at the state tournament are talented and formidable, and Florence has two of the best Class B girls teams on their side
of the bracket, as #1 Baker (23-0) takes on #3 Glasgow (22-2) in the other game in the Florence/Huntley side of the bracket. Florence and Baker played in what seems like years ago on December 6, which Baker won 74-60.
“The state tournament has a different energy and in past years our girls had a tough time playing in the moment and harnessing that energy,” said Meinhold. “This is our third year in a row being at state and I see our team having a much more business-type approach to coming home with some hardware. I’m very proud of these girls and everything they’ve accomplished. I’m hoping they have a strong run and get to play Saturday night.”
Divisional
g ame recaps
F lorence 67, St. Ignatius 32
T he Florence girls played #8 St. Ignatius in their semifinal game on Friday, March 6. St. Ignatius was 18-1 heading into this game, but
that lone loss was to Florence. Florence took care of business again, as they controlled the game from start to finish, leading 20-10 after the first quarter and 44-19 at halftime, en route to an impressive 67-32 victory over a top ten team.
For Florence, Ali Meinhold led the scoring with 17 points. Maggie Schneiter had 12, Emory Ralston and Jaden Fisher each had 9, Kendyl Meinhold had 8, Madigan Hurlbert had 6, Shelby Crocker had 4, and Taylor Pyette added 2.
Florence 61, Plains 17
Th e Florence girls played Plains in their opening game on Thursday, March 5. The Falcons got up early and didn’t look back as they led 40-7 at halftime and rolled to a 6117 victory.
For Florence, Kendyl Meinhold led the Falcons with 18 points. Maggie Schneiter had 13, Ali Meinhold had 11, Taylor Pyette had 7, Jaden Fisher had 4, and Emory Ralston and Madigan Hurlbert each added 3.
The Darby girls played in the Western B Divisional Tournament on March 5 to March 7 in Pablo. Darby was District 6B’s #4 seed and they played 7B’s #1 seed St. Ignatius in their opening round game on Thursday, March 5. The St. Ignatius girls had only lost one game on the season up until
this game, and Darby had trouble matching up with them. Darby played hard but lost 11-67. For Darby, Hadley Heiland led the way with 9 points and Brooklyn Janis added 2. This loss sent them to the losers side of the bracket, where Darby played Plains on Friday
morning. This game was more evenly matched compared to the St. Ignatius game, but Darby fell short and lost 43-50.
This loss ended the season for the Darby girls. Special congratulations to Darby junior Hadley Heiland who surpassed 1000 points for her career at divisionals.
The Florence girls basketball team with their 2026 Western B Divisional Championship trophy. Florence routed Missoula Loyola 55-34 in the championship game in Pablo on Saturday, March 7 to win the title. Photo courtesy of Shane Meinhold.
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Western A divisional results
The Hamilton school hosted the boys and girls Western A Divisional Tournament on Thursday, March 5 to Saturday, March 7. There were three Bitterroot Valley teams that competed in the tournaments: the Corvallis girls, the Hamilton girls, and the Hamilton boys. None of the Bitterroot teams placed in the top four, so they all ended their seasons at divisionals.
Dillon reigned supreme as the Dillon girls defeated Frenchtown 50-35 to claim the girls Western A Divisional title. The Dillon boys defeated Ronan 59-45 to claim the boys Western A divisional title.
Hamilton girls
The Hamilton girls were the Southwest’s #4 seed and played the Northwest’s #1 seed Bigfork in their opening round game on Thursday, March 5. The Hamilton girls played one of their best games of the season, but came up just short, losing 38-39 to a tough Bigfork team.
For Hamilton, Ashlynn McKern led the scoring with 11 points. Kassidee McKern and Taryn
Hochhalter each had 8 points, Annalise Lewis had 6 points, Meryn Leonardi and Nellie Dickemore each had 2 points, and Loretta Hanson added 1.
This loss sent the Hamilton girls to the losers side of the bracket where they played Columbia Falls on Friday. This was an evenly matched contest that was tied at halftime, and Hamilton trailed 22-23 heading into the fourth quarter. But Hamilton went cold down the stretch and Columbia Falls got hot and Hamilton lost 27-42.
For Hamilton, Taryn Hochhalter led the scoring with 10 points. Meryn Leonardi had 5, Ashlynn McKern had 4, Anna Lewis had 3, Nellie Diekemore and Kassidee McKern each had 2, and Loretta Hanson added 1.
Hamilton boys
The Hamilton boys were the Southwest’s #4 seed and played the Northwest’s #1 seed Ronan in their opening round game on Thursday, March 5. The Hamilton boys kept the game close for the first three quarters and Hamilton trailed 32-36 heading into the final frame, but the Broncs were outscored 11-20 in the fourth quarter by the Chiefs and Hamilton lost 43-56.
For Hamilton, Jake McCarthy led the scoring with 14 points. Cooper Weston had 10, Trevyn Bakken had 9, Cash Duncan had 6, and Kaeden Gum and Cash Lockhart each added 2.
This loss sent the Hamilton boys to the losers side of the bracket where they played Browning on Friday. Hamilton kept it close
early and trailed 10-15 after the first quarter, but Browning’s pressing defense and hot shooting were too much for the Broncs as Browning pulled away in the second half and Hamilton lost 36-68.
For Hamilton, Jake McCarthy led the scoring with 13 points. Cartier Ferguson had 7 points, Trevyn Bakken and Cash Lockhart each had 5, Cooper Weston had 3, Sawyer Dowd had 2, and Taylor Doleac added 1.
Corvallis girls
The Corvallis girls were the Southwest’s #3 seed and played the Northwest’s #2 seed Whitefish in their opening game on Thursday, March 5. Corvallis got off to a slow start and trailed 8-21 at halftime. Corvallis found their footing in the second half but couldn’t overcome the early deficit and lost 31-47.
For Corvallis, Ella Varner and Ava Loran led the scoring with 7 points each. Lauryn Holmberg had 6, Kate Allen had 5, Briella Epling had 4, and Ellie Knapp had 3.
This loss sent the Corvallis girls to the losers side of the bracket where they played Browning on Friday. The two teams had similar styles and it was an entertaining, up and down matchup. Corvallis jumped out early and led 10-4 after one quarter and 22-19 at the half. After an even third quarter, Corvallis led 35-33 heading into the fourth. Unfortunately for Corvallis, Browning got hot as the game wound down and Corvallis lost 43-48.
Corvallis’s Ella Varner had a great game. The athletic senior was all over the court and led Corvallis with 18 points. Kate Allen had a solid game and scored 15, Lauryn Holmberg had 7, and Eva Loran added 2.
Snowpack defcits continue to grow across Montana
As of March 1, most Montana basins are now reporting below normal snowpack, ranging from around 60% to 95% of median.
“The current snowpack percentages compare the amount of snow water equivalent in the mountains to the median amount typically seen on March 1,” says Florence Miller, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Hydrologist. “During March and April, these values generally remain more stable than people might expect. For example, during a low-snow year like the one Montana is currently experiencing, snowpack often sits around 70-80% of median. In contrast, a high-snow year might reach 120-130%. Percentiles provide a diferent perspective by telling us how conditions rank compared to all others on record. Think of lining up all winters from lowest to highest snowpack, this year’s conditions largely range from the 5th to 30th percentiles, meaning our current snowpack ranks in the bottom 5% to 30% of all seasons.”
There are some notable exceptions. The Upper Clark Fork currently ranks at the 45th percentile, the 50th percentile would be considered a normal winter. The Tongue River basin is currently in the 0th percentile, setting the record for lowest snowpack documented on March 1. A stark elevational contrast persists in this year’s snowpack. Higher elevation SNOTEL sites are reporting closer to normal values, and lower elevation SNOTELs and snow courses are reporting record breaking lows. Of the 232 SNOTEL and Snow Course snow monitoring stations measured on March 1 with at least 30 years of data, 24 experienced their lowest snowpack on record, 26 their second lowest, and an additional 28 were in the lowest fve years on record.
February brought well below nor-
mal precipitation (35% to 80% of median) to SNOTEL sites in northwest and central Montana, as well as the Powder and Tongue river basins. Southwest and south central Montana received near to slightly below normal monthly precipitation (90% to 100% of median). Wateryear-to-date precipitation remains at 100% to 135% of median, thanks to the record breaking precipitation delivered by December’s atmospheric river. The full infuence of this early season moisture remains to be seen. While December precipitation likely helped recharge groundwater sources and stock high elevation snowpacks, warm temperatures and the lack of valley snow coverage may reduce those benefts. This year has brought above normal temperatures to every month of the snowpack accumulation season. Drought conditions worsened in February, with 95% of the state now experiencing drought conditions. This is a drastic increase from the December 30 drought conditions, where only 52% of the state was experiencing drought conditions, and is an example of the diminishing infuence of December precipitation.
NRCS Water Supply Forecasts are published March through June. March 1 forecasts provide an initial look at what snowmelt driven runof might look like this year. Water supply volumes for April-July and April-September are forecasted at near to below normal across the state.
“The March 1 forecasts are refective of high water-year-to-date precipitation and high elevation snowpack,” explains Miller. “Given the inherent uncertainty of early spring forecasts, and the lack of valley snow, it could be prudent for water users to make conservative management decisions that take into account the full suite of forecast predictions, especially on the lower end.”
Photos highlight the tale of two snowpacks. On the right is the Revais Creek Snow Course (4,830 ft.) northwest of Missoula, and like much of the state, there is minimal snow. The photo on the left is the Carrot Basin SNOTEL (9,200 ft.) north of West Yellowstone; a reminder that there is still snow to be found up high. Despite a few high elevation holdouts, Montana sits farther below a normal snowpack than at this time last month. If warm and dry conditions persist, even the higher elevations will start to struggle to hold on. Left photo by Eric Larson, NRCS, February 19, 2026. Right photo by Quentin Means, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, February 23, 2026.
Uncertainty in this month’s forecast is derived from the uncertainty of future spring weather. Seasonal snowpack typically peaks in early to late April. How close middle and high elevation snowpacks come to reaching their normal peak will largely determine snowmelt driven runof. Although snowpack defcits are unlikely to make a full recovery, ample spring precipitation could moderate the efect on summer streamfow. Likewise, a continuation of warm and dry conditions could further diminish forecasts.
A full report of conditions on January 1 can be found in the monthly Water Supply Outlook Report available on the Montana Snow Survey website. In addition, real-time snow survey data can
be found at nrcs.usda.gov/montana/ snow-survey.
For 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat. NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-onone, personalized advice and fnancial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.
The Hamilton girls, the Hamilton boys and the Corvallis girls, all participated in the Western A Divisional tournament in Hamilton on March 5-7. Left to right: Hamilton’s Taryn Hochhalter, Hamilton’s Cartier Ferguson, and Corvallis’ Ella Varner. Photos by Scott Sacry.
Concerning protesting
The reason you can hold protest rallies against our government is because you live in America, a country that is ruled “of the people, by the people, and for the people, under God.”
Peaceful protests are allowed, but violence, burning cars, destroying property, and disobeying the police is against the law.
Communism-socialism is not “for” the people, but against them. Iran has killed 32,000 of its own people because they are protesting for the freedom we have here in America. Is this the kind of government you want? Once a country becomes socialist, your freedom is gone. The government controls you. Yes, they are flling you with lies about how everything is “free.” Do not be deceived by these lies.
Right now we have a president who loves America and is trying to keep your freedoms from being taken away. And yet folks protest against him and everything he is doing. Why?
Do you realize most of the bigger protest rallies, especially in large cities, are well organized, fnanced and started by those who are against freedom, and want to take over our government.
So, before you protest, whether in a rally or with the written word, stop and ask yourself, what exactly am I protesting? Why am I doing this? What do I hope to accomplish? Am I protesting against the very freedom that allows this? Consider Russia, Iran, China, or North Korea. Do you want that kind of government?
As for me, I want freedom. And I believe most people here in the valley want a free country. Therefore, we must strongly support President Trump and the eforts he is putting forth to keep the freedom we now have here in America.
Grace Wilson Stevensville
Freedom staggers
The liberty paid for by those who preceded us is diminished when those who beneft fail in their responsibilities. Basic among those responsibilities is frst to acknowledge that requirement, and then to act upon it. Some matter more than others, and the results, good and bad, vary as much as those requirements. The eforts required to satisfy those needs, whatever they are, dignify the sacrifces made to create them.
Specifcally, the subject now is the responsibility to vote. The structure, that is to say, the process, has within it the expectation that thoughtful consideration will be given to the particular subject. That conclusion requires the efort of voting to complete the process.
Only then are the needs of that responsibility satisfed. Only then is the voter acting to sustain freedom. Only then have they acted responsibly. As a citizen, not a subject.
Please vote. The results of the interim elections set the stage for the following elections.
Your vote is the validation of your beliefs.
William (Bill) Campbell Conner
To all candidates and constituents
DINOS for RINOS! RINOS for DINOS!INDEPENDENTS for RINOS and DINOS!
One OATH to the U.S. Constitution. No other oath to PARTY or PARTY BOSSES.
STOP name calling! STOP blaming others!
Opinion
Be respectful! Practice CIVILITY!
VOTE your HEART! VOTE your VOICE!
Reject the voices of DARK MONEY! They are not the voices of your NEIGHBORS! PRACTICE good GOVERNANCE! With LIBERTY and JUSTICE for ALL! John Grant Hamilton War concerns
My main concern about this war is the welfare of the Iranian people and those afected in the region. I am concerned because they are human beings and I try to make no distinction between people because of national origin.
The Iranians did not deserve to have their democratically elected prime minister overthrown by the CIA and MI6 because they wanted to control their own resources. They did not deserve 23 years of repression under the Shah. They didn’t deserve to have their revolution hijacked by Islamic extremists. They didn’t deserve an eight-year war of attrition with Iraq. They didn’t deserve 46 years of extreme oppression by a regime of religious zealots. They don’t deserve to be bombed by the US and Israel and now likely sufer thousands of “collateral” civilian deaths like the 175 killed in the attack on a girls’ school this last Saturday. No one deserves this.
I hope this bombing campaign leads to the overthrow of the odious Islamic Republic and its replacement with something better. If that was the goal, I doubt this is the best way to go about it. Trump and Netanyahu telling unarmed Iranians to overthrow their entrenched and armed police state is cynical PR meant to impress the gullible. If history is a guide, things will likely get worse for the Iranian people and they, like everyone, do not deserve this.
John Schneeberger Hamilton
Olympics
It does not seem possible to me that the President of the United States would recognize one Olympic team, and one team only, for its Gold Medal and not all the other teams and individuals who worked so hard over the years to compete in the Olympics… win or lose!
As Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the US Olympic Committee, stated, “These Games showcased the very best of Team USA: resilience, unity and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”
Our US athletes gained 12 gold, 12 silver, and 9 bronze medals for a total of 33 medals…the best for the US in Winter Olympic history!
And the only team that President Trump would recognize and invite to the State of the Union address was the Men’s Olympic Hockey team, many of whom were reluctant to attend, but did so for their pride in America and their team! Surely they deserve to be recognized, but so did the Women’s Hockey team which also received Gold medals in defeating Canada… and all our other men and women who did so well representing our country.
One more failure in a long line for Donald Trump!!
Tom Tunny Hamilton
False fronts
What ails politics in our great state? It's not honest disagreements, diferences of opinion, or difering policy objectives that afict our system of government. It is those who present themselves and their motives falsely, masquerading to curry favor with those they hope to infuence; all the while harboring hidden agendas and motives. For example, in 2024, a PAC called
Conservatives4Montana, representing the “Solutions Caucus,” spent record amounts of money in primary elections. But where did this money come from, what does it represent, and what strings came with it? First, Guarantee PAC, gave $80k to Conservatives4MT. This group was itself funded by the Global Impact Social Welfare Fund and Western Futures Fund, which are designed to promote no limits on abortion in our state as well as across the nation. Secondly, Unite PAC, largely funded by Michael Bloomberg and other coastal liberals, gave $75k to Conservatives4MT and $700k to a committee promoting ranked choice voting in Montana. This committee was run by former legislator and one of Conservatives4MT’s largest individual donors, Bruce Tutvedt.
Amazingly, there is more. A Helena based political consulting frm called Fireweed, a frm run by the political director of the Teachers Union and former executive director of the Montana Democratic Party, received a direct payment of $107k from the Western Futures Fund, which supports left wing ballot measures. At the same time, this frm was being directly paid by “moderate” Republican candidates like Josh Kassmier, the ringleader of the Senate faction which caucused with Democrats this last Montana legislative session.
These false fronts are a real problem in Montana politics. It is a sad commentary that self-styled moderate Republicans claim to represent Montanans while accepting funds from groups who align with the national progressive Left. Only the voters can hold accountable candidates that label themselves Conservative while secretly promoting progressive ideas and being funded by the same progressive groups. Rep. Amy Regier, HD6 Kalispell
War in Iran
As I write this letter, our military strikes against Iran are in their ffth day. My initial reaction to President Trump’s decision to initiate this military action was – IT’S ABOUT TIME! We have watched this evil empire grow from a regional nuisance to a world-wide threat to world security. While our previous presidents have confronted the Iranian military capability growth and terrorist support through limited military support of Israel and diplomatic pressure, Iran has continued to chant, “death to Israel AND America.” It has been widely accepted by both of our political parties that Iran cannot have a nuclear missile capability, but that was where they were obviously headed for the last 40+ years.
The current Iran situation has reminded me of the world situation leading up to World War II. Hitler’s rise to power, while not exactly identical to the Iranian dictator, was a result of force and/or coercion. His activities building up the German military were illegal and against World War I treaties, but he was able to defect criticism through diplomatic maneuvering. Bottom line –the European countries were reluctant to directly confront him. The diplomatic approach continued right up to Hitler invading Poland and the start of World War II.
The Iranian scenario, in my opinion, fts into the old adage that, “if you don’t know history, then you are bound to repeat history.” I think it boils down to rational people don’t understand irrational people. Here at home, the Democrats continue to display TDS (Trump Derangement Syndrome.) Holding up funding for Homeland Security is downright stupid. Their behavior at the recent “State of the Union” speech was disgusting and un-American. How can you NOT stand
for “America First,” stand for Medal of Honor awards, wear a badge stating “F___ ICE”, skip the speech to dress up to resemble a bunch of frogs, etc. Thank God that Trump is President. Jerry Esmay Stevensville
Zinke, Daines
fnally do right thing
Montana is looong overdue to have representation at the federal level that is aligned and attuned to the people of Montana. These millionaires haven’t done anything to help the people of this state but they’re always frst in line for the photo shoot about a program that the people want and need, even if they voted against it - which they usually did.
The good news is that we have several people in both races that will truly represent the overwhelming majority of Montanans. Don’t pay attention to the letter after their name. Listen to what they have to say without any preconceived notions. I bet you might be surprised.
Montanans have always been rational and reasonable. Most of us know what works and what doesn’t. Most of us aren’t really fooled by the political promises although we’re often disappointed by what actually happens. Zinke and Daines have repeatedly voted against not only the best interests, but the interest in general of everyday Montanans. They have consistently supported the billionaire Epstein class at the expense of the rest of us. We have a chance to fx this.
Please make an efort to hear in person the candidates for these ofces. Please approach it with an open mind. Think about yourself and your neighbors and your community and choose who listens to you, respectfully, and who will best represent you, your community, Montana. The primaries are in early June, closer than you think.
Mark Van Loon Hamilton
Questions for Sheehy
Senator Sheehy, I hear that you are (perhaps) confused as to what your job in the Senate as one of Montana’s representatives is?
I don’t recall anywhere in any of the literature available indicating that your job includes assisting the police in removing a Veteran, a citizen, expressing their rights as guaranteed under the 1st Amendment to our US Constitution for any location? Perhaps, if you have it available, could you forward that to me?
Absent authorization to step in, on behalf of the police, breaking his arm, aren’t you then guilty of assault?
Much like we the people have not provided authorization to kill US Citizens for exercising their rights, under the 1st Amendment, to DHS, or ICE, or violation of the Posse Comitatus Act, so to have we not provided authorization to you to act as a police ofcer.
Senator, are you not capable of representing me, as a Montanan, as a US Citizen, in the US Capital as a representative, hearing voices from all the people that you were elected to represent? If you choose to be a police ofcer, please resign promptly from your seat in the US Senate, take the required exams for joining the police force and join them. Your position in the Senate is not a part time job where you can go all vigilante on the side.
When you got your cowboy license, did you have to check your Minnesota nice persona when you opened the Cracker Jack box?
Accountability sir - please!
Larry Keogh Hamilton
County Collaborative opposes Sheep Creek Mine
by Michael Howell
The Ravalli County Collaborative Committee, established in 2017 by the Ravalli County Commissioners to promote the wise use of natural resources and foster collaboration among local, state and federal agencies, has issued a strong position statement in opposition to the proposed Sheep Creek Mine.
“While we recognize the national discussion surrounding the need for critical minerals, we firmly believe that the pursuit of such resources must not come at the expense of permanently degrading our local ecosystems, community-chosen livelihoods and quality of life,” reads the recently released position statement. “The specific location of this mine on Sheep Creek presents an incompatible and unacceptable risk to our most valued assets.”
The committee, composed of 15 members appointed by the commission -
ers, has been advising the county on natural resource issues for nine years and arrives at its recommendations through a consensus process. In this case, they state, “Our position is clear and resolute. The RCC strongly urges the U.S. Forest Service (Bitterroot National Forest), the Montana Department of Environmental Quality, and all relevant agencies to deny all permits for the Sheep Creek Mine proposal and calls upon our elected representatives at the county, state, and federal levels to actively oppose this project and to advocate for the permanent protection of the Sheep Creek watershed from industrial mineral development.” The RCC “stands ready to mobilize our collective resources, expertise, and unwavering commitment to ensure this project does not proceed.”
The committee found the risk to the valley’s water unacceptable, stating, “Sheep Creek is a pristine tributary
feeding the Bitterroot River, the hydrological heart of our valley and economy… No mitigation technology can guarantee the protection of these waters for the centuries such pollution would persist. The health of our fisheries, the purity of our irrigation water, the safety of our drinking water, and the viability of our agriculture are too much to risk.”
They also found the proposed mine to be a direct threat to the valley’s economy, stating, “The Bitterroot’s economic drivers are agriculture, recreation, tourism, and the service sectors that support them. An industrial mine risks contaminating our brand as a healthy, scenic and livable valley, thereby jeopardizing the businesses and jobs that sustain our communities for the fleeting promise of a small number of mining jobs.”
Other values in the upper West Fork that would be affected include a vital wildlife corridor that “would likely fragment habitat and disrupt
migration, undermining decades of regional conservation efforts” and also threatens critical Bull Trout habitat.
The proposed mine would also negatively impact the majority of locally provided services including, but not limited to: road and bridge infrastructure, law enforcement, education, medical, Search and Rescue, volunteer fire departments, wildland fire, and air quality.
“The history of mining in the West is clear,” states the RCC. “Mine owners leave, passing on to communities and taxpayers the significant costs of perpetual water treatment and environmental remediation. The RCC has no confidence that financial assurances will be adequate to cover ‘forever’ liabilities. Ravalli County must not be forced into a gamble where our future generations and downstream users inherit a toxic burden.”
According to the RCC the Sheep Creek Mine proposal has been advanced “without
the input or full knowledge of the people who call Ravalli County home” and contradicts the clearly expressed will of many residents who place a high priority on protecting watersheds, working lands, and wild places. Their statement concludes, “Some places are too valuable to degrade. Sheep Creek and the Bitterroot Valley are such places. We oppose this mine to protect the water, the economy, and the legacy of our valley. For the Bitterroot, For Our Future.”
Committee Chairperson Margaret Gorski said that coming to a consensus in the Bitterroot over natural resource issues in a committee with such a large and diverse membership has not been easy historically.
“But this was easy,” she said. “Everyone recognized the exploratory mining being proposed in the headwaters of the West Fork was of great concern and needed to be addressed. No one thought it was a good idea.”
Glass, battery recycling scheduled
On Saturday, March 14, Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) will be holding its frst event of 2026 at the North parking lot at Ravalli County Fairgrounds in Hamilton. Gates open at 10 a.m. through 1 p.m. Donations will be collected to cover the costs of getting your glass and batteries to sites elsewhere in the U.S. to be processed and recycled.
At the last event, held in October of 2025, volunteers collected 7400 lbs. of glass. Ravalli County Recycling partners with Recycling Works MT, who owns and operates the equipment that collects the glass and
hauls it to their site in Missoula. Recycling Works also holds glass drop of events in Missoula and Seeley Lake throughout the year.
Recycling Works partners with glass processing plants in other states who re-purpose used glass into insulation and other products. A laser system is used to sort glass by color. Diferent colors are used for diferent products. RCR is picky about making sure that they only accept glass products (as opposed to Pyrex for example), because they don’t want to contaminate the load with products that cannot be recycled by the processing
plants. They also reject broken glass, because they need to ensure that it is safe for volunteers to handle when they move it from your vehicles to the collection bins.
Ravalli County Recycling has grown and adapted to change to stay relevant and proactive throughout its history. Currently they hold three glass and battery recycling events a year, in March, June and October. Always in conjunction with C2C Cardboard Recycling who continues cardboard collection at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds on the second Saturday of the month.
Last October RCR also collected over 100 lbs. of dead batteries that would otherwise have been buried in landfill. Batteries are carefully packed into special boxes to be shipped to The Battery Network, which breaks them down and extracts raw material that can then be reused to create new products. RCR collects donations to cover the price of the safe handling and shipping costs. You can find more information about the non-profit organization, and where to recycle other materials at the website: ravallirecycling.org.
DNRC launches survey on state trust land recreation
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) is launching a new public survey to gather input from Montanans about what matters most to them when they recreate on state trust lands. The survey will help DNRC understand public priorities and identify whether there is interest or need to update Montana’s existing recreational use rules for state trust lands. DNRC will then advise the Board of Land Commissioners on any potential rule updates.
“DNRC is taking a fresh look at its recreation rules for state trust lands and wants public input to see if the rules are still relevant and working well for today’s needs,” said
Jessica Hoag, DNRC recreational use and public access coordinator.
This initial survey does not begin a formal rulemaking process. Instead, it is designed to help DNRC define the scope of any potential future rule revisions, gauge overall interest in changes, and identify the topics, such as motorized use, camping limits, commercial or concentrated recreation, and processes for closures and restrictions, that are most important to Montanans. If a formal rulemaking process were conducted, the Land Board would have the authority to determine and approve the rules.
State trust lands help fund Montana’s public schools and other
institutions, and are also important places for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and other recreation. DNRC wants to hear from a wide range of people, including recreationists, nearby landowners, leaseholders, local governments, teachers, students, and anyone else who spends time on or benefits from these lands.
The survey asks simple questions about whether and how people use state trust lands, how familiar they are with the current rules, whether they think changes may be needed, and what should stay the same. There is also space for people to share their own ideas or concerns in their own words.
“DNRC encourages Montanans
to take a few minutes to complete the survey and to share the link with friends, family and community members. The more people who participate, the better DNRC can understand what is working, what is not, and how future recreation rules can better reflect the needs and expectations of Montanans,” said Hoag. The survey is available online at: Recreational Use of Montana State Trust Lands - March 2026 Survey. Submissions will be accepted through March 31, 2026. For more information about current recreation rules on state trust lands, visit the Administrative Rules of Montana page on recreational use of state trust land.
JAIL: suit claims pre-trial fees imply guilt
Continued from page 1
on the basis of wealth. Because the pretrial arrestees’ ability to pay these fees is never assessed, when indigent pre-trial arrestees fail to pay these fees, Ravalli County’s Jail Diversion Program authorizes pre-trial arrestees to be incarcerated, even though their incarceration is due to their poverty.
“Such debtors’ prisons are unconstitutional,” it states in the lawsuit.
Attorneys in the case also argue that the fees are exorbitant. “If a pre-trial arrestee manages to get released from jail, her ongoing Jail Diversion Program fees routinely reach several hundred dollars per month. Pre-trial supervision alone is a $105/month fee — approximately fve times the cost of supervision for persons on probation because of a felony conviction.’
Other fees can add up. Drug patches cost $75 in a one-time administrative fee plus $65 every ten days. Alcohol ankle monitors cost $75 in a one-time administrative fee plus $10 per day. A GPS ankle monitor costs $75 in a one-time administrative fee plus $390 per month. Those in the 24/7 sobriety “program” must pay $4 per day every day for twice-daily drug tests.
Many pre-trial arrestees are on multiple conditions simultaneously.
“Pre-trial fees,” they argue, “are exorbitant and far outside the fnancial reach of the indigent pre-trial arrestees who compose the vast majority of those who are brought before Ravalli County courts, including all Plaintifs in the case.”
They ofer as an example a person working full-time at minimum wage in Montana ($8.75/hour) who makes approximately $1,400 pre-tax per month.
If the same person were on pre-trial supervision with a GPS ankle monitor (if she can manage to retain full-time work while having to wear a visible ankle monitor), she would likely be forced to pay $570 just to get out of jail [the cost of one month of supervision ($105) and GPS ankle monitor fees ($390) plus the one-time administrative fee for a GPS ankle monitor ($75)].
$570 is more than 40% of her pre-tax monthly income and is on top of whatever the person had to pay to post bail. Once released from jail, and having paid the one-time administrative fee, that same person would still be charged $495 in ongoing, monthly pre-trial fees ($105 for supervision and $390 for the GPS ankle monitor). $495 is more than 35% of a full-time, minimum-wage earner’s pre-tax monthly income.
As another comparison point, the average cost of a one-bedroom apartment in Hamilton (the largest city in Ravalli County) is $875/month. The example person described above — on supervision and with a GPS ankle monitor —working full-time at minimum wage would not be able to aford even a one-bedroom apartment and pre-trial fees. A person working full-time at minimum wage in Montana earns approximately $1,400 pre-tax. After paying for rent ($875 per month) and pre-trial fees ($495 per month), this person would have $30 left in her pre-tax monthly budget to cover everything else, including food, utilities, medicine, transportation, clothing, etc. for themselves as well as any of their dependents.
“Despite the exorbitance of these fees, at no point do Defendants consider
pre-trial arrestees’ ability to pay before imposing these fees, before threatening jail time for non-payment, or before jailing for non-payment, efectively criminalizing pre-trial arrestees’ poverty,” state Plaintif’s attorneys.
To top things of, participants in the diversion program are not allowed to take drug and alcohol tests if they do not have the money to pay for the tests, thus forcing pre-trial arrestees to violate the Jail Diversion Program (by both not paying for a test and missing a test).
In practice, they argue, pre-trial arrestees’ bail amount only serves as a down-payment on their pre-trial freedom. Pre-trial supervision fees are an ongoing extension of their bail; to not only get out of jail, but to also remain out of jail, pre-trial arrestees must pay pretrial fees. Therefore, they reason, pretrial fees should be subject to the same constitutional parameters and protections as bail. Yet these fees are imposed without the parameters and protections required under the law.
According to the lawsuit, Plaintif Evenson-Childs’ case has been in pretrial status for more than a year. She has been charged nearly $6,000 in pre-trial fees. Plaintif Churchill’s and Plaintif Leonard’s cases have been in pre-trial status for close to a year. Plaintif Churchill has been charged over $3,000 in pre-trial fees and Plaintif Leonard has been charged over $1000 in pre-trial fees. Every day additional fees accumulate. Plaintifs have continued to assert their right to a trial, despite feeling the pressure to plea created by the exorbitant and burdensome pre-trial fees they are charged.
In total the Plaintifs ask for relief on nine counts including:
• Violation of Procedural Due Process Regarding Deprivation of Property Interest in Fee Amount
• Violation of Procedural Due Process for Arbitrary Bail
• Status-Based Discrimination on the Basis of Homelessness
• Violation of Procedural Due Process Regarding Ability to Pay
• Violation of Procedural Due Process for Incarceration for Non-Payment of Fees
• Violation of Federal Equal Protection for Wealth-Based Discrimination
• Violation of State Equal Protection for Social Condition Discrimination
• False Imprisonment
• Violation of Due Process via Contracts Increasing Criminal Exposure
Plaintifs ask the Court for a declaratory judgment that the ongoing practices of ordering participation in the Jail Diversion Program, failing to conduct ability-to-pay and risk assessments, and revoking pre-trial arrestees for non-payment of Jail Diversion Program fees, are unlawful.
They seek a judgment preliminarily and permanently enjoining the County from continuing the policies and practices as well as ordering the Sherif to train all Sherif’s Ofce employees on the injunctions. They also seek a judgment compensating Plaintifs and the Class of similarly-situated individuals for damages sufered, specifcally all pre-trial fees paid and an order and judgment granting reasonable attorneys’ fees.
MARCH 18TH
BAR
WEDNESDAYS
THURSDAYS at St Mary Parish in Stevensville, 333 Charlos St.
David - Talk Series on the Liturgy, following Noon Mass at St Philip Benizi Mission in Darby, 312 East Miles St.
11 a.m. Adoration
12 p.m. Stations of the Cross Lunch follows FRIDAYS at St Francis of Assisi Parish
6 p.m. - Stations of the Cross with Vespers
5 p.m. - Knights of Columbus Fish Fry at St Mary Parish
9:30 a.m. Stations of the Cross before 10 a.m. Mass
Adoration and Reconciliation after Mass
5 p.m. Knights of Columbus Fish Fry with Drive Through Option
SUNDAYS at St Francis of Assisi Parish
Following 9 a.m. Mass Refections w/ John Bacon on the Theology of the Body at St Mary Parish
4:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross before 5 p.m. Mass
All events listed are in addition to our regular Adorat
Auction & Fundraising Event
To Benefit the Stevensville Police Department 4th Annual
March 21 st , 2026, 5 - 8PM @ The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - day Saints
100 Middle Burnt Fork Road
Across from Romeo's Italian Kitchen
To enter, pick up an entry form at Town Hall or the Police Department during normal business hours. There is a $30.00 fee to enter the competton, and tckets for general admission will be on sale at the door for $6.00 and include chili, a side and a sof drink (Children 10 and under free).
The top 3 fnishers of the chili competton will earn cash prizes.
Amazing Raffle Prizes and a Live Auction! All donated by local businesses and community members!!
Special Guests include DJ Bob the Music Man Playing soft: soothing tunes
Bring the whole family out for an evening of fun with your community. For more informaton contact Police Chief John Boe @ policechief@townofstevensville.gov
Photo by John Dowd.
OLYMPICS: athletes return for 2026
volunteers will begin meeting once a month, starting in October. They will do this until March in order to “make sure everybody is on the same page.” They also talk a lot about improvements every year.
Coaches are required to go through a background check and take an online course. This course helps teach them to approach situations and work with athletes at whatever level they are. This is available through the Montana State Special Olympics. For those interested in helping out, volunteering or becoming a coach, parties are encouraged to contact Hodgson at (406) 360-1584, or visit bitterrootspecialolympics.org. Continued from page 1
As for changes for next year they are already discussing, Hodgson said they will hopefully get a schedule up online beforehand. They are also planning to make a map of the event so new teams, athletes and volunteers can more easily find their way around. This year the horse-drawn sleigh did not happen, simply because the parking lot was so icy, but it will be back next year.
As for the athletes and coaches, practice can start almost right away after the games, with some trying to get out to practice whenever they can. However, Hodgson said dirt is just not the same as snow. Some athletes can squeeze some practice in after the games but possibly not much on years like this one, with so little snow.
But even with the poor weather the athletes love it. One athlete attested to this, saying, “This is our
world.” That was Frank Zepeda, a team captain with the Bitterroot Stars. He added that seeing the crowds cheer them on is “flattering and makes you feel like a champion.” He said they all put everything into it and it’s the highlight of their year. For Zepeda, and many others, no weather can dampen the spirits this event raises.
To speak on that, Hodgson said, “It’s all for fun.” Everything they do is with the intention to keep spirits up. Hodgson explained how they are not super concerned with getting athletes points or moving them on to higher competition levels. They believe it is more about doing everything they can for the athletes, really making them feel special and making sure everyone is having a good time. Hodgson said it really shows, and their event stands out because of this attitude.
The games saw 63 athletes this year, which was up about 20% from last year, according to Hodgson. The event also drew 13 different schools and organizations to attend, with a new one from Polson, Grizzly Mou -
ntain.
“The good thing is, we are seeing the return of many athletes,” said Hodgson. He, and other volunteers with the Bitterroot Winter Special Olympics, want to keep that momentum going and plan to try a strong recruitment effort, for coaches, schools and organizations. They would love to get back to pre-Covid numbers, or to even surpass those.
Hodgson added that people want to help, and there are those working to increase support for the event.
A big part is getting more coaches, of which there are not enough to go around.
Clockwise from top left, Stevensville American Legion Post 94 color guard leads the procession during the opening ceremony. Andrew Scrivner, who fell last year, crushes his performance this year. Daniel Helmer carries the torch for the 2026 Bitterroot Winter Special Olympics. Jayden DeBeaord crashes in front of Hunter Ten Ham during the Snowshoe races. Blake Etzel cruises through the fnish line in the downhill ski race. Galen Hughes glides down the hill, cheering all the way.
Photos by John Dowd.
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County
In the Matter of the Name Change of Brooke Nentwig, Brooke Nentwig, Petitioner.
Cause No.: DV-25-492
Dept. No.: 1
Howard Recht
AMENDED NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Brooke Rayann Nentwig to Brooke Rayann Adams.
The hearing will be on April 1, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 12th day of February, 2026.
/s/ Paige Trautwein
Clerk of District Court By: Kimberly Provence
Deputy Clerk of Court
BS 2-25, 3-4, 3-11, 3-18-26.
MNAXLP
William J. Nelson, Esq.
Nelson Law Ofce PLLC
217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840
Telephone: (406) 3633181
Attorney for Sara Ellis, Personal Representative
MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: RICHARD N. ELLIS, Deceased.
Cause No. DP-41-202622 Dept. No. 1 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 frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Sara Ellis, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Ofce PLLC, 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
DATED 18th day of February 2026.
/s/ William J Nelson Personal Representative B 2-25, 3-4, 3-11-26. MNAXLP
William J. Nelson, Esq. Nelson Law Ofce PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840 Telephone: (406) 3633181 Personal Representative
MONTANA TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: CAROL HENSEL, Deceased.
Cause No. DP-41-2025131 Dept. No. 1 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 frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, William J. Nelson, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Ofce PLLC, 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
DATED 18th day of February 2026.
/s/ William J Nelson
Personal Representative BS 2-25, 3-4, 3-11-26.
MNAXLP
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CLIFFORD DOUGLAS MALIN, Deceased.
Probate No.: DP-202618
Dept. No.: 1
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Heidi Snyder has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to Heidi Snyder, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Montana Legacy Law, PLLC, 178 South 2nd St., Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
BS 2-25, 3-4, 3-11-26.
MNAXLP
LEGAL NOTICE
Coppersawn Estates Minor Subdivision (4 Lot Minor Subdivision), Tract A of CS#1901, SD#2025- 02, Tax ID: 271300. Ravalli County Planning has received an application for a 4-lot minor subdivision on 21.77 acres. Direct access to this property is from Stevensville Airport Rd. (County Main-
tained). The subdivision will add approximately 2 new children to the Stevensville School District and 38 new vehicular trips per day to the road system. Stevensville is approximately 2.75 miles southwest, being the nearest municipal boundary. The subdivision property is located within the Stevensville School and Rural Fire Districts. The proposed lots will be served by private wells and septic systems. The applicant is Ron Uemura of RAM Engineering, representing Kenneth Bransby. The subdivision is referred to as Coppersawn Estates Minor Subdivision. A complete copy of the application packet is available for viewing at the Ravalli County Planning Department ofce, in the County Administrative Center, 215 S. 4th St., Suite F, Hamilton, MT 59840. A copy of the Preliminary Plat is posted on our Website at https://ravalli.us/178/Subdivisions-Exemptions. Written comments are encouraged to be submitted to the Planning Department prior to the hearing, and will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC).
The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) held a Public Hearing to review the proposal Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 01:30 p.m. This hearing has been continued due to new hydrology information, which can be viewed on our website or at the Ravalli County Planning Department ofce. The continuance date to resume the Public Hearing is scheduled for Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 1:00 p.m., in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room (Third Floor) at the Administrative Center. The public may comment verbally, or in writing, at the meeting. Comments and information submitted at the public meeting/hearing will be considered in the decision on the subdivision. However, please note that only under select circumstances will new information be allowed into the record after the public hearing.
BS 3-4, 3-11-26.
MNAXLP
LEGAL NOTICE
The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will conduct a public hearing for a Ravalli County Open Lands Bond project on Monday, March 23, 2026 at 10:00 A.M. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room (Third Floor) of the County Administrative Building located at 215 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840. The project is called Grifn Cattle Conservation Easement (111.7 acres). The project is located Northeast of downtown Corvallis. Tax
IDs: 55800, 20000, 55700 and 55900. Bitter Root Land Trust is the applicant. Information describing the proposals are available for inspection on the Ravalli County website at https://ravalli. us/181/Open-Lands-Board and at the Planning Department, located at the County Administrative Building, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite F, Hamilton, MT 59840. Written comments are encouraged to be submitted to the Planning Department prior to the public hearing and will be forwarded to the BCC for consideration at the public hearing. The public may comment verbally or in writing at the hearings. Comments and information submitted at the public hearing will be considered in the decision. Submit email comments to: planning@ rc.mt.gov, and questions can be asked by phone at 406375-6530.
BS 3-4, 3-11-26.
MNAXLP
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Sylvia Colleen LaQue, Syliva LaQue, Petitioner Cause No.: DV-41-20260000086-NC Dept. No.: 1 Howard Recht NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Sylvia Colleen LaQue to Sylvia LaQue. The hearing will be on April 8, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 23rd day of February, 2026. /s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court By: Sarah Gingerich-Sargent Deputy Clerk of Court BS 3-4, 3-11, 3-18, 3-25-26.
MNAXLP
RAVALLI COUNTY ATTORNEY
Bill Fulbright, County Attorney Ravalli County Courthouse 205 Bedford Street, Suite C Hamilton, MT 59840 rcaoservice@rc.mt.gov
Phone: (406) 375-6750 Ravalli County Public Administrator
MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: LOIS DIANE PEARSON, Deceased. Cause No. DP-26-27 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 frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to Ravalli County Public Administrator, 205 Bedford Street, Suite C, Hamilton, MT 59840, return receipt requested, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.
DATED: February 27, 2026
/s/ Bill Fulbright Ravalli County Attorney BS 3-4, 3-11, 3-18-26.
MNAXLP
RAVALLI COUNTY AT-
TORNEY
Bill Fulbright, County
Attorney Ravalli County Courthouse 205 Bedford Street, Suite C, Hamilton, MT 59840 rcaoservice@rc.mt.gov
Phone: (406) 375-6750 Ravalli County Public Administrator
MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: FRANK ROBERT GARDNER, Deceased.
Cause No. DP-25-40
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 frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Ravalli County Public Administrator, 205 Bedford Street, Suite C, Hamilton, MT 59840, return receipt requested, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.
DATED: February 27, 2026
/s/ Bill Fulbright Ravalli County Attorney BS 3-11, 3-18, 3-25-26. MNAXLP
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given to the persons hereinafter named and to whom it may concern. For enforcement of liens in the amount of $380, Venture West Storage, LLC, located at 1008 Hwy 93 N. Victor, MT, 59875, will sell the contents of storage
units C17, occupied by Alicia Culbertson, at auction to the highest bidder. Auction will be held at Venture West Storage, at the units listed above on Thursday, March 19, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. BS 3-11-26.
MNAXLP
Public Hearing-Ravalli County TAX ABATEMENT (Benefts) REQUEST: Maztech Industries LLC
The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM in the Ravalli County Administrative Center at 215 S.4th Street, Third Floor Commissioners Conference Room, Hamilton, MT. The purpose for this public hearing is to take public comment on the Tax Abatement Application submitted by Maztech Industries, LLC, per MCA 15-6-138, for the property located at 3945 Maztech Way, Stevensville, Montana, 59870 (Tax ID #274550), and to make a decision, by Resolution, to grant or deny said tax abatement (beneft) request. If you would like more information contact the Commissioner’s Ofce at 375-6500. If you are unable to attend and would like to make comment you can do so by contacting the Commissioners at the above phone number, or by email at commissioners@rc.mt.gov Chris Taggart Commissioners’ Administrative Assistant BS 3-11, 3-18-26. MNAXLP
Montana 21st Judicial District Court Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Cristian M. Arellano Rodriguez, Cristian M. Arellano Rodriguez, Petitioner Cause No.: DV-2026-107 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 Cristian Michelle Arellano Rodriguez to Cristian Michelle Rodriguez. The hearing will be on April 16, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 6th day of March, 2026. /s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court By: Sarah Gingerich-Sargent Deputy Clerk of Court BS 3-11, 3-18, 3-25, 4-1-26. MNAXLP
Members of the Ravalli County Fish & Wildlife Association would like to thank our 2026 attendees. Your support allows our members to fund valley wildlife projects and provide three (3) $2,500.00 scholarships to valley seniors entering a field in Natural Science, Wildlife Management or Forestry. With your continued support to RCFWA, members look forward to increasing our impact on wildlife related issues. You can keep up to date with us on Facebook. Type in Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association.
Members would like to recognize our Sponsor Table Buyers: Donaldson Brothers, Snowy Mountain Rifles, Bitterroot Spray, Schrock Roofing, Lithia Toyota of Missoula, Garmon & Friends, Montana Timber Tech, Lost Trail Construction, First Security Bank and J & J Excavating.
Additional thanks to those who made it all happen: Auctioneer: Mast Auction Service with ring men Larry Trexler & Dusty Miles. Sponsor Table Centerpieces: J. S. Ironworks. Our Special helpers: Miss Dillon Jaycee Rodeo Queen Addison Jessop, and Ravalli County Rodeo Teen Queen Zoe Paddock. Our check out ladies Peggy Trexler, Donna Weber, and Lavelle Walker. Thank you also to the Bitterroot Trading Post for working with RCFWA.
To the Following People & Businesses for cash or items for the live and silent auctions, Thank You! Please support the many area businesses who donate so much to so many organizations in the valley.
3 Brothers African Hunting Safari
Admin V – Toni Clark
Alpine Signs
Artistic Impressions
Asmus Jewelers
Bass Pro/Cabela’s
Bitterroot Drug
Bitterroot Ducks Unlimited
Bitterroot Fish Hatchery
Bitterroot Flowers & Gifts
Bitterroot Fly Company
Bitterroot River Inn
Bitterroot Trading Post
BJ’s Restaurant
Bloedorns
Bo Wherry
Buffalo Gal Hat Company
Byron & Mary Williams
Cheers Unlimited
Cherie Barton
Cheryl Dooley
Chris Pragnell
Chris Siek
Christen MacGillivray
Corvallis Drug
Cowgirls Corner
Cowpoke Ranch Supply
Cynthie Fisher
Darby Wine & Spirits
Double H Custom Hats
Doug Mallin
Electric Beach & Hair Studio
Finn’s Tap House
Fords Department Store
Full Curl Manufacturing
Glacier Furs
Hamilton Napa Store
Hamilton Super 1
Hamilton Tire Rama
Hamilton Wine & Liquor
Hope’s Cutting Corral
Iron Horse Athletic Club
J.S. Ironworks
Jackson Hot Springs
Jan Varner
Jane Lambert
Jerry Wessels / Les Schwab Tire
Joe’s Studio
John & Bonnie Morgan
John O’Brien
Kathleen Oswald
Kodiak Jax II
Lazy Oaks Ranch
Linda Habeck
Lolo Creek Distillery
Lolo Cr. Steakhouse
Lou Morris
Mary Lemons CPA
Massa Home Center
Melanie Lavallee
Mike & Nyla Shaw
MPG Ranch
Mr. T’s
Montana Cafe
Montana Knife Company
Montana Picks & Blades
Norco
ONX Maps
Osburn Irrigation
Payne West Insurance
Papa Murphy’s
People’s Market
Pink Grizzly
Public Land & Water Access
Rainbow’s End Natural Foods
Ravalli County Credit Union
Ravalli Floral & Gifts
Rod & Becky Knutson
Rodger & Dian Free
Rusty Bloomers
Sapphire Restaurant
Salon 21
Scheels
Sovereign Warrior
St. Francis Pet Hospital
Steve Wilson
Stevensville Hardware
Stud Muffins
The Coffee Cup
The Morgan’s
The Paper Clip
The Canyons Club
The Trader Brothers
Tim’s Cleaner Carpets & Restoration
Trail West Bank
Triple Creek Ranch
Valley Irrigation
Vern’s Landscaping
Victor Liquor
For spring fshing, think small skinny nymphs
A few years ago I bludgeoned a chance at some big fsh. I do that frequently, but this time was special.
I was fshing with Russ Laughlin on a busman’s holiday on the Bitterroot. We pulled up on an island where a side-channel on the other side might hold some big fsh early in the year.. Later, when everything warms up, this side channel gets too warm and too low. The big browns and occasional rainbows that hang there from late fall into the next spring head for better water. Those big trout keep the smaller fsh run of, or eat them. The current above this side channel funnels a bunch of food into a quiet area where they can enjoy easy feasts without much work, and nobody bothers them much by fshing for them.
should have.
When I got back to the boat I asked Russ how he had done with a similar rig, fshing it in the edge water against the main current. He hadn’t seen any adult skwalas, no rises, and for that matter, no activity on the nymph either.
by Chuck Stranahan
You have to be careful with these trout. They lay in the clear slow-moving water below a small dam made of brush and a couple of fallen trees. Spook the water and they’re gone. They have plenty of places to hide, under the trees and brush that extend from the bank; they just leave their feeding lies in the mid-current and disappear.
I was rigged with a #8 skwala dry and #8 nymph dropper – the usual rig for foat fshing the Bitterroot during the skwala hatch.
When I crossed the gravel bar to the side channel pool I was surprised to fnd it was lower than I expected. I snuck up, kept my profle low, and made a cast. The big nymph and dry combination hit with a splash that would have spooked anything waiting under the fat surface of that slow-moving pool.
“So much for that,” I thought. Before I made that cast I thought about rigging up with a single smaller nymph on a light leader but didn’t want to take the time. I
That dry-dropper combination is standard fare for the skwala hatch: #8 or #10 dry fy on top, usually something tied with a foam body for foatation, and a Rubberlegs stonefy nymph underneath. If the fsh aren’t taking the dry, they’ll see the nymph and take that. That’s conventional wisdom anyway. Sometimes trout don’t pay much heed to conventional wisdom.
That day they were probably pattern-shy from the foam fies
and rubberlegs they had seen with unrelenting frequency the past few weeks. Beyond that, we were at the tail-end of the skwala hatch. Still a few around and fsh were being taken on skwala patterns regularly, but there were many other bugs available to them.
This year, the water will likely come up gradually with no low snow to spur our usual erratic runof. .Smaller nymphs, #12 to #16, and tied sparse should score well in all but the cloudiest water, where others like the bright Lightning Bug might work best for a day or two when we do get some rain to discolor the water.
The fy I used that day with Russ is one from my skinny emerger series that I call T ‘n P, short for turkey and peacock. When I put it on it got two nice fsh on back-to-back casts.
The fy recipe is simple:
Hook, standard nymph hook. Thread, orange or dark olive. The thread shows through the body a bit when the fy is wet. I like orange thread for the larger sizes, and olive for the smaller ones – maroon or blood red works well too.
Thorax, peacock herl. No weight, no legs, no hackle, nothing else. The idea is to keep the fy sparse and simple. Added fber just gives it more resistance in the water column. As-is, it sinks to a fshable depth well enough, and then drifts naturally.
If you don’t tie your own or have a friend who can tie them for you, pick up similar fies at your local fy shop. Fished by itself, tied of the back of a larger nymph to get it down, or drifted under a dry fy, you might be surprised how well a small, skinny nymph will work.
This skinny nymph, Turkey and Peacock, is effective as water rises. Photo by Chuck Stranahan.
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FRESH EGGS from Howell’s Happy Hens are back! $5.00/doz. Pick up at Bitterroot Star ofce, 115 W. 3rd, Suite 108, Stevensville.
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AGING: Council on Aging addressing signifcant population
Continued from page 1
can continue to live with dignity, independence and connection,” said Orr. “Aging isn’t the end of the story, it’s another chapter. The Council on Aging is committed to making sure it’s written with dignity, connection, and care.”
The mission of the Council on Aging is to provide essential services that allow older adults to stay in their homes as long as possible. That includes congregate and home-delivered meals, transportation, caregiver support, Medicare counseling through SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program), health promotion programs and an Ombudsman program that advocates for residents in long-term care.
The Council on Aging is funded through the federal Older Americans Act, which was signed into law in 1965 and provides social, health, and nutrition services to adults aged 60 and older. It was created to support independent living in homes and communities through a national network of state and local agencies. Other funding for the Council on Aging (COA) comes from a county senior mill levy, as well as donations from clients and the community. Orr said that there was some review of the programs when the Department of Government Efciency (DOGE) was active in 2025, but ultimately the COA funding was not threatened. This is a popular program.
The list of services provided by COA is long, and includes Meals-on-Wheels which delivers healthy, nutritious meals to homebound seniors up to seven days a week from Florence to Sula. Approximately 31,770 meals were served in 2025.
The Bitter Root Bus service ofers on-demand, curb-to-curb transportation, including to Missoula. This is the primary public transportation in the valley, and is open to all ages. The service is currently providing about 1000 rides per month (call for appointments at 406363-7484).
Congregate meals are provided at local senior centers in Hamilton, Victor and Stevensville, and at Darby meal sites for a small contribution. The noon time hot lunches provide healthy meals as well as lively conversation and companionship.
Other COA services that may not be as well-known include Homemaker Services, Community Education, Lifeline Medical Alert Services, Information and Assistance, Ombudsman Program, Money Management Program, Farmers Market Coupons, and Commodity Supplemental Food Program food boxes which are distributed every other month.
There is also a Loan Closet at the Council on Aging, with a wide range of durable medical equipment for loan, including walkers, wheelchairs, bath benches, lift chairs and other equipment on a donation basis. This service is open to all county residents, regardless of age.
“But beyond services, we provide something just as important: connection,” says Orr. “Loneliness and isolation are real health risks for seniors, especially in rural communities like ours.”
That’s where the local senior centers, in Hamilton, Victor and Stevensville (and the weekly meal site in Darby) play a vital role. According to Orr, they’re not just meal sites. They’re gathering places. They’re hubs of friendship, learning, and belonging. Each senior center is independently run as a non-proft entity.
“But we support them,” says Orr. “And we arrange presentations on our various programs, such as elder fraud and abuse, etc.”
Orr said that the Council on Aging has launched some new initiatives recently that she’s really excited about. One is the Ravalli Senior Network, a county-wide collaborative that was formed to connect senior-service providers, and expand access to
critical resources in our geographically dispersed rural communities.
“By bringing agencies together, we’re sharing information and making it easier for seniors and families to access the right help at the right time,” says Orr. “It’s about collaboration over competition, because our older adults deserve a coordinated system of care.”
Founding members of the new collaborative, in addition to Orr with Council on Aging, include Dyana Canavan with Partners in Home Care, Kristina McConnell with Hoblitt Homes, Charlene Miskimen with Medicare Advocates, and Dominic Farrenkopf with Sapphire Lutheran Homes.
The Council on Aging also helped launch Dementia Friendly Bitterroot in partnership with Jana Branch. This initiative is about education, reducing stigma, and helping local businesses, churches, and community members understand how to better support individuals living with memory loss.
It happens in community. No one agency can do it alone. But together, we can build a community where people don’t fall through the cracks.”
“We want the Bitterroot to be a place where someone with dementia – and their caregiver – feels understood, supported, and safe,” says Orr.
“Our partnerships are important because aging doesn’t happen in isolation.
“What we want the public to understand most about COA is that we are here to walk alongside them in their aging journey,” says Orr. “Whether someone is 60 and just beginning to think about what the next chapter looks like or 85 and needing more support, or caring for a spouse with dementia, we are here. Aging is not something to fear. It’s something to prepare for, and something our community can embrace together.”
The Ravalli County Council on Aging was created in 1979. It is currently located at 310 Old Corvallis Road in Hamilton, on property donated by Susie Wilkinson. Orr oversees a staf of about 30 which includes the cooks at the Victor and Stevensville senior centers. The phone number is 406-363-5690 and the website is www. ravalliccoa.org
“We’re just trying to help each other age well,” says Orr. And, as our population continues to live ever longer, “we need to keep having conversations about it so we can all age well together.”
Walkers stand ready for public use at The Loan Closet, a popular service available to county residents of all ages at the Council on Aging in Hamilton. Photo by Victoria Howell.
COA executive director Cathy Orr and kitchen manager Nicki, in the state-of-the-art kitchen where hundreds of meals are prepared each week for homebound residents throughout the valley. Photo by Victoria Howell.
HDA to host annual Report to the Community Luncheon
The Hamilton Downtown Association (HDA) invites the community to attend its Annual Report to the Community Luncheon on Thursday, March 12 at 12:00 PM in the City Hall Meeting Room (Bedford Building), 223 S 2nd Street in Hamilton.
The luncheon will bring together community members, business owners, nonprofit leaders and local partners to hear updates on the work of the Hamilton Downtown Association and the continued efforts to support a vibrant, economically strong downtown district.
The presentation will include highlights from the past year, updates on current initiatives and a look ahead at priorities and projects for Downtown Hamilton. Attendees will learn more about programs focused on beautification, community events, economic vitality and collaborative efforts that strengthen Hamilton’s historic downtown.
“This event is an opportunity to
reflect on the progress we’ve made together and share the vision for the future of Downtown Hamilton,” said Matthew I. Zwicker, Executive Director of the Hamilton Downtown Association & Foundation. “Downtown Hamilton continues to thrive because of the collaboration between local businesses, community members, volunteers and partners who care deeply about our community.”
During the luncheon, the Hamil -
ton Downtown Association will also announce the recipient of the Main Street Model Business Award, recognizing a downtown business that exemplifies leadership and commitment to the principles of the Main Street Approach, including design, promotion, advocacy and economic vitality.
The Montana Main Street Approach, supported by the Montana Main Street Program and the Na -
tional Main Street America Program, provides a proven framework for strengthening historic downtowns while maintaining historic character and promoting economic vitality.
The Annual Report Luncheon provides an opportunity for the broader community to learn more about the strategies, planning, and partnerships that help ensure Downtown Hamilton remains a vibrant place for residents, businesses and visitors.
Community members interested in attending can register online by visiting: https://www.visithamiltonmt.org/ The Hamilton Downtown Association works to strengthen the economic vitality, historic character and sense of place in Downtown Hamilton through partnerships, beautification initiatives, events and programs that support local businesses and community engagement. For more information about the Hamilton Downtown Association, visit www.visithamiltonmt.org/.
