Bitterroot Star - 4/15/26

COUNTY: commissioners comment on Forest Service land projects, impacts

upon whether he [Zinke] ends up in a seat. And I suppose there could be an efort at events to try to share with other folks who are running for the seat. But that’s probably going to be more from your guy’s end.”

On eliminating Missoula Regional Forest Service ofce

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Forest Service, announced it would be moving the Forest Service headquarters out of Washington, D.C, to Salt Lake City, Utah.

“Establishing a western headquarters in Salt Lake City and streamlining how the Forest Service is organized will position the Chief and operation leaders closer to the landscapes we manage and the people who depend on them. This includes supporting our timber growers across the country, including those in the Southeast, by prioritizing a regional ofce and promoting policies that boost timber production, lowering costs for consumers,” said USDA Secretary Brooke L. Rollins in a release.

“Not having that Regional Ofce in Missoula anymore, that’s a big deal,” said Commissioner Jef Burrows. “There was a lot of history there, and it was signifcant. I think anytime you start to regionalize programs and headquarters to more urban areas, rural communities lose. I don’t know how that’s going to work out in this case, but that’s typically what you see. It may be more efcient on the big picture look, but I can’t imagine that it is going to be benefcial to Montana.”

Commissioner Chilcott said, “Especially when you look at our high fre risk assessment and having to deal with somebody from Colorado or Utah or wherever from Western Montana. We are the number one fre risk in the nation. It seems like it would be a good idea to focus on this area.”

Burrows added, “One of the things regionalization does is, in dealing with the contractor frefghting world, it probably does make it better for a company like, well, Sheehy’s got Bridger, I’m sure this is good for them where contracting gets sole-sourced. But I think you are going to see the mom and pop businesses go under. There is more bureaucracy and more costs associated with it.”

Zacharias responded, “I think the goal is to try to improve the national response because at the end of the day, it’s federal dollars and that’s the case. I agree that

going too far in one direction to the regional side and losing the grassroots voices, boots on the ground, can be missed opportunities, and it can be challenging. But I think when it gets too aggregated, from a leader’s perspective, like the military, when it gets too small, then how is it helping the bigger picture?”

Burrows said he would be interested in seeing that analysis and seeing those inefciencies, because a more localized approach with a local dispatch center might be a little more costly, but you get local folks who know the resources, who can deploy a little quicker. “I would like to see the analysis on that,” he said.

Commissioner Chilcott said, “Talking about fast-tracking something, I’d like to see some infrastructure fast tracking aimed at getting those fuels of the forest. In Montana, we would like to see some mill infrastructure. In the long run, that saves frefghting costs.”

Burrows suggested that the federal government consider subsidizing the frewood business since logging Ponderosa pine was too costly with no saw mills within range. “We could log lodgepole pine and supply local frewood sales.”

Zacharias said they heard a lot about that when they spoke with the folks in Mineral County.

Commissioner Huls remarked that logging the lodgepole pines would help mitigate Pine Beetle infestation.

On Gold Butterfy Project

With the discussion drifting towards timber production, Commis sioner Burrows said, “Why don’t you delist Grizzly bears? Just when we thought we had things going here, we just got a ruling on the Gold Butterfy Project that they’ve got to go back through and analyze the grizzly bear situation.”

February, that and delisting the Lynx as well.”

Huls said it was “a tool that the anti-forest management people use over and over again. And the fact that they can use the Equal Access to Justice Act and have no skin in the game. Their lawyer fees get paid. It’s insanity.”

Zacharias said, “It’s a lot of contract lawyers that make their money on those type of cases that don’t have contact with local communities. It is another type of concern that may get addressed. There are discussions in the budget about putting together a litigation team for these types of issues. Whether they win or lose is not the conversation. The conversation that the Congressman is having is funding a group of attorneys in DOJ to focus on this. Right now, they assign attorneys who don’t necessarily have a background in the environmental side, and they go to court and face these contract attorneys who specialize in that niche and get smoked in court. That’s the idea for getting a team of four dedicated attorneys together in DOJ dedica-

NEPA,” said Chilcott. Commissioner Burrows said, “But that’s overall reform thinking. This is one specifc animal that we are talking about. This shouldn’t be a polarizing issue. The question is, have the grizzlies met the criteria to be delisted right now? Do we still think they are an endangered spe cies? We’ve got them in Stevensvil le, and they get hit by cars on the highway and they are pretty much inhabiting everywhere in Montana, including out into the plains. The grizzly bears are back. I think it’s a North American wildlife success story. It’s time to delist them.”

Zacharias said, “That’s our system of government at work. I think Zinke’s been talking about that with Interior since back in

GRIEVANCE: Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department faces complaint

women of the department… When I read that, I thought my application would be a bit of an issue.”

Walker failed the frst runthrough of the test, so she says she went back and worked even harder so she would pass it, and she did pass it.

“When I passed it, I was elated,” she recalls. “Mohn wrote me a congratulatory message.” But he also warned her that it wouldn’t be that easy. He said the department would be having a “popularity vote.” He said they were going to get together and have a vote, and they would not vote her in.

She was told later that the members argued about Walker for over three hours at their monthly meeting. “It was controversial,” she said. “There are frefghters who have been in the military and served along with women. There were some who had my back, but by and large, the majority didn’t.”

“I was crushed,” said Walker. “I have kids, they look up to me. This was crushing, it crushed my soul.”

She was contacted by Jef Burrows, the president of the frefghters association (of which all the frefghters are members). He said they were denying her application. She asked for the decision in writing and got no response. So she called the mayor’s ofce and said she needed help.

“I was really shaken up by this,” said Walker. “This is my community. If my house is on fre, these are the men who show up. So mentally, this was a lot. It was like, I don’t know these people, but they know me.”

Walker fled a complaint with Mayor Dominic Farrenkopf, writing a synopsis of everything that had

happened.

“I wrote that I was the frst female,” said Walker, “and if there were any issues with my background, my application or references, anything like that, it should have been brought up before the physical standards test. They should not have had me take the test and then say, ‘oh, never mind.’ They tried to go back and say there were issues.”

According to Walker, there were many problems leading up to all of this. She believes they blatantly tried to make the physical test more difcult for her. She said that at the run-through for the test, one part involves going up and down stairs a certain number of times wearing a weighted vest. The description lists 25 lbs. on the shoulders, 50 lbs. on the chest, basically mimicking the state test for paid frefghters.

“When I went to take the runthrough, they put an apron vest on me and they put all the 75 lbs. on the front, around my chest area,” said Walker. ”Having 75 lbs. on my chest like that was very alarming. Putting half my body weight on my chest was problematic. I reached out to Burrows to tell him that the runthrough didn’t match up to the state standards. His response was that they weren’t going to change what they were doing.”

Through all this she was communicating with Mohn, whom she said verifed they had never, in all his years on the force, put all the weight on the chest. (Mohn did not respond to a request for comment for this story.)

But current Hamilton Fire Chief Tyson Woods said that Walker’s version of what happened during the physical standards test was “100% false.” He said the weight distribution was the same as it always is. “The weight was distributed correctly, and it’s the same for everyone that goes through the test.” Walker took the

fnal physical test on Christmas Eve 2024. She happened to be sick but she still passed, even with all 75 lbs. in what she says was the wrong spot. She had been sick enough to go to the ER and had asked for a reschedule from the Christmas Eve date. She was told that would be the last day for new recruits.

“If you can’t make it, please withdraw and reapply in 90 days,” read the response to her rescheduling request.

Regarding scheduling the test on Christmas Eve, Woods said that two previous dates were ofered to Walker, but she said she couldn’t make them.

Even sick and with a fever of 99.7 degrees, Walker became the frst female to ever pass Hamilton’s physical standards test.

After the vote to deny her, Walker said the mayor tried to explain away the vote. He said the fnal decision rests with him and the city council. He asked to interview her, even though, she says, men who have applied in the past have not been interviewed by the mayor as part of the process. It became clear to her that they tried to go back and say there were other issues.

One thing was, “They didn’t like that I used Facebook. I’m a millennial, Facebook is part of my life,” said Walker. “They thought this was just one of my causes. I got Tara’s Law passed for childhood sexual abuse prevention. I’ve worked on other legislation. I’ve been an activist.”

Another issue, apparently, was Walker’s past. “In my early 20’s, over 15 years ago, I had a misdemeanor DUI and a couple of other issues,” she said. “They do not show up on my background check. But I’ve been through trauma, I’m someone who has lived a life.”

Walker wondered how they were getting access to information that was not public and does not show up on a background check. The only thing she can think of is that someone did an unauthorized background check to dig this up. Walker says she wasn’t required to tell them about this and that using this old information amounted to “character assassination.”

“They’re saying I have this horrible background, which is non-existent,” said Walker.

When asked for comment, Woods said, “There was a personnel matter involved with that and I can’t talk about personnel matters.” However, Woods said, “We are aware of the accusations that are being spread on social media and throughout the community. Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department does not discriminate” and only considers “a person’s abilities to perform as a frefghter.”

Walker says that, looking back at everything now, there are so many things she would have done differently. “But I just wanted to be a good frefghter. I just wanted to do the job, I was there to work hard, I wasn’t there for accolades, I wasn’t there for anything else. The reason why is, I have always given back to my community. I wanted to serve my community, not the whole state of Montana, my community. I had big aspirations with this.”

Walker’s elation was shortlived. She said that at the very frst training she attended, everyone was sitting as far away from her as possible.

“I could tell that I was not going to be welcomed into the department like other frefghters were,” said Walker.

But she started training, working really hard. “They saw that I could do the job,” she said.

Then, last summer at an appreciation dinner, Walker said one of the frefghters’ wives verbally harassed her. She reported it to the fre chief, and she says the incident was turned around on her.

“That’s when I learned they did not have my back… They were more concerned about their image.”

She was called into a meeting and chastised for talking to the previous chief, who had posted a comment on social media in Walker’s defense. That’s when she realized she needed to fle a complaint against the organization.

“I realized, I’m not going to last on this department,” said Walker, “and the next woman is going to be put through the same thing, so I need to stand up for myself.”

The regular background check goes through the city attorney’s offce. Walker said she told Karen Mahar, Hamilton’s city attorney, about the misdemeanors and Mahar told her they were not a problem.

“In the interview [with the mayor] I should have asked more questions,” said Walker, “but I was very anxious, just trying to get through this next step.”

Subsequently, the mayor told Walker he would be recommending her to the city council and they unanimously voted Walker onto the fre department on March 18, 2025, overriding the frefghters’ vote.

Feeling elated, the next day Walker picked up her equipment and pager at the station.

“I was so naive,” she recalls. “What I didn’t really truly understand was that these men owed vengeance to me. I had embarrassed them. I had put myself on the department despite their best eforts. There was punishment to be had, and I didn’t know that.”

Jef Burrows, president of the frefghters association, was contacted for this story but said he would not comment and referred the Star to Tyson Woods, the current fre chief.

put together into a collage format.

The fnished photo product is dark, and it’s hard to make everyone out. Walker alleges that this was done because the other men did not want to stand with her for a group photo or even be seen with her.

Woods disputes Walker’s claim that the annual photo was planned in a way to minimize her membership on the force.

“We usually try to do a group photo,” said Woods. “But there was no planning made. The night of the photo was windy and rainy, so we had to move inside. It had nothing to do with her. There was not enough room to do a group photo inside. There was an option to do something diferent, and that’s what I did for the department. I did it for free.”

Woods sent the Star a copy of the photo collage he created, and in that, the individual frefghters, including Walker, are clearly visible. He said whatever happened when the photo was reprinted for distribution was not in his control and had nothing to do with him.

Another issue was conferences that Walker said she went to where no other frefghters attended. Walker says the department has always attended, but no one else went because they knew she was going to be there.

According to Woods, one of these events was a training in Dillon, and he says that several other frefghters did attend. Regarding the state convention, Woods said sometimes there is no one available to go.

“It’s not mandatory, and it all depends on a volunteer’s time,” said Woods. “In the past, we’ve never sent a probationary frefghter.”

Walker said that prior to this latest complaint, she has not been sharing her story, not on social media, or with the press.

She fled a complaint with the Montana Human Rights Bureau in June 2025. A copy of the complaint was sent to the fre department and she said it was like a bomb went of. It was not kept confdential but was intentionally shared with everyone, said Walker. At the next meeting, the assistant chief stormed out and later quit over the incident. The next day he changed his mind, but from then on, according to Walker, it was constant retaliation.

Information about fre calls was intentionally kept from her, she says, as well as a number of community events that the fre department participated in. Walker has kept all of the details in a journal.

“Last winter, I was barely hanging on,” said Walker. “This wears on you. Finally, I rescinded the complaint because I couldn’t take it anymore. I thought they might treat me better, but nothing changed. I requested a medical leave due to mental health.”

Woods maintains that Walker was never excluded from fre calls, and information was never purposely withheld from her.

“That is absolutely false,” said Woods. “She was given the same information as every other frefghter.”

Ultimately, Walker submitted her resignation.

“That hostility was just too much,” said Walker. “I kind of just decided I was going to fade away… I was going to start healing from this, I was moving on and putting all this behind me.”

However, a couple of weeks ago, Walker was inadvertently sent a copy of some recent meeting minutes. In the minutes, it said that the mayor had thanked the frefghters for their patience while dealing with Walker’s human rights complaint process and mentioned a “favorable” result.

“For me, to fnd out that the mayor of my little town is thanking these men that just put me through a year of what they put me through, I knew right then and there that there were no lessons learned, that if another woman applies she is going to be put through the exact same thing, and that they are all in cahoots together,” said Walker. “Even though I withdrew that complaint, they should have read it and taken it as a lesson to do things diferently next time. But no, they saw my human rights complaint as the issue, and not their discrimination. That’s when I decided I needed to share with everyone what I went through, and I fled a new complaint.”

Among other things, the new complaint, which was submitted on April 2, 2026, mentions an incident regarding a department photo. This time, all the frefghter photos were taken individually and then

“I have not shared anything about this for a year… I’ve been so conservative with information over the last year, I’ve just kept my mouth shut about everything, just because I wanted to gain their trust and be part of the department, but now I just want everyone to see what I’ve gone through, what I’ve endured,” said Walker. “I think one of the main reasons they didn’t want me on the department is because they saw I’m someone people listen to when I speak, and that’s probably one of the reasons why I was a danger to their scheme. This is a conscious efort. They’ve been keeping women of the department this whole time. If we don’t change things, they’re going to continue to do so.”

“That fre station, that department, is funded by female taxpayers just like male taxpayers,” added Walker. “Women should be able to be on the department.”

Woods said that the department has nothing against women frefghters. “We’ve had women apply before,” he said. “A couple of them only wanted to do medical, and we don’t do medical. A couple of them failed the test, and they chose not to re-test. Some men have also failed. We asked them to come back as well.”

A comment from a Hamilton frefghter on social media suggests there was some suspicion about Walker’s motives for wanting to become a frefghter. When asked if that was a general feeling on the force, Woods said, “I’m not going to speculate on anybody else’s thoughts, but everybody has their own opinion.”

When asked how he felt personally about having women on the force, Woods said, “We are recruiting two females right now as we speak. It’s not about gender, it’s about the ability to perform the duties.”

Walker’s understanding is that if the bureau fnds that discrimination did occur, there would be an attempt at a settlement of some kind. The case could eventually end up in court. However, the ultimate goal would be to change the department policies and culture regarding female frefghters. In the meantime, she has requested to be put on the agenda for an upcoming city council meeting. Her written request reads, in part, “From March 2025 to March 2026, I served as the frst and only female frefghter on our department. During that time, I gained frsthand experience working alongside a team of 28 men, which provided me with a unique perspective on both the challenges and opportunities that come with a lack of gender diversity. My intention is not to criticize or assign blame, but rather to ofer insight grounded in real experience, along with data that highlights the measurable benefts of a more inclusive workplace.”

Legal Notices

Megan S. Winderl

CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C. 99 Marcus St. 3 FL Hamilton, MT 59840

(406) 218-4888

meganw@cwlawmt.com pleadings@cwlawmt.com

Attorneys for Petitioner

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST

JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF KAMBRIA SKYE SCHWARTZ, SABRINA

AUSTIN , Petitioner, On Behalf of KAMBRIA SKYE SCHWARTZ Cause No. DV-41-2026-78 Dept. No. 1

NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME OF MINOR CHILD

Notice is hereby given that

Sabrina Austin, the Petitioner, has fled a Petition to Change Name of Minor Child for the above-stated child in Ravalli County District Court, Montana. Hearing upon said Petition will be held on April 1, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., in Courtroom 1 of the above-named Court, at which time objections to said Petition will be heard.

DATED this 18th day of February, 2026.

CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C. /s/ Megan S. Winderl

BS 3-25, 4-1, 4-8, 4-152026 MNAXLP

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Shane Michael

Bramsen-Shoopman : Shane Michael Bramsen-Shoopman, Petitioner Cause No.: DV-41-20260000123-NC

Dept. No.: 2- Jennifer B. Lint

Notice of Hearing on Name Change

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Shane Michael Bramsen-Shoopman to Shane Michael Bramsen. The hearing will be on 04/30/26 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County.

Date: March 23, 2022. Paige Troutwein, Clerk of Court /s/ Janenne Sorenson, Deputy Clerk of Court

BS 4-1, 4-8, 4-15, 4-222026 MNAXLP

Declaration of Existence

This declaration afrms the mission of the Breatharian Institute of America (BIA) as an ecclesiastic and religious organization. This notice serves to declare this 508(c)(1)(a) has existed and functioned unto itself and no corporate and statutory flings are necessary or required by law, as the BIA functions unto itself.

This Breatharian Institute of America is created as a missionary vehicle to assist all beings, sentient and non-sentient, who are sustained by the Breath of Life. This includes but is not limited to housing and all building projects, growing and nurturing all biota and soil, all

types of therapies and any other projects that can be perceived as helpful for anyone or anything that breathes.

BS 4-8, 4-15, 4-22, 4-292026.

MNAXLP

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST

JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES ADOLPHE STANKER, JR., Deceased.

Probate No.: DP-2026-21

Dept. No.: 2

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Sheila Kleinschmidt has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed 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 Sheila Kleinschmidt 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 4-15, 4-22, 4-29-2026.

MNAXLP

The Burnt Fork Water Commission will hold its frst meeting of the 2026 irrigation season on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall at the corner of Meyer Lane and Middle Burnt Fork Road, Stevensville.

AUDIT PUBLICATION STATEMENT

An audit of the Town of Stevensville has been conducted by Nexus CPA Group, PLLC. The audit covered the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. Section 2-7-521, MCA, requires the publication of the following summary of significant findings.

Summary of Significant findings

The audit report for the Town of Stevensville for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, were unmodified.

The audit report also contained several other auditors' reports. Following is a list of the reports and a summary of the findings included in each. This is only a summary and is not intended to be used as an audit report.

1. Independent Auditor's Report on Compliance and on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Based on an Audit of Financial Statements Performed in Accordance with Government Auditing Standards. This report contained findings in the following matters: This report contained no findings.

2. Independent Auditor's Report on Compliance for Each Major Program and on Internal Control over Compliance required by the Uniform Guidance. This report contained findings in the following matter: This report contained no findings.

3. Report on Prior Year Audit Report Recommendations. This report summarized the findings from the prior audit report, and noted the action taken on them.

a. 2024-001-Cash Reconciliation (Implemented)

b. 2024-002 - Advance Between Funds (Implemented)

c. 2024-003 Transfers (Implemented)

d. 2024-004 Water and Sewer Revenue Bond Requirements (Implemented)

Public Inspection of Audit Report

The complete audit report is on file in its entirety and open to public inspection at the Town Hall.

Very Truly Yours, /s/Gina Crowe - Director of Finance Town of Stevensville

NOTICE OF CLOSE OF REGULAR VOTER REGISTRATION AND OPTION FOR LATE REGISTRATION

Notice is hereby given that regular* voter registration for the Federal Primary Election to be held on June 2, 2026, will close at 5 PM on May 4, 2026.

*NOTE: Pursuant to Senate Bill 490, if you miss this regular registration deadline, you may still register for the election by showing up at the Ravalli County Elections Office. Dates you may late register are from May 5 thru May 29, 2026 (Monday thru Friday, excluding weekends), from 8 AM to 5 PM; May 30 (Saturday), from 8 AM to 5 PM; and on Election Day, June 2, from 7 AM to noon. On Monday, June 1, the late registration center will be closed.

All active and inactive electors of the County of Ravalli are entitled to vote at said election.

Inactive electors may reactivate by appearing at the polling place in order to vote, by requesting an absentee ballot in any election, or by notifying the County Election Administrator in writing of the elector’s current address in the county.

Persons who wish to register and who are not presently registered may do so by requesting a form for registration by mail or by appearing at the Ravalli County Elections Office, 215 South 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, Montana. If you have moved, please update your registration information by filling out a new voter registration form and submitting it to the Ravalli County Elections Office.

If you are not sure of your current voter registration status, you can check your status online at https://prodvoterportal.mt.gov , or you can call the Elections Office at 375 -6550.

Dated this 9th day of April, 2026

Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550

BS 4-15, 4-22-2026.

MNAXLP

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE THE HAMILTON PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD AND CITY COUNCIL

Zoning Request 2026-01 & Annexation Request 202601-A request by 406 Storage Solutions, LLC , to annex two tracts of land that are currently unzoned and to establish a zoning designation of Neighborhood Business District (B). The properties are approximately 154,721 square feet, and addressed as 480-484 Old Corvallis Rd., Hamilton, MT. The properties are identifed by Ravalli County Tax IDs # 744900 and 744920 and Geocodes 13-1468-18-2-01-14-0000 and 13-1468-18-2- 01-39-0000 and are legally described as: Lot A-1 and Lot A-2, Hirsch Subdivision, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the recorded plat thereof. The Hamilton Planning and

Zoning Board will hold a public hearing to take public comment and consider a recommendation to City Council on the zone map amendment request and annexation petition on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 5:30 PM on the 2nd foor of Hamilton City Hall, 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT. The Hamilton City Council will hold public hearings to take public comment and make a decision on the zone map amendment request and the annexation petition on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM, and Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM, during its regular meetings on the 2nd foor of Hamilton City Hall, 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT. The public may attend and make comment in person, or on the Internet / by phone through Zoom. Instructions are available on the City of Hamilton website www.cityofhamilton. net, or by contacting aenglish@ cityofhamilton.net or cityclerk@

cityofhamilton.net. Comments prior to the Planning and Zoning Board meeting may be submitted to the Planning Department at aenglish@cityofhamilton.net. Comments after the Planning and Zoning Board meeting may be submitted to the City Clerk at cityclerk@cityofhamilton.net. Comments for the Planning Department or City Clerk may also be mailed or delivered in person to 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT 59840. Related materials will be made available on the City of Hamilton website prior to the meetings, and can be obtained by contacting the Planning Department at (406) 363-2101 or aenglish@cityofhamilton.net.

BS 4-15, 4-22-2026.

MNAXLP

Daniel Browder, Esq. Browder Law, PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840 Telephone: (406) 361-3677

NOTICE OF ELECTION

Notice is hereby given that the following elections will be conducted solely by mail ballot:

 Florence-Carlton School District No. 15-6 Trustee Election

 Hamilton School District No. 3 Trustee and Levy Election

 Lone Rock School District No. 13 Levy Election

 Stevensville School District No. 2 Levy Election

 Victor School District No. 7 Trustee Election

Ballots will be mailed to all eligible registered voters in the districts on April 17, 2026, and must be returned to the County Election Administrator, Ravalli County Administrative Building, 215 South 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, Montana 59840, no later than 8 PM on May 5, 2026.

For voters dropping off their ballot, a DRIVE-THRU BALLOT BOX will be available at the north entrance of the Ravalli County Administrative Building (215 S 4th Street, Hamilton) between April 22 and May 4 (excluding weekends) from 10 AM to 4 PM. On Election Day, May 5, hours are from 8 AM to 8 PM.

ON ELECTION DAY ONLY: A secondary ballot drop-off site is available for all elections listed above. Drop Site Location: Stevensville Elementary School (gym lobby), 300 Park Avenue, Stevensville, from 7 AM to 8 PM.

All electors, as defined in Title 13, who reside in the District, are eligible to vote in the elections.

Early preparation and reconciliation of mail ballots will be held on May 1, 2026 at approximately 10 AM, in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. Continuation of early preparation and reconciliation of mail ballots, as well as the early counting of ballots, will be conducted on May 4, 2026, at approximately 10 AM, in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. Public is welcome to observe.

Beginning at approximately 12 PM on Election Day, May 5, 2026, ballots will be opened, reconciled, and counted by a counting center board in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. No results will be released until after the polls close at 8 PM.

Dated this 2nd day of April, 2026

Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550

that Richard W. Jones has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against 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 the Personal

2026. BROWDER LAW, PLLC /s/Daniel Browder

Ravalli Co. Democratic Party to host candidate forum

The Ravalli County Democratic Party is excited to host a Candidate Forum for the four Democratic candidates competing for Montana’s First District seat in the U.S. Hou se of Representatives.

The forum features candidates Ryan Bus se, Russell Cleveland, Sam Forstag and Matt Rains. The forum will be held Saturday, April 18, from 2:00 to 4:45 p.m.

Linda Schmitt, Chair of the Ravalli County

Democratic Party, says, “These four candida tes are knowledgeable, articulate and dedi cated to the well being of our citizens. Come listen to them talk about how they intend to tackle the big issues.”

Montana is represented in the U.S. House by two people, the Western District represen tative and the Eastern District representative. Both are up for election. Ravalli County elects the Western District representative. In this

primary election, candidates are running against other candidates of their own party. Whoever prevails will run in the November election against the other party’s candidate.

The primary election to choose the Demo cratic candidate will be held on June 2. Voters can choose to mail in their ballot or vote in person. They can check their registration status by going to voterportal.mt.gov/Where ToVote.aspx.

the barn is on your right. Follow signs to the feld parking. The Ravalli County Democratic Party asks that attendees please arrive on time.

Chamber, partners to host non partisan candidate forum

April 22 Candidate Forum to Bring State and County Can didates Together Community members are invited to attend a Candidate Forum on Wednesday, April 22, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Event Center at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. The forum will feature both State and County candidates, providing

voters with an opportunity to hear directly from those seek ing public office and learn more about their priorities and per spectives on issues impacting the community.

The forum will be moderated by Steve Fullerton, with Teri Polumsky serving as Facilita tor to ensure the evening runs

smoothly and stays on schedule.

Questions presented during the forum will be prepared in advan ce and submitted by a variety of community organizations, allowing for thoughtful and balanced topics that reflect the interests and concerns of resi dents across the region.

Following the moderated

question and answer portion of the evening, attendees are en couraged to stay for one on one conversations with candidates, offering a valuable opportunity for more personal engagement.

This forum is designed to provi de voters with a convenient and informative way to become more familiar with candidates before heading to the polls. Community members of all backgrounds are encouraged to attend and take part in this important civic op portunity.

For more information, plea se contact the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce, at (406) 363 2400 or jodi@bvchamber. com.

LEVIES: valley schools speak on growing technology expense

Continued from page 1

development, fewer classroom supplies and fewer computer replacements.

Here is the estimated $175,000 addi tional annual impact, which is in addition to the $75,000 previously authorized as a perpetual levy in 2016 and will be limited to 10 years: For a home valued at $300,000, the elementary district tax impact would be $17.49 per year, and the high school district tax impact would be $13.11 per year. For a home valued at $600,000, the elementary district tax impact would be $40.19 per year, and the high school district tax impact would be $30.14 per year.

In a recent letter to the newspaper, Konen wrote, “This is not a new tax. It is a renewal of essential funding that expires this year. Without renewal, the funding that supports classroom tools, security systems, and critical infrastructure will disappear.

“We face a critical moment. The devices

and hardware purchased when the levy was last renewed in 2016 are now aging out of service, and many are failing at the same time. That creates a significant re placement need. Renewing this levy allows us to replace outdated equipment in an organized, fiscally responsible way, rather than reacting to breakdowns that disrupt instruction and strain other parts of the budget.

“Since 2016, the cost of technology (hardware, software, cybersecurity pro tections, cloud services, and technical support) has increased substantially. At the same time, our reliance on secure, reliable systems has grown. If the levy is not renewed, the consequences will be severe. We will be forced to cut valuable curriculum platforms. We will be unable to update critical security systems. We will lose technology support staff who keep our classrooms and networks functioning each day.”

What Should the Future of Hamilton’s Bedford Building Look Like?

“Inflation has overtaken the amount of school funding (that districts receive),” said Konen in an interview with the Star. “The funding mechanism needs to be re thought. We can’t expect the voters to take on this burden.”

Konen said that he is planning to meet with the Office of Public Instruction to plug the idea of sharing resources to save money on the systems that all the districts are using.

Lone Rock

The Lone Rock School District is running a $100,000 technology levy in addition to the district’s existing $19,650 perpetual technology levy, which has re mained unchanged since 2004. According to information provided by the district, the goal of this levy is “to keep students safe while maintaining the technology systems that support learning and daily school operations. If approved, this levy will not increase student time on devices. Instead, it will allow us to maintain and strength en the safety, security, and infrastructure systems that protect students in today’s digital world.”

Teresa Weems, Lone Rock Superin tendent, said, “Our biggest issue is just keeping kids safe. We are doing everything we can to create a safe learning environ ment for our students. How do we secure our internet for our kids? Kids can get on and access anything. Also, people can do it. This is just more and more expensive.”

Weems said, “One of the things people don’t see is that we have been so diligent in looking at every single penny. We negotiat ed cheaper propane, we buy less expensive toilet paper, just everything.”

“But we have to monitor everyone who walks in and make sure they are safe to be in our school,” said Weems. “We are obligated by law to meet more and more requirements; we have to have those sys tems in place and run certain programs, and these are not funded.”

According to the district’s information, costs associated with technology have in creased significantly since 2004. Between 2004 and 2026, inflation has increased by approximately 72 percent. In practical

When my New York–born parents moved our family to Hamilton in 1965, they had already learned that being a Montana cowboy and ranch wife came with an expectation: you were also a Republican. My dad soon attended a local Repub lican Central Committee meeting and came home saying, “Wow—those folks think Eisenhower is a communist.” He had just encountered the influence of the John Birch Soci ety (JBS), which at the time quietly operated a national printing press in Hamilton.

Questions?

terms, something that cost $100 in 2004 would cost about $172 today. Schools are also facing increased costs related to tech nology systems and software, cybersecurity protections, network infrastructure, utili ties and insurance, ongoing maintenance and licensing fees and more.

While technology costs have grown, the district’s technology levy has remained the same since 2004. The actual technology cost per student today is approximately $461.82, based on annual technology ex penses of $126,538.68.

The estimated cost of the levy to the owner of a home valued at $300,000 would be $29.96 per year, and $68.86 for a home with a taxable value of $600,000.

In addition to the proposed technolo gy levy, Lone Rock School District is also asking voters to consider a $50,000 School and Student Safety and Security Building Reserve Levy. This funding would be used to further improve the safety of the school campus by updating aging security systems and cameras, strengthening building safety infrastructure, and addressing several needed safety related repairs to school facilities.

The estimated cost to the owner of a home with a taxable value of $300,000 would be $14.98 per year, and for a home with a taxable value of $600,000, it would be $34.43 per year.

“I know it’s a challenging time and everyone is having trouble making ends meet,” said Weems, “but our budget is only funded 80% from the state, taxpayers need to make up the rest.”

Lone Rock enrollment is 274 K 8, and Weems said that the district is only using 83% of the amount that the state estimates it should cost to run a district of their size. “That means we’re being fiscally responsi ble,” said Weems. She noted that the last levy attempt in 2023 didn’t pass.

“We’re just doing everything we can to keep our costs as low as possible and not ask our taxpayers for more, but we’ve reached the point where we have to do something,” said Weems. “We’re just doing everything we can to keep kids safe and give them the best education possible.”

Back then, JBS extrem ists were tolerated, while mainstream Republicans focused on conservative fiscal policy and practical social solutions. Culture wars and imaginary elec tion fraud had not yet been invented to drain public resources and voter atten tion. Ravalli County tax dollars were not wasted on endless fraud hearings or baseless election office voter‑registra tion challenges.

Sixty years later, the John Birch

Society has reinvented itself as Amer icans for Prosperity (AFP), funded by billionaire Koch Industries interests. For independent verification, search the political and financial ties between Americans for Prosperity and the National Fed eration of Independent Business. These organizations oppose healthcare ac cess, support tax cuts for wealthy corporations and individuals, increase the national debt, un dermine environmental review of projects like the Sheep Creek Mine, push cookie‑cutter corpo rate giveaway legislation nationwide, and dominate primary‑election PAC spending—all while claim ing to represent “family values” and “Main Street small business.”

In the June 2 primary election voters can keep dark money, John Birch Soci ety and extremists out of our commu nity and our elections. Do not support local candidates backed by Americans for Prosperity.

Candidate Forum directions: The location of the forum is the barn on Pine Hollow Rd. in Stevensville, 397 Pine Hollow Rd. From Eastside Highway, turn onto Pine Hollow Rd. Go one mile and turn right at the “T” intersection. Go half a mile;

Obituaries

William E. Henk, Sr., ‘Husky Bill’

Darby - William E. Henk, Sr., (Husky Bill) went to heaven April 9, 2026, after fghting Parkinson’s Disease for four years. He was born in Des Plaines, IL September 10, 1947, to Irene and William F. Henk. Bill was a hard worker. During high school he had several jobs that helped with his family’s fnances.

He was drafted into the Army during the Viet Nam era and served on the DMZ in Korea for 13 months. He married his high school sweetheart Doris Taylor March 12, 1967, while on leave. After coming back to the States, they lived in Waco, TX for four months to complete his army service. Being honorably discharged, they moved to Streamwood, IL and bought their frst home where they welcomed their frst daughter which started their family.

As a man of many talents, he had a variety of jobs. He was a parts man for an IH dealer, a plastic extruder operator and a real estate salesman. He owned a tavern in Streamwood, IL, but the pressure caused him to be hospitalized. Doctor said he had to drastically change his lifestyle, or he would only live 5 years. While visiting his brother-in-law Leo Taylor, he discovered the Bitterroot Valley and moved here in 1977. He purchased the Husky Gas Station (known as Mr. Ts) downtown Darby where he got the nickname “Husky Bill”. Outgoing as a social butterfy, everyone knew him. He also owned and operated Husky Bill’s Parts House south of Darby for four years before having his frst heart attack at 41. He sold everything from auto and truck parts to heavy equipment and engines. His business prospered when logging was booming in the Bitterroot. After this, he ran Grandma’s

Towing for 10 years while having the Ravalli County Junk Vehicle Hauling Program for two years. He served the community as a volunteer Firefghter for more than 20 years as well as being an active member of Ravalli County Search and Rescue.

He had many endeavors which kept his wife wondering “What now?” He worked at People’s Market and Pine Door Company for several years before having another heart attack and open-heart surgery in 1999. This ended his work career. He continued hunting big game to keep meat in the freezer and passed his love of hunting onto his son. He enjoyed the outdoors and panning for gold throughout the years.

Bill was an avid golfer playing at the Hamilton Golf Course as often as possible. His goal after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s was to play golf again and he was going to be the frst to beat this disease. He also enjoyed meeting with his friends to play poker.

Always interesting, not shy and happy with life, he loved talking and sharing stories with anyone he saw. He could meet someone in an elevator and would know them in the frst minute. He will be missed by his wife and four children he was so proud of.

Survivors include Rebecca (Henk) Conroy (Jake), Robin Evers (Joseph Evers), William E. Henk, Jr. and Dana Strom (Timothy). He loved his two grandchildren Stephen Abrahamsen and Aspyn Henk. He’s preceded in death by his mother and father, younger brother Jimmy Henk, an infant brother, and his sister Shirley Howery.

The Bitterroot Valley will be missing a real character and

Karen Teresa Miller Langton

December 8, 1945 – April 1, 2026

Karen Teresa Miller Langton was welcomed into heaven by her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 1, 2026, following a courageous four-year battle with Alzheimer’s. She possessed a lifelong faith that radiated to everyone she met.

Karen was born in Venice, California, to Phillip and Jane Miller, just as Phil was completing his service in the U.S. Air Force, following World War II. She grew up on a malting barley farm on Bootlegger Trail, north of Great Falls, Montana, alongside her two brothers, Dennis and Gary, numerous cousins who were like siblings and uncles and aunts she adored. Her years at Great Falls High were shaped by 4-H, athletics, and leadership activities. Her brother, Gary, fondly

Jefrey Lynn Huls, 69, of Corvallis, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, fnally made it home to heaven on April 11, 2026.

Born on May 10, 1956, to Dave and Jennie Huls, he and twin sister Julie joined their brothers at the family dairy in Corvallis, MT. There he learned about love, hard work, and loyalty, and developed a deep appreciation for God’s creation in the great outdoors. His brothers called him Huck Finn because of his tendency to slip down to the river fshing at every opportunity.

Jef graduated from Corvallis High School in 1974, having participated in and enjoyed football and wrestling. He would have done track and feld also, if the lure of motocross racing hadn’t become a passion. Sponsored as a member of the Huls Brothers Racing Team, he enjoyed the competition and rigor of motocross from 1970 to 1980. The motocross track built on family property drew many people, and was where he frst met his future wife, Julie.

Jef married Julie (Mills) McLaughlin in 1977, and they recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary. They raised four children together – Spencer, Sarah, Amos, and Shane. During those years Jef co-purchased Huls Dairy, Inc., was the head ice cream maker at The Creamery in Hamilton, and then became a power lineman for Ravalli County Electric Co-Op, where he retired after 31 years of service. Already loving the Bitterroot, his job gave him the opportunity to discover more of it while inspecting lines and addressing power issues. He made many lifetime friends in the process.

Accepting Jesus Christ at a young age at Corvallis Community Church, Jef’s love of and dependence on God grew as he did. He couldn’t understand how anyone could deny God’s existence and goodness while living in this beautiful Bitterroot Valley. Jef became a deacon and then an elder at Hamilton Assembly of God church, continuing to learn how to love God and love people. He spent over 40 years as a Royal Ranger leader, endeavoring to reach and teach boys for Christ.

Jef was an avid hunter, with elk his special passion, but also deer, bear, a couple of mountain goats, turkey, and the ever-elusive wolf. He made many friends through his inter-

remembers that high school came “easy for Karen—she never even had to study.”

Karen attended Montana State University, leaving one quarter shy of her Physical Education degree, with a Spanish minor. A true trailblazer, she played on the very frst MSU women’s basketball team. The team competed across the state, traveling in a teammate’s Nash Rambler station wagon, playing half-court games, and sleeping on couches. In those early days of women’s sports, the players bought their own shoes, shorts, and gas, proudly wearing the MSU t-shirts provided by their instructors.

A talented artist and musician, Karen taught herself the ukulele and guitar, bringing joy to many 4-H camps and the dude ranches where she worked during her summers. Her artistic gifts spanned pencil, watercolors, and oils, and in recent years, she became a skilled porcelain china painter under the tutelage of her master instructor, Joanna Barker. Karen met the love of her life, Brian, at a college 4-H toboggan party in January 1965. Following a harrowing crash on a snow-covered hill, which tore Karen’s pants, Brian ofered her his long stadium coat—and a legendary romance began. Though they patiently grew their friendship over the following three years, Brian was instantly captured by her humor, beautiful blue eyes, and easygoing nature, inviting her to a basketball game that same evening.

The turning point came after Brian returned from a gap year in Australia. Knowing he was back to register for classes, Karen waited in the feldhouse foyer, watching for the alphabetical list to hit “L” and “M.” When she fnally laid eyes on him, she simply said, “I missed my friend.” A few months later, while walking on campus, they stopped under a tree where Brian asked Karen to spend the rest of her life with him. She replied, “I would love that,” making him the happiest man in the world.

They were married in Great Falls on June 29, 1968, shortly after Brian’s graduation and commission as a Quartermaster Ofcer in the U.S. Army. They lived at Fort Lee, Virginia, and Fort Hood, Texas, where they welcomed their frst daughter, Gretchen. After Brian’s military service, they returned to Victor, Montana, and completed their family with daughters Kristy and Jill.

While raising her girls, Karen returned to school at the University of Montana, graduating with honors in Elementary Education. She spent seven years teaching at the Assem-

est in hunting. Fishing was another activity Jef pursued, and he really enjoyed sharing his knowledge of cane pole fshing for whitefsh, and later lake fshing with friends and family.

Jef and Julie spent many years vacationing at Painted Rocks Lake. They learned how to waterski, bought a ski boat, and it became a yearly tradition that their children, grandchildren, and extended family still enjoy today. “Lake Week” became a sort of annual family holiday that few could resist.

Jef was so proud of his children, giving God most of the credit for the amazing, productive, caring people they have grown into. Then, as each married (Jeremy, Katie, Rachael, Meredith) and had grandchildren, he counted it as a special privilege and blessing to be involved in their lives, passing down his heritage and skills, and mostly, his love.

To Jef’s grandchildren – Taylor, Aric, Jillian, Ascha, Brighton, Audrey, Adam, Archer, Isaac, Jennie-Zora, Emerson, and Maggie – know that your “Grumpy” loved you and spent many hours praying blessings for your lives. He has had so much fun being your “Grumpy”, in so many ways, and he is so proud of each of you.

To brothers – Dan (Joan), Bruce (Pat), Tim (Trudy), Chris (Ginny), Kevin (Jana), and sisters – Julie (Kip) and Lynn, thank you for all the love and support through the years.

To those who called him Uncle Jef, he treasured his relationships with each of you.

To those who called him Commander, you helped him fulfll his calling to share the gospel and have fun in the process.

To his fellow deacons and elders, pastors and friends, you have meant so much to us as we have walked life together.

Jef lived a big life and left a large impact on this valley, and on the hearts of many.

Jef was diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Cancer at age 50. During his cancer journey he met many fne people, and really learned to appreciate the knowledgeable and compassionate people in healthcare. Our love and appreciation to Dr. Eric Liu, who for 20 years made it his goal for Jef to die of something other than cancer. His and others’ expertise,

bly of God Christian School in Hamilton. A natural educator, she taught combined classes of second, third, and fourth graders, using her love of reading and art to inspire her students and lead them into a deeper relationship with Jesus.

In the early 90s, Karen retired from teaching to become the primary caregiver for her parents, moving them to the Victor ranch from Whitefsh and caring for them through their battles with cancer until their deaths in 1995.

In 2003, Karen and Brian began a new chapter in global missions. They served with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) in Kona, Hawaii, and later trained in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) in Lakeside, Montana. This training opened doors to serve in Baku, Azerbaijan, China, North Korea, and Thailand. Karen was a gifted English teacher; when Brian initially felt like a “fsh out of water” without a hammer in his hand, Karen encouraged him, saying, “You speak English, and they don’t! Keep hanging in there, and I will help you!” Together, they loved knowing that their students’ new language skills could increase their family income by 300%.

Karen’s greatest joy was her family. Known as “Noni” to her four grandchildren—Drew & Luke Schlimgen, Lily Wages, and William Peddie—she was famous for her hugs, artistically created cards, “bear mush,” and marathon board games. Just three days before her passing, she was blessed to hold her great-granddaughter, Elise.

Throughout her battle with Alzheimer’s, Karen relied heavily on Brian, who stepped into every household role with devotion. They continued spending quality time together talking and praying, walking the ranch hand-in-hand, reminiscing about all their adventures around the world and God’s faithfulness. In her fnal days, the deep and lasting nature of their love was evident to all. Gretchen Kristy, granddaughter Lily, and other family members surrounded her throughout her fnal months, ensuring she was comforted and cared for in the home she loved on the ranch with a view of St Mary’s Peak. The family is especially grateful for the dedicated support of Kristy’s partner, Todd Higgins, as well as friends Mary Cline, Deb Vause, Beth McCoy, and others who compassionately gave so generously of their time to be with Karen. Karen will be missed beyond measure. A celebration of her life will be held on Friday, April 24, at 1 p.m. at Revive Bitterroot Church, with a potluck luncheon to follow.

with God’s help and plan, extended Jef’s life and his quality of life. Our love and appreciation to our truly amazing and large family for their care during all of this journey, and especially these last months. Your prayers, love, support, and even professional help, has made this time not just bearable, but blessed beyond measure.

On April 19, interment will take place at Corvallis Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. A celebration of Jef’s life will take place at 3 p.m. at Hamilton Assembly of God, 601 West Main St., Hamilton, MT. In lieu of fowers, the family encourages donations to ChildBridge Montana at childbridgemontana. org/donate, or to the Neuroendocrine Cancer Foundation at ncf.net/donate. The service will be live-streamed from the Hamilton Assembly of God Facebook Page (facebook.com/HamiltonAssemblyofGod). Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

great guy.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Daly-Leach Chapel on Sunday, April 26, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. with a reception following in the funeral home’s community room. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

Jefrey Lynn Huls

Sports

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Broncs baseball best Blue Devils

The Hamilton baseball team defeated Corvallis 13-1 in a battle between Bitterroot foes on Friday, April 10, in Corvallis. Hamilton’s pitching was superb as Corvallis only had one hit in the game.

Starting pitcher Cash Lawrence, last year’s Montana Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year, allowed one hit, one run, and struck out seven batters over four innings. Hamil-

ton’s Jackson Lubke came in relief for one inning. He struck out two batters and didn’t allow a hit. Hamilton scored two runs in the frst inning and three in the second to lead 5-1 after four innings. The Broncs erupted for eight runs in the top of the ffth. Corvallis failed to score in the bottom of the ffth, so the game ended 13-1 because of the ten-run rule.

For Hamilton, Lawrence went 2 for 4 and had three RBIs. Brady DeMoss went 2 for 4, scored two

Bitterroot baseball roundup

Florence 4, Frenchtown 9

The Florence baseball team hosted Frenchtown on Friday, April 10, and lost 4-9. Florence was undone in the top of the third inning where they gave up seven runs, after which they couldn’t make a comeback.

Florence was fummoxed by Frenchtown’s pitching as the Falcons only had two hits. Wes Potter went 1 for 3 with two RBIs. Chase Wagner went 1 for 3 and scored two runs. Wagner also stole three bases.

Stevensville 6, Frenchtown 19

The Stevensville baseball team went to Frenchtown on Tuesday, April 7, and lost 6-19. Stevensville led 5-2 heading into the bottom of the fourth but gave up 17 runs in that inning, which they were unable to overcome. At the plate for Stevensville, Shane Ayers went 1 for 2, scored two runs, had two RBIs, and hit a home run. Jackson Guenzler went 2 for 2, scored two runs, and had an RBI. Corbin Mauler went 2 for 3 with an RBI.

runs, and had two RBIs. Lubke went 1 for 1, scored two runs, and had an RBI. Jude Widmer went 1 for 3 with an RBI. Corvallis pitchers Adrian Sears, Nathan Brenneman, and Boone Venema fought hard but were unable to slow down Hamilton’s ofense. At the plate for Corvallis, Jake Leavitt’s frst inning single was the Blue Devils’ lone hit of the game. Corvallis is now 2-3 on the season. Hamilton is of to a blistering 4-0 start; the Broncs outscored their opponents 47-4 in those four games.

Hamilton

12, Ronan 0

Hamilton hosted Ronan on Thursday, April 9, and won 12-0. Hamilton starting pitcher Connor Quinn allowed three hits and no runs in four innings. At the plate for Hamilton, Boedy Tadvick went 3 for 3, scored two runs, and had three RBIs. Jackson Lubke went 1 for 2, scored two runs, and had an RBI. Landon Ekin went 1 for 2 and scored two runs. Brady DeMoss, Cash Lawrence, Bridger Huddleston, Connor Quinn, and Trevyn Bakken each had RBIs.

Corvallis 9,

MAC 6

Corvallis went to MAC (Mission/Arlee/Charlo) on Tuesday, April 7, and won 9-6. At the plate for Corvallis, Joe Hixon went 2 for 3, scored two runs, and had four RBIs. Adrian Sears went 1 for 2 with two RBIs. Waylon Lendak went 2 for 4, scored two runs and had an RBI. Bodhi Southwell went 2 for 3 and scored two runs.

Bitterroot softball scores

Hamilton 16, Ronan 1

Hamilton went to Ronan on Tuesday, April 7, and won 16-1 in fve innings. Hamilton pitcher Mariah Johnson struck out 11 batters to get the win. At the plate for Hamilton, Kennidi Cooper went 3 for 4, scored two runs, and had four RBIs. Dawsyn Ekin went 2 for 4, scored three runs, and had four RBIs. Casey Kennedy went 2 for 4, scored two runs, and had two RBIs. Addalyn Henderson went 2 for 4 with an RBI. Hayleigh Savage went 2 for 4 and scored two runs.

Hamilton 16, Dillon 6

Hamilton went to Dillon on Saturday, April 10, and won 16-6, thanks in part to a nine-run third inning. Hamilton pitcher Mariah Johnson struck out 13 batters and got the win. At the plate for Hamilton, Hayleigh Savage went 3 for 4, scored two runs, had fve RBIs, and hit a home run. Brooke Savage went 3 for 5 and scored two runs. Addalyn Henderson went 1 for 1, scored two runs, and had two RBIs.

Stevensville 4, Frenchtown 24

Stevensville hosted Frenchtown on Tuesday, April 7, and lost 4-24. Frenchtown scored nine runs in the second inning and 10 runs in the ffth inning to earn the victory. For Stevensville, Khloe Frost went 1 for 2 with two RBIs. Maddix Yeager went 1 for 2 with two RBIs. Emma Tan went 1 for 1 and scored two runs.

Corvallis 10, Frenchtown 11

Corvallis played at Frenchtown on Thursday, April 9. Corvallis trailed 2-9 heading into the top of the seventh inning, then scored eight runs to lead 10-9 heading into the bottom of the seventh, but Frenchtown

scored two runs and got the 11-10 victory. For Corvallis, Ella Daly went 3 for 5 with two RBIs. Libby Jessop went 1 for 4 with an RBI. Brooklyn Cary went 1 for 4 and scored three runs.

Corvallis 12, Dillon 11

Corvallis hosted Dillon on Saturday, April 11, and won 12-11 in an ofensive battle. The game was tied 11-11 in the bottom of the seventh inning when Corvallis’s Kirsten Race hit into a felder’s choice that scored Karter Sorensen for the go-ahead 12-11 victory. For Corvallis at the plate, Natalie Jolley went 2 for 2 with two RBIs. Libby Jessop went 2 for 4 and scored two runs. Taylor Anderson went 1 for 3 with two RBIs. Brooklyn Cary went 1 for 4 with three RBIs. Florence 13, Anaconda 2

The Florence girls hosted Anaconda on Tuesday, April 7, and won 13-2. Florence pitcher Jaden Fisher got the win, allowing only two hits, one run, and striking out 13 batters over six innings. At the plate for Florence, Taylor Pyette went 3 for 4, scored three runs and had four RBIs. Lacie Larson went 2 for 3, scored two runs, and had 2 RBIs. Jaden Fisher went 2 for 3 with an RBI.

Florence 19, Deer Lodge 1

Florence went to Deer Lodge on Thursday, April 9, and defeated the Wardens 19-1. Florence pitchers Jaden Fisher and Elizabeth Camp combined to only allow one hit. In a unique stat, Florence hit nine total doubles in the game. For Florence, Elizabeth Camp went 1 for 1, scored three runs, and had three RBIs. Jaden Fisher went 2 for 3, scored three runs, and had an RBI. Lacie Larson went 2 for 3, scored three runs, and had an RBI. Taylor Pyette went 2 for 4 with an RBI. Anya Stokes went 1 for 3, scored two runs, and had two RBIs.

Track and Field results

Hamilton Bronc Invitational

Hamilton hosted 19 high school track and feld teams in the Hamilton Bronc Invitational on Saturday, April 11. The feld included the Bitterroot Valley teams from Corvallis, Darby, Florence, Hamilton, Stevensville, and Victor.

Individual girls results The following Bitterroot Valley girls won their event. Hamilton’s

Annalise Lewis won the 1600m (5:18.47). Stevensville’s Reagan Johnstone won the 100m hurdles (15.62) and the long jump (177.5). Hamilton’s Gracie Werst won the shot put (39-10). Hamilton’s Aubrey Korst won the pole vault (12-0).

Individual boys results The following Bitterroot Valley boys won their event. Darby’s Gavin Miller won the 400m (51.32). Hamilton’s Taylor Doleac won the 800m (2:04.99). Corvallis’s

Taggart Jessop won the 1600m (4:35.61).

Florence-Darby I

nvitational

The Florence-Darby Invitational track meet was held in Corvallis on Tuesday, April 7. Fifteen area high schools competed, including the Bitterroot Valley schools of Corvallis, Darby, Florence, and Hamilton.

girls results The following

Valley

won their event. Corvallis’s Ella Varner won the 100m (13.00). Corvallis’s Jillian Huls won the 200m (26.91) and the long jump (16-08.5). Darby’s Lily Adair won the 400m (1:05.28). Corvallis’s Brynlee Tucker won the 300m hurdles (50.22). Corvallis’s Olivia Potter won the triple jump (309.5).

Individual boys results The following Bitterroot Valley boys won their event. Corvallis’s Ayden Spencer won the 100m (11.16) and the discus (163-02). Hamilton’s Marshall Smith won the 200m (24.40). Florence’s Sebastian Schroeder won the 800m (2:06.06) and the 3200m (10:45.53). Corvallis’s Taggart Jessop won the 1600m (4:44.13). Corvallis’s Reese

Emerson won the

Hamilton pitcher Cash Lawrence (#3), last year’s Montana Gatorade Baseball Player of the Year, allowed one hit, one run, and struck out seven batters over four innings in Hamilton’s 13-1 victory over Corvallis on Friday, April 10 in Corvallis. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Corvallis’s Joe Hixon (#19) went 2 for 3, scored two runs, and had four RBIs in Corvallis’s 9-6 victory over MAC on Tuesday, April 7. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Individual

Bitterroot

girls

Tucker won the 110m hurdles (16.40). Hamilton’s Taylor Doleac won the 300m hurdles (43.32). Corvallis’s Aidan

shot put (4606).

Hamilton’s Brady DeMoss (#13) rounds third during the Hamilton/ Corvallis game on Friday, April 10. DeMoss went 2 for 4, scored two runs, and had two RBIs in Hamilton’s 13-1 victory over Corvallis. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Help hope bloom in spring: give blood with Red Cross

In April, the American Red Cross asks people to keep patients top of mind by making an appointment to give blood. The need for blood doesn’t take a spring break, and acting now can ensure blood is available in the coming weeks at medical centers. Regular donors of all blood types and those looking to give for the frst time are encouraged to make days brighter this spring for those in need.

April is National Volunteer Month, and the Red Cross celebrates the kindness of blood donors and those who volunteer their time. There is no substitute for blood — volunteer donors are essential to patient care. Blood Program Leaders and Blood Donor Ambassadors are the heartbeat of our work at blood donation centers and community blood drives.

Join the celebration of saving lives! Book a time to give blood now by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App. All who come to give April 13-30 will receive a $15 e-gift card to a choice of merchant. See RedCrossBlood.org/Hope for details.

Upcoming Missoula and Ravalli County blood donation opportunities:

Darby

4/15/2026: 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Darby High School, 209 School Drive

Hamilton 4/27/2026: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Bitterroot Health-Daly Hospital, 1200 Westwood Drive

Missoula

4/16/2026: 11:30 a.m. - 4 p.m., St. Paul Lutheran Church, 202 Brooks St.

4/17/2026: 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., University of Montana - School of Pharmacy, 32 Campus Drive

4/17/2026: 11 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., Westside Lanes & Fun Center, 1615 Wyoming St.

4/23/2026: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., First Security Bank, 1704 Dearborn Ave.

4/28/2026: 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Missoula Public Library, 455 E. Main St.

4/30/2026: 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., U.S. Forest Service - Northern Region Headquarters, 26 Fort Missoula Road

4/30/2026: 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m., University of Montana - James E. Todd Center, 32 Campus Drive

Stevensville

4/24/2026: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Stevensville Community Blood Drive at Stevensville United Methodist Church, 216 College St.

4/29/2026: 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Stevensville High School, 300 Park Ave.

Victor

4/28/2026: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Victor High School, Victor High School, 425 Fourth Ave.

How to donate blood

Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit RedCrossBlood.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enable the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using Ra -

pidPass® to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass or use the Blood Donor App.

Amplify your impact − volunteer!

Another way to support the lifesaving mission of the Red Cross is to become a volunteer blood donor ambassador at Red Cross blood drives. Blood donor ambassadors help greet, check in and thank blood donors to ensure they have a positive donation experience.

Volunteers can also serve as transportation specialists, playing a vital role in ensuring lifesaving blood products are delivered to nearby hospitals. For more information and to apply for either position, visit redcross.org/volunteertoday.

Status report for Painted Rocks Reservoir

Between the atmospheric rivers of rain in December, the warm stretches during the winter season, the heavy wet snow the Bitterroot Valley received a couple of weeks ago, and the current warm weather, there has been a lot of water deposited into the reservoir over the last several weeks.

Because of these unusual occurrences, it appears that the snow that is at 5000 ft. and below has already melted in the drainage basin above the reservoir, and the ice covering the reservoir has almost completely melted.

This has led to what appears to be an early start to the runoff season for the low-level snow.

The reservoir inflows appeared to have hit a peak of around 800-850 cfs around March 26 and 27, which usually signals the end of the low-elevation snowpack.

Because of these large inflows,

Painted Rocks Reservoir has filled a few weeks earlier than normal.

Painted Rocks Reservoir is currently 8 ft. below the spillway crest at an elevation of 4717.5 ft. and impounding 27,464 AF of water (32,632 AF is full pool).

Based upon the current outflows of 313 cfs and the inflows measured today, 627 cfs, it is anticipated that the reservoir will fill and spill within the next 7 to 10 days.

However, with the predicted warmer weather near the end of this week, the reservoir may fill a little sooner.

Please be aware that while the releases from the low-level outlet are currently at 313 cfs, the flows in the West Fork of the Bitterroot River may end up closer to the 500-600 cfs range once the reservoir fills and begins to have water flowing over the spillway.

Riders vs. rowers

Th e two-party system is broken. The previously existing symbiotic relationship that functioned to maintain balance and build our Republic to be the greatest ever known is being disassembled a brick at a time.

Those stolen bricks are then being used to create a huge bottomless pit that constantly asks the question “Why”. The voice from the pit, in asking, is knowingly assuming the controlling position. The unknown is demanding justification from the known, and assuming control can suck more bricks into the pit.

THE RIDERS.

The justification is evident in the structure being destroyed, a brick at a time. The perfect answer is “Why Not?” Instead of losing control and being forced to struggle with a response, that question restores control.

Having done so, that question emphasizes the positive aspects of the future and builds upon those accomplishments.

THE ROWERS.

The question “Why” offers two functions: destructive or informative. Most often, the intent is destructive because, as in character assassination, there is no perfect answer. Anything you say will be used against you (to steal your bricks, so to speak).

Think about it, assume control, and ask “Why Not”. Why not vote with your conscience instead of others’ control?

BE A ROWER, ASSUME CONTROL, AND VOTE

William (Bill) Campbell Conner

Lone Rock School

Di strict 3 voters

We at Lone Rock School, in partnership with the community, strive to empower our students with knowledge to become respectful contributing citizens.

Our demands to do this with modern technology have become more expensive and demanding than State and Federal funding will allow for us to keep up with and to maintain. We are asking our community to help prevent a possible crisis and support the Lone Rock levy request. We ask you to boost our support of today’s youth – tomorrow’s citizens.

Vote YES on your school ballot. Thank you. Gary and Carol Leese Stevensville

Republicans beware

Co ncerning open primaries, I wish they were closed. They confuse voters as candidates can register to vote on any party ticket, and not even be in agreement with the party’s tenets. This has happened a lot in our 2025 legislative session, where supposed Republican candidates were elected and voted against basic Republican ideals (ex. lower government spending, lower taxes). So even though the voters send a Republican majority, the imposters voted against many Republican bills causing them not to pass. By closing the primaries, and letting only Republicans vote for their own candidates, it would eliminate crossover voting where other parties can decide which “Republican” moves on.

Representative Bedey, HD 86 is one such example. Not only does he choose to vote against about 30% of the Republican bills, he receives campaign support from several Democrat leaning entities, including his campaign manager, Fireweed Campaigns. The owner, Lauren Caldwell, was the former director of a committee that was dedicated to electing Democrats to the Legislature. In my opinion, candidates that run on the Republican ballot should be loyal to the Republican party

and not be beholden to donor’s contrary interests.

The MTGOP platform is reviewed every 2 years, and represents the values of the majority of Republicans statewide. It is the glue to the party. If a candidate can’t or won’t pledge to uphold those values, why not run as an independent? Those of us who agree with the platform tenets need to be careful who we vote for.

I’ll be supporting Kathy Love and Kim Dailey.

Dana Gentry Corvallis

Tech levy

W e have an opportunity to support our students by voting for a continuation of the Tech Levy. This levy provides our Stevensville School with the funds to ensure academics are at their highest with high quality computer labs, software, WIFI, and equipment to teach robotics, digital art, programming and much more. Communication with parents and the community through web services is also critical.

Technology is the backbone of safety in the schools, where doors lock and unlock to keep danger out. Security cameras, vape sensors, and automated controls help keep our students safe and our buildings operating efficiently.

What is less well known is the levy support for school sports. Team sports can be viewed in real time and are also recorded in order for coaches and players to rewatch and analyze team performance. Lines on the game fields are painted using technology that ensures correct spacing. Several unique systems make it easy to manage sporting events such as game scheduling, collection of statistics, and communication with referees, coaches, players, and parents. Finally, the school website provides all of us in the community with information on upcoming events and game results. It is important to realize that all of this would be jeopardized if we do not support the school by voting YES for the tech levy....so please for YES.

Loey Knapp Stevensville

Ready to fund m ore wars?

Do you also want to lose programs that support families in the current financial crisis? With the wars the President starts, and The Big Beautiful Bill he wanted, Congress passed it by Republican votes giving billionaires and corporations permanent higher tax cuts while 60% of low income earners get a small handout.

Now Trump wants billions more in his new budget for the military which is already bloated with money. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – eliminate it, he said. Cuts to health care, cancer research, housing for the homeless and low income affordable rentals and nutrition assistance programs. The list is long and cruel.

Americans of all political persuasions and small businesses are in turmoil due to gas price increases with money flying out of your wallet for other essentials. I guess Republicans aren’t listening and don’t care. They are mostly silent, afraid of repercussions by voicing and voting opposition. Think about what’s happening to you, your family, and friends. What can you do? Register to vote in the upcoming midterms. Vote for CHANGE. We’ve got to stop this craziness.

Marilyn Wolff Stevensville

Moose Creek BBQ, Mix i t Up! Sweets & Treats

I would like to take a moment to publicly thank Moose Creek BBQ and

Michelle at Mix it up! Sweets & Treats for their outstanding service and incredible food at the recent Lincoln, Reagan, Trump Dinner hosted by the Ravalli County Republican Central Committee.

With little notice, Moose Creek BBQ stepped up and truly saved the day - providing a delicious dinner for nearly 300 attendees. Their willingness to jump in last minute speaks volumes about their commitment to Ravalli County. Michelle is one of the best bakers I know, and she made some outstanding desserts for our Dessert Dash. She delivers top notch bakery items that look like they belong in a magazine and taste even better.

In moments like these, it is important to recognize local businesses that go above and beyond. Moose Creek BBQ and Mix it Up! Sweets & Treats did exactly that, and we are incredibly grateful.

Thank you again for your generosity, professionalism, and fantastic food.

Ryan Roth, RCRCC Secretary Florence

No vote for women

Se cy. of War, Pete Hegseth, says women have had the vote for 100 years. “That’s enough”. His Pastor says “too wishy washy, a vote should be a household vote” decided by the “man” of the house.

These two clowns did not know my mother, my sisters, my daughter or my granddaughters. They should be relieved it is unlikely they will not encounter them . They would be badly embarrassed for spewing such drivel They’d be way in over their ever opened mouths.

There are 70+ million unmarried women in this country over the age of 18. No “man” in those “houses”. Many by choice, others by death of a spouse and yet others by divorce (a choice). Does denying them the vote sound the least bit democratic or does it simply sound misogynistic, chauvinistic and repulsive?

This is where extremism aligns itself so blatantly with authoritarianism. Good luck boys !!!!

If you vote for character, this is easily a defining issue for you. If you vote ideology over character it probably says a lot about unaddressed insecurities . You best stay away from strong women.

John Grant Hamilton

Endorsing Sam Forstag fo r Montana

I’ m writing to support Sam Forstag for Montana. Sam is one of the most elite firefighters in the world, parachuting into dangerous wildfires, swinging a tool for 16 hours straight, sleeping in the dirt for 4, then walking all the way to an extraction point with 110lbs of gear on his back. Sam will work that hard for Montana. When firefighters get angry about issues, they make things happen. Sam is angry about Montanans having to work as hard as he does and still not being able to afford food, housing, or basic needs for their kids. Sam is going to make the ultra rich faux-Yellowstone socialites who treat Montana like their personal pristine playground pay their share, and he will work 16 hours a day and sleep in the dirt to make it happen. I’m voting for Sam Forstag!

Nicole Pepaj Missoula

Montana climate matters: impacts on wildlife in the t reasure state

Ec ologists understand that each species occupies a ‘niche’ in the environment where the right living conditions (defined

by temperature and moisture), resources (including food, water, and shelter), and lack of competition from other species allow populations to survive and reproduce. Plants grow where conditions are right, and animals depend upon plant communities to provide food and shelter.

A niche is a ‘space’ in the world that a species has adapted to over its whole history. Grizzly bears now mostly live in the mountains where they find what they need and are not killed by humans. Mule deer live in forests but are being driven out of open habitats by white-tailed deer, which outcompete them. Pikas live in high alpine habitats that remain cool during summer, have sufficient snow to insulate them from severe winter cold, and offer mountain meadows where they can find food.

For most of my time on earth, life has been good for the wildlife in Montana, but things are rapidly changing for them. Climate scientists, as well as most of the public, understand that the climate is warming much faster than normal because of increased greenhouse gas emissions. Human actions are the main cause of the problem. We are changing the climate faster than species can adapt, and that includes us.

As higher primates, we also have a niche we occupy. Our early ancestors on the African savannah lived where they would not freeze at night and had water and food. As we developed technologies like clothing, weapons, and fire, our niche expanded and we spread out across the planet. Today our technologies allow us to live virtually anywhere, supported by buildings, insulation, agriculture, food storage, fossil fuels, and medical technologies. Our expanding niche has diminished the living space for other species, often to the point of extinction. Now, in addition to taking away the physical space needed by other species, we are shrinking the climate space they need.

As temperatures increase in Montana and reliable sources of water shift in time and space, wildlife need to move in search of the conditions that they require. In general, as it heats up, animal species will move up in elevation or north in latitude to keep pace with the shifting location of their niche. To do this, however, is becoming more difficult.

As summers get hotter and drier in Montana, wildlife will become increasingly uncomfortable in their present location. Eventually, they may shift their range to mountain tops where it’s cooler. Unfortunately, in those places there is little to eat, forcing them back to lower elevations to suffer the heat. This is the plight of pikas, already living at the upper limit of plant life. Pikas die if air temperatures get above 80 degrees F for long, and they freeze to death if snow doesn’t form a blanket over their burrows. Most wildlife are not aware that far to the north—perhaps hundreds of miles away—it is cooler. They are aware, though, that conditions are getting too hot where they live. Water sources are drying up, and food plants are disappearing. And so, they move. Perhaps they see a distant mountain, or the wind brings them the scent of forest or water or food, or they move randomly. Animals moving farther north are likely to find better conditions. However, moving in any direction is a difficult and risky business, because people, roadways, and occupied landscapes block their path and endanger their lives. In coming years with warming conditions, we will see wildlife in unusual, unhealthy places, just trying to find a place to survive.

Dr. Frank Lance Craighead

Bozeman

The advertising and editorial content deadline is Friday at 5 p.m. We strive to include news and information that’s important to the people of the Bitterroot Valley. If you have a story idea, or any other concern, call us at 406-777-3928, email: editor@bitterrootstar.com or stop in at our ofce at 115 W. 3rd, #108, Stevensville. The mailing address is P.O. Box 133, Stevensville MT 59870. Correction Policy Accuracy is important to us. If you see a factual error in a Bitterroot Star news story, please notify the editor immediately and we will print a correction in the next issue. Our View/Letters

Bitterroot Star editorials are written from the position of the newspaper. The personal columns and letters appearing on the Opinion page and elsewhere in the paper represent the opinion of single individuals and do not necessarily refect the position of the newspaper. The Star welcomes public comment and encourages letters to the editor. Letters on local topics or issues are given priority for publication. Letters should be 600 words or less. Shorter letters generally have a better chance of prompt publication. While letters expressing appreciation for a specifc, 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. Author’s name, address and phone number (for verifcation, not publication) are

Supporting the R oadless Rule

Tw enty years ago, prominent Montana conservationists marched 7 miles from a local Helena roadless area to the steps of the state capital. It was a symbolic march in support of the federal Roadless Area Conservation Rule, adopted in 2001.

Today, many of those same conservationists, and several new ones, are once again inspired to rally in defense of the Roadless Rule, which the Trump administration is threatening to rescind. We, the Montana Conservation Elders, support lasting protection for inventoried roadless areas within the National Forest System and join with our fellow conservationists as proponents of wild places in Montana.

MCE seeks to protect the legacy of past Montana stewardship and to ensure the future of public access to wild places for our children, grandchildren, and generations to come. In that respect, by supporting the Roadless Rule, we seek to uphold the Montana Constitution: “The state and each person shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment in Montana for present and future generations.”

The next generation will be the witness to our commitment to wilderness landscapes,”...where the Earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man.”

Tim Marchant St. Ignatius

Message to Republican p rimary voters—SD 43

R ecently, former legislator Fred Thomas voiced his support for David Bedey’s opponent in the upcoming election for Senate District 43—the south end of Ravalli County. But the reasons that he gives are deceptive and call into question his motivation.

Fred claims that the two property tax relief bills passed by the 2025 Legislature and signed by Governor Gianforte amount to “socialist-style” taxation never seen before in Montana. But Montana has long had tiered, i.e., “progressive,” property tax rates for residential property. Why didn’t he do something about it when he was a legislator?

And his use of the word “socialist,” in an obvious attempt to anger some voters. But does he really believe Governor Gianforte is a socialist? How about the 44 Republican legislators who voted for one or both of the tax relief bills? Are they socialists, too?

The fact is that due to the bills Fred dislikes, over 80% of Montanans have

seen a reduction in the tax on their homes—with more relief coming next year. Fred claims that better solutions were ignored. What were they? Perhaps he supported SB 90, which provided a $230 rebate but left tax rates the same, which would have had devastating consequences for homeowners. Truth is, Fred doesn’t have a workable plan.

Fred is correct when he points out that the tax burden was shifted toward electric utilities and other large corporations. What he fails to tell you is that these entities had enjoyed a windfall of over a hundred million dollars since the spike in residential taxes occurred in 2023. The tax reform bills shifted part of the burden back to them. Why would Fred think this is unfair?

Fred also disputes the fact that the state budget increased by less than one per cent, saying that “Figures lie, and liars figure.” That’s why in 2015 the Legislature passed a bill—that Fred voted for—to set a standard way for calculating budget increases. Per that calculation, the total state budget increased by 0.7%. So who here is the liar?

Unlike Fred Thomas, David Bedey is a legislator who does his homework and serves the citizens of Montana, not special interests or party bosses.

That’s why he has my vote for Senate District 43.

Skip Chisholm Hamilton

Opinion piece

I read the opinions in your publication of Wednesday, April 8, 2026 and was impressed with the piece titled “Rules of disengagement” submitted by Tony Hudson. I do not usually respond to opinion pieces, but this particular one I found both profound and thought provoking. I would urge others to read his piece.

Robin Clute Victor

Your voice for a stronger, more afordable Ravalli County

I have known Michele Binkley for nine years. She was elected to serve as the representative for HD 85 in both the 2021 and 2023 sessions but was defeated in the 2024 primary when she broke her leg, making campaigning almost impossible. She has proudly served on Appropriations Committee, Montana’s Mental Health

Commission, the House Rules Commission, the Energy, Technology and Federal Relations Committee, the House State Administration Committee, and the Agricultural Committee.

Michele will work towards reducing taxes and cutting government spending at every level— from bloated state agencies down to local governments that often overspend.

She has proved that she will always put her constituents first and stand up to dark money groups, party bosses, and out-of-state special interests who are pushing their own agenda at Montana’s expense. Michele is a strong supporter of school choice and will work to expand access to high quality vocational training and apprenticeship programs to give more opportunities to kids who aren’t going to college. She believes all families should have access to the school of their choice, including strong public schools and alternative choices. Michele wants to make Ravalli County more affordable and will focus on bringing down the cost of living, including housing and healthcare & she supports cutting property taxes in Ravalli County while still protecting critical local services like public safety. Michele is a committed Christian and will always vote in line with her Christian values. For all these reasons, she has my vote.

Pat Earnest Stevensville

Why a missing bill m atters

Re member the line from the movie, “A Few Good Men?” “You can’t handle the truth?”

That line comes to mind when reading Kathy Love’s 2025 legislative recap in the Bitterroot Star (Dec. 10, 2025), where she highlighted what she called her “significant” work.

Noticeably absent: HB 309. Why?

HB 309 was as important as the others, but questions arose when she chose to leave out one bill that dealt with the lawsuit involving the central committee of which Love was a member.

Her bill, HB309, was supposed to look like what seemed to be a “minor” change of ONE word in Montana law replacing “date of election” with “date of election certification” for when local county central committee members assume office.

But in election law, ONE WORD concerning timing isn’t trivia, it’s power. Montana statutes rule who gets elected to precinct committees, when they take office, how county central committees organize, and how delegates are chosen for state conventions. Change the timing, and you change who gets to participate in

state conventions. There’s the reality.

In 2024–March of 2025, Ravalli County’s Republican Central Committee was in a legal dispute over election procedures and timing that ended when a judge ordered compliance with existing law and directed elections to proceed. At the same time, state GOP party officer elections were approaching -June 2025. The Point? Voting participation in those elections depended entirely on who is recognized as a valid committee member or delegate BEFORE the state elections occur. Timing determines authority. Timing determines power.

HB 309 mattered because it touched a live wire: who was going to be the elected head of the GOP?

That outcome has been in the works since 2013with long term planning to take over the state party to put power in the hands of a man who was elected in June 2025 and who said this: “…Candidates for election will be vetted, and if we determine that they are good for the party, we will endorse them.” (https:// montanafreepress.org/2025/07/03/wittichs-world/)

Kathy Love has been endorsed BIG TIME, by the GOP and the Montana Senate PAC as well as the AFP as she is good for the party. But what about her constituents against whom she voted twenty-two times in 2025? Do they matter?

Think about the fact that the GOP never endorsed a candidate in the primary elections until now and it is Love they support not Bedey?

Voters reading Love’s recap don’t see a complete record – only the parts that don’t require explanation about a Ravalli central committee trying to ignore state law and disenfranchise voters.

And voters shouldn’t have to play detective to understand what their elected officials did or why.

If a bill was insignificant, say so. If it was controversial, explain it. If it failed, own it. That’s what accountability looks like.

But leaving it out entirely? That leaves a gap and that is where trust starts to erode.

Because when a political party decides to choose candidates, not the voters, Bitterrooters know what to do…elect Bedey and let HIM fight for us against the corruption in the GOP.

Helen Sabin Corvallis

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A bamboo fy rod can cause one to form an afectionate bond with an inanimate object. I frst heard that from legendary rodmaker Walton Powell.

I know what he meant. I have some bamboo rods that Walton painstakingly and lovingly crafted for me.

I have that same kind of afection for my father’s violin and his mandolin, both over a hundred years old.

It’s not the same with a truck. You don’t love a vehicle in the same way, but maybe close.

the old one. I couldn’t pay him what I rightfully owed him, and you can’t buy that kind of integrity.

by Chuck Stranahan

I’d still be driving my old gray ‘93 Dodge Dakota if it hadn’t developed the habit of all-of-asudden stalling out. That can be dangerous – even if everything else is fne.

It has a great sound system. It’s recently been tuned and runs real well, save for the stalling out issue, better than it did 100,000 miles ago.

It looks kind of disreputable. It’s not a truck you’d break into, expecting to make a haul of anything valuable – like a Powell bamboo.

It’d been in the shop of the best diagnostic automotive mechanic I know for nearly two months. Rather than replace parts willy-nilly and run up bills with each miss until he hit it right, Tom was determined to fnd what’s wrong, and fx it, once.

Hearing that the ‘93 Dakota still wasn’t remedied, a friend made an ofer that could put a newer 2005 Dodge pickup in my hands if it didn’t need major work. I took it to Tom for a complete inspection.

I think my old ‘93 was the only truck of his long career that left him completely stumped. When the new truck appeared he tore up the bill for the hours spent with

I’d been driving the new one for several days when I left it with him, and drove the old truck home. When I got in, it felt comfortable and familiar. On the way home I bumped the accelerator and it took of – never ran better. If only it did that all the time, I thought.

When I parked it in front of the house I was sur-

prised at the sense of sadness that hit me, and with it, the food of memories.

There was the time my younger son, then eighteen, and I threw a handful of dust in the air and followed it for ten days – from dusty roads along the Smith to highway turnouts along the Gallatin and Madison, from a nameless creek somewhere to his favorite boyhood stretch of the West Fork.

The truck was caked in dirt from a rainstorm on the Ruby and dust from the backroads of the Big Hole by the time we brought it home.

We bonded when I held Matt as a newborn, as he entered life, and we bonded again on that trip, where he entered young adulthood and found his freedom.

When my older son and I hunted the Crazy and Castle ranges out of Checkerboard the old ‘93 Dodge Dakota got even muddier on the rain-soaked gumbo roads where Jay harvested a buck. There was bonding of a diferent sort on that trip – hard to put into words but something that occurs, if they’re lucky, between older men and their middle-aged sons.

I thought of those trips and others in the old ‘93 Dodge: The beautiful fall with best friends along the Blackfoot; solo trips across Wyoming in the dead of winter nights, snow blowing sideways through the headlight glare, racing against the darkness through harsh winter winds to get to Seattle in time for the next sport’s show. I never gave the

truck’s quitting on me a thought. And it never did. It always made it home.

Tom called and said the new truck only needed routine maintenance. A friend and I got into the old truck to go pick up the new one – and it didn’t start. We waited a few minutes. That always worked. This time it didn’t. Again, and again nothing. I got another ride to the garage.

The old ‘93 Dakota still sits in front of the house. For several failing months it managed to start after stalling out; this time, rather than face its demise in a repair shop or on any of the lonely roads over long years where it could have crapped out but didn’t, the old truck simply came home to die.

Chuck’s old ‘93 Dodge pickup, camping on the Smith River. Photo by Chuck Stranahan.

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ans/Disabled

FRESH EGGS from Howell’s Happy Hens are back!

$5.00/doz. Pick up at Bitterroot Star ofce, 115 W. 3rd, Suite 108, Stevensville.

1995 LANCE 10 FOOT

PICKUP CAMPER , self-contained, with A/C unit, very good condition, asking $2000 OBO. Call (406) 945-0000, please leave a message.

RENTAL suitable for 1 person, furnished apartment on 10 acres with private small yard, gorgeous views in the Stevensville area, $1400/month includes utilities, call for details, (818) 921-5275. RETIRED SINGLE MALE seeking retired outdoor female for companionship. Dave, 406-370-6724.

MONTH TO MONTH