Annie Bernauer is running for re-election to the Victor Park Board where she has volunteered to serve the community of Victor since 2023. Annie and her family live in Victor and take pride in being active members of the Victor community. From donating to the local food pantry, clothes closet and free library to picking up trash and debris in Victor Park to helping with holiday decorations on Victor’s Main Street. Annie has volunteered at the Victor Heritage Museum since 2018 and has been a museum board member since 2021. She also volunteers on the
board for the Bitterroot Draft Horse and Mule Club. Annie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Mental Health Therapist with a focus on alternative methods of therapy such as nature based and equine therapies. Annie is also a Master Naturalist and Master Gardener so you may have met her leading family friendly nature walks around the Bitterroot or her past work at the Victor Community Garden. Annie homeschools her children and is an instructor for the Crafted Wild nature-based education program in Victor. Annie has years of experience in non-profit and small business management with skills in managing limited budgets, organizing volunteers and grant writing.
Michelle Buker
Annie’s vision for the Victor Park District is to continue to increase the awareness of the park and public spaces that the Victor Park District maintains. She envisions continuing the beautification of the Highway 93 corridor through Victor to encourage increased visitation to our community and local businesses. Since being on the Victor Park Board, Annie has been raising awareness about Victor Park to encourage additional park use for community events to help generate additional donated funds to the meager park budget. She has strived to increase community involvement in Victor Park events and volunteer opportunities. Annie is proud to call Victor home and asks for your vote in support of her volunteer efforts to help improve our wonderful community of Victor.
My name is Michelle Buker, and I’m honored to be running for re-election to the Victor Park District Board. For over 10 years, I’ve served on the board with one goal in mind: to help make our parks — and our community — the best they can be.
Victor isn’t just where I live; it’s where my roots run deep. My husband’s family has been living in Victor since 1880. This place holds our families history, heart, and future. That’s why I care so deeply about what our town looks like, how our parks serve our residents, and how we preserve the small-town charm that makes Victor so special.
Serving on the Park Board has been a labor of love. I’ve worked hard to keep our parks clean, safe, and beautiful for everyone — from kids playing at the playground and on the baseball diamonds, to families enjoying summer picnics and memorial services for loved ones in the park. I bring determination and a strong work ethic to everything I do. I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves and get things done. I’ve worked hard on everything from removing refuse and graffiti in the bathrooms to reseeding the medians in the highway and landscaping the main street entrances. I’m proud of the improvements we’ve made so far.
But there’s still more work to do. I want to continue pushing for upgrades, beautification efforts,
and community events that bring us together and highlight all that Victor has to offer. I believe in action, not just words — and I’m ready to keep working for you.
Thank you for your support over the years. I hope to earn your vote again and the opportunity to continue building a brighter future for Victor.
My name is Gina Deschamps. I was born and raised in Montana and have proudly called the Bitterroot Valley home for the last 17 years, and Victor the last two years. For the past five years, I’ve owned and operated Treasure Chest Events, a business dedicated to bringing people together through community celebrations—most notably Victor Days, held every August right here in Victor Park.
After attending Park Board meetings off and on for the past three years, I’ve decided to run for a seat because I believe I can bring strong organization, planning, and community outreach skills to the table. Hosting large-scale events has given me firsthand experience in coordinating logistics, working with local businesses, and creating spaces where our community can come together and connect.
My favorite part of Victor Days is
Gina Deschamps
seeing families enjoy two full days of fun—laughing, smiling, and making memories. I often hear people say how good it feels to have something like that back in Victor, and that feeling is exactly what drives me to want to do more.
If elected to the Victor Park Board, I want people to feel confident that I will represent them in a positive way. I’m always open to new ideas, and I want everyone to know they can come to me with concerns or suggestions. I believe our park should continue to be a place where all generations can gather, play, and celebrate what makes Victor such a special place to live.
You can reach me at 406-3606743 with any questions.
My name is Lindsay Foerstler. I am running for a Victor Park District (VPD) Board position, because I care deeply for the freedom-loving, good folks of Victor and I wish us to thrive together. I will work to improve VPD spaces, making our town more vibrant and suitable for town gatherings. I envision concerts/dances in the park, classes (gardening, CPR, exercise), local vendors market, children’s play equipment, swap meets, games/competitions, fundraisers, adult softball tournaments at the ball fields and any affordable enhancement that encourages our community to visit in the sunshine together.
I am a constitutional conservative Christian. I believe in helping my neighbor, being kind and allowing all to do as they please within the
and we can share. We donate a substantial portion of our produce to the Victor Senior Center and Nazarene Food Bank. Caring for and helping our neighbors creates community and I see that everywhere I go in Victor.
I spent 20+ years working as a Project Manager, Estimator, Administrator, and Owner in the Commercial Construction Industry. My experience lends me to unifying diverse groups of people towards a common goal. I genuinely like people and enjoy collaborating towards improvement of any kind. Effectively managing, scheduling, communicating, contracts, and budgeting are areas I excel in.
If you choose me to be a VPD Board member, I will steward public money responsibly and work for the common good of our community. Victor is a small town made up of patriots that love our town and each other. If I am honored with this position, I will foster and grow that to the best of my ability.
Heather Jessop Hi, I’m Heather Jessop, and I’m proud to call Victor home. I recently started my own bookkeeping business and previously ran a successful cleaning business before taking time off to travel with my family. I homeschool my kids, which gives me a great connection to other local families and a firsthand understanding of how important our parks and community spaces are.
I’ve also volunteered as a Cub Scout leader and participated in monthly Board of Health meetings, both of which gave me a real appreciation for the work that goes into supporting a strong, vibrant commu -
I’m running for the Victor Park Board because I want to stay involved and give back as my kids grow more independent. Parks are places where memories are made—whether it’s a quiet walk, a ballgame, or a family picnic—and I’d love to help keep them inviting and well cared for.
I’m organized, approachable, and enjoy listening to ideas and working with others to make things better. If elected, I’ll bring a thoughtful, hands-on perspective and a genuine desire to serve our community well.
Sheri Jones
My name is Sheri Jones, and I’m proud to be running for a position on the Victor Park Board. I grew up right here in the Bitterroot Valley and have been a successful business owner for over 34 years. My real estate office, Weichert Realtors 406 Properties, is located in the heart of Victor and overlooks one of our town’s greatest treasures—Victor Park.
As a resident and business owner in Victor, I understand the value of this shared space in our community. I’m running because I want to be an integral part of preserving and improving this park so that it continues to serve all of Victor—from our children to our seniors. I’d love to see more playground equipment added for the kids, and more community
events held in the park to bring us all together. I bring a strong background in leadership and financial management. I’ve served on the Bitterroot Valley Board of Realtors for the past 10 years, including four terms as Treasurer and most recently as President of our 250+ member association. In my time as Treasurer, I worked on budgeting, financial oversight, and strategic planning— all skills that will benefit our park board.
In the past, I’ve partnered with SAFE to help organize fundraising events, and I continue to believe deeply in giving back to the community that I live and work in. I’m committed to transparency, collaboration, and keeping an open door to listen to the needs and ideas of our community.
Victor Park is more than just green space—it’s a reflection of who we are as a town. I’d be honored to serve and help guide its future for the benefit of all.
You can reach me at 406-3691047 with any questions or stop by the office at 2367 US Hwy 93 N, Victor, and share your insight with me.
Lindsay Foerstler
Corvallis Rural Fire District to run mill levy
Corvallis Rural Fire District is asking the public in its district to support us on May 6th by voting “yes” to an increase in our operating mill levy.
Corvallis Fire is experiencing a signifcant increase in call volume for medical and fre responses. We responded to 644 calls in 2024 and are on track to meet or exceed that in 2025. We have had a 46% increase in call volume in the last 10 years. We need to hire 2 full-time responders to help manage the workload and mitigate long hours donated by volunteers. It is imperative to maintain a healthy balance between volunteering, work, family, and personal time. In 2024, the volunteer staf donated over 10,000 hours of time running calls, training, and helping manage the organization. That is 27.5 hours per day collectively and an average of almost 2 calls per day in response to emergencies. Our staf is feeling the efects of their commitment to protect life and property in our District, and it is time to hire them
some help. Fire equipment is expensive from the start and is no diferent than the rising prices of everything else. We have experienced the cost of goods roughly double in price in the last 10 years. Between the increase in cost of goods and the need for hired staf, we are asking the voters for a $175,000 increase in our operating levy. The mill increase will be 8.17 mills. The passage of this increase would afect a home with a tax assessed value (not appraised value) of $100,000 by $11.03, a $300,000 value by $33.08, and a $600,000 value by $66.06 annually.
We have a public newsletter and information regarding the mill levy on our website at www.corvallisfre.com. We thank the residents of the Corvallis Rural Fire District for their support, and we are honored to provide emergency services.
Randy Skelton is the Corvallis Rural Fire District Chief.
‘Horse trading’ at the expense of taxpayers
After blowing of property tax relief entirely during the 2023 Montana Legislative Session, our senators and representatives are on track to repeat the mistake. Helena’s inability to prioritize the needs of its constituents is astounding.
by Jesse Mullen by Randy Skelton
In 2023, lawmakers ignored the Montana Department of Revenue’s recommendations to reduce the property tax rate. The result? A historic—and unnecessary—rise in tax revenue that drastically increased the burden on Montana homeowners.
Now, more than halfway through the 2025 session,
political leaders are playing games with their constituents’ pocketbooks. Earlier this month, the legislature rejected a package of tax reforms proposed by Governor Gianforte. Among them was a homestead exemption for primary residences and long-term rentals—a proven tool used successfully in neighboring states to keep property taxes in check.
One proposal would have cut property taxes for homeowners by nearly 20 percent, shifting the burden to short-term vacation rentals and often out-ofstate-owned second homes—some of the very properties fueling Montana’s housing afordability crisis. Those properties would have seen a 50 percent increase, leveling the playing feld for full-time residents.
Instead of tackling the real problem, lawmakers are focused on modest income tax tweaks—ofering minimal relief, especially to Montana’s aging population, who are most afected by rising property taxes and families looking to enter into homeownership. Worse, it seems property tax reform is being used as a bargaining chip. As State Senator Kelly Kortum put it, “horse traders in the [Montana Legislature] are slow-rolling property tax bills so they have hostages against Sine Die,” the process that ofcially ends the session.
Until we hold legislative leadership accountable—whether through primary challenges or otherwise—Montanans can expect more political games, more stonewalling, and more pain.
Jesse Mullen is the chair of the Powell County Democratic Central Committee and resides in Deer Lodge. He ran for Secretary of State in the 2024 general election.
There is a deeply heated debate in the outdoor world, one that has waged for centuries. Obviously, I’m talking about the debate over which camp eating utensil is superior. Generally, there are three opinions: the standard fatware group, the spoon group, and the spork group. In my opinion, one of these is just wrong. The spork.
The spork was invented in 1874, but arguably, fatware has had similar entries to its line-up for far longer than that. The thing about eating utensils is that eating culture has vastly changed over the last millennia. To put this into perspective, in the early 1700’s, it was customary not to even use a fork, and they didn’t become popular until the mid-1800’s. Before then, hands were used, and table knives were the predominant eating tool. In the Middle Ages, it was expected that guests would arrive with their own fatware.
I hate sporks
by John Dowd
the vestigial shaping of a knife edge on one side, in order to “cut” pieces of food. Balderdash. Eating utensils for camping are often made of plastic, to save weight, which makes them wholly lacking in the “cutting” department. The few metal sporks are made from titanium, or aluminum, and even in these cases, if you understand the biomechanics of eating with a spoon, the lips become at-risk for being cut by the edge present on a spork with a knife edge of a “spife,” if you will. Because of this, a spife cannot be made sharp, regardless. Sporks are, in their nature, an item of compromises I just do not believe outdoor people need to make.
The arguments about fatware come down to convenience, versus weight and space savings. As I mentioned, there are usually three camps. The frst believes in convenience over all else, trying to fnd compact standard fatware, in sets that include a knife, fork and spoon. The last group of insane individuals tend to hold the spork in high regard, touting it as a do-it-all eating device.
The problems with the spork are many, but centrally revolve around the fact that it does nothing well. The prongs are too short to efectively skewer food, the scoop portion is inadequate as a spoon because it has holes in half of it, and the prongs themselves must be sharper to make up for their lack of length. I should also note the discomfort of eating with a spork because of these sharpened prongs, as when using it as a spoon, it tends to stab the user.
There is even a particularly incredulous collection of sporks with
Sporks sometimes even come with a spoon on the opposite end of the handle, a self apologetic admission of how horrible the idea is. I have even seen spives with a spoon on one end, and a fork with a knife-edged prong on the other side. Preposterous. These utensils are awkwardly shaped, dig into the hand when used as a spoon and fll the hand strangely if used as a fork. Additionally, the same problems arise with the sharpness of the knife portion as on the traditional spife that includes all tools on the same side.
The last, central group I referred to is where I fnd myself; a spoon always gets the job done. I also believe everyone should have a knife with them in the woods, for any occasion. If the food is too big to ft onto the spoon, it’s too big for your mouth. Just take the spoon, and stop trying to reinvent the wheel. The spoon is, in fact, the oldest eating utensil for a reason: because it works and it is superior. Period.
All kidding aside, opinions are something everyone has, for various reasons. However, I have learned that the more a person knows about a given subject, generally the more they understand it. More importantly, the more they have actual experience with
it, the more their opinion can be trusted. Take the spork debate; you can’t type the words camp gear, or anything related, on Amazon, without a spork landing in the search list. This is because there are obviously a lot of people who think these are a good idea. Isn’t it interesting that anything can be made to be sensational? The battlefeld of an argument is often populated by those who know little about a thing, or those who wish to insight chaos among everyone else. These days, the world seems to be drowned out by the voices of opposition from all sides, so much so that the real answer to problems cannot be found. Wouldn’t it be better if everyone worked to understand everyone else’s perspective as hard as they worked to try to convince others of what they think? Maybe then, we could lend credence to all perspectives and fnally fgure out
which eating utensil is the best for the outdoors. Except for those fools that prefer the spork. Those guys are crazy.
Not a spork in sight. Just Grouse, beans and the fatware God intended. photo by John Dowd.
Oath of Ofce
I would like to remind our four members of Congress and my fellow citizens of the Oath of Ofce taken by Senators and Representatives:
“I do solemnly swear (or afrm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the ofce on which I am about to enter. So help me God.”
Note that the oath does not require the elected ofcials to support and defend their political party, the President of the United States, or their donors. The oath requires them to defend the Constitution, which is very clear that there are three branches of government. This bedrock principle of the Constitution does not allow one branch to simply ignore the others. If one branch believes the other is negligent, corrupt, or otherwise unft for ofce, they must follow the impeachment procedure laid out in the Constitution. I believe that if you place an elected ofcial or ofcials above the Constitution, you cannot call yourself a patriot, as the Constitution is a key founding document of our country.
Michelle Long Stevensville
Tarifs
Montana Senators Sheehy and Daines, please take note of what your colleague, Sen. Rand Paul, had to say about tarifs: “Every dollar collected in tarif revenue comes straight out of the pockets of American consumers. Conservatives used to understand that tarifs are taxes on the American people.”
That’s right, these taxes aren’t paid by China, or the EU, or the penguins of Heard Island. I pay them and my neighbors pay them and you pay them, if your well-paid accountants haven’t found you enough loopholes. The $6 trillion they’re expected to cost us all (per Trump Trade Advisor Navarro) amount to the biggest tax increase on Americans since 1968, while tanking the stock market and devastating the savings of millions of investors.
There’s something you can do about it, though: your colleagues, Senators Grassley (R-Iowa) and Cantwell (D-WA), have introduced the bipartisan “Trade Review Act of 2025.” The bill restores Congress’ sole authority over taxes, including tarifs, as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution, by placing limits on the president’s power to impose tarifs. Under the bill, Congress has the ability to end tarifs at any time by passing a resolution of disapproval.
Tarifs are inherently regressive, and will cost working Montanans proportionately more than wealthy Montanans like yourselves—as we would be pleased to explain in person, if you ever showed up. Tarifs, coupled with extending the Trump tax breaks for top earners, will result in hardships for everyday Montanans as programs focused on education, housing, nutrition, health, and natural resources are cut in order to ofset those billionaire tax cuts.
Who are you loyal to? Donald Trump, or your constituents in Montana? In the name of all tax-paying Montanans, I urge you to show up to do the job you were elected to do: sign on as co-sponsors and reclaim
Opinion
the constitutional power that you have until now abdicated, then repeal these monstrous tax increases, and deny tax cuts to billionaires.
Russ Lawrence Hamilton
Social Security
Some 90 years ago the Republicans fought, but lost, the fght to stop Social Security. Some 60 years ago the Republicans fought, but lost again, to stop Medicare. Ever since then, the Republican Party has struggled to fnd a way to get rid of these socialist programs.
Finally, Republicans see a path forward to achieve their long-held goal. Major reductions in SS personnel will prevent the already short staf from providing timely service, especially for people fling new claims. We have the perennial Republican claims that it is going broke, and now our government efciency expert calling it a Ponzi scheme. All of this combines to undermine faith in the system, making it easier to cut.
The factor which may well require substantial reductions in the benefts of SS and Medicare is the enormous federal fnancial defcit,now running close to $2 trillion per year. Already, just the annual interest on the total debt exceeds the defense budget. This interest grows rapidly as interest rates rise and new debt is incurred. Trump is also proposing policies that will dramatically increase the annual defcit.
These include huge new tax cuts, reducing IRS personnel who audit tax returns, and reducing staf that investigate and prosecute medical fraud. Together, these can increase the defcit by upwards of $1 trillion per year. Contrast that with the minor cuts Musk is making, which a conservative magazine likened to looking for loose change in the sofa cushions. Perhaps the Republican hope is that the debt will increase to the point where there will be no alternative to cutting SS and Medicare. The smart Republicans already know we cannot balance the budget without tackling (cutting) entitlements (SS and Medicare).
Trump and the billionaires around him have no need for SS and Medicare, and would like to get rid of these socialist programs that provide them no beneft.
Kirk Thompson Stevensville
A little light amid all the political chaos
Maybe it would be worthwhile to refect upon some really good work being done by the Stevensville School Board. It seems that we only hear about school boards when there is a crisis. Thanks to their work there will be no school board election on May 6th in Stevensville. Three positions were up for election and no one fled against them. Let me mention some of the work the board has accomplished. We all should care as the education of our youth is important to everyone whether you have kids in school or not.
Thanks to the work of Dan Mullen, Tony Hudson, Ben Meyer and Stephanie Esch, the changes I will mention have been implemented or are being set up.
There now is a line item budget. Believe it or not, this management tool was missing!
We have fnally fgured out that everyone does not need to go to col-
lege. Unfortunately the curriculum has paid no attention to the training needs of the trades which make our society work. The board is well along on creating a curriculum change which will interface the school with local businesses and other educational systems. This will allow our youth to be exposed to the various trades which are daily at work making our valley society work. Changes are coming at an ever increasing rate. This curriculum addition is vital.
Public awareness of major decisions should be encouraged. When a new superintendent was recently needed the board made what I think was a novel and important step to allow public participation. First the candidates for the position were identifed in the Star and provisions were made for a public “meet and greet” at the school. Questions were encouraged and the session was well attended. That’s sure a diferent way of selection than I’ve ever encountered. Such daylight can only result in a better school and community interface.
Finally I think there has been a dedicated efort for the board to increase contact with the student body. I recently obtained a copy of the frst Stevensville High School Student Council - Student body - report to the school board. It’s a new internal communication attempt by the board. Wow! That place is alive and moving on! That student body is busy. The shared knowledge can only result in better curriculum development and support. Maybe there is a way the gist of this report could be made routinely available to the public. I mean folks other than just the Boosters.
You may say “ho hum,” does all this matter? I can only remind folks that we are currently, nationwide, paying one hell of a price to correct our school systems. We are reaping the result of not paying attention to what our kids were being exposed to.
I can only say thank God for the folks I listed. Let’s support them and let them keep marching.
Ed Sperry, Col USAF (ret) Stevensville
Ellsworth embarrassment
Ostensible senator from Ravalli County Jason Ellsworth was censured by his peers, the Montana Senate. Tell me why he was elected in the frst place. Please, friends, tell me why Ravalli County Republicans supported this guy when he had already had to pay $600,000 in fnes for stifng innocent people in a fraud. Are they so afraid of Democrats that they prop up a known fraudster for Senate? The Democrats have felded good candidates year after year but our dear Republican friends just check the “R” box without thinking, without remembering that senators actually have a job to do where integrity matters. Makes me wonder where these voters stored their brains.
Linda Schmitt Corvallis
Register to vote!
It was great to see all the protests against the billionaire government we now have. But, don’t stop there, get registered to vote now! Change is coming now that the Seniors, veterans, and Lincoln Republicans have woken up! Respect the law and listen to others. Explain to them the teachings of Jesus! They will be surprised who he helped back in his days. Just wait till
gas goes through the roof, stock market in the toilet, those gas hogs and mcmansions will be on sale at bargain basement prices! Have a nice day. See you at worship service?
Joe Petrusaitis Hamilton
Keep it up, woke Democrats
Continue advocating for transitioning children. This includes cutting of male and female reproductive parts and creating new ones.
Continue to oppose the deportation of illegal aliens like Tren de Aragua and MS13 through local rogue Democrat judges.
Continue to oppose President Trump’s border policies that are lowering drastically illegal alien numbers at the border.
Continue fghting for bloated government agencies that are slush funds for LGBTQ+ far left organizations.
Continue fghting for biological men in women’s sports.
Continue fghting for woke government and union control of education. We are at the bottom of the education list of world countries with the highest cost per student.
Continue calling Trump Hitler and a Nazi and his cabinet a Nazi organization.The American voters know these are all lies.
Continue fghting for no evidence of citizenship to vote - the reason for allowing open borders and 20 million foreigners to invade.
Continue burning Teslas and starting fres in and out of high population areas. Remember Antifa and BLM? They are still here. They are agents of the Demoncrats.
Keep up the lawfare against every Trump policy. It will backfre against the rogue communist judges and already has in the ‘24 election.
Do you remember “normal”? Wokism (all these insanities) is all abnormal.
As a Christian I understand that all opposition to God and His commandments is called “sin.” The atheists have control of the Democratic Party. Kamala told the Christians at her rally to leave. They had called out “Jesus is Lord.” Romans Chapter 6:23 is what is called “the Roman road.” It says, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Two others are Romans 3:23 and Romans 10:8-13.
Look how your Demoncrat policies lost you the election. Keep it up! You will not fare well in the midterms. Richard Parker Stevensville
We deserve better
Trump and Musk are blaming federal workers for our bloated federal government budgets. Facts tell a diferent story. According to the U.S. Bureau of Statistics, there were 3 million federal employees in 1970. That number crept up slightly in the 1990s and then returned to 3 million in 2024.
Population growth easily outpaced the number of federal jobs. According to the U.S.Census Bureau, in 1970, 203.4 million people lived in the United States. However, our population steadily rose to 341.5 million or a whopping 61.8 percent in growth by 2024. Our undeterred dedicated federal employees kept up with this population surge by fnding and implementing creative ways to use constantly im-
proving computer technology to efciently get their work done.
Trump and Musk are using executive orders to fre thousands of workers. What are their real goals besides tax cuts for their friends?
Based on the overfowing attendance of recent town halls and protest rallies across the country, people are catching on, because we deserve better from our leaders.
Nathan
Johnson Hamilton
Which Jesus?
In her rebuke of the 21 Senators who voted against HB 655, Senator Manzella, of Hamilton, said “to those of you who voted in opposition to it, I am sorry. I wish you knew the Jesus Christ I know, because he would never abandon, abuse, or hurt children.”
It is a dark chapter in our history that more than 3,000 indigenous children, often kidnapped from their homes, were sent to be “assimilated into white culture” at boarding schools run by Christians.
By her description of the Jesus Christ she knows, is the Senator suggesting there is more than one Jesus Christ?
John Grant Corvallis Overstreet’s no vote
Rep. Greg Overstreet’s no vote is hard to understand.
My name is Evan SchroedeI. I ran for House District 88 here in the Bitterroot Valley last November and lost to Greg Overstreet.
Recently, Overstreet, along with several other legislators, voted against Medicaid expansion. Thankfully, it passed despite his refusal to stand up for his most vulnerable constituents.
I don’t understand why anyone in Montana state government, Democrat or Republican, would vote against Medicaid expansion. Maybe his failure stems from him being a recent immigrant from Washington state who doesn’t understand Montanans’ needs. We are the fourth largest state in the union with only 1 million people, and Medicaid provides life-saving healthcare for thousands of our citizens. To vote against them is to vote against Montana’s interests.
We need to be looking at candidates, Republican or Democrat, who will never fail to support the needs of all Montanans.
Evan Schroedel Florence Efciency, as the billionaire club sells it
I must begin my comments with a brief description of a particularly ugly incident at the March 20th opening of the new Hamilton VA Clinic. More than 100 well wishers had gathered to celebrate the occasion as well as show thanks to former U.S. Senator Jon Tester, the principal champion for the funding of the facility. Some folks carried signs indicating that they were in support of the staf there, and of the federal employees elsewhere threatened with Trump’s constitutionally unauthorized “efciency” crew. Suddenly, a man confronts the crowd shouting about how he couldn’t understand how “you people” don’t support eforts to fnd inefciency in government. I’m paraphrasing some here, but he was livid and howling about not being able to understand how anybody wouldn’t welcome the DOGE program. He became unques-
tionably menacing and threatening in a short time, and even ofered one person an opportunity to have an eye knocked out! VA Security accomplished his immediate departure. Now my questions. If the MAGA hothead is reading this, would he please write a response to the following:
1. If any amount of inefciency in America’s public agencies is presumed, could it have been exposed and remedied in a conventional procedural manner, such as one would expect any serious organization to use? What purpose does it serve to eviscerate the agency stormtrooper style? What does it say when the process begins with the summary dismissal of the agency’s Inspector General’s ofce? Yes, they did that! Then arbitrarily fre large numbers of the employees based only on a percentage basis regardless of any actual evidence of a need to dismiss for cause! By the way, entirely illegal procedures, Mr. Efciency Hothead.
2. Why is there not a peep out of the “Letter of the Law” folks, those wearing the “R” moniker 24/7 but are making Eisenhower roll in his grave. I only hear crickets. EFFICIENCY? Trump plays a lot of golf, not “working his ass of” as he promised. He always does so at venues which HE OWNS. From the U.S.Treasury straight to Trump’s Treasury. Where’s DOGE with that? Hey, Musk, there’s a real nice golf course a short drive from the White House. A federal facility. Why does Trump play exclusively at Mar-a-Lago or another of HIS OWN luxury resorts? Tax funded “efciency” looks like this in the DOGE era: In 10 weeks after the 1/20/25 inauguration Trump golfed 9 weekends. Mar-a-Lago requires (transportation costs alone) $3,400,000 per weekend. His Bedminster resort transportation only costs us $1,100,000 per weekend (only?), but he’s done Bedminster lots (23 times) as President. So I ask the efciency hothead, where’s DOGE when they could do some good? Too busy fring disease researchers and wildland frefghters?
Bill Jones Stevensville
Humanities funding enriched Ravalli County - help fght to protect it
Last week, Humanities Montana became the latest casualty of DOGE when we received an email informing us that our federal grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities, which accounts for 90% of our operating budget, had been terminated immediately. We’ve received these funds every year for over 50 years, and they have been cut of in the middle of our grant contract, which isn’t supposed to end until 2027.
For half a century, Humanities Montana has provided grants and opportunities that bring writers, poets, historians, scholars, artists, and performers to museums, community centers, parks, libraries and educational institutions, including in public, private and homeschool settings, across Big Sky Country. It’s heartbreaking to consider the impact of this cut on arts and culture in our state. Humanities are not a luxury; they are the fabric of our community. A foundation of our democracy.
As stated in the founding legislation of the National Endowment for the Humanities, “Democracy demands
wisdom and vision in its citizens. It must, therefore, foster and support a form of education and access to the arts and the humanities, designed to make people of all backgrounds and wherever located masters of their technology and not its unthinking servants.” Knowledge is power and should be accessible to all Montanans, whether they live in Bozeman, Browning or Broadus.
We are devastated but not defeated. Even with this news, we want to be clear that our doors are still open. We have some modest reserves to keep operating while we see how this unfolds nationally, and we will do everything we can to raise the funds necessary to continue the work. However, we know that private donations will not be able to replace federal funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities. This work is most efective when supported by a public-private partnership. Humanities Montana is federal funding done right—locally directed and locally delivered, with transparency and accountability to the people of Montana. Through efcient and strategic outreach, Humanities Montana has reached all 56 counties. More than half of our funding benefts rural Montana, where other cultural funding is limited.
In Ravalli County in the last year, we’ve funded nearly $21,000 in flm & video and community project grants for highlighting experiences of local Vietnam War veterans, sharing the devastating impact of Indian Boarding Schools, and an interactive museum exhibit to facilitate learning, refecting, and acting in water conservation and community perspectives and connections in the Bitterroot Valley. This grant funding is in addition to funding for 10 programs throughout the county on topics such as a biological, cultural, and philosophical look at the grizzly bear in contemporary Montana, cowboy music & authentic storytelling, medicinal plants and their uses, Indian History and ways of life, and more.
Nothing about this work is wasteful. In fact, our state and country could beneft from more of this type of community building. The humanities help us understand each other better, engage in meaningful conversations, and fnd common ground. Sadly, stripping funding away from our communities will only make our divisions worse. The humanities have always been vital to overcoming difcult historical periods, and that is precisely what we are experiencing right now.
Please join us in protecting the arts, culture, and humanities in our state and country by contacting Montana’s US Senators and Representatives, talking to your friends about why humanities matter to you, donating to our work, or fnding creative ways to protect and support cultural programming. Investing in the public good, our communities, and our neighbors has always been a source of pride for Montanans. I remain hopeful that this tradition will hold. We are in this together.
Jill Baker Executive Director, Humanities Montana
You be the judge
If you own water shares administered by the Supply Ditch Association here in the valley you are given a piece of paper that is your “certifcate” showing how many shares you own and you have to pay an annual fee in order to keep ownership of those shares. Fair enough but wait just a minute…….. Now let’s say that a landowner sells his property and needs to transfer his water shares to the new owner. The landowner has ofcial proof that he owns those shares and the Association also has proof of those shares and their owner in their records. But alas, no paper “certifcate” can be found. The Association however, will not transfer those shares unless that paper “certifcate” can be produced. Unfortunately if no paper “certifcate” can be found the Association rules state that it must be replaced by a new one. Okay. Fine. But wait. There’s more: The Association will be happy to print you a new one for a mere $250 ($150 to replace the “piece of paper”, plus they insist you purchase a special insurance rider for yet another $100). In a nutshell - $250 to REPLACE A PIECE OF PAPER! What a scam! My head hurts! Is that an honest business model?
Water is a very important and valuable resource and water rights need to be managed well. I get that. But this is ridiculous. It’s time for the Association to take the old metal fling cabinet out of the backyard shed and catch up with the times. The way it is now, it is nothing more than a shakedown by a “good old boys/gals” club that holds its shareholders hostage through an antiquated system run by inept managers. They should be ashamed of themselves and replaced by people who will wisely and efciently manage this system. If you have the time I suggest you look up the term “bend over” in the dictionary. You will fnd it’s synonymous with the Supply Ditch Association.
Blaine Billman Airway Heights, WA (formerly Stevi)
Local Christian academy celebrates
Hamilton Christian Academy (HCA) is expanding its campus to address growing student enrollment. The school is constructing a new 1,600-square-foot multi-purpose building that will include two classrooms to accommodate students taking elective classes such as music and fne arts among other classes. The permanent structure will be constructed behind the main building on the academy’s 6-acre property. On March 20, Hamilton Christian Academy held a “Topped Out Party” to celebrate the completion of Phase I of the building program. The new building provides two new classrooms with the capacity of up to 50 students. The building project was started in December of 2024 with an estimated fnal completion in the summer of 2025. Parents, staf, board members, and the public came together to celebrate the progress that was made. There were about 30 people in attendance. The festivities started outside in order to better see the progress that has been made. After an opening prayer, Dean Anglea discussed the current status of the building and then talked about the River Raft Rafe to raise funds to help complete the goal to match the $75k one-to-one matching grant from the Gianforte Foundation. On display was the raft and trailer that is being rafed of to help raise funds to meet this matching grant. Hamilton Christian Academy has raised approximately $45,000 toward the match and is actively fundraising for the remaining $30,000.
After this, attendees were also able to go inside the new building to see what the new classrooms will look like. People were free to roam around the new building and ask questions.
After touring the new building, parent JodieK Pratt was able to share what the school has meant to her family. As a single mother trying to raise two teenage boys, she has seen how much this school family has meant to her as she struggled with some major health issues.
Anglea, the Head of School, shared the history of HCA, which started in 1963 as a pre-school, and is now a fully accredited K-12 school. In 2014, HCA acquired the old Grantsdale School Building and it has become the academy’s permanent home.
Pastor John Weaver, pastor of the Hamilton Assembly of God, closed the formal event with a prayer, followed by cookies, snacks and fellowship. It was a great time together as participants celebrated God’s work at HCA and looked forward to the completion of the new building in the near future.
Serving the Bitterroot for more than 60 years, Hamilton Christian Academy boasts a 98 percent graduation rate. The private school started in 1963 at the Hamilton Assembly of God Church. Interdenominational and nationally accredited, HCA is now located at the historic Grantsdale School building at 778 Grantsdale Road in Hamilton.
Enrollment at Hamilton Christian Academy opened in March 2025 for the 2025-2026 school year. For information on becoming part of the Hamilton Christian Academy community or to support the school’s fundraising eforts, visit https://www.hamiltonchristianacademy.org or contact Anglea at 406363-4534.
FLU: avian fu showing up in valley, use precautions
Continued from page 1
within the last year.
COVID-19 also jumped species in a similar way, noted Shuttleworth. However, both women reiterated that the main concern at this point is the poultry industry, which is very at-risk. According to Szymanski, the disease has afected 1,700 focks across the country, including over 168 million birds. The frst case of this strain in Montana was in April of 2022, and so far, 165,000 birds in Montana have been afected.
She added, in just 2024, nearly 50 million birds were afected nationally. Of that, 80% were egg layers. The virus specifcally hit numerous large egg producers, including several in California. This has had a direct efect on egg prices and is why they have gotten so high.
Another note is that if the virus is found in a fock, most of the time the entire fock must be killed. “It spreads very fast,” said Szymanski. She said a large fock could include 35,000 to 55,000 birds. “In the course of like three days, you might be up to several hundred birds,” and it’s “not a pleasant disease for these birds.”
This “depopulating,” or the killing of the entire fock, can be a serious detriment to an operation. For small operations, it could shut them down. Because of this risk, Shuttleworth recommended “trying to stop it at the interface,” between wild and commercial bird populations.
Shuttleworth noted that a lot more people are getting into backyard focks because of food prices. These focks include ducks, geese, turkeys and chickens. One way wild and domestic populations come into contact is through food. For the wild populations, if food is available, they will take advantage of it. Shuttleworth recommended keeping the domestic birds inside, under a covered area.
“People may not realize the ramifcations if they have birds,” said Shuttelworth. She said domestic fock owners should not allow domestic and wild populations to share water, either. She added, keep waterfowl livestock out of wetlands and keep out the wild birds by fencing areas of. She said the virus seems to survive for long periods of time in wet areas, so she recommended keeping wild ducks out of domestic duck ponds.
Shuttleworth said the virus often manifests in weird symptoms, gener-
ally respiratory but also neurological. This can cause things like difculty breathing, or strange or lethargic activity. If a person notices anything in their domestic birds, Shuttleworth tells people to contact their veterinarian. “Your vet is a great source for your domestic fock,” said Shuttleworth. She added that owners should immediately quarantine the possibly infected bird.
For wild birds, “If you can walk up to it, something’s wrong,” said Shuttleworth. In these cases, it is best to contact Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. Shuttleworth also said, “Do not touch the birds,” or interact with them. As for the risk to people, fortunately Montana has a low population.
“We’re very lucky in that way,” said Shuttleworth.
According to Szymanski, even though it seems scary, there is no need to be afraid; just be careful and aware. She noted there is a low risk to the general population, and not a food safety risk, as long as food is prepared properly.
For more information, there are updates and articles on the Montana Department of Livestock website, liv.mt.gov. The United States Department of Agriculture has a real-time detection map and tables for additional information. Additional
information on human cases is available through the Centers for Disease Control website.
For Montana concerns, parties can reach out to Szymanski at (406) 444-
visit wild skies.org.
2970, at the Montana Department of Livestock. For those seeking information on Wild Skies Raptor Rescue, interested parties can call (406) 2445422 or
Photo courtesy Hamilton Christian Academy.
Sports
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Falcons best Broncs in baseball
The Florence baseball team defeated Hamilton 5-4 in nine innings on Thursday, April 10 in Florence. This was a rematch of last year’s state championship game, which Florence won.
As expected, it was a close game and went to extra innings as the score was tied 4-4 after seven innings.
Florence led 3-1 going into the 6th when Hamilton scored two runs to tie the game at 3-3. After scoring another run in the top of the 7th, Hamilton led 4-3 going into the bottom of the 7th. Then with two outs, Florence’s Chase Wagner hit an RBI double to tie the game, sending it to extra innings. In the bottom of the 9th, Florence magic man Wes [“Harry”?] Potter singled in the winning run to give the Falcons the victory.
For Florence, Chase Wagner went 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs, Levi Winters went 2 for 3 with an RBI, and Wes Potter went 1 for 3 with an RBI. Florence starting pitcher Mason Arlington struck out
eight batters and gave up fve hits over fve innings.
For Hamilton, Elijah McNair-Neal hit a solo home run, Hunter Harness had an RBI triple, and Jackson Lubke scored two runs. Hamilton’s starting pitcher Cash Lawrence gave up three hits and three runs and struck out four over four innings.
Baseball roundup
Hamilton Hamilton hosted Stevensville on Tuesday, April 8 and won 8-1. Atticus Southwell went 3 for 4 with a home run and 3 RBIs, Jude Widmer went 3 for 4 with an RBI, Jackson Lubke went 2 for 4 with an RBI, and Hunter Harness went 2 for 3 with an RBI and a triple.
Florence On Tuesday, April 8, Florence played at Corvallis and won 8-3. For Florence, Drew Wagner went 2 for 3 with a home run and 3 RBIs, Mason Arlington went 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs, and Caleb Katen went 1 for 4 with an RBI. Florence pitcher Chase Wagner got the win.
Stevensville
Stevensville played at Hamilton on Tuesday, April 8 and lost 1-8. For Stevensville, Exekiel Gardea went 2 for 4, and Cole Germane went 1 for 3 with an RBI.
Then on Saturday, April 12, Stevi played at Missoula Hellgate and won 10-5. For Stevensville, Braden Drye went 4 for 5 and scored 3
runs, McCoy Endres went 3 for 5, Joey Wheeler went 1 for 2, scored 3 runs and had an RBI, and Exekiel Gardea went 2 for 3.
Corvallis
Corvallis hosted Florence on Tuesday, April 8 and lost 3-8. For Corvallis, Maurice Craun went 2 for 3 with a home run and 2 RBIs, Reese Earp went 1 for 3 with an RBI, and Adrian Cardullo had a triple. Cardulla was also the starting pitcher and struck out 9 batters over 4 innings.
On Thursday, April 10, Corvallis hosted Missoula Big Sky and lost 4-7. For Corvallis, Adrian Cardullo went 2 for 4, Joe Hixon went 1 for 3 with an RBI, and Reese Earp went 1 for 1 with an RBI.
Finally, on Friday, April 11, Corvallis hosted Salmon and won 10-5. For Corvallis, Maurice Craun went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, Adrian Cardullo went 2 for 4 with an RBI, and Waylon Lendak went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs. Bridger Huddleston was the starting pitcher and he struck out 8 batters over 3 innings.
Bitterroot track teams in Missoula
The track and feld teams from Corvallis, Darby, Florence, Hamilton, and Stevensville were in Missoula on Friday, April 11 for the annual MCPS Invite.
The MCPS Invite was a good opportunity for Bitterroot Valley athletes to compete against some top talent, as there were six Class AA schools in the feld. A top six individual fnish at this meet is a great result.
In the girls team standings, Hamilton took 3rd, Corvallis took 7th, Stevensville took 11th, Florence took 14th, and Darby took 15th.
In the boys team standings, Corvallis took 5th, Hamilton took 10th, Florence took 13th, and Darby took
14th.
Individual girls results
Corvallis - Ella Varner won the triple jump (35-07) and took 5th in the 100m (13.20). Jillian Huls took 3rd in the 100m (13.00). Bea Paxson took 3rd in the shot put (32-02.50). Shaylee Weidow took 4th in the 400m (1:00.89). Lauryn Holmberg took 6th in the long jump (15-10.75).
Darby - Natalie Anderson took 6th in the 100m hurdles (17.25).
Florence - Madigan Hurlbert took 4th in the 100m hurdles (15.91).
Hamilton - Annalise Lewis won the 800m (2:16.95) and the 1600m (5:24.89). Aubrey Korst won the pole vault (11-06) and took 6th in the
100m (13.37). Gracie Werst won the shot put (36-07). Aleigha Child took 2nd in the 1600m (5:31.16) and 4th in the 3200m (11:41.49). Jenna Ellis took 4th in the 300m hurdles (49.35). London Provencher took 6th in the high jump (4-10).
Stevensville - Scarlett Gard took 2nd in the javelin (107-10). Eva Brunell took 3rd in the discus (10402). Sophia Hutchison took 4th in the long jump (16-01). Reagan Johnstone took 5th in the 100m hurdles (16.81), 5th in the long jump (16-00) and 6th in the triple jump (33-05).
Individual boys results
Corvallis - Hunter Loesch won the javelin (201-07) and took 5th in
the discus (146-05). Stuart Brennan took 2nd in the 110m hurdles (14.53) and 3rd in the long jump (20-02.50). Jack Davidson took 3rd in the 3200m (9:47.68). Ledge Conner took 3rd in the high jump (6-00). Drew Lewis took 4th in the javelin (159-02).
Darby - Gavin Miller took 6th in the 400m (53.35). Florence - Kyler Harris took 2nd in the 3200m (9:45.67). Hamilton - Taylor Doleac took 3rd in the discus (158-10). Evan Bennett took 3rd in the 800m (1:55.38). Jake McCarthy took 5th in the 400m (53.14). Marshall Smith took 5th in the long jump (20-02). Everett Stumpf took 6th in the discus (14500).
Florence girls win Jeferson Invite
The Florence golf team played in the Jeferson Invite at the Green Meadow Country Club in Helena on Monday, April 7. The Florence girls team of Kipley Solari, Reese Briney, Lacie Ketelhut, and Alyx Monaco continued their solid play and took 1st place. The Florence boys team of Rollie Fisher, Brody Duchien, Ian McLean, and RJ Moody placed 4th.
Individually for the Florence girls, Kipley Solari took 3rd (89), Reese Briney took 6th (102), Lacie Ketelhut took 9th (107), and Alyx Monaco took 11th (108).
Individually for the Florence boys, Rollie Fisher took 4th (75), Brody Duchien took 5th (77), Ian McLean took 26th (90), and RJ Moody took 38th (95).
The Florence girls golf team took 1st place at the Jefferson Invite at the Green Meadow Country Club in Helena on Monday, April 7. Photo courtesy of Florence Carlton School Activities.
Florence pitcher Mason Arlington struck out eight batters in Florence’s 5-4 victory over Hamilton on April 10 in Florence. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Hamilton pitcher Cash Lawrence gave up three hits and three runs and struck out four batters in Hamilton’s 4-5 loss to Florence on April 10. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Sports Corvallis/Stevi tennis match
The tennis teams from Corvallis and Stevensville played at the new Hamilton tennis courts on Tuesday, April 8. The Corvallis boys defeated Stevensville 3-4, while the Corvallis girls won 7-0.
Florence Florence hosted MAC (Misson, Arlee, Charlo) on Friday, April 11 and won 18-7 in a six inning slugfest. Florence had 24 total hits as Florence’s whole lineup got in the action. Maggie Schneiter went 4 for 5 with 4 RBIs including a home run and a triple. Kaylee Crawford went 3 for 5, Lily Bender went 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs, Ava Philbrick went 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs, Jayden Fisher went 4 for 5 with 2 RBIs, Kenzy Pickering went 2 for 3, Reilley Reed went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs, Gemma Bouma went 2 for 4, and Taylor Pyette went 3 for 3 with 3 RBIs.
Stevensville Stevensville played at Corvallis on Tuesday, April 8 and won 21-1 in three innings. For Stevensville, Lilly Newsom went 3 for 4 with 5 RBIs and a home run, Molly Davids went 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs and a home run, Morgan Yeager went 2 for 2 with an RBI, and Kenzi Frost went 2 for 3 with an RBI. Stevensville’s pitchers Morgan and Maddix Yeager combined to only give up one hit.
On Saturday, April 12, Stevensville hosted Dillon and lost 6-7. For Stevensville, Lilly Newsom went 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs and a home run, Jaidan Oyler went 2 for 3 and scored 3 runs, and Kenzi Frost went 2 for 4 with an RBI.
Corvallis
Corvallis hosted Stevensville on Tuesday, April 8 and lost 1-21 in three innings. Sophie Cooper got the only hit for Corvallis.
On Thursday, April 10, Corvallis went to Butte Central and won 11-8. For Corvallis, Scarlett Lendak went 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs, Ella Daly went 2 for 5 and 2 RBIs, Isabella Cardullo went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs, and Taylor Anderson went 2 for 4 and scored 2 runs.
On Friday, April 11, Corvallis went to Salmon and lost 5-6. For Corvallis, Taylor Anderson and Ella Daly both went 2 for 4, Lacey Jessop went 2 for 4 with an RBI, and Caitlin Nelson went 1
Hamilton Hamilton hosted Frenchtown on Tuesday, April 8 and lost 0-5. Hamilton got hits from Mariah Johnson and Dawsyn Ekin. Johnson was also Hamilton’s starting pitcher and gave up 5 hits and struck out 8 batters.
On Saturday, April 12, Hamilton went to Butte Central and won 17-4. Mariah Johnson went 2 for 5 with 3 RBIs, Addison Flynn went 2 for 5 with an RBI, Coco Vachon went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, and Kennidi Cooper and Casey Kennedy both went 2 for 3, scored 2 runs and had RBIs.
Stevensville tennis player Angus Trangmoe is undefeated this year in boy’s singles. Photo by Wes Wells.
Merle Unruh
Linda Victoria Moore
The feisty spirit of Linda Victoria Moore danced into the light on March 20, 2025. “Victoria” to friends, “Ms. V” to students, and “Granny” to the ones she loved most, she was born in Spotsylvania, Virginia, on September 3, 1949. One of 13 children, she had 10 sisters and two brothers. She attended school and began her adulthood in Virginia. She went to work at the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia, where she met a handsome young ofcer, whom she married.
She and Steven B. Moore had one daughter (Michelle Moore Mendenall) and were married for many years. They lived several places in Texas, and Victoria’s Virginia-drawl took on a gentle Texas-twang, resulting in a distinctive accent that she was known for. She followed her beloved daughter and treasured son-in-law (Brian Mendenall) when they moved to Montana in 1997. She had three grandchildren (Maizie, Luke and Mia Mendenall) who were the lights of her life.
The last of her working years were spent as a para- educator at Hamilton Middle School, where she earned the reputation of being “tough, but fair.” She treasured the relationships fostered there with students, parents and staf. She served as the president of the Hamilton School District Classifed Union for many years, which she loved and said taught her a lot about herself and others.
She believed in love, God, positive thinking, the power of music, the importance of the arts, fairness, education, organ donation, practicing gratitude, equal rights, good grammar, deep discussions around the kitchen table, laughter, manners, and that all children deserve dignity. She was smart, spirited, sassy and a snappy dresser.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church (171 Lewis Lane) in Hamilton, Montana.
Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com.
George Thomas, Jr.
It is difcult to sum up Dad’s life in a few paragraphs, so here are more than a few. George Jr was the 7th of 9 children born to George and Theresa Thomas. He was born at St. Patrick’s Hospital 1/18/1942 and he was very proud to be from Missoula Montana.
He went to grade school at Jeferson and Franklin and then graduated from Missoula County High School in 1960. During these formative years he excelled at anything outside. He became an ace at shooting marbles, hoops, slingshots, and adept at throwing footballs, baseballs, punches and later shooting pool, guns and such. He enjoyed these activities, but not nearly as much as the friendships forged and the adventures shared with the original gang of characters that he tore around the neighborhood with. These bonds lasted as long as they did on this earth. Brother Bill (only 1 yr older) Duane Sharbono, Randy Jones and Mike Herron (who is still with us).
He spoke of the summers that he and Bill spent with Grandma Hansen at her place up Twin Creeks. A wonderful haven for two mischievous boys and a mini break for their Mom! He was known to be “tough” yet at age 13 he fell out of a tree and broke his neck, while returning a baby bird to its nest. This tender side of him not everyone got to know.
His parents taught him and his siblings how to work hard for what they needed and wanted. His frst job away from home was at Frontier Town near McDonald pass. He worked during his high school summer breaks and his younger brother Kenny (only in grade school) did too. It was there that they found a 2nd home and several father fgures, John Quigley and a man called Scottie. He told us of helping John build the log church on the property. He saved his earnings, caught a ride to Helena and purchased his frst car, a 1951 custom Victoria Ford. It rode so low to the ground that it would barely clear a beer can. His Dad George Sr was NOT happy, but he sure was. A new car to take his steady girlfriend Sandi out in.
It must have worked because on July 15, 1960 he married Sandra (Sandi) Nay. Together they began a journey of 64 years of Marriage together during which they took their vows to heart. This carried them through good and often challenging times, a true symbol of an unspoken devotion. Early on they lived in two diferent apartments, during which time son George the 3rd arrived in 1961. (yes, another George) They then moved into the Thomas family’s original log home in Missoula. (On Davidson, now Strand Ave) and in 1962 daughter Becky joined the family. They resided there until 1973 amongst family members living in homes nearby. Dad and Mom Thomas were right next door, with brothers, Frank, Bill and Sister Annie and families very close. Later they decided to move to #48 Wheeler Village and lived there until 1997. After many memorable years spent there, they had a home built on Stolen Rock Court, just past the Wye. He enjoyed landscaping the new lawn and driveway as only he could, with HUGE rocks of various sizes. He’d often had them weighed on the log yard scales, because he just needed to know how much, so he could tell others. They lived there until 2018 when they moved to their home on Josephine Ave in Katoonah Lodges. In the midst of all the moves and married life, he held two diferent jobs and was always a good provider. He joined brother Frank at John Schramms meat processing facility (slaughterhouse). It was there he learned and perfected his knife sharpening and beef/pig butchering skills. This proved to be very helpful as he and Frank led the way through many assembly line style, big game meat processing sessions. These were held at the big cinderblock truck garage better known as the “shop.”
In 1964, Thomas brothers Frank, Bill and George
purchased Thomas Trucking from their Dad (Geo Sr). Bill bowed out (got smart) after the frst year to pursue his car parts manager career (he told the best jokes). Geo and Frank continued as partners and everyone soon learned who was the silent (quieter) one and who was the assertive (bossier) get it done NOW partner. They owned 6 trucks at the start and years later, the brothers drove the remaining two. Thomas’ motto was International all the way! Log trucks, pick-up trucks, scouts of various models, ALL were purchased at Missoula Truck Sales. This business was owned by George Burton and Don Hamilton. This arrangement led to a friendship built on mutual respect and trust. The MTS team of Mike, Loren, Tim (Burton), Gary Mcchesney and Hank Roat were all defnitely on his A list meaning they were “A” okay. If you knew him well, it took a lot to get there. Being an independent truck driver was in his blood and it was his world besides his family. He enjoyed telling people especially as he aged that he had driven millions of miles in his logging truck during his 42 year career. Many of those miles were driven before the butt crack of dawn and as late as the Mill was accepting logs. He was always pushing for that 3rd or 4th load. Hauling logs meant working on the trucks which ramped up during spring break up. The “shop” was more than a place to weld, rewire, wash and repair things, it was the “gathering” place. The BS capital of Western Montana made him happy, and when not, the thrash monster mode kicked in. He seldom let people help and yet he liked having watchers, who tried to help. Friends like Duane (entertaining/log hauler), Fuzzy (log hauler/mechanic), Warren and Jef (auto body/pro painters), Wally (gun/ammo expert), Geo 3rd (truck greaser), Becky (dirty foor sweeper), Mikey (1st grandson). This list is incomplete, just a start really, as the shop was a place of constant arrivals and departures of people (Stuart, Dan, Ron) too numerous to possibly list. In 2006 he retired, and selling his truck to Bob Hereford was difcult for him. I’m certain that more than one tear was shed as it was driven away by the “kid”. The transition from logger to retiree, from the rescuer to being rescued did not come easily for him, if at all. Downsizing and sorting through all his stuf and transporting it to Randy Jones’s place was like, Wow! He burned lots of gas in his pick-up going back and forth from Stolen Rock to Stevi, but he enjoyed the drive and it was an accepted (not really)
sub for his log truck. Doug Roark’s auto salvage yard became his new regular stop to visit with longtime friends and of course, go to lunch. (Ruby’s Cafe was a favorite).
The George we all knew and loved, loved us back, especially his wife Sandi. His love was complete even at times when it was hard for him to show it. He never missed a birthday or anniversary, made certain all the grandkids had “good” snow boots. He gave practical things, his “stuf” (tools etc.) and giving it away was a gesture of his unspoken fondness for the recipient. He was a straight shooter when it came to hunting and sizing up people. If he thought someone was a hard worker and honest, he’d say so. If he didn’t they’d soon know it and so would everyone else. No gray areas employed. If he considered you his friend nothing would stop him from helping you. If you were one of them, you know this to be true.
He had a passion for the outdoors and items he used in the pursuit of it all. He liked to camp and he had LOTS of coolers, camp chairs, hot dog roasters, you name it. He liked to fsh and collected LOTS of lures, poles, reels and fsh stories. He loved to hunt and he liked to clean, polish and load ammo for his favorite guns (270, 30-06, 375) and to tell people how he acquired them. He liked knives, pocket, carvering, butchering, utility, all VERY sharp knives. Many times he was seen in his chair, with his favorite wet stone in hand, carefully sharpening edges and managing to watch and holler at the LA Dodgers at the same time. (multitasker) He liked to share stories and had an incredible memory for details. (roads, timber sales, local gossip).
During his lifetime he was built to be strong, tough and a little rough around the edges (??**!!**??!!), but being a stubborn Thomas came quite naturally. He was extremely hard on his body and paid dearly for this over the last 10 years of his life. A heartfelt THANK YOU to family and friends for stopping by to visit and to all those in the medical feld that did their best to help him. Doctors, Nurses, ER teams, AMS Specialists, Surgeons, PTs of WMC and St. Pat’s, Msla Fire Dept, Ambulance personnel and more. Grandad Nay always said that “you can bring a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.” Something we all should consider in regards to our health.
Dad always thought of himself as a simple man, but most would disagree. He was not college educated like many, but he possessed more common sense than most and “IT” prepared him for almost anything.
This was said at a memorial years ago and felt it suitable for describing Dad at his celebration of life.
He was not humanely perfect. He was perfectly human.
He is preceded in death by parents George and Theresa Thomas, brothers Frank and Bill Thomas, sisters Pauline Miller, Annie Magee, Betty Cromwell, Rosie Cromwell and Margaret Eskridge.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sandi Thomas, children George Thomas III (Deb), Becky (Ken), his grandchildren listed by age, Mike (Sara) Thomas, Tara (Tad) Thomas/Miller, Tyler (Cali) Thomas, Shelby (Ryan) Riley/Luke, and Sydney Riley; great grandchildren Tenley, Macee, Tatum, Atlas, Molly, Auron, Maddie and Sterling; his little brother Kenny (Penny) and brothers-in-law Niles Nay (Helen Bade) and Dennis (JoAnn) Nay and an amazing number of nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews.
There will be a Memorial Gathering on Saturday, August 2, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Garden City Funeral Home on Broadway and Mullan. We hope family and friends will join us in sharing George stories and lunch. He would have liked that.
Stay safe while the rivers are on the rise
Some of the best advice I ever heard about safe wading is, “Be chicken. Chickens don’t drown.”
The guy who issued it was deadly serious. Never mind his slightly twisted sense of humor. If you have to boil everything you need to know about safe wading into one aphorism, he nailed it.
Be chicken.
I once watched a mother bantam hen try to keep a batch of baby ducklings whose eggs she sat out the water (it’s a long story involving a deceased mother duck and a subsequently deceased coyote.) She squawked and threw a tantrum and fapped her wings as she herded her children away from the edge of the edge of the pond.
by Chuck Stranahan
As soon as she rescued one duckling from the shallows three more would be on the water –beyond her depth. Finally she stood silently and watched – wet-legged up to her thighs, totally frustrated and bewildered as her children schooled up in a bunch and swam of.
She knew instinctively how deep she could wade. Our specie is more complex. We have to fgure those things out.
First, be prepared. When I was younger and reckless bordering on stupidity I waded in Levis and tennis shoes. That works for a while – until you’re too deep in water that’s too swift or too slippery. There were some serious bruises before I fnally got wise.
The frst need is for solid traction afoot and ankle stability. As a temporary budget fx I once coated the bottoms some inexpensive work boots with indoor-outdoor carpeting. They held up well for a couple of seasons.
Next step up, a pair of name-brand purpose-build wading boots. It’s worth it to spend what you’d spend for good hiking boots. Felt-bottomed boots ofer traction that must be experienced to be understood; I have a pair for use in my home watershed.
To avoid spreading several nasty waterborne organisms where they don’t belong I have a pair of hard rubber bottomed and metal cleated wading boots.
in somebody’s boat. The metal cleats might not be welcome.
Next, waders: My sense is to get full-length chest waders that can be rolled down and buckled to waist-highs when the chest-highs make you swelter. Safety note: Keep that waist belt buckled! Those chesters act like sea anchors if you take a tumble and they fll with water.
Hip boots? I’ve had several pair and used the seldom. Currently I don’t own a pair. There’s the sea anchor thing if you fall in, and all hip boots eventually prove to be about ¼” too short. Think about it.
Stepping into a chilly stream where you’ll seldom be more than knee-deep is refreshing on a warm day. I wear my wading boots or water sandals and wade wet most of the time; the waders get put to use early and late in the season.
Polarized glasses are an essential part of the wading system. They take the glare of the water and let you see where you’re stepping.
Look downstream before you step in. Survey what’s down there – if you might get swept into fast water or a hazard if you lose your footing, don’t wade beyond that point. Keep your feet shoulder
width apart and shufe along.
We’re at that point of the year where our rivers are getting deceptively high and sneaky-dangerous. That slick current you see may be running faster with more strength and power that its smooth surface reveals. You have to respect it.
Besides, your best chances for fsh as a river rises are along its edges.
This time of year, talking about how to approach trout and how to wade safely amount to the same thing.
Where are the trout? Think edges, in current moving slower than walking speed. They move closer to shore as current speeds increase. The water may be tumbling down the riverbed in a roar; the trout are in the slower water at the main current’s edge and are skittish.
You’ll do best if you stay on shore, or wade along the edge where there’s virtually no current and you’re no more than calf or knee-deep. From there you’ll generally be well-positioned to drop a cast in and not spook them.
Don’t over-wade the fshing. Stay shallow, stalk your fsh.
I spray either pair with hydrogen peroxide and let them dry out between trips. There’s also a pair of water sandals to wear when I’m a guest
Knee deep is deep enough while the river is on the rise. Photo courtesy Jan Stranahan.
OUTDOORS: conservation groups gather for area youth
Continued from page 1
Montana Wetlands and Waterfowl out of Butte.
The Whittecar Shooting Range will have a booth set up as well. Just like last year, they will be holding two separate competitions over the summer, and interested youth can sign up for these at the Mule Deer pellet shooting trailer. Those who sign up cannot be part of any shooting club to enter. Winners of these two events will get brand new .22 caliber rifes.
Tom Powers, one of the MMYOE organizers, wanted to highlight the new camp, at the Woodson Ranch in the Ruby Habitat Foundation. This camp will take place in August and will grant private access to nine miles of fshable river.
The MMYOE is also adding a ffth camp at the Glacier Institute called, “Many Stories.” This camp, also in August, will combine elements of fshing, creative writing, and the verbal histories of both Native American and European cultures with nature.
The second event will be Teller Wildlife Refuge’s
Youth Conservation and Education Expo, on May 17. This will take place at the refuge and around their barn location. They will have buses that take people from the barn into the refuge every half hour. However, there will no longer be buses from Hamilton to Teller.
This event will take place between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will include nearly 30 groups, all conservation-based and most local. These groups will set up booths and were asked to include an educational component and some kind of fun and engaging interactive component. Nicole Ballard, Conservation Education Coordinator for Teller Wildlife Refuge, spoke excitedly about the entire event. She described it as “everything very interactive; hands on!” Throughout the event there will also be live presentations, each about an hour long; one of these will include live wildlife.
There will be ice cream and burgers for purchase during the day, and every youth will receive 10 rafe tickets to enter. Each group participating with the event donated an item, game, or outdoor related piece of equipment that will be in the rafe. Youth do not have to be present to win, they just need to include clearly written contact information on tickets.
Those bus rides into the refuge will deliver visitors to a stocked trout pond on site, managed by Bitterroot Trout Unlimited, that will allow youth to fsh with no license required. There will be a 3D archery range set up, managed by the Bitterroot Archers. Youth with an interest in archery can sign up for an archery tournament the next day. Adults can also sign up as there are several age brackets. The refuge will have a hay wagon that will drive around giving birding tours, manned by the Bitterroot Bird Alliance. Teller Wildlife Refuge encourages all 18 and younger to attend.
Speaking on both events, Ballard said their goal at the refuge event is to provide an introduction for young people into nature and conservation, while Powers and the MMYOE event strives to establish and root outdoor lifestyles in young people as well as leading them into an interest in conservation. Ballard said the Teller event is also about “giving kids an opportunity to get recreational equipment they may
Dies named Lion of the Year
Hamilton Lions Club President John Orlando announced that Dixie Dies was selected as Lion of the Year. President Orlando said, “Every year the Lions Club members select a Lion of the Year. It is a prestigious Lions Club International recognition awarded to members who have demonstrated exceptional service to the community and exemplify the Lions Club’s values. Dixie certainly meets and exceeds those qualities.”
“I am honored to receive the Lion of the Year,” said Dies. “I proudly follow in my dad’s footsteps who was a Lion in Hays, KS for almost 60 years. I am also proud of our mission ‘We Serve’ to help people with eyesight. To know that we [the Lions] have helped people of all ages to see and or improve their sight – from helping a child to see the front of the room to an adult to aid in their independence – is so rewarding. I am proud to be a Lion.”
Lions also assist in hearing needs, diabetes education, as well as national and international disaster relief. The public is invited to attend Lions meetings every 2nd and 3rd Tuesday of every month at BJ’s restaurant in Hamilton.
not otherwise be able to aford.” She added, “The stepping stone into conservation is recreation,” so both events are trying to “cut down the barriers to getting youth into the outdoors.”
According to Powers, they are about giving youth the “opportunity to reacquaint themselves with nature on her terms and what can be done to assist nature.” He also spoke on experiences with youth that have come from a tough home life, or from seeing youth unable to aford these kinds of experiences. “That’s something we watch for, the opportunity to help somebody,” said Powers. For more information about the MMYOE event and what they do, interested parties can call (406) 531-4224. For those interested in the Teller Wildlife Refuge, interested parties can visit their website, www.tellerwildlife.org.
Last year youth learn about wildlife at the Teller Wildlife Refuge. Photo courtesy Nicole Ballard.
Dixe Dies and Lions Club President John Orlando. Photo courtesy Lions Club.
FRESH EGGS from Howell’s Happy Hens are back! $5.00/doz. Pick up at Bitterroot Star ofce, 115 W. 3rd, Suite 108, Stevensville.
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Montana 21st Judi-
cial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Megan Janay Chapman, Megan Janay Chapman, Petitioner.
Cause No.: DV-412025-0000109-NC
Dept. 2
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Megan Janay Chapman to Maygan Janay Chapman. The hearing will be on April 24, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
BS 3-26, 4-2, 4-9, 4-16-25.
MNAXLP
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Larry Matthew Benboe, Larry Matthew Benboe, Petitioner.
Cause No.: DV-25-104
Dept. 2
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Larry Matthew Benboe to Larry Matthew Nielsen.
The hearing will be on April 24, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 17th day of March, 2025.
/s/ Paige Trautwein
Clerk of District Court
/s/ Jennifer B. Lint
BS 3-25, 4-2, 4-9, 4-16-25.
MNAXLP
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Leland Morrisson, Leland Morrisson, Petitioner.
Cause No.: DV-25-79 Dept. 2
AMENDED NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Leland Mor-
0
ris Morrisson to Leland Morris Jessop.
The hearing will be on May 15, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 26th day of March, 2025.
/s/ Paige Trautwein
Clerk of District Court
/s/ Catherine di Gleria
Deputy Clerk of Court
BS 4-2, 4-9, 4-16, 4-23-25.
MNAXLP
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Gay Esther Wilson, Gay Esther Wilson, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-412025-0000123-NC Dept. 1
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Gay Esther Wilson to Gayle Esther Wilson.
The hearing will be on May 14, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 26th day of March, 2025.
/s/ Paige Trautwein
Clerk of District Court
/s/ Sarah Sargent
Deputy Clerk of Court
BS 4-2, 4-9, 4-16, 4-23-25.
MNAXLP
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Jaden A. Lundquist, Jaden A. Lundquist, Petitioner.
Cause No.: DV-25-119 Dept. 1
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Jaden Alexander Lundquist to Jaden Alexander Shrader.
The hearing will be on April 30, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 19th day of March, 2025. /s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court
/s/ Sarah Sargent BS 4-2, 4-9, 4-16, 4-23-25.
MNAXLP
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF THADIOUS DELANO WALL, Deceased.
Probate No.: DP-202530
Dept. No.: 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that Carole Wall has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said Decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Carole Wall, 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 4-2, 4-9, 4-16-25.
MNAXLP
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given to the persons hereinafter named and to whom it may concern. For enforcement of liens in the amount of $2,358 to Advanced Storage Solutions, located at 108 Westside Road, Hamilton MT 59840, will sell the contents of storage units #37, and #49, occupied by Tamara Valenzano, at auction to the highest bidder. Auction will be held at Advanced Storage Solutions, Unit #37 and Unit #49 on Saturday, April 19th at 11 AM.
BS 4-9, 4-16-25.
MNAXLP
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF TERESA PATRIA VERWORN, Deceased.
Probate No.: DP-2025-
39 Dept. No.: 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Brodie Vernworn has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said Decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to Brodie Verworn, 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 4-9, 4-16, 4-23-25.
MNAXLP
Megan S. Winderl
CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C. 99 Marcus Street, 3rd FL Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 218-4888 meganw@cwlawmt. com pleadings@cwlawmt. com
Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY
In the Matter of the Estate of Jefrey Walter Demme, Deceased. Probate No. DP-412025-4
Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the 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 Susan Demme Birkenbuel, the Personal Representative, in care of CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C., 99 Marcus St. 3rd FL, Hamilton, MT 59840
or fled with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. Dated this 24th day of March, 2025.
/s/ Susan Demme Birkenbuel
Personal Representative
CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C.
Attorney for Personal Representative
By: Megan S. Winderl
BS 4-9, 4-16, 4-23-25. MNAXLP
Kyle J. Workman
State Bar No. 65442127
WORKMAN LAW, PLLC
P.O. Box 1167
Hamilton, MT 59840
T: (406) 802-2198
kyle@workmanlawmt. com courts@workmanlawmt.com
Attorney for Personal Representative
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: BRUCE CAMERON BARBER, Deceased.
Probate No. DP-412025-0000017-FI
Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the 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 John Barber, the Personal Representative, in care of WORKMAN LAW, PLLC, P.O. Box 1167, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana the foregoing is true and correct. Dated this 2nd day of April, 2025.
/s/ John Barber Workman Law, PLLC By: Kyle J. Workman Attorney for Personal Representative BS 4-9, 4-16, 4-23-25. MNAXLP
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Burnt Fork Water Commission will hold its frst meeting of the 2025 irrigation season on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall at the corner of Meyer Lane and Middle Burnt Fork Road, Stevensville. If you have agenda items for the meeting, please call Jean Comer at 406-360-5304 before the meeting date. BS 4-2, 4-16-25. MNAXLP
OG-25-04-150
LEGAL NOTICE
The Ravalli County Planning Department is inviting public comment on a foodplain permit to install fber optic cable within the regulatory foodplain of the Bitterroot River, East Fork Bitterroot River and West Fork Bitterroot River. The applicant is Blackfoot Communications. The main crossing locations are at the US- Highway 93 Bridge Crossing at the Intersection of West Fork Road and US-Highway 93 and both channel crossing along Conner Cutof Road. Other installation work will occur within foodplain areas that fall within MDT Right-Of-Way Area. All work will occur within State and County Right-of-Way and comply with the Ravalli County Floodplain Regulations. Information regarding this permit is available at the Ravalli County Planning Department at 215 S 4th St, Suite F in Hamilton. Written comments may be mailed, hand-delivered or emailed (planning@rc.mt. gov) and must be received by 5:00 pm, Wednesday, April 30th, 2025. Reference application # FA-24-07. BS 4-16-25. MNAXLP
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Westhouse Exterior Painting and
History talk at Ravalli County Museum
Chapter One Book Store will host Missoula author, anthropologist and historian Sally Thompson at the Ravalli County Museum April 16 at 7pm. Thompson is the author of several books on Montana history including Disturbing the Sleeping Buf alo. Her latest book, Black Robes Enter Coyote’s World: Chief Charlo and Father De Smet in the Rocky Mountains explores the colliding of two worlds. Thompson’s diligent research and archival explorations tell the story of Father De Smet’s exploration of the Rocky Mountain and Pacific Northwest resulting
in the opening of the West to white settlement. She further explores the clash of values between the priest’s ideals and the indigenous way of life.
This is a story with local importance as Thompson delves into the life of Chief Charlo and the displacement of the Bitterroot-Salish people
from their traditional land to the Flathead Indian Reservation. The book is currently available at Chapter One and will also be available for purchase at the event. More event details available at https://chapter1bookstore.com/ event/2025-04-16/ black-robes-enter-coyotes-world-sally-thompson.
Construction resumes on bridge preservation project
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and L & J Construction Group are resuming work on the South of Missoula Bridge Preservation project.
This year, crews will complete crack sealing work on the Bitterroot River bridge located on Secondary Highway 531 (S 531) west of Hamilton. Following the crack seal, fnal epoxy paint markings will be applied and the project will conclude. Work is anticipated to take up to a week to complete, depending on the availability of painting materials.
Wood Repairs
The Ravalli County Board of Commissioners are soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP’s) for Exterior Painting and wood repairs for 1404 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, Montana (Westhouse).
The Request for Proposal and Specifications for this proposed project include the following items:
1. Painting contractor to repair all damaged trim board, repair or replace damaged siding, prime, paint or stain as required. This work will require ladders or high lift to get to the peaks of the roof.
Please include with your bid/proposal:
1. Your business name, contact name, address, phone number, email and Tax ID #; along with your insurance information.
2. Your estimated completion time line.
3. Costs
4. Equipment
Sealed proposals, clearly marked on the outside envelope “West -
In 2024, crews rehabilitated 37 of the project’s 38 bridges, including bridges on U.S. Highway 93 (US 93), Bell Crossing West, Secondary Highway 269 (S 269), and Secondary Highway 203 (S 203). Each bridge received rehabilitation based on need, including repairing the bridge deck (driving surface) and joints, sealing cracks in the bridge deck, smoothing bridge approaches, and adding new pavement markings. Work on the S 531 bridge was postponed until the 2025 season due to weather.
“Our contractor L & J did
house”, must be received by the Ravalli County Clerk & Recorder at the County Administrative Center, 215 South Fourth Street, Suite “C”, Hamilton, Montana, 59840, no later than 4:00 PM, MST on Friday, May 02, 2025. The proposals received will be publicly opened on Tuesday, May 06, 2025 and read aloud at 9:30 AM, MST by the Board of County Commissioners in the Commissioners Conference Room located at 215 S. 4th Street, (third floor), Hamilton, MT. Award of bid may or may not occur immediately following. BS 4-16, 4-23-25.
MNAXLP OG-25-04-153
LEGAL NOTICE
Willo 4 Subdivision, (4-Lot Minor Subdivision); Subdivision Case # 2024-05, Tax ID: 346970. The proposal is a 4-lot minor subdivision on 4.08 acres with one variance request. The subdivision gains access from Willoughby Lane (County
NOTICE OF ELECTION
a great job at making sure work on this project went smoothly and quickly,” said Che Hassan, MDT Missoula District Engineering Project Manager. “The work planned for 2025 is a minor holdover and won’t take long to complete, but it is important that we waited for warmer temperatures so the crack sealing material can bind properly.”
When construction resumes, motorists can expect single-lane trafc across the bridge controlled by temporary signals and reduced speed limits.
Maintained) and Tamara Jean Lane (Privately Maintained). The subject property is located in SW ¼ of Section 14, NE ¼ of Section 22, NW ¼ of Section 23, Township 8 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana. The applicant is Jeff Jessop on behalf of Aspen Acres LLC and is represented by Professional Consultants Inc. There variance applies to RCSR Chapter 12-2.D.2. No lot shall be divided by a roadway easement. Information describing the proposal is available for inspection at the Planning Department, in the County Administrative Center, 215 S. 4th St., Suite F, Hamilton, MT 59840. Written comments are encouraged to be submitted to the Planning Department prior to the below meeting, and will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC).
The BCC will hold a Public Hearing on the proposal on May 7th, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., in the
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 Bond Election
• Corvallis Rural Fire District Levy Election*
• Darby Rural Fire District Trustee Election*
• Sula Rural Fire District Trustee Election*
• Victor Park District Trustee Election
Ballots will be mailed to all eligible registered voters in the districts on April 18, 2025, 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 6, 2025.
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 21 and May 5 (excluding weekends) from 10 AM to 4 PM. On Election Day, hours are 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: Florence-Carlton School District Office, 5602 Old Hwy 93, Florence, 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.
*All electors, as defined in Title 7-33-2106(4), who hold title to lands within a Rural Fire District are eligible to vote in a fire district election.
Early preparation and reconciliation of mail ballots will be held on May 2, 2025 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 5, 2025, at approximately 10 AM, in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. Public is welcome to observe.
Beginning at approximately 11 AM on Election Day, May 6, 2025, 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, 2025
Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator
215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550
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Upon completion this project will successfully extended the service life of 38 bridges originally constructed between 1949 and 2011. Bridge preservation projects such as this one are a cost-effective way to ensure that bridges continue to serve the public for many years to come.
For more information about this project, visit the project website: mdt.mt.gov/ pubinvolve/southmissoula/. To sign up for email updates contact Tyler@rbci.net. If you would like to receive text message updates, text SMBP
County Administrative Center (BCC Conference Room, 3rd Floor). The BCC will also accept verbal or written comments from the public. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the BCC may make a final decision on
to 866-434-0866 (toll-free)*. For current trafc conditions and up-to-date information about projects across Montana, visit 511mt.net. Questions or comments can be directed to Tyler Manning at Tyler@rbci.net or 406-333-7215.
MDT is a workforce of over 2,000 people across Montana determined to do all we can so that you arrive at your destination safely. Their mission is to build, operate, and maintain a safe and resilient transportation system. For more information, visit mdt.mt.gov.
the subdivision proposal. The public may comment verbally, or in writing, at the meeting. Comments and information submitted at the public meeting/ hearing will be considered in the decision on the subdivision. However,
please note that only under select circumstances will new information be allowed into the record after the public hearing. BS 4-16, 4-23-25. MNAXLP
NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOND ELECTION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of K-12 School District No. 3 (Hamilton), Ravalli County (the “District”), that pursuant to a resolution duly adopted at a meeting of the Board on February 18, 2025, an election of the registered voters of the District will be held by mail ballot on May 6, 2025 for the purpose of voting on the question of whether the Board may sell and issue general obligation school building bonds of the District in one or more series in the aggregate principal amount of up to Forty-Nine Million and No/ 100 Dollars ($49,000,000.00), for the purpose of providing funds to pay the costs of designing, constructing, equipping, and furnishing a new 6th through 8th grade school facility on the Westview site, to include classrooms, a library, learning spaces, a gymnasium, locker rooms/changing areas, a student commons/dining area, a kitchen, storage/custodial spaces, and administrative spaces; making renovations and constructing an addition to the existing Westview Building to accommodate 4th and 5th grades, to include classrooms, learning spaces, a library, a gymnasium, a student commons/dining area, storage/custodial spaces, and administrative spaces; adding a connection between the two facilities to share spaces; and creating dedicated student drop-off areas and associated site improvements; if bond proceeds are available after paying for the above improvements, constructing a new bus barn facility and maintenance shop to be located on land the District owns and improving school grounds into outdoor recreational and/or athletic fields with associated amenities; related costs and improvements; and paying the costs associated with the sale and issuance of the bonds. Each series of bonds shall bear interest at a rate or rates to be determined at the time of sale and be payable semiannually during a term of not more than twenty-five (25) years.
If the bond election passes, based on the taxable value of the District, the property taxes on a home with an assessed market value for tax purposes of $100,000 would increase by $85.06 in the first year, of $300,000 would increase by $255.18 in the first year, and of $600,000 would increase by $510.36 in the first year. An increase in property taxes may lead to an increase in rental costs.
The election will be conducted by the County Election Administrator solely by mail ballot. Ballots will be mailed to all eligible registered voters in the District on April 18, 2025, and must be returned by each voter by mail or in person to the Ravalli County Election Administrator, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, Montana 59840, during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) weekdays (exclusive of holidays) April 21, 2025 through May 5, 2025.
On Election Day, May 6, 2025, the only place for deposit of voted ballots will be the office of the Ravalli County Election Administrator located at 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, in Hamilton, which will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. All ballots will be tabulated in accordance with Montana law with the preliminary results, if known, expected to be released after 8:00 p.m. that day.
A qualified voter who will be absent from the District during the time the election is being conducted may:
a) vote in person in the office of the County Election Administrator as soon as the ballots are available and until 8 p.m. on Election Day; or
b) make a written request prior to noon on May 5, 2025, signed by the applicant and addressed to the office of the County Election Administrator requesting the ballot be mailed to an address other than that which appears on the registration records.
An elector may obtain a replacement ballot if his or her ballot is destroyed, spoiled, lost, or not received by the elector by filling out and mailing, emailing, or faxing back a completed replacement ballot request form or by the elector personally appearing at the office of the County Election Administrator, located at 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, in Hamilton, Montana.
Ballots may be returned in person at the places of deposit listed in the election instructions of the Ravalli County Election Administrator, or returned by mail. If returning by mail, please use the then-prevailing first-class-postage price or one Forever Stamp. Postmark date does not apply; ballots returned by mail must be received at the office of the County Election Administrator by the 8:00 p.m. Election Day deadline to be counted.
Please note, all electors, as defined in Section 20-20-301, M.C.A., are those who reside within the District and are registered to vote by the close of registration on April 7, 2025.
For electors who miss the close of registration deadline, such electors may register late and vote in the election by appearing in person at the Ravalli County Election Office, located at 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, in Hamilton, Montana and providing to the County Election Administrator the electors’ voter registration information in verifiable form prior to 8 p.m. on May 6, 2025.
