Bitterroot Star - April 1, 2026

Whitesitt

Whitesitt

Bill and Helen Kropp

Bill and Helen Kropp

Kallan

314 Church, Stevensville • 777-5711 Serving the Bitterroot Since 1902

Shindig to beneft

Libraries

and adults

the

oferings of the North Valley Public Library where, in fscal year 2025, library visits surpassed 36,000, more than 80,000 books and other items were checked out and attendance at its many programs totaled nearly 4,000.

To ensure the library can continue to serve the community in a multitude of ways, a lively spring fundraiser is planned. “Black, White & READ All Over—A Boot-Stomping Shindig to Beneft the North Valley Public Library” will take place April 25, from 5 to 8 p.m., at The Barn on Pine Hollow, 387 Pine Hollow Road, Stevensville.

“We’re thrilled to be able to ofer this event to the community,” said Celeste Statler, who is chairing this year’s event throu

Whiskey Wrangler. Entertainment will be provided by the popular Bitterroot Valley duo, the Flaming Suzettes.

Tickets are $35 each or $60 for two. They may be purchased with cash or check at the North Valley Public Library, 208 Main St., Stevensville, or by credit card through a QR code on one of the many fiers around town.

Among the auction items will be an original watercolor by Montana artist Terry Melvin, an award-winning quilt, an antique ofcer’s sword from the 1800s, a one-ofa-kind silver and turquoise necklace from Montana Metalsmith Bruce Cummings, a handblown glass bowl from Lisa Tate, a vintage Regulator clock, and a cornucopia of gift baskets from local vendors.

“We’re enormously grateful to the businesses and services throughout our community for their many donations to our auc

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Forest Earl Hayes Obituaries

Forest Earl Hayes of Darby, Montana was born to Earl and Mildred (Rutherford) Hayes on August 27, 1937, in Pryor, Oklahoma. He was the oldest of four children and passed away on December 31, 2025, at the age of 88.

Forest is survived by his beloved wife, Martha Hayes, with whom he shared a remarkable and signifcant 66-year marriage. Their profound commitment and meaningful partnership defned Forest’s life, as together they were truly trusted companions and partners in every sense. Their strong bond inspired everyone who knew them, and their story stands as a testament to enduring love and devotion.

He is also survived by his two children, Ted (Jocelyn) Hayes and Denise Hayes; his grandchildren Ashley (Brad) Tribby, Rebecca “Becca” (Denny) Bordeaux, and Forest Fortney; his great-grandchildren, Dane Bordeaux and Olivia Tribby. Among his siblings, he was preceded in death by his brother, Leroy Hayes, and is survived by his two sisters, Mary (Dewayne) Ingersoll and Paula (Thomas) Gates, as

well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and a wonderful network of extended family members and friends.

Forest’s commitment to his family was matched only by his passion for the great outdoors, which became both his life’s work and his favorite pastime. He graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the School of Agriculture and Applied Science. That same year, he began his meaningful career as a Forester with the U. S. Forest Service on the Kootenai National Forest. Over the years, Forest served as a trusted resource as he advanced through positions at St. Joe National Forest, Nez Perce National Forest, Lolo National Forest and ultimately retired from the Bitterroot National Forest in 1994. His signifcant outdoor hobbies included fshing, boating, hunting, and gardening. He was also known for his annual quest to fnd the best Christmas tree and for growing raspberries for the Darby community.

Retirement for Forest did not mean slowing down. He ran for local election and became Mayor of Darby, serving his community with commitment and integrity. Later, he was the Executive Director of the Council of Aging in Ravalli County, a role he considered his “favorite ever” because of the meaningful improvements he helped bring to the lives of the aging population. Forest played an integral part in raising funds for the Darby library and served as Director of the library board. He was also President of the local Rotary International Club and an active member of the United Methodist American Baptist Federated Church. Forest and Martha’s commitment to their roots was evident in their annual visits to the family farm in Conser, Oklahoma, maintaining those signifcant ties with family members and close friends.

was a trusted resource and guiding force for many, sharing his signifcant knowledge and expertise through work, hobbies, and community projects. He taught his son, daughter, and others how to ski, fy fsh, garden, and hunt—always eager to coach and support those around him.

In lieu of fowers, the family requests donations be made to the Darby Community Public Library, the Ravalli County Council on Aging or the United Methodist American Baptist Federated Church located in Hamilton, Montana. In addition, the family extends much gratitude to the wonderful care provided by Partners in Home Care and the nursing staf at Bitterroot Health.

A man of many talents, Forest was an avid reader and embraced new experiences with enthusiasm. He

A memorial service celebrating Forest’s meaningful life will be held on April 11th at 11:00 AM at the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton, Montana, immediately followed by a reception. A private burial with family members will take place afterwards. Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com.

Blade Nelson Geary

Blade Nelson Geary, aged 70, passed away on March 19, 2026 at home in Corvallis, Montana. Blade was born on October 25, 1955, in Bakersfield, California, to Jack and Lois Geary.

After graduating from Cal Poly, Pomona, Blade succeeded as a grading contractor and developed his love of all things massively complex and large. This fueled his second career after graduation from the UC, Riverside as an Environmental Engineer. He loved solving problems

with precision and care. Blade found joy in fishing and hunting. Above all, he cherished his role as a father to his son Zebadia. Blade and Beverly were married for 45 years. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 11:30 am at Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton, Montana. Donations should be made in Blade’s memory to the American Heart Association. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

Legal Notices

Montana 21st Judicial District

Court

Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name

Change of Cristian M. Arellano

Rodriguez, Cristian M. Arellano Rodriguez, Petitioner

Cause No.: DV-2026-107

Dept. No.: 2

NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Cristian Michelle Arellano Rodriguez to Cristian Michelle Rodriguez.

The hearing will be on April 16, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 6th day of March, 2026.

/s/ Paige Trautwein

Clerk of District Court

By: Sarah Gingerich-Sargent

Deputy Clerk of Court

BS 3-11, 3-18, 3-25, 4-1-26.

MNAXLP

PUBLIC HEARING

The Darby Planning Board received a request to annex Waincrest Park into the town boundary. A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Darby Town Hall, 101 East Tanner Avenue, to receive all comments both oral and written regarding this request. More Information may be obtained by calling Town Hall at (406) 821-3753.

BS 3-25, 4-1-2026.

MNAXLP

Ravalli County REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Fairgrounds Camera Project INTRODUCTION

Ravalli County (hereinafter referred to as “the County”) is seeking Proposals from qualifed contractors to provide and install a security camera system at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. This systems is intended to be used as a security tool for events, public meetings, and to protect county property from vandalism, theft, or misuse. The proposed site will be located at the Ravalli County Fair Grounds, 100 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton, MT 59840. Site access will be prohibited during weekends or during pre-scheduled events.

This solicitation shall be awarded pursuant to the Ravalli County Purchasing Policy, as amended, March 25, 2021, and all applicable Montana statutes. For a FULL copy of this RFP, please contact Chris Taggart, Administrative Assistant to the Board of County Commissioners at (406) 375-6500 or ctaggart@ rc.mt.gov. For information re-

garding this RFP and any requirements or specifcations, contact Jef Rodrick at (406) 375-6656 or jrodrick@rc.mt.gov.

PROJECTED SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

RFP Issue Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026

RFP Response Due Date: Friday, April 03, 2026 by 4:00 PM at Clerk & Recorders Ofce

Opening of Received Bids: Monday, April 06, 2026 at 2:00 PM

Intended Date of Contract Award: Thursday, April 09, 2026 at 10:30 AM

Deadline for Project Completion: Tuesday, June 30, 2026

Deadline for Submission of Final Billing to County: Friday, July 10, 2026

BIDDING AND AWARD PROCESS

Sealed bids including two (2) copies of the proposal must be submitted to the Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, MT, 59840. Bids must be received by 4:00 pm on Friday, April 03, 2026 and may be submitted via mail or hand delivered. Bids must be clearly marked “Fairgrounds Camera Project”. Bids will be opened by the Ravalli County Commissioners, 215 S. 4th Street, 3rd Floor Conference Room, Hamilton, on Monday, April 06, 2026 at 2:00 PM. The Bid will be awarded by the Commissioners on Thursday, April 09, 2026 at 10:30 AM. Incomplete RPFs will not be considered.

BS 3-25, 4-1-2026 MNAXLP

Megan S. Winderl

CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C.

99 Marcus St. 3 FL Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 218-4888 meganw@cwlawmt.com pleadings@cwlawmt.com

Attorneys for Petitioner MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF KAMBRIA SKYE SCHWARTZ, SABRINA AUSTIN, Petitioner, On Behalf of KAMBRIA SKYE SCHWARTZ

Cause No. DV-41-2026-78

Dept. No. 1 NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME OF MINOR CHILD

Notice is hereby given that Sabrina Austin, the Petitioner, has fled a Petition to Change Name of Minor Child for the above-stated child in Ravalli County District Court, Montana.

Hearing upon said Petition will be held on April 1, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., in Courtroom 1 of the above-named Court, at which time objections to said Petition will be heard.

DATED this 18th day of February, 2026.

CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C.

/s/ Megan S. Winderl

BS 3-25, 4-1, 4-8, 4-15-2026

MNAXLP

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Shane Michael Bramsen-Shoopman: Shane Michael Bramsen-Shoopman, Petitioner

Cause No.: DV-41-20260000123-NC

Dept. No.: 2- Jennifer B. Lint

Notice of Hearing on Name Change

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Shane Michael Bramsen-Shoopman to Shane Michael Bramsen. The hearing will be on 04/30/26 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Date: March 23, 2022. Paige Troutwein, Clerk of Court

/s/ Janenne Sorenson, Deputy Clerk of Court

BS 4-1, 4-8, 4-15, 4-22-2026

MNAXLP

CALL FOR BID/QUOTES: INDEPENDENT AUDIT FOR FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2026 WITH OPTION OF AUDITING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR TWO SUBSEQUENT YEARS

The BOARD OF RAVALLI COUNTY COMMISSIONERS is soliciting bid/quotes for their independent audit for the fscal year ended June 30, 2026 with an option for two subsequent years, June 30, 2027 and June 30, 2028. This is a fee-for-service contract that requires a single audit under the requirements of Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards.

The minimum requirements necessary to perform the audit are:

1. The frm must be independent and licensed to practice in Montana.

2. The frm must have no confict of interest with regard to any other work performed by the frm for Ravalli County.

3. The frm must be on the

Montana Department of Administration’s Roster of Independent Auditors Authorized to Conduct Audits of Montana Local Governments.

It is preferable that the audit feldwork be completed by February 28, 2027 with an audit report issued within 30 days of feldwork completion. The County has accounting staf available to assist with schedules requested by the auditing frm and has qualifed staf to prepare the fnancial statements if time permits. Previously audited fnancial statements from June 30, 2007 through June 30, 2025 can be located on the County’s website at ravalli.us under the Finance Department.

It is expected that the June 30, 2026 Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards (SEFA) will include FAA Grant expenses of approximately $600,000 and US Department of Fish & Wildlife expenses of approximately $300,000.

Within the bid/quote, Ravalli County requires the audit fee to be shown by each fscal year. A breakdown of the audit fee for each year needs to be as follows: Audit fee, Single audit preparation, and fnancial statement preparation. The Finance Department plans on preparing the fnancial statements as they have done since the fscal year ending June 30, 2019, audit, but they will need the fexibility for the selected auditing frm to prepare them if other critical items take precedence. Interested frms must submit their bids/quotes in a sealed envelope by 4:00 p.m., Friday, May 15, 2026, to: Regina Plettenberg, Clerk & Recorder

215 S. 4 th Street, Suite C (2 nd foor)

Hamilton, MT 59840

The bid/quotes will be opened by the Commissioners on Monday, May 18, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., and the bid/quote will be awarded on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. in the Commissioners’ conference room at 215 S. 4th Street (3rd foor), Hamilton, MT.

If you have questions about the process for bid/quotes, please contact Chris Taggart, Administrative Assistant to the Commissioners at 375-6500 or ctaggart@rc.mt.gov. If you have any questions regarding the audit, please contact Jana Exner, CFO, at 375-6525 or jexner@ rc.mt.gov.

BS 4-1, 4-8-2026

MNAXLP

Public Hearing-Ravalli County TAX ABATEMENT (Benefts)

REQUEST: GlaxoSmithKline, LLC

The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM in the Ravalli County Administrative Center at 215 S.4th Street, Third Floor Commissioners Conference Room, Hamilton, MT. The purpose for this public hearing is to take public comment on the Tax Abatement Application submitted by GlaxoSmithKline, LLC (GSK), per MCA 15-6-138, for the property located at 553 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton, Montana, 59840 (Tax ID #777400), and to make a decision, by Resolution, to grant or deny said tax abatement (beneft) request. If you would like more information contact the Commissioner’s Ofce at 375-6500. If you are unable to attend and would like to make comment you can do so by contacting the Commissioners at the above phone number, or by email at commissioners@rc.mt. gov. Chris Taggart Commissioners’ Administrative Assistant BS 4-1, 4-8-2026 MNAXLP

NOTICE SOLICITING APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS

Annie Maclay Lefngwell Foundation invites applications for grants from IRS 501(c)(3) tax exempt organizations providing services in Ravalli County, Montana. The application must demonstrate the need for the grant to provide a service in Ravalli County, Montana. Grants usually range from $1,000 to $5,000 and will be awarded by June 30, 2026. All applications must include the following: letter from the IRS showing tax exempt status; proft and loss statement for the past and current fscal year; budget for grant sought showing additional sources of funding; statement of assets, liabilities, and identity of person submitting application with telephone number and email address. Submit applications by email to both ofce@maclaylawfrm.com and ofce@goheenlaw.com to be received by 5:00pm MDT on Friday, May 8, 2026. Identify person with telephone number and email address responsible for executing fnal grant agreement who will be available July 1, 2026 - July 17, 2026, and will assure grantee deposits any grant check upon receipt but no later than July 20, 2026. Foundation Co-Trustees: Helena S. Maclay and Gail H.

Goheen, P.O. Box 9197, Missoula, MT 59807-9197. BS 4-1-2026

MNAXLP

Bitterroot Backcountry Cyclists (BBC) is partnering with the USDA Forest Service to complete trail clearing on the Bitterroot National Forest (BNF). BBC is currently accepting bids for a service contract for Trail Opening on approximately 120 miles of trails throughout the Montana portion of the BNF, outside of designated Wilderness areas. The type of work includes: “Logging Out” all downed or leaning trees within the clearing limits (width and height); “Brushing” consisting of removal of new vegetative growth that is protruding into the trail; “Loose Rock Removal” of all rock larger than 6” from the trail tread; and “Drainage Clearing” of all drainage structures. The Contractor shall provide all expertise, labor, supervision, services, equipment, mobilization, tools, supplies, permits, licenses, transportation, and incidentals necessary to perform trail opening, for which the desired outcome is in strict accordance with the Standard Trail Plans and Specifcations. Bid packages, including list of trails in scope of project, maps, trail specifcations, and additional details are available by email from bitterrootbackcountrycyclist@gmail.com or by telephone at 406-381-7903. Bids must be received by April 17, 2026 and will be awarded on or about April 22, 2026. BS 4-1-2026 MNAXLP

Looking for the Bitterroot Star? It’s FREE on more than 100 newsstands from Lolo to Conner. Or call us at 777-3928 and we’ll let you know where the closest stand is.

by John Dowd

Stevi expands river park

Last week, on March 26, the Stevensville Town Council met to consider an amended resolution that had been passed through the council several years ago. The new resolution was Resolution 415A, which regards a plot of land on the opposite side of the river from Stevensville River Park. The agenda item saw some confusion and controversy, and it was tabled from the last Stevensville Town Council Meeting.

The updated resolution was written to amend the original resolution (415) to make a land donation to the Town of Stevensville, which came from Ravalli County, a permanent part of the Stevensville River Park. According to Stevensville Mayor Jim Crews, a supporter of the amended resolution, passing this agenda item is “not a commitment to do anything other than clean it up,” and “make it safe for use by the public.”

He then stated that it was “strictly to adopt that part of the property.” This did not help the confusion apparent among the council that the amended resolution was not to “adopt the property” into the town, but to make it a part of the park.

Crews was the mayor at the time the original resolution was brought before the town council in 2017. According to Crews, the property encompassed around an acre

and a half, and it was given to the town by Ravalli County through their Resolution 3600. According to Crews, it was stated that if nothing was done within fve years, it would revert to the county. However, Crews added that they still “don’t want it.” Crews said he reached out to the county, and “There was a negative response.”

The area is roadless, though parking could be available, according to Crews. He also believes it could be developed a bit in the future, potentially with benches. At the last Council meeting, members of the public and the town voiced concern that the property is uneven, close to the river and could be difcult to develop.

For Crews, it appeared cleaning it would mean mostly picking up all the garbage and “Making it look like it belongs to Stevensville.” He added, “I believe this can be a nice little area where people can sit,” and it would be no more of a hazard than other footpaths in the existing park.

Another concern was voiced during the Council Meeting on March 26 by Stevensville Finance Ofcer, Gina Crowe. According to Crowe, while answering a question posed by Council Member Talon Ross, making it part of the park might change the liability coverage to a lesser degree, placing more liability on the town. She stated it currently sits in a “recreational use” status,

but placing it in the park status might lose some protection for the town.

After hearing this, Council Member Melissa Bailey asked Mayor Crews if it was possible to adopt the property without putting it into the park. Crews answered the question by stating that putting the parcel under the park would prevent it from being sold without more signifcant public input, as that was the promise set when the park was created.

Crews added that the town is “not going to do any improvements on it right away,” at least not before looking into all aspects.

Cindy Brown, a former Stevensville Town Council Member, spoke during the public comment period on the agenda item. She spoke on behalf of taking on the parcel as part of the park, saying it does not appear to be any more of a liability than the skate park or the splash pad in Lewis and Clark Park. It would also keep access available on the opposite side of the river. When the time came to decide, the council voted to adopt the parcel under Stevensville River Park.

Other issues considered by the town revolved around the Stevensville Airport. One of these was the acceptance of funds from the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) to purchase a lawnmower for the airport. This was unusual, as Stevensville

Airport Manager Brian Germane stated, the MDT had never funded a lawnmower for any airport. However, in the case of Stevensville, it is essential. Currently, the airport has nearly 74 acres mowed by private individuals with their own equipment. Much of this is done on a volunteer basis. Some of that property is utilized when the U.S. Forest Service is working on fres in the area. The council voted to accept the funds.

Another decision made regarding the airport was the approval of “Task Order No. 5,” which will be a taxi lane refurbishment project. According to a representative from the company contracted for the work, Morrison-Maierle, the project will take about a month to complete. It was also mentioned that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will cover over 90% of the cost, and much of the remainder is covered by match funds. This was approved to move forward. At the end of the meeting, Crews said he sufered a stroke prior to the last town council meeting and was unable to make the last few meetings. He said he is “taking it easy, that’s why you don’t see me around the ofce as much as I have been.” He added that they will be playing the future by ear. For his health, he will try to limit his stress, but still plans to do right by the town.

DEBATE: Love, Bedey, Roth, Kowal engage in Q&A

Continued from page 1

known for founding the Love2Shoot training course, which focuses on helping women in the Bitterroot Valley learn to use firearms.

David Bedey, also a Republican, has served as the HD 86 representative for eight years. He is a military veteran who says he had planned to retire from politics until certain developments in state politics occurred. Bedey characterized himself as someone who does not follow party bosses but the people he represents. He mentioned his work to support school choice and property tax reform.

When asked what their first order of business would be if they were elected, both Love and Bedey agreed that property tax reformation is paramount.

“I know that when I was running two years ago, this was the hottest item… because of the tremendous increase in residential property tax that was caused by the influx of people coming in and driving up our housing market,” said Bedey. While some of the tax burden has shifted back to large payers like utilities and transportation entities in recent years, he continued, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done and legislative errors that need to be corrected.

The Montana SD 43 candidates were then asked if they would ever vote for a state sales tax without first eliminating property tax or income tax. Bedey

answered that he doesn’t believe there is enough public support for a sales tax unless it could be used to reduce property tax “dollar for dollar.” If this did occur, a state constitutional initiative should be required to make sure such assurances are strictly followed, he said. “Polling shows that most people in Montana are skeptical about introducing a sales tax because they don’t believe it won’t just become an additional tax.”

Love answered similarly to Bedey, saying she would not vote for a state sales tax unless another tax was eliminated.

“Unfortunately, we are limited to a four percent sales tax in our constitution, which would not be enough to replace either income or property tax,” she said. “I grew up in Georgia, and their state constitution had a four percent cap on sales tax, but what happened was that every county added one on top of that. So, in Georgia now, you go from county to county to purchase something and you may pay a 10 percent sales tax in one county and eight percent in another.”

Love said she believes the state constitution needs to be amended so there can only be two taxes at one time.

Finally, Love and Bedey were asked what they think of Governor Gianforte’s flat tax proposal. Both candidates voiced support for the initiative, with some caveats. Bedey said that a flat tax would likely

Dredging up the past

Recently there has been discussion around previous proposals to elevate hunting, fshing, and trapping to the level of a constitutional right in Montana. At frst glance, the idea is appealing. These traditions are deeply rooted in our state’s history and remain an important part of our culture and way of life. That is precisely why we should take a moment to recognize those who approached the issue with caution and voted against such proposals. Their decision was not a rejection of hunting. It was a recognition of the legal and practical framework that has allowed hunting to thrive in Montana for generations. Today, Montana already protects these activities in both law and culture. More importantly, they are managed through a system built on science, stewardship, and respect for private property. Fish, Wildlife and Parks sets seasons, allocates tags, and ensures that wildlife populations remain healthy for future generations. Landowners retain the fundamental right to control access to their property. Hunters operate within a structure that balances opportunity with responsibility.

invited each of those questions to be argued in court as matters of constitutional interpretation, rather than being decided through the legislative and management processes that currently govern them.

Over time, that shift matters. A system that functions today because it is clearly defned in law can become uncertain when its boundaries are opened to ongoing legal challenge. Authority moves away from the people and their elected representatives, and toward courts tasked with interpreting language that was never intended to manage the day-to-day realities of wildlife conservation.

by Tony Hudson

Montana’s hunting heritage has endured not because it was left undefned, but because it has been carefully managed. It has survived through a balance of access and restraint, opportunity and accountability. That balance is not accidental. It is the product of deliberate policy, informed by experience and guided by those who understand both the land and the wildlife it supports.

be more successful for all involved if implemented over time. Love commented that government spending needs to be cut first and that she would have to see how any flat tax legislation was written before committing her approval.

To view Kathy Love’s and David Bedey’s voting records while serving as House District representatives, you can visit the Montana Legislation Scorecard website at montanascorecard.com.

Math Roth and Stephen Kowal, candidates for Ravalli County Commissioner Matt Roth was the first to introduce himself among the candidates running for Ravalli County Commissioner. Roth lives in Florence and considers himself a constitutional conservative. According to his campaign website, he is a follower of Christ, works as a paramedic and is an adjunct professor of Constitutional Law and Forensic Science.

Roth told the audience at the debate that he supports small government and using a network of professionals to learn about and solve local problems. He mentioned his recent experience working as Chairman of the Florence-Carlton School Board.

Stephen Kowal, a resident of Stevensville, shared that he moved to the Bitterroot Valley six years ago from North Carolina. Prior to his move, he worked for a Fortune 500 company where he was responsible for global marketing and sales. Kowal highlighted his role in ensuring the business was fiscally responsible and resilient. He is a Reserve Deputy in the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Department with an undergraduate degree in Business and a master’s degree in Leadership. Kowal expressed that community growth in the valley needs to be considered thoughtfully.

“Where do you think the new site for septage dumping should be in the valley?” asked moderator Lussenheide.

Roth answered that septage is certainly an issue for Ravalli County residents, especially with pumpers having to drive to Helena to dispatch waste. “That’s not cost-effective,” he said. “Right now, Stevensville has a site they are using. There are some discussions that maybe the County might partner with Stevensville and

put some infrastructure there. Does the County have that money to do that? Don’t know. Is there rent money that we might be able to apply? Are there private partnerships that we can use to build that? Where exactly that location is… that will be determined if that partnership with Stevensville can happen, and if not, is there land somewhere in the valley where we can build that infrastructure through County resources, and maybe Helena can invest in our infrastructure on that.”

Kowal responded, saying he has met with three septic companies to discuss the waste management issue. Said Kowal, “I live in Stevensville; I don’t want a bunch more of that stuff coming in, but I will say that it is probably the most appropriate spot to put it because they are having problems with their infrastructure. They need a little bit of an upgrade. We need to put it somewhere that we don’t have to fund the whole cost ourselves as a county, and that’s probably going to be the most cost-effective way to do it… I also don’t have all the information.”

Water resources and property rights were other issues posed to the candidates. Roth again voiced his support for small government, highlighting the potential for public and private partnerships. “It’s not big government doing everything. We have to work together. We have to govern our city, our counties. We have to govern our neighborhoods in partnership with the county government,” he said.

Roth also commented on his belief that the government should not be imposing restrictions on private property sales. He gave the example that farmers who subdivide and sell their land may need to use that money to fund their retirements.

Kowal responded that people need to be attentive to what the land can sustain and consider how many “straws” are going into local aquifers; some government restrictions should be considered. “I think nature can tell us how much growth we can handle.”

The Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will be hosting a debate between another set of local candidates in April. For information about the club’s meeting time and location, visit mtfrw. org/Ravalli or check the calendar section of the Bitterroot Star.

Thomas runs for HD86

Elevating hunting beyond its already constitutionally protected rights (HARVEST HERITAGE ACT) article 9 section 7, may not immediately change those realities. As proposed It would not eliminate licensing, nor would it allow trespassing, nor would it dissolve the authority of wildlife management. But it would do something more subtle and potentially more consequential. After all, does one need a license to exercise or constitutional right to free speech? With these constitutional rights apply to non-resident individuals hunting, or fshing in Montana ?? HB 372 would have undoubtedly

Prudence in governance often receives less attention than bold proposals. It is quieter, less dramatic, and easier to mischaracterize. Yet it is often what preserves the very traditions people seek to protect.

Those who chose caution in this case deserve recognition, not criticism. Supporting hunting does not require elevating it beyond the reach of thoughtful management. In fact, the long-term strength of Montana’s outdoor heritage depends on maintaining the very systems that have allowed it to endure.

In the end, the question is not whether we value hunting. That answer is clear. The question is whether we are wise enough to preserve the framework that has made it sustainable.

I’m Archie Thomas, and I’m running for Hamilton HD 86 as an independent-minded RINO-CRAT because thoughtful Republicans and Democrats in the Bitterroot have far more in common than what separate us. I’ve lived and prospered in the Bitterroot since 1965, and I’m committed to making our elections meaningful—and yes, even fun—again. Montana law doesn’t allow me to fle as an independent, so I’m fled as a Democrat, but I’ll continue campaigning as a RINO-CRAT focused on local, practical solutions. I am fscally conservative and socially responsible.

by Archie Thomas

I refuse to standby and allow our Bitter Root election be put on the auction block by billionaire dark money. Billionaires make positive contributions to our society but are not taxed fairly. Adding insult to injury they then

use their tax saving as dark money to elect extremist candidates. These extremist candidates write legislation that contribute to high housing costs, deprive us of afordable child care and reduce our local hospital’s ability to provide afordable healthcare. Bitter Root voters can help by not supporting candidates bank-rolled by dark money such as Americans for Prosperity. Stay tuned as I keep you posted as a RINO-CRAT and my background at substack/electricplumber417415, Facebook: Archie Thomas Ravalli House District 86, archiehd86@ gmail.com, (website in progress) public events, and face to face discussions. I’ll strive to be ARCHIE FOR ALL focused on local, practical solutions. Register and vote in June 2, 2026 primary election.

ICE RINK: Hamilton Downtown Foundation to add to park

Commission Chair Dan Huls penned a letter of support to be used by HDF in grant applications supporting the project.

“This project represents an important opportunity to activate a growing county park while creating a unique winter recreation amenity that will serve residents and attract visitors from across the Bitterroot Valley and surrounding region,” wrote Huls. “Big Corral Park has long been envisioned as an important recreational asset for Ravalli County. While the county continues working toward the resources needed to fully implement the park’s longterm development plans, the proposed refrigerated ice rink provides a practical and achievable way to begin bringing activity to the site in the near term.”

Huls also noted that a Hamilton community ice rink would fill a significant regional gap in winter recreation infrastructure as there is currently no refrigerated outdoor ice rink anywhere in the Bitterroot Valley.

“While several outdoor rinks exist in the greater Missoula area, none are refrigerated and were usable for less than a week this year due to unseasonably warm weather,” wrote Huls.

The planned unit is a 44’ by 80’ refrigerated rink equipped with 42-inch hockey boards, protective netting and a community warming area. Anticipated operating hours are daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. with expanded evening

and weekend hours as programming arises. HDF may adjust hours based on weather conditions, staffing availability, special events, or operational needs. HDF may sublease rink time or portions of the leased premises for programming purposes (e.g. skating lessons, special events, tournaments, club activities) and retain revenue derived from sublease activities unless otherwise agreed.

Much of the discussion at the meeting circulated around the impact on the 4-H Club and County Fairgrounds, both of which currently use storage space in the leased area.

Commissioner Greg Chilcott expressed concern about “leaving our current partners swinging in the breeze.”

Based on previous discussions with 4-H, it was agreed that they would be satisfied with having their storage space re-located within the leased area at the park. In a phone call with Fairgrounds Manager Melissa Saville, it was agreed that they had room at the Fairgrounds to store the materials usually stored at the park instead of transporting them back and forth during the annual county fair.

a long-term

for

and

Stevensville Police Chili Cook-Of results

Winners with the Chief

The Stevensville Police Department Annual Chili Cook-Of raised $19,018.44 this year, far exceeding the department’s expectations. Featured are the winners from the cook-of.

Starting from top left, Kay Gibbons and she took the $500-dollar frst prize. Jay Ward took the $300-dollar second prize. Amanda Lassiter took the $200-dollar third prize. At right, Anna Gerlach and Kayla Long tied for 4th place and took home $100 dollars at the 4th Annual Stevensville Chili Cook-Of.

Photos courtesy John Boe.

Chili Cook-Off thanks

by Chief John Boe, Stevensville Police

To the Community of Stevensville, My sincere thanks to everyone who attended and participated in our 4th Annual Chili cook-of, auction and rafe. Thanks to your enthusiasm and support, the event was a tremendous success. The funds raised will allow us to upgrade and replace outdated and obsolete equipment and technology—improvements that would not have been possible without your generosity. These upgrades will enhance our ability to serve the community more safely and efciently.

We are especially grateful for the generous contributions from our local businesses, civic organizations, and private citizens, most of whom are listed below. Your support played a vital role in making this event possible. The outpouring of community support for our police department is a true refection of what makes our town so special. It’s a reminder that even in a small town, we embody the very best of our great country.

A special thank you goes out to the American Legion Post #94 and the Stevensville Civic Club, as well as Kay & Skip Gibbons, Cheryl & Chuck Burgmeier, Dave Hansen, Jef Newsom, Steve Lassiter, Jefrey Leighty, Tyler Newsom, Bill McNulty, Gina Crowe, Andrena Case and Jenelle Berthoud for their hard work and support.

Notice is

given that regular*

If you miss this

registration for

All qualified active and inactive registered electors of each district are entitled to vote in said elections

The above listed elections are being conducted solely by mail ballot Ballots will automatically be mailed to Active Electors only If you are a registered voter and do not receive a ballot, contact the county election office to update your information as necessary and receive a ballot

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

Hamilton Downtown Association executive director Matt Zwicker, who is submitting a couple of grant applications related to the

program, agreed to provide the commissioners with

budget

operation

maintenance of the ice rink prior to

signing the lease. “We are very much committed to making this work for the longterm,” said Zwicker.

Illustration of proposed location for ice rink at Big Corral Park, a project of the Hamilton Downtown Foundation.

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Blue Devil Invitational hosts 777 athletes

In total, 777 track and feld athletes from 18 western Montana high schools competed in the annual Blue Devil Invitational in Corvallis on Saturday, March 28. This marked the season’s frst track meet for Bitterroot Valley participants, including Corvallis, Hamilton, Florence, Darby, Victor, and Stevensville.

Showcase event

- girls long jump

The girls long jump was one of the most competitive events of the day. It featured many of the state’s top competitors in the event. Participants included: Alexis Daigle of Frenchtown, who jumped 17’ 8.75” to win last year’s Class A state championship; Corvallis’s Ella Varner, the 2024 state Class A champion; Stevensville’s Reagan Johnstone, the 2025 Class A state runner-up, and Stevensville’s Sophia Hutchison, who took 6th at state last year (Hutchison also won the triple jump at this meet).

When the dust settled over the pit, Corvallis’s Ella Varner won the event with an impressive early season jump of 18’ 1.5”. Stevens-

Team highlights The following are the individual event highlights from each of the Bitterroot Valley teams.

Corvallis

Boys: Reese Tucker won the 110 hurdles (16.24) and the triple jump (40’ 09”). Nathan Keller won the high jump (6’ 0”). Jeremy Davidson won the 1600m (4:41.77). Eider Reed took 2nd in the 800m (2:08.22). Taggart Jessop took 2nd in the 3200m (10:14.54). Ayden Spencer took 2nd in the discus (158-02).

Girls: Ella Varner won the long jump (18’ 1.5”). The 4x100 relay team won (Ella Varner, Kate Allen, Jillian Huls, and Lauryn Holmberg). Sophie Hagberg took 2nd in the pole vault (8’ 6”). Natalie Huls took 2nd in the 800m (2:33.13).

Darby

Boys: Gavin Miller won the 400m (53.14). Gavin Anderson won the 300m hurdles (45.54). McCoy Townsend won the long jump (20’ 2”). The Darby 4x400 relay team won (McCoy Townsend, Gavin Ander-

(15.80) and took 2nd in both the 100m (13.06) and the javelin (100’ 2”). Bailey Kroeker took 2nd in the 200m (26.98).

ville’s Johnstone took second (17’ 5.5”), Stevensville’s Sophia Hutchison took 3rd (16’ 11”), and Frenchtown’s Daigle took 4th (16’ 05”).

Corvallis’s Lauryn Holmberg took 5th (16’ 00”) and Corvallis’s Jillian Huls took 6th (15’ 8.5”). The event is one to keep an eye on this season.

son, Ben Martin, and Gavin Miller). Ben Martin took 2nd in the 1600m (4:45.46).

Florence

Boys: Logan Williams won both the 100m (11.53) and 200m (23.37). Isaac Nicoson took 2nd in the 400m (53.58).

Girls: Madigan Hurlbert won the 100m hurdles

Hamilton

Girls: Aubrey Korst, the 2025 state runner-up in the pole vault, won the pole vault with a jump of 12’ 0”. Annalise Lewis, 2024 state champion in the 800m and 1600m, won the 800m (2:16.68). Scarlet Gard won the javelin with a throw of 103’10”. The 4x400 team won (Au-

Bitterroot softball scores

Hamilton 4, Missoula Big Sky 2

The Hamilton softball team played at Missoula Big Sky on Thursday, March 26. Hamilton pitcher Mariah Johnson struck out 16 batters and only allowed two hits as Hamilton defeated Missoula Big Sky 4-2. At the plate for Hamilton, Johnson went 2 for 3 and scored a run, and Casey Kennedy, Kennidi Cooper, and Brooke Savage all had hits.

Hamilton 5, Polson 2

Hamilton went to Polson on Saturday, March 28, and won 5-2. Pitcher Mariah Johnson had another great game, striking out 16 batters and only allowing one hit over seven innings. From the plate for Hamilton, Hayleigh Savage went 3 for 4 with a solo home run. Brooke Savage went 1 for 4 with two RBIs. Johnson went 1 for 2 and scored two runs. Casey Kennedy went 1 for 4, scored a run, and had an RBI.

Hamilton 13, Columbia Falls 0

Hamilton also defeated Columbia Falls 13-0 in Polson on Saturday, March 28. Hamilton pitcher Mariah Johnson won her third straight game to start the season. The Hamilton senior allowed two hits, no runs, and struck out 11 batters over fve innings. At the plate, Johnson went 3 for 4, scored three

runs, and had three RBIs. Also for Hamilton, Casey Kennedy went 2 for 3 with four RBIs, Kennidi Cooper went 2 for 4 with an RBI, and Coco Vachon had two RBIs and scored two runs.

Corvallis 8, Salmon 3

On Friday, March 27, the Corvallis softball team hosted Salmon and won 8-3. Corvallis pitcher Brooklyn Cary didn’t allow a hit and struck out 12 batters to get the win. At the plate for Corvallis, Ella Daly went 3 for 4, scored three runs and had two RBIs. Libby Jessop went 2 for 4 with two RBIs and Brenna Bear went 2 for 4 with an RBI.

Corvallis 5, Columbia Falls 18

Corvallis went to Polson on Saturday, March 28, and lost to Columbia Falls 5-18. At the plate for Corvallis, Brenna Bear had two RBIs. Brooklyn Cary went 2 for 3 and scored a run and Libby Jessop went 2 for 3 and scored two runs.

Corvallis 3, Polson 12

Corvallis also played Polson in Polson on Saturday, March 28. The Blue Devils lost 3-12. At the plate for Corvallis, Karter Sorensen, Isabella Cardullo, and Brenna Bear each had a hit and an RBI.

brey Korst, Nellie Dickemore, Alise Shaulis, Annalise Lewis). Gracie Werst, the 2025 state champion in the shot put, won the shot put with a throw of 38’ 0”.

Boys: The 4x100m relay team won (Landen Wetzel, Taylor Doleac, Kaeden Gum, and Marshall Smith). Kennie Cords took 2nd in the 300m hurdles (45.88).

Stevensville

Girls: Sophia Hutchison won the triple jump with a jump of 33’ 1.5”. Reagan Johnstone, the 2025 Class A state champion in the 100m and 300m hurdles, won the 300m hurdles with a time of 48.02. Johnstone also took 2nd in the long jump (17’ 5.5”).

Bitterroot baseball scores

Hamilton 11, Flathead 1

The Hamilton baseball team hosted Flathead on Friday, March 27, and won 11-1. Hamilton pitchers Cash Lawrence and Landon Ekin combined to allow only one hit. At the plate for Hamilton, Brady Demoss went 1 for 3, scored two runs and had two RBIs. Jackson Lubke went 2 for 3, scored two runs and had an RBI. Cash Lawrence went 1 for 1, scored two runs, and had an RBI and Bridger Huddleston scored two runs and had two RBIs.

Hamilton 11, Eureka 2

Hamilton went to Polson on Saturday, March 28, and defeated Eureka 11-2. At the plate for Hamilton, Bridger Huddleston went 1 for 4 with three RBIs. Trevyn Bakken went 2 for 4 with two RBIs and Cash Lawrence went 2 for 5, scored two runs, and had two RBIs. Corvallis 3, Dillon 13

The Corvallis baseball team hosted Dillon on Thursday, March 26, and lost 3-13. Corvallis got hits from Waylon Lendak, Joe Hixon, Maurice Craun, and Ryan Bourassa. Also for Corvallis, Bodhi Southwell and Jake Leavitt both had RBIs.

Corvallis 0, Frenchtown 10

Corvallis went to Frenchtown on Saturday, March 28, and lost 0-10. Frenchtown’s pitching was impressive as they didn’t allow a hit from Corvallis. Stevensville 10, Ronan 0 Stevensville hosted Ronan on Friday, March 27, and won their season opener 10-0. Stevensville pitcher Shane Ayers only allowed one hit and struck out six batters over four innings to get the win. At the plate for Stevensville, Ayers went 2 for 3 with three RBIs. Jackson Guenzler went 2 for 3, scored two runs, and had an RBI, McCoy Endres went 2 for 2, scored two runs, and had an RBI, Corbin Mauler went 1 for 2 with two RBIs, and Christian Yaskus went 2 for 3 and scored a run.

Florence 5, Missoula Big Sky 9 The Florence boys went to

on Thursday, March

For

England went 1

and had an

and

and lost

Missoula

26,

5-9 to Missoula Big Sky.

Florence, Christian

for 3, scored two runs,

RBI. Calan Rocco went 1 for 3

scored two runs. Chase Wagner and Cason Pickering each added a hit.

The girls long jump at the Blue Devil Invitational in Corvallis on March 28 was one of the most competitive events of the day. Corvallis’s Ella Varner (left) took frst and Stevensville’s Reagan Johnstone (right) took second. Photos by Scott Sacry.

The boys 4x100m relay teams make their fnal exchanges at the Blue Devil Invitational in Corvallis on March 28. The Hamilton team of Landen Wetzel, Taylor Doleac, Kaeden Gum, and Marshall Smith won the event. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Florence’s Madigan Hurlbert had an outstanding day at the Blue Devil Invitational on March 28. Hurlbert won the 100m hurdles and took 2nd in both the 100m and the javelin. Photo by Scott Sacry.

BODYBUILDER: encourages young people to pursue ftness

ROTC. His captain was very in shape and always encouraged them to “Show what real health looks like” when they go into a space. Conner wanted to carry that over to the rest of his life, and to inspire others, especially young people, to take care of their bodies as well, and pursue the confdence that comes with that.

Conner spoke on health concerns across the nation, saying he has seen stats showing that male body dysmorphia will surpass female body dysmorphia in less than a decade. Conner credits this to perceived unachievable physiques shown on social media, the prevalence of youth and teen use of performance enhancing drugs, faux-research pushing questionable techniques and the nation-wide child obesity epidemic.

Conner believes his generation to be the least healthy generation. With suicide rates at all-time highs and mental health on the decline, young people need to be inspired back into health.

Because of these revelations, he has refned his stance over the last few years. Now, he hopes to help convince young people to be healthy, especially young men. He talks avidly about proper nutrition, resistance training and more. He does so through social media, a YouTube channel and during competitions. His mission statement is “to empower young men to pursue lives of

Past recipients, lef to right

Alivia-Drake, John Edwards, Katie Banister (lef) with Dr. Weinberger

disciplined health and purpose.”

To further that mission, and to help young people in the area in other ways, Conner has also created a Scholarship website called bitterrootpath.org. The site requires no log in information, and can be searched by anyone. It is a database of scholarships available to local youth in Ravalli County. The idea was to craft a “one-stop place for students to fnd scholarships.” In the near future, Conner plans to work with school counselors in the valley to tailor it even more locally.

Looking forward to the future, Conner will soon be competing in the National Physique Committee (NPC) Big Sky Champions bodybuilding competition in early April. He will be competing in the Men’s Bodybuilding class, and this will be his frst-ever bodybuilding competition. After that, he plans to attend the Linear Emerald Cup, a national natural bodybuilding competition, hosted in Bellevue, Washington, in late April.

Conner will be going of to medical school in July, which will take most of his energy and time, but he plans to continue supporting young people wherever he can. He recommends young people fnd good mentors and said there are many reputable creators making content for YouTube and other sites. He also suggests going to a gym and starting their journey as soon as possible. He has also found that AI can be useful, but warns people to “treat it with skepticism, however, it can create a good scafold if prompted properly.” He said it is a decent source for basic workout splits, nutrition information and some applications even include calorie counters, where a simple picture of a meal can prompt AI to tell a person the calorie count within that food. He also recommends starting with a simple step counter and trying for around 8,000 steps per day.

•

•

•

•

•

• One academic recommendation

• List of healthcare certifcation - if applicable

• Essay including summary of yourself, your goals and how they apply to patient care

DEADLINE Tuesday, June 30, 2026

For those looking to follow Conner’s journey, Interested parties can fnd him through his YouTube channel, Landen Lives Future MD, his Instagram @ kiddoctor7, as well as his Facebook, Landen Conner.

Landen Conner, dressed in his U.S. Army uniform, hopes to inspire young men to be active, eat healthy and seek mentorship. For him, health is about much more than looking good.

Photo courtesy Landen Conner.

Fish the skwalas - don’t forget March browns

The skwala hatch gets big fsh moving every spring but it’s never easy. You need to be on the water when things are right, and even during a typical spring (is there such a thing?) conditions are fckle. You might hit it right one, or if you’re lucky two days out of three. You fsh the days between sudden surges of runof that chill the water and drive the trout to new habitat. You’re looking for stable fows that have held for a couple of days. On those days you search for occasional rises in the nondescript water along the edges. You’re fshing water where you’d expect another twelve-incher later in the summer. Now, a well-place cast might result in a deliberate but soft take. You might fnd on the other end of the hook-set that you’re into a solid nineteen-inch brown or rainbow that turns downstream and all-of-a-sudden triggers a surge of adrenaline.

fsh, once keyed to surface activity by the skwala, tend to keep looking for surface food.

One fy that gets their attention, skwala hatch or no, is the smaller #14 March brown. Why? Those fies are on the water longer and there are more of them.

by Chuck Stranahan

favorite hatch on Rock Creek was not the salmonfy, but the March brown.

On Rock Creek, the venerable Doug Persico told me years ago that his

weakened by their underwater emergence, to the surface. Some are too weak to throw of the nymphal shuck. The drag it to the surface where they buzz around with their wings until they fnally escape - or get eaten. Big fsh can hold near the lazy center of a pool where March browns typically hatch, and make a good living without working too hard. They can pick of the nymphs swimming toward the surface, one by one, without showing themselves. When you see March browns emerging but no takers on top, a #12 soft hackle pheasant tail

swung into a feed lane and gently stripped toward the surface can yield surprising results.

I’ll repeat a caution if you’re wading: Rising water runs fast and smooth, and can be deceptive. Move slow in the calm water near shore. Don’t get needlessly heroic – the fsh aren’t holding in far-of water anyway. All you need is room for a moderate back-cast; the fsh, thankfully, respect that swift power current more than you do and they’re in the slower-moving current edges near your feet. Don’t spook them with sloshy foot-falls or sloppy

casts. My own favorite March brown patterns? A #14 Brindle ‘Chute or #14 March Brown Hairwing Dun or a #14 March Brown Sparkle Dun fshed with a little bit of motion for those shuck-draggers that make a commotion trying to hatch will do for dries.

For the fsh taking March browns under the surface, my favorite is a is a fy I came up with years ago. I called Rhithrogena Ascending. When March browns are on and the fsh are not feeding on top, it can be a killer. More on that fy next week.

From there, it’s game on – with odd stacked in your favor. You stand a real good chance to land that strong fsh with a skwala imitation tied on a #8 hook, 3X leader, and no mercy.

It can happen more than once. A foat trip when things are right can bring a solid hookup with fsh that run from sixteen to well over twenty inches around every bend. And it can happen right through the middle of the day. You can get on the water after that second cup of late morning cofee and fsh until the afternoon chill chases the bugs of the water.

It’s enough to drive of a winter’s worth of cabin fever. A day like that can bring you back again. So you return day after day until it ends, spring after spring, year after year.

And it seems that those big

Today his grandson John Staats still runs Doug’s Rock Creek Fisherman’s Mercantile in Clinton. Call John for an update – when they’re on, Rock Creek is worth the drive to fsh the March browns.

March browns are unusual bugs. Most mayfies drift to the surface in the nymphal form, then foat suspended as they struggle free from the nymphal shuck. March browns do it diferently. They hatch on the bottom, then swim, fully formed adults

The Hairwing March Brown can fool picky fsh when the hatch is on. Photo by Chuck Stranahan.

Roylene Gaul: a group efort

by John Dowd

For many that work as frst responders, volunteering is about service to their community. Most positions aren’t paid, and many of them go unrecognized for what they do to keep everyone else safe and to be there with the skills and training when no one else can.

There are over 20 diferent response departments and organizations in the valley, including police, fre, EMS, Search and Rescue and more. With well over 100 responders in the county, it is hard to choose any one name. However, this year Roylene Gaul’s was one recommended to the Bitterroot Star.

Even though Gaul is the one being recognized, she wanted to emphasize that what responders do is never about the individual. “First responders, we’re never by ourselves. We’re always part of a team,” said Gaul. To her, everyone has skills that can help and it’s important to her that people who are interested in helping out, reach out. Gaul said, “It’s a community efort, and a community charge, to take care of each-other.”

Gaul is a paramedic with Victor Volunteer Fire Department and EMS. She retired from the U.S. Forest Service

after 37 years. Much of that time she was a logistics section chief.

Gaul spent a lot of time on major incidents and now uses the skills she learned nationally and internationally. She said she was extremely lucky to travel as extensively as she did, with her career taking her to places like Australia, Africa, the middle east and many more.

Most of what she did was large incident management and education related, not only teaching management techniques, but also the Incident Command system (ICS), a program used for managing incidents.

Gaul became an EMT in 1979 and a paramedic in 1989. Now, she teaches EMT courses and is a licensed EMS instructor in Montana. She does trainings for her department, and others in the valley.

At left, the Victor Fire hall. Photo courtesy Victor Fire Hall. Above, Roylene Gaul posing for a piucture in uniform. Photo courtesy Roylene Gaul.

Most of what she does is in Victor with EMS, as well as acting as the public information ofcer for the Victor fre department. She works part-time with Bitterroot Health as a paramedic, along with two other paramedics that also work with Victor fre. Gaul said that is how they are able to provide that service to the community, and added that without Bitterroot Health, such a proposal would be difcult. “Bitterroot Health is willing to step out into the community and help, which says a lot about them as well,” said Gaul. She described it as a “wonderful partnership,” especially with Victor being unincorporated. According to Gaul, the community would likely have difculty funding and operating an ambulance service on their own, so that assistance is invaluable.

Her favorite thing so far as a responder was being part of building a new fre hall in Victor, without any cost to the taxpayers of Victor. She said it was truly a team efort, and crafted something that the entire community is able to use. The funds did not come from any bonds; only from donations, grants and money raised through fundraisers. The new Victor Fire Hall was completed in 2018, and for Gaul, that has been one of her proudest accomplishments. Gaul said they were able to give the community a central point to enjoy and use. Youth groups use the community spaces and meeting rooms, and some areas are rented out by Highway patrol and other local organizations. It is also used as an event center and has “given an emphasis on the community itself,” and “helps the community all around,” said Gaul.

“you need to have the young, new, up-incoming individuals with that skill level brought on board,” to keep organizations growing and capable of meeting whatever emergency or community need arises. Gaul wants to promote volunteerism, not just with responders, but community wide. To her, this is a concept being lost in society today. Gaul said in the past, “everybody took care of each-other.” These days it is difcult for all organizations in the area to fnd help, including community events and non-proft organizations.

“You don’t need to be the frefghter running into the structure. There are other ways to help. It’s not always the high adrenaline rush that makes a diference in our community.”

- Roylene Gaul, Victor Rural Fire Department

That is why she does what she does; to help her community. Gaul said there are many ways people can get involved in their communities as responders, including Search and Rescue, fre and many more. Part of the problem is that many responders are volunteers who have lives outside of volunteering. There can be a lot of turnover and “people come and go,” said Gaul. However,

According to Gaul, “you don’t need to be the frefghter running into the structure. There are other ways to help. It’s not always the high adrenaline rush that makes a diference in our community.” She said even just checking in on elderly community members can be more than enough.

For those not sure where to start, or feel they do not have any actionable skills, Gaul said calling any fre department is a good start. She suggests just telling them “you are willing to help out and giving your schedule of when you are available, that is a good frst step.” After that, the station or department can direct people to what they need and how people can help. Even if all a person can do is run water, pick things up at the store or run radios, anything and everything helps.

“There’s a multitude of outfts in the valley, we just need to get people involved with them,” said Gaul.

Dear Victoria,

Thank you so much for your many dedicated years of service to the paper and to your community. Through the years, you and Michael have done your very best to accurately report the local news, and to recognize and promote local businesses, people and community groups. It has taken true dedication, and you sure didn't get rich doing it! It has been a real pleasure knowing you, and working with you on many community events.

Very best wishes with your retirement. Have Fun!

Jane Lambert Stevensville

Deafening silence

The total absence of transparency on the parts of all involved in the Sheep Creek Shufe leaves the potential victims wondering if that nightmare proposal is gaining acceptance as the secrecy best serves their purpose.

All who are opposed to the song and dance routine aka dog and pony show, have publicly voiced their opposition. As the initial proposal has self destructed and proponents have abandoned ship the music has changed but the step remains the same.

That step is a march toward the Federal Treasury in an attempt to secure federal funding despite the absence of credibility and probable success.

Ultimately the question is, if successful, would it be worth the price? Despite all the speculation the answer is NO.

What's not to understand about a two letter word? NO, NO.

William (Bill) Campbell Conner

Two kinds of legislators

Representatives David Bedey and Kathy Love are Republicans running to represent Senate District 43 (the southern half of Ravalli County) in the Montana State Legislature. The two couldn’t be more diferent.

During my eight years serving in the Montana legislature, I found that most Republican legislators fall into one of two categories: Those who work hard at studying the issues and then bring their conservative principles to bear when solving challenges facing their constituents, and those who come to Helena with a fxed ideology that dictates how they vote on bills. The former burn the midnight oil; the latter go to lobbyists’ parties.

Bedey and Love illustrate this diference.

David Bedey has consistently been in the top 5-10% of all legislators at getting bills passed into law. His leadership over almost eight years of service has substantially increased vocational training opportunities for Montana students, brought property tax relief to 90% of Montana homeowners, improved the security of Montana’s election system, and enhanced the fnancial stability of our state’s rural hospitals.

Contrast his record with Love’s. During her one term in ofce, she voted AGAINST rural hospitals and providing meaningful property tax relief to homeowners. Closer to home, she voted AGAINST funding for needed repairs at Painted Rocks Dam, AGAINST maintenance of state fshing access sites, AGAINST upkeep of state parks, and AGAINST improvements for irrigation projects in the valley.

Another striking diference between the two candidates is that David Bedey served his country in the United States Army. It is notable that during his service he deployed during the Persian Gulf War and was a physics professor at West Point. As a fellow veteran, I recognize the discipline, wisdom and integrity provided by military service.

Kathy Love has sworn an oath of allegiance to party bosses and has placed her John Birch Society ideology ahead of her duty to serve her constituents.

David Bedey recognizes that most issues facing the legislature are not black and

Opinion

white. Tradeofs must be considered. Hard choices must be made. Care must be taken that when solving one problem, another is not being created. By both word and deed, David has demonstrated the statesmanship needed to best serve the citizens of Senate District 43. He deserves your support in the upcoming June primary.

Gary MacLaren, Former Representative HD 87 Victor

Trump Efect 14

War. Deaths. Oil. This is your guy, MAGA. This is your hero.

There was an agreement, the JCPOA, that stabilized the relationship with Iran until 2030. Slowed the development of nuclear materials, ensured inspection of nuclear facilities, obtained the cooperation of Iranian ofcialdom. The JCPOA took years to develop, negotiate and fnally sign.

Your guy trashed that agreement. Why? Because he “didn’t like it.” Said it was garbage. He took the years-long intense eforts of many dedicated international experts who knew that with determination we could have a treaty with Iran that protected the West. And we did. Until Trump. So now we have what he does like, War.

Aircraft carrier Gerald Ford limping back to port, damaged in the confict. Some 5000 sailors on board, diverted back to safe harbor. In the air, 3.7 million dollar US missiles challenged by 50,000 dollar drones. Multimillion dollar jets crashed in action. Servicemen and women killed, and Trump says with remarkable ease, “There will be more.”

We were not being threatened by Iran. Iran has had nuclear materials for decades, in an uncomfortable but reliable detente in that region of the world. Diplomacy, spycraft, intelligence and regional forays characterize the neighborhood. True for many years. So why are we at war?

They call it the Jolene Doctrine. A clever commentator quotes Dolly Parton’s song where she sings, “Jolene, Jolene, don’t take my man away, just because you can.” Your guy, bored with golf, talk, parties, blowing up small craft, bullying other leaders, discovered he had command of an Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines. And Bibi was feeling needy. So let’s go! Let’s blow it all, “just because he can.”

Your dead sons and daughters don’t matter. Our national treasure squandered. Our military might wasted on an impossible confict. Don’t even bring up Strait of Hormuz. Not to mention Al-Mandab Strait, controlled by Iran’s ally Yemen. You know — the strait that controls the Red Sea, at the bottom of the Suez Canal. Military strategy be damned. Goals and objectives, who needs them? National unity, who cares? Trump’s ego uber alles.

I still say, why?

This is your guy, MAGA. Your hero. Linda Schmitt Corvallis

3-2

3-2 was the fnal score in the True “World Series Championship” game between Venezuela and the United States. Venezuela beat us at our own game!

Venezuela is a poor impoverished military dictatorship of a country and yet they are able to produce baseball players who are the best in the world. How is that possible? In spite of all that has been done to the people of Venezuela by Pres. Chavez and then Pres. Maduro for more than 25 years, they still love their Baseball!

DJT said he was going to liberate the people of Venezuela. Instead, all he did was remove the President and leave the rest of the dictator’s regime in place. But the goal was never in doubt. Trump was only after the Venezuelan oil… and he got it! To hell with the people!

I have been thinking recently about the eforts by Trump and his ICE Gestapo to purchase and refurbish empty warehouses

Star

all over the country to house our brown and black immigrants, whether legal or illegal, and keep them in sub-human conditions for an indeterminant length of time.

What is the endgame here? What is the plan for these poor folks who are being subjected to the cruelest of punishments only for trying to make a better life for themselves in America?

Is Trump‘s plan to let them rot in these warehouses into their old age and die caged up as animals for having sought freedom in America?

Just like so many of Trump‘s plans, he has no plan! The same is true now in Iran where he was tricked into attacking Iran by President Netanyahu of Israel.

Again, what is the game plan here? What is the outcome he is looking for? His actions have caused our NATO allies to turn their backs on us. Not one other country supports us in this efort and 80% of our US citizens do not support this efort!

Join the Third “NO KINGS”demonstration on March 28!

Tom Tunny Hamilton

Facts vs. opinions on candidates

I fnd it interesting that a lot of people writing in the Bitterroot Star are not stating facts but voicing their opinion. When it comes to political candidates, they stress the character of the person and how I hope that you, the reader, is checking out what each writer is saying and not taking it verbatim. I especially ask that no matter who the candidate is (Dave Bedey vs. Kathy Love; Michelle Binkley vs. Kim Dailey; Wayne Rusk vs. Ken Allen) that you do your research in verifying what they stand for and not just voting on the person.

When they say they are a Republican, do they truly support the Constitution of these United States, the Constitution of the State of Montana, the National Republican Party Platform and the Montana State Republican Party Platform. If not, why are they running on a Republican ballot and not as an Independent or another party suited to their beliefs.

You can check out how Dave Bedey and Kathy Love voted on Republican bills for 2025 and their ranking by going to the website https://www.legislatorloyalty.com/. This website will also show the ranking for Dave Bedey, Michele Binkley, and Wayne Rusk in the 2023 session.

You also should check out their ‘conservatism’. There are numerous conservative sites that show how the candidates voted and ranked on certain bills.

I am especially concerned about which candidates want a Sales Tax for Montana and why! I am sure that if it were put before the voters, it would be soundly defeated. It was also mentioned about our drop in property taxes. Mine went down some but I know of others that their property taxes went up, one increasing by $7,000.

So do your research and confront them about some of these issues. Tell them you will hold them accountable for what they tell you.

Tom Gentry Corvallis

Watchdog or rubber stamp?

Do you have a barn? Does NorthWestern Energy provide the electricity?

Take a CLOSE look at your bill. Under the Delivery Services section, you will see that the GS-1 Service Charge for your barn account (non-residential) is $22.05; add to that the Delivery Charges, plus the GS-1 Sec Tax Delivery charge. Then look at the Supply Services section: Electric Supply for the kWh used, plus the GS-1 Sec Tax Supply charge. On the July statement covering 06/03/2025-07/07/2025, the GS-1 Service

Charge jumped from $6.00 to $22.05, even if you use only 1 kWh. For 1 kWh on my barn account, I pay $22.05 for the GS-1 Service Charge and $0.07 for the 1 kWh Electric Supply.

The increase from $6.00 to $22.05 for the Electric Delivery for a GS-1 (non-demand meter) was a rate increase requested by NorthWestern Energy in 2024 and approved by the Republican-only Public Service Commission in 2026. NorthWestern Energy implemented the rate increase prior to the PSC approval. They knew what the outcome would be.

This is what happens when the Public Service Commission is a rubber stamp for the utilities instead of a watchdog for the public.

Julie Adair Hamilton

Ready for leadership

Montanans are ready for leadership that answers to the people—not party bosses, dark money groups, or out-of-state special interests. That’s exactly why Michele Binkley stands out.

Michele is willing to do something that has become far too rare in today’s political climate—put constituents frst. She’s not signing loyalty pledges to political parties, and she’s not taking marching orders from outside infuences. That matters. It means her decisions will be grounded in what’s right for the Bitterroot and for Montana— not what benefts a political machine or special interest group.

Just as important, Michele understands that Montana families are feeling the pressure. Afordability is front and center. She is committed to reducing taxes, lowering property taxes, and cutting government spending at every level—from bloated state agencies to local governments that too often overspend. A fscally responsible state budget isn’t just a talking point—it’s a necessity.

Michele also recognizes that not every student’s path runs through a four-year college. Expanding access to high-quality vocational training and apprenticeship programs will open real doors for young people and strengthen our workforce in a way that benefts all of Montana.

At the end of the day, this comes down to trust. Michele Binkley has made it clear she will stand up, speak plainly, and do the work—without being controlled by party insiders or outside money.

We are fortunate to have someone like Michele Binkley willing to step forward and serve the people of the Bitterroot and the state of Montana. That kind of leadership is exactly what we need right now.

Lorenza Rosa Stevenville

Message to Republican primary voters – Senate District 43

I would like to address the voters of Senate District 43 regarding the upcoming Republican primary.

While many important bills were debated during the last legislative session, two issues in particular should concern every taxpayer in Montana: property taxes and the massive increase in state spending.

First, let’s talk about the new property tax legislation.

This bill passed with the votes of liberal Democrats and liberal Republicans, and it created something Montana has historically rejected — a progressive style property tax system. In other words, the higher your property value goes, the more aggressively the state taxes you.

Montana has never embraced this kind of socialist-style taxation before, and frankly, it should make every taxpayer uneasy.

The legislation also dramatically increases taxes on second homes and short-term rentals. Think about that. A family hunting

or any other concern, call us at 406-777-3928, email: editor@bitterrootstar.com or stop in at our ofce at 115 W. 3rd, #108, Stevensville. The mailing address is P.O. Box 133, Stevensville MT 59870.

Correction Policy

Accuracy is important to us. If you see a factual error in a Bitterroot Star news story, please notify the editor immediately and we will print a correction in the next issue.

Our View/Letters

Bitterroot Star editorials are written from the position of the newspaper. The personal columns and letters appearing on the Opinion page and elsewhere in the paper represent the opinion of single individuals and do not necessarily refect the position of the newspaper. The Star welcomes public comment and encourages letters to the editor. Letters on local topics or issues are given priority for publication. Letters should be 600 words or less. Shorter letters generally have a better chance of prompt publication. While letters expressing appreciation for a specifc, out-of-the-ordinary action are welcomed, letters with lists of names of contributors, donors or volunteers are not accepted as letters to the editor. Author’s name, address and phone number (for verifcation, not publication) are required. We do not run letters anonymously. We attempt to run all letters, but reserve the right to edit for length, accuracy, clarity, content and libel. We ask that writers email letters to

Bitterroot Star staf

cabin, a lake house, or a property someone worked hard to buy is suddenly targeted for higher taxation simply because it is a second property.

Where is the logic in that?

For 24 years in the Legislature, including 20 years on the Taxation Committee with over half of those years in leadership, and 8 years serving as Majority Leader, I have never seen property tax legislation this misguided.

It also shifts higher taxes onto electric cooperatives and utilities — costs that will be passed 100 percent back to members and customers through higher utility bills. In other words, they are hiding tax increases in your power bill.

Even worse, the legislation left in place an automatic property tax increase that goes directly to the State of Montana every year. That little-known provision continues to push taxes higher whether legislators vote for it or not.

There are simple reforms that could reduce property taxes and undo much of the damage caused by the post-COVID property valuation spikes — but unfortunately, those solutions were ignored.

Fixing this will take serious work in the next legislative session.

Now let’s talk about spending.

You may hear legislators claim that state spending only increased by about one percent. That claim reminds me of the old saying: “Figures lie, and liars fgure.”

When you strip away federal money for Medicaid and COVID programs, the actual spending of Montana state tax dollars increased by 17 percent.

Seventeen percent.

Those are your tax dollars, not federal passthrough funds.

Medicaid spending went down — but that is irrelevant when the spending that comes directly from Montana taxpayers skyrocketed. Anyone who returns home and tells you that this property tax scheme is good policy and that spending barely increased should not be sent back to Helena.

The truth is clear.

If you want more of this stuf, you can have it by sending the wrong people to Helena.

But for me, please consider voting for Kathy Love in this Senate Primary. She is a diligent

Wednesday, April 1, 2026

worker, solid true conservative, and somebody that will work hard to deliver good policy for the State of Montana.

Fred Thomas, 24 years in MT Legislature Stevensville

The choice is clear

I am a 38-year enlisted retiree of the Montana Air National Guard, and have worked for 45 years supporting Guard members, veterans’ services, and military issues in this state legislature. I know who has stood with us when it counted.

I’m supporting David Bedey, for election to Senate District 43. I frst met David in 2019, and we were on the opposite side of a bill he was carrying. His bill would recognize the Ravalli County Veterans Service Center as a state supported and grant funded operation and my groups were opposed as we were not certain it would have sufcient oversight for our state veterans.

So, here is a ‘Freshman Representative’ (and a retired OFFICER) with a bill that some (most) veterans’ organizations were opposed to and I was to meet with Representative Bedey to tell him we opposed. Well, I’ll tell you, as an enlisted guy meeting an ofcer, I was surprised and pleased that he was more than willing to talk about his position and hear about our position. Not your average ‘freshman’ legislator!

End result, the bill was passed to the beneft of the Ravalli County Veterans Service Center and I learned a lot about Representative Bedey. Since then, we have worked together to help our military members, veterans, and retirees and have seldom disagreed about the way ahead. That is exactly how I always envisioned the political process to work.

Of the most recent importance, Representative Bedey has been a strong opponent of the Defend the Guard Act. Don’t let the name fool you — it would do the opposite. I chose to call it “Defund the Guard”. If passed, Montana could lose our National Guard missions entirely and be replaced with only a shell of our current structure.

The Department of Defense would simply reassign our missions to other states, taking roughly $132 million a year in federal funding

with them. That’s the money that pays Guard salaries, maintains equipment, and keeps our people ready to respond when Montanans need them — fghting fres, responding to foods and blizzards, aiding in disasters across our wide-open state.

He has also worked alongside me on issues that don’t make headlines but matter deeply to Guard members and veterans — fair tax treatment for Guard members and veterans establishing themselves in Montana, funding for veterans’ cemeteries, and protecting our veterans’ nursing homes.

The choice is clear. One candidate has had the back of the Montana National Guard and Montana’s veterans, and that is David Bedey for Senate District 43.

Roger A. Hagan Great Falls

Commandments for thee, exceptions for Kathy Love

Some politicians like to campaign with a Bible in one hand and a campaign fyer in the other. They quote scripture, talk about Christian values, and remind voters how important faith is to them.

Then the Ten Commandments show up… and suddenly the rules get fexible.

Take the Ninth Commandment: “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.” In simpler language: don’t lie about people. Don’t spread rumors. Don’t smear someone’s reputation just because it helps you politically.

Yet that commandment seems to disappear whenever it becomes inconvenient. False accusations, whisper campaigns, and half-true stories suddenly become acceptable tools of the trade.

Apparently, in some political circles, the Ninth Commandment has been revised to read: “Thou shalt not bear false witness… unless it polls well.”

If you’re going to campaign as a Christian, that commandment should probably be more than a decorative suggestion.

Then there’s the First Commandment: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”

Now historically that commandment was

about idols. Things like golden calves, carved statues, things people worshiped instead of truth and moral law. But politics has its own idols. Power. Party loyalty. Political convenience. And that brings us to Kathy Love.

When a politician loudly proclaims Christian values while helping elevate Art Wittich, a man a Montana court found deliberately violated campaign fnance law. It raises an obvious question.

If the commandments matter so much, why does the standard vanish when it involves political allies?

Putting someone into ofce who knowingly broke election laws looks a lot less like moral leadership and a lot more like worshiping a diferent idol altogether: political power.

The Ten Commandments are supposed to be rules, not talking points. They weren’t written as optional guidelines to be followed only when convenient.

They certainly weren’t meant to be used as campaign decorations.

Voters are actually pretty good at spotting hypocrisy. When a candidate talks about Christian values while spreading rumors about opponents, people notice. When someone claims to stand for moral law while boosting politicians who have already broken election law, people notice that too. I have and so have others.

Faith isn’t measured by how often someone mentions it in a speech. It’s measured by whether their behavior lines up with the values they claim to defend.

So if a politician wants to run as the valley’s resident defender of Christian virtue, there’s a simple test: Try following the commandments you quote.

Start with Number Nine—no false witness.

And maybe remember Number One as well. Because when truth takes a back seat to political loyalty, it starts to look suspiciously like a diferent god is sitting on the throne.

One made entirely of ambition.

And voters in the Bitterroot have seen that idol before.

Preserving a Montana treasure: Fort Owen

by Sarah Pilgrim Montana State Parks Foundation

A stop at Fort Owen rewards the visitor with a deep glimpse into Montana history. Located just three minutes outside of Stevensville on the Stevensville Cutof Road, this park is worth a visit.

Why is Fort Owen so important?

Rachel Reckin, Heritage Specialist/Archeologist for Fort Owen Park (FWP), put it this way, “There aren’t very many places in Montana where you can walk into a building from the 1850’s and think about what life was like then.” It was the frst European-style settlement in what is now Montana. It’s also a place of frsts: irrigation, grist mill, sawmill, cow herd, modern farming techniques (in 1840-50), and a European-style school.

Long before Europeans arrived, this area was called Wide Cottonwoods and was cherished by the Salish tribe, who had made it their home for millennia. By the mid-1800s, the Salish could see that life was changing, and they thought Jesuits could add new prayers and medicines, so they invited the Jesuits to their homelands. The Jesuits arrived in 1841, establishing St. Mary’s Mission, Montana’s frst permanent European-style settlement. With this arrival came change. The Salish resisted the Jesuits’ attempts to replace their ancestral culture. When the Salish stopped protecting the mission from conficts with the Blackfeet Nation, the Jesuits closed the mission.

Meanwhile, John Owen (in his 30s), his Shoshone wife Nancy (in her 20s) and his brother Frank (in his 20s) were camped near Fort Owen when the Jesuits decided to leave in the fall of 1850. John Owen bought the “improvements” of the mission, including the buildings and some of the farming equipment. The land itself belonged to the Salish and was not for sale. Together, they developed Fort Owen into what it eventually became. Though it was never a military fort, the Owens built a walled adobe fort with a central courtyard, and out of it they operated a trading post, an Indian Agency, and an agricultural center. Fort Owen was an important commercial center in the area for over twenty years, with eight or nine languages being spoken at any given time as people came and went.

As a fur trading post, Fort Owen was a little late to the game. In its early years, the fort traded in furs, but its focus increasingly became trade with the military and supplying the growing number of white settlers in the Bitterroot region. John and Nancy Owen frequently traveled to Western trading hubs like the Dalles, Oregon and Fort Benton (Montana) for European goods to trade. The presence of the infrastructure at Fort Owen encouraged European settlers, even while their presence in the valley was illegal; the Bitterroot was part of a “Conditional Reservation” established for the Salish by the 1855 Hellgate Treaty. John Owen was responsible for managing that treaty on the ground in his capacity as an Indian Agent. He stood up for the Salish, angrily reminding the government again and again of their failure to protect the reservation and uphold the treaty’s terms.

from the bottom, where it had languished for years.

In 1868, Nancy Owen died. In 1872, John Owen was taken to a mental hospital in Helena, at the age of 54, apparently having sufered a severe decline in his mental health after Nancy’s death. His departure represented the end of Fort Owen.

The site became a state park in 1946, and by the early 2000’s, the Park had fallen into disrepair, was on private land, and was almost impossible to visit. That all changed when the residents of Stevensville became vocal in rallying for preservation of the park and formed The Friends of Fort Owen (2016) so they could begin work on repairing the roof, the frst step toward preserving and protecting the existing structures. In 2017, the property changed hands and came under the ownership of a person who understood the value of the fort in Montana’s history and its operation as a state park. With this change of ownership came better access and, therefore, a real chance to make the Park viable. The Friends got the attention of the State Parks Foundation, and Fort Owen went to the top of the project list

The Fort Owen preservation story is one of citizen advocacy and partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Working alongside the Friends of Fort Owen, the Montana State Parks Foundation helped elevate the importance of preserving the fort and began securing grants to support the restoration work. A grant totaling $500,000 from the Helmsley Charitable Trust, garnered by the State Parks Foundation, funded most of the work. There was a lot of work to be done. Part of the grant funded a new parking lot and access road. Now that people could get in, the preservation work could begin. One adobe wall had previously been repaired with cement, which did not adhere well to the adobe. That cement had to be removed and replaced. The new bricks had to adhere to the original adobe bricks, which meant that the recipe for the new bricks had to match that of the historic ones. Friends of Fort Owen Vice President Philip Maechling went to work making dozens of trial mini-bricks in his garage. After months of experimenting, he found the right “recipe”, a combination of local clay, manure, hay, sand, and other ingredients. The Helmsley Grant also funded archeological research carried out to better understand the placement of buildings and the site’s overall history. Now that the adobe brick formula was established and archeological research done, Alex Lim—an adobe expert with the National Park Service — volunteered to do interpretive research, and Solomon Martin, owner of Zoula Services, was hired by the State Parks Foundation to repair and stabilize the east barracks. Martin, who specializes in historic masonry, and his crew of fve worked for months at the site, making and placing adobe bricks. Only after these steps were complete could work start on the interpretive signs you see at the park today. Again, after months of research,

the Helmsley Charitable Trust grant funded the creation of interpretive signs to tell the story of Fort Owen.

The essential elements of this preservation project were created by a partnership between the State Parks Foundation: the Friends of Fort Owen who found the key people and put them together with State Parks and the Foundation; Ben Dickinson, Park Manager; Rachel Reckin, archeologist; Alex Lim; Solomon Martin and, above all, citizen advocacy as well as a willingness on both sides to work as partners. Take a walk through an important part of Montana’s history and visit Fort Owen State Park.

Practical information:

• The Park is open from March 1 to October 31, from dawn to dusk. There is ample parking for cars, buses, RVs, and trailers.

• There are restrooms.

• The park is ADA accessible.

• Go inside, particularly the outbuilding called the Wagner building.

• Do not touch any artifact you might fnd. It is illegal to remove artifacts.

• The park is surrounded by private property. Please stay within the boundaries of the park.

• There are interpretive signs to enhance your understanding of the Fort’s history.

The Montana State Parks Foundation is the ofcial nonproft partner of Montana State Parks, working to enhance park experiences across the state. The Foundation supports a wide range of projects, including historic preservation, new park development, accessibility enhancements, and volunteer engagement. Learn more at montanastateparksfoundation.org.

The Friends of Fort Owen is a nonproft Friend Group working to save, restore, maintain, develop, enhance, and interpret Fort Owen State Park and its associated sites and artifacts for future generations. Learn more at friendsofortowen.org.

Fort Owen State Park is one of 56 State Parks managed by Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks. Learn more and plan your park visit here https://fwp.mt.gov/stateparks/ fort-owen.

Helen Sabin Corvallis

Fort Owen State Park, located near Stevensville, was Montana’s frst permanent European-style settlement. It was an Indian Agency, trading post and agricultural center founded in the heart of Salish country in 1850. It remains an active cultural history site that is open to the public. Photo courtesy University of Montana.

A historic view of Fort Owen in the late 1800s. Washington J. McCormick, who purchased the fort and operated its mills until 1889, stands in the center of view. Photo courtesy Montana State Library.

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Valley businesses partner with Emma’s House for Child Abuse Prevention Month

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month and highlights the importance of communities working together to support and strengthen families and prevent child maltreatment. Communities are encouraged to increase awareness about child and family well-being and work together to implement efective strategies that support families and prevent child abuse and neglect. Throughout the month of April, Emma’s House will be hosting a number of events coordinated with local businesses to spread awareness of Child Abuse Prevention in support of the work of Emma’s House.

“It is wonderful to see so many businesses from Darby to Stevensville engaged in April events for Child Abuse Prevention as well as raising awareness about Emma’s House,” said Val Widmer, Emma’s House Executive Director.

• April 3: Bitterroot Brewing Pint Night, 5-7 p.m.

• April 9: Eagles Bingo Night, 6-9 p.m. (doors open at 5)

• April 11: Chapter One “Blind Date with a Book” all of April/Culture Crawl Table, 11-1 p.m.

• April 17: Pickle Ball Night, 6-9 p.m.

• April 18: Evan’s Ace Grill for a Good Cause, 11- 2 p.m.

• April 24: Nap’s Pint Night, 6-9 p.m.

Events happening throughout the Month at these businesses: Massa Home Center, Evan’s Ace Hardware, Chapter One, Valley Drug and Variety, Mission Bistro, Corvallis Tavern and the Rocky Knob.

In addition to hosting events with local businesses, Emma’s House staf will host open to the public tours of the facility on Friday, April 3, from 12-2 p.m. Please RSVP to Emma’s House if you are interested in the tour. Val Widmer will be presenting at the April 7 Hamilton City Council Meeting with a Proclamation from the Mayor being presented for Child Abuse Awareness.

Emma’s House is a facility-based program where children begin healing from the trauma of abuse and neglect. Emma’s House provides forensic interviews, child abuse-specifc medical exams (on-site) and trauma-focused counseling for children and their non-ofending caregivers (also on-site). The forensic interview is video-recorded and subsequently provided to the investigative agency (law enforcement or child and family services), which initiates an investigation. This process eliminates the need for the child to be interviewed multiple times by diferent agencies, which to many children is very intimidating.

Prior to Emma’s House, child victims of abuse often had to disclose up to nine times

the trauma that had occurred to multiple professionals. The Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) model minimizes the trauma to the child by eliminating the need for multiple interviews and providing a warm child-friendly, home-like setting. We provide one forensic interview that is legally sound and developmentally appropriate, which oftentimes becomes critical evidence if a case goes to court.

Board President Kelly Hanley said, “For many, child abuse is a very uncomfortable topic to discuss. However, the services and support that Emma’s House ofers to the most vulnerable in our community are crucial. We hope that these April events will help bring awareness to the mission of Emma’s House and educate the public on how everyone can do their part! We are lucky to have an amazing Board right now who have all stepped up to create some really powerful partnerships for awareness.”

Things you can do to show your support of Child Abuse Awareness Month:

• Wear Blue: Wearing blue is a common way to show solidarity and raise awareness for child abuse prevention eforts.

• Attend an Event: Attend one or more of the Emma’s House Awareness events.

• Purchase a “Picket for Prevention”: Emma’s House is selling Pickets for Prevention.

• For a $150 donation, you will have a designated plaque on a picket of the Emma’s House fence. Pickets will be available for sale at all of our April events as well as our website www.emmashousecac.org.

• Advocate and Educate: Share information on social media, contact your representatives to support funding for prevention programs and participate in local awareness events.

• Support Families: Engage with local organizations that provide resources such as parenting classes, support groups and concrete assistance to reduce family stress.

• Learn the Signs: Familiarize yourself with the signs of abuse and neglect, and know the appropriate steps to take if you suspect a child is in danger.