Three Schools in Ravalli County will hold school board trustee elections, and ballots were sent out on April 17. Election day is May 5. Hamilton, Florence-Carlton and Victor each have three candidates, and all positions are three-year terms.
Hamilton School District candidates are Weston Harmon, Eli Johnson and Marisa Neyenhuis. Victor School District candidates are Steven Fryer, Kendra Hill and Collin Riley. Florence-Carlton School District candidates are Lacy Janes, Bobbie Ketelhut and Virginia Mahn.
The Bitterroot Star reached out to the school election contacts to speak with their respective candidates. Candidates were asked to submit a brief biography to introduce themselves to readers. Any candidate that is not featured did not respond to the inquiry.
Victor
Collin Riley
I am a local business owner and community leader, serving as the owner of Alta Services Inc. and as a Captain with the Victor Volunteer Fire Department. I have been in the fre service since 2010 and a local business owner since 2022, leading crews, training members and responding to emergencies.
As a father, I understand the importance of safe, supportive schools and a strong education system. I am committed to bringing practical leadership, accountability and a focus on students, staf and families to the school board.
Kendra Hill
My name is Kendra Hill, and I have been a part of the Bitterroot Valley for most of my life. I graduated from Darby High School and attended Montana State University for a few years before life brought me back to the valley to be closer to family and raise my child.
I have lived in the Victor community for the past 16 years, and my child has attended Victor School since kindergarten. My family also started a food truck with a focus on providing afordable, family-friendly meals, which refects my commitment to supporting local families.
Over the past few years, I have volunteered at Victor School and have seen frsthand the impact a strong, supportive school has on students and the community. I decided to run for the school board because I want to continue giving back and be more involved in helping the school succeed. My main focus is doing what is best for students and teachers and making decisions that beneft them the most. When it
comes to budgeting and policies, I believe in researching all options carefully and making thoughtful, responsible decisions to meet the needs of the school.
I sincerely hope to earn your support and your vote.
Hamilton
Weston Harmon
I am running for the Hamilton School District Board because I care deeply about our schools, our students and the future of our community.
My wife, Shenille, and I have lived in Hamilton since 2007, where we are raising our four children. Through our family’s experience in the district, I have seen frsthand the opportunities Hamilton schools provide, from academics and athletics to programs like Science Olympiad, Speech and Debate and hands-on learning experiences that help students grow. Those opportunities have made a lasting impact on my children, and I want to help ensure they remain available for every student.
Professionally, I work as a commercial kitchen contractor, managing large food service construction projects for business and industry clients. My work requires planning, accountability, communication and responsible budgeting; skills that I believe are valuable in serving on the school board.
Service has always been an important part of my life. I come from a family with a strong tradition of community involvement, and as an Eagle Scout I learned the importance of leadership, integrity and giving back. While I have not previously served on the school board, I believe my experience as a parent, business professional and community member gives me a practical perspective and a strong commitment to serving our district well.
I am running because I want to support the students, families, teachers and staf who make Hamilton schools strong. I believe every decision made by the board should put students frst, support educators and refect responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. I also believe trust is built through transparency, listening and consistent follow-through.
My goal is to help build on the strengths of our district, keep our schools moving forward and ensure Hamilton continues to be a place where students have the opportunity to learn, grow and succeed.
Marisa Neyenhuis
I grew up in Hamilton and went through all the schools in the district, including Washington and Westview. My class was the frst to graduate from the “new” high school and I greatly benefted from the education I received in the Hamilton school system. As the mother of a 7th grader, I have been impressed with the teachers my son has had since moving back to Hamilton in 2020
and the responsiveness of the teachers and administration when we have run into any issues. I have a BA in Psychology from Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon and am a Co-Owner of Chapter One Book Store in Hamilton.
Though I have not served on the school board before, I do have experience serving on multiple other boards. I served on the Hamilton Planning Board from March 2021 to January 2026. I am currently in my ffth year on the Friends of the Hamilton Schools Foundation (FHSF) board, my fourth year on the Downtown Hamilton Business Improvement District (DHBID) board and my second year on the Hamilton Community Cinema board. Something that concerns me about our current school board is that the teachers in our district are 77% female, but our school board is currently 85% male and will be 100% male if I am not elected. Boards are made stronger through diversity and it’s important to have a broad spectrum of the community represented.
As a local business owner, I know that strong schools support their communities and strong communities support their schools. As a member of the school board, I hope to continue strengthening the relationship between our district and the greater Hamilton community. Having not had experience on serving on the school board before, I’m ready to listen and learn and I look forward to helping make the tough decisions that keep our schools running smoothly.
Eli Johnson
I am a local dentist in Hamilton. I’ve lived here for about 20 years. I enjoy the outdoors and am an avid fy-fsherman, bow hunter, downhill skier and love all the outdoors activities this valley and state provide. I have three daughters. They have all been in the Hamilton School system. My oldest graduated in 2021, my middle daughter graduated 2023 and my youngest is a Senior at Hamilton High. My wife and I have loved the overall experience of raising our children here and have loved the teachers that have helped guide and shape their lives. I am running for school board in an efort to keep those small town relationships, traditional values and wholesome family-centered infuence in our public education.
As a Dentist with 20 years of experience in running a private practice, working with the public on a daily basis and working with 12 or more employees, I have spent a lot of time and efort listening to problems and concerns, then thoughtfully trying to resolve those concerns. I feel like my education and training in the healthcare feld and direct public contact give me a unique perspective on current issues facing our district. I have been a soccer coach, basketball coach, softball coach, scout leader, youth leader for my church, volunteer lecturer for the high school, have done complimentary dental screenings for both elementary and middle schools, hosted over 30 students from the high school intern program and also worked with the job corps intern program.
The current issues in our district revolve around budget management, special education and public concerns and views on district spending. We are doing our best to give the greatest education experience to our students as well as the greatest work opportunities to our faculty. I want to focus on the quality of our education as well as the safety of the school’s activities. As before I still feel the family is the core structure and needs to be represented and respected. I feel that family infuence and teaching in areas or morals, ethics and values are the fundamen-
tal basis of development. Over the last three years I believe I have learned a lot on how the school board functions and have become a much bigger asset as a trustee.
Florence-Carlton
Virginia Mahn
Hello, my name is Virginia “Ginny” Mahn. I am a graduate of Florence-Carlton High School and have lived in the Florence community for over 20 years. I have a Bachelors degree in Nursing and Masters in Business Administration (MBA). The Florence district helped shape who I am today, and I am grateful to now be raising my own children here, who attend Florence-Carlton School. I have worked as a nurse in direct patient care and, for the last decade, in administrative and leadership roles. As a nurse manager, I’ve successfully managed various sized departments, up to 100 staf, ranging multiple job roles. I have signifcant business management experience to include both private sector and government budgeting and accountability. Through my professional experience, I have developed a strong belief in making evidence-based, data-driven decisions. I also believe deeply in listening to the people doing the work every day. In our schools, that means valuing and learning from our teachers, staf and students as the subject matter experts they are. I believe our school should support high academic standards, safe and welcoming environments and open communication with families and staf. If you are interested in learning more about my positions on current school issues, explore my Facebook page at www. facebook.com/share/1EB2T66Wf/?mibextid=wwXIfr. I appreciate and thank you for the opportunity to serve and represent our community.
Bobbie Ketelhut I have served on the Florence-Carlton School Board for six years (two terms). I have taken great pride in this volunteer position to support our community, families and the incredible staf of the school. The school is the hub of Florence, and being K-12 has presented a vast array of solutions to need formulated. As a long time business owner and insurance professional, I always have the liability of the school (and your tax dollars) in mind. I am a mother, spouse of a teacher and taxpayer myself, which provides insights to view situations from many lenses
Obituaries
Richard ‘Tad’
Hancock
Stevensville - Richard “Tad” Hancock passed away April, 8 2026 peacefully, leaving behind a life defned by devotion to family, hard work, and a deep love for the land he called home.
Tad was a devoted husband to wife Fabby and the proud father of fve children, Rick, Brian, Kimberly, Paige, and Tim Hancock, each of whom carried forward his values of integrity, resilience, and kindness. His greatest joy came not from personal accomplishments, but from watching his family grow and thrive. In a decision that refected both his foresight and his generous spirit, Tad purchased a ranch where his children could put down roots of their own. A place that would become the heart of the Hancock family for generations.
The ranch was more than land; it was Tad’s legacy. It was where laughter echoed across open felds, where grandchildren would play, and where family bonds were strengthened through shared work and simple, meaningful moments. He believed deeply in the importance of togetherness, and he created a space where that belief could live on long after him. Those who knew Tad will remember his steady presence, his quiet strength, and his unwavering commitment to the people he loved. He was a man who showed his care through action; through providing, building, and always being there when it mattered most.
Tad is survived by his beloved sons Rick, Brian, Tim, his
grandchildren Jessica, Brittany, John, Merissa, Nate, Katelyn, Christopher, Theresa, Spencer, Timmy, Sarah and his greatgrandchildren Ellerie, Kingston, Zoie, Aiden, Livvie, Evelynn, Seelie, Kali’i, Parker, and Charlotte along with extended family and friends who will continue to feel his infuence in their lives. He was Grandpa Jack to everyone who knew him. Though he is no longer with them in person, the life he built and the love he gave will remain a guiding force.
His memory will live on in the land he cherished, the family he nurtured, and the enduring legacy of a life well
Larry Edward Townsend
Sept. 26, 1944 – March 27, 2026
Larry Edward Townsend, 81, of Darby, Montana passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Friday, March 27, 2026. Larry was born in Hamilton, Montana on September 26, 1944, the third of four children born to Ernest “Gin” Edward and Margurite Louise (Pfster) Townsend. Larry attended Darby Elementary and Junior High Schools until the 9th grade. He later acquired his GED. He was known throughout Darby for his fun-loving antics and youthful pranks.
Bobby ‘S’ Dees
Victor - Bobby “S” Dees, age 86, passed away peacefully on April 14th, 2026 at the Hope Hospice Center in Missoula, Montana.
Bob, a long-time resident of Victor, Montana, was a cowboy at heart and lived a life of travel and adventure. He was born October 28th, 1939 in Idaho Falls, Idaho. His family moved to Montana when he was nine years old. The third of four siblings, Bob spent his early life playing “Cowboys and Indians” with an authentic ghost town as a backdrop! He loved riding bareback broncos and was mesmerized by amateur rodeo; even taking 1st place at the Darby Rodeo in 1957. He enjoyed track and basketball and was captain of the Blue Devils football team at Corvallis High School before graduating in 1958. After high school, Bob joined the U.S. Navy and served four years on active duty as a torpedoman aboard a diesel submarine – the USS Tiru. He was stationed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii and traveled to Japan before honorably separating from the Navy. While stationed in Hawaii, he met and married his beautiful wife, LaVerne. Bob and LaVerne lived in a little house near the beach, where surfng, waterskiing and snorkeling were some of their favorite pastimes. After leaving the Navy, Bob and LaVerne moved to Denver, Colorado, where he began welding and was working on his bachelor’s degree. Working his way through school, Bob did auto body repair and swept the foors of a potato chip factory at night. Bob and LaVerne had three daughters while in Denver – Jo, the oldest, and identical twins, Tamara and Kimberly. They enjoyed camping and hiking in the Colorado area until Bob’s sense of adventure took them to Ramstein, Germany, where he worked for the Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DODDS) as a math and industrial arts teacher in the American Junior High School at Ramstein Air Force Base. He completed his master’s degree in psychology while working in Germany. Bob had many great adventures in Europe, as teaching allowed the summers of for travel.
In most of his early teenage years, Larry spent much of his time living of the land tending traps in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness, and herding horses in the mountains up the West Fork for his father’s outftting business. During this time, he earned the nickname “Buckshot”; which stuck with him for many years.
As a Recon Marine, he was initially sent to Cuba in April 1961 (Bay of Pigs) and later to fght in the Vietnam War, serving in various capacities including numerous recon missions as a “tunnel rat”, for which the life expectancy of each mission was one-half life! He returned home from the Marine Corp in 1965, with several medals and many commendations, including a sharpshooting record that was not broken for nearly 40 years.
As a devoted son, he worked hard to save the ranch he grew up on. To keep the ranch solvent, he learned to drive big equipment and drove a logging truck for many years.
Larry married April Heyrend in 1964, and had three children: Michelle “Missi” DeLea, Terri Jo, and Larry “Bubba” Craig. Their marriage lasted for 24 years.
Winning his frst rodeo at age 13, Larry found a real passion in riding rough stock. After returning from the military, he rodeoed all over the nation riding in all three rough stock events (bareback riding, saddle broncs and bulls). He was a card-carrying member of the RCA (Rodeo Cowboy Association) which later became the PRCA (Pro Rodeo Cowboy Association). Larry rodeoed professionally from 1968 to 1973 before temporarily moving his family to Fairbanks, Alaska in 1974.
In Alaska, Larry helped build the Alaskan Pipeline hauling heavy equipment and oversized loads up the Haul Road from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay. When the AK Pipeline was fnished, Larry moved his family back to the ranch in Darby, MT in 1979, where he continued as an owner/operator hauling logs from the mountains to the Darby Mill.
Larry coached Darby baseball for eight years, leading the American Legion Bucs to a state title in 1988.
During this time Larry opened up a sporting goods store in Darby, targeting the outdoor needs of hunters and fshermen. However, come rain or shine, just like clockwork, he annually headed into the back country of the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness every fall for hunting season. Leading pack strings into hunting camp, Larry stayed in the back country for 6 weeks each year, as was the family tradition for 4 generations. He often recalled with great fondness the memories created with his family and friends during this time in hunting camp.
Returning to Alaska in 1988, he resumed being an owner/ operator, hauling semi loads from Fairbanks to Prudhoe Bay. There he received the Two-Million-Mile Safe Driving Award
While working with DODDS, he traveled to many other countries including Germany, East Berlin, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Austria, Holland, England, Italy, Spain, Portugal and Scandinavia. He also returned to the US every four years to visit family and would travel to as many states within the continental US as could be managed during the summer break. Traveling with Bob always meant visiting historical sites. Not only a teacher, Bob was also a life-long learner. So many unforgettable family moments were spent hiking, camping, skiing, and exploring Europe together. Bob also loved to take motorcycle trips with LaVerne or Jo and, sometimes, solitary long bicycle trips on his ten-speed bike. He never tired of adventure. Bob retired from DODDS in 1992 and moved home to Montana. An avid welder and wood-worker, he began metal sculpting in earnest. He created metal sculptures using oxy-acetylene welding by building a framework and flling this in with a bead-on-bead welding technique. His metal sculptures were mostly western (cowboys and Indians), but also included fowers, mountain scenes, eagles, and a couple of modern pieces. His welding talent was truly amazing! Always a natural teacher, Bob taught two of his daughters, Jo and Tamara, to weld. Bob also loved music and enjoyed sitting around with the family, playing guitar, banjo, harmonica and his electronic keyboard. Family was very important to him and he cherished this time with family and grandchildren. Bob and LaVerne had been married for ffty-three years when LaVerne passed away in 2015. Even as age was catching up with him, Bob continued a life of adventure. He and Jo rode motorcycles, bicycles, jet skis, and ATVs. They enjoyed of-roading, camping and skiing. Bob and Jo had many fun road-trips together the last few years and even took a cruise to Alaska. Bob lived for skiing (especially in fresh powder – oh, boy!) and continued to ski all the way up to the age of 83, when arthritis and mul-
on the Haul Road, an amazing accomplishment due to the severity of northern Alaska’s drastic driving conditions. After his mother’s death in 1991, Larry returned to Darby in 1994 to take care of his father and the ranch. Gin passed away the following year in 1995.
In 1996 he married Janice Ann (Maybury) Kerr, a registered nurse. For the next 30 years the two of them raised, trained, and sold world class performance paint and quarter horses, maintaining a sizeable broodmare herd and multiple stallions.
In 1999 Larry brought Cowboy Mounted Shooting to the Bitterroot Valley, often sponsoring state shooting events at the Townsend Ranch. With his extraordinary talent in understanding horses, he eventually trained 14 horses that won world titles, and 12 people who also went on to win world titles. Larry performed bridleless on his favorite stallion “Cowboy,” for the Olympic dignitaries at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Larry travelled to Sweden numerous times to conduct mounted shooting clinics and was instrumental in starting the WHAO club in Sweden. He was awarded a Royal Spur (from the battle between the Danes & the Swedes in 1676 AD) as a personal gift from the countess of one of the great estates in southern Sweden.
Through the years, Larry helped many troubled kids get their lives back on track, and was afectionately known as “Papa,” to countless young people of all ages.
While he often held forth with his strong opinions, he would give the shirt of his back if someone were in need. He was a loyal friend, hard worker, a ferce defender of his beliefs, exceptional horse trainer, and was well respected and loved by those who knew him.
Larry was preceded in death by his parents Ernest and Margurite, sister Cody Mae, daughter Missi Probst, and grandson Anthony Lopez. He is survived by his wife Janice, sister Eleanor, brother Micky, daughter Terri Jo, son Larry “Bub” (spouse: Carolyn Rathbun), and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Larry did not want a large, formal memorial service, so a conventional service is not planned. Instead, on May 3, 2026 from 2-4 pm, the family plans to host a less structured gathering at the Darby Clubhouse in Darby, MT. Family and friends will then be encouraged to share their memories of Larry and share a potluck meal. So bring your favorite food dish and memories of Larry, and plan to stay for several hours to fellowship.
In lieu of fowers, people are encouraged to contribute to the Hospice of the Bitterroot. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
tiple back surgeries slowed him down enough that he could no longer ski. Bob is survived by his older brother, three daughters, six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family
sittfuneralhome.com
Allan Junior Dutton
Allan Junior Dutton, 94, of Hamilton, MT passed away from natural causes Thursday, April 16, 2026 at The Remington surrounded by his family. He was born July 30, 1931, in Gold Creek, Montana the son of Allan Phillip Dutton and Vey Lottie Carl Dutton.
Allan was raised in Gold Creek and Nimrod, Montana and moved to the Deep Creek area of Missoula in the 1940s. He enjoyed fshing the creeks around Gold Creek as a kid. Allan graduated from Missoula County High School in 1951. He met his future wife at the movie theater while playing “hooky” from school. On October 6, 1951, he married JoAnn King Tripp in Missoula, Montana. Al and Jo were just shy of celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary! They lived in Missoula, Kalispell and settled in Hamilton. Sons Ross Allan was born in 1952 and Daniel Dean followed in 1953. Allan worked for the State of Montana Highway Department for 30 years, he learned on the job and worked his way up to Project Manager. You can still see his projects –Highway 93 from Charlos Heights through Hamilton and north and remnants of the jack leg fences through the Big Hole. After retirement, Allan never slowed down collecting and restoring classic cars, doing survey projects and
remodeling and renting homes. Allan loved fshing and traveling, especially enjoying wonderful times in Hawaii and on cruises with JoAnn. He was in the Rocky Mountain Model T Club and the Bitterroot Valley Dusters. He participated in nearly every car show and parade in the valley and beyond. He was a supporter of HHS Boosters and drove a convertible for 40 years of Homecoming Parades! Allan is preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Delos Dutton, Kathleen Maier, June Dutton and Kenneth Dutton. Allan is survived by his wife JoAnn and sons Ross (Wendy) Dutton and Dan Dutton. Grandchildren Hilary (Carlos) Mendeguia – Drew Briggeman, Amaya Mendeguia; Bryon Dutton; Desiree Dutton (Reed Cole) – Lane, Cierra and Brennan Cole; Alexis Dutton – Mariah Struzynski (Jeremy) Ezrae and Banks, Hayden Hart; and Ashley Christopherson (Dalton) – Reagan and Clark Christopherson.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2026, at Daly-Leach Chapel and will be followed by a reception for family and friends. Interment at
Cole, Hayden Hart, Reagan Christopherson, Brennan Cole, Clark Christopherson, Annaya Mendeguia and Drew Mendeguia. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
YOUTH: Conservation Elders to hold annual camp fair
Continued from page 1
Sherif Deputy Association reserve ofcers, as well as the Ravalli County Search and Rescue. There will be a variety of opportunities for kids to learn about numerous outdoor activities in Montana, including trapping, hunting, fshing, hiking, kayaking, pack animals, archery, climbing, conservation and much more.
Fred Upchurch, an organizer with the event and member of Montana Conservation Elders, added that they have been doing this since 2013, and every year it keeps growing. Visitors to the May 2 event can expect over 50 organizations, including most of the camps that Montana Matters Youth Outdoor Experience and the Montana Conservation Elders fund.
With this being the frst year this event will be held at the mansion, organizers are excited, saying it will be a fantastic partnership. For the organizers’ part, the Daly Mansion grounds are beautiful, ofer plenty of shade, much more room for parking and a lot more room for groups to spread out than in previous locations.
The grounds, including the front tree area and the rear sporting feld, are going to be utilized by various organizations. This leaves a lot of space for fy-casting, archery and more. One group the organizers wanted to highlight that will need more space was the Ninemile mule pack train. “That’ s always exciting for everybody,”said Jim Kalkofen, an organizer for the event.
Kalkofen will also be helping with the Flathead chapter of Walleyes Unlimited of Montana and The National Association of Professional Anglers, who will be giving away nearly 50 spin cast outfts to youth.
The event will have a 30-foot climbing wall, the Mule Deer Foundation will be hosting their shooting gallery again and the Wind River Bear Dog Institute will be giving
a demonstration with their dogs.
Lewis and Clark Trail and Adventures will be bringing their 24-foot canoe, which they will be taking youth down the Missouri River on during their summer camp. That trip will start at Fort Benton, and they will foat down about 47 miles, camping at two known Lewis and Clark Expedition camp sites. Montana Matters Youth Outdoor Experience will be sponsoring spots for youth on that trip.
Another 40-mile campand-foat trip will be ofered by Project ASCENT. There will also be sponsored spots for their Bitterroot Adventure. The nonproft organization is based out of Thompson Falls, but does camps all over the western part of the state for all Montana youth. All their camps are completely free to participants, but given on a frst-come-frstserve basis for youth who apply.
Preserve Foundation and camps just started being piled on. On top of that, the organizations also fund their own Magruder and Scripps campouts.
There will be a fre lookout presentation done by John Crawford, who spent over 30 years manning lookout towers. He also builds models of lookout towers and will be bringing one of those during his presentation.
Last year, Montana Matters Youth Outdoor Experience funded over 25 camps. This year, they are doing almost 30, and according to Upchurch, their policy is, “No kid left indoors.” For them, that mission is paramount. It all started with their frst camp, hosted by the Teddy Roosevelt Ranch, which was the frst one they funded. Soon after, they added Glacier Institute, Jack Creek
All the camps range from single days to many being over three to four days. These camps include ones hosted by Raised at Full Draw, The Boone and Crocket Club, Montana Trout Unlimited and many more.
The event will see participation from groups like Project Healing Waters, Wild Sheep Foundation, Montana DNRC, the Whitecap Rife and Pistol Range, the Bitterroot River Protection Association and more.
During the event, food will be available for purchase at various food trucks, including Fin, Fur and Feathers, ice cream by Firestone Ice Cream, and options for cofee, pastries and more.
The organizers hope the opportunity to
host at the mansion renews every year and say that it is good for all parties. “It’s so important to get more kids out there,” said Kalkofen. They added that this year they held their third banquet, which is where the vast majority of their funds come from to sponsor youth on these adventures. This year, they raised over $80,000 for that goal. “The community’s fnancial support is wonderful,” said Powers. Kalkofen added, “People understand that, if seniors like us are involved in getting kids out there, people see that’s a good thing, and they want to be a part of it.”
CHEF: Ember chef competes for $250,000 on ‘Top Chef’
Continued from page 1
Today, Dearden and his wife own Ember and Grano “100%.” Both restaurants opened in 2024 and focus on integrating produce, meat and pasta from Montana-based food systems.
As fate would have it, said Dearden, “the executive producer for the production company [of ‘Top Chef’] is from Missoula.” Apparently, the former Montanan saw Dearden’s social media videos and, wanting a chef from the area, had someone reach out to him. “Now that I own my own businesses and have
my own personal brand, I knew it was worth the opportunity and the exposure.” Dearden and his chef brother, Jonathan, joined the ‘Top Chef’ competition showcased in North and South Carolina this season. The show features a panel of judges and numerous Quickfre Challenges that keep the contestants on their toes while they compete against each other and the clock. The last chef standing wins $250,000.
Famous chef Emeril Lagasse and comedian Fortune Feimster have been among the
Quickfre Challenge presenters on the show in Season 23. In the episodes released so far, Dearden has won one such challenge for a cash prize of $10,000. The culinary prompt was ofered by a panel of children who also judged the dishes.
Given a theme that sounded like it was out of a Madlib game book, the chefs had to serve up a dish relating to “Christmas in Colorado” and “puffed.” Dearden won the challenge with his maple syrup and corn nut ice cream creation. “I tell people that ‘Top Chef’ is a rea-
lity TV show, and they create these scenarios that are impossible… Competition cooking is like none other. You’re not able to train for it. You’re not able to think things out. You have to think fast on the fy. You know, the clock doesn’t stop.”
At the time of writing this article, both Dearden brothers have yet to be eliminated from ‘Top Chef.’ To watch them on their culinary competition journey, tune in to Bravo on Monday nights. The show is also available to stream on Peacock.
SEPTIC: Himes vs. Health dispute over compliance order escalates
Continued from page 1
Himes responded at that time with a 20page epistle accusing the Board of Health of running roughshod over his ministry and bullying him. He said the Board’s actions “portray what I view as a determined and relentless pattern of antagonism and discrimination against our ministry, which has attempted
to severely burden it and has actually – and arbitrarily – restricted our right to freedom of religious expression in helping the homeless and others in need.
“To paraphrase David when he faced Goliath: ‘You come to me with manipulated law, with deceit, with assault upon our religious freedoms, and with a suspect agenda. But I
come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts whom you have defed.’ (cf. 1 Samuel 17:45),” wrote Himes.
The County claims that even if the RV residents are utilizing the church building for laundry, bathroom and kitchen facilities, the use of the RVs still constitutes a “change in use” requiring a new application since the
help program, fund raising for local scholarships, and other community enhancement activities. Please send your nomination with an account of the nominee’s activities to: Florence Civic Club, Attention Community Service Award. P.O. Box 544 Florence, MT 59833. The deadline for receipt of nominations is Friday, May 1st. regulations or not.
systems connected to the shelter building did not previously serve other residents of the RVs for laundry, bathroom and kitchen facilities.
Florence Civic Club requests nominations
The Florence Civic Club is inviting nominations for its Community Service Award for 2026. This award honors a local person for outstanding contribution of service to the Florence community. Their service may be through involvement in their community, church, nonproft organization, the schools, or simply individually. Past winners have been active in securing grants for trails, developing a local homework
Himes claims that there has been no change in use because the original use was a “religious mission to serve people experiencing homelessness and have sufered and continue to sufer irreparable harm” and that use has not changed. He claims that the County’s Compliance Order and the lawsuit they fled to force compliance “were all initiated in response to the Church’s use of its land to house homeless individuals as an expression of its religious mission — a quintessential land use determination subject to Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act protections.” He also claims that the County’s actions are a form of religious discrimination because they are knowingly declining to enforce comparable wastewater regulations against similarly situated secular property owners in the County that operate wastewater systems that are similarly uninspected, unapproved, or unpermitted.
Riverview Cemetery will take place after the reception. Honorary Pallbearers are great-grandchildren Mariah Struzynski, Lane Cole, Cierra
Youth at camps. Photos courtesy Montana Conservation Elders.
Legal Notices
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
Declaration of Existence
This declaration afrms the mission of the Breatharian Institute of America (BIA) as an ecclesiastic and religious organization. This notice serves to declare this 508(c)(1)(a) has existed and functioned unto itself and no corporate and statutory flings are necessary or required by law, as the BIA functions unto itself.
This Breatharian Institute of America is created as a missionary vehicle to assist all beings, sentient and non-sentient, who are sustained by the Breath of Life. This includes but is not limited to housing and all building projects, growing and nurturing all biota and soil, all types of therapies and any other projects that can be perceived as helpful for anyone or anything that breathes.
BS 4-8, 4-15, 4-22, 4-292026.
MNAXLP
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST
JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES ADOLPHE STANKER, JR., Deceased.
Probate No.: DP-2026-21 Dept. No.: 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Sheila Kleinschmidt has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate.
All persons having claims against the said decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Sheila Kleinschmidt the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Montana Legacy Law, PLLC, 178 South 2nd St., Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court. BS 4-15, 4-22, 4-29-2026.
MNAXLP
The Burnt Fork Water Commission will hold its frst meeting
of the 2026 irrigation season on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. at the American Legion Hall at the corner of Meyer Lane and Middle Burnt Fork Road, Stevensville. BS 4-15, 4-22-2026.
MNAXLP
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE THE HAMILTON PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD AND CITY COUNCIL
Zoning Request 2026-01 & Annexation Request 2026-01-A request by 406 Storage Solutions, LLC, to annex two tracts of land that are currently unzoned and to establish a zoning designation of Neighborhood Business District (B). The properties are approximately 154,721 square feet, and addressed as 480-484 Old Corvallis Rd., Hamilton, MT. The properties are identifed by Ravalli County Tax IDs # 744900 and 744920 and Geocodes 13-146818-2-01-14-0000 and 13-146818-2- 01-39-0000 and are legally described as:
Lot A-1 and Lot A-2, Hirsch Subdivision, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the recorded plat thereof.
The Hamilton Planning and Zoning Board will hold a public hearing to take public comment and consider a recommendation to City Council on the zone map amendment request and annexation petition on Monday, May 4, 2026 at 5:30 PM on the 2nd foor of Hamilton City Hall, 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT.
The Hamilton City Council will hold public hearings to take public comment and make a decision on the zone map amendment request and the annexation petition on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 7:00 PM, and Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 7:00 PM, during its regular meetings on the 2nd foor of Hamilton City Hall, 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT. The public may attend and make comment in person, or on the Internet / by phone through Zoom. Instructions are available on the City of Hamilton website www.cityofhamilton.net, or by contacting aenglish@cityofhamilton.net or cityclerk@cityofhamilton.net.
Comments prior to the Planning and Zoning Board meeting may be submitted to the Planning Department at aenglish@ cityofhamilton.net. Comments after the Planning and Zoning Board meeting may be submitted to the City Clerk at cityclerk@ cityofhamilton.net. Comments for the Planning Department or City Clerk may also be mailed or delivered in person to 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT 59840. Related materials will be made available on the City of Hamilton website prior to the meetings, and can be obtained by contacting the Planning Department at (406) 363-2101 or aenglish@cityofhamilton.net.
BS 4-15, 4-22-2026. MNAXLP
Daniel Browder, Esq. Browder
Law, PLLC
217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840
Telephone: (406) 361-3677
Facsimile: (406) 361-2999
Email: browderlawmont@gmail.com
Attorney for Richard W. Jones
MONTANA TWENTY FIRST
JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EDWIN S. WEBER, Deceased.
Cause No. DP-2026-44
Dept. No. 2
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Richard W. Jones has been appointed
Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Richard W.
Jones, return receipt requested, c/o: Browder Law, PLLC, 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, Montana, 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
DATED this 8th day of April, 2026.
BROWDER LAW, PLLC
/s/Daniel Browder
Attorney for Personal Representative
BS 4-15, 4-22, 4-29-2026. MNAXLP
STEVENSVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT #2
NOTICE OF LEVY ELECTION
Notice is hereby given by the undersigned Clerk of the Stevensville School District No. 2, State of Montana that the Annual School Election will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, by mail ballot. Ballots may be returned to the following locations, at the following times: Location Prior to Election Day: 215 South 4th Street; Hamilton Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Location on Election Day: 215 South 4th Street; Hamilton Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location on Election Day: 300 Park Ave; Stevensville (Elementary School Gym Lobby) Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Electors will consider the following issues at the election: Mill levy proposition to the schools Technology Fund.
A qualifed registered elector who will be absent from the district during the time the election is being conducted may: a) vote in person at the County Election Ofce as soon as the ballots are available and until noon the day before the election; b) make a written request, signed by the applicant and addressed to the County Election Administrator, that the ballot be mailed to an address other than the address that appears on the registration card.
NOTICE OF ELECTION
Notice is hereby given that the following elections will be conducted solely by mail ballot:
Florence-Carlton School District No. 15-6 Trustee Election Hamilton School District No. 3 Trustee and Levy Election Lone Rock School District No. 13 Levy Election
Stevensville School District No. 2 Levy Election
Victor School District No. 7 Trustee Election
Ballots will be mailed to all eligible registered voters in the districts on April 17, 2026, and must be returned to the County Election Administrator, Ravalli County Administrative Building, 215 South 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, Montana 59840, no later than 8 PM on May 5, 2026.
For voters dropping off their ballot, a DRIVE-THRU BALLOT BOX will be available at the north entrance of the Ravalli County Administrative Building (215 S 4th Street, Hamilton) between April 22 and May 4 (excluding weekends) from 10 AM to 4 PM. On Election Day, May 5, hours are from 8 AM to 8 PM.
ON ELECTION DAY ONLY: A secondary ballot drop-off site is available for all elections listed above. Drop Site Location: Stevensville Elementary School (gym lobby), 300 Park Avenue, Stevensville, from 7 AM to 8 PM.
All electors, as defined in Title 13, who reside in the District, are eligible to vote in the elections.
Early preparation and reconciliation of mail ballots will be held on May 1, 2026 at approximately 10 AM, in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. Continuation of early preparation and reconciliation of mail ballots, as well as the early counting of ballots, will be conducted on May 4, 2026, at approximately 10 AM, in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. Public is welcome to observe.
Beginning at approximately 12 PM on Election Day, May 5, 2026, ballots will be opened, reconciled, and counted by a counting center board in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. No results will be released until after the polls close at 8 PM.
Dated this 2nd day of April, 2026
Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550
The County Election Administrator’s Ofce is located at: 215 South 4th Street; Hamilton, MT 59840. Phone number 406-3636550.
If you miss this regular registration deadline (30 days prior to the election), you may still register at the county election ofce. The late registration certifcate may be exchanged for a ballot at the county election ofce until the close of polls on Election Day.
Ballots will be mailed on April 17, 2026. Please see the County Election Ofce if you are signed up to be on the absentee list and did not get a ballot in the mail.
Dated this 13th day of April, 2026
Glenda Kearney, District Clerk/Business Manager Stevensville School District BS 4-22-2026.
MNAXLP
LONE ROCK SCHOOL DISTRICT #13
NOTICE OF CANCELLATION OF TRUSTEE ELECTION DUE TO ACCLAMATION & LEVY ELECTION
Notice is hereby given by the undersigned Clerk of the Lone Rock School District No. 13, State of Montana that the Annual School Election will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, by mail ballot. Ballots may be returned to the following locations, at the following times:
Location Prior to Election Day: 215 South 4th Street; Hamilton Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location on Election Day: 215 South 4th Street; Hamilton Hours: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Electors will consider the following issues at the election:
• Mill levy proposition to fnance a student safety and security levy in the Building Reserve Fund.
• Mill levy proposition to the schools Technology Fund.
***The trustee portion of the election has been cancelled due to acclamation, as the number of candidates fling a Declaration of Intent and Oath of Candidacy for the open trustee positions on the Lone Rock School Board of Trustees is equal to or less than the number of positions to be elected. ***
A qualifed registered elector who will be absent from the district during the time the election is being conducted may: a) vote
in person at the County Election Ofce as soon as the ballots are available and until noon the day before the election; b) make a written request, signed by the applicant and addressed to the County Election Administrator, that the ballot be mailed to an address other than the address that appears on the registration card.
The County Election Administrator’s Ofce is located at: 215 South 4th Street; Hamilton, MT 59840. Phone number 406-3636550. If you miss this regular registration deadline (30 days prior to the election), you may still register at the county election ofce. The late registration certifcate may be exchanged for a ballot at the county election ofce until the close of polls on Election Day.
Ballots will be mailed on April 17, 2026. Please see the County Election Ofce if you are signed up to be on the absentee list and did not get a ballot in the mail.
Dated this 13th day of April, 2026
Christy McLaren District Clerk/Business Manager Lone Rock School District BS 4-22-2026.
MNAXLP
Request for Qualifcations District XI Human Resource Council is extending a Request for Qualifcations for contractors of HVAC, solid fuel space heat, plumbing, insulation, electrical and roofng. A Bidder’s Conference will be held virtually 9:30am – 10:30am April 30, 2026. Please contact HRC for conference link and bid packages, which may be picked up M-F through May 8, 2026, at 1801 S. Higgins, Missoula or call 406-728-3710. HRC encourages Minority, Women-owned Business, and Labor Surplus Area Firms to apply. All applications must be received by HRC by 5pm on May 8, 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
BS 4-22-2026.
MNAXLP
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Christine Marie Smith: Christine Marie Smith, Petitioner Cause No.: DV-41-20260000162-NC
Dept. No.: 1- Howard F. Recht Notice of Hearing on Name Change
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Christine Marie Smith to Christine Marie Greene. The hearing will be on 06/03/2026 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County.
Date: April 15, 2026. Paige Troutwein, Clerk of Court /s/ Michelle Goldman, Deputy Clerk of Court BS 4-22, 4-29, 5-6, 5-132026.
MNAXLP
The Bitter Root Irrigation District (BRID) is accepting sealed bids for a used 2013 Chevy 1⁄2 ton regular cab short box with 187,660 miles. The truck is located at 1182 Lazy J Lane Corvallis, MT 59828. Please specify on the outside of envelope on which truck you are bidding on. Sealed bids will be received by BRID ofce located at 1182 Lazy
NOTICE OF VOTING SYSTEM EXHIBITION, DIAGRAM OF BALLOT, VOTING INSTRUCTIONS, BALLOT PREPARATION & COUNTING OF BALLOTS
Notice is hereby given that the following elections will be conducted solely by mail ballot:
Florence-Carlton School District No. 15-6 Trustee Election
Hamilton School District No. 3 Trustee and Levy Election
Lone Rock School District No. 13 Levy Election
Stevensville School District No. 2 Levy Election
Victor School District No. 7 Trustee Election
Ballots were mailed on April 17, 2026 to active electors who reside in the district. If you did not receive your ballot, contact the Elections Office at (406) 375 -6550.
VOTING SYSTEM EXHIBITION/PUBLIC TEST
A public test of the ES&S DS850 high-speed vote tabulator and the ES&S ExpressVote ballot marking system will be conducted at 10 AM on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse (205 Bedford Street, Hamilton, Montana). Upon request, the voting system will be demonstrated to any inquiring elector.
The ES&S ExpressVote is a ballot-marking device that is available at the Elections Office in order to assist voters with disabilities in marking their ballot privately and independently. Other arrangements for reasonable accommodations can be made by contacting the Elections Office at (406) 375-6550.
PREPARATION, RECONCILIATION AND COUNTING OF BALLOTS
Early preparation and reconciliation of mail ballots will be held on May 1, 2026 at approximately 10 AM, in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. Continuation of early preparation and reconciliation of mail ballots, as well as the early counting of ballots, will be conducted on May 4, 2026, at approximately 10 AM, in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton.
Beginning at approximately 12 PM on Election Day, May 5, 2026, ballots will be opened, reconciled, and counted by a counting center board in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. No results will be released until after the polls close at 8 PM. Public is welcome to observe on any of the above dates. Montana law requires that any person participating or observing the procedures of the count be required to take an oath that they will not discuss the results of the early counting of votes at any time prior to the closing of the
Update on S&W mill Superfund site
by Michael Howell
The old S&W Sawmill facility in Darby became a State Superfund Site in July 1991 under the Montana Comprehensive Environmental Cleanup and Responsibility Act (CECRA), but investigations and treatability studies at the facility have actually been ongoing since 1987. Although International Paper (IPC) was not involved in the creation of the contamination problem, as the current owner of the property, it has been designated as the lead liable party responsible for the investigation and cleanup eforts. As part of a lawsuit settlement agreement in 2001, IPC agreed to bear the cost of comple-
ting remediation at the facility. The company has been working under the supervision of Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) since the early 2000s, doing “interim” remediation work on the facility grounds and doing investigative monitoring to determine the extent and severity of the contamination to soils, groundwater and surface water in the area. The company is required to perform annual groundwater sampling activities to monitor concentrations of contaminants of concern (COCs) in groundwater underlying and surrounding the S&W facility. The primary COCs at the S&W facility are pentachlorophenol (PCP) and dioxins/furans.
In 2021-22, the company excavated about 15,000 tons of soil from a portion of the mill property and then another 1,000 or so tons from the nearby Waddell Ditch. The contaminated soil was hauled to the certifed and licensed land fll in Missoula.
In 2010, on the Chaney property immediately across the street, it saw exceedances of DEQ standards for ground water and EPA limits for drinking water. The company immediately provided the property owner with bottled water. DEQ also required IPC to provide Chaney a source of uncontaminated water by digging a deeper well.
In 2011, more test wells were installed on the Chaney property and a neighboring property, and the company ended up purchasing both properties to facilitate remediation work in the area. Since then, the efforts to delineate the extent of the underground plume have gradually expanded to include the Tiedt-Nicholson Ditch and the Overturf Ditch in 2015; the Waddell Ditch in 2018-19 and other surrounding properties. The company purchased another adjoining property in 2023-24.
Concurrent with the groundwater sampling activities in 2025, DEQ
On getting ‘primaried’
Do you want more money spent in our elections? Why doesn’t your U.S. Senator or Representative take action on the critical issues that matter to you?
They are afraid of “ being primaried .” Primaried means that your congressional representative loses the next primary election because they voted against a billionaire’s interests— interests that affect a billionaire’s pocketbook. The result is primary defeat by an opponent financed by that same billionaire. This is how many national primaries, and now Montana state primaries, work.
The critical issues of America’s working class and retired populations lose out to billionaires— and you are most likely not a billionaire.
self to an extra sweet roll with your next cup of coffee.
Americans for Prosperity is a modern version of the John Birch Society, supported by Koch Industries and billionaire Koch family funding. Americans for Prosperity is spending millions of dollars across the country—and tens of thousands of dollars in Ravalli County—to promote policies that result in no government but corporate government, no corporate billionaire taxes, no healthcare or Medicaid, increased national debt, and no environmental reviews.
Archie Thomas
The same is now true in state primaries. Billionaire money is now “ HITTING THE BIG TIME IN SMALL TOWNS ” in the upcoming Ravalli County primary election. They have enough billions to buy your local state senator or representative, much like treating your -
I have no Democratic primary opponent, but I do have an issue with billionaires determining who I will face in November. It is simply wrong. Primary voters—you have control, if you choose to use it. Focus “daily” on candidates who “love” to be wrapped in dark money, the flag, and so-called family values and vote no. by
NOTICE OF CLOSE OF REGULAR VOTER REGISTRATION AND OPTION FOR LATE REGISTRATION
Notice is hereby given that regular* voter registration for th e Federal Primary Election to be held on June 2, 2026, will close at 5 PM on May 4, 2026
*NOTE: Pursuant to Senate Bill 490, if you miss this regular registration deadline, you may still register for th e election by showing up at the Raval li County Elections Office Dates you may late register are from May 5 thru May 29, 2026 (Monday th ru Friday, excluding weekends), from 8 AM to 5 PM; May 30 (Saturday), from 8 AM to 5 PM; and on Election Day, June 2, from 7 AM to noon On Monday, June 1, the late registration center will be closed
All active and inactive electors of the County of Ravalli are entitled to vote at sai d election
Inacti ve electors may reacti vate by appearing at the polling place in order to vote, by requesting an absentee bal lot in any election, or by notifying the County Election Admi nistrator in writing of the elector’s current address in the county
Persons wh o 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 Raval li County Elections Office, 215 South 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, Montana. If you have moved, please updat e your registration information by filling out a new voter registration form and submi tting it to the Ravalli County Elections Office
If you are not sure of your current voter registrati on status, you can check you r status online at https://prodvoterportal mt.gov , or you can call the Elections Office at 375 -6550.
Dated this 9th day of April, 2026
Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Admi nistrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59 840 (406) 375-6550
required IPC to collect surface water samples as part of investigating groundwater and surface water interactions around the S&W facility. This investigation was primarily focused on the Hatch Waste Ditch and ponds associated with or adjacent to the ditch. A total of 39 monitoring wells were gauged and sampled. Of these monitoring wells, thirtyfour monitor the shallow groundwater at the facility and fve monitor deeper groundwater concentrations. Additionally, four domestic water wells for nearby residences or businesses were sampled.
All surface water results from the two ponds (Pond #1 and Pond #2) were below the Montana DEQ-7 Surface Water Standard for PCP (0.3 µg/L) and all surface water results exceeded the Montana DEQ7 Surface Water Standard for dioxins/ furans (0.05 pg/L). Surface water results were lower at the two pond locations in November 2025 at low groundwater levels,
particularly when compared to July 2025 results at high groundwater levels. The concentration of dioxins/furans at the Pond #1 location was 5.29 pg/l, compared to 57 pg/l observed in July 2025. The Pond #1 location was 5.29 pg/l, compared to 57 pg/l observed in July 2025. The concentration of dioxins/furans at the Pond #2 location was 2.5 pg/l, compared to 14.4 pg/l observed in July 2025. Based on the new information, as well as additional investigations of the Hatch Waste Ditch, DEQ has required IPC to perform additional sampling activities of the Hatch Waste Ditch and other ditches and surface water bodies connected to the Hatch Waste Ditch. These other ditches and surface water bodies are located east and north of the Hatch Waste Ditch, between US Highway 93 and the Bitterroot River. DEQ will provide results to the public once it has received and reviewed the data.
Opportunity for clarity: governance or activism?
If someone argues that only disruption produces justice, then logically they must accept disruption itself as the primary path to reform. That is a serious claim. History suggests something more thoughtful and more durable.
Rosa Parks, who changed the country by sitting quietly with dignity. Mary Jackson, who petitioned a court so she could attend classes that allowed her to become NASA’s frst Black female engineer. Thurgood Marshall, who argued Brown v. Board of Education before the Supreme Court. There are thousands of Americans like them who worked through the civil framework our founders established to secure lasting change. States that have led the nation in expanding rights rarely did so because their citizens were louder than everyone else. They did so because they had leaders willing to act and citizens willing to think. Leadership matters. A republic functions best when conviction is guided by judgment rather than confict for its own sake.
without a national protest movement forcing its hand. Territorial legislators made the decision because they believed it was right and understood what kind of society they wanted to build. When Congress later suggested Wyoming abandon women’s sufrage as a condition of statehood, Wyoming refused. No national protest movement compelled that decision,only leadership.
by Tony Hudson
Montana ofers another example of quiet resolve. Two years after Montana women secured the right to vote in 1914, Jeannette Rankin was elected as the frst woman ever to serve in the United States Congress. Her success did not come through disruption but through organized marches, persuasion and the steady insistence that participation in self-government belonged to women as much as men. She was absolute in her moral arguments rather than agitation. Montanans chose to lead before the nation required it, demonstrating again that lasting reform often begins with citizens willing to act thoughtfully within the institutions they inherit.
Consider the Wyoming Territory, which granted women the right to vote in 1869
Tax-Exempt: In the opinion of Dorsey & Whitney LLP, Bond Counsel, based on existing law and assuming the accuracy of certain representations and compliance with certain covenants, interest on the Bonds (i) is excludable from gross income for federal income tax purposes under Section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), (ii) is not an item of tax preference for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax imposed on noncorporate taxpayers by Section 55 of the Code, and (iii) is excludable from taxable income for Montana individual income tax purposes. Interest on the Bonds may, however, be taken into account in determining adjusted financial statement income for purposes of the federal alternative minimum tax imposed on applicable corporations (as defined in Section 59(k) of the Code), and is includable in the computation of income for purposes of the Montana corporate income tax and the Montana alternative corporate income tax. The Bonds will be designated by the County as “qualified tax-exempt obligations” within the meaning of Section 265(b)(3) of the Code. Purpose: The proceeds of the Bonds will be used for the purpose of providing funds (i) to pay costs of open lands projects approved in accordance with the County’s Open Lands Bond Program and (ii) to pay costs associated with the sale and issuance of the Bonds. Bond proceeds under the Program may be used to
The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution established a framework in which civil rights could expand without overthrowing the system itself.
Massachusetts efectively ended slavery through its courts in 1783, decades before national abolition. New York expanded married women’s property rights in 1848, granting women legal standing long before sufrage arrived. Western states repeatedly extended civic participation earlier than the rest of the country not because they were pressured into it, but because they chose to govern ahead of confict rather than behind it.
These examples remind us that reform in America has often come through persuasion and institutional courage, not simply confrontation. Demonstrations can draw attention to injustice, but durable rights are secured through legislatures, courts and citizens willing to reason together across disagreement.
A republic does not depend on who can shout the loudest. It depends on leaders willing to act responsibly and citizens willing to think beyond the urgency of the moment. When disagreement becomes a background for the sake of battle, progress slows rather than accelerates.
The founders did not guarantee the American dream.
They created a mechanism to pursue it.
The latest surface and groundwater fow map of the S&W Superfund site indicates the direction of the groundwater fowing to the northeast towards the Bitterroot River. Map courtesy of Montana DEQ.
Sports
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Hamilton softball stymies Stevi
The Stevensville softball team hosted Hamilton on Thursday, April 16, in an all-Bitterroot Valley matchup. Hamilton led 8-1 heading into the top of the fifth inning, where the Broncs erupted for 10 runs to lead 18-1. Stevensville scored two runs in the bottom of the fifth, but it wasn’t enough, as Hamilton defeated Stevensville 18-3 in five innings.
Hamilton pitcher Mariah Johnson gave up five hits, struck out 11 batters, and got the win. At the plate, Johnson went 5 for 5, scored three runs,
and had three RBIs. Also for Hamilton, Hayleigh Savage went 4 for 4, scored three runs, and had three RBIs. Casey Kennedy went 2 for 3 with three RBIs; Kennidi Cooper hit a three-run home run; and Coco Vachon went 3 for 4, scored three runs, and had three RBIs.
For Stevensville, Olivia Hanson went 2 for 3 and scored a run. Molly Davids went 1 for 3 and scored two runs. Aisleigh Lenahan went 1 for 3 with an RBI.
Hamilton 15, Butte Central 0
Hamilton went to Butte Central on Saturday, April 18, and won 15-0 in three innings. Hamilton pitcher Mariah Johnson struck out fve batters and got the win. At the plate, Dawsyn Ekin went 2 for 2, scored two runs, and had two RBIs. Kennidi Cooper went 1 for 3, scored two runs, and had two RBIs. Hadley Lockhart went 2 for 3 and scored two runs, and Coco Vachon went 2 for 3 with an RBI.
Stevensville 9, Butte Central 5
Stevensville went to Butte Central on Tuesday, April 14, and won 9-5 in seven innings. Stevensville pitcher Maddix Yeager struck out nine batters and got the win. At the plate for Stevensville, Molly Davids went 3 for 4, hit a home run, scored two runs, and had four RBIs. Kayla Struzynski went 2 for 3 and scored a run. Maddix Yeager went 1 for 4 with an RBI, and
Emma Tan went 1 for 5 and scored two runs.
Stevensville 0,
Dillon 11
Stevensville went to Dillon on Saturday, April 18, and lost 0-11 in fve innings. The Yellowjackets ran up against some strong Dillon pitching and weren’t able to generate enough ofense to stay in the game. Stevensville’s Addi Drye got the lone hit for the Yellowjackets.
Florence’s Fisher flourishes
The Florence softball team played two doubleheaders last week, and Florence senior Jaden Fisher had a weekend to remember. At the plate, Fisher went 10 for 16, hit five home runs, and drove in 16 RBIs. For good measure, as the starting pitcher, Fisher also got two wins and struck out 12 batters. The Florence girls have now won seven straight games to start the season 7-0.
Florence 12, Troy 6; Fl orence 10, Troy 8 Flo rence hosted Troy for a doubleheader on Friday, April 17. In the first game, Florence
won 12-6. Florence pitcher Jaden Fisher got the win, striking out five batters. More impressively, Fisher went 3 for 3, hitting a double, a triple, and a home run, to drive in five RBIs. Also for Florence, Lacie Larson went 4 for 4 with two RBIs, and Taylor Pyette went 4 for 4 and scored three runs.
In the second game, Florence scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh to get the 10-8 victory. Florence pitcher Elizabeth Camp struck out five batters and got the win. At the plate for Florence, Jaden Fisher hit two home runs and had four RBIs. Maggie Schneiter went 2 for 4 with four RBIs, and Taylor Pyette went 3 for 4 and scored two runs.
Florence 19, Eureka 1; F lorence 13, Eureka 1
F lorence played at Eureka on Saturday, April 18, in a doubleheader. In the first game, Florence won 19-1 in five innings. Florence pitcher Jaden Fisher got the win. At the plate for Florence, Fisher went 4 for 4, scored three runs, had a home run, and drove in four RBIs. Maggie Schneiter went 3 for 4 and scored three runs. Elizabeth Camp went 2 for 3 with two RBIs, Dempcy Kirby went 2 for 3 with four RBIs, and Hayley Arlington went 2 for 4, scored two runs, and had two RBIs. In the second game, Florence won 13-1 in five innings. Florence pitcher Elizabeth Camp got the win. At the plate for Florence, Jaden Fisher went 1 for 3 with a three-run home run. Maggie Schneiter went 3 for 3 and scored three runs. Dempcy Kirby went 1 for 3 with two RBIs, and Jemma Bouma went 1 for 2 with two RBIs.
Bitterroot track teams in Missoula
The track and feld teams from Corvallis, Darby, Florence, Hamilton, and Stevensville competed in the MCPS Track Meet in Missoula on Friday, April 17. Sixteen teams competed at the meet, including multiple AA schools, so the competition was some of the best the Bitterroot Valley schools will see this year. A top six fnish against this level of competition is a solid result.
Corvallis girls
Ella Varner won the triple jump with a personal best jump of 38-05; this is the best jump in the state regardless of division this season. For reference, Varner jumped 36’ 5 to win the state championship last year. Varner also took 5th in the 200m (26.83). The 4x100 team of Ella Varner, Kate Allen, Jillian Huls, and Lauryn Holmberg took 2nd (50.32). Jillian Huls took 3rd in the long jump (17-03). Kate
Allen took 4th in the 100m hurdles (16.27). The 4x400 team of Brynlee Tucker, Kate Allen, Ella Varner, and Lauryn Holmberg took 4th (4:18.95). Sophie Hagberg took 5th in the pole vault (8-06). Brynlee Tucker took 6th in the 200m (26.91).
Corvallis boys
Ayden Spencer took 2nd in the discus (148-00) and took 3rd in the 200m (22.85). Nathan Keller took 2nd in the high jump (6-00). Taggart Jessop took 2nd in the 3200m (9:49.93). The 4x100 team of Byron Stoker, Reese Tucker, Javin Jessop, and Ayden Spencer took 5th (45.05). The 4x400m team of Byron Stoker, Ayden Spencer, Dexter Harper, and Liam Harvey took 5th (3:34.82). Aidan Emerson took 5th in the shot put (46-01.5). Reese Tucker took 6th in the triple jump (40-05). Jeremy Davidson took 6th in the 3200m (10:04.29).
Darby boys The boys 4x400 team of McCoy Townsend, Ben Martin, Gavin Anderson, and Gavin Miller took 2nd (3:28.69). This relay team currently has the fastest 4x400 relay time in Class B this season. Ben Martin took 5th in the 3200m (10:02.57). Gavin Miller took 6th in the 400m (52.32).
Florence girls Madigan Hurlbert took 2nd in the 100m hurdles (15.09) and took 3rd in the 100m (12.80). Hurlbert’s time in the 100m hurdles is the second fastest in the state, regardless of division. Bailey Kroeker took 2nd in the 400m (1:00.65). The 4x100 relay team of Taryn Appelhans, Madigan Hurlbert, Bailey Kroeker, and Brinley Skaggs took 4th (50.61).
Florence boys Logan Williams took 3rd in the
100m (11.22) and 4th in the 200m (23.05). Isaac Nicoson took 3rd in the 400m (51.92). Sam Falagan took 5th in the long jump (20-01). Sebastian Schroeder took 6th in the 1600m (4:40.36).
Hamilton girls Annalise Lewis won both the 400m (1:00.06) and the 800m (2:16.30). Lewis’s time in the 800m is the fastest 800m run in the state this year, regardless of division. Aubrey Korst won the pole vault with a jump of 11-00. Gracie Werst won the shot put (35-07). The 4x400 team of Aubrey Korst, Nellie Dickemore, Aleigha Child, and Annalise Lewis took 1st (4:12.53). Nellie Dickemore took 4th in the 400m (1:03.13). Aleigha Child took 5th in the 3200m (11:55.35). Reecelyn Walthall took 6th in the 3200m (12:05.67). Scarlet Gard took 3rd in the javelin (114-04). Kassidee McKern took
5th in the high jump (4-10). Meryn Leonardi took 6th in the javelin (106-02).
Hamilton boys Jake McCarthy took 2nd in the 400m (51.34). Taylor Doleac took 4th in the 300m hurdles (41.97). Everett Stumpf took 4th in both the discus (140-07) and the
in the triple jump (34-11). Eva Brunell took 5th in the discus (106-11).
Florence’s Jaden Fisher went 10 for 16, hit fve home runs, and drove in 16 RBIs in four games last weekend. Fisher also got two wins and struck out 12 batters as a starting pitcher. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Hamilton’s Mariah Johnson struck out 11 batters in Hamilton’s 18-3 victory over Stevensville on Thursday, April 16. Johnson also went 5 for 5, scored three runs, and had three RBIs. Photo by Scott Sacry.
shot put (48-02). Kaeden Gum took 6th in the discus (137-03). The 4x100m team of Jake McCarthy, Taylor Doleac, Kaeden Gum, and Marshall Smith took 6th (45.06).
Stevensville girls Reagan Johnstone won the long jump (17-11) and took 2nd in the triple jump (37-08). Johnstone’s triple jump is the second longest in the state this year, regardless of division. Sophia Hutchison took second in the long jump (17-09) and 4th
Stevensville pitcher Maddix Yeager struck out nine batters and got the win in Stevensville’s 9-5 victory over Butte Central on Tuesday, April 14. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Sports
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Bitterroot baseball bonanza
Stevensville 14, MAC 4
Corvallis 4, Frenchtown 15
Stevensville played at MAC (Mission/ Arlee/Charlo) on Tuesday, April 14, and won 14-4. Stevensville pitcher McCoy Endres struck out six batters and got the win. At the plate for Stevensville, Endres went 1 for 5 with three RBIs. Jackson Guenzler went 2 for 4 with two RBIs, and Broghan Lenahan went 2 for 3, scored three runs, and had an RBI. Kaden Wyant went 2 for 3 and scored two runs, and Braden Drye went 1 for 1 and scored three runs.
Corvallis 10, Florence 15
Corvallis hosted Frenchtown on Tuesday, April 14, and lost 4-15. For Corvallis, Joe Hixon went 2 for 2. Waylon Lendak went 1 for 3 with three RBIs, and Bodhi Southwell went 1 for 2.
Florence defeats Hamilton
Florence hosted Bitterroot Valley rival, Hamilton, on Tuesday, April 14, and won 5-4 in dramatic fashion. Hamilton led Florence 4-1 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, where Florence loaded the bases with two outs. Then Nolan Lippy was hit by a pitch, scoring a run, and next Wes Potter reached on an error, scoring another run. With the score Florence 3, Hamilton 4, Tash Murray singled in a run, tying the game. Finally, Alden Crawford walked to bring in the go-ahead run and Florence won 5-4.
For Florence, Tash Murray went 2 for 4 with an RBI, Nolan Lippy went 1 for 3 with an RBI, and Wes Potter went 1 for 4 with an RBI.
For Hamilton, Cash Lawrence went 2 for 4, scored two runs, and had two RBIs, Bridger Huddleston went 2 for 4, and Jackson Lubke went 1 for 3 and scored a run.
Florence 15, Corvallis 10
Florence went to Corvallis on Friday, April 17, and won 15-10. For Florence, Chase Wagner went 3 for 4, scored three runs, and had four RBIs. Wes Potter went 2 for 4, scored two runs, and had three RBIs; Tash Murray went 2 for 4 with an RBI; and Cason Pickering went 2 for 5 and scored three runs.
Corvallis hosted Florence on Friday, April 17, and lost 10-15. For Corvallis, Joe Hixon went 2 for 2 with two RBIs. Jake Leavitt went 2 for 3, scored three runs, and had an RBI. Waylon Lendak went 3 for 4 with an RBI. Adrian Sears, Maurice Craun, Creston Bowman, and Haedon Jessop each had a hit and an RBI.
Corvallis 0, Sentinel 15
Corvallis went to Missoula on Saturday, April 18, and lost 0-15 to Missoula Sentinel in three innings. Corvallis struggled at the plate against a strong Sentinel pitching performance. A Joe Hixon double was the only hit of the game for Corvallis.
Darby, Florence golf results
The golf teams from Darby and Florence competed in the 2026 Jefferson Invite on Monday, April 13, at the Green Meadow Country Club in Helena. Florence’s Kipley Solari shot an 85 and took 1st place in the girls individual standings. The Florence girls team took 1st place, while the Florence boys team took 3rd place. The Darby boys team took 10th place.
The Florence girls team of Kipley Solari (85), Jordan Kidd (98), Lexi Danczyk (99), and Reese Briney (107), took first place in the tournament. Individually, Kipley Solari took 1st place on the girls side. Jordan Kidd tied for 3rd place, Lexi
Danczyk tied for 6th, and Reese Briney tied for 12th.
The Florence boys team of Oliver Fisher (84), Brody Duchien (88), Ian McLean (89), and Preston Ekstedt (89) took 3rd place. Individually, Oliver Fisher tied for 11th. Brody Duchien tied for 19th, Ian McLean, and Preston Ekstedt tied for 22nd.
The Darby boys team of Jordan Browning (86), Daniel Stewart (94), Levi Whiting (99), and Gus Harrell (111) took 10th. Jordan Browning tied for 15th. Daniel Stewart tied for 30th, Levi Whiting tied for 40th, and Gus Harrell tied for 60th.
Hamilton’s Tadvick grand slams Frenchtown
Hamilton’s Boedy Tadvick came to the plate in the bottom of the seventh inning on Friday, April 17, in Hamilton. The bases were loaded, there was one out,
and Hamilton trailed Frenchtown 0-3. What came next was the stuff of childhood dreams as Tadvick smacked a fly ball over the center field wall for a walk-
off grand slam home run, and Hamilton defeated Frenchtown 4-3. Hamilton pitchers Cash Lawrence and Trevyn Brakken allowed only four hits over seven innings, but Hamilton was only able to account for five hits in a well
pitched game by both sides. For Hamilton, Tadvick went 2 for 4 with four RBIs, and Brady DeMoss went 1 for 3 and scored a run. Cash Lawrence and Landon Ekin both went 1 for 2.
Hamilton 9, B utte High 3
H amilton played at Butte High on Saturday, April 18, and
Hamilton’s Boedy Tadvick hit a grand slam home run in the bottom of the seventh inning on Friday, April 17, in Hamilton, to defeat Frenchtown 4-3.
Corvallis, Stevi tennis results
The Stevensville and Corvallis tennis teams played at the Hamilton High School courts on Tuesday, April 14. In the girls matches, Corvallis defeated Stevensville 6-2. In the boys matches, Corvallis defeated Stevensville 6-1.
Boys doubles 1. Cody Humphrey/Hadley Jessop (Corv) def. Luis Eberhardt/Jeremiah St. Germain (Stev) 6-2, 5-7, 6-0. 2. Beauden Therrian/ Cooper Gividend (Corv) def. Tony Brown/ Konstantin Parshin (Stev) 6-2, 6-3. 3. Quincy Allred/Easton Jessop (Corv) def. Ross Cochran/Braiden Ketron (Stev) 6-0, 6-2.
won 9-3 in seven innings. Hamilton starting pitcher Connor Quinn only allowed one hit and struck out three batters over five innings. At the plate for Hamilton, Quinn went 2 for 4 with an RBI. Bridger Huddleston went 2 for 4 and scored two runs. Jackson Lubke went 1 for 3 and scored two runs, Jude Widmer went 1 for 2 with an RBI, and Cash Lawrence had two RBIs.
Photo by Scott Sacry.
New community-led information hub for Sheep Creek Mine Proposal in Bitterroot Headwaters
US Critical Materials has been exploring Sheep Creek, headwaters of the West Fork of the Bitterroot River, for its potential as a rare earth mining development since 2022. Community attention to the proposal has been especially heightened since USCM added their project to the Federal FAST-Track Permitting Dashboard in December of 2025. At a December community meeting, hosted by Ravalli County Commissioners, over 700 residents came to express concerns and questions about the proposal. A new community-led information portal has been launched to help residents access information about the proposal and engage with the permitting process – DontPolluteTheRoot.com
“So far, the exploration company – US Critical Materials – has shared very little information with our community about their various exploration proposals. Because of this lack of engagement, people are left feeling concerned and wary about the project. We hope DontPolluteTheRoot.com can provide answers to some of the many questions people are asking.”
The online portal is moderated by Montana Trout Unlimited and the Bitterroot Water Partnership, and created in collaboration with Dr. Phil Ramsey, a long-time community organizer in this effort. The portal collects and distills a bulk of information and resources provided by other experts and partners.
“There are dozens of organizations and local leaders working to understand the complexity of this proposal and prepare a strong community response that protects our community resources from poorly planned activities. Their expertise and perspectives will be shared on the info hub where it can be easily accessed. People here deserve as much information as possible to truly evaluate the proposed impacts.”
Heather Barber, Executive Director, Bitterroot Water Partnership
On the webpage, you can find FAQ, expert and opinion pieces, resources and other information. The page also outlines the typical state and federal per -
mitting process and what can be expected in a proposal of this type. In mining proposals like this, agencies typically consider a breadth of data and topics such as ecology or natural systems, water quality, air quality, biological resources (wildlife, wetlands, endangered species), cultural and historic resources, economics, traffic, noise, hazardous materials, and cumulative environmental impacts. As information and third-party reviews become available, DontPolluteTheRoot.com will distill this information for public access.
“We have a right to know much more about the proposed mining exploration activities at Sheep Creek so we can understand how our waters, roads, wildlife, and communities might be impacted. Since this project takes place on public lands, our community has the right to provide input on the project proposal in a responsible permitting process. The new info portal, DontPolluteTheRoot.com, can help people learn about the proposal and stay on top of important milestones like Public Comment periods.” Alex Ocañas, Manager of Community Conservation with the Bitterroot Water Partnership
“Since this project is in the Federal FAST-Track permitting program, and USCM has stated they’re pursuing ‘accelerated permitting pathways’, it’s critical that our community has access to new information as soon as it’s available. The community info hub can help people
participate in what we hope will be a rigorous permitting process.”
“USCM has made multiple public statements about their interest in community engagement, transparency, and trust and fulfilled none of those commitments. It’s our responsibility now to uncover and share reliable information about this proposed headwaters mine. Local voices should matter in decisions that can greatly impact local quality of life.” Heather Barber.
The webpage was designed locally by Touch Point Designs. Many of the photos were donated by Nathan Wotkyns with Wide Angle Gallery in Hamilton, MT.
Visit dontpollutetheroot.com to learn more and subscribe to email updates.
Health Care
to Home
PRIMARY
CARE CARE
Your health matters. When you choose Providence, you access personalized care that fts your life. We get to know your individual needs and partner with you to maintain optimal health.
WE OFFER:
• Annual physicals for health maintenance
• Preventative care and screenings
• Well-baby and well-child checkups
• Management of chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma
• On-site lab services
Online scheduling with same-day care options
• Team-based care
• Referrals for specialty care when needed
FLORENCE • New expansion
Same-day appointments 5549 Old Highway 93 406-302-8408 Providence.org/MTforence
STEVENSVILLE 715 S Main St., Suite A 406-302-8409 Providence.org/MTstevensville
Opinion
Questions to ponder
W hy did our President start a war with Iran?
Why did he use a profanity-laced message on Easter Sunday?
Why did he threaten to wipe out an entire civilization?
Why does he threaten a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after one day of attempting negotiations?
Why is he more concerned with building a ballroom and an archway to himself, instead of working to help alleviate problems here at home, and abroad as well?
Last question: Is this really the man we want to be our President?
The whole world is looking aghast at the United States as people are dying and destruction is wreaking havoc in a needless war that should never have been started for SO many reasons. Inflation is rising, people are dying, and our President seems to care not a whit.
Search your hearts. Call or write to your congressmen to tell them what you think. Do something.
MaryAnn Darby Hamilton
Mining plans miss the
m
ark on Earth Day
I am writing in response to the Star’s reporting that U.S. Critical Materials’ intends to submit another, “scaled back” plan of operations for a rare earth element mine at Sheep Creek, the headwaters of the West Fork of the Bitterroot River. The USCM spokesperson, Scott Osterman said, “...they hope to have a new proposal together by April 22.”
It is hard to miss the irony, that a company that has repeatedly claimed to value local input and to take conservation concerns seriously has chosen Earth Day as their arbitrary deadline for submitting a new plan that would still wreak havoc on natural resources.
Sheep Creek may seem like some far off, unimportant place to the ones who want to see this mine through, but for those of us who live here, the headwaters of the Bitterroot are a defining part of our valley’s ecological health, recreation, and identity. For a lot of us in the Bitterroot, stewardship is not symbolic, it is a lived responsibility. So the idea of an out of state mining company proposing industrial development of a polluting mine in such a sensitive area is nothing to take lightly, and doing so on Earth Day only compounds their misunderstanding of this place. Add that to their apparent desire to sidestep robust public involvement and it only confirms my suspicions that they don’t have our best or even basic interests in mind.
If U.S. Critical Materials does anything on Earth Day, it shouldn’t be submitting another plan of operations. Instead they should be engaging meaningfully with the community its spokesperson claims they value. That means creating real opportunities for people to shape decisions that affect them before those decisions are made, not after they’ve already been set in motion.
Hannah Gimpel Hamilton
Sheep
Creek
Mine:
40 new jobs aren‘t worth risking a clean river
economy
US Critical Materials, the company seeking to develop a rare earth mine in Bitterroot River Headwaters, claims to be opening an ofce in the Bitterroot this month. They also plan to submit a streamlined version of their Exploration Plan to the Bitterroot Nation-
Bitterroot Star staf
Our Mission
al Forest. They’ll be landing in our Valley touting charming tales of “the economy and the economic value” their proposed mine will bring to our communities. My question for them is far from, ‘how many jobs will you provide?’. I’m asking, “Can our local economies sustain any additional risks to the water that supports them?”
I’ve been outftting fshing trips on the Bitterroot River for nearly 30 years; I’ve served the community through Board leadership with the Bitterroot Water Partnership and Bitterroot Trout Unlimited and Ski Patrol at Lost Trail; I’ve learned and loved this place and its people across 50 years. With a deep understanding for the Bitterroot’s dependence on clean water, it’s dumbfounding and incredibly alarming to hear US Critical Materials (USCM) present their headwaters mine as an economic value that could ever possibly outweigh, or be worth risking, the $190 million worth of downstream, clean-water dependent industries: agriculture, tourism and recreation, and fshing.
Rare earth mining operations are known for leaving highly polluted waters in their wake – acids, sediment, and other dangerous chemicals. Given this mine’s proposed location in the headwaters, we can expect that any pollution at this site will fow through Painted Rocks Reservoir, the West Fork, and the entire Bitterroot River. I know my answer, but I encourage you to ask yourself: are the 40 or so odd jobs that USCM predicts to provide in this mine operation worth risking the livelihoods of the thousands of families and friends who rely on clean, fowing water from the Bitterroot?
Clean, cold water from the West Fork supports our Bitterroot ways of life. A $68 million dollar fshing economy, a $79 million dollar tourism economy, and more than 1,000 farms generating $40 million would all be put at risk with a mine in the headwaters.A healthy river supports industries and jobs that are already here, and sustainable over the long term - as long as the water they rely on isn’t damaged by a polluting mine. There are better ways to add 40 jobs to the Bitterroot without jeopardizing the thousands that depend on a clean, fowing River.
Forty jobs at ~$80,000 salary a year –as USCM has suggested in public comment – totals less than $4 million annually for something that has the potential to damage an economy worth hundreds of millions, not to mention what would happen to the value of our homes.
In my decades as a fshing outftter, my crew and I have hosted thousands of residents and tourists – and I can tell you their buck doesn’t stop with us. Economic studies from the Institute of Tourism and Recreation at University of Montana show fuel, accommodations, restaurants and bars, auto rental, small local businesses, and real estate as just a few of the many that beneft from tourist and angler expenditures. There is an added indirect value as these small businesses and employees spend their earnings on goods and services locally.
Dozens of businesses, hundreds of people, live on jobs that are made possible by a clean River, a Blue-Ribbon fshery, and a beautiful tourism destination. All these jobs – and more – will be put at risk by a mine in the headwaters of the River. The potential losses to our economy seem to be a high price to pay for 40 new jobs.
People from across the Valley, local ofcials included, have urged a cautious approach in questioning and permitting this mine proposal. That refects an understanding shaped by experience, that the impacts of mining last generations, long after the initial and promised and isolated economic benefts have faded. The Bitterroot Valley has a clean water economy that works. Protecting what exists over the promises of what could be is not anti-development, its common sense.
Eddie Olwell, Stevensville
Star
Sam Forstag
When I heard Sam Forstag, a candidate for Montana’s western Congressional district, speak for the frst time, I quickly sensed he was the leader Montana needs. Because from the moment Sam walked on stage in Missoula, the energy shifted. Sam described so articulately how rich politicians were trying to make working people everywhere feel overwhelmed and hopeless. Sam’s words resonated deeply.
Sam reminded us, “We’re not scared, or hopeless, we’re mad! And we’re ready to get to work doing something about it,” thousands of young people were on their feet, stamping and hollering like I can’t remember seeing at any political event in recent memory.
I took a friend to hear Sam speak recently. She left quite impressed. My friend says it best; he reminded her of JFK! I agree wholeheartedly! Here is the list of adjectives that I complied to describe Sam: energetic, passionate, compassionate, empathetic and a sincere lover of Montana.
He was a smokejumper, a union leader and has the support of 32 Montana legislators, including 4 republicans. He is the only one that has lived very recently as a working-class Montanan.
For those of us who want a Democrat to win in Montana this November, we can’t try the same kind of candidates who keep losing again and again. We need someone who brings genuine energy, real experience, and big ideas—and that person is Sam Forstag. Mark Heyka Missoula
It’s election year
Well, it’s election year voters and you know what that means: candidates telling you what you already believe, even if it is untrue. The Republicans will remind you of their favorite untruth, that the Infation Reduction Act (IRA) gave us all that nasty infation in 2022 and 23. Even though all that spending fnally started to make it into the economy after infation had dropped to 3% at the end of Biden’s term in ofce but, you know, “tax and spend, tax and spend, viola infation!” The congressional budget ofce and most economists say that the IRA had ZERO impact on infation. It was caused by the shutting down of manufacturing during COVID. If it was not, infation wouldn’t have dropped so precipitously after manufacturing resumed. You’d think that the Democrats would explain that to you, but elections are not the time for explanations so they will scream about the price of gas. If voters really wanted the truth, the price of gas is way to low if we were to follow any sane long-term economic or environmental policy. Ask your favorite candidate about this and then watch their aides squirm whilst they change the subject faster than a prairie fre with a tail wind.
John Schneeberger Hamilton
President Jesus and his buddy, J.D.
The daily news is rarely shocking. I have grown numb from the onslaught of “crazy” coming from this White House, since each day we are met with a host of new posts from our fearless leader…...”open the f______ strait, you crazy bastards”. That was a good one, very presidential and not helpful. “A whole civilization will die tonight”. Those must have been comforting words for the 90 million Iranian civilians who trusted the U.S. to free them from an oppressive regime. But fear not, Iranians. Trump loves bluster and bravado. Deadlines came and went, and thankfully, no annihilation ensued.
But when the person occupying the White House posted an AI generated picture depicting himself as Jesus the divine healer, complete with fowing robes and celestial hands reaching out to heal an injured man
while a woman prayed by his side, even members of his MAGA base were aghast. Shortly after submitting this post, the president started feeling the heat. It was removed, but not before the damage was done. White House stafers, cabinet members, right wing pundits, and Republican congressmen were left trying to come up with explanations. Does the president think he’s the Son of God? J.D. Vance reached deep for an excuse. “It was a joke, the President likes to mix it up on social media.” Megyn Kelley was more direct, “blasphemous” and “completely inappropriate”, were her words. But it was Trump who did what Trump always does, he lied, and he blamed. “I did post it, I thought it was me as a doctor, and it had to do with Red Cross. There’s a Red Cross worker there.” “And only the fake news could come up with that one” (referencing Trump as Jesus).
This all comes during a war of Trump’s choosing, with no attempt to corroborate with NATO allies. Among our allies, it seems the only one left is Israel’s Netanyahu. Trump dropped negotiations with Iran and instead started dropping bombs. His killing of Iranian leaders has only led to further radicalization of its leaders, and in so doing, has managed to alienate virtually all of NATO, thanks to his blame game and his utter failure with the Strait of Hormuz. The Trump agenda is failing, and the polls refect this. His approval is in the thirties in most U.S. polls, which brings us back to President Jesus.
What is wrong with this man who occupies the White House and likens his self serving arrogance to that of the divine Jesus, the sufering servant of the people who advocated for love and peace rather than hate? Bill Salterberg Stevensville
Listen up
Listen up and get behind Sam Forstag to represent Montana- he is clearly the best with the grit to blaze the way forward for every Montanan:
My name is Ethel Schultz and after my husband passed away I sold my home in another state as I needed to be closer to family. I haven’t been able to fnd anything afordable to buy. I can see the younger generation struggling to start a plan for their future- working hard, paying the bills, household and doctor bills. Trying to raise a family and paying for child care- how can they make plans to buy a home that is priced out of reach? Let’s look ahead for the new generation and all work together to help them realize dreams they can achieve in the state we love- Montana. Hard work never hurt anybody so roll up your sleeves and let’s do this. My wish for everyone- may life be kind to them.
Ethel Schultz Ulm
A vote for Sam Forstag
My name is Casey Ribaudo and I strongly urge a vote for Sam Forstag for Montana’s First Congressional District.
I am from Ulm, MT and am a member of Little Shell tribe. I left Montana in 2016 after graduating from the University of Montana for work, eventually landing in western Washington state. I now have a family, and we have been trying to move back to western Montana to raise our daughter and be closer to my family. However, housing costs in western Montana, especially Missoula, Bozeman, and the Flathead have now equaled or exceeded those in the Seattle/Tacoma region! That, combined with a lack of good, high-paying jobs, has left us thus far unable to return home to the state that I love. I have known Sam well since college, and can vouch for his dedication to public service. Sam, unlike any other candidate in Montana in recent memory, is a union leader and a true member of the working class. Whenever he gets a break from fghting fres, he has worked tirelessly at the state and local
The Bitterroot Star is a team of caring individuals who ethically and responsibly strive to deliver essential news and information to our local community. Publishing Information The Bitterroot Star is published every Wednesday by Bitterroot Star Newspaper, Co, a division of Mullen Newspapers. The advertising and editorial content deadline is Friday at 5 p.m. We strive to include news and information that’s important to the people of the Bitterroot Valley. If you have a story idea, or any other concern, call us at 406-777-3928, email: editor@bitterrootstar.com or stop in at our ofce at 115 W. 3rd, #108, Stevensville. The mailing address is P.O. Box 133, Stevensville MT 59870. Correction Policy Accuracy is important to us. If you see a factual error in a Bitterroot Star news story, please notify the editor immediately and we will print a correction in the next issue.
Our View/Letters
Bitterroot Star editorials are written from the position of the newspaper. The personal columns and letters appearing on the Opinion page and elsewhere in the paper represent the opinion of single individuals and do not necessarily refect the position of the newspaper. The Star welcomes public comment and encourages letters to the editor. Letters on local topics or issues are given priority for publication. Letters should be 600 words or less. Shorter letters generally have a better chance of prompt publication. While letters expressing appreciation for a specifc, out-of-the-ordinary action are welcomed, letters with lists of names of contributors, donors or volunteers are not accepted as letters to the editor. Author’s name, address and phone number (for verifcation, not publication) are 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 us, and do not turn them in by hand. This increases the chances the letters will get printed. Our staf already has a full workload.
level for Montanans. His ambitious platform is focused on affordable housing, education, healthcare and childcare, to name a few, and I know he will make huge progress for working Montanans when elected. He is materially invested in making Montana a place where we can raise our kids and not have to break our backs to do so.
Casey Ribaudo Lakewood, WA
Tell the EPA ‘no’
R ecently, the Trump administration proposed rolling back coal ash rules and cleanup regulations.
Coal ash is laden with lead, mercury and arsenic and requires monitoring and clean up to keep communities safe from serious water contamination. The proposed rule would strip over 100 dump sites from regulations, which would allow corporations to avoid costs that inevitably fall on taxpayers and healthcare bills. This move follows dozens of unprecedented actions by the Trump administration to attempt to bolster the failing coal industry while attacking renewable energy – climate, affordability and public health be damned.
Just like the debate over Sheep Creek, Montanans don’t want heavy metals to leach into their water just so corporations profit more. You can tell EPA “NO” at upcoming public hearings found on their website here: www.epa.gov/coal-combustion-residuals/2026-proposed-amendments-coal-combustion-residuals-regulations.
Caryn Miske
Montana Chapter Director, Sierra Club Frenchtown
Leo XIV, weak on crime
We ll, it didn’t long for Commando Bone Spurs to find a new enemy to put on his hate list. Was it Vladimir Putin, President of Russia? Or the current President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian? Perhaps Kim Jong UN of North Korea. Why no, it was Pope Leo XIV, Head of the Catholic Church and Sovereign of Vatican City in Italy
What, you may ask, did Pope Leo do to incur the wrath of Agent Orange, our spokesperson for Communists around the world? Why TACO (“Always Chicken Out”) Don doesn’t want a Pope who criticizes the President for doing what he was elected to do (start wars in foreign Countries?)
The Trumpster further believes he is responsible for Leo XIV’s election to Pope by the Sacred College of Cardinals because an American Pope would be the best person to deal with President Trump. And you know what it takes to deal with our President?
Why lots of money of course.
Zounds, our President is a true genius when it comes to doing what’s best for the USA and the entire World. Unlike many of his critics in the Fake News and opposing political parties, he doesn’t have a Low-Level IQ, does he?
Jim Hamilton Florence
Response to firefighter g rievance story
I am writing in response to your recent coverage of the grievance involving a Hamilton firefighter. My connection to the fire service and this community runs deep. My son served as an officer in a local Fire Department. I have close friends and family members who are firefighters, including women who have proudly served in neighboring towns and across the state. I’ve supported local departments for years—through community events, fundraisers, and even stepping into the public exhibition portion of the Missoula firefighter challenge myself as Ms. Montana in 2005.
That experience gave me a firsthand understanding of how physically demanding this work truly is. At my peak level of fitness, I attempted similar tasks and found many of them incredibly difficult or impossible. That is why I have tremendous respect for anyone—man or woman—who can meet those standards. For this young woman to complete those tests—even under what appears to be inconsistent or improperly applied conditions—is not only impressive, it is exceptional.
My respect for her extends beyond her physical capability. It also includes the integrity and intelligence she has demonstrated in her work protecting children and families. Those qualities matter just as much in someone entrusted with serving the public.
Which is exactly why this situation deserves serious attention.
If a candidate is able to pass the required physical testing, that should speak for itself. Standards should be clear, job-related, and applied equally. When they are not, it raises legitimate concerns about fairness and whether barriers are being placed where they don’t belong.
This is not about lowering expectations. It is about ensuring that expectations are legitimate and consistently applied so that the best people—regardless of gender—are able to serve.
I also believe our community must reflect on how we value people and public safety. I have personally experienced moments where the value of prevention—and of human life—was dismissed by Hamilton City officials in conversations about public
resources regarding prevention. Those moments stay with you, and they shape how we see fairness, accountability, and leadership.
We owe it to our firefighters—and to our safety & service first responder community—to uphold standards that are fair, transparent, and rooted in integrity.
Respect for the fire service includes holding it to those standards. Janet R. Bierer Victor
Gender identity
On April 15th 2025 the UK Supreme Court ruled that the legal definition of a women is based on biological sex, decreeing terms like “women” and “sex” are conferred at birth, and not later as one’s so-called chosen “gender identity”. Recently, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) implemented a new policy that bans male athletes from competing in women’s sports events. The IOC’s decision is based on scientific evidence that male chromosomes provide performance advantages in sports that rely on strength, power, or endurance. Numerous American surveys across the political spectrum show that the vast majority of votes agree with these decisions. It is likely that the United States Supreme Court will soon validate these positions.
Any person running for political office in Montana who does not agree with these positions is unfit to hold office. It is clear that Montanans do not want males in women’s bathrooms or locker rooms. Before voting this year, one should examine carefully the candidate’s position on these issues, either by their past voting record(s) or stated position(s).
Ralph Polhamus Hamilton
Scammers
Who oee! This must be a day for scammers…first thing this morning I get a video call from (they said) Publishers Clearing House Company. My new agent “Morgan James” informed me that I had won $2.9 million PLUS another $5K per week for life. Morgan then gave me the name of my new Lawyer/Attorney Mary Kelly along with my prize confirmation number. Morgan also gave me my prize package number and all the while assuring me that this was legit, no hoax.
When asked how I felt about winning so much money and finally being able to live the American dream? I replied “leery.”
Not impressed by the answer, he patched the call up to his supervisor, Dave Sayers. After repeated assurance that it was all on the up and up. I hung up.
It just didn’t seem likely that I had won
a prize that I didn’t sign up for. That was the first attempted scam of the day. Later, same morning, I answered the door, there was a young woman with a child in a carrier strapped on her back. On the phone when she rang the bell, I didn’t really pay attention to the literature she was dropping off. It had pictures of our Montana Senate District 43 candidates on both sides of the flyer with an AFP stamp in the upper right corner.
A scam with a convincing name. AFP, or Americans for Prosperity is an organization with people dropping off literature promoting candidates that contort themselves into the hoops of the AFP PAC. AFP dumps a lot of money into campaigns. With that money dump they purchase votes that indicate to the world that they have control over candidates. Pretty simple really. Big money PAC’s buying seats in government. Big money then hijacks and skews government regulation towards big money. Big money doesn’t care about Western Montana. Big money PAC’s buy seats in our government that buy assurances that the candidate will vote in their favor. Where does that leave the bought candidate? Beholden to the PAC, of course. What does that mean to us? Transferring our government dollars to big money and taking (stealing?) it from you and me. Who will represent you? Someone in the pocket of a PAC somewhere out of touch with our reality, or someone that comes door to door, asking to work for you?
PAC paid door knockers in contrast to the candidates that have come knocking on doors and asking for our vote. They aren’t scamming, they want to work for us… you, and me. We see their face, we hear their voice. We know who they are and know we can communicate with them. They come to us, they say they can work for us. We can trust that their desire is working for you and I, not for big money.
The 3rd scam this day came (supposedly) from PayPal; a notice that I had purchased an apple iPhone for some person in Maryland. The number to call if I disputed the charge was the 800 number conveniently provided. Well, it was week before last that I fell off the turnip truck-not last week! I reported it direct to PayPal and won’t have to worry about it coming in next statement.
These are the scams I have seen this morning, and I share them in an effort to save my neighbors from being taken in. Publishers Clearing House, AFP and PayPal. Three in one morning. What scam is after your wallet?
Larry Keogh Hamilton
Historic St. Mary’s Mission opens for the season
On April 15, Historic St. Mary’s Mission marked its opening day with a meaningful celebration that brought together community members, volunteers and visitors to honor both local history and national milestones.
The day began with Mass in the historic chapel, setting a reflective tone at the site where faith and history have been intertwined since the Mission’s founding in 1841. Following the service, Stevensville FFA students presented a flag ceremony and sang the National Anthem and gave a presentation on early agriculture in the Bitterroot Valley, adding a sense of pride and tradition to the event. Local resident Lisa Weber delivered a heartfelt rendition of God Bless America, which resonated with attendees as our nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
A reception followed, giving guests the opportunity to connect, visit and celebrate the beginning of a new season at one of Montana’s most significant historic sites. Founded 185 years ago, Historic St. Mary’s Mission holds a unique place in the history of the region. It stands on the homeland of the Salish people, whose presence and culture long predate the arrival of the missionaries and pioneers. Today, the Mission shares this layered history through its exhibits, including Native artifacts and artwork, offering visitors a deeper understanding of this
area’s cultural heritage.
In addition, to the start of the season at the Mission, volunteer board members are actively working toward an exciting project to expand its museum, allowing for enhanced exhibits and an improved visitor experience.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Mission relies on this support to continue its preservation and educational efforts. Those interested in getting involved are encouraged to consider volunteering, whether as tour guides, in the gift shop, or assisting with events. Flexible opportunities make it easy for both new and returning volunteers to participate.
Historic St. Mary’s Mission is now open to the public Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with guided tours available until 2 p.m. Visitors are invited to experience guided tours of the grounds, chapel and museum. For more information about visiting, volunteering or supporting Historic St. Mary’s Mission, visit saintmarysmission.org.
At left, Stevensville FFA on opening day, 2026. Above, fags being raised for the season. Below, historic photo of the original Mission. Photos courtesy Historic St. Mary’s Mission.
You might ask; What’s another story about pickup trucks doing in a fyfshing column?
Stick with me; it gets a little complicated but I’ll try to weave all the loose ends together. They have to do with life in Montana and fyfshing, bringing up young people and camping, and the heroes who served us - and an old pickup truck that might serve one of them.
I may as well start at the beginning:
No way, I thought before I asked, “Lake Erie on the New York or Ohio shore, or the narrow strip along Pennsylvania”
“I grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania,” she said.
Our worlds got smaller. She lived by an old tavern, built before the Revolution by my forebearers.
by Chuck Stranahan
My friend Jim and I were going to trade titles as part of the deal that would send his 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 truck to me. He would take ownership of the ‘93 Dodge Dakota truck that had been a part of my life for most of its miles.
His plan was to donate it to Wheels For A Warrior, a standalone, strictly local nonproft group aimed to provide veterans with reliable vehicles to help them live life to the fullest.
If they can solve the problem that sidelined my old Dodge Dakota, a vet gets a good truck. If not, the engine, sound system, Rally canopy and two sets of tires can bring new life to another old Dakota, and a vet gets a good truck. Win-win.
When you have a vehicle to trade or sell, think about donating it for a tax write-of to a vet – even if it needs work – through Wheels For Warriors. They’re now located just north of the Woodside Cutof on Hy 93 in the old Grenfell Garage, 1102 Hy 93, Victor, 406-375-7500, or wheelsforawarrior@gmail.com.
I learned more about the organization from Mariya Moore, one of its founders, when I stopped in. I also learned that she reads this column and grew up fshing on Lake Erie.
Erie where my family still lives on land they defended during the Revolutionary War and War of 1812.
Family counts for a lot.
My old truck saw its days on adventures with my sons and recently with my grandsons (their dad is a vet) and their friends. The new truck will continue where we left of – camping, fshing, tying fies, and telling stories about how men should live until the campfre fickers out.
My family has a long tradition of service to this country. My abiding and deep respect
She knew area, the small towns inland from Lake
for those who served and fought is rooted in the uncles, cousins, brother and father whose stories I grew up with.
When I had my fy shop, many vets found their way through the door. I vividly remember the special ops ofcer I taught to fy cast – I remember watching and coaching, and fnally seeing some of the tension drain out of him as he fell into the rhythm, got the feel for a fy rod.
Flyfshing became a tension reliever for him, a therapy for the soul, as it is for many of us who didn’t serve, but for vets who bring he scars of combat to a trout
stream, that therapy runs deeper. Serving them has been a privilege. He later came back to serve me - updated my computer and tutored me in its use. Thanks, man, I haven’t seen you since the shop closed but I wish you well. Get in touch, and let’s go fshing. We’ll take my new truck, and I’ll provide the fies.
He was among many. My very best employee over the years was a woman who served in the army, gathering intelligence from captive enemy terrorists – I can’t really call them soldiers - in Baghdad. When she went to work in
my fy shop it was like she raised her right hand again – and took another oath. She fshed on her of-days and brought frsthand knowledge, her own brand of charm and professionalism to those she served. Thanks, Kelley. I can’t say how deeply you’re appreciated. And in some way, that goes for all who served. When my old truck fnds its way into one of your hands, let’s take it fshing again. I’ll buy the gas, pack the lunch, provide the fies, bring extra tackle, and if you want, help with your casting. It’d be my privilege.
Light moment with grandson Silas and grandpa Chuck camping off old Dodge tailgate. Photo by Chuck Stranahan.
Classifieds
901-2620 today! EXTENSION AGENT Agriculture, Natural Resources and Horticulture in Richland County, Sidney, MT. Full time. Exciting job with lots of autonomy! Will develop, implement and evaluate Extension programming in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Horticulture. Complete information and to apply: www.montana. edu/extension/careers . Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled
406 SALOON - BIG CAT CAFE , leadership driven dependable pro for a high energy kitchen, 30K, 40K, or 60K plus based on experience and availability. Darby, MT, (406) 360-4877.
FRESH EGGS from Howell’s Happy Hens are back! $5.00/doz. Pick up at Bitterroot Star ofce, 115 W. 3rd, Suite 108, Stevensville.
1995 LANCE 10 foot pickup camper, self-contained, with A/C unit, very good condition, asking $2000 OBO. Call (406) 945-0000, please leave a message. Stevensville.
transfer chair: $25. Ultralight wheelchair, made in Canada, weighs 25lbs., removable wheels, will ft in the trunk of a car, cost over $3200: $500. Wheelchair arm trough: $50. Call Vern: 406-363-7680.
7879 CASSIDY TRAIL, LOLO (½ mile of Hwy 12). 4/23 - 10 to 5 (prices frm), 4/24 - 10 to 4, 4/25 - 10 to 3 (½ price or ofer). Like most, it has household everything but there is MORE: beautiful Stickley furniture, MT framed pics & prints, vintage stein collection, unusual Volkswagen memorabilia & parts, complete 1935 -1949 Life magazine collection, books, DVD’s, CD’s, 78 records, native dolls, special collectibles (including miniature ivory items,)TONS of tools(hand & power), tool chests, fshing & camping gear, Weber BBQ, 4 bicycles, telephone equipment & telephones, 50+ new lightbulbs, mounds of new kitchen paper products, etc! There are items from 25 cents up to big bucks, but there is sure something for everyone! NO EARLIES - CASH
