Over 2,100 members and guests attended Montana FFA’s 95th Annual State Convention March April 1-5, in Bozeman. The Montana FFA State Convention hosted 23 career development events (competitions), general sessions and workshops during the four-day event. The winning teams earn the opportunity to compete at the National FFA Convention which will take place this fall in Indianapolis, IN. New State FFA Ofcers were selected and are as follows: Claire Murnin – President from Shepherd, Cole Waldusky - 1st VP from Conrad, Kyona Yeager - 2nd VP from Fairfeld, Morgan Bisel - Secretary from Corvallis, Kylee Finn - Treasurer from Cascade, Autumn Benson - Reporter from Corvallis, Weston Sondeno - Sentinel from Big Timber, and Savanna Freitas - Parliamentarian from Fairview.
The Beaverhead chapter from Dillon took home the title of Star Chapter. Chelise Stone from Geraldine was named Star State Greenhand with Russel Lang from Roundup being announced as the Star in Agribusiness. Montana’s Star in Agriculture Placement went to Autumn Benson from Corvallis, and Kennedy Lyson of Baker earned the title of State Star Farmer. There were 223 members from across Montana that received their State FFA Degree which is the highest degree that a state can bestow upon its members. The individual sweepstakes title went to Joel Standley of Missoula, followed by Cole Waldusky of Conrad and Lane Hess from Park City. Finally, the team sweepstakes title went to the Missoula FFA Chapter followed by Big Timber and Beaverhead. The sweepstakes award recognizes the chapter
who places highest in four of the fve major state convention competitions.
Over 250 Day of Service participants teamed up to package 35,000 meals to be dispersed across Montana to families in need. The combined work efort of these student volunteers totaled over 600 hours.
Montana Business and Industry representatives sponsored the event as well as promoted their businesses during the two-day FFA Tradeshow.
Individuals who were recognized as Honorary FFA Degree recipients were Rich Darrach (Montana Ag Teacher President), Hugh Braaten (longtime FFA supporter), Evan Scholtfeldt (business sponsor), Belinda Darlinton (longtime FFA Foundation board member), Ed Sutherlin (supporter from Stevensville) and President Wade Cruzado (MSU President). Additionally, speakers and special guests including Governor Greg Gianforte
and National FFA Eastern Region Vice-President Caroline Groth from Kentucky.
Montana FFA makes a positive diference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more information, contact the Montana FFA Association for upcoming events and ways to get involved.
MEASLES: frst cases reported in more than 30 years
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been there in years, they may still have records.
• Reach out to the health department where you grew up.
• Check your home state immunization registries.
Measles is a highly infectious airborne disease that typically begins with a fever, cough, runny nose, red
eyes, white spots in the mouth, and a red rash that appears about 14 days after exposure. The rash usually starts on the face and spreads downward to the rest of the body. It is particularly dangerous for infants for whom vaccination is generally not recommended until 12 months of age. Maintaining a high level of vaccination in the community helps protect infants who are too young to be vaccinated, as well as individuals who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.
“Measles is highly contagious and highly preventable with vaccination, and ensuring people are immunized remains our best defense. If people are unable to fnd their vaccine records, there are no contraindications to receiving an additional dose,” said Dr. Peter Bulger, GCCHD Medical Director.
Measles continues to be prevalent in many regions worldwide, resulting in an estimated 300 deaths every day. Cases in the U.S. are generally rare but have been increasing in recent years.
The best way to protect against measles is vaccination. No changes have been made to the existing measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine recommendations in the
United States. Two doses of MMR, a measles-containing vaccine that protects against measles, mumps and rubella, are 97 to 99 percent efective in preventing measles. Measles vaccines have been available in the U.S. since 1963, and two doses have been recommended for children since 1989.
If you are in need of the MMR vaccine, please call your primary care physician as soon as possible. GCCHD does have MMR vaccine available, please call 406-582-3100 to make an appointment.
“We are actively working with individuals who are experiencing symptoms,” said Lori Christenson, Gallatin City-County Health Ofcer. “We greatly appreciate the cooperation of those involved in helping mitigate further exposures. We encourage anyone who is not vaccinated or unsure of their vaccination history to consider vaccination and to contact your health care provider or GCCHD. By getting vaccinated we protect ourselves and others around us from infection.”
For more information about measles and the measles vaccine, visit the state health department’s website. Additional information can also be found on the CDC’s website.
CHAMBER: Ludecke tackles job
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a perfect ft, because one of her main responsibilities will be outreach to members already within the Chamber to cross promote businesses. “We like our members to support each other,” said Ludecke.
She will be working to generate new members, and retain ones they have. She believes concerns that drive people away are always concerns that can be addressed. She believes this comes down to how many may not know what all the Chamber has to offer. She said they have connections to numerous resources like the Chamber visitor center, which allows placement of fyers, info and business cards. The Chamber also puts out a weekly newsletter that showcases new businesses, old ones and a lot of what is going on.
Other resources include ribbon cuttings, after hours events and various committees. One such committee she wanted to highlight was the agriculture committee, which is relatively new and doing a lot to bring recognition to those in the agriculture business in the valley.
She also wanted to highlight how the Chamber has partnered with the
Bitterroot Valley Board of Realtors, whose youth branch, the Young Professionals Network (YPN), assisted with cleaning and sprucing up the Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center with new paint and more. Finally, Ludecke wanted to highlight events like the upcoming Beck Dental ribbon cutting, which will be her frst alone, to be held on April 29 at 12:15 at the dental clinic location, 244 Honey Lane in Hamilton. She also spoke about the upcoming banquet, on May 10 at the Bitterroot River Inn, in Hamilton. This will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. She mentioned that interested parties must call the Chamber to reserve a table and tables are going fast. Ludecke said the Chamber is also still looking for those wishing to donate to the banquet.
Ludecke is a USA Today bestselling author of romance novels, and active in the community. She loves history and lives with her husband and four children in Darby.
Anyone interested in speaking with Ludecke, or the Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce in general, can call (406) 363-2400.
New State Offcers, from left to right: Claire Murnin – President from Shepherd, Cole Waldusky – 1st Vice President from Conrad, Kyona Yeager – 2nd Vice President from Fairfeld, Morgan Bisel – Secretary from Corvallis, Kylee Finn – Treasurer from Cascade, Autumn Benson – Reporter from Corvallis, Weston Sondeno – Sentinel from Big Timber and Savanna Freitas – Parliamentarian from Beaverhead.
Photo courtesy Jim Rose.
‘The
by John Dowd
Right Steps’ in dog training
On Thursday, April 17, a new dog training business at 419 Wolfville Lane #6 in Florence had its ofcial ribbon cutting, with help from the Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce. Lee and Cindy Smith, the owners of The Right Steps, said they are excited to be in the valley, and to bring their expertise to the feld of dog training.
“I just love training,” said Cindy. She added that, professionally, she has no favorite breeds and she will train everything from a chihuahua to a mastif. However, the couple has English shepherds, also known as farm collies, which are actually an American breed. According to Lee, they like them, “because they are smart, they like to work, and I feel like they have a good all-around temperament.” These are the dogs Cindy likes for competitive agility, which is a passion she hopes to also bring to the valley. She says her dogs keep her in check. “You can rate my runs by my dogs’ barks.” When she has done agility competitions with her dogs in the past, she is often slower than they are.“The dogs are only encumbered by us,” said Cindy.
Cindy believes it’s important to have animals with minds and opinions of their own. “I want a personal relationship with my animal,” she said. “I don’t want “a robot.” This philosophy of training with a dog in a way that works with the dog, rather than forcing the dog to conform, is the foundation of her dog training school.
She competed with dogs in both agility and nose work, and has been competing since 2007. Before that, she did horse competitions for over 18 years. “I took my passion for competing with horses and turned it to dogs,” said Cindy. She said that is really what got her into teaching others, the love for training with her animals in competitions. She said competing “keeps me honest with my training,” adding that it makes her “practice what I preach.”
“I love it! I love animals and I love helping people.” - Cindy Smith
Cindy has been teaching since the late 1990s. She and Lee had a training business in California, with a large network of supporters, clients and veterinarians. Lee said they moved to the valley in November of 2024 and opened the business in December. So far, they already have clients from Missoula to Darby.
“I love it! I love animals and I love helping people,” said Cindy.
The Smiths’ dog training school is the only one in the area with an indoor facility, and they say it is one of very few that is strictly positive reinforcement and force-free. Cindy is a certifed K-9 nose work instructor, and also the only one in the area. The closest other options are Bozeman, Helena and Boise. Cindy wants to bring nose work, as a sport, into the valley. She believes dog sports in general can be “life-changing for dogs and people.”
Cindy is considering adding service dog training as several people have already expressed an interest. It is a 12-week program and quite an investment of time and money to become certifed, but she has seen a lot of interest coming from veterans in the area.
When asked why having an indoor facility was so important to them, Cindy said it had to do with the Montana winters. This is not only because it can be cold, but because during this time a lot of dog owners are less active with their dogs, and so the couple fgured this would be a good time to keep owners and their dogs active by providing an opportunity for them to train in an indoor space.
Having a facility indoors is also crucial for puppies, Cindy explained. She said puppies beneft even more than adult dogs from the added controlled environment and Cindy needs a sterile environment so veterinarians will refer clients to her.
Cindy warns that owners should get puppies to her as early as possible. It is important for puppies to socialize, and for owners to allow their puppies to build “positive exposure to new experiences.” She described this as not forcing a dog into an interaction, but allowing the dog to experience something at its own pace. This can mean simply building a memory of positive interactions, and sometimes a positive interaction is just being present, possibly with no interaction at all.
Early action on Cindy’s part is to “catch those problems and help people before problems happen,” as she described. Another note she spoke on was
“fear windows,” and she believes many people may not be aware that this goes further than just when a dog is a puppy. According to her, there are two main fear windows that owners should be cautious of. The frst is around 9 to 9.5 weeks old and the second is fve to 21 months old. In these periods, any kind of trauma or negative experience that leads to a fear response can have significant detrimental consequences for the rest of the dog’s life.
“If people can get their animals to me as early as possible, we can get them an animal they can enjoy for the rest of their lives,” said Cindy. In her experience, the earlier an owner gets a dog assessed and training started, the happier and healthier their life will be. This way owners can “get the best animal possible.”
Cindy said it is also important for owners and prospective owners to understand the dog they have versus the dog they may wish to have.
According to her, a person cannot “ft a square peg into a round hole,” when it comes to dogs.
When asked what the right steps are, for those with dogs or those interested in having dogs, Cindy encourages new dog owner consultations. These are meant for even before a family gets a dog, and are to evaluate the home environment, the dog breed the family may be interested in and even the family itself. She said owners need to honestly and openly look at needs versus wants. “What comes with this dog?” She said some people may have a breed in mind but not understand what it comes with.
For Cindy, people need to “address the needs of the dogs and what’s good for the dog.” She told a story of a woman who came in, excited that she fnally tired out her puppy. On hearing these frst words, Cindy thought, “oh, no,” She said the woman
told how she took the puppy on a run around the property while the woman rode on a four-wheeler. Playing devil’s advocate, Cindy tried to explain how detrimental that could have been on the puppy. Not only was it young, and that kind of thing can be hard on the puppy’s body, but also it taught it to chase vehicles. This is just one horror story of some of the mistakes that are easy to remedy, once a person learns to work with their dog on the level and understanding that the dog needs. According to Cindy, in the end it is better for both the dog and the owner, and can lead to a fulflling and happy life for both.
For more information on Cindy and The Right Steps, interested parties can visit the company website, therightsteps.com. There, you can fnd testimonials from clients and veterinarians as well as how to get trained and get involved. You can also contact them at (406) 317-1213.
NOTICE OF SCHOOL BOND ELECTION
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN by the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) of K-12 School District No. 3 (Hamilton), Ravalli County (the “District”), that pursuant to a resolution duly adopted at a meeting of the Board on February 18, 2025, an election of the registered voters of the District will be held by mail ballot on May 6, 2025 for the purpose of voting on the question of whether the Board may sell and issue general obligation school building bonds of the District in one or more series in the aggregate principal amount of up to Forty-Nine Million and No/ 100 Dollars ($49,000,000.00), for the purpose of providing funds to pay the costs of designing, constructing, equipping, and furnishing a new 6th through 8th grade school facility on the Westview site, to include classrooms, a library, learning spaces, a gymnasium, locker rooms/changing areas, a student commons/dining area, a kitchen, storage/custodial spaces, and administrative spaces; making renovations and constructing an addition to the existing Westview Building to accommodate 4th and 5th grades, to include classrooms, learning spaces, a library, a gymnasium, a student commons/dining area, storage/custodial spaces, and administrative spaces; adding a connection between the two facilities to share spaces; and creating dedicated student drop-off areas and associated site improvements; if bond proceeds are available after paying for the above improvements, constructing a new bus barn facility and maintenance shop to be located on land the District owns and improving school grounds into outdoor recreational and/or athletic fields with associated amenities; related costs and improvements; and paying the costs associated with the sale and issuance of the bonds. Each series of bonds shall bear interest at a rate or rates to be determined at the time of sale and be payable semiannually during a term of not more than twenty-five (25) years.
If the bond election passes, based on the taxable value of the District, the property taxes on a home with an assessed market value for tax purposes of $100,000 would increase by $85.06 in the first year, of $300,000 would increase by $255.18 in the first year, and of $600,000 would increase by $510.36 in the first year. An increase in property taxes may lead to an increase in rental costs.
The election will be conducted by the County Election Administrator solely by mail ballot. Ballots will be mailed to all eligible registered voters in the District on April 18, 2025, and must be returned by each voter by mail or in person to the Ravalli County Election Administrator, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, Montana 59840, during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) weekdays (exclusive of holidays) April 21, 2025 through May 5, 2025.
On Election Day, May 6, 2025, the only place for deposit of voted ballots will be the office of the Ravalli County Election Administrator located at 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, in Hamilton, which will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. All ballots will be tabulated in accordance with Montana law with the preliminary results, if known, expected to be released after 8:00 p.m. that day.
A qualified voter who will be absent from the District during the time the election is being conducted may:
a) vote in person in the office of the County Election Administrator as soon as the ballots are available and until 8 p.m. on Election Day; or
b) make a written request prior to noon on May 5, 2025, signed by the applicant and addressed to the office of the County Election Administrator requesting the ballot be mailed to an address other than that which appears on the registration records.
An elector may obtain a replacement ballot if his or her ballot is destroyed, spoiled, lost, or not received by the elector by filling out and mailing, emailing, or faxing back a completed replacement ballot request form or by the elector personally appearing at the office of the County Election Administrator, located at 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, in Hamilton, Montana.
Ballots may be returned in person at the places of deposit listed in the election instructions of the Ravalli County Election Administrator, or returned by mail. If returning by mail, please use the then-prevailing first-class-postage price or one Forever Stamp. Postmark date does not apply; ballots returned by mail must be received at the office of the County Election Administrator by the 8:00 p.m. Election Day deadline to be counted.
Please note, all electors, as defined in Section 20-20-301, M.C.A., are those who reside within the District and are registered to vote by the close of registration on April 7, 2025.
For electors who miss the close of registration deadline, such electors may register late and vote in the election by appearing in person at the Ravalli County Election Office, located at 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, in Hamilton, Montana and providing to the County Election Administrator the electors’ voter registration information in verifiable form prior to 8 p.m. on May 6, 2025.
Lee and Cindy Smith at center cutting the ribbin, surrounded by Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce members. Photo by John Dowd.
Some of Cindy Smith’s awards, displayed at The Right Steps. Photo by John Dowd.
North Valley Library trustee position open
Valley Public Library (NVPL) in Stevensville is seeking a trustee. Those that live within the Library District, which corresponds with the Stevensville and Lone Rock School Districts, are eligible.
Library Trustee Kim Tiplady’s
term ends in May and she decided not to seek re-election after serving as a Library Trustee since March 2016. The County informed the library that an Oath of Candidacy was not received for the vacancy, and it needs to be flled. The library board is requesting applications. The Library Board will make a recommendation to the County Commissioners for an appointment for the remaining position after May 6.
The term is through May 2029. Trustee Victoria Howell says, “Serving on the NVPL Library Board of Trustees is a rewarding and challenging volunteer experience.” Trustees set policies and the overall direction of the library through participating in strategic planning. They oversee the fnances and set the budget to ensure responsible spending of district taxpayer dollars.
The Trustees are elected ofcials and uphold state laws that pertain to libraries and must have a high degree of ethics. Trustees need to adhere to the State Library
Public Library Standards including three hours of continuing education each year. Library Trustees must value the importance of libraries and life-long learning, appreciating that public libraries have collections for all ages and interests.
Monthly board meetings are held the third Wednesday of the month and there are special meetings to attend occasionally throughout the year as decided upon by the trustees. The library is amid new building planning.
If you are interested in serving as a trustee, please send an email to the Director, Denise Ard at denisea@ northvalleylibrary.org or board chair Dianne Snedigar at diannes.nvpl@ hotmail.com
The North Valley Public Library board of trustees recognized outgoing board member Kim Tiplady, second from left, for her years of service to the library. Also pictured, l to r, are trustees Margy Gilbertson, Dianne Snedigar (chair), Victoria Howell, Caitlin Dunn, and library director Denise Ard. Photo courtesy North Valley Library.
Victor farmland conserved in perpetuity
The Buker family of Victor has pursued the protection of their family ranch through a conservation easement in partnership with the Bitter Root Land Trust (BRLT), honoring a nearly 150-year family legacy in Bitterroot agriculture.
Thanks to the vision of landowners Tony Sherer and Clarissa (Buker) Patzer, the 160-acre property will remain in-tact in perpetuity under the conservation easement, a voluntary agreement and private property right that restricts the development of the land to fulfll conservation values while allowing the landowner to continue to farm, ranch or work the land as they wish.
The ranch was homesteaded in 1880 by Buker’s great-great grandfather John M. Buker under the ‘Homestead Act’ signed by President Cleveland. Since then, the ranch has been home to several generations of Bukers who have operated a cow-calf operation and grown hay, including Clarissa’s father John E. Buker who was an active member in the community and afectionately known by the nickname, “Ranger Jack.”
The property sits near where Big Creek meets the Bitterroot Valley foor, and is in close proximity to other existing and in-progress conservation easements completed in partnership with BRLT. Active members of the community, the Buker family
were founding members of the Big Creek Lakes Reservoir Association. They helped to build the original Big Creek Lakes dam between 1897 and 1906. The water was used to provide late season irrigation to approximately 2,500 acres of ranch/farmlands. Subsequent Buker generations have maintained extensive involvement as ofcers of the Big Creek Lakes Reservoir and have been pivotal in the maintenance and operation of the dam itself, including its total rebuilding in the 1970s.
“We are surrounded by land of many diferent types of uses, including Big Creek Dairy, one of the last remaining Bitterroot Valley dairies, and large acreage farmland,” says landowner Tony Sherer.
“Of concern to many, this is an area that at this time has little land protected from more intensive development. While we intend to continue to farm the property, we wanted to protect it in perpetuity beyond ‘our time’ from development pressures. The Bitter Root Land Trust was an important resource in this endeavor.”
The Big Creek drainage serves as an important habitat corridor and thoroughfare for the many species of wildlife on the west side of the valley. The property’s large, open and unfenced irrigated felds provide foraging habitat for herds of elk, raptors, migrating birds, and owls. Whitetail deer graze the property year-
round, and a 2 acre irrigation pond provides habitat for fsh and waterfowl.
“We are incredibly grateful for the vision of Clarissa, Tony and the Buker family to partner with BRLT to fulfll their conservation goals,” says Lauren Rennaker, Bitter Root Land Trust Executive Director. “When local landowners make the decision to honor the legacy of their family and land by placing a conservation easement on their property, the positive impact of that decision spans far beyond their fence line. It opens agricultural opportunities for future generations, protects the habitat where wildlife can continue to thrive, and ensures the open land won’t drastically change in coming years. Conservation is key in protecting family legacies and the natural attributes that make the Bitterroot Valley so special, and it wouldn’t be possible without landowners like the Bukers and our community’s support.”
The project was made possible thanks to federal funding received from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), and local bond dollars from the Ravalli County Open Lands Bond Program.
“The NRCS’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program has been a great help to BRLT and its many partners, including the Bukers, in our collective eforts to preserve local farms and ranches, water, wildlife habitat and open spaces,” says Melissa Odell, BRLT
Lands Director. “The Bukers have joined a larger neighborhood efort in Victor, where several other landowners nearby have also decided to conserve their farms for the future. RCPP provides the needed fnancial assistance to compensate landowners for their voluntary conservation eforts, continuing this momentum, and helps leverage the Ravalli County Open Lands Bond Program funding. This leverage ensures that the local Open Lands Bond funds will stretch farther, and be available for more conservation eforts here in our valley in the future.”
Landowners Clarissa Patzer and Tony Sherer. Photo courtesy Nathan Wotkyns.
Part of the Buker Ranch. Photo courtesy Bitter Root Land Trust.
Grants awarded to beneft Darby community
The Montana Community Foundation, Inc. (MCF) is pleased to award $7,575 in grants to four organizations that beneft the Darby community. Grants were made from the Darby Town Endowment Fund, established at MCF by Richard and Barbara Ackerman in 1999 and enhanced through generous contributions from community members. In the past fve years, the Darby Town Endowment Fund has awarded $37,325 to 13 organizations that improve the quality of life in the Darby community.
Grant requests were reviewed by the Darby Town Endowment Fund Committee. Awardees include:
• $1,500 to the Darby Bread Box to purchase fresh produce for the food bank’s clients.
• $1,000 to the Darby Events Committee to purchase detour signs and road closure signs for public events in Darby.
• $4,500 to Darby Rural Fire Department to purchase a hydro turbo draft, which will convert natural water sources into usable water supplies for fghting fres in the area.
• $1,380 to Painted Rocks Fire & Rescue to purchase a cardiac monitor, which will upgrade the medical response provided to the community to “Advance Life Support.”
“We are proud to support these dedicated organizations through the Darby Town Endowment Fund,” says Barbara Ackerman, founding donor and member of the grantmaking committee. “This is possible thanks to the generosity of the South Valley community and thoughtful work of our grantmaking committee members: Juli Winthers, Teri Mountford, Andy Massie, and Steve Sampietro.”
To support the Darby Town Endowment Fund, donations can be made online at mtcf.org/local-cfs/ darby-town-endowment-fund or mailed to the Montana Community Foundation at PO Box 1145, Helena, MT 59624-1145. Please write “Darby Town Endowment” in the memo line.
For questions, contact Community & Economic Vitality Program Ofcer, Taylor Crowl, at (406) 603-4913 or taylor@mtcf.org.
About the Montana Community Foundation: The Montana Community Foundation’s mission is to cultivate a culture of giving so Montana communities can fourish. Founded in 1988, MCF manages more than $188.5 million in assets and administers more than 1,470 philanthropic funds and planned gifts. Since its founding, MCF has reinvested more than $100 million in Montana through scholarships, grants, and programs. Learn more at www.mtcf.org.
Forbes named Stockman Bank one of World’s Best
Stockman Bank has been honored by Forbes on its list of the World’s Best Banks for 2025. This is the fourth consecutive year Stockman has been recognized by Forbes. Ranking 47th on the list, Stockman was one of only 66 American banks on the list, and the only Montana bank to be included. This pres- tigious award is presented by Forbes and Statista, the world-lead- ing statistics portal and industry ranking pro- vider. The award list was announced on April 9, 2025, and can be viewed on the Forbes website.
“Being acknowledged for four consecutive years and being the sole bank from Montana featured on this list is a remarkable honor,” said Bill Cofee, Stockman Bank CEO. “This award holds particular signifcance for us, as it showcases the trust our customers place in our ability to fulfll their fnancial needs. It also serves as a testament to the expertise and commitment of our employees, who consistently prioritize the needs of our customers, supported by a dedication to local management and quick decision-making.”
Survey participants were asked to name all banks where they have or previously had a checking or savings account. The participants evaluated the bank on several criteria: Trust, Terms & Conditions, Customer Service, Digital Services, and Financial Advice. Based on the customer evaluations a score was calculated for each bank. In every country, the banks with the highest score in their respective countries were awarded. Stockman Bank is Montana’s largest, family-owned, community bank, with convenient full-service locations across the state. Founded in 1953, Stockman remains uniquely focused on Montana, with comprehensive banking products and services, along with state-of-the-art online and mobile banking, wealth management and insurance services. To learn more visit www.stockmanbank.com.
American Legion Fort Owen Post 94 of Stevensville presented awards to the Stevensville Middle School winners of the Legion’s annual Americanism and Constitution Essay Contest at the school’s awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 9th. Pictured left to right: Garrick Doll, Commander of Post 94; 1st place winner Lilah Koenman, 2nd place winner Elise Jessop; 3rd place winner Sloane Shourd; Kay Gibbons, Liaison to Stevensville Schools and Roger Linhart, Scholarship Vice Chair.
American Legion Fort Owen Post 94 of Stevensville presented a check to the Speech and Debate Club of Stevensville High School to help cover the cost for three of the Debate Team members to travel to Des Moines, IA for the National Speech and Debate Tournament. Pictured, l to r: Kay Gibbons, liaison to Stevensville Schools, Cody Bradford, Paige Berg and Commander Garrick Doll.
What makes a country great?
A country that enjoys economic prosperity has the means to do great things. However, it is not the prosperity that makes a country great, it is what a country does with that prosperity that can make a country great.
Many years ago, a close friend and I debated about which country was the greatest. My friend believed strongly that America was the greatest country. I said that I was not sure since I was not knowledgeable about all the countries on earth. I did acknowledge that America is the richest country on earth.
But does being rich determine greatness and should America aspire to be rich, or richer, or should we seek other attributes? Many factors besides wealth are far more likely to determine the greatness of any country.
A great country:
• Upholds justice, equality, and human rights for all its citizens
• Pursues a thriving and stable economy as well as fair wealth distribution
• Promotes integrity, honesty, and accountability in governance
• Has leaders who serve the people rather than their own interests
• Fosters respect for diversity, tolerance, and inclusion of all ethnic, religious, and cultural groups
Invests in education, research, and innovation
Champions peace, humanitarian aid, and environmental sustainability
• Treats its global partners fairly and equitably
• Provides healthcare and support for its citizens
• Preserves heritage, arts, and traditions
• Is forward thinking and able to overcome crises with wisdom and unity
• Seeks and obtains input from its citizens and responds via foundational democracy
• Provides for a sustainable future for the next generations of citizens
A nation is truly great when its people are healthy, educated, and free to pursue happiness. When citizens feel valued, heard, and represented, the country thrives. Let’s aspire as a country to be the greatest contributor to a better world and one that seeks to lift all people up. In so doing, America can be the greatest country.
Steve Schmidt Darby
Trump Efect 7
It’s hard to keep up with Trump’s eforts to upend our democracy. I believe most of his attacks are intended to distract us from his economically damaging tarifs. Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve, said, a “possible tough situation developing for the Fed in which infation is pushed higher by tarifs while growth and potentially employment weaken.”
Great. Just great. Tarifs, infation, depressed growth and lower employment, nice work, Donald! The icing on his distraction cake includes:
• US citizens told to “leave immediately.”
Including a US-born immigration lawyer
• IRS employees fred - you know, the ones who
audit the billionaires
• An “erroneously deported” man with legal documentation who was shipped, without cause, to a Salvadorean prison. Trump refuses to bring him back.
• The SAFE Act, to prevent women from voting: those who changed their last name when they got married. So no sweat! Buy a passport! $160. Such a deal. In order to vote.
• Trump scrambling to get an Iran deal because he’s afraid of their nuclear capabilities. After he trashed the carefully negotiated Iran deal in 2018. Nice work, Donnie.
• Unleashing Elon Musk’s rats into your knickers. Sorry, into your Social Security and IRS protected data. Protected no more, under Trump!
• Caving to Pharma on prescription drug prices, calling it the “pill penalty.” What garbage. He’s bending over backwards to undercut the hardfought price reductions Democrats achieved.
• Last but not least, last Sunday he said he’d be eager to send “homegrown terrorists” to foreign prisons. Who would that be? I’m guessing anybody who disagrees with him. So much for free speech, for liberty, for democracy.
When you write your family history of this time, don’t forget to look in the mirror.
Linda Schmitt Corvallis
Merit or optics
I make no claim to a level of intelligence that would prepare me to deal with some of the issues brought up in these pages but I do know when I’m being played. Tarifs, Social Security, immigration, DOGE, the arts/education and let’s not forget Trump’s greatest hits like pushing grandma over a clif in her wheelchair ... as a felon no less.
It was once just a profound whisper from an old playbook long salted away but not forgotten: “You will own nothing and be happy.” This is not about “issues” but the unadulterated imperative to shower scorn for the sake of optics and not rectifcation or merit. When your heart is set on that path no debate will alter that course as pride is at the helm and crushing the enemy at any cost is all that can be seen.
Many letters have been written here claiming to own the moral and intellectual high ground to decree all who oppose them to be less than desirable as human beings, let alone citizens of this nation. Truth be told, a menacing ugliness has settled over the amber waves of grain, fueled by a media selling tickets to America’s demise to a global landlord.
More than 2/3 of this country is opposed to such barbarism and pray that civil discourse and mutual respect will part the dark cloud over America
Notice
Trustee and Bond Election
Corvallis Rural Fire District Levy Election
Darby Rural Fire District Trustee Election
Sula Rural Fire District Trustee Election
Victor Park District Trustee Election
Ballots were mailed on April 18, 2025 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 29, 2025, 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.
SAMPLE BALLOT LAYOUT
INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS
1. TO VOTE, COMPLETELY FILL IN ( ) THE OVAL USING A BLUE OR BLACK PEN.
2. To write in a name, completely fill in the oval to the left of the line provided, and on the line provided print the name of the write‐in candidate for whom you wish to vote.
3. DO NOT MAKE AN IDENTIFYING MARK, CROSS OUT, ERASE, OR USE CORRECTION FLUID. If you make a mistake or change your mind, exchange your ballot for a new one.
VOTE IN ALL COLUMNS (VOTE BOTH SIDES) COUNTY (Continued) COUNTY (Continued) FOR SAMPLE OFFICE 1 (VOTE FOR ONE) FOR SAMPLE OFFICE 2 (VOTE FOR ONE) FOR SAMPLE OFFICE 3 (VOTE FOR ONE) ANDREW JACKSON MARTIN VAN BUREN JAMES BUCHANAN ABRAHAM LINCOLN
GEORGE WASHINGTON JOHN ADAMS
WILLIAM H. HARRISON JOHN TYLER
PREPARATION, RECONCILIATION AND COUNTING OF BALLOTS
Early preparation and reconciliation of mail ballots will be held on May 2, 2025 at approximately 10 AM, in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. Continuation of early preparation and reconciliation of mail ballots, as well as the early counting of ballots, will be conducted on May 5, 2025, at approximately 10 AM, in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton.
Beginning at approximately 11 AM on Election Day, May 6, 2025, ballots will be opened, reconciled, and counted by a counting center board in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. No results will be released until after the polls close at 8 PM.
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 polls on Election Day. A person who knowingly violates this law shall be imprisoned for a term not to exceed two years and/or be fined an amount not less than $100,000 and not more than $500,000.
Dated this 16th day of April 2025 Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550 Sample County State of Montana Election Date
New culvert being installed along Nez Perce Road
The Bitterroot National Forest is planning to install a new culvert this spring on the West Fork Ranger District’s Nez Perce Road #468. The work is scheduled to begin Monday, April 28th at Flat Creek, east of Fales Flat Campground.
Due to the nature of the work and heavy equipment parked on Nez Perce Road (milepost 7.6), the road
will be closed during installation of the culvert. Signs will be posted in the area alerting drivers to the closure. The work is expected to last for two weeks. Currently, most areas west of Nez Perce Pass, along the Magruder Road Corridor, are not accessible by standard vehicles due to snow and ice covering the road. The project
will mostly impact over-snow capable vehicles and outftters shuttling early-season Selway River boaters. The work is scheduled to be completed before the Selway permit foat season begins on May 15th.
The forest is replacing the culvert at this location along with doing road repairs and other improvements. The current culvert is not sufcient in size and during high runof may pose potential risks to the road and fsh. Besides increasing stream fows, the new culvert incorporates stream simulation to improve the passage of fsh and other aquatic organisms. For more information, contact the West Fork Ranger District at (406) 821-3269 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/ bitterroot.
MINING: Sheep Creek mine potentially affected by federal policy changes
modifed regulatory requirements.
A client alert issued by the law frm King & Spalding states, “It’s worth noting that many of the statutory tools being employed in the EO have rarely been used at this scale to promote mining and mineral processing… With the administration’s new Executive Order, the critical minerals supply chain is being treated explicitly as a national defense issue. The primary takeaway is that projects and investments that were previously considered marginal or to have a challenging permitting path might now become viable with federal help.
“At the same time, businesses will need to navigate the environmental and regulatory tensions that remain – not all red tape can be cut with an Executive Order, and legal challenges to federal decisions are certain to crop up. And there is the question whether, given reductions in employee headcount the Administration has imposed at most Executive Branch agencies, the federal agencies charged with implementing the March 20 Executive Order will be equal to the task. The coming months will reveal how efectively these ambitious directives can be turned into shovels in the ground and new supply chains that truly reduce dependence on foreign minerals.”
All of this has sparked concerns among local conservation organizations about the potential development of the Sheep Creek Mine in the headwaters of the Bitterroot River up the West Fork.
Bitterroot Water Partnership, for instance, issued “An Unprecedented Alert” expressing its concern that the order could potentially reduce environmental reviews and stating that a mine in the headwaters of the Bitterroot would pose a serious threat to our waters and our ways of life in the Bitterroot, and accelerating the review process would only amplify that risk. “We do not want the potential Sheep Creek mine on that priority list. We cannot aford a promisingly disastrous mine in the Headwaters of the Bitterroot,” states the alert.
The organization strongly advocates for other available options such as extracting rare earth elements from existing mine waste in Butte.
“This approach not only meets national needs, but helps clean up past pollution, ofering a better solution for people, health, nature, and economies.”
Bitterroot Trout Unlimited has echoed the BWP’s concerns, stating in a recent newsletter that “our main concern is the mine’s location in the Bitterroot headwaters. The risks to our water, agriculture, and fsheries are too high. If developed, this mine would wreak unimaginable damage on the landscape and likely degrade water quality and quantity along not only the West Fork, but the entire river.”
Bitterroot Clean Water Alliance has also come out strongly against putting the U.S. Critical Materials’ Sheep Creek Mine on the federal priority list, stating that the mining claims are in an unsuitable location for a large mining operation, because the risks to “our drinking water, agriculture, and the renowned Bitterroot fshery are unacceptable.”
“The Department of Defense is already involved in a project in Butte, extracting these minerals from existing mine waste. This is a more sensible approach, cleaning up existing pollution while meeting national needs. Prioritizing the Sheep Creek mine would disadvantage a Montana-based solution that is already underway,” said Philip Ramsey, spokesperson for the Alliance. “The Sheep Creek project is at a very early stage. There is no plan of operations, and exploratory drilling hasn’t begun. This project cannot meet any immediate national need for critical minerals. Rushing it through the permitting process makes no sense.”
Andy Roubik, President of the Bitterroot River Protection Association, said that his group has been concerned about the impacts of the proposed mine since it was frst proposed and had already instigated a water quality monitoring project in the area to gather information on the current status of two streams running through the area, Sheep Creek and Johnson Creek, as well as in the West Fork of the Bitterroot River above and below the mining claims.
“Initial results show that the streams and the river are in good condition,” said Roubik. He said initial testing for metals found nothing detectable in the water and only background levels in sediment.
“This area is home to some threatened macro-invertebrate species and to bull trout,” said Roubik. “We need to do everything we can to preserve the fsheries and the clean water that we currently have. The recreational, agricultural and real estate economies of the Bitterroot valley could all be seriously undermined by the kind of ecological devastation that historically accompanies these mining operations.”
When the list was made available, only one mine in Montana was on it. That mine is in the Cabinet Mountains near Troy.
West Fork District Ranger Dan Pliley said when contacted Monday morning that he was not able to
comment on anything concerning the mining proposal or any priority list and was told to refer all those questions to Public Afairs Ofcer Tod McKay. Phone calls to McKay and to the Supervisor’s Ofce and to the regional ofce in Missoula were all answered by messaging machines and no answer was received by press time. The Bitterroot National Forest website was also dysfunctional, with a message saying that it was undergoing repairs and would be made available as soon as possible. It too was not online by press time.
Sports
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Bitterroot Valley track results
The Bitterroot Valley track teams were spread out last week with events in Corvallis, Columbia Falls, and Missoula.
Sapphire Twilight Meet
Corvallis hosted Hamilton, Charlo, Columbia Falls, Dillon, and Polson in the Sapphire Twilight Meet on Tuesday, April 15th. This unique annual event starts late in the afternoon and fnishes under the lights. There were some impressive midseason marks at the meet.
Individually for Hamilton, Evan Bennett won the boys 400m in a time of 49.58, which broke a 30 year old Hamilton high school record for the 400m. Aubrey Korst won the girls pole vault, clearing 12-03, which is the highest vault this year in Montana by a girl in any class. Annalise Lewis won the 800m (2:17.10). Aleigha Child won the 3200m (11:41.28). London Provencher won the high jump (5-01). Lily Apedaile won the girls triple jump (33-09.75). Individually for Corvallis, Ledge Conner won the high jump with a jump of 6-05, which is the highest jump in Montana this year regardless of class. Hunter Loesch won the javelin (19304). Loesch’s best throw this season (204-4) is the 6th best throw in the nation. Jillian Huls won the girls 100m (12.89) and 200m (26.66). Ella Varner won the girls long jump (16-02.5). Solomon Morgan won the boys 100m (11.21) and 200m (22.42). Braden Anderson won the boys 800m (2:04.74). Jack Davidson won the boys 1600m (4:28.15). Marrek Jessop won the boys 3200m (10:18.23). Stuart Brennan won the boys 110m hurdles (14.76).
Iceberg Invite
The Stevensville track team competed at the Columbia Falls Iceberg Invitational on Thursday, April 17. The Yellowjacket girls team took 3rd. For Stevensville, Sophia Hutchison won the triple jump (33-05) and the long jump (16-01). Scarlett Gard won the javelin (105-07). Reagan Johnstone took 2nd in the 100m (13.16) and the triple jump (33-01). The 4x400 relay team of
from top, Corvallis’s Ledge Conner won the high jump with a jump of 6-05 at the Sapphire Twilight Meet. This is the highest jump in Montana this year regardless of class.
Florence’s Kyler Harris won both the 800m and the 1600m at the Seeley Invite in Missoula on Friday, April 18.
Corvallis’s Hunter Loesch took 1st in the javelin at the Sapphire Twilight Meet in Corvallis on Tuesday, April 15. Loesch’s best throw this season (204-4) is the furthest throw in Montana this year and the 6th best in the nation.
Florence, Darby and Victor joined over 30 area high schools at the Seeley Invitational in Missoula on Friday, April 18. The Florence boys team took 1st place at the meet, while the Florence girls took 4th. The Darby girls took 7th, and the Darby boys took 18th. Individual results for the Florence boys, Isaac Bates won the 100m (11.28) and the 400m (51.55), and took 2nd in the 200m (22.86). Kyler Harris won both the 800m (2:04.67) and the 1600m (4:32.9). Bridger Alexander took 2nd in the shot put (45-09). CJ Pijanowski took 3rd in the 3200m (10:13.63). Riley Reeves took 6th in both the 100m (11.52) and the 200m (23.48).
Individual results for the Florence girls, Madigan Hurlbert took 1st in the 100m (15.53) and 5th in the 800m (2:33.36). Brinley Skaggs took 2nd in the high jump (4-10) and the long jump (16-01.50). Bailey Kroeker took 2nd in the 200m (26.85). Sophia Stiegler took 3rd in the triple jump (32-08.50). Aislynn Cambell took 6th in the long jump (15-01.50). Maddy Ondrasek took 6th in the 3200m (14:15.88).
Individual results for Darby girls, Natalie Anderson took 1st in the 300m hurdles (48.86), 2nd in the 100m hurdles, and 6th in the 200m (27.88). The 4x400 girls relay team of Ella Bush, Ki-
ahna Hirmann, Lily Adair, and Natalie Anderson took 1st (4:22.30). Lily Adair took 3rd in the 1600m (5:41.39) and 4th in the 3200m (13:06.01). Kiahna Hirmann took 5th in the 100m (17.38).
Individual results for Darby boys,
McCoy Townsend, Ben Martin, Quintin Woirhaye and Gavin Miller took 2nd (3:37.11).
Bitterroot Valley softball scores
Stevensville slides past Hamilton Stevensville hosted Bitterroot Valley rival Hamilton on Friday, April 18. The two teams were evenly matched and the game refected this as Stevensville defeated Hamilton 10-9 in nine innings.
Hamilton led 5-2 going into the 5th inning, then Stevensville scored 7 runs to take a 9-5 lead. Hamilton then scored 4 runs over the next two innings to send the game to extra innings. In the bottom of the 9th inning, Stevensville’s Lilly Newsom hit a double, scoring Jaidan Oyler for the walk of 10-9 win.
For Stevensville, Oyler and Newsom both went 3 for 5, scored two runs, and had an RBI. Molly Davids went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs. Olivia Hanson went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs, and
Kenzi Frost went 2 for 3 with an RBI.
For Hamilton, Thea Jackson went 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs, Mel Race went 2 for 5 with 2 RBIs, and Addison Flynn, Kennidi Cooper and Casey Kennedy each had RBIs.
Hamilton Hamilton hosted Dillon on Tuesday, April 15, and lost 0-1 in a pitcher’s duel - there were only 5 total hits in the game. Hamilton pitcher Mariah Johnson only allowed 3 hits and struck out 12 batters. At the plate for Hamilton, Johnson and Kennidi Cooper each had hits.
Stevensville
Stevensville traveled to Butte Central on Tuesday, April 15, and won 100. Stevensville pitcher Maddix Yeager got the shutout win, striking out 6 and
only allowing 3 hits. At the plate for Stevensville, Lilly Newsom went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs. Olivia Hanson went 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs. Maddix Yeager went 1 for 3 with an RBI.
Florence
On Tuesday, April 15, Florence went to Deer Lodge for a doubleheader and won by a total of 39-0. In the frst game they won 22-0 in three innings. Florence pitchers Kenzy Pickering and Elizabeth Camp didn’t allow a hit. At the plate for Florence, Ava Philbrick went 4 for 4, scored 4 runs, and had 5 RBIs, Kaylee Crawford went 3 for 3, scored 3 runs, and had 3 RBIs. Jayden Fisher went 3 for 4, scored 3 runs, and had 3 RBIs.
In the second game, Florence won 17-0 in three innings. Florence pitchers Jayden Fisher and Elizabeth Camp
didn’t allow a hit. At the plate, Maggie Schneiter went 2 for 2, scored 2 runs, and had 2 RBIs. Lily Bender went 1 for 1 with 2 RBIs, and Reilley Reed and Taylor Pyette each had RBIs.
On Saturday, April 19, Florence played at Three Forks and Ennis. In the Three Forks game Florence won 3-1. Florence pitcher Kenzy Pickering struck out 10 batters and allowed only 3 hits to get the win. At the plate, Maggie Schneiter went 2 for 4 with an RBI, and Kaylee Crawford and Morghan Adams each scored runs.
In the Ennis game, Florence won 15-3. Florence pitcher Jayden Fisher struck out 9 in the win. At the plate, Taylor Pyette went 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs, Maggie Schneiter went 3 for 5 and scored 3 runs, Lacie Larson went 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs, and Lily Bender went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs.
Florence girls win Tobacco Valley Invite
Ben Martin took 4th in the 3200m (10:19.72) and 6th in the 1600m (4:41.03). The 4x400m team of
The Darby and Florence golf teams were in Eureka on Wednesday, April 16 and Thursday, April 17 for the Tobacco Valley Invitational.
The Florence girls team of Kipley Solari, Lacie Ketelhut, Lexi Danczyk, and Alyx Monaco continued their winning ways and won the tournament by 46 strokes. The Florence boys team of Brody
Duchien, Rollie Fisher, Ian McLean, and RJ Moody took 2nd place. The Darby girls team of Brenna Bush, Georgia Fisher, Hayden Pelkey, and Nayla Schmeid took 4th.
Individually for the Florence girls, Kipley Solari took 3rd, Lacie Ketelhut took 7th, Lexi Danczyk
took 9th, and Alyx Monaco took 14th. Individually for the Darby girls, Brenna Bush took 18th, Georgia Fisher took 22nd, Hayden Pelkey took 26th, and Nayla Schmeid took 29th. Individually for the Florence boys, Brody Duchien took 2nd, Ian McLean took 7th, Rollie Fisher took 8th, and RJ Moody took 25th.
Clockwise
Photos by Scott Sacry.
Sports Hamilton and Stevi tussle in tennis
The Hamilton tennis team hosted Stevensville on Thursday, April 17 on a day that featured both sun and snow. In the boys matches, Stevensville won 4-3, while in the girls matches, Hamilton won 5-2.
Boys singles Angus Trangmoe (S) def. Carden Nelson (H) 6-2, 6-1. Riccardo Slanzi (S) def. Jackson Kirkbride (H) 7-6 (4), 6-2. Jeremy Madruga (S) def. Cash Hawkes (H) 6-0. 6-0. Tony Brown (S) def. Brayden Duce (H) 8-5.
Boys doubles Finn Dufresne/Jason Chaplin (H) def. Jake Gavlak/Silas Seibert (S) 6-1, 6-4. Daniel Simmerman/Kaden Carroll (H) def. Spencer Moore/Drake Tully (S) 6-0, 6-1. Josh Bender/Marion Sasse (H) def. Edward Brewussou/Jeremiah St. Germain (S) 6-2, 6-3.
Bitterroot area baseball roundup
Hamilton defeats Corvallis
Hamilton hosted Corvallis on Tuesday, April 15, in a battle of Bitterroot rivals and the Broncs won 6-0. Hamilton pitchers Jackson Lubke and Cash Lawrence combined for a 4-hit shutout. At the plate for Hamilton, Atticus Southwell hit a two-run home run. Jude Widmer went 2 for 4 and scored 2 runs, and Brady DeMoss went 1 for 3 with an RBI.
For Corvallis, Owen Marston went 2 for 2, and Reese Earp and Jake Leavitt each went 1 for 3.
Corvallis
On Friday, April 18, Corvallis played Polson in Missoula and lost 4-10. For Corvallis, Owen Marston hit 2 triples
and scored 2 runs, and Adrian Cardullo and Maurice Craun each had RBIs.
On Saturday they played Frenchtown in Missoula and lost 3-13. For Corvallis, Bridger Huddleston went 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs.
Hamilton
On Thursday, April 17, Hamilton played Columbia Falls in Missoula and won 8-2. For Hamilton, Boedy Tadvick went 3 for 3 with an RBI, Cash Lawrence was money, going 3 for 4 with 3 RBIs, and Jackson Lubke went 2 for 5 and scored 2 runs.
On Friday, April 18, Hamilton played Dillon in Missoula and won 5-3. For Hamilton, Jude Widmer went 2 for 2 with 2 RBIs and Cooper Weston went 1 for 2 and scored 2 runs.
Florence
Florence hosted Missoula Big Sky on Wednesday, April 16, and lost 3-10. For Florence, Alden Crawford went 2 for 3 and scored a run.
On Thursday, April 17, Florence played Poslon in Missoula and lost 2-8. For Florence, Chase Wagner hit a solo home run and Caleb Katen scored a run and hit a double.
On Friday, April 18, Florence played Belgrade in Missoula and lost 0-11. Caleb Katen had the only hit for Florence.
Stevensville
Stevensville hosted Missoula Sentinel on Monday, April 14 and won 12-2. Stevensville pitcher Evan Montague got the win and struck out
10 batters. Montague also went 2 for 3, scored 2 runs and had an RBI. Exekiel Gardea went 4 for 4, scored 3 runs and had 2 RBIs, Jackson Guenzler went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, and McCoy Endres went 2 for 4, scored 2 runs and had an RBI.
On Friday, April 18, Stevensville played Ronan in Missoula and lost 6-11. For Stevensville, Joey Wheeler had a double and two RBIs and Kaden Wyant went 2 for 2 and scored a run.
On Saturday, April 19, Stevensville played in Missoula against Whitefsh and lost 8-9. For Stevensville, Joey Wheeler went 2 for 4, scored 2 runs and had 2 RBIs. Cole Germane went 2 for 3, scored 2 runs and had an RBI. Kaden Wyant and Jackson Guenzler each had RBIs.
Girls singles Tallulah Pinjuv (H) def. Tasia Rohbock (S) 6-0, 6-0. Ciara Hanley (H) def. Kirrah Anderson (S) 6-0, 6-0. Alexis Anson (H) def. Margaret Kuntz (S) 6-2, 6-4. Gracelyn Godfrey (S) def. Panni Kari (H) 6-4, 6-2.
Hamilton tennis player Finn Dufresne jumps to hit the ball. Dufresne and doubles partner Jason Chaplin defeated the Stevensville doubles team of Jake Gavlak and Silas Seibert on Thursday, April 17 in Hamilton. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Anna Christine Zech
Anna Christine Zech, 38, daughter of Steve and Suzie Zech of Corvallis went home to be with Jesus on March 28, 2025.
Anna - grace/favor. Christine - follower of Christ. Over the years Anna gained many nicknames: Anna-boo, Anna Banana, Toots-Fritz, Miss Fritz, Miss Toots, Tootsie, Twinkle Toes, Sugar Pie, Punkin, Piglet, Little Monkey, Spider Monkey, Chunky Monkey, Drama Queen, Peanut, Precious, Honey, Little Miss, Angel, Girlie, Ann, Nann, Banana, Annie, Drooley Puss, Drool Bug, Cutie-Patootie, Bugga Boo, Anna Baloo, Anna Girl, Sweetcakes, Sweet Potato, Snortster, Stinky Buns, Anna Bug, Lady Bug, Love Bug, Miss Froofroo, You Hoo, but most: Beloved Daughter and Sister.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.” Ps 116:15
If you met her for any length of time during the life of our Anna on this earth, you walked with us. Whether it was 15 minutes or 30+ years, you walked with us. Her sights were always and only ever set forward, heaven bound. As believers we are called toward heaven; to run our race and live wholly for Jesus Christ. Anna was the purest form of the Christian life. She was heaven bound and had no worries in this life that we experience. She had no ties, or commitments, or concerns, or distractions, or sins that would pull her attention away from her true home, heaven. She was in a constant motion
“forward”, Heaven Bound, even though she never took a step on this world. We just kept up with her heart.
There has been no pain or agony in her reaching heaven, but there is an utter emptiness. We were here to help her reach her goal. It was a goal that we prepared for our entire lives, and the sweetness of the Holy Spirit to gently walk us with her to the gate and see her through was one of the most precious, surreal, and indescribable moments that we will be eternally grateful for, and never, ever, ever want to forget. Jesus, please burn those last moments forever in our minds and hearts.
“And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the living creatures and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands; saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.” Rev 5:11-12
The Lord saved her voice for Himself. He is enjoying her sweet voice joined with all the throng of heaven... and we have no doubt she will have an innumerable amount of solos! We can’t wait to hear...
Anna is survived by her parents Steve and Suzie Zech and sister Mandy Zech of Corvallis, MT. Sister Emily and husband Sam Euker, brother Dylan Zech
Laura Inez Running Instness
Laura Inez Running Instness, 102, left her earthly home to join other loved ones in her Heavenly home on Friday, April 4, 2025.
Laura was preceded in death by her parents, Robert E. and Emma Melissa Schad Baker; her husbands, L. Willard Running and Lyle J. Instness; her siblings, Earl Baker, Kenneth Baker, Eunice Johnson, Dorothy Krohmer, Robert (Bob) Baker and (Dick) Richard (Shirley) Baker; her granddaughter, Julie Heim; great-granddaughter, Hannah Jenson and great-grandson, Zachariah Silvah.
Laura’s surviving relatives include her brother, Donald Baker of Bonner’s Ferry, ID; her four children, Lauraine W. Bourne of Hamilton, MT, Sheila M. (Darrell) Heim of Williamsburg, VA, Wanda L. Johnson of Hamilton, MT/Othello, WA and son, (Bill) Willard L. (Elaine) Running, farmers from the Galata, MT area; 3 step-children, Dennis Instness of Rio Linda, CA, Richard (Julie) Instness of Citrus Heights, CA and Jeannine (Robert) Rath of Auburn, CA. Laura has 11 surviving grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 8 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her beloved niece, Mary Baker Johnson, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews. Also, she will be dearly missed
Death Notices
Othel Lee Newman
Corvallis - Othel Lee Newman, 78, of Corvallis passed away Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at his home of natural causes. No formal services will be held at this time. Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com.
Steve Robertson Florence - Steve Robertson, 73, passed away at home after a long battle with COPD. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com.
by very close friends, Nancy Bach Bussiere, Becky Grimm and Ruth Casey, along with numerous other friends.
Laura was born in Froid, MT on July 15, 1922. Upon her marriage to Willard Running on January
Josephine C. Zichterman Hamilton - Josephine C. Zichterman, 93, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Wednesday April 16, 2025 at Beehive Homes in Hamilton. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com.
Lora J. Cree Missoula - Lora J. Cree, 67, of Hamilton, passed away peacefully late Tuesday evening, April 15, 2025 at Community Medical Center. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com.
9, 1942, she moved to Williston, ND. Laura worked as a nurse’s aid in the hospital nursery. She loved babies and dearly loved her job. In October of 1949, the family moved to our acreage in Northwest Montana. Laura always had a monstrous garden. It was a family afair to tend to the garden. Laura married her teenage boyfriend, Lyle Instness on April 2, 1988, bringing her to Hamilton, MT. The two loved playing music and singing at many venues in the Hamilton area. Lyle played guitar and Laura played the tambourine. In latter years, Laura loved attending the United Methodist American Baptist church. She also enjoyed going to the Hamilton Senior Center for lunches and visiting.
A funeral service will be held for Laura at the United Methodist American Baptist Church in Hamilton on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 2:00 pm with a reception following in the Daly-Leach Chapel Community Room. A graveside service will be held at the Grandview Cemetery in Bonner’s Ferry, ID on April 30, 2025 at 2:30 pm. This location will be Laura’s fnal resting place.
Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com.
Russell Hendrickson Missoula - Russell Hendrickson, 50, of Victor, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, April 13, 2025 at St. Patrick Hospital. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com
David Dean Hamilton - David Dean, 82, passed away suddenly on Monday, April 14, 2025. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
and wife Lisa, 5 nephews and 2 nieces of Stevensville, MT.
The date of her celebration of life is yet to be determined. The Zech family suggests memorials to: Global Christian Relief, globalchristianrelief.org
The christening of a Burkheimer
I drive a 32-year-old Dodge Dakota pickup with rumpled fender and cracked windshield.
I gets me around and I’m used to it; you might say I like it. It’s comfy enough and I keep it in sound mechanical shape. If it picks up a dent or a scratch I’m over it almost before it happens.
I’m not fnancially well of, but I live welland those are two diferent things. I stay within my means.
So far so good.
by Chuck Stranahan
Other men’s hobbies have been my life’s work, and that’s where it begins to look a little idiosyncratic. I have enough fy tying material stashed away in several places to stuf an outhouse-sized storage unit, and somewhere over thirty fy rods.
I’m just an eBay auction of a few collectable bamboos away from a newer pickup that outperforms mine and sits higher of the ground. Some guys get a sense of power from that.
My old truck is just fne; it suits me. And I like my fy rods, even though it’s been years since I’ve fshed a lot of them.
I understand why it might seem to others that the last thing I need or shouldn’t aford is a CF Burkheimer fy rod.
It’s a matter of priorities.
I’m way past justifying it; it’s enough that I wanted that particular rod and I dig it.
It’s nothing to do with the raised eyebrow and maybe an audible “Hmm” and unexpected awe and respect that comes with casually mentioning that I just took delivery on a Burkheimer, although I’ve come to dig that a little bit, too.
I learned fy rod taper and design from one of the best who ever lived – legendary bamboo rodmaker Walton Powell. That’s left me almost too knowledgeable and a little spoiled when it comes to understanding fy rods.
Kerry Burkheimer walked into my fy shop unannounced several years ago and we began talking fy rods. We’ve been friends since.
Today CF Burkheimer Fly Rods are made oneat-a-time by Kerry in Washougal Washington.
It takes a great caster to make a great fy rod. You have to know what you want to achieve - begin with that end in mind. It also takes an engineering mind and an artist’s set of hands. Kerry
brings all three to his craft.
Today a G.Loomis, Winston, Sage, or Orvis topends stick will cost you around a thousand dollars or more. A Burkheimer sells in the middle of that range.
That’s what I told my friend Lenita Hansen when she asked if I’d help surprise her husband of ffty years with an anniversary gift – new fy rod. She opted for the Burkheimer.
Kerry pushed his production to get that special rod out for Mike in time for his anniversary. It’s a thing of beauty. Thet’s before you string it up and cast it.
As Mike says, he learns more what the rod will do the more he fshes it.
Mike’s rod has a one-of-a-kind fnish, augmented by some special touches thrown in by Kerry. Fast-forward: The two are now personal friends.
A few days ago some friends joined me to celebrate the arrival of my Berkheimer 8’ 9” 5-weight in a particular action (Kerry builds two) – a rod that brings the best of what I learned from Old Man Powell into modern fbers. It looks dull compared to
Mike’s but the action is the same.
I broke out some Powell bamboos with actions to match Kerry’s graphites for our backyard casting session..
Everybody had a turn with the rods and suffered through my lectures on rod taper, design, and action.
The new rod received everybody’s blessing. A couple of my friends claimed to be better casters having made just a handful of casts with it. A great rod will make a better caster of you if you listen to it.
One of the things I love most in the world is casting dry fies in tricky situations to wild trout. New Burkie in hand this summer I’ll feel the rod do my bidding without pushing it or thinking much about it. I’ll simply paint the sky with a cast that compliments the curves of the current where it lands, and fnd a sublime delight in each moment where that happens.
At the end of the day I’ll drive home in my old truck and probably won’t think much about that, either.
It’s a matter of priorities.
Backyard casting, free. Bringing a Burkheimer perfectly into bend, priceless. Photo by Jim Weizel.
FRESH EGGS from Howell’s Happy Hens are back! $5.00/doz. Pick up at Bitterroot Star ofce, 115 W. 3rd, Suite 108, Stevensville.
THE ELKS LODGE is looking for a part time cook! Part time on Wednesdays and Fridays. Come work in a fun and friendly environment. Up to $17/hr. For information call (406)363-3031.
INDEPENDENT LIV-
ING SPECIALIST – Hamilton: Full-time, starting wage $19/hr. Position provides individual advocacy and resource development; information and referral;
skills training; facilitation of workshops; consumer service coordination, nursing home and youth transition; and other community integration services. Position conducts advocacy, outreach, and public education activities designed to improve service systems; increase public understanding of disability issues, improve community resources; and advance civil rights of people with disabilities. Job description and application at https:// www.summitilc.org/about/ employment. Contact: Alan Fugleberg, Deputy Director, 406-363-5424, Ext. 1.
LIFELINE FARM & CREAMERY is hiring for morning and evening milkers, along with other farm chores including husbandry. May also have hours at the Creamery. Please send a generic application to: lifelinefarm@msn.com
Or come by the Creamery to pick up/drop of an application at: 2427 Meridian Rd., Victor.
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SURGERY and sufered an infection due to use of a Bair Hugger (Blue Blanket), between 2020 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call attorney Charles H. Johnson 800/535-5727
PORTABLE OXYGEN
CONCENTRATOR May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-7621508
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Legal Notices
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Leland Morrisson, Leland Morrisson, Petitioner.
Cause No.: DV-25-79 Dept. 2
AMENDED NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Leland Morris Morrisson to Leland Morris Jessop.
The hearing will be on May 15, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 26th day of March, 2025.
/s/ Paige Trautwein
Clerk of District Court
/s/ Catherine di Gleria
Deputy Clerk of Court
BS 4-2, 4-9, 4-16, 4-2325.
MNAXLP
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Gay Esther Wilson, Gay Esther Wilson, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-412025-0000123-NC Dept. 1
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Gay Esther Wilson to Gayle Esther Wilson.
The hearing will be on May 14, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 26th day of March, 2025.
/s/ Paige Trautwein
Clerk of District Court
/s/ Sarah Sargent
Deputy Clerk of Court
BS 4-2, 4-9, 4-16, 4-2325.
MNAXLP
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Jaden A. Lundquist, Jaden A. Lundquist, Petitioner.
Cause No.: DV-25-119 Dept. 1
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Jaden Alexander Lundquist to Jaden Alexander Shrader.
The hearing will be on April 30, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 19th day of March, 2025.
/s/ Paige Trautwein
Clerk of District Court
/s/ Sarah Sargent
BS 4-2, 4-9, 4-16, 4-2325. MNAXLP
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF TERESA PATRIA VERWORN, Deceased.
Probate No.: DP-202539 Dept. No.: 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Brodie Vernworn has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said Decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Brodie Verworn, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Montana Legacy Law, PLLC, 178 South 2nd
St., Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
BS 4-9, 4-16, 4-23-25. MNAXLP
Megan S. Winderl
CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C. 99 Marcus Street, 3rd FL Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 218-4888 meganw@cwlawmt.com pleadings@cwlawmt. com
Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY
In the Matter of the Estate of Jefrey Walter Demme, Deceased.
Probate No. DP-412025-4
Dept. No. 2
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Susan Demme Birkenbuel, the Personal Representative, in care of CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C., 99 Marcus St. 3rd FL, Hamilton, MT 59840 or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct.
Dated this 24th day of March, 2025.
/s/ Susan Demme Birkenbuel
Personal Representative CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C.
Attorney for Personal Representative By: Megan S. Winderl BS 4-9, 4-16, 4-23-25. MNAXLP
Kyle J. Workman
State Bar No. 65442127 WORKMAN LAW, PLLC P.O. Box 1167 Hamilton, MT 59840 T: (406) 802-2198 kyle@workmanlawmt. com courts@workmanlawmt. com
Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: BRUCE CAMERON BARBER, Deceased.
Probate No. DP-412025-0000017-FI
Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice, or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to John Barber, the Personal Representative, in care of WORKMAN LAW, PLLC, P.O. Box 1167, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana the foregoing is true and correct.
Dated this 2nd day of April, 2025.
/s/ John Barber Workman Law, PLLC
By: Kyle J. Workman
Attorney for Personal Representative BS 4-9, 4-16, 4-23-25.
MNAXLP
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)
Westhouse
Exterior Painting and Wood Repairs
The Ravalli County Board of Commissioners are soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP’s) for Exterior Painting and wood repairs for 1404 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, Montana (Westhouse).
The Request for Proposal and Specifcations for this proposed project include the following items:
1. Painting contractor to repair all damaged trim board, repair or replace damaged siding, prime, paint or stain as required. This work will require ladders or high lift to get to the peaks of the roof.
Please include with your bid/proposal:
1. Your business name, contact name, address, phone number, email and Tax ID #; along with your insurance information.
2. Your estimated completion time line.
3. Costs
4. Equipment
Sealed proposals, clearly marked on the outside envelope “Westhouse”, must be received by the Ravalli County Clerk & Recorder at the County Administrative Center, 215 South Fourth Street, Suite “C”, Hamilton, Montana, 59840, no later than 4:00 PM, MST on Friday, May 02, 2025. The proposals received will be publicly opened on Tuesday, May 06, 2025 and read aloud at 9:30 AM, MST by the Board of County Commissioners in the Commissioners Conference Room located at 215 S. 4th Street, (third foor), Hamilton, MT. Award of bid may or may not occur immediately following. BS 4-16, 4-23-25.
MNAXLP
OG-25-04-153
LEGAL NOTICE
Willo 4 Subdivision, (4-Lot Minor Subdivision); Subdivision Case # 202405, Tax ID: 346970. The proposal is a 4-lot minor subdivision on 4.08 acres with one variance request. The subdivision gains access from Willoughby Lane (County Maintained) and Tamara Jean Lane (Privately Maintained). The subject property is located in SW ¼ of Section 14, NE ¼ of Section 22, NW ¼ of Section 23, Township 8 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana. The applicant is Jef Jessop on behalf of Aspen Acres LLC and is represented by Professional Consultants Inc. There variance applies to RCSR Chapter 12-2.D.2. No lot shall be divided by a roadway easement. Information describing the proposal is available for inspection at the Planning Department, in the County Administrative Center, 215 S. 4th St., Suite F, Hamilton, MT 59840. Written comments are encouraged to be submitted to the Planning Department prior to the below meeting, and will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC).
The BCC will hold a Public Hearing on the proposal on May 7th, 2025, at 1:00 p.m., in the County Administrative Center (BCC Conference Room, 3rd Floor). The BCC will also accept verbal or written comments from the public. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the BCC may make a fnal decision on the subdivision proposal. The public may comment verbally, or in writing, at the meeting. Comments and information submitted at the public meeting/hearing will be considered in the decision on the subdivision. However, please note that only under select circumstances will new
information be allowed into the record after the public hearing.
BS 4-16, 4-23-25.
MNAXLP
PUBLIC HEARING
Annexation of Properties Into the Victor Rural District (Application No. 224) THE RAVALLI COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS will hold a public hearing on Thursday, May 08, 2025 at 10:30 AM in the Commissioners Conference Room located at the Ravalli County Administrative Center at 215 S. 4th Street (3rd foor) Hamilton, Montana. The purpose of this public hearing is to hear a petition submitted by Teresa Burris-Jordan, Parcel #s 854990 and 854980); along with owners of Parcel #’s 854970 (Satter) 856019 (Coble); 854900 (Stockard Trust); 8655900 (Stockard); 856013 (Flowers); 856016 (Bennett); 856053 (Kuklo Trust); 856014 (Larsen Trust) and 856015 (Ron Wirth Trust); that their properties be annexed into the Victor Rural Fire District with decision by Resolution.
BS 4-23, 4-30-25.
MNAXLP
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LOLA GERTRUDE GRENFELL, Deceased.
Probate No.: DP-202521 Dept. No.: 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Douglas Grenfell and Michael Grenfell have been appointed co-Personal Representatives 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 Douglas Grenfell and Michael Grenfell, the co-Personal Representatives, 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 4-23, 4-30, 5-7-25.
MNAXLP
Hon. Jennifer B. Lint District Judge, Dept. 2 Twenty-First Judicial District Ravalli County Courthouse 205 Bedford Street Hamilton Mt 59840 MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: KENNETH MARTIN OLSON, Deceased. Cause No. DP-41-202542 Dept. No. 2
ORDER SETTING TIME AND PLACE OF HEARING
The Petition of Kyle Olson for Formal Probate of Will, Adjudication of Intestacy, Determination of Heirs, And Appointment of Personal Representative having come before the Court: IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that on the 15th day of May 2025, at 1:30 p.m., at the courtroom of said Court be, and the same is hereby appointed the time and place for the hearing of said Petition, and any interested person may appear and contest the same or object to the appointment of Petitioner as Personal Representative. IT IS FURTHERED ORDERED that the Petitioner give notice of said hearing in the manner prescribed by § 72-1-301, MCA (2023), to all persons entitled to
notice pursuant to § 72-3305, MCA (2023), and to all persons who have fled a demand for notice pursuant to § 72-3-106, MCA (2023). ELECTRONICALLY DATED AND SIGNED BELOW
Dated this 16th day of April, 2025. /s/ Hon. Judge Jennifer B. Lint /s/ Paige Trautwein, Clerk
William J. Nelson, Esq. Nelson Law Ofce PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840 Telephone: (406) 3633181 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: RONARD LEE BAXTER, Deceased. Cause No. DP-2024-99
Dept. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Laura Lu Baxter, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Ofce PLLC , 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
DATED this 18th day of April 2025. /s/ William J. Nelson Attorney for Personal Representative /s/ Laura Lu Baxter Personal Representative BS 4-23, 4-30, 5-7-25. MNAXLP
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS (RFQ) PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES BITTER ROOT IRRIGATION DISTRICT
The Bitter Root Irrigation District (BRID) is soliciting professional services for BRID activities, including, but not limited to: planning, studies, design, construction, cost estimating, rate studies, grant writing, preparation and administration of grant applications, support of BRID maintenance activities, evaluation of issues/concerns related to BRID facilities, selection of materials for repairs or improvements, and general engineering consultation with staf and the commissioners. The BRID intends to select one or more engineering frms to provide services.
SUBMITTAL FORMAT AND PROPOSAL CON-
TENT:
Five hard copies of the Statement of Qualifcations must be submitted to: Bitterroot Irrigation District John Crowley, Manager 1182 Lazy J. Lane Corvallis, MT 59828 Phone 406-961-1182
Responses will be received no later than 5:00 PM (local time) on (May 12, 2025) in a sealed envelope clearly marked on the outside “SOQ for BRID On-Call Services”. Legibility, clarity, and completeness are essential. The proposal must be organized in accordance with this section. Brevity is appreciated by the BRID staf reviewing the proposals. The proposal may not exceed 20 pages and
font size shall be 11 point or larger. Covers, cover letter dividers, and table of contents are not included in the page count. Key personnel resumes (1 page limit per person) shall be included as Appendix A and are not included in the page count. When using double sided printing, each side of the page is counted as one page. A proposal exceeding the specifed number of pages may be considered non-responsive, and the proposal may not be considered.
The proposals shall contain the following information at a minimum:
1. The frm’s legal name, address, and telephone number (0 points)
2. Qualifcations of professional personnel to be assigned to the project and a general description of company resources relevant to irrigation projects (40 points)
3. Related experience on similar irrigation projects, including the name and phone number of a local ofcial knowledgeable, regarding the frm’s performance (reference) (20 points)
4. Recent and current work for BRID (5 points)
5. Location (15 points)
6. Present and projected workloads and (10 points)
7. Capability to meet time and project budget requirements (10 points). Selection will be based on a review of the submitted SOQ, a determination that the frm(s) have the ability to meet the needs of the District, and that the frm will bring the greatest beneft to BRID in the opinion of the commissioners.
GENERAL INFORMATION: BRID may select one or more frms submitting SOQS. BRID may select one or more frms based on information in the submitted SOQ or may elect to conduct interview with preferred frms. BRID may elect to enter into a Master Services Agreement with the selected frm(s) and carry out work through a series. of task orders to defne scope and budget for discrete tasks or may use a project specifc contract that includes scope and budget to carry out work.
BRID reserves the right to reject any or all statements of qualifcation and re-advertise, to waive any irregularities in the statements of qualifcation, and to accept the statement of qualifcation that best benefts BRID. BRID reserves the right to negotiate agreements based on fair and reasonable compensation for the scope of work and services proposed as well as the right to reject any and all proposals deemed unqualifed, unsatisfactory or inappropriate. All proposals become the property of the BRID. BRID is not responsible for any costs associated with preparing qualifcation statements in response to this RFQ. Questions should be directed to John Crowley, BRID Manager, 406-9611182. BS 4-23, 4-30-25.
MNAXLP
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS RAVALLI COUNTY, MONTANA PRELIMINARY ARCHITECTURAL REPORT FOR BITTERROOT FOOD INNOVATION CENTER IN HAMILTON, MT The Ravalli County Economic Development Authority (RCEDA) is requesting interested persons/frms to submit their qualifcations for providing architectural services for the Bitterroot Food Innovation Center (BFIC). Five copies of the Proposals shall be delivered by 4:00 p.m. MST on May 16, 2025 to
Old Corvallis Road, Suite A, Hamilton, Montana 59840.
A Copy of the Full Request for Qualifcations may be obtained at the Ravalli County Economic Development Authority, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Suite A, Hamilton, MT, 59840 telephone at (406) 375-9416 or via e-mail at julie@rceda.org
Disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs) are encouraged to apply.
This RFQ was issued on April 23, 2025. RCEDA and its agents reserve the right to amend, modify, or withdraw this RFQ at any time and without notice and without liability to any applicant or other parties for their expenses in the preparation of an application or otherwise.
SECTION 3 OF THE HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT ACT OF 1968
Consistent with the requirements of Section 3 of the federal Housing and Community Development Act of 1968, to the greatest extent feasible, opportunities for training and employment arising in connection with project activities will be extended to local lower-income residents. Further, to the greatest extent feasible, business concerns located in or substantially owned by residents of the project area will be utilized.
Opportunities for contracting will be extended to minority, women-owned, and disadvantaged (“DBE/ MBE/WBE”) businesses.
DBE/MBE/WBE frms are encouraged to register on Montana’s DBE Registry at https://app.mdt.mt.gov/essdbe/ Registrants will receive targeted outreach for opportunities pertaining to assisted projects that are covered by DBE/MBE/WBE.
SCOPE OF WORK:
The proposed scope of work includes professional services related to the preliminary design and cost estimate for the BFIC. The PAR will serve as a basis for a grant application to federal and State loan and grant programs, including, but not limited to, Community Devel-
opment Block Grant, USDA Rural Development, as well as other programs, to assist with construction funding.
Following Design and Cost, the selected consultant may also be asked at the discretion of the RCEDA to assist in completion of the Uniform Environmental Checklist and Deliverable of the PAR in the acceptable CDBG documentation and format. At the sole discretion of the RCEDA, the consultant selected for the PAR may be retained to provide professional services for additional grant writing, development of a fnal construction design, preparing construction bid documents, assist in bidding the project, and monitoring construction activities, including related grant administration and management. Any of these additional services would require negotiations of contract addendums if outside the initially agreed upon scope of work for this project.
It is anticipated that the work will be completed in two phases as follows:
Phase 1 (70% Design and Cost): The persons/ frm selected will provide consultative and architectural services necessary to design and provide cost estimates for the BFIC.
Phase 2 (30%): Completion of the Uniform Environmental Checklist and Deliverable of the PAR in the acceptable and following the CDBG Application Guidelines for Housing, Public Facilities & Economic Development Planning Grants (guideline to be provided by RCEDA). The services to be provided will include the preparation of the Uniform Environmental Checklist as found in the latest version at the following website: https://commerce.mt.gov/ Housing/Community-Housing/Uniform-Application
SUBMITTAL OF PROPOSALS
Proposals will be opened at 4:30 a.m. MST on May 16, 2025 at RCEDA, 274 Old Corvallis Road, Conference Room, Hamilton, Montana
59840.
All questions concerning the request or scope of work should be directed to RCEDA, Julie Foster, 274 Old Corvallis Rd., Hamilton, MT, (406) 375-9416, julie@rceda. org.
On the outside of the envelope write: BFIC RFQ
This request for proposals is being ofered in accordance with the State of Montana statutes governing the procurement of professional services. RCEDA reserves the right to negotiate an agreement based on fair and reasonable compensation commensurate with the scope of the work and the services proposed, as well as the right to reject any and all responses deemed to be unqualifed, incomplete, unsatisfactory or inappropriate.
BS 4-23, 4-30-25.
MNAXLP
INVITATION TO BID
STEVENSVILLE AIRPORT
STEVENSVILLE, MONTANA
The Town of Stevensville, Montana is formally requesting bids for construction services for the Pavement Rehabilitation at the Stevensville Airport. The Town will select one contractor based on the lowest, responsive, and responsible bid submittal that fts within their budget. Parties interested in submitting a bid for this project should contact Tyler Reed with Morrison-Maierle at treed@m-m.net<mailto:treed@m-m.net> or by calling (406) 542.4888. Hard copy bids will be accepted until 5:00 pm local time on Monday May 12th, 2025, at the Stevensville Town Hall, 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, Montana 59870. Bids will be publicly opened at 5:30 pm local time on Monday, May 12th, 2025, at the Stevensville Town Council Meeting. The full invitation to bid may be see on Morrison-Maierle’s website at www.m-m.net<http://www.m-m.net> (under heading of “About” and “Projects Bidding”). Contract docu-
ments will be available for download on the QuestCDN online bidding service (www. QuestCDN.com<http:// www.QuestCDN.com>); the QuestCDN project number is: 9557792. The Town of Stevensville, Montana is formally requesting bids for construction services for the Pavement Maintenance at the Stevensville Airport. The Town will select one contractor based on the lowest, responsive, and responsible bid submittal that fts within their budget. Parties interested
in submitting a bid for this project should contact Tyler Reed with Morrison-Maierle at treed@m-m.net<mailto:treed@m-m.net> or by calling (406) 542.4888. Hard copy bids will be accepted until 5:00 pm local time on Monday May 12th, 2025, at the Stevensville Town Hall, 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, Montana 59870. Bids will be publicly opened at 5:30 pm local time on Monday, May 12th, 2025, at the Stevensville Town Council Meeting. The full invitation to bid may be see on Morri-
NOTICE OF ELECTION
son-Maierle’s website at www.m-m.net<http://www.m-m.net> (under heading of “About” and “Projects Bidding”). Contract documents will be available for download on the QuestCDN online bidding service (www. QuestCDN.com<http:// www.QuestCDN.com>); the QuestCDN project number is: 9557796. Jenelle Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 4-23, 4-30, 5-7-25. MNAXLP
Notice is hereby given that the following elections will be conducted solely by mail ballot:
• Florence-Carlton School District No. 15-6 Trustee Election
• Hamilton School District No. 3 Trustee and Bond Election
• Corvallis Rural Fire District Levy Election*
• Darby Rural Fire District Trustee Election*
• Sula Rural Fire District Trustee Election*
• Victor Park District Trustee Election
Ballots will be mailed to all eligible registered voters in the districts on April 18, 2025, and must be returned to the County Election Administrator, Ravalli County Administrative Building, 215 South 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, Montana 59840, no later than 8 PM on May 6, 2025.
For voters dropping off their ballot, a DRIVE-THRU BALLOT BOX will be available at the north entrance of the Ravalli County Administrative Building (215 S 4th Street, Hamilton) between April 21 and May 5 (excluding weekends) from 10 AM to 4 PM. On Election Day, hours are 8 AM to 8 PM.
ON ELECTION DAY ONLY: A secondary ballot drop-off site is available for all elections listed above. Drop site location: Florence-Carlton School District Office, 5602 Old Hwy 93, Florence, from 7 AM to 8 PM.
All electors, as defined in Title 13, who reside in the District, are eligible to vote in the elections.
*All electors, as defined in Title 7-33-2106(4), who hold title to lands within a Rural Fire District are eligible to vote in a fire district election.
Early preparation and reconciliation of mail ballots will be held on May 2, 2025 at approximately 10 AM, in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. Continuation of early preparation and reconciliation of mail ballots, as well as the early counting of ballots, will be conducted on May 5, 2025, at approximately 10 AM, in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. Public is welcome to observe.
Beginning at approximately 11 AM on Election Day, May 6, 2025, ballots will be opened, reconciled, and counted by a counting center board in the basement of the Ravalli County Courthouse, 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton. No results will be released until after the polls close at 8 PM.
Dated this 2nd day of April, 2025
Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550
