ROBERT: foundation to complete new trail by end of spring
who told him it might have been their only way to help, not knowing what else to do. For Phil and the family, this switched on a light bulb.
The Leonardi family took that money to found the Play Like Robert Foundation,
with the goal of creating safe spaces for children and families to play. They then applied to the state for a $1.7 million grant to connect Antigone Drive and Golf Course Road to Daly School. This was going to be done in several phases and this frst grant required a match of $300,000. That would be phase one, which is still in the works.
“Our foundation provides resources to make an impact upon our children’s lives and our local communities,” states the organization’s website, and according to Phil, “All of this is in Robert’s spirit.”
Phil spoke about their mission, saying, “We bring people together through the spirit of play and trying.” Their organization has donated basketball hoops, scoreboards, shot clocks, school uniforms and more. It has also helped with projects all over the valley.
trail is heavily used and beloved, said Phil.
It was then approved, in a recent Ravalli County Commissioner’s meeting, for phase three, which it hopes to fnish by early July this year. This new stretch will connect the intersection, past Canyon’s Athletic Club, and down to RAL Trail. The two pieces will complete a loop.
Once this piece is added, it will bring the trail length up to two and a half miles. According to Phil, the reason they will be able to complete this third phase so early is because the project is being completely funded by the foundation. It will also go across a feld that is public, owned by the county through the airport. The nonproft is allowed the use of the space to build the trail, which will then connect through approved private land chunks. All this means the project is getting done quickly, which Phil is proud of. “We are going to get it done.”
Done out of order, the Play Like Robert Foundation completed phase two of its master project: the RAL Trail, which stretches over a mile, in the middle of the two proposed points. This
The RAL Trail and this new trail are both going to be gravel. The phase 1 section, which is still in the works, will be paved. In total, once all phases are complete, the trail should stretch around four miles, and may connect to another half mile of city trail as well. The last piece should bring the trail right up to Daly School.
This new approved stretch will bring it all home for Phil, literally. The intersection where the tragedy happened is right in front of his house.
“I’ve spent a lot of my life looking out my window, seeing where my son died. Now, I see people there.”
People, Phil added, who are now going to be
others safe, active and to turn the tragedy around. That is also why the family started the Robert’s Run race, a 5K and 10K, with one-mile and “Tri-Fecta” options, for those looking for a challenge. The race takes place late in the summer. This year, it will fall on August 1. Phil said the Leonardis are a family of coaches and love working with youth and families. This run is the biggest event of the year for the foundation. For the family, they were determined to create something easy, that everyone could participate in, at whatever level they are. The family came up with the run, and Phil said, “It’s easy to just walk it, do it with a family and even try to win,” and, “some people are incredibly competitive.”
The first run drew over 100 people, which was completely unexpected. The event last year brought in over 1,200 people. Phil welcomes all and says it is a “fun, positive, high-energy day.” He added that at least part of the trail is always included in the run.
Phil wanted to add, “Our past is your path to the future,” which has been his motto for the project.
Run Like Robert is a nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization. This means sponsorships and donations are tax deductible, and the family welcomes all the help they can get,
Robert Leonardi. Photo courtesy Run Like Robert Foundation.
Donald Eugene Round Obituaries
Donald Eugene Round, 89, of Florence, died March 28, 2026, at St. Patrick Hospital, of complications from dementia. He was born on November 22,1936 in Little Falls, MN, to Peg and Harold Round. Childhood for Don included several moves prompted by his dad’s railway and construction jobs. He spent a great deal of time with his grandparents, uncles and many cousins in Minnesota and California. This extended family remained his priority, making the three year family reunion a highlight. Meeting and greeting the more than 100 people with his familiar quips. “Round guy with the square deal.” And “God loves you and so do I”. These “Donisms” (and many more) stay with us and help hold his memory.
On Sept 5, 1959, Don married Jaunita Faye Dryden. They lived in Colorado and California before landing in Florence, Montana in 1969. They had six children and were active in the Florence school community. Don served on the school board. Almost sixty seven years of marriage, they exemplifed commitment. Jaunita was an amazing comfort and caregiver to Don during his battle with dementia.
Don’s many hobbies all included something with nature. He was a faithful member of the Catholic Church and cultivated many friendships through his faith. He treasured his time at the Sycamore, a Catholic retreat in the Swan Valley.
Survivors include his wife, Jaunita, Missoula: two daughters and their families, Dawn Marie Freeman, Missoula, and Deanne (Darwin) Baker, Moscow: two sons and their families, Dennis (Robin) Round, Missoula, David (Pam) Round, Billings: one brother and his family, Tom (Karen) Round, Florence: two sister-in-laws and their families, Beverly Pepos, Great Falls, Ramona (Richard) Wroblewski, Appleton, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins, two aunts, 12 grandkids and 13 great grandkids.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Peg and Harold Round, One brother: Ray Round, One sister: Pat Miller, Two sons: Daniel Round and Doug Round, Grandson: Kyle Freeman.
Vigil will be June 26 at 6 p.m. and Funeral Mass on June 27 at 3 p.m., both will be held at Christ the King Church in Missoula, Montana.
David James ‘Jim’ Rouse
Wilma Spence
Missoula - Wilma Spence, 94, passed away peacefully at Hope Hospice on Saturday, April 11, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Brothers Mortuary & Crematory are honored to care for Ms. Spence. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary. com.
Mina “Midge” Bergman
Missoula - Mina “Midge” Bergman, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Brothers Mortuary & Crematory are honored to care for Ms. Bergman. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
Ricky Wayne Skirvin
Missoula - Ricky Wayne Skirvin, 67, of Hamilton, passed away at Community
Medical Center in Missoula, in the afternoon of Tuesday April 7, 2026. Brothers Mortuary & Crematory are honored to care for Mr. Skirvin. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
Patty Sayler
Missoula - Patty Sayler, 80, passed away at home, in the afternoon of Tuesday, April 7, 2026 surrounded by her loving family. Brothers Mortuary & Crematory are honored to care for Ms. Sayler. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
Paul Rapalas
Hamilton - Paul Rapalas, 78, passed away at home in the afternoon of Monday, April 6, 2026, with his wife at his side. Brothers Mortuary & Crematory are honored to care for Mr. Rapalas. Memories and
David James “Jim” Rouse of Hamilton passed away on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 6:47 p.m. It was a beautiful, balmy 67° day with clear, sunny skies and a slight breeze coming out of the northwest. He was surrounded by three generations of his family at the time of his passing.
Jim was born on November 25, 1938 to parents Eugene “Gene” & Francis “Frankie” (Day) Rouse. He was brought into the world in his grandparent’s farm house in Winona, Washington and spent his young life moving around the Palouse, northern Idaho and northeastern Washington. He graduated from Newport High School in 1957. A few years after graduating, he would go on to join the United States Army in March 1962. While in the service, he was stationed at Fort Lewis where he served as an Operating Engineer. He would serve until March 1964 when he was medically discharged after a heavy equipment accident while training at the Yakima Firing Range. Following his discharge from the service, Jim went to work at Washington Water Power where he started in the hydroelectric department. He later trained and became an Electric Meterman with the company. At his time of retirement in 2000, he had been with the company for 37 years.
In January 1970, Jim met his future wife, Helen Patricia “Pat” Bell on a blind date. If you ask either of them about it, neither one of them was actually interested in going on the date, they were simply appeasing their friends. However, there ended up being a connection, because on December 19, 1970, they married in Spokane, Washington. In the years that followed they had four children- Brian, Brenda, Kelly & David. Like everything else in life, Jim was all in on being a father. He spent countless hours volunteering with 4-H where he would chaperone camps, conferences and many other events. In his free time, he was an active member of Moose Lodge and the Moose Merrymakers, Eagles Lodge, IBEW Local 77 and the Washington Water Power Trailblazers. He was also a member of the volunteer fre department for 10 plus years where his fel-
condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
John Barandun
Stevensville - John Barandun, 71, passed away at home overnight, on Saturday April 4, 2026. Brothers Mortuary & Crematory are honored to care for Mr. Barandun. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com.
John J. LoMonaco
Darby - John J. LoMonaco, 95, passed away at home in the evening of Thursday, April 2, 2026. Brothers Mortuary & Crematory are honored to care for Mr. Lomonaco. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com
low comrades afectionately referred to him as DJ. As an avid sports enthusiast (having ran track, boxed, and played football and basketball in school), Jim also enjoyed golfng with friends, bowling and playing on a local rec softball team. It was also a guarantee that if the Seattle Mariners were playing, he would be tuned in to listen on the AM radio.
As each generation of his family grew, Jim found immense joy in his title of Papa and O.M. (Old Man) to his adoring grandkids and great-grandkids. This could especially be seen in his retirement years when he devoted himself to babysitting them, watching their sporting events and supporting them at all of their other various activities. Oftentimes with a newspaper in hand and a camera around his neck. Never one for wanting to forget a moment or overlook a learning opportunity, you could fnd him stopping at every roadside historical sign (even if it meant adding 3 hours to a 2 hour trip), keeping his own private weather almanac, sports statistics and vehicle mileage records. Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Pat; his son, Brian (Katy); daughters Brenda (Brian) and Kelly (Matthew); daughter-in-law Sara; son, Scott (Susie); as well as 13 grandkids and 4 great-grandkids; and his brother, Virgil. He is preceded in death by his dad, Gene; his grandfather, Frank; his mom, Frankie; his nephew, Bruce; his sister, Jackie; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Marvin & Agnes; and his son, Dave. Interment will take place at 12:30 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2026, in Missoula at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will follow that afternoon at 3:00 p.m. at the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
In celebration of Jim’s spirit and life, we ask that you take the time to share a stack of blueberry pancakes, peanuts or RedVine licorice with those you love. Better yet, buy a tub of RedVines, eat half of it and then feign innocence when asked who ate all the licorice - that’s what Jim did!
John Brennan
Missoula - John Brennan, 88, of Hamilton, passed away at Hope Hospice in the early morning hours of Thursday, April 2, 2026 with his loving family at his side. Brothers Mortuary & Crematory are honored to care for Mr. Brennan. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
Karen Theresa Langton
Victor - Karen Theresa Langton, 80, passed away at her home, surrounded by family, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. A celebration of life will be held for Mrs. Langton at the Revive Church on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 1:00 P.M. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www. whitesittfuneralhome.com.
JoAnn Galipeau
JoAnn Galipeau, 74, of Stevensville passed away at her home on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. No formal services will be held. The family requests that donations be made to The Clothes Closet in Stevensville at 3614 Alc Way in lieu of fowers. Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com.
Danny Weer
Darby - Danny Weer, 90, of Darby passed away Thursday, April 23, 2026 at his home of natural causes. Services are pending and will be announced. Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com.
Jose C. Selig
Hamilton - Jose C. Selig, 96, passed away peacefully in the night, Monday, April 20, 2026, at Bitterroot Health in Hamilton. Brothers Mortuary & Crematory are honored to care for Ms. Selig. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com.
NV Public Library, celebrating a valuable public resource
by Carla Sanders, NVPL Foundation
As our nation celebrates its milestone 250 birthday this year, here is a little-known piece of history: the public library in the U.S. is even older, founded more than 50 years before the 1776 Declaration of Independence.
According to published reports, the Rev. John Checkley started the frst public library in Boston sometime between 1711 and 1725. In 1731, Benjamin Franklin founded the Library Company of Philadelphia, which was a subscription library and supported by members.
Today, there are 5,000 public libraries across the country, including 109 in Montana. As people are returning more and more to the written word, and as family fnances tighten up, the public library is vital to a thriving community. This year’s National Library Week was April 19 to 25, with the theme “Find Your Joy at the Library,” and many are doing just that at the North Valley Public Library (NVPL) in Stevensville.
NVPL visits during the 2025 fscal year totaled nearly 37,000, with 80,000-plus items (books, movies, audiotapes, Library of Things collection, etc.) circulated. That’s up 10,000 from the previous year, when more than 70,000 items went out the door.
Patrons also are active elsewhere in the library. Last fscal year, there were 4,317
public computer sessions, allowing many people without this technology to take advantage of this valuable library resource. In addition, 3,851 people attended a variety of children’s, young adult and adult programming, which are ofered each month.
Among these is the summer reading program, which helps develop crucial reading skills throughout the traditional non-school months. This has proved benefcial to many, including one patron who shared: “I’m so glad you guys do the summer reading program. My son is a reluctant reader and the challenges really motivate him. Today he read a whole book out loud to me and wanted to come and pick out a biography to read next.”
The library is constantly evolving to better serve the needs of the community, according to NVPL Director Denise Ard, and now is expanding one of its more unique oferings,
the Library of Things.
“We are happy to report that the NVPL Foundation secured a grant from the Rapp Family Foundation allowing us to purchase an automotive diagnostic scanner, bat scanner, cordless power drill kit, flm-to-digital converter, knife sharpener, mallet, portable projector with tripod and carry case, radon
detector, and karaoke machine,” she said.
“We will order those and add them to our catalog soon so that patrons may check them out—just like a book!”
For more information about North Valley Public Library and its oferings and programs, go to northvalleylibrary.org or stop in at 208 Main St., Stevensville.
Florence Civic Club requests nominations
The Florence Civic Club is inviting nominations for its Community Service Award for 2026. This award honors a local person for outstanding contribution of service to the Florence community. Their service may be through involvement in their community, church, nonproft organization, the schools, or simply individually. Past winners have been active in securing grants for trails, developing a local homework
help program, fund raising for local scholarships, and other community enhancement activities. Please send your nomination with an account of the nominee’s activities to: Florence Civic Club, Attention Community Service Award. P.O. Box 544 Florence, MT 59833. The deadline for receipt of nominations is Friday, May 1st.
1
Photo courtesy North Valley Public Library.
Legal Notices
Declaration of Existence
This declaration afrms the mission of the Breatharian Institute of America (BIA) as an ecclesiastic and religious organization. This notice serves to declare this 508(c)(1)(a) has existed and functioned unto itself and no corporate and statutory flings are necessary or required by law, as the BIA functions unto itself.
This Breatharian Institute of America is created as a missionary vehicle to assist all beings, sentient and non-sentient, who are sustained by the Breath of Life. This includes but is not limited to housing and all building projects, growing and nurturing all biota and soil, all types of therapies and any other projects that can be perceived as helpful for anyone or anything that breathes.
BS 4-8, 4-15, 4-22, 4-292026. MNAXLP
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES ADOLPHE STANKER, JR., Deceased.
Probate No.: DP-2026-21
Dept. No.: 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Sheila Kleinschmidt has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Sheila Kleinschmidt the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Montana Legacy Law, PLLC, 178 South 2nd St., Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
BS 4-15, 4-22, 4-29-2026.
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Daniel Browder, Esq. Browder Law, PLLC
217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840
Telephone: (406) 361-3677
Facsimile: (406) 361-2999
Email: browderlawmont@gmail.com
Attorney for Richard W. Jones
MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EDWIN S. WEBER , Deceased.
Cause No. DP-2026-44
Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Richard W. Jones has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Richard W. Jones, return receipt requested, c/o: Browder Law, PLLC, 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, Montana, 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED this 8th day of April, 2026.
BROWDER LAW, PLLC /s/Daniel Browder
Attorney for Personal Representative
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Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Christine Marie Smith: Christine Marie Smith, Petitioner Cause No.: DV-41-20260000162-NC Dept. No.: 1- Howard F. Recht
Notice of Hearing on Name Change This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Chris-
tine Marie Smith to Christine Marie Greene. The hearing will be on 06/03/2026 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Date: April 15, 2026. Paige Troutwein, Clerk of Court /s/ Michelle Goldman, Deputy Clerk of Court
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The Bitter Root Irrigation District (BRID) is accepting sealed bids for a used 2013 Chevy 1⁄2 ton regular cab short box with 187,660 miles. The truck is located at 1182 Lazy J Lane Corvallis, MT 59828. Please specify on the outside of envelope on which truck you are bidding on.
Sealed bids will be received by BRID ofce located at 1182 Lazy J Lane Corvallis, Mt 59828 until 4 PM on (May 11, 2026).
Sealed bids will then be opened by the BRID Commissioners at 10:00 AM on (May 12, 2026) in the Commissioners Conference Room 1182 Lazy J Lane Corvallis, Mt. The District Board of Commissioners reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
BS 4-22, 4-29-2026.
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The Bitter Root Irrigation District (BRID) is accepting sealed bids for a used 2008 Chevy 1⁄2 ton regular cab long bed with 130,235 miles. The truck is located at 1182 Lazy J Lane Corvallis, MT 59828. Please specify on the outside of envelope on which truck you are bidding on.
Sealed bids will be received by BRID ofce located at 1182 Lazy J Lane Corvallis, Mt 59828 until 4 PM on (May 11, 2026).
Sealed bids will then be opened by the BRID Commissioners at 10:00 AM on (May 12, 2026) in the Commissioners Conference Room 1182 Lazy J Lane Corvallis, Mt. The District Board of Commissioners reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
BS 4-22, 4-29-2026. MNAXLP
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST
JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GEORGE RICHARD GOLPHENEE, Deceased.
Probate No.: DP-2026-48
Dept. No.: 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Rick Kindle 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 Rick Kindle, 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 4-29, 5-6, 5-13-2026.
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TAX APPEAL BOARD
NOTICE
The Ravalli County Tax Appeal Board will be in session from July 1, through December 31, 2026, for the business of hearing appeals. Any taxpayer who disagrees with the appraised value of his or her property may fle an appeal with the Ravalli County Tax Appeal Board within 30 days of the receipt of the Notice of Classifcation and Appraisal, or Notice of Change Valuation (assessment notice) established by the Montana Department of Revenue. Appeal forms are available from www.mtab.mt.gov. Appeals must be fled with the County Clerk and Recorder who will notify the County Tax Appeal Board to schedule a hearing. For further information, contact: Regina Plettenberg 406-375-6555 recorder@rc.mt.gov
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Legal Notice
The Ravalli County Board of Health (BOH) will conduct a Public Meeting to receive citizen comment on a variance requested by Jeremiah Harmon, for the Property known as 3045 US Highway 93 South, Darby, Parcel # 1150300. The request is to allow Recreational Vehicle campground licensing on the Property without providing potable water, a variance from Administrative Rules of Montana 37.111.1207. Property description: PT LOT 3 LESS
R-W INDEX C, CS #731698-CT PARCEL A, 15.31 ACRES. Information describing the variance request will be available for inspection on May 6, 2026, at the Ravalli County Environmental Health Department, in the Administrative Center, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite D, Hamilton, MT 59840. The public meeting will be held Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room at the Administrative Center. The public may comment verbally, or in writing, at the meeting. Comments and information submitted at the public meeting will be considered in the decision on said variance request.
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AUDIT PUBLICATION
STATEMENT
The fscal year 2024 audit of the Bitterroot Public Library has been conducted by Doyle & Associates, P.C. Certifed Public Accountants. The audit covered the year ended June 30, 2024. Montana Code Annotated (MCA) Section 2-7-521 requires the publication of the following summary of Signifcant Audit Findings. This is only a summary and is not intended to be used as an audit report.
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT FINDINGS
The audit report for the Bitterroot Public Library, Hamilton, Montana, for the year ended June 30, 2024, contained the
following independent auditor’s reports:
1. The independent auditor’s report on the Bitterroot Public Library’s basic fnancial statements was unmodifed.
2. The independent auditor’s report on the Bitterroot Public Library’s internal control over fnancial reporting and on compliance and other matters did not report any fndings.
PUBLIC INSPECTION OF AUDIT REPORT
The audit report is on fle in its entirety and open to public inspection at the Bitterroot Public Library’s business ofce located at 306 State St, Hamilton, Montana. The Library’s management will send a copy of the audit report to any interested person upon request.
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Looking for the Bitterroot Star?
It’s FREE on more than 100 newsstands from Lolo to Conner. Or call us at 777-3928 and we’ll let you know where the closest stand is.
In response to the plaintifs’ claim that the amendment removes the guardrails in the Forest Plan, she said, “Far from being a guardrail it was more like a pile of cones in the middle of the road that served as quite an obstruction to projects that would beneft the environment and reduce the number of roads.”
According to Norman, under the 1987 standard, if the Forest Service wanted to make any changes in a third order drainage that was out of compliance and that change did not bring that drainage into compliance with the 1987 standard, then the Forest Service could not do that project without doing a project specifc amendment. She gave as an example a drainage in which they might plan on reducing the road density by nine miles but to meet the standard would require removing 10 miles. “Then that project would be obstructed,” she said.
She also claimed that the 1987 Plan was based on outdated science. She said, “Recent science found most important to elk are forage and nutrition in summer as well as security in the fall when hunting is happening. But the standard in 1987 was focused on road density in the summer. So, there was a mismatch.”
According to Norman, the standard prior to amendment was never a workable standard because the studies supporting it were done on large drainages that didn’t apply to smaller drainages. “It was set up to fail,” she said.
“Finally,” she said, “It was removed because FS was doing project specifc amendments after project specifc amendments” which she said “was not a practical approach and vulnerable to legal challenge.”
Norman also claimed that the plaintifs fears that the amendment would lead to too much road building are not warranted. She said the amendment did not authorize any road building and the plaintifs need to wait until some specifc project relying on the plan is deci-
ded on.
“We do not know how the removal of this standard would play out,” she said.
She said that even though the Environmental Assessment of removing the standard does not address bull trout, it does address aquatic ecosystems more generally. “There is no direct or indirect pathway from removing 1987 elk habitat standards to an aquatic impact,” she said, “because of the in-fsh guardrail that is in place which is the real protection for aquatic habitat and it has not changed since 1995. The Forest Service is not required to analyze an efect that isn’t foreseeable.”
She concluded saying, “Plaintifs claim fails if the amendment is not directly connected to a resource. Grizzly bear connectivity is not directly related to the amendment. Its purpose is about aligning standards with current elk science. It has nothing to do with grizzlies or bull trout. The efect of this decision has nothing to do with grizzly bears. It makes no decision about patch size, no decision about roads. All it does is remove an obstacle while leaving in place a number of guardrails. And how that will play out remains to be seen. If some projects do include building roads that disrupt connectivity, there will be a lawsuit, surely.”
Norman said that the Plaintifs’ claim upon which their whole case stands is that Amendment 40 will necessarily mean more open roads.
“If your honor does not buy that premise then the entire case fails. And in fact, that premise requires a sort of daisy chain of causation that is easily broken apart. It requires that with Amendment 40 in place the Forest Service will now embark on decisions to open more roads and not just open more roads where the plaintifs are but open more roads where the habitat or resources they are concerned about exist. The next chain in that link is that those open roads will be allowed under the Forest Plan. That is a big ‘if’, as we explained. The next chain in that link is that those roads would be allowed under the
in-fsh standard. That is another big ‘if’. The next link in that chain is that those roads would be okayed by the USFWS and comply with the grizzly bear Biological Opinion limits after consultation and fnally that those roads are the roads that the Forest Service wants to open or build. They would be consistent with FS policy and that there would be money available to do that kind of work. Those are all big ‘ifs’ and this is a chain of speculation that is not supported by the record,” said
Norman
Judge Christensen responded, “But what’s the event that triggers the chain of events? The event that triggers the chain of events is Amendment 40, right?”
Norman said, “The event that triggers the chain of events would be the Forest Service deciding to do what plaintifs fear that the Forest Service will do and that hasn’t happened yet. Amendment 40 is only about open roads and not temporary or closed roads.”
Peter Torstensen, another attorney representing the defendants, responded that the Court should not be asked to second guess the USFWS and the Forest Service’s expert judgment that there would be no impact on grizzly bears or apply a standard for management in recovery zones to areas outside those recovery zones. He said there is no science about mini-
mum patch sizes outside recovery zones that shows small patch zones are not efective.
Judge Christensen asked, “Why would the patch size in the Bitterroot be any diferent than the patch size identifed in the scientifc literature that seems to suggest 2,200 to 2,300 acres? What’s so diferent about the Bitterroot? How did your clients come up with this one acre patch size?”
Torstensen said, “My understanding is that they used the standard measure in terms of how to calculate whether a patch or an area was secure by whether it was 500 meters from an existing road and then they determined that because even small patch sizes can
play an important role in connectivity for a grizzly bear to move between larger patch sizes that they didn’t want to exclude that from the consideration of secure habitat. But again, they still have substantially larger patches and they still have a large majority of patches, more than 2,500 acres, and importantly only about 271 out of about 627,000 patches are actually 10 acres or less. So, we are only dealing with a small number.” He said USFWS concluded that using secure habitat was sufcient for considering impacts on grizzlies. Judge Christensen thanked the attorneys for their comments and will make a decision after further consideration.
NOTICE OF CLOSE OF REGULAR VOTER REGISTRATION AND OPTION FOR LATE REGISTRATION
Notice is hereby given that regular* voter registration for th e Federal Primary Election to be held on June 2, 2026, will close at 5 PM on May 4, 2026
*NOTE: Pursuant to Senate Bill 490, if you miss this regular registration deadline, you may still register for th e election by showing up at the Raval li County Elections Office Dates you may late register are from May 5 thru May 29, 2026 (Monday th ru Friday, excluding weekends), from 8 AM to 5 PM; May 30 (Saturday), from 8 AM to 5 PM; and on Election Day, June 2, from 7 AM to noon On Monday, June 1, the late registration center will be closed
All active and inactive electors of the County of Ravalli are entitled to vote at sai d election
Inacti ve electors may reacti vate by appearing at the polling place in order to vote, by requesting an absentee bal lot in any election, or by notifying the County Election Admi nistrator in writing of the elector’s current address in the county
Persons wh o wish to register and who are not presently registered may do so by requesting a form for registration by mail or by appearing at the Raval li County Elections Office, 215 South 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, Montana. If you have moved, please updat e your registration information by filling out a new voter registration form and submi tting it to the Ravalli County Elections Office
If you are not sure of your current voter registrati on status, you can check you r status online at https://prodvoterportal mt.gov , or you can call the Elections Office at 375 -6550.
Dated this 9th day of April, 2026
Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Admi nistrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59 840 (406) 375-6550
BELN chosen as Nonprofit of the Year
Bitterroot Early Learning Network celebrates community-driven
At a time when communities across the nation and Montana are facing mounting challenges in accessing affordable, quality child care, the Bitterroot Valley is emerging as a model for collaboration, innovation, and local solutions.
The Bitterroot Early Learning Network (BELN) is proud to highlight the collective efforts of partners across Ravalli County who are working together to strengthen early childhood systems and support families.
“While the child care crisis is very real, so is the power of community,” said Ariella Wells, Executive Director at BELN. “We are seeing what’s possible when families, businesses, educators, and community leaders come together with a shared vision for our children.”
Over the past year, BELN has led and supported several key system-level initiatives, including:
• Launching a shared, county-wide child care waitlist portal to connect families with available openings more efficiently
• Hosting a county-wide Parade of Preschools that gave ECE professionals an organized opportunity to present their learning facilities to interested families
• Hosting annual community events and professional development opportunities for early childhood educators
• Partnering with the business sector and Chamber of Commerce to strengthen workforce retention and recruitment through family-centered solutions
• Collaborating with state agencies to stabilize and support the child care sector locally
• Expanding early learning opportunities for young children and families
• Providing free, one-on-one family resource navigation support
• Advancing career pathway development in partnership with secondary education systems to grow the future early childhood workforce
• Expanding trauma-informed care practices across programs and partnerships
• Working toward becoming Montana’s first HOPE-informed organization, grounded in the HOPE Framework, promoting positive childhood experiences and long-term well-being
These efforts are made possib -
le through strong collaboration with local partners, including all licensed child care facilities across Ravalli County, Cultivating Connections, Bitterroot Discovery Children’s Museum, Roots to Rise Collaborative, RCEDA, the Chamber of Commerce, Angst Learning Services, Chapter One Book Store, Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Daly Mansion, and the local Agriculture Committee.
In addition, BELN’s Ravalli Child Care Advantage (RCCA) initiative has brought together business leaders committed to supporting working families, including A to Z Personnel, 1st Security Bank, Allora Massage and Spa, Ravalli Services, Stockman Bank, and Bitterroot Brewing.
solutions to the child care crisis in Ravalli County
Statewide partnerships have also played a critical role in strengthening this work. BELN collaborates with organizations such as the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), Zero to Five Montana, Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies, Raise Montana, Child Care Resources, the Montana Children’s Trust Fund, SPARK Montana, Benchmark Montana, and Family Outreach Montana.
In April, during both Child Abuse Prevention Month and Strengthening Families Month, BELN’s work was recognized at both the state and university levels. The organization was honored as Nonprofit of the Year by the Montana Children’s Trust Fund at the Prevent Child Abuse and Neglect Conference and received the Model of Excellence in Early Childhood Education Award from the University of Montana Institute for Early Childhood Education at their annual Early Childhood Summit.
“These recognitions belong to the entire community,” said Ariella Wells. “They reflect the dedication of local families, educators, business leaders, and
advocates who believe deeply in investing in our youngest generation.”
The Bitterroot Early Learning Network is a community-rooted nonprofit dedicated to empowering children, families, and early childhood professionals through a comprehensive, relationship-based approach. For over four decades, the organization has evolved alongside the needs of the Bitterroot Valley, growing from a single preschool into a dynamic network that supports the entire early childhood ecosystem.
BELN’s work is grounded in four core domains:
1. Early Childhood Education Services
BELN operates high-quality, place-based early learning programs that nurture children’s development through play, nature, and meaningful relationships. Programs are designed to foster curiosity, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning while supporting school readiness and whole-child development.
2. Family Support Services
Recognizing that families are
a child’s first and most important teachers, BELN provides direct support to caregivers through resource navigation, family engagement opportunities, parenting programs, and connections to critical services. This includes free one-on-one support to ensure families feel seen, supported, and empowered.
3. Early Childhood Workforce & Provider Support
BELN invests in the professionals who care for and educate young children by offering training, professional development, coaching, and collaborative learning opportunities. Through career pathway development and workforce initiatives, BELN is helping to build, retain, and uplift the early childhood workforce across the region.
4. Community & Policy Engagement
BELN works at the systems level to advocate for sustainable solutions to the child care crisis. By convening community partners, engaging with local and state leaders, and fostering cross-sector collaboration, BELN is helping to shape a stronger,
more responsive early childhood system for Ravalli County.
At its heart, BELN is more than an organization—it is a network. A network of families, educators, businesses, and community members who believe in showing up for one another and investing in the future of the Bitterroot Valley.
BELN invites community members, businesses, and partners to join this growing network in whatever way feels most meaningful. Whether through volunteering, attending events, becoming a member, partnering as a business, advocating for early childhood initiatives, or simply spreading the word—every connection strengthens the fabric of this work.
“Together, we are building something bigger than any one organization,” said Ariella Wells. “All of us in the Bitterroot are building a community where every child and every family has the opportunity to thrive.”
For more information, to get involved, or to schedule an interview, please contact Ariella Wells at ella@beln.org or 406209-8246.
Western MT projects nominated for federal funding
On April 6, Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke announced that he requested $102,554,449 of federal funding for 19 projects in Western Montana to improve infrastructure, boost afordable housing construction, improve water dependability, disaster preparedness, and law enforcement and frst responders’ capabilities.
The requests were submitted to the House Appropriations Committee, of which he is a member. The projects would beneft communities in the following counties and tribes: Anaconda-Deer Lodge, Beaverhead, Butte-Silver Bow (2), Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Flathead (4), Gallatin, Glacier, Granite, Lake (5), Lincoln (2), Missoula (2), Pondera, Ravalli (2), Sanders (2). The projects are posted on Congressman
Zinke’s website for public inspection here and listed below.
“My mission as Representative of Montana’s Western district is to listen to the front lines and make their priorities my priorities,” said Zinke. These projects come directly from Montana’s county commissioners, sherifs, fre chiefs, and city ofcials. They support our law enforcement and frst responders, repair aging critical infrastructure, secure water systems, and improve disaster readiness across the region. Working shoulder to shoulder with local leaders, I am putting forward shovel ready projects that meet the real needs of our communities and make disciplined use of taxpayer dollars. This is about telling D.C. what Montana needs, and not the
Two elephants
The political candidate forum last week was attended by 16 candidates –and two elephants.
As candidates, we discussed childcare, Sheep Creek Mine, rural hospitals, land use and growth, exempt wells, local option taxes, wildfire mitigation and management, and tax increment financing. Across every topic, one reality dominated the conversation: none of these issues can be addressed without money – how to find it, manage it, tax it, or stretch what little remains.
What stood out most was the long list of unfunded or underfunded needs: water quality data and EPA/USFS review for Sheep Creek Mine; fund -
ing for childcare, Medicaid, Medicare, septic tank waste disposal; and credible, science based water data for exempt wells, among many others.
by Archie Thomas
The first silent “elephant in the room” was impossible to ignore: a projected $300 million federal shortfall in Montana’s state budget next session, combined with cuts to the EPA and USFS, rural hospital funding under the so - called “Big Beautiful Bill,” and DOGE’d cuts rippling through local, state, and federal agencies.
The second party “elephant in the room,” however, appeared unwilling – or unable – to acknowledge that the first elephant existed at all.
other way around, preserving our Montana way of life, while making sure that our communities have the resources they need to succeed.
The submissions were made through the U.S. House of Representatives Community Project Funding program, which allows Congress to direct appropriations from specifc grant accounts to eligible projects. All projects must meet the published grant requirements and pass a series of legislative hurdles. Every project must be approved by the House Appropriations Committee, the full House of Representatives and be included in the joint funding package approved by the House and Senate to then fnally be signed by the President. In Fiscal Year 2026, Zinke successfully secured over $36 million in funding for Western Montana.
Proposed projects for Missoula County and Ravalli County:
Missoula County, $2,240,000 –
Lolo Wastewater Well Upgrades Phase II
Like many small towns across the west, Lolo is sufering growing pains, particularly when it comes to aging rural infrastructure. The Lolo water system continually fails to meet the needs of the growing rural community, putting the town at risk of degraded drinking water quality, frequent water shortages for agriculture and residential use, and increases the danger of inadequate supply for wildfre suppression. Congress allocated funding for Phase I of this project in FY25. Additional funding for Phase II will allow completion of the pumps in two wells which will increase treatment capacity and allow the system to meet the needs of the community through 2040.
Missoula County, $18,616,710 –Seeley Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Phase II
The largest employer in Seeley Lake and one of the largest in Missoula County recently closed citing it was “crippled” by labor shortages driven by a lack of afordable housing, infation, and lack of reliab-
le timber harvests. The town of Seeley Lake is a rural, isolated town that is unable to build additional housing because it does not have a municipal water system and the existing septic system is beyond capacity and is contaminating the groundwater. Building a water system will allow developers to invest in working families housing which would support reopening of the mill and other residual businesses driving economic growth in the valley.
Ravalli County, $3,500,000 – Old Corvallis Road Repair Phase II
The Bitterroot Valley in Ravalli County is one of the fastest growing areas in Montana. The valley is sufering growing pains related to a lack of modern infrastructure to support the growing demand, especially with the arrival of a new 140-home residential development and the expansion of two major pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities on the horizon. The valley has a single 4-lane road that carries the entirety of the county’s workforce, school buses and commerce. Old Corvallis Rd has the potential to provide a second north-south corridor for Ravalli County, complete with safe walking and bike paths for commuters, and provide a much-needed secondary route for manufacturing facilities to get their product to interstate 90 to the north.
Ravalli County, $11,587,000 – Ravalli County Water Treatment Plant Phase II
Ravalli County is one of the most rapidly developing counties in Montana, and one of the greatest in need of afordable housing for working families. One of the most signifcant barriers to addressing the housing shortage is a lack of capacity for water and sewage treatment. After the neighboring county terminated their agreement to treat Ravalli County’s sewage, septic seepage in Ravalli County has reached a dangerous level which risks water quality and environmental integrity. To address these issues and allow for further development, the county must build a water treatment plant.
The Bitterroot Early Learning Network team. Photo courtesy Bitterroot Early Learning Network.
Local Growers Guide
1. Clean Green Mfg. and Landscaping
Phone: (406) 829-3700
5970 Hwy 93 S., Missoula, next to the Humane Society.
Clean Green Mfg. and Landscaping has been a go-to source for top-notch landscaping materials for over 15 years. We help both residential and commercial clients with all their landscaping, hard scaping, excavation, and landscaping supplies needs. We also do cement curbing.
Our convenient retail location provides a wide range of landscaping supplies, including washed rock, gravel, and boul ders. We keep in stock all the hot new colors and sizes of barks and mulches. Our dirt collection is the best around, from double screened topsoil to garden mix soils made here in the yard using only local materials.
We pride ourselves on our deep roots in the community. Our understanding of the local climate and lifestyle allows us to ofer eco-friendly manufacturing solutions that truly resonate with your needs. Enhance your outdoor space today. Contact us and let’s start your project! Call (406) 829-3700 or email us at clean green406@gmail.com.
2. Pink Grizzly Greenhouse
Phone: 406-728-3370
Lolo Location: 11454 Highway 93 South, Lolo. Next to Dairy Queen across from Lolo School. Open May 8 through July 5th each year.
Missoula Location since 1955: 1400 Wyoming Street, Missoula on the corner of Russell and Wyoming Street. Open March 1 through December 22 each year.
• Bedding Plants: Very large selection of annual and perennial fowers. Alyssum, petunias, pansies, marigolds, begonias. Colorful fower baskets and planters. Cus tom planting available
• Vegetable and herb starts: Organic and conventional. Tomato, pepper, broc coli, cabbage, kale, artichoke, rhubarb, basil, lavender, rosemary, thyme, cucum bers, squash, cantaloupe, melons, zucchi ni, and many more!
• Seed: organic and conventional. Many varieties of vegetables. Certifed organic seed potatoes
• Fruit trees, Shade trees, and Shrubs: Apple, cherry, plum, maple trees, aspen, honey locust, crabapple. Potentilla, bar berry
• Fertilizer and pest control products, organic and conventional
• Garden tools: shovels, rakes, trowels, deer fence, tree protectors
• Decorative pots, gifts
• Potting soil, peat moss, soil pep bag products
• List of DEER RESISTANT plants!!!
3. Brown’s Greenhouse Family owned & operated. Retail & Wholesale. 5629 Lower Woodchuck Road in Florence (8 Mile community, travel east from Highway 93 in Florence, cross the Bitterroot River, then follow signs north out of the roundabout).
Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm, Sat 9am-5pm. Closed Sundays
Mid April through June while supplies last, summer and fall hours vary
Multiple greenhouses full of annual bedding plants, vegetables, baskets, planters and more.
• Standard seed fowers including petunias, marigolds, pansies, alyssum, lobelia, etc.
• Vegetative fowers and accent plants. Everything you need for thrillers, fllers and spillers in your pots.
• Ofcial Proven Winner Grower!
• 12” and larger specialty combo hanging baskets for Mother’s Day and throughout the season.
• Veggies including dozens of varieties of tomatoes & peppers, cole crops, herbs, lettuce, spinach, swiss chard, cucumbers, squash, strawberries, pumpkins, watermelon, cantaloupe, etc.
• Perennial and tree selection brought in specifcally for our area.
• Fall mums and seasonal accompanying products available late summer.
• Look for our plants at local garden centers in the Bitterroot and Missoula. www.brownsgreeenhousemt.com Find us on Facebook and Instagram
All items available while supplies last.
4. Wayne Herman Trees
Call Wayne for more information 5319009. Just south of the stoplight in Florence. Open May - July 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. everyday. Come check out our FRESH selection of Maple Trees. We also carry most deciduous trees.
5. Cottage Garden Greenhouse
777-3061 • 5034 Eastside Hwy. Stevensville, halfway between Stevensville and Florence. Open Mon. to Sat. 9am to 6pm, Sun. 11am-5pm With over 30 years of growing in the Bitterroot Valley, CGG provides the best plants and customer service for long-time locals and new-comers alike. Stock up on everything you need for your berry, herb
ing also available! Nursery: We specialize in Rocky Mountain natives and hardy plant material including instant shade trees, large evergreens, fruit trees, blooming shrubs, colorful groundcovers and wildfowers. Plant sizes range from a 1-gallon container up to a 30-ft. B&B tree. Located on 40 acres in Stevensville. Major credit cards accepted. For examples of landscape projects and our plant catalog visit: www.naturesenhancementinc.com
Choose from a variety of maples, aspen, birch, crabapple, willow, fruit trees and more. Our amazing evergreen section is full of varieties of spruce, fr and pine ranging from 4ft. tall to monstrous 20ft. Blue Spruce. Landscape boulders make great accents for any outdoor space. Now with our full line of shrubs, perennials and grasses Vern’s carries everything you need to design your perfect landscape. With over 40 years of experience in the Bitterroot Valley our staf is known for their top-notch customer service so come on in and have a new kind of nursery experience.
14. Evans Ace Hardware 363-3351 • 714 N. First (on Hwy 93) Hamilton
9. Shady Rest Green(406) 802-4637 - 1911 Eastside Hwy, Corvallis Open Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm, Sunday Open since 1958, Shady Rest Greenhouse has been helping grow successful gardens in the valley for over 60 years. Carrying a large variety of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, baskets, shrubs, soil and ground cover and more.
Open 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Mon - Sat and 8 a.m - 5 p.m. on Sunday Evans Ace Hardware is your neighborhood gardening headquarters and Premier level STIHL dealership. Our certifed garden team is eager to answer your lawn and gardening questions. Our greenhouse has a full selection of local annuals, perennials, herbs, as well as Montana grown vegetables from Brown’s Greenhouse in Florence. Glacier Nursery will be supplying an assortment of trees and shrubs. Convenient bags of soils and amendments are piled high.
shrubs blooming in every shade imaginable. Visit our website cottagegardengreenhouse.com or follow us on facebook at cottagegardengreenhouse or instagram at cottagegardengreenhouse406 for weekly specials and local gardening advice.
• Large selection of Montana hardy berry plants
• Locally grown annuals
• Tomatoes - 28 varieties of cherries, heirlooms & hybrids
• Vegetable starts
• Hanging baskets for sun or shade
• Perennials that will fourish in your landscape
• Select blooming and shade trees
Call or stop by with your ideas and questions today!
Now accepting VISA/MC.
6. Super 1 Foods - Stevensville 777-7300 • 39 Stevensville Cutof Rd • Stevensville 363-6200 • 1131 N. 1st Street • Hamilton Open 7 days a week.
Great selection of quality plants, good prices, and great selections of annuals, vegetables, and new plants weekly from asters to zinnias. Garden supplies and art.
7. Stevensville Country Store 406-777-5527 • 3673 Eastside HwyJust south of Stevensville on Eastside Hwy. Open Monday - Saturday 8am-7pm, Sunday 10am-5pm - countrystore.net
From feed to seed to fencing and hardware, your local Country Store in Stevensville is here for all your Spring needs! We work hard to stock our shelves with the highest quality products from well-respected brands. We have seeds from Burpee, Botanical Interest, BSG Bailey, Rainier Seeds. We also have bedding plants, gardening supplies, and much, much more. And don’t forget about our wide selection of Pet and Livestock Feed supplies. Our friendly and knowledgeable staf is here to deliver a positive customer experiencewe have the expertise to help you with all your challenging Spring projects. We look forward to serving you!
8. Nature’s Enhancement, Inc. (406) 777-3560 • 2980 Eastside Hwy. (corner of Bell Crossing & Eastside Hwy.) Public Welcome - Open M-F 8 am - 3:30 pm - Some Saturdays.
Direct grower prices. Open to the Public. Nursery and full-service landscape company. Landscape Services: Complete landscape services including lawn installation, sprinkler systems, custom rock walls, and planting services. We also build patios, decks, fre pits, retaining walls, pathways and water features. Tree services and mov-
10. Moeller’s Nursery 406-961-3389 • Since 1971 • ¾ miles South of Corvallis on Eastside Hwy. Check out MoellersnursSpring Hours 9-6 daily. Bedding plants – Large selection of annual & perennial bedding plants: pansies, petunias, lobelia, asters, impatiens, dahlias, geraniums, moss roses, marigolds, alyssum, begonias, osteospernum, and more. Large selection of hanging baskets featuring begonias, fuchsias, super petunias & mixed baskets. Perennials - 140 varieties including bleeding hearts, peonies, columbine, daisies, delphinium, lupine, sedum, and ornamental grasses. Vegetable bedding plants – Large variety that produce well in the Bitterroot: 50 varieties of tomatoes. 37 varieties of peppers, cukes, melons, squash, broccoli and herbs. MT certifed seed potatoes, strawberry plants, asparagus roots. Nursery stock – Shade trees, fruit trees, fowering trees and shrubs. Lilac bushes. Potentillas. Rhubarb plants, gooseberry, raspberry, grape, currant, and honeyberry. Save now on bare root trees and shrubs. Potting soil, peat moss, and seeds. Produce – A complete line available in season. Specializing in super sweet sweet corn, caulifower, broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, cucumbers, squash and pumpkins.
11. Beautiful Baskets & More
246 Christoferson Lane, Corvallis 509-936-2706 & Kate @ 406-880-0384
Come choose from over 100 handmade beautiful baskets. These baskets are sure to add some beauty to your deck or patio this summer. We specialize in hanging baskets, color bowls, etc. Also check out our selection of healthy vegetables for your garden.
Open 6 days a week. Monday - Saturday
Look for our sign on Eastside Highway
12. K&S Greenhouse 961-1612 • 204 Black Lane, Corvallis. Open Monday – Saturday, 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm. K&S Greenhouse is known for some of the healthiest plants in the Bitterroot, along with an exceptional selection of hanging baskets and deck planters.
In early spring, explore a wide variety of bare-root trees and shrubs, along with bareroot strawberries, raspberries, and asparagus—ready to thrive in your garden.
At K&S, you’ll fnd everything you need to grow your own vegetable garden— seeds, onion sets, and Montana-certifed seed potatoes, plus herb and vegetable starts, including more than 25 varieties of tomatoes. Browse a thoughtfully curated selection of annuals and perennials, and discover a nursery flled with ornamental trees, fruit trees, and shrubs—ready to take root in your landscape. Custom container plantings are available. Purchase gift certifcates in-store or at www.ksgreenhouse.com.
13. Vern’s Nursery (406) 360-0170, www.vernsnursery.com 649 Hwy 93 North, Hamilton Vern’s Nursery is a one-of-a-kind nursery in the heart of the Bitterroot Valley. With row upon row of mature ball & burlap trees you’re sure to fnd the right tree for you. We also carry smaller potted trees for those wanting an easier install. Vern’s carries only the best trees suited for the Bitterroot Valley.
Evans Ace understands that spending time in your garden isn’t all about work. We have everything you need to relax and entertain outdoors as well. Add to your bragging rights with grills and accessories from TRAEGER, WEBER, BIG GREEN EGG, GOZNEY, RECTEC, and More! We can ensure you consistent value throughout the growing season with national sales events from now until August. For even more savings Download the Ace App.
15. Cooks’ Gardens, the Greenhouse 363-0212 - 177 Golf Course Rd - Hamilton. Conveniently located just 2 blocks of of Highway 93. A seasonal greenhouse, Cook’s Gardens ofers a selection of unique annuals, deer resistant perennials, grasses, succulents, over 30 varieties of tomatoes, other veggies, yard art and containers. Always friendly, always helpful, we can recommend the right combo for the right spot and we’ll plant up your containers especially for you. April Hours: 10-5, Closed Sundays and Thursdays. May and June hours: Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 11-4
16. The Scented Garden and Greenhouse Owner Sandie Fleischmann 406-363-7405 • 285 Grundy Lane, Hamilton (just of Grantsdale Road, 2 blocks south of Golf Course Road). Watch for the blue and gold signs. Open 10:30 - 4:30 Mon-Fri, 10-4 Sat, 11-3 Sunday. Organic, homegrown and hand cared for quality plants for all your gardening needs, including large hardy perennials, and bedding plants to numerous to mention. Gorgeous hanging baskets, deck and container pots. We give you ideas for your unique look, with color all year long, that adds quality to your home. Open for the season from April until October. If you haven’t seen our beautiful gardens, please stop by! You might even get a few gardening ideas.
17. Murdoch’s Ranch & Home Garden Center & Greenhouse 406-363-7644 - 1189 S. First St. (Hwy 93) Hamilton - South end of Hamilton Open M-Sat, 7:30am-7:00pm, Sunday, 9:30am6:00pm Open All Year!
Murdoch’s is your newest neighborhood Greenhouse. We carry all your gardening essentials. Open all year carrying seasonal plants including a large and eccentric variety of houseplants. Fall bulbs, mums, pansies, Christmas trees (live and cut), Poinsettias, Christmas and Spring cactus, and more. We have a HUGE variety of locally sourced trees, shrubs, vegetables, seeds- both regular and organic,seed starter kits and mini greenhouses, annual bedding plants, hanging baskets, perennials, annuals, fruit trees, berries, bare root berries, seed potatoes, onion sets, Patio Tomatoes ready to go, wide variety of vegetable starts and fowers galore. We carry three types of whiskey barrels, a variety of deck or porch planters & pots, raised garden beds, garden soils and conditioners along with a variety of bark and mulch. We also carry fun garden decorative accents along with chimes, yard furniture and whimsical yard decorations. You can fnd a huge variety of essential garden tools, shade cloth, deer/bird netting, and ground cover to prevent weeds. Check out our huge seasonal isles for all your lawn care needs: You fnd sprinklers large and small, Trimmers& Edgers, Grass & Weed killers, Lawn Safe Weed Killers, Grass and Pasture Seed, Lawn Fertilizers Spot Sprayers, Soil Amendments & Mulch, Garden
Sports
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Florence baseball defeats Stevi
The Stevensville baseball team hosted Bitterroot neighbor Florence on Tuesday, April 21. Florence scored two runs on six hits to defeat Stevensville 2-0 in a low-scoring, seven-inning game.
Florence pitcher Jordan Vigil pitched seven innings, gave up only one hit, and struck out fve batters. Stevensville starting pitcher Kaden Wyant pitched fve innings and gave up fve hits and two runs. Wyant also got Stevensville’s lone hit of the game.
At the plate for Florence, Chase Wagner went 2 for 4. Calan Rocco and Wes Potter each had a hit and scored a run.
Stevensville 6, Ronan 0
Stevensville played Ronan in Missoula on Friday, April 24, and won 6-0. Stevensville pitcher Jackson Guenzler pitched seven innings for the win and gave up only two hits and struck out three batters. At the plate for Stevensville, Shane Ayers went 3 for 3, hit a home run, scored three runs, and had two RBIs. Guenzler went 3 for 4 and scored two runs, and Corbin Mauler went 1 for 3 with an RBI.
Florence 3, Columbia Falls 8
Florence played Columbia Falls in Missoula on Thursday, April 23. Florence was undone by a strong Columbia Falls pitching performance and lost 3-8. For Florence, Chase Wagner went 2 for 3, scored a run, and had an RBI. Both Luke Dobberstein and Christian England went 1 for 2 and scored a run.
Florence
Florence 7, Libby 5
Florence played Libby in Missoula on Friday, April 24, and won 7-5. Florence pitcher Chase Wagner struck out nine batters and got the win. At the plate for Florence, Wagner went 2 for 3, scored two runs, and had two RBIs. Wes Potter went 1 for 2 with two RBIs.
Bitterroot b aseball s cores
Hamilton 10, M AC 0
Hamilton hosted MAC on Monday, April 20, and won 10-0 in fve innings. Hamilton pitcher Jude Widmer allowed two hits, no runs, and struck out 12 batters over fve innings. At the plate for Hamilton, Brady DeMoss went 3 for 4 with two RBIs. Widmer went 2 for 2 with an RBI. Cash Lawrence went 2 for 4 and scored two runs; Boedy Tadvick went 2 for 3, scored two runs, and had an RBI; and Adrian Cardullo went 1 for 3, scored two runs, and had two RBIs.
Hamilton 11, B elgrade 4
Hamilton played Belgrade in Missoula on Saturday, April 25, and won 11-4. For Hamilton, Adrian Cardullo went 1 for 1 with fve RBIs. Bridger Huddleston went 1 for 3 with two RBIs; Brady DeMoss went 2 for 4, scored two runs, and had an RBI; and Trevyn Bakken went 2 for 4, scored two runs, and had an RBI.
Corvallis 14, R onan 0
Corvallis played at Ronan on Tuesday, April 21, and won 14-0 in fve innings. Corvallis pitcher Adrian Sears pitched three innings, gave up one hit, and didn’t allow a run. Corvallis pitcher Bodhi Southwell pitched two innings, allowed two hits, and struck out four batters. At the plate for Corvallis, Maurice Craun went 2 for 2, hit a home run, and had two RBIs. Jake Leavitt went 3 for 4 and scored four runs. Waylon Lendak went 2 for 4, scored two runs, and had 3 RBIs; Adrian Sears went 2 for 3 with three RBIs; and Creston Bowman went 2 for 4 and scored two runs.
Corvallis 2, P olson 8
Corvallis played Polson on Thursday, April 23, in Missoula and lost 2-8. Corvallis got hits from Joe Hixon, Bodhi Southwell, Creston Bowman, and Ryan Bourassa.
Corvallis 6, Salmon 7
Corvallis played at Salmon on Friday, April 24. Corvallis led 6-5 heading into the bottom of the seventh inning, but Salmon scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh, and Corvallis fell 6-7. For Corvallis, Joe Hixon went 2 for 3 with three RBIs. Jake Leavitt went 2 for 4 and scored two runs; Creston Bowman went 2 for 3 and scored a run; and Adrian Sears went 1 for 3 with an RBI.
Corvallis 0, C olumbia Falls 8
The Corvallis baseball team fnished a long week on Saturday, April 25, against Columbia Falls; it was the Blue Devils’ fourth game last week. Corvallis was only able to generate two hits against strong Columbia Falls pitching and lost 0-8 in fve innings. Waylon Lendak and Ryan Bourassa got the hits for Corvallis.
Hamilton softball defeats Corvallis
The Hamilton softball team hosted Corvallis on Tuesday, April 21, in an all-Bitterroot Valley battle. The score was tied 0-0 in the bottom of the fourth inning when Hamilton erupted for four runs. Hamilton held on down the stretch to get the 5-1 victory.
Corvallis pitcher Brooklyn Cary had a solid outing, pitching seven innings and striking out 12 batters. Hamilton pitcher Mariah Johnson continued her solid play. She didn’t allow any hits, gave up one run, and struck out 10 batters over seven innings to get the win. At the plate for Hamilton, Dawsyn Ekin went 4 for 4 with two RBIs. Casey Kennedy and Hadley Lockhart each had RBIs. Corvallis’s Savanna Johnson scored Corvallis’s lone run.
Hamilton 4, Frenchtown 5 Hamilton played at Frenchtown on Friday, April 24. Hamilton came into the game with an eight-game winning streak but lost their frst game of the season 4-5. Hamilton
ace Mariah Johnson struck out 10 batters but got her frst loss of the season. At the plate for Hamilton, Johnson went 2 for 3 with an RBI. Addalyn Henderson went 2 for 3 with three RBIs; Dawsyn Ekin went 2 for 3 and scored a run; and Tayleigh Bakken went 1 for 1, hitting a two-run home run.
Hamilton 9, Butte Central 8 Hamilton hosted Butte Central on Saturday, April 25, and won 9-8. Hamilton scored four runs in the bottom of the sixth to lead 9-4 heading into the fnal inning. Butte scored four runs to narrow the gap, but Hamilton held on for the 9-8 victory. For Hamilton, Dawsyn Ekin went 2 for 3 with three RBIs. Hadley Savage went 2 for 3 and scored a run; Addalyn Henderson went 1 for 4 with an RBI; and Mariah Johnson went 3 for 3, scored three runs and had an RBI.
Corvallis 14, Dillon 2 Corvallis went to Dillon on Saturday,
April 25 and the Blue Devils defeated the Beavers 14-2 in five innings. Corvallis’s Ella Daly went 3 for 5, hit a home run, and had four RBIs. Brooklyn Cary went 4 for 4 and scored three runs. Libby Jessop went 2 for 3, scored two runs and had two RBIs;
Brenna Bear went 2 for 2 and scored two runs; and Isabella Cardullo went 1 for 1, scored two runs, and had three RBIs. Corvallis pitcher Brooklyn Cary got the win, allowing three hits and striking out seven batters.
Bitterroot softball scores
Stevensville 5, Butte Central 7 Stevensville hosted Butte Central on Saturday, April 25, and lost 5-7. For Stevensville, Emma Tan had a big game, hitting a home run and a triple. She also scored two runs. Also for Stevensville, Maddix Yeager went 3 for 4, scored two runs, and had an RBI; Khloe Frost went 1 for 3, scored a run, and had an RBI; and Abbi Peterson went 1 for 4 with two RBIs.
Florence 6, Ennis 5 Florence hosted Ennis on Saturday, April 25, and won their closest game of the season. The game was tied 5-5 in the bottom of the sixth when Florence’s Taylor Pyette scored from third on an error to give Florence the lead. Florence pitcher Jaden Fisher struck out the side in the seventh to preserve the 6-5 victory. At the plate for Florence, Morghan Adams went 3 for 4 and scored a run. Hayley Arlington went 2 for 3 and scored a run. Maggie Schneiter and Taylor Pyette both went 1 for 4 and scored a run.
pitcher Jordan Vigil pitched seven innings, gave up only one hit, and struck out fve batters in Florence’s 2-0 victory over Stevensville on Tuesday, April 21, in Stevensville. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Stevensville pitcher Kaden Wyant pitched fve innings and gave up fve hits and two runs in Stevensville’s 0-2 loss to Florence on Tuesday, April 21, in Stevensville. Photo by Scott Sacry.
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Bitterroot track results
Iceberg Invitational
The track teams from Corvallis and Hamilton joined eight area high schools in Columbia Falls on Saturday, April 25, for the Columbia Falls Iceberg Invitational. In the team standings, the Hamilton girls took 2nd, and the Hamilton boys took 3rd. The Corvallis girls took 4th, and the Corvallis boys took 9th.
Corvallis girls
Ella Varner took 1st in the 200m (26.92) and 2nd in the 100m (13.06). The girls 4x100 relay team of Ella Varner, Audrey Huls, Madison McArthur, and Brynlee Tucker took 1st (51.65). Brynlee Tucker took 2nd in the 100m hurdles (17.78) and 3rd in the 200m (27.55). Sophie Hagberg took 2nd in the pole vault (96) and 3rd in the 300m hurdles (53.10). Chloe Hagberg took 3rd in the pole vault (8-0). Bea Paxson took 3rd in the discus (104-4) and 5th in the shot put (30-11.5).
Corvallis boys
Byron Stoker took 2nd in the 400m (53.24) and 4th in the 100m (11.94). Aidan Emerson took 2nd in the shot put (47-6.5).
Hamilton girls
Annalise Lewis took 1st in both the 400m (1:00.21) and 1600m (5:14.62). Reecelyn Walthall took frst in the 3200m (12:01.14). Kassidee McKern took 1st in the high jump (5-2). The girls 4x400 relay team of Nellie Dickemore, Morgan Lubke, Aleigha Child, and Annalise Lewis took 1st (4:11.20). Nellie Dickemore took 2nd in the 200m (27.12) and 3rd in the 100m (13.14). Mia Faulk took 2nd in the long jump (15-10). Aleigha Child took 3rd in the 1600m (5:28.08). Scarlett Gard took 3rd in the javelin (99-6). Annabelle Waggener took 3rd in the long jump (15-1). Meryn Leonardi took 4th in the javelin (97-2).
Hamilton boys
The versatile Taylor Doleac took 1st in both the discus (159-1) and the 300m hurdles (42.09) and 5th in the javelin (14511). Boston Doleac took 1st in the 1600m (5:01.39). Benjamin Beare took 1st in the 3200m (10:11.17). Brayden Lanser took 1st in the 800m (1:58.98). Everett Stumpf took 2nd in the discus (149-4) and 3rd in the shot put (45-5). The 4x400 relay team of Luke McCarthy, Taylor Doleac, Brayden Lanser, and Jake McCarthy took 2nd (3:31.94). Jake McCarthy took 3rd in the 100m (11.80). Treyden Weber took 3rd in the triple jump (38-8) Luke McCarthy took 4th in the 400m (53.96).
Seeley-Swan Invitational
The track teams from Darby, Florence, and Victor joined over 25 area high schools in the Seeley-Swan Invitational in Missoula on Saturday, April 25.
In the team standings, the Florence girls took 4th, and the Florence boys took 8th. The Darby boys tied for 5th, while the Darby girls took 11th. The Victor boys tied for 19th.
Darby boys
The 4x400m relay team of McCoy Townsend, Ben Martin, Gavin Anderson, and Gavin Miller won with a time of 3:30.56. This team has the fastest time in Class B this season. Gavin Miller took 2nd in the 400m (51.51). Leif Nelson took 2nd in the discus (142-10). McCoy Townsend took 4th in the 200m (23.89). Taylor Graham took 5th in the 3200m (11:17.84). Eli Martin took 5th in the shot put (40-10.5). Gavin Anderson took 5th in the 300m hurdles (42.58) and 6th in the 110m hurdles (16.84).
Darby girls
Hadley Heiland took 2nd in the discus (106-04). Lily Adair took 2nd in the 1600m (5:59.59). The girls 4x400m relay team of Ella Bush, Lily Adair, Brooklyn Rogers, and Natalie Anderson took 2nd (4:20.22).
Florence boys
Logan Williams won the 100m (11.31). Isaac Nicoson took 3rd in the 400m (52.38). The boys 4x100 relay team of Mattix Chase, Sam Falagan, Logan Williams, and Isaac Nicoson took 1st (44.64). Jack Archibald took 3rd in the discus (135-05). The boys 4x400m relay team of Logan Williams, Sam Falagan, Isaac Nicoson, and Landon Sirevaag took 4th (3:44.59).
Florence girls win at Canyon River
The golf teams from Darby and Florence competed in the LSH Spring Swing on Monday, April 20, at the Canyon River Golf Club in Missoula alongside eleven other area high school teams.
Florence
The Florence girls team took 1st. Individually, Kipley Solari took 1st (85). Lexi Danczyk took 5th (100), Lacie Ketelhut tied for 6th (103), and Reese Briney and Jordan Kidd tied for
15th (113).
The Florence boys team took 2nd. Individually, Ian McLean took 2nd (78). Brody Duchien took 3rd (79). RJ Moody took 13th (86), Preston Ekstedt took 14th (87), and Oliver Fisher took 32nd (102).
Darby
The Darby boys team fnished in 8th. Individually, Jordan Browning took 16th (89). Daniel Stewart took 17th (93), Gus Harrell took 32nd (102), and Jaden Bailey took 42nd (113).
For the Darby girls, Bentley Rouse tied for 9th (108). Kota Fisher took 23rd (137), and Charley McDowell took 24th (138).
Florence girls
Madigan Hurlbert took frst in the 100m hurdles - her time of 14.95 is the 2nd fastest time this season for a girl in Montana. Hurlbert also took 6th in the javelin (91-08). Brinley Skaggs took 2nd in the high jump (5-00). The girls 4x100 relay team of Taryn Appelhans, Bailey Kroeker, Madigan Hurlbert, and Brinley Skaggs took 2nd (50.68). Averie Bates took 3rd in the 3200m (14:19.64). The girls 4x400 relay team of Taryn Appelhans, Bailey Kroeker, Madigan Hurlbert, and Lola Bates took 3rd (4:21.72). Sophia Stiegler took 5th in both the triple jump (31-08.5) and the high jump (4-10).
Victor boys For the Victor boys, Kordel Martin took 4th in the long jump (19-04.5) and 6th in the triple jump (39-02.50).
Florence’s Madigan Hurlbert took frst in the 100m hurdles at the Seeley-Swan Invitational on Saturday, April 25, in Missoula. Hurlbert’s time of 14.95 is the 2nd fastest time this season for any girl in Montana regardless of division.
Photo by Scott Sacry.
The Florence girls golf team took 1st place at the LSH Spring Swing tournament on Monday, April 20, at the Canyon River Golf Club in Missoula. Photo courtesy of Keri Briney.
Living in bear country, bear safety is a topic I am passionate about teaching. I truly believe everyone should have it at the top of their mind, not just for themselves, but for the bears as well. Especially going into spring when the bears are waking up. No matter what side of the fence a person fnds themself on, if you go into the woods in Montana, you are in bear country, and the reality is that attacks do happen. But what should a person carry to stay safe?
I have always found the conversations people have about frearms for bear defense interesting. On one hand, some will say bear spray is all that is needed, and on the other extreme, people will advise bringing the biggest gun a person can carry into the woods. Personally, I’d say neither of these are practical pieces of advice, especially in grizzly country. For black bears, a long enough stick and a loud voice are often enough. There is a story that comes to mind when a conversation turns to bear defense. Most purveyors of old west stories would remember the name ‘Wild Bill’ Hickok. However, not everyone is familiar with his most signifcant bear encounter. In around 1860, Hickok was employed as a teamster helping wagons along the Santa Fe Trail. This was before he carried his famous twin pearl-handled .36 caliber 1851 Navys. At the time, Hickok instead had with him what many experts believe to have been a much more powerful 1848 Colt Dragoon. This was a .44 caliber black powder revolver that was massive in the hand and carried a substantial powder charge. To put this into perspective, the average .44 caliber black powder revolver puts out about as much energy as a modern
9mm. This revolver, assuming it is what Hickok carried and that he loaded it with as much powder as possible, it would have put out about as many foot pounds as a hot loaded 45 ACP. That may not sound like much by today’s standards, but we are talking about technology more than 150 years ago. Back to the story, Hickok encountered a bear in the trail, blocking one of the teams. The bear is said to have been a cinnamon phase black bear and a mother of two cubs. Hickok dismounted (or was already on foot) and went after the bear. The story goes that he fred upon the bear with no efect.
He was attacked when the bear became angered from the shots, and it subsequently crushed his chest, slashed his face, chewed his arm and shoulder and left Hickok bedridden for months. The only thing that saved Hickok’s life was that he carried a knife and stabbed and slashed the bear in the throat, killing it.
The story illustrates that a determined bear does not care what caliber a person carries. It is a fun after-note that Hickok is reported to have said that he would never again deal with a bear with anything less than a full powered rife. That seems prudent, given the diminutive power of black powder.
People often forget, or fail to understand, just how tough bears are built. I have personally witnessed a video a friend of mine recorded showcasing a case where a charging Alaskan brown bear defected a .308 Winchester of its forehead. That pointed spitzer bullet probably was not the best choice in bullet construction, which seems to matter much more than caliber and cartridge choice. In fact, that is the takeaway.
A favorite study of mine, which I read some time ago and
have failed to resurrect before the publishing of this article to reference, is another anecdote I return to. In the study, cases of bear attacks were compiled, and it was noted in what instances bear defense was “successful.”
Successful is a relative term, because many of these cases still resulted in a person getting mauled. The study lined up each case, from cartridges as small as a .22 Long Rife, all the way up to 500 Smith and Wesson Magnum. The interesting note was that the mauling only started disappearing at about the level of .44 Magnum. Success was defned as a bear being killed or driven of. I think Hickok and I would agree that that just is not successful enough.
The other note to take from it was that, among most calibers (at least 9mm and up), bullet construction was the biggest defning factor. Heavy, fast and hardcast are what matter. A person wants as much penetration as possible, not hollow points or other restricted penetration rounds. But my further point is: I don’t want to just rely on a frearm, which should always be considered a last resort.
I am lucky to have survived all my bear encounters and to have avoided escalating them by understanding bear psychology and steering clear of bears when they show signs of aggression. I often compare bears to sharks; when they come back again, they aren’t just passing through — they are serious. Bear psychology should be the frst lesson, just as people should be aware that the majority of attacks are caused by surprising
a bear, often a mother protecting cubs (as was Hickok’s unfortunate case). In the wild, mothers do not have time to mess around when their babies’ lives are on the line. They maul frst and do not ask questions. This is why many experts encourage outdoorspeople to have multiple layers of defense. Many hikers bring bells on their packs to make noise as they walk. This alerts bears to a hiker’s presence. However, some attacks cannot be prevented with noise alone, and
some physical deterrent is needed so that noise does not become nothing more than a dinner bell. The next line of defense should be bear spray, which is by far the most efective bear deterrent, even above a frearm. However, when a bear is committed, the spray may not be enough. Up until this point, the bear’s safety has been considered, but now it becomes the hiker or the bear. I always recommend people carry some kind of frearm for that last scenario, just in case.
Poacher in Ravalli Co. convicted of crimes
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens report that Jerry “Trey” Truitt III of Tennessee was recently sentenced for wildlife poaching crimes committed in Ravalli County, resulting in a lifetime loss of hunting and fishing privileges. Truitt also had a prior history of poaching convictions in Ravalli and Lake Counties.
The most recent case concluded April 2 in Ravalli County Justice Court where Truitt pleaded no contest on five criminal counts related to poaching crimes he committed in 2024 and 2025. Truitt was convicted on two counts of unlawful possession of wildlife (turkey and sandhill crane), one count of hunting without a license, one count of criminal trespass, and one count for hunting during a closed season. Truitt hunted for turkeys without a license and killed a sandhill crane in Ravalli County, where there is not a season for cranes.
The original Montana case against Truitt related to poaching crimes he committed in 2024 in Ravalli County. He was originally convicted in Ravalli County Justice Court in April 2025 on two counts of hunting without a license and two counts of unlawful possession of a game animal. He killed an antlerless elk and antlerless white-tailed deer in West Fork of the Bitterroot without a license.
In 2025 Truitt also pleaded guilty in Lake County Justice Court for obstruction of justice, using a license issued to another person, and violation of Commission rules and regulations related to unlawfully hunting waterfowl on Ninepipe Wildlife Management Area in 2024. Ravalli County Game Wardens Taylor Gagnon and Shane Yaskus, and Warden Sergeant Lou Roy ce, led the Ravalli County investigations, and Warden Jake Pickens led the Lake County case. The earlier cases resulted in fines and
restitution owed and some loss of hunting and fishing privileges, with the final sentencing bumping that into a lifetime loss.
“We would like to thank both county attorney’s offices for all of their work through the years on these cases,” said FWP Region 2 Warden Captain, Kyle Miller. “The Ravalli County Attorney’s Office, and particularly Deputy County Attorney David Lakin, dedicated a lot of time and energy to these cases, and we appreciate his extra efforts.”
FWP game wardens say that wildlife crime investigations like this one are often initiated or solved because of leads from the public. Visit tipmont.mt.gov for more information on reporting natural resource crimes and who to contact in your local area.
To report poachers in Montana, call the 24/7 TIP-MONT hotline at 1-800-
847-6668 (1-800-TIP-MONT) or submit a report online at the TIP-MONT website. You can remain anonymous, and informants may be eligible for cash rewards up to $1,000 for information leading to a conviction.
The TIP-MONT trailer is a mobile education display that features cases from around Montana that resulted from information provided by the public. This trailer is a great way to see firsthand the damage done by poaching. If you are interested in having the TIP-MONT trailer at your event, please contact Brooke Shelley at 406-594-8266 or brjohnson@mt.gov
Office hours are MondayFriday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Health Care
Close to Home
PRIMARY CARE IN THE BITTERROOT VALLEY
Your health matters. When you choose Providence, you access personalized care that fts your life. We get to know your individual needs and partner with you to maintain optimal health.
WE OFFER:
• Annual physicals for health maintenance
• Preventative care and screenings
• Well-baby and well-child checkups
• Management of chronic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and asthma
• On-site lab services
Online scheduling with same-day care options
• Team-based care
• Referrals for specialty care when needed
every 4th Thursday of the month, January through October, 7:30 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd St., Hamilton.
SOS Breakfast with Marines is every 1st Saturday of the month, all year. It is informal; spouses and friends are welcome; all menu options available, plus Marine camaraderie and esprit de corps, 8:30 a.m., Hangar Cafe, Ravalli County Airport, Hamilton. Check out group site on Facebook at: Marine Corps League, Bitterroot Valley Detachment #937, Hamilton. Semper Fidelis!
Quantum Group
Attend the Quantum Group of the Bitterroot to learn how consciousness and the universe work at the subatomic level, and how they correlate to the reality we live in. Listen to presentations, and participate in discussions, on the topic of Quantum Physics and its cousin Metaphysics. No previous knowledge or interest in these felds are required. Quantum Theory and its applications are fascinating and are at the cutting edge of the future of science. Come learn with others. Meets last Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library, downstairs meeting room.
Free community breakfast
Come enjoy a pancake breakfast and meet your neighbors in Victor.
Victor Masonic Lodge is hosting the breakfast every 3rd Saturday of each month, starting at 9 a.m. Location is above Farmers Bank on Main Street in Victor.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1507 108 Main St, Victor Member Meeting 2nd Wednesday at 6:00pm Open to Public Tues-Friday 113:00pm Home of the
Woman’s Club
The GFWC Bitterroot Woman’s Club meets the second Saturday of each month, September through May, in the dining hall at the First Presbyterian Church, 1220 W Main Street, Hamilton. The club welcomes new members and for more information check out the website at www gfwcbitterrootwomansclub.com or contact Carole at 406-2257453.
Ravalli Democrats
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
North Valley Library events
Youth Chess Club — Mon, May 4 at 4pm
Calling all youth interested in honing their chess skills. Drop in for an informal games. Bring your own board and chess pieces or use ours. Ages 10-17 all abilities welcome!
Your Painting Rocks! — Thur, May 7 at 6pm
Back by popular demand...rock painting! This is a fun way to fex your creative muscles without any pressure, because if you don’t think your painting rocks, at least it is a rock. There will be plenty of inspiration, ideas, and of course, rocks. Registration required.
Other library ongoings
Saturday Morning Social at the Library for Adults — 1st, 3rd & 5th Sat from 10am-12pm
We set aside a special time and space for adults to chat, work a jigsaw puzzle, play a game, or do coloring pages. Tea and cofee provided, so have a cuppa and enjoy the community that makes Stevensville so special. Meets the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturday of the month.
Men’s Club: Chess & Checkers — Last Thurs of Month at 2pm
Gents, this one’s just for you. Make connections and conversation over a game of chess or checkers during this informal monthly get-together. All experience levels welcome. And if you’ve never played chess, come and learn! Gameboards provided or you may bring your own. Registration recommended to receive a reminder email but not required. Please arrive at 2pm to be matched with a partner.
Cruisers Car Club
Corvallis American Legion Post #91’s
Ravalli Democrats social (mostly) get together on Tuesdays 4pm will complete its present season with March 24, April 7, 14, 21 and 28. On May 2 the Hamilton Farmer’s Market season starts for us at 9am. American Legion Park on Bedford. We break camp around noon. Stop by!
Cruisers Car Club meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the backroom at BJ’s Restaurant, in Hamilton. The club consists of members of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion. The club is busy planning for car shows for the upcoming year and wants your involvement. If you own a classic vehicle (20 years or older), and want a social atmosphere centered around your interest in classic vehicles, then you are welcome to be part of the club. For more information, call Bobbi Tucker at 406-369-2411.
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Family, Friends, Caregivers Support Group Meeting
Stevensville - SECOND Monday of the Month, 6:00-7:30 pm, St. Stephens Episcopal Church meeting room, 203 Main Street. Email: namistevimt@gmail. com.
Hamilton - FOURTH Monday of the Month, 6:00-7:30 pm, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, basement entrance on Desmet Street. Email: bitterrootandgrow@gmail.com. Call or text Sue: 406-369-0406 (Stevensville). Call or text Nicole: 406 214-2649 (Hamilton).
Grief Support Group
Grief Support Group at Florence Carlton Community Church, 20073 Old Hwy 93, starts Saturday, February 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This 13-week ‘Grief Share’ program supports those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Come as you are to fnd the support you need. Questions? Call Colleen Simpson at 206-930-2519.
Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club
The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday May 1, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Frontier Cafe; HWY 93 in Stevenville. Our guest speaker will be
State Auditor James Brown. The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the frst and third Friday of each month from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
National Day of Prayer for the Bitterroot Valley
When: Thursday, May 7th, Noon1pm Where: The Bedford Building Community Room, 223 S. 2nd, Hamilton Come join together to pray for our community and nation. The 2026 theme is “Glorify God Among the Nations, Seeking Him in All Generations” (1 Cor 16:24). Hosted by the Ravalli County Ministerial Association (RCMA).
Scholarships for HS seniors
Hamilton First Presbyterian Church ofers continuing education scholarships to graduating Ravalli County seniors. Application is available from student’s high school guidance ofce or by contacting the church 406-363-1232. Applications are due frst Tuesday in May at the church, 1220 W Main St, Hamilton, MT 59840.
Hunting applications deadline
The deadline to apply for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and bison licenses is Friday, May 1; the deadline to apply for elk B, deer B and antelope is Monday, June 1. All applications must be completed online, at a License Ambassador location or at an FWP ofce. Most FWP ofces with license sales are open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5p.m. FWP ofers several tools to help hunters navigate the application process. The application process is diferent for residents and nonresidents, but FWP has created instructional videos to help with both kinds
of customers.
Hunters can also take advantage of the MyFWP mobile app. The app holds and displays licenses, permits and E-Tags, which can be downloaded and used in the feld without cell service. To create a My FWP account, visit the MyFWP login page.
Applicants have the option to reapply for the same oferings as last year with just a simple click, eliminating the need to search through previous applications. For more information on Montana hunting licenses and permits, go to fwp.mt.gov/ buyandapply/hunting-licenses.
MQS Inc to provide pole barn for Ravalli County Fairgrounds
Construction on a new pole barn in Hamilton, MT, will start the first full week of May and will be completed in a week.
In partnership with the Ravalli County fairgrounds, MQS Inc (originally Montana Quality Structures) has agreed to provide and build a 44’ x 90’ x 12’ open-sided pole barn on the Northwest end of the rodeo arena in exchange for a multi-year sponsorship package.
This 44’ x 90’ x 12’ open-sided free-standing pole barn will cover the horse pen area at the fairgrounds. This will significantly increase the comfort level for participating horses by providing shelter from the sun and rain during the summer months.
Said Glen Stoll, the MQS sales manager and salesman for Ravalli County, “With many MQS employees living and working
in the Ravalli County area, we love being able to find ways to give back to our community. My family and I love coming to the fairgrounds each year, and we couldn’t pass up on the opportunity to help it grow. Not just for my kids and me, but for the next generation as well.”
Founded in 2011, MQS is a family-owned and operated company. The founder and owner’s construction background began with his Amish upbringing. He ingrained those values of work ethic, expert craftsmanship and working with integrity into every facet of the company, making it foundational to MQS’s success.
With over 5,000 buildings dotting the landscape in Montana, Idaho and beyond, the company ranked first and third among builders in Montana, respectively. To learn more, visit www.mqsbarn.com.
BRLT to host Ag networking mixer
The Bitter Root Land Trust (BRLT) and partners in local agriculture are inviting agricultural producers, both new and seasoned, to a “Land & Legacy” networking mixer on Thursday, April 30 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Victor Station, located at 2412 US-93 in Victor.
Attendees will receive their first drink for free, courtesy of the Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce’s Ag & Local Foods committee, with educational programming presented by Montana Farmers Union.
The Land & Legacy event is designed to bring together new or aspiring producers and experienced professionals to build connections, share knowledge, and explore land succession opportunities. This event is part of a succession planning series, “Keep Working Land in Working Hands,” designed by BRLT and partners in agriculture to address the complex challenges that affect farm and ranch families, including retiring landowners and finan -
cial limitations to entry level agricultural producers.
As part of BRLT’s selection to participate in the American Farmland Trust’s Land Transfer Navigators Program, a national program aimed to increase the transfer of farm and ranch land to a new generation of producers, the workshop series was created by partners in agriculture including Montana Farmers Union, Farm Connect Montana, Montana State University Ag Extension Office, Bitterroot Stockgrowers Association, Ravalli County Right to Farm & Ranch Board, Bitterroot Farm Bureau, and local trusted specialists on succession planning.
A variety of information will be available to share with attendees including the building blocks of succession planning, the financial and legal components, as well as tools available to support the process such as conservation easements – a tool that has been utilized by 70 families in the
Bitterroot Valley to conserve more than 15,000 acres of open lands, including family farms and ranches, in partnership with BRLT to date.
“We are excited to offer this program to our community that has traditions steeped in agriculture and local food production,” says Melissa Odell, Lands Director for the Bitter Root Land Trust. “To help ensure agriculture continues to be a driver for our local economy, it is critical to connect our valley’s farmers and ranchers with resources to support and engage the next generation of agricultural producers.” For more information about the Bitter Root Land Trust, visit www.bitterrootlandtrust.org. For more information about the American Farmland Trust’s Land Transfer Navigators Program, visit www.farmland. org/land-transfer-navigators.
Buker Ranch in Victor, 160 acres conserved by Clarissa (Buker) Patzer and Tony Sherer in partnership with BRLT.
Photo courtesy Bitter Root Land Trust.
The crisis of wealth
It is both disingenuous and cruel to demand further austerity from struggling Americans while the national debt balloons. Republican politicians regularly plead poverty when it comes to essential social programs yet magically fnd bottomless funding for the military industry and the war in Iran. America does not have a scarcity of wealth; it has a crisis of distribution. Our fscal shortfalls could be resolved tomorrow if we simply required the wealthy to pay their fair share.
Steve Schmidt Darby
Purity test
I have recently learned a new term. Purity Test. A political “purity test” is a strict ideological standard used by political groups to determine if a candidate aligns perfectly with the group’s core values. These “core values” seem to be determined by the far right of the Republican Party and the far left of the Democratic Party. The candidate is asked to sign an oath to support his party. So when things actually happen in the real world, never the twain shall meet. David Bedey has refused to take the Republican Party Oath (Purity Test). He wants to use common sense with each decision. Because of this, the mailer I got this week -from his own party- portrays him as the most vile and corrupt person around. What thanks for such a knowledgeable and willing to serve person! !
Lois Klement Corvallis
Good for me, but not for thee
Do we all remember the Bitterroot Star article from now Mayor Jim Crews about election manipulation back in August of 2025? Well, it seems nothing changes at Town Hall. This is about a records request and the public’s right to know. In that August article Mayor Crews claimed he was denied the right to view public records and then he was trespassed from Town Hall. This, according to Crews, violated his 1st amendment right of the US constitution, as well as violated his rights under the Montana Constitution Article II, Part II Section 7 and exercising my Right to Know Article II Part II section 9.
On April 21, 2026 I stopped into Town Hall to do a records request. Keep in mind, what I was requesting to see was my personal fle, from when I was an employee of the town, and those regarding a proprty at the aiport I control. I was told by a town employee that the records request had to be approved by the mayor, who was currently sitting at his desk and was aware of the entire situation.
“You see the problem with this is that you as a citizen have a right to see all public documents as protected by the Constitution for the State of Montana, Article II, Part II, Section 9 Right to Know. No person shall be deprived of the right to examine documents or to observe the deliberations of all public bodies or agencies of state government and its subdivisions, except in cases in which the demand of individual privacy clearly exceeds the merits of public disclosure.
This right is also protected by state law, § 2-6-1003(1) MCA which states, (1) Except as provided in subsections (2) and (3), every person has a right to examine and obtain a copy of any public information of this state,” said Mayor Crews in the Aug. Bitterroot Star Article.
I was told by the employee that they were too busy to pull the fle, because they were working on updating the “packet for tonight.” I was told it would be by the end of the week, but no later than Friday. Well, I am writing this on Sunday and have not heard anything from the Town.
This next statement is directly from mayor Crews in the same article:
“My review of the public documents has revealed several holes in our system. One thing, there is no policy or procedure for processing public records requests. It seems as if it is left up to whoever is processing the request. That is wrong. There needs to be a policy or procedure that guides the staf in processing these requests. It should be a council-approved process,
Opinion
not a process left up to an employee. There needs to be a public policy to allow the public to come into Town Hall and review documents without having to be put through the wringer. We should not have to pay to see what we have already purchased with our tax dollars.”
I think it’s important to point out to the people of Stevensville that you didn’t get a better mayor, you just changed the image on a signature line. Mayor Crews, I supported you when you were running and from one Veteran to another you sir need to go have a moment of self-refection, reach down deep inside and fnd that integrity that you claimed you had. Stop being a hypocrite and start fxing the discrepancies that you identifed in this town.
William Rowe Hamilton
Pay it forward: investing in Stevensville’s future
Strong schools are built on a simple, timeless culture: putting students frst. When we surround our children with support at home and excellence at school, we graduate citizens ready to lead. My mother, a 30-year veteran teacher, taught me to “pay it forward.” She always voted to support her local schools because she knew that someone else had already paid for her own education years prior. That “pay it forward” mentality is on my mind today as ballots reach your mailboxes.
I am writing to ask for your partnership in reinvesting in the Stevensville School District through our upcoming Technology Levy.
Beyond the Screen: Supporting the Essentials
I’ve heard from many of you regarding “screen time,” and I want to be clear: Direct, face-to-face instruction remains the primary way we teach in Stevensville. Laptops and Chromebooks are tools, but they represent only 25% of this budget. When you vote for this levy, you aren’t just buying devices—you are maintaining the invisible “nervous system” of our schools. This levy funds:
● Safety & Security: Keeping our campus secure and our communication lines open.
● Infrastructure: Powering our heating systems, transportation platforms, and business operations.
● Modern Tools: Ensuring our curriculum and assessments prepare students for a workforce where nearly every job now requires technical literacy.
The Tax Impact: A Responsible Transition
We are asking the community to replace the current levy, which sunsets this June, with a new 10-year commitment. We have timed this request carefully. In Fall 2026, the middle school bond will drop of the tax rolls. Because of this, we can make a signifcant investment in our future with only a minimal impact on your wallet. For a home valued at $300,000, the total increase is less than $3.00 per month.
Estimated Annual Impact (Additional to the 2016 perpetual levy): Home Value | Elementary District | High School District | Total Monthly Impact
$100,000 | $5.83/Year | $4.37/ Year | $0.85/Month
$300,000 | $17.49/Year | 13.11/ Year | $2.55/Month
We understand that every dollar matters. As your Superintendent, I take the responsibility of stewarding your taxpayer resources with the utmost transparency. This levy is about stability. It allows us to plan responsibly for the next decade, preventing disruptive cuts that would directly impact our classrooms and our children’s safety.
By voting, you ensure we “Pay it Forward” for the next generation, providing them the level of service and security they deserve.
Your voice matters. Your vote matters. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please call, email me at konenj@ stevensville.k12.mt.us, or stop by the ofce. My door is always open.
Jon Konen, Superintendent Stevensville
Candidate forum
I attended the candidate forum at the Ravalli County Event Center on April 22. There were about 300 seats set up for the event, but I was sorry to see only about 2/3 of the seats occupied… a small turnout, I thought, for such an important event. Many thanks to RCEDA, the Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce, BVBOR and a host of other local organizations that sponsored this event! The candidates were those running for the ofces of Sherif/Coroner, County Commissioner, and State Legislative. The event was hosted by the inimitable Steve Fullerton, who, as usual, did an excellent job of keeping the candidates on track! All the candidates did an excellent job of presenting themselves and their positions and as they say, “May the best candidates win”! I wanted to point out a few things that were said during the meeting that were not verifed or challenged by anyone, so I am not sure of their veracity. For example, one of the candidates said that Ravalli County is the fastest growing county in the state. In light of the recent publicity through the show “Yellowstone” and the number of lights we see in the evening when driving up or down route 93, that could well be true! Another fact someone stated was that the forest here in the Bitterroot is the most dangerous forest in the nation and is the highest fre hazard in the country! Another candidate mentioned that there are 550 miles of road here in Ravalli County and that 250 miles of that total are paved roads. The County’s biggest budget item right now is the maintenance of these roads, and keeping the roads in good working order is a high priority. Some time was spent discussing the necessity and the survival of rural hospitals, such as Marcus Daly/Bitterroot Health. This hospital complex has been a great beneft to the residents of Ravalli County. We are in danger of losing this excellent facility if President Trump‘s budget cuts trickle down to our small community. Preschool programs and their costs also got quite a bit of attention. How to pay for and operate these vital programs is a major concern with both parents now having to work due to the poor economy. Most developed countries have free childcare/preschool programs, which give children a Headstart on their education…vital if we are to stay competitive with other industrialized countries! I was disappointed that none of the candidates for County Commissioner spoke about one of the most serious concerns facing us these days… the SheepCreek Mine project. I would have thought this would be at the top of the list. In my opinion, the construction of this mine would be disastrous for our valley. All in all, I thought this was an excellent opportunity to hear from all the candidates on a variety of issues. I only wish more people had attended! Tom Tunny Hamilton
Response to frefghter article
After reading the recent article regarding the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department, I felt compelled to ofer a perspective that may resonate with many in our community.
Any claim of unfair treatment deserves to be taken seriously and reviewed through the proper channels. That part is not in question. What is harder to reconcile is the broader context; specifcally, the very public way this situation has unfolded on social media. Naming and criticizing individual frefghters in a public forum has been divisive and, at times, felt less like advocacy and more like escalation.
It’s difcult to square the idea of seeking reform while simultaneously fueling public confict. One tends to cancel out the other.
I support the notion that organizations should evolve and improve where needed. I also support the members of our local fre department, who serve this community with consistency, professionalism, and very little fanfare.
The article frames this situation primarily as a matter of reform, yet it also references the possibility of a settlement. That detail matters. Reform improves systems; settlements resolve disputes. They are not always the same goal, no matter how they’re presented.
Our community deserves conversations
that are balanced, measured, and grounded in respect—for everyone involved. If meaningful change is the objective, it should be pursued in a way that brings people to the table, not drives them further apart. Because in a small town, reputations are built slowly; and undone much faster.
Toni Daguerre Hamilton
Bedey serves you; Love serves party bosses
I’ve known David Bedey for nine years and he and I are appalled at what is going on this primary election season, especially in Senate District 43, where Rep. David Bedey is squaring of against Rep. Kathy Love on the Republican ballot. David has faithfully served his four terms over eight years. Love has served only one and is now wanting to leave those who trusted her with their vote two years ago, to “climb the political ladder”.
Ever since October, we’ve been bombarded by propaganda smearing Bedey’s voting record. Most of it is funded by an out-of-state special interest group, Americans for Prosperity (AFP). ALL of it grossly distorts his record. They even resort to outright lies. And now AFP is advertising to pay $21 an hour for people to knock doors in support of Bedey’s opponent. It is a job to them and say what they are paid to say. A lot of outside money is being spent to infuence this election and others across the state. In Montana local races, the candidates usually, with their limited income & donations, rely on friends who volunteer to help them let voters know who they are. When they knock on your door themselves, or have friends’ help, they share information that they know to be true because they know the person. AFP has been known to bring paid door knockers from other cities and states. Meanwhile, Love is campaigning to “hold candidates accountable,” parroting AFP’s lies and distributing her version of a “scorecard” designed to appeal to your emotions while obscuring the issues. Why is Love trying to mislead us?
Maybe it’s to divert attention from her own record. Why did Love vote against lowering property taxes for over 80% of Montana homeowners? Why did she vote against needed repairs of the dam at Painted Rocks? Why did she vote against upgrading Darby’s wastewater system? Why did she vote against Ravalli County farmers, fshermen, hunters, and campers on bills for the upkeep and maintenance of irrigation systems, state fshing access sites, wildlife management areas, and state parks? Don’t those sound like issues that you care about in your district?
I think that the diference between David Bedey and Kathy Love comes down to who they represent. Two years ago, Love swore an oath of allegiance to the party. Bedey didn’t and won’t. That’s because he knows his duty is to represent you and not align with a party who changes their rules & agenda to achieve their own personal desires. They want power & glory as they sit in their Helena ofces. This understandably frustrates the voters who believed their promises and want to see results.
We need legislators who put allegiance to the Constitution ahead of party loyalty, who put serving their constituents ahead of obeying party bosses, and who have a proven record of doing the hard work necessary to fnd solutions to the challenges facing Montana. That’s why I support David Bedey for Senate District 43.
Sheep Creek mine
Pat Earnest Stevensville
The proposed Sheep Creek mine at the headwaters of the Bitterroot River is a terrible idea for many reasons. All of us—of every political stripe and environmental persuasion—know it. It’s a rare issue that’s galvanized our valley. The 650 people who attended last December’s public meeting were unanimously opposed… except the two mine company guys who sheepishly spoke in favor. But are the politicians who represent us also speaking out against the mine? One is. Commissioner Burrows sits on the Ravalli County Collaborative (RCC) which
Mission The Bitterroot Star is a team of caring individuals who ethically and responsibly strive to deliver essential news and information to our local community. Publishing Information The Bitterroot Star is published every Wednesday by Bitterroot Star Newspaper, Co, a division of Mullen Newspapers. The advertising and editorial content deadline is Friday at 5 p.m. We strive to include news and information that’s important to the people of the Bitterroot Valley. If you have a story idea, or any other concern, call us at 406-777-3928, email: editor@bitterrootstar.com or stop in at our ofce at 115 W. 3rd, #108, Stevensville. The mailing address is P.O. Box 133, Stevensville MT 59870. Correction Policy Accuracy is important to us. If you see a factual error in a Bitterroot Star news story, please notify the editor immediately and we will print a correction in the next issue. Our View/Letters
of
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16--Bitterroot Star addresses public land management. The RCC wrote a blistering letter unanimously opposing the mine, Burrows being a signatory.
So now that the public at large and a prominent local politician have spoken it’s time for ALL local, state, and federal political representatives of Montana to go on the record and speak in unison: Stop the mine! Folks, don’t let them get of wafing or wavering or shirking the will of the people.
Our Bitterroot River is the life blood of our valley. A couple dozen mining jobs will never trump the priceless value of our river and the thousands who rely on it. It’s not worth the risk. Rare earth metals for electric car batteries and military uses can be more easily obtained—at much less cost—in places like the Berkeley pit. It’s time we demand every current or wouldbe politician to go on the record against the mine. No ifs ands or buts.
Van P. Keele Hamilton
Political ideology by smell test
The open gash in the Ravalli County Republican Party, and beyond, is grounded in whether or not one can be a “TRUE Republican” only if one can “clear the bar” of “sufcient conservatism AND sufcient Christianity”. What is “sufcient” and in whose eyes, is either, “sufcient”? And, under what “authority” is the bar set? Party “bosses”? Pastors?? Are we to assume, once elected, Republicans candidates who adhere such an arbitrary “standard” will represent ALL constituents of their district, even those, in or out of their party, who did not vote for them??? Candidates who adhere to such “smells test” do not inspire confdence they will vote their political conscience (as we should expect) but WITHOUT stomping out required bi-partisanship that good governance depends upon for the even handed exertion of political power. Because most of us are NOT “sufciently conservative” (you know, like any who are not adherents to the tenets of the John Birch Society or the Freedom Caucus) OR “sufciently Christian” (you know, like non evangelicals such as Catholics or Episcopalians), we should NOT expect to be ignored by any of our “representatives” who pursue their own extreme ideology without consideration for their constituents who reject their extremism.
For all of us who fail the “smell test” of fealty to EITHER party, vote accordingly, against any candidate who embraces such lock step, faux “loyalty”. Vote to snuf out extremism on either side of EVERY issue. Otherwise, the stench of extremism will permeate everything. It is immediately recognizable as the very same odor as an over fowing septic tank that is already in the air of authoritarianism, locally, state wide and nationally. Authoritarianism, whether cloaked in political ideology or religious ideology is still authoritarianism and is meant to eradicate anyone not “on board” with it.
As the voices on this opinion page reveal, extremism is only meant to snuf out the voice of any but the extremists. Vote against the silencing of anyone.
For the moment, the Republicans are the only party demanding an oath based on a “smell test” but as a recent Article in the Atlantic reports, the Democrats are itching to “follow the lead” and impose one on their own. Reject any such thing.
There are plenty of places to live, if it is your choice to live under authoritarian-
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
John Grant Hamilton
FEAR
Fear, being one of the most powerful of human emotions, has long been used to control society. The extent to which individuals are sensitive to fear is the dominant factor in their lifestyles. Their reaction is evident in their circumstance. Circumstance is the determining element in their ability to adjust to the degree of fear present.
The greatest single example of the use of fear to control is in the very sensitive subject of politics. What once was the great operating principle was the positive–here’s what I can do for you. Hope for improvement in whatever subject was selected by the proponent. That subject, was, of course, selected on the basis of two factors. One being the sensitivity to the subject chosen and the other, the proponent’s ability to perform.
Technology has provided many improvements and opportunities to society. A dominant example is in the area of communications. The increased ability enabled the proponents to reach more deeply into those more sensitive areas of concern. The net result of that combination of events is fear. The increase in fear has created immense increased opportunity for those who strive to control–for whatever the reason.
With the commonly accepted idea that increased control is increased power, the resulting question is how that power will be exercised. Generally, the result is very direct. Vote for me, buy from me, and so on.
With the realization of the increased ability to control came also the concept that there was great opportunity in how the objective of control was achieved. How much more efective one means was or would be compared to another resulted in an operational shift on the activity of those who would control. That shift was to change from the ofer of hope (that which adds) to the ofer of fear (that which detracts). The result is evident in our society today.
Politicians commonly emphasize not the hope that they once ofered, but the damage the opponent will do. That shift in technique has resulted in the increasingly questionable methods in use today.
Politics has evolved from evoking Hope as an operational technique to that of evoking Fear as the most efective means to gain votes. The promise is that the opponent will be most harmful and that the proponent will not. No longer that the opponent will be less positive, only that they will be more negative.
The political process has abandoned integrity in the quest for power. It considers the results in terms of votes without concern for the impact upon the voter. The price the voter paid, the decisions forced upon them, were in defense instead of hope. What of the results of the decision?
The entire political process, in the quest for ever increasing power, generally ofers only negativity. That process reveals mainstream media to be an ever decreasing source of reliable information useful as the basis for a particular vote.
Mainstream media continues to use communications as a primary means of social control.
Where, in a feld of lies and deceit, is the voter to discover the truth of the matter involved?
The results contribute to abhorrent social
behavior as the overall frustration levels increase. Every day existence is under attack as a result of fear being used to such an extent. Fear is used as a motivational component in sales, law enforcement, safety, health and so on.
Existing conditions serve only to decrease the quality of the results as the means used ofer results of equal quality.
Then there is Artifcial Intelligence. If the past is any indication, there is great reason to feel–fear.
William (Bill) Campbell Conner
Why roll coal 2.0?
Update for readers. On March 28 this year at the No Kings rally on First Street in Hamilton, a couple of coal rollers insisted on repeatedly assaulting their peaceful neighbors by deliberately dousing them with toxic diesel truck exhaust. The incidents were not accidents blamed on defective mufers. These trucks were illegally modifed to accomplish this childish goal. Law enforcement professionals wrote the rollers citations. Rolling coal, if you don’t know, is a violation of several legal statutes.
So, what is the point of this rolling? Infict harm on your neighbors? Avoid having a rational discussion about issues? Thumb your nose at law enforcement ofcers? Give the city judge a reason to sock you with another fne? (FYI: City of Billings fnes coal rollers hundreds of dollars and those folks there value their fossil fuel industry.)
What mature grownup, regardless of political persuasion, thinks that this noxious, dangerous and infantile practice is a way we should treat each other? Condemning and demanding strong penalties for this kind of attack on our mutually shared right of free speech should be a no-brainer.
Here’s an alternative. Rather than wastefully spewing that $4.88 per gallon diesel over your neighbors, just park your rig and have a conversation with us No Kings demonstrators about solutions. Hundreds of us would value that opportunity. That’s how the Constitution of the United States works.
Gil Gale Corvallis Wayne Adair Hamilton
Two questions for Kathy Love
On June 2, Bitterrooters in Senate District #43 must vote on who will be their next senator. This decision should be based on a candidate’s judgment, credibility, honesty, and whether positions taken are grounded in reality and provide responsible solutions.
HERE ARE TWO QUESTIONS FOR KATHY LOVEcandidate for Senate Seat # 43 covering the east side of the Bitterroot Valley.
Kathy Love states she voted NO on the 2025 legislative salary raise or House Bill 13. Despite the NO VOTE, she will get the raise anyway as the bill passed 71-27.
However, if Love honestly believes the raise is wrong, for whatever reason, then we voters ask Love if elected, to publicly commit and an-
nounce that she will return the full amount of the increase to the community. Donate it each month to a Corvallis organization that assists those facing rising living costs such as The American Legion Post # 91 in Love’s house district.
Legislators relate that voting no when a bill is sure to pass is a game that is played in Helena so legislators can claim that they are fscally conservative and are trying to save money, but the others out voted them – It’s an excuse without a penalty.
Second Question: Painted Rocks Dam Funding At a Republican Women’s Club meeting in March 2026, Love said she voted NO on funding repairs and long-term maintenance for Painted Rocks Dam using a 30yr. bond at 3% and stated that she would have used the “billion-dollar surplus fund” instead.
Her opponent David Bedey voted YES as that long-term bond method is widely used by states for funding major projects, ensuring that costs are shared fairly over time by all those who use it now and in the future.
Love’s solution is problematic because according to David Bedey, those funds have already been allocated by the legislature and placed into designated accounts and trust funds governed by strict legal rules. The funds are not a discretionary pool of money available for new spending.
In other words, the “surplus” she referenced is not sitting idle waiting to be spent, it is not available. Love should have known that fact but didn’t.
Her statement refects a poor to non-existent level of preparation expected of someone seeking to be a senator and responsible for evaluating real options within real constraints. That requires understanding how funds are allocated, what restrictions apply, and how long-term obligations are fnanced.
David Bedey voted for a plan that works. Love voted for a plan that doesn’t exist.
Kathy Love’s position raises legitimate concerns about her understanding of the job, her preparation for it, and her obvious lack of knowledge about budgeting and fnancing.
Bitterroot voters must elect a competent, experienced decision maker to be our next senator. On June 2, the choice is clear: David Bedey is prepared to do the job. Kathy Love is not. The choice is up to voters. Please vote carefully!
Helen Sabin Corvallis
If you plan to fsh the Mo, now’s a good time
While my father-in-law was alive, Jan and I made several trips to the Missouri River every year. One for sure came over her Easter break from the school where she was principal, another came whenever high water wiped out our skwala season. As I write the Bitterroot is still fshable, but all that could change by press time.
I always looked forward to our spring trips. We’d see some midges and blue-winged olives, and maybe, if the timing was right, some magnifcent caddis activity. And there was always something going on underwater. At times the smaller fsh – by Missouri standards – fourteen and sixteen inchers –would be plenty busy on top while their grandparents were feeding on emergers just inches below the surface or chasing down sculpins.
barn. We saw deer on the freshly greening-up edges of the vast alfalfa felds. We kicked up some pheasants as we walked through the willow breaks. A pair of mallards quietly took cover as we passed their pond.
by Chuck Stranahan
Unlike the public fshing accesses around Craig, there was no parking lot full of cars, SUV’s or truck and trailer rigs waiting to be shuttled to other parking lots. There
was only our rig, parked under a sprawling shade tree a comfortable hike back the way we came.
We had a whole stretch of the Missouri River, as much of it as we could see, all to ourselves. And we caught trout.
When we reached the river
I saw a couple of scattered rises midstream, well beyond my reach. I changed rigs and tied on my sculpin pattern. My frst hit came on my frst cast, stripping the fy slowly in darty little pulls against a deep bank. Hit-and-a-miss. Adrenaline surged, and I felt my face break into a grin. “This could get real good,” I thought.
I caught some surprisingly large trout that day on the sculpin. A few days later the dry fies would
show. And just a couple of weeks after that, the tributaries pumped discolored runof water into that stretch of the Missouri. When that will happen this year, I don’t know.
My best fshing on the Missouri has come on the stretches around Cascade, well downstream from the crowded upper reaches. It was near Cascade that I took a big bulky slug of a brown trout that measured over twenty-fve inches. I could only guest-imate its weight at over six, pushing seven pounds. It took a #4 Conehead Bugger.
Earlier today, I called my friend Mike Bushly at Trout Montana Motel and Fly Shop in Cascade. We’ve become good friends over the years, largely because we’re both old school when it comes to con-
servation as the backbone of our sport. Mike is a former state-level Trout Unlimited ofcer. He has an abiding connection with the Missouri. We’re both old-school veterans of the fyfshing trade.
Mike told me that what’s going on now on the Mo is about what I’d expect: “We’re seeing lots of bluewinged olives and a few midges –great dry fy activity. And you can always do well with nymphs – right now we’re shifting from scuds to mayfy patterns. We’re seeing some great fshing.”
To get an honest update, call Mike at 406-468-9330 or email fyshop@troutmontana.com. As our local waters get sketchy with high water, now might be a good time to fsh the Mo.
My father-in-law was our key to the best of it. He was a dairy farmer on the Missouri for years and knew farmers and ranchers up and down the river. He knew every inch of good wade-fshing water around his home in Cascade. He had access to much of it that the general public didn’t see, except as their boats drifted by. They might miss the corners, the sly little runs that might get a cast or two from a drift boat but could only be fshed well by wading and stalking. I remember the frst time he told us to bring our fy rods on a planned family visit. He knew where the water levels would be right and where the fsh would be podded up. I waited while he made a phone call.
Flash forward: We pulled up to a sprawling, older well-kept ranch house. There were smiles and hugs and greetings, and eventually we were directed to a gate about a quarter mile’s hike away behind a
Mike Bushly with streamer-caught Missouri River brown, nearly as big as the author’s. Mike Bushly photo.
DITCH
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