Bitterroot Star - August 12, 2026

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Coveringthe theBitterroot BitterrootValley Valley- “Where – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Owned Locally&Owned & Independent Covering Montana Begins!” - Established 1985 - Locally Independent

’ ! l a c o L t a t s e B e ‘Th 37 29 39 Volume Number 35 Volume XXXVII, Number 30 XXXVII, Number 28 Volume XXXIX, Number 33 29 Volume XLII,XXXIX, Number 05Number Volume XXXVII,

30, Wednesday, February 9, 20 Wednesday, January 26, Wednesday, March 13, 20 Wednesday, March 6,202 Wednesday, August 12, 2026 Wednesday, January 31, 202 Wednesday, February 2, April 10,

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Hamilton mayor proclaims ‘Dogust’ Historic trap club faces closure Sapphire Valley subdivision approved Mine talk draws hundreds

Coffee withheld the Candidate! Eagles in winter Groundbreaking for medical Bitter Root Humane Association Three Mile Community Centercente open Every Tuesday 10am-11am at Frontier Cafe in Stevensville

celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary

by Victoria by Victoria Howell Howell by Michael Howell byby John DowdKruse Kristin

Find out more at www.GregOverstreet.com

speech, occupa-

shelter. $140,000. a levy, so this won’t have an tional and physic wells. concerns about the potencould herald major ty for failing to do the prop ter and dogsAccording that Irrigation will be Thechanges park additional impact on peopl therapy services – don’t provided by shares tial impacts to the roads, to other in similar the subdivision review the environmen by John Dowd space filledfrom up sothe fast they had to open giving many talks about Alliance analysis website.of It’s been a long time toknow Colleen board made property taxes. The City of Hamilton has oftheir birthThe Hamilton Ravalli County Mile Company. public safety, and across the impacts byincluding handing off its thera over 220 people theCreek presentation into other rooms and to wildlife, the Sheep Creek process Mine proposal. The TrapThree Club has Eight coming, but the new Schmiedeke, thestate decisionThe event Indrew addition to thea loan, Bitterroot Health ficially proclaimed August 2026 day,” saidserves Commissioners gave condiAccording toonthewere prelimito the rural character of the is a founder was alsoofdiscussed. In that mandated duties to“It other On Monday, February 26, Dr. people lined up out the door. Ramsey the Bitterto the Bitterroot River Inn. was Mile Community Center is up who to take out a project was paid for by been a fixture in the Bitterroot pool – plus imagi a approval groundbreakby Michael and cut the ribbon at last week’sthe as held “Dogust ShelterHowell Dog tional last week to Pintok. the subdivision area. A substantial number of case, the Upper Missouri agencies and ignoring num Phillip Ramsey, head biologist at nary MPG Oswald heardisRamsey’s presenroot Clean Water Alliance, as well as to finish really a good turnout,” saidservices. Oswald and running. Located at 4433 both plat the park loan Three Mile Community Valley since 1947. AMonth,” place for and lab ceremony, said concerning the Sen ing last Wednesday continuing a tradition that celeThe procthe Sapphire Valley Estates anticipated to add approxcomments expressed concern Waterkeepers and a group ous specific, documentable was attended by(the people from all ove Ranch in Florence, gave a presentatation a resident of the West Fork. He has Sunnyside Cemetery Road, board and the in Darby and contacted him, the project. Center official name) trap enthusiasts and hunting Bishop said brates shelter animals and raises lamation An open house celebration was organization’s 50 years of service, “ for its new medical subdivision, aon 33-lot developimately 11 new children to do one about the potential impacts to of residents living close to and clearly defined impacts tion in partnership with the Ravalli asking if he could with the a Ph.D in microbiology and in school western Montana, including Anacon the center is the east side community She said they which raised over $80,000 sport shooters to gather, soawareness about the importance recognized theyas hope to have held last week at the Bitter Root the was started by environment a bunch offar little old by John Dowd ment on a 49.22-acre parcel Florence-Carlton existing wells in the area thatstudied thethe proposed Creek to the such as complex that will beThe County Fish and Wildlife Association RCFWA. TheSchool event was co-sponsored specifically effects Horse of heavy da, and Missoula, and away a of Lone Rock Park. buildcenter board, worked with through community picnic compete and hone their of cialize, adoption. BRHA’s serHumane Association’s (BRHA) new ladies in 1972 and it’s still run by am the facility open of formerly agricultural land District and 264 new vehicare already experiencing a Hills subdivision challenged the decreasing water abunmetal contamination in rivers. He has Helena and even into Idaho. This (RCFWA), on the Sheep Creek Mine by the Bitterroot chapter of Trout Uning contains a large meeting they started Farmers State rummage sales, bingo nigh skills, the club also functions as a built just north of Hamilton Mayor Dominic vice to RavLast weekend the Bitter animal located on Fairgrounds ofdance little old ladies.” near the intersection ofMark Eight tripslimited. per dayRamsey, to the local lowering of staticpublished water levels both Broadwater County and been in the area and failin proposal. According to Oswald, according to Oswald, over 70 papers, according toto bunch have because many area conse room, ashelter warming kitchen, aRoot working on Bank keep and donations from comm by spring of 2023 501c3 non-profit the Farrenkopf made proclamaalli ular County Stevensville atthe thesupporting Humane Association participatMile Creek Road and Upper road system. Additionally, and some already having to the Department of Natural to analyze the impacts on th Road in Hamilton. The event served a Kathie Butts, President of the president of the RCFWA, the event was excited to speak, and has been his bio on the Bitterroot Clean Water state-of-the-art audio visual this in 2012 their loan nity members. Other major community by providing youth and that they plan tion during the Hamilton City since 1972 See Mine, page corner of Kootenai ed for the first time in a nationWoodchuck Road east of the applicant is proposing to be drilled deeper. Concerns Resources and Conservation aquifer. double purpose. It included a ribbon Board, said, “This organization has system, and a gorgeous view and incorpopayments contributors were the Thre programs as The where Bitter- and wished Council’s Aug.such 4 meeting, on continuing to al “slumber party” event. Creek Road and Florence. The land is honor being a 100-foot by 100were also expressed about the (DNRC) over thereasonable. processcome and such while thethe of the Bitterroot toshelter rated in 2014. Mile Fireway District, Lone cutting ceremony in of thededicate new a“Thus, long since itCounty was root Blasters. toThe club representatives ofAccording theMountains Bitter Root dogs expand services. Bitterroot shelter branded their Hwy 93. developed by Laura Watson of foot easement for the use and impacts to other irrigators the lack of information about is technically correct that th the west. She said the Those payRock Park and the Rapp Fa Humane Association (BRHA) a happy members, hundreds of kids have facility, including tours of the whole started about 50 years ago. I feel a event the “Slumber Pawty,” which “We’re bringing t Watson Homes LLC who was benefit of the Florence Rural dependent on the Eight Mile water quantity and quality, or duty to provide the statutor The building is now home total cost is ments come ily Foundation. attended, including board presibirthday. John Bishop, Bitparticipated in that program building, and an array of food and huge sense of responsibility to hono opened the shelter to community represented by the engineerFire District and contribute Creek Company, storm runoff, impacts to wildlife required information lies w dent Lisa Allison, Shelter Direccarebefore tosaid theus patien to the senior center and the approximateouton ofnearby park Schmiedeke there over the years. Along with their “Now, terroot Health CEO, drink in honor of the organization’s those who have come and members who participated to stay torown Tucker Chase, BRHA vol-supports therefore, ing company Professional $8,000 to the Florence Rural and the impacts on Eight Mile landowners. 71 Ranch [the developer], t Weekend Backpack Program ly $500,000. taxes that are were many volunteers who programs, the club he said. 50th birthday. make it as good as it can be as we se said that Marcus the night with the animals, among unteer coordinator Lisa Pintok, I, Dominic Consultants Inc. (PCI). Fire District. Creek. In his ruling, District Court County is incorrect in its im that serves Lone Rock School. When already being helped on the project, and charities and has raised over Hedgeby John Dowd The private non-profi t organization the course for the nextLois 50 years.” Daly Hospital had other fun activities. Between 12Farrenkopf, staff and volunteers. The proposal ispark for sinThe Commissioners A recent court decision Judge Michael McMahon plication that the County ca The surrounding conSchmiedeke assessed, TMCSC received reduced $165,000 for the Shriners andIn peth, chair ofwith the McCormack said that the was fi rst organized in 1972. 1984, noon Saturday and 12 noon The SunIt is Montana the third consecutive Mayor gle-family residential use received dozens of written over a proposed subdivision criticized both the county and approve a subdivision tains soccer and baseball “gotofreally Schmiedeke prices from contractors. Th The Hope Project. It is often said that Three Mile Community Senior Center board members, l to r, Colorganization conducted a successfu Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the year theparticipants city has recognized DoHamilton, day, stayed overnight hospital board, with individual septic systems public comments expressing in Broadwater County that DNRC. He criticized the counfields, tennis and volleyball involved,” the is proud that general contractor donated club islocally utilized by local schools, little owned gust. Allison approached theacity Montana, leen Schmiedeke, Joyce Pando and Wendy Audiss in front of the SAPPHIRE, page with the animals, fundraisingSee campaign fund the n granddaughter ofpath, Marcus Daly, gave saidto this project courts, ashelter walking playgroup had they didn’t Teller Wildlife Refuge, Boywore Scouts bookstores are a waning three years ago about making do hereby See the CENTER, pajamas, played games and more new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. construction but then Covid-19 the BRHA land on Fairgrounds Road ground and a covered picnic raised about have to run has been four pag yea TripleHowever, Creek Ranch, amongproclaim Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound as Bitbusiness. the theand proclamation, and the mayor in support of the shelter. pandemic hit and construction cost with a 99-year lease. Six years later, others. in the works, but folks that own Chapter ter Root Humane Association Board Member Sue McCormack prepares to cut the ribbon readilyShelters agreed. all over the U.S. and August 2026 As a result, the group in 1990, the Bessenyey estate deeded The current executive di- as One Book Store, in HamDogust isof considered the held Dogust celebrating the opening there were some John Bishop, pictured from left, leads a gathering peopleskyrocketed. involved in the of the new animalfifth shelter in Hamilton. Photo by Michaelof Howell. even out the country the had to take out a mortgage to finish the land to the organization where rector, Tom Allsop, has been Shelter Dog unofficial birthday celebration ilton, event may take exception delays due to the same during the same 24Bitterroot Health building project in a ceremonial groundbreaking. The facility the property that had Sueby McCormack, who serves on Hamilton Club members linehoused up for athe shoot. Photo Kristin Kruse. the current shelter is located. The forto shelter dogs and other shelMonth,” the on Trap this, as they were reSee TRAP, 5 See SHELTER, page hour period. The event is apage fundpandemic. She sa theat organization’s of directors will be built on land located the corner ofboard Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93 new building an old building tercently animals whosereplaces actual birth proclama- shelter since 1984. awarded for being Hamilton City Council, mayor, Bitter Root Humane Association staff and volunteers pose for a picture with animals, proclaiming August of 2026their “Dogust.” Photo bytha raiser for each shelter, and particvision is by John Dowd do. According to Steinhoff, “We have dates are unknown. The national tion states. just north of the Stevensville Junction. an “outstanding model by Nathan Boddy cumstances, having She adds that the John Dowd. ipants each work to raise observance began in 2008 andfunds toIn a to act now, and stay ahead of this.” people the Stevensville business,” according to encountered important donate tototheir respective shelters. ness for dogs. “I love dogs, I love included a group photo and a an opportunitymost to update the is intended raise awareness following Hamilton City Council met TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said Christine Staub, a driving falling victim to mail way to combat the Hamilton Downtown facility will besuc mo Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as been providing “quality, people, and dogs are people too,” rendition of “Happy Birthday” council on its work over the past Individual community businesses about animals and en-several interview, Farrenkopf noted his they day,shelter March 5They to discuss there was not much knew to do force at the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud in the past. abuse is for people Association. will of a “medical center” rather than jus Farrenkopf said. also donated toprojects. the fundraiser, Hamilton. for shelter dogs and animals. The year. accessible, personalized courage adoptions. own birthdayatfalls in August and they upcoming city thewas time, though may to ship901 S. 1st Street, recently As proclamation aneed certified to ask also be celebrating 50 However, The ceremony celebration also offered amounting to over $10,000 as of said thatquestions Marcus DOGUST, pageDal 3 “It’s to celebrate all the shelthat he has a particular fondThe new 12-acre campus will BRHA clinic. She alsoSee care” for 90 people years. when of theoperation. meeting opened, concern looka into it ashealth “more and more presented with Certificate of ping depot for FedEx, and start conyears Murphy. Shethe led the Saturday. Hospital, which is a critical access about the Sheep Creek mine following are this.”the Farrenkopf In recent years, theyShoppe provide primary, care, urgent care and Appreciation bytalking Mayor about DomiBoxxe versation with tho Chapter One has three by John Dowd commissioners throug There were over 35 participants a meeting held aaccordcouple weeksnic earsaidand thatHamilton washave all he could say on it at hospital, was recently rated #4 in the specialty services. Two physicians have Farrenkopf is legally justified to you know and love co-owners, and been taking steps to a lengthy fund by fund bythe Victoria Howell me like a ton of of slumber party, and a barbelier, made it into the opening. After the time. However, at the end of the Police Chief Stephen Snavely. open a package which Staub doesn’t nation for quality by the national ra ing to one of them, Mara Every year, the Ravalli accounting that, to su already been hired, along with a nurse invest in all the commucue was held at noon on Saturday, bricks.” that, the council said goodbye to the meeting, during the non-agenda items In his presentation to the City bears its shipping know the details Lynn Luther, that is one County Fish and Wildlife Asso-been up, shows thefaciliti count ing agency, outitof 351 similar practitioner, andwas two more doctors welcoming of the community tois congregating Numerous Bald Eagles have in the Burnt area lately to feed onOverstreet carcasses. Photos nities of Fork the Bitterroot, When it all comes beloved long-time city clerk, who discussion the counCouncil on March 15th,period, Chief several label.ofAfter following of what potential of the many ways they ciation works to affect conseroverall, doing very we visit the shelter. by Michael Howell. Victoria Howell being recruited. also be he said, with clinics in doingaresent to Covid, Greg home from There willby retiring. cil members weighed in on Steinhoff’s Snavely said that he wants the protocol, and victims are told, bu have been so successvation in the Bitterroot through on its tax collections a Many ofthe thepublic participants thatperiod The Bitterroot Na-comment Overstreet has a During comments. Hamilton Police Department so in the presence of the hospital with she knows that ove the ful. Joined by the other showing revenues various projects and programs. spent night were will kids. During tional Forest (BNF) The Cowboy Ball at the 50% Ravalli Countycoached message for you: of the the council meeting, Robert “We need to keep our eyes onStaub it,” was an oxygen tank. toStein“become more vocal about a witness, are, “often owners, Katrina Mendrey of projections in One such program is their the slumber party, participants hoststood afool public meetingthe council. Fairgrounds will be held February is hoff to address He said council member Jenny West. “It don’t around! He was home for the good things that happen able to uncover the to departments say12th. they This are ship and Marisa Neyenhuis, most wh scholarship program, which took part in a “tortilla slap game,” this Wednesday, March explained that he attended a meeting might be beneficial to talk to Darby the tenth annual event and the way it’s shaping within the community.” Sharunfortunate contents ping legal papers Overstreet, two or three days. by Michael Howell Luther believes having who can expenses have only o Participating youth getting ready to spend the night with puppies at the shelter. Photo by John Dowd. awards three winners 30th from 6 toRavalli 8 p.m. See PETS, page 11 hosted by the County Fish and and possibly Stevensville as well.” Her ing his department’s experiof the package: nearly paperwork.” Other up, it’s going to be an event worthy oftoa23% jubilee an attorney in During that time, amounted of three people allows them an interest in pursuing todisplay share Association information Wildlife and Trout Unlimthoughts were shared by several other ence with Ms. Staub was one $16,000 in cash, common tactics fo and former council member, the public at the next meeting Halfway through celebration. projections due in larg to do it related all. “We couldn’t private practice in his oxygen level fields to conservation, by Victoria Howell regarding the developited. The meeting called upon Dr. Philcouncil members. such opportunity. which the customer scammers include the budget year, the part jobyear’s vacancies Rod Freeman is the chair of to this do it without each other,” wild land ethics or natural appears to be continuing when the council considers Stevensville, was went down to 51, ment of a draft forest lip Ramsey to speak on the dangers In discussion agenda In early March, a custom-on regular was unwittingly send-from a normal of claiming county’s performance that have yetto torepbe fill said Luther. The spread sciences. event. Freeman is also the chair of the Rodeo diagnosed with his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiClimbing Management At the second regular of a proposed mine up Sheep Creek. items, the first to be brought forward er came to the Boxxe Shoppe ing to a scammer in resent the IRS or in is looking pretty good, One big savings was of responsibility allows For the year of 2023, one council and mayor how local Committee, and the vice chair of the Fair Board colon cancer in 99. “I jokingly say Plan (CMP). The virtual tional council members. meeting of the two-member According to Steinhoff, “I thought was the issue of re-roofing the city intending to send a package Chicago, Illinois. Social Security according to Ravalli the budgeted funds ed throughout the Bitterroot. Brewfest, which he started in 1995. N by John Dowd of that time as the executive director. of the winners to receive aMara Lynn Luther sits in Chapter One’s used books section.that Photo John Dowd. which he’s been onby forNa12 years. A real estate fo February of 2021. 51 by is brain Christine Staub of the Boxxe Shoppe. Photo meeting will beto held on See BOOKS, page 18 government should run. He “We’ll do our job,” said it wasn’t going affect me, but I street shop. According to Hamilton via FedEx. Administration. County CFO Klarryse the county’s share in Stevensville Town Council, on After it was announced that he would be Al became a member in 1988, and that event is one of the biggest in the check was Savannah Deuter, agent for 18 years here in the Bitterroot, and als He wentSee through damage material.” Zoom. below for only than Boddy. learned that it would take just City Public Works Director, Donny The customer Sometimes was a frequent commenter Gibson retiring, he was asked to speak, and was got into it because he owns thein Paper For him, the experiencethey has be On graduated Wednesday, March 27, the who high school in January 27, town clerk Jenelle the Army valley. for 21 years, his and instructions and a link chemotherapy and But COVID-19 Seeorganizational COUNTY, page seemed con-introduced will tell their one little mistake and we will all be Ramer, theby building is usedhis fordaughsnow Clip in downtown Hamilton. It was a “chance to meet with a lot of great Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce Jodi Mitchell, at council meetings during Joan Mell, an attorney May of 2023. She has so far familiar with the profile of the Berthoud told the council and to late join August theSteinhoff meeting. Five fundraising skills, and discipline, haveone been put in he was wasthe no joke. “It fused and unOver a loved has hurting.” said that he heard plow storage for other maintehosted apublic well-attended mid-day event ter-in-law andand the current executive suggested to him that he victims, get involved peoplevictims all over that the valley,” and all of i completed a semester of college the last administration. In from Hamilton, was recpotential butuse wishes similar meetings audience that she was having good as chair of the Cowboy Ball committee told that the cancer got so bad I felt familiar with course of her landed in jail, or that a prize about the track record of the company nance equipment. According to Radirector. Al gave told a history ognized of the chamto network. Hethat thenothers got onto the board has been “extremely rewarding.” for members, giving their annual report, and submitted herin transcript within the commupublic Crews for in (virtual) were held Freeman saidAlthe committee trouble streaming the meetthe process, decade with has been won,hopes but a to feeraise needs had been eradicated. like I couldn’t when Ramsey told how it was notwhat very comment, mer,and it isspoke the original roof, which hasstepping in the early 90s, and in 2012 he became was the executive director until reviewing 2023 and talking about ber, about important memproviding proof of compLeting nity would help her look out 2021. the council that those makto handle the prosecution $50,000 this year, for the expansion of the rode and Staub the Boxxe to be paid for release of the good. Steinhoff stated that the comsome significant leaks and insulation Overstreet had breathe, like I ings on the internet. She said they have planned for the upcoming bers during that time that led up to him the executive director. 2020. Since then he has been the adv associated courses. These are for their safety. At least one Inhas addition to the been in the by John Dowd chines. became susShoppe, Staub funds. The scammers will ing public comment should caseload of Town Attorney pany supposedly state issues. Ramer believes the new roof bucking chutes. “They’re just getting old,” he sa surgery on October was being water taking on the position. Throughout that time, he knew sor for Jodi, helping her transition in year. During the meeting, it was also the former YouTube chantwo of several criteria appliof the potential victims she opportunity to learn and eachpicious In addition to the custom leathwhen has now commonly use a legitimate seven times already, time left will cut down on the heating bill and “They need to be replaced. They’re getting bang the “The mayor, notofthe GregValley Overstreet while he was 23, 2021 for ostomy or aided whatand story the Bitterroot 55boarded, board members participated the role. Al will be retiring in August t announced that long-time member,address Al cants must meet tolonger be eligible was a resident at a local nel they had was no about and participate Following the closure ofthe a longtime erwork, Jake’s Studio is featuring Dominic Farrenkopf (right) awards recognition toAfter Rose Photo courte considering recovered address, but(left. will be ready taxpayers with the billin for cleanup. allow better dry storage of equipment up. Bucking stock can be hard on metal.” Mitchell, will be retiring and stepping Chamber is the story of optimism, strugin some of the greatest growth in the year. AlAllen spoke, Jodi stood to to tha removal, the fi nal I imagine water for a scholarship. audience. He also said, “This hospitalized, and then recovextended nursing facility and the process of developworking but they had set up was Stevensville Main Street business, Riv- the work of more than a dozen local approximately the customgrab the package from a porc Dominic Farrenkopf. Steinhoff then asked if there anygle and triumphs,” said Al.ering, He said theCovid-19. organization’s history. According towith him for cowboy all his help to remind him back from the Chamber leadership.. The 10th annual balland – which actuall Another of these requiretreatment in the boarding to be had to be provided a ride is not a question and answer” from Mell ing a climbing plan, this er’s Mist, a new business haseven recently and regional See artists. Many of these COUNCIL, page 21 athing new Facebook page. Hower’scould age andoverarching in was meant to be a six-month front door when it arrives. the was doing, or Mitchell has been with the Chamgoal for the Chamber has $60,000 him, what he was only supposed to held speak for yea 10 ments iscity that each applicant started 11the years agoor but couldn’t be last to the bank as well as to colon cancer journey. like,” recalls week’s meeting will location. covsession. “It’s public comment.” did the work at no charge to opened at the same Howevartists have not shown their work in the particular cash, all of “They always direct the ever, members of the public ber for over 36 years, and spent much always been to keep businesses connectappointment to the position lasted 12 minutes. a 500-word essayabout dis- the Boxxe Shoppe. due to the pandemic – has been upgraded this The day after that Overstreet. “This ersubmit the following agenda er, dissuading any worries thehad Bitterroot Valley before, so there details the which was to victim to send it, ‘no signatur The of mayor said previousthe town. “I just wanted who had he tried to access theplays years, andI he enjoyed every moment cussing the role hunting “It’s common sense to me,” Jodi stated that the membership year. topics: surgery, was is when realized changeover, it will remain a place of should be a lot of interest in the new transaction. being fraudurequired,’” she adds. Fred Upchurch, Savannah Deuter and Mark Oswald hold the check given to Deuter by the Ravalli County Fish and WIldlife Assoc ly that he would be answering publicly thank Joanoffor help-been The Town of recognized attorney Joan aup Mell, it. “It’s a good ride forStevensville 29“This numbers have been “trending ever she says, pointing out that red Facebook page said it was not Unfortunate• Review overall is the first year we’ve ever done fully diagnosed with that I was not art. After two months of renovations material. There are 16 artists in total lently deThe Bank Secrecy Act ation. Photo courtesy Fred Upchurch. years,” said Al. “I’m looking forward to year.” However, 2023 saw the highes See RCFW, page 3 questions from the public. ing me and helping the town,” flags abound when seniors are in while town attorney Greg objectives and desired accessible. Berthoud asked catered dinner,” said Freeman. TheOverstreet University COVID-19. taking Covid center, for filling while hidden behind brown-paper ly, it covwas notso far, and the owners are always manded from of 1970 requires banks to being on the other side and partaking,” being scammed. “If a person Crews also said that they said Overstreet. outcomes of the public ofPictured Montanawith Catering Service will provide theof had Covid-19. Mell are, l to r, Overstreet, ered windows, Studio opened for“I patience as Jake’s she worked was obviously seriously enough. Staub’s firstwelcoming more. “We like all kinds senior citizen keep track of withdrawals he added, specifically referring to the See CHAMBER, pag is 80 years old, and all of a conversations should be forsaid some its doors March 1.said ofprepared mediums,” Lottermoser’s dinner. Desserts are provided by 4H members. time having members of $10,000 or more in order very weakened,” through the issues. Mayor Steve Gibson, council members Cindy Brown and sudden they’re coming into the The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update The new business will feature business partner, Suzette Smith. encountered the commuSee STEVI, page 2 “interesting comments” from Greg Overstreet talks about his recent brush with death due to Overstreet. “It hit Jim Crews, former mayor bank to5withdraw $15,000, it Stacie Barker. by Victoria at 901ofS.the 1startists Streetdisplayed in Hamilton. See COWBOY BALL page SURVIVING, page by Photo Michael Howell Howell. onsite custom leatherwork byPhoto Karen such cirnity.See Staub is Covid. by VictoriaSome Howell. See SCAMMERS, page makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” See PLAN, page 2 Photo by Nathan Boddy.in the Lottermoser, one of the owners. Her were previous participants History and car enthusiasts converged at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds on Wednesday, August 5, to view the Military Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) 2026 Lewis and Clark Cross-Country Convoy at its Hamilton stop. theNorth Ravalli County Commissioners isfeatures grounded the Sheridan-style former gallery, but the business plan by John Dowd barns, cowboys, famous artists a Retracing theOn March 9th, members ofLast the This school year, the Stevensvila Thework convoy 40 to 50in privately-owned vehicles representing World War I to recently retired military with vehicles. Lewis and Clark route, it travels about 2,100week miles from Dakota to Oregon. The occasion proved adoption of a memorandum of understand of tooling which features variations on has changed since Lottermoser and Montana flavor and more. This year Stevensville FFA completed their FFA fielded teams in twelve contes by John Dowd ofpartment thelearn franchise, many should not no-by John and the south portions of the valley, Exit Realty team will continue work offered an opportunity for the public to view the vehicles up close and more the nation’s history. Photos Rudow. by John Dowd ofabout Criminal Investigations ing with the Ravalli County DUI Task Force Western floral patterns. addition Smith took over the space. While A Hamilton business,In that hails the theme is pre-statehood, or preparticipation in the last of fourteen requiring qualification to advance tice the change at all, the andinvestigation. it may lead separated at Victor Crossing. After the ing and marketing as one. “Weand didn (DCI) will be doing the commissioners statedwant Protection Agency. The lette National Forest 1987 Forest aspen and whitebark pine; MAPS Media Institute to produce a secured video designe to her leatherwork, isaround also RIver’s Mist was an art co-op, the from Texas, has been working toinan enand theto contest is still looking agricultural leadership competito the level and invita by Michael Howell Since January 2,Karen Exit Realty the to some positive growth in the future. the southand portion was purchased tostate change a whole bunch right On Monday, April 1st, 4:30 1889, According Hamilton Police Depart- sale, to help parents keep tabs on their children’s beha accomplished woodworker, creating that “Ravalli County objects contains recommendations manage timber to provide Plan. courage a love of art in young people for participants. Participants must tions in their yearlong effort to qualify tions to compete at state in all twel Bitterroot has gone through some big LastChief year, of the previous Exit Realty by Kathy Butts, and the north by out of the gate,” said Lendman. p.m. Hamilton Police officers were ment Police, Snavely, See Steve ART, page 6 ior. impacts aininvolved variety of pieces furniture to A new the valley. To dofrom this, they have be high school students, 9th to 12th forjobs; the and next level competition at the toevents. forest products and toof unmitigated SEIS record of decision changes, but many in the valley may franchise owners, Tina and Max ColeLendman. Whenconcerning asked howthe thisDraft change wilf in a shooting with a robbery there will be a coroner’s inquest The deadline closed on by Victoria Howell if it would be possible The DUI Task Force approved creation of jewelry boxes. She prides herself that created a at county-wide contest, showgrades. 95th State FFA the Convention in Billings 2023-24 district championships by Victoria Howell year, the facility took inthe just under The sign for Jake’s Studio, on Steby John Dowd roy, president of the Montana Rock not be aware of how these changman, decided to sell off the franchise Even though franchise has split affect buyers and sellers in the valle suspect the Riverside Conoco Conwhere DCI will present their findings. the Gold Butterfly. Concern was issued on December 17, retain old growth status in all county owned/maintained to put envelopes on January 18, for filing objecby Victoria Howell his property which would in effect with the highway, which is a state addressed when the private land wa a Mischief Room last May and commissioners all her work is done her twotook rights casing the participant’s loveown of art, Corvallis anddrag, Florence schools inthe April. for Stevensville include: $240,000 and spent every penny. venville’s main beckons visitors ies Bluegrass Association, there wil es might affect them. Fortunately, that pertained to the Bitterroot in valley, Exitroads Realty is still the equipment Lendman said that itand will not chang venience Store. Theby engagement Snavely stated that an inquest is also ing the scope of the analysis treatment units. According to from heavy 2021 accompanied by a Draft all the doors and then Dominic Farrenshut off access to Stevensville River highway, because now you’re going to sold to a new owner Fish, Wild signed off on it. The project involved the creation tions to the Draft Supplemenhands, no suspect lasers orthreatened CNC maand theusing Bitterroot’s love of the state. have been the most active, though allof Over 200 students in Rockies StevensAgronomy led the by Sidney Jasmin Shinn, founder and There no paid employees; it’sMcan al“N The annual Montana beare no break from music, and, according to Kim Lendman, now the Valley. When they sold the fransame company. Additionally, accord-mostly, in. Photo by John Dowd. place after the and standard init, these types kopf, activities director put valentine cards Taphouse in Corvallis, swapping On Saturday, Aug. 8, roughly 120 volThe Stevensville Town CounPark, ain 20-acre park on the east bank have two accesses for trucksatrucks, pulling and Parks got involved. once-p and logging the letter quotes the BitterSEIS that provides aprocedure site-speastories Forest Service press release set of easily accessible items that hadThe secret hid ATR Smart Procedures is a softschools in the valley are welcome to ville’s agricultural education program Casland, 1st place individual with tal Environmental Statement Bluegrass Association (MRBA) set-up. Just get up there and play.” current owner of the valley half chise was split between thesituations. north ing to Lendman, the whole Bitterroot executive director ofnorth 1 Horse volunteer organization. But Shinn said reportedly charged at the responding officer involved shooting See EXIT, page from the day. unteers cleaned more than 100 miles of the at Sapphire Lutheran them. Farrenkopf really cil was split on whether to accept just to the north of the private piece of boats, and you’ve just come out of the vate piece now belongs to the state compartments where someone could stash some root Forest Plan’s Forest-wid about 90% of the proposed but not limited to, the impacts cific forest plan amendment ware design company, now based in participate. Some of tremendous the schools even learn aboutFestival a wide is range of agriculteam members Rahl,toKyra D (Draft SEIS) for the Gold Bluegrass returning to For some of Quinn these bands, this w officer. “We have seen supAt A Time Draft Horse it costs about $200 per month feed “The of attention tothe our county river Bitterroot River during the annual BitterHomes inHowever, Hamilton, isRescue liked the idea. Heoutpouring asked a small piece of park land near the property. Crews contacted Stevi Wye at 45 miles per hour - there is aflask developed fishing access sit drugs orthe hide aand small of whiskey. The aim wa Hamilton. after moving to include the contest in their curricutural careers and practices during Jarlais, and Teigen Hackett. Management Wildlife Reto Willow Creek Road. Due to defining old-growth stantreatment areas are within an Victor. On Saturday, April 13, the be their first time, and for others th The attempted to provide port, and greatly appreciate all Butterfly Project, a Bitterroot these “gentle there are facility inofficers Corvallis, got a nice during this year’swe River Cleanup felt esperoot River Cleanup, hosted byitem the Bitterroot asking the community students schools Stevensville bridge, an that was at and negotiated the donation of the are going to under be accidents there.” “But I giants.” think opportunity it’sThen [the piece the to provide a learning toon see t Montana, the organization owners lum. school day the dedicated and parents Ag Mechanics led by Selwyn Ha Neely Center will again be hosting do this professionally, the event is resource and financial limitasource Objective to “Mainta area designated for insect and dards. Some objections to the life-saving measures to the suspect, that support,” said Snavely. He was cially important as we approach the BitWater Partnership. boost last week when she was veterinary bills, therapy, training, and to send his residents a and daycares to make National Forest project that considered at the March 24th council land on the west, securing potential Mayor Steve Gibson said he didn’t west] still a viable piece of land for various ways in which any young person can hide and team have fallen in love with the According to the contest orgaengaging instruction of ag teachers ett, 1st place individual with team Last year lopes. the music. This spring music festival always asufficient treat. Conroy highlighted who was then transported by ambuespecially proud of this during atreatment time terroot National Forest’s public comment Volunteers cleaned the West Fork, main old-growth habita disease because of the tions, Ravalli County would new decision were received little love this special envelopes and associated costs to rehabilitate presented with aValencheck for $7500 meeting. The land ownership will now river access pending the outcome of see what use theenveland is to the town. “Iother city tofrom have, whether or not you put their substance use casual inspections. includes nearly 13,000 acres state and the people. One of the ways nizers, lastproposed year there were over 210 Josette Hackett andfeature Trevor Motley. members Noah Tan, Erik Potter, an lopes were so full they The project is now and fundraiser will 18 bands one newer band by the interesting period for the Sheep Creek mine. stem and sections of the East Fork. They lance to the hospital. He expired there in American history that he believes is tine’s Day. decorate them for each revert to the county. The 1.52-acre the access dispute. only see a liability,” said Gibson. money into developing it,” said Mo not be able to accommodate on suitable timberland to by the January 18 deadline dense pockets of dead and dyfrom representatives of JCCS, an these horses. When they’re fi nally read Glenda Wiles, Director of the DUI Task Force, of commercial and non-comthey have been showing that love has entries, and this year there could be Students then have the option to put Matthew Walker. to be more really popular, and To see so many people show up to keep collected more than 700 pounds ofpronounced trash from allemptied over the area, and beyond. name of “Release the Squirrels.” Ev fromAbout his wounds and was seeing lowest support law en- had four years resident. people piece, which located adjacent tomostly the Then Council member Marilyn Wolff Michaelson said he up the for ley. “There are many cars out said what sheadoption, tellsConduct parents is,so “If you don’t look, most can be driven or the accounting fiis rm with acontest. branch the necessary support viable populations ingfor trees. They claim the area will having tothe do with the been through their art The even more, with full participation their knowledge to thelooked testfree, asmaintenance FFA of Chapter Meeting: te mercial vegetative treatment our river clean gives me confidence that across 50 distinct walking and floating secthan once. growing every year. These bands play for and a Conroy, and his wife, Tari, will get dead. forcement ever. He added, “Hamilton by Kristin Kruse utive Director Jaqueline Stevens. The ago, a in resident came could drop off valenBitterroot River on the northwest side said she had apotenreal problem with old minutes andduring found that thesancland Imembers think it can be used for parking. B then you don’t see. If you don’t see, then you don’ located Hamilton. Part of the ridden, and some just become “pasture idea came from a similar art contest from all the high schools in the valley. members through nationally Zane Deering, Teigen Ha of old-growth dependent is impacted by mountain pine the project, nor the logging of old growth, we’ll do sameplace during public comment, tions. Items half of a couch, a solar newdonated one willon take the stage every half and play, along with theirhave friend Ti within a included 55,000 acre area ofto the The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office isenveathe great be awhere police officer.” center opened itsto doors in 2020 after to Farrenkopf to see tines to fill the of the bridge, was offered Town this piece of land. “It’s two was the condition that looking long term, if you prop See VALENTINES, page 10 pets.” selection forHouston, awarding that See DUI, page they held in Texas right af- to These also include Trapper Creek Job opened tioned career and leadership ett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret Kuntz which opens Aug. 14. I know this commulight, large metal shards, dozens of gift socks, first be created in the last “Itheads really the beetle, in 2020. That developfirst was to the drawing board. by John Down rehabilitation of thelevy road after species.” The letter notes tha tial toIn wildlife and tobank beetle, Douglas-fir bark hour. Ezzell bass. and Hamilton Police Department all his 26 years with departTucked away onCounty Fort Owen Ranch Yahraus and Stevens put their forest in the Sapphire Mounin 2017 by Ravalli for use as aimpacts roads converge, the is the incrediitment would be maintained and utilized erty onon the west side ofestablished the river,and th 1 Horse At A Time was was online voting and according nity won’t miss the chance to speak up for countless cans and pieces of plastic debris, ter the events of September 11, 2001. Corps and many homeschoolers. “I events and contests. Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, One of the problems, ac50 years. To do this, they will door to some interesting permanent and asked for $9.5 One band that continues to return According to Conroy, the festiva issued a press release that detailed ment, Snavely noted there have only the Draft SEIS limits the sco dwarf mistletoe and western the project is complete. Ravalli Willow Creek Road. together to decide what was needed just to the north of Fort Owen State potential river access site. bly steep… I think there are liability for recreational purposes within five you have access to potentially conso tains east of Corvallis. ourwas river through public comment,” Mielke a disheveled picnic barbed wire, a need to ATR wanted to find atry way to astonished, last toofhave that To Johnny contendCampbell at the state level, Tasia Rohbock. by Shinn in 2018. She’s originally from tothe JCCS branch manager, Andrea conversations million, which Butler said cording to Butler, was, “we “Hopefully, the third ask the community ispeople,” the Band, visiting purpose isits “toenvironmental promote and encour event andtable, investigation. However, been three of these types shootings. Park is the Summit Career Center, a Bitterroot or not needed in theyear, community. They with County objects to in shifting of conseForest spruce budworm damage. During the tenure of former issues… It isPartnership the fastest of the years. idate highway property into the Tow said. “TheNational Water ispart extremely mattress and much more. The original proposal was The next glass recycling event in button, cell phone batteries (out of feature the beauty of the state and much participation,” said Lander. students must compete and rank FFA Creed Speaking: Teigen is the charm,” commented to pass a levy, which BVCC said Butter, speaking about was exorbitant and occurred sumed people knew what th Germany where she grew up around Simmerman, 1 Horse At A Time from Nashville. They will be memjoined by of age old-time bluegrass music.” The very little information is available However, these are always a of danger of nonprofit organization that offers a at proud came upa and with the concept of Although career mayor Jim Crews, the owner of land channel the deepest part the Vickie Motley, park board Stevensville. I think It’s somethin quences analysis to vegetati in general financial burden of the project officials have stated that the to be part of this impact.” Removing these items from the river the Bitterroot is March 9th, 2024, the phone). This is last minute info to give back to the community, and “We never know what to expect,” the top half, or above at the district Hackett withdrawn in August of 2020 Bitterroot Valley Community has tried to do twice before their recent “Ask and Listen” because the trustees were Bitterroot Valley Communi horses. She’s always been a horse fan, was one of the top four vote bands from all over the valley, MisMRBA has 300 members, and they theBelanger, job, but he added that fortunately, free training program targetcenter, which is modeled after a that highly atthis the river ononce thesafer northeast side had channel. If you were toart develop ber, said that had been done RDO Equipment Co. Paul aimprove River Cleanup volunmakes itcareer atime. cleaner and place for recrethe woodpecker an agreement with the proposed to2more. Ravalli County and believe project is designed to from 10 a.m.nothing tounsure p.m. at theevent north if you don’t have batteries toabout recycl thought their successful art said Hafer,the saying that entries level to advance. The Western FFA Prepared Public Speaking: Colto of exactly how the College was.” However, the College (BVCC) trustee andaccess without success. campaign, which helped the soula, Idaho and The is a all share thepileated same love of bluegrass after Friends of the Bitterroot but she is especially passionate getters. The officer is currently on leave neither officer, nor any other comed towards highly motivated people successful organization in Denver, attempted to shut off river on for fishing, I would also see a problem because the access problem had been See STEVI, pag teer and owner of Bitterroot Alpine Guides, ation and wildlife. end of the Ravalli County Fairnow you can save up to bring them contest was the way to go. According come in all forms. District in Montana consists of twelve Harris 8571 Running W. Road The vote will take place organization to speak with the process worked. They were seems to have been a major secretary, Sue Smith. She was it is contrary to current law pine marten. forest resilience to natural project, the Ravalli County single-microphone type event, with a When asked why he loves bluegras during thisolder investigation, as is stanmunity members, were during draft horses. She and her husband, a That check followed inRavalli the wake ages 18 and in Partnership both and said, called It harmed offers similar and Alliance for the Wild “IThis am“Crosspurpose.” grateful to theninth Bitterroot Water “The Bitterroot Water has grounds. TheAccording is the the same, $1 per next glass recycling day on Jun to organizers Elliott Lander, managwill beinsects the year they schools west ofprice the Continental Divide Greenhand: Adelaide Meye misunderstanding about th speaking about the May 7, via like a mail-in ballot. public on the topic of creating under thatthe theStar single stage. toimpression Mike Con“We realize these old growt Commissioners expressed and existing agreements.” disturbances fire, Missoula, MT 59808 dard protocol. The Montana Dethe exchange. Missoula Counties. In addition toon services, according to organizing Stevens. military retiree, and their two children ofthe a $25,000 gift inorganizaNovember See BLUEGRASS, pag Partnership and its staff for this had pleasure of leading this communiRockies filed suit claiming the 8th. gallon. Jars and bottles that coning director of ATR, and art contest have held the contest, and each year with an ag education program/FFA Additional state qualifying even the college. public desired an independent nature of the community tion’s upcoming attempt to According to trustee chair free training, Summit offers The six-month program offered species are listed i Forest officials also received and disease; reduce concern over impacts to drinks or cleanup. They dosedisuch a great job bringing ty-driven stewardship event for many years, relocated toindicator Montana and bought a 20fromcareer Tractor Supply. 406-549-4171 agency failed to use the best tained food be recycled Cardboard be leadthe coordinator, Tamar Hafer, the ATR donates thousands in phases. prizes. chapter. Schools of allmay classifications for the Stevensville FFA:will ask public for help with a as Carrie Guarino, “We listened those meetings, community college, as it was college.recycling According to also Butler mentoring, support friendship to our is broken down into community together tothree take county careFollowing of this and each year feels just asand meaningful acre farm which Shinn said can suppor That sounds like a lot of comments from Philip Strobel the Forest Plan, but it is not owned and maintained ment sources in the Willow Volunteers off intogether the River and show off the “yucky” trash found. courtesy Bitterroot Waterled forcool a (second fee. Any color, and labels can available for apeople fee. available science in managing reception has been This year, they will be away compete in FFA includAg Photo Sales 2nd place team Presenting a stated check for $7500 from JCCS to Shinn from left) 1 Horse At by many believe it toby be to incredible. create a doors. and wanted to hold true.” She thephase trustees said that this voted inofpreviously a they high special place, and they make itfirst fun! The rivtherare last,”opportunity said Karissa Mielke, community whoever walks through their Stevens that thegiving isJasmin RDOequipment.com about 20 horses. She currently money but, according to Shinn, Partnership. clear whether there are othe roads, especially Willow Creek Director of the NEPA Branch Creek watershed; improve stay on, but please remove lids. Sponsored by the non-profits When speaking about the contest around $4,700 in prizes. This ining the AA schools in Missoula and Kayton French, 3rd place individua levy beClark, different. The margin.JCCS AfterBranch being created, associated with the outreac community college in the Bitand others with BVCC have AerTime Draft Horse Rescue were, l the towill r:year, Levi CPA, Andrea Simmerman, elk habitat and didn’t comgives so much to us every day of engagement coordinator with the Water This program is the brainchild of called “personal development,” which taking care of draft is “All Beginning March 9th, batteries Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) an in the Bitterroot, Lander said, ofoftrout prizes to the schools of the In addition to Stevensville, with team Kamryn Jones Office ofBitterthe Regional Adminbull habitat; restore Road. terroot. According tohorses trustee worked alter the levy to testing first time went to the the district was levy program run byRavalli the Univers Fin’s Taphouse in members Corvallis and toKalispell. thank the event sponsors: Manager, and Will Ramsey, CPA. pictured is Tiny, the non-profi t’s mascot and theable to so cludes Ito appreciate the opportunity to give backtheylike Partnership. ply with the definition of old power duo Myla Yahraus, the owner involves aptitude toAlso idenan expensive proposition. Last will also be accepted for recycle. $2 Recycling Works MT. See RESCUE, page them have had some sort of Montana winners, which take the form of grant four of the twelve chapters are in the Teigen Hackett, and Charlie Leona County Fish and Wildlife Association for root Conservation District, SparkGood of See GOLD, page for community funds. After ty of Montana. The reality i vice chair, Jean Butler, this give it its best chance and to public, they did so after being •FREE ESTIMATES INTime. THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Yin OUR HOME IMPROVEMENT Cof O .COM the river to meadows, help it clean safe.” Nearly 60 volunteers gathered to cele-habitat istrator In a At letter to the Forest fito rstincluding horse that waskeep rescued by 1and Horse A Photo by Victoria Howell. of the Environmental the Fort Owen Ranch and founder tify what each individual’s specific growth found the Bitterroot per pound. The following will be acFor more information refer to t theme to them.” Some previous years Bitterroot Valley; Florence, Victor, Walmart in Missoula, Bitterroot Disposal, sponsoring the River Cleanup. address the concerns of the approved for the creation of being significantly voted down would be only the fourth of The Bitterroot Water Partnership would brate cleanup at Fin’s thetheir center, andachievements co-founder and ExecPaid for by Brad Davis, P.O.website: Box 462 Victor, Montana 59828 See FFA, page page ART, page 44 SeeSee SUMMIT, page cepted: alkaline, lithium-ion, Ni-Cad, ravallirecycling.org See BVCC, have included themes such as old and Corvallis.

Shelter hosts slumber ‘Pawty

Chapter One awarded, celebrating 50 years

Public Longtime Hamilton clerkrecognized retires Scammers thwarted,city vigilance County budget meeting on track on BNF RCFW aids future conservationists Surviving COVID Cowboy Ball Climbing Plan

Halfway through fiscal year, county budget looking good

scheduled

Hearts full love Stevi toofrevisit refinancing bonds

Local Chamber of Commerce holds annual business meetin

New studio opens its doors inDUI Stevensville Task

Force, MAPS to partner on Art contest seeks Stevi FFA chapter Hamilton officers special video more participation

sweeps district North valley Exit Realty has a new face fire Butterfly on suspect Bluegrass Festival Gold project draws some objections Spreading love horse Local draft rescue thriving Stevi to return park land to county set for Saturday

120 volunteers clean Bitterroot River

Glass recycling BVCC gives it one more college try event scheduled Contact us for all your equipment needs. Summit Career Center offers more than career guidance

Davis for Senate Dist. #44

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Page 2--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

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Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Bitterroot Star--Page 3

DOGUST: local humane association’s efforts are widespread Continued from page 1 One of the shelter’s most significant recent cases involved more than 100 animals surrendered to the organization following a neglect case on a property in Corvallis at the end of May. The animals included dogs, cats, rats, chickens, a tortoise and a donkey. The BRHA partnered with the Humane Society of Western Montana, near Lolo, to care for the animals. Most of the animals were adopted within 10 days, which Chase and Pintok attributed in large part to the community’s response and support. The case is also expected to lead to a criminal investigation and possible charges related to animal neglect. During the council meeting, the rescued tortoise even wandered around the council chamber. “How many city council meetings have tortoises?” Farrenkopf joked. The relationship between Hamilton, Ravalli County and the BRHA is an important part of the community’s animal welfare system. The BRHA is a private nonprofit organization and serves as the primary shelter for animals impounded by the city and county, as the valley does not have a separate animal control facility. Hamilton budgets a $10,000 donation annually to help support the humane association’s operations. The city also does not have facilities to house impounded animals itself. The shelter takes in domestic animals, with the exception of roosters, and relies

heavily on volunteers. Chase said the organization has 12 staff members and more than 300 volunteers. “That’s a big reason” things go so well, Pintok said. The organization handles about 1,200 animals each year and has significantly reduced the amount of time animals spend at the shelter. When Chase began working there, the average stay was about 60 days. Through changes in operations and increased community support, that figure has fallen to less than 10 days. The shelter has been able to become so efficient locally that it also helps animals elsewhere in Montana and outside the state. The humane association is nationally recognized for its “return to home” rate. Chase said the national average is about 30%, while the BRHA’s rate is more than 90%. “Which is awesome,” Chase said. Alaric Reneau hangs out with the puppies of the Bitter Root Humane Association. Photo by John Dowd. In addition to sheltering animals, the organization association partnering with numerous loween-themed dinner gala includes provides several free or low-cost comproperties throughout the Bitterroot costumes, auctions, games and other munity services. The shelter offers free Valley to accommodate animals during activities. Tickets are currently available microchips, vaccinations and identificaemergencies. through the organization’s website. tion tags, as well as Another recent initiative is the orgaThe event has become a major funda community pantry nization’s community cat program. Stray raiser for the organization and helped the stocked with items cats brought to the shelter are spayed BRHA pay off its building last year. such as food, leashes, or neutered, microchipped and given a Other community events include Doblankets and bedcollar. nuts for Dogs, where children can meet ding. “Whatever is Chase said the program addresses shelter puppies while enjoying doughnuts. donated to us that we a common problem: people sometimes The shelter is currently fortunate to be can’t use, we put out assume a wandering cat is a stray when it short on puppies, staff said. there,” Pintok said. actually belongs to a nearby household. The humane association is also colThe humane as“Cats are smart; they go right back lecting photographs for its Dogust celesociation also holds home,” Chase said. bration. Community members can email monthly low-cost Once an owner is located, the shelter pictures of their dogs to opmanager@bitspay and neuter clinregisters the cat so its home can be identi- terroothumane.org. At the end of August, ics. Those interested fied if the animal is lost again. Pintok said the shelter plans to feature the submitted can schedule an apcommunity members have generally been photos in a social media post. pointment by calling receptive to having their cats spayed or The BRHA continues to accept donathe shelter’s hotline, neutered. tions and encourages community memwhich is listed on the The BRHA has also provided the Rabers to support its work throughout the organization’s webvalli County Sheriff’s Department with year. site. several microchip scanners, allowing Farrenkopf said the city intends to The BRHA also deputies to identify pets and return them continue the Dogust proclamation as an provides disasdirectly to their owners, without the need annual tradition. ter-relief services, for the BRHA to play middleman. For the BRHA, the celebration is including shelterCommunity support remains a major about more than giving shelter animals Marley, a lab, German shepherd mix, waits patiently for adoption. She is one of ing animals during part of the organization’s operations. a symbolic birthday. “It’s about increasthe Bitter Root Humane Association’s current longest waiting residents, having wildfires. That work The shelter’s annual “The Howling” ing awareness for shelter animals,” said been in the shelter now since May. She is one-and-a-half years old. Photo by John can include livestock, event is scheduled for Oct. 24. The HalPintok. Dowd. with the humane

Sheep Creek Mine Exploration Proposal

Public Meeting Tues. August 18 5:30 - 7:30 pm Hamilton High School Performing Arts Center

Presentation Panel + Q&A Submit your Comment to the Bitterroot National Forest DON’T POLLUTE THE ROOT .com DontPolluteTheRoot.com/Subscribe

Now Accepting Contractor Bids! Groff Family Park, Victor The Bitter Root Land Trust is seeking bids from qualified trail builders and contractors for various project needs for the building of the new Groff Family Park in Victor. Projects include paved road approach & gravel parking lot, all-abilities trail system with connecting bridges, staired access on hillside, and more! For more information, visit: bitterrootlandtrust.org or contact rhiannon@bitterrootlandtrust.org | 406-375-0956 Bid deadline: August 14, 2026

Page 4--Bitterroot Star

Sports Wednesday, August 12, 2026

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

2026 fall sports season begins

The 2026 fall sports season for Bitterroot Valley high schools officially starts this week. Golf practice begins on Thursday, August 13, then all other high school sports teams start practicing on Friday, August 14. Up and down the valley you’ll see area athletes kicking soccer balls, throwing footballs, swinging golf clubs, running down roads, and spiking volleyballs. Between Darby, Hamilton, Corvallis, Victor, Stevensville, and Florence, there are more than 30 high school varsity teams in the Bitterroot Valley this fall. This includes football teams, volleyball teams, cheer squads, girls and boys cross country teams, girls and boys soccer teams, boys and girls golf teams, and one girls flag football team. And

that’s not counting all the JV, freshman, and middle school teams in each of these sports. Each of these 30-plus teams has numerous student athletes, coaches, assistant coaches, volunteers, parents, and fans. Start doing the math and you’ll see how complete the web of local sports entwines our local Bitterroot community. All these people dedicate a

The 2026 high school sports season begins this week as Bitterroot Valley teams start practice on Thursday and Friday. More than 30 area varsity teams will be competing this fall, including football and soccer. Photos by Scott Sacry.

substantial amount of time and effort to these activities, and our communities are stronger and more cohesive because of this. The Bitterroot Valley has a strong pool of athletes who are among the best in the state year-in and year-out. They thrive on

your encouragement, so get out there and support your team! Official varsity game competition begins on Thursday, August 20, with the Ronan golf tournament. Then the majority of the other sports begin games on Friday, August 28.

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Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Opinion

Harmony

The grace of harmony has been displaced by the cadence of discord. Every effort is being made to fragment the most successful society in history. The fragmentation is pervasive and is evident in the weakening of the support structure of all that has contributed to that success. These negative interests will not dismiss any opportunity, in any form, to enlarge their influence at the cost of all we represent. That borne of creativity is being consumed a piece at a time. Their success is made possible by neglect, complacency, misconceptions and the decreasing presence of national pride on the part of the general public. The time has come to sit by the river, watch the movement of the currents, and contemplate the destination. Possibly even contemplate where we are going and regain control of our destination. Reflection would reveal that a society, like innocence, once lost cannot be regained. Realize that it is time to visit the river and consider our destination. Time is an opportunity, and it’s time for that. There will be no reruns. William (Bill) Campbell Conner

Another evil action by Trump Admin.

We very much enjoy western meadowlarks which nest and sing nearly continuously on our property. However, the annual Breeding Bird Survey and state monitoring indicate substantial long term declines for western meadowlark across Montana, consistent with continental declines. Consequently, Montana’s natural heritage and wildlife agencies list meadowlarks as a species of concern or note it among grassland birds showing declines. We keep a large portion of our grass unmowed and as wild as possible to provide habitat for meadowlarks. We love to see and hear meadowlarks and want them to thrive as much as possible. The Trump administration has proposed to change the application of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) so that the places where at-risk wildlife live are no longer protected. For decades, the USFWS has employed the definition of “harm” in the ESA to include “significant habitat modification or degradation where it actually kills or injures wildlife by significantly impairing essential behavioral patterns, including breeding, feeding or sheltering.” In July of 2026, the U.S. Department of Interior announced it intends to remove this definition of harm without replacing it with another definition. The intended effect of this change is that while direct killing of ESA listed species will still be illegal, destroying the places they live will be allowed. Western meadowlarks are not on the list of federally protected threatened and endangered species. But what if, in the future, they were listed? If this action is allowed to stand, it means grasslands where meadowlarks nest and raise their young could be destroyed, as long as people did not directly kill the meadowlarks. The result nonetheless will be the loss of meadowlarks. To put a finer point on it, if the rule change stands, a lake with an endangered fish could be drained with no consequence as long as the fish themselves are not killed. It seems obvious that if you remove the homes of at-risk wildlife, you will destroy those wildlife populations. I support all those groups taking the Trump administration to court. This action by the Trump administration is beyond tragic. It is just plain evil. Steve Schmidt Darby

Asking a legal question isn’t contempt

Representative David Bedey’s recent comments regarding U.S. Critical Materials’ request for a legal determination from the Montana Department of Environmental Quality are disappointing, not because DEQ reached a different legal conclusion than we advocated, but because he chose to question our motives rather than the issue’s merits.

He accused our company of showing “contempt for the state of Montana and the people who live here.” Nothing could be further from the truth. The question we presented to DEQ was straightforward. Before any work began, before a single piece of equipment entered the site or any ground was disturbed, we asked DEQ to determine whether our proposed exploration program, which would disturb approximately 0.3 acres of land and already be subject to an extensive review process under the U.S. Forest Service, required a separate exploration license under the Montana Metal Mine Reclamation Act. We did exactly what responsible companies should do when there is a legitimate question about how a statute applies: we asked the regulator charged with administering the law. We sought clarity before proceeding, not after the fact. That is not contempt for Montana. It’s respect for Montana’s laws and the regulatory process. Had we simply moved forward without seeking guidance, Representative Bedey might rightly have criticized us for failing to engage with state regulators. Instead, we proactively approached DEQ, laid out legal reasoning, requested a formal determination, and accepted the Department’s decision. We will continue working through Montana’s established permitting process. That is what good-faith compliance looks like. Representative Bedey also suggested our project should end. I respectfully disagree. The Sheep Creek Project is in its earliest exploration stage. We are talking about a small exploration program, not a mine. Our current proposal involves approximately 0.3 acres of disturbance while federal agencies evaluate whether commercially viable rare earth deposits even exist. Those minerals are essential to national defense, advanced manufacturing, energy technologies, and countless products Americans rely on every day. Throughout this process, our company has been transparent with regulators, local officials, and the public. We have established our headquarters in Darby because we intend to be part of this community for the long term. We recognize earning trust takes time; we welcome honest discussions about our project. The irony is hard to miss. We are being accused of disrespecting Montana because we asked Montana regulators to interpret Montana law before undertaking any work. That is precisely the opposite of contempt. Reasonable people can disagree about the interpretation of a statute. They can also disagree about mining policy. But no company should be condemned for seeking legal clarity before acting. That approach protects the public, respects regulators, and ultimately strengthens confidence in Montana’s permitting process. Scott Osterman, U.S. Critical Materials Darby

Red herring

Definition: A “red herring” is something that misleads or distracts from a relevant or important question. President Trump and his accomplice, Todd Blanche, have used a “red herring” over the last couple of months to divert our attention from the fact that the January 6 rioters are filing for compensation through the Federal Tort Claims Act, or FTCA — which was created by Congress a number of years ago to compensate people it believes were victims of political persecution/prosecution. According to the Wall Street Journal, approximately 600 J6 rioters have already filed for compensation with more to come. They present their case to the Justice Department, and if the DOJ approves, the funds are distributed without any further approval by Congress or any other authority. Once again, Slick Willie Trump and Shoddy Toddy Blanche have one-upped the Congress of the United States, which is supposed to be a co-equal branch of our government! AFFORDABILITY and CORRUPTION are now the focal points of the upcoming midterm elections! Affordability we have known about and discussed for a long time, but Corruption has reared its ugly head with the news that our President, Donald J Trump, has amassed close to $2 billion in personal income during the first

year of his second term. Article 2 Section 1 Subsection 7 of the US Constitution states: “The President shall, at stated times, receive for his services, a compensation, which shall neither be increased nor diminished during the period for which he shall have been elected, and he shall not receive within that period any other emolument from the United States, or any of them.” President George Washington, our first president, received a salary of $25,000. DJT, due to his pre-existing wealth, could have donated his $400,000 salary back to the US but chose instead to line his own pockets to the tune of almost $2 billion in his first year of term 2. So much for Patriotism!! THANK YOU Dr. Fauci for your leadership and guidance in helping us get through the Covid epidemic. THANK YOU to the leadership and staff of Rocky Mountain Labs (RML) for your outstanding scientific work and preventing and finding cures for some of the most deadly viruses to attack mankind around the world. Your work is indispensable! Tom Tunny Hamilton

Thank you

I want to thank everyone involved for making this year’s event so memorable. We had over 1300 people participate this year. It takes many people and organizations to make Robert’s Run a success. I want to thank our race committee, volunteers, sponsors, law enforcement, and everyone who pitched in to make our event first class. Celebrating Robert’s spirit and the courage to try are our goals each year. We achieved those as demonstrated in the smiles, hugs, and effort from all our participants. An event like ours is something special. It is special because of our mission as well as the amazing people involved in bringing it to our community every year. Thank you to everyone for believing in us, supporting us, and creating the community we all want to be a part of. And remember, we will be back for the 2027 edition of Robert’s Run next year as always, on the first Saturday in August. Doug Martin, Race Director Corvallis

MT Farmers Union endorses I-194

Montana Farmers Union, one of the state’s largest and most influential agricultural organizations, has endorsed I-194, The Montana Plan, adding the voices of thousands of family farmers and ranchers to the growing bipartisan coalition supporting the initiative ahead of the November 2026 election. The endorsement reflects a shared belief that Montana elections should be accountable to the people who live and work here—not to corporations, wealthy special interests, or dark-money groups that can spend millions while hiding the sources of their funding. “Currently every statewide elected official in Montana is an out-of-state millionaire or billionaire that had corporate backing and could hide donations in dark money PACs,” said Montana Farmers Union President Walt Schweitzer. “The reward for these donors was tax breaks and special rules for the rich. If this initiative passes, it will prevent corporations from influencing our elections and will allow voters to know who is supporting a campaign before they vote.” I-194 would eliminate the power of corporations, unions, nonprofits, and other artificial entities to spend treasury funds to support or oppose candidates or ballot measures in Montana’s local, state, and federal elections. Political spending by real people would remain protected, with disclosure requirements ensuring voters can see who is financing election campaigns. “For Montana’s farmers and ranchers, transparent and accountable elections are about more than knowing where campaign dollars come from,” said Russell Cleveland, Executive Director of Partnerships for The Montana Plan. “They are about having a meaningful voice in the decisions that shape their livelihoods and communities. From Right to Repair to Country of Origin Labeling and countless other agricultural issues, public policy should be shaped by

Bitterroot Star--Page 5 Letters to the Editor are now limited to 450 words or less.

the people most affected, not by corporations using hidden political spending to buy access and influence.” “Montana Farmers Unions endorsement reflects exactly what The Montana Plan is building: a broad coalition of Montanans who believe elections should be decided by people, not by corporations and hidden donors,” said JeMangan, founder of The Montana Plan. “Family farmers and ranchers understand what happens when concentrated economic power becomes political power, and we are honored to have Montana Farmers Union standing with Montana voters in this effort.” About the Montana Plan PAC: The Montana Plan PAC is a Montana ballot initiative committee formed to support I-194, “The Montana Plan,” in the November 2026 election. The campaign is working to end corporate and dark-money political spending in Montana elections by restoring a clear principle: elections should be decided by real people, not by corporations, LLCs, unions, nonprofits, or other artificial entities spending treasury funds to support or oppose candidates or ballot measures. Learn more at montanaplan.org. Michelle Hutcherson Whitefish

Young voters could swing MT

Every day, Forward Montana staff organize and build political power with young people across our state. Folks are working multiple jobs, worried about lengthening forest fire seasons, and watching their parents retire with rising costs, unsure of how long they can keep barely making ends meet in the state they love. The stakes for young voters have rarely been higher. Kurt Alme supports a national abortion ban, gutting Medicaid and rural hospitals, selling off our public lands, and giving tax breaks to corporations and the wealthy. Young people will live with the consequences for decades if we squander this opportunity and responsibility. There is never a perfect candidate and we cannot expect politicians to save us, especially without a steady drum of accountability. I am proud of our efforts, interviewing and carefully evaluating both candidates Alani Bankhead and Seth Bodnar. We asked tough questions about issues that matter most to young Montanans, reviewed campaign strategies, examined the political landscape, and considered who had the strongest path to winning a competitive general election. Our conclusion was clear: Bodnar is building the campaign needed to successfully compete against Alme. He aligns with young people on abortion access, public lands, and economic justice and has the leadership experience to get policies passed that make real improvements in young Montanans’ lives. Bankhead simply does not have the resources, endorsements, or campaign team to seriously compete against Alme and the MAGA machine. I gained even more clarity around our choice to endorse Bodnar after attending a Bankhead campaign event in Missoula where she compared reproductive choice to opting out of vaccines, said it was not her job to convince voters to vote for her, and she concerningly said she was not ‘emotionally invested in the outcome of the race’, even going so far recently as to say she’s comfortable continuing her run even if doing so makes things easier for Republicans according to a Washington Post article this week. As a young Indigenous woman, I am very emotionally invested in the outcome of this race – as are tens of thousands of young Montanans who will live with the consequences of the Trump administration’s unchecked power if Alani chooses to put her ego over our nation. To that end, not only is Forward Montana endorsing Bodnar, we are asking Bankhead to withdraw to ensure a real shot at beating Alme. Our commitment to young people stays strong in this moment. We must be able to win to impact policy, and Seth Bodnar’s campaign has proven that he’s the candidate that can compete. There’s momentum, energy and hope for Montana’s future building around his campaign and I’m proud to be part of the growing coalition supporting him. Alice Boyer, Forward Montana Missoula

Bitterroot Star staff Jesse Mullen Publisher

Sarah Glass General Manager editor@bitterrootstar.com

John Dowd Editor john@bitterrootstar.com

Scott Sacry Sports Editor and Advertising Sales scott@bitterrootstar.com

Information about your Bitterroot Star Our 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 office 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. Member 2022 Member 2016 Our View/Letters Bitterroot Star editorials are written from the position of the newspaper. The personal columns and letters appearing on the Opinion page and elsewhere in the paper represent the opinion of single individuals and do not necessarily reflect the position of the newspaper. The Star welcomes public comment and encourages letters to the editor. Letters on local topics or issues are given priority for publication. Letters should be 450 words or less. Shorter letters generally have a better chance of prompt publication. While letters expressing appreciation for a specific, out-of-the-ordinary action are welcomed, letters with lists of names of contributors, donors or volunteers are not accepted as letters to the editor. Author’s name, address and phone number (for verification, not publication) are required. We do not run letters anonymously. We attempt to run all letters, but reserve the right to edit for length, accuracy, clarity, content and libel. We ask that writers email letters to us, and do not turn them in by hand. This increases the chances the letters will get printed. Our staff already has a full workload.

Legal Notices

Page 6--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

NOTICE OF TRUSTEE’S SALE TO BE SOLD FOR CASH AT TRUSTEE’S SALE on December 08, 2026, at 10:00 o’clock A.M. (recognized local time) at the Front Door of the Ravalli County Judicial Building, located at, 205 Bedford Street Hamilton, MT 59840, the following described real property, situated in Ravalli County, Montana: The S½ of Lot 1, Block 17, Sunnyside Orchards No. 4, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the official plat recorded March 1, 1910. Deed Ref: 541594 Commonly known as: 4564 Hoover Lane, Stevensville , MT 59870 Tara Jean Keppel, as Grantor(s), conveyed said real property to First American Title Company, as Trustee, to secure an obligation owed to Thomas E. Spencer, as Beneficiary, by Montana Trust Indenture dated August 01, 2022, and recorded August 01, 2022, as Document No. 778402. The Beneficial interest is currently held by Thomas E. Spencer. Flying S Title and Escrow of Montana, Inc., is the Successor Trustee pursuant to a Substitution of Trustee recorded in the office of the Clerk and Recorder of Ravalli County, Montana. Tara Jean Keppel has defaulted in the performance of said Montana Trust Indenture by failing to pay the entire unpaid principal balance together with accrued interest and other charges due and payable in full on or before June 1, 2026, per an unrecorded modification dated April 30, 2026. As of July 22, 2026 there is due and owing on the loan an unpaid principal balance of $253,663.09, accrued interest in the amount of $2,710.37, plus Extension Fees in the amount of $50,000.00 and a Due In Full Late Fee of $25,637.35, for a total amount due of $332,010.81. Interest accrues on the Note at the rate of 5% per annum with a per diem rate of $34.75 after July 22, 2026. Interest continues to accrue. All delinquencies are now due together with any late charges, advances to protect the security, and fees and costs associated with this foreclosure. The Beneficiary anticipates and may disperse such amounts as may be required to preserve and protect the property and for real property taxes that may become due or delinquent, unless such amounts of taxes are paid by the Grantors. If such amounts are paid by the Beneficiary, the amounts or taxes will be added to the obligation secured by the Montana Trust Indenture. Other expenses to be charged against the proceeds of this sale include the Trustee’s fees and attorney’s fees, costs and expenses of the sale, and late charges, if any. Beneficiary has elected and has directed the Trustee to sell the above described property to satisfy the obligation. The sale is a public sale and any person, including the Beneficiary, excepting only the Trustee, may bid at the sale. The bid price must be paid in cash at the time of sale. The conveyance will be made by Trustee’s Deed. The sale purchaser shall be entitled to possession of the property on the 10th day following the sale. The Grantor, successor in interest to the Grantor, or any other

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT M. MACLEAN, Deceased. Probate No.: DP-2026-85 Dept. No.: 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that John Solheim 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 first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to John Solheim, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Montana Legacy Law, PLLC, 178 South 2nd St., Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. BS 7-29, 8-5, 8-12-2026. MNAXLP MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF Jana Miller: Jana Miller, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-2026-297 Dept No.: 1 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE This is a notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Jana Lynelle Miller to Jana Lynell Miller-Page. The hearing will be on September 2, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Dated July 22, 2026. Paige Trautwein, Clerk of District Court /s/Michelle Goldman, Deputy Clerk of Court BS 7-29, 8-5, 8-12, 8-19-2026. MNAXLP Legal Notice The Ravalli County Board of Health (BOH) will conduct a Public Meeting to receive public comment on a variance requested by Brian C. Bergerson for the Property at 1499 Meridian Road, Victor, Parcel #894600. The applicant is requesting a variance from the requirement of a minimum of 48 inches of natural soil from ground level to seasonal high groundwater level and allow for a new Wastewater Treatment System. Property description: IN NENE INDEX 13, CS #571 PARCEL 4, 4.50 AC. Information describing the variance request will be available for inspection on August 5, 2026, at the Ravalli County Environmental Health Department, in the Administrative Building, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite D, Hamilton. The public meeting will be held Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room at the Administrative Building located at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton.The public may comment verbally or in writing, at the meeting or online. Comments and information submitted at the public meeting will be considered in the decision on said variance request. BS 7-29, 8-5-2026. MNAXLP

person having an interest in the property, at any time prior to the Trustee’s Sale, may pay to the Beneficiary to the successor in interest to the Beneficiary the entire amount then due under the Montana Trust Indenture and the obligation secured thereby (including costs and expenses actually incurred and attorney’s fees) other than such portion of the principal as would not then be due had no default occurred and thereby cure the default. The scheduled Trustee’s sale may be postponed by public proclamation up to fifteen (15) days for any reason, and in the event of a bankruptcy filing, the sale may be postponed by the Trustee for up to one-hundred twenty (120) days by public proclamation at least every thirty (30) days. DATED: July 21, 2026 By: /s/ Rae Albert,Assistant Secretary for Flying S Title and Escrow of Montana, Inc. c/o Title Financial Specialty Services PO Box 339, Blackfoot, ID 83221 STATE OF Idaho ) SS. COUNTY OF Bingham). On this July 21, 2026, before me, a Notary Public in and for said State, personally appeared Rae Albert, known or identified to me, to be the Assistant Secretary of Flying S Title and Escrow of Montana, Inc., who is named as the Successor Trustee in the above described Montana Trust Indenture and executed the instrument on behalf of said Successor Trustee, and acknowledged to me that said Successor Trustee executed the same. /s/Allison Spencer Notary Public of Idaho Residing at: Blackfoot, Idaho Commission Expires: 06-232029 BS 8-5, 8-12, 8-19-2026. MNAXLP

Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-41-20260000299-NC Dept No.: 1 - Howard F Recht NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE This is a notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Ray Darcy McKenna to Sarah Ellen Oberhofer. The hearing will be on September 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Dated July 28, 2026. Paige Trautwein, Clerk of District Court /s/Sarah Gingerich-Sargent, Deputy Clerk of Court BS 8-5, 8-12, 8-19, 8-26-2026. MNAXLP Daniel Browder, Esq. Browder Law, PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840 Telephone: (406) 361-3677 Facsimile: (406) 361-2999 Email: browderlawmont@gmail. com Attorney for Connie K. Gallagher MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARLENE KAY PORTER, Deceased. Cause no. DP-2026-91 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Connie K. Gallagher 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 first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Connie K. Gallagher, return receipt requested, c/o Browder Law, PLLC, 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED this 28th day of July, 2026 BROWDER LAW, PLLC /s/Daniel Browder Attorney for Personal Representative BS 8-5, 8-12, 8-19-2026. MNAXLP

NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING – STEVENSVILLE RURAL FIRE DISTRICT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Stevensville Rural Fire District (S.R.F.D.) Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing August 19th, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. at 156 Kinsman Drive Stevensville Montana, to allow public comment and review of the S.R.F.D. proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget. Any taxpayer or resident may appear at the special board meeting and be heard for or against any part of the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget. The proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget will be on the agenda of the regular board meeting, following the public hearing, to be discussed and adopted on August 19th, 2026. If you have any questions, or want a copy of the proposed budget, please contact the Stevensville Rural Fire District at (406)777-7033 please leave a message if no answer or email admin@ stevensvilleruralfire.com or at P.O. Box 667, Stevensville, MT 59870. Please make all communications attention: District “Proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Budget.” BS 8-5, 8-12-2026. MNAXLP

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR PERMISSIVE MEDICAL LEVY North Valley Public Library District Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, August 19, 2026 at 3PM in the Library Community Room at 208 Main St., Stevensville before the regular board meeting. The purpose of this hearing is to take public comment, and vote on the levy and resolution regarding the proposed permissive medical levy for health care premium increases for fiscal year ending June 30, 2027. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Library Director Denise Ard at 777-5061. BS 8-5, 8-12-2026. MNAXLP

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF Ray McKenna: Ray McKenna,

Megan S. Winderl CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C. 99 Marcus Street, 3rd Floor Hamilton, MT 59840

The Bitterroot Star Weather Summary

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Weather Trivia

Peak Fishing/Hunting Times This Week

the

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ARLENE MARGARET LEACH, Deceased. Probate No.: DP-2026-76 Dept. No.: 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Brad Crouch 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 first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Brad Crouch, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Montana Legacy Law, PLLC, 178 South 2nd St., Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. BS 8-12, 8-19, 8-26-2026. MNAXLP

Detailed Local Forecast

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What storm lasted longest in the Atlantic?

Legal Notice The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will conduct a public hearing for a Ravalli County Open Lands Bond project on Monday, August 31, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room (Third Floor) of the County Administrative Building located at 215 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840. The project is called Lynn Conservation

OG-26-08-276 Legal Notice The Ravalli County Planning Department is inviting public comment on floodplain application FA-26-14 for work proposed within the FEMA regulated floodplain of the Bitterroot River. The applicant is David Clay. The project is proposing to construct a 50’x72’ non-residential building using post and frame construction. The building will be used for dry storage and includes an elevated entertainment space. The project site is located at 164 Belle Fluer Drive, Florence on Lot 8 of Meadow Vista Tracts Tax ID: 1430800 in Section 01, Township 10 North, Range 20 West, Ravalli County. Detailed information regarding this application is available for review at the Ravalli County Planning Department at 215 S 4th St, Suite F in Hamilton. Written comments may be mailed, hand-delivered or emailed (planning@rc.mt. gov) and must be received by August 26, 2026 (Reference Application #FA-26-14). BS 8-12-2026. MNAXLP

Tuesday

Today we will see sunny skies with a high temperature of 88°, humidity of 31%. South southeast wind 2 to 5 mph. The record high temperature for today is 100° set in 1940. Expect mostly clear skies tonight with an overnight low of 45°. West wind 1 to 5 mph. The record low for tonight is 38° set in 1912. Thursday, skies will be partly cloudy with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, high temperature of 84°, humidity of 43%. South southeast wind 1 to 9 mph.

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, PRELIMINARY BUDGET, WAGES & SALARIES FOR THE FY26-27 AND BUDGET AMENDMENTS FOR FY25-26. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2026 @ 6:30PM NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That the Town Council of the Town of Stevensville will hold a public hearing on AUGUST 19, 2026, at 6:30 pm at the Town Hall, 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, Montana 59870 for the purpose of obtaining public comments regarding the preliminary Budget and the Wages & Salaries for FY26-27 and Budget Amendments for FY25/26. All interested persons will be given the opportunity to express their opinions regarding the preliminary budget, wages & salaries and budget amendments. Comments may be given orally at the public hearing or submitted in writing via email to townclerk@townofstevesnville.gov or mail to: Town of Stevensville, Attention Town Clerk, PO Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870 before 5:00 pm on August 19, 2026. Questions, comments or more information may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at 406-777-5271. Attest: Jenelle Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 8-5, 8-12-2026. MNAXLP

Easement (70.0 acres). The project is located about 1 mile north of the center of Corvallis, Montana. Tax ID’s: 178800, 167000 and 166900. Bitter Root Land Trust is the applicant. Information describing the proposals are available for inspection on the Ravalli County website at https://ravalli.us/181/OpenLands-Board and at the Planning Department, located at the County Administrative Building, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite F, Hamilton, MT 59840. Written comments are encouraged to be submitted to the Planning Department prior to the public hearing and will be forwarded to the BCC for consideration at the public hearing. The public may comment verbally or in writing at the hearings. Comments and information submitted at the public hearing will be considered in the decision. Submit email comments to: planning@rc.mt.gov, and questions can be asked by phone at 406-375-6530. BS 8-12, 8-19-2026. MNAXLP

Crossword Puzzle

Bitterroot Seven Day Forecast

Local UV Index

(406) 218-4888 MeganW@cwlawmt.com Pleadings@cwlawmt.com Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of BONNIE MARIE EBSEN, Deceased. Probate No. DR-41-2026-5 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Heidi M. Ebsen, the Personal Representative, in care of CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C., 99 Marcus St. 3rd FL, Hamilton, MT 59840 or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. DATED this 7th day of January, 2026 /s/Heidi M. Ebsen Personal Representative CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C. Attorney for Personal Representative /s/Megan S. Winderl BS 8-5, 8-12, 8-19-2026. MNAXLP

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Answer: In 1971, a storm Ginger lasted for 28 days.

called

Weather History Aug. 12, 1989 - Thunderstorms were scattered across nearly every state by late in the day. Thunderstorms produced wind gusts to 75 mph at Fergus Falls, Minn., and golf ball size hail and wind gusts to 60 mph at Black Creek, Wis. In the Chicago area, seven people at a forest preserve in North Riverside were injured by lightning. Aug. 13, 1987 - Thunderstorms deluged the central Gulf Coast states with torrential rains. Thunderstorms in Mississippi drenched Marion County with up to 15 inches of rain during the morning hours, with 12.2 inches reported at Columbia.

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www.WhatsOurWeather.com

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New 8/12

First 8/19

Sunrise 6:30 a.m. 6:31 a.m. 6:32 a.m. 6:34 a.m. 6:35 a.m. 6:36 a.m. 6:37 a.m.

Sunset 8:51 p.m. 8:50 p.m. 8:48 p.m. 8:46 p.m. 8:44 p.m. 8:43 p.m. 8:41 p.m.

Moonrise 6:16 a.m. 7:38 a.m. 8:57 a.m. 10:12 a.m. 11:26 a.m. 12:38 p.m. 1:49 p.m.

Moonset 9:00 p.m. 9:19 p.m. 9:37 p.m. 9:54 p.m. 10:11 p.m. 10:30 p.m. 10:53 p.m.

Full 8/28

Last 9/4

Last Week's Almanac & Growing Degree Days Date 8/2 8/3 8/4 8/5 8/6 8/7 8/8

High 78 75 82 85 88 93 92

Low 59 49 46 46 48 49 50

Normals Precip 88/52 0.00" 88/52 0.00" 88/52 0.00" 88/52 0.00" 88/52 0.00" 88/52 0.00" 87/52 0.00"

Farmer's Growing Degree Days Date Degree Days Date Degree Days 8/2 18 8/6 18 8/3 12 8/7 21 8/4 14 8/8 21 8/5 15 Growing degree days are calculated by taking the average temperature for the day and subtracting the base temperature (50 degrees) from the average to assess how many growing days are attained.

ACROSS

DOWN

1. Collect 5. Motor vehicle 9. American state 10. Small bunch of flowers 11. Zoom 12. Wild sheep 13. Leapt 15. Before, poetically 16. Capital of Iraq 18. Board member 21. Fled 22. Lazy people 26. Friend (Sp.) 28. Supplication 29. Mountain climbing tool 30. Sports channel 31. Origination 32. Writing table

1. Mess up 2. A spinning toy (2 wds.) 3. France & Germany river 4. Short plants 5. Spr.. month 6. Coaxed 7. Jeweled headdress 8. Eyed 10. Drooped 14. Country 17. Assisted 18. Snares 19. Synthetic fabric 20. Combine 23. Otherwise 24. Representatives 25. Went into the water 27. Deity © Feature Exchange

Calendar Wednesday, August 12, 2026

ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPAL CHURCH

206 E. Ravalli St. Hamilton, MT 59840

203 Main St.  Stevensville  777-0028

406-363-4090

Traditional Anglican Services every Sunday at 10 a.m. staugustinehamilton.org 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. Call or text Sue: 406-369-0406 (Stevensville). 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 Nicole: 406-214-2649 (Hamilton).

Marine Corps League

The Marine Corps League welcomes Marines, FMF Navy Personnel and citizens who support the missions of the USMC and the League. The Marine Corps League is the only Federal chartered Marine active/reserve and veteran organization. General meetings are held 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!

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 Beer & Burger lunch for less than $10. An affordable place to eat lunch for the entire family. Support your local veterans.

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 Betty at (406) 396-2627

North Valley Public Library events

Distinguished Artist Club: Free Art Classes for Ages 55+ — Every Thursday at 10am The Library is hosting Zootown Arts Community Center for a special offering: Distinguished Artist Club, a series of free weekly art classes for people ages 55 and over. Classes rotate each month, including painting, drawing, printmaking, and ceramics, and are lead by instructors

Bitterroot Star--Page 7

to attend the Board meetings, the Board would still like to hear from you. Please email the Director at denisea@ northvalleylibrary.org or you can email board members directly. A link to Trustee contact information can be found at montana.gov.

Other Library Events

Worship at 11:00 a.m. Free meeting space for nonprofits. Call Sue: 369-0406

with active studio practices. All classes are free thanks to generous local grants. Registration required on the Calendar page at northvalleylibrary.org. “Facing East from Indian Country” MT Reads 250 Author Event — Thu, Aug 13 at 6:30pm “Montana Reads: The Treasure State’s Book Club” hosts special guests and authors to bring U.S., Montana, and Tribal history to life. This month’s selection is Facing East from Indian Country: A Native History of Early America, by Dr. Daniel K. Richter. In the beginning, North America was Indian country. But only in the beginning. After the opening act of the great national drama, Native Americans yielded to the westward rush of European settlers. Or so the story usually goes. Yet, for three centuries after Columbus, Native people controlled most of eastern North America and profoundly shaped its destiny. In Facing East from Indian Country, Daniel K. Richter keeps Native people center-stage throughout the story of the origins of the United States. The Library is hosting a watch-party. Artfully Minded for 11-14 Year Olds — Mon, Aug 17 at 1pm In partnership with North Valley Public Library, Bitterroot Cares is offering a summer art program for local middle schoolers providing a new art project each week. Through art, Bitterroot Cares aid youth in building skills that support emotional regulation and demonstrate art as a healthy outlet. Library Board Meeting — Wed, Aug 19 at 3pm Meetings are open to the public. Agendas and the Public Participation are posted at northvalleylibrary.org. If you are a member of the public and are unable

Fiber Arts Club at the Library — First Thurs of Month from 1-3pm Do you enjoy knitting or crocheting, embroidery, hand sewing, or quilting? Bring your work-in-progress, problem piece, or brand-new pattern and enjoy the company of like-minded crafters during this informal club. Scan the QR code for the full calendar. Saturday Morning Social at the Library for Adults — 1st, 3rd & 5th Sat tion. Fee is $5 per day and registration from 10am-12pm deadline, if still available, is 3 days On Saturdays, North Valley Public Liprior to each program date. The link for brary sets aside a special time and space participants to view skill descriptions and for adults to chat, work a jigsaw puzzle, to register: https://4h.zsuite.org/exterplay a game, or do coloring pages. Tea nal-event-registration/49456. and coffee provided, so have a cuppa and enjoy the community that makes Stevensville so special. Meets the 1st, AARP Smart Driver Class 3rd, and 5th Saturday of the month. Bitterroot Health Hospital, located at Men’s Club: Chess & Checkers — 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, MT will Last Thurs of Month at 2pm host an ALL NEW, four-hour Smart Driver Gents, this one’s just for you. Make Class on Friday, August 28, from 9:00 connections and conversation over a a.m. to l:00 p.m. While this safe driving game of chess or checkers during this strategies class is designed for drivers informal monthly get-together at North age 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. Valley Public Library. All experience levels This course updates drivers with the welcome. And if you’ve never played latest changes in Montana traffic laws chess, come and learn! Gameboards and vehicle safety technology. There are provided or you may bring your own. no written exams or driving tests and, Registration recommended to receive a Montana mandates insurance discounts reminder email but not required. Please for qualified participants age 55 and arrive at 2pm to be matched with a older. The class fee is $20.00 for AARP partner. members; $25.00 for non-members. Pre-registration is advised. To register, call: Hamilton Insurance Ravalli County 4-H at: 406-363-6583. Summer Skills For further information, call Thom Ainsworth at 406-369-0149. Program For all youth ages 10-14 are invited to these hands-on learning activities. Participants can enroll in just one program, or all four afternoon dates of June 15 and June 23 and August 13 and 18 from 1 to Calendar postings are 5 pm at the Hamilton Elks Lodge. Learn free to non-profit groups. cooking, potting plants, public speaking, story-telling, enhance your nature enjoySubmit by emailing to: ment, camping, bear awareness, horse editor@bitterrootstar.com riding balance, bike and car maintenance skills. Workshop enrollment is limited and will be filled by date of youth registra-

Creamery Picnic 2026!

Photos by John Rudow.

Page 8--Bitterroot Star

Obituaries Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Obituaries are $75. Obituaries are limited to 350 words or less. $1 for every 10 extra words.

Margaret Chaney Phelps Margaret Chaney Phelps died in a vehicle accident on July 31, 2026. Margaret was born on February 12, 1949 in Challis, Idaho to Frank Chaney and Adina Kusler. She moved to a ranch west of Victor, Montana later in 1949 with her mother, father and sister Elizabeth. Margaret attended Victor school and graduated Valedictorian of her class in 1967. She attended the University of Montana and graduated with a B.A. degree in Spanish with a teaching minor in business administration and graduated with honors in 1971. Margaret began a career in education as a high school teacher in Salmon, Idaho from 1971 to 1974. She moved to Twin Falls, Idaho in 1974 and taught in the office occupation department at the College of Southern Idaho from 1974 to 1980 and during this time received a master’s degree in education/business at the University of Idaho. During her time at Twin Falls she met Larry Phelps and after developing a lasting friendship they married and Margaret became a wife and educator, sometimes at the college and other times at home. In 1981 Margaret and Larry moved to Pocatello, Idaho and Margaret worked for the ISU Vo-Tech’s Adult Education Program where she was responsible for a special grant which funded a word processing specialty option in

the office occupations program. She also taught numerous courses in typewriting, word processing, business, English, business machines, spreadsheets and databases. In 1987 Margaret was named director of special programs/evening classes in vocational-technical education at Idaho State University, a position she enjoyed until her retirement. Margaret was a member in the Idaho Business Education Association, Western Business Education Association, National Business Education, Delta Kappa Gamma, Professional Secretaries International and American Society for Training and Development. She also served as the Bannock County unit memorial chairman for the American Cancer Society. She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Adina Chaney, husband Larry, nephew Frankie and is survived by her sister Elizabeth (Rick) Ingraham, nieces Kathy Shinn and Virginia Thomas and nephew John Chaney, stepchildren Larry J. Phelps (Ann) and Lyn Phelps (Sharryl). Margaret was a very positive person, always friendly, pleasant and willing to help anyone upon their request. Her favorite bible verse was Romans 12-18; “do all that you can to live at peace with everyone”. No one exemplified this statement better than Margaret, she will truly be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.

Cheri Mae (Wheeler) Yount November 14th, 1955 - August 1st, 2026 Cheri was born in Grass Valley California to Dan Wheeler and Hazel Weston on November 14th, and she passed away peacefully at home in bed early the morning of August 1st, 2026. Cheri lived a life of love and compassion. Her family was her pride and joy. She was a devoted Mother, Wife, Sister and friend to many. She lived with a strong christian faith in God. Cheri was larger than life in a small package and had a fighting spirit. She will be missed dearly and her love felt forever. Rest In Peace Sweet Mother.

Cheri is preceded in death by her parents Dan Wheeler and Hazel (Weston) Hill, brothers Richard, Jim and Roy. Her first husband Charles (Chuck) Glaze, Inlaws Julia Adams, Luther and Elizabeth Glaze. Cheri is survived by her husband Bill Yount, sons Ryan and Brian Glaze, Bill Yount jr., sister Linda Hill, brother Jeff Martin and 8 grandchildren. Many more family members to list. A celebration of her life will be held on August 29th, at 1:00 p.m. at 12208 Old Pulp Rd., Missoula, Montana 59808. A memorial page has been set at Whitesitt funeral home sight for comments and photos.

Palmer Mars Scott, Jr. Palmer Mars Scott, Jr., of Florence, Montana, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2026, at the age of 96, surrounded by those who loved him. Palmer was born on May 21, 1930, in Dodson, Montana, to Palmer M. and Emma C. Hinrecksen Scott. He spent his childhood in Dodson and Loring, where rural values instilled in him a strong work ethic and a deep sense of community. He earned a teaching certificate from Northern Montana College in Havre and taught at a high school in Saco where he met his first wife, Darlene Johnsrud, and started to build a family. During the Korean War, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, serving for two years as a cryptographic specialist at Enewetak Atoll in the South Pacific. He later accepted a commission in the U.S. Naval Reserve, where he served for more than 20 years before retiring with the rank of Commander. His dedication to service inspired two of his sons and three of his grandchildren to serve in the United States military. Palmer earned his doctorate in education from Indiana University in 1972. He worked for the Montana Department of Public Instruction before serving as a principal in Helena and Missoula. Throughout his 42-year career, he became known for his compassion, integrity and unwavering belief in young people. As principal, his leadership and kindness left a lasting impression on gen-

Memorial update

erations of students, colleagues, teachers, and families. In retirement, Palmer and his wife, Shirley, traveled extensively, sharing a love of history, genealogy, and discovering new places together. Above all, Palmer cherished time with loved ones. A day spent with family, friends, or his church community was a day well spent. Those lucky enough to have known him will remember he always offered a hand to help or an ear to listen. He celebrated the accomplishments of others as if they were his own, and in difficult moments, reminded us of better days were around the bend. Palmer is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Shirley; his children and stepchildren: P. Mars Scott and wife Elaine of Missoula; Sonja Scott of Helena; Kirk Scott of Helena; Pamela Scott and husband Jesse Whitford of Clancy; Garth Scott and wife Michelle of Florence; Harold Dingman; Sherry Dingman; Marcy Winters; and Bryon Dingman. He is also survived by 21 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Duane Scott and wife Esther of Clatskanie, Oregon; Edgar Scott and wife Kathleen of Butte; and Ronald Scott and wife Cindy of Malta. He was preceded in death by his parents, Palmer and Emma Scott, and his sisters, Doris Scott and Patsy Black. There will be a public viewing at the Whitesitt Funeral Home in Stevensville on Thursday, August 20, 2026,

from 5 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Florence Carlton Community Church in Florence, Montana. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the restoration fund for the historic original Florence Carlton Community Church building. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, hospital staff, friends, church members, and neighbors whose compassion, kindness, and support brought comfort during Palmer’s final days.

Mary Ann Landy Waymire’s memorial will be at Roots Fellowship in Victor at 11 a.m. on August 31 rather than at the Bitterroot River Inn.

Stage 2 fire restrictions begin

Just six days after moving to “Very High” fire danger, the Bitterroot National Forest (BNF) announced on August 6 that it is implementing Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning August 7 due to record-setting temperatures and dry fuel conditions. “We will be moving directly into Stage 2 fire restrictions this season,” said Matt Young, Fire Staff Officer. “We decided not to implement Stage 1 restrictions and immediately go to the highest level because we currently meet the conditions for Stage 2.” The last time the forest implemented Stage 2 fire restriction was in 2024. The U.S. Drought Monitor for Ravalli County and the BNF is currently showing ‘Abnormally Dry’ conditions. “With current fire activity and predicted weather, we all need to do everything we can to prevent additional wildfires from starting,” said Young. “We are asking the public to recreate responsibly and adhere to these restrictions.” Fire restrictions are intended to decrease the chance of preventable, human-caused fires in the designated areas. Stage II Fire Restrictions went into effect on Friday, August 7, for all Bit-

terroot National Forest lands in Ravalli and Missoula Counties, Montana including NFS lands within the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness in Montana.

STAGE II FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Under the Stage II Fire Restrictions, the following acts are prohibited on federally managed or protected lands, roads, and trails: • Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire. Liquid petroleum and LPG stoves that can be turned on and off are allowed. • Smoking is prohibited outside of vehicles, buildings, and developed recreation sites, unless you are stopped in a 3-foot diameter area cleared of all burnable vegetation. • Operating motorized vehicles off designated roads and trails is prohibited. • Operating any equipment with an internal combustion engine, welding, or operating a torch with an open flame is prohibited from 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Must patrol area for one hour after ceasing operations. Exemptions: • Persons with a Forest Service spe-

cial use authorization, or other authorization specifically exempting them from the effect of this Order. If the authorization allows operation of an Internal Combustion Engine or welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame, such acts are prohibited from the hours of 1:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Outside of these hours, a one-hour foot patrol in the work area is required following cessation of these activities. • Persons using a device solely fueled by liquid petroleum or LPG fuels that can be turned on and off. Such devices can only be used in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the device. • Operating generators with an approved spark arresting device within an enclosed vehicle or building or in an area that is barren or cleared of all overhead and surrounding flammable materials within three feet of the generator. • Operating motorized vehicles on designated roads and trails, unless such road or trail is otherwise closed or restricted. • Emergency repair of public utilities and railroads. • Any Federal, State or Local officer,

or member of an organized rescue or firefighting service in the performance of an official duty. •The Anaconda-Pintler Wilderness is excluded from this order. Anyone caught violating the restrictions could be fined up to $5,000 and face up to six months in jail. They may also be held liable for all suppression costs and damages if they start a fire. Visit www.mtfireinfo.org to learn more about current fire restrictions throughout Montana. BNF wilderness areas including the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church in Idaho and the Anaconda- Pintler Wilderness are not included in the fire restrictions at this time. See forest map for more details at www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/ bitterroot/alerts-notices. The ridge of high pressure responsible for our record temperatures is also transporting smoke from wildfires in Oregon and Washington causing widespread hazy skies and smoke impacts. For the latest air quality information visit todaysair.mt.deq.us. This site displays particulate concentrations and health effects including a daily ‘Wildfire Smoke Update.’

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Bitterroot Star--Page 9

Travelers’ Rest State Park hosting ‘Lewis and Clark After Dark’ astronomy event Travelers’ Rest State Park near Lolo is hosting an evening “Lewis and Clark After Dark” astronomy event on Wednesday, August 12, from 9-11 p.m. The free event is offered in association with Western Montana Astronomical Association. An education program about constella-

tions, meteors and celestial navigation that Lewis and Clark used is planned for 9:30 p.m. Following the presentation, participants will go outside and view the night sky. To register, visit montanastateparks. reserveamerica.com/tourSearchResult.do?contractCode=MT&parkId=630220 or call

406-273-4253. Participants should consider bringing binoculars and a chair or blanket for outdoor seating. Other optional items include a red-light flashlight or headlight, water, snacks and extra layers for the evening weather. For more info on this event, contact

FWP’s Luke Crews at luke.crews@mt.gov or 406-273-4253. Travelers’ Rest State Park is located at 6717 US Hwy 12 in Lolo. The park includes the only archaeologically verified campsite of the Lewis & Clark Expedition and is an important cultural site for the Séliš and Qlispé people.

Additional resources ordered for Lost Horse North Fork Fire As of August 3, the North Fork Lost Horse Fire, located south of Hamilton, has grown to approximately 117 acres. The fire started from a lightning strike on July 24 and is at a 0% containment designation. According to the Bitterroot National Forest Darby Ranger District, its plan will be to continue making progress on fuel breaks that are located north of Lost Horse Road and east of the North Fork Fire. According to July 31 updates, two additional handcrews have been ordered. This particular fire area is considered high-risk to insert firefighters at this fire’s edge due to safety concerns such as steep and rocky terrain, with no evacuation routes by foot or vehicle. A TFR (temporary flight restriction) is in place over the operations area. No drones or other non-fire aircraft may enter the area.

Resources as of August 3 There are 102 personnel assigned to the fire. Resources include water tenders, heavy equipment, fire engines, aircraft for reconnaissance and water drops when needed, a suppression module and a handcrew. A resource advisor has been on site to advise on shaded fuel break areas. A resource advisor provides the agency administrator with recommendations to protect natural resource concerns during suppression efforts which include stream habitat, timber, threatened and endangered species and heritage and archeological resources. A fish biologist as well as a surveyor will be on site. Status On Sunday, August 2, firefighters observed an increase of smoke originating from the fire. However, fire activity remained moderate. Fire conditions are

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expected to be limited by cooler temperatures as the dry cold front moves through the area. Winds will continue to push from the west, which increases the risk of the fire making rapid down canyon runs. Firefighters continue suppression operations near previous burn scars and Observation Peak along Lost Horse Road and FS Road 496. The threat of large debris rolling out of steep terrain remains a high risk to firefighter safety and limits the ability to directly suppress the fire. To mitigate this, fire personnel will continue to build and strengthen indirect containment lines to help build long term protections for the nearby communities of Lost Horse and Hayes Creek. Air resources

will continue to be utilized as needed as weather conditions allow.

Closures Smoke from surrounding regions is expected to limit visibility and air quality in the area. For more information, please visit www.AirNow.gov. For firefighter and public safety, road closures are in place due to fire suppression operations and heavy equipment traffic. Closures are in place on Lost Horse Road (Forest Service Road 429), Lick Creek Road (FS 5621)

and near Hayes Creek Road (FS 496) due to fire activity. The Lost Horse Road closure is past the Lost Horse Lodge heading west. The Lick Creek Road (FS 5621) closure is 5 miles northeast when traveling from Lake Como. The Hayes Creek Road (FS 496) closure is near the Coyote Coulee trailheads. For map and order visit: Discover the Bitterroot Facebook page or inciweb.wildfire. gov/incident-information/mtbrf-north-fork-fire. You may also visit www.fs.usda.gov/r01/bitterroot/alerts/road-closures-related-north-fork-fire.

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C on t a ct : Sc ot t Sa cr y 406-239-3022 scott@bitterrootstar.com Design assistance Available!

➢ NEW LOCATION  142 Canyon Falls Way

Hamilton

406-363-3592 Family Owned & Operated since 1972 Servicing all your kitchen & laundry appliance needs from Lolo to Darby, no matter where you bought them!

Page 12--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, August 12, 2026

Organic Bulk Foods

Local Produce

Black Angus Beef

Great Wine

Get Pickled at the Fork with Savings!

Pickling Headquarters!

At the Fork, we are loaded with Pickling Cucs, Beets, Local Grean Beans! You will love our great selection of local Brews, from Bitterroot Brews to Big Sky Brews! So shop the store with Local Flavor & Save Time & Money! BLACK ANGUS TOP SIRLOIN

$7.99 lb

USDA Choice! BLACK ANGUS NEW YORK STEAKS

11.99

$

lb

USDA Choice! RED RASPBERRIES

WHOLE PINEAPPLE

PICKLING CUCUMBERS

lb

Delicious!

BONE -IN SPLIT CHICKEN BREAST

$1.99 lb

Grill ‘em!

ROMA TOMATOES

10lb

6pak

Taste Local!

Taste Local!

RED & GREEN SEEDLESS GRAPES

LOCAL GREEN BEANS

TAYLOR FARMS SNACK PACKS

CHICKEN HINDQUARTERS

16oz

BLT Time!

FOOD CLUB BUTTER

Salad Time!

lb

Grape Snack!

DAILY ’S BACON

lb

Taste Local!

SWEET PEACHES & NECTARINES

lb

$1.99

$4.99

LOCAL CORN ON THE COB

LUZ ’S TORTILLA CHIPS

lb

Taste Local!

ears

10lb

$1.99 $2.99

$1.39

Delicious!

PICKLING BEETS

99¢ $12.99 $8.99 2 $4 $14.99 8 $5 $4.99

$3.99 6oz

BAD & UGLY PEPPER JELLY

BITTERROOT BREWS

Delicious!

LOCAL BROCCOLI & CAULIFLOWER

$1.99 lb

Taste Local!

13oz

Butter Me!

Taste Local!

WHOLE & SLICED MUSHROOMS

HASS AVOCADOS

JUMBO ONIONS

99¢ 2 $4 59¢ ea

8oz

Grill ‘em!

Save!

BONELESS, SKINLESS CHICKEN BREASTS

BLACK ANGUS BONE -IN RIB STEAKS

BLA Time! LOCAL ZUCCHINI

lb

$1.29 $3.99 lb

lb

11.99

$

lb

Taste Local!

Grill ‘em!

Grill ‘em!

PORK CHOPS ASSORTED BONE -IN

BONE -IN PORK SPARE RIBS

BLACK ANGUS TOP ROUND STEAKS

ISERNIO ’S SAUSAGE LINKS

lb

lb

Taste Local!

2 $6 $1.79 $2.49 $3.49 $7.99 $4.99 lb

4-7.5oz

Assorted

PILGRUM ’S FROZEN CHICKEN NUGGETS

Grill ‘em!

Grill ‘em! CURLY ’S BBQ TUBS

CORANDO SALAME OR PEPPERONI

lb

Grill ‘em!

12-13oz

USDA Choice!

FRANZ PREMIUM BREADS

FOOD CLUB BOTTLED WATER

22-24oz

24pak

Grill ‘em!

SAUCY SPOON BAKED BEANS

2 $5 $5.99 $5.99 2 $7 $2.99 $3.88 2 $5 1lb

5oz

12-16oz

19-24oz

& Unsalted

Assorted

Assorted

Sandwich Time!

LA CROIX SELTZER

TONY ’S PIZZA

WIDE AWAKE COFFEE CREAMER

BULL ’S EYE BBQ SAUCE

$4.88 12pak

Assorted

$2.88 18-20oz

Assorted

Assorted

Save!

Assorted

CHICKEN OF THE SEA TUNA

UMPQUA ICE CREAM

BAKERY FRESH COOKIES

2 $5 $1.99 78¢ 32oz

18oz

Assorted

Save!

28oz

5oz

Assorted

$4.99 48oz

Assorted

$3.99 20ct

Delicious!

We Only Sell Black Angus Choice Beef ! SIMPLY LEMONADE, & GOLD PEAK TEAS

2 $5 52oz

Assorted

SUSHI GRADE AHI TUNA

12.99

$

lb

BOAR ’S HEAD BLACK PEPPER TURKEY

$8.99 lb

In Our Deli!

Grill it!

BOAR ’S HEAD COLBY JACK

$7.99 lb

In Our Deli!

REESER ’S POTATO SALAD

$2.99 lb

In Our Deli!

TILLAMOOK GREEK YOGURT

99¢

5.3oz

Assorted

ORE -IDA TATER TOTS

$4.99 28-32oz

Assorted

10% off when you purchase 6 or more bottles of Wine, Mix or Match! DIRTY MTN DEW

POWERADE SPORTS DRINK

MONMARTRE BRUT

$6.99

99¢

FRITO LAY FRITOS, CHEETOS, SMARTFOOD

LANGERS APPLE & CRAN JUICES

SMIRNOFF ICE, WHITE CLAW, CAYMAN JACK

64oz

6pak

Assorted

Assorted

12pak

While supply lasts!

$3.49 bag

5-10oz Assorted

28oz

Assorted

$6.99 750ml

France!

$2.88 $8.99

POGGIO COSTA PROSECCO & ROS É

MON FRE ’RE CHARDONNAY

RODNEY STRONG SONOMA CHARD

750ml

750ml

$6.99

$6.99

MICHELOB ULTRA BEER

BROADBENT VINHO VERDE

750ml

Italy!

12.99

$

12pak

Save!

Save!

$9.99 750ml

Portugal

$9.99 & Sauv Blanc! COORS, COORS LIGHT, MILLER LITE

16.99

$

18pak

Save!

BIG SKY BREWS

$8.99 6pak

Taste Local!

CHINET CUPS, BOWLS, CUTLERY, PLATES

$6.99 24-96ct

Assorted