Bitterroot Star - August 19, 2026

OUTLET STORE

PRSTSTD STD PRST STD PRST Weeee PRST STD W Outlet StOre W OUTLET STORE US POSTAGE USPOSTAGE POSTAGE US US POSTAGE US POSTAGE PAID PAID PAID S ell PAID * F o r a l l y o u r A ma mmmunitiOn u nimmunition tion PAID FOrall all yOur S lell l Seell For or all your a STEVENSVILLE MT MT F your a mmunition STEVENSVILLE STEVENSVILLE MT STEVENSVILLE MT STEVENSVILLE MT & H u n t i n g N e e d s PERMIT 89 89 PERMIT Ll icicenSeS enses l icenSeS PERMIT 89 PERMIT 89 PERMIT 89 a rgH e unting selectionn ofeedS AR-15 Rifl fle es &*L& H unting n eedS icenSeS & H unting n eedS

W S

PRST STD

l

•• 777-2822 4034 Hwy 93 N. 4034 H•w•y777-2822 93 N . S t e v e n s v i l l e 4039 93 HWY 93 NN N Stevensville, 4034 HWY HWY 93 406.777.2822 STEVENSVILLE (406) 777-2822 STEVENSVILLE www.ammowww.ammoandmorestore.com andmorestore.com

www.ammoandmorestore.com www.ammoandmorestore.com

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 06Number Volume XXXVII,

30, Wednesday, February 9, 20 Wednesday, January 26, Wednesday, March 13, 20 Wednesday, March 6,202 Wednesday, August 19, 2026 Wednesday, January 31, 202 Wednesday, February 2, April 10,

www.bitterrootstar.com www.bitterrootstar.com

Historic trap club faces closure Sapphire Valley subdivision approved Mine talk draws hundreds celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary Shelter hosts slumber ‘Pawty Darby adds two new rodeo events

Tickets $45 Groundbreaking held for medical cente Bitter Root Humane Association Three Mile Community Center open Every Tuesday 10am-11am at Frontier Cafe in Stevensville Darby xtreme bulls

1st Annual Coffee with the Candidate! Eagles in winter by Victoria by Victoria Howell Howell by Kristin MichaelKruse Howell by

Kids 2 & under Free! Tickets at Murdochs, Darby speech, occupaDouble H have Hat, an Top 40 PRCA Bullmore Riders at www.GregOverstreet.com  Rank PRCA Bulls Find out shelter. $140,000. Wine &a Spirits levy, soorthis won’t tional and physic andAccording wells. Irrigation will be concerns about the potencould herald major changes ty for failing to do the prop The park additional impact on peopl Online at therapy services SUNDAY, August 23rd  Gates Open @ 12PM, Event @ 2PM –

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 to Colleen board made property taxes. The Ravalli County Eight Mile Creek Company. public safety, to wildlife, and process across the state impacts by handing off its including thera The event drew over 220 people the presentation into other rooms and the Sheep Creek Mine proposal. The Hamilton Trap Club has coming, but the new Three Schmiedeke, the decision In addition to thea loan, Bitterroot Health 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 serves to take out a project was paid for by been a fixture in the Bitterroot pool – plus imagi held a approval groundbreakby Michael Howell and cut the ribbon at last week’sthe tional last week to 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. A place for and lab ceremony, said concerning the Sen ing last Wednesday the 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, 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 andgave hunting Bishop said An open house celebration was organization’s 50 years of service, “ for new medical subdivision, aon 33-lot developimately 11 new children to do one about the potential impacts to of residents living close and clearly defined impacts tion in partnership with the Ravalli asking if he could with the a Ph.D in microbiology and in school Montana, including Anacon theits center is the east side community She saidtowestern they which raised over $80,000 sport shooters to gather, sotheyas 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 cialize, compete and hone their Humane Association’s (BRHA) new ladies in 1972 and it’s still run by am the facility open byskills, John Dowd we’re gonna do it, we’re of formerly agricultural land District and 264 new vehicare already experiencing a Hills subdivision challenged the decreasing water abunmetal contamination in rivers. HeFarmers has Helena even into Idaho. This (RCFWA), onathe Creek by the Bitterroot chapter of Trout Uning contains large meeting State and rummage sales, bingo nigh the north club also functions as Mine a they started built just of Sheep Last weekend the Bitter gonna do ular a high-end 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 supporting the Stevensville at the Humane Association participatThe Darby Rodeo Asrodeo.” Mile 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 See Mine, page corner Kootenai sociation isof expanding its The Darby Sho’ Downis proposing to ed for the first time in a nationWoodchuck Road east of the applicant 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 such as The Bitteron continuing to 2026 schedule with two Barrel Race, produced by al “slumber party” event. The Creek Road and Florence. The land is honor being dedicate a 100-foot by 100were also expressed about the (DNRC) over thereasonable. processcome and such while thethe of the Bitterroot Mountains tothe rated in 2014. Mile Fireway District, Lone cutting ceremony in of new a“Thus, long since itCounty was root Blasters. According to club new events this weekend, Wing Barrel Productions 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 members, hundreds of kids have facility, including tours of the whole is expected started about 50 years ago. I feel a including a Homes barrel race and of Hamilton, event the “Slumber Pawty,” whichbenefit “We’re bringing t Watson LLC who was 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. John Bishop, Bitparticipated in that program building, and anwill array oftofood huge sense of responsibility to hono what organizers say becommunity drawand about 200 barrel opened the shelter to represented by the engineerFire District and contribute Creek Company, storm runoff, impacts to wildlife required information lies w carebefore tosaid theus patien to senior center and the approximateouton ofnearby park Schmiedeke there over the years. Along with their The terroot Health CEO, drink in honor of the organization’s those who have come and one ofthe the largest bull-ridracers. event is free members who participated to stay$8,000 ing company Professional 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 own programs, the club supports he said. ingthe events inMarcus Montana by to spectators. 50th birthday. make it as good as it can be as we se said that night with theraised animals, amongFire Consultants Inc. (PCI). 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 over added purse. The race begins Hedgeby John Dowd The private non-profi t organization the course for the nextLois 50 years.” Daly Hospital had other fun activities. Between 12 barrel proposal ispark for sinThe21. Commissioners A recent court decision Judge Michael McMahon plication that the County ca The surrounding conSchmiedeke assessed, TMCSC received reduced $165,000 for theDarby Shriners TheThe first annual atand 3 In p.m. on Aug peth, chair ofwith the McCormack said that the was fi rst organized in 1972. 1984, noon Saturday and 12 noon The Sun- “got really gle-family residential use of written over a proposed subdivision criticized both the county and approve a subdivision tains soccer and baseball Schmiedeke prices from contractors. Th The Montana Hope Project. Sho’ Down Barrel Race will Accordingreceived to Ruark,dozens the It is often said that Three Mile Community Senior Center board members, l to r, Colorganization conducted a successfu Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the day, participants 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 take place Aug. 21 to 22 peewees ride at 6 p.m., club islocally utilized by local schools, little owned leen Schmiedeke, Joyce Pando and Wendy Audiss in front of the SAPPHIRE, page with the animals, wore fundraisingSee campaign fund the n granddaughter ofpath, Marcus Daly, gave saidto this project courts, ashelter walking a then playgroup they didn’t at Teller the Richard Cromwell open, youthhad and Wildlife Refuge, Boy Scouts bookstores are a waning 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 Memorial Rodeo Grounds, seniors will ride Aug. 22, has been four pag yea and TripleHowever, Creek Ranch, Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound as Bitbusiness. the among in support of the shelter. pandemic hit and construction cost with aby99-year years later, followed the firstlease. annualSixstarting at 9 a.m. Later others. in the works, but folks that own Chapter ter Root Humane Association Board Member Sue McCormack prepares to cut the ribbon Shelters all over the U.S. and Darby Xtreme Bulls event on Saturday, As a result, the group in 1990, the Bessenyey estate deededstarting The current executive diOne Book Store, in Hamthere were some John Bishop, pictured from left, leads a gathering peopleskyrocketed. involved in the celebrating the opening of the new animalfifth shelter in Hamilton. Photo by Michaelof Howell. even out of the country held the onrector, Aug.land 23. at 11 a.m. peewees ride, had to take out a mortgage to finish the to the organization where Tomtake Allsop, has been ilton, may exception delays due to the same event during the same 24Cal Ruark, president of followed again by open, Bitterroot Health building project in a ceremonial groundbreaking. The facility on Trap the property that had Sueby McCormack, who serves on Hamilton Club members linehoused up for athe shoot. Photo Kristin Kruse. thethis, current shelter is located. The to as they were reSee TRAP, 5 senior. thehour Darby Rodeo Associaand See SHELTER, page period. The event isyouth apage fundpandemic. She sa shelter since 1984. theat organization’s of directors will be built on land located the corner ofboard Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93 new building replaces an old building cently awarded for being tion, saidfor the each new events The association has raiser shelter, and partictheir vision is tha by John Dowd do. According to Steinhoff, “We have just north of the Stevensville Junction. anadded “outstanding by Boddy cumstances, having She adds that the were after the model asso$5,000 to Saturipants each work to raise added funds toNathan to act now, and stay ahead of this.” people the Stevensville business,” according to encountered most important ciation decided it wanted day’s purse and $1,000 donate to their respective shelters. 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 to Individual make greater use of its to Friday’s competition. Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as been providing “quality, businesses day,grounds Marchcommunity 5They to discuss several there was not much they knew to do force at the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud in the past. abuse is for people Association. will rodeo following a Two saddles will also be of a “medical center” rather than jus also donated toprojects. the fundraiser, Hamilton. accessible, upcoming city at3D thewas time, though theypersonalized may to shipconcert lastcelebrating year that did awarded: one to Street, the 901 S. 1st recently As aneed certified to ask also be 50 However, amounting to over $10,000 as of clinic. She also said thatquestions Marcus Dal The new 12-acre campus will care” for 90 people years. when the meeting oropened, concern look it ashealth “more and more notyears draw of theoperation. response winner and another toa into presented with Certificate of ping depot for FedEx, and start conMurphy. Shethe led the Saturday. Hospital, which is a critical access about the hoped Sheep Creek mine following are talking about this.”the Farrenkopf In recent years, theyShoppe provide primary, care, urgent care and ganizers had for. Appreciation by Mayor DomiBoxxe versation with tho Chapter One has three by John Dowd commissioners throug There were over 35 participants See RODEO, said pagethat 2 was all he could say on it at a“We meeting held aaccordcouple weeks earhospital, was recently rated #4 in the were looking for a specialty services. Two physicians have nic Farrenkopf and Hamilton is legally justified to you know and love co-owners, and have been taking steps to a lengthy fund by fund by Victoria Howell me like a ton of of the slumber party, and a barbenew event,” Ruark said. “If lier, made it into the opening. After the time. However, at the end of the Photo by John Rudow. 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 12th. This 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 by Mike Hudgins to departments say they are ship them together Wednesday. After leaving 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 theJohn military, they brought that same Luther believes having who can expenses havework only o Participating youth getting ready to spend the night with puppies at the shelter. Photo by 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 of a jubilee Seven Bitterroot Valley veterans ethic, determination and leadership to their an attorney in During that time, amounted to 23% of three people allows them an interest in pursuing todisplay share Association information Wildlife and Trout Unlimthoughts were shared by several other were honored Wednesday, August 12, communities. 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 developat the Veterans Memorial in Hamilton’s For 102-year-old Jeanne Doyle, that ited. 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 Hieronymus Park with the 2025county’s Montaservice began more than eight decades ago.fill lip Ramsey to speak on the dangers In discussion agenda In early March, a custom-on regular was unwittingly sendclaiming performance that have yetto torepbe said Luther. The spread sciences. event. Freeman is also the chair of the Rodeo diagnosed with from a normal of his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiClimbing Management At the second regular na Governor’s Veteran Commendation, A graduate of nursing school in Great Falls, 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 the viceU.S. chair of Nurse the Fair Board colon cancer in 99. “I jokingly say Plan (CMP). The virtual tional council members. recognizing decades of service both in Doyle joined Army Corps onfo 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. Photo by John Dowd. which he’s been onby for 12 years. A real estate February of 2021. that 51and is in brain Christine Staub of the Boxxe Shoppe. Photo Nameeting will beto held on See BOOKS, page 18 uniform their communities. June 11, 1945, during theAdministration. final months of 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. 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, 18 years in the Bitterroot, and als He wentSee through damage material.” Zoom. below for only Gov. Greg Gianforte and First agent Lady for World Warhere II. Stationed on the West Coast, than Boddy. learned that it would take just City Public Works Director, Donny The customer Sometimes they was a frequent commenter Gibson retiring, he was asked to speak, and was got into it because he local ownsveterans, thein Paper valley. For him, the experience has be On graduated Wednesday, March 27, the who high school in January 27, town clerk Jenelle Susan Gianforte joined she worked as a triage nurse as hospital the Army for 21 years, his organizational and instructions and a link chemotherapy and But COVID-19 Seewith 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 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 ships of the Berthoud told the council and families and community members for returned from the Pacific carrying to late join August theSteinhoff meeting. Five fundraising skills, and discipline, have been put in he was wasthe no joke. “It fused and unOver victims that a loved one 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 Patrick he victims, get involved people all over the valley,” and all of i completed a semester of college the last administration. In from Hamilton, was recpotential but wishes the ceremony honoring Clover, wounded soldiers, sailors and Marines. similar meetings audience that she was having good use 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. He thenothers got onto thePaul board has been “extremely rewarding.” for members, giving their annual report, and submitted herin transcript that within the commuJeanne Doyle, Gregory Marose Sr., Long after leaving the Army, Doyle public Crews for in (virtual) were held Freeman saidAl the 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 Rosenberg, Sean Smothers, Allen Sperremained active with American Legion Ranity 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 ry and Deb Strickland. The seven were valli Post 47, participated in the opening of 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 among 61 veterans selected statewide for Hamilton’s VA clinic and spent years with 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 boarded, or aided what the commendation and honored at cere- at aalocal quilting group quilts forin children story the Bitterroot 55 board members and participated the role. Al making will be retiring August t announced that long-time member,address Al cants must meet tolonger be eligible was a resident 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 to Rose Allen Photo courte considering recovered address, but(left. will be ready taxpayers with the billin for cleanup. allow better dry storage of equipment monies across Montana this year. in crisis. At 102, her presence Wednesday 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. After Al 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 any“We don’t pick these individuals. You represented an increasingly rare connecgle 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 wastold or front door when it arrives. the was doing, or do,” Gianforte the crowd. to the generation that served during Mitchell has been with the Chamgoal for the Chamber has $60,000 him, what meant to be as a“Thesix-month he was only supposed to held speak for yea 10 ments iscity that each applicant started 11tion years ago but couldn’t be last to the bank well as to the 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 se individuals were nominated by the World War II. 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 tothat send it,membership ‘no signatur The of mayor said previousthe town. “I just wanted veterans community on two criteria: Patrick Clover served in the U.S. Navy who had he tried to access theplays years, and he enjoyed every moment Jodi stated the cussing the role hunting “It’s common sense to me,” year. topics: surgery, was is when I realized changeover, it will remain a place of should be a lot of interest in the new one, they served well in uniform and from 1967 to 1970 and deployed to Vietnam 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 beenever “trending ever she says, pointing out that red Facebook page said it was not Unfortunate• Review overall is the fithe rst USS year we’ve done fully diagnosed with that I was not art. After two months of renovations material. There are 16 artists in total then came home and continued to serve aboard Jennings County. After 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 filling in while town attorney Greg Overstreet objectives and desired accessible. Berthoud asked catered dinner,” said Freeman. The University intaking their community.” Eachfor recipient leaving the Navy, he requires worked with nonproCOVID-19. Covid center, while hidden behind brown-paper ly, it covwas notso far, and the owners are always manded from of 1970 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 received a certificate and a Montana fit organizations serving orphanages ofPictured Montanawith Catering Service will provideand 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 flown added, specifically referring to the See CHAMBER, pag is 80 years old, and all ofunderprivileged a conversations flag State Capitol indinner. their communities inin Mexico. should be forsaid some its doors March 1.said ofprepared mediums,” Lottermoser’s Desserts are provided by 4H members. time having members of over theMayor $10,000 or more order very weakened,” through the issues. Steve Gibson, council members Cindy Brown and sudden they’re coming into the The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update Since moving to Montana in 2018, Clover The new “It business will feature business partner, Suzette Smith. encountered commuSee page 2 bank “interesting comments” from Greg Overstreet talks about his recent brush with death dueSTEVI, tothe honor. Overstreet. hit were Jim Crews, former mayor Seven Bitterroot Valley veterans honored with the 2025 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation in Hamilton to withdraw $15,000, it Stacie Barker. Photo by Howell. at 901 S. 1st Street in Hamilton. The seven veterans served across hasVictoria remained activeSee withCOWBOY AmericanBALL Le- page See SURVIVING, page 5 by Michael Howell onsite custom leatherwork by Karen Some of the artists displayed such cirnity. Staub is Covid. Photo by Victoria Howell. SCAMMERS, page makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” on August 12. See From left to right: Gregory Marose Sr., Jeanne Doyle, Patrick Clover, First Lady Susan Gianforte, Gov. several generations, from World War II gion Corvallis Post See 91 and volunteered as PLAN, 2 by Nathan Boddy.in the Lottermoser, one ofpage the owners. Her werePhoto previous participants Greg Gianforte, Deb Strickland, Sean Smothers and Allen Sperry. Recipient Paul Rosenberg wasbusiness unable to attend. through the Iraq War, but their military a driver helping veterans get to medical the Ravalli County Commissioners work is grounded former gallery, but the plan by John Dowd in the Sheridan-style barns, cowboys, famous artists with a On March 9th, members ofLast the week This school year, the Stevensvila careers were only part of what brought Photo by Mike Hudgins. 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 See GOVERNOR, page 5 by ofpartment the franchise, many should not noand the south portions of the valley, Exit Realty team will continue work byJohn JohnDowd Dowd of Criminal Investigations ing with the Ravalli County DUI Task Force and 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. “We 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 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 be aware of how these changman, decided to sell off the franchise Even though the 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 requirements and local design standards. Aside from those changes, officials said officials said. bynot John Dowd 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 The casing the participant’s loveown of art, Corvallis and Florence schools inthe April. for Stevensville include: $240,000 and spent every penny. venville’s main drag, beckons visitors ies Bluegrass Association, there wil es might affect them. Fortunately, rights that pertained to Bitterroot in valley, Exitroads Realty islargely still the equipment Lendman said that itand will not chang venience Store. Theby engagement Snavely stated that an inquest is also “There are not really any huge sweepthe budget is expected to remain budget is available forthe public reing 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, using no lasers orthreatened CNC maand the Bitterroot’s love of the state. have been the most active, though allofas presented, Over 200only students in StevensAgronomy led to bybe Sidney Jasmin Shinn, founder and There no paid employees; it’sMcan al“N The annual Montana Rockies beare no break from the music, and, according to Kim Lendman, now the Valley. When they sold fransame company. Additionally, accord-mostly, in. by John Dowd. ing changes people need aware of,” with minor potential view onPhoto the city’s website. The Hamilton City Council approved place after the suspect and standard init, these types kopf, activities director put valentine cards The Stevensville Town CounPark, ain 20-acre park on the east bank have two accesses for trucks pulling and Parks got involved. once-p and logging the letter quotes the BitterSEIS that provides aprocedure site-speathe Forest Service press release atrucks, 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.” Rohrbach said. changes before final adoption. Among the notable changes insituations. the itscurrent preliminary budget for coming fisowner of the valley half chise was split between the north ing to Lendman, the whole Bitterroot executive director ofnorth 1the Horse volunteer organization. But Shinn said reportedly charged at the responding officer involved shooting See EXIT, page 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 participate. Some the schools learn aboutFestival aFarrenkopf wide is range of agriculteam members Rahl,toKyra D city’s subdivision regulations were Mayor Dominic thanked preliminary budget is aof$1.35 million even cal(Draft year gave a second reading to anin SEIS) for the Gold Bluegrass returning to For some of Quinn these bands, this w officer. have seen tremendous supAt A and Time Draft Horse it The costs about $200 per month feed Homes inHowever, Hamilton, isRescue liked the idea. He“We asked a small piece of the park land near the property. Crews contacted the county Stevi Wye at 45 miles perfor hour - there is ain developed fishing access sit drugs orthe hide aand small flask 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 last updated 2006. While state regulacity staff and council members their decrease in intergovernmental revenue. ordinance updating city’s subdivision Victor. On Saturday, April 13, the be their first time, and for others th Theinofficers attempted to provide port, and we greatly appreciate all Butterfly Project, a Bitterroot these “gentle there are facility Corvallis, gotitem a nice asking the community students schools Stevensville bridge, an that was at and negotiated thetied donation of of the are going to under beas accidents there.” “But I giants.” think it’sThen [the piece the to provide parents achanged learning opportunity toon see t Montana, the organization owners lum. school day the and tions Ag Mechanics led by Selwyn Ha have since then, Rohrbach work on the budget, well asdedicated Shepherd, The decrease is largely to the use regulations during its Aug. 4 meeting. 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 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 said the bulk of the revisions involve who spent hours withmusic the prothe city’s remaining American Rescue The budget, which allows the city to Last year the lopes. the music. This spring festival always asufficient treat. Conroy highlighted who was then transported by ambuespecially proud of this during atreatment time old-growth habita disease because of assisting tions, Ravalli County would new decision were received little love this special envelopes and other associated costs to rehabilitate presented with aValencheck for meeting. The land ownership will now river access pending the outcome of cess.see what use theenveland is to the town. “I city tofrom have, whether or not you put their substance use casual inspections. includes nearly 13,000 acres locally controlled design standards and Plan ActAmerican grant and the completion continue operating, is expected to$7500 receive state and the people. One of the ways nizers, last funds 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 lance to the hospital. He expired there in 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, smaller changes to the process for dividThe council also approved the second of entries, other activities that had contributed to final adoption Sept.and 1. Council members of commercial non-comthey have been showing that love has and this year there could be Students then have the option to put Matthew Walker. to be more reallysupport popular, and from allemptied over the area, and beyond. name of “Release the Squirrels.” Ev fromAbout his wounds andawas pronounced seeing the member lowest law en- had four years resident. people piece, which located adjacent tomostly the Then Council Marilyn Wolff Michaelson said he looked up the ing ley. “There are many cars out said what sheland. tellsConduct parents is,so “If you don’t look, for adoption, most can be driven or the accounting fiis rm with branch the necessary support viable populations ingfor trees. They claim the area will having to dowith with theparticipation reading of Ordinance 473, athe compreprior-year revenue. also approved the second reading of Ordibeen through their art contest. The even more, full their knowledge to testfree, asmaintenance FFA of Chapter Meeting: te mercial vegetative treatment than 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 with resident came could drop off valenBitterroot River on the northwest side said she had apotenreal problem with old minutes and found thesancland Imembers think can be used for parking. B then younor don’t see. If it you don’t see, then you don’ The updates clarify review andTeigen approvhensive amendment toduring Title 16that of the The budget also includes a $228,066 nance 473, the updated subdivision located in Hamilton. Part of contest the logging ridden, and some just become “pasture idea came from a similar art from all the high schools in the valley. members through nationally Zane Deering, Ha of old-growth dependent is impacted by mountain pine the project, the of old growth, newdonated one willon take the stage every half and play, along with theirhave friend Ti within a set 55,000 acre areaSept. ofto the The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office isenveapiece great place to be awhere police officer.” center opened itstax doors in 2020 after to Farrenkopf to see tines to fill the of the bridge, was offered Town this of land. “It’s two was the condition that looking long term, if you prop See VALENTINES, page 10 al procedures, including changes to the Hamilton Municipal Code, which governs increase in projected revenue. The regulations to take effect 3. pets.” selection forHouston, awarding that gift See DUI, page they held in Texas right af- to be These also include Trapper Creek Job opened tioned career and leadership ett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret Kuntz first 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 the departTucked away onCounty Fort Owen Ranch Yahraus and Stevens put their forest inevents the Sapphire Mounin 2017 by Ravalli for use as aimpacts roads converge, the isHousing incrediitment would be maintained and utilized erty on the west side ofestablished the river, th processing ofon minor subdivisions, and add subdivision regulations. increase isand related to higher New City officials said the budget process 1 Horse At A Time was was online voting and according ter the of September 11, 2001. Corps many homeschoolers. “I events and contests. Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, and 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 provisions for subdivisions proposed for Matthew Rohrbach, Hamilton city Unit Revenue District (NHURD) tax revhastains been lengthy, with the city taking a east of Corvallis. ATR wanted to find atry way to was astonished, last year, 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 withispeople,” million, which Butler said cording to Butler, was, “we “Hopefully, the third need to ask the community the Band, visiting purpose isits “toenvironmental promote and encour event andto investigation. However, been three these types shootings. Park is the Summit Career Center, a Bitterroot or not needed in the community. Theyplanner annexation. The revisions also increase and grant administrator, said the enue. Those revenues are distributed not cautious approach spending. “We were County objects to in shifting of conseNational Forest spruce budworm damage. During the tenure of former issues… It isof the fastest part of the years. idate highway property into the Tow 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 They will be joined 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 onlyhave came up and with the concept of Although career changes areNashville. primarily intended to bring to cities butthat also to school districts extremely cautious withthe taxpayer dollars mayor Jim Crews, owner of land channel the deepest part the Vickie Motley, park board memStevensville. I think It’s somethin quences analysis to vegetati in general financial burden of the project officials stated the 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 allup over the valley, MisMRBA hasSee 300 members, and they the job, but he added that fortunately, HAMILTON, page 3 free career training program targetcenter, which is were modeled after a that highlythe city’s regulations to date with state counties. and try totime. be good stewards of that,” city atthis the river ononce the northeast side had and channel. If you toart develop ber, said that had been done RDO Equipment Co. the woodpecker an agreement with the proposed to2more. Ravalli County and believe project is designed to improve 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 abut all share thepileated same love of bluegrass after Friends of the Bitterroot 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 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 Wild both and called “Crosspurpose.” It harmed offers similar and Alliance for the grounds. TheAccording is the the same, $1 per next glass recycling day on Jun to organizers Elliott Lander, managThis will beinsects the ninth year they schools west ofprice the Continental Divide Greenhand: Adelaide Meye misunderstanding about th speaking about the May 7, via 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 like fire, Missoula, MT 59808 protocol. The Montana Dethe exchange. Missoula Counties. In addition toon services, according to Stevens. military retiree, and their two children ofdard a $25,000 gift inorganizaNovember See BLUEGRASS, pag Rockies 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 six-month offered species are listed i Forest officials also received and disease;The reduce sedi- program concern over impacts to drinks or relocated toindicator Montana and bought a 20fromcareer Tractor Supply. 406-549-4171 agency failed to 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 foruse help with a Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following those meetings, community college, as it was college.recycling According to also Butler mentoring, support and friendship to sources is broken down into three acre farm which Shinn said can suppor That sounds like a lot of comments from Philip Strobel the Forest Plan, but it is not county owned and maintained ment in the Willow for this a (second fee.together Anyfrom color, and labels available for2nd apeople fee. available science in managing reception has been This year, they will be away compete in FFA includAg Sales place team led Presenting a stated check for $7500 from JCCS to Shinn left) 1 Horsecan At by a high many believe it toby be rare opportunity to incredible. create a doors. and wanted to hold true.” She thephase trustees said that voted inofpreviously whoever walks through their Stevens that thegiving first isJasmin RDOequipment.com about 20 horses. She currently money but, according to Shinn, 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 Bit- of and others with BVCC have A Time Draft Horse Rescue were, l towill r: which Levi CPA, Andrea Simmerman, elk habitat and didn’t comThis program is the brainchild called “personal development,” taking care of draft is “All Beginning March 9th, batteries Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) an in the Bitterroot, Lander said, ofoftrout cludes prizes to the schools of the Kalispell. In addition to with team members Jones Office of Stevensville, the Regional bull habitat; restore Road. terroot. According tohorses trustee worked to alter the levy to testing time they is went to the the district was levy program run Kamryn by the Univers Manager, and Will Ramsey, CPA.first pictured Tiny, the non-profi t’s mascot and theable toAdminply 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 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 •FREEby ESTIMATES INTime. THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Yin OUR HOME IMPROVEMENT Cof O .COM istrator In a At letter to the Forest meadows, firstincluding horse was rescued 1 Horse A Photo by Victoria Howell. of the Environmental the Fortfound Owen Ranch and founderhabitat tify what each individual’s specific growth the Bitterroot FRI &that SAT, August 21st-22nd  FRI: 3PM Start, SAT: 9AM Start per pound. The following will be acFor more information refer to t theme to them.” Some previous years Bitterroot Valley; Florence, Victor, address the concerns of the approved for the creation of being significantly voted down would be only the fourth of the center, and 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.

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

Valley veterans honored by governor for continued service

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 Local draft horse rescue thriving Stevi to return park land to county set forsubdivision Saturday Hamilton adopts preliminary budget, advances ordinance

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

Darby Sho VISIT OUR ’ Down Barrel Race SHOWROOM IN THE

Davis for Senate Dist. #44 1st Annual

FREE

SOUTHGATE  Open  youth MALL ToseniorProtect our Heritage 493-0051

Peewees

Page 2--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

RODEO: Darby to host new barrel racing, bull riding event next weekend Continued from page 1

the youth winner. “We encourage everyone to come out and watch these amazing ladies and amazing horses,” the association said. Admission for the barrel race is free. The weekend’s second new event, Darby Xtreme Bulls, will be held Sunday, Aug. 23. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) Division 1 bull-riding event will feature some of the top bull riders in the country competing for an additional $60,000. Ruark said the rodeo will be the biggest bull-riding event in Montana in terms of money added to the purse. “I think it’s gonna be something people will really enjoy, to see that quality of bulls and bull riders,” Ruark said. “This magnitude of event, to a small town, is almost unheard of.” The PRCA Division 1 designation puts the event at the highest level of Xtreme Bulls competition. Ruark said Division 2 events have $50,000 or less added to the purse. “Division 1 are the ones that really get the best riders,” he said. Among those expected to compete are Noah Lee of Texas, who is ranked No. 2 in the PRCA world standings; Triston Hutchens of Idaho, who has been hovering around the top of the standings; and

Wyoming’s Hayden Welch, who is ranked around No. 4 or 5. Gavin Knutson of Polson also qualified for the event. The competition will feature a special format in which they will calcutta all 40 riders off, and the top 12 riders return for a final round after a first, giving spectators an additional opportunity to bid on and watch the top competitors. The bulls will come from J Bar J Pro Rodeo, Pickett Pro Rodeo, Stockyard Pro Rodeo, Legend Rodeo Stock and Pete Carr Pro Rodeo. Gates open at noon Sunday, with the bulls scheduled to start bucking at 2 p.m. An autograph session is planned

Photos by John Rudow. for shortly after noon. Tickets are $45, with children two and younger admitted free. The national anthem and “God Bless America” will be performed by Mary Millben, according to Ruark. She has performed for the last four U.S. presidents and also sang for the National Finals Rodeo. The bull riding event also will be broadcast live on the Cowboy Channel. The new events add to a busy season for the Darby Rodeo Association, which has spent the past four years investing heavily in its arena. Ruark said the association has put more than $1.4 million into the facility during

that time. The association also has donated more than $142,000 to local initiatives and causes, he said. “The thing that I’m most proud of is that the Darby Rodeo Association is debt free; we don’t owe anybody any money,” Ruark said. Both new events also will feature the association’s youth rodeo trailer, “Cut R’ Loose.” The program was started over the past year to give children interested in rodeo access to equipment that can otherwise cost families thousands of dollars. Ruark said the program allows families to rent saddles, ropes and other equipment, so children can try the sport before their families make a major investment. The goal, he said, is to “loan these kids equipment, without their parents breaking the bank.” For Ruark, the expansion is about more than growing the association’s event calendar. “I love the sport of rodeo,” he said. He said part of that passion comes from the people involved in the sport, whom he described as patriotic and hardworking.

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Bitterroot Star--Page 3

Clearing the way: young trail crews find purpose in the wilderness

SBFC interns reflect on a summer of hard work, wilderness skills, newfound connections to backcountry by Sarah Glass If a tree falls in a forest and no one is there to hear it, there will still be a trail crew to remove it to keep wilderness trails clear, joked Riley Sterling. Sterling was one of three interns with the Selway-Bitterroot Frank Church (SBFC) Foundation Wilderness and Trails Program that spoke about their summer experiences during the nonprofit’s Out of the Woods tour stop at the Bitterroot Public Library on Tuesday, August 11. SBFC is a nonprofit that “has been around since the mid-2000’s,” said Wilderness Program Director Josh Page. “We celebrated our 21st anniversary this year. We partner with the Forest Service to do a lot of work especially in the Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church-River No Return Wilderness areas. Our mission is to open backwoods for all to discover and steward those two wilderness areas.” Together, these areas represent four-million acres of protected wildlands throughout

Idaho and Montana. Respectively, each is considered one of the largest units of the National Wilderness Preservation System in the lower 48 states. Residing within them are hundreds of trails, thousands of miles of trail systems, wolves, elk and numerous threatened animal and plant species. The Out of the Woods presentation was more than a synopsis on the stunning physical feats that the interns accomplished – how many trees they cut or how many pounds of equipment they carried on their miles-long journeys – it was a celebration of a cohort of young adults that learned traditional skills for wilderness work and came away from that arduous task with a renewed perspective on the impact that wilderness areas can have on the human heart. “We did a lot of lopping, which gives you a lot of time to think,” said Sterling. “I kind of was like thinking ‘why am I here’ – I love backpacking; it’s cool to get paid to do it – but why, really, are we doing trail work? “I was like, okay, clearing trails lets peo-

HAMILTON: city council moving things along

ple access these places. And access, what does access get us: people get to experience and gain knowledge of a place. I think that’s really the groundwork for advocacy and conservation, people growing a connection with these places. So, this just reminded me why access is so important to wilderness areas.” The Out of the Woods presentation began with a video introducing the 13 Wilderness and Trails interns for the 2026 season before they started their training to clear trail with crosscut saws and other non-mechanical tools. Participants hailed from across the United States, from Washington to New York. Each shared something they wished to learn during their summer experience with SBFC, something they felt uncertain about and the one “luxury item” they would take with them into the wilderness. Photos courtesy Selway-Bitterroot Frank Church (SBFC) Foundation Answers varied, with Wilderness and Trails Program. individuals saying they is assigned to a particular wilderness area, wished to learn leadership, typically eight days. During this time, crew trail-working and communication skills. leaders and interns backpack into non-moConcerns varied from how to cook in the torized areas to clear downed trees, remove wilderness to working with new people. brush, clear drains, pick up backcountry The luxury items listed included books, a campsites and reestablish trails. harmonica, a painting set and a chair. “Packs can weigh upwards of 70 poun“While you do not have to be in colleds at the start of a hitch,” said Page. “[The ge to be a Wilderness and Trails intern, interns] hike upwards of 60-plus miles most we built the internship season so that it hitches, and they work in every manner of could fit within the summer schedule of as many schools as possible,” Page explained. weather and climate.” Intern Andrew Geiselhart showed a photo “Their season starts with a couple of weeks of the first tree he felled during his presentaof packed training-Wilderness First Aid tion. He recalled his first “river bath,” a barn and CPR training and certification, group dance and amazing 360-degree views. The communication and dynamics training technical vernacular he used and the confiand a week at the Northern Rockies Wildence he exuded recounting his hitches were derness Skills Institute, where they learn expressed with jovial enthusiasm. from USFS professionals and partners, After listening to the SBFC interns give including SBFC crew leaders, how to use traditional tools like the crosscut saw, axes their presentations, it seemed whatever reservations they had before journeying into and Pulaski’s and how to safely, efficiently the backcountry had dissolved with time and correctly perform trail maintenance. on the trails. What remained was a deeper Shortly afterwards, they begin their five understanding of their work and how wilderhitches of working in the wilderness.” A “hitch” is the span of time a trail crew ness access can inspire conservation.

Celebrating 54 years

Continued from page 1

the time between a pre-application meeting and formal submission from six months to one year. Several design standards are also being updated. The regulations would establish requirements for flag lots, shorten maximum block lengths in several zoning districts and require stronger connections between new streets, trails and existing or adjacent properties. Larger subdivisions with 30 or more lots or 100 or more units would be required to have two vehicle accesses with at least 400 feet of separation. The revisions also clarify requirements for mail delivery, parkland dedication and subdivision improvements agreements. Developers would need to provide a mail delivery plan with preliminary plats, while parkland provisions clarify the use of cash-inlieu payments and requirements for park

and open-space locations. The improvements agreement provisions clarify that public health and safety improvements, including water, sewer, streets, hydrants and turnarounds, must be completed before final plat approval or addressed through an approved agreement. The ordinance also removes mobile homes and RV parks from the subdivision review process to reflect changes in state law. “There’s a lot of little things,” Rohrbach said, adding that “most people, residents in Hamilton, are not going to notice a huge change.” The ordinance will take effect Sept. 3, 30 days after its second reading. The preliminary budget and ordinance decisions are among several actions expected to reach finality in the coming month as the city continues its fiscal and regulatory updates.

Campaign Pause

This Rino take segment makes me recall a story regarding an old ranch hand saying to the new hire green hand “There are some things about this job they didn’t tell me when I hired on.” I am enjoying the campaign and looked forward to starting the campaign in earnest, but it seems unplanned reality has reared its ugly head meaning life priorities and transparency are required. Merry, my wife, and I recently learned she will require a second open heart surgery in the near future and I would be required to pause my campaign and return in September. Merry is the highest priority in my life, secondary is transparency to the public. It

was my intent to wait on this announcement but helping Merry with required preoperative procedures requires my immediate attention. Now rest assured all will turn out for the best as the Providence Heart Institute is the best in the world and the prognosis is more than positive but that does not change the fact that my focus needs to be elsewhere. We thank all the past and present thoughts and prayers from everyone and thanks in advance for our continued support. Please take care of yourself until we return. Thank you.

by Archie Thomas

Archie Thomas Candidate, Hamilton HD 86

Paid for by Archie for HD 86, P.O.Box 824, Hamilton, MT, 59840

Performance by M odified Lockdown at 4 PM

FOR ALL THE PEOPLE  FOR ALL TIME ShakespeareInTheParks.org

F R E E & O P E N TO T H E P U B L I C S a p p h i r e Lu t h e r a n Ho m e s 5 0 1 N 1 0 th S t re e t  Ha mi l to n

Call 406-363-2800 or visit SapphireLutheran.org for up-to date information

Thank you to our sponsors:

Sports

Page 4--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Local business organizes 5K to benefit Stevi athletics A local Stevensville business is organizing a 5K and Brew Fest to raise money for Stevensville High School. The goal of the fundraiser is to raise enough money so that Stevensville High School students can attend home varsity events for free. Nicholas Burgess, the owner of Discovery Fitness in Stevensville, is the main organizer of the event. “Our family wants to contribute to the town’s success and entertainment,” said Burgess. “We felt that our property on Main St. offers a great location to host something fun that can give back to the community. Discovery Fitness has many Stevensville student athletes as members, so we thought a 5K that could raise money for them could be a great event.” The 5K and Brew Fest will take place on Friday, September 4, from

4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. The 5K will start in the parking lot of Discovery Fitness at 407 Main St. and will end next door at the corner of Ravalli St. and Main St. where the Brew Fest will be held. “The 5K isn’t necessarily a race,” said Burgess. “We won’t be timing anyone or awarding winners. It’s simply a fun, fundraising, community event where people can walk or run with their friends and community. My wife and I will be pushing a stroller. I hope many others will bring their kiddos along with them, then reward themselves with cold beer and good food.” The Brew Fest will start after the race and feature many local beer vendors. “Blacksmith Brewing in Stevensville has been a big help with organizing beer vendors,” said Burgess, “so their brews will be flowing. Bitterroot Brewing Co

in Hamilton, Smelter City out of Anaconda, Draught Works from Missoula, Great Burn from Missoula, and more will be featured.” This community and family-friendly event will include multiple food vendors as well as yard games like cornhole, giant Jenga, and Connect Four. Finally, Joan Zen will perform live music during the Brew Fest. “Their music is fun and dance-worthy,” said Burgess, “so it should create good vibes.” For more information about the 5K and Brew Fest, go to Discovery Fitness’s facebook page at: www.facebook.com/DiscoveryFitnessStevi. Discovery Fitness is organizing a 5K and Brew Fest to raise money for Stevensville High School. Photo courtesy of Discovery Fitness.

Another successful Celtic Games and Gathering The Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering has grown into one of the biggest events in the Bitterroot Valley over the last 17 years. This year was no exception, as people from all over the Bitterroot, Montana and beyond converged at the Daly Mansion in Hamilton on Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16. Smoke filled the air the week leading up to the event, but as if preordained by the Celtic god Lugh, the smoke cleared, the sun came out and the weather was splendid. The two-day event was packed with live entertainment and athletic competition, and those attending enjoyed drinking, eating, dancing, shopping, tasting, touring, congregating and celebrating.

Opening Ceremony

The cornerstone of the event was the Opening Ceremonies, which began at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The crowds lined the lawn of the historic Daly Mansion grounds to watch the Grand March of clans, bands and athletes, the presentation of the flags of the Celtic nations, the piping awards, a playing of the “Flowers of the Forest” to remember those who passed the previous year and the introduction of the Honored Clan. This year’s honored clan was Clan Mackay.

The Games

As Celtic revelers roamed the grounds, athletes of all ages could be seen competing in traditional Celtic game events at several locations. The events included the Weight Over Bar, Weight for Distance, Caber Toss, Sheaf Toss and Stone Put. The adult competitions took place on Saturday, while the junior (ages 12-15) and kids (ages 5-11) competitions took place on Sunday. The Scottish American Athletic Association (SAAA) sanctions the Bitterroot Highland Games athletic competitions. As a special treat, at the Opening Ceremony, Garrett Middleton, Corvallis High School track throws coach, ceremoniously started the games with a well executed caber throw.

The Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering was held at the Daly Mansion in Hamilton on Saturday, August 15, and Sunday, August 16. Photos by Scott Sacry.

The Gathering

The gathering included a wide variety of activities, which included a robust group of Celtic-leaning musical performances, Irish dancers, pipe bands from around the region, whiskey and mead tasting, Sunday Tea, food and drink vendors and a variety of tents selling traditional and untraditional Celtic wares, fares and knickknacks. The setting of the event was one of the main attractions, as the historic grounds of the Daly Mansion are a perfect host to the event. The mansion gave free tours and numerous volunteers helped welcome and inform the guests.

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Bitterroot Star--Page 5

North Fork, Black Bear, Butterfly Fire updates All public travel through the fire area on Skalkaho Highway (Highway 38) will continue to be led by a pilot car. Unnecessary travel is discouraged. Delays are likely for the foreseeable future. Stage 2 Fire Restrictions are currently in effect in Ravalli County and the Bitterroot National Forest. Please refer to the Ravalli County Office of Emergency Management at ravallicounty.gov and the Bitterroot National Forest www.fs.usda. gov/r01/bitterroot/alerts for more information.

Fire statistics

North Fork - Start Date: 7/24/2026, Size: 118 acres, Personnel: 94, Containment: 60%, Cause: lightning, natural Butterfly - Start Date: 8/1/2026, Size: 67 acres, Personnel: 10, Containment: 97%, Cause: lightning, natural Black Bear- Start Date: 8/1/2026, Size: 2,126 acres, Personnel: 33, Containment: 20%, Cause: lightning, natural

Status as of August 15

The Black Bear Fire continues to smolder within an area confined by natural and man-made barriers. Firing operations were successful in reducing available fuels and increasing containment within these

barriers. Crews will continue to patrol and assess fire behavior along Skalkaho (Highway 38) and the 75 roads. Mop up activities will continue and crews will take advantage of recent rainfall to increase fire containment in coming days.

Closures

There is a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) in effect over the Black Bear Fire, Butterfly and North Fork Fire areas. Flying any aircraft, including drones (UAS), is prohibited. Near the Black Bear fire, closures remain in place on Skalkaho-Rye (FS Road 75) and the 711 Road due to fire activity. Near the North Fork Fire, closures are in place on Lost Horse Road (Forest Service Road 429) and Lick Creek Road (FS 5621) 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 five miles northeast when traveling from Lake Como. The Camas Lake Trail, as well as trails accessed via the Coyote Coulee Trailhead, will remain closed. Around the Butterfly Fire, portions of the FS Road 364/Willow St. Clair have been posted and closed. Additional closures may be posted in coming days.

GOVERNOR: seven Bitterroot Valley veterans were honored Wed. Continued from page 1 appointments. Gregory Marose Sr. spent more than 26 years in the U.S. Army and Montana Army National Guard. After his military career, he continued in his service to the community as an EMT, firefighter, search-and-rescue leader, youth mentor and Scout leader, along with his involvement in the American Legion. Paul Rosenberg rose to the rank of master chief petty officer during a 24-year career in the U.S. Navy. After retiring in 2000, he spent more than two decades active in the American Legion, helping provide military funeral honors and supporting local youth programs. He also helped establish the

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Memorial Garden and monument at Hieronymus Park. For Sean Smothers, the example of continued service started at home. Smothers, who served more than two decades in the U.S. Marine Corps, credited his father, a Vietnam veteran, with inspiring him to continue serving after leaving the military. “My father in particular inspired me to serve after I got out of service,” Smothers said. “My father was a Vietnam veteran and also served his community for years afterwards.” After moving to Montana in 2018, Smothers helped establish the Bitterroot Valley Military Program, which provides

young people with opportunities for leadership, discipline and mentorship. Allen Sperry’s contribution could be seen at the site of Wednesday’s ceremony. A 21-year Army veteran who served two tours in Vietnam, Sperry later spent 20 years on the Ravalli County Fair Board and more than two decades with Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 938. He also played a major role in developing and maintaining the veteran’s monument at Hieronymus Park, helping with the master plan, site preparation, concrete work, lighting, engraved walls and memorial pavers. Deb Strickland continued serving in a number of ways after leaving the Army. After

serving from 1974 to 1977, she worked as an EMT, search-and-rescue volunteer, reserve deputy, Forest Service law enforcement officer and wildfire investigator. For more than four decades, she also taught CPR, AED and first aid. Strickland became only the second woman to command Ravalli Post 47; she currently serves as the first woman to lead American Legion District 5. Military careers eventually come to a close, but commitment to community doesn’t have an expiration date. The Bitterroot Valley has always been a place shaped by people who look out for one another, and for these seven veterans, service continued long after their time in uniform ended.

Country Classic - New to the market!

Bitterroot Wealth Planning Advisors with D.A. Davidson & Co. Member SIPC

Build a plan with a Big Picture Perspective 584 Bailey Ln.  Corvallis, MT

 12.69 acres  2 bdrm home plus large Garage and 2 bdrm Apt.  Outbuildings  Sprinkler irrigated acreage  Central valley location

 $899,000.00  MLS #30073962

Cheryl G. Smith, Broker, MBA, CRS Bitterroot Valley Specialist 514 N. 1st Street  Hamilton Phone: 406.880.6650 cheryl@eralambros.com 2023-2024 LEADER’S CIRCLE

Experience you can trust!

Sunny ● F ● 1 year

Sunny is the ultimate family dog! This adaptable girl has a proven track record of living harmoniously with kids, dogs, cats, and even smaller critters, making her a seamless fit for almost any household. Fully housetrained and crate-trained, Sunny already knows the ropes of good indoor manners. While she is an angel around the house, her curious nature means she can be a bit of an escape artist, so a secure fence is a must for her outdoor adventures.

Trevor Morton, CFP®, CWS® Senior Financial Advisor. Jim Moerkerke, CFP®, CWS® Senior Vice President, Financial Advisor.

(406) 363-0266 bitterrootwealthplanning.com 1711 North First Street, Hamilton, MT 59840

Pre-Paid Simple Cremation

Call Us!

406-363-1111

Legal Notices

Page 6--Bitterroot Star

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, 8-192026. MNAXLP MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF Ray McKenna: Ray McKenna, 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, 8-262026. 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

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

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 Megan S. Winderl CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C. 99 Marcus Street, 3rd Floor Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 218-4888 MeganW@cwlawmt.com Pleadings@cwlawmt.com Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of 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

Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS 1. Goody two shoes 5. Organization concerned with civil liberties (abbr.) 9. Adios 11. Lower leg 12. CDS 13. Enclosed 14. Snacked 15. Not applicable 17. Past 18. Beside (2 wds.) 20. Spider’s web 22. Wear 23. Small (abbr.) 24. Representative 27. Off-Broadway award 29. Pain reliever brand 31. Become bigger 32. Lowest point 33. Rational 34. Egg part

DOWN 1. Cipher 2. Rewrite 3. Ascend 4. Christmas month 5. Poisonous snake 6. Delude 7. Slang 8. Preposition 10. “__ and World Report” 16. Critical study 18. Niobium (abbr.) 19. Computer memory unit 20. Poisonous snake 21. White vegetable 22. Canines 24. Remake 25. Sinister 26. Stick up 28. Ram’s mate 30. Set © Feature Exchange

/s/Megan S. Winderl BS 8-5, 8-12, 8-19-2026. MNAXLP 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 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 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 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/ Open-Lands-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 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 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SALE OR DISPOSAL OF SCHOOL PROPERTY CORVALLIS SCHOOL DISTRICT #1 RAVALLI COUNTY CORVALLIS, MONTANA 59828 August 11, 2026 WHEREAS the Board of Trustees of Corvallis School District #1, Ravalli County, at a regular board meeting held on August 11, 2026, at the Corvallis High School Library, adopted the following resolutions: “Be it resolved that the Trustees of School District #1 have determined that certain items, as indicated on the attached Exhibit A, are undesirable for school purposes of said District and petition is made to sell or otherwise dispose of such property in accordance with the provisions of State Law 20-6-604.” THEREFORE: The Board of Trustees has considered and determined it necessary to adopt this resolution for the sell and or disposal of surplus property. APPROVED: This 11th day of August, 2026. /s/Chairman or Acting Chairman /s/District Clerk The above Resolution will become effective: September 1, 2026 Certain items of personal property are obsolete, undesirable, or unsuitable for school purposes. A listing of the items in Exhibit A may be picked up at the Corvallis School District Office. Now therefore, be it resolved the District intends to sell and or dispose of said property to better use and to no longer have to care, maintain, and store said

property. Any taxpayer may appeal the resolution of the trustees, at any time prior to the effective date of the resolution, to the district court by filling a verified petition with the clerk of the court and serving a copy of the petition upon the district. Any appeal must follow the procedures of State Law MCA, 20-6-604. EXHIBIT A Corvallis School District #1 Building: Combined List Disposal of Personal Property Items obsolete, undesirable, or unsuitable for school purposes August 11, 2026 MIDDLE SCHOOL Disposition: Throw away/Sell 1 - Harcourt Trophies Teachers Edition (1-6) 2 - Copper Teacher Portfolio 1 - Quest Student Textbook 1 - Prentice Hall Writers Solution 3 - Vocabulary for Achievement (Great Source) 1 - English Workshop by Holt 1 - Teachers Manual Warriners ELA Grammar 1 - The Stack The Deck Writing Program 1 - Writing Land by Jane Zeni 1 - Grammar Workbook Teachers Edition 1 - Suggestions for Classroom Management packet (Harcourt) 1 - Assessment Training Summer Conference 1 - FAQ by Mike Mattos 1 - Assessment Training Rick Stiggins 1 - Assessment Training Steve Chappui 1 - Assessment Training Jan Chappui 2 - Expressions Common Core Teacher Edition 1 - Assessment Training Handbook Jan Chappui 1 - PLC at Work 1 - Building PLC at Work 1 - Power of SMART Goals 1 - Launch PLC in District 1 - Assessment and Student Success in Differentiated Classroom 1 - MT’s CAST-S 1 - Raising the Bar and Closing the Gap 1 - Yes We Can! Heather Friz 4 - Math Expressions Textbook 1 - Math Practice Book (Houghton Mifflin) 1 - Big Ideas Math Textbook 1 - Dictionary 4 - Daily Math Warm Ups 1 - Fraction Poster 94 - US History Inquiry Journals 1 - Sanva Learning Company Sample Kit 1 - Assessment Training Grading Practices CMS ROOM 64 Disposition: Throw away/Sell 101 - Globe Faeron 6thGr Science Texts, 1998 MIDDLE SCHOOL Disposition: Good, No longer needed. Returning to Grant source, Salish-Pend d’Oreille Culture Committee or Salish Language program, St. Ignatius SD 25 - Salish numbers 15 - Flathead Alphabet 25 - Salish Clothing 25 - Salish colors 15 - Salish stories 15 - Buffalo of the Salish 10 - Salish Animals 15 - Basic Salish 1 2 - Basic Salish 2 2 - Basic Salish 3 15 - Samuel is Born 25 - Salish picture book 15 - Salish Common Names 14 - salish dictionary by Tachini Pete 5 - Salish Dictionary by Tachini Pete 2nd Edition BS 8-19-2026. MNAXLP Craig Mungas State Bar No. 6746 BJM Law PLLC 2809 Great Northern Loop, Ste 100 Missoula, Montana 59808 Telephone: 406-721-8896 Telefax: 406-541-8037 Email: craig@bjmattorneys. com Attorneys for David Scott Stapp, Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: NANCY SCOLES, Deceased. Dept. No.: 1 Cause No.: DP-41-2026-98 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four (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 DAVID SCOTT STAPP, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o BJM Law PLLC, 2809 Great Northern Loop, Suite 100, Missoula, MT 59808, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED this 10th day of August, 20206 /s/David Scott Stapp Personal Representative BJM Law PLLC /s/Craig Mungas Attorneys for David Scott Stapp, Personal Representative BS 8-19, 8-26, 9-2-2026. MNAXLP OG-26-08-287 Legal Notice The Ravalli County Planning Department is inviting public comment on a floodplain permit to install fiber optic cable within the regulatory floodplain of the Bitterroot River. The applicant is ADB Company. The project will install a network of buried fiber optic cable and conduit at two bridge crossings. The crossing are 43 feet downstream of the Angler’s Roost Bridge on US-93 Highway 93 S and 15 downstream of Old Darby Road Bridge. All work will occur within existing utility easements (rightof-way). Information regarding this permit is available 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 5:00 pm, September 2, 2026. Reference application # FA-26-10. BS 8-19-2026. MNAXLP Bitterroot Conservation District Adopted Rules and Appendix Pursuant to MCA 75-7-117, The Bitterroot Conservation District is required to adopt rules setting standards and guidelines for projects and exclusions within their district that meet, exceed, or are not covered by the minimum standards as found in Administrative Rule 36.2.4. The 2025 State Legislator adopted SB10, which extended the timeline associated with the review of emergency notifications when there has been a governor declared state of emergency. The Bitterroot Conservation District will modify its adopted rules according to the 2025 State Legislator mandate concerning the Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act (310 Law) as governed by the administration of the district’s stream permitting program and additionally is proposing to add an appendix to its adopted rules. All other changes are formatting changes designed to make the adopted rules easier to use and understand. A hearing will be held on the 8th of September 2026, 6:30 pm, 1709 North First Street, Hamilton, to provide an opportunity for the public to present views and submit written comments on the adopted rules. Copies of the adopted rules are available by contacting the district at 406361-6181 and/or visit the BCD website at www.bitterrootcd.org. Written comments must be submitted to the district by 4:00 p.m. on September 7th, 2026. BS 8-5, 8-19-2026. MNAXLP

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

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Bitterroot Star--Page 7

Your source for residential, commercial, agricultural, motor fuel, and recreational propane. 1208 HWY 93 N, Victor, MT 59875 CustomerService@AlphaPropane.net AlphaPropane.com | (406) 961-4780

➢CAR UNLOCKS ➢CAR JUMPS ➢TOWING

500 S. 1st St., Hamilton 363-3822 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 6 am - 10pm

Experienced · Certified · Reliable · Affordable · Available 24/7

Experienced · Certified · Reliable · Affordable

406 - 777 - 1565

406 - 777 - 1565 587 AMBROSE CREEK RO STEVENSVILLE, MT 59870

587 AMBROSE CREEK RD. STEVENSVILLE, MT 59870 AD

406-363-1922 1600 N. 1st St., Hamilton

Mon.-Fri. 7-5:30 pm Sat. 8-5 pm

Page 8--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Victor landowner partners with BRLT to conserve 70 acres The Bitter Root Land Trust (BRLT), a nonprofit conservation organization that partners with voluntary private landowners to conserve Bitterroot open lands for future generations, has completed a conservation easement on Jeane Lippert’s 70-acre ranch in Victor, preserving the land for agricultural practices, wildlife habitat and scenic views for the community to enjoy in perpetuity. “I fell in love with the ranch when I moved here in 1964, and I’ve lived here ever since,” says Jeane Lippert, landowner. “It’s beautiful. It restores my soul. I can sit and look out and feel the warmth of the land. I wanted to preserve it – I don’t want unnecessary development.” The ranch features a combination of timbered area, pond, spring, riparian area, and irrigated and dry agricultural land, which 93-year-old landowner Jeane continues to work with her tractor. The property provides a diverse habitat for wildlife including elk, deer, fox, Canada geese, ducks, Sandhill crane, bobolink, Great Horned Owls, great blue heron, golden eagle, Lewis’s woodpeckers and pileated woodpeckers. The culturally significant Bitterroot flower can also be found growing there. “Our whole valley is a rare place, and I

think we need to preserve all we can. And maybe people will appreciate it later,” said Jeane. “Just being a part of this is important to me, it makes me feel like I’m contributing to conserving part of the agricultural area and the land.” A conservation easement is a legally binding agreement entered into between voluntary, willing landowners and a certified entity, such as the Bitter Root Land Trust, that limits future development rights on a property to protect agricultural lands, wildlife habitat, water resources, and open landscapes for future generations. An exercise of private property rights, conservation easements can be used by landowners as a tool for succession planning for future generations of agricultural producers and, in the case of the Bitterroot Valley, preservation of rural heritage. “Jeane’s generous decision to partner with the Bitter Root Land Trust to conserve her ranch adds significantly to the other protected working lands in Victor. There is a large momentum happening in this community – there are now 2,040 acres voluntarily protected by private landowners in Victor, with the majority completed since 2023. Working with Jeane was a true pleasure and the Bitter Root Land Trust can’t thank her

enough for her foresight and commitment to seeing this process through. It gives me peace of mind to know that this special ranch will be here forever, and that it will help maintain the open, agricultural character of the Victor area, preserving scenic views, wildlife, and ensuring this working landscape remains intact for future generations,” says Melissa Odell, BRLT Lands Director. The project was made possible in part by landowner donation, funding from the Natural Resource Conservation Service’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP), a grant awarded to the Bitter Root Land Trust that provides funding to open lands of smaller acreage that would not otherwise qualify for traditional federal funding sources, and the Ravalli County Open Lands Bond Program, a $10M bond that was renewed by Ravalli County voters in 2022. “When we first started talking about the conservation easement, I was concerned that I would have to mortgage a place in order to pay to conserve my property for this to happen,” said Jeane. “I didn’t realize that I was going to financially benefit from it, and it really took me several meetings to realize it. The comfort that I feel from saving it now is a benefit.”

Situated just northwest of Victor on Sweathouse Creek Road, the ranch is located within the heart of the Victor Agricultural Neighborhood, an area still dominated by farms and ranches, but facing mounting development pressure. The newly completed Lippert Conservation Easement adds to a growing block of 2,040 acres of protected agricultural land, connecting to other nearby conserved properties such as Lifeline Produce, Graze & Roam Farm, Sweathouse Creek, Roy Ranch, and Groff Farm and Groff Timber Ranch conservation easements, as well as multiple in-progress projects. The protected open space, agricultural lands and rolling foothills of the Bitterroot Mountains can be seen from a variety of public roads, including Sweathouse Creek Road, White’s Lane, and Pleasant View Drive. The property is also within proximity to the future Groff Family Park, in which BRLT is currently accepting contractor bids for a variety of construction projects needed to complete the park and officially open it to the public. “I think that every person needs to do something in their life to contribute to what we’ve got here. And I feel like I’ve got a little bit of it done,” said Jeane.

Dean Allen Klakken Sr (Obituary) Dean Allen Klakken Sr, age 86 of Hamilton, MT went home to the angels on August 12, 2026. May he rest peacefully among the angels and remain in our hearts forever. Dean was born August 2, 1940 in Noxon, MT to Albert and Joy Klakken. He graduated from Noxon High School in 1958, and went to work for the State of Montana DOT as a civil engineer on Lookout Pass and retired from his career in Hamilton. In January 1966, he was drafted into the US Army and served two years of active duty. During his service, he was stationed at Cam Rayn Bay, Vietnam, Fort Knox, Kentucky. While stationed at Fort Knox, he had the opportunity to attend the Kentucky Derby. After completing his two years of active duty, Dean continued serving in the Army Reserves until January 1970, when he was honorably discharged. Dean returned home and continued his employment with the State of Montana Department of Transportation (MT DOT). His work took him throughout Western Montana, including Deborgia, Moore, Plains, and Hamilton. In 1967, he met Sharon Finley in Haugan, MT, and they were married on August 3, 1968, at Dean’s parents’ home in Noxon. Along the journey, they had three children, Jackie, Dean Jr. and Shannon. In 1983, they settled in Hamilton MT. After he retired from the Highway Department he went to work for construction companies throughout Western MT. In Lewistown, Dean and Sharon shared a love of bowling, which brought them together as partners on a bowling league. They also enjoyed antelope hunting with friends in Central Montana. Dean was well liked both at work and in his personal life, and he and Sharon built lasting friendships through the

HELPING EMPLOYERS WITH OUR SERVICES! Worker’s Compensation

activites they enjoyed together. June 1998, a grandson arrived, Dean Allen Klakken III, and he became the highlight of their lives and namesake. Dean enjoyed the simple pleasures of life--working in his garden, mowing his yard, playing with the dogs, and spending time with his family. He especially treasured the time he spent with D3. They played many games together, but their favorite was a pirate treasure hunt. Dean would bury coins in the driveway, and D3 would set off on an adventure to discover what the pirates had left behind. Dean was a proud and supportive grandfather. He loved attending D3’s football, wrestling, baseball, and track events and cheering him on from the stands. One of Dean’s proudest moments was seeing D3 enter the service. He proudly attended D3’s boot camp graduation in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Dean took great pride in the things he enjoyed, whether it was being a self-proclaimed “professional lawn mower” of his own yard, puttering outside, or spending hours working on computer programs. He enjoyed a cold, inexpensive beer and good conversation with family members and neighbors. He was also a devoted 49ers fan and remained loyal to the team from the beginning. Above all, Dean was a patient and loving father, grandfather, and friend. He never knew a stranger, and people felt comfortable talking with him about anything, knowing they would be met with kindness and without judgment. He was grateful for the life he lived and, most of all, for the people who shared it with him. Dean was a devoted dad who was deeply loved by his family and friends. His kindness, patience, and genuine nature touched countless lives. The memories he created, the love he gave, and the lives he touched will remain with those who knew him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered. Dad always had a kind hand and heart to lean on. Dean enjoyed fishing with the Captain (Gary) and spending time in AK. He was solid as a rock to his family and friends. We looked up to him, and we will forever miss him as he will be walking every step with us until we meet again. Dean is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Sharon; his daughters, Jackie Klakken of Rent-

on, WA, and Shannon Penner (Gary) of Sterling, AK; his son, Dean Klakken Jr. (Alison Lion, significant other) of Stevensville, MT; and his cherished grandson, Dean Klakken III (Hannah Hicks, Fiancée) of Missoula, MT; many family members and friends. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply and will carry his memory with them always. Services will be held with full Military Honors at Daly-Leach Chapel on August 20th, 2026 at 1:00 pm in Hamilton. Reception to follow.

3rd Annual

Liability Insurance

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 9:30 a.m. Sign-In

State and Federal Unemployment Insurance State and Federal Payroll Taxes Payroll Reports Applicant Pre-Screening Reference Checks Criminal Background Checks Drug Testing Driving Record History And More! CONTACT US

406-363-7668

Sign-In Starts at SW Montana Veterans Food Pantry 505 Main St, Deer Lodge STOPS: Deer Lodge -

Veterans Food Pantry

Bonner -

Kettlehouse Brewing

Ovando -

Trixie’s Saloon

Avon -

Avon Cafe

Deer Lodge -

Tri-County Fairgrounds

HANDS $10 Bikes, Cars, Trucks & Hot Rods Welcome

swmtvetsfoodpantry.org 406-846-4777

BBQ • 5 P.M.

Exhibit Building, Tri-County Fairgrounds, Deer Lodge. $20 a plate, $15 for kids, under 3 eat free.

RAFFLE tolocalsupport veterans

Win one of 7 amazing packages. Drawing held Saturday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. at the BBQ.

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Bitterroot Star--Page 9

Forest Service seeks public comments on Sheep Creek Project The Bitterroot National Forest (BNF) invites the public to share their concerns, questions and suggestions regarding the Sheep Creek Rare Earth Exploration Project located south of Darby on the West Fork Ranger District. The public comment period began on Friday, August 14. Comments should be received no later than September 13, 2026, but will be accepted at any time throughout the environmental review. “The Forest Service is required by regulation to consider mining plans of operations on National Forest System lands, ensure compliance with environmental regulations, and minimize adverse impacts where feasible,” said Dan Pliley, West Fork District Ranger. “US Critical Materials has submitted a draft plan of operations to conduct mineral exploration activities, and we are seeking public input on their proposal.” The Sheep Creek Exploration Project includes short-term mineral exploration activities designed to evaluate rare earth elements and confirm the type, extent and quality of these subsurface resources. Plans include collecting bulk rock samples, surface drilling and controlled blasting inside tunnels to break rock from the mineralized vein. Approximately 3,000 tons of bulk material will be collected over two field seasons, flown by helicopter to a staging area and transported off site for laboratory analysis. The BNF is requesting site-specific public comments to identify any potenFlying over Painted Rocks Reservoir, on the way to Sheep tial environmental issues to the PropoCreek. Star file photo. sed Action. The proper sequence for analysis usda.gov email inbox. For those that have under the National Environmental Polialready submitted a comment via this cy Act (NEPA) is to start by analyzing if inbox, your comment has been collected a proposed action is consistent with an and you do not need to resubmit your applicable Categorical Exclusion (CE) comment through the project website uncategory. At this time, the Forest Serviless you would like to provide additional ce is analyzing the draft plan under CE comments. category. If the analysis indicates that the Hard copy comments may be mailed proposed activities warrant additional or delivered to Bitterroot National Forest NEPA review beyond that of a CE, the Supervisor’s Office, Attn: Sheep Creek BNF will make the appropriate analysis Comments, 1801 N. First Street, Hamildecisions at that time. ton, MT 59840. Electronic comments must be subAll comments received, including mitted by visiting the project website at names and addresses of those who comwww.fs.usda.gov/r01/bitterroot/proment will be considered part of the public jects/370721. Under the Get Connected record for this project and available for tab, interested persons can click on Compublic inspection. For more information, ment/Object on Project on the right side contact the West Fork Ranger District at of the page. 406-821-3269 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/ Comments are also being accepted bitterroot. through the Sheep.Creek.Comments@

T OUCHP OINT PROPERTIES

Judy Porter (406) 214-5718 Owner, Broker, GRI, ABR

Holly Berner (406) 239-4158

Knowledge Professionalism Expertise

Sarah Armijo (406) 396-4901

Sherri Williams (406) 360-9207

TouchPointProperties.com

Page 10--Bitterroot Star

White House shocker

Compared to the Iran War, the economy, immigration and countless other issues that make the daily news, Trump’s Reflecting Pool project should not be a big deal. But the President has loved to make it another of his grandiose projects that we the American people are supposed to get excited about. Anyone watching the news this spring observed, in typical Trump fashion, his daily clamor about how great his renovated pool would be, far greater than any efforts by Barack Obama. The joints and cracks would be filled and it would be covered with an impervious coating, so tough “you couldn’t even cut it with a knife, so strong, so powerful”, and it would be painted “American Flag Blue”. We all know the story. Pool turns green, filled with algae. Then chunks of sealant start coming up. Of course, Trump blamed vandals, a “290-300 foot slit right through it. Probably a box cutter or a knife”. “The scum in court with be prosecuted to the MAX”. “Animals”. Interior Secretary Doug Bergum and former Fox news host Jeanine Pirro, Trump’s pick for US attorney for the District of Columbia, both regurgitated Trump talking points. These criminals will be brought to justice. The damage was absolutely the result of vandalism, with long cuts made in the pool floor. Jesse Watters and other Fox News hosts showed clips of a suspected individual caught red handed dipping their hand into the pool for a few seconds! Sure proof! Video evidence! Leftist pool slashers exposed! One of the alleged perpetrators was David Hearn, a 67 year old man spotted leaning over the pool, an ex-Olympic canoeist. He was indicted on criminal charges along with at least 3 others who faced lesser charges. Now comes the shocking part.. No one who has observed Trump for the last 10 years should be surprised when he lied and insulted and attacked and blamed others for his own magnificent screw ups. The shock came when Pirro’s office released a stunning admission... “the damage was a result of a botched installation and not vandalism”. Her prosecutors were dropping the case against Hearn. Trump, of course, held fast. Never one to admit defeat, he blasted Pirro, “I disagree 100% with Jeanine Pirro”. “I don’t know what she was thinking. To me, it was a pure case of VANDALISM.” My guess is that Jeanine Pirro will be looking for another job. Any Trump staffer who has deviated from supporting their glowing leader, shining a bright spotlight on his lies, is probably not long for their position. Bill Salterberg Stevensville

Deceptive packaging

Packaging practices for commodities are such that the purchaser is presented a container of a given size but discovers upon opening that the container is only one half full. This circumstance is the result of a practice referred to “Nonfunctional Slack Fill” by those within the industry. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers six “Safe Haven” exceptions allowing the practice: 1. Product Protection, 2. Machinery Requirements, 3. Unavoidable Settling, 4. Specific Functionality, 5. Reusable Containers, 6. Manufacturing Limitations. The observation might be made that none of the allowable exceptions function to protect the consumer. “Shrinkflation” is the term applied to those situations where the occurrence is not justifiable under any of the previously named six exceptions. “Opaque Packaging” is the industry term used to describe the practice. It is illegal but rarely enforced. The public is being sold goods the volume of which is one half of what was expected and possibly of lower quality. The introduction would lead one to believe the subject is a discussion about Congress rather than consumer goods. Actually, it’s both, but the point to be made is that the public has purchased a commodity, Congress, that is one half of what was expected and of sub standard quality. There are striking similarities. The Legislative body con-

Opinion Wednesday, August 19, 2026

sumes capital at an astonishing rate, produces an endless array of hearings and produces little more than showboating before the Media. The public is getting about one half of the performance paid for. It is a primary symptom of all the problems present. The only solution to the present state of affairs is an Article 5 Convention of States. This is the only viable means available to the public. Think about it. Check it out through the sources of your choice and act to achieve that alternative. https://conventionofstates.com has data and a petition you could sign. Work to protect that you have paid for in so many ways. Strive for Citizen Government. It offers what is promised in the container. Find ways to promote a State Convention Under Article 5 of the Constitution of the United States. William (Bill) Campbell Conner

Richard Parker letter

Let science earn public trust Montana’s proposed 2026–2027 wolf season presents an opportunity to chart a course rooted in caution, transparency, and science. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks (MTFWP) deserves credit for reducing the proposed statewide wolf harvest quota from 500 wolves to 250. At the same time, the agency is asking the public to place its confidence in a new population model—iPOM 2.0—that substantially changes our understanding of Montana’s wolf population. Before moving forward with another significant harvest, Montanans deserve an explanation of what this new science means and how it should influence management decisions. For years, Montana relied on the peer-reviewed iPOM model, which estimated approximately 1,091 wolves statewide. Under iPOM 2.0, that estimate drops to about 725 wolves. Some independent observers and wildlife advocates believe the population could be even lower—perhaps as low as 600 wolves. Whether that proves accurate remains to be seen, but a change of this magnitude should give everyone reason to proceed carefully. MTFWP has acknowledged that iPOM 2.0 has not yet completed independent peer review. That does not mean the model is incorrect, but it does mean management should proceed cautiously while confidence in the model is established. Yellowstone’s wolves add another reason for restraint. Canine distemper claimed many pups this year, leaving the park with fewer than 70 wolves—one of its lowest populations since reintroduction. Wolves that disperse beyond the park support healthy ecosystems and contribute significantly to gateway communities through wildlife tourism, benefiting guides, hotels, restaurants, photographers, and local businesses. Given Yellowstone’s current challenges, the Commission should reduce the proposed quotas in Wolf Management Units 313 and 316 from three wolves each to one wolf each until the population shows stronger recovery. Another proposal deserving careful review is the removal of trapping setbacks in Region 1. These setbacks help reduce conflicts involving pets, non-target wildlife, and outdoor recreationists. Retaining them protects public safety while maintaining a reasonable balance between trapping opportunities and other public uses of Montana’s landscapes. Montana’s wildlife belongs to all Montanans. Wildlife management works best when it is transparent, science-based, and reflects the interests of all stakeholders rather than excessive political pressure from any one group. The path forward is straightforward: complete the peer review of iPOM 2.0, clearly explain the model and its assumptions to the public, reduce the quotas in Wolf Management Units 313 and 316 to one wolf each, retain the Region 1 trapping setbacks, and allow science—not politics—to guide management decisions. Montana has long been respected for its wildlife conservation. That reputation will be strengthened not by acting quickly, but by demonstrating the patience and transparency needed when new science raises important questions. When uncertainty increases,

responsible wildlife management calls for greater caution—not greater risk. Marc Cooke, Wolves of the Rockies Stevensville

Ignorance or deceit

There have been two opinion letters in the last two issues regarding the Bitterroot National Forest plan for a large fuel reduction project on the west side of the Valley. The letters were from Lonn and LaCroix, and contained the usual misinformation expected from members of environmental groups. There was also a feature article in last week’s issue regarding rising home insurance rates in the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI). These are actually all connected to the issue of Ravalli County having the most dangerous WUI in the State of Montana. Insurance companies are paying huge sums for replacing homes destroyed by wildfires, rates are rising, and in some locations they will not insure homes for any price. Environmental group members in the past have made claims that all you have to do to be safe is to perform “Fire Safe” actions to achieve 120 feet of space around your home and that certainly has merit under normal fire conditions. The research that developed that 120 foot distance was conducted with wind conditions of about 15 miles per hour (MPH). Every homeowner in the WUI in Ravalli County should employ Fire Safe practices around their homes--NO EXCEPTIONS-but when a flame front coming from the heavy fuels on the National Forest at speeds much greater than 15 MPH, 120 feet will not be enough! If you believe and follow the advice of those telling you that you are totally safe with 120 feet of space, you are putting your home and lives in danger. Talk to any experienced fire person and pose the question regarding wind speed. What are your incentives to do this? For me the most important would be to protect my property, but I have observed significant apathy in this Valley starting with the fires of 2000. There seems to be an attitude of “it won’t happen to me”, but perhaps that is changing. Another incentive may be financial as it appears your insurance rates may be going up significantly. A question for the insurers would be “will my rates be less if I follow Fire Safe practices?” An even bigger question would be “will my rates be less if the fire danger rating for my WUI is significantly reduced by fuel reduction efforts by the Forest Service?” The rhetoric is just starting on this large west face fuel reduction project and you will read and hear many statements like “it’s nothing but a massive timber sale, large destructive roads, cutting all the old growth,” and on and on. How many of those statements are a result of ignorance or deliberate deceit? I have my opinion but you will have to develop your own. Sonny LaSalle Hamilton

‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’

In the book of Genesis, the Lord confronts Cain about killing his brother Abel knowing full well what Cain has done. Cain replied, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” The Bible goes on to explain and Jesus teaches that, yes, we are directed to be our brother’s keeper. There is a lot of rhetoric from the right these days that suggests falsely that our society has no responsibility for the well being of the needy, poor, elderly, and disenfranchised. Some Republicans are suggesting that Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security should just go away. The Trump administration even ended the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and as a result, it is estimated that more than 760,000 to 780,000 people in this world—the majority of whom were children—died during the first year following the cancellation of USAID. Do Americans have a responsibility to care for people in our country and beyond? Well, what did Jesus say? Jesus said, “Love

Letters to the Editor are now limited to 450 words or less.

your neighbor as yourself”, and then posed the question, “Who is my neighbor?” Jesus’ profound answer to his own question was the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10. The Parable of the Good Samaritan explains that true neighborly love transcends all political, social, cultural, and religious boundaries and calls us to show active and unconditional compassion to anyone in need. This is a big ask and a big challenge to be sure. Even beyond Jesus’ teachings, Americans as well as anyone who calls Earth home are beholding to a broad social contract to care for each other. That’s really the only way we can fairly and effectively share this planet. Therefore, when the question is raised, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”, the answer is clearly, “Yes.” Steve Schmidt Darby

When politics becomes a business

I’ve spent much of my life believing that if you work hard, keep your word and treat people fairly, you can build something worthwhile. As a small-business owner, I learned quickly that money matters. You earn it, budget it and make careful decisions about every dollar because there is never an unlimited supply. Politics seems to have forgotten that lesson. Today, campaigns and the dark-money organizations surrounding them spend extraordinary sums influencing voters. Millions flow into Montana from corporate treasuries and undisclosed donors, saturating our televisions, social media feeds and mailboxes. Much of it doesn’t come from the people who live here. As a Montanan, I find that troubling. As a veteran, it enrages me. I served because I believed our constitutional republic was worth protecting, and that representative government should belong to the people, not the highest bidder, corporations seeking profit through political influence, or operatives who use division as a business model. As a small-business owner, I know what happens when money becomes the deciding factor in a marketplace. The biggest spenders gain an advantage while smaller voices struggle to compete. Eventually, the system rewards whoever has the largest spending budget instead of the best ideas. That beast is now rearing its ugly head in our politics. Dark money doesn’t just affect elections. It affects how we see one another. Rage has become the product being sold, we are the customers, and division is the result. It makes reasonable people afraid to disagree and encourages politicians to focus on fundraising instead of solving problems. The answer isn’t raising and spending even more money. It is changing the rules. We need campaign-finance reform that increases transparency, strengthens accountability and prevents excessive or undisclosed spending from drowning out ordinary citizens. This shouldn’t be Republican or Democratic. It should belong to us, the voters of Montana. Whether you own a business in Billings, work a ranch outside Miles City, run a shop in Missoula or raise a family anywhere in between, you possess something no political action committee should be able to purchase: A voice. This November is our chance to use it. That is why I support The Montana Plan, ballot initiative I-194, and will vote YES. It won’t solve every problem in our politics, but restoring transparency, accountability and balance between ordinary citizens and wealthy political interests is a critical first step toward restoring something we desperately need: Trust. I hope you’ll join me in voting YES on I-194. Russell Cleveland Saint Regis

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.

Obituaries Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Bitterroot Star--Page 11

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

Mary Ellen Stenso Pernichele It is with very heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Mary Ellen Stenso Pernichele. She was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, auntie, grandmother and friend. Mary dedicated her entire life to selflessly caring for the people around her and tirelessly committed her life to making the world a kinder, greener, and more beautiful place. Mary was a talented and creative seamstress, needleworker, knitter, gardener and cook, who tirelessly expressed her love by creating gifts for her family and friends. Throughout her life, Mary was passionately involved in a variety of progressive causes, from revolutionizing education, to improving the food supply, to the arts, to recycling, and politics. Her uniquely fierce spirit, bottomless heart and quirky sense of humor are deeply missed. Mary was born on March 11, 1940 in Grafton, North Dakota to Inar and Agnes Stenso. Despite the early loss of her father, she enthusiastically participated in the student council, pep club, and National Science Fair on behalf of Grafton High. College brought her degrees in elementary education and the love of her life, Albert Pernichele. The young couple soon relocated to Salt Lake City, Utah, where Mary taught elementary school for several years and had three children. While raising them, she was also instrumental in founding and supporting Thoreau School and later Salt Lake’s Open Classroom, where she

inspired many children to learn independently and follow their innate artistic and intellectual passions. The Open Classroom still inspires Utah children today. The family moved to Fairfax, Virginia where Mary and Albert welcomed their fourth child. They then returned to Holladay, Utah, where Mary continued her work with the Open Classroom and made many life-long friends. They then moved to Denver, Colorado for a decade, where Mary worked at Tagawa’s Garden Center and earned her certification as a Master Gardener. In 1998, Mary and Albert retired to Montana’s beautiful Bitterroot Valley. They owned and operated Frost Top Orchard in Corvallis for 28 years, producing some of the valley’s tastiest apple cider, raspberry jam and fresh honey. Here, Mary made many dear and high-spirited friends who shared her passion and commitment to local arts, natural conservation, and improving the community. She was a proud Montana Democrat. Mary is survived by her children, Gwen Reddish (Patrick), Anne Mantell (Elliott), Matt (Kelly), and Gretchen (Bryan), and her five grandchildren, Max, Finn, Sophia, Henry and Tori. A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held Saturday, 13 September, at 634 Quast Lane, Corvallis, MT Please RSVP to Gretchen 801-556-5587.

Jeanette (Wildey) Applebury

Jeanette (Wildey) Applebury, 85, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska. Jeanette was born on May 6, 1941, in Sturgis, South Dakota. She built a life centered on faith, family, and love. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jay Applebury, who passed away in 1992 and whom she deeply loved and missed. After Jay’s passing, Jeanette married Jerry Shook. They enjoyed many happy years together until Jerry’s passing. Jeanette’s greatest joy was being a wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She devoted her life to caring for her home and raising her family with love and strength. She is survived by her three children: Victoria Moran (Applebury), Kelly Jolley (Applebury), and Darin Applebury; nine grandchildren, one of whom preceded her in death; fifteen great-grandchildren; her twin sister, Janice (wildey) Applebury and Bonnie (Wildey) Richards. She was known as the ultimate hockey mom. She had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed camping and moose hunting. She enjoyed time spent outdoors with

Merle Unruh

family, where camping trips created lasting memories. Whether at home, at a hockey rink, or in the outdoors, Jeanette brought her sense of style, determination, humor, and adventure to moments she shared with others. Friends and family often smiled because she always looked her very best, even when she went on a successful guided brown bear hunt. Above all, Jeanette loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Her faith was the foundation of her life. She taught her children the importance of good manners, showing respect, honoring others, and, most importantly, honoring God. These values became part of her lasting legacy and continue to live on through her family. Jeanette will be remembered for her faith and devotion to her family. While her presence will be missed, her family finds comfort in knowing she is home with our Heavenly Father and reunited with the loved ones who went before her. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at 130 Dutch Hill Road, Hamilton, Montana. Family and friends are warmly invited to gather to celebrate Jeanette’s life and share memories.

Calendar

Page 12--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, August 19, 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 St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

Sunday worship is held at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday. 600 S. 3rd St in Hamilton. All are welcome.

days at 10 am Pinochle Monday and Saturday at 7 pm

Victor Masons

Gamblers Anonymous meets Wednesdays from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the United Methodist American Baptist Church on N. 6th St in Hamilton. Use the south door. For more info call 406-5313375.

Victor Masonic Lodge 43 meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. on Main Street above Farmers State Bank. On the third Saturday of each month they will have a free pancake breakfast open for all at 9 am. For any questions or membership information call 406-381-1250.

Family Shelter

Stevensville Masons

Gamblers Anonymous

Family Shelter of the Bitterroot is dedicated to helping homeless and needy families in the Bitterroot Valley. If you are interested in helping or need help, call Gary Locke for more information, 239-8833.

Stevensville Al-Anon

The Stevensville Al-Anon Family Group meets weekly at 7 p.m. Monday at the Stevensville United Methodist Church, 216 College St. Enter the church through the Fellowship Hall door next to the parking lot. For more information about the meeting, call Hazel at 2390878. Visit https://al-anon.org for general information about Al-Anon.

Stevensville AA

Alcoholics Anonymous meets Tuesdays and Saturdays at 7 pm at the Stevensville Fire Station training room, 156 Kinsman Drive.

Brown Baggers Al-Anon

Brown Baggers Al-Anon meets Tuesdays from 12 to 1 p.m.at the Open-Ended Expressive Arts Studio, 201 Daly Street, Hamilton. For more information, call 406-363-0060.

Three Mile Coffee Club

Three Mile Coffee Club meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at 4433 Sunnyside Cemetery Road. Everyone is welcome. Good coffee, conversation, and get to know your neighbors. All ages welcome. For more information call Colleen at 7773710.

BitterRodders Car Club

BitterRodders Car Club meets the first Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. 1st in Hamilton. Everyone is welcome. For more information call 509-209-3709.

Victor Senior Center

Stevensville Masonic Lodge #28 Stated meetings are the first Thursday of every month at 7:30 pm with dinner for members and family at 6:30 pm. A fellowship pot luck for members and family is held on the third Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm. All Freemasons and those interested in Masonry are invited and welcomed to either event. For more information email papajack222@msn. com.

Sapphire Quilt Club

2nd Tuesday of each month, Senior Citizens Center, Stevensville. Doors open 6 p.m., starts 6:30 p.m.

Parkinson Support Group

The Hamilton Parkinson Disease Group (Movers and Shakers) holds monthly meetings on the 3rd Monday of the month at 1 p.m. at Sapphire Lutheran Homes, 501 N. 10th Street, Hamilton. For information call Ginny Wigen, 406-5449186.

Stevenville Senior Center, at 100 Mission St. On site meals served Monday, Wednesday and Thursday each week at 11:30 am Coffee Club Monday - Friday 8 am Exercise Class Tuesday and Thurs-

Am Legion Post 134

American Legion Florence Post 134 meets the 1st Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at Florence Rural Fire Hall. Contact: Robert Davis, Commander, 406-4935484. Post 134 holds a free pancake breakfast on the first Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Florence Rural Fire Hall.

Lions Club

The Hamilton Lions Club is a service club that works throughout Ravalli County. From eye and hearing assistance to High School scholarships, their motto is WE SERVE! Join them and have fun serving our county. The Hamilton Lions monthly meetings are the first Tuesday at 12 at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton and the third Tuesday at 5:30pm at the Ravalli Fun Center in Hamilton. For more information contact David Hill 406-369-2604.

Blizzard Doll Club

St. Francis of Assisi Mass

Three Mile bingo

St. Francis of Assisi Mass Mass is held at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Hamilton, every Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. Weekday Mass is celebrated Wednesday at noon.

Breaking Bread

Free dinners to the Bitterroot community every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Light of hte Valley Church. Join in for a free dinner, a brief message of hope and lots of fellowship! There is a children’s group available for your K-5th graders as well so all can enjoy!

Bitterroot Heritage Civic Group

Am Legion Post 94

Stevi Senior Center

Corvallis American Legion Auxiliary Unit #91 meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at Corvallis United Methodist Youth Center, 352 Corvallis Cemetery Road. The Auxiliary has programs and projects to support veterans and Americanism. For info call Andrea, 406-381-6239.

Mass is celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Stevensville on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. Weekday Masses are celebrated on Thursday at noon and Friday and 10:00 a.m.

Hamilton Senior Center

Pinochle every Wednesday, 1 PM. $3, Coffee Provided. Light Exercise Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9-10 AM, $1. Senior Ping Pong Monday & Wednesday 10-11 AM, $3. Bimonthly Membership Meetings, September 5, November 7, 1PM. The Club is located at 727 South 5th Street, Hamilton.

Am Legion Unit 91 Auxiliary

St. Mary’s Parish Mass

The Bitterroot Heritage Civic Group, formerly called theSouth Valley Civic Group, has reorganized. New members and volunteers are welcome. Regular meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 6:15 p.m. at the Darby Library.

Golden Age Club

Free meeting space for nonprofits. Call Sue: 369-0406

The doll club meets the second Thursday afternoon each month at a member’s home. There is a short business meeting to discuss the club’s charities, its annual doll show, and other business. There is generally a program about dolls, bears, toys, miniatures, paper dolls, and related subjects. And, there is always show-and-tell! Contact Kay Schrader at 406-360-7214 or schrader1501@blackfoot.net

Serving meals at the Center Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11:30 a.m. You can still order and pick up meals to go on Monday from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Bridge every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Bingo every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Pokeno 2nd and 4th Friday at 1 p.m. For info or to volunteer call 642-3320. Open for lunch Monday, Wednesday, Friday, serving from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., $5. Bridge, Sundays & Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Canasta (Hand and Foot), Mondays, 12:30 p.m. Cards/shufflers provided. $2. Line Dancing, Tuesdays & Fridays, 1011:30 a.m. Bingo, 1st and 3rd Saturdays, doors open at noon, play starts at 1 pm. $2 entry fee, games $1 each. Must be age 18+. Pinochle, Fridays, 1 p.m. All supplies provided. $3. Flea Market, every 2nd Saturday, 8 a.m.2:30 p.m., Sept through May. The center is located at 820 N. 4th Street; 406-363-5181.

Worship at 11:00 a.m.

Meeting 3rd Tuesday of month, 6 p.m., at the Legion Hall, 754 Middle Burnt Fork Road. For info call Dave Hansen, 406-369-8843.

Am Legion Post 94 Auxiliary

Meetings 1st Tuesday of month, 6 p.m., at Legion Hall, 754 Middle Burnt Fork Road. For info call Cheryl, 406-5314132 or email cherylburgmeier@yahoo. com

VFW Post 1507

VFW Post 1507 meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 108 Main in Victor. For information contact Matt Walker, 541-852-7215.

Am Legion Post 47

American Legion Ravalli Post 47 meets the 2nd Wednesday at 7 p.m. at 322 S. 2nd (corner of Madison next to 2nd St Sushi), Hamilton. Please contact us at american legionravallipost47@ gmail.com

Am Legion Post 91

Corvallis American Legion Post #91 meets on the third Tuesday of the month at the Corvallis Fire Department. Contact them at corvallispost91@gmail.com.

Bingo games are held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month. Early bird game 6:45 p.m., regular 6:45 p.m. at Three Mile Community Center, 4433 Sunnyside Cemetery Road. For more information call 406-777-3710 or go to 3milecc.org.

Bitterroot Toastmasters

Afraid to speak up at work, your church or in the community? Bitterroot Toastmasters can help you find your voice and speak with clarity and confidence. For details about our weekly meetings, call Courtney at 406- 7811186.

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 11-3:00pm 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 Scan the QR code for the full calendar. the dining hall at the First Presbyterian Church, 1220 W Main Street, Hamilton. first and third Friday of each month from The club welcomes new members and for 1 pm to 2 pm. The Bitterroot North Valley more information check out the website at Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of www.gfwcbitterrootwomansclub.com or the Republican Party. All are welcome. contact Betty at (406) 396-2627

North Valley Public Library events

Library Board Meeting - Thu, 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 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. Chair Yoga for Adults — Thu, Aug 20 at 2:30pm Want to try yoga but feel like getting up and down from the floor might be a bit much? This class eliminates getting up and down by using a chair! Join certified yoga instructor Andrea for a half hour of gentle yoga from 2:30-3:00. A great way to stretch and care for your body in a relaxed space. Montana Constitution Roadshow: A Shared Heritage — Thu, Aug 20 at 6:30pm The Montana Constitution Roadshow invites you to explore the fascinating story behind Montana’s foundational legal document. After an introduction to constitutional democracy, Rylee Sommers-Flanagan offers glimpses into early Montana’s history, including growth through federal laws that incentivized investment in agriculture, and the colorful history of the infamous Copper Kings’ domination of the 1889 State Constitution. From there, details about the 1972 Constitutional Convention are surfaced, followed by a look into how Montana values appear in our Constitution. This event welcomes everyone -- whether you’re a history buff, a curious learner, or simply interested in what makes Montana special. Come ready to be informed, inspired, and proud of this remarkable part of our state’s heritage.

Other Library Events

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. Men’s Club: Chess & Checkers — Last Thurs of Month at 2pm Gents, this one’s just for you. Make connections and conversation over a game of chess or checkers during this informal monthly get-together at North Valley Public Library. All experience levels welcome. And if you’ve never played chess, come and learn! Gameboards provided or you may bring your own. Registration recommended to receive a reminder email but not required. Please arrive at 2pm to be matched with a partner.

Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen

BR BCH will hold their final outdoor meeting of the year on Thursday, August 20, at the Three Sister’s Group Site at Lake Como. To get there from Hamilton take Hwy 93 south for about 13 miles and turn west onto Lake Como Road. Follow the road for 3.5 miles and the site is on the right, across from the Rock Creek Horse Camp. A potluck starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by the general meeting at 7:00. Bring a chair and your own beverage. Our speaker is Christy Schram-Duggan who will review procedures for handling ticket sales at the Ravalli County Fair. Community volunteers to help with this task are welcome and appreciated, so please join us for an informative and enjoyable evening. Fair signup slots are available on our website. Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen is a volunteer organization that works to keep trails open for the public. Guests and new members are always welcome! For more information check out the website at www.bchmt.org/bitterroot. Find us on Facebook at: Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen (BR BCH).

Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club

The club will meet Friday August 21, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Frontier Cafe; HWY 93 in Stevenville. The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the

Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club

The club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday August 25, 2026 at 11:30 am at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Our guest speakers will be Commissioners Greg Chilcott and Dan Huls. They will talk about putting six year terms on the November ballot. Ravalli County Republican Women meet the fourth Tuesday of each month.

Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Potluck

Calling all Bitterroot Returned Peace Corps Volunteers! You’re invited to a potluck on Tuesday, Aug. 25 at the historic El Capitan Lodge at Lake Como, about 17 miles from Hamilton. All Western Montana RPCVs (and family members) are welcome, but we’re particularly reaching out to the Bitterroot Peace Corps community, who may not regularly attend the Missoula-area gatherings. The potluck will run from 5-9pm, but if you have the flexibility to arrive earlier, plan to take advantage of the excellent hiking, mountain biking, and water recreation opportunities at Lake Como. The area is managed by the Forest Service, and a recreation pass is required for all parked vehicles; day passes may be purchased at the lake or at Bob Wards in Hamilton, but all federal park passes (Annual, Lifetime, etc.) are honored as well. The El Capitan Lodge is a private facility, owned by the Hamilton Hikers Club and located on the north shore of Lake Como. There is an outdoor deck with a propane grill, and indoor space in case of rain. For more information, directions to the Lodge, and to RSVP please call or text 406-363-1279.

AARP Smart Driver Class

Bitterroot Health Hospital, located at 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, MT will host an ALL NEW, four-hour Smart Driver Class on Friday, August 28, from 9:00 a.m. to l:00 p.m. While this safe driving strategies class is designed for drivers age 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. This course updates drivers with the latest changes in Montana traffic laws and vehicle safety technology. There are no written exams or driving tests and, Montana mandates insurance discounts for qualified participants age 55 and older. The class fee is $20.00 for AARP members; $25.00 for non-members. Pre-registration is advised. To register, call: Hamilton Insurance at: 406-363-6583. For further information, call Thom Ainsworth at 406-369-0149.

Stevensville Library Book Sale

The annual Big Book Sale to benefit the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville will be held Oct. 2-3 in the library Community Room. As in previous years, the sale—which will feature hardbacks, children and teen books, paperbacks, and so much more— will take place as part of the town’s annual Scarecrow Festival events. Sale hours will be 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3. Books again will be sold at $2 per inch of stacked books. A fill-the-bag sale will take place the last 90 minutes on Oct. 3. Donation days will be Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, from 4 to 7 p.m., in the library’s Community Room. There will be no early drop-offs in the library this year. All items will be checked when donated and the following will not be accepted: magazines, dictionaries, encyclopedias, textbooks, travel guides, poetry books, computer and tech manuals, VHS and cassette tapes, and worn, torn, or moldy books. The NVPL Foundation and Friends of the Library are presenting the sale. The library Community Room is located at 208 Main St., Stevensville. For more information, email harrisonsanders@aol.com.

Calendar postings are free to non-profit groups. Submit by emailing to: editor@bitterrootstar.com

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Flyfishing Journal

Bitterroot Star--Page 13

Think terrestrials when hatches fizzle When my three grandsons were on either side of that magical nine and ten-year-old boyhood age, I taught them how to tie flies. Their first efforts were on size ten hooks that they wrapped with yellow chenille. They wrapped golden brown hackle feathers over the yellow bodies. The hackle made dark segments along each yellow body and stretched out like legs or wings. They took those flies to a creek not far from our home and caught trout on them – their first on flies they tied themselves. It was late summer and the woods were full of yellowjacket wasps. When one fell into the creek a trout ate it. The boy’s flies were close enough. When they managed to sneak up on a hole and make a decent cast, they caught a fish. On another trip Jan and I visited another creek in the wilderness. There were ants everywhere. We tied very plain-looking #14 black ants below our yellowish dry flies that were easier to see. Sometimes the ant floated and sometimes it sunk. It caught fish either way, probably more than the top fly which signaled takes on the ant. On another trip my friend Jack Krimmer and I weren’t so lucky. A swarm of #14 winged black ants hit the river when we were there to enjoy an evening hatch. There were a few caddisflies and mayflies on the water but the fish were hyperfocused on those ants – they wouldn’t touch anything else. And we didn’t have any. We managed to take a few fish anyway

l

es es

by Chuck Stranahan by butchering anything with a dark body into some semblance of an ant. But were disheartened, knowing what we could have In addition to hoppers, the author carries beetles, ants and wasps. Photo by Chuck Stranahan. done with some ants. The next night Jack and I approached When hatch-matching fails, he’ll tie on Since then I’ve never left home to fish that same spot, fully armed with ants we something that looks like a beetle. It without ants. tied earlier in the day. The ant frenzy doesn’t have to be a beetle pattern per se; Doug Swisher first tipped me to the had settled down to occasional bugs and one of his favorites is a #12 Renegade, a importance of ants years ago. When he fewer rises. But we had a memorable fly with a fat middle section of peacock was sampling the stomach contents of evening anyway, as big rainbows and herl. Close enough. trout, he said there might be anything cutthroats came one after another to our And what about grasshoppers? We all in the mix depending on the stream and ants. know about hoppers, or should. Foam the season, but always a couple of ants. I On the Henry’s Fork my friend Mike hoppers, some of them outlandish, are a wished that night I had heeded what he Lawson has a secret weapon that he’ll fly box staple. But don’t ignore the other said. use on a fish that refuses everything else. terrestrial insects. Trout eat those, too.

You won’t find many Bitterroot Stars in these trash bins...

PRST STD STD PRST USPOSTAGE POSTAGE US PAID PAID STEVENSVILLE MT STEVENSVILLE MT PERMIT 89 PERMIT 89

OUTLET STORE OUTLET

For or all all your your a ammunition mmunition F & H Hunting unting n needs eeds &

• • 777-2822 • • 4039 93 N N 4034 HWY HWY 93 STEVENSVILLE STEVENSVILLE

... because it’s not junk mail. www.ammoandmorestore.com

www.ammoandmorestore.com

Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent

37 29 XXXVII, Number 30 XXXVII, Number 28 XXXIX, Number 29 XXXVII, Number

’ ! l a c o L t e Best a

‘Th

www.bitterrootstar.com

Wednesday, M Wednesday, Feb Wednesday, Janua Wednesday, Janu Wednesday, Febru

The one people read – free every week! gles in winter oundbreaking held for medical ce

Classifieds

Page 14--Bitterroot Star email your ad to: editor@bitterrootstar.com or call

406-777-3928

Deadline Friday at 5 p.m. for Wednesday Publication

NOTICES

CONNECT TO THE BEST WIRELESS HOME INTERNET WITH EARTHLINK. Enjoy speeds from 5Gand 4G LTE networks, no contracts, easy installation, and data plans up to 300 GB. Call 855-419-7978. PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-762-1508 SAFE STEP. NORTH AMERICA’S #1 WALK-IN TUB. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-601-2865.

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

REACH CUSTOMERS ACROSS MONTANA with one easy ad! The MNA SCAN program places your classified statewide—affordable, simple, and effective. One order, one bill, big results. Contact your local newspaper or MNA at 406443-2850 or visit mtnewspapers. com today.

FOR SALE FRESH EGGS from Howell’s Happy Hens are back! $5.00/doz. Pick up at Bitterroot Star office, 115 W. 3rd, Suite 108, Stevensville.

RANCH HOUSE FOR RENT. 21 Seitz Rd, Lavina, MT 59046. 1800 sq ft home with 4 bedrooms, 1 ½ baths on 3.4 acres. Large old farm house with animal barn, 2 car garage, plus multiple out buildings. fiber optics. 45 minutes from Billings. $1,500 a month plus utilities. Deposit required. Contact Claudia (406) 698-3706.

Crossword Solution

MONTANA LIVESTOCK AUCTION Ramsay, Montana

For consignment and pick-information please call: Thad Lechner at 406-961-3323 Regular Sales are every Tuesday & Special Feeder Sales are Friday © Feature Exchange

www.montanalivestockauction.com

FOR RENT SECURE OUTDOOR STORAGE. Ideal for RVs, boats, trucks, trailers. Fully enclosed with secure access gate. Located on Grantsdale Rd. $35/month. Call 406-3602732.

Help feed our local kids! Drop off your food donations for the Stevi Food Program at the Bitterroot Star, 115 W. 3rd, #108

fa

This is Ford Truck Country.

Support Local Journalism! The Montana Newspaper Foundation supports print and digital journalism to ensure a vibrant future for Montana’s newspaper enterprises and champions the value of a free press.

Stevi Food Program

Stevensville

Rate 25 words - $25 25¢ each add’l word

https://donorbox.org/montana-newspaper-foundation-charitable-giving.

Trailer Repair

Repair  Parts  Service

Montana

Serving children up to 18 years of age

JOHNSON APPLIANCE Individually portioned non-perishable food items and snacks are the best. For more information visit the Stevi Food Program Facebook page. Thank you!

Donate Your Car

F a m i l y O wn e d & O pe r at e d s i n c e 1 9 7 2

Buy your new appliance from a trusted source! 3 Years in a Row!

Imagine the Difference You Can Make Vehicle donations are fully tax-deductible and the proceeds help provide services to help the blind and visually impaired. FREE TOWING & TAX DEDUCTIBLE

When you donate your car, you’ll receive: ✔ a $200 restaurant voucher

&

✔ a 2-night, 3-day hotel stay at one of 50 locations

Call 1-855-901-2620 Help Prevent Blindness

Get A Vision Screening Annually

Celebrating m&m’s 37 Year Anniversary!

FREE Financing OAC.

142 Canyon Falls Way, Hamilton 406-363-3592

Hours: M-F 9am - 5:30pm | Sat 9am - 1pm

AUTHORIZED Service Center ALL Makes, Models Hwy 93, Stevensville

406-728-1000  www.mmmissoula.com Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm | Sat: 9am - 12pm

Outstanding in his field Merle Unruh

Call today

Talk to Merle for all your Real Estate Needs! Victor 363-4700 Hamilton

Gift C ard

Get Fast, Affordable Fiber Internet Speeds up to 5 Gigs!

123

123

NA

4

ME

4 4 56

8 12

SU RN AM

$100 34

456

8

E

*Terms and conditions apply

SIGN UP TODAY & GET A $100 GIFT CARD!* Reliable Internet NOW!

855-419-7978

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Bitterroot Star--Page 15

Custom Processing

BOOKING NOW!

Retail Meat Shop 3096 KK Ranch Rd.  Darby Open: MON-FRI 9AM - 5PM www.doublekranchmt.com

Call or Email:

406.802.4372  Dillon@DoubleKRanchMT.com

S TAFFING AGENCY

A UTOMOTIVE

F UNERAL & C REMATION S ERVICES

Stranded, Accident, Locked Out, or Flat Tire?

314 Church St.  Stevensville

406.777.5711

 Bill & Helen Kropp   Kallan & Gretchen Kropp   LServing AWN C the ARE Bitterroot  C LEAN Since - U PS 1902

● Prompt 998 N. First ● Courteous Hamilton ● Professional 363-4050 F INANCIAL S ERVICES

D ENTAL C ARE

P ROPERTY M ANAGEMENT ®

Together, we win

120 LJK Way  Stevensville

Brian S Adams Financial Advisor

Offering General, Family, Cosmetic & Implant Dentistry Services

400 W Main Street Suite 200 Hamilton, MT 59840 406-363-1140 brian.adams@edwardjones.com

We see Emergencies, too!

406.777.5070

www.BitterrootValleyDentalCare.com E LECTRICAL S ERVICES & G ENERATORS

➢ edwardjones.com | Member SIPC

A UTOMOTIVE

320 S 2nd St. Hamilton (406) 363-4430 A PPLIANCES

NEVER BE WITHOUT POWER AGAIN!

➢ NEW LOCATION  142 Canyon Falls Way

Hamilton

406-363-3592

Cummins Generator Sales & Services

Family Owned & Operated since 1972

(4 0 6 ) 3 6 3 - 1 97 2

Servicing all your kitchen & laundry appliance needs from Lolo to Darby, no matter where you bought them!

From Sula to Missoula

WWW.DJSELECTRIC.COM A UTOMOTIVE

H EALTH & W ELLNESS

C OMPUTER R EPAIR

FAST, FRIENDLY & LOC ALLY OW NED!

FREE CARWASH INCLUDE D WITH EVERY SERVICE!

415 N. 1st St., Hamilton | 3757 N Reserve St. & 2020 South Ave. W, Missoula 406-369-6900  406-541-3278  406-541-9009

K T E XPRESSL UBE. COM

A DVERTISE W ITH U S

P u t y o u r ca r d h e r e f o r $ 1 5 0 per month for 3 months . C on t a ct : Sc ot t Sa cr y 406-239-3022 scott@bitterrootstar.com

Y OUR A D H ERE

YOU R A D HERE! Design assistance Available!

Page 16--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Organic Bulk Foods

Local Produce

Black Angus Beef

Great Wine

Taste Local and Save at BFM!

Produce Headquarters!

At the Fork, we are loaded with Pickling Cucs, Beets, Local Grean Beans! You will love our great selection of local Brews, from Highlander to Kettle House Brews! So shop the store with Local Flavor & Save Time & Money! Hatch Chili Roast and Produce Tent Sale 25th & 26th!

BONE -IN BEEF SPARE RIBS

FRESH LIMES, LEMONS

PICKLING CUCUMBERS

2 $1 $2.49 $12.99 Corona Time!

JUMBO AVOCADOS

BLACK ANGUS NEW YORK STEAKS

12.99

$

lb

USDA Choice

Taste Local!

PINK LADY APPLES

lb

Whip Me!

LOCAL GREEN BEANS

WA X Fancy LOCAL BELL PEPPERS

2 $3 $2.99 $1.99 88¢ 5lb

lb

ROMAINE LETTUCE

lb

Delicious!

Fried Potatoes!

JUMBO YELLOW ONIONS

2 $3 99¢

lb

Save!

Grill ‘em!

FOOD CLUB BUTTER

OSCAR MAYER MEAT WEINIES

1lb

16oz

ea

Taste Local!

Taste Local!

SLICING TOMATOES

SMITHFIELD HOMETOWN BACON

$1.69 lb

BLT Time! YOPLAIT YOGURT

ears

10lb

2 $4 2 $6 99¢ SWEET PEACHES, NECTARINES

RUSSET POTATOES

LUZ ’S TORTILLA CHIPS

Taste Local!

BERRY DELICIOUS STRAWBERRIES

Save!

LOCAL CORN ON THE COB

2 $4 $14.99 5 $3 $4.99

Taste Local!

USDA Choice!

PICKLING BEETS

$9.99 6pak

10lb

lb

BAD & UGLY PEPPER JELLY

HIGHLANDER BREWS

Taste Local!

BONELESS PORK CHOPS

Butter Me! BLACK ANGUS CHOICE RANCH STEAKS

$2.89 $6.99 lb

lb

Bean Time!

Grill ‘em!

LOCAL ZUCCHINI

LOCAL JALAPE ÑOS

13oz

Taste Local! MINI WATERMELONS

2 $6 Great Snack! BLACK ANGUS LEAN GROUND BEEF

$1.29

$2.99 $5.99 Taste Local!

80% Lean!

BONELESS PORK TENDERLOINS

OSCAR MAYER BEEF FRANKS

EARTHBOUND ORGANIC SALAD

lb

Taste Local!

lb

lb

2 $9 $2.99 $5.99 2 $6 12oz

lb

15oz

BLT Time!

Grill ‘em!

LAND O ’FROST LUNCH MEAT

DARIGOLD FIT MILK

TEXAS SMOKEHOUSE LINKS

paks

59oz

13oz

Grill ‘em!

5oz

Refreshing! SWEET MANGOS

2 $6 2 $7 2 $1 2 $8 2 $7 2 $6 2 $3 & Unsalted

Chili Dogs?

Assorted

9-16oz Assorted

Assorted

Grill ‘em!

Delicious!

GRADE AA MEDIUM EGGS

DIGIORNO PIZZAS

CAPRI SUN DRINKS

CLASSICO PASTA SAUCE

TREE TOP JUICES

EGGO WAFFLES

SWEET P ’S JUMBO MUFFINS

10pak

24oz

64oz

Assorted

Assorted

Assorted

88¢ 2 $9 2 $7 2 $6 2 $4 2 $6 $6.49 doz

Assorted

Potato Time!

4ct

Assorted

Delicious!

We Only Sell Black Angus Choice Beef ! DARIGOLD COTTAGE CHEESE

2 $5 16oz

Save!

SUSHI GRADE AHI TUNA

12.99

$

lb

Grill it!

BOAR ’S HEAD CHICKEN

$8.99 lb

Sandwich Time!

BOAR ’S HEAD MED. CHEDDAR

$7.99 lb

In Our Deli!

NATALIE ’S FRESH JUICES

FOOD CLUB CREAM CHEESE

12oz

8oz

PUREX LAUNDRY DETERGENT

2 $4 2 $3 $8.99 Assorted

128oz

Save!

Assorted

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

$6.99 12pak

While supply lasts! COCA COLA, SPRITE, DR. PEPPER, FANTA

$6.99 12pak

Assorted

POWERADE SPORTS DRINK

99¢

28oz

Assorted

PURE LIFE WATER

MONMARTRE BRUT

POGGIO COSTA PROSECCO & ROS É

MON FRE ’RE CHARDONNAY

$6.99

$6.99

$6.99

BAYERN OKTOBERFEST

KETTLE HOUSE BREWS

ELYSIAN & STELLA ARTOIS

750ml

France!

$3.88 $9.99 24oz

6pak

Stock Up!

Taste Local!

750ml

Italy!

17.99

$

8pak

Taste Local!

750ml

Save!

$9.99 6pak

Save!

FRITO LAY SUN CHIPS & DORITOS

FOOD CLUB COOKING OIL

2 $7 2 $5 32oz

7-10.7oz Assorted BUDWEISER, COORS, BUD LIGHT, LITE

17.99

$

18pak

Coors Light

Save!

FRANZ ENGLISH MUFFINS

2 $5 paks

Assorted