PESTICIDES: looking for contamination in western MT
wetland areas that will receive city stormwater and flter it naturally before it ends up in the Clark Fork River.
Another sub-award recipient, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, are doing fsh tissue studies that could lead to development of fsh consumption guidelines related to pesticides similar to what Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has already published related to other pollutants such as PCBs and Dioxin-Furans.
Aside from these educational eforts and sub-award projects, the grant is primarily funding an unprecedented efort at documenting the extent and degree of current pesticide contamination in Western Montana. Prior to this project there has been no comprehensive pesticides monitoring program in Western Montana.
The University of Montana was the primary grant recipient and Dr. Rachel Malison, assistant research professor at FLBS, is overseeing implementation of the grant. She and her team at FLBS, along with a plethora of stakeholders including non-profts like the Bitterroot River Protection Association, county conservation districts and weed districts, the agricultural research center at Montana State University, other state and federal agencies, and concerned citizens, spent the frst year developing a plan for implementing a baseline pesticide monitoring project encompassing 12 counties in Western Montana.
“This funding enables us to build a network of stakeholders to implement projects on the landscape and better protect our waters,” said Malison. “We look forward to developing a set of resources that can be used by all –from residential users to producers –that will help us reduce the impact of pesticides on our waters and aquatic communities that live in them. We also hope that this program will set the stage for further work on toxins reduction throughout the entire state of Montana.”
The Quality Assurance Project Plan (QAPP), which was required before any feld work could begin, was fnally approved in April of this year. It outlines all the procedures and
protocols for the project in detail.
The laboratory will be analyzing for 103 diferent chemical compounds found in the pesticides, insecticides, herbicides, fungicides and rodenticides that are most commonly in use.
Determining the number and location of sites and timing of the monitoring eforts that could be conducted within the budget constraints was a herculean task and the lab’s GIS specialist, Diane Whited, played a key role. The sites were selected and organized according to land use, including forest sites that are used for grazing and timber production; urban sites categorized into high, medium and low risk of contamination; agricultural sites; and discreet sites, such as airports, golf courses and parks that may present higher risks.
The timing was also analyzed in terms of the seasonality of pesticide application since various pesticides are applied at diferent times on diferent crops.
Now that the QAPP has been adopted, the boots have fnally hit the ground. Or should we say the sandals have hit the streambed? Big Sky Watershed Corps member Chloe Czachor, who is doing the feld work, was in the Bitterroot last week visiting 11 diferent sites from Florence to Hamilton, checking physical parameters of the water and grabbing water samples for lab analysis.
“It’s been really cool to be a part of something so new and so important,” said Czachor. “It’s been a massive efort and not a lot of people can say that they’ve been involved in the beginning of a program like this, especially something on this scale.” She said that she was grateful for the trust that has been placed in her in doing the main feld work for the project.
“It’s been a great way to see Montana too, up and down mountain ranges, through national forests, it’s a great way to see Montana.” She said this was her frst year living in Montana and she was very impressed by what she has seen, especially in the water quality at Flathead Lake, for instance.
for analysis, and providing on the
For further information visit the Monitoring Montana Waters page under Outreach or email mmw@fbs.umt.edu. Photo courtesy of FLBS.
“I’m from Madison, Wisconsin,” said Czachor, “and we have some great lakes and I have seen the chan-
ges since my childhood in the water, the degradation of water quality and clarity, the emergence of many more toxic algae blooms in the summer, the increasing water temperatures, the huge changes in the ecological communities in the lakes. It’s cool to see a place that is not yet experiencing the same sort of impacts to such a degree.”
At the forefront in educational efforts on pesticides is Dr. Cecil Tharp, the MSU Extension Pesticide Education Specialist since 2004. Tharp holds degrees in the felds of wildlife biology, entomology and parks and recreation and works with 56 county and tribal MSU Extension Agents and is dedicated to the certifcation and training of private applicators while assisting general and commercial pesticide applicators. Photo by Michael Howell.
Spearheading the pesticide monitoring efforts is Dr. Rachel Malison an Assistant Research Professor at Flathead Lake Biological Lab and in the Ecology & Evolution Program at UM. She also developed and runs FLBS’s Monitoring Montana Waters program, which supports water quality monitoring efforts in Montana by providing scientifc, technical and fnancial support to citizen-science watershed groups. MMW offers assistance and support in designing monitoring plans, selecting analytes
ground training in methodologies.
PARK: history recognized with new name
Continued from page 1
2010 about a $40,000 donation in honor of Jerry, but that never happened,” said Corn. “There never was a donation in Jerry’s memory, so the county paid the entire appraised price for the property.”
According to Corn, there was no other mention of the park in the public record until 2013 when it was mentioned in a budget amendment and simply referred to it as “the Kurtz Lane property.”
“Other than that, there has been no mention of the Kurtz Lane property or anything about a park,” he said. “Then in May or June of this year you received a letter from the Stevens family. The letter states that the land would never have been developed were it not for the donation in honor of Jerry’s memory. But there never was a donation in Jerry’s memory and in the meantime a lot of concerned citizens have devised a plan for developing the park based on the history of the area. We believe the proposed name, ‘Big Corral,’ is appropriate since that was the name given to the area by the frst settlers there. We are hoping that you will endorse the Park Board recommendation and name it Big Corral Park and the volunteers will get to work setting up a 501(c)3 and begin to gather funds to do further clean-up work and develop a plan and raise money for future improvements.”
Corn gave the Commissioners a thumbnail version of the history behind the Big Corral, referring primarily to a pamphlet authored by Ravalli County Museum historian William Whitfeld entitled “Sod Forts of the Bitter Root Valley.” Although the pamphlet is mainly about the two sod forts that were hastily built in 1877 by settlers in the Corvallis (Fort Skidaddle) and Skalkaho (Fort Run) area in the scare that accompanied the news that the non-treaty Nez Perce were headed this way in their fight from General Gibbon’s forces, it was mentioned that the sod fort in Skalkaho was built within the Big Corral.
A newspaper article in the Missoulian from 1929 states, “The dimensions of the fort, similar to that of Fort Corvallis,
were about one hundred feet square, twelve feet high, having a base three feet thick, continuing to ‘port holes’ at about four feet then gradually decreasing to eighteen inches wide at the top of the wall.”
Gary Liss gave the Commissioners a more detailed account of his research into the corral’s origins. “The Big Corral and the early Bitterroot settlement of Skalkaho are synonymous with each other,” he said. He said settlement in the Skalkaho area got started around 1864, about the same time that Corvallis did.
According to Liss, the Big Corral was built around 1871. “The corral enclosed the core community of the Skalkaho area, and they were all related either by blood or marriage. So, the corral surrounded all their homes, and they threw in their livestock together and built a continuous log fence that snaked around 1,100 acres of prime stock land.”
The name Big Corral was started by other people in the area as a nickname for those people on Skalkaho, he said. The corral existed for about 10 years. At that point it was deemed impractical, land ownership was changing, so it began to be dismantled. But the fencing was so extensive that it took years to be completely dismantled.
“This Big Corral, really, is a part of the Bitterroot valley’s early heritage and it is one of those places that really characterized our local history, so it’s just really appropriate to carry on that name, Big Corral.”
Liss said one of the settlers in the Big Corral was John B. Catlin, a Civil War veteran who was also head of the volunteer militia here in the Bitterroot Valley. Catlin supervised the construction of the sod fort, Fort Skalkaho, called Fort Run, that was built inside the Big Corral during the passage of the Nez Perce in 1987.
“According to Whitfeld’s pamphlet, ‘One obvious drawback at Fort Run was the proximity of a large hill to the east, where the Nez Perce launched their arrows toward the sod walls just to impress the frightened settlers. The sodbusters soon realized that the
Library book sale set
As summer speeds by, Friends of the Bitterroot Public Library are getting ready for “Fall into Books.” The one-day sale of used and vintage books will ofer shoppers a chance to stock up on holiday gifts or fnd their next great read. The efort continues the Friends’ 50 years of community support for the BPL, with all proceeds benefting the library.
“Our community has been so generous with book donations through the summer. We’ve received nearly new books as well as classics that were treasured by their owners,” said sale coordinator Caryn Carpenter. “We’ve received a steady stream since our last sale in April, and the selection we have for shoppers is the best yet.”
“Fall Into Books” will ofer quality used books and vintage volumes for an afordable price. Montana/the West and Native American interest are especially strong categories, along with the usual variety of non-fction and cofee table books. The fction selection is easier than ever to shop, with categories including mysteries, thrillers, romance, Christian, and sci-f. Youth will fnd a good selection of fction and nonfction, and kids can fnd board books and early reader titles.
“You never know what you’ll fnd. Because our selection is shaped by whatever books people donate, the sale is a sort of treasure hunt. Some shoppers come in just to browse, but we’ve also had people come in looking for a special book and are so surprised to fnd it. People really love the sale, and we love making it happen,” said Heather Perez, a lead volunteer for the sale.
The sale will run on Saturday, September 13 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. downstairs in the Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State St., Hamilton. The sale is one stop on the monthly Explore the Arts Culture Crawl. All books will be priced at $2/inch
or $20 for a Friends canvas tote with as many books as will ft. All proceeds beneft the Library. For more information about the sale, contact BitterrootLibraryFriends@gmail.com.
Friends of the Bitterroot Public Library is a group of community volunteers dedicated to supporting the Library’s mission. The Friends assist with a variety of adult and youth programs, put on book sales, maintain the popular Book Gazebo, and distribute free books in locations around the community, including Bitterroot Health Hospital, Sapphire Lutheran Homes, Super 8 Motel, Bitterroot Inn, and Fast and Flufy Laundromats. The Friends is a registered 501(c)(3) nonproft and accepts tax-deductible donations that beneft the Library. To learn more or become a volunteer, contact BitterrootLibraryFriends@gmail. com.
Indians could have just as easily cut of their water supply if they really had meant to do them any harm. Still, it should be kept in mind that General Custer had just made his infamous Last Stand at the Battle of the Little Big Horn the year before, and there may actually have been ample reason for taking extra precaution of building a couple of sod forts, just in case things somehow went haywire.”
Following the Nez Perce departure from the valley, Catlin gathered up 34 militia members and met up with General Gibbon and his men at Ross’ Hole and joined them in their pursuit of the Indians into the Big Hole.
Lynde C. Elliot and Warren Harris, both residents of the Big Corral, were also volunteers in the Bitter Root Militia. Elliot was a cousin of Catlin.
“Lynde Catlin Elliot was the only volunteer militia member that didn’t return alive,” said Liss. “He came back in a pine box. He was the only fatality from the Big Corral, so his name should be remembered… It’s a big part of our history here. It’s a heritage we want to remember.”
Liss said, “There is no surviving map of the Big Corral. Nothing survived. But what has survived are the names of those settlers enclosed by the Big Corral, the people who built it. We know who they are. So what I did, I researched their homestead boundaries and mapped them out and enclosed their homesteads with the Big Corral. That’s how I came up with this version of the Big Corral.
“The Big Corral is known to have been bounded on the west by the Bitterroot River which was a lot farther west than what it is today. You all know about Skalkaho Bend and how the river is moving. Back in the 1860s and 1870s that river existed close to a half a mile
west and that’s as far as the homesteads go.
“My research also showed that the Big Corral on the east had to be bounded by the old wagon road going between Corvallis and Darby and that just happens to also be the eastern boundary of all these homesteads. So, it all works. And this is my version of the Big Corral using the early homesteads.”
Liss also contacted the great-great-great grandson of Robert Nichol who was one of the Big Corral settlers arriving in 1864 and said his great-great grandson is still living here locally. “He shared his family history with me.”
“There are no maps, just biographical history of the people who settled it. There is a lot of history here that should be remembered,” Liss said.
The Bitter Root Valley Historical Society sponsored a “Fort Skalkaho Dedication” on July 3, 1989 on Kurtz Lane. At the ceremony it was noted that a creek, no longer existent, ran through the sod fort that was constructed at the northeast corner of the corral and that, “The interior of the fort was quite pleasing. Living rooms were constructed of lumber, tents and whatever else the families had to make themselves comfortable.”
As part of the ceremony, a monument honoring Fort Skalkaho was erected consisting of a rock approximately 3-4 feet high with a metal plate commemorating the fort, noting it was placed in 1989 by the “Bitter Root Valley Historical Society.” The monument is located in a recorded permanent easement, on private property, on Kurtz Lane, only a few yards away from the entrance to the proposed Big Corral Park.
The Commissioners approved naming the park Big Corral Park unanimously and thanked the group for its presentation.
New program supports families, youth mental wellness
Ravalli County is taking a meaningful step toward building stronger families and promoting lifelong mental wellness by launching Lantern—a cutting-edge parenting support program that delivers trusted child development guidance, mental health tools, and social-emotional learning (SEL) strategies directly to caregivers via text message.
Thanks to funding through the Substance Abuse Block Grant and support from Western Montana Mental Health Center, Lantern will roll out this fall as a county-wide prevention strategy focused on strengthening family relationships during the most crucial years of a child’s development. The program will be locally administered through a partnership with the Bitterroot Discovery Children’s Museum.
“Research shows that early, sup-
portive relationships between children and caregivers are one of the most powerful ways to reduce future risks of substance misuse, depression, and suicide,” said Anita Wotkyns, Ravalli County Prevention Specialist and President of the Children’s Museum.
“Lantern provides those supports in a way that’s accessible to every family, right on their phones.”
Lantern’s research-backed content includes parenting tips, emotional wellness reminders, and practical activities to build strong routines, promote caregiver confdence, and encourage healthy communication.
Many messages focus on improving resilience, emotional regulation, and the kinds of everyday interactions that help children develop a strong sense of identity and connection—hallmarks of positive prevention and long-term mental well-being.
In addition to building foundational skills in social-emotional development, Lantern helps caregivers recognize signs of stress and gain tools to navigate confict, manage behavior, and foster deeper connections with their children. The program also links users to trusted local resources in Ravalli County, ensuring families know where to turn for guidance and support during challenging times.
As a rural community, Ravalli County faces unique barriers to accessing consistent parenting support and mental health resources. Lantern is designed specifcally with rural families in mind—it’s free, private, available in English and Spanish, and requires no travel or registration, making it ideal for caregivers who may be juggling multiple jobs, lack transportation, or feel hesitant to seek in-person services.
This new initiative is supported by the Ravalli County Public Health Department and the Bitterroot Cares Prevention Coalition, both of which have partnered with the Prevention Specialist to ensure long-term success and community integration.
“Early prevention works best when it’s woven into everyday life,” said Wotkyns. “Lantern meets families where they are—with timely, empowering information that builds resilience, reduces isolation, and reinforces the vital role caregivers play in raising emotionally healthy, substance-free kids.”
Families are invited to download the free app now, with Ravalli County-specifc content rolling out in early fall. To learn more or get involved, contact Anita Wotkyns at anita@bitterrootdiscovery.org or visit https:// mylantern.org.
Montana DNRC collaborates with local partners
Project aims to protect power infrastructure and reduce wildfre risk in East Fork
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), in partnership with Ravalli Electric Cooperative (REC), the Bitterroot National Forest (USFS), and Ravalli County will begin work on a wildfire mitigation project this week in the East Fork area of the Bitterroot
Valley. This project will reduce wildfire risk and protect critical power infrastructure serving more than 280 homes.
work on federal lands. The project is funded through state legislative appropriations to increase the pace and scale of forest management and reduce wildfire risk identified in the Montana Forest Action Plan. Work will involve removing hazardous fuels and creating shaded fuel breaks along power line corridors.
“Currently, the East Fork lacks adequate fuel breaks to protect homes and power infrastructure from a potential forest fire,” said Ravalli County Forester, Gary Oram. “This collaborative project addresses this vulnerability by strategically creating a shaded fuel break, providing a critical line of defense and ensuring safer entry and exit to the area for residents in the event of emergencies.”
This project aligns with President Trump’s “Declaring a National Energy Emergency” Executive Order to protect critical energy infrastructure threatened by wildfire, enabling expedited implementation.
“We are excited to be partnering with the U.S. Forest Service Bitterroot National Forest, REC and Ravalli County, to help address the wildfire risk to residents and this critical infrastructure,” said DNRC Hamilton Unit Manager Thayer Jacques. “We’ve seen the devastation that can happen from powerline fires, and this project allows us to proactively address this need rather than simply responding after the fact.”
The project is expected to be completed by fall
Try Doc White’s hopper-dropper rig for more fsh
Most good guides will tell you: if you have a total beginner as a client, keep them on a single dry all day. They’ll get fewer tangles, spend more time fshing.
When they can handle it, though, there are times to move them over to a two-fy system.
These days, with hot summer sun in a clear sky, I’d get an early start and unless I saw reason to do diferently, I’d start with a hopper-dropper rig right of the bat.
by Chuck Stranahan
There will be some sort of midmorning mayfy hatch on the water just about anywhere you fsh. Those nymphs will start coming of the bottom about three hours before they hatch. Even a light hatch will produce plenty of nymphs for the trout to feed on. The trout hang in the water column at the same depth as the nymphal drift. They follow the drifting t nymphs as they move toward the surface, and munch away.
When trout are actively on the feed underneath you won’t see much of them on the surface. That can be deceiving. It’s easy to think they’re not active when fact is, they’re scarfng down what’s most abundant right where they live - and ignoring everything else.
Years ago I fshed regularly with a physician-surgeon afectionately known throughout the area as Doc White.
Doc came to the Bitterroot with a prestigious chair from Harvard and a retired Captain’s rank in the United States Navy where he served as a top-fight surgeon at Walter Reed. He left a high-risk pelvic surgery practice and teaching position at Scripps in San Diego, where he taught other pelvic surgeons his techniques. He continued to save women’s lives surgically, oversee at-risk pregnancies, deliver babies (including my son Mathew,) and raise his own family here in the Bitterroot. And to decompress from the pressures of his calling, he’d fsh. I was lucky – he spent many of those fshing days with me.
Doc thought outside the box, you might say, when it came to surgery, developing his own techniques. He did the same with his
fshing.
One day he was picking up an uncanny number of fsh while I rowed. There wasn’t much of a hatch – yet – although we were beginning to see a few small fies on the surface and small fsh taking them.
Doc wasn’t catching small fsh. He was catching big ones. I knew he was fshing a hopper-dropper rig with a small mayfy nymph as the bottom fy. What I didn’t know was how he was getting it down and why he was getting so many hits.
He showed me when we pulled out for a break.
“Take any small nymph – preferably unweighted or with very little weight, like your TwitchPause or a Pheasant Tail and tie in on in a Duncan loop.”
The Duncan Loop knot is easy to fnd on YouTube. It’s a simple-to tie variation of a three-turn overhand knot.
He threaded the fy a foot up the leader and tied the knot there, leaving an open loop about the size of a silver dollar. There was still almost a foot of monoflament hanging below the loop.
“Watch,” he said as he pulled a Bic lighter out
of his vest, and famed the bottom 2” of the leader That formed a small ball of molten monoflament that soon cooled and hardened. Then he formed a split-shot-sized wad of tungsten Strike Putty above bulbous end of the leader and slid it down.
“That’ll hold it,” he said, “And if it drifts under a rock just pull it free and put on more Strike Putty. You’re not leaving toxic lead in the stream.”
When you’re fshing it, Doc explained, the leader stays taut between the dry fy and the weight –and the nymph drifts downstream from the leader where it’s free to move naturally in the loop.
Doc started fshing a #14 Pheasant Tail on 5X tippet about fve feet below his #8 hopper dry. He shortened that tippet as the natural nymphs drifted closer to the surface, always keeping his fy in the strike zone.
“You can adjust the amount of weight as you go along,” he said. “The fy gets down fast, and moves more naturally than a heavy nymph when it gets there.”
Since then, I’ve used Doc’s method as my prehatch go-to when I want to fsh small fies near the bottom. It works.
Fish small nymphs deep using Doc White’s rig before a hatch. Photo by Chuck Stranahan.
WARC: center hosts annual feld day
Continued from page 1
sign up than they expected, and they realized it was going to be huge so they had to adapt. One of the things they did was use a truck bed to create a mobile stage. They had no idea they would be presenting to so many people, and so had to use a loud speaker to reach out into the potential crowd. They also had to speed up the presentation timeline, and many had to walk instead of using the tractor they set up to ferry people.
Even with all these changes and more, Miller said the day went well. “We got great feedback, and it was great for people to see what Montana State University does to support agriculture in the state.”
Miller marked substantial interest visitors had for several of the presentations, including “a lot of people really liked the cultivation demo,” said Miller. He also noted a lot of interest in their berry project. For the last few years, WARC has been very involved in the research of haskaps, or honeyberries. They are providing the berries for the college, which is studying “berry consumption and human health and athleticism,” said Miller.
For Miller, these field days are a fantastic way to communicate and participate with the community.
“It’s a celebration of the constructive dialogue between communities and the university, between science and society. That dialogue has brought a lot of good, and we want more of it,” said Miller.
One to attend the WARC Field Day was Jessica Torrion, head of the Department of Research Centers for Montana State University. She is also the superintendent of the Northwestern Agricultural Research Center (NARC), in Kalispell. Torrion is the head of all seven research centers in the state, and said this one was the last field day of the summer.
NARC studies wheat, canola, perennials and more. They have a winter barley forage program and other projects. WARC is based in the Bitterroot, and specializes in horticulture. This includes primarily high value-low acreage crops like fruits and vegetables. According to Torrion, the Bitterroot climate facilitates these kinds of crops, and the valley has historically been used for horticulture, particularly apples and sugar beets.
Each center is organized differently, and specializes in different things. However, WARC is the only one that takes on horticulture, with its unique climate, suiting that kind of produce. Each center also has a farmer advisory board to make sure the centers are continually addressing local issues, and current local industry needs. These boards also ensure local representation and feedback.
ver knows who will show up at these field days. It could be that potentially a future Montana State University student might attend. Torrion said these students are “knowledge generators of the future,” and these field days could influence those young people to take that path in the future.
“At the end of the day, we exist because of them,” said Torrion of the local farmers and ranchers.
Torrion also spoke on the importance of these field days, saying they are “a way for us to connect back to our clientele.” She added, with research, “it doesn’t serve the purpose if we are not visible.” These research centers are publicly funded, through the state and the university, as well as federal grants. Their goal is to do further research in crops and how to make them work in Montana for Montana farmers.
Torrion added that a person ne -
Torrion encourages people to get involved with their local agricultural research centers. “Come visit us,” said Torrion. She added that it does not have to be on a field day. Each one has regular operating hours, and they all encourage everyone to stop by and see what they are working on. This is especially true for those looking to learn about improving ways to farm in their area.
Torrion was one looking forward to the honeyberry updates. She sees a wide application for those, and that they could be a great product for locals to grow.
Another thing Torrion was excited about are the upcoming infrastructural improvements to several of the research centers, including the addition of a new lab and research space going into the Bitterroot center. “It’s time,” said Torrion about getting that improvement to the site. Her thoughts were echoed by Miller, who said it will be “great to come back to the community with progress about the new facially.” With over 100 years of not having a purpose-built research and teaching space, “it’s just so exciting,” said Miller. For those interested in learning more, or reaching out to WARC, parties can visit the Montana State University website and find their local agricultural research center. WARC can be contacted by calling (406) 961-3025. The center is located just outside of Corvallis, at 580 Quast Lane.
4- H & FFA Livestock Sale at Ravalli County Fair
S tartng at 8:00 am on Saturday, August 3 0 , 202 5, in Hornung Arena
Complimentary Buyers’ Breakfast 6:30 -7:45 a.m.
Enter through the North gate and register at the sale table
SOLE PURCHASE
Buyer is responsible for the purchase of the animal as well as the processing, cutng, and wrapping cost of the meat.
SHARED PURCHASE
You may share in the purchase where the meat and costs are divided amongst buyers.
PROXY BUYERS
If you are unable to atend the l ivestock sale but would like to put in a bid, c ontact the Ravalli County Extension Office at (406) 375 -6611 to fill out a Proxy Buyer Form.
RESALE / SUPPORT
Buyer may consign their purchase back to support for resale. The buyer will be billed the difference between the buyer’s bid and the resale/support price. Resale/support prices will be announced at the sale.
ADD-ONS
Add -Ons are a flat fee of any amount added on top of the sale price. Add -Ons can be submited before, during, or afer the sale, and payment received no later than September 30, 2025. If any animal(s) you pay for do not sell in the l ivestock sale, your payment for that animal will be returned to you.
BUYERS’ BREAKFAST
Please join us at the Buyers’ Breakfast, 6:30 - 7:45 a.m. outside the Hornung Arena and get in on the aucton excitement! Sale Commitee and volunteers will be available to assist you.
BUYERS’ RECOGNITION
B uyers will be acknowledged with a rosete, a certficate with a photo of the member and the animal purchased, advertsement in the newspaper, and an appreciaton breakfast prior to the sale. We very much appreciate the support of our Buyers in this community who make this livestock sale such a success for our 4 -H & FFA youth!
BUYERS’ PARTICIPATION All buyers must register by mail or at the registraton table prior to bidding at the sale. All buyers will be assigned a bidding number
Buyers must have this number when bidding. Numbers can be picked up
Grand Champion Sheep Owner: Kealie Hixson Buyer: Valley Irrigaton, Inc.
Grand Champion Beef Owner: Payton Weigle Buyer: Eslinger Drilling
Grand Champion Dairy Owner: Paytn Griffin Buyer: Bobby Harrington
Grand Champion Swine Owner: Christan Thorness Buyer: Harpers Les Schwab
Grand Champion Market Goat Owner: Cannon Berkfield Buyer: Pigman Builders
Jessica Torrion standing next to a honeyberry bush, a plant that has generated a lot of interest in the agricultural community. Photo by John Dowd.
Trump Effect 11
If you’re tired of these letters, let me tell you I am too. But every week brings a new outrage. Yes, I am outraged and you should be too. Here’s the lineup this week:
• Secret police who arrest without warrants, without any process, denying their victims any chance to even tell their families where they are, where they are going, much less why. BECAUSE THEY DON’T KNOW and they are denied the information.
• Birthright citizenship under attack. Even children of legal citizens, such as naturalized citizens, denied citizenship.
• Demand that states give him their voter rolls. The states control elections: it was set up that way, has been that way and Trump now defies it. The separation of federal government and state government is threatened. The separation stems from our constitutional “separation of powers” doctrine. It operates in two spheres: federal government (Legislative/Executive/Judicial) and across the country (federal government/state government, each with its own authorities). Trump wants total control. Eliminating state authorities gets him there.
• $8 million a day for ICE. FEMA personnel and Air Marshalls moved to ICE. ICE thugs operate with impunity: face masks, no identification, loaded up with military gear. In any neighborhood, anywhere, snatching people off the streets.
• Prisons being constructed on military bases. Prisons! On military bases! Our military defends our country, not attack our citizens! Not any more.
The shades falling from my eyes. I wanted to believe Trump would only make gestures of autocracy, enough to bring him money but not threaten our democracy. I was wrong. He is a full-fledged autocrat, determined to dismantle all the guardrails of our democracy so he can assume total control. If you don’t believe me, recall him saying that after arresting immigrants, he thinks he should go after “homegrown terrorists.”
Who do you think he means? Me? You? Your kids?
Linda Schmitt Corvallis
This is not a drill
M aybe if you were to visit Moscow, Russia, as a tourist, you might see clean streets and subways. You might not see homeless people, and certainly no public protesting. You could tell your friends how clean everything looked and how there was no crime. Why can’t our government clean things up like that? We shouldn’t have to see anything unpleasant. That would be so nice, wouldn’t it?
Your dreams can come true.
Wake from your slumber. This is not a drill.
Don Gardner Corvallis
We don’t want a king
A question asked at a recent Nebraska town hall needs to be answered. “With $450 million FEMA funds spent on ‘Alligator Alcatraz,’ plus $600 million more FEMA funds for more concentration camps, plus $8.4 million per day for ICE to illegally detain people, just how much does it cost for fascism in this
Opinion
country?” Another question: “Is the difference between a Netanyahu-supporting Zionist and a Nazi anything other than where the barrel of the gun is pointed?”
Enquiring minds want to know. Now that the national statistician has been fired we probably will never know the answer to the first question.
Recently, parts of Article I of the Constitution were removed from the official website, (parts of Section 8 and all of section 9 and 10). The parts removed detailed the rights and duties of Congress, i.e., control over the District of Colombia, the power to make laws, the fact that habeas corpus (due process) shall not be suspended, that Congress has the sole authority to appropriate money, that only Congress can levy tariffs, and also that the president cannot accept gifts from foreign governments.
After this was reported by someone in the media, the Archivist replaced them. This is an example of why an independent media is crucial to maintain democracy.
I do not think it was an accident that these particular passages were deleted from the record. All of these legal requirements are being ignored by the current administration. This is fascism happening before our eyes. This is where we are right now. We have a president unwilling to follow the courts and the laws of the nation. He is attempting to control the Congress, the courts, the legal system, the media, education systems, and so far, he seems to have made some progress on all these fronts.
This ought to disturb each and every one of us that continues to think democracy is a good thing; that people having the right to choose our own form of government and who will represent us is essential to freedom. We need patriots that know that their loyalty needs to be to the Constitution, not the elected leaders that are trying to ignore the Constitution.
We all need to rise up and demand that no king be recognized. Freedom demands this of each of us. We need to get ready.
Toddy Perryman Hamilton
Morally bankrupt
A s the people of Gaza endure starvation and devastation, our political leaders in Washington — in both major parties — seem unwilling to confront the policies that have brought us here. The state of Israel has long exercised an outsized influence over both Democrats and Republicans, ensuring that meaningful debate on its treatment of Palestinians is stifled before it begins.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been a consistent voice pushing the United States toward imperialist wars in the Middle East since at least 2002, when he urged Congress to support the invasion of Iraq. He has also cynically bolstered Hamas to maintain his own grip on power, reportedly telling members of his Likud party they must support Hamas to keep Israelis fearful and divided, and even facilitating the transfer of funds to Hamas. These choices have not brought peace or democracy; they have brought destruction, instability, and immense suffering to millions. The financial costs — trillions of dollars — could
have been invested here at home to strengthen communities, improve healthcare, and address poverty. Instead, they have drained resources from Americans who need them most.
For Republicans in power, this continued funding of war is a direct betrayal of their professed “prolife” values. To claim to defend the sanctity of life while enabling policies that kill and starve innocent men, women, and children is moral hypocrisy of the highest order. It is also a betrayal of the “America First” principles many claim to uphold — putting the interests of a foreign nation above the safety, prosperity, and needs of our own citizens. When politicians from Montana, such as Greg Gianforte, choose to fly the flag of Israel outside their offices instead of focusing on the needs of their constituents, it sends a clear message that their priorities lie elsewhere. When Netanyahu feels comfortable taking extreme actions such as pre-emptively bombing foreign nations, assassinating foreign leaders in embassies and ethnically cleansing Arabs for their skin color or religion with the full endorsement of Biden and Trump, one wonders who really controls the levers of power in our “democracy.”
If America truly wishes to be a force for good, it must stop bankrolling violence and start advocating for justice, humanitarian aid, and an end to the blockade and occupation that are causing untold human suffering in Gaza. Americans need to realize we will never live in a true democracy as long as both parties are more loyal to the foreign state of Israel than to America. Steve Daines, Ryan Zinke, stop spending my tax dollars on bombs to murder children!
Timothy Adams Stevensville
Dear
Montana,
There’s a part of me that wishes that we had never met. That I had never shared your natural beauty with my family–three generations worth. That I had never marveled at your “Big Sky” and vast wilderness, glaciers, crystal clear waters, and majestic forests and mountains. That I never was awestruck from the pure magic in seeing wildlife such as wolves, grizzlies, elk, pronghorn, coyotes, eagles, osprey, moose, and bighorn sheep grace the landscape. Simply put, there’s a part of me that wishes that I had never fallen in love with you because my heart aches.
My love for you turned sour in 2023 when I became aware of the vicious hunts and trappings, illegal poaching, unethical baiting and mistreatment of gray wolves. These deplorable actions are now tarnishing Montana’s reputation as a state which once valued and respected wildlife and the natural world. I am ashamed to say I was once unaware
of what is happening to wolves. How ironic that a day that will forever be one of the most joyous in my life in seeing wild wolves, has also been tarnished by learning about the reality facing wolves and their daily struggle to survive. They are continually being caught in the crosshairs of politics, misinformation and disinformation.
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is now proposing to kill 500 wolves this upcoming season despite not even knowing the true population of this keystone species, and consciously denying the best available science, ignoring world-renowned biologists and the plethora of pleas coming from concerned citizens sounding the alarm. And for what? Montana, the wilderness is your soul and you are selling it to the lowest bidder whose only goal is to destroy and deprive others from joy that inherently comes from nature. Sadly, I cannot turn back the clock to when I thought wolves were safe. It would be selfsh of me to not think about the future that I would like for children and the rights and respect of Indigenous Nations and their culture. Selfsh of me to not stand up against generational hate and ignorance for a species that has been damned since colonization and which I will call systemic species-ism.
Beautiful Montana, please be a voice for wolves on August 21st, 8:30 am in Helena or online and stand up for their protection. We cannot let history repeat itself. After all, this fght for wolves is not just for wolves, but it is the fght for the future of our public and wild lands which have symbolized this nation since time immemorial.
Christine Goulet Ayer, MA
Sports
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
2025 Legion baseball honors
The Montana/Alberta American Legion Class A West District announced the All Conference and All State teams for the 2025 season. As always, many Bitterroot Bucs and the Bitterroot Red Sox players were among those honored.
The following Bitterroot Valley players were honored:
All Conference First Team
Red Sox: Jackson Lubke, Boedy Tadvick, Cash Lawrence and Reese Earp
Bucs: Drew Wagner, Caleb Katen and Chase Wagner
All State
Red Sox: Jackson Lubke and Boedy Tadvick
Bucs: Caleb Katen
The Red Sox won the 2025 Class A West District tournament, and the Bucs took 2nd place - both qualifed for the 2025 Class A State tournament. The Red Sox were 2025 Class A State Runner-up, which sent them to the Northwest Regionals where they won the 2025 NW Regional Championship.
2025 fall sports season begins
The 2025 Montana high school sports season has begun. The 2025 fall sports season ofcially started on August 14 with high school golf practice. On August 15, all the other high school sports teams started practice. So up and down the valley you’ll see area athletes kicking soccer balls, throwing footballs, swinging golf clubs, running down roads, and spiking and setting volleyballs.
Between Darby, Hamilton, Corvallis, Victor, Stevensville, and Florence, there are over 30 varsity teams in the Bitterroot Valley. This includes football teams, volleyball teams, cheer squads, cross country teams, girls and boys soccer teams, boys and girls golf teams, and one girls fag football team. And that’s not counting all the JV, freshman, and middle school teams in each of these sports. Needless to say, a lot of games will be played in the next couple of months. With so many participating players, coaches, volunteers, parents and fans, you start to understand how complete the web of local sports entwines with the community.
Ofcial game competition began on Monday, August 18 with the Missoula Invite golf tournament at the Missoula Country Club. The majority of the other sports begin games on or after August 28th.
by Jason Larson.
The 2025 high school fall sports season began on August 14. Between Darby, Hamilton, Corvallis, Victor, Stevensville, and Florence, there are over 30 varsity teams in the Valley. The 2024 Florence volleyball team (above) were the 2024 State Runner-ups - the Falcons are looking to make another run at the title this fall.
Student athletes, parents, volunteers, referees, administrators and coaches have dedicated a lot of time and efort to these activities - our communities are stronger and more cohesive because of this. So win or lose, get out there and support your team!
Photo
The 2025 All State selections for the Montana/Alberta American Legion Class A West District. For the Bitterroot Red Sox: Jackson Lubke and Boedy Tadvick. For the Bitterroot Bucs: Caleb Katen. Photo by Hope Earp.
Merle Unruh
William Mark Goodman
Frenchtown - William Mark Goodman, “Goody” to most and “Bill” to some, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2025, after a courageous and determined 13-year battle with cancer, surrounded by his loving family at the St. Patrick Hospital in Missoula. Born in Beautiful “Butte, America,” on August 20, 1952, to Herbert and Pearl Goodman, Bill was the youngest of fve children. He grew up in a lively 1950s neighborhood, often seen riding his rocking horse with a Davy Crockett hat, attending St. Ann’s Grade School, and serving as an altar boy. He graduated from Boys Central High School in 1970 and embarked on a lifetime of adventures, hitchhiking from Butte to Ithaca, NY, journeying to the Gulf of Mexico in Sarasota, FL, and ultimately returning to Missoula, MT, which he called home. He carried with him a spirit as bright as the sun wherever he went. His life was full of diverse pursuits: wrangling horses, managing the Eldorado Sapphire Mine, trail guiding, mining for and faceting gems, camping, rafting, fy fshing, roofng homes, and, most treasured of all, embracing fatherhood. Yet, all of this was only part of him; his life was a kaleidoscope of experiences, connections, and laughter.
Goody’s friendships lasted a lifetime, built on loyalty, humor, and his gift for making anyone feel at ease. He was always a natural storyteller with a quick wit and could turn any gathering into one
flled with laughter and connection. On camping trips, he gladly loaded the raft and took the kids out turtle hunting. At home, he enjoyed gardening, caring for goats, and raising chickens. Above all, he treasured his family, adoring his children and grandchildren. Whether sharing a quiet moment, telling a story, or making cookies, his love shaped the lives of those who knew him best.
Music was a lifelong passion. He played with fellow musicians whenever he could, including 13 of the last 14 years with the Old Time MT Fiddlers. A self-taught guitarist, harmonica player, and violinist (which he began learning at 55), he was also a strong yet humble vocalist, eager to make music in the spotlight or sing backup and harmony.
Sydni, Isaac, and Savannah; precious grandchildren; siblings, Don Goodman and Mary Kay Fox; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Goody remained committed to “seeing this through” up until he could no longer speak. He had plans for the next decade, a living testament to his optimism and spirit.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Linda Brosovic; nephew, Tom Brosovic; and brother, Bob Goodman. He is survived by his children,
Jerry Grant ‘Buck’ Buckingham
Stevensville - Jerry Grant Buckingham (known to all as Buck) died at 90 years old, on August 11, 2025 in his home, surrounded by his family in Stevensville, MT. Buck was born in February 1935 in Monterey
Park, CA. Buck was a true adventurer throughout his life. Although growing up in the Hollywood Hills area, he always dreamed of being a cowboy, and participated in cowboy exhibition shows. Buck accepted Christ as his savior as a teenager at a Billy Graham Crusade in the Hollywood Bowl. One of his frst ministries was with the Knights of the Cross Boys Club.
He met his wife of 64 years, Jerry Sue, while working at Forest Home Christian Conference Center, and the two spent their lives always together through many diferent adventures, throughout northern California, Oregon, and Washington, before settling in western Montana. Buck was a man who lived life on his own terms as a pastor, horse trainer and trader, a pilot, a hunting and fshing guide, and always a witness for his Lord. He also loved a good barter with a friend.
In 1975, Buck and Jerry Sue set out with their four daughters on the Bicentennial Wagon Train, a celebration that spanned two years and the entire country, where he served as Chaplain on the Oregon Trail train – from Sisters to Valley Forge, PA. After their many years of travelling and living in various communities, where Buck pastored community churches and worked on area ranches and feedlots, they settled in Stevensville and built a life
Brian Dale Jameson
Brian Dale Jameson was born in Dublin, Ireland, as Albert Brian Davis, to Priscilla Davis and Har Moynan on October 10, 1947. He was adopted from the orphanage in his third year by Dorothy and Roy Jameson who flew over from an USAF Base in London. He had never heard English, traveled in a car or seen a flush toilet. Adored by his new parents, he began his traveling life which was anchored in Seeley Lake, Montana, but saw him visiting over 30 countries. He graduated with the first graduating class from Seeley Lake High School as Salutatorian. He joined the Navy and spent six years sailing the Atlantic Ocean on the USS Tatnall, working electronics and deepening his love for the sea and our planet. He attended University of Montana to study Spanish, mathematics and music. He practiced tai chi most of his life.
Brian thrived making music and being in the wilderness. He hiked, back packed, camped and fished in rain, snow or shine. He and his best friend, John Devins, hitchhiked across the country juggling, clowning and making people smile. He excelled in sports including skiing, canoeing, basketball and golf. He played guitar and piano.
Jef Demme
He developed his handyman business called The Home Ranger and worked throughout the Seeley Lake and Missoula area. Later, moving to Hamilton, he worked for Ravalli County as Maintenance and Custodial Supervisor for seventeen years.
Brian was a Leader and Dance Mentor in the Dances of Universal Peace. He and Star travelled in the U.S., Canada and Mexico sharing the joy of singing and dancing to sacred phrases and spreading the awareness of love, harmony and beauty. He is remembered for his humor, gentle leadership, patience, unfailing kindness and the many Dances he wrote which live on in that community.
Brian passed away peacefully on August 14, 2025 from Alzheimer’s Disease in a Veterans’ facility in Butte, MT. Star and Autumn were with him. He is survived by his wife Star, sister Terri Alphin, daughter Summer Porch, grandchildren Aiden and Caitlyn Porch; stepdaughter Autumn (LaDuke) Himmelman, grandchildren Cameron (Doran) Dexter, Sarah Doran; stepson Geoffrey Klare, and grandchildren Kyle Carlee and Lake Klare.
A celebration of his life will be held August 31, 2025 at Center for Spiritual Life, 328 Fairgrounds
Goody will be deeply missed by friends from all walks of life, a true Butte boy through and through. He always made sure each of his children knew he was their biggest fan. He often said, with a grin and that sparkle in his eye, “raising kids is a blast!”
Cremation has taken place, and a gathering will be held at a later date. Brothers Mortuary & Crematory are honored to care for Mr. Goodman. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
and community there for 40 years.
Buck loved riding horses in the mountains, the cowboy lifestyle, and playing bluegrass music with various local groups. He was a craftsman who continued to strive for excellence and yearned for relevant ministry in all his interactions with others.
During his last couple weeks of life, he was able to spend time with many of his grandchildren, and was gifted with being able to share Christ’s message, play his guitar and sing for an afternoon, rev up his motorcycle, go to the lake with the grands, and enjoy a day out at the Creamery Picnic – all things dear to him over the years.
Buck is survived by his loving wife, Jerry Sue, his constant companion and caregiver; his four daughters, Becky Reyes (Ludin and four grandsons), Bonnie Buckingham, Julie Whitaker (Bobby and three granddaughters and two grandsons), and Rani Riley (Terry and two grandsons); and 22 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous relatives, and his fellow bacon-loving dog, Ryder.
Press on, Buck.
A memorial service will be held at Stevensville Community Baptist Church on Friday, August 22, at 11 a.m. A reception and graveside services will follow. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.
Road, Hamilton, MT. Donations may be made in his name to the Dances of Universal Peace, North America. Brothers Mortuary & Crematory are honored to care for Mr. Jameson. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
It is with great sorrow that I announce the death from cancer of my brother, Jef Demme. He passed peacefully on November 14, 2024. Jef died in his favorite chair, with the view of his beloved Bitterroot Mountains as his last vision. His dear friend, Paddy, was also at his side as he passed. Not a bad way to go! Jef had a great love for Montana. He also had a passion for his sky diving habit, with over 2500 sky dives to his credit! His crowning glory was achieving his High Altitude, Low Opening sky dive from 35,000 feet! At the age of 73!
Jef is survived by his sister, Susan. He will be forever missed.
Jef was a Vietnam veteran who lived his life on his own terms and had many adventures. He used his carpentry skills all of his life and built himself a cozy cabin in Corvallis where he lived for 45 years.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Stevensville Airport on August 23, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. Jef’s sky diving friends will do a memorial dive to free some of Jef’s ashes into the sky. We will continue our celebration with a picnic following the ceremony.
Yvonne H. Warner
Yvonne H. Warner, 96, our beloved mom and “Nanny,” passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 15, 2025, at her home in Victor, MT. With her warmth and ever-present smile, she leaves behind a legacy of sacrifcial love, kindness, and devotion to family and teaching.
Born April 30, 1929 in Greenville, SC to Louise and Charles Myron Harmon, her family soon moved to Lakeland, FL where she spoke of spending idyllic summers with her grandparents. She had an amazing memory and loved to regale us with so many stories from her childhood. A favorite was how, at nine years old, she would go door to door selling fresh chickens, ofering to wring their necks and pluck their feathers if the customer provided a pot of boiling water!
She met her life-long sweetheart, Carden, at Florida Southern College. They married on Jan. 9, 1954 in Dunedin, FL and honeymooned in New Orleans enroute to their new home in Santa Barbara,
Death Notices
Kenneth James Wilke
Hamilton - Kenneth James Wilke, 43, formerly of Malta, was found unresponsive and passed away after EMS performed living saving measures, in his room at the Stay Express Inn in Hamilton. He was an Iraq veteran serving three tours. He was transferred to Wilderness Funeral Home in Malta and services will be held there starting Thursday, August 21, 2025. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
Jimmy E. Hammons
CA. Over their 53 years of marriage their adventures would take them all over the country and they would live in CA, CO, PA, TN, AZ and FL, but they fnally came back to their favorite, Montana, and eventually found their little dream ranch in Victor where they settled down.
Mom dedicated her life to teaching. She was an amazing frst and second grade teacher for many years and then decided to have a preschool in her home in Lolo, before retiring to their ranch.
She was preceded in death by her parents, two sisters (Mary and Lois), her brother Charles, husband Carden F Warner II, and her youngest son, Christopher.
She is survived by daughters, Linda Green (Jim) of Victor, Darlene Richards (Denny) of Lolo, Carden F Warner III (Jill) of Colo-
Hamilton - Jimmy E. Hammond, 51, of Hamilton passed away Friday, August 15, 2025 at his home of natural causes. Services are pending. Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com.
Lowell F. Klocke
Lolo - Lowell F. Klocke, 63, of Lolo passed away while working on Thursday, August 14, 2025. Services will be announced at a later date. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
Tommy Ray Shuler
Hamilton - Tommy Ray Shuler, 81, passed away in the morning, Saturday, August 9, 2025, at the family home. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary. com.
x
Joyce C. Wahlin
Missoula - Joyce C. Wahlin, 91, passed away early in the morning, Sunday, August 17, 2025, surrounded by family at home in Missoula. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary. com.
rado Springs, daughter-in-law, Linda Warner of Bozeman, as well as 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren who will all miss her dearly.
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HELP WANTED: WHITTECAR RIFLE & PISTOL RANGE Caretaker needed. $14.50 hour. Onsite living required, housing & utilities provided. Open to couples. Nancy Preston, Apex Human Resources, Inc , 406 777 9869, nancy@apexhumanresources.com
Extension Agents –Family and Consumer Sciences and 4-H in Blaine County, Chinook, MT. Full time. Exciting job with lots of autonomy! Will develop, implement and evaluate Extension programming. Complete information and to apply: www.montana. edu/extension/careers.
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Extension Agent in Meagher County, White Sulphur Springs, MT. Full time. Exciting job with lots of autonomy! Will develop, implement and evaluate Extension programming. Complete information and to apply: www.montana. edu/extension/careers . In compliance with the Montana Veteran’s Employment Preference Act, MSU provides preference in employment to veterans, disabled veterans, and certain eligible relatives of veterans. To claim veteran’s
preference, please complete the veteran’s preference information located in the Demographics section of your profle. Montana State University does not discriminate against any applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, political ideas, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, or any other protected class status in violation of any applicable law.
FRESH EGGS from Howell’s Happy Hens are back! $5.00/doz. Pick up at Bitterroot Star ofce, 115 W. 3rd, Suite 108, Stevensville.
PLUMS, GRAPES, APPLES. Organically grown. Hand Picked. A dollar a Pound. (406) 369-3212, Hamilton.
406-381-2204.
FOR RENT: 1 BDRM APT. fully furnished, utilities/trash paid. Rural Stevensville, very quiet neighborhood. $1500 per month, on a month to month contract. Deposits required: Security $400, Cleaning $300. 406-5501289/208-827-3101.
RENTAL NEEDED
Retired Christian man, Bitterroot resident for 25 years, non-smoker/drinker, needs rental, can do security/livestock care for partial rent, October or later move in time, (406) 369-4473.
MONTH TO MONTH
RENTAL, furnished apartment on 10 acres with private small yard, gorgeous views in the Stevensville area, $1450/month includes utilities, call for details, available mid August, (818) 921-5275.
1 BEDROOM APT.
FOR RENT, 804 South 4th, across from Rocky Mountain Lab. $800/mo.
Legal Notices
William J. Nelson, Esq.
Nelson Law Ofce PLLC
217 North 3rd Street, Suite
J Hamilton, MT 59840
Telephone: (406) 363-3181
Attorney for Personal Representative
MONTANA TWENTY FIRST
JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
RAVALLI COUNTY
IN RE THE ESTATE OF:
WILLIAM C. MOLENDA, Deceased.
Cause No. DP-2023-130
Dept. No. 1
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Grace E. Shewmake, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Ofce PLLC , 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
DATED this 4th day of August 2025.
/s/ William J. Nelson Attorney for Personal Representative
/s/ Grace E. Shewmake Personal Representative
BS 8-6, 8-13, 8-20-25
MNAXLP
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Micalann Campbell, Micalann Campbell, Petitioner.
Cause No.: DV-41-20250000264-NC
Dept. 2
Jennifer B. Lint
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Micalann Rose Campbell to Micalann Rose McCrea.
The hearing will be on September 4, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 29th day of July, 2025.
/s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court By: Sarah Sargent
Deputy Clerk of Court
BS 8-13, 8-20, 8-27, 9-325.
MNAXLP
John D. Greef Attorney at Law P.O. Box 1926 Hamilton, MT 59840
406-360-8117
Attorney for Petitioner
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE NAME
CHANGE OF: Alivia Marie Gates, Jorden Lynn Lawyer, Petitioner, on behalf of Alivia Marie Gates
Case No. DV-41-20250000241-NM
Department No.: 1
NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE OF MINOR CHILD
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
the Petitioner has asked the Court to change a child’s name from Alivia Marie Gates to Alivia Marie Lawyer. A hearing will be held on the Petition for Name Change on the 24th of September 2025, at the hour of 1:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard in the courtroom of the above court at which time all interested persons may appear and object.
Dated this 6th day of August, 2025.
/S/ Paige Trautwein
Clerk of District Court
By: Catherine Di Gleria
Deputy Clerk of Court
BS 8-13, 8-20, 8-27, 9-325. MNAXLP
John D. Greef Attorney at Law P.O. Box 1926 Hamilton, MT 59840
406-360-8117
Attorney for Petitioner
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST
JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE NAME
CHANGE OF: Alayna Lynn Gates, Jorden Lynn Lawyer, Petitioner, on behalf of Alayna Lynn Gates Case No. DV-41-20250000242-NM
Department No.: 2
NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION FOR NAME CHANGE OF MINOR CHILD NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
the Petitioner has asked the Court to change a child’s name from Alayna Lynn Gates to Alayna Lynn Lawyer. A hearing will be held on the Petition for Name Change on the 24th of September 2025, at the hour of 1:30 p.m., or as soon thereafter as the matter may be heard in the courtroom of the above court at which time all interested persons may appear and object. Dated this 6th day of August, 2025.
/S/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court By: Catherine Di Gleria Deputy Clerk of Court BS 8-13, 8-20, 8-27, 9-325.
MNAXLP
RAVALLI COUNTY ATTORNEY
Bill Fulbright, County Attorney
Ravalli County Courthouse 205 Bedford Street, Suite C Hamilton, MT 59840 rcaoservice@rc.mt.gov
Phone: (406) 375-6750
Ravalli County Public Administrator
MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: DONALD WAYNE JOHNSTON, Deceased. Cause No. DP-25-89 Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Ravalli County Public Administrator, 205 Bedford Street, Suite C, Hamilton, MT 59840, return receipt requested, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.
DATED: August 4, 2025 /s/ Kiki Smethers for Bill Fulbright, Ravalli County Attorney
BS 8-13, 8-20, 8-27-25.
MNAXLP
PUBLIC HEARING
The Town of Darby will hold a public hearing for the purpose of obtaining public comments regarding a proposed application to the Montana Department of Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and other programs, as applicable, for a wastewater improvement project. At the public hearing, the proposed project will be explained, including the purpose and proposed area of the project, activities, budget, possible sources of funding, and if applicable, any costs that may impact local citizens as a result of the project. All interested persons will be given the opportunity to ask questions and to express their opinions regarding this proposed project. Comments may be given orally at the hearing or submitted in writing before 5:00pm on August 25th. Anyone who would like more information or who wants to submit suggestions should contact Tammy Stuart, (406) 821- 3753. The hearing will be held at: Darby Town Hall 101 East Tanner Avenue August 26, 2025 6:00PM BS 8-13, 8-20-25.
MNAXLP
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR PERMISSIVE MEDICAL LEVY North Valley Public Library District Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at 3PM in the Library Community Room at 208 Main St., Stevensville. The purpose of this hearing is to take public comment and pass a Resolution regarding the proposed permissive medical levy for health care premium increases for Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2026. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Library Director Denise Ard at 777-5061. BS 8-13, 8-20-25.
MNAXLP
INVITATION TO BID
RECEIPT OF BIDS:
Sealed bids will be received at the Ravalli County Commission Ofce at 215 S 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840, until 3:00 p.m. local time on Thursday, August 28th, 2025, for construction of the Ricketts Road Reconstruction/Resurfacing Project, and will then be publicly opened and read aloud immediately thereafter within the Ravalli County Commissioner’s Conference Room. Proposals must be sealed and marked “Ricketts Road Reconstruction/Resurfacing Project” and marked “Sealed Bid” with the contractor’s name and address included.
DESCRIPTION OF WORK:
The works consists of roadway demolition, reconstruction and resurfacing for approximately 2 miles of Ricketts Road. Work includes complete pulverization and reclamation of existing asphalt surfacing, demolition of existing facilities, excavation and embankment, irrigation ditch facilities, roadway base installation, asphalt paving, signing, striping, restoration and related work in accordance with the plans and specifcations. The project includes a base bid and one bid alternative.
PROJECT FINANCING:
The project is federally funded through the Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Project Funding, and is subject to all applicable local, state, and federal regulations as included within the contract manual.
SITE OF WORK: The project is located in Ravalli County, Montana, west of the City of Hamilton, between Bowman Road and Gerer Lane.
COMPLETION OF WORK:
All work must be substantially complete within 120 calendar days after the commencement date stated in the Notice to Proceed. Contractor may elect to have a Notice to Proceed in 2025 with a winter shutdown or have a Notice to Proceed no later than April 1, 2026.
OBTAINING CONTRACT DOCUMENTS: The contract documents may be examined or obtained, upon paying a non-refundable fee of $100.00, by contacting the Engineer, WGM Group, Inc., 1111 E. Broadway, Missoula, MT, 59802, (406) 728-4611. Attn: Jonathan Gass. An additional charge of $10.00 will be applied for shipping and handling, if required. Contractor’s submitting a bid must have an ofcial Bid Set of documents obtained from the Engineer. Contract Documents may also be reviewed at the Missoula Plans Exchange (406) 549-5002.
BID SECURITY: Each bid shall be accompanied by bid security made payable to Ravalli County in an amount of ten percent (10%) of the bidder’s maximum bid price, including bid alternates, and in the form of a cashier’s check, certifed check, or bid bond issued by a surety authorized to do business in Montana. Successful Bidders shall furnish approved Performance and Payment Bonds each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract amount, along with required Insurance coverage. The bidder shall guarantee the total bid price for a period of 60 calendar days from the date of bid opening.
CONTRACTOR’S REGISTRATION: Montana law requires all contractors to register with the Department of Labor prior to execution of the contract agreement. Forms for registration are available from the Department of Labor and Industry, P.O. Box 8011, 1805 Prospect Ave, Helena, Montana 59604-8011. Information on registration can be obtained by calling 406-444-7734. All laborers and mechanics employed by the contractor or subcontractors in performance of the construction work shall be paid wages at rates as may be required by law. The contractor must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sex or national origin.
WAGE RATES: The Contractor shall not pay less than the latest Federal Davis-Bacon Wage Rates. A copy of the applicable wage rates is attached as part of the specifcations in Section 00910.
PRE-BID CONFERENCE: Prospective bidders are encouraged to attend a pre-bid conference, which will be conducted jointly by Ravalli County and Engineer at the
Ravalli County Commissioner’s Conference Room, 215 S 4th Street, Hamilton, MT at 10:00 a.m. on August 21, 2025, with an optional walk-through of the project site upon completion of the meeting.
PROJECT ADMINISTRATION: All questions related to this project prior to the opening of bids shall be directed to the Engineer. It shall be understood, however, that no specifcation interpretation will be made by telephone, nor will any “or equal” products be considered for approval prior to award of contract. The Engineer for this project is WGM Group, Inc., 1111 E. Broadway, Missoula, MT 59802, with questions addressed to Jonathan Gass (406) 728-4611, or email jgass@ wgmgroup.com.
OWNER’S RIGHTS RESERVED: The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any informality in a bid, or to accept the lowest responsive and responsible bid and bidder, and to make awards in the interest of the Owner.
AWARD CONTINGENT: Without limiting the foregoing, it is expressly stated that fnal award of the Contract is contingent upon securing appropriate fnancing.
BS 8-13, 8-20-25.
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SECTION 00 11 16
INVITATION TO BID
Separate sealed bids for construction of Victor Crossing Lift Station will be received by Victor Water and Sewer District at the ofce of Victor Water and Sewer District until 2:00 PM local time on August 26, 2025, and then publicly opened and read aloud.
The project generally consists of, but is not necessarily limited to, the following major items: Construction of new lift station, gravity sewer main connection and forcemain connection and demolition of existing lift station. The Contract Documents consisting of half-size Drawings and Project Manual may be viewed or obtained by either electronic documents on-line, or a hard copy at the ofce of Morrison-Maierle, Inc., (Missoula). Only frms obtaining documents by these methods will be placed on the Planholders List.
Complete electronic Project Plans, Project Specifcations, and Bid Proposal Packet are available at the Morrison-Maierle, Inc. website “www.m-m. net” by clicking on the “About” tab, scroll down to “Projects Bidding”. Select this project from the project list which will direct you to the QuestCDN website. Plan documents and the Bid Proposal Packet can be downloaded for a fee of $40.00. Please contact QuestCDN at 952-233-1632 or email “info@ questcdn.com” for assistance in the free membership registration, downloading documents, and working with this digital project information. The QuestCDN ebiddoc number for this project is: #9820191
In addition, the Drawings and Project Manual may also be examined at the following locations:
Victor Water and Sewer District and the ofces of the consulting engineer, Morrison-Maierle, Inc., at 1055 Mount Ave, Missoula, MT. Montana Plan Exchanges at Montanabid.com; or your regional plan exchange(s). There will be a Pre-Bid Conference at the ofce of Victor Water and Sewer District, at 2:00 PM on August 19, 2025.
Interested CONTRACTORS are encouraged to attend. A tour of the project site(s) will be conducted after the meeting.
The CONTRACTOR must ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sex or national origin. Each bid or proposal must be accompanied by a Certifed Check, Cashier’s Check, or Bid Bond payable to Victor Water and Sewer District, in an amount not less than ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the bid. Successful BIDDERS shall furnish an approved Construction Performance Bond and a Construction (Labor and Materials) Payment Bond, each in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the contract amount. Insurance as required shall be provided by the successful BIDDER(s) and a certifcate(s) of
that insurance shall be provided. This project is funded in part or in whole with grant/loan funding from Montana ARPA
Award of the project will be contingent upon receiving funding and award concurrence from Montana ARPA.
A bid may not be withdrawn after the scheduled time for the public opening of the Bids specifed above unless it meets requirements and procedures outlined in Article 16.02 of the Instructions to Bidders.
The right is reserved to reject any or all Proposals received, to waive informalities, to postpone the award of the contract for a period of not to exceed sixty (60) and to accept the lowest responsive and responsible bid which is in the best interest of the Victor Water and Sewer District.
The CONTRACTOR(s) is required to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Published at Victor, Montana this 13 day of August, 2025 /s/ Kristina Berger Victor Water and Sewer Clerk BS 8-13, 8-20-25.
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR SHERIFF’S RETIREMENT PERMISSIVE LEVY
The BOARD OF RAVALLI COUNTY COMMISSIONERS will hold a public hearing on Thursday, September 04, 2025 at 1:30 PM in the Commissioners’ Conference Room (3rd foor) at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, MT. The purpose of this public hearing is to take public comment and pass a Resolution regarding the proposed Sherif’s Retirement Permissive Levy for Fiscal Year 2026. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Commissioner’s ofce at 375-6500.
Chris Taggart Adm. Assistant Commissioner’s Ofce BS 8-20, 8-27-25.
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR PERMISSIVE MEDICAL LEVY
The BOARD OF RAVALLI COUNTY COMMISSIONERS will hold a public hearing on Thursday, September 04, 2025 at 2:15 PM in the Commissioners’ Conference Room (3rd foor) at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, MT. The purpose of this public hearing is to take public comment and pass a Resolution regarding the proposed Permissive Medical Levy for health care premiums for Fiscal Year 2026.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Commissioner’s ofce at 375-6500.
The BOARD OF RAVALLI COUNTY COMMISSIONERS will hold a public hearing on Thursday, September 04, 2025 at 1:45 PM in the Commissioners’ Conference Room (3rd foor) at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, MT. The purpose of this public hearing is to take public comment and pass a Resolution regarding the proposed Lighting Districts for Fiscal Year 2026.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Commissioner’s ofce at 375-6500.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR ELECTED OFFICIALS SALARIES
The BOARD OF RAVALLI COUNTY COMMISSIONERS will hold a public hearing on Thursday, September 04, 2025 at 2:00 PM in the Commissioners’ Conference Room (3rd foor) at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, MT. The purpose of this public hearing is to take public comment and pass a Resolution regarding the proposed Elected Ofcials Salaries for Fiscal Year 2026. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Commissioner’s ofce at 375-6500. Chris Taggart Adm. Assistant Commissioner’s Ofce BS 8-20, 8-27-25.
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PUBLIC HEARING RAVALLI COUNTY FISCAL YEAR 2026 FINAL BUDGET
The BOARD OF RAVALLI COUNTY COMMISSIONERS will hold a public hearing on Thursday, September 04, 2025, at 1:30 PM in the Ravalli County Administrative Building, 215 S. 4th Street (3rd foor – Commissioner’s Conference Room), Hamilton, Montana, for the purpose of taking public comment and reviewing the Final Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. The public hearing may be continued to Friday, September 05, 2025, at 9:30 AM. The proposed fnal annual operating budget for FY 2026 is on fle and open for inspection at the Ravalli County Commissioners’ Ofce located at 215 S. 4th Street, Suite A (3rd foor), Hamilton, Montana. The fnal FY 2026 budget will be approved and adopted by Resolution on either Thursday, September 04, 2025 or Friday, September 05, 2025, if second day is required. If you have any questions, please contact the Commissioner’s Ofce at 375-6500, e-mail at commissioners@rc.mt. gov or at the above address. Chris Taggart Commissioners’ Administrative Assistant BS 8-20, 8-27-25. MNAXLP
PUBLIC NOTICE The Darby Planning Board will hold a public hearing Tuesday, September 2, 2025, 6:00 P.M., at Darby Town Hall, 101 East Tanner Avenue to hear comments both written and oral regarding “ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT REGULATIONS”. For more information contact Darby Town Hall (406) 821-3753. BS 8-20, 8-27-25.
PUBLIC NOTICE Let it be known to the general public that Reimel Loop Rd., Sula, MT, is once again open, by COURT ORDER, as of August 6, 2025. A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER ISSUED BY HON. JUDGE HOWARD F. RECHT, ordering the immediate removal of any and all obstructions placed by RODNEY RUMMEL & TOM ROUND. BS 8-20, 8-27-25. MNAXLP
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Name Change of Jasiel Reine-Kamil Wade, Collette Dever, Petitioner Cause No.L DV-25-285 Dept. No.: 1 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE OF MINOR CHILD This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court to change a child’s name from Jasiel Reine-Kamil Wade to Jasiel Reine-Kamil Dever. The hearing will be on the 24th of September 2025,at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Dated this 12th day of August, 2025.. /s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court By: Sarah Sargent Deputy Clerk of Court BS 8-20, 8-27, 9-3, 9-1025.
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MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST
JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Name Change of Jayden Reese-King Wade, Collette Dever, Petitioner Cause No.L DV-25-284 Dept. No.: 1 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE OF MINOR CHILD This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court to change a child’s name from Jayden Reese-King Wade to Jayden Reese-King Dever. The hearing will be on the 24th of September 2025, at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County.
Dated this 12th day of August, 2025.. /S/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court By: Sarah Sargent Deputy Clerk of Court BS 8-20, 8-27, 9-3, 9-1025. MNAXLP
Wlliam J. Nelson, Esq.
Nelson Law Ofce PLLC
217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840
Telephone: (406) 363-3181
Attorney for Personal Representative
MONTANA TWENTY FIRST
JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY
IN RE THE ESTATE OF:
DAVID GEORGE SUMIDA, Deceased. Cause No. DP-41-2025-41
Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Grace E. Shewmake, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Ofce PLLC, 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
DATED 12th day of August 2025.
/s/ William J Nelson
Attorney for Personal Representative
/s/ Angeline Maria Sumida Personal Representative BS 8-20, 8-27, 9-3-25.
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John D. Greef
Attorney at law
P.O. Box 1926 Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 360-8117
Attorney for Personal Representative
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: Scott Kaminski, Deceased.
Case No.: DP-41-20250000093-11
Department No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Heidi Kaminski has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to Heidi Kaminski, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, in c/o John D. Greef, P.O. Box 1926, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.
DATED this 12th day of August, 2025.
s/John D. Greef, Attorney for Personal Representative BS 8-20, 8-27, 9-3-25. MNAXLP
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
HEARINGS BEFORE THE HAMILTON ZONING COMMISSION AND HAMILTON CITY COUNCIL
A request by Chris and Kalyn Halamandaris, to annex a tract of land that is currently unzoned and to establish a zoning designation of Single Family Residential District (RS). The property is approximately 1.65 Acres, and addressed as 504 Pennsylvania Avenue, Hamilton, MT. The property is identifed by Ravalli County Tax ID # 644200 and Geocode 13-1467-241-01-16-0000, and is legally described as:
A tract of land located in the SW1/4 SE1/4 of Section 24, Township 6 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana described as follows:
Beginning on the north line of Pennsylvania Avenue and the West line of Erie Avenue, as shown on the plat of Calumet Addition, Ravalli County, Montana, and thence from the said point of beginning S.85°40’ West along the North line of Pennsylvania Avenue 222 Feet; thence N.04°20’ West 326 feet; thence N.85°40’ East 222 feet, to the westerly line of Erie Avenue; thence S.04°20’ East along Erie Avenue 326 feet, to the point of beginning.
Deed Reference: Document No. 616780
The above described property is also shown as Lot A on Certifcate of Survey No. 804371-TR.
The purpose of these public hearings is to consider the proposed zone map amendment request and petition for annexation.
The Hamilton Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing to take public comment and consider a recommendation on the zone map amendment request on Monday, September 8, 2025 at 5:30 PM on the 2nd foor of Hamilton City Hall, 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT.
The Hamilton City Council will hold public hearings to take public comment and make a decision on the zone map amendment request and the annexation petition on Tuesday, September 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM, and Tuesday, October 7, 2025 at 7:00 PM, during its regular meetings on the 2nd foor of Hamilton City Hall, 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT
The public may attend and make comment in person, or on the Internet / by phone through Zoom. Instructions are available on the City of Hamilton website www.cityofhamilton. net, or by contacting aenglish@ cityofhamilton.net or cityclerk@ cityofhamilton.net. Comments prior to the Zoning Commission meeting may be submitted to the Planning Department at aenglish@ cityofhamilton.net. Comments after the Zoning Commission meeting may be submitted to the City Clerk at cityclerk@
cityofhamilton.net. Comments for the Planning Department or City Clerk may also be mailed or delivered in person to 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT 59840. Related materials will be made available on the City of Hamilton website prior to the meetings, and can be obtained by contacting the Planning Department at (406) 363-2101 or aenglish@cityofhamilton.net.
BS 8-20, 8-27-25.
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Daniel Browder, Esq. Browder Law, PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840
Telephone: (406) 361-3677
Facsimile: (406) 361-2999 browderlawmont@gmail. com
Email:
Attorney for Megan Pfau
MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LEONARD M. PFAU, Deceased.
Cause No. DP-2025-92
Dept. No. 1
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Megan Pfau has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Megan Pfau, return receipt requested, c/o: Browder Law, PLLC, 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, Montana, 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
DATED this 8th day of August, 2025.
BROWDER LAW, PLLC
/s/ Daniel Browder
Attorney for Personal Representative /s/ Megan Pfau, Personal Representative
BS 8-20, 8-27, 9-3-25.
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MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY
In the Matter of the Name Change of Jasiel Reine-Kamil Wade, Collette Dever, Petitioner
Cause No.L DV-25-285
Dept. No.: 1
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE OF MINOR
CHILD
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court to change a child’s name from Jasiel Reine-Kamil Wade to Jasiel Reine-Kamil Dever.
The hearing will be on the 24th of September 2025,at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County.
Dated this 12th day of August, 2025..
/S/ Paige Trautwein
Clerk of District Court By: Sarah Sargent
Deputy Clerk of Court
BS 8-20, 8-27, 9-3, 9-1025.
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MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST
JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY
In the Matter of the Name Change of Jayden Reese-King Wade, Collette Dever, Petitioner
Cause No.L DV-25-284
Dept. No.: 1
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE OF MINOR
CHILD
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court to change a child’s name from Jayden Reese-King Wade to Jayden Reese-King Dever.
The hearing will be on the 24th of September 2025, at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County.
Dated this 12th day of August, 2025..
/s/ Paige Trautwein
Clerk of District Court
By: Sarah Sargent
Deputy Clerk of Court
BS 8-20, 8-27, 9-3, 9-1025.
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Wlliam J. Nelson, Esq. Nelson Law Ofce PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840
Telephone: (406) 363-3181
Attorney for Personal Representative
MONTANA TWENTY FIRST
JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: SONJA DARLENE BOSWORTH, Deceased.
Cause No. DP-41-2024-136
Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Barbara D. Mackenstadt, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Ofce PLLC, 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
DATED 14th day of August 2025. /s/ William J Nelson
Attorney for Personal Representative /s/ Barbara D. Mackenstadt Personal Representative BS 8-20, 8-27, 9-3-25.
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LEGAL NOTICE
Calf Creek Subdivision, (4-Lot Minor Subdivision); Subdivision Case # 2024-07, Tax ID: 55210. The proposal is a 4-lot minor subdivision on
84.2 acres and is located on Tract A of CS#719009-CT in the NW¼ of Section 18, Township 6 North, Range 19 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana. The applicants are Robert, James and Stephen Foley and they are represented by WGM Group Inc. The subdivision has two proposed access points both of Hamilton Heights Road (County Maintained). The subdivision property is located within the Corvallis School and Rural Fire Districts. The proposed lots will be served by private wells and septic systems. Information describing the proposal is available for inspection at the Planning Department, in the County Administrative Center, 215 S. 4th St., Suite F, Hamilton, MT 59840. A copy of the preliminary plat is available on our website at https://ravalli.us/178/ Subdivisions-Exemptions. Written comments are encouraged to be submitted to the Planning Department prior to the below hearing, and will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). The BCC will hold a Public Hearing on the proposal on September 8, 2025 at 1:30 p.m., in the County Administrative Center (BCC Conference Room, 3rd Floor). The BCC will also accept verbal or written comments from the public during the hearing. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the BCC may make a fnal decision on the subdivision proposal. BS 8-20, 8-27-25.
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Kevin S. Jones Joseph D. Houston Remy J. Orrantia Jones & Houston, PLLC 2625 Dearborn Ave., Ste. 102 Missoula, MT 59804 (406) 541-3333 kevin@ jonesmtlaw.com joe@jonesmtlaw.com
Attorneys for Personal Representative Michael A. Spranger MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE: THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JACQUELYN A. SPRANGER, Deceased. Dept. No. Cause No. DP-41-2025-90 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Michael A. Spranger has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the Deceased are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this Notice, or their claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Jones & Houston, PLLC, Attorneys for the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at 2625 Dearborn Avenue, Ste. 102, Missoula, MT 59804, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana the foregoing is true and correct.
Dated this 14th day of August, 2025. /s/ Michael A. Spranger, Personal Representative of the Estate of Jacquelyn A. Spranger /s/ Kevin S. Jones, Attorney for Personal Representative BS 8-20, 8-27, 9-3-25. MNAXLP
John S. Masar LionWood Law PLLC 115 W. 3rd St., Ste. 103 Stevensville, MT 59870 (406) 625-2682 jmasar@lionwoodlaw.com Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: TIMOTHY T. GUINARD, a/k/a TIMOTHY TODD GUINARD, Deceased. Probate No.: DP--25- 95 Dept.: 1 HOWARD F. RECHT 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
