Bitterroot Star - December 24, 2025

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

‘The VolumeXXXIX, XXXVII, Number 37 29 Volume XLI, Number Number 24 35 39 30 XXXVII, Number 28 33 29 Volume XXXVII, Number

’ ! l a c o L Best at Wednesday, December 24, 2025 Wednesday, March 30, 2022 Wednesday, February 2022 Wednesday, January 13, 2024 Wednesday, March 6,2022 Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Wednesday, February 2,9, April26, 10,

www.bitterrootstar.com

Another successful Historic trap club faces closure Sapphire Valley subdivision approved Mine talk draws hundreds celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary Kiwanis food program Shelter hosts slumber ‘Pawty’ Wind storm Coffee withheld the Candidate! Eagles in winter Groundbreaking for medical Bitter Root Humane Association Three Mile Community Centercenter open Every Tuesday 10am-11am at Frontier Cafe in Stevensville

by Victoria by Victoria Howell Howell by Michael Howell by Kristin Kruse

Find out more at www.GregOverstreet.com

speech, occupa-

shelter. $140,000. a levy, so this won’t have any tional and physical andAccording wells. Irrigation will be concerns about the potencould herald major ty for failing to do the proper Thechanges park additional impact on people’s therapy services – provided by shares tial impacts to the roads, to other in similar the subdivision review the environmental by John Dowd space filledfrom up sothe fast they had to open giving many talks about Alliance analysis website.oftaxes. It’s been a long time to Colleen board made property The Hamilton Ravalli County Mile Company. public safety, and across the impacts byincluding handing its the therapy theCreek presentation into other rooms and to wildlife, the Sheep Creek process Mine proposal. over 220 people The TrapThree Club has Eight coming, but the new Schmiedeke, thestate decisionThe event Indrew addition to theaoff 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 imaging held a approval groundbreakby Michael Howell and cut the ribbon at last week’sthe tional last week to theOswald subdivision area. A substantial number of case, the Upper agencies and ignoring numerPhillip Ramsey, head biologist at nary MPG heardisRamsey’s presenroot Clean Water Alliance, as wellMissouri as to finish really a good turnout,” saidservices. Oswald. It 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 Senior ing last Wednesday the Sapphire Valley Estates anticipated to add approxcomments expressed concern group ous specific, documentable, Ranch in Florence, a presentatation in Darby and contacted him,youth, a resident of commuthe Waterkeepers West Fork. Heand has was attended by(the people from all over Sunnyside Cemetery Road, board and the thea project. Center official name) by John Dowd Kiwanis is about and teaching trap enthusiasts andgave hunting Bishop said “It organization’s 50 years of service, An open house celebration was for new medical subdivision, aon 33-lot developimately 11 new children to do the impacts to with of residents close and clearly defined impacts tion in partnership with the Ravalli asking if he could one about with the a Ph.D ingrow microbiology and inliving school Montana, including Anacontheits center is the east side community She saidtowestern they which raised over $80,000 nity service as well aspotential helping youth 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 athat 49.22-acre parcel Florence-Carlton existing wells in the area that thethe proposed Creek to the such as complex will beThe County Fish and Wildlife Association RCFWA. TheSchool event was co-sponsored specifically studied effects Horse of heavy da, and Missoula, and away as of Lone Rock Park. buildcenter board, worked with through community picnics, Last week the Bitterroot Valley Kiwanis held mentorship. For Eldrige, it is integral that these cialize, compete and hone their ladies in 1972 and it’s still run by amay Humane Association’s (BRHA) new the facility open of formerly agricultural land District and 264 new vehicare already experiencing a Hills subdivision challenged the decreasing water abun(RCFWA), on the Sheep Creek Mine by the Bitterroot chapter of Trout Unmetal contamination in rivers. He has Helena and even into Idaho. This ing contains a large meeting they started Farmers State rummage sales, bingo nights their annual food drive young people help because it “shows them how to be skills, the north clubholiday also as aevent, where they built just of functions Last weekend the Bitter animal located on Fairgrounds ofdance little old ladies.” near the intersection ofMark Eight ular tripslimited. per adayRamsey, to the local of static water both Broadwater County and been in the area and failing proposal. According to Oswald, according to Oswald, papers, according toto bunch have because many area conserroom, ashelter warming kitchen, aRoot working on Bank keep and donations from commuby spring of 2023, filled boxes for over 300 families. Ed Eldridge, selfless. Toolowering many kids thinkpublished there levels hasover to be70 a dollar 501c3 non-profit supporting the Stevensville at the Humane Association participatMile and Upper road system. Additionally, and having the Department of Natural analyze the impacts on the RoadCreek in member Hamilton. The event served Butts, President of the president ofRoad the RCFWA, the event was excited toattached speak, and hassome been alreadyhis bio ontothe Bitterroot Clean Water state-of-the-art audio visual this ain 2012 their loan Kathieto nity members. Other major Kiwanis on the local Kiwanis club board of to helping.” community by providing youth and that they plan See Mine, page 19 corner of Kootenai ed for the first time in Bitterathe Woodchuck Road east ofnationthe to clubbe drilled Concerns and Conservation aquifer. Board, said, “This organization has double purpose. It included a ribbon system, and a gorgeous view andapplicant incorpo- is proposingThe payments contributors were the Three directors, spoke event. has beendeeper. doing this holiday foodResources box programs such asabout The on continuing to al “slumber party” event. The Creek Road and Florence. The land is honor being a 100-foot byevent 100- for over were expressed the ordeal. (DNRC) over thereasonable. processcome and such while thethe of the Bitterroot Mountains toclub rated in 2014. Mile Fireway District, Lone cutting ceremony in of thededicate new a“Thus, long since itCounty was Eldridge has been with the for close to 20 40also years, and it isabout a three-day root Blasters. According to club expand Bitterroot shelter their Hwy 93. developed by Laura Watson of whole foot easement and of youth impacts to other from irrigators the lack about is technically correct thataFamthe the west. She the for the use Those payRock Park and theservices. Rapp years andincluding this wasbranded the first he wassaid in charge Dozens volunteers both Hamilton and of information members, hundreds of kids have started about 50 years ago. I feel facility, tours of time the event the “Slumber Pawty,” which “We’rethe bringing the Watson Homes LLC who was benefit thethe FlorenceStevensville Rural dependent onhelp, the Eight Mile quality, or sense duty to provide statutorily The building isarray now home total is ments come ily of Foundation. John Bishop, Bitof the event. According to him, not onlycost isofthis came out to and did so in awater big quantity and participated in that program building, and an of food and huge responsibility to honor opened the shelter to community represented by the engineerFire District and contribute Creek Company, storm runoff, impacts to wildlife on nearby required information lies with care to the patients, to the senior center and the approximateout of park Schmiedeke said there club’s biggest service project of the year, but, “theover the years. Along their terroot CEO, those who have come before us and ” drink inHealth honor of thewith organization’s members who participated to stay ing company Professional $8,000 to the Florence Rural and the impacts on Eight Mile landowners. 71 Ranch [the developer], the Weekend Backpack Program ly $500,000. taxes that are it as were many who re’s aprograms, need and the we want to help,” said Eldridge. own club supports said. See KIWANIS, page 3 make good as he itvolunteers can be as we set 50th birthday. said that Marcus the night with theraised animals, amongFire Consultants Inc. (PCI). District. Creek. In his ruling, District Court County is incorrect in its imthat serves Lone Rock School. When already being helped on the project, and charities and has over Hedgeby John Dowd The private non-profi t organization the course for the nextLois 50 years.” Daly Hospital had other fun activities. Between 12 Schmiedeke proposal ispark for sinThe Commissioners A recent court decision Judge Michael McMahon plication that the County can TheThe surrounding conassessed, TMCSC received reduced $165,000 for the Shriners andIn peth, chair ofwithout the McCormack said that the was fi rst organized in 1972. 1984, noon Saturday and 12 noon The Sun- received gle-family residential use dozens of written over a proposed subdivision criticized both the county and approve a subdivision tains soccer and baseball “got really Schmiedeke prices from contractors. The The Hope Project. ItMontana is often said that Three Mile Community Senior Center board members, l to r, Colorganization conducted a successful 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 laclub islocally utilized by local schools, power poles and trees down on Daly Ave, in Hamillittle owned leen Schmiedeke, Joyce Pando and Wendy Audiss in front of the Damaged SAPPHIRE, page 14 with the animals, fundraisingSee campaign to fund the new granddaughter ofpath, Marcus Daly, gave said this project courts, ashelter walking a wore playgroup had they didn’t Teller Wildlife Refuge, Boy Scouts ton. Photo by Edie Ellingson. bookstores are aon waning See the CENTER, page 3 pajamas, played games and more new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. construction but then Covid-19 the BRHA land Fairgrounds Road ground and a covered picnic raised about have to run has been four years and TripleHowever, Creek Ranch, Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound as Bitbusiness. the among in support of thelease. shelter. with a 99-year Six years later, pandemic hit and construction others. in the works, costs 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 skyrocketed. As a result, the group in 1990, the Bessenyey estate deeded The current executive diOne Book Store, in Hamthere were some John Bishop, pictured fifth from left, leads a gathering of people involved in the celebrating the opening of the new animal shelter in Hamilton. Photo by Michael Howell. even out of the country held the had to take out a mortgage to finish the land totake the organization where rector, Tom Allsop, has been ilton, may exception delays due to the same event during the same 24Bitterroot Health project inKristin a ceremonial groundbreaking. The facility on Trap the property that had housed Sueby McCormack, who serves on Hamilton Club members line up forbuilding athe shoot. Photo Kruse. the current shelter is located. The to this, as they were re-is apage See TRAP, See SHELTER, page hour period. The event fund-5 pandemic. She said2 shelter since 1984. the organization’s board of directors will be built on land located at the corner of Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93 new building replaces an old building cently awarded for being raiser for each shelter, and partictheir vision is that by “outstanding John Dowdmodel Accordingjust to Steinhoff, have north of “We the Stevensville Junction. an bytoNathando. Boddy cumstances, having She adds that the ipants each work to raise funds to act now, and stay ahead of this.” people the Stevensville business,” according to encountered most important donate to theirCity respective by John Dowd Hamilton Council shelters. met TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said to mail Christine Staub, a driving falling victim way to combat the Hamilton Downtown facility will besuch more Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as been providing “quality, Individual businesses day, Marchcommunity 5They to discuss several there was not much they knew to do force at the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud in the past. Hamilton. abuse is forthan people Association. will of a “medical center” rather just also donated to the fundraiser, accessible, Last Wednesday, wind andtorain swept througha upcoming city projects. at thewas time, though theypersonalized may to ship901 S. 1st Street, recently As aneed certified ask questions also be celebrating 50 However, amounting to over $10,000 as of clinic. She also said that Marcus Daly the valley. Gusts as high as 88and miles perthe hour were for 90 people years. when of theoperation. meeting opened, concern looka into it ashealth “more and more presented with Certificate of care” ping depot for FedEx, The new 12-acre campus will start conyears Murphy. She led the Saturday. Hospital, which is a critical access recorded in the Bitterroot, specifically in Steprovide primary, care, urgent care and about the Sheep Creek mine following are talking about this.” Farrenkopf In recent years, they Appreciation by Mayor Domithe Boxxe Shoppe versation with those Chapter Oneover has35 three by John Dowd commissioners through There were vensville. highestwas recorded winds in#4 Western a meeting held aaccordcoupleparticipants weeksnic earsaidand thatHamilton washave all he could say on it atto tospecialty services. Two physicians hospital, recently rated the have The Farrenkopf istaking legally justified you know co-owners, and been steps a lengthy fundand byinlove. fund by Victoria Howell me like a ton of of the slumber party, and a barbeMontana were up tofor 96quality miles per hour, recorded lier,to made ityear, into theMara opening.Police After Chiefthe time. Snavely. However, at the end of the Stephen open a package which Staub doesn’t nation by the national rat-in ing one of them, Every the Ravalli accounting that, to sum already been hired, along with a nurse invest in all the commucue was held at noon on Saturday, bricks.” Bigfork, according to Montana Public Radio. that, the council said goodbye to the meeting, during the non-agenda items In been his tointhe City bears its shipping know thethe details Lynn Luther, that is one County Fish and Wildlife Assoup, shows county, ingdowned agency, and outitpower of 351 similar facilities. practitioner, andwas two more doctors welcoming of the community tois presentation Numerous Bald Eagles have congregating the Burnt Fork area to feed onOverstreet carcasses. Photos nities of the Bitterroot, When it all comes Trees were went out inwell beloved long-time city clerk, who discussion period, several ofAfter thelately counCouncil on March 15th, Chief label. following of what potential of the many ways they ciation works to affect conseroverall, doing very visit theMichael shelter. by Howell. Victoria Howell being recruited. also be areas. he said, with clinics in doingaresent to Covid, Greg home from There willby multiple According to NorthWestern Energy, retiring. cil members weighed in on Steinhoff’s Snavely said that he wants the protocol, and victims are told, but have been so successvation inofthe Bitterroot through on its tax collections and Many the participants that The Bitterroot Nathey still had crews working on returning power Overstreet has a the hospital with During the public comment period Police comments. Hamilton Department so in the presence of she knows that over they ful. Joined by the other showing revenues various projects and programs. spent the night were kids. During tional Forest (BNF) willRoberttoSteinCowboy at the Ravalli County asThe of Friday lastBall week. By then there werecoached still in over message forprogram you: of the such council meeting, “We need to keep our eyes onStaub it,” was an oxygen tank. “become more vocal about a witness, are, “often owners, Katrina Mendrey 50% of projections One is their the party, participants hostslumber afool public meeting 35,000 homes without power. Some phone lines Fairgrounds will be held February 12th. This is hoff stood to address the council. He said council member Jenny West. “It don’t around! He was home for the good things that happen able to uncover the to say they are shipand Marisa Neyenhuis, most departments while scholarship which took part in a program, “tortilla slap game,” this Wednesday, March went down, and several schools and businesses in explained that he attended acan meeting might beyouth beneficial toready talk totoDarby the tenth annual event and the way it’s shaping within the community.” Sharunfortunate contents ping legal papers Overstreet, two or three days. by Michael Howell Luther believes having expenses have only or Participating getting spend the night with puppies at the shelter. Photo by John Dowd. awards three winners who 30th from 6 to 8 p.m. the area closed. The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office See PETS, page 11 hosted byan the Ravallithem Fish anddepartment’s and possibly Stevensville as package: well.” HernearlyDuring that time, ing his experiof the paperwork.” Other up, it’s going to be an event worthy oftoa23% jubilee an attorney in amounted of three people allows interest inCounty pursuing todisplay share Association information issued a travel warning, and first responders Wildlife and Troutence Unlimthoughts were shared $16,000 bythe several with Ms. Staub was one inother cash, common tactics for and former council member, public at the next meeting Halfway through celebration. projections due in were large to do it related all. “We couldn’t private practice in his oxygen level fields to conservation, by Victoria Howell regarding the developoverwhelmed with calls. 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 be continuing when the council considers Stevensville, was went down to 51, Kiwanis volunteers load hundreds of boxes with food at to Hamilton High School. Photo by John Dowd. ment of a draft forest Hamilton saw numerous trees downed in town, lip Ramsey toThe speak on the dangers In discussion agenda send-from a normal of In early March, a custom-on regular was unwittingly claiming county’s performance that have yetto torepbe filled. said Luther. spread sciences. event. Freeman is also the chair of the Rodeo diagnosed with his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiClimbing Management At the second regular falling onto businesses and private homes, incluof responsibility a proposed mine up Sheep Creek. items, theShoppe first to be brought er came to the Boxxe ing to aforward scammer in resent the IRS or is looking pretty good, One big savings was in of allows For the year of 2023, one Committee, and the vice chair of the Fair Board, colon cancer in 99. “I jokingly say Plan (CMP). The virtual“I thought counciltoand mayor howoflocal tional council members. ding a few historic ones. Inthe ahe post onSecurity Facebook, meeting of theSteinhoff, two-member According to was the issue re-roofing the city intending send atime package Chicago, Illinois. Social according to Ravalli budgeted funds for ed throughout the Bitterroot. Brewfest, which started in 1995. Now by John Dowd of that as the executive director. of the winners to receive a Mara Lynn Luther sits in Chapter One’s used books section. Photo by John Dowd. which he’s been on forNa12 years. A realsaid, estate February of 2021. that 51 is brain Staub of the Boxxe Shoppe. Photo by meeting will betoheld on See BOOKS, page 18 should run. He that “We’ll dobeour job, ” Christine said Hamilton Dominic Farrenkopf it wasn’t going affect me,on but street According to Hamilton viaI government FedEx. After County CFOMayor Klarryse the county’s share in Stevensville Town Council, Al became a member in 1988, andfor event isinone ofAdministration. the biggest in the itshop. was announced he would check was Savannah Deuter, agent 18 that years here the Bitterroot, also He went through damage material.” Zoom. See below for than Boddy. “Yesterday was a tough day. We are soand apprelearned that it would only take just City Public Works Director, Donny The customer Sometimes they was a frequent commenter Gibson got into it because he owns the Paper valley. For him, the experience has been On Wednesday, March 27, the retiring, he was asked to speak, and was who graduated high school in January 27, town clerk Jenelle in the Army for 21 years, his organizational and instructions and a link chemotherapy and But COVID-19 See COUNTY, page 10 ciative and proud of how neighbors watched out for seemed con-introduced will tell their one little mistake and we will all be Ramer, theby building is usedhis fordaughsnow Clip in downtown Hamilton. It was a “chance to meet with a lot of great Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce Jodi Mitchell, at council meetings during Joan Mell, an attorney May of 2023. She has so far familiar with the profile of the Berthoud told the council and to late join August theSteinhoff meeting. Fivethat fundraising skills, and discipline, have been put to in he was was no joke. “It one another and City, County, State, and Federal fused and unOver the victims that a loved one has hurting.” said he heard plow storage and for other maintesuggested to him that he victims, get involved people all over the valley,” and all of it hosted apublic well-attended mid-day event ter-in-law and the executive completed a she semester of college the last administration. In currentfrom Hamilton, was recbutuse wishes similar meetings audience that was having good as chair oflanded the Ball committee. agencies and services, asCowboy well as rewarding.” Ravalli Electric told that the cancer got I potential felt familiar with of so herbadHe in jail, or that a prize Coabout the track record ofannual the company nance equipment. According tochamRa- course to network. then got onto the board has been “extremely for members, giving their report, director. Al gave a history of the and submitted her transcript that others within the commupublic comment, Crews told ognized for stepping in (virtual) were held in Freeman said the committee hopes to raise op and NorthWestern Energy personnel; all were trouble streaming the meetthe process, decade with has been won, but a fee needs had been eradicated. like I couldn’t when Ramsey told how it was not very mer, it is the original roof, which has in the early 90s, and in 2012 he became Al was the executive director until reviewing 2023 and talking about what ber, and spoke about important memproviding proof of compLeting nity would help her look out 2021. the council that those makto handle the prosecution there for our community. $50,000 this year, for the expansion of the rodeo and Staub the Boxxe to be paid for release of the good. stated that the someduring significant leaks and Overstreet had like I their safety. At least one2020. Since then he has been the adviings onSteinhoff the internet. said thebreathe, executive director. they have planned forShe the upcoming bers that time that ledinsulation up to him associated courses. These arecomfor In addition to the by John Dowd chines. We appreciate all of our first responders became sus-taking Shoppe, Staub funds. The scammers will ing public comment should caseload of Town Attorney pany has supposedly been in the state issues. Ramer believes the new roof bucking “They’re just getting old,” he into said. surgery on October was being water Throughout that he knew Jodi, helping her transition year. During the meeting, it was also on the position. the former YouTube chantwo of several criteria appliof thetime, potential victims chutes. she sor for opportunity to learn and eachpicious In addition to the the heating custom leathincluding the Hamilton Police Department, the when has now commonly use a legitimate seven times already, time left will cut down on bill and “They need to be replaced. They’re getting banged address the mayor, not the Greg Overstreet while he was 23, 2021 for ostomy or aided whatand “The story of the Bitterroot Valley 55boarded, board members participated the role. Al will be retiring in August this announced that long-time member, Al cants must meet tolonger be eligible was a resident at a local nel they had was no about and participate Following the closure ofthe a longtime erwork, Jake’s Studio is featuring Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department and all area Dominic Farrenkopf (right) awards recognition toAfter Rose Photo courtesy considering recovered address, but(left. will be ready taxpayers with the billin for cleanup. allow better dry storage of equipment up. Bucking stock can be hard on metal.” Chamber is the story of optimism, strugin some of the greatest growth in the year. AlAllen spoke, Jodi stood to to thank Mitchell, will be retiring and stepping 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 Stevensville Main Street business, Rivthe work of more than a dozen local firefighters, the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Departthe customapproximately grab the package from a porch Dominic Farrenkopf. Steinhoff then asked ifrequirethere was anygle and triumphs,” said Al.ering, He said theCovid-19. organization’s According towith him for cowboy all his help to remind him back from the Chamber leadership.. The 10th annual balland – which actually Another of thesethis treatment in the boarding to history. be to be had provided a ride isage notand a question and answer” from Mell ing a climbing plan, er’s Mist, aDowd new business haseven recently and regional artists. Many of these See COUNCIL, page 21 athing new Facebook page. Howment and allhe ancillary services, Ravalli er’scould $60,000 inThey or front doorincluding when it arrives. the city was doing, or by John it to help discourage overuse. raise the money. needed overarching goal for the Chamber has him, what was meant to be a six-month was only supposed to speak for 10 Mitchell has been with the Chamments is that each applicant started 11 years ago but couldn’t be held last year to the bank as well as to the colon cancer journey. like,” recalls week’s meeting covsession. “It’s public comment. ” their did work the work no charge to it the way opened at the same Howevartists have not shown in at the particular cash, all ofto do always direct the County Dispatch. ever, members ofwill thelocation. public This was the fourth they about $35,000 always been to keep time businesses connectappointment to“This the position lasted 12 the minutes. –“They ber for over 36 that years, and spent much submit a 500-word essay disBoxxe Shoppe. due to pandemic has been upgraded this The day after Overstreet. er the following agenda er, dissuading any worries about the Bitterroot Valley before, so there details of thethe which was victim toour send it, ‘no signature “A sincere thank you to essential City ServiThehave mayor had said previousthe town. “I just wanted to Last night,the the held the event, and accorthey wanted to, and said who had Thursday tried to access years, andIBuck he enjoyed every moment cussing thewas role hunting plays “It’s common sense to me,” Jodi stated that the membership year. topics: surgery, he isfrauduwhen realized changeover, it will remain a place of should be a lot of interest in the new transaction. being required,’” she adds. ces and Departments, with a special nod our City Fred Upchurch, Savannah Deuter and Mark Oswald hold the check given to Deuter by the Ravalli County Fish and WIldlife AssociStock Farm Club held theirnot annu-ly that ding Buck,be years ago Charles just went thebeen members, hetowould answering publiclythey thank Joan for helpThe Town offorStevensville recognized attorney Joanto Mell, of it.to“It’s a good ride 29“This numbers have beenever “trending every she says, pointing out that red Facebook page said it was • Review overall is the first year we’ve done aup fully diagnosed with that I was not art. After two months of renovations material. There are 16 artists in total Unfortunatelently deThe Bank Secrecy Act Streets Department and Parks & Urban Forestry ation. Photo courtesy Fred Upchurch. al Christmas party for members Schwab, one of the main Stock who jumped at the opportunity to said” Al. “I’mabound looking forward to year.” However, 2023 saw the highest See RCFW, page 3questions from the public. ing me and helpingyears,” the town, flags when seniors are center, for filling in while town Greg Overstreet objectives and desired accessible. Berthoud asked catered dinner,” said Freeman. The University COVID-19. taking Covidof while behind brown-paper far, andapproached the ownershim are alwaysgive back ly, it covwas notsoowners, manded ofattorney 1970 banks to as it Department personnel whorequires were out as soon of the hidden community. Steven Buck, Farm tobeing thefrom people theside areaand partaking,” on the other being scammed. “If a person Crews also said that they said Overstreet. outcomes of the public ofwas Montana Catering Service provide theof had Covid-19. Pictured with Mell are, l towill r, withdrawals Overstreet, ered windows, Studio opened more. “We like all kinds for“I patience as Jake’s she worked was obviously seriously enough. Staub’swith firstwelcoming senior citizen keep track of safe to begin the cleaning up process. the general manager and chief a goal. and the communities that they he added, specifically referring to the See CHAMBER, page 5 is 80 years old, and all of a conversations should be forsaid some its doors March 1.for ofprepared mediums,” Lottermoser’s dinner. Desserts are provided by 4H members. time having members of $10,000 more in order “Damage from the wind or storm is still being very weakened,” said through the issues. Mayor Steve Gibson, council members Cindy Brown and operating officer the Stock Schwab wanted the Stock loved. sudden they’re coming into the The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update The newspoke business will feature partner, Suzette Smith. encountered commuSee page 2 the “interesting comments” assessed. did not fare as well as Greg Overstreet talksbusiness about recent brush with death dueSTEVI, tothe said Overstreet. “It hithighly Farm of the Farm Club tohiswork tofrom build better many of memJimClub, Crews, former mayor bank to5withdraw $15,000, it residents Stacie Barker. Photo bySome Victoria Howell. at 901 S.the 1st Street in Hamilton. Buck See COWBOY BALL page See SURVIVING, page byothers Michael Howell onsite custom leatherwork by Karen Some of artists displayed such cirnity. Staub isand several and our heart goes out SCAMMERS, to those whose ho-24 Photo byrelationships Victoria Howell. See page event. See PLAN, pageCovid. with the local combers are generous of makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” 2 Photo by Nathan Boddy.in the Lottermoser, one of the owners. Her were previous participants mes were damaged. In the coming days residents The event involved live munity. Buck said the solution them extremely philanthropic. Last week the County Commissioners work iswhere grounded the Sheridan-style former gallery, but the business plan by John Dowd cowboys, famous artists with OnClub March members of the This year, the will continue to Ravalli need school help cleaning upStevensville from the apmusic, localinperformers was barns, easy, they should throw a TheaStock Farm has9th, been proved adoption of a memorandum of understandof 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 storm. If you are able bodied and can help your like the Corvallis High School Christmas party. For him, it is quickly able to raise the money by ofpartment the franchise, many should not noand the south portions of the valley, Exit Realty team will continuecontests workbyJohn JohnDowd Dowd of Criminal Investigations ing withthe thewho Ravalli County DUI Task Force Western patterns. Inthat addition Smith took over space. A Hamilton business, hails one the theme istimes pre-statehood, or preparticipation inyear, the last of fourteen requiring qualification to advance neighbor isand less capable weas encourage you to. Band andfloral privately taught music of the best ofall, year, from every tice the change atthe andfilled itWhile may lead the members, separated at Victor Crossing. After ing marketing one. “Weand didn’t (DCI) will be doing the investigation. Protection Agency. The letter the commissioners stated National Forest 1987 Forest aspen and pine; MAPS Media Institute to produce aaware video designed to her leatherwork, isaround also RIver’s Mist was an giving. art co-op, the from Texas, has been working enand theto contest is still agricultural leadership competito theto state level and secured invita“We alsowant want residents to be that our by Michael Howell students got on stage in front oftoinan with1889, the most spirit and Iflooking andwhitebark manysale, of those thatand donate do Since January 2,Karen Exit Realty the to some positive growth in the future. the south portion was purchased change a whole bunch right On Monday, April 1st, 4:30 According Hamilton Police DeparttoCounty help parents tabs on their behavaccomplished creating thatthe “Ravalli objects contains recommendations Plan. manage timber tobytions provide courage a love ofguests. artthrough in young people forwas participants. Participants must in Butts, their yearlong effort to qualify tions compete at children’s state in alland twelve area may seeout akeep large accumulation of snow 900 community There a time they so without wanting recognition. Bitterroot has woodworker, gone some bigthere Last year,that thePolice, previous Exit Realty Kathy and north by of to the gate,” said Lendman. p.m. Hamilton Police officers were ment Chief of Steve Snavely, Seecould ART, page 6 ior. a variety of pieces from furniture to in the valley. To do this, they have be high school students, 9th to 12th for the next level of competition at the events. elevated wind gusts at higher elevations. It is concerning the Draft SEIS for A new record of decision forest products and jobs; and to unmitigated impacts to was food, games, prizes and even give back to the community, that On top of that $30,000 they changes, but in the valley may franchise owners, Tina andinquest Max ColeLendman. When asked how this change not will involved in many a shooting with a robbery there will be a coroner’s The deadline closed on by Victoria Howell if it would begrades. possible The DUI Task Force approved creation ofwe jewelry boxes. She prides herself that created a at county-wide contest, show95th State FFA the Convention in Billings 2023-24 district championships by Victoria Howell year, the facility took inthe just under predicted they will bethe the damaging winds that The sign for Jake’s Studio, on SteSanta made an appearance. All of would have to be it. use every year, the members also by John Dowd roy, president of the Montana Rocknot be aware of how these changman, decided to sell off the franchise Even though franchise has split affect buyers and sellers in the valley, suspect the Riverside Conoco Conwhere DCI will present their findings. Gold Butterfly. Concerncounty owned/maintained was issued on December 17, retain old growth status in all toart, put envelopes on January 18,participant’s for filingby objecbyher Victoria Howell hisCorvallis property which wouldschools in effect with the highway, which is aastate addressed when the private land was Mischief Room last May and commissioners all work isguests. done her twotook casing the loveown of and Florence inthe April. for Stevensville include: experienced on $240,000 and spent every penny. venville’s visitors it was free to Buck brought ideabeckons the donate $10,000 worth of is still ies Wednesday. Bluegrass Association, there will a es might affect them. Fortunately, rights thatmain pertained totothe Bitterroot in valley, Realty the equipment Lendman said that itand will not change venience Store. TheAccording engagement Snavely stated that an inquest is also roads heavy theowner scope ofthe the analysis 2021 accompanied by the a drag, Draft treatment units.about According to Exit all the doors and then Dominic Farrenshut off access to Stevensville River highway, because nowfrom you’re going to on it. sold to aing new Fish, Wildlife signed off The project involved creation of tions to the Draft Supplemenhands, using no lasers or CNC maand the Bitterroot’s love of the state. have been the most active, though all Over 200 students in StevensAgronomy led by Sidney Mc“Adversity . . . well, you know the quote, it only Jasmin Shinn, founder and There are no paid employees; it’s an alltoplace Buck, the only charge is for the board of directors of the Stock toys and funds to buy toys. It is an The annual Montana Rockies be no break from the music, and, “No according to Kim Lendman, now the Valley. When they sold it, the fransame company. Additionally, accordin. Photo by John Dowd. after the suspect threatened and standard procedure in these types of put valentine cards in kopf, activities director The Stevensville Town CounPark, a 20-acre park on the east bank have two accesses for trucks pulling and Parks got involved. The once-prithe letter quotes the BitterSEIS that provides a site-spea Forest Service press release and logging trucks, mostly, a set of easily accessible items that had secret hiding ATR Smart Procedures is a softschools ininvolved the valley are to ville’s agricultural program Casland, 1st get place individual tal Environmental Statement makes you stronger. Hang inup there friends. Hamilwine and beer, which said ishalf Farm Club, and they were allwelcome forsituations. additional stipulation thatthe alleducation the Bluegrass Association (MRBA) set-up.organization. Just there and with play.” current owner of the valley chise was split between the north to Lendman, whole Bitterroot volunteer But said 12 executive director ofnorth 1Buck Horse reportedly charged at the responding officer shooting See EXIT, page atwas Sapphire Lutheran them. Farrenkopf cil split on whether to accept just toreally the north of the private piece oftheing boats, and you’ve just come out ofhas the vate piece now belongs toShinn theKyra state compartments where someone could stash some root Forest Plan’s Forest-wide but not limited to, the impacts cific forest plan amendment about 90% of proposed ware design company, now based in participate. Some of the schools even learn about a wide range of agriculteam members Quinn Rahl, Deston our heart.” (Draft SEIS) for the Gold “really insignificant,” but they do the idea, just as long as they could Bluegrass Festival is returning to For some of these bands, this will officer. “We have seen tremendous supAtsmall A Time Draft Horse Rescue it costs about $200 per month to feed See CHRISTMAS, page per 15 hour Homes in Hamilton, is liked the idea. He asked a piece of park land near the property. Crews contacted the county Stevi Wye at 45 miles there and is a developed fishing access site. drugs or hide a small flask of whiskey. The aim was Hamilton. However, after moving to include the contest in their curricutural careers and practices during the Jarlais, and Teigen Hackett. to Willow Creek Road. Due to Wildlife Re-that defining old-growth stantreatment withinOn anSaturday, Victor. April 13, the be“gentle theirManagement time, and for others Theinofficers attempted to provide port, and we greatly appreciate allareas are Butterfly Project, a Bitterroot facility Corvallis, gotitem a nice these giants.” there are asking the community students Stevensville bridge, an that was at schools and negotiated the donation of the are going to under be accidents there.” “But Ifirst think it’sThen [the piece the to provide a learning opportunity toon see the Montana, themeasures organization owners lum. school day the dedicated and parents Ag Mechanics led by Selwyn HackNeely Center will again be hosting do this professionally, the event is the source Objective to “Maintain dards. Some objections to the area designated for insect and resource and financial limitalife-saving to the suspect, that support,” said Snavely. He was veterinary bills, therapy, training, and boost last week when she was 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 loveby with the Accordingproud tolopes. theofcontest orga-a time engaging ofmusic ag teachers ett, 1st place individual with team Last year the the music. This spring festival“Iother always asufficient treat. Conroy highlighted who was then transported ambuespecially this during old-growth habitat disease treatment because ofinstruction tions, Ravalli County would new decision were received little love this special envelopes and associated costs to rehabilitate presented with aValencheck forof$7500 meeting. The land ownership will now river access pending the outcome of see what use theenveland is to the town. city tofrom have, whether or not you put their substance use casual inspections. includes nearly 13,000 acres state and the people. One the ways nizers, last year there were over 210 Josette Hackett andfeature Trevor Motley. members Noah Tan, Erik Potter, and 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 American history that he believes is tine’s Day. decorate them for each revert to the county. The 1.52-acre the access dispute. only see a liability,” said Gibson. money into developing it,” said Motnot be able to accommodate on suitable timberland to by the January 18 deadline dense pockets of dead and dythese horses. When they’re fi nally ready from representatives of JCCS, an Glenda Wiles, Director of the DUI Task Force, of commercial and non-comthey have been showing that love has entries, and this year there could be Students then have the option to put Matthew Walker. to be more reallysupport popular, and from allemptied over the area, and beyond. name of “Release the Squirrels.” Even fromAbout his wounds andawas pronounced seeing lowest law en- had four years resident. people piece, which located adjacent tomostly the Then Council member Marilyn Wolff Michaelson said he up the for ley. “There are many cars out said what sheadoption, tellsConduct parents is,so “If you don’t look, accounting fiis rm with branch most can be driven or there, the necessary support viable populations having tothe dowith with theparticipation ingfor trees. They claim the area will been through their art contest. The even more, full their knowledge to thelooked testfree, asmaintenance FFA of Chapter Meeting: team mercial vegetative treatment than once. growing every year.The These bands play for and a Conroy, and his wife, Tari, will get up dead. forcement ever. He added, “Hamilton by Kristin Kruse utive Director Jaqueline Stevens. ago, a resident came could drop off valenBitterroot River on the northwest side from said she had apotenreal problem with old minutes andduring found that thesancland Imembers think can be used for parking. But then younor don’t see. If it you don’t see, then you don’t ridden, and some just become “pasture located in from Hamilton. Part of contest the logging idea came a similar art all the high schools in the valley. members through nationally Zane Deering, Teigen Hackof old-growth dependent is impacted by mountain pine the project, the of old growth, new one will take the stage every half and play, along with their friend Tim within a 55,000 acre areaSheriff’s ofto the The Ravalli County Office isenveapiece great place be awhere police officer.” center opened itsto doors in 2020 after tines to fill the to Farrenkopf to see of the bridge, was offered Town this of land. “It’s two was donated on the condition that looking long term, if you have propSee VALENTINES, page 10 That developpets.” selection forHouston, awarding that gift See DUI, page 10 they held in Texas right af- to be These also include Trapper Creek Job tioned career and leadership ett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret Kuntz, by John Down first created in the last “Itheads really the in 2020. first was to the drawing board. beetle, Douglas-fir bark beetle, rehabilitation of thelevy road after species. ” side The letter notes that tial toIn wildlife and tobank hour. Ezzell on bass. nech, director of the Federal PermitMichael Howell which itall is summarily determined thatopened with significant environmental conand Hamilton Police Department his 26 years with 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 is the incrediitment would be maintained and utilized erty on the west ofestablished the river, then was online voting and according 1 Horse At A Time was ter the of September 11, 2001. Corps and many homeschoolers. “I events and contests. Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, and 50 years.Creek To dowill this, theysignificant will door tomistletoe some permanent and for $9.5According One the problems, acOne band that to asked return toof Conroy, the festival’s ting Improvement Steering Council, there impacts, sequences, while thecontinues EA iswithin ais stepping issued a of press release that detailed ment, Snavely noted there have only interesting the project complete. Ravalli the Draft SEIS limits the scope Willow Road. dwarf and just toeast the north of Fort Owen State together tobedecide what was needed potential river access site. bly steep… I no think there are liability for western recreational purposes five you have access to potentially consoltains Corvallis. ATR wanted to find atry way to astonished, last year, toofhave that To contend at the state level, Tasia Rohbock. by Shinn in 2018. She’s originally from tothe JCCS branch manager, Andrea “Hopefully, the third need to was ask the community conversations with people,” million, which Butler said cording to Butler, was, “weThe asis the Johnny Campbell Band, visiting purpose is “to promote and encourwhich oversees FAST-41 projects. The Bitterroot National Forest has or it could require an Environmental stone to decide if an EIS is needed or if event and investigation. However, been three of these types shootings. Park is the Summit Career Center, a not needed in the community. They of itsphone environmental consespruce budwormyears. damage. County objects to in shifting Bitterroot National Forest During the tenure of former issues… It is the fastest part of the idate highway property into the Town The original proposal was The next glass recycling event in button, cell 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 the Simmerman, 1 Horse At A Time Germany where she grew up around from Nashville. They will be joined by age old-time bluegrass music.” The delegation did not ask the Forest Serreceived aorganization draft initial of OperaAssessment (EA) which ispart a prelimithe Vickie projectMotley, can proceed with minimal very little information is available However, these are always a of danger nonprofit that offers a at came up and with the concept of career mayor Jim Crews, the Plan owner of land channel the deepest the of parkat board memof Stevensville. Ianalysis think something Although in general financial burden of the project quences to vegetation, officials stated that the theListen” Bitterroot March 9th, 2024, the phone). This is lastaIt’s minute info so to give back to the community, and “We never know what to expect,” the top half, all orisbecause above the district Hackett withdrawn in August of vote 2020 Bitterroot Community has triedhave to doanalysis twice before their recent “Ask and the trustees Bitterroot Valley Community horses. She’s always been horse fan, was one ofValley the top four bands from over the valley, Mis- were MRBA has 300 members, and they vice or permitting council to remove tions for the Sheep Creek project on nary to see ifto a that federal impact. this time. the job, but he added fortunately, free career training program targetcenter, which is were modeled after aproject highly at the river on the northeast side had channel. If you develop that ber, said that nothing had been done RDO Equipment Co. to2more. Ravalli County and believe the pileated woodpecker and project is designed to improve agreement with the proposed from 10 a.m.and to p.m.Commissioners at theevent north if you don’t have batteries toabout recycle thought their once successful art said Hafer,the saying that art entries level advance. The Western FFA Prepared Public Speaking: Colton College (BVCC) trustee andaccess without success. campaign, which helped the unsure of exactly how the College was.” However, there soula, Idaho The is abut all share the same love of bluegrass. after Friends of the Bitterroot the project from the FAST-41 list, or 16 the West Fork Ranger District. The significantly the environTheto Ravalli County she is especially passionate getters. The officer is currently on leave neither officer, nor any comed towards highly motivated people successful organization in Denver, attempted to shut off river on for fishing, I impacts would also see aother problem because the access problem had been See STEVI, page 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 secretary, Sue Smith. She was The vote will take place organization to speak with the process worked. They were seems to have been a major pine marten. project, the Ravalli County it is contrary to current law forest resilience to natural single-microphone When asked why he “fast track,” but it called forbluegrass, the chief Forest assess the Plan for comment; if impacts arewere minor, it leads to recently submitted a type letterevent, to thewith Go- adraft during this investigation, as is stanmunity members, during That check followed inRavalli the wake horses. She and herloves husband, a to ages 18will and older in Wild both and called “Crosspurpose.” It harmed offers similar and Alliance for the grounds. The iscongressional the same, $1 per the next glass recycling day on June to organizers Elliott Lander, managThis will beinsects the ninth year they schools west ofprice the Continental Divide Greenhand: Adelaide Meyer speaking about the organizavia a mail-in ballot. public on the topic of creating under the that theStar misunderstanding about the 4 single stage. According toimpression Mike Convernor and Montana’s director to ensure transparency pleteness andsuit will then work with theMay 7, aservices, FONSI (Finding oftoNo Significant “We realize these old growth Commissioners expressed and existing agreements. ”and disturbances like fire, Missoula, MT 59808 protocol. The Montana Dethe exchange. Missoula Counties. In addition toon according Stevens. military retiree, and their two children ofdard a $25,000 gift in November See BLUEGRASS, page Rockies filed claiming the gallon. Jars and bottles that con8th.Additional ing director of ATR, and art contest have held the contest, and each year with an ag education program/FFA state qualifying events tion’s upcoming attempt to According to trustee chair the college. public desired an independent nature of the community delegation requesting that an EIS be from U.S. Critical Materials or any proponent, U.S. Critical Materials, to Impact), but if impacts are signififree training, Summit offers six-month offered officials also received species are listed in and disease;The reduce sedi- program concern over impacts to drinks orForest fromcareer Tractor Supply. relocated toindicator Montana and bought a 20406-549-4171 agency failed to use the best tained food may be recycled Cardboard recycling be leadthe coordinator, Tamar Hafer, the ATR donates thousands in phases. prizes. chapter. Schools of all classifications for the Stevensville FFA:will ask public for help with adetermiCarrie Guarino, “We listened Following those meetings, college, as it was college. According to also Butler, conducted. Theycommunity also asked for help in successor companies. develop asounds final proposal and cant, it triggers ainto much more detailed, mentoring, support and friendship to sources is broken down three acre farm which Shinn said can support That like a lot of comments from Philip Strobel the Forest Plan, but it is not county owned and maintained ment in the Willow forthis a the fee.together Anyfrom color, and labels can available for2nd apeople fee. available science in managing reception has been incredible. This year, they will be giving away compete in FFA includAg Sales place team led Presenting a stated check for $7500 from JCCS to Shinn (second left) ofpreviously 1 Horse At rare opportunity tolevel create aanalysis and wanted to hold true.” She thephase trustees said taking that voted inproject by a high many believe it tobybe Sheep Creek off the “Unfortunately, it has become clear ne the appropriate ofShinn, comprehensive EIS (Environmental whoever walks through their doors. Stevens that the first isJasmin RDOequipment.com about 20 horses. She currently money but, according to clear whether there are other 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 individual community college in the Bitand others with BVCC have levy will be different. The margin. After being created, associated with the outreach A Time Draft Horse Rescue were, l to r: Levi Clark, CPA, Andrea Simmerman, JCCS Branch elk habitat and didn’t comto us that the developers of the prounder the National Environmental Impact Statement), which involves ex- federal FAST-41 list. The congressioThis program is the brainchild of called “personal development,” which taking care of draft is “Allworked Beginning March 9th, batteries Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) and in the Bitterroot, Lander ofoftrout cludes prizes to the schools of the Kalispell. In addition to with team members Kamryn Jones, Office of Stevensville, the Regional bull habitat; restore Road. terroot. According tohorses trustee to alter the levy to testing first time they iswent to the the was able levy program run by the UniversiManager, and Will Ramsey, CPA. pictured Tiny, the non-profi t’s mascot and theto nal delegation sent adistrict joint letter thetoAdminposed Sheep Creek deposit have not Protection (NEPA). tensive public review, detailed alternaply with theAct definition of said, 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 Leonard. See GOLD, page vice chair, Jean Butler, it its best chance and to did after being community funds. After of Montana. The reality is 65 •FREE INTime. THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Yin OUR HOME Ithis MPROVEMENT Cof O .COM istrator of theService Environmental habitat including In a they letter to so the Forest Forest Service tofor U.S. Forest engagedty with community leaders and The level of analysis canfounder rangegive tives, and awas “hard look”byESTIMATES atpublic, first horse thatmeadows, rescued 1 cumulative Horse At A Photo by Victoria Howell. the Fort Owen Ranch and tify what each individual’s specific growth found the Bitterroot per pound. The following will be acFor more information refer to the theme to them.” Some previous years Bitterroot Valley; Florence, Victor, would be only the fourth of address the concerns of the approved for the creation of being significantly voted down Chief Tom Schultz and Emily Domefrom a Categorical Exemption in effects. The EIS is for major actions the center, and co-founder and(CE) ExecPaidthe fortrustees by Brad Davis, Box 462 Victor, Montana 59828 See MINE, page14 5 See FFA, page page 21 ART, page SeeSee SUMMIT, page4 4college cepted: alkaline, lithium-ion, Ni-Cad, website: ravallirecycling.org See BVCC, have included themes such and Corvallis. its kind in the state, and theas oldpublic. a community district twice, wentP.O. back

Chapter One awarded, celebrating 50 years

Wind blasts Public Longtime Hamilton city clerk retires Scammers thwarted, vigilance recognized County throughbudget valley meeting on track on BNF RCFW aids future conservationists Surviving COVID Cowboy Ball Climbing Plan

Halfway through fiscal year, county budget looking good

scheduled

Hearts full love Stevi toofrevisit refinancing bonds

Local Chamber of Commerce holds annual business meeting

Stock Farm Club New studio opens its doors inDUI Stevensville Task does Christmas 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 on suspect Bluegrass Festival Gold Butterfly project draws some objections Spreading love horse Local draft rescue thriving Stevi to return park land to county set for Saturday

Glass recycling Plan forgives Sheep Creek Minecollege submitted BVCC it one more try event scheduled Contact us for all your equipment needs. Summit Career Center offers more than career guidance

Davis for Senate Dist. #44

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Page 2--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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to our many readers and advertisers for your loyalty and support throughout the past year. It’s a pleasure to be your source for sharing vital news and information about the valley we all love. —Victoria Howell, Publisher & the entire Bitterroot Star Team

406-777-3928 • www.bitterrootstar.com

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Bitterroot Star--Page 3

Gardner-Wavrant attains Eagle Scout rank Thanks to the generosity of several local hardware stores, Liam Gardner-Wavrant, from Scout Troop 1115 in Florence, completed his Eagle Scout project at the IOFF building on Main Street, Stevensville. Built in 1912, the building—which for a time previously held the Stevensville Town Hall, the library, and the Stevensville Museum—is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has been a significant part of the Stevensville community over the years. The walls and ceilings of this 113-year-old building are made of plaster, which has been deteriorating. For his Eagle project, Liam planned, organized, and led his volunteers in repairing the multiple holes in the walls and ceilings to restore the historical character of this iconic structure and eliminate the safety hazards posed by falling plaster. Additionally, Liam had a chair rail installed in the lobby of the second floor to prevent further damage to the walls. He also built custom cubbies for local youth to store their belongings while attending classes in the building. Liam began scouting at the age of 5 and has remained an active member ever since, joining the Order of the Arrow at 12 years old. He has now reached a major milestone in his scouting journey with the successful completion of his Eagle project. Liam’s dedication to preserving the history of Stevensville and supporting the local community is a testament to his hard work and commitment to Scouting. His Eagle project not only ensures the continued preservation of the IOFF building but also provides a lasting benefit to the youth and residents of the area. Liam’s accomplishment reflects the values of leadership, service, and responsibility that define the Eagle Scout rank.

KIWANIS: volunteers buy, pack, distribute food for hundreds Continued from page 1 way. Most of the youth participants were from middle school, and loaded boxes on Friday, after the food was picked up and prepped the day before. Everyone lined up and started circling with carts, filling each box that would then be handed out to families in need on Saturday. Families could choose to have food boxes delivered, or they came out to pick up boxes at Hamilton High School, where everything was put together. Members said it takes the volunteers about three to four hours to pack all the boxes on Friday. Kiwanis volunteers gave out two boxes per family, and there were over 300 families. Along with the boxes, there was also a lot of extra stuff like ham or chicken, gift cards for families to use on things that are not in the boxes, food and hygiene products. According to Kiwanis volunteers, they used to give out turkeys, but found some families did not have an oven or way to cook the turkey. Now, a lot of the food is already

pre-cooked. They also don’t focus on holiday-themed meals, and prioritize quantity. According to Eldridge, “these folks, especially with all that’s going on, may not have much food.” The goal is to get these families as

and a 3-year Kiwanis member, they save nearly 25%, which is huge, and allows them to get that much more for the recipient families. Once the bidder is chosen, they will order the products. Then, Pepsi from Missoula sends someone down in a truck, as a donation, “[This] shows them how to pick up the food and delito be selfless. Too many kids ver it to the Hamilton High think there has to be a dollar School. Robinson said in the old days they had to make nuattached to helping.” merous trips as everyone was filling their cars and pickup - Ed Eldridge, trucks to get all the food moved over to where they would This year’s event coordinator fill and distribute the boxes. Now, with the help from Pepsi, it only takes a few hours. much food as they possibly can. The project amounted to arouPart of getting the food together is nd $30,000, which is about what it reaching out to the local grocery stocomes to every year. All of it comes res with a food list to seek out bids. from community donations. Youth This way, local stores have a chance at a large purchase all at one time, and the group can get their products at a lower cost. According to Tom Robinson, a former grocery store owner

club members also held contests to collect the most canned goods, which were also distributed throughout the boxes. According to Eldridge, “Eventually, these kids will be stepping into our shoes,” and running this group. Kiwanis is a worldwide service organization, with levels at all ages and in schools. They even have college-level clubs. He explained that the work these youth do really helps the community, and shows them the difference they can make. That is why the local Kiwanis groups sponsor school clubs, with the hopes that that legacy of service continues every year. Eldridge added that they are always looking for new members. Interested parties can look the club up online at bitterrootvalleykiwanis.org for more information on how to help and get involved.

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Christmas Mass Schedule Eve. Wednesday, December 24 5 p.m. Mass at St. Mary in Stevensville 8 p.m. Mass at St. Francis of Assisi in Hamilton Christmas Day Thursday, December 25 9 a.m. Mass at St. Francis of Assisi in Hamilton 11 a.m. Mass at St. Mary in Stevensville

Holy Day of Obligation Thursday, January 1, 202 6

10:00 a.m. Mass at St. Francis of Assisi in Hamilton Noon Mass at St. Joseph Mission  224 Linder Ave, Florence

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Edd Brayman at 406-546-0679

Page 4--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

UM grad student leads Women in Wildfire training by Libby Riddle, UM News Service To become a wildland firefighter, you must pass the pack test. Often considered the most daunting requirement of wildland certification, the test requires fire trainees walk 3 miles in less than 45 minutes while carrying a 45-pound pack, simulating the physical demands of working on a fire line. Knowing her trainees were nervous, Mikaela Balkind and her co-instructors showed up to the pack test wearing matching disco ball earrings. She applied glitter to the cheeks of anyone who needed some extra encouragement. She cheered them on as their sparkling faces charged through the trees and over the finish line. The pack test took place on the final day of the Women in Wildfire Training held this fall at the University of Montana’s Lubrecht Experimental Forest. Inspired by her own experience as a wildland firefighter, Balkind, a UM graduate student, created this training to empower young women to join the wildfire profession, where women make up less than 15% of the national workforce. “When you look at the media about firefighters, women and BIPOC people don’t see representations of themselves,” Balkind said. “So it feels really scary to break into a field where no one that looks like you is saying ‘you got this.’ We’re trying to break down those barriers.” After getting her bachelor’s degree in forestry and climate science, Balkind spent several seasons as a firefighter.

She enjoyed the hard work and the connection to the outdoors, but she felt isolated when she was the only woman on her crew. “With a few years under my belt, I recognized how important it was to find female mentors,” Balkind said. “The seasons that I didn’t have that were really difficult for my mental health.” When Balkind arrived at UM for her master’s work studying fire ecology, she noticed the forestry and fire clubs that prepare students for wildfire careers were still very male dominated. She spoke Participants at last month’s Women in Wildfire training spent four days at UM’s Lubrecht Experimental Forest with female students learning about fire ecology and the field skills needed for different careers in wildland fire. UM photo by Marley who expressed that Barboeisel. despite the college’s opportunities to wildfire job with a state agency this fire jobs. Participants completed all participate in wildfire activities, they summer. the necessary requirements for the still felt intimidated. She worked with “What really stuck with me is that “red card” certification, which qualifies Valentijn Hoff, the interim director of no, it won’t be the same for us as it is them to work as a wildland firefighter UM’s Fire Center, to secure funding for in the U.S. This involved 32 hours of for a grown man standing at 6’5” and a wildfire training specifically for young classroom learning plus a field expe210 lbs.,” Holme said. “But we can find women. In this second year putting on our own ways to do the same job just rience and the pack test. The trainees the training, she had over 50 applicants also participated in a prescribed burn, as safely, efficiently and easily for us from all over the country. and our bodies as a man can by doing where they learned to use drip torches One of Balkind’s main goals for the it the ‘standard’ way.” and properly operate a fire engine. four-day training was to create pathOther participants found more The participants spent much of ways for women to apply for wildland inspiration in the science side of fire. their classroom time learning from fe-

male fire professionals. Balkind wanted to introduce participants to the variety of possible careers in fire, so she invited women who worked on hotshot crews, women who study fire ecology and even a mental health professional employed by the U.S. Forest Service’s emergency mental health response team who works closely with firefighters. “It was honestly inspirational hearing where they started and what obstacles they faced getting to where they are now,” said Jessica Olaez, who traveled all the way from Lakeland, Florida, for the training. “You could really see how much they love what they do. Seeing the passion in their eyes when they talked about it was so encouraging.” UM freshman Tegan Holme dreamed of being a firefighter since Participant Marcella DiBrino uses a drip torch to apply fire to the ground during the preshe was a child. When she learned scribed burn. UM photo by Marley Barboeisel. about the training from the W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation’s forestry club, she Penny ● F ● 5yrs jumped at Penny is an absolutely stunthe opporning red Doberman who just tunity to came on a life saving flight finally try from California. She is shy for wildland just a second, but then all this firefighting sweet girl wants is pets and snuggles. She likes other for herself. dogs, and was surrendered Thanks to after losing her whole litter of the field puppies. This girl deserved experience way better! She will make a and speakwonderful companion! ing with the lecturers, Tegan realized Donna M. Lewis, DVM working 1039 Main St., Corvallis in wildfire 406-961-3077 was much more attainable than she thought. She plans to apBitterroot Wealth Planning Advisors with D.A. Davidson & Co. Member SIPC ply for a

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Balkind intentionally incorporated lectures on fire ecology to give participants a more holistic understanding of wildfire. “We learned about what makes ponderosa pines unique and how that informs different burning strategies,” said UM wildlife biology major Chase Sabbagh. “I’d rather do research on fire science than dig fire lines, but I have a ton more respect for the people that do that after this training.” “I learned that I don’t think I want to work in wildland fire, but I’m glad I was able to try it out,” added Gabi Neely, a UM environmental science and sustainability major. “I’m really grateful to Mikaela and the Fire Center for offering this.” Though they don’t see themselves pursuing careers as wildland firefighters, Sabbagh and Neely said they will apply what they learned at the training to other parts of their lives. “I learned strategies to advocate for myself and find my own ways to do things instead of trying to fit into the methods made for someone else,” Sabbagh said. UM’s Women in Wildfire training created career opportunities not only for UM students, but also women from states around the country where similar programs have been defunded. Balkind expressed her gratitude to the many professionals who volunteered their time to plan and put on the training. “The instructors and volunteers aren’t getting paid. They’re there because they believe in this mentorship program and in building confidence in these younger gals,” Balkind said. “And I’m so grateful that Missoula is such a hub for all these incredible women that support this.” Balkind will graduate this fall with her master’s degree in forestry. She hopes a new student will step into her shoes to run the training next year and that she can return as an instructor. “I leave feeling so inspired by the next generation of ladies coming into this field,” Balkind said. “I’m excited that I might run into them at a fire ecology conference or on a fire line in the future.”

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Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Bitterroot Star--Page 5

MINE: Forest Service to review plan of operations Continued from page 1 gained their trust to proceed with the development of this deposit,” the letter said. “As such, we cannot support the project and urge the Forest Service and the Permitting Council to ensure full transparency and increased local engagement in the permitting process.” The Permitting Council has kept the Sheep Creek project on the FAST-41 Transparency Project list and the project timeline can be viewed here: https:// www.permits.performance. gov/permitting-project/ fast-41-transparency-projects/sheep-creek-project. FAST-41 Sheep Creek Project. The initial draft of the company’s plans calls for some road rehabilitation in the area and some new road Sheep Creek Preliminary Underground Design - The portals are located on the left and right extents of the image with a connection drift (tunnel) construction. It describes created between the proposed Adit 4 and Adit 3. Along this “drift” there are strategically placed drill vaults that are aligned to drill perpendicular to the a 2-acre site for locating a portable site office, mainte- suggested vein. This allows drilling to intersect the vein to gather needed information from the drilling program for deposit planning. nance area/shop, a change ramp and fill method, production long mately 15,000 gallons. Water that is up the portal pads. Once those pads house or “dry,” a fueling station, as hole extraction and others. The current cleaned through the sump and clarifier are established, excess waste will be well as a laydown and load out area debulk sampling plan consists of several system will be temporarily stored in transferred to a containment pad and signated to support project activities, different narrow veins and multiple this reservoir until it is required for then offsite via truck to be utilized in a 2,000 gallon fuel storage container specific methods in consideration. underground purposes. But the plan gravel production or backfill unrelated inside a berm and a spill response

Site Map with Project detail. Photos taken from Bitterroot National Forest Website.

trailer. Three historic adits (mine entrances or portals) will be enlarged and reinforced and a fourth new adit will be installed with tunnels connecting them for machinery access and power and ventilation infrastructure. The company proposes a scheduling and resource planning Phase 1 for the first three months of operation including road building and refurbishing, adit rehabilitation and construction, equipment staging and installation of water sumps and storage facilities, and some mining activities in Adits 2 & 3. The project mining schedule for Phase 2 is scheduled to begin the fourth month and last nine more months. It projects four months of diamond drilling extending 19,900 feet and over the course of the whole nine months producing 5,793 tons of waste rock and 10,473 tons of ore. The project is scheduled as a day shift, 7-day-a-week operation employing approximately 30 people including mining engineers, nippers (laborers) and professional positions such as geologists, operations professionals, surveyors, mining professionals and administrative staff. Ore produced at the site is to be removed to an off-site location for processing. Waste rock or blasted rock that does not contain recoverable minerals will be utilized as internal fill within the adit to fill voids and further production. Any waste material that is produced that cannot be utilized as internal fill will be used to build

to the proposed site activities. This will require trucking materials on Montana Highway 473 from the Sheep Creek drainage to its intersection with Highway 93 and on to an undisclosed destination. These loads are currently planned on a 5-day-aweek schedule, with between 8 and 10 loads a day of a 23-25 yard side dump at peak extraction in later years under the current plan. The plan describes using groundwater that is captured underground for process water with a sump system installed underground designed to capture the water where it can be processed to a level that allows its reuse underground with the plan to have a zero-discharge operation. An underground water reservoir will be constructed with a capacity of approxi-

The draft initial Plan of Operations also states “If additional process water can be accessed on the Bitterroot is required, a source such as Sheep National Forest Sheep Creek project Creek, or the West Fork of the Bitterwebpage. root River to supplement activities Questions about the Plan of Operaunderground would be needed.” tions can be directed to info@uscritiThe plan contains illustrations and calmaterials.com photos of all the large machinery to be used in the underground mining operation and on Prime Investment Opportunity the surface for loading and hauling. It also contains several options for extracting ore in the mine such as an overhand

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Page 6--Bitterroot Star

Opinion Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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Trust, transparency, underground for backfilling. The physical footprint will remain small, and the facts about limited initially under Montana’s Small Mine Exclusion to no more Sheep Creek than five acres. I read Michael Howell’s recent column in the Bitterroot Star with interest and concern, not because I dismiss the questions he raises, but because his piece relies on insinuation rather than facts, particularly when it comes to my own record and the Sheep Creek project proposed by U.S. Critical Materials (USCM). Let me start with the personal issue directly, because it matters to the broader conversation about trust. During my time as Director of the Montana Department of Commerce, allegations were made about my conduct. Those allegations were investigated by the Montana Legislative Auditor through the state’s fraud hotline process. The conclusion was clear: I did not violate state policy. No findings of wrongdoing were made. That is not spin or opinion; it’s the formal conclusion of the independent authority charged with making that determination. Reasonable people can disagree about mining, land use, and development in the Bitterroot Valley. But suggesting that a project should be dismissed because of vague claims about “tainted reputations,” after those claims have already been examined and resolved, does not advance an honest public discussion. Now to the project itself. First, Sheep Creek is not a proposal for open-pit mining. Ever. This is a key point that continues to be misunderstood or misrepresented. What is being evaluated is underground vein mining of vertical deposits—widely recognized as the least disruptive mining method from an environmental standpoint. There will be no pit like Butte, no strip mine, and no surface processing facility. Second, what is currently underway is exploration, not mining. Exploration exists to answer a basic question: should mining even be considered here at all? It involves limited, temporary disturbance, rigorous data collection, and multiple off-ramps if environmental or technical concerns cannot be addressed. Exploration does not predetermine approval of a mine. It reduces uncertainty so decisions can be made based on evidence rather than fear. Third, environmental stewardship is not an afterthought for this project; it’s foundational. USCM understands the history of legacy mining damage in Montana, including at Butte, and we share the community’s determination that those mistakes never be repeated. Sheep Creek benefits from characteristics that make responsible evaluation possible: existing roads and historic adits, non acidic rock, and mineralogy that has been tested by Idaho National Laboratory, Montana Tech, and independent labs. Water protection is a central concern, and rightly so. The Sheep Creek project will not draw water from Sheep Creek. All water used will come from water entering the mine, a well, or be trucked in, and it will be fully recycled. There will be zero discharge. Baseline and continuous monitoring of water, air, and wildlife will be publicly available, potentially in real time. If data shows unacceptable impacts, the project stops. Period. There will be no on-site rare earth processing and no use of chemical separation at Sheep Creek. There will be no permanent tailings facility. Non-mineral-bearing rock will be

Some have raised concerns about radiation or asbestos. Testing conducted to date shows radiation levels far below any threshold of concern established by federal regulators. Actinolite, the mineral sometimes cited, does not automatically mean asbestos. Only fibrous actinolite qualifies, and extensive testing has not identified asbestos at the site. Monitoring will continue, transparently and independently. Why does any of this matter beyond the Bitterroot? Because Sheep Creek contains something rare and strategically important: the only known primary source of gallium in the United States, along with unusually high concentrations of rare earth elements. Gallium alone has more than 3,000 military applications, including in radar, satellites, secure communications, and advanced medical technologies. Today, the United States relies heavily on foreign, and often adversarial, sources for these materials. That is not an abstract talking point; it’s a documented national security vulnerability recognized across administrations and by Congress. Acknowledging that reality does not mean sacrificing environmental values. It means confronting a hard truth: these materials will come from somewhere. The choice is whether they come from jurisdictions with weak standards and little transparency, or from projects subject to the strongest environmental laws in the world, full public scrutiny, and enforceable reclamation bonding. USCM has been candid that it should have engaged sooner and more directly with the local community, particularly as the federal FAST-41 process moved quickly. That is a fair criticism, and it’s one we are correcting now. FAST-41 does not waive a single environmental requirement. It simply makes timelines, documents, and agency coordination visible to the public. Every required public comment period remains intact. Going forward, USCM is committed to exceeding minimum legal requirements. That includes establishing an independent advisory board, inviting third-party scientific review, strengthening bonding and monitoring commitments, and beginning discussions on a Good Neighbor Agreement shaped by local priorities. No one is asking the Bitterroot to accept blind trust. Trust should be earned through data, transparency, and accountability. Skepticism is healthy. Misinformation is not. The responsible path forward is neither automatic approval nor reflexive rejection. It’s disciplined evaluation – grounded in science, governed by law, and informed by the voices of the people who care most about this place. That is the conversation Sheep Creek deserves, and it’s the one I hope we can now have. Scott Osterman, Senior Advisor U.S. Critical Materials

Vote Republican

Politics, having been defined as the Fine Art of Deception, is perpetual rather than seasonal and, as a result, offers little opportunity for meaningful analysis as a component of the eventual outcome: THE VOTE.

THE VOTE is the lifeblood of the politician and, as such, is the greatest possible reward to that individual. Performance is the greatest part of the process in making a judgment. Not only on the part of the politician but even more on the part of the voter. The voter has had the opportunity thrust upon them by an unequaled opportunity presented by the framers of the Constitution. Many do not respond to that offer due to their personal feelings or circumstances. This act constitutes a failure to respond to the opportunity to control not only their future but that of society as a whole. The process involved in forming the decision to vote involves analysis of a mass of data frequently presented to the potential voter to confuse or deceive rather than inform. The single greatest mechanism in forming a vote of personal value is to examine fact over fancy. The past offers full disclosure of reality, unlike the promises for the future. One is reality, one only a promise. Positive action yields positive results. Negative action yields negative results, commonly defined as wreckage. Citizens responding to the opportunity to vote as a result of meaningful analysis are responding responsibly to those framers of the Constitution who created the opportunity. Please, please, observe, analyze, and vote with pride in having done so. Vote positive, vote Republican. William (Bill) Campbell Conner

Essay contest open

Excellent article about the American Legion Constitutional Essay Contest in the December 10 Bitterroot Star. Good job, Nancy from Ravalli Post 47, Hamilton. I would add that this is a national program, and Ft. Owen Post 94, Stevensville, is also proud to participate every year. Each year, we present certificates and cash awards of around $1,200 locally, with some participants often going on to collect an additional cash award at state level. Lone Rock School and Stevensville Middle and High Schools already have our 2026 information packets. The deadline is Thursday, February 12th. Encourage your students’ teachers to participate as a class assignment, or enter individually. Of note, the contest is also open to home-schoolers at the 7th-8th grade and high school levels. For more information in the Stevensville area, contact the Post 94 Scholarship Chair at 503-798-0543 or DJL0042@ comcast.net. Dennis Lenahan Post 94 Scholarship Chair

Hypocrisy off the charts

Try to keep in mind that the Party making unfounded claims that President Trump is a “threat to Democracy” are actively electing communists and socialists. Bill Cavanaugh Corvallis

Club America in Corvallis

On December 9, the Corvallis School Board approved the establishment of a club at Corvallis High School called “Club America,” acknowledged to be part of a Turning

Point USA effort across the country to indoctrinate youth into a far-right political philosophy. Pete Joseph, the superintendent, was clear from the outset that, due to a 1984 law, they had no choice but to approve/accept this club. He did note that the Board was free to require and enforce their rules that governed the new club’s behavior. So, to the Corvallis School Board: What if the club seeking establishment had been “Slavery USA” or “Human Trafficking for Fun and Profit”? What would the Board have done or decided? Both Turning Point’s strategy and the Board’s inability to say no illustrate two important problems we face in our potentially seismic political debates these days: First, we have learned how much of our democracy is shaped by and functions on norms and on loose consensus positions that fill the voids in strict originalist readings of the Constitution or a law. If Congress had to specify every tiny detail of their intentions in a law, likely none would ever get written. Unfortunately, President Trump, MAGA, and some in our own community have used that elasticity in our system to undermine, hobble, or reverse our decades-old way of life. They lose in the courts, both judicial and public opinion; and yet they persist. They believe the population is too uninterested or unwilling to resist. A mistake. Secondly, as confirmed in the Supreme Court decision on Texas redistricting, there seems now to be a presumption of legislators “acting in good faith.” I am unaware of any such expectation in the Constitution. It, and the structures of our country, allow for change and have established processes for our society to debate issues and make decisions. They do not, however, assume good faith. In corollary writings, the founders worried about bad actors taking advantage of loosely written laws, hence the separation of powers into three branches of government, the checks and balances among the three branches, and the laborious processes to effect change. Features, not bugs. David Leslie Corvallis

About Zinke, ya know?

So, today I am in receipt of a campaign letter from our Congressman Ryan Zinke. Along with the blah, blah, blah of political blah, blah, blah, he just about breaks an arm patting hisself on the back over “Killing a Plan to Sell Public Lands.” Huh! NADA about the Sheep Creek Mine being on the fast track. He does, however, link hisself to Teddy Roosevelt with the comparison of hisself defending our “San Juan Hill” of public lands while neglecting an issue near and dear to the hearts of people that love the Bitterroot Valley…The Sheep Creek Mine. Talk about outta touch! At least our tax dollars allowed him to pat himself on the back with his free snail mail as a congressperson. I do wonder if the slow acknowledgement of his role in passing the Public Lands Act might stem from the slow mail service we all get to enjoy due to DeJoy? No matter, I suppose, to the likes of him. He doesn’t get to have his mail sent to Spokane like when we send a letter to Corvallis from Darby. I wonder if he and his comrades will bring up a vote regarding Venezuela? He seems to be fine sitting back blowing his own horn when it

Bitterroot Star staff Jesse Mullen Owner

Victoria Howell Publisher victoria@mullennewspapers.com

John Dowd Editor john@bitterrootstar.com

Scott Sacry Sports Editor scott@bitterrootstar.com

Michael Howell Contributor michaelonburntfork@gmail.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 600 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.

Wednesday, December 24, 2025 comes to whether or not we will be invading that country because they have the 3rd largest oil reserve in the world. He sits back while the administration that he works for kills people in the open ocean. Ya know - in some circles that’s called murder! You know when you have a guy sitting up there and acting as jury, judge, and executioner. Then telling everyone that it’s OK cuz they are big orange and not small brown like the people in the boat. Makes a guy wonder just who he’s working for - ya know? Larry Keogh Hamilton

No means to process Sheep Creek ore

Somebody got to Senators Daines, and Sheehy, and Representatives Zinke, and Downing. They came out against fast tracking Sheep Creek mine exploration. Days later they did a complete turnaround, and sent a letter to Chief of the USFS Tom Schulz noting lack of engaged Ravalli community support for mining at Sheep Creek. The tone deaf Montana delegates to Congress have the gall to say: “We hope that the lack of [Ravalli] engagement will be rectified promptly and urge the Forest Service and the Permitting Council to ensure the project receives the needed transparency and ample local engagement.” Promptly rectify Ravalli engagement for Sheep Creek? No way that is going to happen. The very worst place to mine for gallium and rare earth elements would be at 8,000, along the very headwater of the West Fork of the Bitterroot River. The US has no means to process out volumes of gallium or REE. There is absolutely no need or reason for near term extraction of Sheep Creek ore with gallium and REE. Let’s first look at processing rare earth elements. 85% of the global REE processing happens in China. I see no near term shortage of rare earth elements in the US. I see two more decades of mining REE in the well known Mountain Pass open pit mine in California. Where most of the extracted ore goes to China for final processing into what’s needed, very pure REE oxides and REE metals to be sent to the US. Like we heard at the 12/1 Commissioners meeting, in China REE is ob-

tained from solvent extraction of REE acted previously on by acids in big leach fields. I don’t see much desire to similarly process REE in the US. How about gallium (GA)? A soft metal that melts at 85°F. From what I’ve gathered, U.S. Critical Materials Corp. is especially focused on supposed very high amounts of very percentage gallium in hand samples taken from the carbonatite ore from the narrow dikes at Sheep Creek. Did U.S. Critical Materials tell you there is no commercial processing of gallium ore in the US? There’s plenty of gallium as a by-product of processing bauxite ore. I read that the US imports about eight times more gallium/arsenic, very thin diamond sawed wafers, than gallium metal. Wafers to become substrates for chips. The US yearly imports about 200,000 kilos or more of GaSa wafers. Wafers to be substrates for high performance chips. The US gets most of those wafers from Finland and Taiwan. Processing arsenic and gallium in liquid, then gaseous, then pure crystal, forms looks to be very complex and expensive. Guess which country processes way more GaSa wafers than any other country? Finland. Atop chip substrate, molecular beams apply micro thin lines of gallium. Look up how GA allows high frequency electrons to travel very fast with nil distortion. Got it. If there’s no current way to process Sheep Creek ore, there’s no need to extract it! Time to find out, who got Daines, Sheehy, Zinke, and Downing to do a 180° turnaround! It’s not cash poor U.S. Critical Materials nor U.S. Critical Metals, or their joint venture to mine at Sheep Creek. There’s absolutely no way to promptly rectify Bitterroot Valley’s lack of support for exploratory mining at Sheep Creek. Who can even think like that? Authoritarians? Bob Williams Stevensville

Holiday message

“Peace on Earth, Goodwill toward Men”… a sentiment not very often adhered to these days! Let’s hope the spirit of Christmas

Bitterroot Star--Page 7

and the dawn of the New Year changes the hearts of those who do not practice this belief. So, Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanzaa, Feliz Navidad, to all our brothers and sisters who have suffered so dearly during this past year! Tom Tunny Hamilton

Amazing generosity

I am simply dazzled by the amazing generosity of the Stock Farm in hosting the Christmas celebration on Thursday at the Fairgrounds. We attended with two of our grandsons, delightfully overwhelmed by the fun activities, entertainment, gifts, and luxurious food. What an incredible act of kindness for our community. Sheryl Olson Hamilton

Thanks to NVPL Foundation

​​The mission of the North Valley Public Library is to strengthen and support our community. As 2025 comes to a close, the staff at NVPL would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to our foundation for sharing their invaluable skills and talents to support this worthy mission. Through community-oriented fundraising events such as Birdies for Books golf scramble, the Spring Soirée’s celebration of local authors, multiple Brews for Books, the annual Bookarations gift sale, and the Big Book Sale, the NVPL Foundation strengthens our ties to one another. In addition to events, the Foundation has secured several grants for the library this year including one that allowed us to replace our community chairs, the first new set in known history! Thank you, NVPL Foundation, for making our community a better place to work, live and thrive. Lisa DeMoss (on behalf of all of the staff) North Valley Public Library

To Sen. Daines:

Senator, our president’s strikes in the southern seas are not cool. Congress didn’t and wouldn’t authorize such actions, and they are totally beyond your authority to demand of our military. You are in a position to rally Congress to call a halt to this

behavior. A popular host on television rightly describes this president as “a vile stain on American public life,” and indeed he is. We would like to see you speak up for the other portion of your constituency, towards whom you turn a deaf ear. Ruth Hazelton Hamilton

Believe your lying eyes

When is Trump, after a chaotic one year in office, going take responsibility for his policies and quit blaming Biden who left office with a 3 percent inflation rate? The administration’s ratings are tanking and will likely plummet more. Without tariffs the economy would be more stable. Corporations and businesses pass tariff costs to consumers. Let’s not forget the pandemic affected worldwide economies and the US was more fortunate than other countries. Trump’s flash TV speech December 17th had many “twisted statements.” Here’s what I noticed and there are many more I could address. Wholesale turkey prices per the Ag Department actually rose but grocers always give shoppers turkey deals to draw all their holiday business. Egg prices are down but still high and other prices are not rapidly falling as Trump said. Gas prices are still high and were $2.60 per gallon on average in Ravalli and Missoula counties when Biden left office. Trump mentioned foreign investment in US business ventures, but I’ve read, promises at best. Trump’s huge tax cut bill for the rich does allow tax reductions for tips and those on Social Security but they are capped and expire in 2028. How can drug prices be reduced up to 600%, is that even mathematically possible? For once I appreciate Trump’s rapid fire speech from the teleprompter. He didn’t diverge to stories like in a recent talk about 28,000 people dying in Peru from viper bites last year. The real number is 10 in the last 15 years. Ask yourself if billionaires go grocery shopping? It’s clear those in the current administration and most of those in the Congress can afford anything they want at any price. They don’t feel the pain and deprivation of Americans less fortunate. Marilyn Wolff Stevensville

AG’s office files misconduct charges against Ellsworth Prosecutors in the Montana Attorney General’s Office filed official misconduct charges against Senator Jason Ellsworth (R-Hamilton) last Thursday for acting outside the scope of his lawful authority as a public servant and requested that the court suspend him from office pending final judgment. The charges follow a Montana Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) investigation launched in February after a referral from Legislative Auditor Angus Maciver. Ultimately, DCI’s investigation concluded Ellsworth improperly submitted a $171,000 contract with Agile Analytics, owned by his longtime friend and business partner, for bill tracking services. Ellsworth violated the ethics rules governing the use of public funds by obtaining services over $100,000 with the State of Montana without advertising, entertaining open bids, and having it reviewed by the Department of Administration before the contract was secured. Additionally, Ellsworth split the contracts into two invoices to avoid the $100,000 threshold in an attempt to avoid the proper procurement process for contracts with the State of Montana. Official misconduct carries punishment of a fine of up to $500 and possible imprisonment in county jail for up to 6 months. If convicted, Ellsworth may also be required by a judge to permanently forfeit his office as a public servant. The charges were filed in the Montana First Judicial District Court. Assistant Attorneys General Daniel Guzynski and Stephanie Robles are prosecuting the case. Photo courtesy Daily Montanan.

Writing Coaches of Montana seeks volunteers Writing Coaches of Montana is seeking community members to participate in its coaching program with the mission of helping local public school students improve their writing skills. Specifically, the program seeks to help students think critically about their writing assignments so they can become confident and competent writers across disciplines. Flexibility is built into the Writing Coaches of Montana volunteer experience. Once trained, there is no minimum hour requirement or particular coaching schedule. Instead, volunteers are informed by staff as teachers make requests and then volunteers choose which assignments, schools, and grade

levels (4-12) they coach. No experience is necessary because volunteers will learn best coaching practices while being trained by qualified individuals. To become a volunteer, community members can attend an upcoming training session on Thursday, January 15th, 1:00– 3:00pm at the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville. To sign up for training, email jeannette@writingcoachesofmontana.org for information, or visit https:// writingcoachesofmontana.org/news-events/ public-calendar.htm l/ event/2026/01/15/ new-coach-training-ravalli-county/546402. WCM staff will be available for follow-up questions at any

time. For individuals who cannot attend on the 15th, WCM will offer additional workshops throughout the remainder of the school year. Email Writing Coaches Missoula & Ravalli County Coordinator, Jeannette Gray, at jeannette@writingcoachesofmontana.org for information or to get on the list for additional training sessions. To learn more about the program, community members can also visit writingcoachesofmontana. org. One Hamilton High School teacher shared that, “The insight that the Writing Coaches of Montana offer is beyond a simple edit or perspective. The Writing Coach-

es provide an opportunity for students to engage with their own writing, and to speak to an audience about their specific motivations within their work.” Multiple students in the Bitterroot have also noted the benefits of coaches

helping them think through ideas. Writing Coaches of Montana started in Missoula County in 1995 and then expanded to Flathead County in 2015 and Ravalli County in 2016.

Page 8--Bitterroot Star

Calendar Wednesday, December 24, 2025

St. Stephens

EPISCOPAL CHURCH

206 E. Ravalli St. Hamilton, MT 59840

203 Main • Stevensville 406-777-0028

406-363-4090

All are welcome to Christmas Eve Candlelight Service Dec. 24th • 5:30 pm Come as you are.

Traditional Anglican Services every Sunday at 10 a.m. staugustinehamilton.org Gamblers Anonymous

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 406-304-9198 or 406-369-0458.

Family Shelter

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.

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 777-3710.

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 509-2093709.

Victor Senior Center

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.

Hamilton Senior Center

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, 10-11:30 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.

Golden Age Club

Pinochle every Wednesday, 1 PM. $3, Coffee Provided. Light Exercise Monday, Wednesday, Friday 9-10 AM, $1. Bimonthly Membership Meetings, March 7, May 2, July 11, September 5, November 7. The Club is located at 727 South 5th Street, Hamilton

Stevi Senior Center

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 Thursdays at 10 am Pinochle Monday and Saturday at 7 pm

Victor Masons

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.

Stevensville Masons

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, 406-544-9186.

St. Mary’s Parish Mass

Bitterroot Heritage Civic Group

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.

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.

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 406-3630060.

Am Legion Post 94

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, 406-531-4132 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

Mass is celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Stevensville on Sundays at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. During construction, Weekday Mass will be celebrated on Thursday at noon and Friday at 10 a.m. in the St. Mary Family Center.

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. Check us out! visit https://www.legion.org/membership/whyjoin

St. Francis of Assisi Mass

Am Legion Post 91

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!

Soul Suppers

Soul Suppers are served every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Stevensville Senior Center, 100 Mission Street. Free homecooked meals with a message. For more information contact Corey at 406-214-8708.

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

Am Legion Unit 91 Auxiliary

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.

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, 406-493-5484. 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.

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The Hamilton Lions Club meets the first and third Tuesdays at noon at BJ’s Restaurant, 900 N. First Street in Hamilton. Guests and prospective members are invited to come and learn more about how Lions fulfill their motto “We Serve.” For more information contact Dan

Rothlisberger at 406-363-3879 or check the website: www.hamiltonlions.org.

Socrates Cafe

The Socrates Cafe’ Philosophical Discussion Group welcomes you for a night of inspiring talks on topics ranging from philosophy to social issues to current events. It’s a time of social interaction and enlightenment. The group meets every other Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library downstairs meeting room. Coffee, tea and cookies are provided by the Library. People of all philosophies are encouraged to attend.

Kiwanis

Kiwanis meets every Wednesday at 12 noon at BJ’s restaurant in Hamilton.

TOPS

TOPS Club (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) meets every Thursday morning at Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street, Stevensville. Guests are welcome, including men. Weigh-in is from 8:30 to 9:10 a.m.; meeting follows until 10:30. A program on sensible eating and weight loss is presented every week along with incentives for weight loss. TOPS is an affordable non profit weight loss support group. For more information call Cindy MacIsaac 406-961-0196.

Lone Rock Community Network

Times for Lone Rock Community Network meetings are changing to an “as requested, as needed” basis. The group will meet periodically for classes, having to do with sustainable and independent living, that are highly relevant to the community. Members will receive email notices of meetings, and they will be posted on Next Door and Facebook. If you’d like to be included, contact Rick Nelson at 406381-1466. Feel free to call or text to suggest topics or hands-on classes. Or, you may just want to get involved with this active, existing network of neighbors that are currently working on projects together.

guest speaker, John N. Maclean, who will present online. Login from home or stop by the visitor center to watch the Zoom presentation. Maclean spent thirty years at the Chicago Tribune before taking up a second career as an author. Since then, he has written five nonfiction books about wildland fires. His newest book, “Home Waters: A Chronicle of Family and a River,” continues the family story begun in his father’s book, “A River Runs Through It.” Illustrations from these two books, as well as the 100th anniversary edition of Hemingway’s “Big Two Hearted River,” will also be on display at Travelers’ Rest State Park from Jan. 3- April 30. The one-hour programs run every Saturday beginning at 11 a.m.: Jan. 3: John N. Maclean via Zoom: The Art of the Angle Jan. 10: Stephen Small Salmon: Séliš QỈispé Stories Jan. 17: Lucy Vanderburg via Zoom: Traditional Stories Jan. 24: Austin Haney: Anglers Undaunted Jan. 31: Kirby Lambert: History of Montana in 101 Places Feb. 7: Sophia Etier: Black History of the Bitterroot Feb. 14: Tim Ryan: Indigenous Fishing TEK Feb. 21: Bruce Bugbee: Saving the Big Sky Feb. 28: Lee Silliman: Lewis & Clark Illustrated March 7: Dan Hall: Discovering Travelers’ Rest March 14: Ramona Holt: 25 Years of Travelers’ Rest State Park Complimentary warm drinks and treats will be available at all programs. The visitor center will be open after the programs, from noon until 4 p.m. Travelers’ Rest is a significant site for Native Americans and a Lewis and Clark Expedition archaeologically verified campsite. The park hosts many public programs, such as the winter storytelling series. For more information, contact Travelers’ Rest State Park (6717 Hwy 12, Lolo) at 406273–4253 or visit travelersrest.org under the events page. The Winter Storytelling Series is sponsored by Travelers’ Rest Connection, Humanities Montana, Montana Public Radio (MTPR), Missoula’s Community Media Resource (MCAT), and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks.

Journey through Grief Support: GriefShare

Saturday Social for Adults — 1st, 3rd & 5th Saturday of the month from 10am-12pm Come chat, work a jigsaw puzzle, play a game, or do coloring pages. Tea and coffee provided, so have a cuppa and enjoy the community that makes Stevensville so special. Held the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturday of the month at North Valley Public Library.

Tuesdays, January 6th – March 31st at 3pm St Francis Pastoral Life Center, 411 S. 5th St, Hamilton The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult experiences we face in life. Come share your grief journey with us. Each session includes a short video featuring interviews with grief recovery experts and real-life stories of people who have experienced the death of a loved one and opportunity to hear from other participants regarding challenges, questions, and concerns you may encounter in your grief journey. The group will explore dealing with change, guilt, anger, people who don’t understand your grief, tips for preparing for holidays and special occasions, caring for yourself, honoring your loved one and much more. These faith-based Griefshare. org Sessions are FREE ($20 donation appreciated for workbook.) Register at https://www.griefshare.org/groups/276560 For more info, contact Nancy at stfrancishwm@gmail.com.

Winter storytelling series

Tax-Aide volunteers needed

Montanans for Life

Montanans for Life holds their monthly meeting on the first Thursday of every month at 6PM at More to Come Fellowship, 330 3rd Ave., Victor. For more information call (406) 407-1254.

North Valley Library

Travelers’ Rest State Park near Lolo will begin its Winter Storytelling Series on Saturday, January 3 at 11 a.m. with a presentation by award-winning author and journalist, John N. Maclean. For nearly two decades, this storytelling series has been a seasonal celebration of the Séliš tradition of sharing stories during the cold winter months. Each Saturday through March 14, Travelers’ Rest State Park will host stories from elders, authors, historians, and naturalists. Join in the programs at the visitor center or online following a Zoom link. Admission to the storytelling programs is $5 per person and free for those under 18 and members of Travelers’ Rest Connection. Find out more about this program and the complete series, including how to join in via Zoom: travelersrest. org/events/winter-storytelling/. The first program is hosted by

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is looking for volunteers to help with tax prep at the Stevensville Senior Center two afternoons a week from February 2026 through April 15, 2026. If you are comfortable with numbers, good with computers, and like meeting new people as well as helping your neighbors, you might like to join the team. Training and IRS certification assistance begin in December. For more information, apply online at volunteers.aarp.org or leave a message at 406-285-1715.

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

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Bitterroot Star--Page 9

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Sports

Page 10--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Hamilton hosts East/West tourney Hamilton hosted the East/West Crossover basketball tournament on Friday, December 19, and Saturday, December 20. The boys and girls teams from Hamilton, Corvallis, East Helena, Laurel, Livingston, and Polson

each played two games over the two days.

Hamilton boys The Hamilton boys played Laurel on Friday and lost 3233 in a low scoring defensive battle. For Hamilton, Cash

Corvallis’s Ava Loran dribbles past a defender at the East/West Crossover Tournament in Hamilton on Saturday, Dec. 20. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Ella Varner of Corvallis prepares to take a shot in Corvallis’s game against Livingston on Saturday, Dec. 20 in the East/West Crossover Tournament in Hamilton. Corvallis defeated Livingston 41-35. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Lockhart led the scoring with 13 points, Jake McCarthy had 8, Kaeden Gum had 4, Trevyn Bakken and Cash Duncan each had 3, and Easton Hollis added 1. Then on Saturday, the Hamilton boys played East Helena and lost 41-55. For Hamilton, Taylor Doleac led the scoring with 13 points, Trevyn Bakken had 12, Jake McCarthy had 6, Kaeden Gum had 4, Cash Lockhart, Cartier Ferguson, and Cooper Weston each added 2.

sidee McKern had 4, Taryn Hochhalter had 5, Nellie Dickemore had 2, and Loretta Hanson added 1. Then on Saturday, the Hamilton girls played East Helena and lost 37-50. For Hamilton, Anna Lewis led the scoring with 12 points, Ashlynn McKern had 9, Kassidee McKern had 8, Taryn Hochhalter had 5, Loretta Hanson had 2, and Meryn Leonardi added 1.

out to a 21-8 first quarter lead, but Livingston came back in the next three quarters and the Blue Devils lost 52-72. For Corvallis, Conner Jessop led with 14 points, Tanner Sorensen had 13, Dexter Harper had 11 points, Easton Jessop had 5, Reese Tucker had 4, Dylan Wirt had 3, and Cole Murdock added 2.

Corvallis boys

Hamilton girls

The Corvallis boys played East Helena on Friday. Corvallis trailed 24-35 at halftime, and wasn’t able to make a comeback and lost 41-81. For Corvallis, Dylan Wirt led the scoring with 13 points, Tanner Sorensen had 8, Conner Jessop had 7, Cole Murdock had 5, and Dexter Harper and Easton Jessop each added 4. Then on Saturday, the Corvallis boys played Livingston. The Blue Devils jumped

The Corvallis girls played East Helena on Friday and lost 27-47. For Corvallis, Ava Loran led with 6 points, Kaia Benson and Ella Varner each had 5, Briella Epling and Kate Allen each had 3, and Savanna Johnson added 1. Then on Saturday, the Corvallis girls played Livingston and won 41-35. For Corvallis, Kate Allen and Ella Varner each scored 10 points, Ava Loran had 7, Kaia Benson had 6, and Ellie Knapp and Lauryn Holmberg each had 4.

The Hamilton girls played Laurel on Friday. The Broncs outscored the Locomotives 13-4 in the 4th quarter and won the game 44-39. For Hamilton, Ashlynn McKern led the scoring with 15 points, Anna Lewis had 10, Meryn Leonardi had 7, Kas-

Darby defeats Victor The boys and girls basketball teams from Victor and Darby squared off in Victor on Thursday, December 18. The two teams were once Class C foes, but Darby now plays in Class B, while Victor remains in Class C. Darby dominated in the boys game, winning 73-26. Darby’s defense was the difference as the Tigers stockpiled 34 total steals. For Darby, Gavin Anderson led the scoring with 16 points, Anderson also had 8 rebounds and 8 steals. Jordan Browning had 13 points and 6 steals, McCoy Townsend had 13 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 steals, Abe Atkins had 11 points, Leif Nelson had 7 points and 4 steals, Quintin Woirhaye had 6 points and 5 rebounds, and Daniel Stewart had 6 points and 5 steals. In the girls game, Darby jumped out to a 25-4 halftime lead. Victor rallied in the second half to narrow the gap, but Darby held on and won 48-32. For Darby, Hadley Heiland led the way with 23 points and 9 rebounds, Natalie Anderson had 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 steals. Brooklyn Janis had 3 points and 4 rebounds, and Brooklyn Rodgers and Austin Hackel each had 3 points.

Darby

The Darby boys and girls went to Missoula on Friday, Dec. 19 to play Valley Christian. In the girls game Darby won 51-42. For Darby, Hadley Heiland led the way with 25 points, 14 rebounds and 5 steals. Natalie Anderson had 16 points, 8 steals and 8 rebounds, Brooklyn Janis had 8 points and 6 rebounds, Austin Hackel had 2 points, and Ella Bush added 1. In the boys game Darby won 68-62. For Darby, Leif Nelson had 21 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals, Jordan Browning had 20 points, 6 steals, and 5 assists, McCoy Townsend had 13 points and 4 rebounds, Oliver Long had 6 points and 3 steals, Daniel Stewart had 6 points, and Gavin Anderson had 2 points and 9 rebounds.

Victor

The Victor boys and girls hosted Alberton on Friday, Dec. 19. In the girls game the Pirates pummeled the Panthers 56-11. In the boys game, Victor lost 50-73.

Corvallis girls

Basketball roundup Florence

The Florence boys and girls basketball teams went to Eureka on Friday, December 19 to battle the Lions. In the boys game, Florence jumped out to a 29-20 halftime lead and held on for a 66-57 victory. Florence’s Brody Duchien had a big game. The Falcon senior scored 27 points, had 10 rebounds, and dished out 6 assists. Also for Florence, Bridger Alexander had 8 points and 4 assists, Jacob Grayson had 7 points and 4 assists, Wes Potter had 6 points and 2 steals, and Preston Ekstedt added 4 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds. In the girls game, the Falcons overpowered the Lions, winning 7018. For Florence, Kendyl Meinhold had 15 points and 7 steals, Taylor Pyette had 14 points and 3 steals, Ali Meinhold had 13 points and 4 assists, Emory Ralston had 8 points and 5 re-

bounds, Shelby Crocker had 8 points and 3 steals, Madigan Hurlbert had 6 points and 4 steals, Maggie Schneiter had 3 points, 4 steals and 4 assists, and Jaden Fisher added 3 points and 4 assists.

Stevensville

The Stevensville boys and girls basketball teams played Bigfork on Tuesday, December 16. The boys hosted Bigfork, while the girls traveled to Bigfork. In the boys game, Stevensville was defeated 23-62. In the girls game, Stevensville was defeated 35-82. Then on Saturday, both teams hosted Libby. In the boys game, Stevenville trailed 23-27 heading into the 4th quarter and wasn’t able to make a comeback and lost 29-40 in a defensive struggle. In the girls game, Stevensville was defeated 25-45.

Wrestling wrap-up Arlee Christmas Invite

Darby and Florence joined nine other high school wrestling teams in Arlee on Saturday, December 20 for the Arlee Christmas Invite. In the team standing, the Darby boys took 5th and the Darby girls took 8th. The Florence boys took 8th and the Florence girls took 7th. Individually for the Florence boys,

Brett Riley took 2nd at 165, Isaac Nicoson took 2nd at 144, and Landon Serevaag took 2nd at 132. Individually for the Florence girls, Audrey Blair took 2nd at 115, and Ava Newkirk took 4th at 145. Individually for the Darby girls, Halana May took 3rd at 155, and Morgan Sandoval took 4th at 170. Individually for the Darby boys, Drextin Evers took 2nd at 118, Marco Biesiot took 2nd at 190, Mark Sando-

val took 3rd at 150, Cooper Heiland took 4th at 132, Phillip Nott took 4th at 126, Reagan Christopherson took 4th at 165, and Tristian Whitcomb took 4th at 215.

CHS Brawley Classic Corvallis hosted Hamilton, Columbia Falls, Libby, and Polson in the CHS Brawley Classic on Saturday, December 20 at Corvallis High School.

In the team scoring, Corvallis boys took 1st place and Hamilton took 5th. The following Corvallis wrestlers took 1st place: Castin Borkholder at 165, Maurice Craun at 190, Christian Wissenbach at 103, Colton Snyder at 175, Kahle Hill at 126, Byron Stoker at 144, Colby Bowles at 150, Jesse James at Heavyweight. Hamilton’s Brandon Saltzman took 1st at 157.

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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Obituaries

Page 12--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

DeWayne Lee Smith

DeWayne Lee Smith was born July 27, 1933, in Hamilton Montana. He was the youngest of 6 children of George W. and Hattie (Gilbert) Smith. Dewayne’s grandparents James and Buena Vista (Shelley) Smith had emigrated to the Bitterroot Valley in 1889, settling in the Dutch Hill area west of Woodside. DeWayne was raised on his parents’ farm in the white cottage near the entrance to the Daly Mansion. From an early age, he learned the benefits and rewards of hard work and commitment. In 1950, while still in high school, he joined the Army Reserves, completed his Basic Training at Fort Ord California, then returned to Hamilton in the fall for his senior year of High School. In late spring of 1951, DeWayne asked Betty Sorenson, a senior classmate, for a date on their graduation day hayride. They dated through that summer and fall, Dewayne was discharged from the Army Reserves in December of 1951 and immediately joined the U.S. Navy. Betty and DeWayne were married in Hamilton on March 19, 1952, and began their young life together. During DeWayne’s Navy career They celebrated the births of three daughters, Linda in Honolulu HI, Carol and Susan both in Oakland CA, had 10 different duty stations and transfers, and gathered a lifetime of experiences and adventures. DeWayne’s most significant Navy deployments were Korea 1954, Key West during the Cuban Missile Crisis 1962, and USS Constellation Air Craft Carrier in Viet Nam 1964-1968 where he was the Post Master for the WESTPAC fleet, handling almost a million pieces

Death Notices

Peter James Rummel

February 4, 1950-November 24, 2025. Peter James Rummel died at his home in East Helena on Monday, November 24, 2025, after battling cancer for over 12 years. No services are planned at his request. A full obituary is available online at: www.simplecremationmt.com.

of mail per month. His last duty station took him to San Francisco where he was Naval Postal Inspector for the Navy’s West Coast area and fleet. DeWayne received many commendations for his commitment and exemplary service throughout his 20-year career. He was proud of his service to our country and honored to be a Navy veteran. After his retirement in April of 1971, DeWayne, Betty and the girls happily settled in Hamilton where all three daughters graduated from Hamilton High School. DeWayne embarked on his second career working for the next 17 years in the automotive industry, most notably for Hamilton Motor Supply and NAPA in Corvallis and Stevensville. DeWayne and Betty moved to Victor in 1980, and he became a member of the Victor Volunteer Fire Department for 19 years, serving as captain for several years. He also started a saw sharpening business and his services were in great demand throughout the area. Eventually, DeWayne and Betty became snow birds where they spent 20 years creating more adventures and great friendships. They always said they had the best of both worlds: the Arizona desert in fall and winter and Western Montana in the spring and summer. DeWayne and Betty were married for over 67 years when Betty passed away on July 20, 2019. He spent the next 6 1/2 years at Sapphire Lutheran Homes in Hamilton where he was surrounded by a wonderful staff, friends old and new, and his ever growing family. DeWayne’s favorite activities at Sapphire were the summer concerts and the wildlife viewing from his apartment deck. He stayed active in the community at Sapphire and with his family until October of 2025 when his health became precarious. DeWayne left this earth, fittingly on Veterans Day November 11, 2025, just after 11pm carried to heaven under a spectacular display of the Northern Lights. As he had written in a tribute to Betty after her death, “What a beautiful trip that must have been!” His daughters describe him: “Our noble leader, our great protector, our pest remover and troop inspector. He’s our castle fixer, bold crusader, treasurer, and educator.” He was proud of his daughters, loved them tremendously and gave that love unconditionally, extending that love to their spouses and his grandkids, great grands and great great grands. These younger generations benefitted from his attendance and involvement in their activities, sports events, scouting and performances. They say that he would always listen, told great stories, made the best ever English toffee and biscuits and gravy, gave them driving lessons, took them on camping adventures, played cards and cribbage, wore his red white and blue suspenders,

Thomas ‘Dwight’ Felton

Darrel D. Wise

Hamilton - Thomas “Dwight” Felton, 84, of Hamilton passed away on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at Bitterroot Health Daly Hospital of natural causes. Services will be held at a later date. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

Stevensville - Darrel D. Wise, 79, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2025, at home, surrounded by his loving family. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.

Bitterroot Seven Day Forecast

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Mostly Cloudy Areas of Fog

Mostly Cloudy Areas of Fog

Rain & Snow Possible

Chance Snow

Mostly Cloudy

Mostly Cloudy

Sunny

46 / 29

44 / 30

40 / 23

38 / 24

42 / 29

37 / 22

36 / 23

Corvallis - Ruth Naomi Fisher, 90, of Corvallis passed away of natural causes on Monday, December 22, 2025, at St. Luke Community Hospital in Ronan. Private interment will take place at Corvallis Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care of Daly-Leach Chapel. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

Detailed Local Forecast

0-2: Low, 3-5: Moderate, 6-7: High, 8-10: Very High, 11+: Extreme Exposure

Today we will see mostly cloudy skies with areas of fog, near record high temperature of 46°, humidity of 81%. South wind 3 to 6 mph. The record high temperature for today is 49° set in 1899. Expect cloudy skies tonight with areas of fog, overnight low of 29°. South southwest wind 1 to 5 mph. The record low for tonight is -19° set in 1944. Thursday, skies will be mostly cloudy with areas of fog, high temperature of 44°, humidity of 85%. South wind 4 mph.

Weather Trivia

Peak Fishing/Hunting Times This Week

0 - 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11+

About how long does it take thunder to travel one mile?

Ruth Naomi Fisher

Crossword Puzzle

The Bitterroot Star Weather Summary

Local UV Index

taught them to be honest, to love fully with heart and soul, and always smelled like Old Spice. DeWayne was preceded in death by his wife Betty, his parents, his siblings and great granddaughter McKenzie Jo Hope. He is survived by his daughters Linda Smith Rigby ID, Carol (Todd) Van Bramer Bellevue ID, and Susan (Lonnie) Wetzsteon Hamilton; grandchildren Tracie (Bryon) Hope, Cory (Jessica) Wetzsteon, Andy (Amanda) Wetzsteon and Hunter Van Bramer; great grands Abby, Austyn, Charlie and Sutton Wetzsteon, Hank, Saige and Evie Wetzsteon, Ashly (Teddy) Hitesman and Taylor (Tyler) Hope; great great grands Makiyah, Kaydan, Trinden, Brixleigh, Dreagan, Destiny, Rylee, Matik and Maze. Our family would like to thank the caring, loving staff at Sapphire and The Remington. You welcomed DeWayne into your communities and provided the best of senior living; to Pastor Paul Anderson of Faith Lutheran Church, thank you for your spiritual guidance and friendship to DeWayne; and to Bitterroot Health Hospice and the incredible team for their care of DeWayne in his last weeks. You provided end-of-life care for him with dignity and respect and supported us in that journey. You all have our lasting thanks and gratitude. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Daly Leach and a service with military honors will take place in early spring 2026. Memorials can be made to: DeWayne Smith Memorial Bench Fund c/o Sapphire Lutheran Homes, 501 North 10th Street, Hamilton MT 59840, 406-3632800; Bitterroot Health Hospice, 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton MT 59840, 406-363-2211.

?

Day Wed Thu Fri Sat

Answer: Around 5 seconds.

Weather History Dec. 24, 1983 - The barometric pressure reached 31.42 inches at Miles City, Mont. to establish a record for the United States. It was the coldest Christmas Eve of modern record. More than 125 cities reported record low temperatures for the date. Dec. 25, 1987 - Residents of Tucson, Ariz. awoke to a white Christmas for the first time in 47 years of records as a winter storm blanketed the area with up to four inches of snow. Unseasonably mild weather prevailed in the southeastern part of the nation.

Peak Times AM PM 3:05-5:05 3:27-5:27 3:50-5:50 4:12-6:12 4:34-6:34 4:56-6:56 5:19-7:19 5:42-7:42

Day Sun Mon Tue

Peak Times AM PM 6:05-8:05 6:30-8:30 6:55-8:55 7:22-9:22 7:50-9:50 8:20-10:20

www.WhatsOurWeather.com

Sun/Moon Chart This Week Day Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue

First 12/27

Full 1/3

Sunrise 8:20 a.m. 8:20 a.m. 8:21 a.m. 8:21 a.m. 8:21 a.m. 8:21 a.m. 8:21 a.m.

Sunset 4:52 p.m. 4:52 p.m. 4:53 p.m. 4:54 p.m. 4:54 p.m. 4:55 p.m. 4:56 p.m.

Moonrise 11:20 a.m. 11:38 a.m. 11:55 a.m. 12:11 p.m. 12:29 p.m. 12:51 p.m. 1:19 p.m.

Moonset 9:46 p.m. 10:59 p.m. Next Day 12:12 a.m. 1:28 a.m. 2:48 a.m. 4:12 a.m.

Last 1/10

New 1/18

Last Week's Almanac & Growing Degree Days Date 12/15 12/16 12/17 12/18 12/19 12/20 12/21

High 52 51 46 40 41 39 30

Low 34 41 33 32 28 28 25

Normals Precip 30/16 0.03" 30/16 0.01" 30/16 0.31" 30/16 0.15" 30/16 0.24" 30/16 0.00" 30/16 0.06"

Farmer's Growing Degree Days Date Degree Days Date Degree Days 12/15 0 12/19 0 12/16 0 12/20 0 12/17 0 12/21 0 12/18 0 Growing degree days are calculated by taking the average temperature for the day and subtracting the base temperature (50 degrees) from the average to assess how many growing days are attained.

ACROSS 1. Association (abbr.) 5. Fluky 9. Transparent gem 11. “as you __” 12. Trash 13. Spoken 14. Still 15. Before Christ 17. Gross national product (abbr.) 18. Humorous 20. Computer number system 22. Pot 23. Tin (abbr.) 24. Paddle 27. Greenish-blue color 29. Strange 31. Track 32. What’s “in” 33. Afresh 34. Decays

DOWN 1. Lawyer (abbr.) 2. Angry 3. Skewer 4. Snooze 5. The other half of Jima 6. British princess 7. Shekel 8. Bark in pain 10. Black and white animals 16. Trumpet’s cousin 18. Fashionable 19. Big Apple 20. Singer Adams 21. Witless 22. Ca. University 24. Dunking cookies 25. Am not 26. Cincinnati baseball team 28. Not old 30. Stray © Feature Exchange

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Bitterroot Star--Page 13

Flyfishing Journal

Christmas isn’t a day – it’s a season

When I was a kid, like most kids I couldn’t wait until Christmas morning. Presents would magically appear under the tree as boxes from far-off relatives arrived. They’d be added to the packages that seemed to accumulate one-at-a-time as my parents made trips to town – and on Christmas morning, there’d usually be a surprise gift that they’d kept hidden away. Not that there was a cornucopia of gifts – but the one-at-a-time increasing pile, one from my older brother who lived in far-off Ohio, one from my grandmother who lived even further off in Pennsylvania, another from Aunt Eva, a stocking filled with walnuts and oranges and maybe one small stocking gift, and under the tree something from mom, something from dad, and something from both of them, as the pile increased my excitement – and impatience – grew until I could hardly stand it. There would be sox and shirts, pants and underpants, a book from Aunt Eva and something hand-made by grandma. I wasn’t ungrateful for the clothing because I needed it although the toys and games, naturally, grabbed my attention. It all didn’t end the morning after. The tree stayed up, the music still lingered in the air, there was the buffet with my mom’s vast assortment of Christmas cookies and slices of fruit cake – real, home-made fruit cake laced with plenty of brandy – along with dates stuffed with walnuts, candied orange slices, leftover ham from Christmas dinner, cold cuts, cheese, and crackers. The presents went back under the tree in opened boxes – save for what I was wearing or playing with. People would come to visit and we’d go visiting ourselves. On those visits the kids took turns playing with each other’s new

by Chuck Stranahan

toys while the adults did whatever adults do at Christmastime. Us kids were too absorbed in our play with our new toys to notice, although they laughed a lot. Today there are kids and grandkids, the tree isn’t as big as the ones I remember from when I was much smaller and everything seemed much bigger; the gift exchange between Jan and me will simple but heartfelt. There will be gifts within the family, and one gift outside the family for a boy who has taken a sudden interest if fly tying. Naturally his gift will be followed with fly-tying lessons this winter and fishing with his newly-tied flies this summer. The season lingers on and the giving never ends. We were supposed to visit our daughter and the grandkids in Missoula a few days ago but cancelled out – the weather looked too iffy. On the day we were scheduled to go a shelter in place, emergency travel only order was issued for Missoula. We woke to find that the loud noise the night before wasn’t thunder - a fir tree had fallen on the house. Fortunately the damage was confined to a bent rain gutter. Some generous neighbors put themselves in line for plates of cookies now and flies when I get them tied. They didn’t have to limb that tree out, figure a way to get it off the roof and once on the ground, buck it into firewood lengths. Giving like theirs begets gratitude - and more giving. We’ll see the grand-

kids soon enough – although at this time I don’t know exactly when that will be. Meantime their mom hints that she’s about to send us something. We’ll deliver a family gift to them – sometime – when the roads are clear and they’re not visiting relatives out-of-state. There will be gift certificates for a day’s fishing with Grandpa Chuck to deliver to the kids whenever we see them. We’ll have to extend the Christmas season to allow for the weather and other people’s travel plans. But that’s only part of it. The heart of it is in the Christmas season itself. We used to talk freely of the Christmas Spirit. Since PC speech came in you don’t hear that phrase much. Too bad – the Christmas season is palpable – you can feel it. There is a spirit of love, joy, and giving in the air. I won’t get into what it is or where it comes from here, other than to say it’s real. If we only feel it for a few days this time of year at least that’s something. If we can make it last longer than that, continue in the spirit of love, joy, and giving beyond this season, make it a permanent part of our lives, that’s something else.

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Page 14--Bitterroot Star

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

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Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Bitterroot Star--Page 15

Stevensville holds Shop With a Cop by John Dowd On December 6, the Stevensville Police Department held their annual Shop With a Cop event. This year, officers took 14 local youth shopping for Christmas gifts. Officers each took two youth and walked around with them in the Walmart on Brooks in Missoula, with a set amount of money. Stevensville Police Chief John Boe wanted to thank all involved with making the 2025 Shop With a Cop a reality and a huge success. He was thankful to the Montana Highway Patrol, the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office, the Darby Police, and he added, “We are extremely appreciative to these other agencies for helping us with this event.” He especially wanted to thank Dave and Mari Laursen for their support as well as Kristin Kruse, all of whom he said were a huge part of it. “These things keep getting bigger and better every year,” said Boe, and this support is a big part of that. Speaking of Kruse, Boe said, “She’s just been invaluable,” and she was the one who started the program. Chief Boe said he and Dave Laursen have talked together about the benefit of the program. “Dave said that these young impressionable minds, it’s their first opportunity to interact with law enforcement and first responders,” said Boe. “He said this is pivotal to their personal growth and it helps them learn to look at things from a different perspective. I thought what he said had a lot of value and a lot of

Photo courtesy Stevensville Police Department. merit. That’s exactly what this event does.” Boe added that what Laursen does for the community “is not even measurable.” He added that his officers love doing this event and they look forward to it every year. Speaking about the youth that they took shopping, Boe said, “They get to know us and we get to know them.”

The officers are always impressed with how selfless the youth are, often using their allotted funds to purchase things for their families and not only themselves. Boe spoke of the youth that were awarded this chance, and said, “This celebrates young people that have had a good year and they were rewarded for it.”

CHRISTMAS: Stock Farm Club members, volunteers give back Continued from page 1

toys and gifts are bought locally, to help support the Bitterroot Valley community, at large. Community members who are invited, and those who apply and are granted access to the event, are those that need it most. Buck said, “We try to make sure the people here are the ones that really need it.” Much like Saint Nick himself, they have a list. However, the list comes from recommendations in the community. To find the guests, they reach out to the community, the schools, etc. and they have a number of employees that live in the community and are heavily involved, as well as members. They all work together to do the most good they can every year, bringing families they hope will get the most out of it. Buck said they do not like to say this is an event for the needy, because it really is not about that either. He explained that it is more of a way to give back and help those that may not be able to have as good a Christmas as everyone else this year, due to hardship or something else. “This is my favorite event,” said Buck. He has been in the private club business for 35 years, and has helped with numerous events. For him, “this is the most meaningful thing that I do.” Members who donate often also

volunteer, and work the event themselves. Buck said for many, this is something they all look forward to. The event is huge not only for the members, but also the Stock Farm Club staff and families, all of whom volunteer to work the event. Buck added that they do not ask the community for any help or support. “We don’t want to burden them,” said Buck. They just want to give back. However, according to Buck, when people find out, they can’t stay away. “They hear about it and they want to be a part of it,” said Buck. Groups like local fire departments, police, businesses

and more all chip in, donate and help make the event what it is.

“It’s the essence of Christmas,” said Buck.

Above, hundreds at the Stock Farm Club community Christmas party. At left, Joel Schnackel and Leila Duguid perform during the party. Photos by John Dowd.

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Legal Notices Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Notice of Dissolution of Friends of Hamilton Library d/b/a Friends of the Bitterroot Public Library Please be advised that Friends of Hamilton Library d/b/a Friends of the Bitterroot Public Library has authorized its dissolution. In accordance with applicable state statutes, this includes settling all known debts and obligations. All persons or entities having a claim against the assets of Friends of Hamilton Library d/b/a Friends of the Bitterroot Public Library are hereby notified to present their claims in writing with the following details: Claim Amount: The total amount being claimed. Basis of Claim: A description of the transaction or agreement giving rise to the claim. Origination Date: The date the claim originated. Supporting Documentation: Copies of any invoices, contracts, or other documents that support the claim. All claims must be sent to: Friends of BPL c/o BROWDER LAW PLLC, 217 N 3rd St., Ste. J, Hamilton, MT 59840. The deadline for submitting claims is January 11, 2026. BS 12-10, 12-17, 1224-25. MNAXLP PUBLIC HEARING The Darby Town Council will hold a public hearing to receive oral and written comment regarding: ∙ Amend Fiscal Year Budget 2025-2026 The hearing will be held at: Darby Town Hall 101 East Tanner Avenue December 30, 2025 6:00PM BS 12-17, 12-24-25. MNAXLP NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BUDGET AMENDMENTS FY 2025 RAVALLI COUNTY The BOARD OF RAVALLI COUNTY COMMISSIONERS will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 1:00 PM in the Commissioners Conference Room at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, Montana (3rd floor Administrative Center). The purpose of this public hearing is to take public comment, review and approve Budget Amendments for Fiscal Year 2025 by Resolutions. If you would like further information on these amendments, please contact the Commissioner’s Office at the above

address, by phone 406375-6500 or by email: commissioners@rc.mt.gov BS 12-17, 12-24-25. MNAXLP NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 10:00 AM in the Commissioners Conference room (3rd floor) at the Ravalli County Administrative Center located at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, Montana. The purpose of this public hearing is to consider a Resolution of Intention to dissolve a Special District, Bitterroot College, in accord with § 7-11-1029, MCA, as requested by the Bitterroot College District Board of Trustees. A second public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at 10:00 AM to consider adopting a Resolution of Dissolution of a Special District, Bitterroot College. The 20day public protest period will be open, beginning Wednesday, December 31, 2025 through Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM, per MCA 7-2-4313. If you have any questions, or would like to make a public comment due to your inability to attend this meeting, please contact the Commissioners through either of the following : 215 S. 4th Street, Suite A, Hamilton, Montana 59840 or by phone 406-375-6500 or by email: commissioners@rc.mt.gov Chris Taggart BCC AA BS 12-17, 12-24-25. MNAXLP Naomi J. Cheeney Cheeney Law, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 3639060 Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HELEN L. GOOKIN, Deceased. Case No.: DP-412025-149 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have been appointed Co-Personal Representatives of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months

 C HRISTMAS

after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Elizabeth Rose Belcourt and Mary Alice Comstock, the Co-Personal Representatives, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED the 18th day of December 2025. /s/ Elizabeth Rose Belcourt, Co-Personal Representative /s/ Mary Alice Comstock, Co-Personal Representative BS 12-24, 12-31-25, 1-7-26. MNAXLP Kyle J. Workman State Bar No. 65442127 Workman Law, PLLC P.O. Box 1167 Hamilton, MT 59840 T: (406) 802-2198 kyle@workmanlawmt. com courts@workrnanlawmt.com Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY In the Matter of the Estate of DEWAYNE LEE SMITH, Deceased. Probate No. DP 41-25146-IT Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four ( 4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to SUSAN S. WETZSTEON, the Personal Representative, in care of WORKMAN LAW, PLLC, 601 S. First Street, P.O. Box 1167, Hamilton, Montana 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 19th day of December, 2025. /s/ Susan S. Wetzsteon WORKMAN LAW, PLLC By: Kyle J. Workman, Attorney for Personal Representative

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Bitterroot Star--Page 17

BS 12-24, 12-31-25, 1-7-26. MNAXLP MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF KELLY SHANNON RIEDMILLER, Deceased. Probate No.: DP-2025123 Dept. No.: 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that James Vincent and Patricia Vincent have been appointed as co-Personal Representatives of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to James Vincent and Patricia Vincent, the co-Personal Representatives, 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 12-24, 12-31-25, 1-7-26. MNAXLP Public Hearing-Ravalli County Fee Increases FOR: RAVALLI COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND RAVALLI COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners

will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 07, 2026 at 1:30 PM in the Ravalli County Administrative Center at 215 S.4th Street, Third Floor Commissioners Conference Room, Hamilton, MT. The purpose for this public hearing is to take public comment and make a decision by Resolution to amend the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office Incarceration Daily Rates and Ravalli County Environmental Health Plan Review fees. If you would like more information contact the Commissioner’s Office at 375-6500. If you are unable to attend and would like to make comment you can do so by contacting the Commissioners at the above phone number or by email at commissioners@rc.mt.gov Chris Taggart Commissioners’ Administrative Assistant BS 12-24, 12-31-25. MNAXLP Naomi J. Cheeney Cheeney Law, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 3639060 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH BERNARD KLUCEWICH III, Deceased. Case No.: DP-412025-150 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 first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Sherry L. Klucewich-Swartz, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court. DATED the 22nd day of December 2025. /s/ Sherry L. Klucewich-Swartz, Personal Representative BS 12-24, 12-31-25, 1-7-26. MNAXLP

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