BEAR: Ravalli County Museum to showcase print gallery
make it into the ofcial exhibit and talks about the process and his inspiration behind each exhibit.
The grizzly bear exhibit includes 49 prints, most of which are original, ranging from years 1828 to 1943. The exhibit opened ofcially on February 5, and it will be at the Ravalli County Museum until April 18. After that, it will be sent to Travelers Rest State Park Visitors Center for the summer.
According to Nowling, the showing was paid for by the Dennis and Phillis Washington Foundation, through a match grant. They raised the match funds from museum donors, to whom Nowling and her staf are profoundly thankful. These funds will cover the exhibit this year, and the one Silliman will do next year, as well as the museum’s purchase of the “Red Light District Walking Tours of Downtown Hamilton.”
um for this tour and person-led tours can be scheduled. Nowling said they would love to have more of these guided tours.
The museum also has a business walking tour, with a booklet, that can also be scheduled as person-led tours. This is more of an architectural tour, featuring the old buildings of downtown. Nowling said interested parties can call or email the museum, or ask in person when visiting to schedule tours. Visitors must be 16 years or older for the red light tour.
Nowling added that it is feld-trip season, so it’s a good time for schools and youth groups to schedule tours. The museum also has some new staf, so they are taking donations for things to include in the collection. The executive director wanted to clarify that they can be a little picky on what they accept. Being that spring is around the corner, the museum is also looking for volunteers, and interested parties check the website, https:// ravallimuseum.org/ for that. The Museum can be contacted by phone at (406) 363-3338. Continued from page 1
This self-guided tour takes interested parties through the “unsavory” district of old Hamilton, which is full of interesting and forgotten history. Booklets are available at the muse-
Annual climbing restrictions in Mill Creek Canyon
The Stevensville Ranger District implemented the Mill Creek area rock climbing closure on February 1st. The annual closure of multiple rock climbing routes prevents disturbance of clif-dwelling raptor nesting sites. Located north of Hamilton, on the north side of Mill Creek the closure includes the “Pie for Strength” climbing
area and clifs on the south side of the canyon.
Maps of the area closed to rock climbing are posted at area trailheads and on the Bitterroot National Forest (BNF) website. If Forest Service Wildlife Biologists determine that the nests are not active later this spring, the restrictions will be lifted.
The area is a popular destination for hikers, horseback riders, and rock climbers. Forest ofcials want to remind climbers of their responsibility to regulate use and self-police their activities by following the “Leave No Trace” and “Pack it In, Pack it Out” principles. Copies of the “Leave No Trace Climbing” brochure are available at all
BNF ofces and at trailhead bulletin boards. The area will be monitored for compliance. To learn more about these climbing tips and recommendations visit www.fs.usda.gov/activity/bitterroot/recreation/climbing For more information, contact the Stevensville Ranger District at (406) 777-5461.
Kowal fles for commissioner seat
Stephen Kowal, a resident of Stevensville, has announced his candidacy for Ravalli County Commissioner.
Kowal, who has called the Bitterroot Valley home for years, shares the deep appreciation that so many
always emphasized accountability.
That same grit and discipline showed in his completion of seven Ironman triathlons—no shortcuts, just showing up and getting it done.
extra burdens, and federal job cuts at Rocky Mountain Labs and the Bitterroot National Forest impacting local businesses, farms, and restaurants.
“Right now, our county needs steady, proven leadership to navigate these challenges thoughtfully,” Kowal said. “That’s why I’m stepping up—to bring real experience and a neighborly approach to managing growth, stretching every tax dollar wisely, protecting local jobs against federal overreach, and making decisions with full transparency and respect for the folks who live here every day.”
Kowal brings decades of leadership from managing global sales teams at major tech companies, where he handled large-scale integrations after acquisitions, unifed thousands of partners and sellers, cut waste, set clear goals, and delivered measurable results—even under tight deadlines and high pressure. He has built and motivated teams to succeed, saved millions through smart planning, and
Closer to home in Ravalli County, Kowal has served as a Reserve Deputy with the Sherif’s Ofce, helping keep communities safe, and as President of the Bitterroot Swim Team Board, supporting local kids and families. He knows what it means to serve neighbors, listen closely, and work hard for the common good. As Commissioner, Kowal plans to focus on managing growth in a way that protects the county’s rural character and farms without shutting out opportunity, treating taxpayer dollars like his own family’s budget, fghting for local jobs, and keeping decisions grounded in respect for everyday residents.
“This isn’t about party labels or big speeches,” Kowal emphasized. “It’s about rolling up our sleeves together to keep Ravalli County strong, afordable, and true to who we are.”
Kowal will share more details on his plan in the coming weeks. Neighbors are invited to visit www.stephenkowal.com to learn more, share their thoughts, or get involved if they’d like.
“I’m grateful for this valley and everyone in it,” Kowal added. “Let’s work side by side to build a brighter future for our families.”
Kowal resides in Stevensville, and is running for Ravalli County Commissioner. PO Box 131, Stevensville, MT 59870. www.stephenkowal.com
Sports
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
2026 Battle of the Root
The annual quest for Bitterroot wrestling supremacy, called the Battle of the Root, was contested this year in Florence on Saturday, February 7.
The boys and girls wrestling teams from Corvallis, Darby, Hamilton, Florence, and Stevensville participated in this annual event where the five schools battled it out to see who was the best in the Bitterroot Valley.
Corvallis reigned supreme, as both the Blue Devil girls and boys teams carried home the 2026 Root trophies.
“Corvallis has a strong team this year, and they have a solid group of kids, so it’s fitting they won,” said Florence’s boys head wrestling coach Skip Rosenthal. “The other teams’ numbers have been down, but each team has a handful of talented wrestlers who will compete well at state this season.”
A highlight of the event was the competition in the 144 weight class between Corvallis’s Byron Stoker, Stevensville’s Todd Whitescarver, Florence’s Max Rosenthal, and Hamilton’s Colt Yocum. Stoker and Whitescarver are both ranked in the top six for Class A at 144. But it was Florence’s Rosenthal who came out on top as he defeated both Stoker and Whitescarver to take first place at 144.
Individual awards
Be sides the team trophies, there were two individual awards given. The Most Inspirational Wrestler award went to two wrestlers: Kacey
in the championship round.
At 110, Florence’s Caleb Scussel defeated Christian Wissenbach. At 118, Darby’s Drextin Evers defeated Corvallis’s Leyton Olson. At 126, Corvallis’s Kahle Hill defeated Hamilton’s Keegan Gingrich. At 132, Stevensville’s Rowan Miller defeated Florence’s Landon Sirevaag. At 138, Stevensville’s Ben White defeated Corvallis’s Quinn Wissenbach. At 144, Florence’s Max Rosenthal defeated Stevensville’s Todd Whitescarver. At 150, Corvallis’s Colby Bowles defeated Darby’s Mark Sandoval. At 157, Hamilton’s Brandon Saltzman defeated Corvallis’s Marshall Jessop. At 165, Corvallis’s Colter Bestor defeated Darby’s Reagan Christopherson. At 175, Corvallis’s Colton Snyder defeated Florence’s Jake Schneiter. At 190, Corvallis’s Maurice Craun defeated Darby’s Marco Biesiot. At 215 Darby’s Eli Spross defeated Corvallis’s Adrian Sears.
Team standings
In the boys team standings, Corvallis took 1st place, Florence and Darby tied for second place, Stevensville was 4th, and Hamilton was 5th. In the girls team standings, Corvallis took 1st place, Hamilton took 2nd, Darby took 3rd, Florence took 4th, and Stevensville took 5th.
Bitterroot basketball bonanza
Victor 43, Superior
93
The Victor boys basketball team went to Superior on Tuesday, February 3. Although not ranked, Superior has a strong team and Victor gave maximum efort but the Pirates fell behind 27-57 at halftime and lost 4493.
Victor 48, #6 Seeley 79
The Victor boys hosted #6 Seeley on Friday, February 6. The Victor boys generated ofense against Seeley, but couldn’t contain the Blackhawks and
Victor lost 48-79. For Victor, Koen Nuttall led with 21 points, Kordel Martin had 10, Hayes Likes had 9, Colin Lewis had 6 and Jaren Housel added 2.
Victor 26, Seeley 59
The Victor girls hosted Seeley on Friday, February 6. Victor fell behind 9-32 at halftime and couldn’t make up any ground in the second half and Victor lost 26-50.
Victor 29, Lincoln 45
The Victor girls hosted Lincoln on Saturday, February 7. The game was even for three quarters as Victor trailed 26-28 heading into the fourth, but Victor went cold down the stretch and lost 29-45. Nichole Bugli led Victor with 8 points.
Victor 22, #7 Lincoln 83
hosted Anaconda on Friday, February 6. Darby jumped out to a 16-15 frst quarter lead, then went cold in the next three quarters and fell to Anaconda 44-62. For Darby, Natalie Anderson led with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals. Hadley Heiland had 12 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals. Brooklyn Janis had 8 points and 3 steals. Austin Hackel had 3 points and 4 rebounds. Ella Bush had 2 points and 5 rebounds. Brooklyn Rodgers added 2 points.
Darby 30, Anaconda 52
The Darby boys hosted Anaconda on Friday, February 6. Although not ranked, Anaconda is a strong team and Darby wasn’t able to generate enough ofense and lost 30-52. For Darby, Jordan Browning led with 10 points, Gavin Anderson had 6, Leif Nelson had 5, McCoy Townsend had 4, Oliver Long had 3, and Jack Bennett added 2.
Darby 53, Deer Lodge 72
The Darby girls went to Deer Lodge on Saturday, February 7. Darby continued to improve this season and led 34-33 at halftime, but the second half belonged to Deer Lodge as Darby lost 53-72. For Darby, Hadley Heiland had a big game with 20 points, 7 rebounds and 4 steals. Natalie Anderson had 13 points, 4 rebounds and 5 steals. Ella Bush had 8 points and 5 rebounds. Brooklyn Janis had 6 points and 4 steals. Austin Hackel, Stella Smith, and Kota Fisher each added 2 points.
Hamilton 43, #3 Butte Central 61
Darby 45, Deer Lodge 49
The Hamilton boys went to #3 Butte Central on Saturday, February 7. Hamilton played well but lost to the Maroons 43-61. For Hamilton, Trevyn Bakken had 13 points. Jake McCarthy had 12 points and 3 assists. Cartier Ferguson had 6 points and 3 rebounds. Cash Lockhart had 5 points and 3 rebounds. Taylor Doleac had 3 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists. Kaeden Gum and Cooper Weston each added 2 points.
Hamilton 51, Butte Central 47
The Victor boys hosted #7 Lincoln on Saturday, February 7. The Victor boys played with intensity but didn’t have the weapon to stay with top-ten Lincoln and Victor lost 22-83. For Victor, Koen Nuttall led with 8 points, Vincent Jessop had 3, and Kordel Martin added 2.
Darby 44, Anaconda 62
The Darby girls
The Darby boys went to Deer Lodge on Saturday, February 7. Darby led 24-22 at halftime, but Deer Lodge came back in the second half and Darby lost 45-49. For Darby, Leif Nelson led the way with 23 points and 2 assists. Oliver Long had 9 points and 7 rebounds. Jordan Browning had 6 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 6 steals. Abe Atkins had 3 points. McCoy Townsend had 2 points and 3 steals. Gavin Anderson had 2 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.
The Hamilton girls went to Butte Central on Saturday, February 7. Hamilton started strong and jumped out to a 27-15 halftime lead. Butte made a comeback in the second half and got within 2 points in the fourth quarter, but Hamilton held strong and won 51-47.
Springer from Stevensville and Brett Riley from Florence. Corvallis heavyweight Jesse James was named the Most Outstanding Wrestler. The following are the boys individual results
The Corvallis boys and girls wrestling teams both won “The Battle of the Root” on Saturday, February 7 in Florence. Photo by Corvallis High School Wrestling.
Florence’s Max Rosenthal and Stevensville’s Todd Whitescarver bump heads at The Root tournament in Florence on Saturday, February 7. Rosenthal won to take the title at 144. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Sports
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Falcons keep soaring
#2 Florence 81, D eer Lodge 4; # 2 Florence 70, A rlee 7
In a stunning show of basketball dominance last week, the Florence girls, ranked #2 in Class B in the latest 406mtsports. com poll, put up eye-popping numbers as they defeated Deer Lodge and Arlee (cough, cough - me clearing my throat) by a total of 151-11. They defeated Deer Lodge 81-4 and Arlee 70-7.
In Montana high school girls basketball we are beginning to see the “haves” and the “have nots,” as the good teams are getting better, and the weaker teams are getting worse and barely have enough girls to field a team.
It’s unfortunate for the girls on the losing end, and it’s unfortunate for teams like Florence because they don’t get experience playing competitive games, which they will need in the post-season.
To be fair to Florence, they didn’t intentionally run up the score, they stopped their full court press early in the first quarter, and in the second half the clock didn’t stop because of the mercy rule. But with the 35 second shot clock the girls still have to shoot, and Florence is a deep, talented team; if Florence really tried they could have scored well over 100 points in either of these games.
For Florence in the Deer Lodge game, Emory Ralston led the way with 22 points, Maggie Schneiter had 16, Ali Meinhold had 13, Jaden Fisher had 8, Kendyl Meinhold had 7, Alex Nelson, Shelby Crocker and Madigan Hurlbert each had 4, and Taylor Pyette added 3.
For Florence in the Arlee game, Ali Meinhold had 16 points, Kendyl Meinhold had 15, Taylor Pyette had 11, Shelby Crocker had 10, Maggie Schneiter had 7, Emory Ralston had 6, Jaden Fisher 4, and Alex Nelson added 1.
#8 Florence 56, D eer Lodge 29
T he #8 Florence boys hosted Deer Lodge on Friday, February 6. The Florence boys played solid defense and controlled the game from start to finish and won 56-29. For Florence, Brody Duchien led with 20 points, Donnie Brooks had 8, Bridger Alexander had 7, Koa Laasch and Levi Winters each had 6, Wes Potter and Tian Bradshaw each had 3, Brennan Meinhold had 2, and Lorenzo Calderon added 1.
#8 Florence 60, A rlee 51
T he #8 Florence boys went to Arlee on Saturday, February 7. The Florence boys were down 20-28 early in the first half but came roaring back and defeated a solid Arlee team 60-51. For Florence, Brennan Meinhold had a big game with 22 points, Koa Laasch had 16, Brody Duchien had 15, Levi Winters had 6, Donnie Brooks had 2, and Bridger Alexander added 1.
Florence’s Taylor
goes up for a
Corvallis/Stevensville battle in basketball
Corvallis 74, Stevensville 45
The Corvallis boys basketball team hosted Stevensville on Tuesday, February 3 in an all-Bitterroot Valley matchup. Corvallis controlled the game early, leading 24-9 after the frst quarter and 39-21 at halftime. Stevensville played with intensity, but couldn’t make a second half comeback as Corvallis defeated Stevensville 74-45.
For Corvallis, Dylan Wirt led with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Conner Jessop had 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 steals. Tanner Sorenson had 12 rebounds, 8 assists and 2 steals. Easton Jessop had 11 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists. Dexter Harper had 8 points and 4 rebounds. Cole Murdock had 6 points. Reese Tucker and Branson Bucholz each added 2 points.
For Stevensville, McCoy Endres had a
big game with 19 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Taeshawn Luster had 10 points and 6 rebounds. Kaden Wyant had 10 points and 2 steals. Jake Tschida had 3 points and 4 rebounds. Jack Conrad, Luis Eberhardt and Kyler Wyant each had 1 point.
Corvallis 38, Stevensville 17
The Stevensville girls hosted Corvallis on Friday, February 6. The game was a low scoring, defensive battle, but Corvallis was able to generate a little more ofense and defeated Stevensville 38-17.
For Corvallis, Ella Varner had 11 points, 8 steals and 6 rebounds. Kate Allen had 10 points and 10 rebounds. Lauryn Holmberg had 8 points and 3 steals. Kaia Benson had 3 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals. Ava Loran and Briella Epling each added 3 points.
Stevensville 24, #4 Frenchtown 70
The Stevensville girls went to #4 Frenchtown on Thursday, February 5. The Stevensville girls battled relentlessly but they were overmatched by the talented Broncs. Stevensville trailed 6-29 after the frst quarter and lost 24-70.
Stevensville 32, #4 Frenchtown 77
The Stevensville boys went to #4 Frenchtown on Thursday, February 5. The young Stevensville boys squad didn’t have an answer for the Broncs as Stevensville trailed 13-45 at halftime and lost 32-77. For Stevensville, Kaden Wyant had 13 points. McCoy Endres had 8 points and 8 rebounds. Luca Schmidt had 6 points. Taeshawn Luster had 5 points and 6 rebounds.
Corvallis 32, Dillon 55
The Corvallis boys played at Dillon on Saturday, February 7. Dillon always has a tough team and Corvallis struggled to generate ofense and trailed 12-27 at halftime and lost 32-55.
Corvallis 29, #5 Dillon 57
The Corvallis girls hosted #5 Dillon on Saturday, February 7. The Corvallis girls hustled from tip-of to buzzer but didn’t have a lot of answers for a strong Dillon squad and trailed 13-27 at halftime and lost 29-57. For Corvallis, Ava Loran had 12 points, 4 rebounds and 3 steals. Ella Varner had 6 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals. Briella Epling had 3 points and 3 rebounds. Kate Allen, Kaia Benson, Lauryn Holmberg and Ellie Knapp each added 2 points.
DITCH: student athletes promote new bridge
Continued from page 1
Kaney said there are restrictions on things over the waterway, especially regarding concerns like possible contamination. He added that they want to maintain the integrity of that waterway for the farmers and users downstream, describing the ditch as “lifeblood of the valley.” He also said, “We want to be good stewards, improve the safety and access but not ruin the integrity of that canal.“
They were able to make the plea to the association with the assistance of Stevensville School Board member Tony Hudson, guiding them through the process. Kaney said they are extremely thankful to all parties.
Kaney selected students from ninth and tenth grades because the process for approval and construction could take a while. “We wanted these guys to see the fruits of their work before they graduate,” said Kaney. That is why it was also important that they each have personal investment in the project, seeing the issues every day, he said.
“Access is a great frst step for more,” said the principal. Johnstone also talked about the school’s plan, and what the students believe this could achieve. She talked about the updated parking area near the bus barn, which butts right up to the canal. She said it would make a lot of sense to add a bridge near that. This would allow vehicles to cross over and get visitors very close to the felds. She also said, “A
bridge is a stepping stone to more.” According to Johnstone, it would mean better access for more bleachers, given more people would come out to watch games, a better track and more.
Kaney furthered Johnstone’s statements, stating that the paved parking lot near the existing bus barn is attached to the existing student parking lot, meaning all that parking could then be utilized for games, negating the dangerous 15-minute trek around in the dark.
Kaney met with the students once or twice a week with three formal meetings before they came in front of the association, but said, “the kids have taken it and run with it.”
According to him, they have been excited to get involved. As Williams described, this helps the vision meet “how Stevensville athletes would want to see it.”
Williams said the presentation went well, saying they “covered the good and important parts.” He said during the presentation, they spoke on the good that would come from it, as well as the problems the project might face and how they would plan to mitigate those. “I think we
were pretty ready,“ said Williams. Each student spoke individually, as did Hudson and Kaney.
Conrad added to Williams comments, saying when they presented they really tried to talk about it from both the perspective of the school and the students, as well as of the community at large. “What are the benefts to the school and the students,” said Conrad. As for the reception by the association, Conrad said, “I think they were pretty positive. I also believe it is impor-
tant for athletes to be supported by the community and our families.” He said making it easier for the community to come out to games would really help achieve that.
“We’re really doing this for the general public,” added Johnstone, not just the school.
Kaney said the school is not asking for money or help in constructing a bridge, they just need the permission and the access. The school will build the bridge.
Pyette
layup against Deer Lodge on Friday, February 6. Florence defeated Deer Lodge 81-4. Photo by Stephanie K Geiser Photography.
Map showcasing where the ditch cuts between the school and the sports felds. The proposed bridge location is indicated across from the bus barn parking area. Photo courtesy Stevensville Public Schools.
Had enough yet?
Q. What’s the diference between what just happened in Iran and what just happened in Minneapolis?
Scale.
In Iran the Ayatollah’s soldiers killed somewhere between 3000 and 25,000 people. In Minneapolis this administration’s government agents killed two people. So far.
In Iran, at the direction of the Ayatollah, the ‘soldiers’ machine gunned the crowds. In Minneapolis, with the full knowledge and endorsement of this administration, a group of heavily armed thugs overpowered and gunned down innocent people.
In both cases, people were protesting the actions and policies of their government leaders.
Iran has an Ayatollah - their “Supreme Leader.” America has a wannabe “Supreme Leader” - although his followers call him the “unitary executive.”
Alex Pretti was killed 10 years and 1 day after Trump boasted “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters, OK? It’s like, incredible.” Now Trump’s ‘soldiers’ are, in fact, shooting people in the streets. Was that statement a fantasy? Or will he be proven right?
Is this the version of the America you want your kids and grandkids to grow up in?
Jefrey who?
Mark Van Loon Hamilton
ICE, the American Gestapo
Before WWII, Hitler ordered the Nazis to eliminate all Jewish people. At frst, Hitler accused the Jews of causing many of Germany’s problems. He eliminated legal and political opposition, opening the door to persecution, dehumanization, and genocide. The Nazis produced vast amounts of propaganda, calling Jewish people bloodsuckers, mongrels, parasites, subhuman, and the scourge of humanity. Many Germans who supported Hitler treated Jews worse and worse, trying to make life so unbearable for Jewish people that they would voluntarily immigrate to other countries. Those who didn’t leave were harassed and beaten. The Nazis burned their businesses, stripped them of civil rights, and shipped them of to concentration camps or forced labor camps.
Trump is using the same game plan that Hitler and the Nazis used. He has accused immigrants of being violent criminals, murderers, and rapists, and has said they are worse than animals. He has claimed they are “poisoning the blood of our country” and taking Americans’ jobs. He has also claimed that immigrants come from the jails, prisons, and insane asylums of other countries. Trump has said that immigrants are eating the dogs…eating the cats…eating the pets of American citizens.
Trump has his own Gestapo, called ICE, which is ignoring the civil rights of undocumented and documented immigrants and American citizens, especially citizens who do not agree with his lies about immigrants, which are totally untrue and false.
The facts are this: A study in Texas found that immigrants have a 45% lower crime rate than American-born citizens. Stanford University reported that immigrants are 60% less likely to commit crimes than American-born citizens. Princeton University reported that American-born citizens are twice as likely to commit crimes as undocumented immigrants. The CATO Institute reported that undocumented immigrants are 37% less likely to be convicted of crimes than natural-born citizens.
Opinion
Government records and national institutions refute Trump’s lies about immigrants. Most immigrants are law-abiding, do not eat pets, are not from prisons or asylums, and contribute positively to our economy. When an immigrant is arrested, it is most likely because he lacks documentation of citizenship. In the eyes of ICE, he is an illegal immigrant and will be arrested and sent to a detention center, where he is abused, denied medical attention, and even killed. On top of that, they are shipped back to where they came from and forced into harm’s way.
One might ask why he does not have a citizenship document. The reason most “illegal” immigrants do not have documentation is the U.S. government’s inefciency in processing immigrants, the bureaucratic burden, and racial discrimination. Many illegal immigrants remain illegal not by choice but because legal options are extremely limited. Even for many who qualify, waiting times can exceed 20 years.
A person living in South America who applies for citizenship will go through a process that takes between 3.5 and 6 years. A Mexican citizen who applies for citizenship must wait about fve years. First, they must obtain a green card and maintain continuous residency for 5 years before they can apply. Obtaining a green card can take a South American from nine months to over 15 years. In addition, they must speak English fuently and take a test for which our government can provide schooling. They must then pass a test that most Americans cannot pass.
Some of the hundred questions include “What is the longest river in the United States?”, “What is our national anthem?”, “Why does our fag have 13 stripes?”, “What do we call the frst ten amendments to the Constitution?”, “What rights does the First Amendment guarantee?”, and “Name a U.S. Indian tribe.” Most documented immigrants know more about America than most high school graduates.
Imagine you are a citizen of Venezuela, Ecuador, or Colombia, and your life is threatened by corrupt police, or a drug cartel demands that your home be used to store drugs under threat of death. So you go to the U.S. embassy and ask for asylum. Unfortunately, the waiting time for asylum seekers is backlogged by over ten years because our courts are swamped with over two million court hearings in 2025. You have only two options: sufer and die or try to enter the United States illegally because of the unreasonable waiting period. Immigrants are not the problem; corruption, poverty, and criminality in many countries have made it our problem.
We must stop demonizing immigrants; they are not criminals, not rapists, and not eating our pets. ICE should be helping them, not killing them. They are good people who need our help and deserve a chance to live, just like our ancestors did years ago.
Mark Snider Hamilton
The real news
If you’re looking for hard hitting news, and not interested in puf propaganda, get the “X” app and follow independent journalists.
You’d know through Nick Sortor and Cam Higby that the ICE protests in Minnesota are far from “peaceful”, and they are being organized over an encrypted app run by the Democrat Lt. Governor, and Democrat State Representatives under the watchful eyes of Tim Walz and Jacob Frey. Highly organized and funded with manuals on how to agitate federal agents. You’ll see the violence these people produce that is not shown on your TV.
You’d also know that the rise in
violence is a smoke screen to take away from the news uncovered by Nick Shirley regarding the $9-$20 billion in fraud of taxpayer money laundered through nonexistent daycare businesses. 88% of the businesses are run by Somalis and mainly in Ilhan Omar’s district. You know how I know it is a smoke screen? Obama’s Border Czar deported 3 million illegals, was praised by the media and Democrats and given a medal by Obama. Trump’s Border Czar has deported under 800,000 illegals, gets death threats and lives on a military base. The problem is both of those guys were the same guy… Tom Homan.
Ilhan Omar meanwhile has a net worth that went from $50K to between $10-$30 million in 18 months. She married an alleged fraudster who claims to work for a hedge fund, managing $60 billion in assets, yet not one major player in the hedge fund feld knows of them. They claim their winery is worth $1-5 million but independent journalists visited it and found no operation. A lot of your money is being fown out of the country in cash by these people, but you don’t have to be a super sleuth to see that the likelihood of some of your taxpayer dollars helping Ms. Omar’s wealth skyrocket is pretty high.
Matt Taibbi was once a very liberal reporter for Rolling Stone. He saw the news was slanted very left, went on his own, was given the Twitter fles after Elon Musk bought them and reported on how Twitter shadow banned conservatives, squandered pro-Trump election speech and suppressed stories that came from the Hunter Biden laptop, aka election interference.
Michael Schellenberger was a Democrat candidate for California governor in 2018. He advised Obama on his climate agenda and was even on board with most of it. Like many other climate alarmists (recently Bill Gates) they saw that most of it was overblown. He changed his thinking and now comes from a very middle-of-the-road position. He brings a calm, measured, thoughtful approach to his reporting. I love when a liberal blurts out “Trump lies!” etc… How do they come to that conclusion, because I watched MSNBC recently and when the President or V.P. came on to speak about Greenland and Minneapolis respectively, they cut the feed and brought on some pundit to spin what he wants you to think they are saying. So how can you make an assessment if you don’t hear what is actually being said?
There are many other citizen journalists out there, who do great reporting if you want the truth. Or you can continue to adjust the antenna on your Zenith TV, pop in a cassette tape or send correspondence via fax machine and watch mainstream news, Bill Cavanaugh Corvallis
Ryan Zinke AWOL
An estimated 50 plus residents were present at last Wednesday’s 1/26/2025 County commissioners meeting intending to address Ryan Zinke’s delegation listed on agenda. Due to an earlier commitment Chairman Huls had to leave and adjourned the meeting. Public comments were stopped after only 3 or 4 public statements. Jef Burrows was not present. Commissioner Chilcott continued (the now adjourned meeting as a quorum of the commissioners was not present) in a discussion with the 5 member Zinke delegation. Members of the public listened as the discussion was completed in less than 20 minutes. The Zinke delegation stood up and stated they had no time for further public comment.
As I arrived at the meeting I observed a small group of what I thought were local residents talking in the hall
by the entrance door to the commissioners meeting room. As I listened to the public comments I didn’t see the Zinke delegation in the room. At about that moment someone in the crowd asked where is Zinke’s delegation? Commissioner Chilcott said they are “here” waving at the back of the room without defnition. They had not introduced themselves in the meeting but rather stood mostly to the hall. Finally a young man by the door sort of gave a sheepish nod that he was part of the Zinke delegation. I gotta tell you, I got the feeling that the Congressional delegation would rather be wallpaper at that moment than listen to their constituents’ comments. I’ll admit I’m not a big Zinke fan nor a poet but this poem seemed to ft the moment.
A Ryan Zinke AWOL moment
ABSENT WITHOUT LEAVE, unavailable to serve
Where’s Ryan?
Ryan is AWOL on a foreign trip similar to the House of Representatives which is still or is it again in recess
Present for Ryan—Ravalli County voters in last election
Ryan AWOL from a town hall meeting never held in Ravalli County Ryan present in silent support of ICE killings in Minneapolis
Ryan AWOL voting against the Infrastructure Bill
Ryan present in Ravalli County boasting credit for Ricketts Road rebuild funds tho rebuild not possible without passage of Infrastructure Bill
Ryan AWOL for 30 of my neighbors as they were/are laid of due to DOGE at RML
Ryan AWOL for 20 of my neighbors as they were/are laid of due to DOGE at the Forest service
Ryan present for Montanan’s hospitals
Ryan AWOL for Montanans needing healthcare insurance to use those same hospitals
Ryan present for undocumented waste, fraud and abuse
Ryan present for election year epiphany letter demanding Critical Minerals communicate with the county commissioners on Sheep Creek mine
Ryan AWOL when supporting oil/ gas drilling, cancelling local prior agreement, in Bears Ears National Monument in Utah
Ryan AWOL promoting mining at the edge of Boundary Waters Wilderness in Minnesota recently during a House of Representatives speech
Ryan AWOL when supporting the hollowing out of the local Forest Service
Ryan AWOL when supporting the understafng of the EPA required for proper review of Sheep Creek mine.
Ryan 2025 Results: federal spending increase 4.5%, Federal debt increase $2.3 trillion
Ryan being AWOL AND NOT LISTENING IS NOT AN EXCUSE WHEN LOSS OF LOCAL EMPLOYMENT, HEALTHCARE, WATER QUALITY, AND LOSS OF COMMUNITY VALUES IS YOUR CONSTITUENTS’ REALITY. Archie Thomas Corvallis
Tough guys?
Trump’s Tough Guy Border Patrol looked very cowardly and fearful when they pepper sprayed and then gang tackled and killed a VA ICU nurse in Minneapolis, Alex Pretti. I watched this video multiple times from various angles. If you’re interested in seeing how it unfolded and care about the truth, do the research yourself, and don’t listen to Trump puppets Noem and Bovino.
With the victim on the street on all fours, he was beaten in the head repeatedly with what appeared to be a pepper spray can. His gun, which he was legally carrying, was taken from him. Then,
with six agents surrounding him, guns were drawn on this unarmed and by that time helpless individual. At least 9-10 rounds were fred from close range.
The day before Alex’s shooting, 50,000 Minneapolis protesters braved sub-zero temperatures to voice their disgust with this ICE/ border patrol invasion. Even Joe Rogan recently compared ICE tactics to the Gestapo, and suggested the ICE invasions across the country are an attempt by the White House to distract from the Epstein File issue.
This was a murder, perpetrated by the Border Patrol. Alex was holding his phone to flm an incident up the street. His hand never went to his side for his legally concealed gun. He never moved to assault an ofcer, but was assisting a female protester who had been shoved into the snow. But don’t take my word for it. The videos are shocking and very disturbing. Watch them for yourself.
These deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good should be immediately investigated. Trump’s sycophant Kristi Noem needs a little fact checking before being fred, and the killers need to be brought to justice. Bovino just got his walking papers. It didn’t take long for Trump to throw Bovino under the bus when he started to feel the heat. But make no mistake, the person ultimately responsible for this lawlessness is Number 47 sitting in the White House.
Bill Salterberg Stevensville
Support for C leveland
My grandfathers both served in WWII to end the spread of fascist cruelty and Nazi racism, punctuated with atomic bombs and “Never Again.” This isn’t just history to me. A third of my DNA is Ashkenazi Jewish, from Eastern Ukraine. Yet here we are, again, in our own country.
Given that our Secretary of State does their job, every registered voter in Montana will receive an envelope with multiple ballots for the June 2nd Primary. One ballot of choice is marked, returned, and tabulated. Montana’s open primary is a product of our rich and powerful history as a purple state. Condolences to anyone who moved here thinking otherwise.
When party labels are dismissed, a candidate’s life experiences, demeanor, ability to set and complete smart goals, and inherent skills are the measures to determine suitability for that specifc seat. There is one candidate for Montana’s Western Congressional District who easily rises above the rest, including the incumbent: Russell Cleveland.
The harsh reality of 2026 is that so many campaign promises, like Public Lands and Unions, become empty in a Constitutional crisis. Without removing party politics and big money’s grip on our government, and ensuring baseline health care and wellbeing for all, we have no ability to make progress on any other issues. Clearly. We currently can’t.
We have the opportunity to replace an abuser-protecting politician willfully lining the pockets of the 1%, with a person whose entire life represents the 99%. We can swap a Veteran who disregards his own oaths of service, with one who speaks at Veterans marches about upholding oaths of service.
Every other candidate seeking Ryan Zinke’s seat has a ftting role ahead: a second run for our next Governor and protector of our State Constitution; a lobbyist and frefghter who is ideal for a State Legislator; and a rancher whose home districts need him.
We The People must all choose an authentic person over a party, in both June and November. No ego is worth enabling fascism to replace democracy. Join me in choosing Russ to represent Western Montana in D.C. in these challenging times. Lea Bossler Florence Creator, p lease help us
We have all been hearing unkind things about both political parties. I believe it would be benefcial to change those words into something constructive, especially considering there are many European countries that would like to incorporate our country into their own! We defnitely do not want that to happen. Dear Patriots, it is time to call upon our Creator to provide us with honest, truthful, and good politicians to bless our GREAT country of America!
Jose Selig Darby
Everyone knows t his is wrong
Barb, I lived in Arizona. Barbara McNey’s appalled at ICE protests. I’m appalled she feels that way. If the situation has devastated
the southwest, why is ICE then terrorizing Minnesota, Maine, Oregon, and Froid, Montana? EVERYONE, in their hearts knows this ICE terror is wrong. C’mon! Arresting 5 year olds?!
I was stationed at Ft, Huachuca, AZ in the late 70’s. Going back and forth across the border line was common and mutual. I had great times on the San Pedro river. I took my wife back there 40 years later, because I wanted her to see where me and my buddies had enjoyed ourselves. On the way down to the river we passed two javelina hunters. One said, “You got a gun?” I said, “I don’t. Why?” “Illegals,” he said. We just continued past. When we got to the river what we saw was “appalling,” “devastating.” The dirt path was hard as concrete. No one was around. However, there were diapers, water bottles, empty formula packs, a stroller, single shoes, backpacks. Did I say diapers? Diapers were everywhere. There’s a better word than “appalling” or “devastating” and that’s desperation.
Barb, your hyperbolic examples of crime, homelessness, and crappy healthcare all caused by illegal immigrants certainly raises the fear factor. We should not fear the act of crossing a line, but the society that compels anyone to deny a desperate person basic aid.
Steve Jones Corvallis
Observations in reaction to the USCM response to c oncerns over Sheep C reek Plan
Sheep Creek Manifesto. “USCM response….” This is more of the same, so passing by the fuf and getting down to what matters, let’s go straight to the paragraphs beginning with paragraph 3. Paragraph 3 is titled: “Environmental and Health Risk Claims”
Within the paragraph is the statement “USCM is fully committed to complying with all federal and state regulatory requirements....”
It isn’t stated they will do what is right, adequate or imply anything other than to comply with rules and regulations that have proven inadequate in the past. Witness the Berkeley Pit and Libby.
What is apparent is that the intention is to use the subject regulations as a wall behind which they can avoid responsibility.
Paragraph 4. “Independent Testing and Scientifc Rigor”
“… it is important to recognize that any substantive feldwork… will only occur after permitting and environmental review.”
Substantive is the key word, which by any one of the several defnitions, boils down to meaningful. So what’s being said is that any meaningful testing will be AFTER THE FACT.
That’s a bit late and highly unlikely to avoid the pending disaster.
Paragraph 5. “Commitment to Regulatory Standards and Public Input.” That the expectation would be present that anyone has confdence in the aforementioned regulations and then add reference to public input is laughable. The Regulations ofer you escape and avoidance while your response to public input is to ofer milk and platitudes in place of fact and proof of intent.
Paragraph 6. “Economic and National Security Importance.” Now that’s really a shot below the water line as it implies that to disagree is to have no concerns in respect to the title subjects.
The probable consequences of any mining in the proposed area is well discussed. What is relevant here is the statement that “The Sheep Creek Project represents a unique opportunity…”
Most certainly this single statement carries within it a complex message addressing the destruction involved (Social/Environmental) in an activity funded by tax dollars that would substantially reduce the value of the entire area. The lives of thousands of people would be unalterably diminished. Meanwhile, the proponents of this “operation” would realize profts beyond the wildest imagination through government funding gained simply by “following the rules.”
Paragraph 7. “A Call for Constructive Engagement.” The fnal two paragraphs are as illustrative of hypocrisy as could be imagined under any circumstance.
The structure of your business and the conduct of your afairs speak loudly of manipulation, misinformation, willful deceit and the intent to proceed–NO MATTER THE COST. The efort is to access the Federal Treasury, obtain the greatest amount of money possible at virtually little to no risk. This without consideration of
what you have done to achieve your gain.
USCM is like the fellow with the stovepipe hat, in a covered wagon, drawn by a mule. He was selling snake oil for a quarter.
USCM is taking advantage of the process of change to sell snake oil for millions. All the while being totally absent of any concern for the proceeding or the results–only the money. William (Bill) Campbell Conner
More lies
White House deputy chief of staf Stephen Miller posted on social media on Saturday: “Plenty of countries in history have experimented with importing a foreign labor class. The West is the frst and only civilization to import a foreign labor class that is granted full political rights, including welfare & the right to vote. All visas are a bridge to citizenship. In America, for generations now, the policy has been that anyone who would economically beneft from moving to the US can do so, exercise the franchise in the US and their children, the moment they are born, will be full American citizens with all the rights and benefts therein.”
Much of this is not true. Many types of visas do not allow permanent residence and do not lead to citizenship. One must go through the naturalization process to gain citizenship if you are not born in the country. And non-citizens do not have the right to vote (franchise), no matter how many times the falsehood is repeated.
Now history is doing that rhyming thing again. In 1858, Senator James Henry Hammond (D-SC), a wealthy enslaver, rose to explain to his northern colleagues why their objection to human enslavement was so badly misguided. “In all social systems there must be a class to do the menial duties, to perform the drudgery of life,” he said. “Such workers needed few brains and little skill; they just had to be strong, docile, and loyal to their betters, who would organize their labor and then collect the profits from it, concentrating that wealth into their own hands to move society forward efciently.” This sounds a lot like the trickle-down theory we heard from Ronald Reagan.
In a nation of immigrants and men who had worked their way up from day laborers to become prominent men, Abraham Lincoln stood frm on the Declaration of Independence. He warned that if people started to make exceptions to the idea that all men are created equal, they would not stop.
The hierarchical system Miller embraces echoes the system championed by those like Hammond, who imagined themselves the nation’s true leaders who had the right to rule. They were not bound by the law, and they rejected the idea that those unwilling to recognize their superiority should have either economic or political power.
The horrors of the Epstein fles show a group of powerful and wealthy men and women who sexually assaulted children and showed no concern either for their crimes or that they might have to answer to the law. They are certain they stand above the law. The public still does not know the extent of the horrors of the human-trafcking business in which Epstein and others were engaged. Not even half of the fles have been released.
Federal agents acting for the Trump administration are trying to enforce the authority of those like Miller, tear-gassing, arresting, and killing American citizens. Thousands marched peacefully in Portland, Oregon Saturday, but as Alex Baumhardt of the Oregon Capital Chronicle recorded, “federal ofcers outside the ICE facility in Portland…indiscriminately threw loads of gas and fash bangs” at marchers, including children. Tim Dickinson of The Contrarian wrote: “Today I saw ICE gas little white kids in the streets of Portland with chemical weapons. Imagine what they’re doing to brown and black kids in the detention camps.”
In an order requiring the release of fve-year-old Liam Conejo Ramos and his father, asylum seeker Adrian Conejo Arias, from detention, U.S. District Judge Fred Biery noted that in their crusade against undocumented immigrants, U.S. ofcials are ignoring the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence. “[F] or some among us,” the judge wrote, “the perfdious lust for unbridled power and the imposition of cruelty in its quest know no bounds and are bereft of human decency. And the rule of law be damned.”
Once again, I have shamelessly plagiarized this letter from Heather Cox Richardson’s podcast on Substack (Jan. 31, 2026). I am pretty sure she will forgive me. There will be another No Kings march coming on
March 28. If the above letter is disturbing to you, I hope you can show up to show your opposition to the policies of the ICE/CBP/DHS abuse of citizens and migrants alike. Toddy Perryman Hamilton
Support for Binkley, Be dey, Rusk
The terrifc trio of true representation in the valley! Taxes going down! Across Montana - on television, radio, streaming services, mailers, and social media - tens of thousands of dollars are being spent attacking three Bitterroot Valley legislative candidates known for common-sense conservatism, constitutional judgment, and practical public service:
• Michele Binkley - House District 85 (Corvallis)
• Wayne Rusk - House District 86 (Hamilton)
• David Bedey - Senate District 43 (Corvallis, Darby, parts of Hamilton, Connor, Sula, and the West Fork)
These three are NOT high-profle candidates for congress or the presidency, just local people who love the Bitterroot valley and are willing to be the voice of Bitterrooters in the state legislature. They are our neighbors and friends. So why is so much money being spent to take them down? It’s simple! They don’t vote to “go along to get along.” They vote FOR the people, not the party. They vote for what is good for the Bitterroot. They are common sense independent people - all small business owners who know what the job of a legislator is all about - being the representative voice for the Bitterroot.
Binkley is a 2nd amendment supporter and taught gun safety to her two sons. A small business owner, with lots of banking and mortgage experience, she also encouraged them to serve in the US Marine Corps. She is one strong Montana cowgirl who will defend the Bitterroot if elected back to HD 85 like she did before she broke her leg and was unable to campaign in 2024.
Rusk is also a gunner and hunter. He too is a small business owner and taught his son to hunt and shoot. He studies the constitution with both his children and all know it well which is a foundation for his -principledstand on some of his votes. He checks to make sure his vote is constitutional! His son took third in a state-wide constitutional knowledge contest so Dad is doing his job for his children and yours too!
Bedey is also a gunner and a fsherman. He is a small business owner and one of the best educated in the state legislature with a Ph.D. in Space Physics. He is a 30-year retired Colonel from the US Army so you know that he will defend the Bitterroot. When you see him in action as a state senator, you will understand why he is one of the most highly respected legislators in the state and has over 52 bills signed by the governor!
All three individuals actually read bills on which they vote, and as important, they weigh consequences now and in the future.
They ask whether the legislation is constitutional, afordable, and safe for the people they represent - not whether it pleases party factions or outside power brokers.
That high quality representation and independence is exactly why they’re under attack.
Consider that Americans who study history often point to our founders being people of divine providence, the idea that at critical moments, principled leaders emerge together, much like the Founders did when drafting the U.S. Constitution.
Whether one sees that spiritually or historically, the fact remains: Binkley, Rusk, and Bedey represent a rare alignment of judgment, experience, and restraint in an era dominated by ideological theatrics.
Vote for Bedey, Binkley and Rusk June 2.
Helen Sabin Corvallis
ICE agents
I was just wondering. How many persons that were arrested at the January 6th insurrection and sent to jail and then pardoned by Trump, are ICE Agents now? Do they get a bounty or reward every time they wrestle someone down and beat them? Do they get more for shooting someone? Do all fve or six agents that subdue someone share the reward? Do they get less reward for children? Do D. Trump and Steve Miller get their ideas from watching old TV series like “Wanted Dead or Alive,” featuring Steve McQueen or “The Rifeman” with Chuck Connors? The Rifeman shot at least three people an episode and he wasn’t even the Sherif! I was just wondering! Charles Sleath Hamilton
WHAT: The Montana VA invites the community to share heartfelt appreciation during National Salute to Veteran Patients Week,
Feb. 8-14, by sending Valentine’s Day cards to Veterans receiving care. Observed annually during the week of Valentine’s Day, this national initiative encourages visits, volunteer service and messages of gratitude to hospitalized Veterans. Community participation in sending Valentine’s cards is a simple, meaningful way to let them know that they are remembered, and to honor their service and sacrifice.
WHO: Community members and volunteers are invited to participate.
WHEN: National Salute to Veteran Patients Week -- Feb. 8-14
WHERE: To send Valentine’s Day cards to Veterans mail to: Montana VA Health Care System
ATTN: CDCE PO Box 167 Fort Harrison, MT 59636
Learn more about volunteer opportunities by visiting www.volunteer.va.gov or calling the Montana VA Center for Development and Civic Engagement at 406-447-7407.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) National Salute to Veteran Patients is observed annually during the week of Valentine’s Day, a day of caring and sharing, which underscores the Salute’s expression of honor and appreciation to hospitalized and outpatient Veterans.
Week,” said Montana VA Acting Director, Kim Adkins. “We encourage you to mail Valentine’s Day cards to our medical center to show your gratitude for their service.”
Veterans are cared for by a staff of 1,400 at 18 sites of care across the state. One third of Montana VA employees are Veterans.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
More than 9 million Veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are cared for each day in VA medical facilities, outpatient clinics, domiciliary sites, and community living centers.
The annual VA National Salute to Veteran Patients program began in 1978 when VA took over sponsorship of a program started in 1974 by the humanitarian organization, No Greater Love, Inc.
National Salute to Veteran Patients provides every American the chance to thank Veterans for their freedom by sending Valentines to VA medical facilities.
“We are honored to host Veteran Service Organizations, community partners and the general public to give thanks to our Veterans during National Salute to Patient
Veterans can connect to their VA healthcare records, information, and message their VA care teams 24 hours a day through the MyHealtheVet patient portal. Montana VA information, updates, and events are available on the Montana VA website and Facebook page.
For questions or more information, contact the Montana VA Public Affairs Office at (406) 417-9447, Matthew.Rosine@va.gov.
Hamilton talks projects 2025-2026
by John Dowd
At last week’s Hamilton City Council meeting, most of the meeting revolved around housekeeping and a report given by the Hamilton City Public Works Director, Donny Ramer. The report included a presentation covering the projects over the last year, and looked at projects going into Hamilton’s near future over the course of 2026.
With numerous projects to cover, Ramer broke the presentation down into categories. The frst was development, where Ramer spoke on how, over the last year, Hamilton added numerous multi-family units in various locations around town. He said they were surprised when the number of multi-family units added was signifcantly higher than any other form of dwelling, including added single-fam-
ily units and town homes. Ramer then spoke on water related projects, saying most of Hamilton’s water meters were put in around 2001 and are reaching the end of their lifespans. This would put Hamilton on track with a 20year replacement schedule. Hamilton City Public Works will slowly cycle these old meters out for new meters. So far, over the last year, they have replaced about 5%, or around 122 meters. They also detected and repaired 21 leaks. Ramer described the process as a “whacka-mole” endeavor, with new
leaks seemingly popping up just as they fx others.
For wastewater projects, Ramer said they fnished the ARPA-funded improvement project to line the sewer main on Madison Street, which was having some tree root incursions. According to Ramer, the process was quite a project, and it was interesting how they were able to line the main. However, they should not have much trouble now moving forward as the lining was pretty substantial. As for the treatment plant, Ramer said they upgraded the 1980s equipment and he foresees better and more efcient treatment into the summer. They added a new
generator there, as the old one would have difculty running the whole facility. Ramer explained that, during one of the last wind storm events, the main breaker melted because it had to run constantly. Regarding street projects, Ramer said signs, sidewalk repair, storm drains and storm cleanup have been constant projects this year. This will be a constant efort into the future, but they are now getting to “all the things not gotten to in the past.” He attributed this to the street department having a larger team of employees, which they have not had in a while.
Looking towards the future, Ramer said they are going to be working on Marcus Street in the summer. They also plan to address water supply and storage, which has been a concern. They plan to address the storage with a second tank for redundancy and additional storage.
Snowpack defcits grow across Montana
Well below normal January precipitation and unseasonably warm temperatures stalled Montana’s snowpack accumulation last month.
“Most Montana basins are now reporting below normal snowpack. While some higher elevations are holding onto their snowpack reserves, mid elevation snowpack is falling behind, and low elevation snowpack is noticeably absent,” said Florence Miller, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Hydrologist. “As of February 1, most major basins hold 65-90% of median snowpack, a 10-30% decrease from the January 1 medians. Snowpack in the Bears Paw Mountains is currently around 45% of median Snow Water Equivalent (SWE), while the Upper Yellowstone and Bighorn basins are the only basins in the state hovering around 100% of median SWE.”
January precipitation was only 50-75% of median and temperatures remained largely above normal. Many areas across the state lost soil moisture with the dry January and minimal snow cover, causing drought conditions to increase. The snowpack continues to be denser than normal for this time of year due to the above normal temperatures seen in December and January.
Water-year-to-date precipitation remains well above normal (100-150% of median) statewide, thanks to a wet December. Higher elevation SNOTELs, where early precipitation fell as snow, accumulated snowpack surpluses during that period. However, January’s lack of precipitation eroded those surpluses at all but the highest sites. Most SNOTEL and snow course stations across Montana are reporting a one- to fve-inch
defcit below normal SWE for this time of year, with a couple higher elevation pockets in the Cabinet and Swan Range nearing an eight-inch defcit. A few higher elevation stations have retained up to a fve-inch surplus from the early winter precipitation. For example, in the Whitefsh Range, the Stahl Peak SNOTEL at 6,040 feet is reporting 24.5 inches of SWE (111% of median). The lower elevation Grave Creek SNOTEL at 4,350 feet has only 4.4 inches of SWE (41% of median).
“Mid- to high-elevation snowpack is the main contributor to summer streamfow. How the lack of low elevation snow coverage will infuence snowmelt driven runof this year is yet to be determined. Ofcial water supply forecasts will be available starting next month after more of the snowpack accumulation season has played out,” explains Miller.
Montana’s mountains typically reach peak snowpack between late March and early May. Conditions at that time will infuence summer streamfow far more than this February 1 snapshot. Statewide, most SNOTELs are less than half of the way towards their normal peak snowpack. With two to three months remaining in the snowpack accumulation season, a return of winter and continued snowfall will be crucial to catch up current snowpack defcits. While current snowpack defcits can still be recovered, the larger they grow, and the shorter the time to catch up, the less likely full recovery becomes.
be found at nrcs.usda.gov/montana/ snow-survey.
For 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat. NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working
lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, personalized advice and fnancial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.
A full report of conditions on February 1 can be found in the monthly Water Supply Outlook Report available on the Montana Snow Survey website. In addition, real-time snow survey data can
BIG CORRAL: chance to make your wishes
passing through the valley. (see: https://bitterrootstar.com/2025/08/ kurtz-lane-parkland-renamed-big-corral-park/)
Other people living in the surrounding area referred to the fenced-in property as the Big Corral. But as
homes were added and land ownership changed, after about 20 years it was decided to dismantle the corral. The fencing was so extensive, however, that it took years to complete the dismantling.
Following the renewed public interest in the park land, in 2023 the Park Board formed a subcommittee consisting of six citizens, Park Board members
Gary Leese and Bob Cron and the Hamilton Parks Director Amy Fox.
Over a period of about two years the subcommittee and citizens developed a list of desired improvements and facilities for the park. The list includes such things as:
• 10-foot wide hard compacted trail with benches around the perimeter
• community room in existing building for meetings and /or rent
• possible replacement location for community gardens or agriculture demonstration area
• multiple use concrete court for (basketball, pickleball) and volleyball court
park, with doggie bags at trail entrances
• outdoor event space with vendor hook-ups
• native plants (garden)
• fagpole
• historical signage, in a kiosk by the parking lot or along the perimeter trail with benches
In the summer of 2024, the Park Board applied for a grant to contract for a Master Plan that was unsuccessful. Following that failure, two members of the Park Board with extensive experience in parks and recreation, Gary Leese and Bob Cron, volunteered to accomplish the Master Plan. The process began with the citizen-generated list of desired improvements. And at a community meeting in October 2025 attended by some 20 interested citizens the list was reviewed and, after much discussion, was validated. Based on that validated list three diferent alternative Draft Master Plans were developed and mapped.
• community center with large meeting room, smaller break-out rooms, indoor sports
• splash park
• dog
Two public meetings have been scheduled to give citizens to consider the alternative plans and choose their own set of preferred park amenities and features. The meetings are scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, from 4 to 7 p.m. and Thursday, February 26, from 4 to 7 p.m. Both meetings will be held at the Ravalli County Administrative Building, 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton. Use the north (basement) entrance. Park Board members will be present to answer any questions about the proposed plans.
Donna Jean Turley
Donna Jean Turley of Hamilton, Montana passed away October 1, 2025.
She was born Donna Jean Cutlif on August 18, 1933, twin sister of Dorothy Jewel, the daughter of Ollie and Birdie (Honsman) Cutlif.
She married Charles (Bud) Edward Turley of Roseville, IL on June 30, 1951.
They had three daughters, Donna Marie (Truman) Sims, of Texas who passed away September 7, 2025, Linda (Carl) Ande of Monmouth, IL and Tamara (Ben)
Mary Thomas
Mary Ethel Pearl was born to Harlan Robert Pearl and Mary Genevieve Cree on March 31, 1941 in Riverside, CA. Six years later her father would pass away. Mary, being so young, went to live with her unmarried aunt, Pauline Cree. This time of her life would leave a lasting impression on Mary and influence many aspects of her life.
In her teen years Mary fell in love with a young sailor and on Oct. 13, 1947 she married Jerry Lee Gillum. Mary and Jerry would have four sons together. Jerry Jr., David, Brian and Paul.
While raising her four sons Mary spent 6-9 months each year as essentially a single mom while Jerry was working on a Naval aircraft carrier in other parts of the world with only letters and the occasional phone call to stay connected.
With Jerry’s career in the Navy they traveled the nation, living in California, Hawaii, New Mexico, Nevada, Florida, and Maryland. She was excited to live in Hawaii but the reality of living on a Navy base and Hawaii’s plethora of insects and lizards was different than her fantasy of living on the beach. Mary and Jerry would eventually divorce 25 years later.
Miner of Kalispell, Montana.
Donna worked for Formft Factory and Glastex Factory before she and Bud moved to Hamilton in 1980, where she sold Avon for many years and Bud worked at Al’s Car Care. They enjoyed many years of adventures, camping and four-wheeling in the Bitterroot mountains and around Montana, having fun and making many happy memories.
Bud passed away July 28, 2025, shortly after celebrating their 74th wedding anniversary.
She did get to live in a house right on the beach on Catalina Island for a few years while working as a baker for a Christian camp. She lived there with her husband Rolland Thomas, whom she met at 42 by putting a singles ad in a Christian magazine. She and Rolland married on Feb. 9, 1984.
They would live many years in Yucaipa, CA where they were near her mother, her sister, Miriam, and her family. They would eventually retire to Hamilton, MT.
Mary loved to craft and even worked in the craft building at a large Christian camp in the mountains above Yucaipa. Her last favorite hobby was card making and shopping for card making supplies.
Mary’s life here on earth came to an end just three short weeks after a pancreatic cancer diagnosis. She passed from the loving arms and care of her family into the loving arms and care of her Heavenly Father on January 30, 2026.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her three siblings. She is survived by her husband of 42 years; her four sons and their spouses: Jerry and Alicia Gillum, David and Deanne Gillum,
Josephine ‘Jo’ Harder
Victor - Josephine C. “Jo” Harder went home to Jesus in her own home, surrounded by family and her loving caregivers, Jeannie Hilburn and Vicky Rodriguez.
Jo was full of love and life to the very end. She had a deep love for Jesus, her family, crafting, the outdoors, and animals. Her warmth, creativity, and joy will be dearly missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her daughter, Cathy (Bri -
Death Notices
Shari Jackson Hamilton - Shari Jackson, 63, of Hamilton passed away Monday, February 2, 2026 at her home of natural causes. No formal services will be held. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
Joseph “Joe” Gervais, age 83, passed away on September 22, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona, where he was receiving care through the VA. Born in Minnesota, Joe lived a life defined by service, skill, humor, and genuine kindness.
Joe spent many cherished years in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, where he was widely known and deeply respected as a corrective horseshoer. He shod hundreds of horses and famously knew many of them by name. His pleasant personality, easy smile, and great sense of humor made him a favorite among horse owners and friends alike.
At just 17 years old, Joe joined the United States Navy, serving as a machinist aboard destroyers and nuclear submarines. He dedicated 27 years to naval service before retiring for health reasons. His career also included reserve recruiting assignments in Missoula, Montana; Boise, Idaho;
an) Bachmeier; son Jim (Rosane) Carlson; son Dave (Rachel) Ferguson; son Dave E. Ferguson; and daughter Kelly Thompson, along with many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.
Service will be held at Victor Community Church 258 Martin St. Victor Feb. 21 at 2:00. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.
Denize Ford Missoula - Denize Ford, 60, of Darby, passed away in the morning hours of Monday, February 2, 2026 at Community Medical Center. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
Kristine Fusco
Rollins, WY - Kristine Fusco, 75, formerly of Florence, passed away Friday, January 23, 2026. A funeral will be held at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on February 4, 2026. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary. com.
She was preceded in death by her parents, four brothers – Leonard, Ollie, Norman, and Wayne – and seven sisters – June, Freda, Mildred, Opal, Ruth Ann, Dorothy and Patty, and most recently the last sister, Marlene Baldrige, passed away on December 10, 2025. She is survived by numerous grandchildren (6), great-grandchildren (10), and great-great grandchildren (9).
Cremation has taken place and no services were held as those were her wishes.
and Oklahoma at Tinker Air Force Base. Joe was proud of his Navy service and the lifelong friendships it brought him.
Joe and his beloved wife, Kay, shared a passion for travel, exploring the Southwest and Mexico together. Later in life, they took up cowboy mounted shooting, a sport they loved, with Joe serving as range master—another role that reflected his leadership, fairness, and love of community.
In 2025, Joe and Kay moved to Tucson, Arizona, settling near the Catalina Mountains, where Joe remained under VA care until his passing. Joe will be missed forever by his Minnesota family, friends, and all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Kay Gervais, who says she has lost her best friend; his daughter, Holly Gervais; his brother, Lonny Gervais; his sister, Kathy Smalley; along with his many horseshoeing clients, Navy friends, and VA caregivers—each of whom came to love Joe for his warm smile, pleasant personality, and fun-loving nature. Joe Gervais leaves behind a legacy of service, laughter, and friendship that will not be forgotten.
Linda Watrous
Robert W. Johnson Missoula - Robert W. Johnson, 74, passed away at home, surrounded by family on Saturday, January 31, 2026, following a long battle with cancer. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
Great Falls - Linda Watrous, 62, formerly of Darby, passed away peacefully Saturday morning, January 31, 2026 at Peace Hospice in Great Falls, following an extended illness. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
Brian and Pam Gillum, and Paul and Lori Gillum; her two step-daughters, Carol and Bobby Bogner, and Cheryl Thomas, along with her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Legal Notices
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County
In the Matter of the Name Change of Dina M. Thornburg, Dina Michelle Thornburg, Petitioner.
Cause No.:
DV-41-20260000030-NC
Dept. No.: Howard Recht
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Dina Michelle Thornburg to Dina Michelle Press.
The hearing will be on February 25 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 15th day of January, 2026.
/s/ Paige Trautwein
Clerk of District Court
By: Catherine Di Gleria
Deputy Clerk of Court
BS 1-21, 1-28, 2-4, 2-11-26.
MNAXLP
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County
In the Matter of the Name Change of Pendleton Porter, Pendleton Porter, Petitioner.
Cause No.:
DV-41-20260000026-NC
Dept. No.: Jennifer Lint
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Pendleton Pumpkin Porter to Jennifer Marie Porter.
The hearing will be on February 26 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 15th day of January, 2026.
/s/ Paige Trautwein
Clerk of District Court
By: Catherine Di Gleria
Deputy Clerk of Court
BS 1-21, 1-28, 2-4, 2-11-26.
MNAXLP
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County
In the Matter of the Name Change of Jessica Dawn Klingler Herr, Petitioner.
Cause No.: DV-26-58-NC
Dept. No.: 1 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Jessica Dawn Klingler Herr to Jessica Dawn Klinger.
The hearing will be on March 18 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
Separate sealed bids will be received by Ravalli County until 12:00 p.m., local time, February 25, 2026. All bids will be received by Ravalli County, via an online electronic bid service through QuestCDN (www.questcdn. com), for the Ravalli County Airport Improvements Project to include the following:
Crack seal, seal coat, and remark Runway 17/35, taxiways, taxilanes, and aprons; and Apply coal tar sealant at aircraft parking locations
This work is to include all tools, equipment, materials, and labor to complete this project.
CIVIL RIGHTS – TITLE VI ASSURANCE
49 USC § 47123, FAA Order 1400.11
As a condition of a grant award, the Sponsor shall demonstrate that it complies with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S.C. §§ 2000d et seq) and implementing regulations (49 CFR part 21) including amendments thereto, the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982 (49 U.S.C. § 47123), the Age Discrimination Act of 1975 (42 U.S.C. 6101 et seq.), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 794 et seq.), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.), U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Assurances, and other relevant civil rights statutes, regulations, or authorities, including any amendments or updates thereto.
This may include, as applicable, providing a current Title VI Program Plan to the FAA for approval, in the format and according to the timeline required by the FAA, and other information about the communities that will be benefted and impacted by the project. A completed FAA Title VI Pre-Grant Award Checklist is required for every grant application, unless excused by the FAA. The Sponsor shall afrmatively ensure
that when carrying out any project supported by this grant that it complies with all federal nondiscrimination and civil rights laws based on race, color, national origin, sex, creed, age, disability, genetic information, in consideration for federal fnancial assistance. The Department’s and FAA’s Ofce of Civil Rights may provide resources and technical assistance to recipients to ensure full and sustainable compliance with Federal civil rights requirements. Failure to comply with civil rights requirements will be considered a violation of the agreement or contract and be subject to any enforcement action as authorized by law.
DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
49 CFR Part 26, 49 USC § 47113
The requirements of 49 CFR Part 26, including any amendments thereto, apply to this contract. It is the policy of the Ravalli County, Montana, to practice nondiscrimination based on race, color, sex, or national origin in the award or performance of this contract. The Owner encourages participation by all frms qualifying under this solicitation regardless of business size or ownership.
FEDERAL FAIR LABOR STANDARDS ACT
29 USC § 201, 29 USC § 200.430
All contracts and subcontracts that result from this solicitation incorporate by reference the provisions of 29 CFR part 201, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), with the same force and efect as if given in full text. The FLSA sets minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards for full and part-time workers. The Contractor has full responsibility to monitor compliance to the referenced statute or regulation. The Contractor must address any claims or disputes that arise from this requirement directly with the U.S. Department of Labor – Wage and Hour Division. TRADE RESTRICTION CERTIFICATION
49 USC § 50104, 49 CFR Part 30
By submission of an ofer, the Oferor certifes that with respect to this solicitation and any resultant contract, the Oferor –1) is not owned or controlled by one or more citizens of a foreign country included in the list of countries that discriminate against U.S. frms as published by
NOTICE OF OPEN OF FILING
Notice is hereby given that beginning on February 17, 2026, the filing period for the Primary Election to be held on June 2, 2026, will open for the following offices elected by Ravalli County voters:
STATE OFFICES DISTRICT TERM FILING FEE
State Senator 43 4 years $15.00
State Representative 85, 86, 87, 88 2
State offices must file with the Montana Secretary of State’s Office (forms are available on the state website at www.sosmt.gov/elections/filing).
Note: This is not a complete list of state offices. If you have questions regarding state filings, please contact the Secretary of State’s Office at (406) 444-2034.
COUNTY OFFICES - PARTISAN TERM FILING FEE
Clerk & Recorder/Supt. of Schools 4 years $406.00
County Attorney/Public Administrator 4 years $743.00
the Ofce of the United States Trade Representative (USTR); 2) has not knowingly entered into any contract or subcontract for this project with a person that is a citizen or national of a foreign country included on the list of countries that discriminate against U.S. frms as published by the USTR; and 3) has not entered into any subcontract for any product to be used on the Federal project that is produced in a foreign country included on the list of countries that discriminate against U.S. frms published by the USTR.
This certifcation concerns a matter within the jurisdiction of an agency of the United States of America and the making of a false, fctitious, or fraudulent certifcation may render the maker subject to prosecution under Title 18 USC Section 1001.
The Oferor/Contractor must provide immediate written notice to the Owner if the Oferor/Contractor learns that its certifcation or that of a subcontractor was erroneous when submitted or has become erroneous by reason of changed circumstances. The Contractor must require subcontractors provide immediate written notice to the Contractor if at any time it learns that its certifcation was erroneous by reason of changed circumstances.
Unless the restrictions of this clause are waived by the Secretary of Transportation in accordance with 49 CFR 30.17, no contract shall be awarded to an Oferor or subcontractor:
1) who is owned or controlled by one or more citizens or nationals of a foreign country included on the list of countries that discriminate against U.S. frms published by the USTR or 2) whose subcontractors are owned or controlled by one or more citizens or nationals of a foreign country on such USTR list or 3) who incorporates in the public works project any product of a foreign country on such USTR list.
Nothing contained in the foregoing shall be construed to require establishment of a system of records in order to render, in good faith, the certifcation required by this provision. The knowledge and information of a contractor is not required to exceed that which is normally possessed by a prudent person in the ordinary course of business dealings.
The Oferor agrees that, if awarded a contract resulting from this solicitation, it will incorporate this provision for certifcation without modifcation in all lower tier subcontracts. The Contractor may rely on the certifcation of a prospective subcontractor that it is not a frm from a foreign country included on the list of countries that discriminate against U.S. frms as published by USTR, unless the Oferor has knowledge that the certifcation is erroneous.
This certifcation is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when making an award. If it is later determined that the Contractor or subcontractor knowingly rendered an erroneous certifcation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may direct through the Owner cancellation of the contract or subcontract for default at no cost to the Owner or the FAA.
may be sufcient grounds to: 1.) Withhold progress payments or fnal payment, 2.) Terminate the contract, 3.) Seek suspension/debarment, or 4.) Any other action determined to be appropriate by the Sponsor/Owner or the FAA. -- (End of Clauses) -Bids will be received on a price basis as described in the Contract Documents. A Bid must be accompanied by Bid security in the amount of not less than ten percent (10%) of the amount of the bid, which shall be: (1) lawful money of the United States; or (2) a Cashier’s Check, Certifed Check, Bank Money Order or Bank Draft, in any case drawn and issued by a federally chartered or state chartered bank insured by the federal deposit insurance corporation; or (3) a bid bond, guaranty bond, or surety bond executed by a surety corporation authorized to do business in the State of Montana. The bid security shall be made payable to the Owner and failure to enter into a formal contract will result in the Owner retaining the bid security. The successful bidder will be required to enter into a formal contract within the bid period listed in the Contract Documents. Bidder shall be required to provide an insurance certifcation(s), to furnish a Performance Bond, and furnish a labor and materials Payment Bond within ten (10) calendar days from the date the Notice of Award is received. The bonds shall each be equal to 100 percent of the contract amount. The successful Bidder is required to comply with Montana’s Contractor Registration Law in accordance with Title 39, Chapter 9, MCA. For this project, bids will only be received and accepted via the online electronic bid service through QuestCDN (www.questcdn.com). Contract Documents may be inspected at many plan exchanges, and at the ofce of the consulting engineer, Robert Peccia & Associates, (3147 Saddle Dr. / P.O. Box 5653, Helena, MT 59604). For this project, bids will only be received and accepted via the online electronic bid service through QuestCDN. A Bidder may view the contract documents at no cost prior to becoming a Planholder. Project bid documents and addenda must be downloaded from QuestCDN, which will add the Bidder to the Planholders List and allow access to vBid online bidding, for the submittal of a bid. Complete digital project bidding documents are available to download at www.questcdn. com , (eBidDoc #10043104) for a non-refundable charge of $22.00. Bidders will be charged an additional fee of $42.00 to submit a bid electronically. Contact QuestCDN Customer Support at (952) 233-1632 or info@ questcdn.com for assistance in membership registration, downloading digital project information and vBid online bid submittal. No pre-bid conference will be held for this project. However, potential bidders are encouraged to visit the site and contact the Engineer (406-447-5000 or mebell@ rpa-eng.com) with any questions.
Joseph D. Houston
Kevin S. Jones Jones & Houston, PLLC 2625 Dearborn Ave., Ste. 102 Missoula, MT 59804 (406) 541-3333 kevin@jonesmtlaw.com joe@jonesmtlaw.com
Attorneys for Personal Representative Kevin S. Jones MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE: THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARILYN K. STRANGE, Deceased. Dept. No. 1 Cause No. DP-41-2026-6 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kevin S. Jones has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the Deceased are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this Notice, or their claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Jones & Houston, PLLC, Attorneys for the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at 2625 Dearborn Avenue, Ste. 102, Missoula, MT 59804, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana the foregoing is true and correct. Dated this 27th day of January, 2026. /s/ Kevin S. Jones, Personal Representative of the Estate of Marilyn K. Strange /s/ Joseph D. Houston, Attorney for Personal Representative BS 2-4, 2-11, 2-18-26. MNAXLP
PUBLIC (LEGAL) NOTICE ADVERTISEMENT RAVALLI COUNTY LOCAL EMERGENCY PLANNING COMMITTEE
The Ravalli County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) will hold its meetings for the year 2026 at 12:30 pm at the Commissioners Meeting Room, 215 S 4th St, Hamilton, Montana on the following dates: February 24, 2026 and October 20, 2026, and at such other times as shall be duly authorized by act of the Committee or its Chairperson. All interested parties are encouraged to attend. The Ravalli County Hazardous Material Emergency Plan and information fled by covered SARA Title III facilities in Ravalli County may be reviewed during regular business hours by making an appointment with the Ravalli County Ofce of Emergency Management. Copies of documents may be obtained at this ofce, and a fee will be charged for copying. Any such request shall be in writing and shall be with respect to a specifc facility. For further information on these matters, please contact Erik Hoover, LEPC Chairperson, at 205 Bedford St. Suite J, Hamilton, MT, 59840 or (406) 375-6655. BS 2-11, 2-18-26. MNAXLP
(Area 1, Area 3, Area 5)
All offices, except for state offices, must file with the Ravalli County Clerk & Recorder’s Office, 215 South 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, MT. Filing forms are available at the Clerk & Recorder’s Office or on the county website: www.ravallicounty.gov/145/Elections
Close of filing is March 4, 2026, at 5 PM. The Primary Election will be held on June 2, 2026 in Ravalli County.
Dated this 4th day of February 2026
Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550
This project is subject to the Federal provisions, which are hereby incorporated by reference within this Advertisement For Bids: Buy American Preference, Civil Rights – Title VI Assurances, Davis Bacon Requirements, Debarment and Suspension, Lobbying and Infuencing Federal Employees, Procurement of Recovered Materials, Prohibition of Covered Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), and Government-wide Requirements for Drug-free Workplace, which are incorporated by reference. Failure to comply with the terms of these contract provisions
The Owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive informalities, and to reject nonconforming, irregular, non-responsive, or conditional bids. Bids may be held by the Owner for a period not to exceed 120 days from the date of the opening for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifcations of the bidder and/or determining bid award based upon available funding prior to award of the Contract.
February 4, 2026
RAVALLI COUNTY By /s/ Dan Huls, Chairman, Ravalli County Commission
LEGAL NOTICE Lot 28E of Sunnyside Orchards, Block 3 Lot 28 (3 Lot Minor Subdivision), Sunnyside Orchards Block 3, Lot 28 of AP#793433; SD#202504, Tax ID: 1290460. Ravalli County Planning has received an application for a 3-lot minor subdivision on 4.09 acres. Direct access to this property is from Cameron Rose Rd. (Privately Maintained). The subdivision will add approximately 1 new child to the Stevensville and Lone Rock School District and 20 new vehicular trips per day to the road system.
systems. The consultant is Ron Wetzsteon of PCI, representing Troy and Dena Mae Grifn. The subdivision is referred to as Lot 28E of Sunnyside Orchards, Block 3 Lot 28. A complete copy of the application packet is available for viewing at the Ravalli County Planning Department ofce, in the County Administrative Center, 215 S. 4th St., Suite F, Hamilton, MT 59840. A copy of the Preliminary Plat is posted on our Website at https://ravalli.us/178/Subdivisions-Exemptions. Written comments are encouraged to be submitted to the Planning Department prior to the hearing, and will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC).
The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will conduct a Public Hearing to review the proposal Monday, March 2, 2026 at 09:30 a.m., in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room (Third Floor) at the Administrative Center.
The public may comment verbally, or in writing, at the meeting. Comments and information submitted at the public meeting/hearing will be considered in the decision on the subdivision. However, please note that only under select circumstances will new information be allowed into the record after the public hearing.
Please note that this hearing was rescheduled from February 2, 2026. BS 2-11, 2-18-26.
MNAXLP
OG-26-01-048
LEGAL NOTICE
The Ravalli County Planning Department is inviting public comment on a foodplain permit application for a project within the Regulated Flood Hazard Area of Three Mile Creek. The applicant is Wes Jones. The proposed project will perform maintenance on an existing stock pond and create an additional
Flyfshing Journal
stock pond with sump site on his property. The project is located at 4618 Hoover Lane north of Stevensville in Section 32, Township 10N, R19W, Ravalli County. Information regarding this application is available at the Ravalli County Planning Department at 215 S 4 th St, Suite F in Hamilton. Written comments may be mailed, hand-delivered or emailed (planning@rc.mt.gov) and must be received by 5:00 pm, February 18, 2026. Reference application # FA-25-25.
BS 2-11-26.
MNAXLP
Notice of Public Hearing for Proposed Variance to Lower Sunset Bench Citizen-Initiated Zoning District Standards (PF 7760) – ZN26-01-005
The Ravalli County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Tuesday March 3, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. to review a proposed Variance Request from the Lower
Sunset Bench Citizen Initiated Zoning District standards submitted by the Dillon and Missy Matthies. The landowners are requesting a variance from the standards 1) Permitted Uses #4 and 2) Permitted Accessory Structures #1. Their proposal is to reside in their current single-family residence while they build a new single-family residence approximately 150-feet to the northwest of their current single-family residence. Once the new single – family residence is built, they are requesting to use the existing 1,200 sq. ft. single-family residence as a guest cottage as permitted in the district standards. The subject property is located at 2873 Caribou Lane, Stevensville, MT (Tax ID: 364100). The hearing will be held in the Ravalli County Commissioners meeting room located at 215 South 4th Street, Hamilton (third foor). Any written public comments may be submitted to the
Planning Department at the address below. A copy of the application is on fle for public inspection at the Ravalli County Planning Department located at Suite F, 215 South 4th Street, Hamilton. BS 2-11, 2-18-26.
MNAXLP
RAVALLI COUNTY ATTORNEY Bill Fulbright, County Attorney Ravalli County Courthouse 205 Bedford Street, Suite C Hamilton, MT 59840 rcaoservice@rc.mt.gov
Phone: (406) 375-6750 Ravalli County Public
Administrator
MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: SHERRY LEE THOMPSON, Deceased. Cause No. DP-26-11 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
The secret to catching more trout this season
We all know this, or should: to catch more trout you have to get the cast in.
We catch trout one at a time and they’re not all easy. The next trout you want to catch can be the rainbow holding in a narrow seam of current, the big brown that only comes up occasionally next to a log, or a cutthroat rolling aggressively in midcurrent.
To catch any of them – again – you have to get the cast in. That’s the most important part, and you can get better at it.
by Chuck Stranahan
It’s simple: practice your casting. But don’t settle for repeating your same old mistakes; instead watch a few good casting videos on YouTube and follow some good models.
Google these names: Rajef, Swisher, and Krieger. There are two Rajefs, Tim and Steve. Steve is the best fy casting machine ever assembled under human fesh. His form is absolutely fawless. His brother Tim is fawless too, but he goes about it in a diferent way. That’s a matter of style, but the mechanics of fy casting don’t vary with style.
Doug Swisher is paragon of the sport who lived in the Bitterroot Valley until his recent passing. His approach difers from the Rajefs, (again, a matter of style) and Swisher transfers good fundamentals into practical fshing casts.
Mel Krieger taught champion tournament casters - including the Rajef brothers - and some who will never be champion tournament casters - including me. Mel was a delightful human being whose enthusiasm imparts the sheer joy of fy casting.
There are others out there, some excellent and some, I hate to say it, simply wrong - bad models to imitate, regardless their bravado. Why ingrain bad habits only to struggle against them later?
Pick a good model to follow, and get out there and hit it – even for a few minutes a day. Twenty minutes per session is enough. Do it as the weather permits until trout season is on full bore.
Good instruction and good practice makes good casting. And getting the cast in makes the diference between fsh and no fsh.
Later in the year, when the weather is more
dependable, you might want to sign up for casting lessons with a Certifed Flycasting Instructor. Or if you book a day with a guide, learn from the guide. Ask for help with your cast.
Look at your results: If you’re casting better after a day with a guide, the guide did well – and you did well as a student.
Your guide’s instruction might also include tips on mending line, tying knots, striking, playing the fsh once hooked, and helping you enjoy the total experience of just being out there – correcting that dropped back-cast would only be part of it.
Before the opening of a sportsman’s show in Portland a small group of seminar speakers were gathered on the casting platform, talking shop, trying out some of the year’s new rods, and having fun casting them. Steve Rajef was in the group.
I hadn’t handled a rod in a while, and was admittedly rusty. I’d make a decent cast, and when I tried to push a little further there was a slight fault. On my own it would have taken time to recognize or correct it.
OK – so here I was, shoulder to shoulder with
a friend who just happened to be the best that ever lived, and so I asked, “Steve, what am I doing wrong?”
Steve Rajef watched intently for just a couple of strokes when I was trying my best and my cast seemed OK. Then he ofered one simple correction. All-of-a-sudden my stroke became crisper, my loop tightened up, and my casts sailed to their mark with less efort.
I’ve taken that hint, and the way it was delivered, with me - as both a casting instructor and a fy fsherman. I’m lucky: right place, right time, learned from the best.
Before that day at the Portland show, I took my Certifed Casting Instructor training with Steve. His signature on my certifcate makes it a more treasured document than my college degrees.
Moral of the story: A quick session from a pro, preferably a certifed casting instructor, can correct a life-long fault and yield results on the stream.
If it helps you get the cast in more often you’ll catch more trout and have more fun. And isn’t that the whole point?
Backyard practice now will help me catch more trout later.
Photo by Chuck Stranahan.
DITCH COSTLY
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Extension Agent –Family & Consumer Sciences and 4-H in Blaine County, Chinook, MT. Full time. Exciting job with lots of autonomy! Will assess local community needs, then develop, implement, and evaluate Extension programming to meet those needs, in the areas of Family & Consumer Sciences & 4-H/Youth Development. For complete information and how to apply, please click here: https://jobs.montana.edu/ postings/50087 . Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled
collectibles! The garage has tools and more! There is SO much to go through that some items will be priced at checkout. It’s worth the drive because there are good deals & treasures to be found. NO EARLIES - CASH. Please note: Buyer must be prepared to carry and haul all heavy items.
HEART-FELT Funky
Junk Sale! Ravalli County Fairgrounds Art Building (west of Events Center). Friday & Saturday, February 13-14, 9 AM-5 PM
HOME FOR SALE BY OWNER - 5379 Maverick Way, Florence. 3-bdrms, 3 full baths, 1.16 acres, end of cul-de-sac. $650,000. 406-544-8916 or 406777-2516. Drive-bys welcome.
R. BOLIN ESTATE
SALE - Worth the drive! 1358 Bolin Ranch Road. 2/12 - 10 to 4 (prices frm) 2/13 - 10 to 3, 2/14 - 10 to 3 (½ price or ofer).
