For those that visit the Lost Trail Ski Area, the red jackets of the Lost Trail Ski Patrol are a common and welcomed sight. These men and women go out of their way to volunteer their time and expertise to keep the area, and the public, safe while enjoying the slopes. For Eddie Olwell, a ski patroller for 24 years, and a board member with Lost Trail Ski Patrol, it is a true joy to do it. This is a big reason why he, and others with the patrol, hold their annual Lost Trail Ski Patrol Steak Fry and Fundraiser, and this year will be the event’s 40th anniversary.
Even after four decades, “it has only grown,” said Olwell.
Lost Trail Ski Patrol is a nonprofit organization, so they need to hold this fundraiser to help them raise money for their equipment and training. With 72 volunteers, that can be a big expense.
The first steak fry was held in 1985 with the goal of raising money to improve the patrol’s radios. Before that, they tried selling firewood and other things, but the steak fry was such a hit they kept on doing it. In fact, that first year they sold about 100 meals. Fast forward to last year, and the patrol sold over 425 meals. However, according to Olwell, the event is “also a way to have a good time and put on a party, not only for the other employees of Lost Trail, but also the skiing public.”
For Olwell, and other ski patrollers, the Lost Trail Ski Area is a special place. Olwell described Lost Trail as a “family run ski area… They have maintained that family atmosphere,” said Olwell, “which is a unique place in today’s modern ski industry, and rare.” Olwell added that the feeling he described is a big part of why the ski patrol there does not have a lot of turnover among their patrollers. They love what they do and the place they do it for.
The Lost Trail Ski Patrol Annual Steak Fry will be held on Saturday, February 22. The event begins at 4 p.m. when the music starts. Steak dinners will start being served around 4:30 p.m. The event will also include a raffle and a live auction. One of the raffle prizes is reportedly a $5,000 Temper-Pedic mattress that was donated. Music will be performed by the band, Love is a Dog, with Travis Yost. “They are a great local band,” said Olwell. Steak dinners are $25 and that gets a person a non-alcoholic drink, a steak, baked potato salad and dessert. Another option for those who do not want steak is a hamburger meal, which is $15.
Food will be served until 7:30 p.m., after which the ski patrol will hold their annual “torchlight” ceremony, where the patrollers all ski down the slopes with torches. There will also be a fireworks display. After the ceremony, the ski patrol will do their annual toast. The toast is a way to remember all ski patrollers who have come before. The toast itself was started several years ago by ski patroller Jim Whitlock, who was on the patrol for 50 years. “He lived and breathed for Lost Trail,” said Olwell. Whitlock died last year, and so the toast is especially important this year, said Olwell, because Whitlock will be remembered and toasted along with all
the other past patrollers. Olwell says the annual steak fry is a “fun event, and celebrates life and skiing.” He wanted to thank all the sponsors of this year’s event. According to him, without them it just would not be possible. He said their biggest sponsor was TrailWest Bank. For more information about the event, and to get tickets ahead of time, interested parties can visit the ski patrol website, losttrailskipatrol.com. Meal tickets can also be purchased at the door on the day of the event. There will be a beer and wine bar at the event as well. Drink tickets are $5 and all the beer comes from local breweries.
Lost Trail Ski Patrol. Photo courtesy Eddie Olwell.
PINESDALE: community at odds over church ownership
Continued from page 1
many members of the community claim that Mormon scripture, and specifically the Law of Consecration, requires that UI/AUB eventually transfer the deeds to those who have lived on and developed the land. With internal strife between many community members and UI/AUB, some feel as though the time for UI/ AUB to transfer deeds to individual members has now come.
Peggy Lynch, who came to Pinesdale in 1972, says that the families who built their homes in Pinesdale did so with the understanding that the land would eventually become their own legal property.
“We call it a stewardship, but it was treated as an ownership,” she said, adding, “Our houses did not belong to the church. We were responsible for building and improving on their property.”
The Law of Consecration, which is expressed in Mormon scriptures and dates back to the 1830s, specifies that members of the church offer many of their possessions, energies and skills to the church to be held in ‘common surplus’ for the good of the community. Critical to the argument of the dissenting Pinesdale residents, however, is the claim that the Law also guarantees them stewardship and ownership of their own private properties to be their ‘inheritance’ which would be their legal property regardless of their standing within the church.
“We contributed everything and we came up with the understand ing, because of our religion, that if we contributed all that we had that what we built on our piece of prop erty would eventually be ours,” said Lynch. “And it was considered ours by the leadership.”
The ongoing rift between commu nity members and the AUB lead ership began in 2014 after public allegations of child molestation and embezzlement were cast at the leader of Utah-based AUB, Lynn A. Thomp son, who died in 2021. Following the allegations, a large portion of Pinesdale residents chose to sepa rate themselves from what they saw as an abusive power structure, but
doing so put into question how they would continue to access community services like the Pines Academy school and the town’s bulk goods general store, which are located on UI/AUB land. The conflict between those who wished to remain part of the AUB and those who formed part of a new, ‘2nd Ward,’ soon led to legal proceedings which involved those facilities and eventually the ownership of residential properties as well. According to Lynch, AUB has exerted unfair control over the facilities, stonewalled efforts to resolve the land ownership issue, and even labels those who stands opposed to AUB as ‘apostates.’
As the rift has deepened, scores of community members have begun to claim that the land upon which they have built their homes should be legally deeded to them by AUB, and have sought a summary judgment to that effect in Ravalli County District Court. Part of their case rests upon assertion of ‘adverse possession,’ a
she says that arrangement has meant that decades of tithing and surplus donations have been gladly taken by a largely absent AUB, which in turn has done nothing for the community that the residents have admirably built. Furthermore, she says that AUB’s apparent refusal to provide residents with deeds to the properties upon which they live is tantamount to a “bait and switch,” and that they feel as though AUB has, “betrayed that belief system.”
“The light just went on in 2014,” said Mell. “They just realized that they were bamboozled and swindled. And then they started looking at the money and realizing how much AUB gains. I mean, it’s millions of dollars. Millions.”
The opposing parties sought a summary judgment from Ravalli County District Court in January, a judgment from which both local district judges have recused themselves.
Instead, a visiting judge, the Honorable Matthew Wald from Montana’s 22nd Judicial District, heard the oral arguments, but has yet to come to a decision. In the meantime, members like Peggy Lynch continue to feel frustration over AUB’s assertion that she and other community members have turned away from the church.
“Anybody that doesn’t go to their church is [labeled] an ‘apostate,’” she said, adding that the tension has even shown itself within her own family. “My daughter lives next door to me. She’s the leader of the women’s group in AUB and her husband is the bishop, who’s the leader. And we obviously can’t talk about certain things, but at one point, I wasn’t allowed to see their kids, and they’re next door.”
Tom Allsop, the UI/AUB representative in Pinesdale, declined to comment to the Bitterroot Star for this story.
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Masons recognize First Responders
by John Dowd
Last Friday, the Masonic Brothers of Ionic Lodge #38 held their annual First Responder recognition awards at Hamilton City Hall. Dutch Brewer, Masonic Lodge Past Master, spoke to introduce presenters and to talk a little about what this event means to the Masons.
According to Brewer, this is the eighth year the Masons have done these awards in Hamilton, and for them it is “a very significant feeling, for us, to be able to recognize these individuals.” For Brewer, and other Masons, the work these responders do for the community is irreplace
able. With these awards getting some public attention, Brewer hopes, “maybe people will at least remember what a first responder is.”
“The world we live in today is significantly different than it was a decade ago,” said Brewer. He added that he believes it is more important than ever to recognize first responders. “When things go wrong, they are the ones that have to clean it up.”
Once Brewer was done speaking, he welcomed the first speaker, William Torres, Director of EMS and Emergency Preparedness at Bitterroot Health. Torres recognized Nathan Olson, an advanced EMT who is also with Lost Trail Ski Patrol.
Next to present was Tyson Woods, the acting chief of the Hamilton Fire Department. Woods recognized Kenny Allen, who Woods said went on to become an EMT on his own time. According to Woods, Allen also works on the department’s vehicles to keep everything running.
Third to speak was Hamilton City Police Chief Steve Snavely, who called Detective Jessica Haywood to be recognized. Snavely explained that Haywood goes above and beyond in what she does and is one of only two drug recognition experts (DREs) in the county.
Finally, Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton stepped up to recog -
nize Deputy Sheriff Joseph Karcher. According to Holton, “We do not do enough to recognize what these people do.” He spoke about Karcher’s reliability and initiative, stating that whenever something comes across his desk with Karcher’s name on it, Holton knows it is being handled properly.
The last to speak was Hamilton Mayor Dominic Farrenkopf, who spoke a little on the relationship all the departments have with the city and how positive that relationship is. Farrenkopf said, “I just appreciate all the hard work everybody does.” He shook all the recipients’ hands and thanked them personally.
Lto R: Hamilton Mayor Dominic Ferrenkopf, Hamilton Police Chief Steve Snavely, Detective Jessica Haywood, Advanced EMT Nathan Olson, Director of EMS and Emergency Preparedness at Bitterroot Health William Torres, acting Chief of the Hamilton Fire Department Tyson Woods, firefighter Kenny Allen, Hamilton Fire Captain Reagan Farley, Deputy Sheriff Joseph Karcher and Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton. Photo by John Dowd.
The trout fisherman’s cabin fever
A long-ago friend told me this story about cabin fever.
He and his buddy wanted one grand adventure between college and being tied down by real life. They decided go to Alaska to live off the land for a year. They’d hunt, fish, and make some good money to bring home by trapping.
To bankroll their adventure they’d work for a few weeks on the docks, a fishing boat or in a logging camp. There they’d get oriented to their new surroundings and make final plans. They were adventurous if not a little wild, strong and robust, and filled to the brim with energy and determination.
by Chuck Stranahan
They already knew how to trap, hunt and fish, use axes and bucksaws, and do whatever else it took. They planned and made checklists. They hauled some essentials north with them. Other things they needed they’d buy there.
They had done their homework. They learned where the furbearing animals would be, where they’d find big game, fishing, and enough timber to build a small cabin nearby. They chose a general area (Alaska was still pretty much wild then) and set out. Over meals in mess halls those first few weeks they learned all they could from the locals – some of whom had started out as they did. Some of what they learned proved to be good advice. And some of it they took with a grain of salt.
“Where you young fellas are going,” one veteran of Alaska’s wilderness winters told them, “You’re goin’ to need a well-insulated outhouse with a good wood heater in it.”
He went on to describe in detail the kind of outhouse they’d need. It sounded palatial compared to the cabin. They listened, at first openly and then a little skeptically. When the others chimed in they thought they had it figured out: there was some truth to what they were being told, but the rest went over the top – this was a kind of hazing. Somebody was pulling their leg.
Their trapping went well and so did the fishing. They harvested an animal for meat. They were pleased with their cabin and had enough wood in, and plenty of provisions to make it until ice-out.
Things went well that winter, at first.
other – until the stories ran out. One guy kept winning at cards, and eventually that was no fun any more. They read the few books they brought in, sharpened and re-sharpened and cleaned and re-rigged all their gear. They were out of things to do with plenty of winter left. Their opinions grated on each other. They sat through the long processions of short days, glowering and not saying much. Their moods changed. Complaints replaced their usual getting along. Day by long dark day they descended into an antsy paranoia, bound together in the claustrophobia they had created for themselves.
By the time spring thaw arrived they practically hated each other. They were eager to burst free from the cabin during daylight hours. They reveled in the spirit of freedom and adventure that brough them there. They restored their friendship.
“Cabin fever is real,” he told me, “And it’s bad. But we finally managed to handle it.”
He paused, looked down, and went on. “But that wasn’t the worst of it.”
“What was worse?” I asked.
“The outhouse.”
Partially exposed at thirty-eight below, certain things can become downright miserable.
“That old boy was right,” he said. “Bringing the heat up to fifty degrees from thirty below is a eighty-degree change. The outhouse wasn’t insulated to hold what heat we could make.”
“So how did you handle that?” I asked.
“We prayed for constipation.”
like that. There is plenty to do, if I just pick it up and do it. Jan and I know when to give each other space. If I can’t get go fishing I can stay indoors and tie flies. I can take a break and pick up the mandolin, banjo, or guitar. I can read and write.
But even those things get old. I want the snow to be gone before the skwala hatch. I want to get out and go fishing.
But when I get to feeling a bit too impatient, like a zoo animal pacing its cage, my perspective snaps back into focus with one thought: It beats praying for constipation.
They were good friends and could talk to each
Here in western Montana I’m getting a little antsy as our late winter engulfs our spring, but nothing
Waiting for the thaw and trout season... pacing the cage. Photo by Chuck Stranahan.
Merle Unruh
SHELTER: Wrangling continues between Health Board, Big Sky Christian Center
Continued from page 1
wastewater disposal regulations and they were waiting on a reply.
Himes replied in a 20-page epistle accusing the Board of Health of running rough-shod over his ministry and bullying him. He said the Board’s actions “portray what I view as a determined and relentless pattern of antagonism and discrimination against our ministry which has attempted to severely burden it and has actually – and arbitrarily – restricted our right to freedom of religious expression in helping the homeless and others in need.”
He claimed that “any effort to restrict the numbers of people we can help below those numbers will be considered by us to be a potentially unreasonable infringement upon our freedom of religious expression and an unnecessary burden upon our ministry.”
At the time Himes claimed that DEQ’s examination of the shelter over the potential violation of the State Subdivision and Platting Act also included an examination of the wastewater system that exonerated them from any violation of the county’s wastewater regulations. Both DEQ and the County deny that this is the case, claiming that the potential violation of the Subdivision and Platting Act was under DEQ’s jurisdiction but that potential violations of the county’s Wastewater Regulations are a separate issue and under the jurisdiction of the county.
Harris interpreted the county’s insistence on seeking information about his septic systems as an attack upon the church.
“To paraphrase David when he faced Goliath,” wrote Himes, “‘You come to me with manipulated law, with deceit, with assault upon our religious freedoms, and with a suspect agenda. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts whom you have defied.’ (cf. 1 Samuel 17:45).”
He also submitted a list of demands to the County that any testing or evaluation of his septic systems be at the County’s expense and that any results be inadmissible in any legal hearing and that Ravalli County agree it “will neither initiate nor participate in any proceedings related to this matter” and “no charges or fines or litigation of any kind will be brought against Holy Ground, Big Sky Christian Center, or me, or anyone else involved in these matters.”
These demands were followed by further quotes from the Bible including, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge, for we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard. (Acts 4:18:-20).”
Deputy County Attorney Christine Lindley said at the time that she considered the letter a “non-response” to the questions being asked of Mr. Himes and suggested the Board might write another letter requesting the information.
At the September 2024 Board of Health meeting, it was decided to send a letter informing Himes that the addition of the RVs, which are considered “occupied buildings” in the county regulations, and their use of the shelter facility constituted a change of use in the existing permit for the shelter facility and requires an evaluation of the facility’s system to determine the capacity of the shelter’s system in order to determine if the change is allowable. Without the information to make that determination the County would have to issue an order to cease and desist the new use. The cost of producing that information would come at the applicant’s expense, since he is the one seeking the change.
Himes responded to the County’s continued demand for information concerning his septic systems’ condition and capacity in a 25-page document on January 2, 2025 in which he rehashed the history of their dispute including a long and detailed account of DEQ’s dismissal letter which he still interprets as an exoneration from the County’s demands for information on his septic systems. Instead he claims that the County is attacking him personally.
“You don’t like me and my attitude. There is evidence of this. I don’t kowtow. The nerve. You think, ‘This convicted felon. Thinks he’s a pastor and a lawyer and can do whatever he wants,’” wrote Himes. He also claims religious persecution, writing, “Perhaps some of you on the health board don’t like Christian churches- or Christians. In the meeting agendas over the last year-anda-half or so, we are listed as ‘Big Sky Church’- not ‘Big Sky Christian Centerwhen you were made aware of our true name from the very first.”
He criticizes the County for always referring to “the Property” with no reference to his ministry for the homeless.
“I’m not so sure that your November
25, 2024 letter isn’t a charade. Did you really expect all those requirements to be met in a month (approximately) –much less during the Thanksgiving holidays and before Christmas and January 1?” he wrote.
He takes it as an admission of guilt on the County’s part for not responding to his own previous list of demands. “As I said earlier, it’s as if you disdain us. We are beneath you. We are insignificant. You have now compounded an obviously cavalier disregard for my efforts to resolve this matter both amicably and expeditiously by making further demands.”
Himes then lists 33 instances which he claims show a pattern of persecution, misapplication of the law and lack of any factual evidence for the County’s claims. He follows this with a list of his own demands for information very similar to the demands he made in his previous letter.
In a second letter sent on the same day, January 2, 2025, Himes once again accuses the County of persecution and discrimination and states that if they don’t meet the demands he is making in the first letter that they provide him with records demonstrating that they have not discriminated against him and the Big Sky Christian Center including records of all those cases involving “similarly situated parties” in which “you and the Board of Health have dealt with involving consideration of the County’s Wastewater Regulations since July 1, 2021.”
“I would imagine there to be several hundred cases,” he wrote. He also seeks “all those cases you and the health board have dealt with involving the Sanitation and Subdivision Act. Here, I would expect many more cases than in the first group, since the sanitation in subdivision laws have been around a lot longer than 2021,” he wrote. He lists several types of cases he is looking for to prove that the County is not discriminating against him.
“If there is no response, or there is an objection or similar response made, or any legal action taken, or an evasive answer is given, then this will be a non-response, the consequence being that you have admitted that you have no cases to demonstrate that you have not discriminated against our ministry,” he wrote.
The Board of Health, on its part, considers the last two letters from Himes to be a “non-response” to their demands for information that was due by January 2, 2025, and on January 8 sent him a letter of violation reiterating those demands which include providing water flow meter data for the north end of the shelter building to be used to help measure the wastewater flow into the existing system that serves that portion of the building; providing soil profile within 25 feet of the existing drainfield/ seepage pit that serves that portion of the building; providing a copy of the pumper’s report from when the existing septic tanks for that portion of the building were pumped; providing proof of the number and length of the laterals if the absorption system serving that portion of the building is a drainfield; and if any of the RVs used as Occupied Buildings on the property are holding black or gray water, provide pumper’s reports to show that the RVs are getting pumped or taken to an approved dump site.
According to the County’s Wastewater Regulations, when a new or change of use on a commercial or residential building is proposed, the existing wastewater system serving that building must be evaluated to determine whether the existing system is large enough to meet DEQ’s requirements.
“To be clear,” the letter from the Board of Health states, “the shelter building has previously been used as a restaurant and shelter that houses 28 residents. The addition of RV residents utilizing the building for laundry, bathroom and kitchen facilities is a change in use since the systems connected to the shelter building did not previously serve other residents of the RVs for laundry, bathroom and kitchen facilities.”
The letter notes that any use of occupied RVs on the property without an approved means of wastewater disposal is in violation of the County Regulations and Montana Code and corrective action should be taken by February 21, 2025 or the matter will be forwarded to the County Attorney’s office for a Compliance Order to be issued.
Himes was invited to attend the February 12 meeting of the Board of Health to discuss the issues, but he did not attend. The Notice of Violation became effective February 16, and a Compliance Order will most likely be issued.
We’ve been had
Attention, Americans, Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Libertarians, MAGA, NON MAGA, informed, uninformed voters, nonvoters and anybody not mentioned with a heart beat. “We’ve been had” by the “attention” media, its owners, their money and 48.8% of American voters not recognizing this presidential election “con.”
The Republican party remains in name only and uses DEI as a diversion while illegally commandeering the federal treasury; the Democrats discuss which binary person should be on the Democrat National Committee and explain Corona beer and avocados while Trump pisses off the world with tariffs and proposes genocide in Gaza as an American funded real estate development.
Character in a president matters! Character in Congress matters! Congress has become a neutered yes man rather than controller of the American purse, originator of laws and the third leg of our democracy. Convicted felons are freely pardoned in our country; we are to pay for future felons to be housed in El Salvador while we further offer to pay any federal worker until September for no work based on the whim of unelected “What the Musk”? All Americans’ personal data and tax dollars are now under control of unelected billionaire Musk. Character of America matters!
What the hell does any of this have to do with good governance? If you are not concerned about this state of affairs, please check for your pulse; if pulse present, grab your keyboard, phone, pen, pencil or any lawful means of communication or action and raise “hell.”
Call Senator Daines (202) 2242651, Representative Zinke (202) 225-5628, Tim Sheehy(202)-224-2644, Troy Downing,(202) 225-3211
Archie L. Thomas & Merry Schrumpf Corvallis
Oppose getting rid of FDIC
Remember that scene in the Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life”where everyone in Bedford Falls freaks out from rumors of a bank run and rushes to George Bailey’s Building and Loan bank to take out all their money before they lose everything? Back in the Great Depression, bank failures were not just in the movies. Thousands of banks failed, and millions of Americans lost their life savings.
After the Great Depression, Congress passed the Glass-Steagal Act, which created the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, or FDIC. You’ve probably noticed those little FDIC plaques when you go to your bank. If you look closely, you will see that they read something like: “Deposits insured up to $250,000.” How does it work? Banks are required by law to pay insurance premiums to FDIC. I’ll say it again: BANKS pay this insurance, not you. That way, if the bank does go belly up, you still get your money from the insurance banks had to pay to FDIC, up to $250,000. Well, guess what? Now President Trump and Elon Musk want to get rid of FDIC (along with the whole Consumer Finance Protection Agency). So if your bank fails, you will lose all your money. But don’t worry about your poor bank! They’ll be just fine because we taxpayers will still have to bail them out, just like we had to bail them out during the Great Recession of 2009. Remember in 2009, how so many
Opinion
Americans ended up losing their homes because they owed more money on them than their houses were actually worth? Well, just imagine how many more Americans will lose their homes if they lose all the money in their checking and savings and retirement accounts, which will happen if banks fail and there is no FDIC anymore.
Please call Senator Steve Daines (202-224-2651); Senator Tim Sheehy (202-224-2644); Representative Ryan Zinke (202-225-5628); Governor Greg Gianforte (406-444-3111) and tell them you are opposed to Trump and Musk getting rid of FDIC and the Consumer Finance Protection Agency. Dana Henricks Florence
Why no positive coverage?
It has been interesting to see how you, the local media, cover Harris Himes and his sheltering of people who would probably be homeless without his help.
The only time you do a story on his work and mission is when there is some legal challenge or some claim that he is not following the law.
He provides housing for up to 65 people at one time. Since he is a veteran, I imagine many of those people or families are also veterans. And probably a lot more than 10 vets that Missoula recently bragged about finding housing for.
I would like to know how many people he has ministered to through his housing over the years since 1997. Also, could you interview some of the people he has provided shelter to?
Others who were trying to set up homeless shelters in the valley got lots of attention to their efforts that sadly must have failed. But Harris, who is presently providing homes for many people, gets no positive attention from our local media, newspapers, TV or radio. That is embarrassing given the extent of his help to many.
Dallas D Erickson Stevensville
The Lab and NIH funding
Recently, it has come to my attention that funding will be cut for NIH impacting our lab. I find this deeply worrisome. The lab has been a part of the fabric that makes up the community since the 1900’s. I have had the privilege to have known a number of scientists at the lab. Among them, Dr. Edgar Ribi.
Back in the 70s, Edgar was one of my scout leaders. As a young scout I remember him giving us a tour of the lab. It was a very formative experience at the time for me. I realized then as a 13 year old that there were many lenses through which to see the world. It kindled my interest in the sciences, though I must confess, I was not a very good student as I was also a bit of a goof off.
I did however find myself captivated by science, and through the years found myself attending lectures, and reading books on everything from biology and physics, to astronomy and anthropology. It was because of people like Edgar that I was able to see a bit more each day, enriching my life intellectually and spiritually in the grandness of life and the universe.
It also opened the door to economic opportunities, establishing companies like GSK in Hamilton. The knock on effect of this makes Hamilton a biotech powerhouse, creating supporting jobs in operations, maintenance, and construction, the wages of which propagate outwards to other businesses. To think
it all began with one scientist’s vision.
The basic research, done by RML, is an engine that drives economies. It’s fundamental to our progress as a nation. Now though, it would appear we are going backwards. Expertise is seen as something not to be celebrated but reviled. It wasn’t always this way. I am hopeful that the lab persists through these challenging times and that we come out the other end better for it. Time will tell.
John Kochis Hamilton
Trump Effect 2
Everything we always wished for: takeover of Gaza, Executive Order banning Paper Straws, firing 1000 US Park Service people and an unknown number of BLM, Forest Service and US Fish and Wildlife Service. Plusmaking the tax cuts permanent! So we have more money for the wealthy, less services for you!
Welcome to Trump World. Just what you voted for.
Linda Schmitt Corvallis
Not an audit, a takeover
Musk owns six companies including Space X, Tesla and X (formerly Twitter). He got $3.8 billion in US government contracts in 2024.
Eleven federal agencies have more than 32 investigations pending on Musk’s companies. Is Congress looking into these cases and fraud and inefficiency in Musk’s contracts?
Elon’s company X is adding financial services like banking services. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, had he not shuttered it, would have had jurisdiction over his company.
The FAA challenged a launch of a Space X satellite for safety reasons. The launch proceeded without approval; Elon was fined $282 million.
The SEC found Elon violated public disclosure laws when he bought shares in Twitter, saving himself $150 million. By removing federal agencies’ oversight, and mothballing investigations, we have a fox in the hen house. By the way, don’t believe Elon’s illegal team of 19-24 year olds discovered Social Security benefits paid to 150 year olds. The Social Security Act was not passed until 1935. What Elon’s incompetents found is a default date that indicates a report error, not a birth date.
Contact Senators Daines, Sheehy, and Representatives Zinke and Downing.
Marilyn Wolff Stevensville Arithmetic vs. MAGA
Richard Parker wrote in his January 15 letter that Jerry Esmay had recently established and Parker agreed that “smart Americans” voted “overwhelmingly” for Trump.
While many would agree that there could be “overwhelming” results come of Trump’s second term, precisely what will be overwhelmed by actually being instituted remains to be seen. Trump’s Revenge Tour isn’t guaranteed complete success, as there is almost daily demonstration that the other two branches of government were only partially subordinated to MAGA extremist servitude. Similarly there still is evidence that enough legislators may still exist who do not ignore the commands of our Constitution. We may, sooner rather than later, succeed in pushing back forces that chose to or became forgetful of what forming a more perfect union, promoting the general welfare, etc. mean.
Just one more point today. “Overwhelmingly” is not a word correctly applied to a pair of numbers whose difference is considerably less than 2%. An election so close to a tie being repeatedly referred to as a “landslide” and even a “mandate” is laughable. Political science holds that the numerous experiences of landslides in U.S. history are marked as such for their much larger majorities of the ballots cast. On the list, Trump’s margin came in 3rd from last. Ten Presidents won by 10 times the margin that Trump just experienced. Take a deep breath.
Bill Jones Stevensville
Reducing fire risk is complicated
We’ve received some criticism for our Letter to the Editor (LTE) printed in February 5th’s Bitterroot Star, specifically the perceived inference that if landowners “only” use fire-wise practices they will save their home from being burned down by wildfire. This was not our intent. To assume that being fire-wise will guarantee your safety from wildfire is as ill-advised as it is to assume increasing timber harvest alone will ensure that your home will not be destroyed by wildfire. Under the right circumstances (an ignition source, dry conditions, flashy fuels, high temperatures, low humidities and exceedingly high winds), nothing will stop wildfire from encroaching on forest homes. However, we can reduce the probability of home fire ignition.
The important points of our LTE were intended to be: (1) reduction of fuels including using prescribed burning on National Forest lands is taking place, but that alone cannot protect private property from wildfire; (2) private landowners are a critical part of the equation and must use fire-wise practices around structures and their private property; (3) while the fuels that really need to be treated are the smaller diameter ladder fuels that have little economic value, there are some situations where removing commercial trees may be necessary to reduce the total fuel load to desired levels; (4) mill closures, combined with unfavorable economic conditions, mean that we cannot expect the economic value of sawlogs included as part of fuels treatment projects to completely pay for properly treating fuels; (5) and last, but not least, reducing fuels on both public and private lands combined with and using fire-wise practices on private property will take major investments of both public and private dollars.
Although minimizing the risk of wildfire is complicated and there is no one-size fits all solution, it can be done. Much work has already been accomplished or is planned. The Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners will be seeking input to revise the Ravalli County Natural Resources Policy and a revision of the Bitterroot National Forest Land Resource and Management Plan is on the horizon. However, it will take everyone to work together to make sure that these documents have sufficient public input and that planned actions are carried out. It will take everyone’s support to ensure that our federal, state and local governments prioritize and fund the needed work on public lands, provide ways to assist private landowners to make their private property fire-wise and acknowledge that we must learn to live safely with frequent wildfires. We all need to do our part. The future of our valley depends on it. Skip Kowalski and Kirk Thompson, co-chairs Bitterroot Forest Collaborative
Lone Rock Community Network Times for Lone Rock Community Network meetings are changing to an “as requested, as needed” basis. The group will meet periodically for classes, having to do with sustainable and independent living, that are highly relevant to the community. Members will receive email notices of meetings, and they will be posted on Next Door and Facebook. If you’d like to be included, contact Rick Nelson at 406-3811466. Feel free to call or text to suggest topics or hands-on classes. Or, you may just want to get involved with this active, existing network of neighbors that are currently working on projects together.
Montanans for Life
Montanans for Life holds their monthly meeting on the first Thursday of every month at 6PM at More to Come Fellowship, 330 3rd Ave., Victor. For more information call (406) 407-1254.
Selway-Pintler Back Country Horsemen
The Selway-Pintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen meet the 2nd Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Forest Service office in Hamilton (enter through the rear door). Come enjoy refreshments and conversation. For additional information contact Kathy Hundley at 406-363-8230. Visit the website at bchmt.org/ wp/spwbch/ or their Facebook page for more information.
Yoga for Veterans
FREE to veterans, first responders, and their families! Tuesdays, 1-2pm at the American Legion Post 94 in Stevensville Register at: redwillowlearning.org OR call 406-530-7175. Come see us on 1st Friday in May ‘bout 1800 for more info! We’ll be in front of Active Care Wellness on Main in Stevensville
A Course of Love study group
Fridays 10:00 a.m.12:00 noon. Center for Spiritual Life, Hamilton Call: 406-381-6480
MS Support Group
Bitterroot MS Support Group meets every 3rd Thursday of the month in the Gallery room at the Coffee Cup Cafe in Hamilton, 500 S 1st Street, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Have a slice of pie, dinner, or just come to chat with others about living with Multiple Sclerosis. This is a positive and uplifting group that holds open discussions, and the occasional guest speaker. Find more information at www.nationalmssociety.org or contact Jackie Peterson, (970)518-293, jackierpeterson@gmail.com
Republican Central Committee
The Ravalli County Republican Central Committee regular monthly meetings are
held the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at The Place Church, 273 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. All are welcome to attend.
Bitterroot Health
Auxiliary
The Bitterroot Health Auxiliary meets the 3rd Monday every month in the Blodgett Conference Roomof the hospital. New volunteers are always welcome. Contact Mark Robinson, Auxiliary VP, (901) 517-8554.
Bitterroot Celtic Society
The Bitterroot Celtic Society meets every 3rd Thursday at 6 p.m. at BJ’s restaurant in Hamilton. The Bitterroot Celtic Society is a passionate group of volunteers, dedicated to keeping the Celtic culture, heritage, and history alive in the Bitterroot Valley. Their biggest event is the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering, held every third weekend in August at the Historic Daly Mansion. They also host a Burns’ Night supper, St. Andrew’s, St. Patrick’s, and Tartan day events. The BCS is a non-profit organization. The public, new members, and the curious are always welcome to attend. For any time changes or additional committee meeting info, follow their Facebook page for updates.
North Valley Library
How to Use Your Android Phone—Thurs, Jan 30 at 6pm
Did you get a new Android phone (non-iPhone) for Christmas? Or maybe you’ve had yours for awhile and would like to be more confident using it. During this hands-on program, we will practice navigating a cellphone, customizing settings, and finding useful features, as well as answering specific questions or problems you may have. Please bring your phone with you.
Fiber Arts Club—Thurs, Feb 6 from 12-1:30pm
Do you enjoy knitting or crocheting, embroidery, hand sewing, or quilting?
Bring your work-in-progress, problem piece, or brand-new pattern and enjoy the company of like-minded crafters during this informal club. All experience levels are invited to join us for a cozy place to gather, enjoy tea, and a community of yarn and fiber artists like yourself. Club is held the first Thursday of every month from 12-1:30pm in the Community Room.
Grief support programs
Stevensville
Ongoing: 1:1 and Group Support
Virtual/Statewide
Ongoing: 1:1 Support / Counseling
Visit tamarackgrc.org to explore Grief Support opportunities, check the calendar
for upcoming programs, or contact TGRC about receiving support for yourself or a loved one: Missoula/Stevensville: 406-541-8472 or info@tamarackgrc.org
Knotty Knitters Guild
Knotty Knitters Guild meets the 4th Tuesday of every month except June, July, August and December at 6 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane, Hamilton.
You can also bring your knitting project to visit and knit with friends or get help with questions on Fridays from 12:00 to 5:00.
The next meeting will be February 25 at 6 p.m.
Any questions call 406381-5123 or just show up on Friday!
AARP tax assistance
AARP Tax-Aide will be offering free tax preparation services for low to moderate income taxpayers of all ages. Tax preparation began on February 8 and will be at the Stevensville Senior Center on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. The Senior Center WILL NOT schedule those appointments. Call 406201-5734, leave your name and phone number, and a volunteer will call back to schedule your appointment.
Grief Share
Grief Share program to help process grief offered at Florence Carlton Community Church, 20075 Old Highway 93, Florence, from February 15 to May 10, 2025. Saturdays 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Contact Colleen, (206) 930-2519
Lone Rock Park Board
The Lone Rock Park Board will meet Wednesday, February 19th 7:30 p.m. at the Community Center, 4433 Sunnyside Cemetery Road. Public welcome.
Bitterroot Diversity Group
“Migration with Dignity: Understanding the Struggle for Survival” is the topic of a presentation sponsored by the Bitterroot Diversity Group on Thursday, February 20 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church basement. This presentation that is free and open to the public, featuring these speakers:
Clem Work is a former board president of Soft Landing in Missoula, will outline resettlement in the United States and the roles of Soft Landing and the International Rescue Committee in advancing resettlement in western Montana. He retired with an almost 50-year career in journalism and First Amendment law in the United States.
He has been a resident of Missoula since 1990, when he started teaching at the UM School of Journalism.
Jim Wiley will discuss
asylum and the Rio Grande Borderland Ministry. He has a 50+ year career in different businesses, including in Hong Kong, Mexico, Colombia, Costa Rica, Chile and most of Europe. He resides in Missoula for the past eight years and is a member of Holy Spirit Episcopal Church. He also is a member of the Migration Caucus of Deputies to the National Episcopal General Convention.
Terry Moran and Mike Moran will discuss their experience with Welcome. Us a non-profit organization, which has matched private sponsors to Ukrainian refugees. Terry is a retired community health nurse who continues to have a passion for the well-being and health of individuals, families and communities. Mike is a retired family practice physician, who has worked most of his career in Hamilton, but also served in the army as a physician at the NATO headquarters in Belgium, the Rural Doctors Workforce Agency in South Australia, Indian Health Care at Crow Agency, MT and at Kotzebue, AK for the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Inc.
Pachyderm Club
The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, February 21 at 12 noon at the Frontier Cafe, Hwy 93 in Stevensville. The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.
Fish & Wildlife Assn.
The Ravalli County Fish & Wildlife Association’s next general meeting will be Monday, February 24 , 6:30 p.m. at the Daly Leach Community Room, 1010 W. Main, Hamilton. Along with regular business, the guest speaker will be Trent Heisel, Region
2 access manager which includes Block Management. Meetings are open to the public and those with an interest in wildlife issues are encouraged to attend.
Republican Women
Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday, February 25 at 11:30 am at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Guest speaker will be Bill Lussenheide who will give an update on what he has seen in the legislature and how they are treating those who testify. Ravalli County Republican Women meet the fourth Tuesday of each month.
Mature driver course
Bitterroot Health (formerly Marcus Daly Hospital), Located at 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, is hosting an ALL NEW 2025 AARP Driver Safety Course on Friday, February 28, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This all new safe driving course is designed for drivers age 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. The new program features laws and up-dates specific to Montana, Defensive Driving, Winter Driving, new Vehicle Technologies to name a few. Class size is limited; pre-registration is advised. There are no tests or written exams and, Montana mandates insurance discounts for qualified drivers. Certificates are now good for 3 years! Class fee: $20.00 for AARP members; $25.00 for non-members. For class sign up, call: Hamilton Insurance at 406-363-6583. For further information call Thom Ainsworth, Instructor, at 406-369-0149.
Rummage sale donations wanted Three Mile Community Center is having a books, puzzles and games Rummage Sale on March 8th. Donations of these items in good condition will be accepted during the community coffee hours on March 3, 5 ,7 (7:30 to 8:30 a.m.) and from 9-11 a.m. on March 8. All proceeds will go to the Parking Lot Improvement Program. For more information email reservations@3milecc.org
Bitterroot Health Auxiliary Bake Sale Bake Sale, Friday, March 14, 9am-1pm, Trapper Conference Room, main entrance Bitterroot Health Hospital. All proceeds benefit the hospital, its patients and staff. Contact Mark Robinson, Auxiliary VP, (901) 517-8554.
Calendar postings are free to non-profit groups. Submit by emailing to: editor@bitterrootstar.com
Looking for the Bitterroot Star? It’s FREE on more than 100 newsstands from Lolo to Conner. Or call us at 777-3928 and we’ll let you know where the closest stand is.
nizations to qualify for
entities are also eligible to apply.
The Regular Quarterly Grant has a maximum of $5000. Qualified organizations may request an application by emailing: rappapps2024@gmail.com. The deadline for the return of the completed applications is March 14. Application questions for 2025 have changed so be sure the application you submit is #02012025. If you have questions email: rappapps2024@gmail.com.
Sports
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
State wrestling results
The Montana wrestling world converged on Billings for the Montana State Championships for Class B/C, A & AA on February 13-15. Wrestlers from the Bitterroot Valley schools were among the competitors.
Individual results
Hamilton heavyweight Jesse James took 3rd place in Class A and was the Bitterroot Valley’s highest individual
individual
Florence falls to Loyola
The Florence girls basketball team were the #1 ranked Class B team in the February 11, 406mtsports. com poll, but will likely fall in the rankings after losing to then #7 Missoula Loyola 56-64 in Missoula on Saturday, February 15.
Florence won the first matchup against Loyola, 68-62 in overtime, in Florence on January 25. The two teams will likely meet up again in the postseason tournaments.
The game was evenly matched throughout, but Florence trailed most of the game and was down by 10 points with three minutes left to play. The Falcons made a push and closed the gap, but fell short. Florence’s strong defense had trouble containing Loyola’s Spencer Laird, who scored 37 points for the Breakers.
For Florence, Maggie Schneiter had a big game with 21 points, Kenzy Pickering, Jaden Fisher and Kendyl Meinhold each scored 8, Emory Ralston had 7, Taylor Pyette and Madigan Hurlbert each added 2.
Earlier in the week, the Florence girls hosted Flathead Christian on Wednesday, February 12, and won easily 72-31. For Florence, Kenzy Pickering led the scoring with 13 points. Emory Ralston and Kendyl Meinhold each had 11, Jaden Fisher had 10, Ali Meinhold had 9, Maggie Schneiter had 8, Taylor Pyette and Madigan Hurlbert each had 4, and Alyx Monaco added 2.
The Florence girls hosted Darby on Thursday, Feb. 13. The Falcons jumped out to a 35-3 first quarter lead and cruised to a 76-22 victory. For Florence, Em-
ory Ralston led the scoring with 17 points. Maggie Schneiter had 16, Kenzy Pickering had 15, Ali Meinhold had 8, Madigan Hurlbert and Taylor Pyette each had 6, Kendyl Meinhold had 4, and Shelby Crocker and Jaden Fisher each added 2.
Florence Boys
The Florence boys, the 10th ranked Class B team in the February 11, 406mtsports.com poll, also played at Missoula Loyola on Saturday, February, 15. The Falcons lost 31-72. The #1 ranked Loyola boys are going to be tough for any Class B team to beat this year and likely won’t get challenged until the state tournament. Despite the score, Florence played a solid game; the ball just wasn’t falling for them.
The Florence boys hosted Darby on Thursday, February 13. Florence jumped out to an early 34-11 halftime lead and didn’t look back, winning 69-35. For Florence, Brody Duchien was the scoring leader with 17 points. Jake Schneiter had 15, Bridger Alexander and Schoenfeld Grant each had 6, Caleb Katen had 5, Mason Arlington and Levi Winters each had 3, and Carson Alexander added 2.
finisher. James won by fall (3:32) over Trey Daly of Lockwood in the consolation match.
Other individual players included: Florence’s Rowan Miller took 4th at 132 in Class B/C; Florence’s Max Rosenthal took 5th at 138 in Class B/C; Corvallis’s Chase Davis took 5th at 103 in Class A; Darby’s Eli Spross took 6th at 215 in Class B/C; and Stevensville’s Benjamin White took 6th at 138 in Class A.
Team results In the boys Class A team standing, Corvallis took 15th, Hamilton took 19th, and Stevensville took 23rd. In the boys Class B/C team standing, Florence took 18th and Darby took 33rd.
Bitterroot basketball bonanza
Hamilton splits with Butte Central
The Hamilton boys and girls basketball teams hosted Butte Central on Saturday, February 15. These were important games as both teams from both schools are vying to get 3rd place in the conference, which earns a bye into divisionals.
The Hamilton girls played one of their most complete games of the season and defeated Butte 40-25. This avenged a 35-38 loss to Butte in Butte on January 25. The Broncs led 21-17 going into the 4th quarter, then outscored the Maroons 19-8 in the final quarter to get the victory.
For Hamilton, Ashlynn McKern had a big game
with 18 points. Ella Griffin and Tricia Wilson each had 8, Annalise Lewis had 3, and Mariah Domingo added 2.
In the boys game, the Hamilton and Central boys were evenly matched. In their first matchup on January 25, Hamilton defeated Butte 62-60. This game was just as close, but this time Butte got the 58-55 win.
Hamilton was behind much of the game, but fought back and briefly took a 41-40 lead at the start of the 4th quarter. Butte again built up a lead, and again Hamilton fought back. The Broncs had a chance to tie the game with four seconds to play, but failed to get off a shot and lost by 3 points.
Hamilton’s Canaan Magness had another big game, scoring 27 points with 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Magness, only a junior, scored his 1000 career points in the first quarter. Tyler Jette had 7 points and continued to do his best Dennis Rodman imitation by grabbing 17 rebounds. Jake McCarthy had 10 points, Landen Wetzel had 5 points, Kaeden Gum had 4 points and 5 rebounds, and Asher Griffin added 2 points.
Darby
The Darby boys and girls went to Florence on Thursday, February 13.
In the girls game, Darby fell to #1 ranked Flacons 22-76. For Darby, Hadley Heiland led the scoring with 14 points, Natalie Anderson had 3, Nyna Reasor and Georgia Fisher each had 2, and Ella Bush added 1. In the boys game, Darby fell to Florence 35-69. The Darby boys and girls then played at Arlee on Saturday, February 15. In the girls game, Darby trailed 20-23 at halftime, then they turned it around in the 3rd quarter and led 33-28 going into the 4th. Arlee came back to tie the game 42-42 at the end of regulation, forcing overtime. Darby controlled in overtime and won 50-46. In the boys game, Darby held tough early and the game was tied 14-14 after the first quarter, but Arlee slowly distanced themselves and Darby lost 42-64.
Victor
The Victor boys and girls played at St. Regis on Friday, February 14. In the girls game, Victor was defeated 23-45. For Victor, Whitney Bugli and Kayden Allred each had 4 points, Stella Jordan and Claira Jordan each had 3, and Asia Parks, Sadie Davis, Nichole Bugli and Hannah Buchanan each had 2. Victor fell 21-78 in the boys game.
The Victor boys and girls hosted Charlo on Saturday, February 15. In the boys game Victor fell 38-78. In the girls game Victor lost 34-70. For Victor, Asia Parks led the scoring with 9 points. Hannah Buchanan had 5, Kayden Allred had 4, Chloe Pollan and Sadie Davis each had 2, and Nichole Bugli and Whitney Bugli each added one.
Stevensville
The Stevensville boys had a busy week. They hosted #1 ranked Dillon on Tuesday, February 11 and lost 34-71.
Then they hosted Corvallis on Thursday, February 13. Corvallis led 17-12 after the first quarter, then distanced themselves in the second quarter to take a 34-19 halftime lead. Stevensville fought back and narrowed Corvallis’s lead to 8 points late in the 3rd quarter, but Corvallis held strong and won 62-43. Then on Saturday, the Stevensville boys hosted #2 Frenchtown and were defeated 40-76.
The Stevensville girls also had a busy week. On Tuesday, February 11, they played at #2 ranked Dillon and were defeated 10-84. Then on Thursday, they went to Corvallis and were defeated by the Blue Devils 7-52. Finally, on Saturday, February 15, they hosted #4 Frenchtown and were defeated 19-61.
Corvallis
The Corvallis boys went to Stevensville on Thursday, February 13. Corvallis led 17-12 after the first quarter, then distanced themselves in the second quarter to take a 34-19 halftime lead. Stevensville fought back and narrowed Corvallis’s lead to 8 points late in the 3rd quarter, but Corvallis held strong and won 62-43. Then the Corvallis boys hosted #1 Dillon on Saturday, February 15, and lost 28-71.
Corvallis girls hosted Stevensville on Friday, February 13. The Corvallis girls controlled the game throughout and won 52-7. Then on Saturday the Corvallis girls went to #2 Dillon and lost 22-65.
Florence’s Maggie Schneiter had 21 points against Missoula Loyola on Saturday, February 15. Florence lost 56-64 after defeating Loyola in their first matchup of January 25.
Photo by Stephanie K Geiser Photography.
Hamilton heavyweight Jesse James, third from left, took 3rd place in Class A and was the Bitterroot Valley’s highest
finisher at the State Wrestling Tournament in Billings on February 13-15. Photo courtesy of Coltin Cox.
Stevensville’s Emma Tan looks to make a move. The Stevensville girls had a busy week last week playing games against Dillon, Corvallis and Frenchtown. Photo by Avery Sacry.
Obituaries
Frederick Burton ‘Fritz’ Tossberg
About a year ago when Fritz was urged to write his obituary he said: “Just write that I loved my wife, loved my children, loved my country and loved life.” All of which was true. But there is so much more:
Frederick Burton Tossberg, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend to many, passed away peacefully at his Hamilton home on January 11, 2025 at the age of 94. He was born November 23, 1930, in Denver, Colorado, to John Philip Tossberg and Donna Maye Rickle Tossberg.
He lived a life marked by tragedy met with resilience. When Fritz was fifteen his father died in a car accident leaving him, his mother and two brothers nearly destitute. They survived but it was a struggle and probably shaped the fine work ethic and energy Fritz demonstrated for the rest of his life.
In 1948 he graduated from Fort Collins High School where he was president of the student body. He won a scholarship to Yale University from which he graduated with distinction in 1952. Another scholarship got him to the Harvard Business School from which he received an MBA in 1954.
Fritz served in the US Army in Alaska 19541956. Then he returned to Denver to work at the Colorado National Bank as a Security Analyst and later as manager of the Trust Investment Department.
In 1957 he married Mildred (Milly) Thomas Wilson from Tulsa, Oklahoma. For 67 years they shared a remarkable partnership filled with love, humor and intelligence.
In 1961 he was employed by Boettcher and Company, Colorado’s largest investment banking and stock brokerage firm. Five years later he was a partner.
In 1970 failed eye surgery forced Fritz to rethink his life. He retired at age 41 and the family moved
to the Bitterroot Valley.
An avid fly fisherman, he fell in love with the area’s rivers. From the Lochsa to the Elk, from the Madison to the Missouri, he fished them all. He was probably the first to float the Bitterroot in an Avon raft.
In 1981 he was appointed to the State Board of Investments, perhaps due to his experience with startups and underwriting new businesses in Colorado.
In November 1981 he was selected by the district judge to complete the term of a retiring county commissioner. The next year he was elected to a sixyear term as a county commissioner.
In 1988 he was asked to be a trustee on the Board of Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. He served for 16 tumultuous years.
He served on the board of Ribi Immunochem back in the days before it became GSK.
The Teller Wildlife Refuge benefited from his wise counsel as a member of its board.
Fritz was a voracious reader and a friend of libraries. He worked at the library when he was in college. For many years he was a volunteer at the Bitterroot Public Library (on Saturday, when it was hard to find willing volunteers). And he was a member of the advisory board for the Bitterroot Library Foundation.
There was plenty of time for fun, too. He was still skiing into his eighties. And, of course, fishing. He and Milly cooked together and loved entertaining their friends. He was a delightful Grandpa to his five grandchildren.
Fritz will be remembered as a man of integrity, intellect, humor and compassion. His legacy lives
Peter “Pete” Michael D’Almeida, a beloved character and cherished friend to many, passed away on February 12, 2025. Born on July 6, 1943, in Tiegenhof, Danzig, West Prussia, Germany, Pete’s early years were marked by significant changes. He left Germany and arrived in the United States on May 19, 1948. His parents settled in California, where Pete spent his early years, until he joined the Air Force in November of 1961.
During his service, Pete was transferred to Vietnam where he sustained injuries that required him to be transferred back to the United States. He spent 18 months in the hospital recovering from those injuries. It was during this challenging period that he met Betty Slater, who visited him daily, through the introduction of a mutual friend. Their bond grew strong and they married in May of 1965.
Pete retired from the Air Force in March of 1966, after which he and Betty moved to California. There, Pete began working with the Job Corps and eventually the Forest Service. In early 1970, he received a pivotal call inviting him to move to Montana and work at the Trapper Peak Job Corps. As the
on in the lives of those he touched and in the impact of his contributions to his family, friends and community.
Fritz was preceded in death by his parents and his two brothers: John Philip and Thomas Elderkin Tossberg. He is survived by his loving wife and three sons; Frederick (Chris) Christian, and his wife Alice Nagy, their sons Wilson, James, and David; Robert (Rob) Wilson, and his partner Daniela Skrein, and with his former wife, Dina Engle and their children Veronica and Fritz; John Thomas and his wife Amanda Meade.
A memorial gathering will be held in the late spring. Donations in his memory should be given to the Bitterroot Library Foundation.
Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com.
Corpsman Supervisor, Pete thrived and was deeply respected by the young people he worked with, who fondly referred to him as “Pete D.”
Pete continued his dedicated service until his retirement in 1994. Post-retirement, he and Betty indulged in their true passions: history and shooting. They participated actively in shooting events and enjoyed connecting with people who shared similar interests.
Those who knew Pete remember him as a vibrant character who could make a new friend wherever he went. He would tell most anyone – “Come up and shoot.” Pete’s stories were endless, one cup of coffee, leading up to a pot. His legacy is one of knowledge, warmth, friendship, and dedication, leaving a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a true legend, one of a kind and will be missed by many.
There will be no service as per Pete’s wishes. If you wish to make a donation, please make it to the Bitterroot Humane Society as he loved his pets. Later on this year, there will be a shoot that will be held in his honor.
also old signs and license plates, gas station items or dealership items. Call 406270-8630 any time.
FARM & RANCH
HAND wanted full-time, near Peerless, Montana. Housing available. Call 406-724-7099.
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Legal Notices
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County
In the Matter of the Name Change of Kelly Larot, Kelly Larot, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-41-20250000019-NC
Dept. 2
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Kelly Kathleen Larot to Kelly Kathleen McCarthy.
The hearing will be on February 27, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 16th day of January, 2025.
/s/ Paige Trautwein
Clerk of District Court
By: Catherine di Gleria
Deputy Clerk of Court
BS 1-29, 2-5, 2-12, 2-19-25.
MNAXLP
SOFT ROCK SCOPING
NOTICE
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservations Southwestern Land Office Hamilton Unit is in the preliminary process of developing a hazardous fuels reduction east of Corvallis off Soft Rock Road near Coal Pit Creek. The purpose of the project is to mitigate fuels within the Wildland Urban Interface. The proposal would treat approximately 86 acres. Trees would be individually selected for removal to increase crown spacing to a minimum of 10 feet for trees less than 8 inches in diameter. Larger overstory trees will not be removed. Slash would be masticated or piled and burned.
The legal description is: T7N, R20W, Sec. 36. The land is State Trust land with high recreational use and traffic. The Department is seeking comments from interested parties. Please direct written comments/questions to:
The Ravalli County Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) will hold its meetings for the year 2025 at 12:30 pm at the Commissioners Meeting Room, 215 S 4th St, Hamilton, Montana on the following dates: February 25, 2025 and October 21, 2025, 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 filed by covered SARA Title
III facilities in Ravalli County may be reviewed during regular business hours by making an appointment with the Ravalli County Office of Emergency Management. Copies of documents may be obtained at this office, and a fee will be charged for copying. Any such request shall be in writing and shall be with respect to a specific 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 2-12, 2-19-25.
MNAXLP
OG-25-01-039
Legal Notice
Johnson Agricultural Covenant Revocation (CS #795634-AG) (1-Lot Minor Subdivision). Ravalli County Planning has received an application for a 1-lot residential minor subdivision of 25.3 acres located 2 miles southeast of Stevensville (Tax ID: 381600). The applicants are Rosalie Johnson, Ralph J. Johnson, Jr., Barbara Johnson, and Julie A. Johnson, they are represented by Paul Jessop of Baseline Surveying and Mapping. The proposed subdivision lot will be served by an individual well and septic system. Information describing the proposal as well as a complete copy is available for viewing at the Planning Department office, in the County Administrative Center, 215 S. 4th St., Suite F, Hamilton, MT 59840. For questions please contact the Ravalli County Planning Department at 406-3756530. 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 Thursday, March 6th, 2025 at 01:30 p.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.
BS 2-12, 2-19-25.
MNAXLP
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BENNIE GLEN ESSARY, Deceased. Probate No.: DP-202514
Dept. No.: 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that Lisa Wineke has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said Decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to Lisa Wineke, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Montana Legacy Law, PLLC, 178 South 2nd St., Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court.
BS 2-12, 2-19, 2-26-25.
MNAXLP
INVITATION TO BID
EQUIPMENT RENTAL
The Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners is now accepting proposals for the delivery of 2025 EQUIPMENT RENTAL. Sealed proposals must be received by the Ravalli County Clerk & Recorder at the County Administrative Center, 215 South Fourth Street, Suite “C”, Hamilton, Montana, 59840, no later than 4:00 PM MST on Friday, March 07, 2025. The proposals received will be publicly opened on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 and read aloud at 11:30 AM MST by the Board of County Commissioners in the Commissioners Conference Room located at 215 S. 4th Street, (third floor), Hamilton, MT. Contract documents may be examined or obtained at the Ravalli County Road & Bridge Department office at 244 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, Montana, 59840. Questions relative to the standard and special provisions may be directed to the Ravalli County Road Department at (406) 3632733. Questions relative to the bid process may be directed to the Ravalli County Commissioners Office at (406) 375-6500.
No proposal may be withdrawn after the scheduled time for the public opening of proposals, which is scheduled for 11:30 AM MST on Tuesday, March 11, 2025.
Ravalli County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received, to waive informalities therein, to postpone the award of the contract for a period of time not to exceed sixty (60) days and to accept the lowest responsive and responsible proposal determined to be in the best interests of Ravalli County.
Chris Taggart, Administrative Assistant Ravalli County Commissioners Office BS 2-19, 2-26-25. MNAXLP
INVITATION TO BID MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE The Ravalli County
Board of County Commissioners is now accepting proposals for the delivery of 2025 Magnesium Chloride Supply. Sealed proposals must be received by the Ravalli County Clerk & Recorder at the County Administrative Center, 215 South Fourth Street, Suite “C”, Hamilton, Montana, 59840, no later than 4:00 PM MST on Friday, March 07, 2025. The proposals received will be publicly opened on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 and read aloud at 11:15 AM MST by the Board of County Commissioners in the Commissioners Conference Room located at 215 S. 4th Street, (third floor), Hamilton, MT. Contract documents may be examined or obtained at the Ravalli County Road & Bridge Department office at 244 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, Montana, 59840.
Questions relative to the standard and special provisions may be directed to the Ravalli County Road Department at (406) 3632733. Questions relative to the bid process may be directed to the Ravalli County Commissioners Office at (406) 375-6500. No proposal may be withdrawn after the scheduled time for the public opening of proposals, which is scheduled for 11:15 AM MST on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Ravalli County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received, to waive informalities therein, to postpone the award of the
contract for a period of time not to exceed sixty (60) days and to accept the lowest responsive and responsible proposal determined to be in the best interests of Ravalli County.
Chris Taggart, Administrative Assistant Ravalli County Commissioners Office BS 2-19, 2-26-25.
MNAXLP
INVITATION TO BID HOT PLANT ASPHALT SUPPLY
The Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners is now accepting proposals for the delivery of 2025 HOT PLANT ASPHALT SUPPLY. Sealed proposals must be received by the Ravalli County Clerk & Recorder at the County Administrative Center, 215 South Fourth Street, Suite “C”, Hamilton, Montana, 59840, no later than 4:00 PM. MST on Friday, March 07, 2025. The proposals received will be publicly opened on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 and read aloud at 11:00 AM MST by the Board of County Commissioners in the Commissioners Conference Room located at 215 S. 4th Street, (third floor), Hamilton, MT.
Contract documents may be examined or obtained at the Ravalli County Road & Bridge Department office at 244 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, Montana, 59840.
Questions relative to the standard and special provisions may be directed
to the Ravalli County Road Department at (406) 3632733. Questions relative to the bid process may be directed to the Ravalli County Commissioners Office at (406) 375-6500. No proposal may be withdrawn after the scheduled time for the public opening of proposals, which is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. MST on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. Ravalli County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received, to waive informalities therein, to postpone the award of the contract for a period of time not to exceed sixty (60) days and to accept the lowest responsive and responsible proposal determined to be in the best interests of Ravalli County. Chris Taggart, Administrative Assistant Ravalli County Commissioners Office BS 2-19, 2-26-25. MNAXLP
LEGAL NOTICE The Darby Study Commission, created by the Town of Darby, will hold their First Public Hearing to receive comments oral or written on the review of Darby’s form of government. From this meeting a tentative report will be written and presented at a future date according to the published Timetable. The Public Hearing will be held March18, 2025, 5:30 pm at the Darby Clubhouse, 106 N Main Street, Darby, Montana. BS 2-19, 3-5-25. MNAXLP
Tournament Time!
by Scott Sacry
Basketball season mirrors winter in Montana. The opening tipoff starts with the first hints of snow and the final buzzer sounds with the spring thaw.
This weekend, Montana high school girls and boys basketball teams start the final leg of that journey in post-season tournaments.
From Circle to Chinook and Poplar to Powder River, and all the way from Forsyth and Frazer to Froid, Montana basketball players, coaches, and communities will vie for a total of eight state championships.
The majority of these teams will not win the ultimate prize, but they will be better for the journey as the student athletes learn the lessons that come from winning and losing.
Once the tournaments begin, it doesn’t matter if you’ve won every
Class A
game or lost every game, everyone has a chance.
The 12 high school boys and girls basketball teams from the Bitterroot Valley will be in the thick of the action.
Class A
Corvallis, Hamilton and Stevensville are in the Southwestern A conference, and the top three teams get byes into Divisionals. The bottom three teams have play-in games to see who will be the 4th seed in the Western A Divisionals, which will be held in Whitefish on March 6-8.
The play-in games will be on Thursday, February 27 and Saturday, March 1.
The teams still have games this week, so the playoff picture is still murky.
For the boys, Dillon and Frenchtown look to be a lock for the top two seeds. Hamilton and Butte Central are
Corvallis Girls
vying for the third seed. Corvallis and Stevensville will likely play in the first play-in game. We’ll update who plays who in next week’s paper.
For the girls, Dillon and Frenchtown look to be locks for the top two seeds. Hamilton, Corvallis and Butte Central are vying for the third spot. Stevensville will play in the first playin game. We’ll update who plays who in next week’s paper.
Class B
The boys and girls teams from Darby and Florence play in the 6B Districts in Anaconda on February 21-22.
For the girls, Florence will either be the #1 or #2 seed and play on Friday at either 10 a.m. or 12 p.m. depending on the tiebreaker with Loyola.
The Darby girls hosted Arlee in a play-in game on Tuesday, February 18 with the winner playing at 10 a.m. on Friday in Anaconda.
In the boys side, Florence is the #2 seed and plays their first game on Friday, February 21 at 4 p.m. against the winner of the Darby/Anaconda game. Darby plays Anaconda in their first round game on Thursday, February 20 at 4 p.m.
Class C The Victor boys and girls play in the 13C District tournament in Frenchtown on February 19-22. There are 12 teams in the 13C District, and the top four seeds get first round byes, while the bottom eight seeds have play-in games to advance. The Victor boys are the 12th seed and play Seeley Swan at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, February 18 in Frenchtown.
The Victor girls are the 7th seed and play Two Eagle River in Frenchtown on Wednesday, February 18 at 2:15 p.m. The winners advance to play on Thursday.
Corvallis Blue Devils
The Corvallis girls are fighting for the Southwestern A’s #3 seed with Hamilton and Butte Central. They play Frenchtown and Butte Central this week. We will update their position in next week’s paper. They are 6-10 on the season.
The Corvallis girls have had an up and down year. Head coach Andy Knapp has a scrappy bunch. Ella Varner and Ava Loran are a good one-two punch at guard, and Corvallis gets key contributions from Kaia Benson, Kate Allen and Autumn Benson.
Corvallis is one of those teams you have to look out for - if they get hot they have the skill to compete with anyone.
Corvallis Boys
The Corvallis boys will likely host Stevensville in the first play-in game on Thursday, February 27. They play Frenchtown and Butte Central this week. We will update their position in next week’s paper. They are 3-13 on the season. Veteran head coach Cameron Criddle lost a lot of starters from last year’s team and has relied heavily on seniors Drew Lewis, Aydan Mayn, Taylor Brothers, Hunter Loesch and Ledge Conner. Expect major contributions from sophomores Tanner Sorensen, Conner Jessop and Dylan Wirt.
The Corvallis boys are a hard working and talented group that have a lot of upside; if they put it all together they will be a hard team to beat.
Corvallis Girls Basketball Team: Top Row, L to R: Assistant Coach Zane Warnken, Assistant Coach Loren Hochhalter, Kate Allen, Taryn Hochhalter, Kaia Benson, Assistant Coach Aaron Holmberg, Head Coach Andy Knapp.
Front Row, L to R: Ella Varner (#2), Briella Epling, Lauryn Holmberg, Autumn Benson, Shaylee Weidow, Ava Loran.
Corvallis Boys Basketball Team: Top Row, L to R: Head Coach Cameron Criddle, Assistant Coach Jason Wirt, Taylor Brothers, Drew Lewis, Assistant Coach Tyler Weis, Assistant Coach Carson Schmit. Middle Row, L to R: Ledge Conner, Dylan Wirt, Aydan Mayn, Reese Tucker, Hunter Loesch.
Front Row, L to R: Easton Jessop, Caleb Johansen, Conner Jessop, Tanner Sorensen, Haedon Jessop, Domenic Piccolo.
Hamilton Girls
Th
Hamilton Broncs
e Hamilton girls will be fighting with Butte Central and Corvallis for Southwestern A’s #3 seed. Hamilton’s remaining games are against Stevi, Dillon and Frenchtown. We will update their position in next week’s paper. They are 4-11 on the year.
First year head coach Vanessa Stavish has a young and talented team who have struggled with consistency at times this year. They are led by Junior Ashlynn McKern who is tough both inside and outside. Expect major contributions from Ella Griffin, Annalise Lewis, Mariah Domingo, Meryn Leonardi, and Tricia Wilson.
Hamilton’s young squad has the misfortune of being in a conference with two of the best teams in the state in Dillon and Frenchtown, but this young team has been improving every week and will look to pull off an upset come tournament time.
Hamilton Boys
Hamilton is fighting with Butte Central for the #3 seed in the conference standing, which will ensure a bye into divisionals. Hamilton’s remaining games are against Stevi, Dillon and Frenchtown. We will update their position in next week’s paper. They are 8-7 on the year.
The Hamilton boys are led by junior Canaan Magness, the Southwestern conference co-MVP from last year. His wingman is do-it-all senior Tyler Jette. Outside of these two the team is less experienced, but expect major contributions from Landen Wetzel, Jake McCarthy, Kaeden Gum, and Asher Griffin.
“We had a very challenging non-conference schedule and a very tough Southwestern A schedule,” said head coach Travis Blome. “We need to continue to improve and hopefully play our best basketball at the end of the season.”
Coach Blome’s teams always play strong defense, so they have a chance against any team. But their success will come down to how much offense they can generate outside of Magness and Jette. If Hamilton’s role players get hot, this team can make a deep postsea son run.
Hamilton Boys Basketball Team:
Top Row, L to R: Carden Nelson, Gage Bierer, Tyler Jette, Canaan Magness. Front Row, L to R: Jake McCarthy, Kaeden Gum, Asher Griffin, Landen Wetzel.
Hamilton Girls Basketball Team:
Top Row, L to R: Annalise Lewis, Loretta Hanson, Ella Griffin, Tricia Wilson, Ashlynn McKern, Mariah Domingo, Front Row, L to R: Meryn Leonardi, Nellie Dickemore, Bryn Cianflone, Elise Carroll, Arionna Coy, Kari Hattlestad.
Stevensville Yellowjackets
Stevensville Girls
The Stevensville girls will likely be playing in the first divisional play-in game on Thursday, February 27. Stevi’s remaining games are against Hamilton and Dillon. We will update their position in next week’s paper. They are 0-15 on the year.
The Stevensville girls are a young, inexperienced group who have struggled to generate offense this year. But this is a hard working group that doesn’t quit.
“This young group of players truly play their hearts out every time they are on the floor,” said longtime Stevensville head coach Bill Fulbright. “They work hard, and have had tremendous mental and physical growth this year.”
Stevensville gets contributions from juniors Amy Donaldson, Harley Gilleard and Emma McKoy, as well as sophomores Olivia Hanson, Emma Tan and Avery Razler. Although this is a rebuilding year for the ‘Jackets, this year’s team has shown plenty of grit and determination.
Stevensville Boys
The Stevensville boys will likely have to play Corvallis in the first play-in game on Thursday, February 27. Stevi’s remaining games are against Hamilton and Dillon. We will update their position in next week’s paper. They are 2-13 on the year.
The Stevensville boys have struggled in the win column this season, but they have a solid group of boys who are competitive and work hard every game. First year head coach Kenny Begaye is optimistic about his team. “We’re moving in the right direction,” said Begaye. “We’re playing hard and dealing with adversity. I love my group of boys from varsity down to c-team.”
The team is led by senior Jake Gavlak and junior Angus Trangmoe, but the ‘Jackets also get solid play from Tanner Brown, Evan Montague, McCoy Endres, Silas Seibert and Kaden Wyant.
“I can’t wait for what the future has in store for us,” said Begaye. “We have a good group of boys coming up and with the experience they learned this season moving towards next is going to be exciting.”
Stevensville Girls Basketball Team: Top Row, L to R: Assistant Coach Ryan Tolley, Assistant Coach Hailey Thomas, Avery Henderson, Amy Donaldson, Addison Drye, Olivia Hanson, Harley Gilleard, Emma McKoy, Nevaeh Meeder, Head Coach Bill Fulbright.
Middle Row, L to R: Jocelyn Lambert, Pietra Laureano, Cienna Morris, Kayden Tolley, Lynnlee Morris, Sophie Bauer (#55).
Front Row, L to R: Amelia Berning, Deci Endres, Emma Tan, Avery Raszler, Hadlie Leonard, Kenzie Bailey, Sawyer Esch.
Stevensville Boys Basketball Team:
Top Row, L to R: David Beames, Tanner Brown, Silas Seibert, Jake Gavlak, David Laufenberg.
Middle Row, L to R: Spencer Moore, Kyon Manibusan, McCoy Endres, Evan Montague.
Front Row, L to R: Angus Trangmoe, Kaden Wyant
Darby Tigers
Darby Boys
The Darby boys play Anaconda on Thursday, February 20 at 4 p.m. in the first round of the District 6B tournament in Anaconda. The winner plays Florence on Friday. The Tigers are 3-13 on the season. The Darby boys have had a tough season so far when it comes to wins and losses. But don’t let the record fool you; they are a competitive team with a lot of potential. Veteran head coach Richard Griffin has a tough group who play hard every night. They are a young team as starters Jordan Browning, Oliver Brown and Leif Nelson are all sophomores. Junior McCoy Townsend and senior Braydon Lundgren fill out the starting five with sophomore Ben Martin coming off the bench. This is a fast and scrappy bunch of boys who have the talent to upset anyone at the tournament.
Darby Girls
The Darby girls played Arlee in a district play-in game on Tuesday, February 18 in Darby. The winner plays at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 21 at the District 6B tournament in Anaconda. The Darby girls are 7-8 on the season.
The Darby girls have a strong team this year, but they have been inconsistent at times. But with only eight girls on the roster they are a hard working bunch. They have a 7-8 record this season.
“It’s been an up-and-down year,” said Darby head coach Hoop Reed. “But the girls are coming back strong, and we have a great chance of making it to divisionals this year. Hadley Heiland, Georgia Fisher, and Natalie Anderson have been the base and strength of our team followed by our younger players. We are a young group of girls with big hearts and grit. I couldn’t have asked for a better team.”
Besides Heiland, Anderson, and Fisher, you can expect major contributions from Lilly Bennett, Austin Hackel, Ella Bush and Sierra Lee. This is a scrappy and talented group who will be a tough team to face in the tournament.
Darby Girls Basketball Team Ella Bush (#15), Georgia Fisher, Lilly Bennett, Hadley Heiland, Natalie Anderson, Sierra Lee (#44), Austin Hackel.
Darby Boys Basketball Team Boys Back Row, L to R: Daniel Stewart, Eli Spross, McCoy Townsend, Wyatt Miller, Abe Atkins, Braydon Lundgren, Quinton Woirhaye, Leif Nelson, Oliver Long.
Front Row, L to R: Ben Martin, Jordan Browning, Taylor Graham (#4).
Florence Girls
Florence Falcons
The Florence girls will either be the #1 or #2 seed in the District 6B tournament and will play on Friday at either 10 a.m. or 12 p.m. depending on the tiebreaker with Loyola.
Florence has been one of Class B’s best girls teams during the regular season and were the #1 ranked team in the latest 406mtsports.com poll (Feb. 11). They are 16-2 on the season.
Florence’s depth is one of their biggest strengths, as they have a big group of girls who get playing time and are capable of leading on any given night.
These players include Emory Ralston, Maggie Schneiter, Kenzy Pickering, Ali Meinhold, Madigan Hurlbert, Taylor Pyette, Kendyl Meinhold, and Jaden Fisher.
“I feel we have the deepest team in Class B this season,” said Florence head coach Shane Meinhold. “Our rotation has been pretty equal to allow the girls to give maximum effort to the defensive intensity I want the girls to have. I feel our team has positioned themselves really well going into the postseason.”
Out of all the teams in the Bitterroot Valley, this year’s Florence girls have maybe the best chance to make a deep run at state. Definitely a team to keep an eye on.
Florence Girls Basketball Team:
Top Row, L to R: Assistant Coach Adam Tranmer,
Florence Boys
The Florence boys are the #2 seed in the District 6B tournament and play their first game on Friday, February 21 at 4 p.m. against the winner of the Darby/Anaconda game.
The Florence boys have had a great season so far. Second year head coach Shea Bradshaw has an experienced, competitive and athletic group of boys who know what it takes to win.
They are 13-5 on the season and were ranked #10 in the latest 406mtsport.com poll (Feb. 11). Their only losses have come against ranked teams, so they’re going to have to figure out how to beat the better teams if they want to make a run to state.
Florence gets the bulk of their scoring from Jake Schneiter, Brody Duchien and Bridger Alexander, but has a strong core group with Mose Smith, Mason Arlington, Wes Potter and Levi Winter all capable of contributing.
The Florence boys are one of those dangerous teams who could get hot and make a deep playoff run.
Florence Boys Basketball Team:
L to R, Head Coach Shea Bradshaw, Student Manager Jadyn Dobberstein, Assistant Coach Dan Abbott, Brody Duchien, Jake Schneiter, Preston Ekstedt, Makoah Laasch, Kade Anderson, Levi Winters, Grant Schoenfeld, Mose Smith, Mason Arlington, Wes
Kendyl Meinhold, Kenzy Pickering, Shelby Crocker, Jaden Fisher, Alex Nelson, Head Coach Shane Meinhold.
Middle Row, L to R: Alyx Monaco, Taylor Pyette, Maggie Schneiter. Front Row, L to R: Brooke Hildebrand, Emory Ralston, Madigan Hurlbert (#23), Ali Meinhold.
Potter, Bridger Alexander.
Class C Victor Pirates
Victor Boys
The Victor boys are the 12th seed in the 13C District tournament and play Seeley-Swan in Frenchtown on Wednesday, February 18 at 9 a.m. The winner advances to play on Thursday. Victor is 0-13 on the season.
The Victor boys have struggled with consistency this season. They have looked strong at times and have struggled to score at times. But head coach Dan Williams has a hard working group who doesn’t back down and gives it their all every night. Expect major contributions from Kyle Glasser, Colin Lewis, Koen Nuttall, Kordell Martin, River Hare, Chris Betts, and Raphael Grenon.
Victor Girls
The Victor girls are the 7th seed in the 13C District tournament and play Two Eagle River in Frenchtown on Wednesday, February 18 at 2:15 p.m. The winner advances to play on Thursday. They are 5-12 on the season.
The Victor girls have had an up and down year. They have had good stretches of play, then inconsistent stretches of play. But head coach Aimie Kay has them playing hard every night and they have been improving all season.
Victor has a well rounded group and gets leadership from seniors Hannah Buchanan and Chloe Pollan. Expect contributions from juniors Asia Parks, Sadie Davis, Nichole Bugli and Whitney Bugli, sophomore Kayden Allred, freshman Stella Jordan, and 8th grader Claira Jordan. When they put it all together, they will be a tough matchup for any team in the tournament.
Victor Girls Basketball Team: Back Row, L to R: Asia Parks, Maddi Hill, Stella Jordan, Whitney Bugli, Lilli Buchanan, Nichole Bugli, Rayanne Heiland, Chloe Pollan.
Front Row, L to R: Sadie Davis, Hannah Buchanan, VeAyal Chavez, Payton Depaul, Kayden Allred, Claira Jordan, Brooklyn Cary.
Victor Boys Basketball Team:
Back Row, L to R: Assistant Coach Otto Thill, Jordan Wilkes, Chris Betts, Koen Nuttall, Kyle Glasser, Keagan Eakle, Raphael Grenon, Hayes Likes, Head Coach Dan Williams. Front Row, L to R: Chris Dyer, River Hare, Jaren Housel, Ben Neider, Kordell Martin, Tyler Joanis.
