Bitterroot Star - February 3, 2026

County must reconsider subdivision exemption decision

by Michael Howell

Montana Supreme Court

Justice James Jeremiah Shea issued an order on January 27, 2026 reversing and remanding for further proceedings Ravalli County District Court Judge Jennifer Lint’s decision to dismiss a case involving a family land transfer.

The Sapphire Coalition, a local non-profit organization, filed the lawsuit in August of 2024 alleging that the Planning Department unlawfully approved a Subdivision Exemption Application because it did not provide public notice. The Coalition also alleged the Planning Department’s approval violated the Montana Subdivision and Platting Act (MSPA), Montana Public Participation Act (MPPA), and the right to know and right to participate guaranteed by the Montana Constitution. The Coalition claimed at the time that they were not opposed to family transfers but were opposed to their being used to evade the subdivision process.

The 80-acre parcel of land at issue was originally owned by Gary Chilcott, of Deer Lodge, brother of Ravalli County Commissioner Greg Chilcott, and had been included as part of a pro -

posed 280-acre multi-phase subdivision in the Hamilton Heights area. That subdivision proposal was withdrawn during the Planning Board review process.

After the subdivision application was withdrawn, Chilcott sold the 80-acre property to his son, Lance Albert of Alaska. On January 13, 2020, Albert submitted a Subdivision Exemption Application to the Planning Department that proposed dividing the 80-acre tract of land into eight 10-acre parcels through a family transfer exemption identifying his five minor children, wife and father (Gary), as transfer recipients. The Planning Department approved Albert’s application nine working days later, on January 24, 2020, without providing public notice before approving it. It was not until the spring of 2023 that a member of the Sapphire Coalition, while researching a neighboring tract slated to undergo subdivision review, discovered that the property had been subdivided. The coalition gathered information from the County regarding Albert’s exemption and presented its concern that Albert used the family transfer exemption to evade the subdivision require -

ments of the MSPA, but the County declined to reanalyze the application.

That’s when the Coalition decided to file suit against the County, Ravalli County Commission, Ravalli County Attorney’s Office, and the Planning Department over failure to provide public notice.

Lint dismissed the suit in January 2025, stating that the Coalition did not plead a plausible claim because the County Regulations “do not require published notice of . . . the review of proposed subdivision exemptions,” and the Coalition appealed the ruling.

In its ruling reversing that decision, the Supreme Court noted that the law requires governing bodies to assess whether an exemption is being used to circumvent the subdivision law.

The Court also noted that County Regulations state, “The applicant and the public shall be permitted to comment on the proposal and rebut any presumptions that the use of the exemption evades the MSPA or these regulations.”

The County Regulations have undergone three amendments relevant to the public participation required during the exemption application pro -

cess. The pre-2006 County Regulations did not require the Planning Department to receive public comments or hold a public meeting as part of the exemption application process. The County amended the Regulations in 2006 to add provisions that required the Planning Department to receive public comments and hold a public meeting. But in 2012 they amended them to remove the public hearing requirement but retained the Planning Department’s obligation to receive public comments.

The County contends that removing the public hearing requirement in 2012 demonstrates public notice is not required. The Sapphire Coalition argues the plain language of the regulations requires the Planning Department to provide public notice to effectuate the opportunity to comment.

The Supreme Court found that, “the County amendment removed the Planning Department’s obligation to hold a public meeting. But it did not eliminate the separate and independent guarantee that the public shall be permitted to comment on the proposal.”

The Supreme Court determined that the public comment requirement

demonstrates that the County intended to provide the public with an opportunity to participate in the application process. The Court declared that although the County Regulations are silent as to whether the Planning Department must provide public notice, the opportunity to comment provided by the County Regulations is meaningless unless the public receives notice of a pending application.

“The County’s interpretation that the Planning Department can evaluate an exemption application without providing any public notice at all would lead to an absurd result. It is axiomatic that the public cannot comment on something the public does not know about,” wrote Shea.

The Supreme Court declared that because Sapphire and the County do not dispute that the Planning Department failed to provide public notice, the District Court must remand Albert’s Subdivision Exemption Application to the Planning Department for it to reevaluate the Subdivision Exemption Application after providing public notice that effectuates an adequate opportunity to comment on Albert’s application.

HYETT: Hamilton Police highlights ofcer for service

Continued from page 1

during community volunteer events. “He has shown that he leads through his actions,” said Snavely.

Snavely said it is obvious that Hyett genuinely cares, has a “strong work ethic and is committed to officer safety.” He also shows “good, sound judgment,” and has a lot of trust from fellow officers and the administration in the department, according to Snavely. “That goes a long way, for me.”

Hyett spent five years in the Army Military Police, where he was stationed in both Hawaii and Virginia. From this, Snavely said Hyett brings some similar background and expertise. Snavely also looks at officers looking for professional development and said Hyett is definitely interested.

In fact, the department will be sending Hyett to taser instructor school, where he will participate in a 40-hour course, out of state.

The previous officer who held that certification will be stepping down from that role and not re-upping his certification. The role is important, and once a year everyone in the department needs to get recertified. The taser instructor is the one who gives them all this eight-hour training. Hyett stepped up and showed interest and will now be the person instructing the

“Your goal as an instructor should be to make the people learning from you better than you.”

- Anthony Hyett

department. When asked about the instructor opportunity, Hyett was excited to

Sheep Creek Mine

Despite reassurances from the company proposing to mine for rare earth minerals in the Sheep Creek drainage, this mine’s location undeniably poses an extreme threat of catastrophic damage to the Bitterroot River and to the way of life we enjoy here in Ravalli County. So, like most of you, I oppose the fast-tracking of the project and anything that will compromise our health and safety or endanger the river.

My concern is in part personal. Four generations of my family have fshed the Bitterroot River, and I fondly remember fshing the headwaters of the West Fork with my father and grandfathers when the road south of Painted Rocks Reservoir was only a jeep trail. I spent 30 years as an Army offcer and am well versed in national security afairs. Securing a supply of rare earth minerals is essential for our national defense. If the Sheep

Creek mine were the only way to meet this need, I might support it. But the fact is that opening this mine is not essential. Other options exist, like reworking the tailings from existing mines in Butte. Congress should act to enable these options.

by Rep. David Bedey HD 86

Right now, the ball is in the hands of the federal government. Before the mine can operate, it must receive permits from both the federal government and the state of Montana. I’m grateful for Congressman Zinke and Senator Sheehy’s recent call to end the fast-tracking process. But more must be done. I intend to stay in close contact with Montana’s Department of Environmental Quality to ensure that the environmental impact of this mine is fully accounted for. I will not stand by and let Ravalli County get railroaded during the permitting process. It will likely be a tough fght, but I’m confdent we’re up to it.

W A R N I N G

The ownership of the property at 1024 Main Street, Corvallis, Montana, is being disputed at this time. Thank you.

Snell and Assoc. 1 2 3 4

For more information email: youcanwishuponastar@gmail.com

be able to do more for his department. “I enjoy teaching somebody how to use the equipment safely, not just for them but for others involved,” said Hyett. He remembers a former team leader when he was in the Army who said something that stuck with him, which he plans to apply when he is an instructor. He said, “Your goal as an instructor should be to make the people learning from you better than you.”

When working with the public in his official capacity, Hyett said by the nature of the job it is “not always the best interaction,” and he often sees people on what they believe to be their worst days. This can color what people see when they think of a police officer, but for him it is so much more. He likes being active in the community, and for him, it comes down to the idea of “community policing,” where an officer strives to be part of the community and help in any way he can be of service.

Hyett compared working with the military police to community policing. He said there is a lot of overlap, but there are definitely more domestic calls in the military police and less theft. He also said Hamilton is a much smaller and a tighter community, which is what attracted him here in the first place.

When asked about the award, Hyett said he only found out the day-of that he was the one receiving it, but added, “I’m really grateful to receive the honor.” He said it is also great “to see that what I’m doing is hopefully making a difference,” and it “encourages me to keep reaching out, not just for myself, but for my community.”

Snavely presented a letter to Hamilton City Council, which read:

“Officer Anthony Hyett has been

selected as the 2025 Police Officer of the Year in recognition of outstanding professionalism, exceptional leadership, and dedication to the principles of modern law enforcement. Throughout the year, Officer Hyett consistently demonstrated the highest standards of service, integrity, and teamwork— setting an example for the newer officers of the department.

“Officer Hyett is widely regarded as a dependable partner and a steady, calming presence during high-pressure situations. His sound judgment, strong work ethic, and commitment to officer safety have earned the trust of peers and supervisors alike.

“Beyond individual performance, Officer Hyett has had a remarkable impact on team culture. Officer Hyett is a positive influence—someone who leads through action, supports others without hesitation, and fosters an environment where professionalism and compassion come first. Officer Hyett’s mentorship of newer officers and willingness to share knowledge have helped strengthen unit cohesion and enhanced the overall performance of the team.

“In addition to operational excellence, Officer Hyett has demonstrated genuine care for the com

munity. He regularly engages with residents, participates in outreach events, and works to build relationships that increase trust and transparency. These efforts reflect a deep understanding that effective policing extends beyond enforcement—it requires connection, empathy, and respect.

“In every aspect of the role, Officer Hyett exemplifies what it means to serve with honor. For these reasons, and for the profound positive impact made throughout the year, we proudly recognize Officer Hyett as the Police Officer of the Year for the Hamilton Police Department.”

Sports

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Florence defeats Stevi, Anaconda

Both the Florence girls and boys basketball teams are ranked in the latest 406mtsports.com Class B poll. The Florence girls moved up to #2 after beating Loyola last week, and the Florence boys held steady at #9 after a loss to Loyola.

#2 Florence 75, S tevensville 19

T he #2 Florence girls hosted Stevensville on Tuesday, January 27. Florence jumped out to an early lead and never looked back as Florence defeated Stevensville 75-19.

For Florence, Ali Meinhold led the scoring with 18 points. Maggie Schneiter had 16, Kendyl Meinhold had 13, Jaden Fisher and Shelby Crocker each had 8, Madigan Hurlbert had 7, Emory Ralston had 4, and Alyx Monaco added 1.

For Stevensville, Addi Drye led the way with 16 points, and Harley Gilleard added 3. Stevensville 53, # 9 Florence 76

O n Thursday, January 29, the Stevensville boys hosted #9 Florence. Florence jumped out to a 40-21 halftime lead, then the ever improving Stevensville boys came out strong in the third quarter and outscored Florence 19-17 to trail 40-57 heading into the fourth quarter. Florence reasserted control in the fourth and won 76-53.

For Florence, Brody Duchien led with 19 points. Brennan Meinhold had 18, Levi Winters had 12, Koa Laasch had 9, Bridger Alexander had 8, Donnie Brooks had 5, Kobe Bradshaw had 3 points, and Wes Potter added 2 points.

#2 Florence 56, Anaconda 12

Th e Florence girls hosted Anaconda on Saturday, January 31. The #2 Falcons had little trouble with Anaconda, as they were up 37-10 at halftime and rolled to a 56-12 victory.

For Florence, Maggie Schneiter led the way with 16 points. Emory Ralston and Ali Meinhold each had 9, Madigan Hurlbert had 7, Shelby Crocker had 6, Jaden Fisher had 4, Taylor Pyette had 3, and Kendyl Meinhold added 2.

#9 Florence 54, Anaconda 43

T he #9 Florence boys hosted Anacon da on Saturday, January 31. The Florence boys lost to Anaconda 33-48 on January 2nd, but this game was different, as Florence controlled the game throughout and won 54-43. For Florence, Brody Duchien had the hot hand and scored 21 points. Brennan Meinhold had 13, Levi WInter and Koa Laasch each had 7, Bridger Alexander had 5, and Wes Potter added 1.

Stevensville 45, # 3 Butte Central 74

T he Stevensville boys went to

Butte Central on Saturday, January 31 to battle the #3 ranked Maroons. Stevensville trailed 1117 after the first quarter and 19-38 at halftime. The Yellowjackets played hard in the second half but Butte took control and Stevensville lost 45-74.

Stevensville 42, B utte Central 60

T he Stevensville girls hosted Butte Central on Saturday, January 31. The Lady ‘Jackets played tough, but fell 42-60. Stevensville continued to improve offensively as they scored 42 points against a Butte team that they only scored 23 points against last month.

Blue Devils battle Broncs

Corvallis 41, Hamilton 31

The Corvallis girls hosted Hamilton on Thursday, January 29. Corvallis played solid defense, holding Hamilton to 31 total points as Corvallis defeated Hamilton 41-31.

For Corvallis, Ava Loran had 12 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals. Kaia Benson had 9 points, 2 steals and a whooping 14 rebounds. Lauryn Holmberg had 9 points and 2 steals. Briella Epling had 6 points and 4 rebounds. Ella Varner had 3 points, 3 steals and 3 assists. Kate Allen had 2 points, 3 rebounds and 2 steals.

Corvallis 39, Hamilton 58

The Corvallis boys hosted Hamilton on Thursday, January 29. The Hamilton boys defeated Corvallis 58-39, thanks to a big frst half in which Hamilton outscored Corvallis 33-14.

For Hamilton, Cartier Ferguson continued his strong play and led with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Jake McCarthy had 13 points and 3 rebounds. Cash Lockhart had 11 points and 11 rebounds. Kaden Gum had 9 points and 6 rebounds. Trevyn Bakken had 6 points and 5 assists. Cooper Weston had 4 points and 4 rebounds. Taylor Doleac had 2 points, 9 points and 5 assists. For Corvallis, Easton Jessop had a big game with 24 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals. Dylan Wirt had 5 points and

Darby defeated by Loyola

Darby 29, #4 Loyola 78

7 rebounds. Reese Tucker had 4 points. Tanner Sorensen had 2 points and 6 rebounds. Conner Jessop and Nathan Keller each added 2 points.

Corvallis 32, #4 Loyola 52

The Corvallis boys went to Loyola on Tuesday, January 27. The Blue Devils had a tough task against #4 Loyola, who is one of the top Class B teams in the state. Corvallis played strong on defense but couldn’t generate enough ofense to stick with Loyola and Corvallis lost 34-52. For Corvallis, Easton Jessop had 8 points. Dylan Wirt had 8 points. Conner Jessop had 6 points, 5 rebounds and 3 steals. Tanner Sorensen had 5 points and 9 rebounds. Trevin Epling had 3 points. Reese Tucker had 2 points. Cole Murdock and Dexter Harper each added 1 point.

Corvallis 40, #4 Loyola 71

The Corvallis girls hosted Loyola on Tuesday, January 27. Corvallis had their hands full against #4 Missoula Loyola. Corvallis played well early and trailed 9-12 after the frst quarter, but Loyola took over from then on and Corvallis lost 40-71. For Corvallis, Ella Varner led with 12 points, 4 rebounds, 5 steals and 4 assists. Lauryn Holmberg had 9 points. Ava Loran had 6 points and 6 rebounds. Kate Allen had 5 points. Ellie Knapp and Kaia Benson each had 3 points. Savanna Johnson added 2 points.

Hamilton 51, Dillon 60

Darby 22, #4 Loyola 83

The Darby girls went to MIssoula on Saturday, January 31 to play the #4 Breakers. It was a tough matchup for Darby as they lost 22-83 to one of the best Class B teams in the state. For Darby, Hadley Heiland led the way with 11 points. Natalie Anderson had 9, and Brooklyn Janis added 2.

The Darby boys went to Missoula on Saturday, January 31 to play #4 Missoula Loyola. The Tigers had trouble scoring against the defending Class B state champions and lost 29-78. For Darby, Jordan Browning had a full stat sheet with 8 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks. Leif Nelson had 7 points and 2 rebounds. Oliver Long had 3 points and 2 assists. Abe Adkins had 3 points. Gavin Anderson had 2 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. McCoy Townsend had 2 points and 2 rebounds. And Daniel Stewart and Quintin Woirheye each added 2 points.

Bitterroot wrestlers earn spot in polls

Wrestling rankings are not an exact science, but they are a good way for wrestling teams and individual wrestlers to see how they stand as the Divisional and State tournaments approach.

On January 28, 406mtsports.com came out with their latest high school wrestling polls, and many Bitterroot Valley teams and wrestlers were on the lists.

Class B/C In the Class B/C poll, there were two Bitterroot wrestlers ranked in the top six of their weight class: Eli Spross of Darby was ranked 5th at 215, and Christian Englund of Florence was ranked 5th at 190.

Class A In the Class A poll, the Corvallis boys team is ranked 5th overall. The following Bitterroot Valley wrestlers were ranked in the top six of their respective weight class.

The Hamilton boys went to Dillon on Saturday, January 3. Hamilton played a solid game against a strong Dillon team but fell just short and lost 51-60. For Hamilton, Jake McCarthy had a big game with 23 points, Cartier Ferguson had 12, Cash Lockhart had 8, Cooper Weston had 5, and Trevyn Bakken added 3

For Corvallis, Chase Davis was ranked 4th at 110, Kahle Hill was ranked 2nd at 126, Byron Stoker was ranked 2nd at 144, Colter Bestor was ranked 3rd at 165, Colton Snyder was ranked 5th at 175, Maurice Craun was ranked 5th at 190, and Jesse James was ranked 4th at heavyweight.

For Stevensville, Benjamin White was ranked 3rd at 138, and Todd Whitescarver was ranked 3rd at 144.

For Hamilton, Brandon Saltzman was ranked 3rd at 157.

Hamilton 34, #4 Dillon 59

The Hamilton girls went to Dillon on Saturday, January 31 to play the #4 Beavers. The Lady Broncs were down 17-28 at halftime and weren’t able to mount a second half comeback, and Hamilton lost to Dillon 34-59.

Florence’s Brody Duchien, at left, and Stevensville’s Kaden Wyant, above, both shoot three-pointers in Florence’s 76-53 victory over Stevensville on Thursday, January 29. Photos by Scott Sacry.

Sports

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Victor girls win big over Alberton

Victor 50, A lberton 22

T he Victor girls went to Alberton on Saturday, January 31. Victor controlled the game from start to finish and won 50-22. For Victor, Whitney Bugli had 8 points and 4 rebounds. Brooklyn Cary had 8 points, 4 rebounds and 5 steals. Asia Parks had 8 points and 8 rebounds. Nichole Bugli had 8 points, 11 rebounds and 3 assists. Kadyn Allred had 4 points. Lilli Buchanan had 4 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Stella Jordan had 3 points. Claira Jordan had 2 points. Maddison Hill had 2 points and 4 rebounds. VeAyla Chavez had 2 points, and Cyrri Ames had 1 point, 4 rebounds

and 3 steals.

Victor 53, A lberton 70

T he Victor boys went to Alberton on Saturday, January 31. Victor started strong and the score was tied 29-29 at halftime. But it was all Alberton in the second half and Victor lost 53-70.

Victor 41, Ph ilipsburg 69

T he Victor boys went to Philipsburg on Friday, January 30. Victor was able to generate some of -

fense, but they had trouble containing Philipsburg and Victor lost 41-69.

Victor 53, P hilipsburg 50

T he Victor girls went to Philipsburg on Friday, January 30. Victor jumped out to a 29-23 halftime lead. Philipsburg made a bit of a comeback in the second half, but Victor held strong and won 5350. Brooklyn Cary had a big game with 20 points. Nichole Bugli had 16 points, Whitney Bugli had 8 points, VeAyla Chavez had 5 points, Sadie Davis had 2 points, and Kadyn Allred and Lilli Buchanan each added 1 point.

Dementia Friendly Bitterroot launches

A new effort to help people live better with memory loss

In the Bitterroot, an estimated 3,500 people age 65+ are living with memory loss or dementia. Most are undiagnosed, and many live at home. Dementia Friendly Bitterroot is a new community efort to make the valley a more informed, safe, and respectful place for people who are experiencing this condition, along with their care partners. DFB aims to reduce stigma about dementia while building resources to help people stay active in their communities for as long as possible.

DFB was established in December 2025 as part of the nationwide Dementia Friendly America network. Letters of support from the City of Hamilton, Ravalli County Sherif’s Ofce, and Western Montana Mental Health Center were crucial to the application, along with other local leaders in healthcare, banking, real estate,

retail, and senior living. DFB joins Missoula and Billings as the third dementia-friendly area in Montana.

Council on Aging executive director Cathy Orr and end-of-life doula Jana Branch co lead the efort. Orr said, “We’ve known for some time that our area needs more support for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. It’s a long road, and too often people end up isolated, along with the person caring for them. It’s not enough to ofer them resources. We also need communities where they feel welcome shopping, going to the bank, exercising, going to church, and living their lives.”

The Dementia Friends Learning Session is a central efort. This one-hour presentation is available to businesses, service organizations, and the general public. It aims to help anyone understand more about dementia and be more confdent when meeting someone with memory loss. It can be ofered as a lunch-and-learn for employees and tailored to diferent business’ concerns. Branch said, “People’s idea of dementia is often of the last stage. But there are many years—even decades— to live before that. How we treat people at the grocery store, at a restaurant, or just passing on the sidewalk can help them stay connected even as their condition changes. It’s another way to be a good neighbor. And given this is a small valley, we’re all

neighbors.”

DFB also raises awareness of services Council on Aging already provides and is developing new eforts to fll gaps. Dementia Navigation gives newly-diagnosed people and their loved ones support for fguring out the path forward. The longstanding Elder and Dementia Caregiver Support Group is bolstered with a Caregiver Respite volunteer program.

The Living Through Loss drop-in group will ofer social support around the common and ongoing emotional experiences that go with cognitive decline. Dementia Discussions will bring people together around topics like driving, frearm safety, medication use, legal planning, and senior living. Living Well sessions will focus on promoting brain health. Orr said, “Many

people don’t realize that the risk of developing dementia can be reduced by 40% through lifestyle choices. We want to help people take charge of their brain health early on.”

Look for informational rack cards at locations around the valley and an up-to-date events and resource listing on the DFB website. Branch said, “We’re just getting started, and we can’t do this alone. We hope people who want to be part of this efort will get in touch. Our frst eforts are centered in Hamilton, but we’re Dementia Friendly Bitterroot. Every valley community is a part of us.”

To get involved, fnd more information, or book a Dementia Friends Learning Session, get in touch through www.DFBitterroot.us or call Council on Aging at 406-363-5690.

youth suicide

Victor Public Schools and Hellgate Elementary/Intermediate School, in partnership with local and statewide community organizations, is launching a Safe Storage Campaign aimed at preventing youth suicide by increasing education and access to safe frearm storage. The campaign will begin next week at both schools. Another campaign will kick of at Missoula County Public Schools in the next few months.

Montana continues to face disproportionately high youth suicide rates. Between 2013 and 2017, the suicide rate among Montana youth ages 11–17 was nearly three times the national average. More recently, in 2023, 69% of youth suicides statewide were completed using frearms. Research

consistently shows that the risk of suicide is four to ten times higher in homes with unsecured frearms. Safe frearm storage is a proven, life-saving prevention strategy.

“Victor Public Schools is often considered the center of our community,” said Scott Stiegler, Superintendent of Victor Public Schools. “Reducing access to lethal means for individuals at risk is an essential part of a comprehensive approach to suicide prevention. We are proud to partner with organizations that share our commitment to protecting youth and supporting families.”

Victor Public Schools is partnering with the Community Health Alliance, Safe Kids Missoula, Be SMART Montana, Montana VA Health Care, Project Tomorrow Montana, the Missoula City-County Health Department, Bass Pro (providing discounted trigger locks) to reduce access to lethal means of self-harm through education and free safety resources.

Beginning Monday, February 2, through February 23, free frearm trigger and cable locks will be available at Victor School and Hellgate School while supplies last. A parent, guardian, or legal adult must pick up the lock(s); students under 18 are not permitted to do so without an accompanying adult.

Thanks to a prevention grant from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and partner funding, several hundred high-quality, “set-your-own-combination” trigger locks purchased at a discounted rate from Bass Pro and cable locks donated by the Montana VA Health Care will be distributed at no cost. Families are encouraged to take multiple locks if they own more than one frearm. Adults who receive gun locks may also choose to enter a drawing for one of three Biometric Portable Safes (or equivalent). Entry forms will request a name, phone number, and email address for contact and optional survey purposes only. The drawing will be held in March 2026.

This Safe Storage Campaign refects a shared community commitment to proactive, practical steps that save lives and support youth well-being.

Victor school launches campaign to help prevent

School board alert

This opinion is aimed at the Stevensville and Lone Rock schools as all school boards are unique. Someone quietly took a month out of the election cycle. I suspect that few folks are aware that one must fle as a candidate by February 9th! Both districts have two openings. Poor candidates could derail the efectiveness of a board and at this time both boards are doing well. Let me describe what I mean by efectiveness. After all this is an opinion page.

I’ll limit my description to a few thi ngs which are essential. They are: respect of parents, a reasonable ratio of athletics to academics, a curriculum dedicated to reading, writing, mathematics, history and civics, a line item budget, recognition of both the trades and professions, good management of procurement, security, discipline, etc. You can see where I’m going; back to basics. Both schools are currently doing well with the essentials.We need to keep and improve what we are blessed with.

If you care about the kids and how they are being taught then you might consider running for one of the boards. School boards have great responsibilities and are often found wanting in both wisdom and guts. I have interfaced with both districts for over 30 years. I have also been privileged to deal with schools across the state and can assure you that we are on track. With all the turmoil and changes in our society our youth need all the preparation they can get. School boards never seem to get the attention they deserve.

Ed Sperry Col

USAF (ret)

Stevensville Support for Bedey

Forrest Gump coined a phrase, “stupid is as stupid does.”

That phrase accurately describes former Rep. Lyn Hellegaard’s January 20 response to David Bedey in which she attacks legislation written by Bedey.

She disagrees with him and continues to mangle, misrepresent, and malign bills she thinks she understands, but does not.

To help Lyn comprehend important and valuable legislation she obviously she does not appreciate or understand, and for Bitterrooters who are interested, here are the facts attending two bills by Representative Bedey that are continuously and improperly attacked by people such as Hellegaard: HB-402 and HB-275.

HB-402 was intended to revise Montana’s election registration laws, with a focus on how citizenship is verifed for voter registration. The key provisions included:

• Requiring the Secretary of State to adopt rules for verifying citizenship status of new voter registration applicants.

• Directing the Motor Vehicle Division to assist in verifcation when an applicant provides a driver’s license in the application.

• Allowing a person whose citizenship status has not yet been verifed to vote — meaning they can vote while verifcation was still pending.

• Providing rulemaking authority to implement the changes.

The stated intent behind HB-402 was to ensure that only U.S. citizens were registered while also complying with the provisions of federal law that allow legals to assert citizenship and vote if it cannot be proven that they are not citizens. You can read the NVRA at: https://www.justice.gov/crt/national-voter-registration-act-1993-nvra.

Here are the facts Hellegaard ignores: HB402, if passed would have been a crucial step in producing a means for “rapid” verifcation of citizenship. These tools would stand the scrutiny and testing that in the past have over-

Opinion

turned other states’ legislation dealing with voting by non-citizens.

Bill 402 has been explained, repeatedly, in multiple forums, but Hellegaard ignores those explanations, and instead recycles the same debunked gaslighting claims she has always used. What Hellegaard doesn’t want and is not willing and/or able, to understand is that the National Voter Registration Act currently prevents states from denying ballots to people who registered but whose citizenship status is unverifed. Bedey didn’t create that problem; he tried to solve it (see sections 5-10 of the bill).

Similarly, HB275 did not give licenses to illegal aliens. It allowed lawfully present non-citizens to apply for short-term driving privilege cards, with the same testing and insurance requirements as citizens must do. This means safer roads. Got it Lyn? Do, or will, you understand?

At some point, repeating the same falsehood stops being ignorance and becomes a choice, one that insults both the facts and the intelligence of the voters that Hellegaard claims to care about.

Hellegaard’s problem isn’t just ideology. It’s also a lack of comprehension and a habit of reciting the gaslighting messages conveyed by her puppet masters in the various factions to which she belongs.

She is a sycophant and cohort of Sen. Theresa Manzella and former Representative and now state Senate candidate Kathy Love, both of whom have had HB402 explained to them in detail, only to have them repeate the same falsehoods they concocted to mislead Montanans. At some point, repetition stops being confusion and becomes willful ignorance and deliberate disinformation, both intended to deceive others. This insults the wisdom of the voters that Hellegaard claims to care about.

Hellegaard would have you believe Bedey is secretly ushering non-citizens into Montana polling places, with ballots in one hand and driver’s licenses in the other. She is trying to gaslight her constituents. Perhaps that explains why voters made her a former representative. The facts do not support her, so she doubles down on her falsehoods.

Hellegaard says actions speak louder than words. She’s right. Bedey’s actions and proposed bills are the result of serious legislating under real legal constraints. Her comments are fearmongering, slogans and a desperate grab for relevance.

Montanans can read. They can think. And they can spot the nonsense in her fabrications.

David Bedey isn’t deceiving voters. He’s irritating disingenuous ideologues like Hellegaard, Love and Manzella and that, apparently, is his real ofense.

Dr. Marc L Sabin, ScD Corvallis

Disagree better

Over the past few years, anyone who reads the letters to the editor in this paper can see how much frustration, anger, and distrust has crept into our public conversations. Some of those letters raise real concerns. Others are written from genuine hurt. But too often, we talk past one another, assume the worst, or treat disagreement as something to be defeated rather than understood.

I recently read a book called “The Soul of Civility” by Alexandra Hudson, and it struck me as timely for a community like ours. This is not a book about being polite, avoiding confict, or pretending we all agree. It’s about something older and more important, the idea that in a free society, disagreement is inevitable, but dehumanization is not. Hudson makes the case that civility is not weakness or silence. It is restraint. It is the discipline of treating one an-

other as moral equals, even when we strongly disagree. That idea used to be common in American civic life. It feels rare today.

Our community is full of independent people who don’t like being told what to think. That’s a strength. But independence only works if we can argue honestly without tearing each other apart in the process. This book doesn’t ofer a program or a slogan. It ofers a reminder of the habits that make self-government possible.

I would encourage anyone who fnds themselves frustrated by the tone of public discourse, locally or nationally, to read it. We don’t need to agree more. We need to disagree better. Tony Hudson, President Save the American West Stevensville

Venezuela, oil, Greenland, climate change

What do they have in common?

Well, we wouldn’t be involved in Venezuela except for the oil. Unfortunately, most of the oil underneath Venezuela is a thick heavy crude which is extremely expensive to process both economically, and environmentally.

The burning of fossil fuels pollutes the atmosphere with greenhouse gases causing global warming.

Greenland would not be of such interest except for the melting of Arctic Ocean ice caused by the warming climate. The Arctic is becoming more accessible for shipping with the once fabled and prohibitive Northwest Passage open for business. The obsession with Greenland fies in the face of the claim that climate change is a hoax. Charles Mabbott Darby

True heroes

I just endured the 5-hour Jack Smith hearing to get to the truth. My TV screen typically remains cold and black until evening hours, but I wanted to hear this daytime event in its entirety.

The heroes of this hearing were in fact those four Capitol police ofcers that were present. They and all the ofcers sufered on January 6 and everyday since. Many have been recipients of a steady stream of threats. These Capitol policemen have received no compensation for their hardship. They likely saved the lives of many Congressmen present, but have never received a word of thanks from any of the Republicans.

There was one noteworthy incident. During a break, Michael Fanone, one of the Capitol police ofcers, had an exchange with a right wing agitator. Fanone appears to have had some prior interaction with this individual, who has been a voice for extremist views. Fanone could be heard calling out, “he threatened to rape my children, you sick b-stard, rape my children!” Fanone was restrained by his friend, another Capitol police ofcer, Harry Dunn.

Unlike ICE, these guys don’t wear masks and they certainly haven’t received a $50,000 sign on bonus. They boldly show up at many events, standing for basic human values, often while facing retribution to themselves and their families.

Jack Smith, for those of you who need an update, is the prosecutor tasked with investigating Trump’s document case and the January 6 invasion of the Capitol. These cases came to a screeching halt when Trump was elected in Nov. 2024.

Smith was calculated and thoughtful with his responses. He, of course, will be the subject of yet another Trump investigation. During the event, Trump made at least two Truth Social posts, urging

his Attorney General to investigate Smith. Trump’s retribution tour continues, and this, like most of the rest, will likely end awash. What it will do is force the plaintifs in these lawsuits to use their personal funds to defend themselves against Pam Bondi and company, funded by our tax dollars.

The outcome of the 2020 election has long been decided. Biden won the popular vote by millions with 306 electoral votes surpassing Trump’s 232. Trump lost over 60 court cases challenging election results. The Republican-led Arizona state legislature hired the Cyber Ninjas, a MAGA-led group, to conduct an audit. Months later vote tallies indicated that Biden had been shorted 99 votes, and Trump had received 261 too many. Not the outcome the Trump supporters were looking for.

Of course, we’ve all seen at least a few clips of the violence that occurred on Jan.6. We saw Trump and some of his closest supporters deliver fery speeches. Then we saw thousands march to the Capitol. We all know why they marched to the Capitol. They weren’t marching for Giuliani or Mo Brooks or any other speaker that day. They were marching for Donald J. Trump, and he knew what they were doing. Contrary to the narrative which Republicans are still trying to repaint, this was a violent day. Ultimately, 1,270 rioters were convicted on criminal charges, many with weapon use or assault causing serious bodily harm. 140 police ofcers were injured, including many traumatic brain injuries. One ofcer died by stroke and four committed suicide. As Rep. Swalwell (D) so aptly stated, “They (Republicans) can’t erase what happened on January 6, because we saw it with our own eyes.”

Now we have Greenland and ICE thugs and the Epstein Files and a host of other issues. It is up to the American people to act.

Bill Salterberg Stevensville

Response to company’s letter about Sheep Creek Mine

To USCM:

Addressing Specifc Concerns Raised by the Community Environmental and Health Risk Claims - We are pleased to hear that you plan on following state and federal laws. Independent Testing and Scientifc Rigor - We understand that you don’t plan on doing any independent testing or sampling for specifc minerals until after permitting and environmental review. But the sampling of your mineral deposit for specifc minerals (especially asbestos) will surely be done before any permit is issued, won’t it? And as far as independent testing goes, could you clarify what independent means to you? Does it mean that the Forest Service will hire the contractor and you will simply pay for it? Or will you be hiring your own contractor and releasing only information you deem ft?

Commitment to Regulatory Standards and Public Input - We appreciate that you recognize our right to participate in the EA review process and you can count on us for that.

Economic and National Security Importance - We appreciate your recognition that the United States remains heavily reliant on foreign supply chains, especially from regions with elevated geopolitical risk. We also recognize that there are plenty of areas in the United States and in Montana that can produce gallium and other critical metals and REEs from already available tailings and active mines, and from other sources such as the toxic reservoir waste at

the Berkeley Pit in Butte, the coal ash piles at Colstrip and the Anaconda Aluminum plant superfund site at Columbia Falls. As such we recognize that Montana can contribute to the production of the rare earth elements and gallium that are necessary for modern life, green energy and the national defense without turning the Bitterroot valley into a Sacrifce Zone.

A Call for Constructive Engagement - We too are committed to engaging respectfully, openly, and constructively with all stakeholders – from local residents and elected ofcials to conservation groups, and we would add mining companies –throughout the permitting and environmental review process and are looking forward to you sharing your own perspectives and data with us for a change.

About U.S. Critical MaterialsYou say that U.S. Critical Materials Corp. is a “domestic rare earths and critical minerals exploration and development company headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah…”

We recognize that you are an out-of-state company with a valiant mission. But what you don’t say is anything about your Partner in the venture US Critical Metals or the third company you have created with unknown ownership that could end up owning the whole thing. It could even turn out to be China.

Andy, Roubik, President Bitterroot River Protection Association

Our immigrants

I think that immigrants should be cherished and valued for the economic benefts and activity they bring to any community. They should not be persecuted nor deported unless they have shown that they cannot obey our laws.

A Minnesota protester compared ICE agents to the Ku Klux Klan, noting that both wore masks and raided immigrant communities. He explained that there is a minority who is trying to create a lawless society, where their might makes right. (Basically anarchy.) And because they have guns and are willing to use them, they think they can suspend the Constitution, suspend due process, suspend civil liberties.

There was a memo that came out saying that ICE leaders think they can break into people’s houses without warrants which is fundamentally against the Fourth Amendment (the one that limits search and seizure.)

The administration is trying to tear down the First Amendment. They’ve tear-gassed people (no longer allowed on battlefelds, but now used on citizens?!), they’ve shot people, hit people with beanbag guns and batons for exercising their First Amendment rights, and they don’t want people to exercise their Fourth, but also the Fourteenth (the one about birthright citizenship.)

The man on the streets of Minneapolis was right to call out the administration’s assault on the First Amendment that protects freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right of people peaceably to assemble.

In the 1770s, and again in the 1850s, everyday Americans recognized the radicalism of those extremists who were trying to erase the nation’s principles and the rule of law, ignoring the longstanding rights of the people to liberty and equality and instead trying to impose a despotism. That would be the Confederates.

President Lincoln was on solid historical ground when he reminded Americans of his era that those trying to impose a new system of white nationalist oligarchy on the nation were the true radicals, while those defending equality were conservatives.

Now the Trump administration is made up of radicals who are ignoring the Constitution and the Bill of Rights in their open attempt to create a white nationalist nation.

We are not powerless to stop them. Tens of thousands of people marched in the streets of Minneapolis on Friday in opposition to ICE’s invasion. We must challenge the idea that the wealthy and big corporations can take whatever they want by force if necessary. The only way to create real change to this system is for large groups of individuals to rise up and demand that our rights are recognized. We need to be making good trouble.

Toddy Perryman Hamilton

It IS happening here

After the Gulf War ended some 30 years ago, my work often took me to Rafha, a Saudi Arabian refugee camp just south of the Iraq border. My role was to help prescreen Iraqi refugees seeking to be accepted into the US by Immigration and Naturalization Services.

The refugees told my colleagues and me many horrifying stories of

persecution, torture and death for “ofenses” such as refusing to attend Sadam Hussein’s political rallies. Their heartbreaking experiences prompted me to write home to my parents, “How lucky we are to be free, alive, and living without fear of our government … Could you imagine being pulled out of your home and jailed because you didn’t attend a rally for Bush?”

The words I wrote in this old letter haunt me today. I no longer believe we can live without fear of our government, and I no longer feel so lucky to live in America. We have always associated tyrannical thug activity with foreign authoritarian regimes like those of Saddam Hussein and Adolf Hitler. We deluded ourselves, “It couldn’t happen here.”

But now tyranny IS happening here. Masked, unidentifable Gestapo-like ICE agents, whom Trump promised us would only go after criminal undocumented immigrants, are now dragging both legal immigrants and American citizens out of their homes to arrest them. Obsessed with meeting their quotas, they have used chaotic, dangerous and escalating tactics against protestors exercising their frst amendment rights in Los Angeles, Charlotte, and now Minneapolis. All are blue cities in blue states targeted by Donald Trump because a majority of their voters supported his opponents in two presidential elections.

In the past few weeks, these quasi-military ICE agents have killed two American citizens in Minneapolis under highly controversial circumstances. According to Stephen Miller, these agents enjoy unlimited immunity from legal consequences. And after both possible homicides, Trump and Kristi Noem immediately -- and prior to any fair public investigation of the killings – used the media to cast blame on deceased victims. Worse, ICE has denied Minnesota local and state law enforcement agencies participation in its now internal, and therefore suspect, investigation of two killings perpetrated by their own agents. Meanwhile, public trust in the Trump regime declines with each passing day.

Sadly, our Congress and Supreme Court have completely abdicated their Constitutional responsibilities to check an administration that has gone of the rails. These institutions have displayed none of the courage of our citizen protestors who are crying --and dying -- to say, “ICE OUT!”

This is not the America that held my faith 30 years ago. Nor is it the America I wish to leave to my children or grandchild. Unless Congress and the Supreme Court begin living into their Constitutional responsibilities, tyranny will only grow in America. For now, Americans continue to risk their lives to exercise their frst amendment rights.

Chris Love Corvallis

Wrong assumption

America is living with an assumption. We have been lied to, whether MAGA, left, right, liberal, libertarian, conservative, Republican, Democrat, whatever label fts your thinking. For the last year, America and the world have applied analysis to this assumption expecting a defnition of the administration’s goals, fnding at best incoherence and analysis paralysis.

An assumption is something accepted as true without proof. The assumption is that “DJT believes in our form of government.” He does not and never has. He views life as “the goal is control” as only he defnes control. At present his defnition of control includes killing American citizens without investigation or reservations as they flm our government’s actions in public spaces.

In his frst term he began with loyal advisors that were loyal to “our system of government.” Loyalty means a sense of duty to an idea. He fred them because he could not control their loyalty. This experience defned blind loyalty as the frst and only criteria required for his second term appointments. Blind loyalty is unwavering support without critical thinking. His power-hungry appointees and billionaire supporters also don’t believe in “our system of government” but they know an efective political tool when they see one. They know Trump is time-limited. That is the point. He is a transitional fgure. The object is not to convince you but rather make you question what is real. When he stops being useful, he will be removed one way or another, and that transition will be presented as a return to normality. Then the adults in the room will step forward. Order will be restored. The relief will be enormous. And you will be so grateful that Trump is gone that you will not look too closely at what has replaced him.

By the time you realize that any illusion of democracy is gone, it will be too late, and it will have happened

to the sound of applause. This is the state of our national government as our president, his blindly loyal minions, the Congress, and his billionaire boot lickers ignore his publicly obvious mental failures. The “goal is still control” but by whom within the administration, certainly not we the people or our original form of democracy. Citizens need to use their 1st amendment rights to free speech, to call our money neutered Congressmen and peacefully rally and resist. Donate to groups defending citizen’s lives and rights. Stay informed. Consider reading/following: https://heathercoxrichardson. substack.com/ https://contrarian.substack.com/ https://open. substack.com/pub/paulkrugman https://open.substack.com/pub/tangle https://open.substack.com/pub/ snyderhttps://www.democracydocket.com

https://indivisible.org

Archie L Thomas & Merry Schrumpf Corvallis

Masked men

What type of men wear masks and carry rifes or pistols? In the past, nine times out of ten, they were robbers, thieves, or murderers seeking to conceal their identity during a crime. Or they might have been violent gang members trying to hide from rival groups or law enforcement. We also witnessed terrorists and radical militants wearing masks while carrying out an attack on civilians.

Now there is a new group of masked men carrying weapons, killing civilians, and terrorizing innocent people. This new group beats American citizens and immigrants with batons, carries them of to jail or internment camps where many die, or kills them in public. They wear masks so they can kill anyone with ease, knowing they cannot be identifed. During WWII, the Germans called them the Gestapo. Trump changed their name to ICE and gave them the authority to kill at will anyone who opposed his immoral and illegal immigration policies. Eight people so far and counting!

Republicans look back with no remorse, supporting Trump because they love what he is doing to America, making it a “sh-thole” country ruled by an idiot, a criminal, an adulterer, and a bully.

Mark Snider Hamilton

No Sheep Creek Mine

They get the mine and the public gets the shaft.

The public is right to be alarmed over the destruction and degradation that Sheep Creek Mine will wreak on the Bitterroot River. The mine sits in the upper center of a large drainage a few miles above Painted Rocks Reservoir which empties into the West Fork of the Bitterroot. If the mine goes in, the “laws” won’t protect the West Fork or the Bitterroot River from degradation and destruction. The dead hand of the past, the General Mining Law of 1872, still applies to hard-rock mines like Sheep Creek. The date is not a misprint. This grossly outdated law prioritizes mining over all other uses, no matter how environmentally fragile or important the surrounding ecosystem might be. Thanks to this antiquated law, the West, and Montana in particular, have been left with a legacy of polluted rivers and destroyed watersheds.

The Canadian corporation developing the mine is taking advantage of that antiquated law while singing that old song and dance of western mine promoters that always includes the line of “this time we’ll do it different.” We know better. The saying “they got the gold and we got the shaft” has never become outdated. Boom and bust is the way it works in all too many cases. When the market drops or the mine’s exhausted, the corporation declares bankruptcy, mine operation shuts down but nature doesn’t. Water pours and drips downhill combining with acidic mine waste as it drains into rivulets, then streams, then rivers. As the history of Western mining has repeatedly shown, the posted bond never comes close to cleaning up the polluted river.

This has cost us, the public, millions, and probably billions, of tax dollars to clean up our public lands and waters. Here’s a Montana example: In one ten-year period the Federal Government spent almost $480 million trying to clean up abandoned hard rock mining sites. https://dailymontanan. com/2024/12/20/bill-to-clean-upabandoned-mines-signed-into-law/. These clean-up costs for poisoned, polluted rivers don’t account for any of the fnancial losses to the fshing, tourism and amenity economy, much less the intangible, but very real loss, of the joy of fshing, foating, swimming, wading, or just sitting beside a

healthy river. Supposedly stronger laws and the so-called “modern” mines started since 1980 haven’t made a darn bit of diference. Check this link out

https://earthworks.org/releases/ widespread-failure-to-predict-waterpollution-cleanup-costs-at-montanamines/

“They get the gold and we get the shaft” always happens. The public knows it. That’s why the public is overwhelmingly opposed to the Sheep Creek mine. They know the mine, if built, will inevitably pollute the West Fork and then the main Bitterroot. They know there is no way to stop the pollution if the mine gets built.

What’s more, the public is well aware that rare earth minerals, essential to our economy and national defense, can be readily obtained, and much quicker by simply processing existing mining waste. We know we don’t have to sacrifce one of our few remaining pristine river systems to obtain these minerals. The stupidity of allowing that to happen is outrageous.

But it need not happen to the Bitterroot River. There is a long history of various Ravalli County “communities” working together to keep the Bitterroot a healthy river.

This collaborative work began years ago when water rights’ holders (irrigators), the fshing and conservation community (local, state and national), as well as the general public realized they needed to work together to preserve the Bitterroot as a healthy river. This work included securing appropriations to raise the level of Painted Rocks Reservoir and Lake Como Dam which secured more water for the river in late summer. It also required hiring a river master to oversee irrigation. Prior to this, the Bitterroot was practically dry in August by the time it reached the Stevensville Bridge. In short, all the groups worked together to keep the Bitterroot healthy. These eforts took decades. Among local groups involved in these and ongoing eforts to protect the Bitterroot River are the Bitterroot Water Partnership, Bitterroot Trout Unlimited, Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife, Bitterroot River Protection Association, Friends of the Bitterroot and the Clark Fork Coalition.

Thanks in large part to Montana’s unique stream access law, the Bitterroot River has another broad and deep community of supporters who irrigate, fsh and foat. But you don’t have to do any of these activities to enjoy our Bitterroot River. Many enjoy it by simply being near it or in it, walking beside it, taking the kids out for an afternoon on one of the “Bitterroot beaches”, and tubing in the summer. We, the public, have access due to our many Fishing Access Sites (FAS), the river parks in Darby, Hamilton and Stevensville, as well as the many informal access sites along Highway 93. Those of us in this “group” of folks are equally opposed to the mine.

It’s important to remember that an aroused Bitterroot public has, and can again, defeat an ill-conceived mine proposal that posed a dire threat to the health of the valley. That proposed mine would have polluted a large swath of the valley with the deadly form of vermiculite that killed and incapacitated so many in Libby. That fght started in the late 1980’s when a mining company staked a claim on a vermiculite ore body east of Corvalls, roughly SW of Skalkaho mountain at the head of St. Clair Creek. The ore was to be trucked through Corvallis, beside the Corvallis Elementary School, to a railroad siding in Victor. Nearing fnal approval, a resolute public demanded a meaningful review by the Forest Service. This resulted in the discovery of an overlooked mineral that appeared to be similar to the deadly vermiculite in Libby. This “fnd” required the Forest Service to demand the company perform a Supplemental Impact Statement which included the newly found material. Rather than comply, the company left town and the project folded under a justifed cloud of suspicion that it knew all along about the deadly nature of the ore body. If the mine had gone in, thousands of folks in the valley would be dealing with the same serious health issues as the unfortunate folks in the Libby area. The economic harm to the County would have been incalculable. For one example, there would likely be no Stock Farm Resort since due to the mine’s location, katabatic winds would have exposed the Stock Farm area to chronic dusting of this deadly toxic material.

Here’s the point, despite the odds, we’ve done it once, we can do it again: No Sheep Creek Mine. George Corn Hamilton

The most important part of your outft is…

There we were, looking at a delicate cloud of silvery wings sparkling above the lower Big Hole on an early September morning.

Tricos. The cloud spread as far as we could see up and down the river and there we were – no leader tippet fner than 5X, and only two scraggly refugee #20 trico spinner patterns between us.

My son Matt and I were on the last leg of a long-awaited but hastily thrown together fshing and camping trip. Several days earlier I grabbed what I had, threw it in the back of the truck, hoped for the best, and took of to meet him at the ranch where he’d worked all summer.

by Chuck Stranahan

An old friend I met unexpectedly at a fy shop in Twin Bridges had foated the day before and taken the largest trout of his lifetime on the run above Notch Bottom. “Big hopper,” he told me, “Like this.” He pulled the right pattern and size from a bin and handed it to me. Matt and I bought a few and headed toward the Notch, set up camp, and I watched him break of a big brown of his own on a caddis pattern at dusk.

The following day we headed for the river after early morning cofee, ready to do business with more of those big trout.

Matt saw the tricos descending like a delicate snowfall from their cloud above the river.

“I don’t think… those are… grasshoppers,” he said, a notable twist of irony in his voice.

Ever have a moment of elation ends in a heartsink? That’s what I felt – fsh beginning their lazy but deliberate rises to those tricos as one after another hit the water. We had only one fy each in a situation where you’d expect breakofs. And after a frantic search the fnest leader material I had was 5X.

We rigged up. That 5X made a dent in the water’s surface toward the tiny fies. Rubbing it with stream muck made the tippet sink, only to have it pull the tiny fy of drift.

This was technical fshing, challenging but doable, exciting and rewarding if you were geared up for it - but we weren’t.

“It’s the Big Hole, stupid,” I thought to myself. I knew those tricos might be there but I didn’t think of it back at Twin Bridges fy shop – lost in the fsh tale of big browns on hoppers.

Leader is the most important part of an outft. With a stash of fner tippet we’d have been in business.

No excuses.

Matt and I fshed anyway, hoping that a village idiot brown, it didn’t have to be a big one, would take one of our poorly-presented fies.

Earlier in the trip, under heat-wave-tough conditions, we’d managed to take a few fsh here and there. We had the right fies, or close enough, and my usual stash of leaders and tippets got us by.

Matt and I had access to my basic, all-purpose leader stash: two each, of if available in discount three-packs, three each of 8’ and 10’ (or 7 ½’ and 9’) tapered leaders in 3X, 4X, and 5X. That’s one to fsh with and nurse along by repairing and tweaking the tippet if necessary, plus one or two spares.

Most tapered leaders come with a tippet that is good for only one fy change – then it’s too short.

Fishing a tippet that is too short is a waste of time. Spending time out of the water, tying secure knots and attaching longer tippet can be the diference between fsh and no fsh. It can be the most valuable time you spend on a trout stream. Keep the tippet length no shorter than about twenty inches for most fshing and don’t hesitate to stop and change it. And don’t hesitate to go longer, up to three feet, if necessary, to get a good drift. This is critical for wade fshing, where costs will be made across varying currents that will pull the leader of drift. Casting down-and-across fast water to slow water from a boat you can get away with less – but I’ve done better by following the rules. Carry spools of 3X, 4X, and 5X tippet at all times. And any time small fies might be on the water, for goodness sake, carry spools of 5 ½ X, 6X, 6 ½ X, and 7 X. And don’t ask me why.

Author’s son Matt taking time to repair leader on the Madison. Photo by Chuck Stranahan.

Stevi to add reserve ofcer program

by John Dowd

The Stevensville Town Council recently voted and unanimously approved the implementation of a reserve ofcer program for the Stevensville Police Department. Now, the department will be working to create a resolution that goes into more detail to put forth at the next town council meeting. For those unsure of what this will mean for the Town of Stevensville and the surrounding community, Stevensville Police Chief John Boe spoke on the matter.

Boe expects the resolution to be approved as well and said the program has come with high praise. That positive energy comes from past department personnel as well as members of the town and council, according to Boe.

Boe said the program would be a huge asset, the most important aspect of which would mean providing additional manpower to the department. These reserve ofcers would mainly be utilized for community events like the Creamery Picnic, the Scarecrow Festival, the weekend farmers markets and more.

“Being visible in the community is going to be a deterrent to criminal activity,” said Boe.

According to him, there used to be such a program in Stevensville many years ago, but “it just kinda faded away as interest waned,” said Boe. He added that it also probably did not have the leadership that could be committed to the program. However, with their current feld training ofcer (FTO), Kenneth Franklin, stepping up into more leadership, Boe said this is a perfect opportunity for such a program.

Reserve ofcers will be required to have 88 hours of training within a twoyear window, and Boe also plans to put them through their feld training program with Franklin. “We want to give them plenty of training before they ever go out in front of the public,” said Boe. “We’re not just gonna pick someone of the street. … I want these people to be invested and I want them to be part of the family.”

As for what they will have the power to do, the chief said they will be able to

carry a badge and a gun, and in most every way they will be the same as a standard Stevensville police ofcer. They will also retain all the same legal powers. However, they will need to be accompanied by a certifed peace ofcer, or at least be working closely with them, in the case of events. They will not attend academy, and will be limited on how much autonomy they have. Boe added,“We’re gonna give these people every opportunity to be successful. I don’t want to put them into a position where, potentially, they could fail.”

The chief plans to shadow the Ravalli County Sherif’s Department’s program, and said he likes what they do for their reserve ofcers.

The program is facilitated through the National Reserve Police Ofcer Program, which allows for community assistance to local police departments. These programs often serve as career starters for those interested in becoming ofcers, as well as a way for the community to become more invested in what their departments are doing. Participants often receive extensive training, and according to Boe, will even attend all the same trainings the department does internally.

As for who they are looking for, the chief said, “I want somebody who listens to the public.” There will be an extensive application to fll out and they will be vetted beforehand through interviews and background checks. The chief is really interested in people who mesh well into the department. “We don’t want to bring the wrong ft in here,” said Boe. He added that this is “important not

just for us as a department, but for the community.”

Assuming the same protocol for the national program will be followed, participants must be older than 19. However, there is no upper limit, and Boe encourages even retired former offcers to show interest. The department will probably never have more than two at a time, and these reserve ofcers will be volunteer positions.

Even though these are not paid positions, Boe said there are many benefts, including the many hours of practical training they will receive. Also, as mentioned, if there is ever an opening for a new ofcer, being in this position would fast-track individuals. It would also give the department a highly regarded pool to choose from, with people that are already familiar with how the department works. Boe added that it would help the department see the participant’s work ethic and their character.

For Boe, “It’s a community thing,”

and it all comes back to what being a police ofcer is about. “This police department belongs to the people of the Town of Stevensville,” and so he believes they should have more opportunity for involvement. He expounded on that, saying this program would cost the town very little, if anything, and would be a huge beneft to the community.

Boe added that former Stevensville Police Ofcer Joe Marble wanted the program to return and said, “He was a big fan of the reserve program.” Marble had a lot of info and energy behind it that Boe said he has adopted. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to the Stevensville Police Department to learn more.

Additionally, the chief also wanted to note that they recently donated all the unclaimed bikes in unclaimed found property to the Community Bike shop, in Missoula. He is also gearing up for the Chill Cook-of and other programs. He is excited to see everyone.

Stevensville Police Department delivering bikes to Missoula. Photos courtesy Stevensville Police Department.

WATER: lawsuit fled over state’s removal of numeric standards

requires agencies to understand how gutting water pollution control standards would impact the state’s clean water resources, including threatened and endangered species, before making a decision. EPA didn’t do their homework before hastily approving the state government’s giveaway to polluters.”

According to Coby Gierke, Executive Director of Flathead Lakers, the decision to adopt numerical nutrient standards was based on decades of science demonstrating clear links between nutrient pollution and algal blooms, degraded fisheries, and unsafe drinking water.

“Clean water is the backbone of the Flathead watershed; it sustains our economy, our communities, and our way of life. It is not worth risking the famously clean waters of the Flathead — waters that generations of Montanans have relied on for drinking, swimming, fishing, and cultural connection — so that polluters can more easily meet regulatory requirements,” it stated in the group’s press release.

MDEQ Director Sonja Nowakowski stated before the House Natural Resources Committee last February that, “House Bill 664 outlines one of my favorite things that the legislature is able to do … and that is time travel. We are going back in time. This bill repeals the numeric criteria but it returns us to the 2013 processes that recognize and retain the flexibility of

30 years of science done by DEQ’s highly qualified staff.”

The Montana legislature’s first attempt at “time travel” in 2021, Senate Bill 358, was a failure. Adopted prior to EPA approval, when it was reviewed EPA rejected the changes because eliminating the numeric criteria and leaving on narrative criteria was done, “without adequate information to demonstrate that the narrative criteria alone protects the designated uses.”

The current lawsuit argues that current reversal of course by the EPA suffers from the same deficiency.

In its recent letter of approval, EPA references “a wealth of new information that the state could use to translate the narrative criteria for CWA implementation purposes.” But plaintiffs argue that, “The alleged new science and analyses were not submitted as part of the package under 40 C.F.R. § 131.6 and could not have been properly submitted because they were never codified.” MDEQ initiated a nutrient monitoring group composed of scientists, conservation organizations, municipalities and industrial users to help design rules for implementing the vague narrative regula -

tions currently on the books; those efforts floundered for years and were eventually closed down.

Plaintiffs also claim that although the state has initiated consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ensure that its changes to nutrient criteria do not jeopardize the continued existence of endangered and threatened species or destroy or adversely modify designated critical habitat, that has not been completed.

Plaintiffs are requesting the Court to determine and declare that EPA’s October 3, 2025 approval of Montana’s elimination of numeric nutrient standards is arbitrary, capricious, and otherwise not in accordance with law. They are also seeking a declaration that it violates the Endangered Species Act because EPA failed to complete consultation as required prior to approving the revision and because EPA made an irreversible or irretrievable commitment of

resources by approving the changes after initiating but before completing consultation.

They ask the Court to enter an order vacating and setting aside EPA’s October 3, 2025 approval of Montana’s revised nutrient water quality standards and direct EPA to complete consultations with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and to finalize federal water quality standards for nutrients in Montana that comply with the Clean Water Act within a reasonable time period.

Marsha Kalkofen

Stevensville - Marsha Kalkofen lived, laughed and loved. After 81 years of living, laughing and loving, Marsha Kalkofen bid this earth goodbye.

Marsha moved to the Bitterroot Valley with husband of 56 years, Jim, nine years ago. While mountain vistas occupied her outdoor senses, three grandkids begged her to move 1,111 miles west from the Brainerd lakes area of Minnesota to Stevensville. They were the love of her life and her pride and joy. Each moment watching them play sports (James, 10, football; Ila, 13, volleyball; and Ava, 16, track and flag football) or at home studying or sharing their latest escapades or planting flowers or just being nearby was special.

The grandkids belong to Marsha and Jim’s son Nate and his wife Ashlie. They live in Lolo. Marsha and Jim also shared laughs and life with their daughter Erica. She has her home-remodeling, kitchen and bath design and real estate companies in Lakewood, Colorado.

Marsha’s sisters Myrna and Carin live in Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by sister LuAnn and parents Mabel and Walter Johnson.

She grew up in North Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, about two hours north of Milwaukee. After high school, she received a nursing degree and became an operating room nurse. She did that in Madison where she met her husband. She continued her operating room duties in Seattle while Jim served in Vietnam for two years. She often boasted that the reason they married was because she had a car (1967 Buick). They celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary last September.

Her next cross-country move was to Wautoma, Wisconsin. After four years of Jim managing the weekly newspaper, her next locale was northern Wisconsin for four years while Jim worked in marketing at MEPPS, the French spinner tackle company.

During this period, daughter Erica was born, followed by son Nate. These bundles of energy

occupied her every waking moment. As a stay-at-home-mom, large gardens were the norm. Cooking venison and fish was a necessity. Her kids thought she was psychic because when they came to her for a second opinion of Jim’s decision, her response was always the same.

The next move was south to Fond du Lac, home of Mercury Marine, where Jim worked in marketing from 1980 to 1990. Marsha was very active in her churches along the way. With the kids advancing in school, Marsha took to her next passion, working in a women’s boutique and creating window displays that drew customers into the store.

of her children. She designed their Stevensville home.

Friends were easily made at every stop along her path. So were the furry kind. She loved every critter that found its way to her encouraging words. Springer spaniels, yellow labs, beagles, an Irish setter and a few Heinz 57 varieties came when she called.

The next quarter century involved another move north to Brainerd, Minnesota. Jim’s duties as executive director of the In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail kept him on the road and water across North America. Marsha accompanied him on many journeys. She also managed huge banquets and dinner parties for many groups. She volunteered and loved the men at the Teen Challenge center in the area.

She seemed to be in perpetual motion with hobbies such as hiking, cooking, gardening with flowers a specialty, sewing, knitting, reading, Bible studies, cheering the Packers and volunteering especially if decorating was on the agenda.

Her creativity manifested itself in how she designed several of the homes the family lived in. After the contractors completed their tasks, she was almost as proud of the homes as she was

Sherry (Wolfe) Reisch

Sherry (Wolfe) Reisch passed away Tuesday, January 27th in Houston, TX at the age of 79 after a long battle with dementia. She was born to the late Clarence and Albena Wolfe in Newcastle, WY and graduated from Newcastle High School. She married Richard Reisch of Gillette, WY and they moved to California where she earned her BSN and M.A. in Hospital Administration. After raising their two daughters, Rebecca Resendiz and Laurel Reisch Johnson AKA Susie, they moved to Indonesia and traveled to six continents. They retired and lived in the Bitterroot Valley near her parents and late brother, Eldon Wolfe and his family until the marriage

Death Notices

Dr. Gary Laursen

Missoula - Dr. Gary Laursen, 83, passed away at home on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 surrounded by his loving family following an extended illness. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com

She died in peace at BeeHive Homes in Hamilton Jan. 23. A celebration will be held at Dayspring Church in Florence on Saturday, Feb. 14, starting at 1 p.m. A catered lunch will follow. She wanted there to be more laughs than tears at her passing. Her written request was that Christmas music and one of her favorite songs be shared, “Down to the River to Pray,” by Allison Kraus.

In lieu of flowers, she encourages friends to support the scholarships that help send 225 Bitterroot Valley youth to week-long outdoor camps this summer. Donations in Marsha’s name are welcome. Checks to Montana Conservation Elders may be dropped at her Feb. 14 funeral/celebration. More details at montanayouthoutdoors.org. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.

ended. She is survived by her daughters and three grandchildren, Kyle Johnson, Lauren Resendiz and Ryan Resendiz and a host of nieces, nephews and other special relatives.

She was a wonderful mother to her girls and fur babies. Not only was she an avid reader and talented artist, she was also a clever bargain shopper. Her spunky red hair reflected her personality and great sense of humor. Sherry was very loving and kind and will be missed by everyone that knew her.

The family is planning a memorial this summer.

Crystal Hinthorne

Hamilton - Crystal Hinthorne, 73, of Sula, passed away in the afternoon of Thursday, January 29. 2026 at Bitterroot Health Marcus Daly Hospital, surrounded by family. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com

Legal Notices

NOTICE OF RFQ TO PROVIDE LEGAL SERVICES AS THE TOWN ATTORNEY

The Town of Stevensville is currently advertising for the following request for qualifcations, Town Attorney for the Town of Stevensville.

Interested attorneys can fnd additional information about the RFQ on the Town of Stevensville website, townofstevensville.com (resources, bids and RFP’s) or by contacting the town clerk, 406-777-5271 Ext. 102

Position is open until flled.

Attest: Jenelle Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 1-14, 1-28-26

MNAXLP

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS QUALIFIED ENVIRONMENTAL PROFESSIONAL

Ravalli County Brownfeld Program Revolving Loan Fund

Date of Issue: January 21, 2026

Deadline: February 19, 2026 (3 p.m.)

Selection Date: February 26, 2026

*Selection Date is subject to change Ravalli County Economic Development Authority

274 Old Corvallis Road, Suite A Hamilton, Montana 59840 (406) 375-9416

Introduction EPA has selected Ravalli County Economic Development Authority (RCEDA) as an EPA Brownfelds grant recipient for a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) to promote the cleanup and reuse of brownfelds properties and to provide fnancial assistance for brownfelds revitalization per a cooperative agreement.

The RCEDA is soliciting responses for a Qualifed Environmental Professional to include but not limited to, assistance in the development of a Community Relations Plan, provide oversight services in environmental investigation; conduct environmental site evaluations; project cost estimates, recommend whether cleanup is authorized; lead or assist in community involvement; recommend whether or not to use the state voluntary cleanup programs; conduct or review and approve analysis of brownfelds cleanup alternatives or consider range of proven cleanup methods; review public comments received and document, or document concurrence with the cleanup plan selected after public comment; work with borrowers and sub-grantees, and oversee cleanups, ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations; and write reports documenting the cleanup actions.

The consultant will assist the RCEDA with laws, rules and regulations related to hazardous waste, hazardous materials, asbestos, lead-based paints, solid waste, air quality, water quality, petroleum leaks and spills, storm water, and spill prevention control. RCEDA is the lead agency and inquiries, questions or responses should be directed to them.

RCEDA’s region is comprised of Ravalli County. This Request for Qualifcations provides the specifcations and requirements for submission of complete proposals, including cost estimates. RCEDA reserves the right to solicit cost proposals for individual projects.

RCEDA intends to establish term contracts to use consultants on an “as needed” basis for projects as they become available. RCEDA reserves the right to solicit cost proposals for individual projects. The term of the contracts for these services is expected to be fve years with a renewable option. More than one frm may be selected for these

services. Contracts must comply with 40 CFR 31.36. The full RFQ is available from the RCEDA by contacting Julie Foster and on the RCEDA website https:// rceda.org/brownfeld-program-revolving-loan-fund.

Proposal Submittal:

Please submit one (1) electronic response to the email of julie@rceda.org by the deadline for submittal at 3 p.m., Thursday, February 19, 2026. Place QEP Services Proposal in the Subject line of your response. Questions about the project should be directed to Julie Foster, (406) 3759416 or julie@rceda.org BS 1-21, 1-28, 2-4-26.

MNAXLP

INVITATION TO BID

Notice is hereby given that Stevensville Public Schools, Stevensville Montana will accept sealed bids for: Stevensville High Schools 9-12 Roof Replacement. Specifcations are available at: https:// www.stevensvilleschools. org/9-12-roof-replacement/. Sealed bids will be received at the District’s Business Ofce located at 300 Park Avenue Stevensville, MT 59870. Up to and including February 9, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. (MST) No late bids accepted. All bids must be plainly marked on the outside of the envelope: “Stevensville Schools 9-12 Roof Replacement.” A pre-bid walkthrough is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on February 4, 2026. Meet at the Stevensville High School District Ofce. Bids over $25,000 must be accompanied by a bid security meeting the requirements of the State of Montana in the amount of 10% of the total bid. After award, the successful bidder must furnish an approved Performance Security Bond and a Labor & Material Payment Security Bond each in the amount of 100% of the contract.

The Contractor shall comply with all fair labor practices and state statutes. No bidder may withdraw his bid for at least thirty (30) calendar days after the scheduled time for receipt of bids except as noted in the instruction to bidders.

The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive any and all irregularities or informalities, the right to determine what constitutes any and all irregularities or informalities, and determine the lowest responsible bidder.

Stevensville Public Schools makes reasonable accommodations for any known disability that may interfere with an applicant’s ability to compete in the bidding and/or selection process. In order for the District to make such accommodations, applicants must make known any needed accommodation(s) to Nicole Sylvester at (406) 777-5481 ext. 5136 or email sylvestern@stevensville. k12.mt.us.

Requests for bid documents should be directed to Jon Konen, Superintendent, by email, konenj@stevensville.k12.mt.us, or phone (406) 777-5481. BS 1-21, 1-28, 2-4-26.

MNAXLP

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-412026-0000030-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.

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LEGAL NOTICE

Ravalli County has received an application for a 10-lot major subdivision, located approximately 1.2 miles northeast of Corvallis, MT of Quast Lane, Corvallis (Address: 519 Quast Lane, Corvallis). The subdivision property is located within the Corvallis School and Corvallis Rural Fire District. The proposed lots will be served by private wells and septic systems. The property owner is Pigman Builders Inc. The subdivision consultant is RAM Engineering. The subject property holds water shares from the Daly Ditch Irrigation District and plans to use the irrigation water for each lot. The applicant is proposing Cash-In-Lieu for Parkland Dedication. A complete copy of the application packet is available for viewing at the Ravalli County Planning Department. 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 below Planning Board Meeting and Board of County Commissioners (BCC) Hearing.

The Ravalli County Planning Board will conduct a site visit on February 2, 2026 a 3:30pm at the project site. The site visit is an opportunity for the Planning Board to view the site and is for informational purposes. The Planning Board Public Meeting to review the proposal is on February 4, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room (Third Floor) at the County Administrative Center (215 S. Fourth Street, Hamilton, MT 59840). The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will conduct a site visit on February 3, 2026 at 2:30 pm at the project site. The site visit is an opportunity for the BCC to view the site and is for informational purposes. The BCC will also hold a Public Hearing to review the proposal on February 26, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room (Third Floor) at the County Administrative Center (215 S. Fourth Street, Hamilton, MT 59840). The public may comment verbally, or in writing, at the meeting/ hearing. Comments and information submitted at the public meeting/hearing will be considered in the decision on the subdivision.

***This legal ad will run two times January 28, 2026 and February 4, 2026. Certain dates in February 4, 2026 posting may have passed.

BS 1-28, 2-4-26.

MNAXLP

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Pendleton Porter, Pendleton Porter, Petitioner.

Cause No.: DV-412026-0000026-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-26-58NC

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 Jennifer Dawn Klinger.

The hearing will be on March 18 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 2nd day of February, 2026.

/s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court

By: Sarah Sargent Deputy Clerk of Court

BS 2-4, 2-11, 2-18, 2-25-26.

MNAXLP

OG-26-01-045

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 the Bitterroot River. The applicant is Mr. Ryan Esch on behalf of Kootenai Springs Ranch. The proposed project will repair 10 linear feet of damaged river bank and extend the existing bank stabilization structure an additional 80 linear feet upstream. The project is intended to protect an irrigation head gate and will include rock, soil lifts and native planting. The applicant submitted engineer plans including a certifcation that food risk will not increase as a result of this project. The project is located at 3505 US Highway 93 N south of Stevensville in Section 34, Township 09N, R20W, Ravalli County. Information regarding this application is available at the Ravalli County Planning Department at 215 S 4th St, Suite F in Hamilton. Written comments may be mailed, hand-delivered or emailed (planning@rc.mt.gov) and must be received by 5:00 pm, February 18, 2026. Reference application # FA-25-23.

BS 2-4-26.

MNAXLP

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

RAVALLI COUNTY AIRPORT IMPROVEMENTS HAMILTON, RAVALLI COUNTY, MONTANA

A.I.P. 3-30-0037-0262026 & A.I.P. 3-30-0037027-2026

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 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 con-

cerns 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 Offeror 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.

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 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

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.

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,

American Legion Oratorical Contest scheduled for March

The American Legion Oratorical Contest is an annual scholarship competition designed to challenge high school students to explore and articulate their understanding of the U.S. Constitution while building leadership, critical thinking, and public speaking skills.

Since its inception in 1938, this “constitutional speech contest” has introduced generations of students to the principles of American citizenship and provided some of the most generous scholarship opportunities available to young speakers.

The contest invites high school students under the age of 20 to prepare and deliver a speech on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, emphasizing the duties and obligations of citizens to their government. Contestants present an 8-to-10-minute prepared oration, and a 3-to-5-minute assigned topic speech, showcasing both deep understanding and the ability to think on their feet.

The Department of Montana Oratorical Contest will be held on March 28, 2026, in East Helena. This event brings together the top high school speakers from across the state to compete for scholarship awards and the honor of representing Montana at the national level.

According to the American Legion of Montana, all contestants advancing to the Department contest receive $175 upon registration. Scholarship awards for the state-level competition are: 1st Place - $5,000, 2nd Place - $1,500, 3rd Place$500, 4th Place - $500. These awards support the educational goals of Montana’s promising young leaders and are paid directly to participants at the conclusion of the contest.

Chairman, Ravalli County Commission

Bid Opening: February 25, 2026 @ 12:00 p.m. BS 2-4, 2-11, 2-18-26.

MNAXLP

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 MAT-

TER OF THE ESTATE OF MARILYN K. STRANGE, Deceased. Dept. No. 1 Cause No. DP-41-20266 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Kevin S. Jones has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the Deceased are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this Notice, or their claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Jones & Houston, PLLC, Attorneys for the

Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at 2625 Dearborn Avenue, Ste. 102, Missoula, MT 59804, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

Local American Legion Posts host the frst round of competitions, with winners advancing to district and then department (state) contests.

The state champion earns a place at the national fnals, where students from across the country compete for substantial additional scholarships.

The Oratorical Contest is more than a scholarship opportunity. It encourages students to think deeply about the Constitution, cultivate efective communication skills, and prepare for active participation in civic life. Participants gain confdence, poise, and a stronger understanding of the responsibilities of citizenship — benefts that stay with them long after the competition ends.

Contact Paul Rosenberg at 406207-0564 or bitterrootpaul@yahoo. com for more information.

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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

ESTATE SALE - A STEP BACK IN TIME (Except for many tools & some appliances!) 500 S. 4th St. Hamil-

ton. 2/6 - 10 to 4 (prices frm), 2/7 - 10 to 3. Everything is for sale including the 2 bedroom house & large garage. All kitchen items & many small appliances. Kitchen & dining table & chairs, 1 queen bed, desks, bookcases, hutch, recliner, side tables, rocker, corner table, radios, etc. Collectible glassware - cookie jars, Avon, old dishes & MORE! Garage = 5’ Kenmore freezer, shop refrig, Char-Broil cooker, Foley Belsaw (asharpening tool), camp stove, Black & Decker multi tool set (new), vice, air compressor, outdoor gear and SO much more. All furniture & heavy items must be loaded by the buyer. NO EARLIES - CASH.