BREWFEST: craft beer, live music, a community atmosphere
Continued from page 1
feel of the event. What began primarily as a craft beer festival has evolved into a community gathering where families spread out on the lawn, friends reconnect and visitors can spend the afternoon listening to live music, sampling local food and enjoying the historic setting. Mitchell estimates that many attendees now come as much for the atmosphere as the beer, with families, reunions and birthday celebrations becoming common sights on the Daly Mansion grounds.
More than 60 beers will be available during this year’s Brewfest, along with ciders, seltzers and sour beers. Representatives from many of the participating breweries will be on hand throughout the event, giving visitors an opportunity to learn more about the beers they’re tasting and the people behind them.
Live entertainment begins at 3 p.m. with The Benevolents, followed by The Timber Rattlers from 6 to 9 p.m. More than a dozen food vendors will also be on site, giving visitors plenty of options throughout the afternoon and evening. The event is expected to draw visitors from throughout the Bitterroot Valley and beyond, continuing a tradition that has made Brewfest one of the Chamber’s largest annual community events and a highlight of the valley’s summer calendar.
New for this year is a limited VIP experience. Only 150 commemorative steins will
be available, giving ticket holders admission beginning at 2 p.m., an hour before general admission. The early entry gives guests an opportunity to mingle with brewers before larger crowds arrive and before some of the most popular beers run out.
While Brewfest is centered around craft beer, organizers have also put considerable efort into making sure guests can enjoy the event safely and have expanded transportation options to encourage responsible drinking.
Free shuttle service will run throughout Hamilton thanks to sponsorships from Lube Quick and Reliance Auto, with pick-up locations at the Hamilton City parking lot and Hamilton High School. A designated walking and biking route through the Stock Farm property ofers a safer alternative to Eastside Highway, and Bitterroot Rides will provide transportation throughout the evening for visitors traveling from elsewhere in the valley.
A free water station will also be available throughout the event. Organizers encourage attendees to stay hydrated and enjoy themselves responsibly. Admission to the Brewfest grounds is free for anyone who simply wants to enjoy the music, food vendors and atmosphere. Mitchell said only those participating in the beer tasting need to purchase a ticket, allowing
families, designated drivers and other visitors to enjoy the event at no cost.
Visitors planning to attend should also note that the Bitterrodders Car Show, held the same weekend, takes place at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds, not at the
Daly Mansion. Mansion gates will open at 1:30 p.m., and tours of the historic home will be available during Brewfest. For schedules, ticket information and a complete list of breweries, visit bitterrootbrewfest.com.
BITTERRODDERS: drive community support through annual car show
Continued from page 1
anniversary, and Munroe said planning is already underway to make the milestone celebration something special.
The organization has grown considerably in recent years. Following a rebuilding efort in 2023, membership has expanded to more than 100 voting members, making the Bitterrodders one of the state’s largest
car clubs. While the club remains rooted in the Bitterroot Valley, members now come from across Montana, Idaho, Washington and other parts of the country, refecting the club’s continued growth and appeal. This year’s show marks the second year at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. Munroe said the venue has allowed the club to
continue expanding the event. With room to spread out on the grass and complete con-
trol of the grounds, organizers have added automotive vendors to complement returning favorites such as the swap meet, food vendors and children’s activities, including face painting. Live music by Johnny T’s Time Machine will keep the atmosphere lively throughout the day. The Bitterrodders Daly Days Car Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds. Admission is free for spectators, and vehicle registration is $20. Visitors can expect everything from antique restorations and professionally built show cars to home-built hot rods, muscle cars, classic pickups and works in progress. That variety is part of what makes the show appealing. Some vehicles represent thousands of hours of restoration, while others proudly wear
the patina earned through decades on the road. Whether polished to a mirror shine or still waiting for the next round of work in the garage, each refects the personality and dedication of its owner. One row may feature a beautifully restored classic, while the next showcases a primer-gray project, a custom hot rod or a pickup that’s been in the same family for generations. Participants regularly travel from across Montana, Idaho and Washington, and previous shows have even attracted vehicles from as far away as Virginia and southern Canada.
Awards will be presented in several categories, including Top 10 People’s Choice, Best of Show, Best Engine, Best Paint, Work in Progress and Farthest Traveled. The farthest-traveled participant will also receive a gas card to help ofset travel expenses. While the trophies recognize craftsmanship and dedication, Munroe said the competition is only part of what keeps people coming back year after year.
“Even if a person isn’t necessarily a car person, they have very fond memories from their childhood of a particular car or type of car,” he said. “This gives the community a chance to come out and walk down memory lane.”
That nostalgia often sparks conversations between owners and spectators as they share stories of frst cars, family road trips and years-long restoration projects.
“Every car that’s there comes with a story,” Munroe said. Those interested in joining the club can attend its monthly meetings, held the frst Thursday of each month at 5 p.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton.
applications will
and
Photos courtesy of Rocky Munroe of the Bitterrodders Car Club.
Photos courtesy Bitterroot Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Proposed recreation fees, FWP solicits public comment
by Montana State Parks Foundation
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is proposing updates to recreation fees for state parks, fishing access sites, wildlife management areas, wildlife habitat protection areas and other FWP-managed lands. The proposal is open for public comment through July 24, 2026. Montana State Parks Foundation would like to encourage everyone who enjoys recreating on Montana’s state-managed public lands to learn more and share their feedback.
Why are fees being updated?
Montana’s current recreation fee structure has remained largely unchanged since 2014. During that time, visitation has continued to climb while the cost of maintaining public recreation sites has increased significantly.
In 2025, Montana’s 56 state parks welcomed more than 3.38 million visitors, the highest visitation on record, representing a 4.9% increase over 2024 and approximately 27% growth over the past decade. As more people enjoy Montana’s parks and outdoor recreation areas, additional resources are needed to maintain infrastructure, improve visitor services and keep these special places safe, clean and welcoming.
The proposed updates are intended to:
• Better reflect inflation and today’s operating costs.
• Simplify fee schedules and permit categories.
• Maintain affordable and fair access while providing sustainable funding for the future.
What would change?
While the proposal includes updates across many common recreation fees, here are a few examples:
• Resident state park entrance fee: No additional charge, no change.
• Resident state park camping fee: A standard campsite would increase from $18 to $24 per night.
• Nonresident state park entrance fee: The daily entrance fee would increase from $8 to $10 per vehicle.
• Nonresident state park camping fee: A standard campsite would increase from $20 to $30 per night.
• Additional updates are proposed for fishing access sites, wildlife management areas, tours, amenity fees, special use permits and commercial permits.
How do user fees support outdoor recreation?
User fees are one of the primary sources of funding for Montana’s state parks
and also support recreation opportunities at fishing access sites, wildlife management areas and other FWP-managed lands.
Revenue generated through these fees is reinvested directly into the places people visit, helping FWP:
• Maintain campgrounds, trails, roads and visitor facilities.
• Keep parks, fishing access sites, and wildlife areas clean, safe and welcoming.
• Repair aging infrastructure and address deferred maintenance.
• Provide visitor services, signage, sanitation and stewardship as recreation demand continues to grow.
• Protect the high-quality outdoor experiences that millions of Montanans and visitors enjoy each year.
Because fees have not been comprehensively updated in more than a decade, the proposed changes are intended to help meet the needs of growing visitation while remaining affordable and accessible.
Share your feedback FWP is seeking public input before any changes are finalized. If approved, the updated fee structure would be implemented no earlier than 2027. Public comments will help shape the final proposal.
The public comment period is open through July 24, 2026.
Proposed fee schedules and the justification document is viewable online. Interested persons may submit comments through FWP’s Public Comment Portal at fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/ public-comment-opportunities/proposed-public-use-rules.
Whether people support the proposed changes, have concerns or have suggestions for improvement, this is an opportunity to help shape the future of Montana’s state parks, fishing access sites, wildlife management areas, wildlife habitat protection areas and other public recreation lands. Every comment helps inform the final decision.
ROADSHOW: Zero to Five Montana gathers Bitterroot input on child care
Continued from page 1
they reached five-years-old or kindergarten age. That shift has had unintended consequences for private providers, according to Wells.
The loss of four-year-old enrollment has also pushed many providers to begin accepting younger children, including infants and toddlers, to maintain enrollment numbers. “With adding younger ages, teacher-to-student ratio drops,” she said. More younger children means that the state requires providers to hire more employees. This has also led to increasing insurance costs.
Wells said insurance companies have viewed the change as an increased risk, leading some providers to see premiums triple. At the same time, recruiting and retaining employees remains a significant challenge. According to Wells, the average child care worker in Montana earns about $13 per hour, even with formal education or a degree in early childhood
education. She said the low wages have contributed to high employee turnover and ongoing staffing shortages across the industry.
Zero to Five Montana plans to compile feedback from each of its 11 community meetings to advocate for policy changes at the state level, while local participants can use the information to pursue solutions in their own communities.
“They are working with legislators to see what Montanans say their needs are,” Wells said.
The organization also plans to develop a statewide policy roadmap, likely in the form of an infographic, highlighting concerns shared across Montana as well as challenges unique to individual regions.
As for Wells and BELN, statewide local representatives who attended these meetings also have the same feedback, which they can now use locally to affect change. BELN plans to do just that.
“We’re really proud of our community for sharing their voices,” Wells said.
The new campsite at John and Nancy Owen Fishing Access Site on the Bitterroot River, near Stevensville, would see fee changes. Photo courtesy Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Attendees of the Zero to Five Montana Policy Roadshow, in Hamilton last week. Photo courtesy Bitterroot Early Learning Network.
AWARD: Emma’s House gives vulnerable children a
painful; they don’t want to keep talking about it. So, maybe they go ‘well, never mind, it didn’t happen,’ which, for the prosecution, is a killer. The great thing about these [CACs] is that all those victim services are all in one location where we don’t have to retraumatize that victim.”
Emma’s House is a space made to put children at ease while forensic interviews or physical examinations are conducted as delicately as possible. It is the goal of the staff to ensure they do not feel like they are in trouble or being interrogated.
Underscoring this point was a “ball wall” at the far end of the CAC’s entrance room. Behind a clear pane displaying the words “you are not alone” were numerous colored plastic balls, each representing someone who had come through Emma’s House to share their voice and find a path to heal. Colorful bird cutouts hung from an ornament in one corner. Quilts featuring cartoon dogs and bicycles rested on a rack beside cushioned furniture.
“It’s got to be reassuring for those kids,” said Knudsen, indicating the warmth of the space. Guides led visitors to a room with a fidget-spinner basket, a small kitchen and a plethora of board games and crafts. “We make a ton of slime,” Counselor Jennifer Murrillo said of her and her clients, explaining that the goal is to keep their hands moving while they talk. Caregivers can join counseling sessions as well, she noted, as “kids heal through the context of their grownups.”
place
Additional spaces included a kid-friendly examination room, a donation closet, a meeting room, and a space for investigators to listen and observe conversations between children and licensed CAC professionals without being disruptive.
“When I was a detective, we used to sit in a closet outside the interview room,” said Hamilton Police Chief Steve Snavely, who was also in attendance for the tour.
“We are deeply grateful to Attorney General Knudsen for visiting Emma’s House and seeing firsthand how the Children’s Advocacy Center model serves children in the Bitterroot and across
Montana,” Widmer announced in a statement after the event. “He understands what a CAC means for a case — stronger investigations and stronger prosecutions. More importantly, his thoughtful questions made clear he understands what it means for a child: reduced trauma, ongoing counseling and a path toward healing.”
Oddball calibers and the missing mid-game load
I recently inherited an old rifle from my grandfather that utilizes a round many people today would scratch their heads at. In fact, by today’s standards, everything about this little rifle would make a person look twice.
It’s a pump-action rifle. It shoots a pistol cartridge with a neck and shoulder. It is smaller in caliber than a 38 Special but not a 17HMR. Can anyone guess? Today, these things all sound like contradictions, but indeed, the Remington Model 25 is real, and they did make it in a stout little round called the 32-20 Winchester.
by John Dowd
Most people, when they read that, are going to need to Google that round. There really is not anything like it today. It started life as a black powder cartridge, hence the name. In the late 1800s, early cartridges were often numerated by the caliber (32 caliber) and then the measure of black powder (20 grains).
In fact, it was most popular in revolvers, and for a lot of good reasoning at the time. Some of that is why it is so special and different from things today.
There is a unique class of cartridges that has, for the most part, fallen out of favor for more “versatile” cartridges. In most cases, today, the average hunter and shooter is more concerned with the price of ammo than the performance. The exceptions are specialized sportsmen and competition shooters. That is why the overall pool of rounds that have become popular are condensed into a few categories that can overlap, but with spotty performance.
At the turn of the last century, more precedence was put on experimentation, novelty and specialization. Cartridges were new, and mentality carried over from the muzzleloader, where every single weapon utilized something unique. Most civilian and sportsman rifles were purchased with a unique mold that would cast a bullet or ball, to-size, specifically for that gun. Today, that seems unusual.
In the days of the Wild West, they were still sussing out how to make the cartridge work best. One such decision landed on the 32-20 Winchester. This was a slightly diminutive cartridge developed for Winchester’s lever action repeating arms as a small game cartridge that could jive with medium-sized game hunting as well. That overlap made it particularly popular amongst frontiersmen, not long after its release in around 1882.
Another concept at the time was “caliber sharing,” or the idea of taking both a rifle and a pistol into the frontier which shared the same round. That meant
only one type of ammunition was needed. If a person reloaded their own ammunition, then they might only need one set of dies, bullets, powder, etc. That concept stuck around into the early 1900s. This also meant that, post the famous “gentleman’s agreement” between Colt and Winchester, Colt would start offering their Single Action Army chambered in that 32-20. That agreement meant the two companies, respectively, would produce only pistols or rifles, and would not compete with each other in the market.
be mighty.
The round was something special, even then. It shot flat, with very little relative drop at 100 yards, when compared to other pistol cartridges. Loaded with a 100-grain projectile, it can beat 1,200 feet-per-second and put out over 325 foot-pounds. That is about the performance of a modern “hot” loading for a 9mm Parabellum. However, the 9mm will drop nearly the same at just 50 yards. In fact, if you take both the vintage 32-20 Winchester and a 9mm Parabellum and shoot them to 100 yards, they will both retain roughly 200 foot-pounds. But, take that 32-20 and load it with modern powders, it will retain over 450 foot pounds. That is about as much as a standard 9mm can hope to get at the muzzle, loading heavy.
Today, there really is not anything like the 32-20 Winchester. Really, the round that comes the closest today is the 357 Magnum. On paper, they look similar, with the 32-20 coming in at just between the 9mm and the 357 in power factor. But that is comparing vintage loadings for the 32-20. If we were to assume a 32-20 at similar pressures to the modern 357 Magnum (35,000 PSI) instead of what these rounds are commonly loaded at (half that, i.e. 16,000 PSI), then the 32-20 would truly
I have seen data on the 3220, when loaded up to 30,000 PSI (which should NEVER be shot out of a vintage gun, only high pressure specialized guns chambered in 32-20 Winchester), put out numbers like 2,000 plus feet-per-second and 900 foot-pounds at the muzzle. That’s insane when a person considers the 357 Magnum does 1,400 and 780, respectively, on a good day.
If we were to take the 3220, update it, and the guns it can be chambered in, it would create a very special situation: a truly versatile cartridge. One that would be lightweight, light recoiling and powerful enough to take deer-sized game, while still loadable for small game. It would be in its own class, under standard intermediate cartridges like the 5.56x45 NATO, yet more powerful and ethical on deer than the 357 Magnum. Many states ban the use of calibers 22 and under, such as the 5.56, for hunting large and medium-sized game. Even though, when used right, it has plenty of power for a clean shot on a deer. However, the humble 32 caliber would
make the cut.
In fact, there are many states that are “straight-wall-only.”
Even though the 32-20 has a slight neck, it is often considered a straight wall. Most of those states require the caliber to be 35 or greater. A big part of that is the historically limited power of the vintage 32-20 and other sub-35
Annual Food Drive Results
Thank You!
Stevensville Businesses who collected the most donations: Edward
Following Businesses collected over 5 lbs in food donations: Bitterroot Star, Exit Realty, Montana Made Gifts
Thank you Super 1 Foods for allowing us to collect donations from our community June 20th.
Thanks to our amazing community for continuing to support our efforts to feed children in our community. Food donations can still be dropped at First Security Bank or Bitterroot Star. Monetary donations can be made at Farmer ’s State Bank under Stevi Food Program. Follow our Facebook page or email us for more information. stevifoodprogram@gmail.com
caliber straight
My grandfather’s old Remington Model 25, in 32-20 Winchester. The rounds are featured below the
story. Photo by John Dowd.
Sports
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Red Sox 11U claim state title, advance to regionals
The Bitterroot Red Sox 11U baseball team won the Cal Ripken Baseball Montana state tournament on Sunday, July 12, by defeating the Helena AllStars 8-6 in the championship game. The Cal Ripken Baseball state tournament was played in Kalispell on July 9–12, and the Red Sox won all four of their games to claim the title.
“This group of kids are such a pleasure to work with,” said Red Sox 11U head coach Chad Ekin. “There is not a single kid that is difficult to work with.”
As the Montana state champions, the Red Sox will represent Montana at the Cal Ripken Pacific Northwest Regionals in Meridian, Idaho, on July 23–
The Bitterroot Red Sox 11U baseball team won the Cal Ripken Baseball Montana state tournament on Sunday, July 12. The team will represent Montana at the Cal Ripken Pacifc Northwest Regionals in Meridian, Idaho on July 23–25.
25. The Red Sox play their first game in Meridian against the Lynden Lobos from Washington at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 23. To follow the action go to: mybs. schedulehub.app/c/pnw-cal-regional.
The Pacific Northwest Region consists of teams from Idaho, Washington, Oregon, Wyoming, and Canada. The regional winner advances to the Cal Ripken World Series in Crown Point, Indiana, on August 6–16.
The Bitterroot Red Sox 11U team plays in the Cal Ripken Baseball division of the Babe Ruth League. Chad Ekin is the head coach, and Eric Sylvester and Jeremy Christian are the assistant coaches.
The club is organizing various fundraisers to help the players afford the trip to regionals. If you’d like to donate, go to their website at www.bitterrootredsox. org, or access their venmo account @BitterrootRedSoxU11.
McCarthy hoops camps pack Bitterroot courts
The annual McCarthy Basketball Camps completed their 2026 summer camps on July 15 in Stevensville. The McCarthy Camps, run by Frank McCarthy, are one of the most popular basketball camps in the Bitterroot Valley and were held in three locations this year: Darby and Hamilton in June, and Stevensville in July.
“We had our best camp ever this year with 265 total campers,” said McCarthy. “We’ve been doing summer basketball camps for over 40 years, and this is our sixth year of putting on basketball camps in the valley, and we’re really gaining momentum. The camps were a great success again this year.”
McCarthy has coached basketball since before the Reagan administration. He started his career coaching basketball in Australia, then in 1979 he coached at the St. Labre Indian School. Next, he went to Powell High School, then to Eastern Wyoming College, then he coached MSU-Billings, MSU Bozeman, then went to Sheridan College in Wyoming. He finally settled in the Bitterroot Valley, where he has coached 7th- and 8th-grade boys in Hamilton.
The three-day camps are for boys and girls basketball players of all skill levels who are entering kindergarten through 9th grade, with the boys going in the morning and
the girls in the afternoon.
“I want to give a special thanks to Dave Bradshaw, who ran a basketball camp in the Bitterroot for years,” said McCarthy.
“We kind of used the blueprint he used to run his camps, and he has been very generous in giving advice to us.”
McCarthy wants to give the kids a strong foundation in basketball. They learn the fundamentals, like rebounding, shooting, defense, and passing. But McCarthy also feels it’s important
The annual McCarthy Basketball Camps were held in three locations this year: Darby, Hamilton and Stevensville. Photos courtesy of Frank McCarthy.
to teach and highlight the life skills that sports in general and basketball specifically can teach our younger generation.
“Basketball and sports teach us valuable life skills, and I feel it’s important to teach this to the campers,” said McCarthy. “We give the campers pointers on how to be a good young man or a good young woman, like the importance of having integrity and what
it takes to have a strong character. We teach the importance of a firm handshake and looking people in the eye. Parents come up and thank me for this. We tell the kids the same things as their parents, but coming from us, it helps to really drive the point home. Coaches have a big influence on the lives of kids. They have a ‘pulpit of the podium,’ and I take this role model responsibility seriously. Teaching the kids important life skills is what I enjoy the most.”
McCarthy strives to keep the camp affordable. Campers only pay $75 for the week, and besides the education, all campers get a basketball, a t-shirt and a water bottle. Compare this to similar basketball camps in Montana that cost over $200.
“We work really hard to keep the price down for the kids,” said McCarthy. “We do a lot of work getting sponsors to help with the costs, and our local community has been very generous; without their help, none of this would be possible.”
Top-Seeded Red Sox prepare to host district tournament
The Bitterroot Red Sox senior team (19-year-olds and under) will host the 2026 Class A West District Tournament in Hamilton on July 23–26. There are seven teams in the district: the Bitterroot Red Sox, Cranbrook Bandits, Mission Valley Mariners, Missoula Mavericks A, Libby Loggers, Kalispell Lakers, and Glacier Twins.
The Red Sox are the top seed in the tournament, having fnished the regular season with a 35-2 regular season record and a 23-1 conference record. The Red Sox play their frst game on Friday, July 24, at 7 p.m. against the winner of the Libby Loggers/ Missoula Mavericks game. For more information go to www.montanalegionbaseball.org/ west-a.
The top two teams from the Class A West District Tournament will qualify for the Class A State Tournament, which is in Dillon on July 29–August 2.
Red Sox roundup The Red Sox fnished the regular season strong and won all seven of their games last
week. As before, I’m channeling my inner Chris Berman and giving the Red Sox players some fun nicknames. Red Sox 11, Missoula Mavericks A 5; Red Sox 17, Missoula Mavs A 1
On Tuesday, July 14, the Red Sox hosted the Missoula Mavericks A squad in a doubleheader. In the frst game the Red Sox trailed 4-5 heading into the bottom of the 3rd inning, then scored seven straight runs to win 11-5. At the plate for the Red Sox, Boedy “and Soul” Tadvick went 2 for 3, scored two runs, had three RBIs and hit a home run. Jude “Don’t Call Me Bellingham” Widmer went 3 for 4, scored three runs, and had an RBI, and Chase “The Dream” Wagner went 2 for 3 with two RBIs. In the second game, the Red Sox won 17-1 in fve innings. Red Sox pitcher Jackson “All You Need is” Lubke struck out eight batters to get the win. At the plate for the Red Sox, Widmer went 2 for 4, had four RBIs, and hit a home run. Lubke went 2 for 4, scored two runs and had two RBIs, and Joe “Say it Ain’t
So” Hixon went 3 for 3, scored two runs, and had two RBIs.
Red Sox 7, Butte Miners 4
On Thursday, July 16, the Red Sox defeated the Butte Miners 7-4 in Butte in fve innings. For the Red Sox, Jude “Don’t Call Me Bellingham” Widmer went 1 for 2 with three RBIs. Boedy “and Soul” Tadvick went 2 for 3 and scored a run, and Chase “The Dream” Wagner went 1 for 3 with two RBIs.
Red Sox 10, Libby Loggers 4; Red Sox 17, Libby Loggers 5
On Saturday, July 18, the Red Sox played the Libby Loggers in a doubleheader in Libby. In the frst game, the Red Sox won 10-4. At the plate for the Red Sox, Bridger “Over Troubled Water” Huddleston went 4 for 4, scored two runs and had an RBI. Cash “Johnny” Lawrence went 3 for 4 with two RBIs, and Joe “Say it Ain’t So” Hixon hit a two-run home run. In the second game, the Red Sox won 17-5. Jude “Don’t Call Me Bellingham” Widmer
went 1 for 2, scored two runs and had three RBIs. Jackson “All You Need is” Lubke went 1 for 2 with two RBIs, and Conner “The Mighty” Quinn went 1 for 2 with two RBIs. Red Sox 10, Cranbrook Bandits 1; Red Sox 4, Cranbrook Bandits 0
On Sunday, July 19, the Red Sox crossed international borders and played a doubleheader with the Cranbrook Bandits. In the frst game the Red Sox won 10-1. Red Sox pitcher Cash “Johnny” Lawrence struck out nine batters and got the win. At the plate for the Red Sox, Bridger “Over Troubled Water” Huddleston went 2 for 3 with three RBIs. Joe “Say it Ain’t So” Hixon hit a solo home run, and Boedy “and Soul” Tadvick went 3 for 4 with an RBI.
In the second game, the Red Sox won 4-0. Red Sox pitcher Landon “The Beacon” Ekin struck out nine batters and got the complete game win. At the plate for the Red Sox, Tadvick went 3 for 4 and scored a run. Lawrence went 2 for 3 with an RBI, and Conner “The Mighty” Quinn went 2 for 3 with an RBI.
NOTICE OF PENDING ATTACHMENT OF A TAX LIEN
(MCA 15-17-122)
On Thursday, August 3, 2026, by 5:00 pm, the Ravalli County Treasurer will attach a property tax lien to property on which the 2025 taxes are delinquent. The delinquent taxes, including penalties, interest and costs are a lien upon the property and that unless delinquent taxes, penalties, interest and costs are paid prior to August 3, 2026 a tax lien will be attached and may be assigned to a third party.
A complete list of all property on which taxes are delinquent is on fle in the ofce of the Ravalli County Treasurer and is open to public inspection and examination on Monday thru Friday from 8:15 am to 5 pm. For further information, please contact the Ravalli County Treasurer at 215 S. 4th St., Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840 or at 406375-6580.
BS 6-24, 7-1, 7-8, 7-15, 7-222026.
MNAXLP
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST
JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF Jack Cameron Buckingham: Stevi Ann Johns, Petitioner.
Cause No.: DV-26-264
Dept No.: 2 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE ON MINOR CHILD
This is a notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Jack Cameron Buckingham to Jack Cameron Johns. The hearing will be on August 6, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County.
Dated June 25, 2026. Paige Trautwein, Clerk of District Court
/s/Hon. Judge Jennifer B. Lint
BS 7-1, 7-8, 7-15, 7-22-2026.
MNAXLP
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST
JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF Nathaniel Clement Clegg: Nathaniel Clement Clegg, Petitioner.
Cause No.: DV-41-20260000269-NC
Dept No.: 2 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is a notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Nathaniel Clement Clegg to Nathaniel Vaelorin Velanor. The hearing will be on August 6, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County.
Dated June 25, 2026. Paige Trautwein, Clerk of District Court /s/ Catherine di Gleria, Deputy Clerk of Court BS 7-1, 7-8, 7-15, 7-22-2026. MNAXLP
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST
JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF Dakota Riley Frazier:
Dakota Riley Frazier, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-2026-271
Dept No.: 1 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is a notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Dakota Riley Frazier to Dakota Riley Burkett. The hearing will be on August 12, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County. Dated June 25, 2026. Paige Trautwein, Clerk of District Court /s/ Catherine di Gleria, Deputy Clerk of Court BS 7-8, 7-15, 7-22, 7-292026. MNAXLP
David J. HagEstad, Esq. Patricia N. Morse, Esq. Sara M. Arno, Esq. HAGESTAD LAW GROUP, P.L.L.C. 2425 W. Central Ave., Ste. 200 Missoula, Montana 59801 Telephone: (406) 203-9303 Facsimile: (406) 888-6040 E-Mail: david@hagestadlaw. com
E-Mail: patricia@hagestadlaw. com
E-Mail: sara@hagestadlaw. com
Attorneys for Petitioner/Personal Representative, Timothy A. Malachinski MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY
Probate No. DP-41-20260000073-FI
In the Matter of the Estate of: HAROLD GEORGE MENDES, Deceased. NOTICE OF HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Timothy A. Malachinski has fled a Petition for Formal Adjudication of Intestacy, Determination of Heirs and Appointment of Personal Representative, which may be examined in the ofce of the Clerk of this Court. Hearing has been set for virtual appearance at the Courtroom of this Court in Ravalli 20 County, Montana, on the 23rd day of July, 2026, at 1:30 P.M. at which time and place all interested person may appear and object. This notice is being given at least 14 days prior to the date of the 22 hearing, pursuant to Mont. Code Ann. § 72-1-301.
DATED this 22th day of June, 2026.
HAGESTAD LAW GROUP, PLLC
Attorneys for Petitioner/Personal Representative, Timothy A. Malachinski
By: /s/ Patricia N. Morse
Patricia N. Morse BS 7-8, 7-15, 7-22-2026. MNAXLP
Daniel Browder, Esq. Browder Law, PLLC
217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840
Telephone: (406) 361-3677
Facsimile: (406) 361-2999
Email:
browderlawmont@gmail.com
Attorney for Tifney Fischer
MONTANA TWENTY FIRST
JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT
RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DAWN GODDARD, Deceased.
Cause No. DP-2026-80
Dept. No. 1
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Tifney Fischer has been appointed
Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Tifney Fischer, return receipt requested, c/o: Browder Law, PLLC, 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, Montana, 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
DATED this 30th day of June, 2026. BROWDER LAW, PLLC
/s/Daniel Browder
Attorney for Personal Representative
BS 7-8, 7-15, 7-22-2026. MNAXLP
Honorable Scott E. Burlingham Justice of the Peace 205 Bedford Street Suite E Hamilton, MT 59840 IN THE JUSTICE COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY, MONTANA BEFORE THE HONORABLE SCOTT E. BURLINGHAM, JUSTICE OF THE PEACE REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SAPPHIRE, PLAINTIFF, V. CODY YOUNG, AND ALL OTHER TENANTS, DEFENDANT. Case No.: CV-610-20260000764
SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION THE STATE OF MONTANA TO: Cody Young 643 Grantsdale Road, Unit #13 Hamilton, Montana 59840 STATEMENT OF OBJECT OF ACTION: The above-captioned action is a Cause of Action against you relating to the possessory interest that you claim in the real property LOCATED AT 643 Grantsdale Road, Unit #13 Hamilton, Montana 59840 Plaintif demands relief which consists partially of excluding you from said possessory interest. YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action which is fled in the ofce of the above-entitled
Justice of the Peace, a copy of which is herewith served upon you. In the event that you deny any or all of the material facts stated in the complaint, you must fle your written answer together with a $30.00 answer fee for each Defendant with the above-entitled Court, and serve a copy of your answer upon the Plaintif or attorney at the address as shown on the Complaint. The answer must contain a denial of any or all of the material facts stated in the Complaint that the Defendant believes to be untrue, and also a statement, in plain or direct manner, of any other facts constituting a defense. Any matter not denied shall be deemed admitted. If you fail to answer or assert a counterclaim with fve (5) days after service of the Complaint and Summons, the Plaintif may request entry of default judgement against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.
Dated June 29, 2026.
/s/Honorable Scott E. Burlingham
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE
BS 7-8, 7-15, 7-22-2026. MNAXLP
CANYON CREEK IRRIGATION MEETING
Canyon Creek Irrigation District is holding a share-holders meeting Thursday, July 30, 2026 at the Daly Leach Chapel in Hamilton at 7 PM. BS 7-15, 7-22, 7-29-2026. MNAXLP
John S. Masar
LionWood Law PLLC 115 W. 3rd St., Ste. 103 Stevensville, MT 59870 (406) 625-2682 jmasar@lionwoodlaw.com
Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BRADLEY DALE PAULSON, a/k/a Brad Paulson, Deceased.
Cause No.: DP-26-83
Dept.: 2
JENNIFER B. LINT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to LINDA KAY LAROQUE, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o LionWood Law PLLC, 115 W. 3rd Street, Suite 103, Stevensville, Montana 59870, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
Dated this 8th day of July, 2026.
/s/LINDA KAY LAROQUE
Personal Representative c/o LionWood Law PLLC 115 W. 3rd St., Ste. 103 Stevensville, MT 59870
LionWood Law PLLC
/s/John S. Masar
Attorney for Personal Representative
BS 7-15, 7-22, 7-29-2026. MNAXLP
ROSS A. DUTTON
485 Sawtooth Lane
Hamilton, MT 59840 Telephone: (406) 363-2626
Co-Personal Representative
DANIEL D. DUTTON 115 Essex Avenue Hamilton, MT 59840
Telephone: (406) 381-8616
Co-Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST
JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOANN K. DUTTON, Deceased.
Probate No. DP-26-87
Department No. 1
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have been appointed Co-Personal Representatives of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Ross A. Dutton and Daniel D. Dutton, the co-Personal Representatives, return receipt requested, at 485 Sawtooth Lane, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled court. Dated this 14th day of July, 2026.
/s/ROSS A. DUTTON, Co-Personal Representative 485 Sawtooth Lane Hamilton, MT 59840
NOTICE The Ravalli County Planning Department is inviting public comment on foodplain application FA-24-14 for work proposed within the FEMA regulated foodplain of the Bitterroot River. The applicant is Chris and Tessa Lynn. The project is proposing to construct a residence, shop and associated site development on the Lynn’s property at 5562 Klements Lane, Florence, MT in Section 12, Township 10 North, Range 20 West, Ravalli County. The existing septic system will be disconnected from the existing residence and connected to the proposed residence. The existing residence which sits within a FEMA approved Letter of Map Amendment Envelope and is not within the FEMA foodplain will either be removed, converted into dry storage, or connected to a future septic system if possible.
The project also involves improving the existing driveway and installing a new driveway to serve
the proposed residence. All construction will be completed in accordance with the Ravalli County Floodplain Regulations. Detailed information regarding this application is available for review 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 September 25th, 2024 (Reference Application #FA-24-14).
BS 7-22-2026.
MNAXLP
OG-26-07-256 - Legal
Notice
The Ravalli County Planning Department is inviting public comment on a foodplain permit application to perform maintenance activities upstream of the Etna, Union and Webfoot irrigation intake structure within the FEMA regulated foodplain of the Bitterroot River. The permitted maintenance activities include removing gravel and diverting fow during low fow periods. The maintenance permit is proposed to be valid for 7-years to align with other federal and local permits. The project is located 0.8 miles upstream of Tucker Crossing at the East/West channel split of the Bitterroot River in Section 17, Township 7N, Range 20 W, Ravalli County, on Parcel # 119200. 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 Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 5:00 pm. (Reference Application # FA-26-11). BS 7-22-2026.
MNAXLP
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE
Notice is hereby given to the persons hereinafter named and to whom it may concern. For enforcement of liens in the amount of $1,300, Venture West Storage, LLC, located at 1008 Hwy 93 N. Victor, MT, 59875, will sell the contents of storage units E19, occupied by Colton Neilson, at auction to the highest bidder. Auction will be held at Venture West Storage, at the units listed above on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. BS 7-22-2026.
MNAXLP
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, if you have any property remaining at 181 Woodside Cutof Rd. in Corvallis, MT, formerly Storage of Corvallis, you have until August 1, 2026 to collect it or it will be hauled of as surplus scrap. If you have any interest to arrange collecting your property, please call Jay at 406-360-4441 by Thursday, July 30. BS 7-22, 7-29-2026. MNAXLP
TO: Roger Mitchell
M y apologies for the delayed response. My time is taken in consideration of the Sheep Creek Proposition. First things First.
My response to your comment is a sentence at a time.
….“ambiguous as to be practically meaningless.” The question here is Why? The response is that specificity narrows while ambiguity broadens and is accordingly, inclusive. My intent was to express the desire to include everyone, generally speaking.
“Nowhere do you actually say what the problem is except to blame complacency”.
I rest my case.
“What is the ‘religion’ which you identify as the cause of this.” My understanding is that the term “religion” includes, in part, the consideration that it includes the “binding together or gathering in respect to a belief.” My use of the term was intended to express the presence of a collective following as a result of complacency. The use was admittedly abstract but specific in the use. Sorry you missed that.
“What does the ‘faith’ you mention look like and how does it manifest itself.” The extent of complacency constitutes a Faith in terms of its expression. A following based on a common belief or concept. The manifestation is evident in the decline of the sovereignty of our Republic.
“What must be done……”. This is the part where the reader may feel some discomfort because it places upon them the requirement that they recognize past and current events, the effects of those events and the intent present. Having recognized the process involved, it is assumed that a conclusion would result and a reaction justified.
The most positive reaction is to observe the results and apply appropriate remedies. My feeling is that the general public has grown so comfortable resting on the successes of those preceding them that they feel no need, or see the responsibility, to defend those successes.
Again an abstraction in that the “cure” for the problem is so complex that it has a strong similarity to the use of chemotherapy in the treatment of cancer. The construction of my statement, in general, was such that it was felt that the reader would understand the reference.
Your closing comment is without merit and justifies no response other than to observe that what I write comes from the heart and is intended to be constructive in any result.
Society has problems and you will find those responsible in a mirror.
Thank you for your time William (Bill) Campbell Conner
Lets make Creamery P arade ol’ fashion
T he Stevensville Civic Club would like to make the parade on August 8th more eventful for everyone and we are requesting more Tractors, Horses, Wagons, and anything old fashion. Go to the Stevensville Civic Club Facebook page and click on parade, https:// creamerypicnic.regfox.com/113th-annual-creamery-picnic-grand-parade-registration, mail your information to Stevensville Civic Club PO Box 676 Stevensville, MT 59870 (Attn: parade), or email me at cherylburgmeier@yahoo.com with your contact information, what your bringing and the length of vehicle or item and/or how
Opinion
many!
Cheryl Burgmeier Stevensville
SB99 and Montana’s judiciary
A district court judge ordered the State of Montana (taxpayers) to pay $1.3 million in attorney’s fees and costs after challenging my Senate Bill 99, “Youth Health Protection Act”, (passed in 2023). SB99 was designed to protect minors from the long-term efects of drugs and surgical procedures that would have life-long repercussions being inficted upon them before they could give true legal consent as an adult. Inficting bodily mutilations, subjecting small children to untested medical experiments, and forcing children to ingest drugs with life altering side-efects, is not only morally wrong but violates every ethical precept of the Hippocratic Oath all medical personnel are sworn to uphold.
The Montana State Supreme Court engaged in extraordinary mental gymnastics in upholding its agenda jurisprudence by claiming that the “right to privacy” permitted children to be subjected to such barbaric practices. The U.S. Supreme Court has just recently ruled that States do have the right to protect children from this “trans-insanity” in ruling that Title IX does allow States to protect athletes from “transwomen” from competing in female sports. It is clear that protecting children does not violate the U.S. Constitution, so why does violating the legal right to consent not violate the Montana Constitution? Ask the Montana Supreme Court and those who wish to be elected to it.
Not only are the children of Montana being subjected to such barbaric practices, but now the taxpayers are being told they must pay the legal fees to protect such atrocities. No wonder Montana’s judiciary is so determined to protect non-partisan judicial elections….they want to preserve their ability to engage in their agenda jurisprudence.
Senator John Fuller Kalispell
Day light savings
time
Chief Dan George said, only the white man would think a person could cut twelve inches from the bottom of a blanket and sew it to the top of the blanket and have a longer blanket!
Charles Sleath Hamilton
A decision of substance for Montana utility rate payers
Every Northwest Energy (NWE) payer should pay attention to the upcoming merger attempt between NWE and Black Hills Corporation (BHC) South Dakota to become one of the largest utility corporations. Montana’s Public Service Commission represents Montana customers but their decisions have leaned toward approving rate hikes. Governor Greg Gianforte recently suspended Brad Molnar, for one year during one of the most crucial matters before the Commission. Brad was a PSC commissioner, with the most experience and best defender for not approving the merger without guardrails. You can call to support Brad’s return to the PSC and your concerns about the merger.
Why is this all so important you ask? NWE, BHC and our governor, a tech billionaire, supports AI Data Centers. Data centers use unbelievable amounts of water and electricity. If this merger goes through we will pay higher rates similar to when Montana Power was destroyed, all employees let go along with their pensions, and when Montanans had the lowest power rates in the region. Let’s not let this happen again with greedy corporations.
Governor Gianforte’s ofce: 406-444-
3111
PSC Main Number: 406-444-6199
Ask for your message to be delivered to the remaining four PSC Commissioners, Jennifer Fielder, Randy Pinocci, Annie Bukacek, Jef Welborn. Marilyn Wolf Stevensville
Pants on fre
Many of us are familiar with the old saying, “Liar, Liar…Pants on Fire”! On the evening of July 16, we had a great example of that saying compliments of President DJT who read through a litany of “suspected” interferences in our recent elections!! No, no… DJT did not speak about the 2016 election which he won nor of the 2024 election which he won because HE WON THEM and there was no question of foreign infuence or interference!
He spent his time on the 2020 election that was won by Joe Biden “fair and square” after a disastrous four year term by DJT (similar to what we are experiencing again now!!)
As the reader may recall, the Republican Party, led by former Mayor of New York City Rudy Giuliani, spearheaded 62 individual cases trying to convince the courts that something was amiss in the 2020 election that DJT lost. Only one of the 62 cases was even allowed to proceed and after a brief hearing that case was also dismissed.
You may also recall the black dye running down Giuliani‘s face while he tried to convince us that the voting machines were part of the scheme!
The real purpose of DJT’s July 16 speech was “to set the table” for the American people to believe that the 2026 and, of course, the 2028 elections will be full of foreign interference.
This will give DJT the excuse to declare a National Emergency and suspend the elections or send his troops (ICE troops) to confscate the election results from a number of Blue/Democratic-led States.
I tried following DJT’s directions during his speech: go to whitehouse.gov and see the documentation for what he was presenting. For some reason, I was not able to fnd it. Others said they found it, but that it was so completely redacted (blacked out) that you could not determine anything.
I really don’t know whether DJT is driving the efort or being driven by his White House staf to destroy our democracy, but either way he is the front man going on TV and spewing his lies.
Even the Republican-led Senate, under Senator John Thune of South Dakota, said yesterday that they are not looking backwards but are concentrating on the 2026 midterm elections.
DJT…GIVE IT UP!!
Consider Bodnar
Tom Tunny Hamilton
I voted for Alani Bankhead in the Democratic primary because I didn’t think the alternative was the better choice. That said, she wasn’t my frst choice—Seth Bodnar was, but he wasn’t on the ballot. I hoped Bankhead would recognize that much of her support came from voters looking for an alternative rather than from broad enthusiasm for her candidacy, and that she would step aside to give the strongest possible candidate a chance to turn the Senate seat purple.
Trying to understand her vision for fipping the seat from the MAGA stranglehold, I watched a podcast where she said her plan to win the election was to ask everyone who voted for her to donate $5. Bankhead raised $45,000 in the second quarter of fundraising. Grassroots fundraising has its place. But this isn’t the kind of money that makes this seat competitive, no matter how much activists want it to be. Bodnar raised the majority of his $1.9 million in the second quarter
from individual donations. Unfortunately, this is the money needed to fip this seat. Are we better of putting parties over country? Tilting at Bernie’s windmills even though I’ve seen frsthand Montana change over the past six years? As a democrat, I can clearly see that the only path for our values to survive is for anyone but MAGA to win this seat.
Democrats are outnumbered in this state. The population of disappointed Republicans appears to be growing. It could be any number of reasons in Trump’s second term. Trump ran as a populist. Instead, he and his family commit breath-taking corruption to enrich themselves; feece the treasury with legislation that has focused on giving a small number of billionaires more money; cost the rest of us thousands in tarifs and infation, and has other insane policies that hurt swaths of people from farmers to the self-employed. Many independents and Republicans are looking for a diferent path and are not going to vote for Bankhead. They might consider Bodnar. I’m supporting Independent Seth Bodnar and hope that Bankhead will fnd a way to do the same. Stacy Rye Missoula
GOP party bylaws
The recent lawsuit fled in the name of the “Yellowstone County Republican Central Committee” YCRCC (et al.) against the Montana State Republican Party, without the consent or vote of the precinct representatives, is a glaring example of how our local YCRCC executive committee has centralized power at the top vs. being run as the grassroots political organization it is meant to be. The Executive Board decided unilaterally on July 1st that suing the GOP party over its new bylaws was in everyone’s interest and by extension enlisted the entire committee as plaintifs.
The issue is not whether one agrees with suing the state party over the new bylaws. The issue is precinct representatives being stripped of their voice by a small board that subjectively decides what counts as “ofcial business.” If the county bylaws truly grant this authority, the bylaws need to be changed as informed representatives are unlikely to relinquish their power to an executive board. A strong, organized county central committee is the frst line of defense in protecting our republic.
The principles that inspired the founding of our nation can secure liberty for all—if the systems of self-governance are run with integrity and include the governed. If not, then we risk turning dedicated volunteers into mere fgureheads.
To the YCRCC Executive Board: Yellowstone County precinct representatives deserve transparency and a meaningful voice in decisions made in the name of the YCRCC. This is a respectful request that you bring this lawsuit—and any future actions of this magnitude— before the full central committee body for open discussion and a vote. Let us model the republican principles of open, honest and transparent government we claim to defend.
Amanda Brown Precinct 45, Teresa Darnielle-Morse Precinct 10, Amanda Scheidler Precinct 2, Randy Glover Precinct 55, Mike Vinton Precinct 13/ Rep. HD 40, Nelly Nicol Precinct 47 / Rep.HD 53 Billings, MT
Sarah Glass General Manager editor@bitterrootstar.com
Jesse Mullen Publisher John Dowd Editor john@bitterrootstar.com
Friday at 5 p.m. We strive to include news and information that’s important to the people of the Bitterroot Valley. If you have a story idea, or any other concern, call us at 406-777-3928, email: editor@bitterrootstar.com or stop in at our ofce at 115 W. 3rd, #108, Stevensville. The mailing address is P.O. Box 133, Stevensville MT 59870. Correction Policy Accuracy is important to us. If you see a factual error in a Bitterroot Star news story, please notify the
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David Konrad Fahrenbruck
April 12,1942 to June 19,2026
David Konrad Fahrenbruck, beloved husband, brother, uncle was born in Rosebud County Montana to Henry Fahrenbruck and Sophie Mickell. He was the youngest of 15 children.
David grew up in Rosebud County and Forsyth. He graduated from Forsyth High School in 1960 and joined the US Navy where he served for 4 years in Hawaii for most of
his career. In 1965 he married Catherine (Kitty) Harrington from Walkerville, Montana. They were married at St. Lawarence Catholic Church. In 1966 Catherine and David moved to Cypress, California where he worked as a machinist for 38 years. They returned to Montana in 2002 and settled in Corvallis, MT to do his favorite task – gardening. David is survived by his bride of 61 years, Catherine, and numerous Nieces and Nephews.
James ‘Jim’ Thomas Lawless
Diana ‘Kay’ Neal
Victor, Montana – Diana “Kay” Neal, 74, passed away on June 11, 2026. Born in 1952 to Dorothy and John Buker, Kay grew up fully embracing the adventurous life of a Montana ranch girl. From riding horses to embarking on memorable pack trips to Big Creek Lakes, her roots ran deep in the Bitterroot Valley. After graduating from Victor High School, Kay attended Missoula Vo-Tech and went on to build a successful career in the banking industry. Kay’s greatest adventure began when she met and married the love of her life, Bruce Neal. Together, they shared 54 beautifully happy years of marriage. Early on, Bruce built a log cabin home where they spent decades enjoying the daily wildlife “show” right from their sunroom. Kay lived life with an open, nurturing heart. She loved sailing on Flathead Lake with Bruce, raising “tomato babies” in the greenhouse he built for her, and sewing clothes for the littles in the family.
She leaves behind a legacy of photographs capturing her deep love for wildlife, family, and friends. Her love for connection was evident through her community involvement. She truly enjoyed serving as the secretary for the Big Creek Lakes Reservoir Association, a role that allowed her to visit and swap stories with neighbors. She also trea-
James “Jim” Thomas Lawless, 75, of Darby, passed away on July 6, 2026. Jim was born in Missoula on May 29, 1951, to the late James “Bud” and Marge Lawless. He lived his entire life in Darby and was a true Bitterrooter. An avid lover of the outdoors, Jim was a dedicated fsherman and hunter from the young age of ten. In his youth, he had a legendary streak at local rafes and turkey shoots; one year, he won six or seven turkeys before Thanksgiving, earning himself the lifelong nickname “Turkey.”
Throughout his life, Jim worked various jobs, but later found his true passion in buying and selling. He had an unmatched eye for a good deal, always operating with absolute
David will be remembered for his friendly smile and welcoming attitude.
A celebration of life will be held on July 25 at 11:00 AM at the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton, MT with a reception for family and friends immediately after the service. Burial will take place later.
Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
honesty and staying true to his word. Jim also had a great love for cooking and was exceptionally skilled at it.
Known for his generous spirit, Jim was always ready and willing to help anyone in need. He had a deep love for animals and was well-loved by people from all walks of life. With his passing, Darby has lost a true local historian, as Jim could share stories about almost anything regarding the history of the Bitterroot Valley. Jim will be deeply missed by many. He is survived by his sister, Lynda, and her husband, Robert Moore, as well as many beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
sured her regular get-togethers with the “Lunch Bunch,” a tight-knit group of lifelong friends from her banking days. Later in life, Kay and Bruce traded their sailboat for an RV, exploring the West Coast and taking trips to visit out-ofstate loved ones, often with their beloved cat, Tanger, riding shotgun. Kay will always be fondly remembered for her love of music and dancing, but mostly for the warmth she brought into every room.
She is survived and dearly missed by her husband, Bruce Neal; her sister, Patty Buker; Tanger and Mrs. TeeDee (if you know, you know); daughters, Barbara and Jackie; and her fve grandchildren. She also leaves behind her nieces, Jacqueline, Clarissa, Yvette, Cristi, and Melody; and her nephews, James, Jerry, David, and John. Kay was preceded in death by her brother, Jack Buker, and her parents, Dorothy and John Buker.
A celebration of Kay’s vibrant life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on August 15, 2026, at the family ranch (2922 Y5 Ranch Road, Victor, Montana). Please bring your favorite stories to share. Ranch-casual attire is encouraged. In lieu of fowers, the family requests that those wishing to express sympathy consider making a donation in Kay’s memory to the Victor Senior Center or the Bitterroot Humane Society.
Shirley Rae Rasmussen Downing
“The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want... surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23).
Shirley was born April 4, 1937 in Hamilton, MT. at the Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital to David Emmanuel Rasmussen and Hazel Pearl Johnson Rasmussen who had recently moved to the Bitterroot Valley and lived with David’s parents who had moved here in 1929.
Shirley spent her twelve school years growing up in the Corvallis area – in the Corvallis schools, and in the Corvallis Community Church. She graduated in May of 1955 with many of her frst through twelfth grade classmates.
Shirley went on to graduate from college with her frst teaching position in the third grade at Whitefsh, MT. Her teaching career ended 32 years later, in OR. mainly teaching frst or second graders. She loved all children! Especially her hundreds of students, and her three generations of nieces and nephews.
Shirley loved to travel, her frst long trip alone was an overseas fight to Spain where she spent June to November
(1963) with her oldest brother Dean and family who were stationed with the Air Force at Zaragosa (living in an apartment in the city) enjoying the wonderful Spanish culture. In the summer of 1965 Shirley and a Seattle Cousin Bonnie and a Flathead Valley teacher friend Jolene drove 10,000 miles around Europe. Not one scratch could be found by the car company in London when returned, The inspector said “A frst in forever!” “You gals drove through all the largest cities in Western and Northern and Southern Europe came back with a perfect-looking Hilman Imp rental car!” (Shirley was the driver because it had a clutch with Jolene as the perfect (smart) navigator, and Bonnie responsible for the hotel/inns. Preceding Shirley in death were her parents: David E. Rasmussen (Jan. 9, 1981), Hazel P. Johnson Rasmussen (April 4, 1990). Her brothers Dean Rasmussen (Sept. 23, 1997), Jerry Rasmussen (Feb. 18, 2017), Duane Rasmussen (Dec. 23, 2017) and sister Beverly Ann Rasmussen Springer July 7, 2022.
She met the love of life, Robert C. Downing, around Aug. 1969 and were married on Mar. 16, 1974. Their life was flled with many wonderful adventures traveling all over the world. They were married for 51 years at Bob’s passing. Preceding her in death on July 31, 2025.
As her parting wishes for those she cared so much about, she leaves the following:
“When springtime begins in the Bitterroot and the buttercups are in bloom, I hope that my beloved family will remember the special love I have for each of you.” “Then sings my soul, my
Ethel Harris
Victor - On July 12, 2026, Ethel Louise Moe Harris passed away at Bee Hive Homes in Hamilton.
Ethel Moe was born January 25, 1938, one a cold and snowy day at her grandmother’s home, in Charlos Heights, Montana. Doris and Carl Moe were the proud parents, Ethel was the oldest of four girls.
Her school years started at the Charlos Heights church and included schools in Seeley Lake, Arlee, Darby, Hamilton and she graduated from Missoula County High School. She married the love of her life, Donald L Harris on March 22, 1956.
The Bitterroot Valley was their home, except for a brief time in Portland, OR. The couple loved the valley, and owned several businesses over the years. Ethel’s favorite was the fower shop, “The Flower Corner” and later the family bought a wholesale forist business, Harris Wholesale.
Ethel’s other love was horses, She was President of the Bitterroot Mountettes and a charter member of the Saddle Tramps. Early family vacations were on horseback in the Bitterroot Mountains, camping fshing and exploring. Don and Ethel were members of the Boots and Calico Square
Dance Club, and helped start the Five Valley Accordian Club. Ethel volunteered as afternoon rodeo secretary of the Ravalli County Fair, was a 4H leader, and volunteered at the Bitterroot Competitive Trail Rides.
Ethel was a hands-on Grandma, she loved spending time with her grandchildren, she would beam with smiles at the mention of their names.
Ethel was preceded in death by her husband, Don Harris; her parents, Carl and Doris Moe; and two sisters, Lois Hunter and Elna Foust.
She is survived by her sister Wilma Foley of Otis Orchard, WA; her three children, Paul (Diana) Harris of Lewistown MT, D.J. (Karen) Harris of Victor and Darlene Harris of Victor; and her much loved 9 grand- children and 8 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of a long Life will be held Sunday, July 26, 2026, at 11:00 am at the Daly-Leach Chapel with a reception following in the funeral home’s community room.
The family would like to thank Tru Care Home Health, Bee Hive Homes and Big Sky Hospice and Palliative Care. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
Anna Marie Karlson, “Ree”, age 81, of Liberty Lake, Washington, passed away peacefully at home on July 6, 2026.
She was born September 1, 1944, to Edward Thill and Martha Thill in Spokane, and was the third of four children.
Anna Marie was married to Navy ofcer Cptn. Timothy Palmer (retired), and they had two children: daughter Jeanette Palmer and son Jim Palmer. She was later divorced and remarried for 33 years to Marine Major Kenneth Karlson of Montana.
Being a military spouse moved her to many states - she lived in WA, FL, TX, CA, VA, and MT. She and Ken retired to Florence, MT where they enjoyed horseback riding and camping. She was an avid gardener and baker. After Ken’s passing in 2017, she returned to the Spokane area to be closer to her brothers. She rebuilt an active life as a member of the Red Hat Society, bridge player, bunko player, theater and movie goer. She also enjoyed trips to the casino with her friends, and was known for her good luck. She was also a prolifc crafter who enjoyed diamond dots, crochet, and plastic crafts. She was a woman of faith in the Catholic church.
She is survived by younger sister Mary Jo Kern and her husband Ben, her older brother Ed Thill and his wife Karen; her daughter Jeanette Palmer and spouse Malcolm Quinn; her son Jim Palmer and spouse Pamela Palmer; and her biological and step-grandchildren TJ, Caleb, Zia, Jacob, and Josh and his wife Caroline.
Anna Marie was also preceded in death by her mother and father, and her older brother Charles “Chuck” Thill. Ree will be remembered with deep love for her positive spirit and energy. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her, and she will be deeply missed. Her brother and sister-in-law have arranged for a mass in her honor on August 19 at St. Aloysius Church, 330 E Boone Ave, Spokane, WA. It can also be watched on livestream at www.stalschurch.org.
There will be a formal memorial service in the fall, when the family will place her ashes next to her husband at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula, MT.
To share memories of Ree or to give condolences to her family, please visit www.hennesseyfh.com.
Anne Marie Karlson
Takeaways from Sen. Jason Ellsworth criminal trial, week one
by Victoria Eavis, Montana Free Press
The first week of a criminal trial involving alleged misuse of government funds by an elected official wrapped up Friday evening [of July 17] at the Lewis and Clark County District Court in Helena.
Hamilton Republican state Sen. Jason Ellsworth was charged by the Montana Department of Justice with official misconduct, a misdemeanor, late last year. The state accuses Ellsworth of leveraging his role as a senator to gain an advantage for himself or someone else beyond what the law allows when he attempted to steer a state contract funded by public dollars to a longtime friend. Ellsworth has pleaded not guilty.
In the closing days of 2024, Ellsworth tried to enter into a contract with his friend’s company — which had been formed only weeks earlier — using $170,100 in state money that Ellsworth had discretion over as a member of legislative leadership. Ellsworth did not follow the public bidding process typically required of publicly funded contracts for that amount.
The Montana State News Bureau first reported the existence of the contract.
The funding for the contract was left over from a special legislative committee on judicial reform that Ellsworth chaired. During a November 2024 meeting of that group, Ellsworth floated the idea of hiring someone to track the committee’s bills throughout the session and beyond, and made a motion to that effect. Two other Republicans dismissed the idea, suggesting that the Legislature already has staff that do that work. Ellsworth ultimately withdrew the motion.
A slow start to the case and some technical stretches were punctuated by several factual revelations and a failed request for a mistrial.
During Friday testimony, a witness for the prosecution, Department of Administration Director Misty Ann Giles, said that when Ellsworth called her about the contract documents in December 2024, he told her the legislative committee had approved the hiring. Giles said she learned that was not the case in news articles, and that she would have done more “due diligence” had she known that wasn’t true. The Department of Administration handles most legislative contracts that exceed $100,000, per state rules.
Giles testified that when she first recei -
ved the documents via email in late December 2024, they had been signed, so she believed they were in effect. She said the documents were missing key language that state contracts are required to include, so she worked with her staff to add the missing clauses.
Another witness for the prosecution, lobbyist Scott Boulanger, who rented a room to Ellsworth during the 2025 legislative session, explained that in early January, when the contracts had already been executed, Ellsworth requested that Boulanger write a bid estimate for the work Ellsworth had already contracted with his friend.
Boulanger told the courtroom he did not know at the time that the contracts had already been signed off on, and that Ellsworth asked him to backdate the bid to November 2024.
“I was just helping a friend,” Boulanger testified Wednesday. “I didn’t know even what it was for.”
When first asked by reporters about the contracts in January 2025, Ellsworth relied on Boulanger’s written estimate to say that he had solicited bids. Boulanger’s testimony Friday undermined that claim.
At one point on Friday, the defense motioned for a mistrial after alleging that one of the state’s lead prosecutors, Dan Guzynski, had mentioned an element of the judicial reform committee’s work that the judge had ordered not be introduced. After reviewing the transcript and hearing from counsel on both sides, Lewis and Clark County District Court Judge Christopher Abbott denied the request.
The prosecution has used the witnesses — nearly all of whom have been state
employees — to demonstrate that the contracting process was “uncommon” and “concerning” to many of them. The defense also had two witnesses, including the governor’s Budget Director Ryan Osmundson, testify that the Legislature already has staff that does the work Ellsworth tried to contract out.
Osmundson testified Friday that he knew Ellsworth was steering work to a friend, but encouraged him to use existing staff. Osmundson, like Giles, testified that he did not learn Ellsworth had gone through with the contract until he read about it in news reports.
The trial is predicted by attorneys from both sides to conclude on Tuesday, [July
If
much as $500 and
to six months in jail. Ellsworth lost his most recent election, and his current Senate term is set to end in early January.
convicted, Ellsworth could be fined as
sentenced to up
Sen. Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, awaits his trial on July 14, 2026, in the Lewis and Clark County Courthouse. Credit: Lauren Miller, Montana Free Press, CatchLight Local/Report for America.
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