The Bitterroot National Forest (BNF) is planning to install a new bridge and replace numerous culverts beginning next week along Lost Horse Road on the Darby-Sula Ranger District. Work is scheduled to start August 1 and will take approximately one month to complete.
Two failing culverts at Ten-mile Creek will be replaced by the new bridge, and five undersized culverts at Twelve-mile Creek will be replaced with new, larger culverts. The BNF first announced the project and road closure back in March.
The work is located in areas and at crossings that have recently experienced washouts during high water events, damaging the road, and spilling large amounts of sediment into Lost Horse Creek.
In order for the project to be completed in a safe and timely manner, Lost Horse Road (Forest Road #429) is scheduled to be closed at the lower gate near the junction with the 5621 road, mile post 5, during the month of August. Heavy equipment from the project will be parked along the road, making it impassable. Recreation sites along the corridor and at the end of the road will be inaccessible during this time. This includes Lost Horse cabin rental, Schumaker Campground at Twin Lakes, as well as South and North
Fork of Lost Horse, Bear Creek, Bear Creek Pass, Bailey Lake and Twin Lakes trailheads.
“We realize the inconvenience of the road closure at this time of year,” said Steve Brown, Darby-Sula District Ranger. “We are working closely with contractors and partners to get this work done in as timely a manner as possible and will be looking to re-open the road as soon as the work is completed.”
In addition to improving public access and safety, the project will also restore critical aquatic habitats and help protect native fish populations including bull trout and Westslope cutthroat trout.
Lost Horse Creek is one of the most important westside tributaries for bull trout in the Bitterroot River. Bull trout are currently listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
Project partners include the Clark Fork Coalition, Trout Unlimited, local irrigation districts, Ravalli County, along with numerous federal and state agencies including Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) and the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
For more information, contact the Darby-Sula Ranger District at 406-821-3913 or visit www.fs.usda.gov/bitterroot.
Annual Bitterroot River Clean Up set
The Bitterroot Water Partnership invites volunteers to clean up the Bitterroot River on Saturday, August 8, for its annual Bitterroot River Clean Up. Volunteers can sign up online for a walking site or floating stretch along the Bitterroot from Sula and Painted Rocks to Missoula and clean up on their own timeline before gathering at an after party for all volunteers.
Volunteers and other Clean River-enthusiasts are invited to celebrate Clean Up impacts from 4:30-7 p.m. on the patio at Fin’s Taphouse at 352 Woodside Cutoff Rd. in Corvallis. There will be live music from Shawn Berry. Volunteers receive their first celebratory beverage free and are entered for multiple raffle prizes.
“People love volunteering for the Bitterroot River Clean Up, yes, for the immediate reward of leaving the River cleaner for people and wildlife,” said Alex Ocañas, Manager of Community Conservation for the Water Partnership, “and also for the pride of being a part of something bigger – a community that cares about and stands up for the Bitterroot River, day in and day out.”
Volunteers can clean up on their own schedule.
A trash drop off location will be available to volunteers all day on the 8th at River Park in Hamilton. Large trash collected from the river (i.e., fridges, recliners, bathtubs, full truck loads, etc.) must be dropped off at the park. Trash that is not cleaned from the river will not be permitted in the dumpster. Smaller loads of Clean Up trash can be dumped there, too, so its weight can be included in the grand total of litter cleaned. Dumpsters and collection service have been donated by Bitterroot Disposal.
“In the face of the Sheep Creek Mine proposal, we’ve spent even more time than normal appreciating all that a clean Bitterroot River makes possible for our valley,” said Ocañas. “If you love a clean river, you wouldn’t agree to a mine in its he -
adwaters. That’s why we’re also co-hosting the River Clean Up After Party with the Don’t Pollute the Root Initiative. All are invited to come learn more about the proposed mine and how to be involved in other community-led actions to keep the Bitterroot River clean.”
In 2025, 125 volunteers cleaned around 750 pounds of trash from the River during Clean Up. Each year, one volunteer will be recognized with a prize for the “Best Trash” found during the event. Past winners found a bathtub, a wagon wheel and a safe.
Interested persons can sign up to volunteer on the Bitterroot Water Partnership’s webpage at bitterrootwater.org/cleanup, by calling the office at 406375-2272 or by stopping in at the Bitterroot Water Partnership office at 162 S 2nd St. in Hamilton. All participants are encouraged to visit the Clean Up webpage to read event guidelines.
The Bitterroot Water Partnership would like to thank the following event partners for sponsoring the River Clean Up: Bitterroot Conservation District, Bitterroot Disposal, Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association and Walmart SparkGood.
Schedule of events
Saturday, August 8
Bitterroot River Clean-Up: All Day (Volunteers choose when to clean-up)
Trash Drop-Off: 8 AM – 8 PM
• Clean Up Celebration: 4: 30 - 7 PM at Fin’s Taphouse in Corvallis, MT
Washout and damage to Lost Horse Road at Ten-mile Creek during high spring fows in 2024. Photo by Bitterroot National Forest.
Youth volunteers collected bags of trash from the river in 2025. Photo courtesy of Bitterroot Water Partnership.
Friday, August 7th
3 pm - 10 pm
Main Street Kids Pa rade ● 6 pm Street Party wit h Tight lin e ● 7 pm -10 pm
Lewis & Cl ark Park
Cow Sh*t Kate ● 7pm -10pm
Saturday, August 8th 9 am - 10 pm
Main Street Gran d Para de ● 11 am (line u p start s at 9 am at Stevi Hig h)
Lewis & Cl ark Park
406 ● 7pm 10pm
Bitterroot Moment
Share your “Bitterroot Moment”
Every valley has its stories. Some are found in history books. Others are tucked away in family photo albums, remembered around kitchen tables or shared over cofee with neighbors.
We’re creating a place to celebrate all the little things that make life in the Bitterroot diferent from anywhere else. Tell us about a favorite childhood experience, little-known Bitterroot history, a business you miss, a lesson you learned, a family tradition or a favorite fshing hole (if you’re willing to share).
We welcome stories, memories, photographs, poems, artwork, observations, local legends, advice, humorous moments and refections. Whether you’ve lived here for
generations or just arrived, we’d love to hear your perspective. From time to time we’ll also pose a question to the community on the Bitterroot Star’s Facebook page and publish your responses. No story is too small. Often it’s the little moments that best capture what it means to call the Bitterroot Valley home. Send your submissions to sarah@mullennewspapers. com or drop them of at our ofce. Please include your name, town of residence and make sure any photos you share with us are your own. We may edit for length or clarity while preserving your voice.
– Bitterroot Star Staf
“A new fag pole is raised at Stevensville High School...”
Nels and Leona Anderson of Stevensville attended their grandson’s (Isacc Anderson) frst baseball game of the season and found it apparent that there was a need for a fag and fag pole. So, their son, Kevin (Isacc’s dad), went home and took down his fag and fagpole and attached them to poles out by the scoreboard
Nels and Leona added that “standing at games and showing respect for our fag and love for our country
concession stand for games, which made everyone in fag. This created some difculty for elderly fans, and
the scoreboard where everyone could better see it to
(American Legion Post 94 Auxiliary) at a gathering at the Senior Center. Nancy reached out to Dave Hansen of American Legion Post 94. The Legion worked with
friends. Isaac raised the fag for the frst time and later folded it after it was lowered.
Three Mile Community Center open
by Victoria Howell
Historic trap club faces closure
by Kristin Kruse
Bitter Root Humane Association celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary
Bitterroot Health held a groundbreaking last Wednesday for its new medical complex that will be built just north of Stevensville at the corner of Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93.
by Michael Howell
An open house celebration was held last week at the Bitter Root Humane Association’s (BRHA) new animal shelter located on Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton. The event served a double purpose. It included a ribbon cutting ceremony in honor of the new facility, including tours of the whole building, and an array of food and drink in honor of the organization’s 50th birthday.
John Bishop, Bitterroot Health CEO, said that Marcus Daly Hospital had
and a gorgeous view of the Bitterroot Mountains to the west. The building is now home to the senior center and the Weekend Backpack Program that serves
Rock School. The surrounding park contains soccer and baseball fields, tennis and volleyball courts, a walking path, a playground and a covered picnic
The Hamilton Trap Club has been a fixture in the Bitterroot Valley since 1947. A place for trap enthusiasts and hunting sport shooters to gather, socialize, compete and hone their skills, the club also functions as a 501c3 non-profit supporting the community by providing youth programs such as The Bitterroot Blasters. According to club members, hundreds of kids have participated in that program over the years. Along with their own programs, the club supports charities and has raised over $165,000 for the Shriners and The Montana Hope Project. The club is utilized by local schools, Teller Wildlife Refuge, Boy Scouts and Triple Creek Ranch, among others. The current executive director, Tom Allsop, has been
shelter. to Colleen Schmiedeke, who serves on both the park board and the community center board, they started working on this in 2012 and incorporated in 2014. She said the total cost is approximately $500,000. When Schmiedeke “got really involved,” the group had raised about
The private non-profit organization was first organized in 1972. In 1984, Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the granddaughter of Marcus Daly, gave the BRHA land on Fairgrounds Road with a 99-year lease. Six years later, in 1990, the Bessenyey estate deeded the land to the organization where the current shelter is located. The new building replaces an old building on the
shelter since 1984.
by Nathan Boddy
by John Dowd
by Victoria Howell
Every year, the Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association works to afect conservation in the Bitterroot through various projects and programs.
When it comes to Covid, Greg Overstreet has a message for you: don’t fool around!
Overstreet, an attorney in private practice in Stevensville, was diagnosed with colon cancer in February of 2021. He went through chemotherapy and in late August he was told that the cancer had been eradicated.
by Victoria Howell
Bitterroot National Forest (BNF) will host a public meeting this Wednesday, March 30th from 6 to 8 p.m. to share information regarding the development of a draft forest Climbing Management Plan (CMP). The virtual meeting will be held on Zoom. See below for instructions and a link to join the meeting. Five similar public meetings (virtual) were held in 2021. In addition to the opportunity to learn about and participate in the process of developing a climbing plan, this week’s meeting will cover the following agenda topics:
One such program is their scholarship program, which awards three winners who can display an interest in pursuing fields related to conservation, wild land ethics or natural sciences.
Overstreet had surgery on October 23, 2021 for ostomy removal, the final treatment in the colon cancer journey. The day after that surgery, he was diagnosed with COVID-19.
For the year of 2023, one of the winners to receive a check was Savannah Deuter, who graduated high school in May of 2023. She has so far completed a semester of college and submitted her transcript providing proof of compLeting associated courses. These are two of several criteria applicants must meet to be eligible for a scholarship. Another of these requirements is that each applicant submit a 500-word essay discussing the role hunting plays Fred
cumstances, having encountered people falling victim to mail fraud in the past. As a certified shipping depot for FedEx, the Boxxe Shoppe
RCFW aids future conservationists
At the second regular meeting of the two-member Stevensville Town Council, on January 27, town clerk Jenelle Berthoud told the council and audience that she was having trouble streaming the meetings on the internet. She said the former YouTube channel they had was no longer working but they had set up a new Facebook page. However, members of the public who had tried to access the Facebook page said it was not accessible. Berthoud asked for patience as she worked through the issues.
• Review overall objectives and desired outcomes of the public conversations • Provide an update
“I was obviously very weakened,” said Overstreet. “It hit
Jim Crews, former mayor
PLAN, page 2
John Dowd
Christine Staub, a driving force at the Boxxe Shoppe at 901 S. 1st Street, was recently presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by Mayor Dominic Farrenkopf and Hamilton Police Chief Stephen Snavely. In his presentation to the City Council on March 15th, Chief Snavely said that he wants the Hamilton Police Department to “become more vocal about the good things that happen within the community.” Sharing his department’s experience with Ms. Staub was one such opportunity. In early March, a customer came to the Boxxe Shoppe intending to send a package via FedEx. The customer seemed confused and unfamiliar with the process, and Staub became suspicious when considering the customer’s age and the particular details of the transaction. Unfortunately, it was not Staub’s first time having encountered such cir-
and former council member, appears to be continuing his eforts to teach the new council and mayor how local government should run. He was a frequent commenter at council meetings during the last administration. In public comment, Crews told the council that those making public comment should address the mayor, not the audience. He also said, “Tis is not a question and answer” session. “It’s public comment.” Te mayor had said previously that he would be answering questions from the public. Crews also said that they should be prepared for some “interesting comments” from the
“I
being fraudulently demanded from senior citizen members of the community. Staub is
common sense to me,” she says, pointing out that red fags abound when seniors are being scammed. “If a person is 80 years old, and all of a sudden they’re coming into the bank to withdraw $15,000,
Dave Hansen, Stevensville
Stevensville High School. Photo courtesy Dave Hansen.
Volume XXXVII, Number 28
Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!”
the
Sue McCormack, who serves on the organization’s board of directors
Savannah Deuter and Mark Oswald hold the check given to Deuter by the Ravalli County Fish and
Photo courtesy Fred Upchurch.
Obituaries
Lydia Bea Gomes
Stevensville - The family of Lydia Bea Gomes, 72, announce her passing on June 23, 2026 at home surrounded by family after a 7 month battle with ovarian cancer. Lydia was born in Southern California to Bernard and Lydia Weisz who have preceded her in death. She was active playing several sports in school and loved to ski at Mammoth Mountain. She went to college and graduated with a BA in Anthropology. She continued with her passion for archaeology and geology throughout her life. While in college, she met Danny Gomes and they married June 13, 1976. They were married for 17 years before divorcing and had one child Michelle (Gomes) Christopher. Over 30 years ago, both Lydia and her daughter Michelle moved up to Montana and settled in the Bitterroot Valley. Lydia worked at several banks in the Bitterroot Valley. However, she said her favorite job was caring for the farm animals at White Feather Ranch in Stevensville. A parttime job that she did up to her diagnosis. Lydia loved animals and adopted/rescued many in her
Eugene Hinrich
Eugene (Gene) Hinrich passed away on July 4th, 2026, peacefully in his sleep at the age of 81 after receiving a lung cancer diagnosis a year prior.
Gene was born in Havre, MT. At the age of 5 he was removed from his home and placed in the orphanage in Twin Bridges, MT where he was raised until he enlisted in the military at the age of 17. He was initially in the Navy and then in the Marines where he was in a special operations unit until his discharge in 1968.
In 1973 he married Bessie Ann Ziegler in Corvallis, MT and began their family which would include two sons, William (Geneo) Hinrichs and Jeremy Hinrichs. In 1985 the logging and mill industry was slowing down which led them to move their family to Arizona. Gene went to work as a Foreman at Diversifed Metal where he worked for 26 years proudly designing and fabricating glass block and gas freplace casings, duct work and other special projects.
Gene and Bessie were married until Bessie passed away from injuries sustained in a car wreck in 1996. Later that year a friend of Gene’s introduced a pen pal to him, Shirley Rall, of Hamilton, MT. They fell in love starting with a pen pal relationship and married in September of 1997. At that time Shirley moved from Hamilton to begin their life together in Mesa, Arizona. Upon Gene’s retirement they moved back to their roots in Hamilton, Montana. This is when Gene was able to embrace his love of gardening, mushroom picking, fshing, and hunting with the grandkids and friends. When Gene wasn’t enjoying the mountains he could be found taking a stroll with their fur-baby, Harley, and later the neighborhood dogs to the Hamilton Dog Park. He established friendships with two-and-four-legged friends that fulflled his heart up until the day of his passing.
On June 30th, 2026, Gene’s wife, Shirley passed away unexpectedly
lifetime. She frequently volunteered at spay and neuter clinics with her oldest granddaughter Adleigh. She remained active outdoors tending her garden, hiking, camping, and picking berries. Her indoor pursuits included pottery, basket weaving, and volunteering at her church.
Lydia is survived by her daughter Michelle (Gomes) Christopher, son-in-law Nico Christopher, and her beloved granddaughters Adleigh and Junie Christopher. Along with her sisters Penny Ford, Bernadine Toth, Debbie Weisz, and brother Bernie Weisz.
Memorial donations can be given in her name to Bitterroot Humane Society in Hamilton or ARC Rising in Arlee. The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the Community Cancer Care and Prevention Center at Community Medical Center for their excellent care and support.
A celebration of Lydia’s life will be held on August 9,
at Bitterroot Health and within a few days Gene passed away, it is believed to be of a broken heart.
Gene left behind his sons William (Geneo) and wife Wendy, Jeremy, and stepchildren Richard (Glenda) Kearney, Sonja (Aaron) Kearney-Clark, and Somer (Shane) Hadley along with grandchildren Jake (Nicole) King, Joe King, Clifton (Baylee) Kearney, Sam (Mattaya) Kearney, Sierra (Michael) O’Leary, Ariel and great grandchildren.
There is a legacy that will include everlasting memories of Gene. There will not be a service per his request and the family will spread Gene and Shirley’s ashes at a later date. A memorial bench will be put in the Hamilton Dog Park and the Marcus Daly Mansion fower garden in their honor.
The family would like to thank every friend and walk of life that came into Gene’s life and showed him love and friendship.
sittfuneralhome.com.
Shirley LaVonne Hinrich
Shirley LaVonne (Rall) Hinrich passed away unexpectedly with family by her side on June 30th, 2026, at Bitterroot Health. She recently found out about her husband’s cancer diagnosis, of whom passed away on July 4th, 2026, four days after her passing. It is simply stated that they both passed away from broken hearts, but healing knowing they both lived long fulflling lives.
Shirley grew up the youngest of 15 children. Stories were plentiful growing up in this large family. One recent story came up where her brothers all shared a room and her sisters all shared another room. The boys were known for their poker games, with one of them inevitably not being happy about losing and would fip the table. Shirley took this as a great opportunity as being the smallest to pick up any money that hit the foor and being the youngest, to get away with it.
James Phillip Farley
Hamilton - James Phillip Farley passed away peacefully at his home in Hamilton, Montana, on July 15 at the age of 79. He was born on March 18, 1947, in Meridian, Texas, to John Phillip and Eleanor Brasher.
Jim spent his earliest years on a Texas goat ranch while his father served in the Navy. Little Jim earned the nickname “Pockets” for all the treasures he found and carried around.
Jim was the oldest of three, having a sister, Stephanie, and brother, John A. The family moved around following the oil feld work, fnally settling in Corpus Christi, TX. His Dad became a salesman for Baker Oil Tools and his mother went to nursing school. Jim helped support his family through early jobs, including fipping burgers and helping care for his younger siblings.
Jim excelled in school, while seemingly always more interested in the world out the windows. He graduated from Tuloso-Midway High School, continuing on to Southwest Texas University and earning a degree in Industrial Arts. After college, Jim trained to become a “mud engineer” in the oil feld. His career took him to Alaska’s North Slope for over a decade. Forever curious and up for new challenges, in his free time, he guided Kodiak grizzly bear hunts, started the Snowshoe Gun Club, and founded his own gunsmithing business.
Jim met his wife, Starr, through a mutual friend in 1978, and they married eight months later on January 5, 1979. Eager to start a family, their frst son, JB, was born in October that same year. They welcomed a son, Douglas, in
Once everyone were adults it was always a treasure to see the sisters gather at one another’s house to fnish quilts that were worked on over the winters as all kids were given a quilt to cherish. A tradition started by her mother, Maggie. They would can peaches and pears that her sister would bring from California and enjoy them for years to
1982 and daughter, Jenica, in 1984.
In 1985, the family moved to Emmett, Idaho after purchasing an apple orchard. Jim had a fondness for his early youth experience and wanted the same for his own kids. They added three more children in Idaho: Reagan in 1985, Kristen in 1987, and Britt in 1989. Jim was active in church and, with his love for the outdoors, became a Wood Badge leader for the Boy Scouts. His desire for learning and adventure led him to other occupations and several family moves before settling in Hamilton, Montana in 1998 and fnally ‘retiring’ in 2006. Jim found successes in business but also had a famous knack for “buying high and selling low”. Jim loved sports, having played football in high school, and watching his kids and grandkids grow up and play for the Hamilton Broncs was one of his favorite activities.
His insatiable desire to learn and create led Jim to start several companies while in ‘retirement’, ranging from log peeling and wildland frefghting to decorative concrete and a survival prep store. Jim served his community by holding monthly free self-reliance classes for over 13 years.
Jim was known for always following his own path, his endless optimism, and his willingness to serve others, even at his own expense. He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings. He is survived by his wife, Starr Farley, six children, and thirteen grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held at Daly Leach Chapel in Hamilton on Friday, July 31st, at 11:00 AM. Live streaming will be available and condolences may be left at dalyleachchapel.com.
come, flling many pantries with love in a jar. The summers would typically end with a BBQ at her brother Rogers or her sister Kathy’s house accompanied by string instruments, spoons and beautiful voices going long into the night.
On January 10th, 1969, Shirley married James Kearney in Stevensville, MT and later divorced in July of 1992. Their marriage produced 4 children Richard, Sonja, Keri, and Somer. In 1996 she began a pen pal relationship that turned into love and a marriage to Eugene Hinrichs in 1997. She then moved to Mesa, Arizona where she began a new chapter in her life as Mrs. Hinrichs, which was the beginning of their 29 year marriage. Upon Gene’s retirement they moved back to Montana to enjoy the mountain air and family. She continued gardening, canning, sewing, and more recently online books/story reading until her passing.
She is survived by her children Rich (Glenda) Kearney, Sonja (Aaron) Kearney-Clark, Somer (Shane) Hadley, step sons William aka Geneo (Wendy), and Jeremy, grandchildren Jake (Nicole) King, Joe King, Clifton (Baylee) Kearney, Sam (Mattaya) Kearney, and Sierra (Michael) O’Leary and her two surviving sisters Rosie and Lori. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Keri Lynn Kearney, and siblings Lou Ella, LaVerne Ruth, Lydia, Kathy, Stella, Caroline, Lorraine, Robert, Leo, Roger, Vern, and Darvin. It is healing for all to know that she is rocking Keri, and standing by Gene, with a healed heart, under the grace of our Heavenly Father.
Shirley requested for there not to be a service and the family will spread Shirley and Gene’s ashes together at a later date. A memorial bench will be placed in the Hamilton Dog Park as Gene enjoyed the park and the friends that were made there and the fower garden at the Marcus Daly Mansion in memory of Shirley’s love for fower gardening. Shirley’s children would like to thank the family and friends that showed a never ending love for Shirley.
2026 at 3:00 P.M. at Missoula One Church. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.white-
Sports
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Red Sox win districts, advance to state
The Bitterroot Red Sox won the 2026 Class A West District Tournament held in Hamilton from Thursday, July 23, through Sunday, July 26. The Red Sox defeated the Mission Valley Mariners 9-6 in the championship game on Sunday to claim the title.
The Red Sox defeated the Libby Loggers 5-2 in their opening game on Friday, July 24, and then defeated the Cranbrook Bandits 10-0 on Saturday to earn their spot in the championship game.
With the win, the Red Sox qualified for the 2026 Class A State Tournament held in Dillon from July 29 through August 2. The Red Sox play the host team, Dillon, in their opening game on Wednesday, July 29. The Red Sox are in the Class A Division of the Montana/Alberta American Legion Baseball league.
Game Recaps
Red Sox 9, Mission Valley Mariners 6
The Red Sox defeated the Mission Valley Mariners 9-6 in the championship game on Sunday, July 26.
The Red Sox jumped out to a 3-0 first inning lead before the Mariners tied the game at 3-3 in the top of the 4th. The Red Sox rallied over the next three innings, scoring six more runs to earn the championship title. At the plate for the Red Sox, Trevyn Bakken went 1 for 3 with two RBIs. Bridger Huddleston went 2 for 3, scored two runs and had an RBI, and Joe Hixon went 1 for 3, scored two runs and had an RBI.
CLIMBING:
from page 1
Red Sox 10, Cranbrook Bandits 0
The Red Sox defeated the Cranbrook Bandits 10-0 in five innings in their semifinal game on Saturday, July 25. Red Sox pitcher Cash Lawrence got the win, striking out eight batters and allowing only one hit. At the plate for the Red Sox, Boedy Tadvick went 1 for 3 with a home run and four RBIs. Jude Widmer went 1 for 4 with three RBIs, and Brady DeMoss went 1 for 2, scored two runs and had two RBIs.
Red Sox 5, Libby Loggers 2
In their opening game on Friday, July 24, the Red Sox defeated the Libby Loggers 5-2. The Red Sox trailed 1-2 heading into the bottom of the 5th, but scored three runs in that inning to take the lead and get the victory. At the plate for the Red Sox, Jude Widmer went 2 for 2, scored a run and had an RBI. Jackson Lubke went 1 for 3, scored two runs and had an RBI, and Chase Wagner went 1 for 3, scored a run and had an RBI.
new gym aims to make climbing more accessible
also been consulting professional climbers and other gym owners to create something he believes will be very special.
“The space is tight,” Higginson said.
“It’s going to be a ‘design as you go’ kind of thing.”
“I’m going to involve the community,” he said, as community members have already expressed interest in helping with the project.
For comparison, Higginson said the climbing area will be roughly two to three times the size of the cave section at the University of Montana climbing gym.
The business will launch with what Higginson called “experimental prices” to gauge viability, ofering $10 day passes and $40 monthly memberships. While those rates could increase in the future, he said they will remain lower than many larger climbing gyms because Quantum Climbing is a smaller, primarily bouldering facility.
Beyond indoor climbing, Higginson plans to rent climbing gear, ofer outdoor climbing guide services and help introduce customers to outdoor climbing opportunities throughout the Bitterroot Valley. “I want people
to transition into outdoor climbing,” said Higginson.
One of the area’s premier destinations is Blodgett Canyon, west of Hamilton, which Higginson described as one of his favorite climbing areas and a world-class destination. He also hopes the gym can help improve access to climbing throughout the valley.
Higginson said he also plans to partner with local schools on educational programs that connect climbing with science.
“I love the sciences,” he said, pointing to concepts such as the relationship between mass and energy and the balance between tension and rest. “This is how climbing works. There are a lot of beautiful symmetries there.”
The gym’s name refects another of Higginson’s interests. A self-described hobby physicist, Higginson said Quantum Climbing draws inspiration from quantum physics, and climbing routes throughout the gym will include references to scientifc concepts.
Looking ahead, Higginson hopes to expand the facility by adding a much taller outdoor rope-climbing wall in the shopping center’s courtyard.
Until then, his focus remains on opening the gym this fall. Before opening day arrives, however,
has
The Bitterroot Red Sox defeated the Mission Valley Mariners 9-6 on Sunday, July 26, to win the 2026 Class A West District title in the Montana/Alberta American Legion Baseball league. Photos by Hope Earp.
Higginson
one more personal goal: climbing El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. Quantum Climbing will initially promote the business through Facebook and Instagram, with a website expected to launch before the gym opens.
Digital rendering of the proposed climbing space. Photo courtesy James Higginson. Continued
Above, the full logo proposed for the climbing gym.
Below, a climbing cave similar to the proposed Quantum Climbing space. Photos courtesy James Higginson.
DEQ: USCM request to avoid DEQ license denied
Dan Pliley as reasons DEQ should determine the MMRA is not applicable to USCM’s Sheep Creek exploration project.
DEQ disagrees with your assessment. The MMRA is applicable to USCM’s Sheep Creek exploration project for the following reasons:
• disturbance of land during exploration;
• nonexempt operations on federal lands; and,
• no exemption for national security priority to mine rare earth minerals.
Disturbance of Land During Exploration
The MMRA applies to all exploration and mining activities with regards to minerals as defined in Section 82-4303(16), MCA, unless specifically exempted. USCM’s reference to Section 824- 303(12)(a) as support that a 0.3-acre disturbance is not “material disturbance of the surface” is incorrect and ignores the plain reading of the statutory text.
Section 82-4-303(12)(a) states “all activities that are conducted at or beneath the surface of lands and that result in material disturbance of the surface for determining the presence, location, extent, depth, grade, and economic viability of mineralization in those lands, if any, other than mining for production and economic exploitation; and...” DEQ has interpreted the portion of the definition of exploration, as defined in 82-4-303(12) (a) to mean any human-made alteration of the land surface for determining the presence, location, extent, depth, grade, and economic viability of mineralization in those lands, if any, other than mining for production and economic exploitation. DEQ’s interpretation is further supported by the initial phrase contained in the definition whereby “all activities that are conducted” are regulated as an exploration activity. DEQ does not agree with USCM’s assertion that the amount of disturbance is a factor for determining whether an exploration activity is regulated if any surface disturbance is
proposed.
Nonexempt Operations on Federal Lands USCM points to Section 82-4-309, MCA, as authority for DEQ to exempt mining on certain federal lands. DEQ has carefully considered the exemption proposed in Section 82-4-309, MCA. In addition, DEQ staff have reviewed the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) 17.24.101(9) which details the specific activities that are exempted. ARM 17.24.101(9) states: “Common use pits and quarries on federal land which are available to the general public for the exclusive or nonexclusive procurement of rock or stone and which are administered by the responsible federal agency under appropriate regulations are not subject to these rules, pursuant to 82-4309, MCA. DEQ has not determined any other type of operations conducted on federal lands are exempt from regulation under the MMRA.
Bitterroot Valley Military Program
send youth to Devil Pups Program
by Sean Smothers, American Legion Post 91
Since 1954, just 55,000 people nationwide have graduated from the Devil Pups Youth Program for America, a rigorous ten-day encampment that blends physical training with academic instruction and civic development. The program emphasizes mental and moral growth as part of a “whole person” approach, with foundations in intellectual, spiritual, social and physical development.
Traditionally drawing applicants from Southern California and nearby states, Devil Pups expanded its reach in 2024 when American Legion Post 91’s Bitterroot Valley Military Program (BVMP) began sending Montana cadets to Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. To date, only ten teenagers from Montana have completed the grueling encampment, where youth are led not by traditional camp counselors but by active-duty Marines.
Daily activities combine outdoor physical challenges— running, diving, hiking, a fve-mile beach run, a climb up “Old Smokey” (one of the base’s highest peaks) and a 35foot tower jump into a pool—with classroom sessions and demonstrations of Marine Corps operations. All activities are supervised by the Encampment Commander and the executive staf of Devil Pups, Inc. “Role Model” classroom segments are presented by board members, veterans and
Devil Pups alumni.
Milestones for Montana participants include two Hamilton residents, Ethan Lee and Reagan White, who were the frst Montana graduates in 2024. In 2025, Alayna Haubrich (the frst female graduate from Montana), Jacob Jans, Noah Pruitt and Calen and Joshua Simpson completed the program. This year saw graduates Caleb and Levi Pruitt (Noah’s younger brothers) and Clayton Peirce.
This program is not a recruiting tool or a boot camp for troubled teens. Most graduates do not go on to military service, only about 10% do. Participants are tested in a controlled but challenging environment with no electronic devices. Cadets face physical trials, fear-of-heights challenges and endurance tests, and they leave graduation with greater self-confdence, a renewed appreciation for home and clear proof they can overcome difcult challenges.
This year BVMP also facilitated participation by the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Ofcers’ Training Corps from Kellogg, Idaho, which traveled with BVMP to San Diego to take on the Devil Pups challenge.
The Devil Pups encampment takes place annually each July, with the selection process for Montana and Idaho applicants beginning in January. Those interested in attending next year’s session should contact Mr. Smothers or Mr. Thurman at admin@bvmp.us.
No Exemption for National Security Priority to Mine Rare Earth Minerals DEQ recognizes the critical need for rare earth minerals. However, DEQ does not have authority to exempt the proposed exploration project from the requirements of the MMRA. Rather, submittal of an application for an exploration license, reviewed in complete compliance with both the MMRA and Montana Environmental Policy Act, is the required process for regulatory consideration of the proposed Sheet Creek project activities. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Sonja Nowakowski
Director Montana Department of Environmental Quality
MONTANA TWEN -
TY-FIRST JUDICIAL DIS -
TRICT 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
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 abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to 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 filed 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 GIV-
EN that the undersigned have been appointed Co-Personal Representatives of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said deceased are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to Ross A. Dutton and Daniel D. Dutton, the co-Personal Representatives, return receipt requested, at 485 Sawtooth Lane, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed 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
/s/DANIEL D. DUTTON
Co-Personal Representative
115 Essex Avenue Hamilton, MT 59840
BS 7-22, 7-29, 8-5-2026.
MNAXLP
TO WHOM IT MAY
CONCERN, if you have any property remaining at 181 Woodside Cutoff Rd. in Corvallis, MT, formerly Storage of Corvallis, you have until August 1, 2026 to collect it or it will be hauled off 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
MONTANA TWEN -
TY-FIRST JUDICIAL DIS -
TRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT M.
MACLEAN,
Deceased. Probate No.: DP-2026-85
Dept. No.: 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that John Solheim has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to John Solheim, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Montana Legacy Law, PLLC, 178 South 2nd St., Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. BS 7-29, 8-5, 8-12-2026.
MNAXLP
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, PRELIMINARY BUDGET, WAGES & SALARIES FOR THE FY26-27 AND BUDGET AMENDMENTS FOR FY25-26. WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 2026 @ 6:30PM NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN
That the Town Council of the Town of Stevensville will hold a public hearing on AUGUST 12, 2026, at 6:30 pm at the Town Hall, 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, Montana 59870 for the purpose of obtaining public comments regarding the preliminary Budget and the Wages & Salaries for FY26-27 and Budget Amendments for FY25/26.
All interested persons will be given the opportunity to express their opinions regarding the preliminary budget, wages & salaries and budget amendments. Comments may be given orally at the public hearing or submitted in writing via email to townclerk@ townofstevesnville.gov or mail to: Town of Stevensville,
INDEX 13, CS
Attention Town Clerk, PO Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870 before 5:00 pm on August 12, 2026. Questions, comments or more information may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at 406-777-5271.
Attest: Jenelle Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 7-29, 8-5-2026.
MNAXLP
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF Jana Miller: Jana Miller, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-2026-297 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 Jana Lynelle Miller to Jana Lynell Miller-Page. The hearing will be on September 2, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the Courthouse in Ravalli County.
Dated July 22, 2026. Paige Trautwein, Clerk of District Court
Legal Notice The Ravalli County Board of Health (BOH) will conduct a Public Meeting to receive public comment on a variance requested by Brian C. Bergerson for the Property at 1499 Meridian Road, Victor, Parcel #894600. The applicant is requesting a variance from the requirement of a minimum of 48 inches of natural soil from ground level to seasonal high groundwater level and allow for a new Wastewater Treatment System. Property description: IN NENE
DEQ disputes
U.S. Critical Minerals
U.S. Critical Materials (USCM) has asserted in a letter received last week by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) that its proposed operation of the Sheep Creek Mine—located at the headwaters of the Bitterroot River—should be exempt from compliance with the Montana Metal Mine Reclamation Act (and by extension to the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA)).
DEQ in no uncertain terms has disputed the mining company’s claim.
Developing a domestic source of critical minerals is vital for national security. But it does not follow that the Sheep Creek Mine should go forward without careful scrutiny of the catastrophic environmental efects the mine could have on the river and the communities that depend upon it. Other sources of critical minerals exist elsewhere in Montana and across the nation. Prudent policy would seek to select sites with the lowest potential for adverse impacts. Bipartisan opposition to the Sheep Creek Mine is not an example of the “NIMBY” syndrome. Here in Montana, we have seen the cost of irresponsible mining activities. We needn’t repeat the past.
USCM’s letter to DEQ demonstrates— whether intentionally or not—contempt for the state of Montana and the people who live here. It also is tone deaf regarding the value Montanans place on the quality of life we enjoy. It is time for this project to come to an end.
Rep. David Bedey, House District 86 Hamilton
Why the law matters
One might ask what motivates an individual to fle a lawsuit regarding the Republican Party. For me, it’s simple. When there is a disagreement over the interpretation of a law, our system of governance resolves it in the courts of law.
I simply interpret the law as written . While I am no saint, even my hypocrisy has limits. But there are those among us who feel their character is so virtuous and their cause so righteous that the end justifes the means. They are so certain of their own correctness that if a law is broken or distorted, then obviously it must be a bad law.
For years, this country has been torn apart over questions of election integrity. None have been more vocal about it than the extremists in our own ranks. Election law is clear in order to efect the will of the voters in current elections,(13-38-205 MCA) Organization and operation of committee.
(1) THE COMMITTEE SHALL MEET PRIOR TO THE STATE CONVENTION OF ITS POLITICAL PARTY AND ORGANIZE BY ELECTING A CHAIRMAN AND ONE OR MORE VICE CHAIRMEN.
Precinct committee positions are decided in primary elections by the voters of their respective parties. These men and women directly represent the voters ,in instances of vacancies at the county or state level, they are tasked with nominations to commissioners or the governor from members of their respective party.
This is the mechanism by which the state grants political parties the privilege of nominating candidates for public ofce. By law, this process must be open to the public.
Yet the MTGOP continues to conduct state conventions in violation of Montana law, interestingly, enough by those screaming about election integrity ..
Their justifcation, we are a private organization, we should make whatever rules best serve the moment . But what private organization is truly exempt from the law? Churches, corporations, and individuals are all bound by it. Why should political parties be any diferent?
When leadership believes it is so virtu-
Opinion
ous and its cause so righteous that the law becomes optional ..If we decide that statutes may be ignored whenever they become inconvenient, then power has no limits.
This is the oldest temptation in politics. Fortunately, our Founders understood it well. That is why they built a government not based on trust in the self-proclaimed virtuous, but on clear limits placed on the power of leaders.
The Constitution assumes that all of us , even the most righteous among us , must be governed by law.
If we ask the public to trust us with the institutions of government, we must frst demonstrate that we are willing to govern ourselves according to the same rules we expect everyone else to follow.
Tony Hudson Stevensville
Now is the time
An old saying, taught to generations of schoolchildren, still carries a powerful message today:
“Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.”
Most people remember it as the sentence used to teach typing. Yet its deeper meaning is far more important than improving keyboard skills. It reminds us that every generation is called upon to contribute something to America.
Coming to the aid of our country does not always mean wearing a military uniform or answering the call to battle. More often, it means being informed, involved, and willing to serve our communities. It means voting after carefully studying the issues, respecting those with whom we disagree, volunteering, serving on juries, helping our neighbors, supporting our schools, and teaching our children the principles upon which our Republic was founded.
Our nation faces many challenges, and it is easy to become discouraged by the divisions we see each day. Yet history reminds us that America has overcome difcult times before—not because of a few extraordinary people, but because millions of ordinary citizens chose to do their part.
Perhaps the greatest need today is not for louder voices, but for better-informed citizens. A constitutional republic depends upon people who understand how their government works, why it was designed as it was, and what responsibilities accompany the freedoms we enjoy.
Across our communities, many concerned citizens are asking a simple question: How can we help strengthen our nation?
One answer is by encouraging civic understanding—not telling people what to think, but helping one another better understand our Constitution, our history, our institutions, and the responsibilities of citizenship. An informed citizenry is one of America’s greatest strengths.
So perhaps it is time to give new life to that old saying.
Now is the time for all good men and women to come to the aid of their country.
Not with anger.
Not with insults.
Not with hatred.
But with knowledge.
With respect.
With service.
And with an unwavering commitment to preserving the blessings of liberty for those who will follow us.
If each of us answers that call in our own way, our communities will grow stronger, our nation will beneft, and we will honor the sacrifces of those who came before us.
Bob Spitzer Stevensville
Bitterroot Front: a commercial logging project
Bitterroot National Forest (BNF) Su-
Glass General Manager editor@bitterrootstar.com
pervisor Matt Anderson said in a 7-7-2026
Missoulian op-ed that the Bitterroot Front project is not about timber production, but with 43 square miles of commercial logging, that’s exactly what it’s about. In an invitation-only meeting with timber contractors, BNF said: “non-commercial will be lower priority than commercial work….dependent on funding.” Scientists agree that non-commercial work is the most important part of fuel reduction, not commercial logging of mature, fre-resistant trees.
Anderson said there will be no clearcuts, but the project allows “openings” without acreage limits. The 2016-18 BNF Westside project near Hamilton also created “openings”—the largest is 70 acres where only 5 trees per acre were left. It will be even worse on the Bitterroot Front project because BNF will not mark the trees; the loggers will decide which ones to take.
Anderson states there will be a net reduction of roads, but most of that reduction comes from roads that are already overgrown and impassible and were closed years ago. If actual work is needed to close and reclaim some, that work depends on “availability of resources.” Those resources were scarce on previous projects.
Anderson says the project is about protecting communities, but scientists have shown that home hardening and defensible space within the surrounding 120 feet are what works, not logging the wildlands.
Anderson says there were years of analysis, collaboration, and public involvement. But it’s a “condition-based” project with no site-specifc analyses nor details on where or what “treatments” will occur. Condition-based management requires public trust, but have they earned it? USFS brought us unchecked old growth logging, rampant clearcutting, terraced mountainsides, aerial DDT spraying, full suppression of all fres, and thousands of miles of sediment-shedding roads along trout streams.
The project received an Emergency Declaration, enabling them to skip the normal public process. The public heard nothing between the 2023 DEA and the 2026 Decision, but timber contractors got lots of information in the 2025 invitation-only meeting, information still difcult for the public to fnd.
Recreation appears to be low priority: they will log and build roads through the Coyote Coulee trail, Como bike trails, Camas Lake trail, Fred Burr trailhead area, and Ben White horse trail.
One thing not mentioned is the cost to the taxpayer, probably many millions of dollars. BNF already paid a Colorado consultant $259,000 to write the project’s EA. This when BNF cannot aford to clear the trails, maintain the access roads, or provide sufcient law enforcement to protect forest values.
Anderson is probably just following the Executive Order to massively increase timber production. While that may be good for his career, it is terrible for BNF.
Jef Lonn Hamilton
Unite behind Bodnar
I grew up hunting and fshing in the Black Hills of South Dakota, and I’ve called Montana home since I came here for college. I’m an enrolled member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux, and my family carries fve generations of farming and ranching — a legacy built on being responsible stewards of the land.
Today I work as a water quality scientist, doing everything I can to protect the clean water our communities and our way of life depend on.
None of that makes me a straight-ticket voter. I hold conservative views on plenty of fscal questions and lean more progressive on several social issues. But when it comes to choosing who represents Montana in the U.S. Senate, I vote for the candidate who will fght hardest for our landscape, our water, and the people who rely on both. That candidate is Seth Bodnar.
Public lands access, healthy rivers, and working farms and ranches are not partisan issues in Montana — they’re the foundation of who we are. Seth understands that defending them takes more than talking points; it takes a real commitment to the people who hunt, fsh, farm, and depend on clean water here every day.
Montana can’t aford a divided feld that hands this seat away by accident. That’s why as someone who cares about public lands and clean water, I respectfully ask Democrat Alani Bankhead to drop out of the race.
I’m also asking my fellow Montanans, whatever their party, to unite behind Seth Bodnar — the candidate who can win and who will put our land, our water, and our people frst.
Russell Conti Bozeman
Facebook isn’t
journalism
A lie can circle the Bitterroot Valley before the truth has fnished putting on its boots.
That isn’t just an old saying anymore, it’s become our daily reality.
Every day, Facebook flls with sensational claims, half-truths, edited videos, anonymous “inside information,” and outright falsehoods. Within minutes, dozens of people click “Share,” forwarding the post to hundreds more without asking a single question: Is it true?
Too often, the answer is no.
Some have stopped reading news and started consuming opinions disguised as facts. They no longer look for original documents, public records, or reporters who interview multiple sources and verify their information before publishing it. Instead, if a post reinforces what they already believe, they accept it as fact and pass it on. In doing so, ordinary citizens become unwilling participants in spreading misinformation.
The damage goes far beyond politics. False information destroys reputations, fuels unnecessary anger, divides neighbors, undermines trust in government, and leaves voters making decisions based on fction instead of fact. A free society cannot make wise decisions when its citizens are being misled.
There is a better way.
Support journalists who earn your trust instead of demanding it. Read reporters who verify facts, quote sources accurately, correct errors when they occur, and separate reporting from opinion. Montana is fortunate to have journalists who still practice those principles. Among them are Tom Lutey and Jordan Hansen of the Montana Free Press, John Dowd of the Bitterroot Star, and Keila Szpaller of the Daily Montanan.
Whether their reporting confrms your beliefs or challenges them, it is grounded in documented facts, not Facebook rumors. The bonus to these writers and papers? They’re free (for now)!
The next time you see a post that makes your blood boil, resist the urge to hit “Share.” Ask yourself:
Who is the original source?
Is there evidence?
Has a credible news organization reported the same information?
Are public documents available to support the claim?
If the answer is no, stop the rumor with YOU!
Freedom of speech gives every American the right to express an opinion. It does not give opinions the status of facts. The future of the Bitterroot Valley depends not only on how we vote, but on what we choose to believe. The truth still matters, but only if we’re willing to look for it.
Helen Sabin Corvallis
editorial content deadline is Friday at 5 p.m. We strive to include news and information that’s important to the people of the Bitterroot Valley. If you have a story idea, or any other concern, call us at 406-777-3928, email: editor@bitterrootstar.com or stop in at our 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 editor immediately and we will print a correction in the next issue. Our View/Letters Bitterroot Star editorials are written from the position of the newspaper. The personal columns and letters appearing on the Opinion page and elsewhere in the paper represent the opinion of single individuals and do not necessarily refect the position of the newspaper. The Star welcomes public comment and encourages letters to the editor. Letters on local topics or issues are given priority for publication. Letters should be 450 words or less. Shorter letters generally have a better chance of prompt publication. While letters expressing appreciation for a specifc, out-of-the-ordinary action are welcomed, letters with lists of names of contributors, donors or volunteers are not accepted as letters to the editor. Author’s name, address and phone number (for verifcation, not publication) are required. We do not run letters anonymously. We attempt to run all letters, but reserve the right to edit for length, accuracy, clarity, content and libel. We ask that writers email letters to us, and do not turn them in by hand. This increases the chances the letters will get printed. Our staf already has a full workload.
Bitterroot Star staf
MSU-Western Ag Research Center to host Field Day
MSU-Western Ag Research Center (WARC), located in Corvallis, serves fruit and vegetable growers in the state through research and education. It’s been a challenging year for fruit trees and fruit growers this year. Record warm temperatures this winter and relatively normal spring temperatures with three killing frosts led to an opportunity to learn about the thresholds of perennial fruit crops this growing season.
This is just one of the topics on the minds of commercial and residential growers in the southern half of the state as they realize they won’t have apples, pears, cherries and other fruit this year. Even the hardy honeyberries (haskaps) had a reduced yield. These are some of the areas of research in which MSU WARC specializes, along with other crops questions asked by growers and producers across Montana and the region.
On Thursday, July 30, WARC will host its annual Field Day where attendees can hear from the agriculture research scientists and MSU graduate students about the work they’re doing to answer some of these questions. As the only MSU ag research center in the state focused on vegetable and fruit research, WARC provides valuable information to anyone growing food at home or on a small-scale farm, including organic farming practices. Field days are held at all MSU Ag Research Centers in the summer to showcase and share work with the public, farmers, ranchers and stakeholders.
“Field days at the MSU ag research centers are a celebration of applied science we do to help farmers across the state”, said Dr. Zach Miller, superintendent of WARC. “Montana growing conditions are unique and require site-specifc answers to the basic questions of what can be grown proftably and the better ways to manage those crops. The WARC Field Day [ofers] a great overview of the research that our great team of staf and collaborators are doing and why it
matters to farmers in Montana.” WARC’s annual Field Day includes a local farm dinner with produce from Markette Farms, Sweetroot Farm and Ian and Ellen’s Farm, meat from Bar MW Meats, products from House of Ferments and Big Dipper ice cream made with honeyberries and black currants from WARC. USDA-Trapper Creek Job Corp (TCJC) Culinary Arts program with Chef Steve Studer will prepare salads using those local ingredients while teaching TCJC students about cooking and catering. Local wine and hard cider tastings will follow dinner. Prior to dinner, there will be a farm tour with researchers discussing their projects and the relevance to the growing community. Some of topics on this year’s agenda are managing weeds and improving fertility for organic vegetables with precision weeding and cover crops, irrigation management, onion and garlic production, managing berries crops to improve yields and harvest efciency, what varieties and production practices provide better nutritional qualities in berries, berry pollinators and on-going research on how berry consumption afects human health.
Carissa McNamara, Montana Farmers Union western regional ambassador, said,
“As a longtime partner, Montana Farmers Union is proud to support MSU’s Field Days and the work of its researchers, because it refects the values we share: caring for the
land, investing in producers, strengthening rural communities and ensuring that Montana agriculture continues to thrive for the next generations. We are especially grateful for the researchers, faculty, staf and the many people whose steady work throughout the year makes these gatherings possible. As always, we look forward to spending the day learning, connecting and celebrating our neighbors whose hard work keeps our agricultural communities strong.”
From the Department of Research Centers website: “Our research centers provide
the foundation upon which MSU research and teaching stay relevant to the needs of agriculture in the state. Each center addresses the climatologic ecological and environmental challenges of its region. We collaborate extensively with scientists on the MSU-Bozeman campus, nationwide experts, the USDA and private industry.”
The event is sold out this year, but if anyone is interested in being added to the email list for next year’s event, they can contact Kierstin Schmitt at kierstin.schmitt@montana.edu.
ELLSWORTH: jurors inadvertently given unintroduced exhibits by court staff
competitive bidding requirements and signed the contracts without a required review by state procurement agents.
Eggleston informed the Legislature in early 2025 that Agile was no longer interested in the work after Ellsworth’s handling of the agreements drew public attention.
Eggleston told Montana Free Press he didn’t want to discuss Wednesday’s hearing, which he wasn’t part of, but agreed to share his email communications with Guszynski about scheduling in the weeks leading up to Ellsworth’s trial. Those communications were inadvertently provided to the jurors prior to deliberations Tuesday night.
day requested, or in person on a different day of the trial, which was scheduled to last two weeks.
In the communications, Eggleston explains that he cannot attend the trial in person on the day requested by the Department of Justice due to parental obligations. He offers to testify remotely on the
Guszynski informed Eggleston that Ellsworth objected to Eggleston testifying remotely. Guszynski then suggested that the senator’s objection “seems strategic and smacks of gamesmanship all around” — an accusation that was never raised at trial, since the state chose not to call Eggleston as a witness.
Jury deliberations following the six-day trial took four hours on Tuesday and left Ellsworth, a Hamilton Republican, potentially facing a six-month jail sentence for mishandling the two contracts awarded to Agile Analytics.
Should the Department of Justice choose to retry the case, the retrial would begin Dec. 14, Abbott said.
Ellsworth’s Senate term expires at the end of the year.
Western Agricultural Research Center Field Day last year. Photo by John Dowd.
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enclosed with secure access gate. Located on Grantsdale Rd. $35/month. Call 406-3602732.
BITTERROOT VALLEY
EDUCATION COOPERATIVE IS LOOKING FOR A SPECIAL EDUCATION PARAEDUCATOR for our preschool located in Stevensville, MT. Successful applicants must demonstrate the ability to support children of all abilities in a structured preschool setting. We are looking for an individual who is patient, dependable, and committed to helping children learn and grow. Applicants should have stamina and enthusiasm needed to keep pace in an active preschool setting.
Position Details: Part-time position, Schedule: Monday–Thursday, Minimum 7.5-hour day (hours may extend depending on bus routes), Starting wage: $17.00 per hour, Benefts: Position qualifes for health insurance coverage, If you are passionate about
young learners and making a positive diference in children’s lives, we encourage you
