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Covering the Bitterroot Valley – “Where Montana Begins!” – Established 1985 – Locally Owned & Independent
’ ! l a c o L t a t s e B e h ‘T 37 29 39 XXXIX, Number 35 VolumeXLI, XXXVII, Number 30 XXXVII, Number 28 Volume Number48 Volume XXXIX, Number 33 29 Volume XXXVII, Number
30, 2022 Wednesday, February 2022 Wednesday, January Wednesday, March 13, 2024 March 6,2022 Wednesday, June 2026 Wednesday, January 31, 2024 Wednesday, February 2,9, April26, 10,
www.bitterrootstar.com
Victor museum open for 2026 Historic trap club faces closure Sapphire Valley subdivision approved Mine talk draws hundreds celebrates new shelter, 50th anniversary Shelter hosts slumber ‘Pawty’ Coffee withheld the Candidate! Eagles in winter Groundbreaking for medical Bitter Root Humane Association Three Mile Community Centercenter open Every Tuesday 10am-11am at Frontier Cafe in Stevensville
by Victoria by Victoria Howell Howell by Michael Howell by Kristin Kruse
Find out more at www.GregOverstreet.com
speech, occupa-
shelter. $140,000. a levy, so this won’t have any tional and physical andAccording wells. Irrigation will be concerns about the potencould herald major changes ty for failing to do the proper The park additional impact on people’s by John Dowd In therapy fact, many of the services – provided by shares tial impacts to the roads, to other in similar the subdivision review the environmental by John Dowd space filledfrom up sothe fast they had to open giving many talks about Alliance analysis website.oftaxes. It’s been a long time to Colleen board made property volunteers themselves The Ravalli County Eight Mile Creek Company. public safety, to wildlife, and process across the state impacts by handing off its including a therapy the presentation into other rooms and the Sheep Creek Mine proposal. The event drew over 220 people The Hamilton Trap Club has coming, but the new Three Schmiedeke, the decision In addition to the loan, the Bitterroot Health The Victor Heritage are was in those photograCommissioners gave condiAccording toonthewere prelimito the rural character of the is a founder was alsoofdiscussed. In that mandated duties to“It other On Monday, February 26, Dr. people lined up out the door. Ramsey the Bitterto the Bitterroot River Inn. was Mile Community Center is up who serves to take out a project paid for by the been a fixture in the Bitterroot pool – plus imaging held a approval groundbreakby Michael Howell andfor cut the ribbon at last week’spart of Museum phs. For a said special tional last week to theOswald subdivision area. A substantial number of case, the Upper agencies and ignoring numerPhillip Ramsey, head biologist at nary MPG heardisRamsey’s presenroot Clean Water Alliance, as wellMissouri as istoopen really a good turnout,” Oswald. It and running. Located at 4433 both plat the park loan finish Three Mile Community Senior Valley since 1947. A place for and lab services. ceremony, said concerning the ing last Wednesday the summer and the the display, the museum the Sapphire Valley Estates anticipated to add approxcomments expressed concern Waterkeepers and a group ous specific, documentable, Ranch in Florence, gave a presentatation in Darby and contacted him, a resident of the West Fork. He has was attended by people from all over Sunnyside Cemetery Road, board and the the project. Center (the official name) trap enthusiasts and hunting Bishop said Scorganization’s 50 years of service, “It An open house celebration was for new medical subdivision, aon 33-lot developimately 11 new children to do one about the potential impacts to of residents close clearly defined impacts volun- and worked with tion in partnership with the Ravalli asking if he could with the a Ph.D in microbiology andhard-working inliving school Montana, including Anacontheits center is the east side community She saidtowestern they which raised overVictor $80,000 sport shooters to gather, sothey hope to have held last week at the Bitter Root was started by a bunch of little old by John Dowd ment on athat 49.22-acre parcel the Florence-Carlton existing wells in the area thatstudied thethe proposed Horse Creek to the environment such as complex will beThe County Fish and Wildlife Association RCFWA. TheSchool event was co-sponsored specifically effects of are heavy da, to and Missoula, and as far away as teers excited hool’s eighth grade hisof Lone Rock Park. buildcenter board, worked with through community picnics, cialize, compete and hone their ladies inand 1972 andclass. it’s still run by amay Humane Association’s (BRHA) the facility open of formerly agricultural land District and 264 new vehicalready experiencing a Hills in subdivision challenged the decreasing water abun(RCFWA), on Creek by the Bitterroot chapter are of Trout Unmetal contamination rivers. HeFarmers haswhat Helena even into Idaho. This ing contains athe large meeting they started State rummage sales, bingo nights skills, the north club also functions as Mine a new showcase many tory The students built just of Sheep Last weekend the Bitter animal located on Fairgrounds ofdance little old ladies.” near the intersection ofMark Eight ular tripslimited. per dayRamsey, to the local lowering of staticpublished water levels both Broadwater County and in the area and failing proposal. According to Oswald, according to Oswald, over 70 papers, according toto bunch have been because many area conserroom, ashelter warming kitchen, aRoot working on Bank keep and donations from commuby spring of 2023, 501c3 non-profit the of them believe to be interviewed several Stevensville at thesupporting Humane Association participatMile and Upper road system. Additionally, having the Department of Natural to analyze the impacts on the RoadCreek in Hamilton. The event served Kathie Butts, President of the president ofRoad the RCFWA, the event was excited to speak, andand hassome been alreadyhis bio ontothe Bitterroot Clean Water state-of-the-art audio visual this ain 2012 their loan nity members. Other major community by providing youth and that they plan their best display yet. elderly Victor natives. See Mine, page 19 corner of Kootenai ed for the first time in BitteraofnationWoodchuck Road east the be drilled deeper. Concerns Resources and Conservation aquifer. Board, said, “This organization has double purpose. included system, and a gorgeous view a ribbon andapplicant incorpo- is proposing to payments contributors were the Three programs such as It The on continuing to They opened MeThe museum works al “slumber party” event. Creek Road and Florence. The land is honor being a 100-foot by 100were also expressed about the (DNRC) over thereasonable. processcome and such while thethe of the Bitterroot Mountains tothededicate rated Mile Fireway District, Lone cutting ceremony in of new in 2014. a“Thus, long since itCounty was root Blasters. According toThe club morial Day and this is technically with youth from the the scexpand services. Bitterroot shelter branded their Hwy 93. developed by Laura Watson of foot easement for the use and impacts to other irrigators the lack of information about correct that the west. She said the Those payRock Park and the Rapp members, hundredstours of kids havewhole started about 50 years ago. I feel aFamfacility, including of the year, the theme is hool in other capacities event the “Slumber Pawty,” which “We’rethe bringing the Watson Homes LLC who was benefit of is the Florence Rural dependent on the Eight Mile water quantity and quality, or sense duty to provide statutorily The building isarray now home total cost ments come ily of Foundation. John Bishop, Bitparticipated in an that program building, and of food and huge responsibility to honor opened the shelter to community twofold. The first partrequired as well. According towith” represented by the engineerFire District and contribute Creek Company, storm runoff, impacts to wildlife on nearby information lies care to the patients, to the senior center and the approximateout of park Schmiedeke said there over the years. Along with their terroot CEO, drink inHealth honor of the organization’s those who have come before us and members who participated to stay$8,000 of thetaxes theme is “the Nancy Guardado, a new ing company Professional to the Florence Rural and the impacts on Eight Mile landowners. 71 Ranch [the developer], the Weekend Backpack Program ly $500,000. that are it as were many who own programs, the club supports said. make good as he itvolunteers can be as we set 50th birthday. said that Marcus the night with the animals, among USA,” celebrating 250 volunteer to the group Consultants Inc. (PCI). Fire District. Creek. In his ruling, District Court County is incorrect in its imthat serves Lone Rock School. When already being helped on the project, and charities and has raised over Hedgeby John Dowd The private non-profi t organization the course for the nextLois 50 years.” Daly Hospital had other fun activities. Between 12 Schmiedeke proposal ispark for sinThe Commissioners A recent court decision Judge Michael that the County can TheThe surrounding conassessed, TMCSC reduced yearsMcMahon of the nation. plication who received started helping with $165,000 for the Shriners and peth, chair the McCormack said that the ofwithout was fiSaturday rst organized inuse 1972.SunIn 1984, noon and 12 noon gle-family residential received dozens of written over a proposed subdivision criticized both the county and approve a subdivision tains soccer and baseball “got really Schmiedeke prices from contractors. The The second, which the landscaping around The Montana Hope Project. The Itparticipants is often saidstayed that Mile Community Senior Center board l to r,He Colconducted a successful Countess Margarite Bessenyey, the day, overnight hospital board, with systems public comments expressing in Broadwater County thatmembers, DNRC. criticized the organization counfields, tennis and volleyball involved,” the Three is proud that general contractor donated club isindividual utilized byseptic local schools, they are most excited the building, the local lalittle locally owned leen Schmiedeke, Joyce Pando and Wendy Audiss in front of the See SAPPHIRE, page 14 with the shelter animals, wore fundraising campaign to fund the new granddaughter of Marcus Daly, gave said this project courts, a walking path, a playgroup had they didn’t Teller Wildlife Refuge, Boy Scouts about, is the youth of youthSee are CENTER, very involved bookstores are a waning page pajamas, played games and more new community center at Lone Rock Park. Photo by V. Howell. construction but then the the Triple BRHA land on Fairgrounds Road ground and a covered picnic raised Bitterroot about have to run hasmuseum. beenCovid-19 four She years3 and Creek Ranch, Chamber of Commerce Director Al Mitchell holds the group spell-bound as Bitthe area. The group with the business. However, the among in support of the shelter. with a 99-year lease. Six years later, pandemic hit and construction costs others. the works, but folks that own Chapter ter Root Humane Association Board Member Sue McCormack prepares to cut the ribbon scoured the area and often in works with youth Shelters all over the U.S. skyrocketed. As a result, the group in 1990, the Bessenyey estate deeded The current executive di- and One Book Store, in Hamthere were some John Bishop, pictured fifth from left, leads a gathering of people involved in the celebrating the opening of the new animal shelter in Hamilton. Photo by Michael Howell. their collection to find from the school that even out of the country held the had to take out a mortgage to finish the land totake the organization where rector, Tom Allsop, has been ilton, may exception memorabilia, equipcome delays out to due volunteer to the same event during the same 24Bitterroot Health project inKristin a ceremonial groundbreaking. The facility on Trap the property that had housed Sueby McCormack, who serves on Hamilton Club members line up forbuilding athe shoot. Photo Kruse. the current shelter is located. The to this, as they were re-is apage See TRAP, See SHELTER, page hour period. The event fund-5 ment, clothing, phowith her on the grounds. pandemic. She said2 theat organization’s of directors will be built on land located the corner ofboard Kootenai Creek Road and Hwy 93 new building replaces an old building shelter since 1984. cently awarded for being raiser for each shelter, and partictographs and much During the school their vision thatinby “outstanding John Dowdmodel do. Accordingjust to Steinhoff, “We have north ofTout, the Stevensville Junction. an bytoNathanMarylee Boddy cumstances, having She adds thatisthe ipants each work to raise funds Museum volunteers Judy Thornbrugh, Bailey, Suzanne Mari Nordenstrom, Nancy Guarmore, all to showcase terview project, the into act now, and stay ahead of this.” people the Stevensville business,” according to shelters. encountered most important donate to their respective valley young people of terviewees had a chance dado, Joann Hosko and Janet Beer standing in the Victor Heritage Museum, ready for the season. Hamilton City Council met TuesMayor Dominic Farrenkopf said Christine Staub, a driving falling “quality, victim to mail way to combat the Hamilton Downtown facility will besuch more Darby, Victor and Corvallis, as well as been providing Individual community businesses history. day, March 5They to Dowd. discuss several there was not much they knew to do See MUSEUM, page force at the Boxxe Shoppe at fraud in the past. abuse is for people Association. will Photo by John of a “medical center” rather than just a5 also donated toprojects. the fundraiser, Hamilton. accessible, personalized upcoming city However, at the time, though they may need to was recently As a certified shipto ask also be celebrating 50 amounting to over opened, $10,000 as901 of S. 1st Street, clinic. She also said thatquestions Marcus Daly for 90 people years. when of theoperation. meeting concern looka into it ashealth “more and more presented with Certificate of care” ping depot for FedEx, The new 12-acre campus will and start conyears Murphy. Shethe led the Saturday. Hospital, which is a critical access provide primary, care, urgent care and about the Sheep Creek mine following are talking about this.” Farrenkopf In recent the years, theyShoppe Appreciation by Mayor DomiBoxxe versation with those Chapter One has three by John Dowd commissioners through There were over 35 participants a meeting held aaccordcouple weeksnic earsaidand thatHamilton washave all he could say on it atto tospecialty services. Two physicians have hospital, was recently rated #4byinlove. the Farrenkopf is legally justified you know and co-owners, and been taking steps a lengthy fund fund bythe Victoria Howell me like a ton of of slumber party, and a barbelier, made it into the opening. After the time. However, at the end of the Police Chief Stephen Snavely. open a package which Staub doesn’t nation for quality by the national rating to one of them, Every year, theMara Ravalli accounting that, to sum already been hired, along with a nurse invest in all the commucue was held at noon on Saturday, bricks.” that, the council said goodbye to the meeting, during the non-agenda items In his presentation to the City bears its shipping know the details Lynn Luther, that is one County Fish and Wildlife Asso-been up, shows thefacilities. county, ing agency, outitof 351 similar practitioner, andwas two more doctors welcoming of the community tois congregating Numerous Bald Eagles have in the Burnt area to feed onOverstreet carcasses. Photos nities of Fork the Bitterroot, When it all comes beloved long-time city clerk, who discussion thelately counCouncil on March 15th,period, Chief several label.ofAfter following of what potential of the many ways ciation works to they affect conseroverall, doing very well visit the shelter. by Michael Howell. by Victoria Howell are being recruited. There will also be he said, with in doing sent home from to Covid, Greg retiring. members weighed in onclinics Steinhoff’s Snavely saidcil that he wants the protocol, and victims are told, but have been successvation inofso the Bitterroot through on its tax collections and Many the participants that The Bitterroot Na-comment by John Dowd their luggage. 17 with as containing deactiof research materials and biological Overstreet has a the hospital During the public period comments. Hamilton Police Department so in the presence ofidentifying she knows that over they ful. Joined by the other showing revenues various projects and programs. spent night were will kids. During tional Forest (BNF) The Cowboy Ball at All thestaff Ravalli County According court and monkeypox one samples. are responsible message for you: an oxygen tank. (mpox) virus, of the the council meeting, Robert “We need totokeep our eyes on it,” wasvated toStein“become more vocal about a filings witness, Staub are, “often coached owners, Katrina Mendrey 50% of projections in One such program is their the slumber party, participants host a public meeting Federal criminal charges have a Justice Department statement, containing chickenpox virus and for understanding and complying Fairgrounds will be held February 12th. This is hoff stood to address the council. He said council member Jenny West. “It don’t fool around! the good things that happen able to uncover the He was home for to departments say they are shipand Marisa Neyenhuis, most while scholarship program, which took part in a “tortilla slap game,” thisOverstreet, Wednesday, March been filed against two scientists customs officials stopped the resetwo containing human DNA. with applicable laws, regulations, explained that he attended a meeting might be beneficial to talk to Darby the tenth annual event and the way it’s shaping within the community.” Sharunfortunate contents ping legal papers two or three days. by Michael Howell Luther believes having who can Participating youth getting ready to spend the night with puppies at the shelter. Photo by John Dowd. expenses have only or awards three winners 30th from 6 toRavalli 8 p.m. affiliated with Rocky Mountain Laarchers upon their arrival in Detroit Munster is a widely published vipolicies, procedures See PETS, page 11 hosted by the County Fish and and possibly Stevensville as well.” Her ing his department’s experiof the package: nearly paperwork.” Other up, it’s going to be an and event worthy oftoagoverning jubilee an attorney in During that time, amounted 23% of three people allows them an interest in pursuing todisplay share Association information boratories (RML) and have intenon Jan. 25, 2025. Investigators rologist who joined NIAID in 2009 these activities. Maintaining public Wildlife and Trout Unlimthoughts were shared by several other ence with Ms. Staub was one $16,000 in cash, common tactics for and former council member, the public at the next meeting Halfway through celebration. projections due in large to do it all. “We couldn’t private practice in his oxygen level fields related to conservation, by Victoria Howell regarding the developsified political and public scrutiny allege amembers. cooler containing 113 vials after earning a doctorate in virology trust our work requires a shaited. The meeting called upon Dr.appears Philcouncil such opportunity. which thethe customer scammers include the budget year, the part to jobyear’s vacancies Rod Freeman isinthe chair of this do it without each other,” wild land ethics or natural to be continuing when council considers Stevensville, was went down to 51, ment of a draft forest of the government research from Erasmus University in the performance red commitment to accountability, lip Ramsey toThe speak on the dangers In discussion agenda sendIn early March, a custom-on regular was unwittingly claiming county’s have yetto torepbe filled. said Luther. spread sciences. event. Freeman is also thethat chair of the Rodeo diagnosed with from a normal of his efforts to teach the new the appointment of two addiClimbing Management At the second regular facility. The facility has Netherlands. In 2020, he and setransparency, and strict adherence of a proposed mine up Sheep Creek. items, the first to be brought forward er came to the Boxxe Shoppe ing to a scammer in resent the IRS or in is looking pretty good, One big savings was of responsibility allows For the year of 2023, one Committee, and the vice chair of the Fair Board, colon cancer in 99. “I jokingly say “All staff are responsible for members. Plan (CMP). The virtual“I thought council and mayor howoflocal tional council recently faced questions veral colleagues received a Golden to established biosafety and biosemeeting of the two-member According to Steinhoff, was the issue re-roofing the city intending to send a package Chicago, Illinois. Social Security according to Ravalli the budgeted funds ed throughout the Bitterroot. Brewfest, which he started in 1995. Now by John Dowd of that time as the executive director. of theBOOKS, winners to receive aMara Lynn Luther sits in Chapter One’s used books section.that Photo by John Dowd. which he’s been onby forNa12 years. A real estate for February of 2021. 51 is brain Staub of the Boxxe Shoppe. Photo meeting will betoheld on See page 18 about laboratory safety and Goose Award recognizing research curity requirements.” should run. He complying “We’ll dobeour job, ” Christine said understanding and it wasn’t going affect me, but street shop. According to Hamilton viaI government FedEx. Administration. County CFO Klarryse the county’s share in Stevensville Town Council, on Al became a member in 1988, and that event is one of the biggest in the After it was announced that he would check was Savannah Deuter, agent for 18 years here inhas the drawn Bitterroot, and also He wentSee through damage material.” Zoom. below for than Boddy. transparency, and has now that contributed to owns the development The case renewed atlearned that it would only take just City Public Works Director, Donny The customer Sometimes they was a frequent commenter Gibson got into it because he thein Paper valley. For him, the experience has been On graduated Wednesday, March 27, the retiring, he was asked to speak, and was who high school in with applicable laws, regulaJanuary 27, town clerk Jenelle the Army for 21 years, his organizational and instructions and a link chemotherapy and But COVID-19 drawn congressional inteof vaccines against SARS-CoV-2, tention to RML, a National Institute See COUNTY, page seemed conwill tell their one little mistake and we will all be Ramer, the building is used for snow in downtown Hamilton. It was a “chance to meet with a lot of great 10 Bitterroot Valley Chamber Commerce introduced by Jodi Mitchell, his daughattions, council meetings during Joan Mell, an Clip attorney 2023. She has soof far familiar with the profile of the Berthoud told the council and toMay joinof the meeting. Five policies, and procedures fundraising skills, and discipline, haveone been put to in late August he was was no joke. “It rest. the virus that causes COVID-19. of Allergy andthat Infectious Diseases fused and unOver the victims a loved has hurting.” Steinhoff said that he heard plow storage and for other maintesuggested to him that he get involved people all over the valley,” and all of it hosted a well-attended mid-day event ter-in-law and the current executive completed a she semester of collegethe last administration. In from Hamilton, wasgot recpotential victims, butuse wishes similar public meetings audience that was having good as chair of the Cowboy Ball committee. The U.S. Department of Both men have been charged but facility that operates one of the told that the cancer so bad I felt familiar with course of her landed in jail, or that a prize about the track record of the company nance equipment. According to Ragoverning these activities.” to network. Hethat thenothers got onto the board has been “extremely rewarding.” nafor members, giving their annual report, director. Al gave told a history ognized of the chamand submitted herin transcript within the commupublic comment, Crews for stepping in (virtual) were held Justice announced charges not convicted. If found guilty, they tion’s highest-security infectious Freeman said committee trouble streaming the meetthe process, decade with has been won,hopes but a to feeraise needs had been eradicated. like I couldn’t when Ramsey told how it was not very mer, it is the original roof, which has in the early 90s,nity andwould in 2012 he her became Althe was the executive director untildireviewing 2023 andoftalking about what ber, and spoke about important memproviding proof compLeting help look outsease 2021. the council that those makto handle the prosecution against Vincent Munster, could face prison sentences of up to research programs. Scientists $50,000 this year, for the expansion of the and Staub the Boxxe to be paid for release of the good. Steinhoff stated that the comsome significant leaks and insulation Overstreet had breathe, like I ings on the internet. She said the executive director. 2020. Since then he has been therodeo advithey have planned for the upcoming during that time that led up to him associated courses. These are - bers National Institutes ofnew Health for their safety. At least onethere In addition to the by John Dowd chines. chief of the Virus Ecology five years. study dangerous pathogens became susShoppe, Staub funds. The getting scammers will ing public comment should caseload of Town Attorney pany has supposedly been in the state issues. Ramer believes the roof bucking chutes. “They’re just old,” he into said. surgery on October was being water Throughout that time, he knew sor for Jodi, helping her transition year. During the meeting, it was also taking on the position. the former YouTube chantwo of several criteria appliof the potential victims she opportunity to learn In addition to the the heating custom leathSection atfor RML, and reRML shared a and statement from need to including Ebola virus, hantavirus picious when now commonly use a getting legitimate seven times already, and each time left will“The cut down on bill and haswhile “They be replaced. They’re banged address the mayor, not the Greg Overstreet he was 23, 2021 ostomy boarded, or what story of the Bitterroot Valley 55 board members participated the role. Al will be retiring in August this announced that long-time member, Al cants must meet to be eligible aided was a resident at a local nel they had was no longer about and participate Following the closure ofthe a longtime erwork, Jake’s Studio is featuring search fellow Claude Kwe. the National Institutes ofawards Health and emerging zoonotic diseases. Dominic Farrenkopf (right) recognition to Rose Allen Photo courtesy considering recovered address, but(left. will be ready to taxpayers with the billin for cleanup. allow better dry storage of equipment up. Bucking stock can be hard on metal.” Chamber is the story of optimism, strugin some of the greatest growth in the year. After Al spoke, Jodi stood to thank Mitchell, will be retiring and stepping removal, the fi nal I imagine water for a scholarship. audience. He also said, “This hospitalized, and then recovextended nursing facility and the process of developworking but they had up was Stevensville Main Street business, Riv- was the work of more than a dozen local Prosecutors allege the pair transconcealed inside larger case (NIH) onFarrenkopf. June 3 regarding theThe criminal allegations the anycustomapproximately thehelp package asurfaced porch Dominic Steinhoff then asked ifset there gle and triumphs,” said Al.ering, He said theCovid-19. organization’s According towith himThe forgrab all his and tofrom remind him back from the Chamber leadership.. 10th annual cowboy ball – which actually Another of these requiretreatment in the boarding to history. be to be had provided a ride is not a question and answer” from Mell ing a climbing plan, this er’s Mist, a new business has recently and regional artists. Many of these See COUNCIL, page 21$60,000 athing new Facebook page. Howported biological samples into the that the men described as holding incident. It stated, “We also want to amid broader criticism of the laboer’s age and in or front door when it arrives. the city was doing, or even could overarching goal for the Chamber has him, what was meant to be a six-month he was only supposed to speak for 10 Mitchell has been with the Chamments is that each applicant started 11 years ago but couldn’t be held last year to the bank as well as to the colon cancer journey. like,” recalls week’s meeting will covsession. “It’s public comment. ”The did the work no charge opened at the same location. Howevartists have not shown their work in at United States from the Republic of testing equipment. Federal reaffirm NIH’s expectations regarratory from White Coat Waste the particular cash, all of to “They always direct theProever, members of the public always been to keep businesses connectappointment to the position lasted 12 minutes. ber for over 36 years, and spent much submit a 500-word essay disBoxxe Shoppe. due to the pandemic – has been upgraded this The day after that Overstreet. “This transport, er the following agenda er, dissuading any worries about the thehad Bitterroot Valley before, so there Congo and false statements Bureau of Investigation examined ding the handling, storadetails of the which was victim to send it,membership ‘no signature Theto mayor said previousthe town. “I just wanted to who had tried to access the years, and he enjoyed every moment cussing themade role hunting plays “It’s common sense to me,” Jodi stated that the year. topics: surgery, he was is when I realized See LAB, page 8 changeover, it will remain a place of should be a lot of interest in the new investigators about the contents of 20 of the vials reportedly found, ge, documentation, and stewardship transaction. being fraudurequired,’” she adds. Fredhe Upchurch, Savannah Deuter and Mark Oswald hold the check given to Deuter by the Ravalli County Fish and WIldlife Associly that would be answering publicly thank Joan for helpThe Town of Stevensville recognized attorney Joan Mell, of it. “It’s been a good for 29“This numbers have beenever “trending every she says,ride pointing out that red Facebook page said it was not Unfortunate• Review overall is the first year we’ve doneAct aup fully diagnosed with that I was not art. After two months of renovations material. There are 16 artists in total lently deThe Bank Secrecy ation. Photo courtesy Fred Upchurch. years,” said” Al. “I’mabound looking forward to year.” However, 2023 saw the highest See RCFW, page 3questions from the public. ing me and helping the town, flags when seniors are center, for filling in while town attorney Greg Overstreet objectives and desired accessible. Berthoud asked catered dinner,” said Freeman. The University COVID-19. taking Covid while hidden behind brown-paper ly, it covwas notso far, and the owners are always manded from of 1970 requires banks to being on the other side and partaking,” being scammed. “If a person also said that they said outcomes ofas the public ofPictured Montana Catering Service provide theof had Covid-19. with Mell are, l towill Overstreet, ered windows, Jake’s Studio opened more. “We like allOverstreet. kinds seniorseriously for patience she worked “I was obviously enough. Staub’sCrews firstwelcoming citizen keep track ofr, withdrawals he added, specifically referring to the See CHAMBER, page 5 is 80 years old, and all of a conversations should be prepared for some its doors March 1. of mediums,” said Lottermoser’s dinner. Desserts are provided by 4H members. time having members of $10,000 or more in order very weakened,” said through the issues. Mayorthey’re Steve Gibson, council sudden coming into the members Cindy Brown and The Boxxe Shoppe’s new location • Provide an update The new “It business feature Suzette Smith. encountered See page 2 bank “interesting comments” Greg Overstreet talksbusiness about hispartner, recentfrom brush with death dueSTEVI, tothe commuOverstreet. hit will Jim Crews, former mayor to5withdraw $15,000, it Stacie Barker. by Victoria at 901ofS.the 1startists Streetdisplayed in Hamilton. nity.See See COWBOY BALL page 4 SURVIVING, page by Photo Michael Howell Howell. onsite custom leatherwork byPhoto Karen such cirStaub is Covid. by VictoriaSome Howell. See SCAMMERS, page 2 makes my ‘spidy’ sense tingle.” See PLAN, page 2 Photo by Nathan Boddy.in the Lottermoser, one of the owners. Her were previous participants by Scott Sacry County Commissioners apwork is grounded formercowboys, gallery, but the business plana by John Dowd in the Sheridan-style barns, famous artists with On March 9th, members ofLast the week the Ravalli This school year, the Stevensville proved adoption of a memorandum of understandof tooling which features variations on has changed since Lottermoser and Montana flavor and more. This year Stevensville FFA completed their FFA fielded teams in twelve contests by John Dowd ofpartment the franchise, many should not noand the south portions of the valley, Exit Realty team will continue workStevensville byThe John Dowd girls track team of Criminal Investigations ing withthe the Ravalli County DUI as Task Force Western floral patterns. addition Smith Athe Hamilton business, hails the theme isover pre-statehood, or preparticipation in the last of fourteen requiring qualification to advance tice thetook change atthe all,space. andinvestigation. itWhile may lead separated at Victor Crossing. After ing and marketing one. “Weand didn’t won third-place stateInthat trophy at (DCI) will be doing the Protection Agency. The letter the commissioners statedwant National Forest 1987 Forest aspen and whitebark pine; MAPS Media Institute to produce a secured video designed to her leatherwork, Karen is also an RIver’s Mist was an art co-op, the from Texas, has been working to en1889, and the contest is still looking agricultural and leadership competito the state level and invitaby Michael Howell Since January 2, Exit Realty in the to some positive growth in the future. sale, the south portion was purchased to change a whole bunch right the 2026 Class A state track meet in On Monday, April 1st, around 4:30 According to Hamilton Police Departto help parents keep tabs on their children’s behavaccomplished woodworker, creating that “Ravalli County objects contains recommendations Plan. manage timber to provide courage a love of art in young people for participants. Participants must tions in their yearlong effort to qualify tions to compete at state in all twelve Bitterroot has gone through some big LastChief year, of thePolice, previous Exit Realty by Kathy Butts, and the north by out of the gate,” said Lendman. Laurel on May 30. This was the first p.m. Hamilton Police officers were ment Snavely, See Steve ART, page 6 ior. impacts aininvolved variety of pieces furniture to A new theinvalley. To dofrom this, they have be high school students, 9th to 12th forjobs; the and next level competition at the toevents. SEIS for record of decision forest products and toof unmitigated changes, but many in the valley may franchise owners, Tina and Max ColeLendman. Whenconcerning asked howthe thisDraft change will time Stevensville school history in a shooting with a robbery there will be a coroner’s inquest The deadline closed on byVictoria Victoria Howell if it would begrades. possible The DUI Task Force approved creation of jewelry boxes. She prides herself that created a at county-wide contest, show95th State FFA the Convention inhas Billings district championships year, the2023-24 facility took inthe just under by Howell The sign for Jake’s Studio, on Steby John Dowd roy, president of the Montana Rocknot be aware of how these changman, decided to sell off the franchise Even though franchise split affect buyers and sellers in the valley, that either a boys or girls track team suspect the Riverside Conoco Conwhere DCI will present their findings. the Gold Butterfly. Concerncounty owned/maintained was issued on December 17, retain old growth status in all toart, put envelopes on January 18,participant’s for filingby objecbyher Victoria hisCorvallis property which wouldschools in effect with the highway, which is aastate addressed when the private land was Mischief$240,000 Room May and commissioners all work isHowell done her twotook casing the loveown of and Florence inthe April. for Stevensville include: and spent every penny. venville’s beckons visitors ies last Bluegrass Association, there will a es might them. Fortunately, rights thatmain pertained to the Bitterroot in valley, Realty is still the to Lendman said that itand will not change has won aaffect state track And venience Store. The trophy. engagement Snavely stated that an inquest is also roads heavy theowner scope ofthe the analysis 2021 accompanied by most a drag, Draft treatment units. According to Exit Dominic Farrenall the doors and then shut off access to Stevensville River highway, because nowfrom you’re goingequipment sold toproject aing new Fish, Wildlife signed off on it. The involved creation of tions to the Draft Supplemenhands, using no lasers or CNC maand the Bitterroot’s love of the state. have been the active, though all Over 200 students in StevensAgronomy led by Sidney McThere are no paid employees; it’s an allJasmin Shinn, founder and The annual Montana Rockies be no break from the music, and, “No according to Kim Lendman, now the Valley. When they sold it, the fransame company. Additionally, accordthey did it with only three girls. in. Photo by John Dowd. place after the suspect threatened and standard procedure in these types of kopf, director put valentine cards The activities Stevensville Town CounPark, ain 20-acre parkare onwelcome the east bank have two accesses for trucksatrucks, pulling and Parks got involved. once-prithe letter quotes the BitterSEIS that provides a site-spea Forest Service press release and logging mostly, set of easily accessible items that hadThe secret hiding ATR Smart Procedures is a softschools in the valley to ville’s agricultural education program Casland, 1st place individual with tal Environmental Statement Bluegrass Association (MRBA) set-up.organization. Just get up there and play.” current owner ofwhether the valley half chise was split between thesituations. north to Lendman, the whole Bitterroot executive director ofnorth 1 Horse volunteer But said 12 reportedly charged at the responding officer involved shooting See EXIT, page atwas Sapphire Lutheran them. cil split on to accept just toreally the north of oftheing boats, and you’ve just come out of the vate piece now belongs toShinn theKyra state where someone could stash some root Forest Plan’s Forest-wide but not limited to, theitimpacts cific forest plan amendment about piece 90% of proposed ware design company, now based inFarrenkopf participate. Some of the the private schools even learn about a wide range ofcompartments agriculteam members Quinn Rahl, Des(Draft SEIS) for the Gold Bluegrass Festival is returning to For some of these bands, this will Bitterroot track excellence officer. “We have seen tremendous supAt A Time Draft Horse Rescue costs about $200 per month to feed Homes inHowever, Hamilton, is moving liked the idea. He asked a small piece of park after land near the property. Crews contacted the county Stevi Wye at 45 miles per hour - there is aflask developed fishing access site. drugs orthe hide aand small of whiskey. The aim was Hamilton. to include the contest in their curricutural careers and practices during Jarlais, and Teigen Hackett. to Willow Creek Road. Due to Management Wildlife Redefining old-growth stantreatment areas are within an Victor. On Saturday, April 13, the be their first time, and for others that The Bitterroot Valley has a rich Theinofficers attempted to provide port, and we greatly appreciate all Butterfly Project, a Bitterroot these “gentle there are facility Corvallis, gotitem a nice asking the community students Stevensville bridge, an that was at schools and negotiated the donation of the are going to under be accidents there.” “But I giants.” think opportunity it’sThen [the piece the to provide a learning toon see the Montana, themeasures organization owners lum. day the dedicated and parents Ag Mechanics led by Selwyn HackNeely Center will again be hosting do this professionally, the event is the source Objective toland “Maintain dards. Some objections to theSnavely. area designated forschool insect and resource and financial limitahistory inForest Class A track and field. life-saving to the suspect, that support,” said He was boost last week when she was veterinary bills, therapy, training, and to send his residents a and daycares to make National project that considered at the March 24th council land on the west, securing potential Mayor Steve Gibson said he didn’t west] still a viable piece of for various ways in which any young person can hide and team have fallen in love with the According to the contest orgaengaging instruction of ag teachers ett, 1st place individual with team Last year lopes. the music. This spring music festival“Iother always asufficient treat. Conroy highlighted Corvallis is arguably the for best$7500 Class who was then transported by ambuespecially proud of this during atreatment time old-growth habitat disease because of the tions, Ravalli County would new decision were received little love this special envelopes and associated costs to rehabilitate presented with aValencheck meeting. The land ownership will now river access pending the outcome of see what use theenveland is to the town. city tofrom have, whether or not you put their substance use casual inspections. includes nearly 13,000 acres state and the people. One of the ways nizers, last year there were over 210 Josette Hackett andfeature Trevor Motley. members Noah Tan, Erik Potter, and lopes were so full they The project is now and fundraiser will 18 bands one newer band by the interesting A track program in the state and has lance to the hospital. He expired there in American history that he believes is tine’s Day. decorate them for each revert to the county. The 1.52-acre the access dispute. only see a liability,” said Gibson. money into developing it,” said Motdense pockets of dead and dynot be able to accommodate on suitable timberland to by the January 18 deadline from representatives of JCCS, an these horses. When they’re fi nally ready Glenda Wiles, Director of the DUI Task Force, of commercial and non-comthey have been showing that love has entries, and this year there could be Students then have the option to put Matthew Walker. had to be emptied more really popular, and from all over the area, and beyond. name of “Release the Squirrels.” Even won 18 total team state titles. The fromAbout his wounds andawas pronounced seeing lowest support law enresident. people four years piece, which located adjacent tomostly the Then Council member Marilyn Wolff Michaelson said he up the for ley. “There are many cars out said what sheadoption, tellsConduct parents is,so “If you don’t look, accounting fiis rm with branch most can be driven or there, support viable populations having tothe dowith with theparticipation ingfor trees. They claim the area will the necessary been through their artfinishes contest. The even more, full their knowledge to thelooked testfree, asmaintenance FFA of Chapter Meeting: team mercial vegetative treatment than once. growing every year.The These bands play for and adon’tIConroy, and his wife, Tari, willdon’t get up Hamilton track team near dead. forcement ever. He added, “Hamilton by Kristin Kruse utive Director Jaqueline Stevens. ago, a resident came could drop off valenBitterroot River on the northwest side said she had a real problem with old minutes and found that the land think it can be used for parking. But then you see. If you don’t see, then you ridden, and some just become “pasture located in from Hamilton. Partart of contest the logging from idea came a similar all the high schools in the valley. members through nationally sancmembers Zane Deering, Teigen Hackof old-growth dependent is impacted by mountain pine during the project, nor the of old growth, potennew one will take the stage every half and play, along with their friend Tim the top year after year and has won within a 55,000 acre area of The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office is a great place to be a police officer.” center opened its doors in 2020 after to Farrenkopf tooffered see that tines to fill the enveof the bridge, was togift the Town this piece of land. Trapper “It’s where twoJob was donated theleadership condition looking long term, if youDUI, haveKuntz, prop-10 See VALENTINES, page 10 That that selection forHouston, awarding pets.” See page they held in Texas right af- impacts These also include Creek tioned careeronand developett, Kealie Hixson, Margaret by John Down first to be created in the last “Itheads really opened the beetle, in 2020. first was to the drawing board. beetle, Douglas-fir bark rehabilitation of thelevy road after species. ” side The letter notes that tial toIn wildlife and tobank hour. Ezzell on bass. six total team state titles. and Hamilton Police Department all his 26 years with the departTucked away onCounty Fort Owen Ranch Yahraus and Stevens put their forest in the Sapphire Mounin 2017 by Ravalli for use as a roads converge, the is incrediit would be maintained and utilized erty on the west of the river, then 1 Horse At A Time was established was online voting and according ter the events of September 11, 2001. Corps and many homeschoolers. “I ment events and contests. Adelaide Meyer, Cierra Palmer, and 50 years. To do this, they will door to some interesting permanent and asked for $9.5 One of the problems, acOne band that continues to return According to Conroy, the festival’s Coming into this season, indiviissued a of press release that detailed ment, Snavely noted there have only and the project is complete. Ravalli the DrafttoSEIS limits the scope Willow Creek Road. dwarf mistletoe just toeast the north of Fort Owen State together to decide what was needed potential river access site. bly steep… I think there are liability for western recreational purposes within five you have access potentially consoltains Corvallis. ATR wanted to find a way to was astonished, last year, to have that To contend at the state level, Tasia Rohbock. tothe JCCS branch manager, Andrea by Shinn in cording 2018. She’s originally from “Hopefully, the third try need to ask theneeded community conversations million, which said to Butler, was, “we asispeople,” the Johnny Campbell Band,Butler visiting purpose isits “toenvironmental promote and encourdual Stevensville athletes have had event andtenure investigation. However, been three these types ofof shootings. Park is the Summit Career Center, a Bitterroot or not in the community. They with of consespruce budworm damage. County objects to in shifting National Forest During the of former issues… It isof the fastest part the years. idate highway property into the Town The original proposal was The next glass recycling event in button, cell phone batteries (out of feature theorganization beauty ofathe state andto much participation,” said Lander. students must compete and rank FFA Creed Speaking: Teigen is the charm,” commented pass a levy, which BVCC said Butter, speaking about was exorbitant and occurred sumed people knew what the Simmerman, 1 Horse At A Time Germany where she grew up around from Nashville. They will be joined by age old-time bluegrass music.” The state success, but as team, they very little information is available at However, these are always a danger of nonprofit that offers a came up with the concept of career mayor Jim Crews, the owner of land channel and the deepest part of the Vickie Motley, park board memof Stevensville. I think It’s something Although in general financial burden of the project quences analysis to vegetation, officials have stated that the the Bitterroot is March 9th, 2024, the phone). This is last minute info to give back to the community, and “We never know what to expect,” the top half, or above at the district Hackett withdrawn in August of 2020 Bitterroot Valley Community has tried to do twice before their recent “Ask and Listen” because the trustees were Bitterroot Valley Community horses. She’s always been a horse fan, was one of the top four vote bands from all over the valley, MisMRBA has 300 members, and they so had never won a first, second,side or had time. the job, but he added that fortunately, free career training program targetcenter, which is were modeled after a that highly ber, atthis the river ononce the northeast channel. If you toart develop said that nothing had been done RDO Equipment Co. to Ravalli County and believe the woodpecker and project is designed to improve agreement with the proposed from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the north if you don’t have batteries toabout recycle thought their successful art said Hafer, saying that entries level to advance. The Western FFA Prepared Public Speaking: Colton College (BVCC) trustee and without success. campaign, which helped the unsure of exactly how the College was.” However, there soula, Idaho and more. The event is a all share thepileated same love of bluegrass. after Friends of the Bitterroot getters. but she is especially passionate third place state trophy in track. The officer is currently on leave neither the norin any com- because the access problem had been ed towards highly motivated people successful organization Denver, attempted to shut offtoriver access on for fishing, I officer, would also see aother problem See STEVI, pageto 16 end of the Ravalli County Fairnow you can save up to bring them contest was the way go. According come in all forms. District in Montana consists of twelve Harris 8571 Running W. Road secretary, Sue Smith. She was The vote will take place organization to speak with the process worked. They were seems to have been a major pine marten. project, the Ravalli County it is contrary to current law forest resilience to natural single-microphone type event, with a When asked why he loves bluegrass, The track facilities at both Corduring this investigation, as is stanmunity members, were harmed during draft horses. She and her husband, a That check followed in the wake ages 18 and older in Wild both Ravalli and called “Crosspurpose.” It offers similar and Alliance for the next glass recycling day on June grounds. TheAccording is the the same, $1 per to organizers Elliott Lander, managThis will the ninth year they schools west ofprice the Continental Divide Greenhand: Adelaide Meyer speaking about the on May 7, via a mail-in ballot. public on the topic of creating under that theStar misunderstanding about the 4 single stage. toimpression Mike Convallis and Hamilton are some of “We realize these old growth Commissioners expressed and existing agreements. ” the disturbances like fire,beinsects Missoula, MT 59808 protocol. The Montana Dethe exchange. Missoula Counties. In addition tothe services, according to Stevens. ofdard a $25,000 gift inorganizaNovember military retiree, and their two children See BLUEGRASS, page Rockies filed suit claiming the 8th. gallon. Jars and bottles that coning director of ATR, and art contest have held the contest, and each year with an ag education program/FFA Additional state qualifying events tion’s upcoming attempt to According to trustee chair the college. public desired an independent nature of the community best inTractor the state. They have clean free training, Summit offers six-month offered officials also received species are listed in and disease;The reduce sedi- program concern over impacts to drinks orForest fromcareer Supply. relocated toindicator Montana and bought a 20406-549-4171 agency failed to the best Cardboard be tained food be recycled leadthe coordinator, Tamar Hafer, ATR donates thousands in phases. prizes. Schools of allmay classifications for the Stevensville FFA:will ask public foruse help with a the Carrie Guarino, “We listened Following thosechapter. meetings, community college, as it was college.recycling According to also Butler, pits, newer runways and hurdles, mentoring, support and friendship to is broken down into three acre farm which Shinn said can support That sounds like a lot of comments from Philip thefor Forest Plan, but itled county owned and maintained mentwanted sources inhold Willow available apeople fee. for a (second fee.together Anyfrom color, and labels available science in managing reception has been incredible. This year, they will be away compete in FFA includAg Sales 2nd place team bybe Presenting a the check for $7500 from JCCS to Shinn left) 1 Horsecan At by aStrobel rare to create aof doors. and to true.” She the trustees said that this voted inofpreviously high many believe itistonot and aopportunity rubberized track, all which whoever walks through their Stevens stated that thegiving first phase isJasmin RDOequipment.com money but, according to Shinn, about 20Sponsored horses. She currently clear whether there are other roads, especially Willow Creek Director of the NEPA Branch Creek watershed; improve stay on, but please remove lids. by the non-profits When speaking about the contest around $4,700 in prizes. This ining the AA schools in Missoula and Kayton French, 3rd place individual community college in the Bitand others with BVCC have levy will be different. The margin. After being created, associated with the outreach A Time Draft Horse Rescue were, l to r: which Levi Clark, CPA, Andrea Simmerman, JCCS Branch elk habitat andisdidn’t commake it possible to host large events. This program the brainchild of called “personal development,” taking care of draft is “All Beginning March 9th, batteries Ravalli County Recycling (RCR) and in the Bitterroot, Lander said, ofoftrout cludes prizes to the schools of the Kalispell. In addition to with team members Jones, Office of Stevensville, the Regional bull habitat; restore Road. terroot. According tohorses trustee worked to alter the levy to testing time they iswent to the the district was levy program run Kamryn by the UniversiManager, and Will Ramsey, CPA.first Also pictured Tiny, the non-profi t’s mascot and theable toAdminIn contrast, Stevensville facilities ply with the definition of old power duo Myla Yahraus, the owner involves aptitude to idenan expensive proposition. Last will also be accepted for recycle. $2 Recycling Works MT. See RESCUE, page them have had some sort of Montana winners, which take the form of grant four of the twelve chapters are in the Teigen Hackett, and Charlie Leonard. See GOLD, page vice chair, Jean Butler, this give it its best chance and to public, they did so after being for community funds. After ty of Montana. The reality is 65 •FREE ESTIMATES IN THE BITTERROOT VALLEY• Y OUR H OME I MPROVEMENT C O . COM istrator of the Environmental habitat including meadows, In a letter to the Forest are in need of repair. The rubber horse thateach was rescued by 1 Horse At A Time. Photo by Victoria Howell. the Fortfound Owenin Ranch and founder of firsttify what individual’s specific growth the Bitterroot per pound. Thebeing following will be acFor more information refer to the theme to them.” Some previous years Bitterroot Valley; Florence, Victor, would be only the fourth of address the concerns of the approved for the creation of significantly voted down runways are cracked and have holes, the center, and co-founder and ExecPaidthe fortrustees by Brad Davis, Box 462 Victor, Montana 59828 See FFA, page page 14 21 ART, page SeeSee SUMMIT, page4 4college cepted: alkaline, lithium-ion, Ni-Cad, website: ravallirecycling.org See BVCC, have included themes such and Corvallis. its kind in the state, and theas oldthe public. a community district twice, wentP.O. back and the pits need work. Overall, track equipment needs some refurbishing. The Stevensville girls track team and coaches pose with their 2026 state Class A third place trophy. This was the first time in Stevensville school history that See TRACK on Sports, page 6 either a boys or girls track team has won a state track trophy. Photo courtesy of Chris Jones.
Chapter One awarded, celebrating 50 years
Public Longtime Hamilton clerkrecognized retires Scammers thwarted,city vigilance County budget meeting on track on BNF RCFW aids future conservationists Surviving COVID Cowboy Ball
scheduled Hamilton lab at center of scrutiny Climbing Plan
Halfway through fiscal year, county budget looking good
Hearts full love Stevi toofrevisit refinancing bonds
Local Chamber of Commerce holds annual business meeting
New studio opens its doors inDUI Stevensville Task
Force, MAPS to partner on Art contest seeks Stevi FFA chapter Hamilton officers special video Stevensville girls make track history more participation
sweeps district North valley Exit Realty has a new face fire Butterfly on suspect Bluegrass Festival Gold project draws some objections Spreading love horse Local draft rescue thriving Stevi to return park land to county set for Saturday
Glass recycling BVCC gives it one more college try event scheduled Contact us for all your equipment needs. Summit Career Center offers more than career guidance
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