Miller estimates that there are approximately 30 organic vegetable farms and between 15 and 20 orchards and vineyards between Missoula and Ravalli County. WARC is available to work with these producers to gain them access to grant funds, but equally important, to provide research and development, and ongoing guidance.
“Basically, we’re doing the research that these farms need in order to be profitable,” Said Miller, adding that certain lines of production, like apples, berries, grapes, orchards and vineyards, can eventually turn a profit, but tend to have incredibly high startup costs.
“You’re talking about spending maybe $20,000 an acre on a crop that you’re not going to harvest for three or four years because you’ve got to wait for those trees or bushes or vines to mature. So [producers] can’t afford to plant the wrong thing. We figure out what varieties will work, which ones will not only survive our climates, but also produce enough of a fruit that’s of a quality that they can sell it.”
However, freezes of grant funds have put WARC’s mission on unsure footing, threatening not only their service toward producers in the future, but also what they are able to comply with at present.
Kierstin Schmitt, an Administrative Associate with WARC, said that the current funding freeze means that ongoing multi-year grants may go uncompleted.
“We’ve got plants in the ground,” said Schmitt. “We’ve got ongoing research projects that we’re working on with those plants. We’re at a loss to know what we can do now, without the funding.”
Miller adds that WARC had allocated several thousand dollars to help a regional grower’s group put on their annual conference in April in Missoula, and even though there are contracts pending, and arrangements to be finalized, the funding freeze threatens to stifle WARC’s participation.
“We’re operating on faith that the federal government will honor these con tracts,” he said.
Back in Stevensville, Max Smith
expressed his appreciation of the federal programs which are currently under threat, and how they help producers like him. When he was successfully awarded the SCBG for purchase of the Power Ox, an MSU graduate student familiar with the machine came out to get it up and running and ready for its critical task in an already growing field of cauliflower.
“Every bed-foot really counts for small farmers like us,” Smith said. “Having that resource is incredibly critical so that we don’t destroy the crop in the process of trying to defend it.”
Max Smith of Winter Kissed Farm shows some of the equipment that he was able to secure from a USDA based grant. Some at the MSU agricultural research center say that grants like the one Miller received have been frozen, and the impacts will be far reaching.
Photo by Nathan Boddy.
Montana Matters Youth Outdoor Experience art contest
by John Dowd
In addition to their upcoming banquet, the organizers of First Hunt Foundation, Montana Conservation Elders and Montana Matters Youth Outdoor Experience are always looking to get youth and the outdoors to meet up. To that end, this year the organizations decided to host an ad-hock art contest they are excited to grow in years to come.
Even with short notice, the groups received seven entries, all from both Corvallis and Florence school districts. However, the opportunity was open to all schools in the valley, K-12, and with the success of this contest, they hope it will spread as intended.
The winner of the art contest received $200. Additionally, the student will also win a valuable summer camp scholarship for whichever of the camps sponsored by Montana Matters Youth Outdoor Experience they choose. The winner could also choose to have their art auctioned off at the 3rd Annual Montana Matters Youth Outdoor Experience Banquet, which will be held Thursday night, March 13.
The art contest was the first of its kind, but the organizations plan to make it an annual event. Since this was the first, it had a loose theme of “outdoor scenery.” The contest was judged by local professional artists Steve Wilson and Cynthia Fisher. Wilson has been involved with the Victor School
Board for nearly 30 years, and is known for his paintings of outdoor scenes and Rocky Mountain landscapes.
Fisher has judged the Junior Duck Stamp art contest for several years and is an internationally renowned artist known for her depictions of iconic wildlife.
When asked what they are looking for, the judges said one of the main things is that these are original works, and not copies from photos. “Imagination, creativity and perspective,” are some other elements Fisher was keeping an eye out for. For Wilson, this is an especially important way to get youth interested in the outdoors. According to him, it can “cause them to see the world in more detail.” Fisher echoed these thoughts, saying that it also pushed these youth to “look at the environments of Montana,” in particular.
were impressed with the level of work achieved by mostly 13-year-old partic
The judging was held at the Florence Volunteer Fire Station, which has served as the meeting point for the event and organization coordinators. Even with only seven entries, judges
ipants. According to Tom Powers, the final judge and one of the lead organizers of Montana Matters Out Outdoor Experience, it was hard to decide, as everyone was so creative, no matter their ages.
For 2025, the overall winner in
Darby School District loves to read, thanks police chief
by John Dowd
Last Tuesday, the Darby School District gave their students awards for participating in the “I Love to Read” program. It also gave the district an opportunity to recognize a long-time supporter of the program from the community. This individual was Darby Police Chief Tj Gibson.
The “I Love to read” program is a month-long initiative that attempts to grow reading interest in students. Throughout the month of February, students try to read as many books as possible. According to Chris Toynbee, the Darby School District K-7 principal, the program is accompanied by an award ceremony, which distributes several prizes to the winners. Of these, perhaps the most well known have been the bikes.
Toynbee explained that the district gives out around nine bikes a year; one bike per grade level. The best readers from preschool to seventh grade are able to enter to win. The winners were selected out of those who had read the most books during the program. Their names were entered into a drawing,
where they could choose from either a bike or a reward field trip to Barnes and Noble, in Missoula.
Those bikes are directly paid for by the work of Gibson. “He was instrumental two years ago by helping to raise money,” for Darby’s “I Love to Read” program, said Toynbee. The police chief organized with the Darby Volunteer Fire Department to “fill the boot.” During that fundraiser, According to Toynbee, they raised so much that the school has been able to give out bikes since, and still have the ability to do it for at least another year. Gibson also attends the award ceremony every year to recognize students who participated in the initiative. He is often the one handing out the bikes. Cheryl Woirhaye, a Darby Schools staff member and close neighbor to Gibson, wanted to recognize all the work he does for the community. She learned of a program offered by Molly’s Custom Silver, a belt buckle company out of Texas. The business has a special giveaway for police officers across the country. Every year, the business accepts applications for entry to win a beautiful buckle, and they only give out
1,000 buckles. Woirhaye submitted information to nominate Gibson, and he was selected this year to receive a buckle. The buckle was presented to the officer during the bike giveaway as a surprise.
The Darby “I Love to Read” program tries to get every student reading more.
To do this, multiple departments work together. However, Toynbee wanted to recognize particular individuals and groups for their service to the initiative.
The first of these is the one who runs and organizes the program, Ryan McCrossin, the school librarian.
Additionally, there were $30 gift cards to Chapter One, in Hamilton, given away this year. These are for third graders and up, and six cards were donated. Winners of these were randomly drawn from all students in the school. The cards were gifted by the Ionic Lodge of Masons #38 of Hamilton.
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first place was Sabrina Widow, an eighth grader from Corvallis. Second place went to Lily Gardner, also from Corvallis. Finally, third place went to Allana Wellborne in the eleventh grade from Florence. There was an honorable mention, which was given to Reece Olson, who is also in the eleventh grade at Florence.
Darby “I Love to Read” bike winners. Photo courtesy Darby Schools.
Cynthia Fisher, Tom Powers and Steve Wilson pose with all the art entries. Photo by John Dowd.
Bitterroot legislator resigns from the
by Mara Silvers Montana Free Press
A Republican lawmaker and vape shop owner has announced his resignation from the Montana Legislature, alleging political favoritism toward major tobacco companies and unscrupulous decision-making by fellow members of the GOP.
Rep. Ron Marshall, R-Hamilton, has served in the Montana House of Representatives since 2021. An owner of two vape shops in the state, Marshall has become an outspoken critic of national tobacco companies.
Marshall framed his resignation, which comes as the Legislature nears its midway point, not as an act of protest, but as a type of surrender after two months of bruising battles over vape and tobacco bills.
“I don’t want to swim in this swamp anymore. Why do I want to stay? I’m not a corrupt person. Why do I want to stay around a bunch of corrupt people?” Marshall told reporters on Monday. “I’m not going to play this game anymore.”
This session, Marshall sponsored a bill to create a regulatory distinction between vape and tobacco products. The bill also would have limited vaping sales to age-restricted venues for ages 21 and older.
That bill, House Bill 149, passed out of the House Business and Labor Committee in January but spent weeks in limbo before it was scheduled for a vote on the House floor.
Marshall later said the bill’s prog-
ress was hindered by lobbyists from Altria and RJ Reynolds, two of the tobacco companies subject to the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement, the legal agreement with 52 states and territories intended to reduce tobacco use. In a lawsuit filed in federal district court in February, Marshall accused the companies of violating the terms of the MSA that restricts them from lobbying against legislation that would limit tobacco use for minors.
Attorneys for the companies said in court filings that Marshall had no standing to bring the lawsuit and that HB 149 would not have been implicated by the MSA because of differing definitions of tobacco products. A judge later dismissed the case, finding that only the signatories to the agreement can enforce its terms.
After that ruling, Marshall tried to rally support for HB 149 on the House floor. The bill failed to advance on a 38-62 vote, with some Republicans and nearly all Democrats opposed.
Speaking to reporters on Monday about his decision to resign his seat, Marshall said that it’s up to the Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen to enforce the terms of the MSA.
“He can pick and choose winners and losers. So in this case, the state really is a loser because we’re allowing these guys to go on and do their thing,” Marshall said.
Marshall’s final straw, he said, was the committee approval in late February of a bill backed by tobacco companies. House Bill 525, sponsored by Rep. Amy Regier, R-Kalispell, would create
a legal registry for vape products that can be sold in Montana and prohibit the sale of products that have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
Proponents of that bill, including Knudsen, testified to lawmakers on the House Taxation Committee that the measure will take illicit products off the market, including those from Chinese manufacturers that critics say are overtly marketed to youth.
Opponents, including Marshall, have said the bill will effectively promote vape products owned by big tobacco companies that have received FDA approval, allowing them to corner the market and undermine small businesses currently selling other products.
Many Montana vape shop owners spoke against HB 525 during its hearing, describing alternative nicotine products as harm reduction when compared to traditional cigarettes and blasting the bill’s support by major tobacco companies.
“This bill represents regulatory capture, plain and simple,” testified Kevin Barland, a co-owner of Juice City Vapor, speaking before committee lawmakers. “This legislation would force many consumers back to harmful cigarettes or drive them to purchase black market products, significantly endangering public health.”
The tax committee passed the bill two days later, but not before adding a hefty, Democratic-proposed 50% tax of the wholesale price for certain products. The amendment passed 18-3. The bill then passed the committee unanimously, 21-0.
Marshall said that the widespread Republican support of the amendment flew in the face of conservative values to support lower taxes and small businesses. He criticized Knudsen’s endorsement of the bill and the members of Republican leadership, including House Speaker Brandon Ler and Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick, who voted for the amendment.
Marshall said he’d been in communication with the Ravalli County Republican Central Committee about his decision to step down and said he was confident that they would make selections for his replacement soon. The committee forwards their picks to the county commissioners, who make the final decision. The Legislature is scheduled to pause for its week-long transmittal break beginning this Saturday.
Marshall, who also chairs the House Human Services Committee, said that he expected Vice Chair Rep. Jodee Etchart, R-Billings, to oversee operations upon his departure.
In a statement Monday afternoon, House Speaker Ler said he had received Marshall’s resignation and planned to submit it to the Secretary of State’s office shortly.
“Since his election, Representative Marshall has been a strong advocate for his constituents, and we appreciate his contribution to the Legislature,” the emailed statement said. “As we move forward, Montana House Republicans will continue serving the people of Montana and delivering on the commitments we’ve made to our constituents.”
MARSHALL: Commissioners appoint Terry Nelson
Continued from page 1
be sent to Helena. Hudson also anticipated that media would be excluded from the second meeting, which he asserted had been organized specifically to discourage transparency.
“That is what’s wrong with the political system in America today,” he said. “If you have to do s–t in the dark of night in secret, you probably shouldn’t be doing it.”
Matthew Roth, the Sargent of Arms for the RCRCC, opened the Thursday meeting in the Ravalli County Commissioners’ meeting room. He stated that, following repeated failed attempts to urge RCRCC leadership to organize the meeting had gone unanswered, 23 members of the Central Committee had decided to move forward with their obligations to name replacement candidates.
“This constitutes a majority of members of our Central Committee,” he said. “Ladies and gentlemen, this is a lawful meeting per Montana State Code and our bylaws.”
Following RCRCC bylaws, those in attendance ultimately voted to send the names of Michele Binkley, Wayne Rusk and Terry Nelson to the county commissioners. Both Binkley and Rusk have served as House Representatives in the past, but failed to win their respective 2024 primaries.
The following day, and prior to the next meeting, Tyler Newcombe, Executive Director of the MT GOP, sent an email to RCRCC leadership informing them that the previous night’s meeting would not be recognized by the Montana Republican Party. The email spelled out the GOP’s hope for the emergency meeting, as well as a recommended procedure for selection of the three candidates. A copy of the email, obtained by the Bitterroot Star, also shows the GOP’s desire to limit outside exposure:
“It is our desire to have this meeting be closed so we can avoid having the media there or other parties outside of our organization,” state the email, in part. “Due to open meeting laws, this will not be possible at the location we have determined if the county commissioners are present for the meeting. We therefore request they do not attend.”
However, at the start of the Friday meeting, Newcombe, who was in attendance, asked Secretary Penny Howe to scrap the paragraph before reading the message aloud. Newcombe did not respond to a request for comment by publication date.
The heavily attended meeting began with finalization of the selection process. An early point of
contention emerged surrounding allowance of proxy voting, something requested by members the previous night who feared they’d be unable to attend the next day’s meeting. Doug Bohn stated that the allowance of voting by proxy should be struck, leading to a careful examination of RCRCC bylaws between Bohn and Matthew Roth. Chairman Ron Stoltz ultimately agreed to allow it.
Sen. Theresa Manzella failed to convince the room of a motion for open-voting rather than private. She said that open-voting is done in the legislature and that Ravalli County citizens “have already cast their votes for certain people and against certain people. And some of those people that they have cast votes against, I’m sure will be nominated tonight.”
Manzella’s motion was put to a verbal vote, which exposed overwhelming opposition. Nonetheless, executive members declined to accept the verbal outcome and instead put the motion to a roll-call vote. Those opposed to the open-vote numbered 27, with 12 in favor.
Another failed motion by Rep. Kathy Love would have required that each candidate be voted for individually, rather than each member submitting a written list with their three preferred candidates. This motion caused audible grumbling and fear of unnecessary confusion by some.
It was the formal motion made by Ryan Roth, who suggested adopting the simple procedure as laid out by Tyler Newcombe, and that the voting begin “forthwith,” which ultimately succeeded and set the selection process in motion.
In total, six individuals were nominated by those in attendance on Friday. To the list of three from the evening prior, Kim Dailey, Bill Lussenheide and Robert Wallace’s names were added.
County Administrative center saw two distinct meetings of the Ravalli County Republican Central Committee last week.
factions struggled to take charge of making recommendations for replacement for outgoing state representative, Ron Marshall.
tee members that ran as Republicans that are Republicans. And there is also a segment that are not. They simply refuse to support the basic principles of the Montana GOP platform.”
Doug Bohn, in his supportive speech in favor of Bill Lussenheide, went on to, in his own words, address the elephant in the room, and shine a light on the deep division within the RCRCC and the ongoing assertion that some members are RINOs (Republicans in Name Only).
“There are individuals in here making nominations that refuse to support the Republican platform,” he said. “I wish to remind you that this is a meeting hosted by the Montana GOP, which is a Republican organization. You are sitting amongst central commit-
Each of the six candidates was given a chance to speak before blank papers were distributed to all voting members with the instructions to clearly mark their three preferred candidates. Similar to the night prior, Wayne Rusk, Michele Binkley and Terry Nelson were selected. Their names were forwarded to the county commissioners for final decision.
Ultimately, the County Commissioners unanimously chose to appoint Terry Nelson as Marshall’s replacement.
Ravalli
Disparate
Photos by Nathan Boddy.
Montana VA To Host Grand Opening For New Hamilton VA Clinic
The Montana VA Health Care System (MTVAHCS) is excited to announce the official grand opening of the new Hamilton VA Clinic, scheduled for Friday, March 14. Hamilton-area Veterans will now receive care at the newly constructed Hamilton VA Clinic at 1331 North 1st Street. The clinic provides 8,000 square feet of space, effectively increasing the size of the old clinic by 600 percent. The clinic is also designed around the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) model.
“Opening this new clinic in Hamilton is one way that we are trying to fulfill our promise to provide world class healthcare for Montana’s Veterans,” said Duane Gill, Montana VA Executive Director. “For nearly a decade, the previous Hamilton CBOC dedicated itself to serving the Veterans in this community. While this location served us well for many years, we saw steady growth in the Veteran population in and around Ravalli County. With a new and larger location, we are now able to serve more
Veterans and offer expanded services to Veterans in the Hamilton area.”
The grand opening will feature an opening ceremony at the Bitterroot River Inn and Convention Center at 139 Bitterroot Plaza Drive in Hamilton. Following the ceremony, there will be a ribbon cutting at the clinic with the opportunity for Veterans and members of the public to tour the new Hamilton VA Clinic.
The ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on March 14 at the Bitterroot Inn.
The ribbon cutting and tours will begin at noon at the Hamilton VA Clinic. To learn more about VA health care, Veterans can connect with Montana VA at upcoming events.
Montana VA encourages all Veterans, family members, caregivers, and survivors to learn more about VA and apply for their worldclass health care and earned benefits today. For more information about VA care, visit VA’s health care website.
Local Science Olympiad teams headed to nationals
MSU News Service
Corvallis Middle School and Hamilton High School will head to nationals after winning the state Science Olympiad tournament held Tuesday, March 4, at Montana State University.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln will host nationals May 23-24, where students can win awards and cash scholarships.
More than 70 middle and high school teams participated in Montana’s 41st Science Olympiad, putting their vehicles, windmills and towers to the test against other schools. They competed in astronomy, meteorology, chemistry and other events while visiting MSU labs and classrooms to learn about topics ranging from immersive artificial intelligence to plant research.
More than 350 medals and certificates went to individual event winners, and Science Olympiad team trophies went to:
Division B: Middle school
• Corvallis Middle School
• Hamilton Middle School
• North Middle School, Great Falls
Division B: Middle school, small schools division
• Choteau Junior High
• Headwaters Academy, Bozeman
• Belt Middle School
Division C: High school
• Hamilton High School
• Capital High School, Helena
• Corvallis High School
Division C: High school, small schools division
• Choteau High School
• Belt High School
• Superior High School
Since 1985, the Montana Science Olympiad state tournament has been hosted at MSU by the Science Math Resource Center in the Department of Education. It is one of the country’s largest science, technology, engineering and math competitions, with more than 6,300 teams participating each year from all 50 states.
For more information, contact state tournament organizer Suzi Taylor at taylor@montana.edu or 406-994-2336.
Corvallis Middle School team from the competition. Photo courtesy Coach Jenifer Powell.
Fraud, waste, and abuse
Once again there is an effort to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse in the Federal government. However, you only need to look at Trump to see his personal support for fraud (he commuted the sentence of a man convicted of one of the biggest Medicare frauds ever), abuse (he pardoned people who were convicted of brutally beating police officers), and waste (he fired inspector generals who were actually going after waste). To really reduce fraud, waste, and abuse, we need many more people in government (investigators, prosecutors, IRS agents, etc.) to actually achieve that goal.
Currently, Trump is increasing the federal debt by over $5 billion every day! It costs another half million dollars every day forever to finance that new debt! Trump has big tax plans to further increase the debt. We will not see the federal deficit reduced significantly until Musk starts cutting Social Security and Medicare.
Kirk Thompson Stevensville Job losses on the Forest
The Bitterroot Forest Collaborative recognizes that forest management can be labor intensive. We understand that the Bitterroot National Forest has, at times, been unable to provide as much maintenance and as many services as it considers desirable, due to a shortage of staff. We therefore want to express our concern both for the employees that have recently been or will soon be terminated and for the BNF as it tries to meet the challenges of forest management in a complicated environment.
Skip Kowalski and Kirk Thompson, Co-chairs Bitterroot Forest Collaborative Defenders of democracy?
Where are the Republican war hawks, their support for the military and “the rule of law”? The administration’s releases duly convicted J-6 felons on the streets and withdraws support from Ukraine after they have shed their blood in three years of war defending their democracy without American troops on the ground. Where are our veteran “Navy Seals” Senator Sheehy’s and Representative Zinke’s voices in this debate? What would Senator John McCain be doing if he was still alive? Their total silence toward this policy change is a cowardly retreat from their military service, a disgrace to Montanans who have or are serving in both the military or police. This is an abdication of their responsibilities as a Montana Senator and Representative to serve as a check on the power of the administrative branch of government. When will they have a town hall meeting to explain their retreat? Call Ryan Zinke (202) 225-5628, Tim Sheehy (202)-224-2644 and demand they explain their position at a local town hall meeting.
Archie Thomas & Merry Schrumpf Corvallis
Trump Effect 4
Veterans, farmers, teachers, charity workers, federal workers, non-profit helpers - any who voted for Trump: Is your life better yet?? How many grants are “frozen,” government-speak for “not gonna get it.” You have my deep sympathy if your job, income or benefits
Opinion
are threatened.
But you voted for this thief, who steals your way of life and then gives trillions to his wealthy pals. You rejected the Democrats, who actually care about your livelihood. Yes, I understand you got outraged about culture issues, but you missed the point. You missed the realization that to the Democrats, your life actually matters.
Instead you bought the baloney from the Republicans. Don’t bother going hat in hand to Gianforte. He’s got millions squirreled away - from those interest bearing accounts he’s shielded from scrutiny. He wants, instead, to bestow our treasure on his pals. No sympathy there. I’m sorry if bad things happened to you. Next time, check the Democrat box. You’ll be better off.
Linda Schmitt Corvallis
Response to T. Larsen
In response to LTE by Teresa Larsen. I need to ask you, have you ever seen a Monty Python movie? “Spamalot” is a musical based on the “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” movie. This movie came out in 1975. I’m old enough to say I saw it in a theater. It is brilliant comedy.
“Spamalot” is true to the original. I laughed for two solid hours. What a gift, I was able to forget all the horror that is happening in the world right now and just laugh. Thank you, Hamilton Players, for the gift of laughter.
Nancy Neal Hamilton
Response to T. Larsen
I’m sorry that you did not enjoy the performance of “Spamalot” at the Hamilton Playhouse. I admit that the show is irreverent and definitely not everyone’s cup of tea. Personally, I loved it! This is why art exists and is important in all of its forms. Not everything is going to be for everyone and that’s OK. It really has nothing to do with religious beliefs. We all need to be more tolerant of different forms of expression, as long as they’re not hurting anyone. You are very entitled to your opinion and I respect that. All I ask is that you afford the same to the rest of us.
Carrie Storrow Hamilton
Troubling developments
I recently read an article in the news regarding the eradication of “river blindness” in the African country of Niger, where 550,000 people or 11% of the population are infected every year. River blindness is a degenerative disease that debilitates vast numbers of people across Africa.
In 1976 Niger partnered with the drug company Merck and the World Health Organization to find a drug that would prevent river blindness. Through the efforts of the Carter Foundation, the Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization, and USAID, the parasitic infection of “river blindness” has been virtually eradicated in that country, ensuring a healthy life to millions of people of Niger!
Too bad President Trump and Mr. Musk have destroyed this important program.
The massive cuts to USAID and the firing of so many US Government employees is, in the words of President Reagan, “smoke and mirrors” to deflect from the real damage being done by Trump, with very little notice, as he fires and then hires our top military leaders who swear allegiance to him.
When the next elections roll around and Trump decides that elections are no longer useful to him, he will call on the military, led by his devotees, to cancel them.
And how about his disgraceful behavior towards President Zelenskyy of the Ukraine on February 28?
Thomas Tunny Hamilton
Liberal idiots
Wow! The last two issues of the Star have been full of liberal hatred toward our newly elected President. I find this hatred hard, no, impossible, to understand.
We, the citizens of this great country, elected him to solve the crisis-level problems our country is facing to include: out-of-control deficit spending, invasion at our southern and northern borders, international turmoil, and progressive liberal policies, to name a few.
And guess what, he is doing what he promised to do. Certainly, there have been and will continue to be unforeseen negative problems along the way as his policies are implemented, but how can you argue against trying to solve our fiscal situation by cutting spending (bloated government, stupid deficit spending and downright criminal foreign aid giveaways.) Maybe the money should have gone to help our citizens. It’s your money, neighbors. Are you really okay with what has been going on?
Today we stand against each other more than ever before. It seems every year that moral and political opinions become more polarizing which results in pushing people further apart. Brings to mind, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
The Democrat behavior toward President Trump during his speech to a joint session of Congress this week was absolutely stupid. They presented themselves as idiots in my opinion.
Jerry Esmay Stevensville
Not in our valley
US Critical Materials (https:uscriticalmareials.com) is on the move again. With the help of a new PR firm they are claiming they use environmentally friendly extraction processes. They completely ignore the real problem: mining in the headwaters of the Bitterroot River. Please don’t be taken in by the greenwashing. No matter how they process the ore after it’s dug up, the mine itself will still cause major problems. Digging up the land, building roads, and hauling materials will disrupt this sensitive area. The risk of polluting the Bitterroot River with sediment and heavy metals is real. This river provides our drinking water, supports agriculture, and sustains a vital fishery. These are not things we can afford to risk.
USCM is partnering with Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to develop this new extraction process. What works in a small, controlled lab setting often doesn’t work the same way when scaled up to a full-size mine.
The company is also playing the “national security” card, saying we need this mine to reduce our reliance on China. Montana has other sources of rare earth elements. We can get these elements from existing mine waste and acid mine drainage –cleaning up old pollution instead of creating a new problem. That’s a much better way to meet our national needs.
We can’t let USCM’s greenwashing and exaggerated claims go unchallenged. The future of the Bitterroot River is at stake.
Please talk to your friends, family, and neighbors, and elected officials.
Steve Jones Corvallis
Real threat to democracy
I was so embarrassed and disgusted as I watched Trump and Vance team-bully Ukrainian President Velensky. It was horrific to witness how they represented our nation. They were disrespectful brutish men, interrupting and yelling at this exceptional man. Velensky is the true hero warrior leader. Our president and vice president’s behavior was appalling. Do Americans really want to put Putin over Zelensky? Trump has made it clear he stands with the butcher Putin, a sworn opponent of democracies worldwide. We are in deep trouble.
Vicky Bohlig Hamilton
Re: DOGE cuts
A huge thank you to the Bitterroot Star for their recent feature detailing DOGE cuts and impact on local workers. Indiscriminate slashing of agencies and employees has been ongoing since Trump took office with severe implications for our communities.
I sent a contribution to the GoFundMe account for recently promoted and then fired Kara Bond. She is the employee who is now fighting cancer after losing her longstanding career with the Forest Service. I hope she is bombarded with donations. She should not be in this situation.
Elon Musk could personally fund USAID about 10 times over, instead of denying food and medical assistance to starving children. The US Forest Service, with a $9 billion budget, could be funded in its entirety somewhere around 40 times over by Musk. Meanwhile, his own government contracts (info varies but around $39 billion publicly disclosed and more in non-disclosed defense contracts) appear to be left untouched by the DOGE demolition squad. What a coincidence! Regarding the meeting between President Zelensky of Ukraine and the Trump/Vance sideshow, three minutes was all I could stomach. Zelensky fought tooth and nail to defend democracy in his country. Meanwhile, Trump accused him of potentially starting WWIII. Vance had the audacity to attempt to shame the Ukrainian leader by stating that he was less than respectful and that he owed Trump yet another thanks for all that Trump had done for Ukraine. The Trump/Vance conduct was nauseating, not unlike two punks on the playground beating up a little kid.
Recently, Trump lied to the world indicating that Ukraine started the war. He also called Zelensky a dictator. Now he is asking Zelensky for 50% of Ukraine’s rare minerals in exchange for US support. To demand mineral rights while simultaneously appeasing Putin in whatever way he can is pathetic. Russia will likely get a portion of eastern Ukraine. The winner here is Russia, and the loser is the free world and Ukraine. Let’s remind ourselves who Vladimir Putin is. Late Republican John McCain called Putin “a thug, murderer, killer, and a KGB agent.” Roger Wicker, current Mississippi Republican Senator and Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called Putin “a war criminal who should be imprisoned for the rest of his life, if not executed.” Mitch McConnell must be feeling a little braver now that he is serving his last term in Congress. He recently noted that any attempt to appease Putin to check Putin’s
ambitions is “as naive today as it was in 1939.” This is in reference to Western Europe’s initial hesitation to stand up to Hitler and Nazi Germany.
McConnell continues, “America is right to seek an end to this war, but an end that fails to constrain Russian ambition… is no end at all.” “The human catastrophe rests solely on Vladimir Putin” and if Ukraine laid down their arms, “Putin’s aims would not stop with Kyiv.”
No wonder Zelinsky and our former European allies are at a loss. We now have a President who has aligned us with Russia and against Ukraine and the UN. We are in a five-alarm fire. Enough of partisan bickering. We must not continue down this current path of support for an evil authoritarian Russian regime. Demand that your Congressmen take a stand. Demand a town hall. Support Ukraine, and question the White House policies that are wreaking havoc on Montanans.
Tim Sheehy (202)224-2644
Steve Daines (202)224-2651
Ryan Zinke (202)224-5628
Bill Salterberg Stevensville
Not Team Russia
I woke up about a week ago, had a cup of coffee, filled up another, then fired up my laptop to finish up a work project that was due in a couple of days. This project involved some heavy-duty fact-checking online, so I got on the internet—or tried to. The Google homepage appeared, but then I clicked on a YouTube channel that I love because it has a cozy cabin scene with a nice, soothing fireplace and snow falling gently outside and . . . crickets. Not crickets in the cabin scene. “Crickets” as in nothing came up but an error message about the server being offline. I tried other websites. Same.
And a chill went through me. Not because I feared missing my deadline. But because I feared the very worst: That Russia had succeeded in shutting down the communication systems that make the internet work and nukes were on their way, ETA 30 minutes.
That didn’t happen, of course, or all of us here in Montana would be crispy critters, what with our supply of nuclear missiles making us a prime target for Russia’s nuclear arsenal. A phone call to Spectrum reassured me that it was just a glitch on their part.
But my fear is not as ludicrous as it sounds. I hate to say it because I know many of you out there are ride-or-die Trump fans, but there is every indication that Trump is on Team Putin.
Trump has just commanded Pete Hegseth to order the Pentagon to pause our cyberoperations against Russia. We have been having a cyberwar with Russia for decades. They try to attack our computer systems, and we try to attack theirs before they attack ours.
Russia is the number-one cyber attacker in the world. We are its main target. Trump’s pausing our cyberoperations makes our country vulnerable to Russian cyberattacks on our power grid, our communication satellites, our hospitals, and other infrastructure.
Stopping our cyberoperations (oh, and he fired a bunch of cybercrime experts at CISA, the federal agency that prevents Russian cyberattacks) is just one of many examples of Trump doing things to please Vladimir Putin, such as ending military aid to Ukraine this week. That one must have made Putin so happy that he broke into one of those Russian dances where they cross their arms, squat, and kick their legs out like crazy. Why in the world would Trump do such a thing? Why would he make America weak and vulnerable? Why
Wednesday, March 12, 2025
would he betray our ally Ukraine, which means betraying all of our allies in Europe? And why the punishing tariffs on Canada? Fentanyl? Really? When way more fentanyl crosses over from the US to Canada than the other way around?
The only answer is that Trump is on Putin’s side. And he is on the side of billionaires like Elon Musk, who want a New World Order in which the richest people in the world do fabulously well, launching rockets to Mars and buying trophy ranches in Montana, while so many of us regular Americans struggle to earn enough to buy groceries, pay rent or a mortgage, or afford to retire and still pay our bills without having to work until we die.
Please, neighbors, we need to take a stand against the Russia-fication and billionaire-ization of America. Call Steve Daines: 1 (202) 224-2651; Tim Sheehy: 1 (202) 224-2644; and Ryan Zinke: 1 (202) 225-5628; and ask them to oppose Trump and Musk realigning America with Putin’s Russia and turning America into the “home of the billionaires and the land of the free to live off the meager scraps they throw our way.”
Dana Henricks Florence
A lesson of history
History provides many lessons for today, if only we remember and heed them.
Mid-December 1941 was a dark and terrible time. Germany had been bombing England’s cities and towns for two years killing thousands of civilians and its U-boat fleet was sinking hundreds of thousands of tons of merchant ships full of supplies bound for Britain with the goal of starving the island into surrender. And the United States had just been attacked on the “date that will live in infamy.”
During that time, the Prime Minister of Britain, Winston Churchill, was running his government from the Rose Suite on the second floor of the White House, as the houseguest of President Franklin Roosevelt. One afternoon, Mr. Roosevelt wheeled into the Rose Suite bedroom to discuss the war and found Mr. Churchill dictating correspondence to his (male) stenographer, in the words of presidential advisor Harry Hopkins, “stark naked and gleaming pink from his bath.” Unashamed and with monumental dignity, the naked Churchill said: “The Prime Minister of Great Britain has nothing to hide from the President of the United States.” To which the President quipped, “Don’t mind me.”
Last week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was criticized by Mr. Trump and a news reporter for wearing a black, long-sleeved collarless shirt with the Ukrainian trident on the chest, instead of a business suit, for his meeting in the Oval Office, the reporter asking: “Why don’t you wear a suit? You’re at the highest level in this country’s office, and you refuse to wear a suit?” Well, at least President Zelenskyy had clothes on.
These are dark and terrible times for Ukraine. For three years, President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainian people have been locked in mortal combat with Vladimir Putin. Russian soldiers have bombed schools, hospitals and churches in Ukraine, conducted mass executions of its citizens, raped women and girls and stolen its children, spiriting them back to Russia.
President Zelenskyy says that he wears military-style clothing in solidarity with his citizens who have had to become front-line combat troops. I think we should have the generosity to believe him and respect his clothing choices. After all, it is true Ukrainians have been forced to trade fashionable attire for the field jackets of combat infantry troops,
the bloodied scrubs of combat doctors, nurses and medics and the turnout coats of fire and rescue personnel. For Ukrainians, wearing camouflage is not a Vogue magazine fashion statement, but a necessity born of personal survival.
Prime Minister Churchill and President Roosevelt are giants of history, because they kept their eyes on the big picture and extended grace and humor for the small things. I only wish for such leadership today, instead of small men who dwell on the petty and insignificant.
Slava Ukraini! Glory to Ukraine.
Doug Hatchimonji Hamilton Musk closes Missoula and Kalispell Social Security offices
The building leases are to be terminated per the DOGE website. Western Montana will not have a Social Security Office. The five offices left are in Helena, Butte, Great Falls, Bozeman, and Billings. Common sense and an understanding of geography would say spread out the harm in a large state. Nationally 7,000 Social Security workers will be cut. There is absolutely no understanding of the government’s role to help its citizens. Two days ago I called Social Security and opted for a call back which took nearly three hours before I talked to an employee. What will the response time be when western Montana offices and others in the country are closed? Many citizens need help via in-person meetings to apply for retirement as well as disability, survivor, and SSI benefits.
Musk said Social Security is a ponzi scheme which is a ridiculous, ignorant statement. Why would he worry about the average American when he is the richest man in the world? The rest of us need the benefit we earned for retirement, Musk doesn’t.
Call or email Daines, Sheehy, Zinke, Downing. They must put a stop to this attack on Social Security. We were promised no changes to Social Security. Marilyn Wolff Stevensville
Hypocrite Democrats
If you need proof that Democrats have learned nothing since Trump emerged in 2015, just check the Star’s latest letters page, where local drones dutifully parrot talking points, calling Trump and Elon Musk Nazis. It’s clear Democrats have abandoned progressive values in favor of name-calling and power games.
You’d think a party controlling major institutions—courts, media, entertainment, education—would focus on improving life for average Americans instead of engaging in petty, middle-school insults. But you’d be wrong. Many of these Boomers regurgitate MSNBC talking points just to see their name in print while ignoring the distrust they’ve sown by abusing these institutions for political power.
Democrats are so ideologically rigid they’ve failed to notice progressives like Joe Rogan, Tulsi Gabbard, and RFK Jr. jumping ship from their corporately controlled, warmongering party. This coalition of disillusioned progressives helped Trump secure another term.
Even as their own party embraces once-hated figures like Dick Cheney and Marc Racicot, they refuse to question the narratives handed to them. Meanwhile, leaders like Trump and Gianforte are implementing some of the most progressive policies in a generation— earning public support while Democrats attack them instead of backing beneficial reforms.
Ironically, local Ravalli Republicans scream if anyone dares question the state Constitution passed in 1972 by a Democratic governor and legislature. That governor, Forrest Anderson, saw his greatest achievement as consolidating and shrinking government, reducing 161 entities to just 19 agencies. By today’s Democratic standards, he’d be labeled a Nazi simply for streamlining government and increasing transparency. I’m especially disappointed by the fearmongering from groups like the Ravalli Fish and Wildlife Association. Since when did government jobs become a lifelong guarantee of cushy pay and benefits? When only 6% of federal employees even show up to the office full-time—while earning twice the salary and vastly better benefits than their private-sector counterparts—taxpayers deserve an explanation beyond “Republicans who want to cut spending are mean.”
According to the state Office of Public Instruction, only 44.19% of Montana public school students read at grade level, and just 38.74% are proficient in math—yet Montanans continue paying up to 70% of their rising property taxes to fund these failing schools. Where are the progressives demanding accountability for taxpayer dollars? Too busy funneling union dues into political attacks to care about students’ futures, apparently.
Last year, Jon Tester outspent his opponent nearly 4 to 1—$96 million to $27 million—and still lost. Kamala Harris outspent Trump nationally nearly 3 to 1—$997 million to $388 million—and also lost. Democrats had no issue with billionaire-backed spending when it benefited them, so their complaints now ring hollow. When Obama left office, the national budget was $3.9 trillion; under Biden, it was $6.7 trillion. Are we really supposed to believe an extra $3 trillion a year is entirely necessary, immune from cuts, and above scrutiny? Democrats should be leading the charge for transparency and spending reductions, not abandoning their former values to enrich corporate donors and public-sector union bosses.
If any regular person handled money as recklessly as Democrats, they’d be penniless. If Democrats returned to true progressive values instead of serving as mouthpieces for the wealthy, I’d welcome it. But until they take a hard look at the taxpayer money they waste while hypocritically screaming about “DEMOCRACY!” don’t expect them to win anywhere they haven’t already gerrymandered Republicans out of contention.
Tim Adams Stevensville
Selway-Pintler Back Country Horsemen
The Selway-Pintler Wilderness Back Country Horsemen meet the 2nd Thursday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Forest Service office in Hamilton (enter through the rear door). Come enjoy refreshments and conversation. For additional information contact Kathy Hundley at 406-363-8230. Visit the website at bchmt.org/ wp/spwbch/ or their Facebook page for more information.
A Course of Love study group
Fridays 10:00 a.m.12:00 noon.
Center for Spiritual Life, Hamilton Call: 406-381-6480
MS Support Group
Bitterroot MS Support Group meets every 3rd Thursday of the month in the Gallery room at the Coffee Cup Cafe in Hamilton, 500 S 1st Street, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Have a slice of pie, dinner, or just come to chat with others about living with Multiple Sclerosis. This is a positive and uplifting group that holds open discussions, and the occasional guest speaker. Find more information at www.nationalmssociety.org or contact Jackie Peterson, (970)518-293, jackierpeterson@gmail.com
Republican Central Committee
The Ravalli County Republican Central Committee regular monthly meetings are held the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at The Place Church, 273 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. All are welcome to attend.
Bitterroot Health Auxiliary
The Bitterroot Health Auxiliary meets the 3rd Monday every month in the Blodgett Conference Roomof the hospital. New volunteers are always welcome. Contact Mark Robinson, Auxiliary VP, (901) 517-8554.
Bitterroot Celtic Society
The Bitterroot Celtic Society meets every 3rd Thursday at 6 p.m. at BJ’s restaurant in Hamilton. The Bitterroot Celtic Society is a passionate group of volunteers, dedicated to keeping the Celtic culture, heritage, and history alive in the Bitterroot Valley. Their biggest event is the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering, held every third weekend in August at the Historic Daly Mansion. They also host a Burns’ Night supper, St. Andrew’s, St. Patrick’s, and Tartan day events. The BCS is a non-profit organization. The public, new members, and the curious are always welcome to attend. For any time changes or additional committee meeting info, follow their Facebook page for updates.
Grief support programs
STEVENSVILLE
Mar. 5th - Mar. 19th, 5:30 - 6:30pm: Expressions of Grief Workshop Series
Ongoing: 1:1 and Group Support
HAMILTON
Mar. 20th, 11am2:30pm: NACG 2025 Webcast: Family Dynamics & Grief
Ongoing: 1:1 Support / Counseling
VIRTUAL / STATE-WIDE
Mar. 6th, 5:30 - 6:30pm: Adult Virtual Roundtable -- Cultivating Connections: Building A Grief Team
Mar. 20th, 5:30 - 6:30pm: Adult Virtual Roundtable -- Touchstones: Living Legacies & Continuing Bonds
Mar. 25th, 9:1510:15am: Grief After Suicide & Traumatic Loss Adult Virtual Support Group
Mar. 25th - May 6th, 5:30 - 7:30pm: Circle of Security Virtual Parenting Group
Ongoing: 1:1 Support / Counseling
Visit tamarackgrc.org to explore Grief Support opportunities, or contact TGRC about receiving support for yourself or a loved one: Missoula/Stevensville: 406-5418472 or info@tamarackgrc. org
Knotty Knitters Guild
Knotty Knitters Guild meets the 4th Tuesday of every month except June, July, August and December at 6 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane, Hamilton.
You can also bring your knitting project to visit and knit with friends or get help with questions on Fridays from 12:00 to 5:00.
AARP tax assistance
AARP Tax-Aide will be offering free tax preparation services for low to moderate income taxpayers of all ages. Tax preparation began on February 8 and will be at the Stevensville Senior Center on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. The Senior Center WILL NOT schedule those appointments. Call 406201-5734, leave your name and phone number, and a volunteer will call back to schedule your appointment.
Bitterroot Tango
Argentine tango lessons each Wednesday evening at 4039 US 93 N, Stevensville. Learn to dance the tango each Wednesday with beginner classes from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., intermediate classes from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. followed by practice and social time to close. Classes are free. For more information about dance parties and guest teachers, find them on facebook at Bitterroot tango.
Vet-to-Vet
Veterans looking for a laid-back setting in which to visit with veterans from any period and any branch
of service are in luck. Every Friday morning from 6 to 8 a.m., the VVA Chapter 938 sponsors a no-host breakfast at BJ’s Family Restaurant (back room). Come and mingle with those who know where you’re coming from.
Grief Share
Grief Share program to help process grief offered at Florence Carlton Community Church, 20075 Old Highway 93, Florence, from February 15 to May 10, 2025. Saturdays 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Contact Colleen, (206) 930-2519
North Valley Library
Houseplant & Garden
Swap—Thurs, Mar 13 at 12pm
Do you live in an indoor jungle? Are your houseplants conspiring to evict you?
Prevent a houseplant takeover by donating or trading a foliage friend or two during this fun swap. Swap also includes garden-related items. You do not have to bring anything to attend, please come and take!
Welcome Spring Bird
Feeders --Thurs, Mar 13 at 6pm
The official start of spring is coming up! Welcome birds back to your yard with a birdfeeder unique to you. Participants will receive a sturdy wood birdfeeder to paint and decorate, as well as bird food recipes and resources on backyard birding. Birdfeeders are designed to make adding/removing food easy and include a metal chain to hang your creation. This craft has a materials fee of $10. Please register in person at the Library.
Board Meeting — Wed, Mar 19 at 3pm Meetings are open to the public. Agendas and the Public Participation are posted on the library website. If you are a member of the public and are unable to attend the Board meetings, the Board would still like to hear from you. Please email the Director at denisea@ northvalleylibrary.org or you can email board members directly
I Keep Hearing About AI, What Is It? — Thurs, Mar 20 at 6:30pm
You’re already using Artificial Intelligence (AI). If you get directions from Google Maps, benefit (and sometimes suffer) from autocorrect, check the weather on your phone, or watch a show on Netflix, as examples, AI is a part of our daily lives and likely to become even more so. This program is a broad overview of AI. We’ll cover the basic concepts of AI and how it works, how the technology is currently being used, and the latest developments and direction AI is moving in. Zoom option available.
Lenten Fish Fries
Knights of Columbus will host Fish Fries every Friday during Lent (March 7, 14, 21, 28, April 4 and 11 at St. Mary’s Family Center from
5 to 7 p.m. Menu includes fish, fries, green beans, mac & cheese, coleslaw, pudding and drink. Cost is $15 per person, $9 for under 12. Drive-thru available.
Stevensville town hall meeting
Rep. Greg Overstreet will host a public meeting at the Stevensville Town Hall on Thursday, March 13 at 5 p.m. to discuss current legislation. The public is encouraged to attend.
Women Newcomers Club
Are you new to the Bitterroot Valley or a longtime resident? The Bitterroot Women Newcomers Club is a fun group of women. They invite you to join them at their next meeting on Thursday, March 13 at 10 a.m. Rebecca Leary from the FBI office in Helena will be speaking on Cyber Security. Meetings are held at the First Christian Church, 328 Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton.
Bitterroot Health
Auxiliary Bake Sale
Bake Sale, Friday, March 14, 9am-1pm, Trapper Conference Room, main entrance Bitterroot Health Hospital. All proceeds benefit the hospital, its patients and staff. Contact Mark Robinson, Auxiliary VP, (901) 517-8554.
Bitterroot Bird Alliance
Bitterroot Bird Alliance’s March meeting will feature a presentation titled “Five Decades of Wolf Recovery in Montana and the West.” Presenter Dr. Diane K. Boyd holds a Ph.D. in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana, and has studied wolves in Montana and far beyond, including Romania and Italy. Dr. Boyd will discuss wolf recovery in Montana and the western US, through natural recolonization and reintroductions. She will discuss the ecology of gray wolves and the challenges of humans and wolves coexisting on a human-dominated landscape. Join BBA for this fascinating look at wolves during this virtual program which will take place on Monday, March 17 at 7 p.m. MST on the Zoom platform. You will need to register in advance for this meeting at: https://us02web.zoom. us/meeting/register/rT1rf7hQSsOgDehz9w5oIA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. For further information see the BBA website at: https:// bitterrootbirdalliance.org
Brews for Books on tap
Two upcoming Brews for Books pint night fundraisers will benefit the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville. The first event is planned for Tuesday, March 18, 6:30 to
8:30 p.m., at Backyard Tap House, 281 Rodeo Drive, Florence. This is in conjunction with the taphouse’s bingo night. The second is set for Thursday, April 10, 6 to 8 pm, at Blacksmith Brewery, 114 Main St., Stevensville. Both events are presented by the NVPL Foundation and Friends of the Library. For more information, contact Julie Eberlein at julianne. solberg@gmail.com.
Ravalli Democrats
The Ravalli Democrats invite you to join them at the Backyard Taphouse in Florence every other Tuesday afternoon at 4:30 for what they call Burgers and Beers. March 18, April 1, 15, 29, May 13, 27 etc. 281 Rodeo Drive, east of the traffic light. Questions? 406-880 6823.
Rare earth mining talk
Dr. Philip W. Ramsey will present information on the Sheep Creek Mine at the Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen meeting on March 20. Dr. Ramsey has a Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Montana, and he brings a science-based view to discussion of the proposed Sheep Creek Mine. He will discuss rare earth elements and their uses, the process for mining them, the effect of rare earth mining on soil and water quality, problems with disposing of toxic and radioactive waste, and the economics of foreign investment and government subsidies. Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen is a volunteer organization that works to keep trails open for the public. The meeting takes place at the Corvallis Primary School Cafeteria on Eastside Highway in Corvallis, with potluck dinner served at 6:30 p.m. and the general meeting starting at 7:00 p.m. Guests are welcome, and for more information check out the website at www.bchmt.org/bitterroot. Find them on Facebook at: Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen (BR BCH).
Women and Guns class
Women Only - Introduction to Defensive Handguns, a 2 day class, will be offered three times at the Whittecar Range in Hamilton. Class 1 will be March 22 and April 5, 2025. Class 2 will be May 24 and June 7, 2025. Class 3 will be August 23 and September 6 2025.
The first day is designed to assist you in choosing the right handgun for you. There will be discussions on handgun safety, basic operation of revolvers, semi-automatic handguns, and the cartridges used in each type of handgun.
Handguns will be provided so that you may handle the different types and models. Ammunition will also be provided for a live fire session on the range. A self defense book (specifically for women), will also be
provided. The legal aspects of the use of deadly force will be addressed in a general manner. There will be a lapse of two to three weeks in order to allow the student to purchase a firearm and become familiar with its operation for the conclusion of training on the second day. Students must provide their own ammunition for day two. The second day will consist of live fire training. The emphasis will be on safe gun handling. All exercises will consist of basic defensive shooting drills and training techniques. The different types of ammunition available and their uses will be discussed. Upon successful completion of the second day, this training will suffice as the required safety class for application to the state for a concealed carry permit. The class is limited to 10 participants. For an application or further information call Lee at 642-3590 or Jim at 360-8392 or write Box 159, Victor MT 59875.
Mature driving class
Bitterroot Health Hospital, located at 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, will host an ALL NEW AARP Driver Safety Program on Friday, March 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. This new safe driving course is designed for drivers age 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. The new program features laws specific to Montana, Defensive Driving, Winter Driving and new Vehicle Technologies. There are no driving tests or written exams and, Montana mandates insurance discounts for qualified drivers. Issued certificates are good for three years. Class fees are $20.00 for AARP members; $25.00, for non-members. Class size is limited; pre-registration is advised. For class sign up call Hamilton Insurance at 406-363-6583. For further information call Thom Ainsworth, Instructor, at 369-0149.
Life saving class Come learn life saving skills at this Red Cross CPR, AED, First Aid class on Friday, April 4th from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at St Francis, 411 S. 5th in Hamilton. The class will cover Adult, Child and Infant CPR, AED and First Aid to include bleeding and choking management and more. The Red Cross fee is $45 (cash or check). There will be snacks and water (free for “refresher” students). Please wear something comfortable as participants will be practicing on manikins on the floor. After class completion, the Red Cross will email you a certificate and a link to their complete CPR/First Aid manual. RSVP to Nancy at stfrancishwm@gmail.com
Sports
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Florence girls headed to state
The Florence girls basketball team plays in the Class B State tournament in Missoula on March 1315.
The Lady Falcons, the #2 seed from the West, play Chinook, the #2 seed from the North, in their opening game on Thursday at 8 p.m. at the Adams Center on the University of Montana campus.
Florence has a 19-4 record this season, and took 2nd place in both the 6B Districts and the Western B Divisionals. Their losses have come against Missoula Loyola and Malta, who are both in the state tournament as #1 seeds.
The Chinook Sugarbeeters have a 19-5 record this season and finished 2nd in the Northern B Divisionals. They lost to Malta, 37-47, in the Northern Divisionals championship game on March 1.
“We feel we got a good draw for our first game against Chinook,” said Florence head coach Shane Meinhold. “They are a very fundamentally sound team on both sides of the ball. They work really hard on defense, primarily playing man. They move the ball around really well on offense and are led by senior point guard Alexus Seymour, who’s a 1,000 point scorer. We feel we match really well with them and should hopefully be able to use our length and athleticism to help us secure the first round win at state.”
Florence and Chinook are on the same side of the bracket as Huntley Project, the #1 seed from the South, and Fairview, the #3 seed from the North. #1 seed Missoula Loyola and #1 seed Malta are both on the other side of the bracket.
“Our team feels really good heading into state this week,” said Meinhold. “We had the goal of getting back to state and have now refocused our goal to come home with some hardware and play Saturday evening.”
The Florence girls are the only Bitterroot Valley basketball team to make a state tournament this year, and since they play in Missoula, it’s a perfect opportunity to go to the games and show your support.
Hamilton boys, girls end season at divisionals
The Hamilton boys and girls basketball teams were the only Class A Bitterroot Valley teams to play in the Western A Divisional tournament in Whitefish on March 6-8.
Both teams played well, but both lost their first two games and were bumped out of the tournament. The Hamilton girls lost to Columbia Falls on Thursday and Browning on Friday, while the Hamilton boys lost to Browning on Thursday and Ronan on Friday.
Hamilton girls 37, Columbia Falls 51
The Hamilton girls were the #3 seed from the Southwest and played Columbia Falls, the #2 seed from the Northwest, in their opening round on Thursday, March 6.
The Lady Broncs kept it close in the 1st quarter, then went cold in the 2nd quarter and were behind 11-25 at halftime. Hamilton played Columbia Falls even in the second half, but were unable to make up the difference and lost 37-51.
For Hamilton, Ashlynn McKern led the scoring with 20 points, Ella Griffin had 11 and Annalise Lewis added 6.
Hamilton girls 42, Browning 46
This loss sent Hamilton to the loser out bracket where they met Browning on Friday morning. Hamilton jumped out to a 10-6 lead after one quarter then slowed down in the 2nd quarter and trailed 16-20 at halftime. The Lady Broncs were down 16-25 early in the 3rd quarter then went on an impressive 16-0 run to take a 37-32 lead going into the 4th quarter. Browning evened the game, but with 3:50 left to play Hamilton still led 42-41. Unfortunately for Hamilton, they went cold down the stretch and Browning scored the game’s final five points and Hamilton lost 42-46.
For Hamilton, Ashlynn McKern led the scoring with 16 points, Ella Griffin had 8, Tricia Wilson had 7, Annalise Lewis had 5, Meryn Leonardi had 3, Mariah Domingo had 2 and Elise Carroll added 1.
This ended the season for the Hamilton girls, but the future looks bright for the Lady Broncs. They will return most of their key players from this year, as Tricia Wilson was the only senior on the team, and they have an enthusiastic head coach in Vanessa Stavish to lead them.
Hamilton boys 41, Browning 51
The Hamilton boys were the #4 seed out of the Southwest and played Browning, the #1 team out of the Northwest, in their first round game on Thursday.
The game was even to start and Hamilton led 20-19 with 3:15 left in the 2nd quarter. Browning then went on a 9-0 run and Hamilton trailed 2028 at halftime.
After the half, the Broncs scratched their way back into the game and early in the 4th quarter Hamilton’s Canaan Magness completed a three point play to tie the game at 32-32. Then with just under four minutes to play in the game, and Hamilton trailing 34-38, Magness was injured and was unavailable for the rest of the game.
The other Hamil-
ton players stepped up and played hard, but it was a tough time to lose their floor general, and Hamilton was out scored 13-7 from that point on. They had their chances late to close the gap, but couldn’t make it back and fell 41-51. Browning went on to take 2nd place in the tournament.
For Hamilton, Tyler Jette led with 18 points, Canaan Magness had 10, Cash Lockhart had 6, Jake McCarthy had 5 and Kaden Gum added 2.
Hamilton boys 56, Ronan 63
This loss sent Hamilton to the loser out bracket where they played Ronan (who eventually took 3rd place) on Friday morning. Hamilton was without their leader Canaan Magness, who was injured in the previous game; the Broncs were already without starter Landen Wetzel. Hamilton’s offense generally runs through Magness, so the Broncs had to adjust their offense.
Given the fact that they were without their main scorer, the Broncs played an excellent game as all the players stepped up to fill in.
Hamilton was down 11-13 after the 1st quarter and 19-26 at the half, but rallied and took a 36-35 lead late in the 3rd quarter. It was back and forth in the 4th, and Hamilton had their chances, but they couldn’t make it over the hump and lost 56-63.
For Hamilton, Tyler Jette had a monster game, scoring 29 points in his last high school game for Hamilton, Jake McCarthy had a solid game with 15 points, Kaden Gum had 7, Asher Griffin and Cash Lockland each had 2 and Easton Hollis added 1.
This ended the season for the Hamilton boys.
Tyler
They will lose talented senior
Jette, but will be returning a deep and experienced group next year. This will be a team to keep an eye on.
Florence senior Kenzy Pickering (#34) and the rest of the Florence girls basketball team plays in the Class B State tournament on March 13-15. Their first game is against Chinook on Thursday, March 13 at 8 p.m. at the Adams Center in Missoula. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Hamilton’s Ashlynn McKern had 20 points in Hamilton’s 37-51 loss to Columbia Falls at the Western A Divisionals in Whitefish on Friday, March 7. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Hamilton senior Tyler Jette had 29 points in Hamilton’s 56-63 loss to Ronan at the Western A Divisionals in Whitefish on Saturday, March 8. Photo by Scott Sacry.
UM
by Libby Riddle UM News Service
Snow crunched underfoot as Mark Hebblewhite scanned the ridgelines of Canada’s Banff National Park. It was 1995, and the young biologist, fresh out of undergrad, was trailing one of the park’s most elusive wildlife species – the gray wolf.
Though rare to see, the wolves of Banff had radio collars that allowed biologists like Hebblewhite to track their movements from many miles away. Meanwhile in Montana, 14 Canadian wolves were already on their way to a new home. Following an Environmental Impact Statement by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service – for which over 160,000 public comments were received – the federal government approved the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone National Park. Spectators lined the road to the north entrance of the park and cheered as trucks carrying the wolves passed under the park’s famed Roosevelt Arch. It was a homecoming decades in the making.
Thirty years later, Hebblewhite is a professor of ungulate habitat ecology at the University of Montana. He and the University’s W.A. Franke College of Forestry and Conservation have collaborated with the Yellowstone Wolf Project for over a decade. The project, which is funded by the nonprofit Yellowstone Forever, is a collection of ongoing research projects and monitoring efforts since the reintroduction. After his time tracking them in Banff as a young man, Hebblewhite dedicated his career to studying wolves and their prey in Yellowstone and beyond.
Hebblewhite’s research explores how wolf pack dynamics like age and experience shape their ability to hunt and impact prey populations. The wolves of Yellowstone are one of the only nonexploited wolf populations in the world, meaning they cannot be hunted or trapped by people – at least within the boundaries of the park. Hebblewhite observed how this lack of exploitation has allowed wolves in Yellowstone to develop large extended families with multiple generations.
“It’s like an extended family dinner,” Hebblewhite said. “There’s grandparents and cousins and aunts and uncles and step-siblings.”
A large pack with a range of ages gives wolves a crucial advantage. Older wolves bring their expertise to the pack and help younger, less experienced members learn essential skills. In fact, the most important factor in determining the outcome of a fight between rival wolf packs is not the number of wolves, but the presence of older individuals.
This social structure doesn’t just shape how wolves interact with each other – it also influences how they hunt.
“We’ve learned from the wolves in Yellowstone that age really matters,” Hebblewhite said. “To take down a bison, you need those older, bigger wolves.”
Though bison have begun to drive wolf dynamics more and more in recent years, elk remain the No. 1 prey species for wolves in the park, Hebblewhite said. Prior to reintroduction, there were upwards of 16,000 elk in the Northern Range alone. This population boom had devastating impacts on vegetation and other grazing ungulates like bighorn sheep.
Hebblewhite points out that reducing elk numbers was the whole
purpose of reintroducing wolves, which they have more than accomplished. Elk in the Northern Range number closer to 8,000 now.
“Thirty years out, it’s impossible to conclude anything but that wolves have had an impact on elk numbers,” Hebblewhite said. “They’re a cause of elk decline, but not the only cause. Grizzly bears have almost tripled, mountain lions have recovered, and wolves returned.”
Hebblewhite and his students have dedicated years of effort to comparing the predator-prey dynamics of Yellowstone to places like Banff and Isle Royale National Park in Michigan. What they’ve found is that the complexity of the Yellowstone ecosystem is what makes it so resilient.
later published, identified the areas of the park where wolves are most visible to observers.
“Because there are multiple predators and multiple prey, the impacts of any one predator on the whole system are going to be weaker than if it were just an island with wolves and elk,” Hebblewhite said.
These insights are unique to the Yellowstone Wolf Project due to the sheer longevity of the research. Wolves are expensive to study, requiring costly equipment and highly trained personnel, meaning most wolf studies are only a couple of years long. Hebblewhite said the Yellowstone Wolf Project’s 30-year tenure makes it the world’s best study on wolf populations.
His own research builds upon a long legacy of UM scientists leading wolf research and advising management in the West.
“Since 1982, when wolves naturally recolonized northwest Montana and Professor Bob Ream here at our college started the first wolf research, we have had a strong wolf research program training students and future state biologists about wolves,” Hebblewhite said.
One of Hebblewhite’s former students, Jeremy SunderRaj, now works as a biological science technician for the Yellowstone Wolf Project – a role that puts him at the forefront of both research and public education about wolves in Yellowstone. Having been interested in wolves since seeing them in the park for the first time as a kid, SunderRaj was familiar with Hebblewhite and his work at UM before he ever stepped foot on campus. As an undergraduate in the Wildlife Biology program, he was assigned Hebblewhite as his faculty mentor.
“My first day on campus, I walked in and knocked on his door,” SunderRaj said. “He didn’t know who I was – I think he was surprised that a freshman would show up at his office –but that was the first time we met. We started working together pretty quickly after that.”
Under Hebblewhite’s guidance, SunderRaj conducted his senior thesis on the impressive visibility of wolves on the landscape, which is another feature unique to the Yellowstone population. While interning in the park during summers, he collected data on factors that make wolves more or less likely to be observed. His research, which he and Hebblewhite
After graduating, SunderRaj joined the Yellowstone Wolf Project fulltime, conducting research, education and monitoring on wolves and other carnivores. When not analyzing wolf kills or surveying packs from the skies, SunderRaj uses Yellowstone’s millions of annual visitors as an opportunity to increase public awareness about wolves.
“Education is one of the most important things we do with the project because we have a platform,” SunderRaj said. “We biologists are out on the roads and have the privilege to interact with the public. That gives us the opportunity to educate directly, and people get to learn straight from biologists.”
As the Yellowstone Wolf Project celebrates its 30th anniversary, Hebblewhite and SunderRaj are gearing up for a new collaboration investigating the survival rates of elk calves in the Northern Range. It’s been over 15 years since the last study of its kind, which was conducted when predators like wolves, grizzlies and mountain lions were at their peak. Before that, elk calf survival hadn’t been studied
since before the reintroduction and recovery of these predators.
“Now that we’ve stabilized predators and the elk herd, we can see how this has played out for thousands of years,” SunderRaj said. “We’re excited to finally be able to answer that question for the first time in a hundred, two hundred years.”
SunderRaj is one of many students mentored by Hebblewhite who now lead wolf research, management and recovery across the West. His current and former students are heading up wolf reintroductions in Colorado and monitoring wolf movements into California, as well as furthering the legacy of the Yellowstone Wolf Project.
From Banff’s ridgelines to Yellowstone’s Lamar Valley, the wolves Hebblewhite first tracked as a young researcher have shaped the course of his career. Now the next generation of scientists he trained are bringing the lessons from Yellowstone’s wolves to wolf populations across the country, securing UM’s indelible mark on the field of wolf research.
“There’s a lot of really exciting projects coming along with the Yellowstone Wolf Project, and a lot of that is with UM so that’s pretty exciting stuff,” SunderRaj said.
Researcher Mark Hebblewhite uses radio telemetry to track wildlife in Canada’s Banff National Park during his doctoral research 23 years ago. Photo courtesy of Mark Bradley.
Obituaries
Richard ‘Rix’ J. Kordsmeier
Richard (Rix) J. Kordsmeier of Hamilton passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at the Bitterroot Health-Daly Hospital from a fatal car accident.
He entered this world on April 27, 1962 in St Petersburg, Florida to parents Joseph and Carole Kordsmeier. He later had two new parents added when Joe married Beverly and Carole married Stan Swanson.
He had a life of travel due to Stan being a professional baseball player (Cincinnati Reds and Montreal Expos). He got to ‘shag flies’ during practice with Johnny Bench and Ken Griffey Sr. (you know, just some of the guys). At age 10 his job was handing out programs at the games. You could hear him say “Programs... get your Programs” as he reminisced.
After retirement from the ball field, in the early 1970’s, they bought Lochsa Lodge. This is where Rick met his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and where stories were shared about bears. One story was Rick taking out the garbage at the end of the day. He lifts the lid of the trash bin and finds a bear enjoying a late-night snack inside. Jumping back, Rick ran one way, the bear the other.
Full moon nights during winter beckoned snowmobile rides. Stories of fishing, hunting, and riding his dirt bike with his dog running beside him. He attended school in a one room schoolhouse. And there was the laughter, fun and adventures with siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles.
His father Joe also gave him a life that not all get to experience. As a teenager he was at the pre-Super Bowl dinner sitting at the table with some Seattle Seahawks and Ron Ely (the original Tarzan), a friend of the family. Ron mentioned that he should do something special for his dad and go on stage and sing for the NFL players. Rick said, “No, my guitar is in my hotel room.” Ron pointed to a man at the edge of the stage and said, “See that guy, he has your guitar, and it’s tuned.”
Rick got up on stage and sang a song he wrote... “Jesus in My Heart.” What an incredible experience. He also loved playing bass guitar, drums and piano.
His first police training started with military police in the National Guard and later the Navy. He had an honorable discharge from both.
He trained as a police officer in Gilroy, California and was employed by Salinas PD, Hamilton PD and as a Darby Marshal.
He also attended the University of Phoenix receiving an associate’s degree in Graphic Arts, and was a four year student at Shiloh Christian Center. He graduated as a pastor and officiated several marriages for friends.
Rick was best known as Rix, from Rix Custom Grafix. His thumb print is on many signs and ve -
Daniel ‘Dolphin Danny’ Clyde Roy
Danny Roy of Victor went to join his parents Ivan Sr. and Ethel Louise, and his older brother Ivan Lee, to live with the Lord on Sunday, March 2, 2025. He passed away peacefully at St. Patrick’s Hospital due to complications from a stroke he’d suffered on Friday. Danny was a very special person and had many great friends. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Go, Dolphin Dan!
Danny was born on July 27, 1964 and lived his entire life on the Roy Ranch in Victor, Montana. He graduated from Victor High School where he enjoyed playing basketball, however, Danny was a “die-hard” and faithful Miami Dolphins fan since he was in grade school. He could recite statistics of the team from memory and tell you the exact number of days until the season started. And once it did, you’d find him in front of one of his TVs watching several games at a time. Of course, everyone knew where Danny lived by the 10-foot-tall satellite dish in the front yard proudly displaying the Miami Dolphins logo. And his Dolphins flag which he flew throughout the year, unless he’d lost a game bet and was forced to fly another team’s flag. This never made him too happy but he did what was right. Last year he was able to enjoy two weeks with his best friend, Todd Stevens, travelling to Arizona and Miami to watch his team in person. He had a fantastic year and was so pumped for this season to start.
Danny worked closely with his dad helping with the livestock and farming. Ivan Sr. also had Roy Excavating which Danny did with him throughout the valley and continued this work after his dad passed in 2008. Danny was a gracious person, and always ready to help anyone in the community when he had the chance. He enjoyed digging the graves for the Victor Cemetery and volunteered at the Victor Rural Fire Department
Death Notices
Valerie Plaisted-Harman
Hamilton - Valerie Plaisted-Harman, 78, passed away Friday evening, March 7, 2025 with her loving family by her side after a brief illness. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com
for many years. When his mother became seriously ill, he was devoted to caring for her until she passed in 2019. Later he injured his back and was advised by the doctors to retire from excavating and farming. He sold most of his cows but decided to keep a few and leased the place to his brotherin-law, Les, who also took care of Danny’s cows. And since it was the only home he’d ever known and knew of his father’s dream of always keeping the entire property preserved for farming and wildlife, he partnered with the Bitter Root Land Trust and the Ravalli County Open Lands Board and put the Roy Ranch into a Conservation Easement in 2024, leaving it to remain intact forever.
In 2021, Danny became a car fanatic. With the help of a close friend and neighbor, Steve Shannon, he restored his first car, a 1936 Chevrolet. Afterwards he joined the Bitterroot Car Club and bought a 79’ Willys Jeep that he absolutely adored. He would say, “Aren’t they fabulous!” The third vehicle he restored was his beloved Dodge “Dolphin truck.” It was decked out with Dolphins pin striping and the flatbed displayed the Dolphins football field with lights and all. He was so proud of his vehicles and made an effort to enter them in all the local parades and car shows provided it wasn’t raining.
Danny was the youngest of six children. He is survived by his four sisters, Linda Roy and her son Matthew Mulkey of Missoula, Ivan Jr.’s wife Marlene of Stevensville and his daughters Sunny Roy and Sonya Schwartzer (Britton) and daughter Isabella of Livingston, Susan Roy (Les Woldstad) of Victor and her children Ryan Schumann of Washington and Dusty and her sons Jorden and Dawson and daughter Ophelia of MN, Lilly (Terry) Brown and her children Danielle Friend of Arlington and Mark (Natalie) Friend of Springtown,
Steven A. Servoss
Hamilton - Steven A. Servoss, 73, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 4, 2025 at home with his brother Dave by his side. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com
hicles in this valley and elsewhere. When you saw a law enforcement vehicle, whether it was Sheriff, Police (different ones throughout the valley), National Institutes of Health… any of the ambulances from our local hospital, it was his design, his work that covered the sides, backs or fronts of each one.
Many local businesses have logos designed by Rix and we see his graphics on their vehicles driving by or signs designed and built that are still seen in this valley. He lived in several different states, coloring the world of those around him with airbrushed wall murals, signs and t-shirts. He loved designing t-shirts and in his earlier years, airbrushed in malls. His creativity and designs were worn at family reunions, sports events, local festivals and by employees of local businesses. He colored the world wherever he went and made friends along the way.
He is survived by his father Joe Kordsmeier, his wife Shelly (Nicholson) Kordsmeier, his sons Andrew (Leigh) Williams, Nikolas (Autumn) Kordsmeier and Aaron Kordsmeier; grandchildren Aiden, Kohen, Judah, Noah, Scarlette and Isabella; siblings Curt Swanson, Shantel Watson and Shelley Cooper.
Rick loved people and loved to chat. He invested his time into them. He was known to call friends to check on them and ‘chat for a while.’
Our hearts and prayers go out to all whose lives and families were impacted by this tragedy.
There will be a Celebration of Life service on Saturday, March 22, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the Riverside Christian Center, 290 Fairgrounds Rd, Hamilton, MT 59840, 406.363.4148.
The family suggests that memorials be made to Riverside Christian Center or the Salvation Army, 3RD St. Ste. B2, Hamilton, MT 59840, 406.210.1453. Please make checks out (no cash).
Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com
TX, and Lorri (Ethan) Roy of Hamilton. Visitation will be held Thursday, March 13 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 14 at the Victor Community Church. A graveside interment will be directly after the service at the Victor Cemetery with a reception to follow at the Victor Community Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be given in Danny’s name to the Victor Volunteer Rural Fire Dept. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
Sara Lee ‘Sally’ Lundquist Stevensville - Sara Lee “Sally” Lundquist, 89, passed away peacefully at home today Sunday, March 9, 2025. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com
Stanley Reeve Missoula - Stanley Reeve, 72, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2025 following a brief illness. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
Keep a lookout for capnea, or snowflies
A few days ago Jan took the dog for a romp along the river.
I didn’t go. My tackle is in no shape to mount even a short expedition, and I was pushing against other deadlines.
When they returned I asked, “How did the river look?”
“Full, cold, clear, lots of boats, no bugs – none that I saw, anyway.” she reported.
I didn’t ask of she’d seen any capnea. You have to look to see them.
by Chuck Stranahan
These little stoneflies are the first to appear when rivers warm just a wee bit and snow is still on the ground. They’re called snowflies in other places but are called capnea hereabouts for the same reason we call other early stoneflies by their Latin names.
Andy Carlson started this business of calling the willow fly by its proper Latin name well over a quarter-century ago.
He called the fly a skwala, which it is, and told the flyfishing world that big trout eat them early in the season.
I fished with Andy during the spring of 1987. We looked for skwalas on the river but there weren’t any to speak of. While he continued to fish dry, I fished a dry fly on top and rigged a nondescript foodform nymph below it. I hit a couple of fish early-on, and when the skwalas showed up and brought fish to the surface, Andy scored.
That started me tying and fishing skwala dries in earnest, and Andy showed my dry-dropper method to his clients. We learned from each other that first day.
What we didn’t see on the river that day were the little snowflies, as they are called in Colorado and other places. We now refer to them here by the Latin: capnea.
They could have been there; for the most part they often go unseen. When they’re on the water they’re practically invisible unless you’re looking for them and standing right over them. They’re tiny –real tiny – about a #18 at the largest down to a size #22 artificial. They’re black and virtually invisible on the water.
The best place to see them is on a riverside crust of snow. They look like little pieces of black fly ash until they begin to move.
Most years that riverbank snow is all but gone by late February. This year we’re likely to have plenty of those small capnea around for some time.
They’re curious little bugs. The males, like the skwala males, have only a prehensile wing and don’t fly. The females of some species of capnia (there are over fifty) hatch with yellow bodies that turn black in just a few hours.
They may be invisible to us but not the trout. The trout eat plenty of them. They may as well eat one of yours – but most anglers don’t pay attention to them, even if they know they exist. This year, especially, that could be a mistake.
I remember a day several seasons ago when spring got started late. Skwalas were on the water – not many, but a few. I saw fish rising to something I couldn’t see while they ignored my skwala dry. When I spotted a few capnea on the bank that all-of-a-sudden dejection hit me: that’s what these
rising fish are on, and I don’t have a capnea dry with me. That was bad. Worse, I know better. I finally managed to catch one small fish by butchering another small black fly into a rude semblance of the natural. I got nothing but refusals from bigger fish I could have – should have – taken.
I could have had a field day with the capnea pattern I came up with a few days after that incident.
Since then I look forward to the capnea hatch every season, just so I can fish that fly. It’s that effective.
This year the capnea made their showing a few days ago. The fish, if you find the hatch, are on them. My usual method is to tie a small capnea or black midge pattern (they look about the same) behind a larger more visible parachute dry. I strike the rises near the fly I can see and sometimes hook up. Paying some attention to the capnia hatch can not only save your day occasionally, but can make some exciting fishing. It’s worth a try. All you need is the right fly and the willingness to give it a go. When it works you won’t be disappointed.
The capnea, or snowfly, is plentiful little bug early in the season Photo courtesy Chuck Stranahan.
FWP issues Final EIS for 2025 Wolf Management Plan
by Michael Howell
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks has released a final environmental impact statement (EIS) analyzing potential environmental impacts from the statewide management of gray wolves. According to FWP officials, issuing the final EIS is a key step in a process that started in 2023, when FWP originally released the draft EIS. The draft EIS was made available for public review and comment from Oct. 20, 2023, through Dec. 19, 2023, and again from Feb. 8, 2024, through March 9, 2024. The additional 30-day comment window was to offer an opportunity for additional input from Tribes and affected counties.
Annual number of wolf hunting licenses sold and dollars generated for wolf conservation and management through sales of wolf hinting licenses revenue from wolf licenses in Montana by calendar year 2009-2022. Values dropped to 0 in 2010 because wolves were briefly relisted on the ESA. (Parks et al. 2024).).
not address recent research regarding monitoring methods and management strategies, such as surveys on wolf tolerance and nonlethal preventative
Number of cattle and sheep killed by wolves and number of wolves removed through agency control and legal depredation-related take by private citizens by federal fiscal year for livestock and calendar year for wolves, 1990-2023. Data collection on the number of wolves removed per depredation is inconsistently recorded. Because removal efforts are targeted toward problematic packs, fewer total wolves are removed in livestock-related conflict mitigation. (parks et. al. 2024).
“This final EIS means the update to the 2003 Wolf Plan is nearly complete,” said FWP Director Christy Clark. “We appreciate the comments and feedback we’ve received on our draft documents from people across the state and country. That input is critical in ensuring we have a plan that is effective in managing wolves moving forward.”
FWP analyzed two alternatives in the final EIS. Alternative 1, the “no action” alternative, would represent the status quo.
Under Alternative 2, FWP’s proposed alternative, FWP would adopt and implement the 2025 Montana Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan. If approved, the statewide plan would replace the 2003 Montana Wolf Conservation and Management Planning Document. The 2003 Wolf Plan does not include details on how wolves are currently monitored and managed. It also does
0
strategies.
The final EIS addresses issues and concerns raised during the public comment period. All new information and analysis supplied during the comment period were used to prepare the final EIS and FWP’s response to comments received on the draft EIS.
In response to public comment, FWP noted in the FEIS that wildlife management plans, including the 2003 Wolf Plan are non-regulatory, and consequently using the 2003 Wolf Plan for guidance does not violate any laws. The 2003 Wolf
Plan stated that it would be reviewed at least every five years and modified to ensure the document remained current and/or practical. FWP did conduct internal reviews of the 2003 Wolf Plan, however, it wasn’t until recently that FWP determined the 2003 Wolf Plan required an update. FWP will not commit to a specific date and/or time that the Plan be reviewed (i.e., every five years), however, FWP does intend to review the Plan and update it when necessary. Annual specifics in wolf monitoring and management trends have been and continue to be available via FWP’s Annual Report. FWP began drafting, finalizing, and distributing the Annual Report in 2005 and has continued since then. FWP will continue to draft, finalize, and distribute the Annual Report. For purposes of clarification the following phrase was added to the initial draft EIS: Further, the minimum baseline metric used will be modified to the number of wolves and wolf packs needed to sustain and maintain a viable wolf population (as per ARM 12.9.1301)… This is not FWP’s declared population target. … Should the wolf population decline to the point it approaches 450 wolves (the minimum number of wolves needed to ensure 15 breeding pairs) FWP would shift management strategies. While FWP does not have a specific population objective, the wolf population may fluctuate anywhere within the estimated population size identified during the 2021 Legislative Session (see § 871-901, MCA, “with the intent to reduce the wolf population in this state to a sustainable level”) to no less than a population estimate of 450 individuals depending on what is considered biologically and socio-politically sustainable. FWP does not have specific objectives for the distribution of wolves. [Pages 47, 57 of the 2025 Wolf Plan].
To view the final EIS, comments received on the document and FWP’s responses, and edits to the EIS, or annual and regional specifics regarding population status, mortality, conflict, visit the FWP wolf management webpage. (https://fwp. mt.gov/conservation/wildlife-management/wolf) Some interesting information included in the Final EIS: Ravalli County ranked seventh in terms of total population in 2021 but outstripped the top six counties’ annual growth rate.
~ Theodore Roosevelt
Scott Leighty, Kevin Borg and Amanda Curlee compete in the showshoe races during the 2025 Bitteroot Special Olympics Winter Games. Photo by John Dowd.
Bitterroot Winter Special Olympics
Committee ready to hand off reigns to next generation
by John Dowd
The 42nd annual Bitterroot Special Olympics Winter Games went off without a hitch, thanks to the hard work of the volunteers and organizers. Every year, the community comes together, and prides themselves on this extraordinary event. However, the group responsible for it all, the Bitterroot Special Olympics Committee, is seeking some future help as longtime members are beginning to reach up in years. According to Randy Hodgson, an original organizer of the event and long-time committee member, twice as many athletes as last year attended. With nearly 80 participants as opposed to around 40 last year, Hodgson is proud the numbers are finally growing back to normal after the drop in participation, post pandemic.
The Bitterroot Special Olympics Winter Games is a self organized and sustained event, associated with the greater Special Olympics mostly by name. This allows it to function as a jumping-off-point for disabled olympians to go on to bigger state and even national events. However, “Most athletes can’t afford to go to multiple events,” said Hodgson. He described the Bitterroot event as less of a serious athletic competition, and more of a great opportunity for disabled persons.
The organizers keep up to Special Olympics event standards as much
as possible in order to stay official, but refuse to compromise the traditional ambiance and fun of the event. Because of this spirit of fun, a huge portion of the Bitterroot community pulls resources to make the event happen, and does so year after year. This history of success and enjoyment pulls teams and volunteers from all over the western part of the state, and even from Idaho.
The event has employed help from numerous individuals, groups and organizations. One such group this year to comment were students from Trapper Creek Job Corps. Trever Rogers, Landen Hegan and Ian Sadaña are all members of the program and volunteered at the games this year. They acted as runners, helping get scores and times to announcers
and recorders. The three helped out since set-up, which was started the Monday before the event. For Sadaña, the event really is “something nice to throw for these guys, to show them they are appreciated and part of the community.” Rogers remarked, “They definitely do seem excited about it!” when speaking of the Athletes.
The Ravalli County Sheriff’s office Deputy Reserve Association also sends volunteers every year. This year, Reserve Captain Scott West said, “I come every year. I love this!” He, among others, posed for pictures with the winners and provided a general sense of security during the event. All of them commented saying this is one of their favorite things to do throughout the year, and many are repeat attendees.
It takes all year to plan the games, and according to Hodgson, there is a very committed group behind it. Some members of the Bitterroot Special Olympics Winter Games Committee have been involved for over 30 years. This means that several of the members are beginning to get to the age where all the work that
See GAMES, page 17
Trever Rogers, Landen Hegan and Ian Sadañaoe of Trapper Creek Job Corps ready for the downhill races to start. Photo by John Dowd.
Randy Hodgson announces winners of the snowshoe races. Photo by John Dowd.
Montana Highway Patrolman Adam Gane and Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office Reserve Association officers Jim Cromwell, Jim Ray and Scott West. Photo by John Dowd.
GAMES: event draws twice as many competitors
Continued from page 16
goes into organizing the event is becoming difficult. Hodgson added that four or five of them are over 70 years old.
Hodgson himself has been involved since the beginning. For many of the committee members, this event is the highlight of their year. However, with many getting older, Hodgson said they are now actively looking for more volunteers for future events, especially for those interested in helping for more than just the two days of the event. As Hodgson explained, they hope “New blood comes in, new ideas and new ways of doing things.”
The committee starts meeting in Stevensville in October, and they meet one night a month until the event. During this time they prepare and organize everything. According to Hodgson, they are looking for people to shadow the process for a year in various positions, of which there are about ten. Hoddgson said interested volunteers should try to help only in ways they feel comfortable. “We’ll figure out a way to put you to work!”
When asked why they have done this for so long, he said, “Well, it’s a
lot of fun.” He also said the friendships they build are incredible and lifelong. In fact, many of the athletes themselves have been coming to the event for many years.
“The social ramifications are huge!” said Hodgson, on behalf of the athletes. For them, the event is more than just an opportunity to compete, it is a fondly remembered milestone for the whole year.
The friendships made between athletes often last across the years they participate, and reach outside of the Special Olympics.
Because many of the athletes are among the same that come year after year, many progress in skill. Hodgson said numerous athletes improve from the “walk and glide” to the bunny hill, and then to the downhill. The athletes that have progressed in ability all need a coach in order to make the requirements necessary to compete in the more technical events.The event organizers and athletes are thus looking for a cross-country and downhill-ski coach. Events like snowshoeing have become very popular, with over 60 of the 80 athletes competing in snowshoeing. However, for the downhill and cross-country events, they are losing participation. This is because athletes need to have
completed around four practices to participate. With so many interested in skiing and having progressed to that skill level, but with so few instructors able to teach, it is hard for many athletes to meet this criteria to compete.
The Bitterroot Special Olympics Winter Games were held March 4 through 5 at Lost Trail Ski Area. According to Hodgson, the event actually started somewhere else. The first two or three Winter Games were held at Lost Horse Nordic Village, a small ski area up the Lost Horse drainage, south of Hamilton. According to Hodgson, back then Ravalli Services would visit with some of their people to get them time on the slopes and in the snow. At that time, Hodgson and others had no idea what the Special Olympics were, but they wanted
to do something for the disabled in their community.
Eventually, the people of the ski area had the idea to invite the disabled group’s members up for a special event. “We had the winter games before the state did,” said Hodgson. Nordic Village was a great location, but unfortunately did not have reliable snow fall. That place would close and the games would move to Lost Trail Ski Area, where it has been ever since.
Hodgson has been with the games since that inception. When asked if he intends to continue volunteering and working the games on the committee, he stated proudly, “As long as I can continue to do it, I’ll continue to do it!”
For those interested in volunteering, Hodgson and the committee can be reached by emailing rth122@msn. com, or by calling (406) 360-1584.
Blake Etzel puts on a determined face on his way through the downhill event. Photo by John Dowd.
Chris Zier zooms past on the downhill ski event. Photo by John Dowd.
Galen Hughes clapping during the opening ceremony of the Bitterroot Winter Games. Photo by John Dowd.
Clockwise from top left, Travis Hankinson gains on Christopher Claire in the showshoe races. Tenley Stoker drifts by on the bunny hill. The Darby team readies themselves for the competition. Troy Miller and Kyle Fortner show off their awards. Taylor Wallace completes her downhill run. The
Andrew Scrivner takes a dive on his downhill run.
pians and visitors. Photos by John Dowd.
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LOST A SMALL BOX FULL OF FLOWER CRAFTS on Eastide Highway by Victor Crossing. REWARD for return. Please call (406) 207-6910 with information.
Legal Notices
Montana 21st Judi-
cial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Ty Evaristo Armijo-Dewey, Ty Evaristo Armijo-Dewey, Petitioner.
Cause No.: DV-412025-0000066-NC
Dept. 2
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Ty Evaristo Armijo-Dewey to Ty Evaristo Armijo-Olsen.
The hearing will be on March 27, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: DARREN S. BRANNING, Deceased.
Cause No. DP-412025-19
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that Mary Lamley has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the Deceased are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice, or their claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Jones & Houston, PLLC, Attorneys for the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at 2625 Dearborn Avenue, Suite 102, Missoula, Montana 59804, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana the foregoing is true and correct.
Dated this 24th day of February, 2025.
/s/ Mary Lamley, Personal Representative of the Estate of Darren S. Branning /s/ Kevin S. Jones, Attorney for Personal Representative BS 2-26, 3-5, 3-12-25.
MNAXLP
Kevin S. Jones
Joseph D. Houston
Remy J. Orrantia Jones & Houston, PLLC 2625 Dearborn Ave., Ste. 102 Missoula, MT 59804 (406) 541-3333 kevin@jonesmtlaw.com joe@jonesmtlaw.com
Attorneys for Plaintiffs
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY ERIC THEOBALD, individually, and as Successor Trustee of the Allan E Theobald Trust, dated October 26, 2007, as amended, Plaintiff, v. ALLAN THEOBALD TRUST 1970, ALLAN THEOBALD, DECEASED, THE ESTATE OF ALLAN THEOBALD, AND ALL UNKNOWN OWNERS, UNKNOWN HEIRS, OR ANY UNKNOWN DEVISEES OF ANY DECEASED PERSON, AND ALL OTHER PERSONS, UN-
KNOWN, CLAIMING OR WHO MIGHT CLAIM ANY RIGHT, TITLE, ESTATE OR INTEREST IN OR LIEN OR ENCUMBRANCE UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT ADVERSE TO PLAINTIFF’S OWNERSHIP OR ANY CLOUD UPON PLAINTIFF’S TITLE THERETO, WHETHER SUCH CLAIM OR POSSIBLE CLAIM BE PRESENT OR CONTINGENT, Defendants.
Dept. 2
Cause No. DV-41-202570 SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION
THE STATE OF MONTANA TO THE ABOVENAMED DEFENDANTS, GREETINGS:
You are hereby SUMMONED to answer the Complaint to Quiet Title in this Action which is filed with the above-named Court, a copy of which is served upon you, and to file your written answer with the Court and serve a copy thereof upon Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty-one (21) days after service of this SUMMONS FOR PUBLICATION, or such other period as may be specified by law, exclusive of the day of service. Your failure to appear or answer will result in judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. A filing fee must accompany the answer.
This action is brought for the purpose of quieting title to the real property located in Ravalli County, Montana, and described as follows:
Lot 31, Amended Subdivision Plat No. 1001, being a portion of Foxfield, a Planned Townhome Community, a platted subdivision, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the official recorded plat thereof, as as set forth in the Bylaws of Foxfield Homeowners Association, Inc. recorded in Book 203 of Deeds, Page 459 and Amended in Book 223, Deeds, page 911, and as Instrument No. 548008. TOGETHER WITH the right to the use of the common properties as provided in By-Laws and the Declaration of Condominium recorded in Book 203 of Deeds, Page 458 and Page 459, and as Amended in Book 223, Deeds, Page 911, Instrument No. 548008, Instrument No. 466406, Instrument No, 584007, Instrument No. 622367, Instrument No. 652245 and Instrument No. 680015.
DATED this 24th day of February, 2025. /s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court
By: Sarah Sargent, Deputy Clerk BS 2-26, 3-5, 3-12-25. MNAXLP
Kyle J. Workman
State Bar No. 65442127 WORKMAN LAW, PLLC P.O. Box 1167 Hamilton, MT 59840 T: (406) 802-2198 kyle@workmanlawmt. com
Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: CURTIS HOFFMAN FLATHER, Deceased.
Cause No. DP-412024-0000112-IT NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the 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 PAULA COTE FLATHER, the Personal Representative, in care of WORKMAN LAW, PLLC, P.O. Box 1167, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above Court.
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana the foregoing is true and correct. Dated this 21st day of February, 2025.
/s/ Paula Flather Paula Cote Flather Workman Law, PLLC
By: Kyle J. Workman
Attorney for Personal Representative BS 3-5, 3-12, 3-19-25. MNAXLP
NOTICE OF FILING FOR TRUSTEE CANDI-
DATES: Lone Rock School District #13 is looking to fill two (2) Trustee positions for a 3-year term each. If interested in being part of a board that has a focus on high quality education, please file by March 27, 2025 by 4:00pm with the Business Manager/Clerk at Lone Rock School – (406) 777-3314. Forms can also be found on the school website.
BS 3-5, 3-12-25.
MNAXLP
TOWN OF STEVENSVILLE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The Town of Stevensville is soliciting proposals from qualified individuals to perform tree trimming services in the town limits of the Town of Stevensville.
The Town of Stevensville experienced tree damage during the windstorm event of August 2024. An arborist has assessed the damaged trees, and 3 trees will need removal, and 50 trees will need pruning.
To review the list, you may make arrangements with town hall. Questions can be directed to the town clerk, townclerk@townofstevensville.gov or call 406-777-5271 ext. 102.
Bids are due no later than 03/27/2025 @ 5:00 PM to Town Hall, 206 Buck Street, Stevensville MT, 59870.
Opening of RFP’s will take place at the regular scheduled town council meeting on 3/27/2024 at 6:30 pm, Town Hall, 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, MT 59870
Interested companies can find additional information about the RFP’s on the Town of Stevensville’s website at: www.townofstevensville.com/rfps
Attest: Jenelle Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 3-5, 3-19-25.
MNAXLP
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is Hereby Given that the Town Council of the Town of Stevensville will hold a Public Hearing on March 13, 2025 @ 6:30 pm for Resolution No. 563 amending the budget for fiscal year 2023-2024. All interested persons will be given the opportunity to express their opinions regarding the budget amendments. Comments can also be given to the Town Clerk at PO Box 30, Stevensville, MT 59870, email townclerk@townofstevensville.gov or before 5:00 pm in person on the scheduled Town Council meeting day. Questions, comments or more information may be obtained by contacting Town Hall at 406-777-5271.
Attest: Jenelle S. Berthoud, Town Clerk
BS 3-5, 3-12-25.
MNAXLP
INVITATION TO BID
STEVENSVILLE AIRPORT
STEVENSVILLE, MONTANA
The Town of Stevensville, Montana is formally requesting bids for construction services for the Self-Serve Fuel Station at the Stevensville Airport. The Town will select one contractor based on the lowest, responsive, and responsible bid submittal that fits within their budget. Parties interested in submitting a bid for this project should contact Sarah Michaelson with Morrison-Maierle at smichaelson@m-m.net or by calling (406) 542.4877. Hard copy bids will be accepted until 5:00 pm local time on Thursday March 27, 2025, at the Stevensville Town Hall, 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, Montana 59870. Bids will be publicly opened at 6:30 pm local time on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at the Stevensville Town Council Meeting. The full invitation to bid may be seen on Morrison-Maierle’s website at www.m-m.net (under heading of “About” and “Projects Bidding”). Contract documents will be available for download on the QuestCDN online bidding service (www.QuestCDN.com); the QuestCDN project number is: #9557789.
Attest: Jenelle S. Berthoud, Town Clerk BS 3-5, 3-12, 3-19-25. MNAXLP
Megan S. Winderl
CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C.
99 Marcus Street, 3rd FL Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 218-4888
MeganW@cwlawmt. com Pleadings@cwlawmt. com
Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY
In the Matter of the Estate of Glen Douglas Singleton, Jr., Deceased. Probate No. DP-412025-0000010-IT
Dept. No. 1
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the 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 Richard Glen Singleton, the Personal Representative, in care of CHOUINARD & WINDERL,
P.C., 99 Marcus St. 3rd FL, Hamilton, MT 59840 or filed with the Clerk of the above Court.
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct.
Dated this 20th day of January, 2025. /s/ Richard Glen Singleton
Personal Representative
CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C.
Attorney for Personal Representative By: Megan S. Winderl BS 3-5, 3-12, 3-19-25. MNAXLP
INVITATION TO BID
ASPHALT PAVING PROJECTS: NORTH COUNTY
The Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners is now accepting proposals for the delivery of 2025 ASPHALT PAVING PROJECTS. Sealed proposals will be received by the Ravalli County Clerk & Recorder at the County Administrative Center, 215 South Fourth Street, Suite “C”, Hamilton, Montana, 59840, until 4 P.M. MST on Monday, March 31, 2025. The proposals received will be publicly opened on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 and read aloud at 11:15 a.m. MST by the Board of County Commissioners in the Commissioners Conference Room located at 215 S. 4th Street, (third floor), Hamilton, MT.
Contract documents may be examined or obtained at the Ravalli County Road & Bridge Department office at 244 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, Montana, 59840.
Questions relative to the standard and special provisions may be directed to the Ravalli County Road Department at (406) 3632733. Questions relative to the bid process may be directed to the Ravalli County Commissioners Office at (406) 375-6500. No proposal may be withdrawn after the scheduled time for the public opening of proposals, which is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. MST on Tuesday, April 01, 2025.
Ravalli County reserves the right to reject any or all proposals received, to waive informalities therein, to postpone the award of the contract for a period of time not to exceed sixty (60) days and to accept the lowest responsive and responsible proposal determined to be in the best interests of Ravalli County.
Chris Taggart, Administrative Assistant Ravalli County Commissioners Office BS 3-12, 3-19-25. MNAXLP
INVITATION TO BID ASPHALT SEAL COAT
The Ravalli County Board of Commissioners is soliciting Request for Proposals for 2025 ASPHALT SEAL COAT to be conducted throughout various County roads in Ravalli County. Proposals will be received by the Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, (Second Floor) Hamilton, MT. 59840 until 4:00 p.m. Monday, March 31, 2025. Proposals will then be opened by the Ravalli County Commissioners at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 01, 2025 in the Commissioners Conference Room (Third Floor) at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, MT. For a copy of the Full Request for Proposal and Specifications for the asphalt seal coat, contact the Ravalli County Road & Bridge Department at 244 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, MT. during regular business hours or by calling 406-363-2733. For questions concerning the Request for Proposal process, contact Chris Taggart at the Ravalli County Commissioners Office – 406-375-6500. Chris Taggart Administrative Assistant Ravalli County Commissioners Office BS 3-12, 3-19-25. MNAXLP
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARGARET E. BAUER, Deceased. Case No.: DP-41-202526 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the first publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Crystal M. Bauer, Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at 820 River St., Hamilton, MT 59840, or filed with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.
DATED the 4th day of March 2025. /s/ Crystal M. Bauer, Personal Representative BS 3-12, 3-19, 3-26-25. MNAXLP
Ravalli County Treasurer’s OfficeMotor Vehicle
Motor Vehicle Office will be closed Wednesday, March 12th at 1:00 pm (NO titlework after 5:00 pm Tuesday, March 11th) Reopening March 17th at 8:15 a.m.
Montana Department of Justice is implementing a NEW Motor Vehicle Registration System
Our office will be open for:
Property Tax transactions and Motor Vehicle questions, only! No Personalized plates from this point forward until March 17th
When requesting motor vehicle transactions please bring your Plate #, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or Renewal Card with you as these items will be required for the new software system.
