Bitterroot Star - March 18, 2026

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Stevi town council to waive electricity fee for farmers market

by John Dowd

One of the first items on the  agenda of the March 12 meeting  of the Stevensville Town Council  was a request to waive the $20  per day electricity fee for the Stevensville Harvest Valley Farmers  Market for 2026.

According to Stacie Barker,  representing the farmers market,  the group is working to find a meter to monitor their own power  usage and plans to pay the town  back after the fact. According  to Barker, “That $400 could go  back to a group in the community  that needs it.” She added, “We’re  trying to work with everybody  and we’re glad you are working  with us as well.”

The waiver was approved by  the council, with the condition  that the farmers market is able to  come up with an acceptable method of monitoring power usage  by the date of the first market.

Another item on the agenda  was regarding the Sapphire Early  Learning Center (SELC). Representing them was Jaime Devlin,  co-chair of the SELC board of  directors. She explained that they

are asking for a reduced childswim-rate for their group members.

According to Devlin, the organization has 10 to 40 children  they want to bring to the pool.  All are three to 12 years old, and  each would swim once a week.  Many of these children cannot  afford to use the pool, and may  not even know there is a pool. Devlin added that they plan to  break the children up into several groups in order to keep from  overwhelming the pool if they  end up with the full number they  expect.

The pricing drop would include swim lessons. Currently, the  group pays $5 per child, per day.  The group asked for $2 per day,  per youth. They also requested  the group rate be dropped from  $75 to $65, and that the adult teachers with the group be exempt.

“We’re not in this to make money, we’re in this to enrich those  children’s lives,” said Devlin.

Robert Underwood, a financial  officer with the Town of Stevensville, said that the pool may not  even open this year, due to a staff  shortage. The shortage is directly

from low wages, and the town is  wanting to bump up their pay in  order to re-open. Underwood also  said the pool loses the town substantial money every year as it is.

However, this option with the  SELC would bring new children  to the pool that may not otherwise use it, said Devlin, who added  that they could bring money to  the town it would otherwise not  get, even with the drop in rate.  The request was tabled until the  council could look more closely at  the pool budget

The town also discussed  signs to be put up in Lewis and  Clark Park by the North Valley  Public Library. Lisa DeMoss,  the library’s assistant director,  children’s services and library  assistant, attended the meeting to  speak on their agenda item.

According to DeMoss, the  signs are part of a nationwide  program called StoryWalk. The  program was started in 2007 in  Vermont. This program places  signs in local parks with corresponding books the library has  available to youth. Each set of  signs has the printed out pages  of a book participants read as

they walk. The idea, according to  DeMoss, is to promote physical  activity and literacy. DeMoss said  there will be about 12 metal signs,  and the library will have various  books displayed and changed out  every few weeks. There are at least 10 different books to display.  The council approved the signs  to be displayed in the park, as  long as the library keeps the signs  from interfering with community  park events.

Also during the meeting, Stevensville Schools Superintendent  Jon Konen spoke about the tech  levy Stevensville and other school  districts are putting forth this  year. According to him, every 10  years the levy comes up for a vote  by the public. This vote will be  put to the public on May 5.

Konen said he is attending  several community meetings in  order to illustrate the importance  of the levy to the school.

According to Konen, when  people are asked about technology budgets in schools, people  often think of screens, computers, smart boards and the like.  However, according to Konen,  there is so much more that is

involved and those things account for only about 10% of the tech  budget.

Konen then gave an example, where he read aloud a short  story following the morning of  a 5th grader in school. During  it, Konen asked the council and  the community to name all the  things they noticed that would  fall under a school’s technology  budget. Subsequently, numerous  things were mentioned, including  examples like online program  subscriptions, phones, security  systems, video curriculums, bus  routing systems, online assessments, custodial task ticketing  systems and much more. Konen  said that 10 years ago, the tech  levy accounted for $75,000. Now,  their tech budget costs them  around half a million dollars.

“The amount we’re asking for  now will probably seem pretty  similar to how the $75,000 feels  now, ten years in the future,” said  Konen.

Konen finished his presentation with the statement that  losing the levy altogether would  ultimately come down to losing  personnel and resources.

Soroptimist ofers scholarship opportunities

Ravalli Soroptimist EmpowerHER Education Awards up to $2,000 are available  for women in the Bitterroot Valley that are  pursuing their education through certification, technical, undergraduate or post-gra -

duate studies.

Ravalli County Teen Volunteer Recognition is a $300 award for girls 13 to 18  that are actively volunteering to improve  their community. ($100 to be donated to

their individual projects.)

The Edwards Charitable Foundation  and Soroptimist of Hamilton are offering  scholarships for women 40 and over. Applications are now being accepted

and must be postmarked by March 31,  2025.

For more information and applications,  details are available at sihamiltonawards@ gmail.com.

Hamilton Players presents ‘White Rabbit Red Rabbit’

Hamilton Players proudly presents the  internationally acclaimed theatrical phenomenon “White Rabbit Red Rabbit” by Iranian  playwright Nassim Soleimanpour.  Performances will occur March 27–28  and April 3–4 at 7:30 PM at the Hamilton  Playhouse.

Written while forbidden to leave his home  country, Soleimanpour created a play that  travels the  world in his place. Each night, a  diferent performer steps on stage without rehearsal, opens a sealed  envelope, and encounters the script for the very frst time; live in front of the audience. The result is a  one-

of-a-kind theatrical experience that can never  be repeated. This daring 75-minute performance  (no intermission) blends humor and  heartbreak in an exploration of power, censorship, freedom, and  obedience. Stripped  of traditional staging and preparation, the  performer must be vulnerable,  spontaneous,  and wholly present; inviting the audience to share in a rare moment of genuine  discovery. Performed more than 3,000 times in over  30 languages, “White Rabbit Red Rabbit” has  featured  celebrated actors including John  Hurt, Stephen Fry, and Brian Dennehy. While not overtly political, the  play resonates as

a powerful and metaphorical refection on autonomy and human connection. Audiences  can expect an unpredictable, boundary-pushing experience unlike anything else on the   Hamilton stage. A new performer every night  – March 27 Mara Luther, March 28 Russ  Lawrence. Performers for April 3 and 4 will  be determined at auditions on March 15.

Tickets are $25 and are available at the  Hamilton Players Box Ofce or online at hamiltonplayers.com.

Executive Director Denise Rose shares, “I  am thrilled to partner with Nassim Soleimanpour Productions  to bring this extraordinary

theatrical experience to Hamilton Playhouse. I wish I could be one of the  actors—but  having read the play in advance to advocate  for it, I’m no longer eligible to perform! What   makes this piece so remarkable is that both  the performer and the audience experience  it together, in  real time. It’s rare to witness  such an authentic shared moment of discovery.”

“White Rabbit Red Rabbit” is sponsored  by Evans Ace Hardware. The 2026 Season  is sponsored by  Fusion Creek Technologies,  Rob and Terry Ryan, and the MT Cultural  Trust.

JAIL: Sheriff Holton reacts to verdict from years-long case

times of fnancial hardship.”

According to Holton, the judges also have a  good idea of what the Jail Diversion Program  costs are and consider it when establishing  bail amounts and in imposing fnes if the defendant agrees to use the program. He said  the defendants can either bring these questions up at their pre-trial hearing or at any  time before trial make a motion to consider  their abilities to pay.

Holton said people are not arrested for  not paying their fees. He said the ofce would continue to provide services and testing even  when fees are not paid unless it goes on so  long that it seems apparent that they are not  trying.

“Even then,” said Holton, “what we do is  simply stop providing the services. They are  not arrested. There are private companies  that they can turn to in Missoula or they can  petition the court to consider their situation  and address it. Arrests made during Jail  Diversion are almost always made based on  other violations of their conditions, such as  drug or alcohol use or some other ofense, not for non-payment of fees. I think that came out  pretty clearly in the trial.”

Holton also defended the value and efectiveness of the program for both the county and  the arrestees. “If the defendants did not pay  fees for the services, the program would not  exist. The Jail Diversion Program has exce-

eded my expectations since it began in 2018.  We have reduced the average daily population  of the Ravalli County jail by over 30%. The  reason we can reduce that population is the  courts have the option of letting people out of  jail, but can still keep Ravalli County safe as  criminal defendants are monitored while released. The program also has benefts for defendants. It allows defendants the opportunity to  maintain or seek employment, when otherwise they would be incarcerated as the case runs  its course. Defendants are held accountable  during the release, which is sometimes what  they need to help them achieve sobriety.”

Holton said he wanted to thank the Montana Association of Counties Litigation Team.

“They did an outstanding job. Their eforts and over 2000 hours of work over the last six  years are the reason the court and jury were  able to make a clear and unanimous decision,  fnding that Ravalli County did not violate anyone’s due process rights.”

Phil Telfeyan, Executive Director at Equal  Justice Under Law, representing the plaintifs in the case, said, “The evidence at trial showed that Ravalli County’s pre-trial fees are  exorbitant, egregious, and lack any judicial  oversight.  Thousands of residents of Ravalli  County will continue to be abused by this unjust system unless the County makes serious  changes. We plan to explore all legal avenues  for appeal.”

County fair organizers seek parade leaders

The Ravalli County Fair  Parade has long been one of the  most loved traditions of fair week.  Each year, families gather along  the streets to watch foats, horses, community groups, and local  organizations come together to  celebrate our community. It’s a  highlight of the fair and something many people look forward to.

What many don’t see, however, is the significant amount  of work that takes place behind  the scenes to make the parade  happen. Organizing entries, coordinating the lineup, arranging  judges, managing volunteers, and  ensuring the event runs smoothly  and safely requires dedicated  leadership.

According to Melissa Saville,  the Fair is seeking two organized  and motivated individuals who  would be willing to serve as the  lead coordinators for the parade.  To recognize the time and effort  involved, the fair will provide  $400 compensation to each of  these two leadership roles. In addition to the coordinators, the Fair is also looking for  judges and day-of volunteers to  assist during the event.

Saville said if they are unable  to identify two parade leaders by  March 31, they will have to make  the difficult decision to suspend  the parade for this year’s fair.

“We are hopeful that members  of our community who value this  tradition will step forward to help  keep it going,” said Saville. “With  the right support, we can continue providing this special event  for our community to enjoy.” Anyone interested in helping  or learning more is encouraged to  contact Saville at the Fair Office, phone: 406-363-3411, email:  msaville@rc.mt.gov.

RODEO: Kut-R-Loose program to get youth into the sport

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showing rodeo to youth, and providing  equipment for them to practice with, which  is the next phase of the venture.

Having equipment families can use and  even borrow “gives families an opportunity  for mom and dad not to break the bank,”  said Ruark.

Their goal is to get about $80,000 to  $100,000 worth of equipment in the trailer,  when all is said and done.

To raise the money for the equipment,  the Darby Rodeo Association will be holding  a fundraiser on Saturday, March 21.

“It’s gonna be a lot of fun,” said Ruark.  The event is called “Boots N Bling,” and will  take place at the Bedford Building, in Hamilton, at 223 S. 2nd St. Hamilton. Doors open at 4 p.m.  and the fee is $50 per person.  Tickets are available online at  darbyrodeo.org and in person  at Darby Wine and Spirits.

Participants will enjoy live  performances by musician  Clare Dunn, and cowboy poet  Tim Huls. There will be a  taco bar, as well as a cash bar  catered by Lost Horse Lodge.  There will also be live and  silent auctions. All the proceeds and donations will go  towards helping purchase the  equipment for the Kut-R-Loose Rodeo School.

The program is partnering  with Redeye Rodeo to provide the stock. This way, they  have a lot of control over the  animals youth will work with,  helping to smooth their entry  into the sport.

that sponsorships on those riders and these  programs bring businesses into the sport,  which is good for everybody. However, the  young riders “gotta have that drive.” Ruark  said, after a lifetime in rodeo, it is all a mind  game. “If you’re bucked of before you get on, you’re gonna get bucked of,” said Ruark. However, even with the right spirit, rodeo  is dangerous. “Rodeo is a tough sport, and,  “it’s so easy to get hurt doing it right, let  alone when you’re just doing it of the cuf,” added Ruark. In order to help mitigate that,  the Darby Rodeo Association has a plan via  their Kut-R-Loose program, which involves  adding rodeo camps youth can attend.

They will hold their frst youth camp

Ruark also commented that this is the  “perfect time to bring this to the world.” He  said this because the Darby Rodeo Association recently fnished a lot of their major projects, including the press boxes. According to Ruark, with the rodeo grounds pretty  much done, they want to direct their energy  to the future of rodeo.

They hope to “fnd a boy or girl that’s got what it takes,” said Ruark and help them get  into it. If they can fnd someone that can go the distance, Ruark wanted to emphasize

event on June 6 and 7, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.  This will be a PRCA sanctioned event, and it  will take place at the Darby Rodeo Grounds.  The camp will split 36 youth into groups of  12, where participants will receive coaching  from professional bronc riders, learning  about the sport and the equipment. With  those professional riders being connected  to the PRCA, it will push them to be there.  Ruark said it will be good for both the riders  and the youth in attendance. Sign-ups for  this event are online at the Darby Rodeo Association website, darbyrodeo.org. Sign-ups  are a frst come, frst served basis.

The Darby Rodeo Association has also planned two  upcoming youth rodeo opportunities. The frst will be

held during the Twisted Nut Rodeo, on July  11. In conjunction with the regular rodeo, a  youth rodeo will take place July 10 and 11.  Youth will be split into three age groups to  compete. There will be a second youth rodeo,  with a similar set-up, in conjunction with  Bulls, Broncs and Barrels in September.

“Having youth involved brings a whole  diferent element into rodeo,” said Ruark. These young people really are the future of

the sport, he said, and helping them get a  foot in the door, and learn to do things right,  will keep it around for a long time.

“Rodeo in general has changed so much  over the years,” said Ruark. Today, the stock  is bred to be meaner, the stakes are higher  and the cowboys and cowgirls are tougher,  but for him and many in the rodeo world, the  sport is a quintessential part of our Western  heritage.

Binkley launches campaign for HD 85

On February 17, I ofcially fled as a Republican candidate for House District  85. After representing HD 85 for four  years in the legislature, I realized our  community still needs  leaders who are a voice  for the people of Ravalli  County, not party bosses  and special interests. That’s  why I’m stepping up to run  again to serve the constituents of HD 85.

As a life-long Republican and conservative, I  believe frst and foremost in limited government  and that individual rights  should be protected. Sadly,  we’ve seen many of our  Republican leaders become  beholden to party bosses  and out-of-state dark money groups, pledging their loyalty to a party  platform, not the Constitution. This is not  the Republican Party I know and love. If  elected, I will always vote to protect your  rights and freedoms and stand up to those  whose loyalty is to a political party, not  their constituents.

from, I will fght for every opportunity to lower your taxes, strengthen our economy,  and make our community more afordable.

by

Michele Binkley

Our community is growing, and that  growth has created new challenges for  Ravalli County families. Starter homes  are no longer afordable for our children who, like my two grown sons, have left for  somewhere they can aford a mortgage. Unlike my predecessor, who wants to  overturn the property tax relief that over  80% of Montana homeowners benefted

I’m also an advocate for  giving families more choice  in how they educate their  children. Ensuring families  have the fnal say in where their kids go to school and  how they learn is my top  priority. I will also work to  expand access to vocational  training and apprenticeship  programs to create more  opportunities for kids who  aren’t going to college.

Finally, I’ve had the  honor of serving on the  state’s Mental Health  Commission. Mental health  challenges touch every  Montana family, and we need to fnd ways to make sure those struggling can get the  help they need. This starts with ensuring  our rural hospitals and clinics like Bitterroot Health can stay open. I will always  vote to support our rural hospitals and  ensure you have access to the care you  need right here at home.

My guiding principles have always  been and will continue to be freedom and  prosperity for our community. As your  Representative, I pledge to be your voice  for a stronger, more afordable Ravalli County. It would be an honor to earn your  vote this June, and I will always put you –  my constituents – frst.

Cal Ruark. Star fle photo.

Election system abuse

Montanans’ primary election system  has been abused by Daines and Zinke  leaving Montanans’ choices side-lined as  the billionaire king makers decide who can  participate. Their proposed roadless public  lands changes and mining deregulation  legislation no longer have the focus no  sideboards provided by their re-election bid.  Rather their lame duck time in Washington  will be spent feathering their already bloated  monetary retirement nest eggs. Adding insult  to injury, Zinke spent last week promoting  Montana mining potential, throwing Ravalli  County under the bus with a Sheep Creek mine  bowtie around its neck.

Remember this king-making in 2028  when Daines runs for governor and current  2026 mid-term United States senate and  representative elections.

Archie Thomas & Merry Schrumpf Corvallis War in Iran

Candidate Donald Trump said during the  2024 campaign that he’d “break the cycle of  regime change” and avoid “reckless” policies.  On election night in November 2024, he  declared, “I’m not going to start a war. I’m  going to stop wars.”

Trump has broken this pledge with  astounding speed and determination. He has  launched a war in Iran without a plan, without  a strategy, and without any clear idea about  where it leads or how it ends. This is made  abundantly clear in all of the interviews with  him or anyone in the administration.

Heather Cox Richardson noted that  Trump’s strikes on Iran might have something  to do with the increasing heat over the  Epstein fles or his anger that the Supreme Court struck down his tarifs, which were important to his economic program and also  to his pressure on foreign governments and  companies to do his bidding.

As the war spreads, taking the lives of  at least six of our military personnel, the  administration is now discovering that the  American people would like to know why we  are engaged in what appears to be a war of  choice, and why this approach to the world  is better than the one that kept us safe for 80  years. One of the crowning achievements of the  post–World War II international order is the  Geneva Conventions, which defne the legal treatment of noncombatants in war. In his  confrmation hearings, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth refused to tell Senator Angus King  (I-ME), who pressed him on the issue, that  he would uphold the Geneva Conventions.  Now we hear that he doesn't think that the  U.S. should have to be constrained by any  "stupid international rules of war."  These are  the rules that defne how to maintain some semblance of civility even in wartime.  So this  administration is demonstrating its disdain for  any civility at all.   Former paratrooper and Army Ranger  Representative Jason Crow (D-CO) had  something to say about the reality of war.  “I learned, years ago, that when elites like  Donald Trump bang the war drums and  pound their chests in Washington, D.C., and  talk about sending troops into the ground or  into combat, he’s not talking about his kids.  He’s not talking about all of his minions’  kids. He is talking about kids like me and the  people that I grew up [with] in working-class  areas, rural places around the country that  have to pick up rifes, jump in the tanks or helicopters, and…do the tough work. Well,  America is over it. America is over the three  trillion dollars we’ve spent. The quagmires  of failed nation building. The sending of our  sons and daughters and brothers and sisters to  enrich oil executives. America is over endless  adventurism using our military. Because they  want their infrastructure rebuilt. They want  quality afordable healthcare. They want to be able to aford groceries. They want to be able to aford a home. They want to be able to send their kids to school.”

Americans may be over it but the Trump

Opinion

administration has once again taken us to war.  He has moved on from making America great  again to making the world do his bidding. He  posted on Truth Social that he wants to "Make  Iran Great Again." After that, Cuba is next on  his radar.

In Need to Know, David Rothkopf recently  called out the madness of the fact world trade  and global security is being shattered by a  single man. “Not since Adolf Hitler blew his  brains out in a bunker beneath the garden of  the German Reich Chancellery on April 30,  1945, have the lives of so many people around  the world been so bufeted by the psychosis of a single man.”

Toddy Perryman Hamilton

Did YOU vote for this?

We all had better think about a couple of  the political moves made just this week. The  citizens have had their right to a fair election  sidestepped, unabashedly in a manner that  undeniably demonstrates nothing less than  disdain for fair treatment of the voters.

With near split-second precision, clock  management techniques a football coach  would envy, all hopes for a bona fde Republican primary election in June were dashed.  Has selfsh abuse of the candidate fling period close ever stabbed the Montana Republican faithful more than this? The supporters  of billionaire Senator Daines surely must  understand that his withdrawal of candidacy  a few seconds before 5:00 pm Wednesday  and the very interesting associated musical  chairs events of a gaggle of other good ol’  boys (in essentially the same time period!)  was as obviously a coordinated scheme as  there ever was.

Perhaps a handful of the economically stressing straight down-ballot R voters  of every election/every cycle will get that  stab wound looked at and realize now that  enough’s enough. If you’re close, kick around  a dozen or so of the On Day One promises  nearly all Republican ofceholders have been parroting for over a year. You know,  like the prices of everything, gasoline to two  bucks, jobs, infation, peace/no wars… If you’re not feeling like a sap under the thumb  of the Billionaire Cabal by now, you need  some professional help!

Bill Jones Stevensville

More back and forth  with Jane

Dear Jane Lambert,

Yikes! Thanks for calling me out on that  “profts” thing in my frst letter to you! I should have made that a lot clearer. When  I said that Democrats value people and the  planet over profts, I did not mean the profts that we all have to earn to keep food on the  table and a roof over our heads and to cover  the rest of our needs, plus the extras that  make life worth living. And I didn’t mean all  business owners, big or small, who are making a nice proft for themselves, either.

What I should have said was this: “Democrats value people and the planet over profts that harm people and the planet.” The war in  Iran is an example. Iran has oil. The wealthy  oil corporations want to take their oil. They  donate millions to Trump and other Republican politicians. To return the favor, Trump  has attacked Iran to take their oil, just like  he did in Venezuela. And who’s paying for  the war? The oil corporations? Nope. We  are, the American taxpayers.

Trump’s war is costing about $1 billion  dollars every single day (not to mention the  lives lost, both American service members  and Iranian civilians). We could be spending  that $1 billion dollars a day on improving  our schools, on keeping rural hospitals open,  on helping our veterans, on improving our  roads and bridges and airline safety, on  protecting social security and Medicare, and  on expanding Medicare to every American  paying into Medicare who wants to enroll,  and so much more.

That $1 billion a day could also be spent  on developing cars that do not use oil OR  lithium batteries, which are bad for the  environment. Just imagine a world where we  don’t have to even think about what’s going  on in the Middle East because we don’t need  their oil anymore. And a future where we get  almost all our power from renewable, nontoxic energy sources so that places like Sheep  Creek at the headwaters of the Bitterroot will  not have to be mined. I know it seems out  of reach today, but as the saying goes, “If we  can put a man on the Moon, then we can . .  . !”

And I bet when I said “expanding Medicare to every American,” a couple paragraphs ago, your frst thought was, “Socialism!” You say “tomato,” I say “to-mah-to.”  You say “socialism,” I say “government that  is paid for BY us providing services FOR us— instead of the government handing out millions of dollars in tax breaks and subsidies to  the greedy billionaires and corporations who  don’t need them.

Like Abraham Lincoln once said: “Government BY the people, FOR the people.” Dana Henricks Florence

Dogs are a part  of our furry family

People love with conditions and expectations. Dogs love unconditionally, no  matter what. God put dogs on this earth to  be human’s “best friend.” There is only one  dog park in Hamilton where you can unleash  your dog and let them play and roam freely.  That park is down by the water/sewer waste  department West of North 10th St. on New  York Ave.

A dog park and grassy open area at Big  Corral Park would be a practical and community-focused improvement that benefts both residents and their pets.

Big Corral Park is roughly nine acres of mostly open feld that has remained largely undeveloped since the county purchased  the property in 2008. Community planning  discussions for the park already include  ideas such as walking trails, picnic areas,  pervilleines, gazebo, nature/historical signs,  a playground, pickleball/racket ball court,  that are barely used in existing areas now.  For some reason, the planners have excluded  a fenced dog park with waste stations as part  of the park’s future master plan. It’s alright  to have playgrounds for children but not a  fenced dog park for our furry children?

Adding a dog park and grassy area would  make excellent use of this open space while  providing something many residents currently lack: a safe place for dogs to run ofleash and exercise. Well-exercised dogs are  healthier and calmer, and they are less likely  to bark excessively, damage property, or  become neighborhood nuisances. Dog parks  create opportunities for responsible pet ownership, with fenced areas, rules, and cleanup  stations that help keep the surrounding park  clean and safe.

Equally important, dog parks strengthen community ties. Dog owners naturally  gather in shared spaces, and  those interactions often lead  to conversations, friendships, and a stronger sense  of neighborhood connection. In many communities,  dog parks become informal  meeting places where people  of diferent ages and backgrounds interact while their  pets play.

A grassy open area would  serve an additional purpose  beyond dogs. Families could  picnic, children could play,  and residents could enjoy a  quiet place to relax or walk. A  well-maintained green space  adds beauty and value to the  park while allowing fexible recreation such as tossing a  ball, fying a kite, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

Big Corral Park was envisioned as a low-key community open space with walking paths and gathering areas. A dog park  and grassy feld would ft perfectly with that vision by creating a welcoming, active environment that serves both people and pets.  In short, a dog park and grassy area would  transform Big Corral Park into a more useful and vibrant community space, one that encourages exercise, strengthens neighborhood  connections, and makes the park a place that  residents truly enjoy.

Anita John Hamilton Montanans should  support Jacobsen –

PERIOD

Montanans have never been afraid of a  fght—especially when it’s a fght to protect our state, our freedoms, and the integrity of our  elections. That’s why I believe Montana needs  to send Christi Jacobsen to Congress.

When Christi frst ran for Secretary of State, the political insiders in Helena said it  couldn’t be done. She wasn’t the candidate  the establishment wanted. Her opponent was  a former Secretary of State and the President of the Montana Senate—someone backed by  nearly every power broker in the state. The  insiders lined up and declared the race over  before it even began.

But they forgot something important: in  Montana, the people—not the political class— decide elections.

Christi Jacobsen proved them wrong.  She defeated the establishment favorites in  the Republican primary and went on to win  the general election. When Montanans had  the chance to evaluate her record again, they  reafrmed their support. In two consecutive election cycles, voters elected Christi Secretary  of State by commanding margins—delivering  the strongest statewide results on the ballot. Her success wasn’t an accident. As  Secretary of State, Christi has made protecting  the integrity of Montana’s elections a top  priority. She has worked to strengthen voter  safeguards, increase transparency, and ensure  that every legal vote counts—and that the  people of Montana can have confdence in the outcome of their elections.

That record matters now more than ever. The latest polling shows that Montana’s 1st  Congressional District will be one of the most  competitive battleground seats in the country.  With control of Congress potentially hanging  in the balance, voters deserve a candidate who  has already been tested and vetted by Montana  voters again and again—and approved by them  each time.

Christi Jacobsen is that candidate. In fact, in her statewide victories she  even outperformed the top of the ticket in  Montana’s western district—proof that her  support goes beyond partisan labels and  refects genuine trust from the voters she serves.

Tony Hudson Stevensville

Calendar

Sapphire Quilt Club

206 E. Ravalli St. Hamilton, MT 59840

406 - 363 - 4090

Traditional Anglican Services every Sunday at 10 a.m. staugustinehamilton.org

2nd Tuesday of each month, Senior Citizens Center, Stevensville. Doors open 6 p.m., starts 6:30 p.m.

Parkinson Support Group

The Hamilton Parkinson Disease Group (Movers and Shakers) holds monthly meetings on the 3rd Monday of the month at 1 p.m. at Sapphire Lutheran Homes, 501 N. 10th Street, Hamilton. For information call Ginny Wigen, 406-5449186.

St. Mary’s Parish Mass

Mass is celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Stevensville on Sundays at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. During construction, Weekday Mass will be celebrated on Thursday at noon and Friday at 10 a.m. in the St. Mary Family Center

St. Francis of Assisi Mass

St. Francis of Assisi Mass Mass is held at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Hamilton, every Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday at 9 a.m. Weekday Mass is celebrated Wednesday at noon.

Breaking Bread Free dinners to the Bitterroot community every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. at Light of hte Valley Church. Join in for a free dinner, a brief message of hope and lots of fellowship! There is a children’s group available for your K-5th graders as well so all can enjoy!

Bitterroot Heritage Civic Group

The Bitterroot Heritage Civic Group, formerly called theSouth Valley Civic Group, has reorganized. New members and volunteers are welcome. Regular meetings are held on the second Thursday of each month at 6:15 p.m. at the Darby Library

Am Legion Post 94

Meeting 3rd Tuesday of month, 6 p.m., at the Legion Hall, 754 Middle Burnt Fork Road. For info call Dave Hansen, 406-369-8843.

Am Legion Post 94

Auxiliary

Meetings 1st Tuesday of month, 6 p.m., at Legion Hall, 754 Middle Burnt Fork Road. For info call Cheryl, 406-5314132 or email cherylburgmeier@yahoo. com

VFW Post 1507

VFW Post 1507 meets the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at 108 Main in Victor. For information contact Matt Walker, 541-852-7215.

Am Legion Post 47

American Legion Ravalli Post 47 meets the 2nd Wednesday at 7 p.m. at 322 S. 2nd (corner of Madison next to 2nd St Sushi), Hamilton. Check us out! visit https://www.legion.org/membership/ whyjoin

Am Legion Post 91

Corvallis American Legion Post #91 meets on the third Tuesday of the month at the Corvallis Fire Department. Contact them at corvallispost91@gmail.com.

Am Legion Unit 91

Auxiliary

Corvallis American Legion Auxiliary Unit #91 meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 1:30 p.m. at Corvallis United Methodist Youth Center, 352 Corvallis Cemetery Road. The Auxiliary has programs and projects to support veterans and Americanism. For info call Andrea, 406-381-6239.

Am Legion Post 134

American Legion Florence Post 134 meets the 1st Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at Florence Rural Fire Hall. Contact: Robert Davis, Commander, 406-4935484. Post 134 holds a free pancake breakfast on the frst Saturday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Florence Rural Fire Hall.

Amateur Radio Group

The Bitterroot Amateur Radio Group meets the 3rd Monday of every month starting at 7:00 PM in the back room

of BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Contact n6mgml@gmail.com or visit the web page at W7FTX.org. Come early and enjoy fellowship and a meal.

Socrates Cafe

The Socrates Cafe’ Philosophical Discussion Group welcomes you for a night of inspiring talks on topics ranging from philosophy to social issues to current events. It’s a time of social interaction and enlightenment. The group meets every other Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library downstairs meeting room. Cofee, tea and cookies are provided by the Library. People of all philosophies are encouraged to attend.

Kiwanis

Kiwanis meets every Wednesday at 12 noon at BJ’s restaurant in Hamilton.

TOPS

TOPS Club (Take Of Pounds Sensibly) meets every Thursday morning at Community Baptist Church, 409 Buck Street, Stevensville. Guests are welcome, including men. Weigh-in is from 8:30 to 9:10 a.m.; meeting follows until 10:30. A program on sensible eating and weight loss is presented every week along with incentives for weight loss. TOPS is an afordable non proft weight loss support group. For more information call Cindy MacIsaac 406-961-0196.

Lone Rock Community Network

Times for Lone Rock Community Network meetings are changing to an “as requested, as needed” basis. The group will meet periodically for classes, having to do with sustainable and independent living, that are highly relevant to the community. Members will receive email notices of meetings, and they will be posted on Next Door and Facebook. If you’d like to be included, contact Rick Nelson at 406-381-1466. Feel free to call or text to suggest topics or handson classes. Or, you may just want to get involved with this active, existing network of neighbors that are currently working on projects together.

Montanans for Life

Montanans for Life holds their monthly meeting on the frst Thursday of every month at 6PM at More to Come Fellowship, 330 3rd Ave., Victor. For more information call (406) 407-1254.

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 ofce in Hamilton (enter through the rear door). Come enjoy refreshments and conversation. For more information contact Bryce at (970) 819-1867. Visit the website at bchmt.org/wp/spwbch/ or their Facebook page for more information.

Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen

Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen is a volunteer organization that works to keep trails open for the public. The group meets every third Thursday of the month at the Daly-Leach Community Room, 1010 Main Street in Hamilton. Potluck dinner is at 6:30 pm and the meeting starts at 7:00. If you enjoy using our local trails, check us out. For more information, contact Karen at 406-369-0725 or check the website (bchmt.org/bitterroot) or Facebook page at: Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen (BR BCH).

Yoga for Veterans FREE to veterans, frst responders, and their families! Tuesdays, 1-2pm in Stevensville. Register at: redwillowlearning.org OR call 406-530-7175.

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 Judy Anderson, Auxiliary VP, at 406-381-1561.

Amateur Radio Club

The Amateur Radio Club KG7SPL of the Corvallis American Legion Post #91 meets on the frst Monday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Corvallis Firehall on the Woodside Cutof Road. KG7SPL has a weekly radio net at 7pm, Wednesday,

ST. STEPHENS EPISCOPALCHURCH

Reagan Republican Club

Meeting 3rd Tuesday of month,

Meeting rd Tuesday of month,

meets the first and third Tuesdays and prospective members are welmation check https://e-clubhouse.

Meetings st Tuesday of month, call Cheryl, 406-531-4132 or email

starting on 146.580 simplex and then on the club’s repeater located at 147.300 (DSC 703). Each month the club conducts amateur radio testing, a “Fox Hunt” and a HF exercise here in the Bitterroot Valley. Members participate in the Winter Field Day in January, ARRL Field Day in June, and Emergency Communications Training. Every year KG7SPL provides radio coverage for the Corvallis Memorial Day Parade, the Darby Dog Derby, Robert’s Run and other local events. The club has its own radio station and throughout the year holds “Get On The Air” radio nights. For more information, call club president Mike Nesbihal at 406-552-8696.

Woman’s Club

203 Main St. Stevensville • 777-0028

Worship at 11:00 a.m. In this Church there shall be no outcasts.

missioner Stephen Kowal and Matt Roth and Candidates for SD 43 Kathy Love and David Bedey. Ravalli County Republican Women meet the fourth Tuesday of each month.

AARP Driver Safety

Program

Meetings 1st Tuesday of month, Lunch will be provided both days. 7 p.m. at 322 S. 2nd (corner of Socrates Cafe

The GFWC Bitterroot Woman’s Club meets the second Saturday of each month, September through May, in the dining hall at the First Presbyterian Church, 1220 W Main Street, Hamilton. The club welcomes new members and for more information check out the website at www.gfwcbitterrootwomansclub.com or contact Carole at 406-225-7453.

North Valley Library events

Library Board Meeting — Weds, Mar 18 at 3pm

Agendas and the Public Participation are posted on the Library’s 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. A link to Trustee contact information can be found at montana.gov.

Now Open! Your Yard as a Bird and Bug B&B --- Thurs, Mar 19 at 6:30pm

Learn how to make your garden or landscape a destination resort for birds, bees, and butterfies (and their more homely cousins, moths). With plenty of tips, ideas, and how-to’s for cultivating a wildlife habitat at home, this program should send you home ready to be proprietor of the most popular bed & breakfast in all of Bird & Bug Town. Zoom option available.

Saturday Morning Social for Adults — Sat, Mar 21 at 10am

Come chat, work a jigsaw puzzle, play a game, or do coloring pages. Tea and cofee provided, so have a cuppa and enjoy the community that makes Stevensville so special. Meets the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Saturday of the month.

The Lesser-Known History of Montana’s Constitution — Tue, Mar 24 at 6:30pm

Did Thomas Francis Meagher take a copy of the 1867 Montana Constitution with him to the grave? Why did statehood take so long? Ever wonder why the 1884 constitution went from viable to liable, and yet laid the groundwork for 1889 and statehood? Constitutional writing in the 20th century, will it stand the test of time?

Join Montana State Archivist Rich Aarstad as he tracks Montana’s constitutional history (presenter of-site, program is a Zoom watch party).

Men’s Club: Chess & Checkers — Thurs, Mar 26 at 2pm Gents, this one’s just for you. Make connections and conversation over a game of chess or checkers during this informal monthly get-together. All experience level welcome. And if you’ve never played chess, come and learn! Gameboards provided or bring your own. Please arrive at 2pm to be matched with a partner.

Cruisers Car Club

Corvallis American Legion Post #91’s Cruisers Car Club meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the backroom at BJ’s Restaurant, in Hamilton. The club consists of members of the American Legion, American Legion Auxiliary and Sons of the American Legion. The club is busy planning for car shows for the upcoming year and wants your involvement. If you own a classic vehicle (20 years or older), and want a social atmosphere centered around your interest in classic vehicles, then you are welcome to be part of the club. For more information, call Bobbi Tucker at 406-369-2411.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Family, Friends, Caregivers Support Group Meeting Stevensville - SECOND Monday of the Month, 6:30-8:00 pm, St. Stephens Episcopal Church meeting room, 203 Main Street. Hamilton - FOURTH Monday of the Month, 6:00-7:30 pm, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, basement entrance on Desmet Street, Due to unpredictable weather, please call and leave a message, “NAMI meeting.” Someone will call/ text back and confrm the meeting). Sue 406-369-0406 (Stevensville), Nicole 406 214-2649 (Hamilton), or namistevimt@ gmail.com

AARP Tax-Aide

The Stevensville AARP Tax-Aide site is ready once again to start scheduling appointments for your 2025 tax returns. They will begin preparing returns on February 10. Appointments can be made ONLY by calling 406-201-5734. Leave your name and phone number and a volunteer will call you back to schedule the date and time of your appointment. This free service is available to ALL low

Paddle Call, Merchandise Sales.

to moderate income families.

Lenten Fish Dinners

The Stevensville Knights of Columbus annual fsh fries start February 20th and will be ofered each Friday of Lent until March 27th at the St. Mary’s Family Center. Serving hours are 5 to 7 p.m. and you may dine-in or drive through to pick up a meal. Bring the whole family and enjoy the delicious food. The Knights appreciate your support.

Wings moving sale

The Wings Programs Equine Rescue is moving and is selling a bunch of stuf! Lots of household items, some ranch equipment and a large amount of tack, including halters, leg wraps, ropes, helmets, saddles and more. Make them an ofer because everything must go! They’ll be selling every Saturday in March from 9 a.m. to - 1 p.m. Come and get a deal and help with their moving expenses. Wings is located at 208 Rusty Spur Way in Corvallis.

Back Country

Horsemen anniversary

On Thursday, March 19, Bitter Root Back Country Horsemen will celebrate their 50th anniversary. Join them for an evening dedicated to honoring their founding members and celebrating their mission to ensure that public lands remain open for recreational equine use, as they look back on their journey from the beginning in March 1976 to the present day. A main course, side dishes and a celebratory cake will be provided. The event will take place at the Daly-Leach Community Room, 1010 Main Street in Hamilton. They welcome guests to join them in celebrating this signifcant milestone. If attending, please RSVP by March 16 to 928-606-0855.

Grief

Support Group

Grief Support Group at Florence Carlton Community Church, 20073 Old Hwy 93, starts Saturday, February 21 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. This 13-week ‘Grief Share’ program supports those who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Come as you are to fnd the support you need. Questions? Call Colleen Simpson at 206-930-2519.

Burgers ‘N Beers

Ravalli County Democrats’ Burgers ’N Beers, an evening of socializing at the Hamilton House Pub at 140 Main, Victor. 4:30pm to (?) EVERY OTHER TUESDAY afternoon starting March 3rd, then the 17th, the 31st and so on. This will be in the game room in the back, north portion of the restaurant. Call 406-880-6823 with any questions.

Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club

The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club will meet Friday, March 20, 2026 at 1:00 pm at the Frontier Cafe; HWY 93 in Stevenville. The guest speaker will be Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen Candidate for U.S. Congress District 1. The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club meets the frst and third Friday of each month from 1 pm to 2 pm. The Bitterroot North Valley Pachyderm Club is an educational arm of the Republican Party. All are welcome.

Chili Cook-Of

The 4th annual Chili Cook-Of, Auction and Fundraising Event to beneft the Stevensville Police Department will be held Saturday, March 21 from 5 to 8 p.m at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 100 Middle Burnt Fork Road, Stevensville. To enter the chili contest, pick up an entry form at Town Hall or the Police Department during normal business hours. There is a $30 fee to enter the competition. The top three chili entries will earn cash prizes. Tickets for general admission will be on sale at the door for $6 and include chili, a side and a soft drink; children 10 and under are free. There will be rafe prizes and a live auction. Special guests include “DJ Bob the Music Man.” Bring the whole family out for an evening of fun with your community. For more information contact police Chief John Boe at: policechief@ townofstevensville.gov.

Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club Ravalli County Republican Women’s Club will hold its monthly meeting and lunch on Tuesday March 24, 2026 at 11:30 am at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. It will host mini debates between invited speakers: candidates for County Com-

Bitterroot Health Located at 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, will host an ALL NEW AARP Driver Safety Program on Friday, March 27th, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This new safe driving course is designed for drivers age 50 and over, all drivers are welcome. The new program features laws specifc to Montana, Defensive Driving, Winter Driving and new Vehicle Technologies. There are no driving tests or written exams, and Montana mandates insurance discounts for qualifed drivers. Issued Certifcates are good for 3 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 info: Call: Thom Ainsworth, Instructor, at 406-369-0149.

Fish and Wildlife Commission

The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission will hold its next meeting on April 16. The meeting will be held at 8 a.m. at the Montana Heritage Center at 225 N. Roberts Street, next to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Headquarters in Helena. It will also be live-streamed via Zoom. Public comment on agenda items can be submitted online through an online survey by

item you

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documents to

for letters or

Public comment can also be

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Fish and Wildlife Commission, c/o FWP Liaison – Director’s Ofce, P.O. Box 200701, Helena MT, 596200701. Public comment on agenda items will be taken through March 29. Commissioners can submit amendments to any of FWP’s proposals. Those amendments will be open for public comment prior to the meeting. Comments also can be made during the meeting virtually via Zoom. Registration for Zoom comment opens April 1 and closes at noon on April 15. Agenda items include the following proposals from FWP: 2026 Fish Removal Projects Doney Lake Forest Habitat Improvement Project Spotted Dog WMA Grazing Lease Renewal 2026 Migratory Bird Regulations, Seasons, and Closures Bighorn Sheep Within-Range Translocation - Madison Range, 2026-2035 Peregrine Falcon Take, 2026-2027 Biennium Temporary River Closure for Construction - Sun River FAS Annual Rule Commercial Use Permit Fee Rule 26-Mile FAS Recreation Permit and Site Development Citizen Petition to Initiate Rulemaking - Swan Lake For more information on agenda items and to make public comment through the online survey, go to the commission meeting webpage.

Donations wanted Puzzles, Games and Craft Supplies Rummage Sale on April 18th at the Three Mile Community Center. They are accepting donations for this sale. You can bring them to the center on Friday, April 17th from 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon and Saturday of the sale 8-10 a.m. What an awesome way to clean out your closets and help upgrade the parking lot. More information at 3milecc.org or call 406-360-3385.

North Valley Library Fundraiser

Tickets are now on sale for “Black, White & READ All Over—A Boot-Stomping Shindig to Beneft the North Valley Public Library.” This Western-themed event is slated for April 25, 5 to 8 pm, at The Barn on Pine Hollow, 397 Pine Hollow Road, Stevensville. It will feature an array of hardy appetizers, bang-up desserts, beverages, entertainment, a silent auction, and so much more! Sponsorships are still available at a cost $125 to $2,000, and silent auction donations will be accepted until early April. Tickets are $35 each or $60 for two. They may be purchased with cash or check at the North Valley Public Library, 208 Main St., Stevensville. This spring fundraiser is presented by the NVPL Foundation and Friends of the Library. All proceeds will go to support the Stevensville library. For questions or additional information, contact Celeste Statler with Friends of the Library at celeste.statler@gmail.com.

Calendar postings are free to non-proft groups. Submit by emailing to: editor@bitterrootstar.com

A change in the stars

Changing course on the ‘atmospheric river’

by Victoria Howell,  (former) Publisher

Monday, March 16 was my last ofcial day at the Bitterroot Star.

If someone had told me in 1985 that I would spend almost my entire adult life in the journalism business and be the publisher of a community newspaper in 2026, it would have seemed absolutely preposterous. And now that it has come to pass, and those 40plus years are behind me, it still seems quite unbelievable.

Starting the Bitterroot Star with a couple  of friends happened because of a somewhat random act of picking up a hitchhiker on the way back to Montana after a year of living out-of-state. It turned out that the down-onhis-luck hitchhiker was a retired newspaper  man who had a tried-and-true formula for starting a publication. Not having any other good prospects, and after a few false starts, my husband Michael and I went all in and the rest, as they say, is history. Our friends quickly moved on to other – and likely more  proftable – pursuits, but we stuck with it and were able to build a good life for ourselves here in the valley, raising our children and welcoming our grandchildren. It became obvious pretty quickly that owning a newspaper was no get-rich scheme, but it became a labor of love, and the public service component was deeply rewarding. Just like almost  everyone else’s, our life here has had its share of sorrows, and joys, but I can say without hesitation that the Bitterroot Valley is a great  place to call home, and the support of our neighbors, friends, and loyal supporters has been the glue that has held it all together.

I have served in various capacities at the  newspaper over the years, including co-owner, editor, business manager, reporter, publisher, cofee maker and housekeeper. In the past few years as publisher, I have had the good fortune to work closely with Bitterroot Star editor John Dowd and Bitterroot  Star sports editor Scott Sacry. The three of us are each 20 years apart in age, which combined for a broad perspective in addressing the challenges of our work. I have thoroughly enjoyed the work environment that we cre-

ated together. Because of them, it was a real pleasure to come to work each day.

I’ve worked with so many great people  over the years, and I am grateful to all of them. Some are new, but most members of the Star’s current team have been with the paper for years, and I appreciate all of them so much: John, Scott, Michael, Chuck, Serica, Shannon, Nichole, Vicky, and Chuey. I’m excited for Sarah who has come on board as general manager. And I want to give a shout  out to Jesse, the owner, for giving me the opportunity to stay involved with the Star for the last fve years. In my work at the newspaper I have also met so many interesting  community members that have enriched my life in numerous ways, including just knowing them.

I’m leaving the Star at a time when I have  to admit that I’m feeling pretty discouraged about the future in general. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such dark times in our country.  Currently, all across the country, the media is often blamed for telling the truth, and that really saddens me. However, locally there still seems to be a strong appreciation for the value of local media, and my fervent hope is that the Bitterroot Star will continue to be a relevant community partner.

I recently attended a meeting at which  the public was asked to comment following a presentation on a proposed Forest Service  rule change regarding roadless areas. The audience was a noticeably older crowd, like me and Michael, and people fled up one by one to give their input. Near the end of the comment period, several young people commented. What was remarkable were their bold and forward-thinking statements. They were knowledgeable about the topic, demonstrating that they were paying attention and  obviously up on the news. I was so impressed with them, and it gave me a much-needed burst of hope for our future.

So, as this long chapter of my life comes to a close, I look forward with curiosity, as well as trepidation, to what’s coming next.

I ofer my sincere gratitude to all of you for whatever part you may have played in the  journey. Perhaps we can have cofee together some time.

TUESDAYS at St Francis of Assisi Parish in Hamilton, 411 South 5th St.

Fr. David - Talk Series on the Liturgy, following 5:30 p.m. Mass  Vespers and Reconciliation before Mass

WEDNESDAYS at St Francis of Assisi Parish  Fr. David - Talk Series on the Liturgy, following Noon Mass  Adoration and Reconciliation before Mass  at St Joseph Mission in Florence, 224 Linder St.   6 p.m. Rosary, Stations of the Cross, Soup & Bread

THURSDAYS at St Mary Parish in Stevensville, 333 Charlos St.  Fr. David - Talk Series on the Liturgy, following Noon Mass  at St Philip Benizi Mission in Darby, 312 East Miles St. 11 a.m. Adoration  12 p.m. Stations of the Cross   Lunch follows  FRIDAYS at St Francis of Assisi Parish  6 p.m. - Stations of the Cross with Vespers  5 p.m. - Knights of Columbus Fish Fry  at St Mary Parish

9:30 a.m. Stations of the Cross before 10 a.m. Mass  Adoration and Reconciliation after Mass  5 p.m. Knights of Columbus Fish Fry with Drive Through Option  SUNDAYS at St Francis of Assisi Parish

Following 9 a.m. Mass Refections w/ John Bacon on the Theology of the Body at St Mary Parish

4:30 p.m. Stations of the Cross before 5 p.m. Mass All events listed are in addition to our regular Adoration and Mass times

Grateful to serve the Bitterroot Star

by Sarah Glass

The Bitterroot Star is more than print  media and headlines; it ties together our  community’s shared narrative. Individual  and group eforts, opinions, and forms of expression are refected there, efectively archiving local history and the cultural components that intertwine to defne the regional zeitgeist. It is my privilege to accept the  general manager position at the Bitterroot  Star and further its mission as a nonpartisan expression of the community. I grew up in the Bitterroot Valley and  attended Hamilton High School in the early  2000s. My creative writing teacher, Mrs. Yanzick, and Sheryl Noethe, a Missoula-based poet who served as one of Montana’s poet laureates, were especially supportive of my initial writing eforts. I remember being 16 and feeling starstruck that I could attend poetry groups and be in the company of published authors at Noethe’s home. Although I was a teenager  and a fedgling writer, I was treated with encouragement, and this gave me a sense of confdence that would follow me in my future endeavors.

After high school, I moved to Springfeld, Oregon, to go to college. There, I studied anthropology, and more recently, geospatial analysis and intelligence. At age 26, after noticing a defcit in local media coverage, I partnered with a former journalist to create Free For All (FFA)  News, a free monthly publication through which I  sought to highlight everything positive about Oregon’s Willamette Valley. I found writing “good news” to be harder than I imagined but worthwhile. I spoke with scientists working  on an HIV vaccine and with  rock stars who grew up in the  area. Equally as important, I sought out the area’s unsung  heroes who served as the  cornerstones of their respective communities. At the end  of its six-year run, FFA News printed 15,000 copies per

issue and distributed them to 13 towns and cities. In 2023, I moved back to Ravalli County. The Bitterroot Star hired me as a graphic  designer and contributing writer. Through this work, I was introduced to other Mullen Newspaper Company afliates for which I made ads, constructed tourism guides, and wrote articles. Today, I live in Corvallis with my partner and my silken windhound, Kit. I am excited to grow into my new role at the  Bitterroot Star and collaborate with such earnest teammates. Victoria Howell, who is retiring from her publisher position at the newspaper, is a fount of knowledge whom I look up to and hope to emulate. I look  forward to joining the community in writing the next page of our region’s journal, the Bitterroot Star.

Victor Adult Educaton Spring 2026

To sign up for a class, please call 642 -3221.

Co- Ed Volleyball (Advanced):  This Class  is intense and intended for those who  have played a lot of volleyball. This is a  very compettve group of players. Max  12. Gym Instructor: Amber Kay. Meets:  (FRI), beginning March 6th - April 24th  7:00 pm  - 9:00 pm. Cost: $25.00

Co- Ed Basketball: This class is intended  for those who would like to have fun and play some compettve basketball. Gym Instructor: Dylen Spain-Brist. Meets:  (SUNDAYS) March 8th  - May 10th 6:008:00 pm. Open enrollment. Cost: $5.00  per night or $20.00 per session

Design Your Own Hanging Basket or Pato Planter: Visit the Victor School  greenhouse anytme between the hours of 3:00 pm  - 7:00 pm and use your creatve ability to design your own foral hanging basket or pato planter. We will provide a 12” white basket or 13.5 planter, soil, and annual plugs (small plants). You can take it home or you can grow your basket or planter in our greenhouse untl afer the last frost of the year.

Instructor: Cassy Worthington  (406) 531 -2560. Meets: Two classes  ofered (FRIDAYS) April 10th or April 17th 3:00 pm   - 7:00 pm. Cost: $40.00 and  covers all the supplies needed.

Intermediate Mix Media Paintng: Bring your own brushes, paint - thinner in a wide  mouth jar with lid and palate (if you have one). Paint and other supplies are provided. Classes will be held in the Art Room.  Instructor: Steve Wilson.  Meets:  (THURS, FRI & SAT) April 16th and April 17th 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm and April 18th  9:00 am  - Noon. Max of 12. Cost $35.00

Homemade Torteejaz: Come learn and  taste some Mexican recipes from a  Mexican woman. All will be made from  scratch. Handmade corn tortllas, quesadillas, tacos, diferent kinds of salsas, Chile rellenos, green spaghet, aguachile, salpicon, tostadas and more to choose from. At the frst class there will be an opportunity as a group to choose favorite recipes to learn, with the last  class learning to make a full meal.

Instructor: Erika Nunez. Meets:  (SATURDAYS) Two classes ofered either 9:00 am  - 11:00 am or 11:00 am  - 1:00  pm March 21st  - May 9th. Cost: $35.00

Biterroot Community Band: The Biterroot Community Band is resuming its Spring session. They are acceptng new members! If you are interested in joining the Biterroot Community Band, please contact them at biterrooband@gmail.com or by sending a message through their Facebook page @Biterroot Community Band. Members may join at any tme afer the start date. Instruments can be rented through Victor School for $50. Meets: (Thursdays) Beginning March 5th  7:00 pm  - 9:00 pm. Rehearsals will be  held in the Music Room. New Member’s  Cost: $25.00

Potery Class: For beginners and intermediate poters. Wheel throwing as well as Handbuilding -Clay techniques will be demonstrated. Kelly will have projects to make & techniques to share, but individuals may come with plans for what they  would like to make in the alloted tme. She will be happy to work with you to accomplish your goals. She also makes outside studio tme available, usually on a weekly basis, for practce of techniques & extra tme for creatng. Please wear suitable clothing. If you have questons feel free to call Kelly at 406 -363 - 8861. Classes held at Kelly Price Studio (2329 Bety Lane, Victor) Max 6 students per class. Instructor: Kelly Price . Meets:  (Tuesday evenings 6:00 -9:00 p.m.) March  24th  - May 5th (skipping April 7th) Cost: $100.00 per student. Includes clay, glazes and fring fees and tool usage.

Me, on my last offcial day at the Bitterroot Star, with the Star’s very frst computer, and a copy of ‘The Star’ from 1988 that has a photo of my son on the front page. Photo by John Dowd.

Sarah Glass stands in front of the Bitterroot Star offce, in Stevensville. Photo by John Dowd.

by Scott Sacry

Florence girls 4th at state

The Florence girls basketball team finished in 4th place  at the Montana Class B State  Tournament in Bozeman on  Saturday, March 15. Florence lost  to Missoula Loyola 47-61 in the  consolation game on Saturday  afternoon to end their season. Florence played four games  over three days at the state tournament. In their opening round  game on Thursday, Florence  defeated Huntley Project 6654. This sent them to the Friday  night semifinals, where they lost  to Baker 63-69 (Baker went on  to claim the Class B championship). This loss sent Florence to  the loser’s side of the bracket  where they defeated Ennis 67-51  on Saturday morning. Finally,  the Ennis win sent them to the  consolation game against Loyola  on Saturday afternoon.

“It was a great run,” said Florence head coach Shane Meinhold. “The girls played hard and  gave it everything they had for  all four games. There were lots of  tears after the last game. We’ve  had an awesome group of seniors  that have meant so much to this  program.They’ve left behind a  legacy of a player-led program  that I’m hopeful the incoming

seniors and future players will  continue to make happen.”

Florence may have missed  out on a trophy, but they proved  their status as one of the state’s  premier teams. The Falcons  notched two impressive wins at  state and stood as the only team  to truly threaten the undefeated  champions, Baker.

“We were a couple plays away  from beating the top team in  Class B and no other team can  say that,” said Meinhold.

Despite the unpredictable  nature of the postseason, Florence’s performance throughout  the tournament was a testament  to their talent and tenacity.

Game Recaps

Florence 47,

M issoula Loyola 61

T he Florence girls played Missoula Loyola in the Class B State  consolation game on Saturday  afternoon. This was the fifth time  the two teams had played this  season. They split their regular  season contests, then Loyola  defeated Florence for the District  6B crown, and Florence defeated  Loyola for the Western B Di-

Florence’s Jaden Fisher was one of the key seniors who were instrumental in  Florence’s success this season. Photo by Scott Sacry.

vision title. It was  a taxing game for  both teams, as it was  their third game in  less than a 24-hour  period.

The teams once  again proved to be  an even match as  Florence jumped out  to a 12-11 first-quarter lead, and Loyola  led 23-22 at halftime. Florence  faltered in the third  quarter and were  outscored 13-22, so  they trailed 35-45  heading into the  fourth. Florence  got within striking  distance down the  stretch, but ran out  of steam and lost to  Loyola 47-61.

For Florence,  Ali Meinhold led  the scoring with  26 points, including five 3-pointers.  Maggie Schneiter  had 6 points. Emory Ralston had 5,  Kendyl Meinhold  and Shelby Crocker  each had 3. Jaden  Fisher and Madigan Hurlbert  each added 2.

Florence’s Ali Meinhold had an impressive state tournament, averaging 19 points per game, including 26 points in Florence’s consolation game on Saturday, March 14. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Florence 66,  H untley Project 54

Fl orence came into state as  the top seed from the Western B  and they defeated Southern B’s  fourth seed Huntley Project 6654 in their opening round game  on Thursday.

Florence held a slight 15-11  lead after the first quarter and  led 30-25 at halftime. Florence  took control in the third quarter  as they outscored Huntley 24-13  to take a 54-38 lead into the  fourth. Huntley closed the gap  in the fourth, but Florence held  strong and won 66-54.

For Florence, Ali Meinhold  led the scoring with 16 points.  Maggie Schneiter had 12, Jaden  Fisher had 11, Kendyl Meinhold  had 10, Madigan Hurlbert had  7, Taylor Pyette had 5. Emory  Ralston and Shelby Crocker each  added 2.

Florence 63,  B aker 69

I n a high-stakes Friday night  semifinal, Florence faced off  against top-ranked and undefeated Baker. Having lost to Baker by  14 points back in December, the  Falcons knew they faced a monumental task.

The first half lived up to  the hype, with Baker holding a  narrow 41-33 lead at the break.  However, the game nearly

slipped away in the third quarter  as Florence fell behind 53-36.  The momentum shifted when  three Baker starters landed in  foul trouble. Florence pounced,  erupting for a 14-0 run to close  the gap to 53-50 heading into the  fourth. Though Baker regained  their composure once their starters returned, the Falcons stayed  within striking distance.

With just over a minute  remaining, Florence’s Kendyl Meinhold buried a clutch  three-pointer to bring the score  to 64-61. Florence had opportunities to seize the lead in the  final seconds, but they ultimately  fell just short, losing 69-63 to the  eventual state champions.

“I couldn’t have been more  proud of how the girls played  against Baker,” said Meinhold.  “Our comeback in the 3rd quarter was the most exciting and  frustrating experience as a coach.  The girls were playing such tough  defense flying all over the court,  creating turnovers. We did all the  right things to take control of the  game to only miss crucial foul  shots and miss very important  lay ups. Through it all, the girls  played hard to the last horn.”

Despite the loss, the Falcons showed immense heart by  erasing a 17-point deficit. Senior  Maggie Schneiter led the way  with 14 points—a performance  highlighted by her crossing the  1,000-career-point milestone.  Also for Florence, Ali Meinhold  and Madigan Hurlbert each  had 12. Emory Ralston had 10,  Kendyl Meinhold had 8, Jaden

Fisher had 5, and Taylor Pyette  added 2.

Florence 67,

E nnis 51

A fter falling just short of  the title game on Friday night,  Florence faced the daunting task  of a 9 a.m. Saturday morning  loser-bracket game against Ennis. Overcoming the disappointment of a semifinal loss is never  easy, but the Falcons regrouped  quickly and showed they still had  plenty of fight left. Florence jumped out to an  early 20-4 lead, and led 2613 after the first quarter. Ali  Meinhold started strong with 14  first-quarter points, including  three 3-pointers.

“Our ball movement and  execution of shots in the first  quarter was a beautiful piece of  basketball to watch,” said Meinhold. “The girls were forcing lots  of turnovers and playing their  hearts out to get into that final  game. Very proud of their effort.” After an even second quarter,  Florence led 37-24 at halftime.  Ennis chipped away at Florence’s  lead of 51-43 after three quarters.  The Falcons started the fourth  quarter on a 16-4 run and cruised  to a hard fought 67-51 victory.  For Florence, Ali Meinhold  led the scoring with 23 points.  Maggie Schneiter had 16, Emory  Ralston had 9, Kendyl Meinhold  had 7, and Jaden Fisher had 6.  Taylor Pyette, Madigan Hurlbert,  and Shelby Crocker each added  2.

Florence’s Schneiter hits 1000 points

Florence senior point  guard Maggie Schneiter  surpassed 1000 points for her  high school basketball career  at the Class B State Tournament in Bozeman on Friday,  March 14, during Florence’s  game against Baker.

“I am super proud of  Maggie hitting her 1000 points during the Baker game,”  said Florence head basketball coach Shane Meinhold.  “She’s a phenomenal threesport athlete at Florence and  well deserving of hitting that  mark.” Schneiter has been a  starter on the basketball team  since her freshman season in  2022-2023. She was named  First-Team All Conference as a freshman. She was  Second-Team All-Conference  as a sophomore. She was  All-State and First-Team  All-Conference as a junior,  and it’s likely Schneiter will  garner the same honors this  season. “I’ve coached Maggie  since the 3rd grade, minus  her freshman year of high

school, so we’ve had a long  journey together as a player  and coach on the basketball  foor,” said Meinhold. “She’s always been one of my point  guards and decision makers  on my team. Maggie takes  more pride in making a  great assist as she does hitting a shot which is a great  quality to have in a point  guard.” “Maggie had no idea  she was even close to her  1000 points when I let her  know a couple months ago  it could happen around the  state tournament,” continued Meinhold. “So it was  defnitely a special moment the team and her family got  to share together with her  after the Baker game.”

Florence senior point guard  Maggie Schneiter surpassed  1000 points for her high  school basketball career at  the Class B State Tournament  in Bozeman on Friday, March  14, during Florence’s game  against Baker. Photo by Scott  Sacry.

HDA presents annual report on downtown vitality

by Sarah Glass

Over 50 business owners and community stakeholders gathered to share lunch  and hear the Hamilton Downtown Association (HDA) present its 2025 Annual Report  at Hamilton City Hall on Thursday, March  12. Executive Director Matthew Zwicker  elaborated on the nonproft’s mission tenets – design, economic vitality, organization, and promotion – and how its members and partners worked to engage each to  enact community transformation in 2025. Said Zwicker, “Hamilton has grown  immensely over the last fve years… It has been exciting to see the new faces investing  in our downtown and the old faces and old  voices who remain true to ensuring that  this community stays inclusive, welcoming, kind, and also very excited about the  future.”

Pete Seifert, a business owner and  President of the Downtown Hamilton  Business Improvement District (DHBID), a partner of the HDA, explained how the  downtown area comprises a tax district  of nearly 100 property owners. Funded  by nearly $34,000 in annual revenue, the  DHBID works to support economic vitality in the downtown area. The renewal of the  district’s designation and the amount that businesses are taxed will be considered by  the board in about a year and a half, said  Seifert. “Input is always welcome,” he said. Zwicker joked that the media should  amend “new” business owners to “newly  established” and “old” business owners to  “older established” before introducing two  couples that embodied both distinct types  of journeys.

Representing the latter of these two  experiences were Alana and Gordon  Hughes. Alana spoke about  her experience being a  third-generation business owner of a downtown  property, saying, “Like many

Alana and Gordon Hughes received a Façade Improvement Grant to make  renovations to their building in downtown Hamilton. The grant was funded  through a partnership between the City of Hamilton, HDA and DBHID.  Here, the couple poses under a newly installed stained glass window.  Photo by Whitney Hedman.

buildings along Main Street, it has lived several lives.” Originally the site of a funeral  home and furniture store, Alana’s grandparents purchased the space at 327, 329, and  331 W. Main St. in 1948 to open an electrical and appliance store. “For our family, it  wasn’t just a place of business, it was also a place full of memories,” she said.

Thanks to a partnership between the  City of Hamilton, HDA, and DBHID, the Hughes property recently received a Façade Improvement Grant to help renovate the space in Hamilton’s historic downtown.

“The main foor is being prepared for a commercial lease space, and upstairs, we  are working towards a future short-term  or mid-term rental opportunity,” said  Alana. “Much of the renovation has truly  been a labor of love and, in large part, a  labor of Gordon’s hands. He has personally been doing much of the renovation  work throughout this long process, helping  bring new life back into a building that has  served this town for well over a century… Investing in this building is really about investing in the long-term vitality of down-

town Hamilton. When historic downtown  buildings are cared for and revitalized,  they help attract businesses, they welcome  visitors, and keep the heart of the town  vibrant.”

Zwicker went on to detail the HDA’s fower and banner programs that beautify downtown spaces and promote community  businesses, nonprofts, and civic organizations. He touched on the organization’s signature events, including the Hamilton  Christmas Stroll and the street music festival, Rhythm and Roam. Finally, he spoke  about the major downtown initiative of the  Hamilton Downtown Foundation to bring a  seasonal community ice rink to Hamilton. “Why is downtown Hamilton important?” asked Zwicker. “Well, the success of  downtown Hamilton in our small business  community really relies on and helps these  fve points: we help promote a healthy, local economy; we enhance the quality of  live, we help build community, preserve  our culture, heritage, and local history here  in Hamilton, as well as support local nonprofts and schools in our area.”

Presentation Topics Neurosurgery

Thursday, March 26 • 5:30 pm

Bi erroot Health Stevensville 3975 US Hwy 93, Stevensville Kootenai Conference Room

Cervical Disk Replacement

Dr. Day will explain when cervical disc replacement may be recommended and how it compares to traditional fusion surgery for treating neck and nerve problems.

Lumbar Spine Disease

Struggling with back pain? Discover what might be causing it, what warning signs to watch for, and the latest treatment options that can help you find relief and get back to doing what you love.

Understanding Osteoporosis

Presenters

Richard Day, MD – With Bi erroot Health for 10+ years, Dr. Day practices adult and pediatric neurosurgery. A Missoula native, he trained at leading centers including the University of Michigan and Children’s Hospital in St. Louis, and has published research and presented internationally.

Nicholas Hensley, PA-C – Provides neurosurgery care alongside Dr. Day, assisting in clinic, surgery, and perioperative care. A native Montanan, he values a team-based approach and enjoys outdoor activities with his wife, Kelly.

Taylor Anderson, PA-C – Delivers patient-centered neurosurgery care at Bi erroot Health. Originally from Colorado, she trained at Colorado State University and in Billings, and is passionate about rural medicine, the outdoors, and helping patients regain mobility and quality of life.

O en called a “silent disease,” osteoporosis can develop without symptoms. Learn how to recognize your risk, protect your bones, and take proactive steps toward lifelong strength and mobility.

Q&A Session

Stick around a er each presentation for an interactive Q&A where you can get your questions answered and join the discussion. Interested in next steps? A endees will have the opportunity to schedule an appointment following the event. FREE TO THE PUBLIC REFRESHMENTS OFFERED

Nicholas Hensley, PA-C

Richard Day, MD

Taylor Anderson, PA-C

Historic Darby ranch, elk winter range conserved

The Bitter Root Land  Trust (BRLT), a nonproft conservation organization that partners  with voluntary private  landowners to conserve  Bitterroot open lands  for future generations,  has completed a conservation easement on  the Durland family’s  historic 183-acre ranch  in Darby.

Situated at the  corner of Highway 93  and Old Darby Road,  the newly conserved  ranch adds to more than  4,000 acres of completed and in-progress  conservation easements  in the Darby/Como corridor protected by local  families in partnership  with BRLT and partner  conservation organizations. The ranch  consists of productive,  irrigated agricultural  land for haying and  cattle grazing, pristine  wildlife habitat including grasslands, native  rangeland, forest and  riparian habitats, and  scenic views of agricultural and open space  from a variety of public roads.

Photo by Wide Angle Photography, courtesy of BRLT.

With its uniquely narrow location of the valley near the Bitterroot National Forest, the property  serves as a key area for wildlife  movement from the Bitterroot  and Sapphire Mountain Ranges.  The property is within Montana  Fish Wildlife & Parks -designated  winter range for both elk and mule  deer, and the ranch’s rangelands,  grasslands, shrublands, forest,  and cottonwoods support wildlife  including moose, black bears, and  Species of Concern such as Great  Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, Golden  Eagle, and Lewis’ Woodpecker. The siphon for the Bitterroot  River Irrigation District’s Big Ditch  is also located within the property,  providing critical irrigation water  from Lake Como to thousands of  acres of agricultural lands in the  valley below. Originally purchased by

Frank and Mary Cook in 1892,  the great-great grandparents of  current landowners Les Durland  and siblings, the ranch has been  operating for four generations and  has played a signifcant role in the town of Darby’s history. The original dirt road leading to Lake Como  winds through the property, which  the Durland/Cook family allowed  public access to travel for decades.

At one time, the Darby Post Ofce operated out of the foyer of the  home, and the family gifted a portion of the land across what is now  Highway 93 to build the historic  Como Schoolhouse. When the Big  Ditch washed out in 1939, Larry  Durland, father of Les Durland,  was integral in helping to rebuild  the ditch with horse and plow.

“When I suggested to my siblings, Larry, Marti and Melanie,  that we consider putting a conservation easement on the ranch, we  both agreed because it was impor-

tant to us that it will always remain  a ranch,” says Les Durland, one of  the Lazy KD Ranch landowners.  “We were fortunate that the Bitter  Root Land Trust existed and was  able to help achieve our goals.”

The recent closing of the Lazy  KD Ranch conservation easement  marks 15,212 acres of open land in  the Bitterroot Valley conserved to  date by BRLT and 70 local families.

“The Durland family has supported the community of Darby  with their generosity since the  beginning,” says Lauren Rennaker,  BRLT Executive Director. “For  Bitterroot landowners like the  Durlands who have been stewards  of working lands for more than 100  years, their legacy has shaped our  community and our valley’s agricultural and ranching heritage that  is critically important to protect.  Thank you to Les and the Durland  family for choosing to partner  with BRLT to conserve your family

ranch to beneft agricultural land, wildlife habitat, and open space  for the future of this valley, and to  the County Staf, County Commissioners and the Open Lands Bond  Board for helping to bring this  project across the fnish line.”

With the newly completed  conservation easement, a voluntary legal agreement that allows  landowners to retain ownership  and management of their property  while protecting the property with  certain development and use restrictions, the ranch will be protected from commercial or residential  development in perpetuity to preserve habitat and agricultural land.

“The conservation easement  tool that the Land Trust utilizes is just one of many tools in  the conservation toolbox, and it  has evolved signifcantly since its inception,” says BRLT Lands  Director, Melissa Odell. “It’s not a  one-size-fts-all model. Because all

of the properties we work to conserve are unique, as are the conservation objectives of the landowner,  we have the ability to customize  conservation easements to best suit  each project. That means landowners can choose to protect all or  part of their property, giving them  the option to allow for construction  of a house, barn, fence, or other  important agricultural structures  down the line.”

The Lazy KD Ranch conservation easement was funded by the  Natural Resources Conservation  Service’s (NRCS) Agricultural  Land Easement (ALE) program,  landowner donation, and local  bond dollars from the county-voted  Ravalli County Open Lands Bond  Program.

“We are grateful that the Durland family will always be a part  of the Bitterroot Valley,” says Les  Durland. “If not in person, defnitely in mind.”

Obituaries

Edna Nasca

A Celebration of Life will be held for Edna Nasca at 11:30  on July 11, 2026, at Daly-Leach Chapel in Hamilton, Montana. Edna Neoma Stoumbaugh Nasca went quietly and peacefully into God’s arms in the early hours of February 18, 2026.

Edna was born February 11, 1959, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho  to Ray and Grace (Walker) Stoumbaugh. The family lived in  Wardner, Idaho until she was about six years old and then  moved to numerous places.  Glenrock, Wyoming was where  Edna Graduated High School  before she joined the Army in  1978.

On September 19, 1981  she married Joe Nasca whom  she had met when a cousin  introduced them. This marriage produced two beautiful  daughters Grace (Mike) Neal  of Stevensville, Montana and Joleen (Philip) Wroble of  Hamilton, Montana. Edna was  blessed with two Wonderful  Grandchildren, Selina and  Holden Neal.

“I’m a Professional Volunteer” is what Edna liked  telling people when they  asked her what she did. From  Brownie Leader when the girls  were younger to First Female  Commander of Bitterroot VFW

Yvonne ‘Vonnie’ Adel Liss

Yvonne “Vonnie” Adel Liss, 91, passed away February 24,  2026, at her home in Fairfield, Montana.

Yvonne was born September 18, 1935, in Phoenix, Arizona, to Robert W. Wallet and Olive Ann (McKay) Wallet.  She attended and graduated from Westminster High School.  V onnie met Keith S. Liss Sr. in Golden, Colorado, where  the couple later married on April 17, 1954. She called many  places home, from Phoenix, Arizona, to Golden, Morrison,  Castle Rock, and Denver, Colorado, and later to Stevensville,  Corvallas, Big Timber, Butte, and finally Fairfield, Montana.

She worked as a bus driver for the Arvada Seventh-day  Adventist Church School and was also a CNA in Stevensville.  Her greatest accomplishment and favorite job was raising  her four boys. As for hobbies, she enjoyed bowling, collecting angels, cooking, and organizing potlucks for the church,  and she was known to always have a pet.

Yvonne’s wisdom lives on through her favorite expres -

Death Notices

Clifford ‘Cliff’ Gilstad

Corvallis - Clifford M. “Cliff” Gilstad,  66, of Corvallis passed away Thursday,  March 5, 2026 at The Living Centre in  Stevensville of natural causes. No formal  services will be held. Condolences may  be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

sion,  “Life’s good if you don’t weaken.” She also survived a  car accident in 1971 that resulted in a lifelong injury. She is survived by her sons, Keith S. L iss Jr., Daniel T.  Liss, Mark G. Liss, and Robert A. Liss; sisters, Judi Wallet,  Lynn Niss, and Julie Wallet Schuler; and brother, Bob Wallet. Other survivors include Floyd Liss, Heather Liss, Glenda  Dolecheck, Billy Dan Liss,  Matthew Liss, Zachary Liss, Trevor Liss, Chad Liss, Andy Liss, Zephyra Liss, Victoria Liss,  Taina Liss,  David Liss, Steven Liss, Isaac Liss, Jonathan  Liss, Ethan Liss, and Abner Liss.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Keith S. Liss  Sr., and her sister, Gemma Wallet.

A service will be held March 22, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at  the Stevensville Seventh-day Adventist Church, 3411 Baldwin Rd.

Cremation has taken place under the direction of Frontier Funeral Home in Choteau, Montana.

Dennis R. Lindquist

Hamilton - Dennis R. Lindquist, 79, of  Hamilton passed away Thursday, March  5, 2026 at his home of natural causes. No  formal services will be held. Condolences  may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

Post 1430 for 12 years; Lifetime Member of Post 1507; Member  of VFW 1430 Auxiliary until they closed; District 1 Commander of VFW; A Member and then the First Female Commander  and Honor Guard Member of American Legion Post 91; DAV  Rocky Mountain Chapter 17 where she held several ofces; United Veterans Council where she held the ofce of Junior Vice Commander; A Member of the Montana Patriot Guard;  Ravalli County Habitat for Humanity (until her body didn’t  work right).

She was also a proud member of the NRA. She had a close relationship with her brothers Don Stoumbaugh of East Missoula, Montana, Dewaine (Sunny) Stoumbaugh of West Jordan, Utah and her sister Wanda (Niels)  Rasmussen of Glenrock, Wyoming. Aunt Edna will be missed dearly by her nephews and nieces Niels Rasmussen, Katrina  Songer, Jamie Stoumbaugh, Tommy Stoumbaugh, and our  sweet Amanda Stoumbaugh.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Grace Stoumbaugh on July 7, 1996; Father, Ray Stoumbaugh on August 4,  2002; and Niece April Stoumbaugh on October 27, 2016. And  numerous family members and friends who meant the world to  Edna.

Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.

Donations in Edna’s honor can be made to whatever organization you wish.

Brenca Eschenbacher

Missoula - Brenda Eschenbacher,77,  passed away late Friday evening, March  6, 2026 at Hope Hospice, surrounded by  family. Memories and condolences may  be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.

Barbara Jean Doney

Hamilton - Barbara Jean Doney, 81,  passed away on Saturday night, March 7,  2026 at Valley Health and Rehab. Memories and condolences may be shared with  the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.

The search for the perfect skwala

In some parts of the country flyfishers  still talk about the willow fly hatch. Depending on where  you are and who’s doing  the talking, they could  be referring to the early  brown or gray stoneflies  that come off when snow  might still be crusted  along the streambanks,  or their larger cousins  that start a little bit later, the ones we refer to  as the skwala.

laying.

by Chuck Stranahan

The hatches overlap –  and both might last until  full-blown runoff shuts  them down. There’s  a third bug that gets  thrown into the same  seasonal mix, an early  gray stonefly we call the nemoura.

For practical purposes we can say  that out flies for the early grays and  browns are all about a #12, and the  skwalas are usually a #8 or #10.

In our end of Montana we don’t  pay much attention to the smaller flies  (even though we should) and instead  concentrate on the skwalas,  Fishing the skwala is not the kind of  fishing where you strap one on, let out a  whoop and slap the water with it. True,  big trout can get careless when they’re  on, but that’s no reason we should.

We’re better to fish carefully, get the  cast in, our fly not making more than a  natural’s disturbance when it hits the  water. We’ll do better to comb the quieter shaded water under overhanging  willows than to fish the main currents.  Why? Skwalas have the habit of crawling up into streamside willows, mating,  and from there the females will make a  short fluttering drop into the slow moving current below. This kind of water is  usually  dug in against a willow bank,   just deep enough to hold a decent – and  sometimes big – trout.

Skwala adults are a drab olive-brown  color on top. Even at their size, they’re  not real conspicuous. They don’t form  mating hatches as their later season  counterparts do and they don’t fly  very far to lay their eggs. Some will get  washed into the edge of the main current. It’s easy to see the rises there, and  miss the less conspicuous rises closer  to shore where the bigger fish might be

To do well during the  skwala hatch, don’t fish where  you think the fish are. Fish  where the bugs are, and fish  how the bugs behave.

And it helps, in the  slow-moving water where  you’ll find the best fish, to  have a fly on that mimics  what the trout are seeing. Our  artificials tend to be overdressed.

The bugs themselves are  skinny. They’ll show some,  but usually not a flurry of  wing activity. They’re drab,  not flashy. Our artificials  should look the same.

Underneath, the bodies of  egg-laying females range from

a pale willow green early in the hatch  cycle to a darker brown-olive later on.  The robust early bugs are lighter in color  bigger and more active than the ones that  hatch later.

A n egg-laying adult can live for a couple of weeks, so a range of colors in their  spectrum can be on the water at once  in individuals that hatched at different  times. All of them will show an amber  shade of yellow in their abdominal gills.  That makes matching the perfect skwala  body color in an artificial difficult.

Noted flyfishing writer Dave Hughes  points out that trout want to see the right  body color in the flies they take. Doesn’t  matter if other colors are present, just so  long as they see the right one.

Many years ago when I first arrived in  the Bitterroot I did my own research with  skwalas. I went to the rive without a fly

rod, many times, watched carefully and  remembered what I was seeing. I caught  a few bugs each time. I turned over rocks  along the margins of the water. I traced  the paths of migrating stonefly nymphs,  under the streamside gravel or up the  stalks of willows growing close or into the  water where they would hatch and mate. Some of the female skwalas I caught  had bodies showing shades of dark  brown, golden olive, light willow green,  and amber. I made a dubbing blend that  contained all of these colors, in natural,  synthetic, and UV dyed colors.

The rest of the fly shows the right  colors in a sparse, skinny silhouette. It  worked. The others I’ve tried since didn’t  do as well.  It may not be the perfect skwala pattern, but it worked. Still does.

Chuck’s Skwala - not the perfect skwala pattern, but it works. Photo by Chuck Stranahan.

Curious about neck and back pain, or  how to protect your bones from osteoporosis? Bitterroot Health invites the community to a free “Healthy U” educational  event on Thursday, March 26 at 5:30  p.m. in the Kootenai Conference Room at  Bitterroot Health Stevensville, 3975 US  Hwy 93.

This event is part of Bitterroot Health’s Healthy U series, which is always  free and open to the community, ofering expert insights by our medical team, to help you live a healthier, more active life.

Topics include:

• Cervical Disc Replacement – When  it’s recommended and how it compares to

traditional fusion surgery.

• Lumbar Spine Disease – Causes of  back pain, warning signs, and treatment options.

• Understanding Osteoporosis –How to protect your bones and maintain  strength.

Attendees can participate in interactive Q&A sessions after each presentation  and have the opportunity to speak directly  with Neurosurgeon Dr. Day and his time, and schedule an appointment if desired.

Meet the experts:

• Dr. Richard Day, MD – Adult and  pediatric neurosurgeon with over 10 years at Bitterroot Health.

• Nicholas Hensley, PA-C – Neurosurgery provider with a team-based approach to patient care.

• Taylor Anderson, PA-C – Passionate  about rural medicine and helping patients regain mobility.

Don’t miss this chance to get practical, expert advice to keep your spine and  bones strong and healthy.

For more information about this event  visit: bit.ly/SpineDocTalks.

To learn more about the Bitterroot Health Neurosurgery Department or schedule an appointment, visit  bitterroothealth.org/NEURO or call 406.375.4714.

Transparent Election Initiative launches signature collection

The Transparent Election Initiative (TEI) announced today that it has received official petition sheets from the Montana  Secretary of State for Initiative  I-194, the statutory version of “The Montana Plan,” allowing the campaign to begin collecting signatures to place the initiative on the November 3 ballot.

The statutory initiative — now  designated Initiative I-194 — was found legally sufficient by the Attorney General and transmitted to the Secretary of State’s  office for petition preparation  and circulation.

If passed in November, “The  Montana Plan” would clarify that  the powers granted by the State of Montana to corporations and  other artificial entities do not include the power to spend money

to influence elections.

TEI leaders say the campaign is ready to launch immediately.

More than 600 volunteers across

Montana have already signed up to help collect signatures in every county in the state, positioning the campaign to move quickly as signature gathering begins statewide.

“We’re grateful to the Attorney General and the Secretary  of State for their work reviewing The Montana Plan,” said Jeff  Mangan, former Montana Commissioner of Political Practices  and founder of the Transparent  Election Initiative. “With Initiative I-194 now cleared for signature collection, Montanans will  have the opportunity to decide  whether corporations and other  artificial entities should be able

to spend money influencing their elections.”

The campaign also noted that the constitutional version  of the proposal (Ballot Measure No. 9) was rejected as legally insufficient — a determination the initiative’s sponsors  say they will challenge before the Montana Supreme Court.

“We strongly disagree with the legal sufficiency ruling on the constitutional measure and  intend to appeal it,” Mangan said. “Montanans deserve the  right to vote on whether the principle that political rights belong to natural persons — not corporations — should be  enshrined in their constitution.”

The Montana Plan is now  moving from theory into action.

“Our volunteers are ready,” Mangan emphasized. “From Glendive to Eureka, Montanans are prepared to collect signatures and put this question directly to  the voters.”

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Get a break on your taxes! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous tax credit for 2025. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-855901-2620 today!

EXTENSION AGENT –Agriculture, Natural Resources and Horticulture in Richland County, Sidney, MT. Full time. Exciting job with lots of autonomy! Will develop, implement and evaluate Extension programming in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Horticulture. Complete information and to apply: www.montana.

edu/extension/careers . Equal Opportunity Employer, Veterans/Disabled

K-8 TEACHER , 20262027 school year. Mountain View Elementary. Starting bonus, competitive salary. Call 406-336-2638 or email jerryhofer73@gmail.com.

FRESH EGGS from Howell’s Happy

Help feed our local kids!

Drop off your food donations for the Stevi Food Program at the Bitterroot Star, 115 W. 3rd, #108

Individually portioned non-perishable food items and snacks are the best. For more information visit the Stevi Food Program Facebook page. Thank you!

We currently have several real estate buyers looking for property in the Bitterroot Valley: 2 buyers for 2+ bedroom home 1+ acres $400K-1M Stevensville to Darby; buyer for home/cabin with live water/fshing access up to $1M buyer for 3 bedroom home on 10+ acres up to $2.5M Florence to Hamilton area. Outbuildings are a plus. Call us if you have a property to sell that might work. For sale 320 /- acres in the southern itterroot Valley, borders Forest Service lands, Hunting District 270, wet draw with small spring, several potential building sites, top of the world views. $2,000,000 price re ects being burned in fres of 2000.

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Legal Notices

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County

In the Matter of the Name Change of Brooke Nentwig, Brooke Nentwig, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-25-492

Dept. No.: 1

Howard Recht

AMENDED NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner

has asked the District Court for a change of name from Brooke Rayann Nentwig to Brooke Rayann Adams.

The hearing will be on April

1, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 12th day of February, 2026.

/s/ Paige Trautwein

Clerk of District Court

By: Kimberly Provence

Deputy Clerk of Court

BS 2-25, 3-4, 3-11, 3-18-26.

MNAXLP

Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County

In the Matter of the Name Change of Sylvia Colleen LaQue, Syliva LaQue, Petitioner Cause No.: DV-41-20260000086-NC

Dept. No.: 1

Howard Recht

NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Sylvia Colleen LaQue to Sylvia LaQue.

The hearing will be on April

8, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 23rd day of February, 2026.

/s/ Paige Trautwein

Clerk of District Court

By: Sarah Gingerich-Sargent

Deputy Clerk of Court

BS 3-4, 3-11, 3-18, 3-25-26.

MNAXLP

RAVALLI COUNTY ATTORNEY

Bill Fulbright, County Attorney Ravalli County Courthouse 205 Bedford Street, Suite C Hamilton, MT 59840 rcaoservice@rc.mt.gov

Phone: (406) 375-6750 Ravalli County Public Administrator MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: LOIS DIANE PEARSON, Deceased. Cause No. DP-26-27

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 frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Ravalli County Public Administrator, 205 Bedford Street, Suite C, Hamilton, MT 59840, return receipt requested, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED: February 27, 2026 /s/ Bill Fulbright Ravalli County Attorney BS 3-4, 3-11, 3-18-26. MNAXLP

RAVALLI COUNTY ATTOR-

NEY Bill Fulbright, County Attorney Ravalli County Courthouse 205 Bedford Street, Suite C, Hamilton, MT 59840 rcaoservice@rc.mt.gov Phone: (406) 375-6750 Ravalli County Public Administrator

MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: FRANK ROBERT GARDNER, Deceased. Cause No. DP-25-40

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 frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.

Claims must either be mailed to Ravalli County Public Administrator, 205 Bedford Street, Suite C, Hamilton, MT 59840, return receipt requested, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.

DATED: February 27, 2026 /s/ Bill Fulbright Ravalli County Attorney BS 3-11, 3-18, 3-25-26.

MNAXLP

Public Hearing-Ravalli County

TAX ABATEMENT (Benefts)

REQUEST: Maztech Industries LLC

The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 10:00 AM in the Ravalli County Administrative Center at 215 S.4th Street, Third Floor Commissioners Conference Room, Hamilton, MT. The purpose for this public hearing is to take public comment on the Tax Abatement Application submitted by Maztech Industries, LLC, per MCA 15-6-138, for the property located at 3945 Maztech Way, Stevensville, Montana, 59870 (Tax ID #274550), and to make a decision, by Resolution, to grant or deny said tax abatement (beneft) request.

If you would like more information contact the Commissioner’s Ofce at 375-6500. If you are unable to attend and would like to make comment you can do so by contacting the Commissioners at the above phone number, or by email at commissioners@rc.mt.gov Chris Taggart

Commissioners’ Administrative Assistant BS 3-11, 3-18-26. MNAXLP

Montana 21st Judicial District Court Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Cristian M. Arellano Rodriguez, Cristian M. Arellano

Rodriguez, Petitioner Cause No.: DV-2026-107 Dept. No.: 2 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Cristian Michelle Arellano Rodriguez to Cristian Michelle Rodriguez.

NOTICE OF CLOSE OF REGULAR VOTER REGISTRATION AND OPTION FOR LATE REGISTRATION

Notice is hereby given that regular* voter registration for the following elections to be held on May 5, 2026, will close at 5 PM on April 6, 2026.

•Florence-Carlton School District No  15-6 Trustee Election

•Lone Rock School District No  13 Levy Election

•Hamilton School District No  3 Trustee and Levy Election

•Stevensville School District No  2 Levy Election

•Victor School District No 7 Trustee Election

*NOTE: If you miss this regular registration deadline, you may still register for the election by showing up at the Ravalli County Election Office up to and including on Election Day Between noon and the close of business on the day before Election Day, you can complete and submit a voter registration form, but you will need to return to the Ravalli County Election Office on Election Day to pick up and vote a ballot.

All qualified active and inactive registered electors  of each district are  entitled to vote in said elections

The above listed elections are being conducted solely by mail ballot Ballots will automatically be mailed to Active Electors only If you are a  registered voter and do not receive a ballot, contact the county election office to update your information as necessary and receive a ballot Persons who wish to register and who are not presently registered may do so by requesting a form for registration by mail or by appearing at the Ravalli County Election Offi ce, 215 South 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, Montana. If you have moved, please update your registration information by filling out a new voter registration card and submitting it to the Ravalli  County Election Office

Dated this 11th day of March, 2026

Regina Plettenberg, Ravalli County Election Administrator 215 South 4th Street, Suite C; Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 375-6550