Corvallis HS collects 10,0000 pounds for Haven House
is the sixth year that
seemed to have a
Florence Civic Club requests nominations
The Florence Civic Club is inviting nominations for its Community Service Award for 2026. This award honors a local person for outstanding contribution of service to the Florence community. Their service may be through involvement in their community, church, nonproft organization, the schools, or simply individually. Past winners have been active in securing grants for trails, developing a local homework
help program, fund raising for local scholarships, and other community enhancement activities.
Please send your nomination with an account of the nominee’s activities to: Florence Civic Club, Attention Community Service Award. P.O. Box 544 Florence, MT 59833. The deadline for receipt of nominations is Friday, May 1st.
Health Care Close to Home
Corvallis high school freshmen fnished
Photos courtesy of Suzy Schrader. Story by Sarah Glass.
Christian vets plan annual ‘Walk for Jesus Christ’
The Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot is a group of followers of Jesus Christ who have served in the military. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, then you have a place in this group. The motto is “give back with love,” and the group’s goal is to help fellow veterans, their families and the local community through prayer and work. They want all Christians, particularly veterans, to know that they are not alone, and we and others are here to help them.
“We believe local Christians need to stand up and show solidarity with fellow Christians here and around the world. The Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot are asking all Christians in the Bitterroot Valley to ‘Walk for Jesus Christ’ on Saturday, April 4. You don’t need to be a veteran to participate in the march.”
The march will start at 7:00 a.m. at the Angler’s Roost south of Hamilton and proceed north along the U.S. Highway 93 on
the Bitterroot Trail to Set Free Christian Fellowship Church in Lolo, Montana.
All valley churches, youth groups, families, friends, and individuals are invited to participate by walking a three-mile section as a group. Your time commitment is the drive to the checkpoint, a one-hour walk, and then the drive home. Cross bearers for this year’s march are also needed.
For more information call Brian Wrede at 406-369-5813 or attend the Christian
Veterans of the Bitterroot prayer breakfast at BJ’s every Monday at 7:00 a.m. You can also go to http://corvallispost91.blogspot. com/ or https://www.facebook.com/corvallispost91.
“Jesus then said to his disciples, ‘If any man will follow me, let him forsake himself: and take up his cross, and follow me.’”
From Matthew 16:24, 1599 Geneva Bible.
Daily snowfall, high temperature records in same week
Skiers,
farmers
by Isabel Hicks Montana Free Press
rejoice over
An ides-of-March storm brought the heavy snowfall many Montanans have been waiting for all winter last weekend, dumping four-plus feet of snow on parts of the Continental Divide while also blanketing farmland and inflling ditches in the eastern expanse of the state.
And in typical Montana fashion for this year, it may soon melt.
Snowstorms from last Thursday through last Sunday followed an unseasonably warm and dry January and February for Montana, helping water basins across the state build snowpack at all elevations. Great Divide Ski Area posted before noon on Saturday that its parking lot was at capacity. Lolo Pass also flled its parking lot with snowmobilers itching to go ride the 59 inches of fresh powder. Cooke City saw over 2 feet of snowfall by Sunday, and several other cities, including Helena, Lewistown and Billings, set daily precipitation records over the weekend.
Florence Miller, a hydrologist with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, said the storm cycle was hugely helpful in increasing snowpack. Lower- and middle-elevation snowpacks have struggled to retain snow this year due to above-average temperatures, she said.
Before the storms, water basins in Montana had snowpack between 70 and 90% of median levels, according to NRCS data from daily snow-measuring site readings. Following the weather event, those basins have rebounded to between 90% to 110% of the median. The storm did mostly miss the Gallatin and Madison drainages, Miller noted, so those areas remain drier than normal and are faring similarly to how they were in early March.
But this week’s forecast is a reminder that Montana weather can change on a dime. Forecasters predict that temperatures will start rising on Wednesday. With much of the state likely to reach 80 degrees on Friday, Helena is on track to break another weather-related metric in just a few days: high daily temperature.
Julianna Glinskas, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Great Falls, said those forecasted temperatures are nearly 30 degrees above average for this time of year. Eastern Montana is expected to heat up the most.
“This kind of swing is not normal. To go from a foot of snow to 70 degrees, that is quite an incredible thing,” Glinskas said. “It’s not unheard of…, but it’s not something we would typically expect.”
Notably, fash fooding is not a concern given low water levels in rivers and streams and the lack of rain in the forecast, Glinskas said. The soil in valleys is also unfrozen and can thus absorb melting snow.
She said that while the snowstorms were helpful, the dire conditions from earlier this winter are tough to recover from.
In mid-March, roughly 94% of Montana was in some stage of drought conditions, compared to 72% at the start of October.
“Any moisture is defnitely going to help us… This event was very benefcial to our snowpack,” Glinskas said. “That being said, snow depth is still well below normal for the mountains. And so we made good gains, but I wouldn’t say we have completely recovered everything that we haven’t had so far this year.”
The National Weather Service maintains
weekend
dump,
but forecasters now predict well-above average temperatures later in week
records of the minimum and maximum amounts of precipitation that fell each day, with datasets often going back to the 1900s, as well as records of record highs and lows and averages.
On March 15, Helena received four-tenths of an inch of snow water equivalent, breaking the previous record of just over a third of an inch set in 1927 (the data go back to 1880).
This Friday — six days later — Helena could also break its record for daily high temperature if it exceeds 71 degrees.
Bozeman is the most likely place to break its daily high temperature record of 68 degrees Friday, and Great Falls might tie its previous record of 73, Glinskas said.
The high temperatures this week could have a big impact on melting much of the snow that accumulated at lower and middle elevations, said Miller of NRCS. Hopefully, the snow can hold at the highest elevations, which will be important for water supply later this summer, she added.
Miller explained it’s early to discuss how drought and water supply conditions will shake out this summer, but having a sustained snowpack is key.
“You can think about our snowpack as a reservoir that is storing our water for the summer. What matters for our summer water supply is whether or not we fll that reservoir up by reaching our normal peak levels of snowpack,” Miller said. “That (peak) will typically happen sometime in April in Montana, and the timing of how that melts and runs of will also dictate the availability of water throughout the summer.”
For example, last year, Montana’s snowpack fared well throughout the winter, but a warmer spring caused the peak and meltout to happen earlier than was ideal, Miller explained.
Local ski resorts across Montana welcomed the infux of skiers last weekend and are now bracing for a rapid warm-up later this week.
Hiram Towle, general manager at Bridger Bowl near Bozeman, said the resort would have loved to have gotten more snow last weekend. This storm cycle, the ski area has received four inches since March 13. Still, every little bit that falls makes the skiing better, he said.
The cooler weekend temperatures did bring an opportunity for snowmaking, though. But Towle noted that the resort hasn’t been able to make much snow this winter because of the warm conditions — the bulk of the snow they have is what’s fallen from the sky.
Towle said Bridger Bowl is preparing for the high temperatures this weekend and is establishing contingency plans for which terrain to open and groom based on the weather. However, on Friday, Bridger Bowl shifted its closing date back three weeks from the previously scheduled date to Sunday, March 22.
“With the recent warm temperatures, we’ve made the difcult decision to wrap up the season a bit earlier than planned,” read an announcement on Bridger’s website.
Chad Sokol, spokesperson for Whitefsh Mountain Resort, said Monday that the storm cycle has been a welcome change of pace and their best snow of the season. The sustained snowfall brought the resort over two feet of powder in a few days.
“We’ve been lucky so far, and getting multiple days of sustained snow is awesome,” Sokol said. “Yeah, we wish it had been
earlier, but we’re excited to get it now.”
“Even though it’s been a lackluster season in terms of total snowfall, we’ve been really fortunate … to hold onto the snow that we have received,” he continued. “We’re always at the mercy of the weather. If it warms up,
we’ll adapt. But at this point we’re pretty confdent that we’ll make it to our scheduled closing day (April 5).”
This story was updated on March 20, 2026, to include the new closing date for Bridger Bowl.
Stevi gets two new council members
by John Dowd
Stevensville has seen a lot of turnover recently regarding coun cil members. Over the last couple of months, three new council members have taken a seat. Melissa Bailey took over Stacie Barker’s seat in the last Stevensville election, and with two council persons having stepped down, two more seats needed to be filled. Two community members stepped up to fill Former Council member Samantha Bragg and Cindy B rown’s seats.
Karen Wandler
Karen Wandler is taking on Cindy Brown’s Ward 2 seat and is excited for a chance to be back with the council. Wandler was on the council for a short time in the past, in a similar fashion to now, having been appointed. She started around the end of February and will fnish out Brown’s term.
Wandler was born and raised in Stevensville and remembers a lot of the town’s history and context. She raised her kids there and wants to see the town come together and put diferences aside.
“I’m interested in healing some of the problems we have had here,” said
Wandler, who hopes to bring stability with her to the council. She also said she will do her best to come with a “willingness to listen to people and their concerns.” Wandler added that, in her experience, “people sometimes hesitate to talk to other people about their problems.”
Wandler hopes to be an ear for people and also wants to bring honesty to the people of Stevensville. Another of her goals is to get to the bottom of the price concerns the town residents face regarding water and sewer. She wishes to learn “what we as citizens can do to stabilize the budget.”
Wandler said she has learned a lot
Talon Ross
Talon Ross will be taking over Samantha Bragg’s Ward 2 seat, and this will be his first time on the council. According to Ross, he “kinda fell” into the council position. After attending a meeting discussing the Stevensville Town Growth Policy, he and others in attendance were told the town needed a new council person. Ross said, “I can’t tell someone else to do something if I’m not willing to do it myself,” and so he threw his name in. He believes it is important for the town to have a full council, and his name was the one drawn for the seat.
Ross said this is his first time doing something like this, and he has learned a lot already. For him, it has been a lot of fun learning the proce -
dures and getting a handle on how things really work.
“It’s challenging, for sure, but it’s a lot of potential growth, for me personally, which is exciting,” said Talon. For him, so far council has been “what you make it.” A lot of the issues he is often looking at are entirely new to him, or new in the perspective from which he has to approach them. He tries to go to the town hall to dive in deeper to various topics that come up before meetings at least once a week.
Ross compared being on the council to his job with the forest service, which is different every day, and where he needs to look at things objectively and make decisions.
Ross is employed with the U.S. Forest Service as a fuels technician. He
works with fire crews, specializing in fuel reduction. He also works in fire suppression, often spending a lot of his time writing burn plans. He hopes to bring that same open-mindedness to the council position and to look at all the facts.
Some issues of interest for Ross are water and sewer prices and facility updates; the amount of water that is leaking into the ground is a real concern that the town is planning to treat and process.
Ross also said there has been an uptick in accidents on Main Street. Ross noted it is interesting that the increase in accidents has come in a time of year when there is traditionally snow or ice, but without the cold weather. To him, this seems to speak to the growth the valley is facing.
Dark money, extremists
by Stephen Leuchtman
Dark money placards are flling your mailbox, cluttering the ads on your YouTube feed. It takes a moment, yeah, it’s an election year, but for crying out loud, it’s early March, why are these people spamming me with political ads already?
The address on those placards you’re getting in the mail are some made up group in Lewistown, but it’s really extremists from Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas that are trying to infuence Montana elections with non-Montana values.
The dark money, out of state extremists have launched a Civil War, and here in Ravalli County, we’re getting to see it up close and personal. They want to end a century of progress, and it isn’t good for Ravalli County, and specifcally it isn’t good for Senate District 43, which is why I’m running as a Democrat for that seat.
The focal point of this stream of attacks on a four-term State Representative is Medicaid expansion. The out-of-state extremists are backing fellow out-of-state extremists like Kathy Love and Theresa Manzella, because they buy into the antirural, anti-Montana agenda of these rich out of staters.
Here’s the facts: Medicaid expansion covers roughly 30% of residents of Ravalli County.
In 2024, Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital (Bitterroot Health) took in $141m in revenue, and had $134m in expenses. Medicaid payments were 18% of the revenue ($28m). In itself, that’s the diference between a small operating proft and a huge operating loss. But it is worse than that, here’s why: Medicaid payments are really best understood as subsidies to help hospitals make sure they don’t go broke. Hospitals are required to treat anyone who presents themselves. Without Medicaid expansion, there were over 40 hospitals in Montana on the verge of bankruptcy, prior to the Afordable Care Act.
Extremists like Love and Manzella like to say they want to let the market take care of the distortions in health care policy. This betrays a lack of understanding: of how markets work and how people consume health care. It is fundamentally unserious and betrays their lack of seriousness about all policy.
If you’re having a heart attack or a stroke, you don’t shop on ambulances or hospitals. Most people can’t shop for even routine health care because prices are negotiated with insurers on an insurer-by-insurer basis, and hospitals won’t
negotiate with individuals. In an emergency situation, time is of an essence, and too frequently, rural residents die of treatable conditions because of things like ambulance response times even with local clinics and hospitals.
This is life and death for people in the south end of the valley. If you’re having a heart attack in Darby, out the West Fork, in Connor, or in Sula, the diference between living and dying is rapid care to stabilize the situation. If we stripped the Medicaid expansion as Rep. Love and Sen. Manzella have promised, Bitterroot Health will have to shut down clinics and cut back on services. In the mid term, they may have to shut the hospital. To a person having a heart attack or stroke in Darby or Sula, that’s likely a death sentence.
For those of us from the Bitterroot Valley, the rise of people like Manzella and Love is puzzling, they don’t represent the community values we grew up with, where most of town would turn up for a football game on Friday night in Hamilton or Corvallis or Saturday afternoon in Darby. The only reason they have thrived is because of rich out-of-staters who want to fundamentally change Montana to make it more like their places.
I am running for SD 43 as a Democrat, regardless of who my general election opponent is, I intend to run a principled and reasoned campaign based on three simple concepts: tax fairness for working Montanans, rural health care and afordability. I have no illusions, though, if the voters of my district succumb to the dark money fearmongering aimed at my state Representative, those same out of state billionaires will try the dark art of personal destruction on me as well.
You, as voters in District 43, and HD 84, 85 and 86, can tell them no. Say no to the politics of distortion and personal destruction. In all four districts, honorable public servants and good people are running against extremists funded by out of state dark money interests. Tell the dark money billionaires: you don’t represent me, I won’t let you hurt my community with your lies and half truths. The tactics of personal destruction and hatred won’t sway my vote. You have a choice, vote for people who actually represent your interests, not out of state extremists, funded by billionaires from other places.
Stephen Leuchtman is a Democrat candidate for Senate Dist. 43.
already, like the budget constraints facing the town. She has had to put her ear to the ground, learning a lot from members of the public who have shared their concerns. She said, even for those who don’t normally speak up for themselves, it is important for people to go in and talk to the town staf. Speaking of the town staf, Wandler said, “They are an outstanding group of people that work there, and they will deal with people honestly and straight forward.”
For Wandler, the future of Stevensville looks positive. She fnished, saying, “It’s time we settle down and listen to each other.”
‘Fund the Flushing’ online auction announced for April
The Ravalli County Fairgrounds Foundation is excited to announce its upcoming “Fund the Flushies” Online Auction, taking place from April 10 at 6:00 a.m. through April 12 at 6:00 p.m. The Ravalli County Fairgrounds are over 100 years old, and the facilities on the grounds that are always in need of repair or replacement. The goal of the auction is to help raise money to replace the current 50-plus-year-old women’s bathrooms (located north of the Event Center) with a new all-season, family-friendly totally accessible building to be placed on the north side of the Grandstands. This new facility will be more centrally located and user friendly to all visitors to the Fairgrounds year-round.
Woman’s
Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, individuals and supporters, the auction is filled with lots of treasures, and must-haves ranging in value from $5 to priceless. Items include jewelry, artwork, professional services, gift card shopping sprees, gift baskets, entertainment, recreation experiences, eateries and more - something for everyone. There will also be a Sell Table, on pickup days, with lots of items that did not make it in time for the auction or did not sell – priced to sale and will be priced but open to offers. Interested bidders can preview auction items and register now at www.32auctions. com/RCFF2026, and anyone registering prior to the auction going live, will receive an email reminder prior to start time.
Club Flower
Power fundraiser begins
The public is invited to join the annual Flower Power Fundraiser benefiting the GFWC Bitterroot Woman’s Club. This special event is a chance to brighten the home and community with beautiful flowers while supporting local service projects and outreach programs. Participating is easy with this online fundraiser. Those interested can check out all the beautiful flower bulbs available www. flowerpowerfundraising. com/marketplace/seller/profile/shop/gfwcbitterrootwc, pick their favorites and place their order online. The flowers will arrive right at their doorstep. Purchasing is open now through May 15, 2026.
With each purchase the GFWC Bitterroot Woman’s Club will receive 50% of the sales. All proceeds from this fundraiser will help fund the club’s educational, civic and charitable initiatives right here in the community. The variety of vibrant blooms and garden essentials is perfect for welcoming spring and giving back at the same time. The GFWC Bitterroot Woman’s Club thanks everyone for helping it grow a stronger, more beautiful community. For questions about the fundraiser, call Linda at 406.531.0668. For information on the club, its website is www.gfwcbitterrootwomansclub.com.
Legal Notices
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: 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
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. The hearing will be on April 16, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 6th day of March, 2026.
/s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court By: Sarah Gingerich-Sargent Deputy Clerk of Court BS 3-11, 3-18, 3-25, 4-1-26. MNAXLP
PUBLIC HEARING
The Darby Planning Board received a request to annex Waincrest Park into the town boundary. A public hearing will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. at Darby
Avenue, to receive all comments both oral and written regarding this request. More Information may be obtained by calling Town Hall at (406) 821-3753.
BS 3-25, 4-1-2026.
MNAXLP
Innovative Readiness Training Program Project: Darby Cares
The Darby School District and Town of Darby intend to solicit assistance from the Department of War’s Innovative Readiness Training Program (IRT). The assistance will include healthcare services to Residents of the Bitterroot Valley and surrounding areas through basic medical, dental, optometry, behavioral health, and veterinary (small animal) examinations and services. The proposed assistance will take place at the Darby School District in the summer of 2027. Healthcare providers, contractors, labor unions, or private individuals who have questions or who wish to voice opposition to military assistance for this project may contact Miranda Simmons from the Darby School District at 406-821-13047 or via e-mail at msimmons@darby.k12. mt.us no later than thirty (30) days after the frst publication of this notice. Persons not fling comments within the time frame noted will be considered to have waived their objections to military assistance for this project.
BS 3-25, 4-8-2026
MNAXLP
Ravalli County REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) Fairgrounds Camera Project INTRODUCTION
Ravalli County (hereinafter referred to as “the County”) is seeking Proposals from qualifed contractors to provide and install a security camera system at the Ravalli County
Fairgrounds. This systems is intended to be used as a security tool for events, public meetings, and to protect county property from vandalism, theft, or misuse. The proposed site will be located at the Ravalli County Fair Grounds, 100 Old Corvallis Road, Hamilton, MT 59840. Site access will be prohibited during weekends or during pre-scheduled events.
This solicitation shall be awarded pursuant to the Ravalli County Purchasing Policy, as amended, March 25, 2021, and all applicable Montana statutes. For a FULL copy of this RFP, please contact Chris Taggart, Administrative Assistant to the Board of County Commissioners at (406) 375-6500 or ctaggart@rc.mt.gov. For information regarding this RFP and any requirements or specifcations, contact Jef Rodrick at (406) 375-6656 or jrodrick@rc.mt.gov.
PROJECTED SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
RFP Issue Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
RFP Response Due Date: Friday, April 03, 2026 by 4:00 PM at Clerk & Recorders Ofce Opening of Received Bids: Monday, April 06, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Intended Date of Contract Award: Thursday, April 09, 2026 at 10:30 AM
Deadline for Project Completion: Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Deadline for Submission of Final Billing to County: Friday, July 10, 2026
BIDDING AND AWARD PROCESS
Sealed bids including two (2) copies of the proposal must be submitted to the Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, Hamilton, MT, 59840. Bids must be received by 4:00 pm on Friday, April 03, 2026 and may be submitted via mail or hand delivered. Bids must be clearly marked “Fairgrounds Camera Project”. Bids will be opened by the Ravalli County Commissioners, 215 S. 4th Street, 3rd Floor Conference Room, Hamilton, on Monday, April 06, 2026 at 2:00 PM. The Bid will be awarded by the Commissioners on Thursday, April 09, 2026 at 10:30 AM. Incomplete RPFs will not be considered. BS 3-25, 4-1-2026
MNAXLP
Megan S. Winderl CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C. 99 Marcus St. 3 FL Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 218-4888 meganw@cwlawmt.com pleadings@cwlawmt.com
Attorneys for Petitioner MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST
JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE NAME CHANGE OF KAMBRIA SKYE SCHWARTZ, SABRINA AUSTIN , Petitioner, On Behalf of KAMBRIA SKYE SCHWARTZ Cause No. DV-41-2026-78
Dept. No. 1 NOTICE OF HEARING ON PETITION TO CHANGE NAME OF MINOR CHILD
Notice is hereby given that Sabrina Austin, the Petitioner, has fled a Petition to Change Name of Minor Child for the above-stated child in Ravalli County District Court, Montana. Hearing upon said Petition will be held on April 1, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., in Courtroom 1 of the above-named Court, at which time objections to said Petition will be heard.
DATED this 18th day of February, 2026.
CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C. /s/ Megan S. Winderl BS 3-25, 4-1, 4-8, 4-152026 MNAXLP
Looking for the Bitterroot Star? It’s FREE on more than 100 newsstands from Lolo to Conner. Or call us at 777-3928 and we’ll let you know where the closest stand is.
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
Lone Rock School District seeks community support for technology levy
The Lone Rock School District is asking community members to vote on a $100,000 Technology Levy in addition to the district’s existing $19,650 perpetual technology levy, which has remained unchanged since 2004. The goal of this levy is simple: to keep students safe while maintaining the technology systems that support learning and daily school operations. If approved, this levy will not increase student time on devices. Instead, it will allow us to maintain and strengthen the safety, security, and infrastructure systems that protect students in today’s digital world.
Technology Has Changed Dramatically Since 2004. When the current technology levy was frst approved in 2004, the technology landscape looked very diferent.
In 2004, cell phones were mainly used for calling and texting, dial-up internet was still common, desktop computers were the primary way to access the internet, schools typically used centralized computer labs and MP3 players such as the iPod were replacing CDs.
Today, high-speed and satellite internet connectivity is common, schools rely on nearly unlimited cloud storage, artifcial intelligence tools are increasingly misused, the standard in schools is often a Chromebook or device for each student and schools must maintain network security systems and campus monitoring tools.
Technology now plays a much larger role in student safety, communication, learning, and school operations than it did twenty years ago.
Costs associated with technology have increased signifcantly since 2004. Between 2004 and 2026, infation has increased by approximately 72 percent. In practical terms, something that cost $100 in 2004 would cost about $172 today. Schools are also facing increased costs related to technology systems and software, cybersecurity
protections, network infrastructure, utilities and insurance, ongoing maintenance and licensing fees and more.
While technology costs have grown, the district’s technology levy has remained the same since 2004. The actual technology cost per student today is approximately $461.82, based on annual technology expenses of $126,538.68.Currently, much of this cost is being paid out of the district’s General Fund.
Why Create a Dedicated Technology Levy?
By creating a dedicated technology levy, we can move technology costs out of the General Fund and free up those dollars for other important student priorities. These priorities include:
• Keeping curriculum updated on a fve-year adoption cycle
• Updating student assessment systems
• Maintaining small class sizes
• Investing in professional development for teachers
• Providing additional academic supports for students
In today’s world, schools must actively manage several digital safety risks. Some of these include exposure to inappropriate online content, cyberbullying, unsafe communication online, scams or phishing attempts, privacy and data security risks and long-term digital footprint concerns. To help manage these risks, Lone Rock maintains several technology safety systems and services, including:
• Montana K12 Network ($59,717) –network security, frewall management, and 24/7 monitoring
• GoGuardian ($4,296)– student device monitoring and classroom management
• Infnite Campus ($2,702) – secure management of student records and data
• Apptegy ($6,009) – emergency alerts and communication with families
• Raptor Technologies ($695) – campus visitor safety and building access
While safety is a top priority, technology also provides valuable learning opportunities. For a small rural school like Lone Rock, technology connects students to educational resources that might otherwise be unavailable. Some instructional programs include digital licenses from Curriculum Associates ($8,550), reading programs from Renaissance Learning ($3,508) and district-wide student assessment systems (approximately $4,800).
Technology also supports daily school operations and is also essential to many systems that keep the school running efciently. SOme examples of this are managing staf absences and substitute placement, maintaining student records and accounts, tracking attendance and grades, communicating with families, monitoring building security, managing heating and climate systems and maintaining the district’s network infrastructure. Many technology costs are not devices, but the software, systems, and security tools that allow the school to operate safely and efciently.
If approved, the technology levy would have a relatively small impact on local taxpayers.
Estimated costs:
• $100,000* home value: about $0.83 per month ($9.99 per year)
• $300,000* home value: about $2.50 per month ($29.96 per year)
• $600,000* home value: about $5.74 per month ($68.86 per year)
* Financial analysis per MCA 15-10425b
In addition to the proposed technology levy, Lone Rock School District is also
asking voters to consider a $50,000 School and Student Safety and Security Building Reserve Levy. This funding would be used to further improve the safety of the school campus by updating aging security systems and cameras, strengthening building safety infrastructure, and addressing several needed safety-related repairs to school facilities. Maintaining a secure learning environment is a top priority for the district, and these improvements will help ensure that our buildings remain safe for students, staf, and visitors.
Estimated cost to taxpayers:
• $100,000* home value: about $0.42 per month ($4.99 per year)
• $300,000* home value: about $1.25 per month ($14.98 per year)
• $600,000* home value: about $2.87 per month ($34.43 per year)
* Financial analysis per MCA 15-10-425b
Lone Rock School understands that many families are facing fnancial challenges due to rising costs. Asking the community for additional funding is not something the district takes lightly. The District is committed to, being fscally responsible with taxpayer dollars, using funds efciently and transparently and ensuring every dollar supports students and school safety
The district greatly appreciates the continued support of the Lone Rock community and remains committed to providing a safe, high-quality education for every student. Community members are encouraged to learn more about the technology levy on the school website: https://www.lonerockschool.org/ or by emailing the superintendent, Teresa Weems, at tweems@lonerockschool. org. Additionally, we will be holding community meetings at the school (multi-purpose room) on March 26 at 5:30pm and April 1 at 6:00pm to provide more information and answer questions.
HOME: nonproft opens new space in Hamilton
Continued from page 1
will now also provide a support facility for more south-valley customers and the organization’s over 40 clinicians throughout the valley. According to Schneider, this means those patients will not have to come all the way to Missoula to service their equipment.
Dyanna Canavan, a business development manager with Partners in Home Care, added that all the nonproft’s service lines support each other, and “I truly think we’ll be expanding in a few years.” She highlighted that just because this is a sleep clinic, does not mean that will be all it supports in the area, as far as their services go.
Canavan also spoke about the sleep clinic’s upgrades, saying that traditional sleep therapy, or CPAP, is difcult to get working at home without help. This new space includes state-of-the-art equipment and takes comfort into account. That way, they can adjust and address any issues that may come up for the customer at home when using their equipment. She added that the creation of the space really was a community efort, noting that even the paintings displayed in the ofce were donated by the local painter. Both Canavan and Schneider described the space as “clinical, but comfortable” and “relaxing, like being at home.” For them, that is important for their mission.
To speak to that importance was Partners in Home Care Registered Nurse, Rose Larson. Larson worked out of the previous Bitterroot ofce and will now be based in the new one. She said she is excited for the change. According to her, the new space will only further their mission and allow them to better care for their patients. She also happened to be selected for the Missoulian’s outstanding nurses for 2026, landing in the top ten. She will be featured during National Nurses Week.
According to her, “We don’t just dispense machines.” Her job is much more than that, and she compared it more to being a guide
through a process. “It’s so much just to get used to the physical aspect,” said Larson, talking about the masks and equipment involved. Much of her job is helping people learn, not just how to use their equipment, but also how to live with it.
Larson spoke about how sleep is so critical and most people do not realize the diference it can make. “I emphatically believe in it,” said Lason. Some of her patients have come back with stories about how, before therapy, they were grumpy, gaining weight and more. However, after therapy and getting a better night’s sleep, Larson said their friends and families often say they are like whole new people. It not only improves their overall health but also those important and profound relationships that make life worth living, emphasized Larson.
During the ribbon cutting, Partners in Home Care chaplain Daniel Disch read from “The Inarguable Assignment,” by Brian James Doyle. This came from the January 2017 issue of Give Us This Day. Disch read, “Feed the hungry, clothe the naked, succor the sick and frightened and lonely, as the Christos says later in this very Gospel: that is the inarguable assignment.” Disch likened this to the job of nurses and the mission of Partners in Home Care. He then dedicated the new space to “Love and human happiness.”
Jodi Foster, with the Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce, spoke as well, saying, “One of the things that makes the Bitterroot Valley so special is the way we show up for one another.” She spoke of this new chapter in Partners in Home Care, and the Bitterroot, as being a culmination of that quality.
Schneider then spoke, saying, “I am in awe that this is our new clinic space.” She said this, noting how historic the building is and commenting on the process it took to get there. “It has shown us that the needs in our rural communities are growing,” said
Schneider, and she is proud of how they are stepping up to meet those needs. She then thanked the Partners in Home Care team for everything they have done for the community and for growing the organization.
Another to speak was Montana Secretary of State Christi Jacobson, who, for the third time, spoke during a Partners in Home Care event. For Jacobson, access to quality care in such a vast rural state like Montana is a big deal. She said providing that care “Preserves dignity, and strengthens individuals.” She then said, “Thank you for making the
meaningful diference you make every day,” to the organization team. In a later interview, Jacobson said, “I am just super impressed with the CEO (Schneider) and their mission.” She added that her support really comes from how the organization “serves people with compassion and dignity.”
The last to speak before the ribbon was cut was Canavan, who said, “To so many of you that pour your hearts into this every day, thank you… Thank you for caring for our communities the way they deserve.”
Rose Larson stands in front of some of the CPAP masks in the new Hamilton Offce.
Photo by John Dowd.
I know that when you make a statement like the title of this article you can get in an argument, especially when you say species rather than waterfowl. So let me rephrase “Nature’s most beautiful North American Species in my opinion is the Wood Duck”. I know that there are other beautiful North American species. I Googled “America’s most beautiful birds” and I got a list of ten, some were rather impressive looking; Painted Bunting, Mountain Blue Bird, Red-faced Warbler, Cinnamon Teal, Costa’s Hummingbird, Western Tanger, Vermillion Flycatcher, Green Jay, and Prothonotary Warbler. Are they kidding! Maybe the Green Jay compares. I might have to hedge on the Painted Bunting, it’s beautiful, but rarely seen in Montana, only 6 observations. Oh, and they did get it right,
they included Wood Duck. Of the top ten, four are common in Montana: Mountain Blue Bird, Western Tanager, Cinamon Teal, and Wood Duck. Three on the list have never been seen in Montana; Green Jay, Red-faced Warbler, and Costa’s Hummingbird. Rare in Montana are Vermilion Flycatcher, (one observation), and Prothonotary Warbler, (three observations).
by Gary Swant
The Wood Duck is certainly more beautiful than the common Mountain Blue Bird, Western Tanager, and Cinamon Teal, again in my opinion.
Let’s look at why I feel my choice is the most beautiful.
The first time I saw a Wood Duck, 47 years ago I thought, “That’s not possible to look that
beautiful. It seems like it’s an artist’s rendition of their wild imagination of a fictitious duck. I have seen many artistic renditions of birds and some are laughable.
The Wood Duck is a little hard to describe just because of all its colors. The Wood Duck is smaller than a Mallard. The head is round with a drooping green crest. The eye is red, the bill is small with an orange base, then white and a black tip. The upper neck has a bright white “bridle”, and the lower neck and chest are chestnut in color. Separating the yellow flank from the chest is a horizonal white bar. The tail is long. The breeding male is distinctive from all other Montana waterfowl.
The female is just as distinctive for its drabness compared to the male. Overall, the female is grayish with pale spotted flanks. The eye is surrounded by white. The bill is tiny and dark. Juveniles look much like the female with less white around the eye. Wood Ducks are waterfowl of emerging vegetation in sheltered ponds and swamps and often seen sitting on logs out in the middle of the pond. They are most easily seen in August after the brood of the year hatch. They are not hard to find if you look in proper
Photo from Wikipedia.
Photo by Gary Swant.
Sports
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
All-Conference, All-State
The All-Conference and AllState teams for high school boys and girls basketball were recently announced, and many Bitterroot Valley players were among those honored.
Class B
Basketball players from Darby and Florence were honored last week as the 6B District announced its All-Conference and All-State teams for boys and girls basketball.
For the Florence girls, senior Maggie Schneiter was AllState and
1st team All-Conference. Freshman Ali Meinhold was All-State and 1st team All-Conference, senior Kendyl Meinhold was 1st team All-Conference, and junior Emory Ralston was 1st team All-Conference.
Florence girls head coach Shane Meinhold was named the girls 6B Coach of the Year.
For the Florence boys, senior Brody Duchien was All-State and 1st team All-Conference. Senior Levi Winters was 2nd team All-Conference and freshman Brennan Meinhold was 2nd team
All-Conference. For the Darby girls, junior Hadley Heiland was 2nd team All-Conference. For the Darby boys, junior Leif Nelson was 2nd team All-Conference.
Class A
Basketball players from the Corvallis, Hamilton, and Stevensville basketball teams were honored last week as the Southwest A Conference named its All-Conference and All-State boys and girls teams.
ton sophomore Trevyn Bakken was honorable mention All-Conference, and Corvallis junior Dylan Wirt was honorable mention All-Conference.
Girls Stevensville senior Addi Drye was 2nd team All-Conference, Hamilton senior Ashlynn McKern was 2nd team All-Conference, and Corvallis senior Ella Varner was 2nd team All-Conference. Corvallis junior Kate Allen was honorable mention All-Conference and Hamilton senior Meryn Leonardi was honorable mention All-Conference.
Boys Hamilton senior Jake McCarthy was 2nd team All-Conference. Stevensville junior Kaden Wyant was honorable mention All-Conference, Hamil-
Class C
The 13C conference announced its All-Conference and All-State teams for boys and girls basketball last week. Victor senior Nichole Bugli was named 2nd team All-Conference.
The All-Conference and All-State teams for boys and girls basketball were announced last week. Many Bitterroot basketball players were among those honored, some of them are pictured above.
L to R top row: Stevensville’s Addi Drye was 2nd team All-Conference, Florence’s Brody Duchien was All-State and 1st team All-Conference, Victor’s Nichole Bugli was named 2nd team All-Conference.
L to R bottom row: Darby’s Leif Nelson was 2nd team All-Conference, Hamilton’s Jake McCarthy was 2nd team All-Conference, and Corvallis’s Ella Varner was 2nd team All-Conference. Photos by Scott Sacry.
Sports
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Bitterroot spring sports underway
The 2026 spring high school sports season is underway in the Bitterroot Valley. Spring practices started on Monday, March 16, so up and down the valley you’ll see runners on the tracks, batters on the diamonds, players on the courts, and golfers on the links.
As always there’s a plethora of sports teams in the valley. Here’s a quick rundown of the spring varsity sports for the six Bitterroot high schools.
Track
Darby, Corvallis, Florence, Hamilton, Stevensville, and Victor all have boys and girls track and feld teams. The Corvallis boys are the three-time defending Class A state champions and both the boys and girls look strong again this year. Hamilton also has a deep group of track and feld athletes, as the Hamilton girls took 3rd at state last season. Stevensville, Florence, Darby, and Victor all
have athletes who will contend for individual state titles this year.
The following are the returning individual track and feld state champions from the Bitterroot Valley: Corvallis senior Ella Varner was state champion in the triple jump in 2024 and 2025, and the long jump in 2024; Hamilton senior Gracie Werst was the 2025 shot put state champion; Hamilton junior Anna Lewis was the 800m and 1600m state champion in 2024 and runner up in 2025; Stevensville sophomore Reagan Johnstone was the 2025 state champion in both the 100m hurdles and 300m hurdles.
Tennis
Corvallis, Hamilton, and Stevensville all have boys and girls tennis teams. Hamilton girls and the Stevensville boys were the state runners up last year and Hamilton’s Ciara Hanley is the returning girls’ state champion.
Corvallis, Stevensville, and Hamilton all have strong tennis traditions and they will be competitive as always this season.
Softball
Corvallis, Florence, Hamilton, and Stevensville all have girls softball teams. The Florence girls are a perennial powerhouse with state championship aspirations - they took 2nd at state last year. Hamilton and Stevensville both qualifed for the Class A state tournament last season. Along with Corvallis, these teams hope to make state this season.
Baseball
Florence, Corvallis, Hamilton, and Stevensville all have baseball teams (this is the fourth season of high school baseball in Montana). The Hamilton boys took 4th place
at state last season. Along with Corvallis, Florence, and Stevensville, the Bitterroot Valley schools look poised for another strong year.
Golf
Both Florence and Darby have boys and girls golf teams. In Montana, Class B/C golf is in the spring and Class A and AA is in the fall. The Florence girls were the Class B state champions last year and Florence’s Kipley Solari is the returning girls’ state champion. Along with the boys, Florence looks to be competitive this season. Darby had increased participation last season and
Photo by Scott Sacry.
Obituaries
Shannon Denise (Larson) Hutcheson
With broken hearts and deep gratitude for the time we were given, we celebrate the life of Shannon Denise (Larson) Hutcheson, who passed peacefully in her sleep on February 11, 2026.
Born on August 3, 1979, in Laramie, Wyoming, Shannon arrived in the world equal parts grit and light. As a child, she could often be found looking like a grungy little ranch kid, boots muddy, hair windblown, heading out with her dad to help feed cows after digging her dirty wranglers out of the laundry basket. She grew up riding horses, raising 4-H sheep, foating down the creek at Bear Creek Ranch, and swimming at the Hanna, Wyoming, rec center with her cousins and early childhood best friends, Ryan and Felicia. At Grandma Renie’s house, the three of them shared a childhood stitched togeth-
D E WAY NE S MI T H
The Family will be Celebrating the Life of DeWayne Smith Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 11:00 am at the Daly-Leach Chapel.
There will be a reception following the chapel services in the funeral home’s
er by laughter and mischief. Often fnding themselves on separate cushions on Grandpa’s davenport, getting a good “talking to” as they tried to hide their giggles.
She tagged along everywhere with her big sister, Tori, determined never to be left behind. From playing Barbies, pretending to be rock stars while they recorded themselves singing, working in the hayfeld together, to eventually sharing an apartment, Tori and Shannon were more than sisters; they were best friends.
Despite her love of mucking around the ranch, the same little girl grew into a homecoming queen and All-State athlete, seamlessly wearing high-top sneakers and a tiara. When she moved to Montana in 1989, she found her love for basketball, initially playing with the YMCA and later becoming a ferce defender for the Florence Falcons.
After high school, Shannon attended the University of Montana, where she enjoyed college life while working part-time as a waitress. Recognized for her intelligence, quick problem-solving, and her outstanding people skills, she was fast-tracked to management after several other restaurant roles.
But everything shifted when she became a mother. Motherhood became the heartbeat of her life.
She shared a lifelong love story with her frst love and best friend, Steven Hutcheson. They met in Montana and, after an on-and-of relationship through junior high and high school, found their way back to each other and built their life together in Colorado. They married on March 20, 2004. Their marriage was a mix of humor, partnership, and obscure movie quotes only they understood, a private language that belonged to them alone.
Together they raised two sons, Derek and Dylan, who were the center of her world. Shannon poured every ounce of herself into her family. She never left her boys’ hospital bedsides, with Derek being born premature, and then advocating fercely through Dylan’s early CHD journey, and later supporting other heart-warrior moms walking the same terrifying road. She herself had recently been diagnosed with CHD, so she walked the same path as her son, as a heart warrior.
Her two boys were her pride and joy. She often reminded Derek that his stubbornness was inherited from her, and Dylan shared her sense of humor, but they both inherited her ferce competitiveness and athletic skills.
She was a gifted cook who fed people with love, a devoted Denver Broncos fan, and someone who treasured time in the
Death Notices
Blade Nelson Geary
Corvallis - Blade Nelson Geary, 70, of Corvallis passed away due to natural causes at his home on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
Services are pending and will be announced at a later date. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
Colorado mountains and at the family cabin in Montana. Travel brought her joy, including a cherished trip through England, Scotland, and France with her mother and sister in 2019.
In recent years, Shannon embraced a deeply personal journey of growth and healing. She spoke openly about boundaries, self-worth, and peace, encouraging others to do the same. A devoted supporter of her “Sober Sisters,” she showed up for those who needed help fnding their way. Entering 2026 with renewed hope, she encouraged others to live fully, choosing “I can’t believe I just did that” over “I should have done that.” She was looking forward to the future.
She is survived by her husband Steven Hutcheson, sons, Derek and Dylan Hutcheson, her parents, Jef (Shelly) Larson, Denise (Larry) Conrad, her sister, Tori Larson, step-brother, Shawn Conrad, her in-laws Randy (Shelley) Hutcheson, brother-in-law, Shane Hutcheson, 2 nieces, 2 nephews, many aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her brother, Derek Larson, and her maternal and paternal grandparents. Shannon had a heart that gave more in half a life than most could ever give in a full one. Those who loved her will carry her stories, her laughter, and her ferce spirit with them always. She will be greatly missed.
A celebration of her life will take place on Saturday, April 11, at 11 a.m. at the 3 Mile Community Center in Stevensville, Montana.
In lieu of fowers, donations may be made in her honor to Mended Little Hearts @ 1579 US Highway 19S, Leesburg, GA 31763, or online https://mendedhearts.org/#donate to support congenital heart defect research.
Andrea Ann Poulin
Hamilton - Andrea Ann Poulin, 48 passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at her home in Hamilton. Brothers Mortuary & Crematory are honored to care for Ms. Poulin. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com.
Dion M. D’Almeida Conner - Dion M. D’Almeida of Darby, 58, passed away in the night, Saturday, March 14, 2026 at his sister’s home in Conner. Brothers Mortuary & Crematory are honored to care for Mr. D’Almeida. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
Travelers’ Rest State Park to celebrate 25 years
Travelers’ Rest State Park, located near Lolo, is celebrating 25 years of preserving and promoting a unique cultural and historic site. A public open house is set for Tuesday, March 31, to celebrate the milestone, and 25 public events are planned throughout the year in honor of this park’s 25th year.
Visit Travelers’ Rest State Park on Tuesday, March 31, from 4 to 7 p.m. to reminisce, enjoy refreshments, and look at plans for the park in the coming years. A special presentation will begin at 6 p.m. RSVP by visiting travelersrest.org/events/get-outdoors/ or calling 406-273-4253.
Travelers’ Rest State Park includes the only archaeologically verifed campsite of the Lewis & Clark Expedition and an important cultural site for the Séliš and Qlispé people. The park sits along the banks of Lolo Creek, where visitors can explore the outdoors and take in the history and culture of a place used for centuries by Native peoples and visited twice by the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery. The 25th anniversary open house is hosted by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and Travelers’ Rest Connection, the park’s nonproft partner. Travelers’ Rest Connection
supports Travelers’ Rest State Park through outreach, advocacy, and educational experiences connecting the past to the future.
Travelers’ Rest Connection received grants to help develop “25 Events for 25 Years,” and to springboard the organization and state park into its next 25 years. Grant partners include the Montana 250 Grant Program to deepen understanding of Montana’s history, culture, and heritage in connection with the nation’s semiquincentennial on July 4, 2026; the Americana Corner’s Preserving America Grant; and Park Side Credit Union (Park Side Partner recipient).
“We would like to thank these community partners in providing grants to help us celebrate this special year at the park,” said Molly Stockdale, Executive Director of Travelers’ Rest Connection. “Their generosity will help more people engage with the park during this milestone year and to start planning for what the next 25 will hold.” To learn more about the park, visit fwp. mt.gov/stateparks/travelers-rest. To stay updated on the park’s programming and see the lineup of “25 Events for 25 Years,” as these events are scheduled, visit travelersrest.org.
50 Years for Bitterroot Public Library Friends
After 50 years, volunteers with Friends of the Bitterroot Public Library are still building community through books. Activities and faces have changed over the years, but the aim remains the same: to support the library’s mission and connect more people to all the library has to ofer.
“So many people over the years have kept these eforts going. That extra commitment is one of the things that keeps BPL so vital in our valley,” said Friends chair Ethan Zimmerman. April’s Spring Book Sale will continue a Friends tradition started in 1986, when the frst used book sale was held to raise funds for the library’s expansion. That era marked the transition from Hamilton Library to its broader reach as Bitterroot Public Library. The sale has always been possible because of the steady stream of book donations from generous community members. Those book donations also fuel the Friends’ book outreach. In 2025, mobile book carts were established in Bitterroot Health Hospital, where patients, visitors, and staf are invited to take and keep the books. Longtime Friends Ginny Massey and Mary Ann Darby have been central to this outreach, keeping a weekly schedule of stocking books at the hospital, area hotels, and other locations. Half a dozen more volunteers maintain other spots.
“The library is so grateful for the work the Friends do to get books out in our community,” said Mark Wetherington, library di-
rector. “Our staf stay really busy serving people inside the library—with storytimes, helping with computers and printing, tracking down hard-to-fnd books through interlibrary loan, and many other tasks that keep the library running. So it is great to have the Friends help us extend our reach through their eforts.”
The Friends also marked 50 years with Little Free Libraries in city parks, an efort possible because of Hamilton City Council and Parks and Urban Forestry Department cooperation. A new LFL was installed at the 9th St. entrance to Claudia Driscoll Park, while the little-used LFL for kids books at the Claudia Driscoll playarea gazebo was refurbished. The aging LFL at River Park entrance, installed in 2016 to celebrate BPL’s 100th anniversary, was replaced with a new one built by Helmut Meyer, with materials donated by Massa Home Center, Klassic Kabinets, and Bitterroot Glass.
Once installed, Little Free Libraries are kept up by anyone who visits them.
People are welcome to add more books to the boxes or take books home. “The Book Gazebo on the BPL lawn is always stocked with free books. Some people take books from there to put into the Little Free Libraries. We encoura-
ge anything that helps get books to places where people can discover them,” said Caryn Carpenter, vice-chair and team lead for the Book Gazebo. Everyone is welcome at the
Spring Book Sale on Saturday April 11 from 10 to 3 downstairs at the Bitterroot Public Library, 306 State St. in Hamilton. Books are $2/inch or $20 for a Friends tote bag with as many books as will
ft. Friends of BPL is a registered 501(c)(3) nonproft, and all proceeds beneft the library. For more information, contact bitterrootlibraryfriends@gmail.com or call the library at 363-1670.
Star fle photo.
MS Support Group
MS Support Group meets every 3rd Thursday of the month in the Gallery room at the Cofee Cup Cafe in Hamilton, 500 S 1st Street, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Have a slice of pie, dinner, or just come to chat with others about living with Multiple Sclerosis. This is a positive and uplifting group that holds open discussions, and the occasional guest speaker. Find more information at www.nationalmssociety.org or contact Jackie Peterson, (970)518-293, jackierpeterson@ gmail.com
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, 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.
Vet-to-Vet
Veterans looking for a laid-back setting in which to visit with veterans from any period and any branch of service are in luck. Every Friday morning from 6 to 8 a.m., the VVA Chapter 938 sponsors a no-host breakfast at BJ’s Family Restaurant (back room). Come and mingle with those who know where you’re coming from.
Bitterroot Tango Argentine tango lessons each Wednesday evening at 4039 US 93 N, Stevensville. Learn to dance the tango each Wednesday with beginner classes from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., intermediate classes from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. followed by practice and social time to close. Classes are free. For more information about dance parties and guest teachers, fnd them on facebook at Bitterroot tango.
Soroptimist International of Hamilton
A volunteer service organization of women to empower, educate and encourage women and girls through scholarships and educational programs. All women are welcome to attend the frst Thursday (business meetings) and second Thursday (community presentation) of each month from 12-1 at BJs Restaurant.
Writers’ Circle
Writers’ Circle takes place 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 5:30 at Explore the Arts, 7th and Main Streets, Hamilton. Join in if you have a piece to share, any genre. More information: Star 406-546-5344.
Calling local seniors
Attention valley seniors! The Hamilton Senior Center is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, serving a fresh made lunch at a discounted price for seniors. Come and see what fun you can have at the Center socializing and making new friends. Non-seniors are welcome as well. Other activities run daily for Hand and Foot, bridge, ping pong, pinochle, bingo, line dancing classes. Proceeds go to support the center operation. Currently looking for volunteers to become members of the Board of Directors.
Other volunteering positions available as well. Call Joesph Bruno, 406-375-5090, for more information.
Center for Spiritual Life
Center For Spiritual Life is a community-led ministry. Each Sunday they have speakers who share their experience of spiritual awakening and growth. They embrace universal principles of oneness and unconditional love in order to create meaningful, fulflling lives and a world that works for everyone. They respect and welcome all spiritual paths. Center for Spiritual Life is located at 328 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton. Service is each Sunday from 9:30 until 10:30. Before service, there is silent meditation from 9:00 to 9:15. Following the service, snacks and beverages are shared along with the opportunity for conversation with the speaker and members.
Weapons Collectors Society
The Weapons Collectors Society of Montana meets every other month (January, March, May, July, September, November) on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at BJ’s Restaurant in Hamilton. Members display their collections and knowledge of antique, hunting, and recreational frearms and knives. Everyone is welcome.
Marine Corps League
The Marine Corps League welcomes Marines, FMF Navy Personnel and citizens who support the missions of the USMC and the League. The Marine Corps League is the only Federal chartered Marine active/reserve and veteran organization. General meetings are held every 4th Thursday of the month, January through October, 7:30 p.m. at the Eagles Lodge, 125 N. 2nd St., Hamilton. SOS Breakfast with Marines is every 1st Saturday of the month, all year. It is informal; spouses and friends are welcome; all menu options available, plus Marine camaraderie and esprit de corps, 8:30 a.m., Hangar Cafe, Ravalli County Airport, Hamilton. Check out group site on Facebook at: Marine Corps League, Bitterroot Valley Detachment #937, Hamilton. Semper Fidelis!
Quantum Group
Attend the Quantum Group of the Bitterroot to learn how consciousness and the universe work at the subatomic level, and how they correlate to the reality we live in. Listen to presentations, and participate in discussions, on the topic of Quantum Physics and its cousin Metaphysics. No previous knowledge or interest in these felds are required. Quantum Theory and its applications are fascinating and are at the cutting edge of the future of science. Come learn with others. Meets last Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library, downstairs meeting room.
Free community breakfast
Come enjoy a pancake breakfast and meet your neighbors in Victor. Victor Masonic Lodge is hosting the breakfast every 3rd Saturday of each month, starting at 9 a.m. Location is above Farmers Bank on Main Street in Victor.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1507
108 Main St, Victor Member Meeting 2nd Wednesday at 6:00pm Open to Public Tues-Friday 113:00pm Home of the Beer & Burger lunch for less than $10.
An afordable place to eat lunch for the entire family. Support your local veterans.
Woman’s Club
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.gfwcbitter-
rootwomansclub.com or contact Carole at 406-225-7453.
Ravalli Democrats
Ravalli Democrats social (mostly) get together on Tuesdays 4pm will complete its present season with March 24, April 7, 14, 21 and 28. On May 2 the Hamilton Farmer’s Market season starts for us at 9am. American Legion Park on Bedford. We break camp around noon. Stop by!
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.
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 406-3692411.
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 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.
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.
AARP Driver Safety Program
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 406-3690149.
Palm Sunday - He Makes All Things New
The Ravalli County Ministerial Association and local churches invite you to join them for a Palm Sunday night of prayer and worship as a community. Sunday, March 29th at 6:00pm. Cornerstone Bible Church 280 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton An evening of worship, special music, short sermons, fellowship – cookies & cofee. For more information, call 406-3635075.
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 clicking on the specifc agenda item you wish to comment on. The survey also
c/o FWP Liaison – Director’s Ofce, P.O. Box 200701, Helena MT, 59620-0701. Public comment on agenda items will be taken through March 29. Commissioners can submit amendments to any of FWP’s proposals. Those amendments
I had more fun than they did
Wes Wells teaches a great fy tying class. Students at fyfshing-industry-sponsored fy tying classes can pay more for less than what Wes brings to his adult ed fy tying class at Stevensville High School.
Wes’ presentations are packed with information displayed on PowerPoint images while he circulates among the students. It’s that personal interaction, those hands-on individual instructions that are priceless. It’s hard to learn the fne points of fy tying any other way.
a campground table, or an audience at a sports show. I’ve been lucky enough to learn from a passing generation of masters and I enjoy passing it on. By the time Wes fnished teaching a simplifed version of the Adams Parachute and an even easier beadhead nymph, the Frenchie, it was my turn.
by Chuck Stranahan
Wes invited me to be a guest instructor again this year. I was more than pleased to accept. His classes are fun. His students, men and women, young, old, and in between, are brought together by a common interest in fy tying and fshing.
By the end of his course each student will have tied a box loaded with a season’s worth of fies.
Wes asked if I’d again teach the students how to tie my most popular pattern, the Brindle ‘Chute. Of course I agreed, and he also asked if I’d teach my skwala pattern. We agreed on those two and I snuck in a third, my favorite fy to tie, the Caddis Variant.
That’s on top of the fies Wes had already chosen – but we both were ready for the challenge: we’ll make them ft.
Monday night there was a bonus feature: a taxidermist who is taking the class brought in two animal hides – one elk, and one mule deer. They became the lab for my quickie lesson in selecting the right hair for diferent types of fies.
Hey – this is fun already, I thought to myself.
I enjoy teaching fy tying, whether it’s with my grandkids at
– so we went to the hides, showed where the best hair for certain fies came from. Then we went to winging the Caddis Variant.
First, the body of the fy has to be right before the wing you attach over it can be right. I was reminded of an all-timegreat master fy tyer, Andre Puyans: “Fly tying is sequential and progressive,” he told me. That is, what you do at one step determines how the next will come out. That’s a life lesson with many applications.
Nerves and fngers needed a break
In selecting the hair for the fy we learned that any old deer hair won’t do. It has to be specifc and suited for the task. My mentor, and a master’s master, Cal Bird told me once, when we were deep into a discussion of what went into a successful fy, “Chuck…” he said, and paused until he had my full attention, then proceeded, one measured word at a time, “Materials… make… fies.”
And isn’t that so true of so many other things?
When I sat behind the vise, I wanted to impart how important the tension in each wrap of thread happens to be.
The book and videos usually say, “Tie in…” but don’t say how tight, when to ease the tension or when to tighten it again.
Jack Dennis has probably done more to popularize fy tying than anyone. I heard Jack start many presentations on tying his favorite fy, the Humpy, by saying that to get that frst bulky and unruly clump of deer hair attached to the hook, to make the frst three wraps “Tight, tighter, and tightest.”
Details. Important details. Make that frst wrap the tightest in the sequence, and the hair spins out of control. And so on. It’s in the
details. Tight, tighter, tightest.
But who thought to phrase it in that way but Jack?
It’s something I learned from him, watching him tie at countless sports shows, waiting my turn to follow him in the Fly Tying Theater – much as I learned watching Andy Puyans in similar settings, or at Cal Bird’s bench. It’s a legacy to pass on. We’ve lost Cal and Andy and many others; Jack and I are still at it. Being able to share what they taught me is a source of pure joy - and the reason I told Wes’s students before I left, “I’ve had more fun tonight than anybody.”
“Tight, tighter, tightest,” Chuck remember from the masters. Photo by Chuck Stranahan.
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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.
Good sense
Thomas Jeferson - “The good sense of the people will always be found to be the best army. They may be led astray for a moment, but will soon correct themselves.”
Our “more perfect Union” of justice, domestic tranquility, common defense, promotion of the general welfare, securing of the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity is in peril. Let me share questions of concern.
Justice indicates all are treated equally. 6th century Roman law defnes justice as “the constant and perpetual will to render to each his due.” Justice is the result of using laws to fairly judge cases, redress wrongs, and punish crimes. Are we a just and fair people?
Domestic tranquility. Tranquility, the noun, means a peaceful, calm state, without noise, violence, worry, etc. Is our nation tranquil?
Are we providing for the common defense? Common emphasizes a collective nature, encompassing all states and citizens. Defense means resistance against attack, protection. When do we become united enough for inclusion in common defense? How did common defense mutate into assaulting our citizenry?
Promoting the general welfare. Doesn’t this signal concern for the well-being of the entire nation as opposed to individual or state-specifc interests?
Recognize that in a democracy, ALL voices must be heard. That makes things pretty messy. It’s slow, it’s messy, and it’s democratic. Are we equal in our nation? Not if deference to or adherence to any one ideal is true. That’s the abandonment of democracy. The “soon correct” moment is nigh. We have a bounty of political candidates adhering to a single ideal. Choose wisely Ravalli County. Beware that the dominant political party has been hijacked by those whose single ideal is not in the best interests of our “more perfect union.” Our collective “good sense” army is needed now to correct the path we are embarked on. Has your vote (voice) been hijacked? We get to choose our representatives. We don’t get to choose how they vote on the issues. Choose representatives that vote YOUR voice.
Larry Keogh Hamilton
No need to turn the Bitterroot into a sacrifce zone
A recent letter to the editor under the title Facts over fear: setting the record straight on Sheep Creek stated “Concerns about water, wildlife, and environmental protection are legitimate. No one who lives in the Bitterroot Valley takes those issues lightly. But raising concerns is diferent from asserting outcomes as inevitable without evidence.”
We are not aware of the concerns being asserted as inevitable without evidence that he refers to, but we are aware of a very long list of “potential impacts” that need to be addressed. The Ravalli County Commissioners have listed a few in their letter to the Governor including potential negative impacts to water quality and quantity, to wildlife and wildlife habitat, to local government services, to the Bitterroot Valley economy, etc. The company has submitted a Plan of Operation that does not address any of those concerns, it only heightens our concerns.
The letter goes on to state “Exploration is not mining….Exploration involves limited surface disturbance, small and targeted drilling… Modern mineral exploration uses carefully controlled, small-diameter drill holes designed to gather geological data, not industrial-scale blasting.”
Apparently the author failed to read the company’s Plan of Operation. It states explicitly that they plan on using dynamite to blast a mile long tunnel and haul out up to 10,000 tons of ore. They are not just drilling
Opinion
tiny little holes. Being concerned about these plans is not putting fear over facts. It is being genuinely concerned about the company’s actual plans.
Another recent letter also emphasized that it is just an exploratory project “designed specifcally to gather scientifc data needed to determine feasibility.” Maybe this person too believes that they are just drilling little holes to gather scientifc data and failed to read the actual plan of operation that was submitted.
This letter stated, “Mining, like any major industrial activity, requires careful planning, modern safeguards, and strong oversight… If exploration confrms that Sheep Creek can be developed responsibly, it should be evaluated on the basis of current science and modern practice, not assumptions rooted in the distant past.”
We couldn’t be more in agreement. But we would add - even a plan of exploration, especially one that involves blasting over a mile of new tunnel and extracting thousands of tons of ore and creating even more waste rock, should also require “careful planning, modern safeguards, and strong oversight” and should also “be evaluated on the basis of current science and modern practice”, not on pie in the sky future promises rooted in unbelievable claims like “zero use of water” at the same time that they mention in their plans potentially needing water out of Sheep Creek and the West Fork of the Bitterroot River.
We would urge anyone who wants to give the company proposing the Sheep Creek Mine the beneft of the doubt to read the plan that was submitted!
Some people want to push the hot button about the emergency need for more REE mining in America for national security reasons and stress the need for more mining. Not true. The United States has plentiful reserves, both in the ground and hiding in plain sight in mine waste, industrial scrap and discarded electronics. They are found in Butte’s toxic waste reservoir, in the ashes at Colstrip, at the abandoned Aluminum superfund site in Columbia Falls and in the waste rock piles at abandoned mines across the state, not to mention existing mines that simply haven’t bothered to target them.
Rather than rushing to open new mines or making policy based on the assumption that China holds all the cards, America could go a long way toward meeting its growing demand for such minerals by harvesting these readily available sources. There is no need at all to turn the Bitterroot Valley into a “sacrifce zone” for national security reasons.
The real priority should not be new mines but a new way to process the already available sources that is economically viable and environmentally safe. That’s something that even China doesn’t have. That’s something we can all get behind. It is also something we are already working on in laboratories across the country.
Andy Roubik, President Bitterroot River Protection Association
Who is speaking and why?
One need go no further than the mailbox to realize another election season is upon us. Inside were the usual glossy fyers telling me who to vote for, who not to vote for, and all the reasons why. I fled them where most of them appropriately belong, the trash can. Normally I fle them in bulk. This time I tossed them in one at a time.
As I closed the lid, jumped back in my truck, and started down the road, a thought crossed my mind. Not one of those pieces of mail had an individual signature on it.
Candidates are required to sign their names to documents. Citizens sign their names to letters to the editor. Students sign their names to assignments in school. From an early age we are taught that if we wish to be taken seriously, we must stand behind our words.
I couldn’t help myself. I went back to the
trash can for a second look. Sorting through baler twine and hay leaves, I retrieved these works of art.
After carefully looking through the polished logos, the corporate names, and the super PAC disclosures, I noticed something else. Not a single piece of mail contained the name of an individual willing to stand behind the claims being made. No phone number. No personal responsibility. Just organizations speaking through branding and the usual dehumanizing rhetoric.
That raises a simple question: how much credibility should we give to someone unwilling to sign their name, yet eager to make sweeping claims and accusations?
In school, a nameless assignment was considered a failed assignment. Yet in politics we often give enormous infuence to messages delivered by anonymous organizations making sweeping claims about candidates, their voting records, or who is supposedly the most constitutional, the most progressive, or the most religious.
A voting record, after all, may be the easiest thing in the world for an elected ofcial to accumulate. Showing up and voting yes or no is not the same as accomplishing something meaningful. Real leadership requires more. It requires the courage to go against the grain when necessary and the humility to explain those decisions to the people being represented. It also requires the willingness to own those decisions.
So when slick political ads appear in your mailbox or on your social media feed, ask yourself something simple.
Who is speaking, and why?
Do we want our public life shaped by nameless organizations hiding behind corporate logos, or by individuals willing to place their names at the bottom of the page?
So I will end with one request. Ask yourself the same question.
Who is speaking, and why?
Is it a better argument, or simply a bigger stick?
In a republic, that diference matters. Tony Hudson Stevensville
Corvallis high school students rock!
Today I was able to witness over 10,000 pounds of food being donated to the Haven House food bank in Hamilton. This was solely due to the eforts of the Corvallis High School students "Hunger Games" competition.
Bitterroot Valley residents are better of thanks to the compassionate generosity of these students. The world will be a better place because of these incredible young adults!
Sheryl Olson Hamilton
Thank you, Victoria
The very frst time I walked into the ofce of the Bitterroot Star back in 1991, I knew I had found kindred spirits. The Star was more than a newspaper ofce—it was a gathering place, where locals came to sip espresso and linger in conversation. The two well-worn tables, rescued from the old Mammoth Bakery in Missoula, sat beneath exposed brick walls adorned with local art. The atmosphere was warm, welcoming, and unmistakably alive.
I met so many wonderful and interesting people in that space—many of whom became lifelong friends.
On Mondays, the sharp, familiar scent of rubber cement flled the air as Victoria painstakingly built the newspaper layout section by section, cutting and pasting each piece before it was sent of to the printers that night. This was long before computer software simplifed the process. Michael Howell would emerge from the makeshift darkroom to share a story or discuss an article he was working on. When the printed papers arrived, teenagers and young adults gathered to roll, wrap, and sort them for mailing. It was busy, energetic, and full of purpose—a truly
lively place. The glue that held it all together was Victoria Howell. She was always busy, yet never too busy to pause for a visit. Her integrity, attention to detail, and deep commitment to honest, thoughtful local journalism were evident in every issue. Victoria had her fnger on the pulse of Ravalli County and gave her time generously to the many clubs, committees, and organizations that make this place better.
There must have been years when keeping the paper alive required more grit than income, especially while raising a family in Stevensville—but she persevered. Through it all, Victoria held fast to her journalistic ideals.
Over the past 35 years, much has changed. The Star’s little cofee corner disappeared when the faithful old espresso machine fnally gave out. The ofce moved. Eventually, the Howells sold the paper—but only after fnding a buyer who shared their commitment to integrity and community. Victoria stayed on through the transition, ensuring it was seamless. Her knowledge, her relationships, and her tireless work ethic carried the Star forward.
Reading in last week’s paper that Victoria has retired brought both joy and a touch of sadness. It is wonderful news—well deserved and long overdue—but it also marks the stepping down of a true Ravalli County legend.
I want to publicly thank Victoria for all she has given to this community, to Stevensville, and to my own family. She has been a bright star in every sense of the word—a trusted voice, a steady presence, and a dear friend. And now, I look forward to sharing many cups of cofee with her…this time, without a deadline looming.
Cathy Scholtens Stevensville
Why roll coal?
In the past year on several occasions, hundreds of Bitterrooters have taken to the streets as part of the national No Kings movement. Unfortunately, many of us have learned a new term, rolling coal, where drivers of specially altered trucks accelerate past the crowds at First Street and Main Street, Hamilton, spewing choking clouds of exhaust.
Coal rolling began as good-natured entertainment at truck-pulling contests but has migrated to our public streets and highways as deliberate physical harassment and harm.
Why do some people choose to express themselves by willfully immersing their neighbors in a toxic cloud?
How can we regard rolling coal other than as intentionally violent behavior?
Do we accept this kind of assault as just another example of the current decline in legality and civility toward each other?
Do the people who roll coal go back home and yuk it up with their buddies about how they “showed them?”
Are the people who roll coal incapable of carrying on a rational discussion about the issues we all face?
We will talk with anyone anywhere anytime about anything. We believe that informed, fact-based reasoning can yield workable solutions where uninformed emotion-based opinion cannot.
We encourage all citizens, regardless of politics, to denounce the rolling coal ofense directed at citizens expressing their First Amendment right.
Rolling coal is symptomatic of a deeper, serious problem in how we conduct ourselves.
In this country, in our American democratic republic, we don’t believe that a political opponent is the enemy. If we let that toxic idea fester unchallenged, we are all in trouble.
Wednesday by Bitterroot Star Newspaper, Co, a division of Mullen Newspapers. The advertising and editorial content deadline is Friday at 5 p.m. We strive to include news and information that’s important to the people of the Bitterroot Valley. If you have a story idea, or any other concern, call us at 406-777-3928, email: editor@bitterrootstar.com or stop in at our ofce at 115 W. 3rd, #108, Stevensville. The mailing address is P.O. Box 133, Stevensville MT 59870.
Correction Policy
Accuracy is important to us. If you see a factual error in a Bitterroot Star news story, please notify the editor immediately and we will print a correction in the next issue.
Our View/Letters
Bitterroot Star editorials are written from the position of the newspaper. The personal columns and letters appearing on the Opinion page and elsewhere in the paper represent the opinion of single individuals and do not necessarily refect the position of the newspaper. The Star welcomes public comment and encourages letters to the editor. Letters on local topics or issues are given priority for publication. Letters should be 600 words or less. Shorter letters generally have a better chance of prompt publication. While letters expressing appreciation for a specifc, out-of-the-ordinary action are welcomed, letters with lists of names of contributors, donors or volunteers are not accepted as letters to the editor. Author’s name, address and phone number (for verifcation, not publication) are required. We do not run letters anonymously. We attempt to run all letters, but reserve the right to edit for length, accuracy, clarity, content and libel. We ask that writers email letters to us, and do not turn them in by hand. This increases the chances the letters will get printed. Our staf already has a full workload.
Wayne Adair Hamilton
Bitterroot Star staf
