The existing Westview building is located on a district-owned, 16-acre parcel at the corner of South 9th and Main. The building currently houses programs of the University of Montana, Bitterroot. The majority of the land is occupied with an aging track and bus facilities. Passage of the bond would mean a property tax increase of approximately $85 per year, per every $100,000 dollars of taxable market value of a home. For example, a home with a taxable value of $300,000 dollars would see an annual increase of $255 ($21.25 monthly) in their property tax. The bond would be fxed for a 25 year life span.
Megan Tintzman is a graduate of Hamilton’s school district, and began as a freshman the year before the high school moved out of the aging building. As a sophomore, she was welcomed into the brand new facility on Kurtz Lane.
“I remember that feeling of walking into that brand new high school and the pride I felt as a kid and how lucky I felt,” she said, adding that she’d always considered the new school to be a symbol of the community’s concern about its kids.
Tintzman is now a mother of three, ages 10, 7 and 3, all of whom are, or will be, in the Hamilton School District. She says that she supports the upcoming bond, and wants to do what is right for the next generation of kids, even if her older children might not beneft.
“Next year, my son will go into ffth grade, which is part of the middle school,” she said. “And to know that he doesn’t have a big feld to go play in with his friends, to play soccer or just to get to go be a kid, it makes me sad.”
“Educational needs were diferent 100 years ago than they are now,” she said, adding that the old building may be neat historically, but “it’s not really functional as a modern educational support for students.”
From her ofce, which overlooks a battered expanse of mud and dead grass, Gray is able to hear the sound of students through the walls and ceiling as they move about.
“We have ffth-graders here,” said Gray. “These kids are 9 and 10 years old, and they come from a fabulous playground at Daly Elementary and its huge expanse of green, to what is some-
times referred to as ‘The Prison Yard.’”
the HMS auditorium. After that, some stations will be set up that will allow the public to speak oneon-one with district representatives and volunteers on diferent aspects of the bond...for example, help with calculating their personal tax impact from the bond, etc. Tours of the HMS building and the pod building will be available from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
There are sandwich boards in front of all of the Hamilton School District campuses with the QR code to the webpage where more information is available. The website page for the bond is: https://www.hsd3.org/page/hms-2025-bond, or the special website set up to promote the bond at: https://www.hmsbond.com. Ballots will be mailed in mid-April and are due by May 6th.
A website dedicated to the promotion of the bond’s passage has been assembled to educate people about the details and cost of the bond, as well as to address concerns. One such concern, as periodically expressed in social media, is that the district had intended to decommission the middle school building after construction of the modern high school in the late 90s. The assertion that the middle school building had been ‘condemned’ is one refuted by Patrick Hanley.
“I don’t know where that started, but it obviously got traction, and then it just stayed,” he said, adding that he himself has heard the claims, but that he is certain the district would not have misled the public. Instead, he says that the district has been following a transparent step-by-step process of improving all aspects of its facilities.
Hanley also points out that any income received from sale of the existing middle school will be put toward the Westview property.
Andrea Gray is now in her third year as Principal at Hamilton Middle School, and doesn’t need to look far to fnd shortcomings of the old facility.
And while Gray says that she occasionally hears from parents who proclaim that they themselves ‘survived’ the Hamilton Middle School, she rhetorically asks, “is survival really what we’re hoping for with kids during their most difcult developmental stage of life, or do we want to help them thrive?”
The Hamilton School District will hold a Community Forum on Monday, April 14 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the current Hamilton Middle School. There will be a presentation from 6:30 to 7 p.m. in
On March 30, 2025, Sapphire Community Health invites our community to join us in celebrating Doctors’ Day and expressing our heartfelt appreciation for the dedicated healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to keep us healthy and safe. From providing life-saving care to offering comfort and guidance, our healthcare providers play an essential role in improving the lives of our patients and strengthening our community. Their expertise, compassion, and commitment make a difference every day
— let’s take this opportunity to say thank you!
Sapphire Community Health provides wellness exams for all The Bitterroot Valley, with easy scheduling and a variety of payment options, including Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, and a sliding fee scale.
Becoming a patient is easy! Call Sapphire Community Health today at 406-541-0032 to schedule your appointment.
Above, the playground derisively called, ‘The Prison Yard’ at Hamilton Middle School. At left, some of the expansive equipment at Daly Elementary, for contrast. Photos by Nathan Boddy.
MDT announces pavement, safety improvement project near Darby
The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) in partnership with Schellinger Construction, is advancing a pavement preservation and safety project on U.S. Highway 93 (US 93) near Darby, spanning about 13 miles between Rye Creek Bridge and ending north of the intersection at Camas Creek Loop.
This project will preserve and extend the life of the existing pavement, providing a more efcient roadway for the thousands of vehicles that travel this route daily. The improvements will enhance safety, reduce maintenance costs, and improve the overall driving experience for residents and visitors in the area.
“Regular pavement preservation projects like this keep our Montana roads in good shape,” Bob Vosen, Missoula District Administrator, stated. “Safety is our top priority both for vehicular trafc as well as pedestrians. This project is one step
towards accomplishing that goal for the Darby area community. Project repairs and upgrades include pavement preservation activities, turn lane enhancements, shoulder and center rumble strip additions, sidewalk updates, and striping”.
To learn more about the project, MDT is inviting the media and public to stop by at any time during an in-person open house on Wednesday, April 2, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Darby Community Club House (106 N Main St Darby, MT 59829).
At the event, construction and trafc control plans will be available. Team members will be on hand to answer questions. No formal presentation will be made.
Construction is expected to begin this spring, with an estimated completion date in late 2025. Work will take place Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to
7 p.m., weather and unforeseen circumstances permitting. Motorists should expect single-lane closures and reduced speeds in the work zone. Pedestrians are also encouraged to exercise caution near the work zone. Please slow down, follow trafc control, and watch for workers and equipment throughout the project area. With questions about this project or other area MDT projects, please email Becca at becca@bigskypublicrelations. com. All are also welcome to call the project hotline Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at 406-207-4484. To receive text updates, text DARBYNORTHSOUTH to 41411. *Texting alerts are not managed by MDT and may have diferent privacy and security policies. For more information read the SimpleTexting Privacy Policy.”
More information on the Darby – N & S Pavement Preservation project is
available on the project webpage linked here,https://www.mdt.mt.gov/pubinvolve/darby/.
MDT is a workforce of over 2,000 people across Montana determined to do all we can so that you arrive at your destination safely. Our mission is to build, operate, and maintain a safe and resilient transportation system. For more information, visit mdt.mt.gov.
Anyone needing a reasonable accommodation to participate in a Montana Department of Transportation program, service, or activity should contact the event organizer or MDT’s ADA Coordinator at mmaze@mt.gov, 406-444-5416 or Montana Relay Service at 711. Requests should be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled event. The department will make every attempt to honor requests made within 48 hours of a scheduled event or activity.
BNF: scant information available
Continued from page 1
and well that’s a lie.” He said a Reduction In Force could be done, “if it’s done correctly under the law.”
The Trump administration has begun that process, but in the meantime the USDA issued a press release stating that, “By Wednesday, March 12, the Department will place all terminated probationary employees in pay status and provide each with back pay, from the date of termination. The Department will work quickly to develop a phased plan for return-to-duty, and while those plans materialize, all probationary employees will be paid.”
On March 14, the Bitterroot Star contacted Bitterroot National Forest Public Afairs ofcer Tod McKay concerning a letter that a local non-proft organization had received regarding the Eastside Forest and Habitat Improvement Project being put on hold while the agency consults with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service about the potential impacts on endangered species and endangered species habitat. McKay said I should talk to the Stevensville District Ranger directly about the project because he didn’t have any specifc information about that.
When I contacted Stevensville District Ranger Seth Romocki, I asked him about the project.
“I’m going to have to get back to you on that one. I’m just not sure what I can comment on or not,” Romocki said. “Let me know your questions and I will get back to you.”
I said that I had heard that a letter had been sent out to some organizations who had fled a Notice of Intent to litigate, stating that the project had been put on hold while the agency consults with USFWS about impacts on some endangered species.
“Let me get back to you on that one,” he said, “because I just don’t know what I can or cannot comment on with diferent things happening.”
I said I also had some questions about the recent press release from the USDA saying that some employees who had been fred recently were being reinstated.
“I don’t have any more information than what was released by the USDA on that,” said Romocki.
Asked if there were people in his ofce that were fred, he said, “yes.”
Asked how many, he said “I don’t know of the top of my head and would have to go look but it impacted the For-
est Service as a whole at every level.”
Asked about a recent sighting of wolverines I had recently heard about from a member of the public, he said he didn’t know anything about it. He said he could check on that.
I asked about the number of people fred and the number reinstated.
Romocki then went over a list he had made of all my questions to be sure he got them all and said, ”I’ll see what I can do. I just don’t know what I can pass on or not pass on. It’s just really a strange time right now because there is just so much stuf happening.”
After talking to the District Ranger, I called a number I had been given by the local Public Afairs ofcer and asked all the same questions and about the vetting process that was going on.
PA ofcer Alex Stewart said that her job was to be sure that the public received timely and accurate information, “But right now we are waiting along with the public to get that information.”
“So, you can’t give me any information because you don’t have it?” I said.
“Well, it just needs to be vetted through proper sources right now, that’s just the kind of situation we are in right now. Our goal is to always provide timely and accurate information. I can try to get to the right people to answer these questions.”
Asked if there were any questions she could answer, she said she was not an over-all Public Afairs ofcer and worked mainly on fres but was standing in temporarily for the regular PA ofcer.
“So, you could answer questions about fres?” I asked.
“Yes,” she said, “but I would still have to vet those questions. We are in a transitional state.”
Neither the District Ranger nor any Public Afairs ofcers I spoke with
got back to me with any answers.
But on March 17, the Bitterroot Star did receive this email from the press desk in Washington D.C.:
Greetings, I’m responding to the inquiry posted at the bottom of this message. Here’s what we can share:
Thanks for your inquiry. For the Eastside Project, it’s important to share there are no commercial timber harvests associated with the project, and no roads are planned to be built or reconstructed. Additional information about the Eastside Project is available here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/project/?project=59985
Here’s what we can share that relates to some of your questions:
Attributable to a USDA Spokesperson: “Secretary Rollins fully supports the President’s directive to improve government, eliminate inefciencies and strengthen USDA’s many services to the American people. We have a solemn responsibility to be good stewards of the American people’s hard-earned taxpayer dollars and to ensure that every dollar spent goes to serve the people, not the bureaucracy. As part of this efort, USDA has made the difcult decision to release about 2,000 probationary, non-frefghting employees from the Forest Service. To be clear, none of these individuals were operational frefghters. Released employees were probationary in status, many of whom were compensated by tempo-
rary IRA funding. It’s unfortunate that the Biden administration hired thousands of people with no plan in place to pay them long term. Secretary Rollins is committed to preserving essential safety positions and will ensure that critical services remain uninterrupted.”
Regarding your question on reinstating those who were released: “On Wednesday, March 5, the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) issued a 45-day stay on the termination of U.S. Department of Agriculture probationary employees. By Wednesday, March 12, the Department placed all terminated probationary employees in pay status and provided each with back pay, from the date of termination. The Department will work quickly to develop a phased plan for return-to-duty, and while those plans materialize, all probationary employees will be paid.”
Finally, it has always been Forest Service policy that media inquiries are coordinated by a Public Afairs staf member. This is to ensure media representatives receive the most accurate and current information.
We do not have additional information to share at this time.
Thanks, National Press Team Forest Service
Ofce of Communication, National Press Desk
Bitter Root Humane Assn. holds spay/neuter clinic
by John Dowd
Pet overpopulation is a huge challenge facing many humane societies across the country, one reason it is so important to get pets spayed or neutered. This is also why organizations like the Bitter Root Humane Association hold special events, like the one last week.
Last Tuesday and Wednesday, March 18 and 19, the Bitter Root Humane Association (BRHA) held its frst two-day clinic for spaying and neutering both cats and dogs. According to BRHA Board of Directors President Lisa Allison, they referred to it as a “low-cost, high-quality spay/neuter clinic.” This is because, as Allison explained, the procedures come at a lower cost than a standard vet appointment.
BRHA started the monthly clinics late last year, holding single procedure days once a month. However, last week was the frst two-day event, operating on a larger scale. According to Allison, as soon they opened up the phone lines to take appointments, they received over 125 requests. “We were inundated!”
In the smaller, one-day monthly clinics, they often take in about 10 to 15 pets. By the end of this frst two-day event, they had serviced about 55 to 60 pets.
Set up started the Monday before, and each day of the event began at 8 a.m. and ran until 6 p.m. In
dation grant. With private funding, they have been able to continue the free chip program. According to Allison, one in three pets go missing every year, nationwide. With a chip, their chances of making it home jump up to more than 50%.
The two-day event was made possible in partnership with the Humane Society of Western Montana (HSWM), a shelter in Missoula. HSWM provided the surgeons to do the procedures and the shelter included its volunteers for the big event. Alongside the clinic operations, BRHA also needed to continue normal operations at the shelter while all the frenzy was going on out front. The set up allowed them to handle up to three animals at a time. Allison said, “It’s a lot of wheels
the process, pets could also get free vaccines through a partnership with the non-proft Petco Love. This option is available every day, and they ofer these free vaccines to shelter animals for community support. Additionally, BRHA just started providing free microchips last year through a Rapp Family Foun-
on the ground,” but, “It’s amazing, when it comes together, how smoothly it runs!”
When asked why they do this, Allison said, “We don’t think veterinary care should be an obstacle. It’s a public health issue.” She said that overpopulation and an abundance of strays added to a spread of diseases.
Marta Pierpoint, executive director of the Humane Society of Western Montana, said they try to do one of these clinics in the western part of the state every three weeks, even going as far away as Wolf Point. Pierpoint said they do a lot of work on reservations, with Rocky Boy Reservation in particular being a long-time partner.
HSWM also tries to focus on their own community of Missoula. This works out because their main vehicle, a mobile hospital, has trouble traveling a lot during the winter. This allows them to focus on Missoula during the winter months, taking a break from the travel when roads are more difcult.
When asked why HSWM does this, Pierpoint said, “To build opportunities for pets and people to thrive, to keep pets and people together and to create a happier, healthier environment where there is not an overabundance of pets.” Pierpoint has three rescue dogs and three rescue horses, and says she knows what that connection means as a pet owner.
“These are expensive programs to run,” said Pierpoint. However, “they are important, if we really want to address animal welfare issues.” Pierpoint said people need to address the issue of homeless pets and cut down on the numbers that need the assistance in the frst place.
HSWM also hosts their own events as well, like dog walking days, clinics and more. More information is available on the website, myhswm.org.
The Bitter Root Humane Association hopes to do another two-day clinic event again soon. Information on another possible event, as well as the monthly clinic days and other events like thHupcoming shelter sleep-over event on April 5, can be found on their website, bitteroothumane.org. For that sleep-over event, interested parties can also contact pookiecat17@hotmail.com.
HSWM volunteer Gerry Teixeira and staff member Kira Dallaserra work with Teddy. Photo by John Dowd.
HSWM Veterinarians Dr. Julia Teixeira, DVM and Dr. Sam Mitchell, DVM, perform procedures on a couple pets. Photo by John Dowd.
fer a dictatorship or an authoritarian state, maybe under religious diktats, there are already several of these around the world that you could move to. You could start in the Middle East and go north and east from there. God speed.
Mark Van Loon Hamilton
A modest proposal
For the upcoming 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding let’s invite the King of England over. He could bring Redcoats and Hessian mercenaries with him, forcibly take over this government, and save us from ourselves. Such delicious irony! Jef Hahn Hamilton
Social Security in jeopardy
Are you on Social Security or about to sign up for it? And are you one of those people who say, “Oh, they would NEVER dare to touch Social Security!”
Well, guess what, folks? They’re touching it. They’re touching it hard.
On June 21st, Trump, Musk, and DOGE are shutting down the Missoula Social Security ofce! We Bitterrooters will have to travel over 100 miles to get help with our Social Security. Try doing that when you’re 89 years old and it’s a snowy day in January in Montana.
“Well, I’ll just phone Social Security.” No, you won’t. Starting March 31st, Trump, Musk, and DOGE are going to make people who can’t identify themselves on the Social Security Administration (SSA) website go to an ofce in person for help. And I repeat: The Missoula SSA ofce is being shut down in June!
“Well, no biggee. I’ll just drive to a Social Security ofce in Kalispell or wherever.” No, you won’t. Not if Trump SHUTS DOWN SOCIAL SECURITY COMPLETELY. Trump’s Social Security chief, Lee Dudek, just said that he would shut down Social Security entirely if Musk and his DOGE kids are not allowed full access to our Social Security information (including our name, phone number, home address, medical records, and worst of all, our bank accounts; Musk and DOGE have already stolen money right out of one person’s bank account after mistakenly declaring him dead!).
Lee Dudek said he would end Social Security after a judge on Thurs-
day, March 20, issued a court ruling to kick Musk and DOGE out of our Social Security accounts.
The courts are trying to stop Trump, Musk, and DOGE. But a few judges can’t do it alone. We, the people, are the only ones who can save Social Security.
There will be protests here in the Bitterroot, and also in Missoula and across the country. Please join us to protest the destruction of Social Security. If you can’t join us in person, please call Steve Daines: 1 (202) 2242651; Tim Sheehy: 1 (202) 224-2644; and Ryan Zinke: 1 (202) 225-5628 and demand that they get a spine and stand up to Trump to keep the Missoula Social Security ofce open and to do whatever it takes to save our Social Security.
Dana
Henricks Florence
Who’s doing what??
President Trump on Thursday, March 20, called for a stop to nationwide injunctions and suggested the Supreme Court should intervene as his administration has faced multiple setbacks from federal judges. GOOD! Trump states, “Unlawful Nationwide Injunctions by Radical Left Judges could very well lead to the destruction of our Country! These people are Lunatics, who do not care, even a little bit, about the repercussions from their very dangerous and incorrect Decisions and Rulings.”
Whose decisions?? Speaking of incorrect decisions and rulings, consider, if you will, the actions that Elon Musk has taken at the direction of Donold Trump since he has assumed the presidency!
Thomas Tunny Hamilton
Have they no decency at all?
To paraphrase Alexander Hamilton, “only the people can decide, by their conduct and example, whether societies of men and women are really capable or not, of establishing good government from refection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend, for their political constitutions, on accident and force.”
After almost two centuries of tyranny and failed governmental structures, our ancestors, desperate for liberty and self-determination, designed a system of constitutional
government that has endured for 237 years. Each state thereafter replicated that accomplishment, including Montana, frst in 1889, and then again in 1972, thereby afrmatively answering Hamilton’s question.
Critical to the endurance of a constitution, however, was the resolute conclusion of the Founders that without civic virtue the Constitution could not and would not survive. It was civic virtue, placing the public good ahead of one’s own self serving desires, that would hold the union together, and only from that unselfsh union would “liberty and justice for all” arise and endure.
Simply put, the civic virtues of a constitutional republic, consensually embraced by the whole of the citizenry, are the foundation stones upon which a democracy depends for its existence. Those virtues are easily inventoried, but the story of human history reveals they’re difcult to sustain over the long run. They include humility, self-restraint, integrity, courage, truth, moderation, patience, compassion, respect for contrary opinion and the Rule of Law and an unconditional commitment to seek the public good in spite of one’s immediate needs or wants.
Sadly, there are those who claim to be leaders, but who believe that the civic virtues of the Constitution are for “suckers” and “losers,” that searching for a more perfect union is naive and a waste of time and that, in the end, all that matters is confrontation, party loyalty, rejection of compromise and winning at all costs.
Washington, in his farewell address, warned that political parties would, over time, become “potent engines by which cunning, ambitious and unprincipled men would subvert the power of the people and usurp for themselves the reins of government.” If that sounds familiar, it’s because it is.
conventions purposely created three distinct branches of government and strictly prohibited one branch from encroaching upon the power of another. The purpose of providing for that dynamic tension was to compel the engagement of a community of interests and perspectives in the marketplace of ideas in order to insure sound judgment and equilibrium in developing policy that would impact, not just one political party or person, but the entire nation, or state as the case may be. The peril confronting our nation and state today is real and existential. Granted, Donald Trump calling for the “termination” of the Constitution because unspecifed “articles” were used to victimize him is vengeful and deranged. But it is also careless and refects a complete lack of propriety and respect for the Constitution that so many Americans gave their lives to protect and preserve.
And here in Montana, for the third legislative session in a row, a major thrust of some Republican lawmakers has been the evisceration of judicial independence without which a constitutional government falls apart. There are two fagships in the feet of bills introduced. One to expensively create an entirely new array of courts with judges appointed by the governor (SB 385). And the other, a bill requiring nonpartisan judicial candidates in the future to declare a political party afliation. (SB42)
Those bills, and over two dozen others, are designed to debilitate and weaken the judicial branch, to subject it to the control of the legislature, to politicize it, and to thereby assure the preordained rulings the legislative sponsors demand.
Have they no decency at all?
Marc Racicot
Former Montana Attorney General and Governor
The delegates to both the United States and Montana constitutional
Washington also cautioned “that the alternate domination of one party over another, sharpened by revenge, would incline the minds of people to secure repose in the absolute power of one individual,” a potential autocracy we are regrettably becoming more familiar with every day.
Sports
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Spring track season begins
Corvallis was set to host roughly 20 local high school track teams at their annual Blue Devil Invitational on Saturday, March 22, but mother nature had other plans as an early morning spring snow storm crashed the party and the meet was moved to Tuesday, March 25. The valley track teams will also be in Frenchtown on Saturday, March 29 for the Frenchtown Invite.
All six Bitterroot Valley high schools have boys and girls track and feld teams.
The Corvallis boys and girls are both the twotime defending Class A state champions and they look strong again this year. Hamilton has a deep group of track and feld athletes, so they will also be in the mix for a state title.
And Stevensville, Florence, Darby and Victor all have athletes who will contend for individual state titles this year.
Track athletes to watch in 2025
For Hamilton, Annalise Lewis is the defending state champion in the 800m and 1600m and took 6th in the 400m. Aleigha Child is the defending state
to Tuesday,
champion in the 3200m. Evan Bennett, who signed with Northwest Nazarene University to run track and cross country, took second place at state in the 400m and 800m. Aubrey Korst took 4th at state in the pole vault.
For Corvallis, Ella Varner is the defending state champion in the long jump and the triple jump.
Hunter Loesch took 2nd at state in the javelin. Ledge Conner took 4th at state in the high jump. Jack Davidson took 4th at state in the 3200m.
For Stevensville, Sophia Hutchison took 2nd at state in the long jump and 6th in the triple jump.
For Florence, Isaac Bates, who signed with Colorado State University-Pueblo for track, is the defending state champion at 400m and took 2nd in the 100m and 4th in the 200m. Madigan Hurlbert took 4th at state last year in the 100m hurdles and looks to be near the top in the 100m and 300m hurdles. Boys distance runners Kyler Harris, who will run cross country for the University of Providence next year, and CJ Pijanowski, who signed to run cross country with Alfred University, will both be in the mix in the distance races.
For Darby, distance runner Lily Adair and hurdler Natalie Anderson will be contenders for the girls. McCoy Townsend qualifed for state last year and should be in the mix this year for the boys.
Softball season starts
Softball season is underway in the Bitterroot Valley as Corvallis, Florence, Hamilton, and Stevensville all have girls high school softball teams. Florence is in Class B, while the other three schools are Class A.
The Florence softball team is a perennial powerhouse with state championship aspirations again this year. They took 3rd at state last year and were the state champions most recently in 2022 and 2021. Corvallis, Hamilton and Stevensville all feld strong teams and hope to make a trip to state this season.
Hamilton 3, Ronan 1
The Hamilton girls softball team opened their season against Ronan in Hamilton on Friday, March 21 with a 3-1 victory. Hamilton pitcher Mariah Johnson got the win, striking out 10 and allowing only one hit. Johnson also went 1 for 3 and had an RBI. Also at the plate for Hamilton, Addison Flynn went 2 for 3 and scored 2 runs, and Mel Race went 1 for 3 with an RBI.
Hamilton 7, Polson 8; Hamilton 0, Columbia Falls 6 Hamilton traveled to Polson on Saturday, March 22 and played Polson and Columbia Falls. In the Polson game, Hamilton lost 7-8 in a close game over 4 innings. At the plate for Hamilton, Hadley Lockhart went 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs, Thea Jackson went 1 for 2 with an RBI double. Mel Race and Addison Flynn also had RBIs.
Thursday,
Then in the Columbia Falls game, Hamilton was defeated 0-6. Hamilton got hits from Casey Kennedy and Kennidi Cooper.
Corvallis 3, Billing Skyview 14
The Corvallis girls opened the season against
Billings Skyview in Missoula on Friday, March 21. Corvallis fell behind early and couldn’t recover, losing 3-14. At the plate for Corvallis, Sophie Cooper had an RBI double, Caitlin Nelson had a triple, and Brenna Bear and Taylor Anderson each had RBIs.
Stevensville 5, Missoula Sentinel JV 4
The Stevensville girls opened their season with a 5-4 victory over the Missoula Sentinel JV team in
Stevensville on Thursday, March 20. The game was tied 4-4 in the bottom of the 7th when Stevensville’s Lilly Newsom singled in Jaidan Oyler for the go ahead run. Stevensville pitcher Maddix Yeager came in for relief of Morgan Yeager and got the win. At the plate for Stevi, Kenzi Frost went 2 for 2 with a home run, a RBI and she scored 3 runs. Lilly Newsom went 1 for 4 with the game winning RBI, and Emilee Ross went 1 for 2 with an RBI.
Tremendous turnout for tennis teams
The Bitterroot Valley high school tennis season is set to begin as Corvallis, Hamilton and Stevensville all have boys and girls tennis teams. All three schools have strong participation numbers this season. Darby was set to have a tennis team, but had to cancel the season due to low numbers and lack of a coach.
Corvallis
The Corvallis girls took 2nd in divisionals last year while the boys took 3rd. The Blue Devils look to continue this success again in 2025
under head coach Matt Powell.
“The team is looking good this season,” said Powell. “We have 24 girls and 14 boys and I’m very happy with the talent we have this year.”
Hamilton The Hamilton boys and girls teams both took 1st place in divisionals last year. The Hamilton girls took 2nd in state. Hamilton returns two of the top girls singles players in the state. Ciara Hanley took 2nd place at state last year, and Tallulah Pinjuv took 4th at state last year.
Hamilton looks poised to return to their winning ways again this season.
“We have 56 players out this year, which is amazing,” said head coach Bryan Dufresne. “A lot of returning players and a lot of newbies.”
Stevensville The Stevensville boys and girls have another great turn out this year as they have 14 girls and 11 boys. This is up from two years ago when they had only seven total players.
Stevensville is led by longtime head coach Bill Everett. “We have the most kids out since the pandemic,” said Everett. “It’s enjoyable working with each and every player, and with the help of our great assistant coaches we look to have a respectable showing throughout the season.”
Both the Stevensville boys and girls took 4th place in divisionals last year, and they hope to build on that success this season. In boys singles, Stevensville returns state qualifier Angus Trangmoe.
The Blue Devil Invitational, hosted by Corvallis, was moved from Saturday, March 22
March 25 because of a spring snow storm. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Stevensville’s Kenzi Frost comes to home plate after hitting a home run in Stevensville’s 5-4 victory on
March 20. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Char Bonebright
Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, Charlan Lei (Buchignani Summers) Bonebright of Florence, Montana, passed away November 25, 2024, surrounded by family, from a nearly three year battle with cancer. Char was born on September 29, 1947, in Memphis, Tennessee, to her parents Vincent Eugene and Jewel Betty Buchignani. Raised in Memphis as well, in 1965 she married Ronnie Max Summers. She and Ron lived in Michigan, California, and Tennessee before settling down in Little Rock, Arkansas, where they raised their two children: David and Christy Summers. She was preceded in death by Ron in 1989.
In 1991, she married Richard “Rick” Bonebright and moved from Arkansas to his home state of Montana. In Montana, Char was employed twenty years for the University of Montana. For the last ffteen years of her career, she devoted her impeccable skills in diplomacy and organization in the President’s Ofce where she maintained the University President’s schedule and the ofce’s budget and social calendar.
Char was known for her caring and kind disposition. Always generous in spirit and supportive, she had an innate ability to put others at ease. She made friends easily, saw the best in people, maintained positivity in the face of adversity, and cultivated lifelong friendships. She took an impassioned interest in the varied pursuits of her family members,
Gerald M. Richie
Gerald M. Richie, a devoted husband, loving father, avid outdoorsman and respected outftter, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2025, in Heber City, Utah, at the age of 94. His daughter Kelly and dear family friend Challis Casagrande were with him as he went home to meet the good Lord. Born on April 23, 1930, in Stevensville, Montana, to Robert and Thelma Richie, he spent most of his life in the Bitterroot Valley, moving in 2005 to Salmon, Idaho to be closer to family.
For over 60 years, Gerald worked as a big game outftter deep in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area. A true professional, his expertise extended beyond hunting trips to include summer pack excursions. A sage teacher and guide, he shared his deep knowledge of the land with countless adventurers. His legacy of excellence in the outdoors continues through his son Mike Richie and grandson Michael Richie, marking three generations of outftters doing what they love in the mountains Gerald called home.
Beyond his career, Gerald had a passion for raising horses and champion mules. He not only showed mules but also judged mule competitions and crafted leather pack saddles with skill and precision. His love for the great outdoors was evident in every aspect of his life—whether hunting, camp-
afording them her presence and cheerleading spirit along the way.
Char enjoyed being in the outdoors, camping, hiking, snowmobiling, hunting, fshing, and most of all enjoyed her family and her pets. Over the course of her adult life, she trained multiple German and Australian shepherds / border collies in both obedience and agility, even competing in agility competitions with her adored Tuxedo. An avid birder, she had a particular afnity for hummingbirds, and they for her. In her retirement years, she enjoyed Model T Touring with her husband and became an avid and skilled quilter. Even during her illness, her purposeful quilting aforded her family cherished gifts of quilts, throws, and table runners.
Char is now a heavenly angel to those she leaves behind: husband Rick; son David and daughter inlaw Sandra; daughter Christy; stepson Wes Bonebright; and grandchildren Courtney, Kristen, and Stephanie Summers; Cole Tremewan; and Emily Bonebright.
The family will host a visitation on Tuesday, December 3, 6:00-8:00 p.m., at Pinecrest Funeral Home, 7401 Highway S North, Alexander, AR 72002. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 4, 3:00 p.m., at Pinecrest Memorial Park (same address). A celebration of life will take place in Florence, Montana, in early 2025.
A celebration of life will take place at the Flor-
ing, or embarking on memorable vacations with his daughter Kelly in her Airstream travel trailer. Together, they explored Canada and the Northwest United States, attending rodeos, chuckwagon races while experiencing the beauty and nature in our treasured National Parks. He enjoyed reading, especially anything history related.
Gerald was known for his integrity, kindness, and unwavering work ethic. He was a kind, caring and patient father and a devoted husband to Joy for nearly 45 years. A man of few words but great wisdom, when he spoke, people listened. His laughter was infectious, his storytelling captivating, and his loyalty to family and friends unwavering. He deeply loved his children and grandchildren and took pride in teaching them the values he held dear.
He is survived by his children: Kelly Richie; Jerry Richie; Mike Richie (Dawn); and Cleve Richie; as well as his grandchildren: Michael, Jordan, Miles, Monte, Sarah, Grant, Brock, and Lynann Richie; numerous great-grandchildren; and brothers Robert Richie, Ron Richie (Yvonne), and Rodney Richie. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joy Richie; son Wade Richie; granddaughter Kayla Wilkening; parents Robert and Thelma Richie; sister Dorothy Moles; brothers Jay & Joe Richie.
Edward Lee Lindquist
Edward Lee Lindquist, 82 of Hamilton passed away Sunday, March 16, 2025 at his residence in Hamilton.
Ed was born August 2, 1942 in Hamilton, Montana the son of the late Clarence and Elizabeth Lindquist. He graduated from Darby High School in 1962 and from the University of Montana in 1967. He served in the US Air Force for two years at Ellsworth AFB in
South Dakota. Ed married Shirley Johnson on November 1, 1967 at Ellsworth AFB, SD.
He was a member of the JCs in Laurel, Maryland and Hailey, Idaho. Ed enjoyed photography, gardening and reading books on laptop.
Ed was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Arlene and Carol; brothers Leonard and Kenneth.
He is survived by his wife Shirley of Hamilton;
ence-Carlton Church, 20075 Old Highway 93, Florence, Montana, April 26, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.
The family extends a special thanks to those instrumental in her treatment and care: Richard Ohye, M.D.; Michigan Medicine Rogel Cancer Center; Karl Sorenson, M.D.; and Partners in Home Care Hospice.
sons, Lance and Jason; grandsons, Andrew, Tyler and Bode and granddaughter, Isabel; sisters, Betty Else, Myrna Lindquist, Vivian Foley; brother Jim. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 28, 2025 at Riverview Cemetery in Hamilton. Military honors will be presented by the US Air Force and the Corvallis American Legion. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com
A celebration of Gerald’s life will be held this summer and his ashes will be spread in the mountains he so dearly loved—the Selway. His memory will live on through the generations he inspired and the wilderness he called home.
Celebrating Doctor’s Day
Award-winning rural hospital and clinics
Thank you to our physicians, our friends and neighbors, who play a vital roll in the overall health of our community and whose eforts are always valued. We are here for you. We are Biterroot Health.
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Biterroot Health Stevensville & URGENT CARE (406) 777-6002 3975 Hwy 93 N., Stevensville, MT
Biterroot Health Urgent Care Walk-in Medical Care (406) 363-0597 1200 Westwood Drive, Hamilton, MT
Mon - Fri 7am - 6pm / Sat & Sun 9am - 5pm
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Dermatology (406) 375-2949
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Eye Clinic (406) 363-5434
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Obstetrics& Gynecology (406) 375-4777
Oncology & Infusion Center (406)375-4707
Orthopedics (406) 375-4868
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Vern’s Nursery- trees, shrubs and more
by John Dowd
Spring is coming, and with it many people are getting ready for their annual home improvement projects. For some this year, after the powerful windstorms that took their toll on landscaping
throughout the valley, that is likely where their year’s projects will start.
Vern Eckstein, owner of Vern’s Nursery, expects to see a lot of customers starting with their landscaping. His business is all about trees, shrubs and the bread and butter of landscaping fora. To Eckstein, when looking towards projects for the coming year, he suggests people actually peer backwards, and “look at your landscape and how it fared over the year.”
In particular, he highlighted the signifcant wind events over the last summer. Thousands of trees were damaged or destroyed, so Eckstein said many people may be looking to fll those spots again. Vern’s Nursery is one of many places to do just that.
According to Eckstein, there are “a lot of really good nurseries in the valley.” He said they “all kinda work together.” With so many contractors in the valley, even with “competition” from other nurseries, he believes everyone has plenty of business. It also helps that they all try to keep some diferent products and specialties. “Everybody is coexisting nicely,” said Eckstein. He believes customers really can’t go wrong with any local nursery they choose.
If they visit Vern’s Nursery, Eckstein comes to the nursery business with nearly half a century of landscaping. He started
the nursery business in the spring of 2020, but prior to that, he had a landscaping business he started in 1982 in southern Wisconsin. He came to the Bitterroot Valley in 1993, and eventually saw that there really was a need for nurseries at the time, especially ones that stocked larger ball and burlap trees, so that is where he started.
The business expanded beyond just trees in 2022, and now they do a lot of diferent things, including smaller trees, decorative boulders, ornamental grass-
es, perennial shrubbery and privacy plant material. With his background, Eckstein said customers can be sure his products are “quality stuf.”
The trees are cold hardy, and many are Montana natives. Vern’s Nursery stocks maples, birch, ash, spruce and pine, as well as fruit trees. According to Eckstein, they have a host of “really cool and diferent evergreens,” as well. He tries to keep plants and trees at diferent stages of growth to help keep the business stocked with plants at the right time. “We always have plant material getting ready!”
Now, in late March, Vern’s Nursery is around three weeks from being fully stocked for the season, with around 20 semi-truckloads still to be delivered. By the high season, Vern’s will have countless shrubs and over 2,000 trees.
Eckstein says he tries to meet everybody where they are. “I have to be here for people of every budget,” said Eckstein. He said he also tries to keep the property clean for customers, to make it a friendly and easy experience for visitors to fnd what they need.
Eckstein says this is the time people are thinking about projects, and his business is often really busy from late March and into early May. This time of year, he and his staf are rushing to get ready.
Vern’s is also ready for the last chance of frost, and Eckstein said he is looking forward to a special annual event he hosts. Brats and Beverages is held at the nursery on Mother’s Day weekend, Friday and Saturday. He said it’s a good time for people to browse and a lot will be out on display because it is usually a safe time, after the last good freeze.
For Eckstein, the nursery is a great retirement project, while he hands of his landscaping business to his son. Eckstein said, “I’ve always been passionate about trees.” So, for him, passing on that legacy to his son is an important thing, and he would love to see more businesses of all kinds do the same. Vern’s Nursery is located at 649 US-93 North, Hamilton. For
Above, Vern Eckstein poses in front of the Vern’s Nursery storefront. Below, Eckstein’s sign, along Highway 93, welcomes customers. Photos by John Dowd.
2000 SQUARE FEET OF COMMERCIAL
SPACE, Highway 93 frontage, Truck delivery at the back, Security system in place, Call (406) 240-9628 for more information.
FARM & RANCH
HAND wanted full-time, near Peerless, Montana. Housing available. Call 406-724-7099.
K-8 teacher, 2025-2026 school year. Mountain View Elementary. Starting bonus, competitive salary. Call 406-336-2638 or email jerryhofer73@gmail.com.
THE ELKS LODGE is looking for a part time cook! Part time on Wednesdays and Fridays. Come work in a fun and friendly environment. Up to $17/hr. For information call (406)363-3031.
BITTERROOT CONSERVATION DISTRICT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Job Announcement
1709 North First Street Hamilton, MT 59840
POSITION: Full Time Administrative Assistant.
WAGE:
Starting at $21.23 per hour. Benefts include annual, holiday, and sick leave, along with a monthly health savings stipend and retirement.
JOB QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:
--High School diploma/ GED.
--One year’s experience in an ofce setting.
Knowledge: This posi-
tion requires a knowledge of basic conservation practices and resources; basic grant management; profcient in preparing quarterly taxes and reports, basic accounting procedures, profcient in the use of software and ofce equipment.
Preferred Knowledge: --Profcient in the use of QuickBooks. --Profcient in the use of WordPress website design.
--Profcient in the use of Microsoft Ofce Suite.
--Accounting experience.
Skills: Work efectively with the general public ofering positive customer service; establish efective working relationships with fellow employees; ability to work from the ofce; assist in the feld; be organized; be self-motivated; prioritize tasks; maintain confdentiality; maintain accurate records; communicate efectively orally and in writing; follow verbal and written instructions; apply bookkeeping skills; efectively use ofce and feld equipment; profcient in the use of software programs; must keep accurate timesheets; have the ability to work after business hours every second and last Tuesday of the month; ability to attend local and state meetings; must have an automobile, proof of auto insurance, and a current Montana driver’s license; be able to lift 40 pounds. .
APPLICATION PROCESS: Submit a cover letter and resume addressed to the Bitterroot Conservation District Board 1709 N. 1st Street, Hamilton, MT 59840.
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Legal Notices
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI
COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARGARET E. BAUER, Deceased. Case No.: DP-41-202526 Dept. No. 2
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed
Personal Representative of the above-named Estate.
All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Crystal M. Bauer, Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at 820 River St., Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.
DATED the 4th day of March 2025. /s/ Crystal M. Bauer, Personal Representative BS 3-12, 3-19, 3-26-25.
MNAXLP
John S. Masar LionWood Law PLLC 115 W. 3rd St., Ste. 103 Stevensville, MT 59870 (406) 625-2682 jmasar@lionwoodlaw. com Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: JANET M. JOHNSON, a/k/a Janet Marion Johnson, Deceased Probate No.: DP-25-22 Dept. No.: 1
Howard F. Recht
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 NICOLE L. MCCOLLUM, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o LionWood Law PLLC, 115 W. 3rd Street, Suite 103, Stevensville, Montana 59870, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
DATED this 4th day of March, 2025.
/s/ Nicole L. McCollum
Personal Representative
℅ LionWood Law PLLC 115 W. 3rd St., Ste. 103 Stevensville, MT 59870 LionWood Law PLLC
/s/ John S. Masar
Attorney for Personal Representative BS 3-19, 3-26, 4-2-25. MNAXLP
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
RAVALLI COUNTY AIRPORT IMPROVEMENTS
HAMILTON, RAVALLI COUNTY, MONTANA
A.I.P. -30-0037-0242025 & 3-30-0037-0252025
Separate sealed bids will be received by Ravalli County until 4:00 p.m., local time, April 9, 2025. All bids shall be received by Ravalli County, Clerk & Recorder’s Ofce, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C in accordance with the Information for Bidders. The bids will be publicly
opened, and read aloud on April 10, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at the Ravalli County Administration Building, Commissioners’ Meeting Room, for the Ravalli County Airport Improvements Project to include the following:
Construct Apron Expansion
This work is to include all tools, equipment, materials, and labor to complete this project.
NOTICE OF REQUIREMENT FOR AFFIRMATIVE
ACTION TO ENSURE
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT
OPPORTUNITY
41 CFR Part 60-4, Executive Order 11246
1. The Oferor’s or Bidder’s attention is called to the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Opportunity Construction Contract Specifcations” set forth herein.
2. The goals and timetables for minority and female participation, expressed in percentage terms for the Contractor’s aggregate workforce in each trade on all construction work in the covered area, are as follows:
Timetables
Goals for minority participation for each trade: 2.7% (Applied to Ravalli County)
Goals for female participation in each trade: 6.9%
These goals are applicable to all of the Contractor’s construction work (whether or not it is Federal or federally assisted) performed in the covered area. If the Contractor performs construction work in a geographical area located outside of the covered area, it shall apply the goals established for such geographical area where the
work is actually performed. With regard to this second area, the Contractor also is subject to the goals for both its federally involved and non-federally involved construction.
The Contractor’s compliance with the Executive Order and the regulations in 41 CFR Part 60-4 shall be based on its implementation of the Equal Opportunity Clause, specifc afrmative action obligations required by the specifcations set forth in 41 CFR 60-4.3(a) and its eforts to meet the goals. The hours of minority and female employment and training must be substantially uniform throughout the length of the contract, and in each trade, and the Contractor shall make a good faith efort to employ minorities and women evenly on each of its projects. The transfer of minority or female employees or trainees from Contractor to Contractor or from project to project for the sole purpose of meeting the Contractor’s goals shall be a violation of the contract, the Executive Order and the regulations in 41 CFR Part 60-4. Compliance with the goals will be measured against the total work hours performed.
3. The Contractor shall provide written notifcation to the Director of the Ofce of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) within 10 working days of award of any construction subcontract in excess of $10,000 at any tier for construction work under the contract resulting from this solicitation. The notifcation shall list the name, address, and telephone number of the subcontractor; employer identifcation number of the subcontractor; estimated dollar amount of the
subcontract; estimated starting and completion dates of the subcontract; and the geographical area in which the subcontract is to be performed.
4. As used in this notice and in the contract resulting from this solicitation, the “covered area” is State: Montana County: Ravalli City: Hamilton
CIVIL RIGHTS – TITLE VI ASSURANCE
49 USC § 47123, FAA Order 1400.11
Ravalli County, Montana in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252, 42 USC §§ 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifes all bidders or oferors that it will afrmatively ensure that for any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, disadvantaged business enterprises will be aforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and no businesses will be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, national origin (including limited English profciency), creed, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), age, or disability in consideration for an award.
DISADVANTAGED
BUSINESS ENTERPRISE
49 CFR Part 26
The requirements of 49 CFR part 26 apply to this contract. It is the policy of Ravalli County, Montana to practice nondiscrimination based on race, color, sex, or national origin in the award or performance of this contract. The Owner encourages participation by all frms qualifying under this solicitation regardless of business size or ownership.
FEDERAL FAIR LABOR
STANDARDS
ACT
29 USC § 201, 29 USC § 200.430
All contracts and subcontracts that result from this solicitation incorporate by reference the provisions of 29 CFR part 201, the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), with the same force and efect as if given in full text. The FLSA sets minimum wage, overtime pay, recordkeeping, and child labor standards for full and part-time workers. The Contractor has full responsibility to monitor compliance to the referenced statute or regulation. The Contractor must address any claims or disputes that arise from this requirement directly with the U.S. Department of Labor – Wage and Hour Division.
TRADE RESTRICTION
CERTIFICATION
49 USC § 50104, 49 CFR Part 30
By submission of an ofer, the Oferor certifes that with respect to this solicitation and any resultant contract, the Oferor –1) is not owned or controlled by one or more citizens of a foreign country included in the list of countries that discriminate against U.S. frms as published by the Ofce of the United States Trade Representative (USTR); 2) has not knowingly entered into any contract or subcontract for this project with a person that is a citizen or national of a foreign country included on the list of countries that discriminate against U.S. frms as published by the USTR; and 3) has not entered into any subcontract for any product to be used on the Federal project that is produced in a foreign country
Melissa Huss
Selway River Corridor damage
The Bitterroot National Forest is warning boaters of damage to the Selway River corridor following a severe wind event last summer.
On the afternoon of July 24, 2024, a severe storm caused extensive damage across portions of the Bitterroot and Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. Winds equivalent to a category 2 hurricane uprooted and damaged many trees, particularly within
the Selway River corridor, many of which fell into the river and riverside camps. This is likely to impact river recreationists’ experience this season. It is anticipated there will be considerable movement of trees and other large woody debris within the river corridor during spring runof. Boaters should exhibit extra caution this season navigating the river and in selecting camping locations.
The Selway River fows 47 miles through north-central Idaho within the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. From the Paradise launch site to the Race Creek take-out, the river drops an average of 28 feet per mile, creating a technical whitewater experience that challenges even expert boaters.
From May 15-July 31, the river employs a lottery permit system to protect it from excessive human impacts
and maintain a quality Wilderness experience. Permits are not required outside of the control season. Though there are trails, private ranches, a Forest Service Guard Station and a few landing strips, access is limited and opportunities for solitude abound.
Questions or condition reports should be directed to the West Fork Ranger Station at (406) 821-3269.
Spring Soiree to beneft North Valley Library
Tickets are now on sale for the second-annual Spring Soiree, a beneft for the North Valley Public Library in Stevensville.
The year’s event is slated for May 3, 5:30-7:30 pm, at St. Mary’s Parish Family Center, 333 Charlos St., Stevensville. It brings together the community and local authors for discussion, drinks, and hors d’oeuvres. Those attending also have the opportunity to purchase books from the authors, as well as bid on a variety of items in the extensive silent auction. Among items donated for this year’s fundraiser are three pieces of original artwork, plus numerous gift baskets, gift cards, and other
exciting opportunities.
Tickets are $25 each and entitle attendees to a beverage, plus an array of heavy appetizers and desserts. They may be purchased at the North Valley Public Library, 208 Main St., Stevensville. Cash and checks only will be accepted at the library. For other forms of payment and questions, contact Celeste Statler at (269) 5694723 or celeste.statler@gmail. com.
The Spring Soiree is presented by the North Valley Public Library Foundation and Friends of the Library. All proceeds will go toward building a new, expanded library to serve the Stevensville community.
Volunteers from Friends of the Library and the North Valley Public Library Foundation at the 2024 Spring Soiree. Photo courtesy North Valley Public Library.
Grant helps reunite lost pets with owners
by Kristin Kruse
According to statistics, one out of three pets will go missing in their lifetime. The odds of those pets being returned to their owners increases to a 50% or more success rate if they are wearing some sort of external identification, such as a tag with their owner’s name and phone number displayed.
The Bitterroot Humane Society in Hamilton is the recipient of the spring 2024 grant awarded by the Stevensville Community Foundation. The grant money enabled them to purchase a mobile etching machine, which is used to make identification tags for cats and dogs. The Humane Society frequently holds “pop up” adoption events and is able to bring the machine along wherever they go. Bitterroot Humane Association President Lisa Allison spoke about the importance of this free service that they offer. “We offer free ID tags and microchipping at our facility, and we take the etching machine with us to different events and the Farmers Market in Hamilton,” said Allison. “It is better for us to keep people and pets together.”
Allison has been involved with the Association for four years, as a board member for two years and as the president for the past two years. The sparkling clean facility is run by both paid staff and a large volunteer group. Volunteers help with
a variety of things, including walking dogs, data entry and cleaning. There are groomers and veterinarians who also volunteer their services.
“Every dog is walked daily, no matter what,” said Allison. “Rain and snow are no exception. All of our funding is 100% private or through grants. We take in animals that have been surrendered by their owners, strays, and some are fostered by us until they can go back to their owners. We also have an adoption program. Sometimes pet owners pass away, lose their housing or become incarcerated. Any animal that is adopted through us will walk out our door with all of their vaccines, a microchip, and be spayed or neutered. Adoption is not limited to dogs and cats, currently there is a turtle, a rabbit and a guinea pig on site and on occasion various livestock.”
There are plenty of volunteer opportunities to fit any schedule. If you are interested, visit www.
bitterroothumane.org for more information or to speak with someone.
The Stevensville Community Foundation (SCF) is a non-profit corporation that is dedicated to the betterment of Stevensville and other communities in the Bitterroot Valley. It was established in 1994, and has awarded grants to many organizations including but not limited to FFA, Clothes Closet, Genesis House, Stevensville Historical Museum and Three Mile Fire Station. There are two grant cycles per year, in the spring and fall. With the spring cycle rapidly approaching, now is the time for individuals and organizations to check their eligibility and get an application submitted. The deadline for spring grant applications is April 15th at 5:00 pm.The spring application and information can be found on the SCF website which is www.stevensvillecommunityfoundation. org.
SCF board member Cassi Kopsa (and her dog Blue) presenting a check to BHS President Lisa Allison. Photo by Kristin Kruse.
Bitterroot Humane Association President Lisa Allison with “Elvis” a foster cat. Photo by Kristin Kruse
