Bitterroot Star - May 13, 2025

Chamber of Commerce names Jackson as Unsung Hero

by John Dowd

Every year, the Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce recognizes several individuals, businesses and organizations in the valley. This year’s winners are: Mission Bistro, Business of the Year; Mary Casper (City Center Motel), Business Person of the Year; Darcy Hansen (State Farm Insurance), New Business of the Year; O’Hara Commons, Community Asset Award; Ravalli County Economic Development Authority, Economic Development Award; Stefani Jackson (Loads of Dignity), Unsung Hero Award; Sean Doyle (Stevensville Civic Club), Volunteer of the Year; Dyana Canavan (Partners in Home Care), Spark Plug Award; Mary Butt (Edward Jones), Ambassador of the Year. The winners were honored at the Chamber’s annual banquet, held last week in Hamilton.

This week we’re shining a spotlight on Stefani Jackson, this year’s Unsung Hero. The Unsung Hero Award is given every year to an individual in the community that goes above and beyond for others, often in ways that go unrecognized. This year, the Unsung Hero Award was given to Stefani Jackson for her work with Loads of Dignity. For Jackson, however, what she does is not just for her community, it’s for her “family.”

Loads of Dignity is a nonproft Jackson started in 2019. The program provides unhoused and low-income people in the Bitterroot an opportunity to have the cost of doing their laundry paid for in full.

about the relocation, the numbers will grow. People that come in fll out a form which asks for things like name, family size, children ages, etc. The form requires no fnancial information. According to Jackson, they do not ask that because she does not want her volunteers, or even herself, to judge anyone.

An example she gave was that someone could pull up in a nice vehicle. She said they could have bought that nice car before they lost everything. “There’s always more to the story than people realize,” said Jackson.

One example of this is the situation of Stephen. His father, Don, was recently diagnosed with a severe cancer, and has difculty with his bowels. Don lives with Stephen, and the laundry bills became extreme. Paying for the cancer

“Sometimes you don’t know what you mean to somebody, or what you’re gonna say that’s going to make a diference.”

“We ofer a variety of laundry detergents, fabric softeners, quarters and hygiene bags for adults,” says Jackson, “as well as specially curated children’s bags containing child-size hygiene items, a juice box, sensory toys, crackers, coloring books, a small pack of crayons and an age-appropriate book. Most of these children live an unstructured life under stress, which is no way for any child to grow up. The surprise of a bag just for them brightens their spirits. We strive to have each guest leave having met the last three of the fve basic needs of the hierarchy. These three are the need for belongingness (social acceptance, social interaction, social afliation), need for self-esteem (self-worth, appreciation, recognition, respect) and the need for self-actualization (physical, emotional, mental, spiritual). It also enables our guests to confdently seek or retain employment.”

About a month ago, Loads of Dignity moved their location from Hamilton to Corvallis. Now, they are set up in the new Washboard Laundromat, which Jackson said is a more centrally located place for those in the valley, saving them a little more gas.

For those who do not know how Loads of Dignity works, Jackson explained the process. She, along with board members and volunteers, sets up at the laundromat every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. They have a couple prepaid cards, which volunteers use to pay for non-proft guest laundry. According to Jackson, she puts money on them every week, about $500 worth. By the end of the week, she usually has to put more on at least once. They give the “last load” call at 1:15 to give guests time to dry their clothes.

According to Jackson, the organization helps an average of 10 to 15 people a day. It used to be more when they were in Hamilton, but as people learn

- Stefani Jackson

treatment and the bills has been hard on them. When speaking about what Loads of Dignity does for them, Stephen said, “They’ve been a godsend.”

According to Jackson, their eforts are kept alive by grants, with some community help. “We just do what we can,” said Jackson. However, in the six years she has been doing this, she said they have easily helped hundreds of people.

A key part of the language Jackson uses is that the people they help are referred to as “guests,” not clients or anything else. She said this is because she, and her volunteers, get really close to the people they help. For her, the goal is for people to feel like they have come into her home to visit, and they are using her washer and dryer. She wouldn’t want people to feel judged in her home, and she believes that dignity is huge. The volunteers will even sit down and talk, ofer cofee and snacks, and hear the stories of their guests, treating people like friends and family.

According to Jackson, that treatment helps with confdence, which goes far beyond the laundry. This can trickle into how they feel in their clean clothes, and can afect things like being able to go out and get a job, hold a job or the way a child can feel when they can go to school with clean clothes.

“Everyone deserves that,” said Jackson. The same people come week to week, and sometimes they stop coming all together. “We don’t always know what happens to them afterwards,” said Jackson. She is there nearly every day the nonproft is operating, and says, “they are my reason.” So, when a person stops coming who everyone in her extended family has grown close to, it can be hard on everyone, but sometimes it’s for a good reason.

One story Jackson told was of a woman that she had as a guest several years ago. The woman had recently gotten out of jail and was coming in regularly. Jackson said she noticed the woman was always visiting while she was high and it was often difcult not to judge the woman. However, the woman disappeared for a few years, and Jackson became worried that something bad might have happened to her. Eventually, Jackson received a long letter, with $100 in it for Loads of Dignity. In the letter, that same woman said she fnally got her degree and was even looking to buy a house. The woman made it clear, “without you, I wouldn’t have made it.”

Jackson said that for that woman Loads of Dignity made a huge diference, not just because of the laundry service, but because there was someone there to listen and not to judge.

“Sometimes you don’t know what you mean to somebody, or what you’re gonna say that’s going to make a diference,” said Jackson. She added that, honestly, she does not remember any of the conversations they had, or saying anything special; she just treats everyone like friends and family.

When Jackson was notifed about receiving the award, she was surprised. “Me?” she said. “There’s so many more people that do amazing things in this valley.” For her it is a personal mission,

and something she was looking for to give herself a purpose. Jackson was in healthcare before. She also has epilepsy, and after having a severe seizure in an empty patient room, she lost her job. “One day, I said, ‘Lord, you’ve gotta give me a purpose.’”

Later on, she was carrying a load of clothes to her laundry machine and it hit her. “There are some people that can’t do that,” she said. Jackson grew up in rural Texas, and they had to wash their clothes in a horse trough. She remembers going to school and being self conscious about what the other kids might say if they smelled her.

Jackson approached her husband and said she had a crazy idea. Jackson’s husband supported her, and she started looking for funding, and learned to write grants. Eventually, the program grew to what it is today.

Loads of Dignity is now located at the Washboard Laundromat, in Corvallis, at 1022 Main Street. Everyone is welcome. For those interested in helping out or learning more, interested parties can call (406) 360-7763 or email loadsofdignity2019@gmail.com. There is also more information on the organization website, loadsofdignity. com.

Look for more stories about award winners in future Bitterroot Star issues.

Rodger Howard, Stephen Howard, Dawn Pastorius, Brenda Wilson (board member), Stefani Jackson, Colleen Larson, Shawna Sorenson and Linda Smith (board member) stand outside Washboard Laundromat while clothes wash in the machines inside. Photo by John Dowd.

Dan Shepherd and the Amber Trude

When Dan Shepherd owned the Grizzly Hackle Fly Shop in Missoula we had a good working relationship. It was so good that we eventually became friends. Neither of us still own a fy shop but the friendship has endured..

These days Dan stays busy with something loves, traveling and hosting trips to exotic destinations for fshing travel company Wild on the Fly.

My time is spent a little closer to home with things I love, stalking wild trout with bamboo rods on smaller-sized rivers and creeks with my own fies.

Dan and I cross paths less frequently now but when we do we both light up - we’re always glad to see each other.

by Chuck Stranahan

When our shops were still active those occasions were more frequent. When a Costco run or medical appointment forced me into Missoula during the ofseason I’d always stop at Dan’s shop. During trout season I’d see Dan or one of his guides fairly regularly at my place.

His guide crew in those days included present-day Grizzly Hackle outftter Drew Miller, and top guide who eventually became my shop outftter Tony Reinhart. Justin Baker, the protégé and sidekick of legendary writer and fy designer Gary LaFontaine did double-duty for both shops while budding young writer Greg Thomas worked the counter and guided out of my shop. Greg went on to a career editing and writing for the major fy fshing magazines and writing his own books.

Dan’s was the bigger shop and carried brands that I didn’t. If I got an inquiry, say, for a rod that I didn’t carry, I’d call Grizzly. “Hey Dan, do you have a nine-foot six-weight so-and-so in stock?” If he did I might have it in hand the following day. We’d do fll-in runs of everything from leader material to foatant both ways depending on who needed what before a distributor shipment arrived.

As a small destination shop run by a commercial fy tyer, I carried specialty items that the bigger shops didn’t – including my personally-tied fies.

was headed for the Bitterroot I’d sometimes pick up the phone and hear, “Hey Chuck – this is Dan. I’ll be fshing the middle stretch tomorrow and I wonder: Do you have any size fourteen Amber Trudes in stock?”

If the Amber Trude bin was low or empty I’d stay late and tie some for Dan. He’d pick them up before he went out. It wasn’t uncommon to get a second phone call from Dan telling me how well they worked.

There are probably thirty or forty species of stonefies that could be roughly represented by an Amber Trude. Many of them are common to our cobble-bottomed western Montana rivers. Two or three might be on the water at the same time, any place you’d fsh. You might see rises here and there, maybe get a snoot-bump rejection on a bigger gaudier pattern. That’s time to put on an Amber Trude. Dan got ahead of the game: that’s what he’d start with.

Some of these medium-sized #12 and #14 stonefies might have amber or yellowish bodies under tan, dark brown, or gray wings. Some of the

brighter yellow ones have whitish wings that are almost clear.

Get the body color and silhouette right. The fsh wants to see that body – not too fat, and wing silhouette - not too heavy. Add just enough hackle to simulate the beating wings and wiggling legs of the natural in a fy that fats well through broken water and you might fnd yourself in business.

That’s what I started with, and then tweaked a thing here and there to come up with the present Amber Trude Dressing. Get close to the photo with a body mix of 2 parts Golden Stone and 1 part Rust Antron dubbing ribbed with gold or copper mylar. Hackle the fy with grizzly dyed golden stone.

A couple of major factories have tried to tie this fy (it isn’t that hard) but failed. If t you don’t tie pass the recipe on to somebody who does. The Amber Trude works well wherever it’s been fshed.

Next stop, Slovenia and Dan’s annual quest for marble trout. I promised to tie a few for Dan and a mutual friend for an upcoming trip. I’ll keep a few for myself and less exotic destinations closer to home.

Dan balanced being shop-bound in Missoula with getting out on the rivers and guiding. If he

The Amber Trude works for many medium-sized bugs that trout eat. Photo courtesy Chuck Stranahan.

First forest fires of season

by Michael Howell

It’s early in the season but already two wildfires are burning on the Bitterroot National Forest.

First to be reported was a fire burning in the Big Creek drainage in the Bitterroot-Selway Wilderness about 9.5 miles west of Stevensville. Smoke was detected in the area about 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May

7. Fire managers ordered a helicopter to perform a reconnaissance flight. The initial report identified the fire at one acre in size but after aerial reconnaissance and ground confirmation the fire was estimated to be covering 75 acres. Fire officials describe the fire as burning in steep and rocky terrain from near the valley bottom up to the snow line. A medium

helicopter was dispatched to provide water support and additional aircraft were ordered. By Friday morning, ground personnel were working to gain access to the fire and assist with targeting water drops. There was minimal fire activity over the weekend and the fire remains about 75 acres in size. On Monday, three helicopters were working on the fire to con -

tain the edges and cool the interior and the Cedar City Interagency Hotshots were hiking in to try to secure the southern flank as well as the eastern corner of the fire. The direct aviation action as well as favorable weather have moderated the fire’s activity.

A second fire burned briefly in the Tabor Project Area, about 11 miles south of Hamilton where a

prescribed fire was implemented on May 3. Forest Service personnel brought in aviation and ground resources to keep fire activity within the project area. Fire crews were able to corral fire activity Friday night within a few hours of initial detection with the aid of air resources. Crews spent the weekend mopping up and patrolling lines and will continue to do so all week.

Victor students shine with history projects

In November, students at Victor Middle and High School eagerly embarked on an exciting academic journey: National History Day. This nationwide competition challenges students to explore historical topics through rigorous research and critical analysis, culminating in creative projects presented as exhibits, documentaries, performances, websites, or research papers.

This year marked Victor School District’s debut in the competition. The 2025 theme, “Rights and Responsibilities,” inspired a diverse array of thought-provoking projects. Topics ranged from Wyatt Earp and the nuclear bomb to Juneteenth, the Vietnam War, the Geneva Convention, child labor reform, Montana’s Native American boarding schools, and the forced removal of the Salish people from the Bitterroot Valley.

The National History Day State competition was held at Montana State University on April 12. Victor students Sophia Walker, Kloe Svoboda, Maddison Hill, Brynn Berk, and Kaylee Stratton all competed at the state competition representing Victor.

Kloe Svoboda was named a state fnalist and will be advancing to the National History Day Contest in June at the University of Maryland. Kloe’s documentary, “Doctors of Death,” explores the horrifc treatment of prisoners at the hands of Nazi doctors during WWII. Kloe has dedicated countless hours to refning her project, incorporating primary and secondary sources to strengthen her narrative.

Currently, Khloe, her family, and the Victor School District are fundraising for the trip. A GoFundMe has been established by her family and the

school will host a Trivia Night on May 14th at 6 p.m. in the multipurpose room. Any assistance is greatly appreciated to defer the costs of this trip. Kloe will have the opportunity to explore the Library of Congress and other historical landmarks of Washington

DC on her trip. If you have any questions or would like to make a contribution to Kloe’s National History Trip, contact Michelle Meyer at meyer@victor. k12.mt.us or Kloe’s Svoboda’s GoFundMe: https:// gofund.me/785890ad

Victor student Kloe Svoboda was named a state fnalist and will be advancing to the National History Day Contest in June at the University of Maryland. She’s shown here with her family at Regionals.

Response to Hasenkrug

This letter is in response to an extremely well written letter published in the Bitterroot Star on April 2, 2025, by Dr. Kim Hasenkrug, retired RML employee, outlining the value of keeping the lab in the Bitterroot Valley. He cites several of the ongoing scientifc studies and points out the tremendous economic value it imparts to the area. I worked at the lab from June of 1960 to May of 1984 and concur with much of what he said. Historically, the lab made enormous contributions to the study of disease agents and contributed to the World War II efort by making vaccines and sending staf to the war zones. Workers at the Lab faced danger and according to a book on Spotted Fever by Dr. Robert Phillip, past Director of the Lab, seven people died from the diseases they were working on. These deaths were pre-antibiotics. Many others were infected with agents they were working with, but they survived. Also, at that time we lacked equipment and procedures necessary to protect ourselves from highly infectious disease agents like Q fever and Tularemia. Furthermore, we were testing ticks for disease agents from many foreign countries where deadly tickborne diseases were known to exist.

With the large expenditure on the new high security Lab at the RML, they are probably not going to receive very signifcant cuts. It is one of only a few labs in the United States rated at BS-L,4. The big danger to the Lab could arise from the fact that the lab has been led for decades by three scientists, Dr. Fauci, Dr. Collins and Dr. Gallo, who Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. probably have in their cross hairs and have no regard for any of them.

It is possible that all the good that could have been accomplished by Dr. Hasenkrug’s letter was lost when his message became political and maligned Trump’s pick for Secretary of Health and Human Services, RFK Jr.

He said, “President Trump has done Americans a tremendous disservice by appointing such an incompetent person as the Secretary of Health and Human Services.”

RFK Jr. has spoken for himself by publishing two books. One, “The Real Anthony Fauci” in 2021 and “The Wuhan Cover-up” in 2023. In these two books, RFK Jr. has cited every statement that he makes, and this lets you go to his source to check everything he says. Check it out. There is another excellent book written by Rand Paul entitled “Deception, The Great Covid Cover-up” that backs up a lot of what RFK Jr. has said.

As for vaccines, RFK Jr. is not against vaccines. He is against the way many vaccines have been prepared and tested in the past. He wants them properly tested to ensure that there are no viral contaminants and not be tested in people with no advocacy. Several vaccines that were prepared using monkey cells contained SV40, a viral contaminant. This virus was present in both the Salk and Sabin vaccines at very low levels. Sabin’s vaccine replaced the Salk vaccine because the oral vaccine was ingested and not injected, it supposedly did not cause any harm?

Also, he cites several instances where Fauci and Big Pharma tested potential AIDS drugs and vaccines using foster children, some babies less than three days old. Many of these experiments were predominately in children of color, African American (64%), and Latinos (30%). Children with no advocacy. To see why RFK Jr. is worried about vac-

Opinion

cines, see Chapter 7 in his book about Dr. Fauci, entitled: “Mr. Hyde: NIAID’S Barbaric and Illegal Experiments on Children” and chapter 8 entitled: “White Mischief: Dr. Fauci’s African Atrocities.” All RFK Jr.’s statements were documented. Many children died during these experiments and many others were left with severe health problems. Further, he proves that Fauci lied when he testifed before Congress, claiming that he had never supported gain of function research. Fauci approved and funded several studies by Ralph Baric at the University of North Carolina and Peter Daszak, President of Echo Health Alliance in New York, where data were shared with the Chinese scientists at the Wuhan lab and the Chinese military that could have been used to create the Covid virus that infected millions of people around the world. Some of this support occurred during Obama’s ban on gain of function studies These American scientists co-authored several publications that resulted from this cooperation. RFK Jr. says that the NIH funded at least 60 scientifc projects at the Wuhan lab. This is why Fauci has been such an advocate of the theory that humans got infected at the Wuhan Market. He obviously doesn’t want to get credit for supporting work with millions of dollars that could have resulted in the origin of the Covid pandemic. Congress should investigate the charges that RFK Jr. makes in his two books and if they are credible the ofenders should be penalized or at least get credit for the atrocities they were part of.

Finally, RFK Jr. is already putting forth new rules regarding the preparation and testing of vaccines and has proposed a vigorous campaign to fnd the cause of autism.

It is entirely possible that neither Trump nor RFK Jr. will read the Bitterroot Star and will probably not have seen the “Thank You Dr. Fauci” sign on the current RML Director’s fence. Also look at the bright side. Even if Musk and RFK Jr. close the lab, the existing buildings could provide structures for a middle school or a university.

Carleton M. Cliford PhD, retired Scientist Director RML Hamilton

Dementia

My wife and I of 65 years moved here to Hamilton to be near two of our daughters in 2014 after living in Post Falls, ID for 12 years and had previously lived for 42 years in Bothell, WA. Our life in Post Falls was full of opportunity to continue in my woodworking vocation in its many forms.

My wife loved the computer and her ability to keep up on our fnances and pursue her hobby making greeting cards using pictures of lowers and nature that she had taken. It was in those years that she began seeing a doctor about her loss of memory, also things were happening, like I would come into the kitchen and fnd a kettle of spuds burnt to a crisp on the stove. It wasn’t an everyday thing that was happening. Around 2017 we applied for an opening at Sapphire Lutheran Homes for an apartment, and shortly after we got a call that they had an opening for us and we could move in in February which we did. The following April the Sapphire CEO called me into the ofce to discuss my wife’s needs which were beyond their capabilities. It was then that we made arrangements to place her into Beehive Memory Care on July 9, 2018. Shortly after Covid set in and visitation became minimal.

On December 12, 2020 she passed away peacefully, MY not having been with her at her passing.

Since that time we have had an elec-

tion with Biden and Harris on the ticket and for me it was a struggle to watch Biden struggle with what I perceived to be dementia, and wondering what was going to happen next. And now after the election there are some who are fghting like a bunch of imbeciles, that have no morality, only anger and hate. And a mouth full of foul language that is unbecoming of a moral and faithful politician. I compare what’s going on in this country of ours to that of dementia; how subtle it is to perceive what is going on. Demonstrations, riots, and killings, you name it. What if we got into a nuclear war? What would be left?

Satan is working hard and has a good foothold. It’s time to think about what the money we carry says: IN GOD WE TRUST. Or do we? After all, DEMENTIA took my wife.

Roger Radermacher Hamilton

Possible closure of Job Corps

I read recently that eforts were being made by the Trump Administration to close the Trapper Creek Job Corps Center. I was greatly angered by this news. Over the past fve years I have had the opportunity to work closely with the students and some of the teachers at the center. I have worked with them on various conservation projects, including the Lee Metcalf restoration project at the Wildlife Refuge. We have also worked on Boat Ramp rebuilding projects and a fsheries research project.

I have without exception been impressed with the enthusiasm of the students and their hard work. They have made signifcant contributions to our community while increasing their job skills. The students are very polite and seem to be very happy to be given this opportunity to learn skills that make them more employable.

This coming Wednesday, the science teacher at Trapper Creek will be helping the students release Rainbow Trout that they have raised from fertilized eggs. This is the ffth year she has successfully done this program. The students learn water chemistry and other factors that go into making sure the fsh grow to a releasable size. These same students also are participating in a macroinvertebrate inventory of the Bitterroot River to monitor its health.

I feel it would be a huge loss to our community to have this center closed. We would lose the positive energy that these students and staf bring to the Bitterroot Valley. It’s time to take a stand and make our voices heard about our disagreement with the closure.

David Ward Hamilton

Trump mandate

This letter is in response to Steve Schmidt’s LTE in the May 7 Bitterroot Star. He states that Trump did not receive a mandate as he only received 32% of the eligible potential voters. Using the percentage of that total is a dishonest use of facts. If counting all eligible potential voters, there has never been a mandate for a President in our history. Only 63.5% of eligible potential voters actually voted in 2024. That number stays fairly constant for presidential elections. The other 36.5% should not be counted as they choose not to participate in our civic duty electing our representatives. Of the actual voters, Trump received 49.81% of the vote. He won all of the battleground states and both houses of Congress stayed Republican. That is a mandate.

Paul Vosters Stevensville

America should produce what we do best

The stuf we buy is going to get more expensive. The reasons are not as straightforward as we might expect. There are notable solutions.

John Deere recently announced its plan to shift production from the U.S. to Mexico. It’s not difcult to understand why. John Deere acknowledged that they operate in a global market. They sell their products all over the world, not just in the U.S. Consequently, to stay competitive, they have to consider their labor costs. Labor in Mexico is about 80% lower than in the U.S.

That is not to say that American factory workers are overpaid. On the contrary, they should receive a greater proportion of their employers’ profts.

There is great interest in achieving more factory production in the U.S. Many seem to want to vilify foreign countries because they make stuf that could have been made in the U.S. But American companies were not forced to move their factories to other countries. The much lower cost of labor in foreign countries was a key driver to move factories outside the U.S. Sadly, American companies often have spent profts on CEO pay and shareholder buybacks instead of research and development leading to valuable innovations.

The average wage in Mexico is $3.50-6.00/hour. In the United States it is $20.00-30.00/hour. U.S. factory workers earn 5-8x more per hour than Mexican workers. This wage disparity drives nearshoring (U.S. companies moving production to Mexico for cost savings).

It makes sense that some U.S. companies move their factories to Mexico, China, or elsewhere. The larger question is, how should the U.S. respond?

Furthermore, have Americans really considered what stuf would cost if companies returned manufacturing to the U.S.? Labor costs for American companies would skyrocket. In turn, the prices we pay would go up signifcantly.

Still, we want some things built in American factories. We must provide American jobs.

Where do we go from here? Warren Bufet ofered some sage advice. Bufett recently emphasized the importance of countries focusing on producing what they do best during Berkshire Hathaway’s 2024 annual shareholders meeting. He advocates for the economic principle of “comparative advantage,” the idea that nations should specialize in goods or services they can produce most efciently and trade for the rest. Bufett argues that countries (like businesses) thrive when they prioritize their competitive advantages rather than trying to dominate every industry. Excessive national protectionism is not the answer.

Key Bufet quotes:

“The world works better when we exchange what we’re good at.”

“The world has gotten richer by trading what you make best for what others make best. Trying to do everything yourself is a recipe for poverty.”

John Deere seemingly agrees. John Deere indicated they will retain hightech research and development at their Iowa plant.

Let’s focus production on what America does best. Let’s put Americans to work designing and building stuf at home that the world wants and can’t get elsewhere.

Steve Schmidt Darby

by Scott Sacry Sports Editor

Hamilton’s Mel Race was the winning pitcher in Hamilton’s 18-3 victory over Corvallis on Tuesday, May 6. Race only allowed 3 hits and struck out 9 batters.

LaVerne Combo softball tournament

The Bitterroot Valley softball teams of Corvallis, Florence, Hamilton and Stevensville were in Butte on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10 for the LaVerne Combo softball tournament.

This tournament gave the teams a chance to play some diferent teams from all over the state. Each team played two games on Friday and two games on Saturday.

Postseason softball

The postseason for high school softball begins this week.

Florence hosts the Western B/C Divisionals on May 15-17. The Florence girls are the #1 seed and play on Thursday, May 15.

Corvallis, Hamilton and Stevensville are in the Southwest A Division. The top two teams, Frenchtown and Dillon, get byes into state. The #3 and #4 teams have state play-in games on Saturday, May 17.

Stevensville and Hamilton are fghting for the #3 and #4 seeds. The exact seeding depends on the outcome of their games on Tuesday, May 13 (after press time; look for updates on the Bitterroot Star’s Facebook page).

Whoever gets the #3 seed hosts Libby on Saturday, May 17 and whoever gets the #4 seed plays at Ronan on Saturday, May 17. The winners of the Saturday games go to state, so there’s a chance both Hamilton and Stevensville will make it to state, which is at Columbia Falls on May 22-24.

Hamilton

On Friday, May 9, Hamilton lost to Butte High JV 1-8 in their frst game of the LaVerne Combo tournament.

For Hamilton, Mel Race went 3 for 3 with an RBI, and Addi Henderson went 1 for 1 and scored a run.

Also on Friday, Hamilton tied Columbus 7-7. For Hamilton, Hadley Lockhart went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs, Mel Race went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs, Mariah Johnson went 1 for 3 with an RBI, and Thea Jackson hit a triple.

Then on Saturday, Hamilton lost to Lockwood 0-4. Thea Jackson and Mel Race got the only hits for Hamilton.

Also on Saturday, Hamilton lost to Laurel 3-10. For Hamilton, Thea Jackson hit a solo home run, Kennidi Cooper and Coco Vachon each went 2 for 2, and Hayliegh Savage went 1 for 2 with an RBI.

Earlier in the week on Tuesday, May 6, Hamilton defeated Corvallis 18-3. For Hamilton, Casey Kennedy went 3 for 3 with 5 RBIs, Thea Jackson went 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs, and Coco Vachon went 2 for 3 and scored 2 runs.

Stevensville

On Friday, May 9, Stevensville played Lockwood and lost 0-5 in their frst game of the LaVerne Combo tournament. For Stevensville, Jaidan Oyler went 2 for 3 and Morgan Yeager had a double.

Also on Friday, Stevensville defeated Deer Lodge 11-2. For Stevensville, Lilly Newsom went 2 for 4, scored 3 runs and had an RBI, Molly Davis went 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs, Jaidan Oyler went 1 for 3, scored 2 runs and had an RBI, and Aisleigh Lenahan went 1 for 3 with an RBI.

Then on Saturday, they lost to Livingston 5-7. For Stevensville, Maddix Yeager went 3 for 3 with a home run

Divisional tennis to begin

The Southwest A Divisional tennis tournament was in Hamilton on May 13-14. They may also play May 15 depending on the weather. The southwest tennis teams from Corvallis, Hamilton, Stevensville, Dillon and Ronan competed for a chance to go to the Class A State tournament in Billings on May 22-23. The results will be in next week’s paper.

Hamilton’s Ciara Hanley was last year’s divisional champion and state runner up in girls singles, while Hamilton’s Tallulah Pinjuv

was 2nd in divisionals and 4th at state in girls singles last year. Hamilton’s doubles team of Finn Dufresne and Jason Chaplin are the defending divisional champions. And Stevensville’s Angus Trangmoe was 2nd in divisionals in boys singles last year.

Hamilton’s Ciara Hanley is looking to repeat as champion in girls singles at the Southwest A Divisional tennis tournament, which was held in Hamilton on May 13-15. Photo by Scott Sacry.

and an RBI, Lilly Newsom went 3 for 4 with an RBI, and Jaidan Oyler went 3 for 4 and scored 2 runs.

Also on Saturday, Stevensville defeated Columbus 14-3. For Stevensville, Lilly Newsom went 3 for 4 with 3 RBIs, Maddix Yeager went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, Kenzi Frost went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, and Emilee Ross went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs.

Earlier in the week on Tuesday, May 6, Stevensville played at Frenchtown and lost 3-4 in a close contest. For Stevensville, Lilly Newsom went 2 for 3 with an RBI, Jaidan Oyler went 1 for 3, scored 2 runs and had an RBI, and Molly Davids went 1 for 3 with an RBI.

Corvallis

On Friday, May 9, Corvallis defeated Hardin 8-6 in their frst game of the LaVerne Combo tournament. For Corvallis, Libby Jessop went 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs, Ella Daly went 2 for 4 and scored 2 runs, and Kirsten Race went 1 for 2 with an RBI.

Also on Friday, they lost to Butte High JV 22-17 in a slugfest. For Corvallis, Sophie Cooper went 3 for 3, hit a home run and had 8 RBIs, Ella Daly went 3 for 3 with 2 RBIs, Libby Jessop went 3 for 4 with an RBI, and Caitlin Nelson went 1 for 2, scored 2 runs and had 2 RBIs.

Then on Saturday, they lost to Lockwood 4-11. For Corvallis, Caitlin Nelson went 1 for 1 with 2 RBIs, and Libby Jessop and Brenna Bear each had RBIs.

Also on Saturday, they defeated Deer Lodge 16-1. Corvallis pitcher Brenna Bear got the win. For Corvallis, Sophie Cooper went 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs, Ella Daly went 2 for 3 and

scored 3 runs, Isabella Cardullo went 1 for 1 with 3 RBIs, and Jossalyn Lendak went 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs.

Earlier in the week Corvallis played at Hamilton and lost 3-18. For Corvallis, Ella Daly went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs.

Florence Class B Florence played four solid Class A schools at the Laverne Combo tournament. In their frst game on Friday, May 9, they defeated Polson 9-7. For Florence, Ava Philbrick went 2 for 3 with a home run and 2 RBIs, Taylor Pyette went 2 for 2 with a home run and an RBI, Reilley Reed went 2 for 2, and Jaden Fisher hit a solo home run.

Also on Friday, they lost to Billings Central 9-10. For Florence, Maggie Schneiter went 2 for 4 with 3 RBIs, Ava Philbrick went 2 for 3 with a home run and an RBI, Jaden Fisher went 2 for 3 with a home run and an RBI, and Kenzy Pickering went 2 for 2 with an RBI.

Then on Saturday, they defeated Havre 7-2. Florence pitcher Kenzy Pickering got the win. For Florence, Maggie Schneiter went 2 for 3 with a home run and an RBI, Lily Bender went 2 for 3 and scored 2 runs, and Kaylee Crawford went 1 for 3 with an RBI.

Also on Saturday, they lost to Frenchtown 1-4. Maggie Schneiter had the only hit for Florence.

Earlier in the week on Thursday, May 8, Florence went to Anaconda and won 11-1. Ava Philbrick went 3 for 4 with 3 RBIs, Lily Bender went 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs, Jaden Fisher went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs, and Taylor Pyette went 2 for 3 with an RBI.

Photo by Scott Sacry.

Corvallis’s Caitlin Nelson pitching in the Corvallis/Hamilton game in Hamilton on Tuesday, May 6. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Sports District 6B & 13C track results

The district track and feld championships for District 6B and District 13C were held in Missoula at the MCPS Stadium on Friday, May 9 and Saturday, May 10. Florence and Darby competed in 6B, while Victor competed in 13C. In the team standings, the Florence boys took 2nd place, and the Florence girls tied for 2nd place. The Darby boys took 3rd, while the Darby girls took 4th. The Victor boys took 11th and the Victor girls took 10th. Bitterroot Valley athletes turned in some great performances. Darby’s McCoy Townsend and Lily Adair each won three individual events, as did Florence’s Kyler Harris. Individual district champions from the Bitterroot Valley Darby’s McCoy Townsend won the 200m (22.97), the

400m (51.34) and the long jump (20-11), and took 4th in the 100m (11.80). Townsend was also on Darby’s winning 4x400m relay team.

Darby’s Lily Adair won the 800m (2:27.35), the 1600m (5:38.64) and the 3200m (13:00.96). Adair was also on Darby’s winning 4x400m relay team.

Florence’s Kyler Harris won the 800m (2:02.14), the 1600M (4:27.32) and the 3200m (10:26.94).

Florence’s Bridger Alexander won the shot put (47-08) and discus (143-09).

Florence’s Isaac Bates won the 100m (11.50) and took 3rd in the 200m (23.29).

Florence’s Madigan Hurlbert won the 100m hurdles (15.13) and took 2nd in the 100m (13.05) and the 200m (26.89). Hulbert was also on Florence’s 4x100m winning

relay team.

Florence’s Aislynn Campbell won the shot put (30-04.5).

The Florence girls 4x100m relay team of Lola Bates, Madigan Hurlbert, Bailey Kroeker and Brinley Skaggs won (50.77).

The Darby girls 4x400m relay team of Ella Bush, Kiahna Hirmann, Lily Adair and Natalie Anderson won (4:14.56).

The Darby boys 4x400m relay team of McCoy Townsend, Ben Martin, Gavin Anderson and Gavin Miller won (3:29.73). Divisional track up next

The Hamilton, Corvallis and Stevensville track and feld teams participate in the Western A Divisional championships in Polson on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17.

The Darby, Florence and Victor track and feld teams participate in the Western B & C Divisionals in Missoula at the MCPS Stadium on Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17.

Bitterroot baseball results

Hamilton

The Hamilton baseball team has been on a roll. They are 15-1 on the season and in their last six games they have outscored their opponents 66-1. Hamilton and Frenchtown played on Tuesday, May 13, and the winner will be the #1 seed from the South conference at the State Tournament. The All Class State baseball tournament is in Hamilton on May 22-24.

On Tuesday, May 6, Hamilton went to Stevensville and won 13-0. Hamilton pitchers Cash Lawrence and Jude Widmer combined for a one-hitter. For Hamilton, Widmer went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs, Boedy Tadvick went 2 for 3 with an RBI, Hunter Harrness went 1 for 3

and scored 2 runs, and Atticus Southwell went 1 for 4 with an RBI.

On Saturday, May 10, Hamilton hosted Florence and won 10-0. This win avenged Hamilton’s only loss of the season when they fell to Florence 4-5 on March 10. Hamilton pitcher Jackson Lubke was masterful. Lubke pitched a no hitter and struck out 10 batters in 6 innings. For Hamilton, Boedy Tadvick went 2 for 2 and scored 2 runs, Brady DeMoss went 2 for 3 with 3 RBIs, and Cash Lawrence, Atticus Southwell, Tyce O’Connell and Elijah McNair-Neal each had RBIs.

Corvallis

On Tuesday, May 6, Corvallis went

to Missoula Big Sky and lost 0-8. For Corvallis, Maurice Craun and Waylon Lendak each had hits.

On Thursday, May 8, Corvallis went to Florence and lost 1-11. For Corvallis, Joe Hixon hit an RBI triple and Bridger Huddleston went 1 for 2 and scored a run.

Stevensville

On Tuesday, May 6, Stevensville hosted Hamilton and were defeated 0-13. Stevensville got hits from Exekiel Gardea and McCoy Endres.

Then on Thursday, May 8, Stevensville hosted Missoula Hellgate and won 10-1. Stevensville pitcher Joey Wheeler struck out 14 batters and only allowed

2 hits to get the win. Wheeler also went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs at the plate. Also for Stevensville, Exekiel Gardea went 3 for 3 with an RBI, Cole Germane went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs, and Connor Lenahan went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs.

Florence

On Thursday, May 8, Florence hosted Corvallis and won 11-1. Florence pitchers Mason Arlington and Isaiah Testerman combined to pitch a two-hitter. For Florence, Wes Potter went 2 for 2 with 3 RBIs, Levi Winters went 2 for 4, and Drew Wagner, Jordan Vigil and Mason Arlington each had 2 RBIs. On Saturday, May 10, Florence went to Hamilton and lost 0-10.

Florence girls win golf divisionals

The Florence and Darby golf teams competed in the Western B Divisional

tournament on Tuesday, May 6

Solari, Reese Briney, Lexi Danczyk, and Lacie Ketelhut took 1st place, as they finished 20 strokes ahead of second

place Missoula Loyola.

The Florence boys team of Brodey Duchien, Ian McLean, Rollie Fisher, and Mason Brossman took 4th place and qualified for state.

Individually for the Florence girls, Kipley Solari took 3rd (86), Reese Briney tied for 7th (99), Lexi Danczyk took 9th (100) and Lacie

Ketelhut tied for 13th (105).

Individually for the Florence boys, Brodey Duchien and Ian McLean both shot 77, tying for 4th. Rollie Fisher tied for 31st (97), and Mason Brossman tied for 34th (100).

Darby’s highest boys finisher was Daniel Stewart who tied for 36th

(103). Darby’s highest girls finisher was Georgia Fisher who tied for 35th (130). The Florence boys and girls competed at the State Class B Golf tournament at the Marias Valley Golf Course in Shelby on Tuesday, May 13 and Wednesday, May 14. Results will be in next week’s paper.

golf

at the Indian Springs golf course in Eureka. The Florence girls team of Kipley

Florence’s Kyler Harris (left) and Darby’s Lily Adair (right) both won the 800m, 1600m and 3200m races at the 6B District track meet in Missoula on May 10, Adair for the girls, and Harris for the boys. Photos by Scott Sacry.

Florence’s Isaac Bates (right) and Darby’s McCoy Townsend (left) race in the 100m at the 6B District track meet in Missoula. Bates won the event and Townsend took 4th. Townsend had an exceptional overall meet, winning the 200m, the 400m and the long jump. Photo by Scott Sacry.

Floyd William Kaufman

It is with a heavy heart that we announce that Floyd W. Kaufman passed away unexpectedly at Yuma Medical Emergency on November 23, 2024, following a cardiac event.

He was born March 1, 1954, in Marysville, Ohio, to Raymond and Emma Kaufman of Plain City, Ohio, the fourth of seven children. He grew up on a farm outside of Plain City, Ohio, where he grew to love the farming life. He attended school at Plain City Elementary School and then at Plainview Christian School through the 10th grade. He completed his education at Columbus Evening School in Columbus, Ohio. He then worked at a youth mission in Berlin, Germany for one year. He loved Europe and returned there several times. The farming life called to him and he returned to Plain City where he did custom farming and owned Kaufman Feed and Grain. He was also a stock broker for a period of time, and then began installing racquet ball courts and aerobic dance foors around the entire United States.

He came to Montana on a hunting trip and fell in love with the mountains and lakes. He eventually moved to Stevensville, Montana in 1988. He worked as a ranch hand, built fence, and went to work as a welder at Selway Corporation. He continued to work as a welder for a few years, then joined the Plumbers and Pipeftters Union, and became a traveling pipeftter, working at nuclear power plants, oil refnery shutdowns, and various industrial construction over the United States. He worked extensively in the Bakken oil felds of western North Dakota until his retirement in 2018.

He married Linda Dietz Pearson November 26, 1988 in Stevensville, Montana and became an instant father to her daughters, Colleen aged 9 years and Melissa aged 6 years. He was a good Dad, teaching them to drive and attending school conferences and concerts. He watched them gradu-

Death Notices

Corona service

The Memorial Mass for Danielle Katherine Corona will be held Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Hamilton, followed by the inurnment at Victor Cemetery in Victor. The reception will follow at the Bitterroot River Inn. Brothers Mortuary & Crematory is honored to care for Ms. Corona. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www. brothersmortuary.com

ate high school, continue their education, and had the honor of giving them away at their weddings. In later life he became interested in rocks and jewelry making which he loved. Many of his family and friends have earrings and rings that he made for them.

After retirement he and Linda bought their winter home in Yuma, AZ. He was active in the Yuma Gem and Rock Club and was a volunteer for Helping Hands of Yuma. He was also a Mason and was a Shriner as well; he loved riding the mini bikes in the parades. He was an outgoing man who made friends all over the United States. He had an enduring love of fshing and spent time on lakes in western Montana, eastern Washington, and North Dakota.

He is survived by his wife Linda and daughter Melissa Larson of Stevensville, granddaughters Elizabeth and Abigail Mackowick of Moorhead, MN, his sons-in-law Marlon Mackowick, of Moorhead, MN, and Joshua Larson of Stevensville, his brothers Eldon Kaufman and Steve Kaufman of Stevensville, MT, sisters Miriam Miller and Rhoda Kaufman of Plain City , Ohio, and Ruth Nisly of Partridge, Kansas, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins throughout the Midwest. He was preceded by his parents Raymond and Emma Kaufman, and daughter Colleen Kaufman

gathering will follow at Blacksmith Brewery in Stevensville.

Jack Anton Coppy

Darby - Jack Anton Coppy, 70, of Darby passed away Sunday, May 4, 2025 at the Village Health Care Center in Missoula. No formal services will be held. Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com.

Frank Potter Hamilton - Frank Potter, 92, passed away at home on the evening of Wednesday, May 7, 2025. He is survived by his wife Bonnie and his daughter Adaria. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com

Mackowick of Moorhead, MN, and sister Judith Kaufman of Plain City, Ohio.

A memorial service will be held May 17, 2025 at Stevensville United Methodist Church at 1 pm. Inurnment will follow at Riverview Cemetery. A

GAS: Korea, Vietnam and Cold War

his time in the U.S. Air Force he was lucky to always have fying jobs.

“I got in because I didn’t want to be sent to Korea,” said Meppen. He wanted a choice, or as much as a person could have in the military. However, not long after the confict in Korea subsided, he was sent to Vietnam.

He was stationed at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfeld for much of his time in Southeast Asia. While he was there, one of the things he did was fy sorties with the F-105 Thunderchiefs, over Thailand and Laos, to the border with North Vietnam. He would wait in the air as they went in to make their bombing runs.

Those F-105s were bomber-fghters, and had a reputation for confdent and seasoned pilots. According to Meppen, the pilots were also a partying bunch, but he always revered those guys. He said he felt bad for them, because they had one of the most dangerous jobs in the air over Vietnam. According to Valiant Air Command, a museum that chiefy features war planes, out of 833 Thunderchiefs that were produced, 382 were lost in Vietnam. Meppen’s job was to refuel these fghters right before they would fy in to do their strikes, and he would rendezvous with them as they headed back out of Vietnam to refuel again and head home.

Meppen spoke of the typhoons that would come through during the monsoon season, where it could become so dark a person couldn’t see out the windows. During one of these, two B-52 bombers, fully loaded with ordnance, collided mid-air of his right wing. He saw the blast and felt the concussion wave, but never was able to see them impact due to the poor visibility.

Later in his career, he spent a lot of his time in air bases during the Cuban Missile Crisis and the Cold War. Working for SAC, he was part of the response, in case the Soviet Union decided to retaliate. He remembers, during the crisis, an alarm blaze, sending them to load into their planes, ready to take of, waiting for an order that thankfully nev er came. If it had, he would have fown out to refuel planes as they started fying over to fght World War III, and poten tially the nuclear destruction of Earth.

For the length of the Cold War, Mep pen said there always had to be B-52s in the air, and those crews would often fy for 24 hours straight, and they needed to refuel in-air. On missions, he could often fnd himself in the air for around 16 hours at a time. “We like to say we

Eventually, the Cold War dropped further in temperature, and later, SAC was disestablished in 1992. Meppen retired before that. He sold real estate in Priest Lake, Idaho, for around 17 years, and after that, spent four years with his wife in Guam. She taught school while they were there, and he said he was a “house husband,” playing bridge and golf. In fact, now at Sapphire Lutheran Homes, in Hamilton, Meppen says the golf is what he misses most. He and his wife liked Charleston, South Carolina, and they ended up moving there for 25 years. For him, it was about the year-round golf. While in South Carolina, he spent 13 years with National Car Rentals driving rental cars around,

His family was stationed in northern Maine while he was in Spain for a time. While he was there enjoying the good weather, he said he felt bad that his wife was at home, shoveling snow. “Enough isn’t said for the wives and families,” Meppen said. Armed Forces families often need to be just as emotionally tough as their service members, often not knowing where they will be sent and unsure if their person will make it home every time they

A KC-135 refuling F-105 Thunderchiefs during the Vietnam War. U.S. Air Force photo, courtesy National Museum of the Unites States Air Force.

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Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County

In the Matter of the Name Change of Leslie Porter, Leslie Porter, Petitioner.

Cause No.: DV-25-142

Dept. 1

NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE

This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Leslie Walter Porter to Leslie Walter Jessop.

The hearing will be on June 4, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.

DATED this 21st day of April, 2025.

/s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court /s/ Sarah Sargent

Deputy Clerk of Court

BS 4-30, 5-7, 5-14, 5-21-25.

MNAXLP

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Darby Study Commission will hold a Public Hearing to receive comments oral or written of the Tentative Report of the proposed changes to the form of government for the town of Darby. A copy of the tentative report can found online at www.darbymt.net The Public Hearing will be held May 15, 2025, 5:30 pm at the Darby Clubhouse, 106 N Main Street, Darby, Montana. BS 4-30, 5-14-25.

MNAXLP

William J. Nelson, Esq. Nelson Law Ofce PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840

Telephone: (406) 3633181

Attorney for Personal Representative

MONTANA TWENTY

FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: FREDA JO BRAWLEY, Deceased.

Cause No. DP-2024-68

Dept. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed 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 the Personal Representative, ANITA BRAWLEY, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Ofce PLLC , 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

DATED this 28th day of April 2025.

/s/ William J. Nelson

Attorney for Personal Representative /s/ Anita Brawley

Personal Representative

BS 4-30, 5-7, 5-14-25. MNAXLP

MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF AUGUSTA JOY CLARKE, AKA JOY BROWN CLARKE, Deceased.

Probate No.: DP-2025-45

Dept. No.: 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that Edward Clarke has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said Decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Edward Clarke, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Montana Legacy Law, PLLC, 178 South 2nd St., Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.

NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

Occupant

1139 Hamilton Heights Rd.

Corvallis, MT 59828

Philip A. DiJoseph Jr. 1139 Hamilton Heights Rd. Corvallis, MT 59828

Philip A. DiJoseph Jr. PO Box 638

Darby, MT 59829

Philip A. DiJoseph Jr. PO Box 638

Darby, MT 59829-0638

Philip A. DiJoseph Jr. 405 Pennsylvania Ave. Hamilton, MT 59840

Philip A. DiJoseph Jr. 70 Less Traveled Rd. Darby, MT 59829

Ravalli County Treasurer 215 South 4th Street, Suite H Hamilton MT 59840

Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest:

Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Offce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2021000091 and Tax Code Parcel No. 179511 as follows:

Lot 1, Skysong Farm, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the ofcial recorded plat thereof.

Street address: 1139 Hamilton Heights Rd., Corvallis, MT 59828. The property taxes became delinquent on May 31, 2022.

The property tax lien was attached on August 1, 2022.

The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on October 12, 2022.

As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:

TAXES: $6,629.83

PENALTY: $96.64

INTEREST: $1,375.37

COST: $281.57

TOTAL: $8,383.41

For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 1, 2025, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.

If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 1, 2025, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed auction will be held within 60 days of the tax deed application date.

Any surplus funds resulting from the auction will be distributed to the legal titleholder of record.

The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton, MT 59840, (406) 375-6600.

FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

The address of the interested party is unknown.

The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed auction.

The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.

DATED at Billings, Montana this 7th day of May 2025.

By: Eli J. Patten Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529

Billings, MT 59103

Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC

IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

BS 5-7, 5-14-25.

MNAXLP

NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED

IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

Philip A. DiJoseph Jr.

405 Pennsylvania Ave. Hamilton, MT 59840

Philip A. DiJoseph Jr.

PO Box 638

Darby, MT 59829

Philip A. DiJoseph Jr.

PO Box 638

Darby, MT 59829-0638

Philip A. DiJoseph Jr. 1139 Hamilton Heights Rd.

Corvallis, MT 59828

Philip A. DiJoseph Jr.

70 Less Traveled Rd.

Darby, MT 59829

Ravalli County Treasurer

215 South 4th Street, Suite H Hamilton MT 59840

Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest:

Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Offce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2021000218 and Tax Code

Parcel No. 499510 as follows: Lot 3B, Amended Subdivision Plat No. 574229, being a portion of Lot 3, Block 37, Riverview, Ravalli County Montana, according to the ofcial recorded plat thereof.

Street address: 405 Pennsylvania Ave., Hamilton, MT 59840.

The property taxes became delinquent on May 31, 2022.

The property tax lien was attached on August 1, 2022.

The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on October 12, 2022.

As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:

TAXES: $7,416.51

PENALTY: $116.63

INTEREST: $1,722.97

COST: $281.57

TOTAL: $9,537.68

For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 1, 2025, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.

If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 1, 2025, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed may be issued to the assignee or county that is the possessor of the tax lien on the day following the date that the redemption period expires.

The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840, (406) 375-6600.

FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

The address of the interested party is unknown.

The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed issuance.

The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.

DATED at Billings, Montana this 7th day of May 2025.

By: Eli J. Patten

Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529

Billings, MT 59103

Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC

IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

BS 5-7, 5-14-25. MNAXLP

NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED

IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

Occupant

213 Luby Ln.

Florence, MT 59833

Robin D. Pearson

213 Luby Ln. Florence, MT 59833

Robin D. Pearson

Robin D. Pearson PO Box 145

Florence, MT 59833

Collection Bureau Services Inc. PO Box 7339

Missoula, MT 59807

Collection Bureau Services Inc.

c/o Michael J. Moore PO Box 7339

Missoula, MT 59807

Collection Bureau Services Inc.

c/o Erica T. deVries PO Box 7339

Missoula, MT 59807

Collection Bureau Services Inc.

212 E. Spruce St Missoula, MT 598024502

Collection Bureau Services Inc.

c/o Jennifer Whipple, Registered Agent

212 E. Spruce St

Missoula, MT 59802

Ravalli County Treasurer

215 South 4th Street, Suite H Hamilton MT 59840

Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest:

Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Ofce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2021000594 and Tax Code Parcel No. 1465100 as follows:

A tract of land located in the SE¼ of Section 26 and the NE¼ Section 35, Township 10 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana, and being more particularly described as follows: Commencing at the South ¼ corner of Sections 26, Township 10 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M: thence N.17°48’38” East 697.24 feet to the point of beginning and a point on a non-tangent curve with radius being N.26°thence counterclockwise along said curve an arc distance of 100.00 feet; thence N.47°05’37” East, 225.61 feet; thence S.43°55’34” East, 1115.13 feet to a point in the thread of a side channel from the Bitterroot River; thence S.29°39’31” West, 246.00 feet along said thread; thence S.07°39’30” West, 162.00 feet along said thread; thence S.40°39’37” West, 47.49 feet along said thread; thence N.40°09’31” West, 1312.66 feet to the true point of beginning.

Recording Reference Book 216 of Deeds, page 496

Also shown of record as:

A tract of land located in the SE¼ of Section 26 and the NE¼ Section 35, Township 10 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana, and being more particularly described as follows:

Commencing at the South ¼ corner of Sections 26, Township 10 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M: thence N.17°48’38” East 697.24 feet to the point of beginning and a point on a non-tangent curve with radius being N.26°thence counterclockwise along said curve an arc distance of 100.00 feet; thence N.47°05’37” East, 225.61 feet; thence S.43°55’34” West, 1115.13 feet to a point in the thread of a side channel from the Bitterroot River; thence S.29°39’31” West, 246.00 feet along said thread; thence S.07°39’30” West, 162.00 feet along said thread; thence S.40°39’37” West, 47.49 feet along said thread; thence N.40°09’31” West, 1312.66 feet to the true point of beginning.

Recording Reference Book 155 of Deeds, page 419 Street address: 213 Luby Ln, Florence, MT 59833.

The property taxes became delinquent on May 31, 2022.

PENALTY: $67.72

INTEREST: $1,005.21

COST: $281.57

TOTAL: $5,625.73

For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 1, 2025, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.

If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 1, 2025, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed may be issued to the assignee or county that is the possessor of the tax lien on the day following the date that the redemption period expires.

The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840, (406) 375-6600.

FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

The address of the interested party is unknown.

The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed issuance.

The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.

DATED at Billings, Montana this 7th day of May 2025.

By: Eli J. Patten Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529

Billings, MT 59103

Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY BS 5-7, 5-14-25. MNAXLP

NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

Occupant

894 Doty Lane

Corvallis, MT 59828 Jason Wilcox

894 Doty Lane

Corvallis, MT 59828

Jason S. Wilcox

894 Doty Ln

Corvallis, MT 59828 Jason Wilcox 321 Coyote Butte Rd. Hamilton, MT 598409136

State of Montana Department of Revenue PO Box 6169

Helena, MT 59604-6169

State of Montana Department of Revenue PO Box 1712

Helena, MT 59624-1712

Ofce of the Attorney General Justice Building, Third Floor 215 Sanders Helena, MT 59620-1401

Ofce of the Attorney General PO Box 201401

Helena, MT 59620-1401

Collection Bureau Services Inc. 212 E. Spruce St Missoula, MT 598024502

Collection Bureau Services Inc. PO Box 7339

Missoula, MT 59807

Collection Bureau Services Inc.

c/o Jennifer Whipple, Registered Agent 212 E. Spruce St Missoula, MT 59802

Collection Bureau Services Inc.

Attn: Michael J. Moore PO Box 7339

Missoula, MT 59807

Collection Bureau Services Inc.

Attn: Erica T. deVries PO Box 7339

Missoula, MT 59807

Collection Bureau Services Inc.

Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest: Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Offce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2021000030 and Tax Code Parcel No. 45970

be paid by August 1, 2025, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired. If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 1, 2025, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed auction will be held within 60 days of the tax deed application date. Any surplus funds resulting from the auction will be distributed to the legal titleholder of record. The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton, MT 59840, (406) 375-6600. FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN The address of the interested party is unknown. The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed auction. The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.

DATED at Billings, Montana this 7th day of May 2025. By: Eli J. Patten Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529 Billings,

BS 5-7, 5-14, 5-21-25.

MNAXLP

Occupant

405 Pennsylvania Ave. Hamilton, MT 59840

213 Luby Ln. Florence, MT 59833-6812

Robin D. Pearson

259 Luby Lane Florence, MT 59833

The property tax lien was attached on August 1, 2022. The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on October 12, 2022.

As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is: TAXES: $4,271.23

Attn: Ramon E. Mercado PO Box 7339 Missoula, MT 59807 Ravalli County Treasurer 215 South 4th Street, Suite H Hamilton MT 59840 Pursuant to 15-18-219,

Lot 5, Amended Subdivision Plat No. 485694, being a portion of Misty Vale Subdivision, Amended Lot A, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the ofcial recorded plat thereof.

Street Address: 473 Misty Vale Loop, Corvallis, MT 59828

The property taxes became delinquent on May 31, 2022. The property tax lien was attached on August 1, 2022.

The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on October 12, 2022.

As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:

TAXES: $9,777.64

PENALTY: $160.55

INTEREST: $2,385.87

COST: $281.57

TOTAL: $12,605.63

For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 1, 2025, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.

If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 1, 2025, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed auction will be held within 60 days of the tax deed application date.

Any surplus funds resulting from the auction will be distributed to the legal titleholder of record.

The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton, MT 59840, (406) 375-6600. FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

The address of the interested party is unknown.

The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed auction.

The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.

DATED at Billings, Montana this 7th day of May 2025.

By: Eli J. Patten

Crowley Fleck PLLP

PO Box 2529

Billings, MT 59103

Attorney for: GUARDIAN

TAX MT, LLC

IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

BS 5-7, 5-14-25. MNAXLP

NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED

IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

Occupant

194 China Silk Way Hamilton MT 59840

Michael L. Freie 194 China Silk Way Hamilton, MT 598409292

Michael L. Freie

13180 Pleasant Vista Lane Auburn, CA 95603

Joette E. Costa 194 China Silk Way Hamilton, MT 598409292

Joette E. Costa

13180 Pleasant Vista Lane Auburn, CA 95603

Joette E. Costa 12326 Pepperwood Cir. Auburn, CA 95603-2903

Ravalli County Treasurer 215 S 4th Street, Suite H Hamilton, MT 59840

Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest: Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Offce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2021000256 and Tax Code Parcel No. 610019 as follows: Lot 18, Daly Estates, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the ofcial plat recorded September 22, 2006 as Instrument No. 577738. Street Address: 194 China Silk Way, Hamilton, MT 59840 The property taxes became delinquent on May 31, 2022. The property tax lien was

attached on August 1, 2022. The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on October 12, 2022. As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:

TAXES: $1,332.98

PENALTY: $26.67

INTEREST: $424.18

COST: $281.57

TOTAL: $2,065.40

For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 1, 2025, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired. If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 1, 2025, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed auction will be held within 60 days of the tax deed application date. Any surplus funds resulting from the auction will be distributed to the legal titleholder of record.

The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton, MT 59840, (406) 375-6600.

FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

The address of the interested party is unknown. The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed auction.

The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.

DATED at Billings, Montana this 7th day of May 2025.

By: Eli J. Patten Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529

Billings, MT 59103

Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC

IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY BS 5-7, 5-14-25. MNAXLP

NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

Occupant

540 Queens Way Hamilton, MT 59840

Ryan Hunter Lewis 540 Queens Way Hamilton, MT 59840

Ryan Hunter Lewis 314 S. 5th Street Hamilton, MT 59840 Ryan Hunter Lewis 492 Honeyhouse Ct. Corvallis, MT 59828-9391 Ravalli County Treasurer 215 S 4th Street, Suite H Hamilton, MT 59840

Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest:

Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Offce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2021000093 and Tax Code Parcel No. 180800 as follows:

A tract of land located in and being a portion of the NE¼NE¼ Section 34, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana, more particularly described as Parcel A-1, Certifcate of Survey No. 3431. Street Address: 540 Queens Way, Hamilton, MT 59840

The property taxes became delinquent on May 31, 2022.

The property tax lien was attached on August 1, 2022. The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on October 12, 2022.

As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:

TAXES: $6,440.83

PENALTY: $106.65

INTEREST: $1,567.92

COST: $281.57

TOTAL: $8,396.97

For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 1, 2025, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.

If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not

paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 1, 2025, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed auction will be held within 60 days of the tax deed application date.

Any surplus funds resulting from the auction will be distributed to the legal titleholder of record.

The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton, MT 59840, (406) 375-6600.

FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED

ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

The address of the interested party is unknown.

The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed auction.

The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.

DATED at Billings, Montana this 7th day of May 2025.

By: Eli J. Patten

Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529

Billings, MT 59103

Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC

IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

BS 5-7, 5-14-25.

MNAXLP

NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED

IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

No Occupant

Robin D. Pearson

213 Luby Ln. Florence, MT 59833

Robin D. Pearson

213 Luby Ln. Florence, MT 59833-6812

Robin D. Pearson

259 Luby Lane Florence, MT 59833

Robin D. Pearson PO Box 145 Florence, MT 59833

Collection Bureau Services Inc. PO Box 7339

Missoula, MT 59807

Collection Bureau Services Inc.

c/o Michael J. Moore PO Box 7339

Missoula, MT 59807

Collection Bureau Services Inc.

c/o Erica T. deVries PO Box 7339

Missoula, MT 59807

Collection Bureau Services Inc.

212 E. Spruce St

Missoula, MT 598024502

Collection Bureau Services Inc.

c/o Jennifer Whipple, Registered Agent

212 E. Spruce St Missoula, MT 59802

Ravalli County Treasurer 215 South 4th Street, Suite H Hamilton MT 59840

Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest:

Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Ofce under Tax Lien

Certifcate 2021000590 and Tax Code Parcel No. 1449600 as follows:

A tract of land in the S½ of Section 26 and the N½ of Section 35, all in Township 10 North. Range 20 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana and being more particularly described as follows: Commencing at the ¼ corner common to Sections 26 and 35, Township 10 North, Range 20 West, Principal Meridian, Montana: thence N.07°04’27” W., 508.76 feet to the true point of beginning; thence S.37°14’07”E., 1470.85 feet thence S.03°20’30”E., 44.15 feet to a point on a non-tangent curve with center being S.11°01’00”W., 849.00 feet radial distance; thence counter-clockwise along said curve an arc distance of 387.14 feet; thence S.74°53’24”W., 49.29 feet; thence N.34°19’19”W„ 1234.48 feet; thence N.46°34’03”E., 323.08 feet to the true point of beginning.

Recording Reference: Book 172 of Deeds, p. 280. Street address: NHN Luby Lane, Florence, MT 59833.

The property taxes became delinquent on May 31, 2022.

The property tax lien was attached on August 1, 2022.

The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on October 12, 2022.

As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:

TAXES: $4,291.56

PENALTY: $67.95

INTEREST: $1,008.71

COST: $281.57

TOTAL: $5,649.79

For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 1, 2025, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.

If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 1, 2025, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed may be issued to the assignee or county that is the possessor of the tax lien on the day following the date that the redemption period expires.

The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840, (406) 375-6600.

FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

The address of the interested party is unknown.

The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed issuance.

The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.

DATED at Billings, Montana this 7th day of May 2025.

By: Eli J. Patten

Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529

Billings, MT 59103

Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC

IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

BS 5-7, 5-14-25.

MNAXLP

NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

Occupant

749 W Main St. Hamilton, MT 59840

Heirs of Patricia Carole Sabo

749 W Main St. Hamilton, MT 59840

Heirs of Patricia Carole Sabo PO Box 215 Darby, Montana 59829

Heirs of Patricia Carole Sabo PO Box 215 Darby, Montana 598290215

David G. Niles

Personal Representative of the Estate of Patricia Carole Sabo PO Box 215 Darby, MT 59829

David G. Niles

Personal Representative of the Estate of Patricia Carole Sabo PO Box 215

Darby, MT 59829-0215

David G. Niles

Personal Representative of the Estate of Patricia Carole Sabo

749 W Main St. Hamilton, MT 59840

William J. Nelson

Nelson Law Ofce PLLC 217 North Third Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840

Kyle J. Workman Workman Law, PLLC PO Box 1167 Hamilton, MT 59840

Barbara J. McNey 618 10th Street Hamilton, MT 59840

Linda Oglesby 16650 N. Stadium Way #206 Surprise, AZ 85374

Ravalli County Treasurer 215 South 4th Street, Suite H Hamilton MT 59840

Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest:

Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Offce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2021000216 and Tax Code Parcel No. 488200 as follows: Lots 1 and 2, Block 35, Original Townsite of Hamilton, Ravalli County, Montana according to the ofcial recorded plat thereof.

Street address: 749 W Main St., Hamilton, MT 59840.

The property taxes became delinquent on May 31, 2022.

The property tax lien was attached on August 1, 2022.

The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on October 12, 2022.

As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:

TAXES: $5,417.39

PENALTY: $80.10

INTEREST: $1,104.67

COST: $281.57

TOTAL: $6,883.73

For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 1, 2025, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.

If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 1, 2025, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed may be issued to the assignee or county that is the possessor of the tax lien on the day following the date that the redemption period expires.

The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840, (406) 375-6600. FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

The address of the interested party is unknown.

The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed issuance.

The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.

DATED at Billings, Montana this 7th day of May 2025.

By: Eli J. Patten

Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529

Billings, MT 59103

Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC

IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY BS 5-7, 5-14-25.

MNAXLP

NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

Occupant 105 Belmont Ave. Hamilton, MT 59840

MEI-709, LLC 105 Belmont Ave. Hamilton, MT 59840

MEI-709, LLC PO Box 638 Darby, MT 59829

MEI-709, LLC

320 W Broadway Missoula, MT 59802

MEI-709, LLC 107 Belmont Ave. Hamilton, MT 59840

MEI-709, LLC

c/o Naomi Alm, Registered Agent 320 W Broadway Missoula, MT 59802 Montana Exchange Inc.

Attn: Brandie Clark PO Box 8262 Missoula, MT 59807 Montana Exchange Inc.

c/o Clayton T. Christian, Registered Agent 3800 Lincoln Rd. Missoula, MT 598023039 Ravalli County Treasurer 215 South 4th Street, Suite H Hamilton MT 59840

Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest:

Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Offce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2021000211 and Tax Code Parcel No. 458220 as follows: Lot 2, Amended Subdivision Plat No. 626725, being a portion of Lot 1, Block 38, Riverview, Ravalli County, Montana

lien was

The lien

MT

on October 12, 2022. As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is: TAXES: $6,914.82

PENALTY: $ 114.60 INTEREST: $1,702.56 COST: $281.57

TOTAL: $9,013.55 For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 1, 2025, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired. If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 1, 2025, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed may be issued to the assignee or county that is the possessor of the tax lien on the day following the date that the redemption period expires. The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840, (406) 375-6600. FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN The address of the interested party is unknown. The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed issuance. The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.

DATED at Billings, Montana this 7th day of May 2025. By: Eli J. Patten Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529 Billings, MT 59103 Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY BS 5-7, 5-14-25. MNAXLP

NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY Occupant

107 Belmont Ave. Hamilton, MT 59840 MEI-709, LLC 107 Belmont Ave. Hamilton, MT 59840 MEI-709, LLC PO Box 638 Darby, MT 59829 MEI-709, LLC 320 W Broadway Missoula, MT 59802 MEI-709, LLC c/o Naomi Alm, Registered Agent 320 W Broadway Missoula, MT 59802 MEI-709, LLC 105 Belmont Ave. Hamilton, MT 59840 Montana Exchange Inc. Attn: Brandie Clark PO Box 8262 Missoula, MT 59807 Montana Exchange Inc. c/o Clayton T. Christian, Registered Agent 3800 Lincoln Rd. Missoula, MT 598023039 Ravalli County Treasurer 215 South 4th Street, Suite H Hamilton MT 59840 Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest: Property described in

Lot 1, Amended Subdivision Plat No. 626725, being a portion of Lot 1, Block 38, Riverview, Ravalli County Montana according to the ofcial recorded plat thereof.

Street address: 107 Belmont Ave., Hamilton, MT 59840.

The property taxes became delinquent on May 31, 2022. The property tax lien was attached on August 1, 2022. The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on October 12, 2022.

As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:

TAXES: $6,799.65

PENALTY: $112.30

INTEREST: $1,667.67

COST: $281.57

TOTAL: $8,861.19

For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 1, 2025, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.

If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 1, 2025, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed may be issued to the assignee or county that is the possessor of the tax lien on the day following the date that the redemption period expires.

The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840, (406) 375-6600.

FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED

ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

The address of the interested party is unknown.

The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed issuance.

The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.

DATED at Billings, Montana this 7th day of May 2025.

By: Eli J. Patten Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529

Billings, MT 59103

Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC

IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY BS 5-7, 5-14-25. MNAXLP

NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED

IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

Occupant

5629 Cottonwood Dr. N Florence, MT 59833

Dana S. Cather

5629 Cottonwood Dr. N Florence, MT 59833

Dana S. Cather

5629 Cottonwood Dr. N Florence, MT 59833 –6614

Holly L. Cather

5629 Cottonwood Dr. N Florence, MT 59833

Holly L. Cather

5629 Cottonwood Dr. N Florence, MT 598336614 Horlacher Foundation,

Inc.

8538 E. Turney Ave. Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Horlacher Foundation, Inc.

3885 US Hwy 93 N., Suite D

Stevensville, MT 59870

Horlacher Foundation, Inc.

c/o W A S Inc., Registered Agent 9141 E. Hidden Spur Trail Scottsdale, AZ 85255

First Montana Title Company

250 W Main St. Hamilton, MT 59840

Ravalli County Treasurer 215 South 4th Street, Suite H Hamilton MT 59840

Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:

As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest:

Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Ofce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2021000573 and Tax Code Parcel No. 1387410 as follows:

Lot 5B, Block 2, Amended Subdivision Plat No. 344, being a portion of Lot 5, Block 2, Riverview Orchards, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the ofcial recorded plat thereof.

Street Address: 5629 Cottonwood Dr. N Florence MT 59833

The property taxes became delinquent on May 31, 2022.

The property tax lien was attached on August 1, 2022.

The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on October 12, 2022.

As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:

TAXES: $5,038.35

PENALTY: $73.36

INTEREST: $1,155.74

COST: $ 281.57

TOTAL: $6,549.02

For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 1, 2025, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.

If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 1,

2025, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed auction will be held within 60 days of the tax deed application date.

Any surplus funds resulting from the auction will be distributed to the legal titleholder of record.

The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton, MT 59840, (406) 375-6600.

FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED

ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN

The address of the interested party is unknown.

The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed auction.

The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.

DATED at Billings, Montana this 7th day of May 2025.

By: Eli J. Patten

Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529

Billings, MT 59103

Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY

BS 5-7, 5-14-25.

MNAXLP

NOTICE

The 2 nd half of the 2024 Real Estate Taxes are due payable before 5 PM, June 2, 2025.

We have a Night Drop located at North end of Administration Building in drive thru. Mailed payments, must be postmarked by June 2, 2025 or the payment will be returned for penalty and interest. Please make checks payable to the Ravalli County Treasurer. Master Card, Visa, Discover and American Express cards are accepted. Also accepting online payments at www.Ravalli.us/196/ Property-Tax. Paying with Credit/Debit card will include a 2.15% convenience fee and $1.25 Transaction Fee.

Ravalli County Treasurer Dan Whitesitt 215 S 4 th St Ste H

Hamilton MT 59840 406-375-6600 BS 5-7, 5-14, 5-21, 5-28-25.

Kyle J. Workman State Bar No. 65442127 WORKMAN LAW, PLLC P.O. Box 1167

Hamilton, MT 59840 T: (406) 802-2198 kyle@workmanlawmt.com courts@workmanlawmt. com Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: SCOTT TEEL HACKETT, Deceased. Probate No. DP-41-20250000048-II Dept. No. 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed as Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice, or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to DIANE BESSLER-HACKETT, the Personal Representative, in care of WORKMAN LAW, PLLC, P.O. Box 1167, Hamilton, Montana 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana the foregoing is true and correct.

Dated this 30th day of April, 2025.

/s/ Diane Bessler-Hackett Workman Law, PLLC

Kyle J. Workman

By:

Attorney for Personal Representative BS 5-7, 5-14, 5-21-25.

MNAXLP

LEGAL NOTICE

The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will conduct a public hearing for two Ravalli County Open Lands Bond projects on Thursday, June 5th, 2025 at 1:30 P.M. and at 2:30 P.M. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room (Third Floor) of the

County Administrative Building located at 215 South 4th Street, Hamilton, MT 59840. The frst project is called Rory R Ranch Victor Conservation Easement (193.2 acres). The project is located 1.5 miles NW of Victor of of Bugle Ridge Lane. Tax ID # (948400). The second project is called Lippert Conservation Easement (69.61 acres). The project is located west of downtown Victor, on Sweathouse Creek Road. Tax ID # (927600).

Bitter Root Land Trust is the applicant. Information describing the proposals are available for inspection at the Planning Department, located at the County Administrative Building, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite F, Hamilton, MT 59840. Written comments are encouraged to be submitted to the Planning Department prior to the public hearing and will be forwarded to the BCC for consideration at the public hearing. The public may comment verbally or in writing at the hearings. Comments and information submitted at the public hearing will be considered in the decision. Submit email comments to: planning@rc.mt.gov, and questions can be asked by phone at 406-375-6530.

BS 5-14, 5-21-25.

MNAXLP

TAX APPEAL BOARD

NOTICE

The Ravalli County Tax Appeal Board will be in session from July 1, through December 31, 2025, for the business of hearing appeals. Any taxpayer who disagrees with the appraised value of his or her property may fle an appeal with the Ravalli County Tax Appeal Board within 30 days of the receipt of the Notice of Classifcation and Appraisal, or Notice of Change Valuation (assessment notice) established by the Montana Department of Revenue. Appeal forms are available from www.mtab. mt.gov. Appeals must be fled with the County Clerk and Recorder who will notify the County Tax Appeal Board to schedule a hearing. For further information, contact:

Regina Plettenberg

406-375-6555 recorder@rc.mt.gov BS 5-14-25.

MNAXLP

Legal Notice High Post Subdivision Ravalli County has received an application for a 5-lot minor subdivision, located on Tract A of CS #509504-F, existing Tax ID: 1376313 on 24.5 acres. Florence is approximately 5.5 miles southwest of the subject property.The subdivision property is located within the Florence School and Rural Fire Districts. The proposed lots will be served by private wells and septic systems. The applicant is Michael Maine of IMEG Corp., representing JWT LLP. The subdivision is referred to as High Post Subdivision. A copy of the Preliminary Plat is posted on our Website at https://ravalli. us/178/Subdivisions-Exemptions and is enclosed with this letter. Information describing the proposal is available for inspection at the Planning Department, in the County Administrative Center, 215 S. 4th St., Suite F, Hamilton, MT 59840. Written comments are encouraged to be submitted to the Planning Department prior to the below meeting, and will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). The BCC will hold a Public Hearing on the proposal on June 9th, 2025, at 1:30 p.m., in the County Administrative Center (BCC Conference Room, 3rd Floor). The BCC will also accept verbal or written comments from the public. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the BCC may make a fnal decision on the subdivision proposal. The public may comment verbally, or in writing, at the meeting. Comments and information submitted at the public meeting/hearing will be considered in the decision on the subdivision. However, please note that only under select circumstances will new information be allowed into the record after the public hearing. BS 5-14, 5-21-25. MNAXLP