Florence Physical Therapy: helping patients by design
by John Dowd
Florence Physical Therapy just opened their new Aquatic Therapy Center. Part of a much larger therapy network in the valley, the company actually has eight locations, from Darby to Florence, and one in Frenchtown. Its frst location was in Hamilton, and opened 27 years ago. Ever since, the business has been taking the valley physical therapy scene by storm. According to one of the partner owners, Doug Martin, their success comes down to a few things: prioritizing patient care, space design and ultimately, therapists making therapy decisions.
Martin and his wife, Heidi Martin, are both partners within the company and they are both board certifed therapists. Their third partner, Jackie Day, is also a board certifed therapist. In fact, Florence Physical Therapy has more board certifed therapists than any other practice in the state. According to Doug, that is a big feather in their cap, and shows how they prioritize their training. Having therapist owners also means the company makes therapy-oriented decisions that directly beneft the patients.
The company is privately owned and not afliated with any hospitals. “This is all we do,” said Doug. They stick to physical therapy and they take pride in how well they do it. With three therapists in the Florence location, they have over 70 years of experience between them. Within the greater practice, they have over 250 years in total experience.
According to Doug, over the years they have learned, “keep it simple, don’t worry about the fuf, just a singular focus on getting the patient better.” That singular focus on physical therapy is a big part of what Doug believes has kept them around so long.
The company has been open in Florence for 15 years. In that time, it has grown
to the point where, according to Doug, “we couldn’t service the number of clients we had.” So, they needed to expand. Florence Physical Therapy just moved into the new building Monday of last week. For them, the design of that building was extremely important, and Doug added, “we felt the community trusted us enough to make that fnancial investment worth it.” That new building design Doug spoke about was a keystone in the improvement of care for their patients, and is something they try to include in all their locations. According to Doug, there are two important elements when it comes to designing a therapy space. “Patients need light and volume,” said Doug. This means they designed their building with high ceilings, and lots of big windows to let in the natural light. Doug said this is extremely important to promote both better mood and improved healing.
They even chose their color palette specifcally to promote health and healing, as well as comfort. Their design choices were based heavily on the Mayo Clinic, which they visited several times for ideas. Doug explained these choices help patients relax and make the space more comfortable for the staf as well.
Along with the overall design, the star of the new building is the new pool. Doug said they are always looking to ofer new and better services to patients, and the pool is one of the biggest things. The pool they use is the same many professional sports teams have, and is built to a high standard for ftness and therapy. The pool includes a built-in treadmill, water jets and more.
“If you’re not quite ready for the land, you can do well in that environment frst,” said Doug, explaining that they will often start a patient in the water before they move to the gym.
For those interested in seeing the new facility, Doug invited the community to Florence Physical Therapy’s open house, on June 2. The open house will run from 2 to 6 p.m. at their new location, at 267 Rodeo Drive. Refreshments will be available, and all the therapists will be there. Visitors are encouraged to ask questions and speak to the staf, as well as tour the facility.
For those with more questions, Florence Physical Therapy can be reached by calling (406) 273-9033. Hamilton Physical Therapy can be reached by calling (406) 375- 0988. More information can also be found on the company website, hamiltonpt. com.
Doug Martin stands in the gym room of the new Florence Physical Therapy building. The design incorporates a lot of natural light and views of the mountains. Photo by John Dowd.
The new Florence Physical Therapy Aquatic Therapy Center’s pool incorporates design and technology utilized by the nation’s top sports teams. Photo by John Dowd.
‘Red Light District’ tour helps preserve past
by Scott Sacry
Walk out the front door of Chapter One Book Store in downtown Hamilton and turn west toward Bell-McCall and look around - you are surrounded by ghosts. This was Hamilton’s historic Red Light District, called the Pinckney District.
These Pinckney District ghosts are ghosts of bars, brothels, fres, and decency walls. They are the ghosts of the piano players, bartenders, madams, prostitutes, gamblers, entrepreneurs, capitalists, the up and coming, and the down and out.
These ghosts were made real to a group of lucky locals during the inaugural Red Light District walking tour in downtown Hamilton on May 14, organized by the Ravalli County Museum.
The Museum introduced the new walking tour as a way to celebrate the National Historic Preservation Month of May. The tour highlights the Red Light District and other restricted districts of historic Hamilton. The tour is one of imagination as most of the original buildings from the era no longer stand.
In the historical preservation world, Red Light Districts are referred to mainly as “Restricted Districts.” These districts not only held bars and brothels but housed minorities and other disadvantaged groups.
Historian Sophia Etier was the tour guide. She created the content for the tour from her Master’s thesis research on the subject. The tour consisted of 10 stops in downtown Hamilton, and started and ended at the Ravalli Country Museum. The tour went up and down Main Street and the group learned about a Hamilton that would be lost to time, save for those, like Etier, who help preserve its memory.
Model Cafe
The tour started at 127 West Main Street, where the Bitterroot Performing Arts Center ofces are now located. This was once the location of the Model Cafe, which was open 24 hours a day, owned
initially by Chinese immigrant
Charles A Foy, then by the Japanese family Mihara who owned it up until 1941. “Frank Mihara and his wife Yukiyo were forced to close the cafe in 1942,” said Etier, “after a significant loss of business due to racial prejudices and patriotic propaganda at the time.”
The Montana Cafe
The next stop was in front of Ford’s Department Store, the east side of which was once the old Montana Cafe. Started in 1893 by Chinese immigrant Lee Doon, the Montana Cafe was a Chinese restaurant for nearly 100 years until it closed in 1983. “Jim and Harry Hom erected the Montana Cafe’s famous sign on the outside of the building in 1943,” said Etier, “marking the frst use of neon signage in Hamilton.” The neon sign was memorialized on the cover of Hank William Jr.’s 1986 “Montana Cafe” album.
Pinckney District As referenced above, the block where Bell-McCall and the USPS building currently stand used to house the Pinckney District, the original Red Light District of Hamilton, which held the majority of the city’s brothels. For fans of walls, there was a “wall of decency” surrounding the district to spare innocent eyes from viewing. “The district thrived until 1908 when an early morning blaze swept through the wood frame houses,” said Etier.
Aunt Tish’s Place
One of the most illuminating stops on the tour was at 109 North 4th Street (currently the Westmont Plaza) or “Aunt Tish’s Place.” Aunt Tish was born to an enslaved mother in Missouri in 1862. She made her way to Hamilton in 1899
and purchased an old brothel building which she converted into a boarding house and restaurant. The establishment became famous because of Aunt Tish’s southern hospitality and Sunday chicken dinners that attracted people from all over the world. But Aunt Tish is best known to locals for the love she gave back to the community. “She housed underserved youth in her home and provided countless local children with the ability to gain an education,” said Etier. “At the time of her death it is believed that she had done more than any other Hamiltonian to assist the disadvantaged and underprivileged.”
This is just a small taste of the information to be had from this tour. To learn more about the Hamilton Downtown walking tours, contact the Ravalli County Museum at (406) 363-3338 or email Michelle Nowling, the Executive Director of the Museum at director@ravallimuseum.org.
MON, June 2 2-6 PM
Historian Sophia Etier, left, leads the inaugural Red Light District walking tour in downtown Hamilton on May 14, organized by the Ravalli County Museum. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Aunt Tish (shown here) ran a world famous boarding house and restaurant at 109 North 4th Street (currently the Westmont Plaza). Photo courtesy of the Ravalli County Museum.
The Montana Cafe neon sign at 134 West Main Street was the frst neon sign in Hamilton in 1943. The sign was memorialized on the cover of Hank William Jr.’s 1986 “Montana Cafe” album. Photo courtesy of the Ravalli County Museum.
Volunteers planting new trees in Hamilton
by Nathan Boddy
The day began with a touch of rain, but by mid-morning, the sun was falling on a gathering of volunteers ready to roll up their sleeves and put new trees into the ground. The coordinated efort was part of Enterprise Mobility’s Urban Tree Initiative, which aims to improve urban tree canopies in areas that may lack adequate environmental investment or have been impacted by natural disasters. Trees in both Missoula and Hamilton took heavy beatings by the wind storms in July and August last year, but thanks to the eforts on Tuesday, May 20, Hamilton’s urban canopy will become a touch greener.
In 2006, the Enterprise Mobility Foundation, along with the Arbor Day Foundation, announced their 50 Million Tree Pledge—a goal of planting 50 million trees in areas of greatest need by 2056. Hamilton was selected to receive some of the benefts of this project due to damage caused by the 2024 storm, which Hamilton Parks and Urban Forestry Director, Amy
mix whose owners couldn’t take care of him anymore. He loves people of all ages, adores car rides, fetch, and hikes. Thane is a very sweet boy. He has however, shown a high prey drive towards small animals and livestock, so he should be the only pet in the household. ADOPTION is PAID by Kennel to Couch!
tration.
The tree planting initiative includes more than just the trees themselves, Plantenberg explained, adding that a fve-year maintenance program will help ensure the trees get of to a good
“Over 90% of trees planted in Montana don’t get maintained properly,” he said. “This is the frst time we’ve had a grant that includes fve
years of maintenance. That’s when the tree really develops its structure.”
The tree planting began at the Ravalli County Courthouse, where a crew from Trapper Creek Job Corps had already prepared multiple planting sites. Their involvement was essential to the day’s success, said Fox. “We wouldn’t have been able to get this accomplished without them.” In addition to digging tree holes,
the group also completed concrete work for the county. “They really showed up for us.” Students from the Job Corps had also been involved with the emergency tree clean up following the 2024 wind storm. Fox has also informed the city council that she applied for and received a grant from DNRC to update the tree inventory for trees in town. The grant of $20,000 is expected to be channeled into replacing the 2011 tree inventory, and will allow the city to make better informed decisions about the future of its urban forest.
Patrick Plantenberg gives a demonstration on the proper way to plant a tree during the volunteer effort on Tuesday, May 20. Photo by Nathan Boddy.
Volunteers get a morning briefng before diving into the work that will eventually lead to 30 new trees within the City of Hamilton. Photo by Nathan Boddy.
RCEDA to receive $1 million grant for Hamilton brownfelds cleanup
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on May 16 that seven recipients across Montana have been selected to receive $8 million in Brownfelds Grants to assess, clean up and revitalize local lands. The Ravalli County Economic Development Authority will receive $1 million for assessment and cleanup activities in the City of Hamilton.
“Through the Brownfelds program, Region 8 is helping Montana communities turn yesterday’s liabilities into tomorrow’s opportunities,” said EPA Region 8 Administrator Cyrus Western. “By cleaning up these sites, we’re not only improving the environment, but creating opportunities for economic growth, job creation and healthier communities.”
These grants are part of $267 million in Brownfelds Grants nationally announced by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. This funding put the agency’s commitment to protect human health and the environment into action while remaining good stewards of tax dollars and advancing policies to energize the economy.
“Thank you Administrator Zeldin and Region 8 Administrator Cyrus Western, for your commitment to supporting critical projects that improve the health of our local communities and economies,” said Governor Greg
Gianforte. “Through this investment, we’ll continue to ensure Montana remains a treasure for generations to come.”
“The announcement of $8 million in Brownfeld Grants in Montana is wonderful news for our state,” said U.S. Senator Steve Daines. “These much-needed cleanup projects will support local economies and improve the health of our communities. I applaud EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and our Region 8 Administrator Cyrus Western for their commitment to addressing Montana priorities, and I look forward to working with them on more ways to keep Montana the Last Best Place.”
“I appreciate the EPA’s commitment to bring millions of dollars of investment to Montana so we can work together to build a safer and more prosperous future for Montanans,” said U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy. “These fscally responsible investments in Montana will go a long way in better stewarding our lands, boosting economy vitality, and making Montana’s communities safer and more vibrant.”
“Through the Brownfelds program, DEQ and our incredible local partners have assisted with the redevelopment of over one thousand underutilized properties in Montana,” said Montana Department of Environmen-
tal Quality Director Sonja Nowakowski. “EPA’s $8 million dollar investment in our state and local programs demonstrates how successful we have been over the years. This EPA funding will augment the recently created Montana Brownfelds Fund and ensure blight and contamination in our downtowns can be investigated and cleaned up to bring new investment, jobs, and energy to communities across Montana.”
The following recipients in Montana were selected to receive grant funding for Brownfelds assessment activities and cleanup projects:
• Beartooth Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. - $1,000,000 Revolving Loan Fund: Grant funding will be used to provide four loans and two subgrants to support cleanup activities. Funding will focus on Big Horn (including the Crow Reservation and part of the Northern Cheyenne Reservation), Carbon, Stillwater, Sweet Grass and Yellowstone Counties.
• Big Sky Economic Development - $500,000 Assessment Grant: Funding will be used to complete environmental assessments at fve properties in Billings to identify if contamination such as asbestos and leadbased paint are present at the sites.
• City of Harlowton$2,000,000 Cleanup Grant: Funds will be used to clean up a highly contaminated railyard and refueling facility at the historic Milwaukee Road Historic District and Railyard. After the petroleum contamination is remediated, the City of Harlowton plans to develop the 180-acre site into a community riverside greenspace, including space for river recreation access and amphitheater development.
• Lake County Community Development Corporation$500,000 Assessment Grant: Grant funding will be used to complete 14 environmental site assessments across the Cities of Thompson Falls, Haugan, Ronan and Polson.
• Montana Department of Environmental Quality - $2,000,000 Assessment Grant: Grant funds will be used to conduct 38 environmental assessments at vacant properties in Anaconda, Billings and Libby. Contamination of concern includes petroleum and asbestos in soil and groundwater, which pose harmful efects to human health.
• Ravalli County Economic Development Authority - $1,000,000 RLF: Funding will be used to provide six loans and six subgrants to support assessment and cleanup activities in the City of Hamilton.
• Supplemental RLF
Grants: Headwaters Resource Conservation and Development was also selected to receive $1 million to complete environmental assessments at historical industrial and commercial properties that may have contamination hindering redevelopment. Common environmental concerns include contamination from petroleum products, asbestos, lead and arsenic. While funding will be used to assess numerous sites across Montana, the priority site for assessment is a 6,000-square-foot building in Butte.
Background
EPA’s Brownfelds Program began in 1995 and has provided nearly $2.9 billion in Brownfelds Grants to assess and clean up contaminated properties and return blighted properties to productive reuse. To date, Brownfelds investments leveraged more than $42 billion in cleanup and redevelopment. Over the years, the relatively small investment of federal funding was able to leverage, from both public and private sources, more than 220,500 jobs.
A full list of the 2025 applicants selected for funding is available online.
EPA anticipates that it will make these awards once all legal and administrative requirements are satisfed by selected recipients.
HOUSING: Hamilton considers repercussions to Job Corps
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ordinance which will amend the Hamilton Municipal Code in regards to how it calculates rebate recovery agreements.
A rebate recovery for municipal sewer and water services is a tool that can be used to pay back a portion of the expense that developers incur when
extending these municipal services to a previously unserviced area. It is understood that, as secondary development occurs, those secondary developments are beneftted by the presence of the previously installed lines. Some portion of the hookup fees that the secondary
development pays for access to the utilities can be rebated back to the initial developer who paid for installation of the lines. With the new ordinance, the City of Hamilton hopes to bring its recovery agreement calculations closer in line with state standards.
The councilors also welcomed Rebecca Scoggins as the new City Clerk, replacing Rosie Ramer who has taken the position of Accounting Clerk with the city’s Finance Department. Scoggins will begin her new position on June 2nd.
Melissa Huss
‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’ opens June 13
Hamilton Players presents the fantastical musical, Roald Dahl’s “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”:
• Book by David Greig
• Music by Marc Shaiman
• Lyrics by Scott Wittman & Mark Shaiman
• Based on the novel by Roald Dahl
• Songs from the motion picture by Leslie Bricusse & Anthony Newley
Presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) Directed by Gina Collins. Music Directed by Peggy Bucheit. June 13-15, 20-22, and 27-29, 2025; Fridays and
Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 2 pm. Join Hamilton Players for a whimsical and magical journey into pure imagination. The world famous Willy Wonka is opening the gates to his mysterious factory…but only to a lucky few. Young Charlie Bucket and four other golden ticket winners will embark on a life-changing journey through Wonka’s world of chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels, and secret challenges, all revealed under the watchful eyes of Wonka’s army of quirky and curious Oompa-Loompas. Tickets are $25 adults/$10 children 12 and under, and on sale now at Hamilton Players’ box ofce (406.375.9050) located at 100 Ricketts Rd., Hamilton. Box ofce
hours are Wednesdays-Fridays, 1-5 pm. Tickets are also available online at www.hamiltonplayers.com.
Show Director Gina Collins says, “This show is a darkly delicious reimagining of a family classic. Based primarily on the novel by Roald Dahl, it is an incredible and unexpected show by a wonderfully talented cast and crew!” Executive Director denise rose says, “I guess if you hate fun, you can choose not to see this imaginative musical, but I highly recommend that you don’t miss this show. Just know that it may not be appropriate for the youngest, sensitive viewers.”
BEDEY: optimistic about legislators’ progress
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that was put through and that’s why we worked on it early, why we messaged early even before the session,” said Bedey. “We secured the governor’s support to the extent that he wrote it into his budget.”
He also mentioned an update to the School Equalization Property Tax Reduction Act, which shifts some of the fnancial burden of transportation from
school districts to the state.
Bedey also sponsored House Bill 156, which was signed by Governor Gianforte on May 5th. The bill, which Bedey says was actually conceived to be part of the Governor’s Property Tax Force activity, will replace district-specifc levies with countywide levies. He added that, in his opinion, the bill also, “addresses some of the angst that was caused by House Bill 203 from the 2023 session.”
House Bill 203 made allowances for students to cross from one district to another, something that Bedey says had already been fairly common in Ravalli County. He said that, once rules are fnalized by the Ofce of Public Instruction, House Bill 156 should
June 6, 7
prevent districts from having to go through a “tuition matchup” when faced with out-of-district students. He added that the new rules will advance choice in public schools, which he considers to be a good thing.
Bedey said that he wasn’t entirely happy with everything that happened during the session, but that legislation comes down to compromising. He then repeated something he’d told the high school students earlier in the day.
“The legislature is a place where arithmetic dominates. You don’t need higher mathematics. You don’t need calculus. It’s simple, it’s three numbers: 51, 26, and 1. It takes 51 votes to pass a bill in the House, 26 to pass one in the Senate, and one governor to sign it.”
During the interim session, Bedey will be participating in a bi-partisan commission of legislators and other members from the Board of Regents which is required to study school funding every 10 years. He said that he wasn’t particularly satisfed with the 2015 study, but has hopes for the cooperative work which should begin in June. Bedey said that he thinks the commission’s approach to its work should not simply look for a model of funding, but should instead begin with the questions, “what do we wish to achieve, what are our objectives?”
Bedey was asked about the makeup of certain elements within the legislature and and whether there are powers that want to break public education.
Bedey responded, “no,” although he did add that, “there are people that are highly skeptical of public education. They equate public education with indoctrination.” He then assured the gathering that those individuals remain a minority.
The topic of homeschooling came up, to which Bedey responded that, although the number of homeschooled students has gone up in the valley, he feels as though the trend would plateau and not become a threat to the public school system.
“Most children are going to be educated in public schools and the better you make public schools, the more people will stick around,” said Bedey. “We’re going to do what we can to have the best programs we can have and we can do it. I think public education should have the confdence in itself to do it.”
In summarizing the legislative session, Bedey seemed pleased.
“I think we did great overall,” he said. “One of the reasons I think we did well is that we had quite a bit of fruitful collaboration between moderate Democrats and moderate Republicans. I’ve got friends of mine who would argue with that label. They would argue that we’re progressive Democrats and we’re conservative Republicans. Well, the term progressive and conservative to me are labels that no longer have any meaning whatsoever. They’re just used as a way of branding purposes.”
A republic if you can keep it
When asked about our form of government, Benjamin Franklin said, “A Republic, if you can keep it.” Keeping our constitutional democratic republic is not so much what policy is pursued but how it is done. An executive branch that is allowed to take shortcuts and trample on rights for a popular policy sets a country on the road to perdition.
Angry people fll the streets, marching, chanting, shouting, many with violence on their minds, burning, breaking, clubs swinging. The radical left, shouting the language of Marx and antifa; the radical right was convinced that the radical left, the back-stabbing elitists, had driven their country to ruin. The radical left and the radical right, the constitutional republic.
A failed coup had been a setback. There was an attack on the capitol. But, the populist leader was undeterred as he promised the country would be great again. He was on their side, the workers with callused hands, the super conservatives that yearned for the old days of power and glory. They would be great again. He spoke with a drumbeat resonating with the crowd’s roars; he promised to annex their neighbor with its common language. The parades marched as he promised them new lands and glory.
In the face of this, the cowering legislature gave up on democracy; they passed the Enabling Act, allowing the executive branch to pass laws by fat in case of emergency. And, The Leader declared an emergency, a never-ending emergency.
This is how Hitler became a dictator.
The aspirations of the current administration are admirable to many, to bring back manufacturing jobs, reduce the defcit, and to control who lives in the country — every sovereign nation has claimed the right to determine the criteria for citizenship, including tribal nations. What is important is not what the government does, but how the government does it.
Would it be constitutional if Congress passed an enabling act to transfer their duties to the President? Yet, instead of quick and violent events that surrounded the burning of the Reichstag, it has been a slow death by a thousand cuts. For decades, Congress has made laws that let the President make laws. This has gone on for decade after decade. The Congress is at fault, the Democratic Party is at fault, and the Republican Party is at fault.
Maybe it should be no surprise that a populist leader rushed to take full advantage of a long history of a lazy Congress and put his political agenda above constitutional limits — declaring emergencies that are not emergencies so the leader can legislate by fat. Again, don’t get me wrong; this is not about the policies being enacted. It is about HOW it is being done.
The United States Constitution has NO authorization for the President to declare emergencies. Instead, over the years, Congress has legislated that authority into existence. Presidents of both parties have used them to push their agenda on the American people with no say by their representatives.
This is not a partisan issue. If the Congress wants to impose steep tarifs, so be it. Tarifs: Article I, Section 8, says, “Congress shall have the power to lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts, and Excises.”
Opinion
The word “President” cannot be found in this sentence; the words “Executive Order” do not appear anywhere in the Constitution. Illicit drugs crossing the border is not a foreign army invading America, it is not a sudden, new catastrophe. It is a fake emergency, no more than an excuse to legislate by fat. It is not right; it is not constitutional; Congress needs to take back its power.
If Congress wants to set up a process for mass deportation, let them do it, with due process — not by continuous emergency, an idea lambasted by many Republicans when the emergency response to COVID-19 went on for too long.
Deportation: Another fake emergency invoking a law, The Alien Enemies Act, which begins,
“Whenever there is a declared war between the United States and any foreign nation or government, or any invasion or predatory incursion is perpetrated, attempted, or threatened against the territory of the United States by any foreign nation or government…”
We are not at war, there are no foreign nations threatening to invade.
Deportation by software algorithm would be a comedy of errors if it did not portend every citizen’s worst nightmare — anonymous Feds disappearing people, a mistake that sends someone to a foreign prison, a warrant at the right address for the wrong people, US Citizens, teenage daughters in their underwear in the rain, in the dark, facing 20 men with weapons — who then toss the house taking phones and cash leaving them nothing — nothing short of a breaking and entering robbery — except they had a warrant for the wrong people. (https://www.kxan. com/video/texas-house-committeechanges-thc-ban-bill-allows-for-hempbeverages/10686370/)
It is Federal overreach on steroids. It is not right; it is not constitutional; it is the road to perdition.
Montana did not sign up for this when the compact was made with the United States when it became a state. Every elected ofcial in Montana and our Congressional delegates swore to uphold the Constitution — now is the time to quit bickering over wedge issues; now is the time to honor your oath because the American experiment with a constitutional democratic republic has been a good one, over the years enfranchising more and more of its citizens. Now is the time if we want to keep it.
Given that we want to keep our Republic, we call on:
• Congress, take back your power — Senator Daines, Senator Sheehy, Representative Zinke, Representative Downing — time to honor your oath of ofce.
• Every county’s board of commissioners, every city council, every sherif, every central committee, every constitutional conservative, everyone who wishes to continue the American experiment in Montana to resolve:
— Any person detained by any Federal Agency shall be informed of the agency and identify of all of the people who are detaining them, be informed where they are being taken, have their families and attorneys informed of their location, allowed visitation without undue delay, have a public administrative or judicial hearing as to their status.
— Any person detained by any Federal Agency shall be detained within the borders of the state until such hearing occurs and a judgment
rendered.
— Any person detained by any Federal Agency shall be treated with respect and detained with the minimal necessary force, and made whole for any mistakes with minimal delay.
— No person shall be targeted based on their free speech, political loyalty to any person, party, or policy.
— Citizens of Montana have a constitutional right to privacy, so any demand to share information or provide any Federal agent access to personal data shall be subject to Montana privacy laws and regulations.
James R. Olsen Hamilton
Regier, ‘Freedom Caucus’ fought against property tax relief
Montanans are being crushed under the weight of skyrocketing property taxes. Longtime residents are watching their tax bill soar as wealthy out-ofstaters scoop up land and infate home values across Montana. Families, seniors, and working people across the state are pleading for relief.
This session a group of Montanans – Republicans and Democrats, conservatives and liberals – came together to deliver meaningful property tax relief. Unfortunately, a group of Montana lawmakers stood in the way and are now actively campaigning to get Governor Gianforte to veto meaningful property tax reform for you. That group is the Montana “Freedom Caucus.”
You deserve to know their names. Barry Usher, Nelly Nichol, Jerry Schillinger, Theresa Manzella, Carl Glimm, and Bob Phalen all fought to prevent you from receiving a property tax cut. These legislators – all members of the “Freedom Caucus” – voted against cutting your property taxes from 1.35% to 0.76% on your primary residence. Instead, they wanted to ofer you a token $240 rebate and call it good enough.
It’s not just them. Jeremy Trebas, Daniel Emrich, Ken Bogner, and Daniel Zolnikov all seem to want you to pay high property taxes. Jeremy Trebas wants to serve on the PSC. If he won’t protect you from high property taxes today, how can you expect him to protect you from high utility costs tomorrow?
Instead of fghting for Montana residents, these lawmakers chose to protect the pockets of wealthy nonresidents who own second homes in exclusive enclaves like the Yellowstone Club and the shores of Whitefsh Lake. Every one of these legislators voted against bills that would cut tax rates on your primary residence – just so wealthy, nonresidents don’t have to pay more.
That’s not conservatism. That’s not freedom. That’s protecting the elite at the expense of everyday Montanans.
It should be no surprise these legislators don’t want to cut your taxes. When it comes to protecting the taxpayer, these legislators are missing in action. All are supporters of President Matt Regier. Matt Regier likes the fner things in life, and he wants you to pay for them. Matt Regier tried to get the Legislature to build a $160 million ofce building, and he has spent large sums on high priced lawyers, new ofce furniture and a fancy electronics suite. Montana’s property tax system is broken. We need reform and Matt Regier, the “Freedom Caucus” and Jeremy Trebas, Daniel Emrich, Ken Bogner,
and Daniel Zolnikov said, “NO!”
The next time those legislators campaign on “low taxes” and “standing up for Montana,” remember they didn’t want to cut your property taxes. They wanted to stick it to you and force you to pay the same exorbitant tax rates you are paying today. When it mattered most, they stood with wealthy outsiders and fought against real property tax relief for you. Whereas I will continually consider Montanans frst. Sen. Wendy McKamey, R-SD12 Great Falls
Shameful
My family is a pioneer family that settled in the Bitterroot valley in the 1870s and we have lived here ever since. I grew up in Hamilton and have lived here almost my entire life except for my service in the military. I retired as a Law Enforcement Ofcer in Ravalli County after 30 years of service and I was a Federal Police Ofcer for 9 years. During my military career I served in the Army and the Air Force on active duty and reserve for 22 years in many foreign countries including four deployments to the Middle East and the war in Iraq. My son is a National Park Ranger and a Navy Veteran, my daughter is a Federal Employee at the Rocky Mountain Lab in Hamilton.
On Memorial Day weekend I was listening to a local radio station and heard an advertisement from a Hamilton auto dealership advertising a sale. At the end of the advertisement it was stated that you had to be an American citizen to qualify for the sale!
Memorial Day exists for one reason, to honor and remember ALL of the men and women who died and “Gave the Full Measure“ while serving in the Armed Forces of this country. Many of those men and women who died for this country, and we honor on Memorial Day, were not citizens of our country. Most American citizens by choice do not serve in our armed forces; it is left to the few of us, including non-citizens, to serve in our military and safeguard what we hold dear. It sickens me to think that that one of these “non American citizens” who died for this country and gave “The Full Measure“ and we honor on Memorial Day, if they were alive today, would not be allowed to participate in a car sale on Memorial Day weekend because they were not an American citizen. I wonder how many employees of the dealership in Hamilton are Veterans and how many of their “Band of Brothers“ they served with were not American citizens.
The one word that comes to my mind is “shame” – shame on the Hamilton auto dealership and shame on this country for creating an atmosphere where this type of behavior is acceptable.
If someone disagrees with me they should sit down with the family members of the “non American citizen” who died for this country and for them, and listen to their story.
Steven W. Shook Hamilton
social issues to current events. It’s a time of social interaction and enlightenment. The group meets every other Tuesday night at 6:30 p.m. at the Bitterroot Public Library downstairs meeting room. Cofee, tea and cookies are provided by the Library. People of all philosophies are encouraged to attend.
Kiwanis
Kiwanis meets every Wednesday at 12 noon at BJ’s restaurant in Hamilton.
TOPS
TOPS Club (Take Of Pounds
Sensibly) meets every Thursday morning at Kootenai Creek Village, 43 Club House Way, Stevensville. Guests are welcome, including men. Weigh-in is from 8:30 to 9:10 a.m.; meeting follows until 10:30. A program on sensible eating and weight loss is presented every week along with incentives for weight loss. TOPS is an afordable non proft weight loss support group. For more information call Cindy MacIsaac 406-961-0196.
Lone Rock Community Network
Times for Lone Rock Community Network meetings are changing to an “as requested, as needed” basis. The group will meet periodically for classes, having to do with sustainable and independent living, that are highly relevant to the community. Members will receive email notices of meetings, and they will be posted on Next Door and Facebook. If you’d like to be included, contact Rick Nelson at 406381-1466. Feel free to call or text to suggest topics or hands-on classes. Or, you may just want to get involved with this active, existing network of neighbors that are currently working on projects together.
Montanans for Life
Montanans for Life holds their monthly meeting on the frst Thursday of every month at 6PM at More to Come Fellowship, 330 3rd Ave., Victor. For more information call (406) 407-1254.
Yoga for Veterans FREE to veterans, frst responders, and their families! Tuesdays, 1-2pm at the American Legion Post 94 in Stevensville Register at: redwillowlearning.org OR call 406-5307175. Come see us on 1st Friday in May ‘bout 1800 for more info! We’ll be in front of Active Care Wellness on Main in Stevensville
Bitterroot Health Auxiliary
The Bitterroot Health Auxiliary meets the 3rd Monday every month in the Blodgett Conference Roomof the hospital. New volunteers are always welcome. Contact Mark Robinson, Auxiliary VP, (901) 5178554.
Knotty Knitters Guild
Knotty Knitters Guild meets the 4th Tuesday of every month except June, July, August and December at 6 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 275 Hattie Lane, Hamilton. You can also bring your knitting project to visit and knit with friends or get help with questions on Fridays from 12:00 to 5:00.
Bitterroot Celtic Society
The Bitterroot Celtic Society meets every 3rd Thursday at 6 p.m. at BJ’s restaurant in Hamilton. The Bitterroot Celtic Society is a passionate group of volunteers, dedicated to keeping the Celtic culture, heritage, and history alive in the Bitterroot Valley. Their biggest event is the Bitterroot Celtic Games and Gathering, held every third weekend in August at the Historic Daly Mansion. They also host a Burns’ Night supper, St. Andrew’s, St. Patrick’s, and Tartan day events. The BCS is a non-proft organization. The public, new members, and the curious are always welcome to attend. For any time changes or additional committee meeting info, follow their Facebook page for updates.
A Course of Love study group Fridays 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon. Center for Spiritual Life, Hamilton Call: 406-381-6480
MS Support Group
Bitterroot MS Support Group meets every 3rd Thursday of the month in the Gallery room at the
Cofee Cup Cafe in Hamilton, 500 S 1st Street, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Have a slice of pie, dinner, or just come to chat with others about living with Multiple Sclerosis. This is a positive and uplifting group that holds open discussions, and the occasional guest speaker. Find more information at www. nationalmssociety.org or contact Jackie Peterson, (970)518-293, jackierpeterson@gmail.com
Amateur Radio Club
The Amateur Radio Club
KG7SPL of the Corvallis American Legion Post #91 meets at 6 p.m. on the frst Monday of the month, at the Corvallis Firehall on the Woodside Cutof Road. KG7SPL has a weekly radio net at 7 p.m. Wednesday, starting on 146.580 simplex and then on the club’s repeater located at 147.300 (DSC 703). Each month the club conducts amateur radio testing, a “Fox Hunt” and a HF exercise here in the Bitterroot Valley. Members participate in the ARRL Field Day in June and Winter Field in January. The club conducts Emergency Communications Training, as well as training in antenna construction and diferent amateur radio modes. Every year KG7SPL provides radio coverage for the Corvallis Memorial Day Parade, the Darby Dog Derby, Robert’s Run and other local events. The club has its own radio station and throughout the year holds “Get On The Air” radio nights. This is a very active club and if you have an interest in amateur radio or are already an operator you are encouraged to join. For more information, call club president Mike Nesbihal at 406552-8696.
Vet-to-Vet
Veterans looking for a laidback setting in which to visit with veterans from any period and any branch of service are in luck. Every Friday morning from 6 to 8 a.m., the VVA Chapter 938 sponsors a no-host breakfast at BJ’s Family Restaurant (back room). Come and mingle with those who know where you’re coming from.
Bitterroot Tango
Argentine tango lessons each Wednesday evening at 4039 US 93 N, Stevensville. Learn to dance the tango each Wednesday with beginner classes from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., intermediate classes from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. followed by practice and social time to close. Classes are free. For more information about dance parties and guest teachers, fnd them on facebook at Bitterroot tango.
Soroptimist International of Hamilton
A volunteer service organization of women to empower, educate and encourage women and girls through scholarships and educational programs. All women are welcome to attend the frst Thursday (business meetings) and second Thursday (community presentation) of each month from 12-1 at BJs Restaurant.
Writers’ Circle
Writers’ Circle takes place 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 5:30 at Explore the Arts, 7th and Main Streets, Hamilton. Join in if you have a piece to share, any genre.
More information: Star 406-5465344.
Grief Share
Grief Share program to help process grief ofered at Florence Carlton Community Church, 20075 Old Highway 93, Florence, from February 15 to May 10, 2025. Saturdays 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Contact Colleen, (206) 930-2519
Calling local seniors
Attention valley
seniors! The Hamilton Senior Center is open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, serving a fresh made lunch at a discounted price for seniors. Come and see what fun you can have at the Center socializing and making new friends. Non-seniors are welcome as well. Other activities run daily for Hand and Foot, bridge, ping pong, pinochle, bingo, line dancing classes. Proceeds go to support the center
operation. Currently looking for volunteers to become members of the Board of Directors. Other volunteering positions available as well. Call Joesph Bruno, 406-375-5090, for more information.
Victor Heritage Museum
The Victor Heritage Museum in downtown Victor – 125 Blake Street – will open for the summer season on Memorial Day, May 26th, through Labor Day, September 1. The museum is open to visitors Monday through Friday from 1 to 4 p.m. To visit on a diferent day, contact the museum to fnd a time that works for you. The theme this summer is the “Evolution of Victor.” The museum is located on Main Street in Victor, one block west of the Post Ofce. Watch for information about up-coming events. For more information contact Suzanne Tout, 406363-33165, or email: victormusem@ cybernet1.com
Women Newcomers Group
Whether you are new to the Bitterroot Valley or a long-time resident,you’re invited to join the Bitterroot Women Newcomers Group. The group meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month, at the First Christian Church at 328 Fairgrounds Road in Hamilton. At the next meeting members will be voting in new ofcers for the next term, and Flower Happy will be there, to share the arrangement of fowers, on June 12th at 10 a.m. For more information contact Roben at 661-444-8637.
Victor Community Garden
There are Community Gardens in the Bitterroot. All you have to do is pay a small yearly fee then show up to dig and plant. The gardens water automatically all summer long. An excellent way to become more self-sufcient and gardening is great therapy… good for the soul.
Contact Jill Davies, 406-3601751
Located on 5th just west of Chief Victor Camp Rd. and next to the Nazarene Church
30 – 15×15 community plots available with compost, tools, water provided. $30. Also 27 – 30′ rows for Haven House – looking for gardeners to adopt a row and grow food for the food bank.
North Valley Library
Men’s Club — Thurs, May 29 at 12pm Gents, this one’s just for you. Make connections and conversation over a game of chess or checkers during this informal monthly get-together. All experience levels welcome. And if you’ve never played chess, come and learn! Gameboards provided or you may bring your own. Last Thursday of every month from 12-2pm.
Hamilton school board meetings
Negotiation Committee Meeting
Wednesday – May 28
5:30 p.m. – District Ofce Conference Room
The Committee will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube. You are encouraged to join the meeting at: https://www.youtube.
com/@HSD3Boardmtg
Governance Committee Meeting
Thursday – June 5
12:00 p.m. – District Ofce Conference Room
The Committee will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube. You are encouraged to join the meeting at: https://www.youtube. com/@HSD3Boardmtg
Regular Board Meeting Tuesday – June 10
6:30 p.m. – District Ofce –Conference Room
The Board will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube. You are encouraged to join the meeting at: https://www.youtube.com/@ HSD3Boardmtg
Governance Committee Meeting
Thursday – July 3
12:00 p.m. – District Ofce Conference Room
The Committee will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube. You are encouraged to join the meeting at: https://www.youtube. com/@HSD3Boardmtg
Regular Board Meeting Tuesday – July 8
6:30 p.m. – District Ofce –Conference Room
The Board will be conducting this meeting with live participation. In addition to meeting in person, the District will also be streaming the meeting on YouTube. You are encouraged to join the meeting at: https://www.youtube.com/@ HSD3Boardmtg.
Bitterroot Quilters Guild
Bitterroot Quilters Guild will hold their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, May 28 at the Daly Leach Community Room, 1010 W Main, Hamilton. Doors open at 6 pm for socializing and shopping; the meeting will come to order at 6:30. There will be a Fat Quarter Drawing, 50/50 Pot, bargain sales at the Ugli Bin as well as member show and tell. The Fat Quarter this month is Florals.
Bitterroot Quilters Guild is a non-proft organization that contributes hundreds of quilts annually to organizations in the Bitterroot Valley like Ravalli County First Responders, SAFE, Headstart, Hospice and more. The group also funds an annual scholarship to high school seniors, as well as grants to deserving organizations.
Membership in the Guild is open to quilters from beginner through advanced. Interested individuals are encouraged to attend a meeting at no obligation as our guest. To keep abreast of activities, visit the Bitterroot Quilters Guild on Facebook.
Suicide prevention training
Q (question) P (persuade) R (refer) Suicide Prevention Training will be presented by Tamarack Grief Resource Center on Thursday, June 12 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the North Valley Public Library, 208 Main, Stevensville. This free program for the public
provides three steps anyone can learn to help reduce suicide. For more information contact Tamarack Grief Resource Center at 406-5418472 or visit www.tamarackgrc.org.
Victor history program
The Victor Heritage Museum will be hosting an event on June 12th, at 6:30 pm. Jerry Hinman and Harvey Hackett will give a talk about Victor history, more specifically about the Victor Rife Club which began in or about 1938. Score books, photos, and scrapbooks are available at the Museum as is an Indoor Small Bore Rife Competition Bullet Trap. History has it that Fred Garrod and Harvey Hackett were the last to shoot there in the early 60s. Harvey and Jerry have a wealth of stories to tell. All are welcome. For information contact Suzanne Tout at 406-3633165 or e-mail: victormuseum@ cybernet1.com
Soroptimist Turtle Race
Adopt a plastic turtle for $20.00 and have a chance to win $1,000.00.
On June 21, at 2 p.m., the Bitterroot Aquatic Center [59 Kurtz Lane], in Hamilton, will host the Soroptimist International of Hamilton turtle race to beneft the local SAFE facility – Supporters of Abuse Free Environments.
The plastic turtles can be adopted for $20.00 each – no limit to
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Corvallis boys three-peat as state champs
The Corvallis boys track and feld team won their third straight Class A State Championship on Saturday, May 24 at the Class A State Track & Field meet in Kalispell.
Corvallis won by the narrowest of margins, defeating 2nd place Frenchtown by one point, 76-75. Both the Corvallis boys and girls teams won state titles in 2023 and 2024, so this is the third straight title for the Corvallis boys. The Corvallis girls took 8th place this year.
For the Corvallis boys, Hunter Loesch won the state championship in the javelin with a throw of 209’04”. Loesch still has the furthest javelin throw in the nation for 2025 for a high school boy.
Stuart Brennan won the state championship in the 110m hurdles (14.53) and took 5th in the 300m hurdles.
The 4x100m relay team of Ayden Spencer, Stuart Brennan, Nathan Bales and Solomon Morgan won the state championship with a time of 43.25, beating the 2nd place team by .06 seconds.
Ledge Conner took 2nd place in the high jump (6’2”). Ayden Spencer took 2nd in the 200m (22.52) and 6th in the 100m (11.43). Solomon Morgan took 3rd in both the 100m (11.37) and the 200m (22.55). Jack
Davidson took 3rd in the 3200m (9:39.04) and 5th in the 1600m (4:20.91). Drew Lewis took 4th in the javelin (164’08”) and 5th in the discus (151’08”). Taggart Jessop took 6th in
the 3200m (9:59.98).
For the Corvallis girls, Ella Varner won the state championship in the triple jump (36’5”), took 5th in the long jump (17’1.5”) and took 6th in the
200m (26.40). Kate Allen took 3rd in the 100m hurdles (15.81). Jillian Huls took 5th in the 100m (12.78). Bea Paxson took 6th in the shot put (34’7.5”).
Class A state track results
The Class A State Track & Field meet was in Kalispell on May 2224. Besides Corvallis (above story), Hamilton and Stevensville also had great success at the state meet.
Hamilton
The Hamilton girls team took 3rd place and the Hamilton boys took 8th place.
Individually for Hamilton, Gracie Werst won the state championship in the girls shot put with a personal best throw of 42’05”; this mark was nearly four feet further than her
previous best.
Also for the Hamilton girls, Annalise Lewis took 2nd in both the 800m (2:14.11) and the 1600m (5:04.23), and 6th in the 400m (59.32).
Aubrey Korst took 2nd in the pole vault, Korst cleared the same height, 12’ 0”, as the winner, but had more misses.
The 4x400m relay team of Aubrey Korst, Lily Apedaile, Jenna Ellis and Annalise Lewis took 2nd (4:02.98). Jenna Ellis took 4th in the 300m hurdles (46.49). Kassidee McKern
took 5th in the high jump (5’0”). Lily Apedaile took 5th in the triple jump. (34’6.5”). London Provencher took 6th in the high jump (5’0”).
For the Hamilton boys, the 4x400m relay team of Jake McCarthy, Brayden Lanser, Taylor Doleac and Evan Bennett took 2nd (3:24.00). Evan Bennett took 3rd in the 400m (49.34) and 4th in the 800m (1:57.08). Taylor Doleac took 4th in the discus (158’8”) and 5th in the 800m (1:58.39). Everett Stumpf took 6th in the discus (148’11”).
Stevensville
Stevensville freshman Reagan Johnstone had an exceptional state meet. Johnstone won the state championship in both the 100m hurdles (15.17) and the 300m hurdles (45.01), took 2nd in the long jump (17’7.25”) and took 6th in the triple jump (34’4”). Also for Stevensville, Sophia Hutchison took 3rd in the triple jump (35’3.25”) and 6th in the long jump (16’11.75”). The Stevensville girls took 6th place in the team standings.
Florence boys track state runner-up
The Florence boys track team took 2nd place in the Class B State Track & Field meet, which was held in Missoula on May 22-24.
For the Florence boys, Kyler Harris won the state championship in the 3200m (9:34.08) and took 2nd place in the 1600m (4:25.74).
Isaac Bates took 2nd in the 100m (11.38). Bridger Alexander took 2nd in the shot put (48’02”).
Logan Williams took 3rd in the 200m (22.39). CJ Pijanowski took 3rd in the 3200m (9:44.14) and 6th in the 1600m (4:32.08).
For the Florence girls, Madigan Hurlbert took 2nd in the 100m hurdles (15.08) and took 6th in the 100m (13:01).
Darby
For Darby, McCoy Townsend took 6th in the boys 200m (22.75). Lily Adair took 5th in the 800m (2:23.79). Natalie Anderson took 6th in both the 100m hurdles (16.30) and the 300m hurdles (47.24).
Hamilton boys baseball 4th at state
Hamilton hosted the All Class State Baseball tournament on May 22-24. Hamilton was the only Bitterroot Valley team to qualify. The Broncs fnished 4th in the tournament, losing to Billings Skyview 7-9 in the consolation game on Saturday, May 24. Hamilton played the same Skyview team in their frst round game on Thursday, May 22, and won 1-0. Hamilton pitcher Cash Lawrence was masterful, allowing only 1 hit and striking out 9 batters for the shutout win. For Hamilton, Hunter Harrness went 2 for 2 and had the game winning RBI, which scored Boedy Tadvick. Then in Friday’s semifnal, Hamilton lost to Belgrade 2-12. For Hamilton, Atticus Southwell went 1 for 1 with an RBI and Hunter Harrness went 1 for 2 with an RBI.
This sent Hamilton to the
losers side of the bracket where they defeated Columbia Falls 4-3 in 9 innings. In the bottom of the 9th with the score tied 3-3, Brady DeMoss walked with the bases loaded, scoring Atticus Southwell. For Hamilton, Boedy Tadvick went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs and DeMoss went 2 for 4 with an RBI. Then in Saturday’s consolation game, Hamilton lost to Skyview 7-9. Boedy Tadvick went 3 for 4 with an RBI, Atticus Southwell went 2 for 4 with 2 RBIs, and Hunter Harrness went 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs.
The Corvallis boys track & feld team won the 2025 Class A State Championship in Kalispell on Saturday, May 24. This is the third straight title for the Corvallis boys. Photo courtesy of Spencer Huls.
Hamilton pitcher Cash Lawrence allowed only one hit and struck out nine batters in Hamilton’s 1-0 victory over Billings Skyview on Thursday, May 22. Hamilton took 4th place in the State Baseball Tournament in Hamilton on May 24. Photo by Scott Sacry.
The Florence boys track & feld team took 2nd at the Class B State Tournament in Missoula on Saturday, May 24. Photo by Florence Carlton School Activities.
Sports Hanley state champ, Stevi & Hamilton runners up
The Corvallis, Hamilton and Stevensville tennis teams competed in the Class A State tournament in Billings on May 22-23. Stevensville and Hamilton both brought home hardware as the Stevensville boys and the Hamiton girls each took 2nd place. In total points, the Stevensville boys fnished one point behind champion Whitefsh. The Hamilton girls fnished fve points behind champion Miles City.
Individually, Hamilton junior Ciara Hanley was the girls singles state champion, Hamilton sophomore Tallulah Pinjuv was the girls singles runner up, and Stevensville senior Angus Trangmoe took 3rd in boys singles.
Hamilton
Hamilton’s Ciara Hanley won the state championship in girls singles by defeating her teammate, Tallulah Pinjuv, in the championship match (6-4,
6-1). The two played in the Western A Divisional championship the week before where Pinjuv won. But at State, Hanley came out on top for the state title. Also for Hamilton, the boys doubles team of Finn Dufresne and Jason Chaplin took 5th place.
Stevensville Stevensville’s Angus Trangmoe took 3rd place in boys singles by defeating Florenz Keller of Miles City 7-5, 6-1 in the consolation match. Stevensville’s boys doubles team of Jake Gavlak and Silas Seibert took 4th place. Stevensville’s boys singles player Riccardo Slanzi took 6th place. Corvallis
Corvallis’s Ava Wilcox took 4th place in girls singles. The Corvallis boys doubles team of Emmett Allsop and Brannon Fehr took 6th place.
Florence softball state runner-up
The Florence girls softball team took 2nd place at the Class B State softball tournament in Glasgow on May 22-24. Florence played six games over three days, culminating in the championship game of Saturday, May 24, where Florence lost to Shepard 2-12.
State softball is a double elimination tournament with a winners and losers bracket. A team can lose and still claim the title, they just have to go through the losers bracket and win twice in the championship. This is the route Florence took to the championship game this year.
On Thursday, May 22, they defeated Glasgow 17-2 in the first round, then lost to Manhattan 2-3 in the undefeated semifinal, sending them to the losers bracket. On Friday, they defeated Huntley Project 17-6, then defeated Mission-Arlee-Charlo (MAC) 7-2 in the 3rd/4th place game. On Saturday, they again played Manhattan, this time in the semifinal, and won
Hamilton, Stevi in state Class A softball
The Class A State softball tournament was in Columbia Falls on May 22-24. Hamilton and Stevensville both qualifed and competed. Hamilton played three games at state. In their frst round game they lost to Columbia Falls 2-16. For Hamilton, Mariah Johnson went 2 for 2 and scored a run, Mel Race went 1 for 3 with an RBI, and Hayliegh Savage went 2 for 3. Then in their second game on Friday morning, Hamilton defeated Havre 10-0. Hamilton pitcher Mariah Johnson struck out 5 batters to get the shutout win. Johnson also went 1 for 3 with 2 RBIs from the plate. For Hamilton, Mel Race went 2 for 3, scored 2 runs and had 2 RBIs. Dawsyn
Ekin went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, Hadley Lockhart went 2 for 3 with an RBI, and Kennidi Cooper went 2 for 2 with 2 RBIs. Finally on Friday, they were defeated by Billings Central 2-12. For Hamilton, Mariah Johnson went 1 for 2 with an RBI, and Coco Vachon and Kennidi Cooper both had a hit and scored a run.
Stevensville played Billings Central in their opening game on Thursday and lost 2-5. For Stevensville, Morgan Yeager hit a 2-run home run. Also for Stevensville, Molly Davids and Lilly Newsom both had hits. Then on Friday morning, they lost
8-7, sending them to the finals. In the finals, they played Shepherd and lost 2-12. They would have had to defeat Shepherd twice to have claimed the crown.
It was another stellar season for Florence softball in 2025. They took second at state, won the Western B/C Divisionals and finished the season with a 27-4 record.
Game recaps On Thursday, Florence defeated Glasgow 17-2. For Florence, Jaden Fisher went 4 for 4, scored 4 runs and had 3 RBIs. Taylor Pyette went 2 for 3, hit a home run and had 3 RBIs, and Kenzy Pickering went 3 for 4 with 3 RBIs.
Also on Thursday, Florence lost to Manhattan 2-3 in 9 innings. For Florence, Maggie Schneiter went 2 for 4 with an RBI. Lily Bender went 1 for 4 with an RBI, and Taylor Pyette went 2 for 4 and scored a run. On Friday, Florence defeated
Huntley Project 17-6. For Florence, Jaden Fisher had a big game; she went 4 for 4, hit 2 home runs, scored 4 runs and had 4 RBIs. Ava Philbrick went 2 for 4 with a home run and 4 RBIs, Kaylee Crawford went 3 for 3 and scored 5 runs, and Maggie Schneiter went 3 for 4 and scored 4 runs. Also on Friday, Florence defeated MAC 7-2. For Florence, Ava Philbrick went 2 for 3 with a home run and 2 RBIs. Jaden Fisher went 2 for 3 with a home run and 2 RBIs, and Maggie Schneiter went 1 for 4 with an RBI. On Saturday, Florence defeated Manhattan 8-7. For Florence, Ava Philbrick went 3 for 4 with 2 RBIs. Taylor Pyette hit a 2-run home run, and Lily Bender and Jemma Bouma each went 1 for 3 with an RBI. Then finally in the championship game on Saturday, Florence lost to Shepherd 2-12. For Florence, Elizabeth Camp went 2 for 2 and Lily Bender, Kaylee Crawford and Maggie Schneiter each had hits.
to Dillon 0-9. Stevensville got hits from Olivia Hanson and Emma Tan.
The Hamilton girls tennis team took 2nd at the Class A State Tournament in Billings on Friday, May 23. Hamilton’s Ciara Hanley (5th from the left) won the state championship in girls singles. Photo courtesy of Kelly Hanley.
The Stevensville boys tennis team took 2nd at the Class A State Tournament in Billings on Friday, May 23. Photo courtesy of Bill Everett.
The Florence girls softball team took 2nd at the Class B/C State Tournament in Glasgow on Saturday, May 24. Photo by Florence Carlton School Activities.
Robert D. DoBell, Ed.D.
September 16, 1976 – 2025
Dr. Robert D. DoBell passed away peacefully at home in Bonner, Montana, on May 20, 2025 after a long battle with Philadelphia Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cancer or (PH+ALL). He was 48 years old.
Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on September 16, 1976, Robert lived a life guided by service, education, and a deep love for the rivers, mountains, and people of Montana. After spending his early years in Albuquerque, he made Montana his lifelong home, living in Stevensville, Three Forks, and fnally Bonner.
A dedicated educational leader and lifelong learner, Robert graduated from Albuquerque High School in 1995. He earned his B.A. in History and Spanish from the University of New Mexico in 1999, then went on to obtain both a Master’s and Doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Montana. His work in education spanned more than two decades, including impactful roles as a teacher, principal, and superintendent across multiple Montana communities.
Robert’s professional legacy includes shaping the lives of countless students and educators. He began as a high school teacher and assistant football coach in Stevensville before becoming the school’s vice-principal and curriculum director. He served as principal and later superintendent in Three Forks, and as superintendent of the Lone Rock School District. He was also a passionate educator at the University of Montana, where he taught graduate-level courses in educational leadership, mentored students, and served on dissertation committees.
His work was recognized with multiple honors, including being named 4 Rivers Superintendent of the Year in 2016 and Western Region Superintendent of
Arlo Mayes, Jr.
the Year in 2025. A transformational leader, Robert was known for his ability to listen, empower others, and always ask: what is best for students?
Outside of education, Robert’s heart belonged to the outdoors. He was a passionate fy fsherman, hunter, and conservationist, with a special love for Montana’s great rivers: the Bitterroot, Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Rock Creek, Madison, Big Hole, and Yellowstone. He was a life member of Trout Unlimited, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, and multiple university and community organizations. His favorite place was on the water with a fy rod in hand, or riding the backroads on a 4-wheeler, picking huckleberries with family.
Robert cherished life’s simple and soulful pleasures: a well-smoked brisket on the Traeger, a fery bowl of New Mexican chili, or a gourmet meal prepared with love by his partner, Christine Morman. He was a connoisseur of classic rock, 70s and 80s hits, and the writings of Norman Maclean and John Muir. His favorite flm was “A River Runs Through It,” and he lived by the words, “Education is Life.”
Robert is survived by his mother, Catherine C. Dehlin; his sister, Genevieve Siewell, brother-in-law, Jesse Siewell, nephews, Hunter and Douglas Siewell; and his beloved partner, Christine Morman; and many extended family members, colleagues, and students whose lives he touched deeply. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert J. DoBell Jr., grandparents, Robert J. DoBell, Sr., Helen C. DoBell, Douglas Cornwall, and Ione Cornwall.
Robert will be remembered as a kind, compassionate, and visionary leader who lived fully, gave generously, and loved fercely. He leaves behind a legacy of mentorship, education, service, and a better Mon-
Arlo Mayes, Jr. passed away in Stevensville, MT, Thursday, May 22, 2025, at the age of 87. He grew up in Hillsborough, North Carolina, spending much of his time in the woods or on the river throughout his childhood.
In 1960, Arlo joined the Army. He was stationed in South Carolina, Alabama, Korea, Virginia, New Jersey, New Mexico, Germany, Vietnam and North Carolina. He worked as an aircraft mechanic, then a telecommunication specialist and fnished as a game warden during his nine-year service with the Army. With his training in electronics and telecommunications, he became a switchman for General Telephone (now Verizon), where he worked until his retirement.
In 1962, Arlo married his childhood friend and sweetheart, Betty. Together they raised two children in Hillsborough. In 2006, not long after retirement, they moved to Montana to be close to their grandchildren.
Arlo loved to be outside gardening, birdwatching, fshing, hunting, rockhounding, and exploring. He
tana—“The Last Best Place”—where a river truly runs through it.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am on May 27, 2025 at the First United Methodist Church in Missoula, Montana, located at 300 E Main St. Missoula, MT 59802. A reception will follow the service at the church. In lieu of fowers, please consider a donation in Robert’s name to your local public school’s athletic booster club for student use in extra curricular activities.
volunteered at the Lee Metcalf Wildlife Refuge to share his passion and knowledge of nature. He was also very inventive, creating such things as rock polishers, hand tools and a plethora of other objects out of discarded machinery and scrap metal.
Arlo is preceded in death by his parents, Arlo Mayes, Sr. and Alma Wilson Porterfeld; his brothers, Chester Mayes and Dwight Porterfeld; and sister, Florence Mayes Conklin. He is survived by his loving wife, Betty Mayes; his two children, Kiana Fecteau (John) and Alen Mayes; his grandsons, Keegan Fite, Colin Fite (Lindsey) and Joseph Fecteau; his great-grandson, Colton Fite; and his brother, J.C. Porterfeld.
The family wants to give a big thank you to Bitterroot Health Hospice for their concern and care during Arlo’s fnal days. He will be interred at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery in Missoula, MT. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.
Faye Iris Lindquist-Hammersley went to be with her lord on Dec 11,2024 at her home surrounded by her family. A celebration of life will be held on June
14th at 2pm at Community Baptist Church. Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.
Death Notices
Michael W. Shea
Darby - Michael W. Shea, 69, passed away peacefully in the evening, Monday, May 19, 2025, at home with his wife by his side. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com
Russell H. Trosted
Missoula - Russell H. Trosted, 73, formerly of Chandler, AZ, passed away peacefully with his family near his bedside, in the night Sunday, May 18, 2025, due to a chronic illness. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com
Charlie J. McDonald
Spokane - Charlie J. McDonald, 48, of Spokane, WA passed away Sunday, May 18, 2025 outside of Stevensville. No formal services will be held. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
Lorraine Marie Bayles
Corvallis - Lorraine Marie Bayles, 85, of Corvallis passed away Monday, May 19, 2025 at Bitterroot Health Daly Hospital of natural causes. No formal services will be held. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
Gerald Raymond Ross
Hamilton - Gerald Raymond “Jerry” Ross, 79, of Hamilton passed away on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at The Living Centre from natural causes. Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com.
Standing in the park, waving our sticks
There’s not a whole lot I’d rather have been doing.
The weather was perfect, with just a slight breeze and enough cloud cover to break up the mid-afternoon glare. The four of us could have stayed in the cofee shop where we met and continued telling stories, but the day was too nice for that. Besides, they had come on an errand.
One of my friends had never cast my new fy rod, a CF Burkheimer 8’9” fve weight. We met, in part, so I could show him the new Burkie. The notion of heading for the park to cast it, weather permitting, had been discussed.
by Chuck Stranahan
He and another friend brought their prize bamboo rods built by master rodmaker Marty Karstetter. That was a surprise but I should have guessed it.
Marty Kartstetter has never written a book or magazine article about rodmaking. He lacks the reputation of some that have. His fame, if you can call it that, extends as far as the diehard loyalists who own his rods, fsh them, and swear by them. His rods stand above some that are enshrined in the literature of the sport.
The bamboo fy rod carries a mystique all its own. Anybody who cuts and glues six strips of bamboo together to make a fy rod deserves to be heralded for their craftsmanship and adherence to an arcane tradition. In some cases, the fnished product may reveal construction faws only visible to the practiced eye, or the taper design and its execution under the rodmaker’s hands may not measure up.
And I have to give them all credit. When you’re dealing with tolerances measured in thousandths of inches, trying to join six strips of bamboo into a hexagon-shaped shaft somewhere between seven and nine feet long that bends and unbends in a certain way to throw a fy line with some measure of grace and precision you’re up against no small task.
Starting from scratch I couldn’t do it, even though I was tutored by one of the fnest who ever lived in Walton Powell. I’d have apply what I learned from him to get started, and fail at the task many times over before I turned out an
acceptable fy rod.
It’s not an easy apprenticeship.
I don’t know Marty Karstetter’s lineage as a rodmaker, but I do know that his rods carry many Powell characteristics, redefned under Marty’s direction to achieve what he wants in a fy rod.
My friends had their two Marty bamboos strung up and were casting before I got my graphite Burkheimer out of the rod sack.
Both of the bamboos were built to predetermined actions, diferent taper designs, to conform to the casting styles of diferent casters.
My Burkheimer is built on a taper that favors my casting style. I want to feel a rod come into bend in the middle easily and without forcing. At the same time I don’t want the rod to feel listless in my hand if I ask it to do certain things on a trout stream.
We all took turns with the rods, appreciated each one of them, and at the end of the session had our preferences.
We also had a chance to experience what a past master rodmaker, Doug Merrick, called the sweet
feel of bamboo. In a fne bamboo fy rod there’s nothing like it.
Similarly, there is a sweet feel to the Burkheimer that you don’t get in other graphite fy rods. And unlike the bamboo, the graphite, which weighed in at 2.65 ounces, felt absolutely efortless to cast at fshing distances. And if the need came to poke one out to 75 or 80 feet, that seemed almost efortless too.
Simply put, that afternoon, we got to experience some of the best of the best. And I noticed several things: nobody broke a sweat trying to cast those rods for maximum distance. Sure, we’d each fre a couple out there, just to get an idea of how a particular rod would handle a longer cast. For the most part we were casting for accuracy, laying the fy down with some degree of delicacy, and making the kinds of specialty casts you’d make on a trout stream.
That kind of practice – accuracy, making reach casts and aerial mend casts –isn’t a bad way to spend an afternoon when the rivers are too high to fsh.
Now is a good time to learn or practice fy casting. Photo courtesy Chuck Stranahan.
DITCH COSTLY HEATING BILLS with an EPA certifed Central Boiler Classic Edge Titanium HDX OUTDOOR WOOD FURNACE. Call today for efcient warmth! Axmen 7655 US Hwy 10 W Missoula MT 406-7287020 www.axmenmt.com steve@axmen.com
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Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On- Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855- 995-3572
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HOME INTERNET WITH EARTHLINK. Enjoy speeds from 5Gand 4G LTE networks, no contracts, easy installation, and data plans up to 300 GB. Call 855-419-7978.
GET YOUR DEDUCTION AHEAD OF THE YEAR-END! Donate your car, truck, or SUV to assist the blind and visually impaired. Arrange a swift, no-cost vehicle pickup and secure a generous year-end tax credit. Call Heritage for the Blind Today at 1-855- 901-2620 today!
IF YOU HAD KNEE OR HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY and sufered an infection due to use of a Bair Hugger (Blue Blanket), between 2020 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call attorney Charles H. Johnson 800/535-5727
PORTABLE OXYGEN CONCENTRATOR May Be Covered by Medicare! Reclaim independence and mobility with the compact design and long-lasting battery of Inogen One. Free information kit! Call 855-7621508
SAFE STEP. NORTH AMERICA’S #1 WALK-IN TUB. Comprehensive lifetime warranty.Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Of for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-6012865.
SALON BOOTH RENTAL AVAILABLE, TRENDZ SALON, $350 a month in Hamilton, for more info call (406) 381-8379 or (831) 905-5016.
FOR RENT: 1 BDRM APT. fully furnished, utilities/trash paid. Rural Stevensville, very quiet neighborhood. $1500 per month, on month to month contract. Deposits required: Security $400, Cleaning $300. 406-5501289/208-827-3101.
FRESH EGGS from Howell’s Happy Hens are back! $5.00/doz. Pick up at Bitterroot Star ofce, 115 W. 3rd, Suite 108, Stevensville.
LOOKING FOR GOOD READING MATERIAL? Try local author, Jane Lambert’s nationally acclaimed books “Charlie Russell the Cowboy Years” or “Makin’ Tracks with my Horses and Mules.” Both received medals from the Will Rogers Medallion Awards, and
Legal Notices
NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED
IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY
TO: Wesley S. Dunks
4411 Swaine CT Virginia Beach, VA 23455
Wesley S. Dunks
300 Black Bear Lane Hamilton, MT 59840
Pursuant to Section 15-18-212, Montana Code
Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
1. 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:
A tract of land located in and being a portion of the SóSóNE. of Section 33, Township 6 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana and being more particularly described as Parcel 2, Certifcate of Survey No. 554699-R.
2. The property taxes became delinquent on June 1, 2022.
3. A property tax lien was attached on August 1, 2022
4. The lien was subsequently assigned to Sassanay LLC.
5. As of this date, the amount of taxes, penalties, interest, and costs due is: TAXES $162.77 PENALTY $3.26 INTEREST
6. For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in Paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by July 31, 2025, which is the date the redemption period expires or expired.
7. If all taxes, penalties, interest and costs are not paid to the COUNTY TREASURER on or prior to July 31, 2025 which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed may be issued to the assignee or the county that is the possessor of the tax lien on the day following the date that the redemption period expires.
8. The business address and telephone number of the County treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurers Ofce 215 South 4th Street, STE H Hamilton, MT 59840 406-375-6600 FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN:
1. The address of said interested parties is unknown:
2. The published notice meets the legal requirements for Notice of Pending Tax Deed Issuance. The interested party’s rights may be in jeopardy. DATED this 28th day of May, 2025 Sassanay LLC., Steve Harris - Manager IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY.
BS 5-21, 5-28-25. 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 accept-
ing 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.
MNAXLP
RAVALLI COUNTY
ATTORNEY
Bill Fulbright, County Attorney Ravalli County Courthouse 205 Bedford Street, Suite C Hamilton, MT 59840
rcaoservice@rc.mt.gov
Ph: (406-375-6750
Attorneys for Special Administrator
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MELODEE MELISSA KELLEHER, Deceased
Probate No. 25-47
Dept. No. 2
NOTICE AND INFORMATION TO HEIRS AND DEVISEES
To the heirs and devisees of the above-entitled estate: The decedent, Melodee Melissa Kelleher, died on 26th day March 2025, at the age of 66 years.
This notice is being sent to the Bitterroot Star as no persons who have or may have some interest in the estate being administered have been identifed.
The Ravalli County Attorney’s Ofce, whose address is 205 Bedford Street, Suite C, Hamilton, MT, 59840, was appointed Special Administrator of the estate on April 30, 2025.
Papers and information relating to the estate are on fle in the Montana Twenty-First Judicial District Court, County of Ravalli, at Hamilton, Montana. This estate is being administered by the Special Administrator of the estate under the Uniform Probate Code of Montana without supervision by the Court. Recipients are entitled to information regarding administration from the Special Administrator and may petition the Court in any manner relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration.
DATED: May 12, 2025. /s/ Bill Fulbright, County Attorney CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Lauren R. Fox, hereby certify that I have served true and accurate copies of the foregoing Notice - Notice to Heirs and Devisees to the following on 05-132025: William E. Fulbright (Govt Attorney) 205 Bedford St #C Hamilton MT 59840
Representing: William Fulbright
Service Method: eService
Electronically signed by Travis McElderry on behalf of Lauren R. Fox
Dated: 05-13-2025. BS 5-21, 5-28, 6-4-25. MNAXLP
RAVALLI COUNTY
ATTORNEY
Bill Fulbright, County Attorney
Ravalli County Courthouse 205 Bedford Street, Suite C Hamilton, MT 59840 rcaoservice@rc.mt.gov
Ph: (406-375-6750 Ravalli County Public Administrator
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF
THE ESTATE OF MELODEE MELISSA KELLEHER, Deceased. Cause No. DP -25-47
Department No. 2
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 months after the date of the frst publication of this notice, or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to Ravalli County Public Administrator, 205 Bedford Street, Suite C, Hamilton, MT 59840, return receipt requested, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.
Dated this 12th day of May, 2025.
/s/ Bill Fulbright, Ravalli County Attorney
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I, Lauren R. Fox, hereby certify that I have served true and accurate copies of the foregoing NoticeNotice to Creditors to the following on 05-13-2025: William E. Fulbright (Govt Attorney)
205 Bedford St #C
Hamilton MT 59840
Representing: William Fulbright
Service Method: eService
Electronically signed by Travis McElderry on behalf of Lauren R. Fox Dates: 05-13-2025. BS 5-21, 5-28, 6-4-25.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PAVEMENT MARKINGS
The Ravalli County Board of Commissioners is soliciting Request for Proposals for pavement markings to be conducted throughout various County roads in Ravalli County.
Proposals will be received by the Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, (Second Floor) Hamilton, MT. 59840 until 4:00 p.m. Friday, June 6, 2025. Proposals will then be opened and possibly awarded by the Ravalli County Commissioners at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 11:00 AM in the Commissioners Conference Room (Third Floor) at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, MT
For a copy of the Full Request for Proposal and Specifcations for the pavement markings, contact the Ravalli County Road & Bridge Department at 244 Fairgrounds Road, Hamilton, MT during regular business hours or by calling 406-363-2733.
For questions concerning the Request for Proposal process, contact Chris Taggart at the Ravalli County Commissioners Ofce: 406-375-6500. Chris Taggart Administrative Assistant Ravalli County Commissioners Ofce BS 5-21, 5-28-25.
MNAXLP
PUBLIC HEARING-RAVALLI COUNTY
FOR: Septage Treatment and Composting Preliminary Engineering Report
The Ravalli County Commissioners will hold a public hearing on Monday, June 02, 2025 at 9:30 AM at the Ravalli County Commissioners Chambers, Ravalli County Administrative Center, 215 S 4th St, Suite A, Hamilton, MT 59840 for the purpose of obtaining public comments regarding the on-going Septage Treatment and Composting Preliminary Engineering Report. The County’s consulting engineer, Morrison-Maierle, will provide an overview of the review of improvement al-
ternatives including project costs, operation and maintenance requirements, and environmental impacts. All attendees will have the opportunity to express their opinions regarding this project. Public attendance is encouraged. Written comments may be submitted to Aaron McConkey, Morrison-Maierle, Inc., 1055 Mount Ave, Missoula, MT 59801.
If you would like more information, contact the Commissioner’s Ofce at 406-375-6500. If you are unable to attend and would like to make comment you can do so by contacting the Commissioners at the above phone number or by email at commissioners@ rc.mt.gov
BS 5-21, 5-28-25.
MNAXLP
John S. Masar
LionWood Law PLLC 115 W. 3rd St., Ste. 103 Stevensville, MT 59870 (406) 625-2682 jmasar@lionwoodlaw. com
Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: OSCAR G. SLINDE, Deceased. Probate No.: DP-25-55 Dept. No.: 1 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to ANN M. SCHWAB, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o LionWood Law PLLC, 115 W. 3rd Street, Suite 103, Stevensville, Montana 59870, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court. DATED this 13th day of MaY, 2025. /s/ Ann M. Schwab, Personal Representative c/o LionWood Law PLLC 115 W. 3rd St., Ste. 103 Stevensville, MT 59870 LionWood Law PLLC /s/ John S. Masar Attorney for Personal Representative BS 5-21, 5-28, 6-4-25. MNAXLP
Megan S. Winderl
CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C. 99 Marcus Street, 3rd Floor Hamilton, MT 59840 (406) 218-4888 Meganw@cwlawmt. com Pleadings@cwlawmt. com Attorneys for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY
In the Matter of the Estate of LAWRENCE A. HALE, Deceased. Probate No. DP-412025-0000056-IT Dept. No. 2 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 Kathleen Owens, the Personal Representative, in care of
CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C., 99 Marcus St. 3rd FL, Hamilton, MT 59840 or fled with the Clerk of the above Court. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Montana that the foregoing is true and correct. Dated this 9th day of May, 2025. /s/ Kathleen L. Owens Personal Representative
CHOUINARD & WINDERL, P.C.
Attorney for Personal Representative By: Megan S. Winderl BS 5-21, 5-28, 6-4-25. MNAXLP
RAVALLI COUNTY
ATTORNEY
Bill Fulbright, County Attorney Ravalli County Courthouse 205 Bedford Street, Suite C Hamilton, MT 59840
E-mail: countyattorney@rc.mt.gov
Phone: (406) 375-6750
Fax: (406) 375-6731
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF: B.G.O, D.R.O A YOUTH IN NEED OF CARE Cause No. DN 25-4, DN 25-5 Dept. 2
SUMMONS / CITATION FOR PUBLICATION TO: Ricky Ben Orsot YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that a Petition for Emergency Protective Services, Adjudication of Child as Youth in Need of Care, and Temporary Legal Custody (“the Petition”) regarding, B.G.O and D.R.O, the child who is the subject of the above-captioned proceedings brought pursuant to Title 41, Chapter 3 of the Montana Code Annotated, has been fled in Cause No. DN-25-4 and DN 25-5 in Montana Twenty-First Judicial District Court, in Ravalli County by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Division (CFS), located at 108 Pinckney St., Hamilton, MT 59840.
The Petition requests that CFS be granted the following relief: Emergency Protective Services; Adjudication as a Youth in Need of Care; A Determination that Preservation / Reunifcation Eforts Need Not Be Provided; Termination of Parental Rights; and Permanent Legal Custody. A copy of the Petition is fled with the Clerk of District Court for Ravalli County, (406) 375-6710 and is hereby served upon you at this time.
The child who is the subject of the proceedings, B.G.O, was born on October 25, 2013, and D.R.O, was born on October 25, 2013. The children’s mother is Kimberly Michelle Arnold. The children’s father is Ricky Ben Orsot.
NOW, THEREFORE, YOU ARE HEREBY DIRECTED to appear at the hearing regarding the Petition that is set on the 19th day of June, 2025 at 2:30 p.m., at the Ravalli County Courthouse located at 205 Bedford St., Hamilton, Montana, then and there to show cause, if any you may have, why CFS should not be granted the relief requested in the Petition.
NOTICE: Your failure to appear at the hearing will constitute a denial of interest in the child, which denial may result, without further notice of this proceeding or any subsequent proceeding, in judgment by default being entered for the relief requested in the Petition.
You have the right to be represented by an attorney in these proceedings. If
you are unable to aford an attorney, the Court will have an attorney appointed to represent you.
WITNESS the Clerk of Court and the seal of the Court afxed this 14th day of May 2025.
(COURT SEAL) /s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of Court By: Sarah Sargent, Deputy BS 5-21, 5-28, 6-4-25. MNAXLP RAVALLI COUNTY ATTORNEY
Bill Fulbright, County Attorney Ravalli County Courthouse 205 Bedford Street, Suite C Hamilton, MT 59840 E-mail: countyattorney@rc.mt.gov
Phone: (406) 375-6750 Fax: (406) 375-6731
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF: J.J.P., A YOUTH IN NEED OF CARE Cause No. DN 25-8 Dept. 1
SUMMONS / CITATION FOR PUBLICATION TO: James Stanley Patterson YOU ARE HEREBY NOTIFIED that an Petition for Emergency Protective Services, Adjudication of Child as Youth in Need of Care, and Temporary Legal Custody (“the Petition”) regarding, J.J.P, the child who is the subject of the above-captioned proceedings brought pursuant to Title 41, Chapter 3 of the Montana Code Annotated, has been fled in Cause No. DN-25-8 in Montana Twenty-First Judicial District Court, in Ravalli County by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Child and Family Services Division (CFS), located at 108 Pinkney St, Hamilton, MT 59840. The Petition requests that CFS be granted the following relief: Emergency Protective Services; Adjudication as a Youth in Need of Care; A Determination that Preservation / Reunifcation Eforts Need Not Be Provided; Termination of Parental Rights; and Permanent Legal Custody. A copy of the Petition is fled with the Clerk of District Court for Ravalli County, (406) 375-6710 and is hereby served upon you at this time.
The child who is the subject of the proceedings, J.J.P. was born on June 16, 2010. The child’s mother is Cassandra Janette Fisher. The children’s father is James Stanley Patterson. NOW, THEREFORE, YOU ARE HEREBY DIRECTED to appear at the hearing regarding the Petition that is set on the 18th day of June, 2025 at 2:30 p.m., at the Ravalli County Courthouse located at 205 Bedford St., Hamilton, Montana, then and there to show cause, if any you may have, why CFS should not be granted the relief requested in the Petition.
NOTICE: Your failure to appear at the hearing will constitute a denial of interest in the child, which denial may result, without further notice of this proceeding or any subsequent proceeding, in judgment by default being entered for the relief requested in the Petition.
You have the right to be represented by an attorney in these proceedings. If you are unable to aford an attorney, the Court will have an attorney appointed to represent you.
WITNESS the Clerk of Court and the seal of the Court afxed this 22nd day of May, 2025.
(COURT SEAL) /s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of Court
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Local Growers Guide
Local Growers Guide
1. PINK GRIZZLY GREENHOUSE
Phone: 406-728-3370
Lolo Location: 11454 Highway 93 South, Lolo. Next to Dairy Queen across from Lolo School. Open May 8 through July 5th each year.
Missoula Location since 1955: 1400 Wyoming Street, Missoula on the corner of Russell and Wyoming Street. Open March 1 through December 22 each year.
• Bedding Plants: Very large selection of annual and perennial fowers. Alyssum, petunias, pansies, marigolds, begonias. Colorful fower baskets and planters. Custom planting available
• Vegetable and herb starts: Organic and conventional. Tomato, pepper, broccoli, cabbage, kale, artichoke, rhubarb, basil, lavender, rosemary, thyme, cucumbers, squash, cantaloupe, melons, zucchini, and many more!
• Seed: organic and conventional. Many varieties of vegetables. Certifed organic seed potatoes
• Fruit trees, Shade trees, and Shrubs: Apple, cherry, plum, maple trees, aspen, honey locust, crabapple. Potentilla, barberry
• Fertilizer and pest control products, organic and conventional
• Garden tools: shovels, rakes, trowels, deer fence, tree protectors
• Decorative pots, gifts
• Potting soil, peat moss, soil pep bag products
• List of DEER RESISTANT plants!!!
2. WAYNE HERMAN TREES
Call Wayne for more information 531-9009. Just south of the stoplight in Florence. Open May - July 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. everyday. Come check out our FRESH selection of Maple Trees. We also carry most deciduous trees.
3. BROWN’S GREENHOUSE
Family owned & operated. Wholesale & retail. (406) 241-8360 or (406) 531-5210 • 5629 Lower Woodchuck, Florence (8 Mile community, follow signs 1.5 miles north from Eastside Hwy, north of the roundabout.)
Mon-Fri 9am - 7pm, Sat 9am-5pm. Closed Sundays Mid April through June while supplies last Eight large greenhouses full of annual bedding plant packs, pots and hanging baskets:
• Flowers including pack petunias, marigolds, pansies, alyssum, lobelia, etc.
• Veggies including dozens of varieties of tomatoes & peppers, cole crops, herbs, cucumbers, squash and more; pack, 4” or 6” while supplies last.
• Wide variety of 12” hanging baskets (5,000 to choose from)
* Specialty large combination baskets
• Ofcial Proven Winner Grower!
10. Moeller’s Nursery
• Large specialty planters and color bowls for Mother’s Day
7. NATURE’S ENHANCEMENT, INC. (406) 777-3560 • 2980 Eastside Hwy. (corner of Bell Crossing & Eastside Hwy.)
Come choose from over 100 handmade beautiful baskets. These baskets are sure to add some beauty to your deck or patio this summer. We specialize in hanging baskets, color bowls, etc. Also check out our large selection of healthy vegetables for your garden. Open 6 days a week. Monday - Saturday Look for our sign on Eastside Highway 11. K&S GREENHOUSE
Come choose from over 100 handmade some beauty to your deck or patio bowls, etc. Also check out our large Open 6 days a week. Monday - Saturday Look for our sign on Eastside Highway
961-1612 • 204 Black Lane, Corvallis, a half mile east of the Pharaohplex Theater.
Open Monday – Saturday, 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm.
12. K&S Greenhouse 961-1612 • 204 Black Lane, Corvallis, Open Monday – Saturday, 9am-6pm, K&S Greenhouse has the healthiest baskets and deck planters. They carry fed seed potatoes. They also have tomatoes. Check out their extensive nursery featuring small-caliber ornamental com
K&S Greenhouse has the healthiest plants in the Bitterroot — and best variety of hanging baskets and deck planters. They carry vegetable seeds, onion sets and Montana-certifed seed potatoes. They also have herbs and vegetable starts – including 25 varieties of tomatoes. Check out their extensive selection of annual and perennial plants, as well as their nursery featuring small-caliber ornamental trees, fruit trees and shrubs. www.ksgreenhouse. com
13. Bitterroot Nursery 961-3806 • 3 miles North of Hamilton
Large selection of locally-grown trees kets, perennials, annuals, pottery, Open M-F 9-5:30, Sat 9-5, closed
12. VERN’S NURSERY
(406) 360-0170 649 Hwy 93 North- by Al’s Cycle Mon-Fri 9-4:30 Sat 9-4 Closed Sundays
Vern’s Nursery specializes in large caliper b&b trees and boulders for your landscape. If you are looking for a large selection of 6’+ spruce, we are the nursery to visit. We also have a large selection of hardy fruit trees, deer resistant shrubs and perennials that are locally grown. Our nursery staf has over 40 years of experience here in the Bitterroot Valley.
13. P&T GARDENS
406-961-3806 • 617 Eastside Hwy just 3 miles North of Hamilton
Previously known as Bitterroot Nursery, this location has been serving the Bitterroot Valley since 1968!
With a variety of trees, shrubs, vegetables, bedding plants, hanging baskets, perennials, annuals, fruit trees, herbs, pottery and house plants. In spring we have a wide variety of bare root trees, shrubs, and fruit trees. We also carry Montana Certifed seed potatoes during spring. Many B&B trees to choose from and so much more always added. Find us on facebook for weekly updates, deals, and what’s new!
14. Evans Ace Hardware 363-3351 • 714 N. First (on Hwy 93) Open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 7 Days a week Evans Ace Hardware is your neighborhood dealership. Our certifed garden team They are eager to answer your lawn selection of local annuals, perennials, Brown’s Greenhouse in Florence. Glacier and shrubs. Convenient bags of soils Evans Ace Understands that spending everything you need to relax and entertain Add to your bragging rights with grills ensure you consistent value throughout now until August. Forget mail in rebates! Take advantage of “INSTANT SAVINGS” Stop in and see the newest member
Open March-October Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, closed Sundays. Early spring and late fall hours can vary.
14. EVANS ACE HARDWARE
15. COOKS’ Gardens, 363-0212 177 Golf Course Rd • Hamilton. Conveniently A seasonal greenhouse, Cook’s Gardens perennials, grasses, ornamental succulents, yard art and containers. Always friendly, for the right spot and we’ll plant up April Hours: 10-5, Closed Sundays May and June hours: Mon-Sat 10-6,
363-3351 • 714 N. First (on Hwy 93) Hamilton
406-961-3389 • Since 1971 • ¾ miles South of Corvallis on Eastside Hwy. Online ordering at Moellersnursery.com
Open 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Mon - Sat and 8 a.m - 5 p.m. on Sunday
• Look for our plants at local garden centers in the Bitterroot and Missoula. www.brownsgreeenhousemt.com Find us on Facebook and Instagram
Open every day in season – April through November (while supplies last)
4. COTTAGE GARDEN GREENHOUSE
777-3061 • 5034 Eastside Hwy. Stevensville, halfway between Stevensville and Florence. Open Mon. to Sat. 9am to 6pm, Sun. 11am-5pm With over 30 years of growing in the Bitterroot Valley, CGG provides the best plants and customer service for long-time locals and new-comers alike. Stock up on everything you need for your berry, herb and vegetable gardens then be ready for an abundant feast this summer/fall. Locally grown annuals, hanging baskets, perennials, Montana-hardy roses, and fowering shrubs blooming in every shade imaginable. Visit our website cottagegardengreenhouse.com or follow us on facebook at cottagegardengreenhouse or instagram at cottagegardengreenhouse406 for weekly specials and local gardening advice.
• Locally grown annuals
Bedding plants – Large selection of annual & perennial bedding plants: pansies, petunias, lobelia, asters, impatiens, dahlias, geraniums, moss roses, marigolds, alyssum, begonias, osteospernum, and more. Large selection of hanging baskets featuring begonias, fuchsias, super petunias & mixed baskets.
Perennials - 120 varieties including bleeding hearts, peonies, columbine, daisies, delphinium, Lupin, sedum, and ornamental grasses.
Vegetable bedding plants – Large variety that produce well in the Bitterroot: tomatoes, peppers, cukes, melons, squash, broccoli and herbs. MT certifed seed potatoes, strawberry plants, asparagus roots. Wall-o-water plant protectors.
Evans Ace Hardware is your neighborhood gardening headquarters and Premier level STIHL dealership. Our certifed garden team is eager to answer your lawn and gardening questions. Our greenhouse has a full selection of local annuals, perennials, herbs, as well as Montana grown vegetables from Brown’s Greenhouse in Florence. Glacier Nursery will be supplying an assortment of trees and shrubs. Convenient bags of soils and amendments are piled high.
Nursery stock – Shade trees, fruit trees, fowering trees and shrubs. Lilac bushes. Potentillas. Rhubarb plants, gooseberry, raspberry, grape, currant, and honeyberry. Save now on bare root trees and shrubs.
South, Lolo. Next to Dairy Queen across from Lolo School. year. Wyoming Street, Missoula on the corner of Russell and WyoDecember 22 each year. annual and perennial fowers. Alyssum, petunias, pansies, baskets and planters. Custom planting available conventional. Tomato, pepper, broccoli, cabbage, kale, rosemary, thyme, cucumbers, squash, cantaloupe, melons, varieties of vegetables. Certifed organic seed potatoes blackberries, blueberries Apple, cherry, plum, maple trees, aspen, honey locust, organic and conventional deer fence, tree protectors products
531-9009.
16. The Scented Garden Owner Sandie Fleischmann 406-363-7405 • 285 Grundy Lane, Golf Course Road) Watch for the blue Open 10:30-4:30 Mon-Fri, 10-4 Sat, Organic, homegrown and hand cared ing large hardy perennials, and bedding baskets, deck and container pots. look, with color all year long, that adds until October. If you haven’t seen our few gardening ideas.
10. Beautiful Baskets & More 246 Christoferson Lane, Corvallis
509-936-2706 & 509-936-0963
Potting soil, peat moss, and seeds.
Produce – A complete line available in season. Specializing in super sweet sweet corn, cauli-
• Large selection of Montana hardy berry plants
• Tomatoes - 28 varieties of cherries, heirlooms & hybrids
• Vegetable starts
• Hanging baskets for sun or shade
• Perennials that will fourish in your landscape
• Select blooming and shade trees
Call or stop by with your ideas and questions today! Now accepting VISA/MC.
5. SUPER 1 FOODS - STEVENSVILLE 777-7300 • 39 Stevensville Cutof Rd • Stevensville 363-6200 • 1131 N. 1st Street • Hamilton
Open 7 days a week.
everyday. Maple Trees. We also carry most deciduous trees. & retail. (406) 241-8360 or (406) 531-5210 • 5629 Lower community, follow signs 1.5 miles north from Eastside Hwy, Closed Sundays last bedding plant packs, pots and hanging baskets: marigolds, pansies, alyssum, lobelia, etc. tomatoes & peppers, cole crops, herbs, cucumbers, supplies last. (5,000 to choose from)
Great selection of quality plants, good prices, and great selections of annuals, vegetables, and new plants weekly from asters to zinnias. Garden supplies and art.
6. STEVENSVILLE COUNTRY STORE
406-777-5527 • 3673 Eastside Hwy - Just south of Stevensville on Eastside Hwy.
Open Monday - Saturday 8am-7pm, Sunday 10am5pm - countrystore.net
From feed to seed to fencing and hardware, your local Country Store in Stevensville is here for all your Spring needs! We work hard to stock our shelves with the highest quality products from well-respected brands. We have seeds from Burpee, Botanical Interest, BSG Bailey, Rainier Seeds. We also have bedding plants, gardening supplies, and much, much more. And don’t forget about our wide selection of Pet and Livestock Feed supplies. Our friendly and knowledgeable staf is here to deliver a positive customer experience - we have the expertise to help you with all your challenging Spring projects. We look forward to serving you!
bowls for Mother’s Day centers in the Bitterroot and Missoula. us on Facebook and Instagram Greenhouse Stevensville, halfway between Stevensville and Florence. 11am-5pm Bitterroot Valley, CGG provides the best plants and customer new-comers alike. Stock up on everything you need for your berry, ready for an abundant feast this summer/fall. Locally grown Montana-hardy roses, and fowering shrubs blooming in cottagegardengreenhouse.com or follow us on facebook advice.
Come choose from over 90 handmade beautiful baskets. These baskets are sure to add some beauty to your deck or patio this summer. We specialize in hanging baskets, color bowls, etc. Also check out our large selection of healthy vegetables for your garden.
Open 6 days a week. Monday - Saturday
Public Welcome - Open M-F 8 am - 3:30 pmSome Saturdays. Direct grower prices. Nursery and full-service landscape company. Landscape Services: Complete landscape services including lawn installation, sprinkler systems, custom rock walls, and planting services. We also build patios, decks, fre pits, retaining walls, pathways and water features. Tree services and moving also available! Nursery: We specialize in Rocky Mountain natives and hardy plant material including instant shade trees, large evergreens, fruit trees, blooming shrubs, colorful groundcovers and wildfowers. Plant sizes range from a 1-gallon container up to a 30-ft. B&B tree. Located on 40 acres in Stevensville. Major credit cards accepted. For examples of landscape projects and our plant catalog visit: www.naturesenhancementinc.com
Look for our sign on Eastside Highway or Black Lane
11. K&S Greenhouse
Evans Ace understands that spending time in your garden isn’t all about work. We have everything you need to relax and entertain outdoors as well. Add to your bragging rights with grills and accessories from TRAEGER, WEBER, BIG GREEN EGG, GOZNEY and More! We can ensure you consistent value throughout the growing season with national sales events from now until August. For even more savings Download the Ace App.
961-1612 • 204 Black Lane, Corvallis, a half mile east of the Pharaohplex Theater.
15. COOKS’ GARDENS, THE GREENHOUSE 363-0212
Open Monday – Saturday, 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm.
Open since 1958, Shady Rest Greenhouse has been helping grow successful gardens in the valley for over 60 years. Carrying a large variety of annuals, perennials, vegetables, herbs, baskets, shrubs, soil and ground cover and more.
K&S Greenhouse has the healthiest plants in the Bitterroot — and best variety of hanging baskets and deck planters. They carry vegetable seeds, onion sets and Montana-certifed seed potatoes. They also have herbs and vegetable starts – including 25 varieties of tomatoes. Check out their extensive selection of annual and perennial plants, as well as their nursery featuring small-caliber ornamental trees, fruit trees and shrubs. www.ksgreenhouse.com
177 Golf Course Rd • Hamilton. Conveniently located just 2 blocks of of Highway 93.
12. Bitterroot Nursery
9. MOELLER’S NURSERY
961-3806 • 3 miles North of Hamilton on the Eastside Hwy.
406-961-3389 • Since 1971 • ¾ miles South of Corvallis on Eastside Hwy. Check out Moellersnursery.com
50+ years of the Bitterroot’s best selection of locally-grown trees and shrubs, vegetables, bedding plants, hanging baskets, perennials, annuals, pottery, garden ornaments, landscape supplies, mulch and more! Open M-F 9-5:30, Sat 9-5, closed Sundays.
Open every day in season – April through November (while supplies last)
13. Evans Ace Hardware
363-3351 • 714 N. First (on Hwy 93) Hamilton
A seasonal greenhouse, Cook’s Gardens ofers a selection of unique annuals, deer resistant perennials, grasses, succulents, over 30 varieties of tomatoes, other veggies, yard art and containers. Always friendly, always helpful, we can recommend the right combo for the right spot and we’ll plant up your containers especially for you.
April Hours: 10-5, Closed Sundays and Thursdays. May and June hours: Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 11-4
16. THE SCENTED GARDEN AND GREENHOUSE
Open 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Mon - Sat and 8 a.m - 5 p.m. on Sunday
Bedding plants – Large selection of annual & perennial bedding plants: pansies, petunias, lobelia, asters, impatiens, dahlias, geraniums, moss roses, marigolds, alyssum, begonias, osteospernum, and more. Large selection of hanging baskets featuring begonias, fuchsias, super petunias & mixed baskets.
Owner Sandie Fleischmann
Evans Ace Hardware is your neighborhood gardening headquarters and Premier level STIHL dealership. Our certifed garden team is eager to answer your lawn and gardening questions. Our greenhouse has a full selection of local annuals, perennials, herbs, as well as Montana grown vegetables from Brown’s Greenhouse in Florence. Glacier Nursery will be supplying an assortment of trees and shrubs. Convenient bags of soils and amendments are piled high. Evans Ace understands that spending time in your garden isn’t all about work. We have everything you need to relax and entertain outdoors as well. Add to your bragging rights with grills and accessories from TRAEGER, WEBER, BIG GREEN EGG, GOZNEY, BREEO and More! We can ensure you consistent value throughout the growing season with national sales events from now until August. Forget mail in rebates! Take advantage of “INSTANT SAVINGS” for all our rewards members.
Perennials - 140 varieties including bleeding hearts, peonies, columbine, daisies, delphinium, lupine, sedum, and ornamental grasses. Vegetable bedding plants – Large variety that produce well in the Bitterroot: 50 varieties of tomatoes. 37 varieties of peppers, cukes, melons, squash, broccoli and herbs. MT certifed seed potatoes, strawberry plants, asparagus roots.
Nursery stock – Shade trees, fruit trees, fowering trees and shrubs. Lilac bushes. Potentillas. Rhubarb plants, gooseberry, raspberry, grape, currant, and honeyberry. Save now on bare root trees and shrubs.
Potting soil, peat moss, and seeds.
406-363-7405 • 285 Grundy Lane, Hamilton (just of Grantsdale Road, 2 blocks south of Golf Course Road). Watch for the blue and gold signs.
Open 10:30 - 4:30 Mon-Fri, 10-4 Sat, 11-3 Sunday. Organic, homegrown and hand cared for quality plants for all your gardening needs, including large hardy perennials, and bedding plants to numerous to mention. Gorgeous hanging baskets, deck and container pots. We give you ideas for your unique look, with color all year long, that adds quality to your home. Open for the season from April until October. If you haven’t seen our beautiful gardens, please stop by! You might even get a few gardening ideas.
14. COOKS’ Gardens, the Greenhouse 363-0212 177 Golf Course Rd • Hamilton. Conveniently located just 2 blocks of of Highway 93. A seasonal greenhouse, Cook’s Gardens ofers a selection of unique annuals, deer resistant perennials, grasses, succulents, over 30 varieties of tomatoes, other veggies, yard art and containers. Always friendly, always helpful, we can recommend the right combo for the right spot and we’ll plant up your containers especially for you.
April Hours: 10-5, Closed Sundays and Thursdays. May and June hours: Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 11-4
Produce – A complete line available in season. Specializing in super sweet sweet corn, caulifower, broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, cucumbers, squash and pumpkins.
15. The Scented Garden and Greenhouse Owner Sandie Fleischmann 406-363-7405 • 285 Grundy Lane, Hamilton (just of Grantsdale Road, 2 blocks south of Golf Course Road) Watch for the blue and gold signs.
Open 10:30-4:30 Mon-Fri, 10-4 Sat, 11-3 Sunday.
Corvallis
Board of Realtors awards three scholarships
The Bitterroot Valley Board of Realtors has announced three awardees of the Travis Martinez Memorial Trades Scholarships. The scholarships are $1,000 each and BVBOR took applications from graduating high school seniors in the Valley who are pursuing a career in the Trades.
The 2025 awardees are: Logan Jenne, Victor High School. Jenne will be attending the Montana Tech Highlands program for training to be a lineman. Braydon Lundgren, Darby High School. Lundgren is in an internship program at DJ’s Electric and seeks to
be in their apprenticeship program as well. John Dicken, Darby High School. Dicken is currently working to earn his Commercial Driver License on his way to becoming an electrical lineman. “Promoting an education in the
Trades helps develop the future workforce of the Bitterroot Valley while preparing young people to become professionals and excel in business,” said Craig Siphers, President of the Bitterroot Valley Board of Realtors. “BVBOR honors and supports Logan, Brayden, and John in their pursuits.”
Our scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who plan to attend a two- or four-year college, technical or trade school full time.
There’s one scholarship in each community where we have a Farmers State Bank. That’s nine total awards.
