The 69th Montana Legislature ended Wednesday, April 30, after authorizing residential property tax relief and fnalizing spending measures including a $16.6 billion budget bill to fund the state’s operations for the next two years.
The House wrapped up its business with little fanfare at 12:59 p.m. on a 96-4 vote to indefnitely adjourn, frst giving fnal approval to tax bills that favored homeowners and drew protests just a day earlier from refneries, the Montana Chamber of Commerce and the state’s public utilities.
The Senate ended the session as it started, with members of the Republican leadership team chastising the chamber’s largest voting bloc — a group of nine Republicans and the 18-member Democratic minority — who voted together on an array of issues including residential property tax relief and Medicaid expansion opposed by Republican hardliners but supported by two-term Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte.
The Republican caucus in the Senate split on the frst day of the session over committee assignments moderates considered punitive. The fracture widened weeks later as leadership launched an ethics investigation into former President Jason Ellsworth, a Hamilton Republican who awarded $170,100 in government work to a longtime associate. A legislative audit found Ellsworth had abused his government position and the Senate chamber ultimately voted to censure and ban Ellsworth from the foor after the chamber’s ethics committee held hearings into his conduct. The issue took up much of the chamber’s time and energy for the frst two months of the session.
Ending the session took two rounds of voting in the Senate, the frst attempt blocked on an 8-42 vote as the “D+9” group attempted unsuccessfully to resurrect a bill that attempted to fund bridge repairs and support crime victims with taxes on out-of-state luxury vehicles registered in Montana to avoid sales taxes in other states.
The second vote passed overwhelmingly, but not before members of Senate Republican leadership vented about ending up on the losing side of property tax and budget negotiations
led by moderate Republicans that joined with Democrats.
“Five days early, we’re going to quit because we’re done? I don’t even think we’ve shown up,” said Sen. Daniel Zolnikov, a Republican whip from Billings. “I’m a hard no because again, massive failure. Whatever this was, if this is how people legislate, we have a problem. This is how D.C. does it. We vote yes because it’s easy, we get talking points out. And now we just gave the second foor the ability to do our job.”
The governor, who has an ofce on the second foor of the Capitol, has indicated for weeks that, as a matter or process, some legislative spending proposals will be cut to balance the budget.
ry,” Regier said. The president also cited roughly a dozen bills he considered wins for most Senate Republicans.
“As Gov. Gianforte did in 2021 and 2023, he’ll carefully review the budget bills and other bills the Legislature sent him to root out wasteful spending, and he will exercise his constitutional authority to veto or line-item veto pork,” said Sean Southard, spokesperson for Gianforte, in a post-session statement.
Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade, told reporters after the session adjourned that the budget as passed by lawmakers was a good product.
“We absolutely presented a balanced budget to the governor,” Flowers said.
Zolnikov acknowledged on the Senate foor that Senate Republican leadership “didn’t get a lot through, actually very little, because we weren’t in the conversation.”
In a post-session press conference, Senate Tax Committee Chair Greg Hertz, R-Polson, who witnessed several of the tax bills he opposed in committee later brought back to life to the Senate foor, proclaimed Montana’s property tax system “the most complicated tax system of the United States.”
Senate President Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, put in the win column the income tax package in House Bill 337, a $278-million-a-year income tax cut passed with unifed Republican support and signed by Gianforte earlier this week.
“Our House Bill 337, which cuts everybody’s income tax … is the biggest income tax reduction in Montana’s histo-
Senate Republicans spent eight months leading up to the session crafting bills intended to limit the powers of Montana courts and make judicial elections partisan. Of the 27 bills created, only six passed muster with the Legislature. Notably, bills allowing party labels on ballots for judicial races failed.
Senate Majority Leader Tom McGillvray, R-Billings, told reporters that the work done this session would be the foundation for sessions to come. He touted a new review system for judges as a source for voters wanting to know more about judicial candidates.
House Republican leaders highlighted their ability to get bipartisan support for legislation like property tax relief, which eluded the lawmakers in the 2023 session. Included in that equation were more than half the lawmakers in the 100-member House, more than half the lawmakers of the 50-member Senate, and the governor.
“I think what we managed to do was fnd those areas where we could fnd agreement to get 51, 26 and 1, and that’s ultimately what this is about,” said House Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick, R-Great Falls.
“It was difcult. I think the product we fnally got is a refection of the reality that compromise around here requires grabbing diferent parts of diferent bills and trying to meld them into a fnal product,” Fitzpatrick said.
House Minority Leader Katie Sullivan, D-Missoula, said
Democrats were more efective at advancing their priorities because Montana elected more members of the party to the Legislature in 2024, the frst general election held with newly drawn legislative districts adopted following the 2020 census.
“There are more of us here than there were last session. Montana sent 12 more Democrats to the Legislature and this has been a night and day diference,” Sullivan said.
Democrats identifed health care policy as one of their proudest accomplishments, highlighting a renewed Medicaid expansion program along with House Bill 398 and House Bill 399, a pair of bills that limit insurance companies’ authority over policyholders’ access to medication prior to authorization. Democrats also celebrated investments in education and solar energy.
Lawmakers passed the STARS Act, which was included in Gianforte’s budget and puts $100 million toward increasing starting teacher pay. It saw large bipartisan support in both chambers.
The minority leaders also bashed Republicans for the amount of time the House and Senate spent debating bills limiting the rights of LGBTQ+ Montanans, as well as the GOP-backed income tax cut.
Democrats claimed that none were a major priority for their constituents.
“This session, Montana Democrats stood frm in defending our fundamental freedoms under the Montana Constitution and our Montana way of life,” Sullivan said.
Flowers said his party was “able to have signifcant infuence on both the day-to-day bills that came through and hopefully on the budget” through a “relationship that we’ve built across the aisle with Republicans.”
But Democrats weren’t able to sway Republicans within their coalition about opposing LGBTQ+ issues, where Republicans were able to pass legislation establishing strict sex segregation of multi-user bathrooms now being challenged in court.
“LGBTQ issues
are not priorities for them. We don’t share those same values,” Flowers said. “And so in some ways it was not a surprise that they would not work with us.”
A bipartisan coalition of lawmakers passed a bill to continue Montana’s Medicaid expansion program in midMarch, capping debate on a signifcant policy issue relatively early in the session. Gianforte signed the bill into law the same month, though without a public statement or bill signing ceremony.
The legislation, House Bill 245, was sponsored by Rep. Ed Buttrey, R-Great Falls, who brought prior Medicaid expansion bills in 2015 and 2019. It was supported by the Montana Chamber of Commerce, the Montana Hospital Association, the Montana Medical Association, other industry associations, tribal governments and advocates for health care access. Opponents included Republican lawmakers who consistently forecasted state budget woes if federal funding for the program dwindles. Others said the program was a form of socialized medicine that creates dependency on government support.
Some Republican opponents recognized that their coalition did not have the votes to stop the bill, which lifts the 2025 sunset on Medicaid expansion, in the House or the Senate chamber. Some hoped that sending it to the governor’s desk earlier in the session would give Democrats and moderate Republican supporters less leverage during later policy debates on property taxes and state budget bills. But the passage of HB 245 did not appear to weaken the session’s bipartisan stronghold.
As lawmakers worked in Montana to set the state budget, they kept an eye on the federal government, which has discussed budget reductions that could have a large impact here. Democrats said they considered federal cuts to programs like Medicaid as a potential cause for a special session.
Senator Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, said he expected the Legislature to be back for a special session by the end of the year if federal government cuts afected state programs, or the economy listed into a recession during an escalating trade war.
Photo by Mara Silvers / MTFP.
MAPS and BEAR ofer youth summer programs
This summer, two of the Bitterroot Valley’s most trusted and enduring youth-serving nonprofts - MAPS Media Institute (MAPS) and Bitterroot Ecological Awareness Resources (BEAR)—will once again ofer their respective summer programs from 515 Madison Street in Hamilton. Though they operate independently, each organization brings decades of experience serving local youth through unique programming, mentorship, and connection.
“Summer can be a tough time for some kids,” said Arielle Rhodz, MAPS-Ravalli Program Director and Lead Teacher. “They lose the school structure, which can make them feel disconnected. These programs give them a place to show up, be creative, try new things, and feel like they belong. It’s not just about keeping them busyit’s about helping them grow into who they are.”
MAPS and BEAR have
each served youth in the Bitterroot Valley for more than 20 years, contributing over four decades of combined impact. While BEAR ofers nature-based mentoring and outdoor adventures, MAPS provides immersive experiences in media arts and emerging technologies. From their own classrooms, studios, and ofces in the same building, both organizations foster supportive spaces where young people grow, explore, and discover their strengths.
BEAR’s Venture Out Summer Camps ofer middle school students in grades 6–8 the opportunity to spend Wednesdays outdoorshiking, rafting, swimming, and exploring wild places across the valley. The program builds resilience, self-confdence, and strong peer connections through challenge and adventure. In addition, BEAR ofers ropes course activities by reserva-
tion at Hieronymus Park all summer long, a Backpacking for Adults trip from July 29 to August 1, and a free Community Ropes Course Day in September.
“BEAR has been dedicated to supporting youth in the Bitterroot Valley for over 30 years,” said Diane Olsen, BEAR Executive Director. “Our missions closely align with MAPS, and it’s been inspiring to witness how our shared space supports a richer experience for the youth and families we serve.” One BEAR participant shared: “The trips were just what I needed in that stage when everyone needs the confdence to face the tough years of adolescence.”
MAPS Media Institute is ofering six weeks of free summer programming for students in grades 8–12.
Every Monday and Tuesday from June 16 through July 29, youth can explore Technomancery, a hands-on intro-
duction to AI, VR, drones, and 3D printing, or develop visual storytelling skills in Pencil to Pixel, which blends traditional drawing with digital design. In addition to media education, MAPS emphasizes mentorship, with professional teaching artists guiding students through creative techniques, collaboration, goal-setting, and leadership. The program also prioritizes workforce-ready skills, helping youth build communication, technological fuency, and creativity - tools essential for success in school, work, and life.
One MAPS student, age 16, shared: “MAPS has helped me express myself through things like flm, music, and design, and I’ve learned how to turn my ideas into something real. The best part is getting to collaborate with friends and other artists.”
The Hamilton location is home to MAPS-Ravalli County and also serves as
the statewide administrative headquarters for MAPS, which ofers year-round programs in the Fort Belknap Indian Community and Lewis & Clark County, as well as statewide project-based outreach.
“This kind of shared space shows what’s possible when rural nonprofts think creatively,” said Clare Ann Harf, Executive Director of MAPS. “Under one roof, we’re each doing what we do best - creating spaces where young people feel safe to be themselves, try new things, and grow. We aim to nurture their potential, help them discover what they’re good at, and give them real opportunities to build confdence and skills they’ll carry into whatever comes next.”
To register or learn more: MAPS: www.mapsmediainstitute.com | (406) 3817230
ation things like natural resources, potential future land use, utilities, housing needs and more. According to Arps, she lived in the Stevensville area for a few years and knows about the big important events the town holds in the summer. She said it is important to include those in the policy as well. The update will also absorb things from the last growth policy, saving money by not having to start from scratch.
Arps wanted to express that these growth policies are not regulatory documents, but guides for future growth and development. They do not carry force of law, but provide a framework to see the view of the community come to fruition and give them a voice in their developmental path. Arps added that this is “not the government coming in to tell people
what to do.” She said they are there only to inform and provide resources so the community can address its problems the way it wants.
The Community Technical Assistance Program provides communities with the tools and information to make sure the process happens correctly and without unforeseen consequences. “For a lot of small communities, there’s just not enough capacity, or funding, to do everything in house,” said Arps. That process is also very in depth and prolonged, with Arps saying it will take about a year to complete.
The Community Technical Assistance Program contracted Great West Engineering to help with the policy update. According to her, engineering frms are often brought on to provide technical expertise.
Last week, the Stevensville Planning and Zoning Board looked at examples of surveys from other towns like Fort Benton, Deer Lodge and Philipsburg. These examples were meant to help the board decide on how they want to go about designing and applying their own surveys. Other town examples provided options on things like layout, question types and more. They are also considering putting the survey online, as some towns have done.
These surveys will ask questions like: “How long have you lived in town,” “Is there anything you would like to see,” and, “What is your age and occupation?” The board will pick out questions they like and make suggestions for new ones.
The survey will focus on the elderly and very young. The youth will
primarily include school children ages 15 to 18 years old. According to Mayor Michalson, this is important because, “It gets the kids involved in their government.” Once fne-tuned, the board will send the survey to the DOC to review and to look for suggestions. Right now, the growth policy update is only in the early stages. Throughout the process the board will fne tune the town’s already existing growth policy, and update it to modern needs. Arps believes the Community Technical Assistance Program will be able to “give some tools to the town to keep people engaged,” and “put some faith back in local government.” She also said, “One of the things with projects like this is that we want to see people come together,” adding that she hopes to “keep that momentum going.”
Sula Rural Fire District awarded grant
As frst responders continue to serve Sula and Conner, it’s important that Sula Rural Fire District remains properly equipped to handle all emergencies. Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation recognized the need for new lifesaving equipment and recently awarded a $12,160 grant to purchase 1,000 feet of 5-inch hose.
The new hose will be used with the District’s TurboDraft units. In a rural community like this, there are
no fre hydrants, so frefghters must draft water from rivers and ponds, which is a critical item for the team of volunteers and ultimately improves the lifesaving capabilities of frst responders when called into action.
“We are grateful to the Foundation for providing us with this invaluable funding,” said Lena Hensley, Secretary of the Board of Trustees, Sula Rural Fire District. “The added beneft of having the very best equip-
ment on hand means everything in an emergency when every second counts.”
For the past 19 years, charitable donations have been the driving force behind Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation, supporting frst responders and public safety organizations nationwide.
The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has awarded 6,841 grants valued at over $96 million to public
safety organizations since 2005. This grant is one of 87 the Foundation awarded during the most recent grant cycle. The 87 grants will provide critical lifesaving equipment valued at more than $2.1 million across the U.S. To donate and learn more, visit any Firehouse Subs restaurant or the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation website at FirehouseSubsFoundation.org.
American Legion Post 47 awards contest winners
Every year, the American Legion invites students in 7th/8th grade and High School to participate in an essay contest to help them become aware of the nature of the U.S. Constitution and to consider the responsibilities they will eventually assume as mature citizens.
Earlier this year, Ravalli Post 47 invited teachers, parents and students to participate. They chose essay contest topics as related to the U.S. Constitution and to their curriculum. The essays were evaluated based on indications of understanding, research, creative thought and how well the essay addresses the Constitution and responsibilities of a citizen under the Constitution.
Post 47 awards $100 and a certifcate of commendation to one winner from 7th/8th grade and one high school winner. The winners are sent forward to compete at the State American Legion level for a chance to win $400, $250 or $150 for 1st through 3rd place fnishes.
The 2025 Ravalli Post
47 U.S. Constitution Essay Contest winners were Brooklyn Cary, a home-schooled 8th grade student, and Hamilton High School Senior Thea Jackson. Additionally, Post 47 is proud to announce that Brooklyn won First Place at the State American Legion essay competition (again) and Thea won 2nd Place at the State level! They both will receive a plaque and additional scholarship checks. Congratulations to both students and much appreciation to their teachers for their guidance and encouragement - Mrs. Erin Miller-Cary and Ms. Kiah Nisly, HHS U.S. Government. Ravalli Post 47 encourages all students in 7th & 8th grade and high school to enter the contest next year. Essays are no more than 3 pages, double-spaced. It is defnitely worth the efort to participate. For more information check out http://mtlegion.org/essaycontest. html.
Ravalli Post 47 Commander Deb Strickland (2nd from right), and Essay Contest coordinator Nancy Dezell (far right) present a certifcate and $100 check to Junior High Essay Contest Award Winner, Brooklyn Cary, and her family. Photo by Greg Marose, Sr.
Hands Of protest deserves applause
It’s difcult to imagine a better way to spend a warm, sunny Saturday in April than taking part in the nationwide Hands Of protest against the actions of the Trump/Musk White House.
My wife and I were among hundreds of protesters on April 5 who carried signs, fags, and waved to fellow Bitterrooters as we lined up for blocks along First Street near downtown Hamilton.
A counter walked the length of the gathering and tallied 700 participants. Signs ranged from support for federal workers, including Forest Service employees, and staf at RML. Other fun signs?
• Deport Musk
• Hands of my Social Security
• Hands of: Make good trouble
• The power of the people is greater than the people in power
• Are we going to be Trump’s 7th bankruptcy?
And my personal favorite:
• Jesus loves the people Trump hates.
Phase two of the event saw the protesters marching north on First Street and cutting over to River Street Dance Theater where four speakers, including recent candidate for western Montana’s representative in Congress, Monica Tranel, spoke about the problems the Trump/Musk fring of federal workers has caused.
Perhaps the most satisfying part of the protest was the hundreds of well-wishers who drove by, smiling, waving and blowing their horns in support. Few detractors were evident.
Our local chapter of Indivisible, a nationwide group of volunteers supporting bipartisan unity, organized the protest. Look for more soon.
Wayne Adair Hamilton Chemtrails and do-nothingism
On Friday, March 28, 2025, the skies lit up over Missoula and the Bitterroot with an extraordinary amount of what are commonly known as “chemtrails”. Since that day, there have been numerous instances in which these visible streaks of particulates, sprayed out of high-fying jets criss-crossing the sky in every direction, have been noticeable, blanketing the area with “something” which is meant for an end purpose, a goal. That “something” is being imposed on the residents of the area, i.e., us, without our understanding, permission, and approval. The end goal, of course, is to moderate “global warming” so that the earth doesn’t burn to a cinder due to human activity.
Of course. Or so we are told.
On February 25, 2025, a bill, SB 473, was introduced into the Montana Senate by Bob Phalen (R) to prohibit such practices and events. After a few hiccups, this bill passed the Senate and was sent to the House for consideration on March 17, wherein it was referred to the Committee for Natural Resources and had its frst hearing in the House chamber. The committee reported to the House on April 08 of concurrence and the 2nd hearing was scheduled in the House on April 10, which failed to concur, and the bill went down to defeat. It may be brought back and rescheduled for another hearing. Maybe not. I don’t know.
It is generally recognized that “chemtrails”, a.k.a., geo-engineering, are composed of extremely fne particulates of chemical toxins, such as, fy ash, aluminum, barium, strontium, e.g., and probably a host of others. We
Opinion
are being systematically poisoned due to the increasingly common dumping of toxic waste into the atmosphere by the powers-that-be, with the knowing complicity of the federal government and the silence of state and local governments which refuse to speak out against the practice.
Both Ravalli County House representatives, David Bedey and Greg Overstreet, voted against SB473. Voted AGAINST this bill which would have, at the very least, registered our disapproval and displeasure at this criminal action. Why? This is what I wanted to know, so I sent them an email asking for an explanation of their actions. As of the date of submission (Wednesday, 04/23) of this Letter to the Editor, I have not received an answer, therefore I will ask them again, this time publicly. Why? Why did you refuse to stand up against the evil which is being thrust upon us against our will?
Now, it could be that there are very good reasons for their position. I don’t know. I can’t say. However, if that is the case, they ought to put them forward for us, the people who breathe the air which is being compromised, to see. After all, they are “our” representatives, duly elected to serve their constituents. Aren’t they?
Mr. Bedey? Mr. Overstreet? I’m waiting for a response.
Roger Mitchell Stevensville
Trump did not receive mandate
Yes, Trump won the election. He is President. However, it is not correct to say he has a mandate. Trump received only approximately 32% of the approximately 239 million eligible potential voters in America. Trump did not receive any kind of mandate. We don’t yet have a clear picture of what the majority of Americans think about Trump in general. However, a variety of polls indicate Trump and his policies are rapidly losing favor with Americans.
Steve Schmidt Darby
NIMBY/No Sheep Creek Mine
There are those who will say that opposition to the proposed Rare Earth Element mining in the upper reaches of the West Fork Bitterroot River is just a case of NIMBY - Not In My Back Yard. But what is the responsible thing to do when someone sets out to dig a massive hole in your yard and poison your spring?
I know it’s not much, but when I set out to write a song about the threat of a Rare Earth Element Mine on Sheep Creek at the headwaters of the Bitterroot River - I ended up thinking a lot about my maternal grandfather who (when his lungs were failing from years spent as a miner) took a young fellow fshing for a summer.
Cast A Spell
Work that dirt, dawn ‘til dusk. Dry land farm - gone to dust
Wind just has to blow - Sun can’t help but shine
A man just has to go – back to the mine
My kind old Granddad – he said this Get your line in the water if you’re going to catch a fsh
Think I’ll set a spell - If you need me yell
Just get your line in the water - catch a fsh
That kind old man – he said this We don’t need – this hot rock mine
We’ll keep our fshing whole - You might sell your soul
But That Devil, no – he won’t get mine
My kind old granddad – he said this Get your line in the water if you’re going to catch a fsh
Go on, Cast A Spell - If you need to yell - just Get your mind in the water…make a wish.
Charles Mabbot Darby
More reasons to stop REE mining
I was pleased to see your piece on the rising concern among local groups about the potential for the Sheep Creek rare earth elements mine to become a reality.
There are additional factors I would like to contribute to the discussion. For every 1 ton of rare earth elements harvested from an REE mine, 2,000 tons of toxic waste are created. That includes thousands of tons of gaseous acids and other poisons that will pollute the air and ultimately rain down on our valley. Yes, fsh will die – but so will farms, and so will we.
David Fotouhi, who as an attorney defended a company accused of polluting drinking water with “forever chemicals” and subsequently fought to reverse the ban on asbestos, is well on his way to being approved as the second-in-command at a diminished EPA.
The administration plans to eliminate the entire scientifc arm of the department – i.e. the very people whose job it is to monitor water quality reports, interpret the data, and identify companies that are not in compliance with the regulations that were designed to protect us.
That plan goes hand in hand with President Trump’s choice of Mr. Fotouhi, and with his stated intention to enact extensive deregulation. There is no point in having regulations if there is no one to monitor whether they are being followed.
Layofs at Health and Human Services will include the scientists who track the birth defects, cancers, and other types of illnesses that result from tap water contamination. How, exactly, will we prove that harm was caused by the mine if there is no one to determine that a spike in diseases has even occurred?
Meanwhile, our future ability to even claim harm has already been undermined by the actions of our own representative. Congressman Zinke preemptively aided the mining industry by cosponsoring House Bill 587, which redefnes the word “harm” in such a way that mining companies will have an even easier time minimizing and evading responsibility than is already the case.
Lastly, the president is systematically attacking the law frms that are most well-equipped to pursue class-action lawsuits on behalf of injured communities. By capitulating to his demands, they have agreed to aid him in his “America First” agenda. Those in the best position to help us will therefore be barred from doing so.
The consequences of the mine becoming a reality are not just that we will be afected in myriad and unforeseen ways. We will also lack the ability to do anything about what is happening to us. The administration is systematically removing every tool we have to protect ourselves and, when that fails, seek redress for the ongoing damage.
Karen “Tana” Walsh Hamilton
Measles outbreak
I just wanted to share my experience as a victim of measles in the early 1960s.
I was one of many unvaccinated children here in the valley. I still recall the pain and sufering. I also had mumps and chicken pox. My tonsils were removed surgically. You would think you had weathered that storm! Forty years later the measles virus raised its nasty head again. Shingles!! The pain and sufering returned. I know what my advice would be. You make up your own minds.
Charles Treece Victor
Re: Personality traits of narcissism
I am an interested student of personality type and the following one has become a real intrigue, since it appears to be afecting our government. I have researched it from the sources listed below and this is a result of my fndings. I hope your readers also fnd it interesting.
NARCISSISM is a personality disorder found in people at diferent levels. Malignant narcissism involves a heightened level of self-importance, a constant need for admiration, a lack of empathy, and a sense of entitlement, often accompanied by manipulative and exploitative behaviors, aggression, and a lack of remorse. These individuals may also exhibit vindictiveness, and have a tendency to derive pleasure from the sufering of others. They have a constant need for admiration and approval from others. They believe that they deserve special treatment and should not be subject to the same rules as others, and use others to gain personal advantage. They show signs of vindictiveness and often desire to seek revenge. With heightened paranoia, they are very suspicious of others, even feeling people are “out to get” them. They can show a lack of remorse and a failure to feel guilt or regret for harm done to others, thereby enhancing their own sense of wellbeing. The notion of malignant narcissism originates from self-help entities and law enforcement communities, not in psychiatry. These communities have focused on malignant narcissism as a behavioral judgement and a specifc form of abuse, rather than a mental health diagnosis. People with this personality supposedly get a sense of satisfaction from hurting others and may manipulate people or lie to gain money, acclaim, and other things they desire. A person with malignant narcissism may harm others to gain attention, feeding their sense of superiority, and to get what they want. For this reason a person may also have traits of antisocial personality disorder. These include: disregard for or hostility towards the rights of others, aggression and violence, lack of remorse, a tendency to lie, break the law, chronic irresponsibility, and impulsive or reckless behavior.. however, they may appear superfcially charming. They may manipulate people to gain praise or lie about others to depict themselves in a more fattering light.
There are successful people in business who show these traits and are successful, until people don’t want to be around or work with them anymore. Some infamous political names of people of this type are: Adolf Hitler, Napoleon Bonaparte, Alexander the Great. The spectrum of personal aggrandizement is what sets some people totally apart from their peers.
References: Mayo Clinic, Medical News Today, Verywell Health Leslie Conner-Maiyo Corvallis
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.)
10. BEAUTIFUL BASKETS & MORE
246 Christoferson Lane, Corvallis
509-936-2706 & 509-936-0963
fower, broccoli, cabbage, potatoes, cucumbers, 11. Beautiful Baskets & More
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
Come choose from over 100 handmade beautiful some beauty to your deck or patio this summer. bowls, etc. Also check out our large selection Open 6 days a week. Monday - Saturday Look for our sign on Eastside Highway
11. K&S GREENHOUSE
12. K&S Greenhouse
961-1612 • 204 Black Lane, Corvallis, a half mile east of the Pharaohplex Theater.
Open Monday – Saturday, 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm.
961-1612 • 204 Black Lane, Corvallis, a Open Monday – Saturday, 9am-6pm, Sunday K&S Greenhouse has the healthiest plants baskets and deck planters. They carry vegetable fed seed potatoes. They also have herbs tomatoes. Check out their extensive selection 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
12. VERN’S NURSERY
13. Bitterroot Nursery
961-3806 • 3 miles North of Hamilton on Large selection of locally-grown trees and kets, perennials, annuals, pottery, garden Open M-F 9-5:30, Sat 9-5, closed Sundays.
(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) Hamilton Open 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. 7 Days a week Evans Ace Hardware is your neighborhood dealership. Our certifed garden team includes They are eager to answer your lawn and gardening selection of local annuals, perennials, herbs, Brown’s Greenhouse in Florence. Glacier and shrubs. Convenient bags of soils and Evans Ace Understands that spending time everything you need to relax and entertain Add to your bragging rights with grills and ensure you consistent value throughout the now until August. Forget mail in rebates! Take advantage of “INSTANT SAVINGS” for Stop in and see the newest member of the
15. COOKS’ Gardens, the 363-0212
Open March-October Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, closed Sundays. Early spring and late fall hours can vary.
177 Golf Course Rd • Hamilton. Conveniently A seasonal greenhouse, Cook’s Gardens perennials, grasses, ornamental succulents, yard art and containers. Always friendly, always for the right spot and we’ll plant up your containers April Hours: 10-5, Closed Sundays and Thursdays. May and June hours: Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun
14. EVANS ACE HARDWARE
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
Greenhouse
• 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
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.
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.
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.
South, Lolo. Next to Dairy Queen across from Lolo School. each year.
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.
509-936-2706 & 509-936-0963
Potting soil, peat moss, and seeds.
1400 Wyoming Street, Missoula on the corner of Russell and Wyothrough December 22 each year.
• Large selection of Montana hardy berry plants
• Locally grown annuals
• Vegetable starts
• Hanging baskets for sun or shade
531-9009.
16. The Scented Garden and Owner Sandie Fleischmann 406-363-7405 • 285 Grundy Lane, Hamilton Golf Course Road) Watch for the blue and Open 10:30-4:30 Mon-Fri, 10-4 Sat, 11-3 Organic, homegrown and hand cared for ing large hardy perennials, and bedding plants baskets, deck and container pots. Organic look, with color all year long, that adds quality until October. If you haven’t seen our beautiful few gardening ideas.
10. Beautiful Baskets & More 246 Christoferson Lane, Corvallis
Produce – A complete line available in season. Specializing in super sweet sweet corn, cauli-
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.
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
Open 6 days a week. Monday - Saturday Look for our sign on Eastside Highway or Black Lane
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.
• Tomatoes - 28 varieties of cherries, heirlooms & hybrids
• Perennials that will fourish in your landscape
• Select blooming and shade trees
selection of annual and perennial fowers. Alyssum, petunias, pansies, fower baskets and planters. Custom planting available Organic and conventional. Tomato, pepper, broccoli, cabbage, kale, rosemary, thyme, cucumbers, squash, cantaloupe, melons, Many varieties of vegetables. Certifed organic seed potatoes raspberries, blackberries, blueberries Shrubs: Apple, cherry, plum, maple trees, aspen, honey locust, products, organic and conventional trowels, deer fence, tree protectors bag products
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.
Florence. everyday. selection of Maple Trees. We also carry most deciduous trees.
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.
961-1612 • 204 Black Lane, Corvallis, a half mile east of the Pharaohplex Theater. Open Monday – Saturday, 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am – 4pm.
15. COOKS’ GARDENS, THE GREENHOUSE 363-0212
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
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.
9. MOELLER’S NURSERY
12. Bitterroot Nursery
177 Golf Course Rd • Hamilton. Conveniently located just 2 blocks of of Highway 93.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
406-777-5527 • 3673 Eastside Hwy - Just south of Stevensville on Eastside Hwy.
community, follow signs 1.5 miles north from Eastside Hwy, Closed Sundays supplies last annual bedding plant packs, pots and hanging baskets: marigolds, pansies, alyssum, lobelia, etc. varieties of tomatoes & peppers, cole crops, herbs, cucumbers, while supplies last. baskets (5,000 to choose from) baskets color bowls for Mother’s Day garden centers in the Bitterroot and Missoula. Find us on Facebook and Instagram Greenhouse Stevensville, halfway between Stevensville and Florence. Sun. 11am-5pm the Bitterroot Valley, CGG provides the best plants and customer new-comers alike. Stock up on everything you need for your berry, be ready for an abundant feast this summer/fall. Locally grown perennials, Montana-hardy roses, and fowering shrubs blooming in website cottagegardengreenhouse.com or follow us on facebook gardening advice. berry plants
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!
cherries, heirlooms & hybrids to zucchini
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.
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.
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. 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.
15. The Scented Garden and Greenhouse Owner Sandie Fleischmann 406-363-7405
Sports
Corvallis & Stevi tennis play Dillon
Corvallis, Stevensville and Dillon played matches against each other at the new Hamilton tennis courts on Tuesday, April 29. The Corvallis girls defeated Stevensville 7-0 and lost to the Dillon girls 1-7. The Stevensville boys defeated Corvallis 4-3 and the Corvallis boys lost to Dillon 1-5. The Stevensville girls lost to Dillon 2-5 and the Stevensville boys tied Dillon 3-3.
The tennis season is winding down for Corvallis, Hamilton and Stevens-
ville, as the Class A Western Divisional tournament is in Hamilton on May 1315. The Class A State tournament will be May 22-23 in Billings.
Corvallis head coach Matt Powell is optimistic about his team this year.
“I am very pleased with our season so far,” said Powell. “We have had lots of success and the kids are amazing. All of them have standout sportsmanship and are very kind.”
Powell continued, “Our boys are
making huge improvements. They have been giving some stif competition to the best guys in our conference and I believe they can make a strong run at the divisional tournament. Our girls are super strong too. If things go well the Corvallis girls have a good shot at taking the (divisional) title this year.”
Corvallis vs Stevensville results
Girls Singles: Ava Wilcox (C) def. Nevaeh Meeder (S) 6-1 6-2. Sophie Jessop (C) def. Lilian Hays (S) 6-1 6-1. Jakay Venema (C) def. Eloise Neprjachin (S) 6-0 6-2. Lottie Jessop (C) def. Asia Rohbock (S) 6-1 6-3.
Girls Doubles: Brooke Child/ Clara Taracido (C) def. Nika Hulling/
Godfrey (S) 6-0 6-0. Kylie Debuf/Shyanne Watt (C) def. Juliana Milde/Margaret Kuntz (S) 6-2 6-1.
Boys Singles: Riccardo Slanzi (S) def. Pierce Yaskus (C) 1-6 6-4 6-3. Jeremy Madruga (S) def. Atticus Chavez (C) 6-4 6-0. Silas Seibert (S) def. Jackson Pliley 6-0 6-0. Tony Brown (S) def. Reece Allred (C) 6-4 6-3.
Boys Doubles: Emmett Allsop/ Brannon Fehr (C) def. Silas Seibert/ Jeremy Madruga (S) 6-1 6-4. Cody Humphrey/Hadley Jessop (C) def. Spencer Moore/Drake Tully 7-5 6-2. Cooper Gividen/Beauden Therrien (C) def. Edward Breussov/Jeremiah St. Germain 6-1 6-2.
Florence and Darby golf results
On Thursday, May 1, the Florence and Darby golf teams played at Old Works in Anaconda for the Anaconda High School Invite alongside 13 other schools.
The Florence girls team kept their winning streak going and took 1st place, while the Florence boys took 2nd place and the Darby boys took 12th place.
Individually for the Florence girls,
Kipley Solari took 6th (90), Reese Briney took 9th (96), Lacie Ketelhut took 13th (101), Jordan Kidd took 15th (102), and Lexi Danczyk took 16th (103).
Individually for the Florence boys, Rollie Fisher took 4th (78), Brodey Duchien took 5th (79), Ian McLean took 9th (80), Preston Ekstedt took 15th (83), and Mason Brossman took 39th (92).
Individually for the Darby boys, Jordan Browning took 19th (84), Daniel Stewart took 54th, Levi Whiting took 56th and Abe Atkins took 59th. For the Darby girls, Brenna Bush took 38th and Georgia Fisher took 43rd.
The Florence golf team competed in the Three Forks Invite on Tuesday, April 29, in, of all places, Three Forks.
The Florence girls took frst place, and the Florence boys tied for 1st place.
Individually for the Florence boys, Ian McLean took 2nd (73), Brody Duchien took 3rd (76), Preston Ekstedt took 12th (85), and Rollie Risher took 21st (90).
Individually for the Florence girls, Kipley Solari took 1st place (85), Lacie Ketelhut took 8th (96), and Reese Briney and Lexi Danczyk tied for 10th (99).
Bitterroot baseball bonanza
Corvallis
Corvallis hosted Frenchtown on Tuesday, April 29, and lost 1-2 in 8 innings. Frenchtown scored in the top of the 8th to go up by one and Corvallis wasn’t able to answer in the bottom of the inning. Corvallis pitcher Adrian Cardullo pitched 6 innings, allowed 3 hits and struck out 9 batters. At
the plate for Corvallis, Cardullo had an RBI double and Bridger Huddleston and Jake Leavitt each had a hit.
On Thursday, May 1, Corvalis played Missoula Sentinel at Ogren Park in Missoula and lost 3-4. For Corvallis, Owen Marston hit a 2-run home run, Reese Earp went 2 for 3 with a triple, and Waylon Lendak went 2 for 3 and scored a run.
Florence Florence hosted Missoula Sentinel on Tuesday, April 29, and won 10-3. For Florence, Calan Rocco went 3 for 4, scored two runs and had an RBI, Drew Wagner went 2 for 3 with 2 RBIs, Chase Wagner went 2 for 3 with an RBI, and Isaiah Testerman went 2 for 3 and scored 2 runs.
On Thursday, May 1, Florence went to Missoula Hellgate and routed the Knights 21-3 in 4 innings. Florence pitcher Isaiah Testerman got the win. For Florence, Drew Wagner went 4 for 4, scored 3 runs, hit 3 doubles and had 4 RBIs, Calan Rocco went 1 for 3 with 3 RBIs, and Testerman went 2 for 3, scored 4 runs and had 3 RBIs Then on Saturday, May 3, Florence went to Stevensville and won 12-0. Florence pitcher Chase Wagner only
allowed one hit in the shutout win, Wagner also went 3 for 3 and had 2 RBIs at the plate. Also for Florence, Drew Wagner went 2 for 4, scored 4 runs and had an RBI, Mason Arlington went 2 for 3 with an RBI, Levi Winters went 1 for 3 with 3 RBIs, and Caleb Katen went 3 for 4 with an RBI.
Hamilton Hamilton hosted Missoula Big Sky on Wednesday, April 30, and won 6-1. Hamilton pitchers Cash Lawrence and Jackson Lubke combined to only allow 3 hits. For Hamilton, Atticus Southwell hit a pair of solo home runs, and Jackson Lubke hit a triple and a double, scored 2 runs and had an RBI. Then on Saturday, May 3rd, Hamilton went to Missoula and routed the Hellgate Knights 19-0 in 4 innings in a game where Hamilton walked 15 times. Hamilton pitchers Landon Ekin and Jude Widmer combined for a 3 hit shutout. For Hamilton, Tyce O’Connell went 2 for 2 with 4 RBIs, Jackson Lubke hit a 3-run triple, Widmer went 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs, and Boedy Tadvick went 1 for 1 and scored 4 runs.
Stevensville Stevensville played at Mission-Arlee-Charlo (MAC) on Tuesday, April 29, and won 11-4. For Stevensville, Kaden Wyant went 2 for 4, scored 2 runs and had 2 RBIs, McCoy Endres went 2 for 3, scored 3 runs and had 2 RBIs, Cole Germane went 2 for 4 and scored 2 runs, Shane Ayers had 3 RBIs, and Braden Drye had 2 RBIs. And there weren’t any bases to be had after the game as Exekiel Gardea stole 5 bases, Endres stole 5, Germane stole 4, and Cody Umland and Wyant each stole 2. On Thursday, May 1, Stevensville played Frenchtown at Ogren Park in Missoula and lost 5-12. For Stevensville, McCoy Endres had a 2-RBI
and Joey Wheeler, Cole Germane and Shane Ayers each went 2 for 3 and scored a run. Then on Saturday, May 3,
Stevensville hosted Florence and lost 0-12. Cole Germane had the only hit for the ‘Jackets.
Corvallis girls single player Sophie Jessop serves during her match against Dillon on Tuesday, April 29 in Hamilton. Photo by Scott Sacry.
The Corvallis boys doubles team of Emmett Allsop and Brannon Fehr shakes hands with the Stevi team of Silas Seibert and Jeremy Madruga on Tuesday, April 29 in Hamilton. Corvallis won the match 6-1 6-4. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Hamilton’s Atticus Southwell hit a pair of solo home runs in Hamilton’s 6-1 victory over Missoula Big Sky on Wednesday, April 30. Hamilton baseball is 12-1 on the season. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Michael P. Hastings
Michael P. “Mike” Hastings, age 54, passed away at his home on April 27, 2025, as the result of a heart attack.
Mike was born on December 11, 1970, in Butte, America to Dan and Terry (Wallace) Hastings. In his early years Mike grew up in Butte and Miles City. His parents were later divorced, and he moved to Stevensville, MT, where he resided with his father, step-mother and new siblings. He attended Lone Rock Elementary School and graduated from Stevensville High School in 1989.
Following graduation, he enlisted in the US Air Force, where he served tours in Operation Desert Storm/Shield, Hahn AFB, Germany and Malmstrom AFB, Great Falls, MT for a total of 5 years. After discharge he worked at various jobs until his employment began with Montana Rail Link. He worked there for over 25 years, making his way up through the ranks until becoming an engineer, a position he held until his passing.
He was an involved and proud member of Division 262 and was a lifelong Democrat. He enjoyed gaming, collecting coins, traveling and being with his many friends, colleagues and extended family
Death Notices
Leon Theroux
Stevensville - Leon Theroux, 77, passed away peacefully Wednesday morning, April 30, 2025 at the Living Centre. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary. com
Robert C. Twohy
members. He especially loved his two cats and spoiled them rotten.
Survivors include his mother Terry and brother Steve of Horatio, AR. His sister, Shauna (Bob) Yelverton of Wichita, KS. His stepmother Barbara Hastings of Stevensville and stepbrothers David and Dan Hastings of Missoula. He was also survived by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins scattered around the country. He is preceded in death by his father Daniel E. Hastings, maternal and paternal grandparents and step-grandparents.
The family wishes to thank Mike’s neighbors in the Travois Village, his very caring friends at Bear Creek Recovery, and Missoula First Responders.
Services will be held Friday, May 9 at noon at Garden City Funeral Home in Missoula, followed by a reception. At 3:00PM there will be an interment with full military honors at the Western Montana State Veterans Cemetery, 1911 Tower St, Missoula, MT.
In lieu of fowers, donations may be made to the Bitterroot Humane Association, the Missoula Food Bank, or a charity of the donor’s choice.
Hamilton - Robert C. Twohy, 84, of Hamilton passed away Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at his home of natural causes. No formal services will be held. Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com.
Wayne A. Queen
Missoula - Longtime
Hamilton resident Wayne A. Queen, 80, passed away at Community Medical Center in the afternoon Thursday, May 1, 2025. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com
Joan K. ‘JoAnn’ Fleck
Missoula - Joan K. “JoAnn” Fleck, 88, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday, May 4, 2025. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com
Ken E. Nichols
Missoula - Ken E. Nichols, 68, passed away early in the morning at Community Medical Center Saturday, May 3, 2025. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com
DNRC
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) announces 25 K-12 students have earned top prizes in the 64th annual Keep Montana Green (KMG) art contest.
This year’s statewide contest received 784 entries from schools and educators across the state, showcasing students’ creativity and dedication to promoting wildfre prevention.
“It’s awe-inspiring to see how our students in Montana are using creativity to spark real conversations about wildfre safety in their communities,” said Julia Berkey, Executive Director of Keep Montana Green. “This contest is more than just art. It’s a meaningful way to engage the next generation in wildfre prevention.”
In addition to the art contest, K-12 educators across Montana are provided a fre safety, prevention, and conservation-based curriculum designed to educate students on preventing wildfres. The theme of the contest this year is “Stray Sparks Cause Starts.”
“‘Stray Sparks Cause Starts’ speaks to the heart of fre prevention. Most wildfres start from small sparks, like stray sparks from a campfre, and can lead to major destruction,” said Berkey. “However, most wildfres are preventable. All it takes is a generation that has a good understanding of wildfre risk to stop the spark.”
The state winners receive ribbons, cash prizes, and statewide recognition. The top three statewide winners will be featured in the yearly Keep Montana Green calendar and will be recognized on the Keep Montana Green website at www.keepmontanagreen. com/art-contest-winners.
The 2025 statewide and division winners include:
2025 Montana Statewide Winners:
First Place – Hanna Bach of Amber Disney’s twelfth grade class at Fort Benton High School in Fort Benton
Second Place – Hale Devins of Jona Bartlett’s third grade class at Seeley Lake Elementary School in Seeley Lake
Third Place – Brielle Berk of Mrs. Ogden’s ninth grade class at Victor Public School in Victor
Division Winners:
• Primary Division, Grades K–3:
First Place – Maya Mannix of Mrs. Gendreau’s second grade class at Helmville School in Helmville
Second Place – Quinnci Lingblom of Codi Jean Nigh’s third grade class at Bonner School in Bonner
Third Place – Landon Thomas of Ms. Martin’s third grade class at Lavina Public School in Lavina
• Intermediate Division, Grades 4–6:
First Place – Brantley Hazen of Sue Sapien’s sixth grade classroom at Washington Middle School in Miles City
Second Place – Kyrie Carr of Mr. Cole’s ffth grade classroom at Plains Public School in Plains
Third Place – Wyatt Schultz of Marti Schultz’s ffth grade homeschool classroom in Grass Range
Honorable Mention – Emily Gabourg of Gayle Walter’s seventh grade classroom at Whitehall School in Whitehall
• Junior Division, Grades 7–9:
First Place – Claire Whitten of Mrs. Hauptman’s eighth grade classroom at Hall Elementary School in Hall
Second Place – Nolan Lippy of Lee McBride’s ninth grade classroom at Florence-Carlton High School in Florence
Third Place – Lola Bates of Lee McBride’s ninth grade classroom at Florence-Carlton High School in Florence
• Senior Division,
Grades 10–12:
First Place – Reese Wallis of Miss Abbey Hansen’s twelfth grade classroom at Lavina Public School in Lavina
Second Place – Ciara Kae Des Jarlais of Laurie Lewis’ eleventh grade classroom at Stevensville High School in Stevensville
Third Place – Ni-ve Washburn of Ms. Jaramillo’s twelfth grade classroom at Big Sandy High School in Big Sandy
• Special Education, Grades K–6:
First Place – Elijah Brown of Ms. Martin’s third grade classroom at Lavina Public School in Lavina
Second Place – Victor Lyman of Ms. Martin’s second grade classroom at Lavina Public School in Lavina
Third Place – Preston Smutt of Sue Sapien’s sixth grade classroom at Washington Middle School in Miles City
• Special Education, Grades 7–12:
First Place – Kyriae Standingrock
of Ms. Schultz’s tenth grade classroom at Wolf Point Public School in Wolf Point
Second Place – Aniya Odei of Sue Sapien’s eighth grade classroom at Washington Middle School in Miles City
Third Place – David Smith of Mrs. Odgen’s eleventh grade classroom at Victor Public School in Victor
• Computer Generated Division, All Grades:
First Place – Nola Lawen of Gretchen Durand’s eighth grade classroom at Stanford Public School in Stanford
Second Place – Camrie Deupree of Gretchen Durand’s seventh grade classroom at Stanford Public School in Stanford
Third Place – Joshua Keeney of Samantha Jones’ sixth grade classroom at Columbia Falls Junior High School in Columbia Falls
Keep Montana Green is an annual art contest that helps teach K-12 students about wildfre prevention and fre safety. The contest has occurred annually since 1961.
3rd Place: Brielle Berk, 9th Grade, Victor Public School, Victor. Photo courtesy Keep Montana Green.
FRESH EGGS from Howell’s Happy Hens are back! $5.00/doz. Pick up at Bitterroot Star ofce, 115 W. 3rd, Suite 108, Stevensville.
THE CATERED TABLE
NEEDS A CHEF ASSISTANT, Full Time, MUST have experience, will train you on our menu. Send or drop of resume at:
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GET YOUR DEDUCTION AHEAD OF THE YEAR-END! Donate your
Police. Must be a U.S. citizen; of legal age to perform the duties of this job under MT law; possess or obtain a MT driver’s license; hold at least a MT POST Intermediate certifcation; not have been convicted of a crime for which the person could have been imprisoned in a federal or state penitentiary; no domestic abuse convictions; be of good moral character, as determined by a background investigation. Salary is negotiable based on education and experience. Benefts include retirement in the Municipal Police Offcers Retirement System, health insurance paid for employee with family plans available, vacation, sick leave and paid holidays. The City of Wolf Point offers a unique and challenging law enforcement career. Wolf Point is located on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation so multiple jurisdictions are dealt with daily. Wolf Point is located in the heart of northeast Montana and offers some of the best hunting for upland birds, deer, antelope and, if drawn for tags, elk. Fort Peck Dam is 45 minutes west of Wolf Point and is the home to trophy Walleye, Northern Pike, Lake Trout and Small Mouth Bass. For application packet and incentive details, contact ctywlfpt@nemont.net. Closing Date: May 30, 2025.
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
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Police Chief: $10,000 employment incentive. The City of Wolf Point, Mont., is accepting applications for a full-time Chief of Police. Must be a U.S. citizen; of legal age to perform the duties of this job under MT law; possess or obtain a MT driver’s license; hold at least a MT POST Intermediate certifcation; not have been convicted of a crime for which the person could have been imprisoned in a federal or state penitentiary; no domestic abuse convictions; be of good moral character, as determined by a background investigation. Salary is negotiable based on education and experience. Benefts include retirement in the Municipal Police Offcers Retirement System, health insurance paid for employee with family plans available, vacation, sick leave and paid holidays. The City of Wolf Point offers a unique and challenging law enforcement career. Wolf Point is located on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation so multiple jurisdictions are dealt with daily. Wolf Point is located in the heart of northeast Montana and offers some of the best hunting for upland birds, deer, antelope and, if drawn for tags, elk. Fort Peck Dam is 45 minutes west of Wolf Point and is the home to trophy Walleye, Northern Pike, Lake Trout and Small Mouth Bass. For application packet and incentive details, contact ctywlfpt@nemont.net. Closing Date: May 30, 2025.
Both ads say the same thing. I just need to submit two sizes to meet the various requirements of the papers in the state.
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LOLA GERTRUDE GRENFELL, Deceased.
Probate No.: DP-202521
Dept. No.: 1
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that Douglas Grenfell and Michael Grenfell have been appointed co-Personal Representatives of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the said Decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Douglas Grenfell and Michael Grenfell, the co-Personal Representatives, return receipt requested, at c/o Montana Legacy Law, PLLC, 178 South 2nd St., Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
BS 4-23, 4-30, 5-7-25. MNAXLP
Hon. Jennifer B. Lint District Judge, Dept. 2 Twenty-First Judicial District Ravalli County Courthouse 205 Bedford Street Hamilton Mt 59840 MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: KENNETH MARTIN OLSON, Deceased.
Cause No. DP-41-202542 Dept. No. 2
ORDER SETTING TIME AND PLACE OF HEARING
The Petition of Kyle Olson for Formal Probate of Will, Adjudication of Intestacy, Determination of Heirs, And Appointment of Personal Representative having come before the Court:
IT IS HEREBY OR-
DERED that on the 15th day of May 2025, at 1:30 p.m., at the courtroom of said Court be, and the same is hereby appointed the time and place for the hearing of said Petition, and any interested person may appear and contest the same or object to the appointment of Petitioner as Personal Representative.
IT IS FURTHERED
ORDERED that the Petitioner give notice of said hearing in the manner prescribed by § 72-1-301, MCA (2023), to all persons entitled to notice pursuant to § 72-3305, MCA (2023), and to all persons who have fled a demand for notice pursuant to § 72-3-106, MCA (2023). ELECTRONICALLY DATED AND SIGNED BELOW
Dated this 16th day of April, 2025.
/s/ Hon. Judge Jennifer B. Lint
/s/ Paige Trautwein, Clerk Ravalli County District Court
State of Montana
By: Catherine Di Gleria
Deputy Clerk BS 4-23, 4-30, 5-7-25. MNAXLP
William J. Nelson, Esq.
Nelson Law Ofce PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840
Telephone: (406) 3633181
Attorney for Personal Representative
MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF:
RONARD LEE BAXTER, Deceased.
Cause No. DP-2024-99
Dept. 1
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date
of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Laura Lu Baxter, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Ofce PLLC , 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
DATED this 18th day of April 2025. /s/ William J. Nelson
Attorney for Personal Representative /s/ Laura Lu Baxter
Personal Representative BS 4-23, 4-30, 5-7-25. MNAXLP
INVITATION TO BID
STEVENSVILLE AIRPORT
STEVENSVILLE, MONTANA
The Town of Stevensville, Montana is formally requesting bids for construction services for the Pavement Rehabilitation at the Stevensville Airport. The Town will select one contractor based on the lowest, responsive, and responsible bid submittal that fts within their budget. Parties interested in submitting a bid for this project should contact Tyler Reed with Morrison-Maierle at treed@m-m.net or by calling (406) 542.4888. Hard copy bids will be accepted until 5:00 pm local time on Monday May 12th, 2025, at the Stevensville Town Hall, 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, Montana 59870. Bids will be publicly opened at 5:30 pm local time on Monday, May 12th, 2025, at the Stevensville Town Council Meeting. The full invitation to bid may be see on Morrison-Maierle’s website at www.m-m.net (under heading of “About” and “Projects Bidding”). Contract documents will be available for download on the QuestCDN online bidding service (www.QuestCDN. com; the QuestCDN project number is: 9557792. The Town of Stevensville, Montana is formally requesting bids for construction services for the Pavement Maintenance at the Stevensville Airport. The Town will select one contractor based on the lowest, responsive, and responsible bid submittal that fts within their budget. Parties interested in submitting a bid for this project should contact Tyler Reed with Morrison-Maierle at treed@m-m.net<mailto:treed@m-m.net> or by calling (406) 542.4888. Hard copy bids will be accepted until 5:00 pm local time on Monday May 12th, 2025, at the Stevensville Town Hall, 206 Buck Street, Stevensville, Montana 59870. Bids will be publicly opened at 5:30 pm local time on Monday, May 12th, 2025, at the Stevensville Town Council Meeting. The full invitation to bid may be see on Morrison-Maierle’s website at www.m-m.net (under heading of “About” and “Projects Bidding”). Contract documents will be available for download on the QuestCDN online bidding service (www.QuestCDN.com); the QuestCDN project number is: 9557796. Jenelle Berthoud, Town Clerk
BS 4-23, 4-30, 5-7-25. MNAXLP
LEGAL NOTICE
The Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will hold a continuance of the public hearing held on April 11th, 2025 to resume review of Wireless Communication Facility Permit Application (WCFP-24-10). Furthermore, the BCC requested that a Balloon Test be completed to allow residents in the area to observe the visual impacts of the proposed Wireless Communication Tower proposed at 302 Black Bear Lane, Hamilton. The Balloon Test is schedule for Saturday May 10th, 2025 between 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and if weather prevents fying that day, Sunday May 11th, 2025 (same time).
Please contact the Ravalli County Planning Department for Balloon Test instructions. Contact information is below. The Ravalli County Planning Department received Wireless Communication Facility Permit Application (WCFP-24-10) on September 4th, 2024. The Applicant is Vertical Bridge Holding LLC, representing T-Mobile. The application is proposing a new wireless communication tower at 302 Black Bear Lane, Hamilton, MT 59840. A previous application (WCFP23-02) proposing a wireless communication tower at 302 Black Bear Lane, Hamilton, MT 59840 was denied by Ravalli County due to lack of evidence to meet the spacing requirement exception defned under Section 4.C of the Ravalli County Wireless Communication Facility Ordinance No. 13 (WCFO). The Ravalli County Planning Department deemed Application (WCFP-24-10) sufcient on March 14th, 2025 as it contains all the required materials required by the WCFO. The application has now been forwarded onto the Ravalli County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) for their consideration, specifcally, the spacing exception as described in Section 4.C of the WCFO. The frst hearing was held on April 11th, 2025 and the BCC voted to continue the hearing to June 3rd, 2025 at 1:30 PM.
Information describing the proposal is available for inspection at the Planning Department, in the County Administrative Center, 215 S. 4th St., Suite F, Hamilton, MT 59840. Written comments are encouraged to be submitted to the Planning Department (planning@rc.mt. gov) prior to the date of the continuance hearing and will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC). The BCC will hold a Continuance Hearing of the April 11th, 2025 Public Hearing on the proposal on June 3rd, 2025 at 1:30 PM., in the County Administrative Center (BCC Conference Room, 3rd Floor, Hamilton). The BCC will also accept verbal or written comments from the public. At the conclusion of the public hearing, the BCC may make a fnal decision on the proposal.
BS 4-30, 5-7-25.
MNAXLP
LEGAL NOTICE Holtzen Commercial Park 6 Lot Major Subdivision. Ravalli County has received an application for a 6-lot commercial major subdivision, located approximately 1-mile north of the intersection of Woodside Cutof Road and US Highway 93 N at 1154 US Highway 93 N, Victor, MT. The subdivision property is located within the Corvallis School and Rural Fire Districts. The proposed lots will be served by private wells and a community septic system. The applicant is John Holtzen on behalf of Rugged Cross Investments LLC and is represented by Professional Consultants Inc. Information describing the proposal is available for inspection at the Planning Department, in the County Administrative Center, 215 S. 4th St., Suite F, Hamilton, MT 59840 and a copy of the preliminary plat is available on our website at https://ravalli. us/178/Subdivisions-Exemptions . Written comments are encouraged to be submitted to the Planning Department prior to the below meeting, and will be forwarded to the Board of County Commissioners (BCC).
The Ravalli County Planning Board will hold a Public Meeting to review the proposal on Wednesday, May 7th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room (Third Floor) at the County Administrative Center (215 S. Fourth Street, Hamilton, MT 59840). The Board of County Commissioners (BCC) will conduct a site visit on Monday June 2nd, 2025 at 1:30 pm at the
project site. The BCC will also hold a Public Hearing to review the proposal on Wednesday June 4th, 2025 at 9:30 a.m. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room (Third Floor) at the County Administrative Center (215 S. Fourth Street, Hamilton, MT 59840). The public may comment verbally, or in writing, at the meeting. Comments and information submitted at the public meeting/hearing will be considered in the decision on the subdivision. BS 4-30, 5-7-25.
MNAXLP
Request for Bids (RFB)
Ravalli County
The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners are soliciting bids (RFB) for the following:
Re-pour and level already removed deteriorated walkways at 205 Bedford Street, Hamilton, Montana
An on-site project walk through can be scheduled with the Facilities Manager, Jesse Pittman, upon request via 406 375 6500.
Bids must be received by the Ravalli County Clerk & Recorder, 215 S. 4th Street, Suite C, (Second foor) Hamilton, Montana 59840 no later than FRIDAY, May 09, 2025 by 4:00 p.m. Please mark the outside sealed bid envelope “RFB for sidewalk replacements – 2 areas”.
Bids will then be opened and read aloud in the Ravalli County Commissioners Conference Room at 21 5 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, Montana (Third Floor) on Monday, May 12,2025 at 9:30 AM, immediately followed by possible award of bid
Ravalli County reserves the right to accept or deny any, part, or all of the bids as submitted.
Chris Taggart Commissioners Administrative Assistant BS 4-30, 5-7-25.
MNAXLP
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Leslie Porter, Leslie Porter, Petitioner.
Cause No.: DV-25-142 Dept. 1
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a name change from Leslie Walter Porter to Leslie Walter Jessop.
The hearing will be on June 4, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 21st day of April, 2025. /s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court /s/ Sarah Sargent Deputy Clerk of Court BS 4-30, 5-7, 5-14, 5-21-25.
MNAXLP
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Darby Study Commission will hold a Public Hearing to receive comments oral or written of the Tentative Report of the proposed changes to the form of government for the town of Darby. A copy of the tentative report can found online at www.darbymt. net The Public Hearing will be held May 15, 2025, 5:30 pm at the Darby Clubhouse, 106 N Main Street, Darby, Montana.
BS 4-30, 5-14-25.
MNAXLP
William J. Nelson, Esq. Nelson Law Ofce PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840
Telephone: (406) 3633181
Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: FREDA JO BRAWLEY, Deceased. Cause No. DP-2024-68 Dept. 2
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned
has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, ANITA BRAWLEY, return receipt requested, c/o Nelson Law Ofce PLLC , 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
DATED this 28th day of April 2025.
/s/ William J. Nelson
Attorney for Personal Representative /s/ Anita Brawley
Personal Representative BS 4-30, 5-7, 5-14-25. MNAXLP
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF AUGUSTA JOY CLARKE, AKA JOY BROWN CLARKE, Deceased.
Probate No.: DP-202545
Dept. No.: 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Edward Clarke has been appointed Personal Representative of the abovenamed estate. All persons having claims against the said Decedent are required to present their claims within four (4) months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to Edward Clarke, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at c/o Montana Legacy Law, PLLC, 178 South 2nd St., Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
BS 5-7, 5-14, 5-21-25. MNAXLP
NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY
Occupant
1139 Hamilton Heights Rd.
Corvallis, MT 59828
Philip A. DiJoseph Jr. 1139 Hamilton Heights Rd.
Corvallis, MT 59828
Philip A. DiJoseph Jr. PO Box 638
Darby, MT 59829
Philip A. DiJoseph Jr. PO Box 638
Darby, MT 59829-0638
Philip A. DiJoseph Jr. 405 Pennsylvania Ave. Hamilton, MT 59840
Philip A. DiJoseph Jr. 70 Less Traveled Rd. Darby, MT 59829
Ravalli County Treasurer 215 South 4th Street, Suite H Hamilton MT 59840
Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest:
Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Ofce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2021000091 and Tax Code Parcel No. 179511 as follows: Lot 1, Skysong Farm, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the ofcial recorded plat thereof.
Street address: 1139 Hamilton Heights Rd., Corvallis, MT 59828. The property taxes became delinquent on May 31, 2022. The property tax lien was attached on August 1, 2022. The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on October 12, 2022.
As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is: TAXES: $6,629.83 PENALTY: $96.64
INTEREST: $1,375.37
COST: $281.57
TOTAL: $8,383.41
For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 1, 2025, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired. If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 1, 2025, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed auction will be held within 60 days of the tax deed application date. Any surplus funds resulting from the auction will be distributed to the legal titleholder of record. The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton, MT 59840, (406) 375-6600. FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN The address of the interested party is unknown. The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed auction. The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.
DATED at Billings, Montana this 7th day of May 2025. By: Eli J. Patten Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529 Billings, MT 59103 Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY BS 5-7, 5-14-25. MNAXLP
NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY
Occupant
405 Pennsylvania Ave. Hamilton, MT 59840
Philip A. DiJoseph Jr. 405 Pennsylvania Ave. Hamilton, MT 59840
Philip A. DiJoseph Jr. PO Box 638
Darby, MT 59829
Philip A. DiJoseph Jr. PO Box 638 Darby, MT 59829-0638 Philip A. DiJoseph Jr. 1139 Hamilton Heights Rd.
Corvallis, MT 59828 Philip A. DiJoseph Jr. 70 Less Traveled Rd. Darby, MT 59829 Ravalli County Treasurer 215 South 4th Street, Suite H Hamilton MT 59840 Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest: Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Ofce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2021000218 and Tax Code Parcel No. 499510 as follows: Lot 3B, Amended Subdivision Plat No. 574229, being a portion of Lot 3, Block 37, Riverview, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the ofcial recorded plat thereof. Street address: 405 Pennsylvania Ave., Hamilton, MT 59840. The property taxes became delinquent on May 31, 2022. The property tax lien was attached on August 1, 2022. The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on October 12, 2022. As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:
TAXES: $7,416.51
PENALTY: $116.63
INTEREST: $1,722.97
COST: $281.57
TOTAL: $9,537.68 For the property tax lien
to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 1, 2025, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.
If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 1, 2025, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed may be issued to the assignee or county that is the possessor of the tax lien on the day following the date that the redemption period expires.
The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840, (406) 375-6600.
FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN
The address of the interested party is unknown.
The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed issuance.
The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.
DATED at Billings, Montana this 7th day of May 2025.
By: Eli J. Patten
Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529
Billings, MT 59103
Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC
IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY
BS 5-7, 5-14-25. MNAXLP
NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY
Occupant
213 Luby Ln.
Florence, MT 59833
Robin D. Pearson
213 Luby Ln.
Florence, MT 59833
Robin D. Pearson
213 Luby Ln.
Florence, MT 598336812
Robin D. Pearson
259 Luby Lane
Florence, MT 59833
Robin D. Pearson
PO Box 145
Florence, MT 59833
Collection Bureau Ser-
vices Inc.
PO Box 7339
Missoula, MT 59807
Collection Bureau Services Inc.
c/o Michael J. Moore PO Box 7339
Missoula, MT 59807
Collection Bureau Services Inc.
c/o Erica T. deVries PO Box 7339
Missoula, MT 59807
Collection Bureau Services Inc.
212 E. Spruce St Missoula, MT 598024502
Collection Bureau Services Inc.
c/o Jennifer Whipple, Registered Agent
212 E. Spruce St
Missoula, MT 59802
Ravalli County Treasurer
215 South 4th Street, Suite H Hamilton MT 59840
Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:
As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest:
Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Ofce under Tax Lien Certificate 2021000594 and Tax Code Parcel No. 1465100 as follows:
A tract of land located in the SE¼ of Section 26 and the NE¼ Section 35, Township 10 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana, and being more particularly described as follows: Commencing at the South ¼ corner of Sections 26, Township 10 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M: thence N.17°48’38” East 697.24 feet to the point of beginning and a point on a non-tangent curve with radius being N.26°thence
counterclockwise along said curve an arc distance of 100.00 feet; thence N.47°05’37” East, 225.61 feet; thence S.43°55’34” East, 1115.13 feet to a point in the thread of a side channel from the Bitterroot River; thence S.29°39’31” West, 246.00 feet along said thread; thence S.07°39’30” West, 162.00 feet along said thread; thence S.40°39’37” West, 47.49 feet along said thread; thence N.40°09’31” West, 1312.66 feet to the true point of beginning.
Recording Reference Book 216 of Deeds, page 496
Also shown of record as:
A tract of land located in the SE¼ of Section 26 and the NE¼ Section 35, Township 10 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana, and being more particularly described as follows:
Commencing at the South ¼ corner of Sections 26, Township 10 North, Range 20 West, P.M.M: thence N.17°48’38” East 697.24 feet to the point of beginning and a point on a non-tangent curve with radius being N.26°thence counterclockwise along said curve an arc distance of 100.00 feet; thence N.47°05’37” East, 225.61 feet; thence S.43°55’34” West, 1115.13 feet to a point in the thread of a side channel from the Bitterroot River; thence S.29°39’31” West, 246.00 feet along said thread; thence S.07°39’30” West, 162.00 feet along said thread; thence S.40°39’37” West, 47.49 feet along said thread; thence N.40°09’31” West, 1312.66 feet to the true point of beginning. Recording Reference Book 155 of Deeds, page 419 Street address: 213 Luby Ln, Florence, MT 59833.
The property taxes became delinquent on May 31, 2022.
The property tax lien was attached on August 1, 2022.
The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on October 12, 2022.
As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:
TAXES: $4,271.23
PENALTY: $67.72
INTEREST: $1,005.21
COST: $281.57
TOTAL: $5,625.73
For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 1, 2025, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.
If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 1, 2025, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed may be issued to the assignee or county that is the possessor of the tax lien on the day following the date that the redemption period expires.
The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton MT 59840, (406) 375-6600. FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN
The address of the interested party is unknown. The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed issuance.
The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.
DATED at Billings, Montana this 7th day of May 2025.
By: Eli J. Patten
Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529
Billings, MT 59103
Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC
IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY BS 5-7, 5-14-25. MNAXLP
NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Occupant
894 Doty Lane
Corvallis, MT 59828
Jason Wilcox
894 Doty Lane
Corvallis, MT 59828
Jason S. Wilcox
894 Doty Ln
Corvallis, MT 59828
Jason Wilcox
321 Coyote Butte Rd.
Hamilton, MT 598409136
State of Montana Department of Revenue PO Box 6169
Helena, MT 59604-6169
State of Montana Department of Revenue PO Box 1712
Helena, MT 59624-1712
Ofce of the Attorney General Justice Building, Third Floor
215 Sanders
Helena, MT 59620-1401
Ofce of the Attorney General PO Box 201401
Helena, MT 59620-1401
Collection Bureau Services Inc.
212 E. Spruce St
Missoula, MT 598024502
Collection Bureau Services Inc. PO Box 7339
Missoula, MT 59807
Collection Bureau Services Inc.
c/o Jennifer Whipple, Registered Agent
212 E. Spruce St
Missoula, MT 59802
Collection Bureau Services Inc.
Attn: Michael J. Moore PO Box 7339
Missoula, MT 59807
Collection Bureau Services Inc.
Attn: Erica T. deVries PO Box 7339
Missoula, MT 59807
Collection Bureau Services Inc.
Attn: Ramon E. Mercado PO Box 7339
Missoula, MT 59807
Ravalli County Treasurer
215 South 4th Street, Suite H Hamilton MT 59840
Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:
As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest:
Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Ofce under Tax Lien
Certifcate 2021000030 and Tax Code Parcel No. 45970 as follows:
Lot 12 of Farm View
Estates, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the plat recorded April 18, 2018 as Instrument No. 719865.
Street Address: 894 Doty Lane, Corvallis MT 59828
The property taxes became delinquent on May 31, 2022.
The property tax lien was attached on August 1, 2022.
The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on October 12, 2022. As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:
TAXES: $10,388.06
PENALTY: $163.72
INTEREST: $2,369.60
COST: $281.57
TOTAL: $13,202.95
For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 1, 2025, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.
If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 1, 2025, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed auction will be held within 60 days of the tax deed application date.
Any surplus funds resulting from the auction will be distributed to the legal titleholder of record.
The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton, MT 59840, (406) 375-6600.
meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed auction.
The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.
DATED at Billings, Montana this 7th day of May 2025.
By: Eli J. Patten
Crowley Fleck PLLP
PO Box 2529
Billings, MT 59103
Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY
BS 5-7, 5-14-25.
MNAXLP
NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY
Occupant
473 Misty Vale Loop Corvalis, MT 59828
Joshua H. Levine
473 Misty Vale Loop Corvallis, MT 59828
Joshua H. Levine
2400 W El Camino Real #709
Mountain View, CA 94040
Alexis T. Straw
473 Misty Vale Loop Corvallis, MT 59828
Alexis T. Straw
2400 W El Camino Real #709
Mountain View, CA 94040
Ravalli County Treasurer
215 S 4th Street, Suite H Hamilton, MT 59840
Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:
As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest:
Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Ofce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2021000021 and Tax Code Parcel No. 32721 as follows: Lot 5, Amended Subdivision Plat No. 485694, being a portion of Misty Vale Subdivision, Amended Lot A, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the ofcial recorded plat thereof.
Street Address: 473
Misty Vale Loop, Corvallis, MT 59828
The property taxes became delinquent on May 31, 2022.
The property tax lien was attached on August 1, 2022. The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on October 12, 2022.
As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:
TAXES: $9,777.64
PENALTY: $160.55
INTEREST: $2,385.87
COST: $281.57
TOTAL: $12,605.63
For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 1, 2025, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.
If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 1, 2025, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed auction will be held within 60 days of the tax deed application date.
Any surplus funds resulting from the auction will be distributed to the legal titleholder of record.
The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton, MT 59840, (406) 375-6600.
FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN
The address of the interested party is unknown.
The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed auction.
Billings, MT 59103
Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY
BS 5-7, 5-14-25. MNAXLP
NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY
Occupant
194 China Silk Way Hamilton MT 59840
Michael L. Freie
194 China Silk Way Hamilton, MT 598409292
Michael L. Freie 13180 Pleasant Vista Lane
Auburn, CA 95603
Joette E. Costa
194 China Silk Way Hamilton, MT 598409292
Joette E. Costa 13180 Pleasant Vista Lane Auburn, CA 95603
Joette E. Costa 12326 Pepperwood Cir. Auburn, CA 95603-2903
Ravalli County Treasurer 215 S 4th Street, Suite H Hamilton, MT 59840 Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN:
As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest: Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Ofce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2021000256 and Tax Code Parcel No. 610019 as follows: Lot 18, Daly Estates, Ravalli County, Montana, according to the ofcial plat recorded September 22, 2006 as Instrument No. 577738.
Street Address: 194 China Silk Way, Hamilton, MT 59840
The property taxes became delinquent on May 31, 2022. The property tax lien was attached on August 1, 2022. The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on October 12, 2022.
As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:
TAXES: $1,332.98
PENALTY: $26.67
INTEREST: $424.18
COST: $281.57
TOTAL: $2,065.40
For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 1, 2025, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired.
If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 1, 2025, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed auction will be held within 60 days of the tax deed application date. Any surplus funds resulting from the auction will be distributed to the legal titleholder of record.
The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton, MT 59840, (406) 375-6600. FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN
The address of the interested party is unknown.
The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed auction.
The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.
DATED at Billings, Montana this 7th day of May 2025.
By: Eli J. Patten
Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529
Billings, MT 59103
NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY
Occupant
540 Queens Way Hamilton, MT 59840
Ryan Hunter Lewis
540 Queens Way Hamilton, MT 59840
Ryan Hunter Lewis
314 S. 5th Street Hamilton, MT 59840
Ryan Hunter Lewis 492 Honeyhouse Ct. Corvallis, MT 598289391
Ravalli County Treasurer 215 S 4th Street, Suite H Hamilton, MT 59840 Pursuant to 15-18-219, Montana Code Annotated, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN: As a result of a property tax delinquency, a property tax lien exists on the following described real property in which you may have an interest: Property described in the Ravalli County Treasurer’s Ofce under Tax Lien Certifcate 2021000093 and Tax Code Parcel No. 180800 as follows: A tract of land located in and being a portion of the NE¼NE¼ Section 34, Township 7 North, Range 21 West, P.M.M., Ravalli County, Montana, more particularly described as Parcel A-1, Certifcate of Survey No. 3431. Street Address: 540 Queens Way, Hamilton, MT 59840 The property taxes became delinquent on May 31, 2022. The property tax lien was attached on August 1, 2022. The lien was subsequently assigned to Guardian Tax MT LLC on October 12, 2022. As of the date of this notice, the amount of tax due is:
TAXES: $6,440.83
PENALTY: $106.65
INTEREST: $1,567.92
COST: $281.57
TOTAL: $8,396.97 For the property tax lien to be liquidated, the total amount listed in paragraph 5, plus additional interest and costs, must be paid by August 1, 2025, which is the date that the redemption period expires or expired. If all taxes, penalties, interest, and costs are not paid to the county treasurer on or prior to August 1, 2025, which is the date the redemption period expires, a tax deed auction will be held within 60 days of the tax deed application date. Any surplus funds resulting from the auction will be distributed to the legal titleholder of record. The business address and telephone number of the county treasurer who is responsible for issuing the tax deed is: Ravalli County Treasurer, 215 South 4th Street, Suite H, Hamilton, MT 59840, (406) 375-6600. FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN The address of the interested party is unknown. The published notice meets the legal requirements for notice of a pending tax deed auction. The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.
DATED at Billings, Montana this 7th day of May 2025.
By: Eli J. Patten Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529 Billings, MT 59103 Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY BS 5-7, 5-14-25. MNAXLP
NOTICE THAT A TAX DEED MAY BE ISSUED IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY No Occupant
Robin D. Pearson
IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY
FURTHER NOTICE FOR THOSE PERSONS LISTED
ABOVE WHOSE ADDRESSES ARE UNKNOWN
The address of the interested party is unknown.
The published notice
The interested party’s rights in the property may be in jeopardy.
DATED at Billings, Montana this 7th day of May 2025.
By: Eli J. Patten Crowley Fleck PLLP PO Box 2529
Attorney for: GUARDIAN TAX MT, LLC
IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND THIS NOTICE, YOU WILL LOSE YOUR PROPERTY
BS 5-7, 5-14-25. MNAXLP
213 Luby Ln. Florence, MT 59833 Robin D. Pearson
213 Luby Ln. Florence, MT 598336812
Robin D. Pearson
259 Luby Lane
FREEDOM: installing more than solar panels
roof, as well as the solar. After that, Tolley said, they began to think about how they could be a diferent kind of roofng company.
Their philosophy is all about saving people money and helping them make good investments in their homes. As Tolley explained, all that “green stuf” is really just a nice byproduct.
When people look at getting a solar system added to their home, half of that equation is the roof. The roof should obviously be sound enough to support the solar system, but additionally, Tolley said every few years a family has to renew their roof. If they have solar, there is an added cost of removing and reinstalling the solar system. “Why not take care of it all at once?” said Tolley.
That’s why they added the roofng component. When they started with roofng, according to Carnes, they originally focused on preservation, but soon they just started doing every aspect of roofng. However, Carnes said they still work from that preservation mindset to save people money. Why redo the roof if a customer doesn’t have to spend that money?
The key piece of their preservation tool-kit is their Nano Roof Sealer, which is a spray-on sealant that helps preserve roof shingles so that that last longer. The installation of this coating bonds to the shingles, keeping them together. Shingles fall apart over time, and this is exacerbated by wind, rain and sun. The spray coats and sticks them together, signifcantly lengthening their efective lifetime. According to Carnes, the Freedom team will also come out to check on the shingles every two years. On top of that, their coating is a third the cost of re-roofng.
Carnes added that roofng shingles are often advertised to last over 30 years, but as they break down, and with Montana weather, it really means they will only get about 15 years. Plus, these shingles are not waterproof until they are saturated with water. With the spray, they become immediately 100 percent waterproof and water-repellant. Beyond the Nano Sealer, they now ofer services for any type of room, not just shingles. “Our goal is always to start with a preservation model,” said Carnes.
The team spoke about why they do what they do, and why they are so driven about their business model. For Carnes, it fell to “being good stewards of the earth.” For Tolley, a lot of it was about “being a part of the community we are in.” Tolley added that they are constantly looking for new things, and mentioned how they just discovered solar powered mini-splits. According to him, they strive to “help others and grow our business at the same time.”
And that model is working. So far they have 25 employees, and do work all over the western part of the state, out-performing many companies from out of state that cover Montana in their service area.
Goodale said their mission and philosophy goes right along with the solar industry potential. He has been in the industry for 20 years, and he said there are so many “pros” for getting into solar. When he started and was looking at what he wanted to do, he saw that solar was, and still is, a growing industry. He saw that it saved people money, plus it’s good for the environment and, “it was making a diference in the world.” He really could not see any downside.
When people come into Freedom Energy and Roof Solutions, they often have more than one goal in mind. First of, it is usually about saving money on their power bill. This is why one of the frst things the team does is look at a customer’s actual power bills. This way they can gauge usage on a monthly basis, which helps them fgure out a plan of attack. There are a lot of factors for each individual home, from panel angle, house shading, roof tilt, direction and more, that can drastically afect how many panels are needed and how they are installed.
The team ends up with a custom design for each home for “that house and that home owner,” said Tolley. However, he added that saving money is far from the only reason a person benefts from getting into solar. According to the team, adding a solar system adds direct value to the home. It can replace or supplement power usage; doing so gives customers security for grid failures or inclement weather and it really provides general independence from the grid. All of this, Tolley said, grants a level of “peace of mind.”
Additionally, the team works with the home owners to “look for solutions that the homeowner is looking for,” said Tolley. Some people may want to be fully powered of-grid, while the majority are looking for some savings and peace of mind. Those decisions afect the overall cost of the system added. However,
according to the guys at Freedom Energy and Roof Solutions, solar power, even in Montana, can be a lot more efective than many people may realize.
They have seen many people underestimate how well solar systems can work these days. According to Goodale, with Montana having very short winter days, but a surplus of daylight in the summer, the overall “sun hours” produced in Montana are surprisingly comparable to states like Florida. They also tie customers’ systems into the grid about 90 percent of the time. This is because customers can often “overproduce” in the summer. This excess energy can then be pushed back into the grid and can earn a customer “credits” on their power from the power company. This means that, should something go wrong with their system or they underproduce in times like winter, they still don’t need to pay for power as those credits are cached in. This is a program called “net metering,” which any customer can ask more about.
As far as afordability, the Freedom guys spoke on how a person can go about getting a system set up, and how it can actually be a lot more afordable than many customers may realize. Tolley quoted a general price for a standard system on a standard home, not considering an expensive system on a huge mansion. He said these systems can be around $14,000, roughly. But again, it all depends on what a customer is looking for in their system, and how much power their household consumes.
Freedom has also partnered with Clearwater Credit Union for loans. Their goal is to get a customer’s solar loan payments down lower than their current power bills. This way, the customer sees the benefts immediately, though this also depends on each individual situation. So far, customers are seeing an eight to 10 percent return on their investment within the frst year, not including the home value increase they get from adding solar systems to their homes. As for that, according to sites like Zillow, homes with solar systems see a conservative average of a four percent increase in a home’s overall value.
Also, utility rates constantly go up, but when solar panels are paid of, they continue to work and produce power. The return then goes up astronomically, and these systems can last several lifetimes, if cared for properly. Tolley added that customers see around $40,000 in savings over a 25-year period for the average sized home. Again, this number goes up once the system is paid of. To top all that of, there is a 30 percent tax credit in Montana available for solar systems.
Carnes and Tolley are extremely proud of their team and what they are accomplishing. They wanted to recognize their team that makes this a reality. “We have one of the best teams I’ve seen,” said Tolley, in all his time in the industry. He said that a high level of work can be found in every one of their employees, including every step from customer service, to installation and more.
For more information about Freedom Energy and Roof Solution, interested parties can visit their website, gofreedomenergy.com or they can call (406) 309-6206.
Kyle Carnes, Ryan Tolley and Jerret Goodale with one of the solar panels they install. Photo by John Dowd.
A house with a solar system, installed by Freedom Energy and Roof Solutions. Photo courtesy Freedom Energy.
