Eco-restoration at MPG Ranch growing success story
by Michael Howell
The MPG Ranch located along the Sapphire Mountain range at the north end of the Bitterroot valley is not your ordinary Montana ranch. It is actually a state-of-the-art biological research station devoted to ecological restoration, research, and education. It began with the purchase of the Shroeder family ranch and some additional acreage in the area in 2009 covering about 6,500 acres. Since then, in 2016 additional acreage once owned by Champion International and then Plum Creek has been
acquired, bringing the current total to about 15,000 acres.
MPG Ranch General Manager Phillip Ramsey was at the North Valley Public Library last week to give the community an update on the operation. He said their aim, from the beginning, was not to mimic the conventional academic-oriented biological stations generally associated with universities, where scientists are cloistered in isolated ofces each at work on projects located around the world without much collaborative focus.
“What we wanted was to have a
team of scientists here all working together trying to understand the ecology of this place,” said Ramsey. He said the place was chosen because it was a landscape transformed by over 100 years of intense agricultural activity and decades of intense industrial timber operations on the neighboring forest land. So, a team of scientists was put together including experts in chemistry, molecular biology, microorganisms, soils, non-vascular plants, vascular plants, and all sorts of animals including insects, butterfies, birds, reptiles and mammals, all focusing on projects aimed at restoring the landscape to a more natural condition.
According to Ramsey, the degradation of the natural landscape in the area through over-grazing, for instance, began very early in the Bitterroot, with the introduction of the horse. He said when reading the accounts of the Lewis and Clark expedition as they passed through the Bitterroot, three things especially caught his attention. For one, they were carrying their dogs because of all the prickly pear cactus. He said they also kept talking about the stony badlands they were walking around in. Thirdly, they were astounded by the number of horses, with each man having up to a hundred horses.
“Instead of trails passing through Stevensville in 1805, they were on a wide road,” he said. “So the human history in this place goes really far back.”
According to Ramsey, after World War I, wheat was going for $5 a bushel and the local farming families plowed up everything they could plow “and the native prairie in the area was turned upside down.” He said the whole landscape was transformed in a major way by the wheat farming and the intensive grazing of cattle and sheep. The native vegetation was eliminated and replaced with non-native forage and accompanying invasive weeds. The draws running through the landscape from the Sapphire Mountains were rapidly eroding.
Up in the forest land, Champion International did heavy roading and logging and clearing the forest. This was followed by Plum Creek which really hammered the area, hurrying to take all they could as they morphed into a real-estate company.
So, the MPG Ranch went to work documenting what was there in terms of soil, plants and wildlife and began the long hard work involved in restoration. Bringing in woody debris to hold water on the land, and planting mostly native grasses, trees and shrubs, surveying and documenting everything as they went along.
They established a grid of 570 points across the ranch, each point separated by 250 meters, and began surveying the plant communities and bird communities at each site. They set up a system of 78 trail cameras to document wildlife movement across the ranch. They now have a system of 19 live cameras that can be accessed by the public on the internet for those interested in viewing wildlife activity on the ranch in real time. While these cameras are currently ofine during the hunting season, they will be back online after Thanksgiving.
In partnership with:
Ramsey said that most news stories about their work on the ranch usually focus on the large animals and their research on bears, mountain lions, golden eagles, elk and other mammals.
“But by far the vast majority of work we do there is focused on restoring native plant communities and documenting and understanding wildlife response to that,” said Ramey. “Birds are good indicators of the condition of the habitat.”
He said Kate Stone, head of the avian research on the ranch, was working with both the University of Montana and the Raptor Institute in monitoring bird activity in the area. He said Stone can identify any bird in Montana by sound and goes out twice a year for 10 minutes to each of the 570 grid points on the ranch and records the bird species, identifying each bird, and estimating its distance from the grid point and the direction as well as the bird’s sex.
Over the last 15 years they have documented a very positive impact along stretches of fve draws that cross the ranch from the mountains to the river. At one site, for instance, six birds of fve diferent species were identifed in 2011. At the same site in 2019, seventeen birds were identifed and eight diferent
species. At another site in 2011, thirty-seven individual birds were identifed and seven diferent species. In 2019, forty-four individual birds and ffteen species were identifed at the site.
In response to audience interest, Ramsey discussed the large herd of elk, about 600 of them, that roam the ranchland. The ranch has a hunting program aimed at managing the elk population. The most efective method for controlling big game populations is through the harvest of female ungulates. They are trying to preserve and enhance the population of mature, old bull elk. For this reason, their hunting eforts focus on harvesting antlerless elk and white-tailed deer. Other big game and game bird species on the ranch do not currently require management through hunting.
According to the ranch’s web site, each year, they average approximately 85 hunters who harvest around 50 antlerless elk. Hunter access varies annually based on their management needs and goals. Hunters are selected based on their skills and their history of volunteering with the ranch. Permission is rarely granted to hunters unfamiliar with MPG Ranch.
All big game hunters are required to use non-lead ammunition, and elk hunts are supervised by ranch hunt coordinators. The ranch also hosts an annual Youth Field Day for hunters aged 10–14. Participants learn about wildlife conservation and rife accuracy. Those who complete the course and demonstrate exceptional shooting skills may earn a chance to hunt antlerless elk on the ranch. For more information on this program you may email: hunting@ mpgranch.com.
Ramsey said collaring and tracking studies done in 2014 and 2015 confrmed the presence of the elk and the fact that they are not hanging out on public forest land very much. They are congregating on private ranchland. A controlled comparative study in the area of road closures on the forest revealed that road closures don’t have much efect on the elk’s habits. They are also trying to move the elk back up onto public land but not having much success. When they have moved the elk, they simply move onto other private land. One thing is certain though; it is not wolves driving the elk out of the forest and onto the ranchlands. He said out of 40 elk collared over a two-year period, not one elk was found to have been killed by a wolf. He said wolves are functionally gone from the area. One elk was found to be killed by a lion, but it had also frst been wounded by a hunter. He said hunting was by far the main factor in elk mortality, with a few dying by vehicles.
The amount of study projects and data collection conducted has produced a wealth of information in areas of research ranging from avian ecology to mammals, to plant phenology, to range restoration, to reptiles and amphibians, to soils, plants and invasive species, to vegetation monitoring and more. Over the last 15 years, scientists on the ranch have produced about 180 studies published in accredited and peer-reviewed journals. All the information is available to the public on their website at www. mpgranch.com. Published papers can also be accessed on www.scholar.google. com
MPG Ranch does not ofer general open access. Since 2010, thousands of visitors have come to the ranch as part of school groups, volunteer projects, or guided tours. If you’re interested in visiting, it is recommended that you subscribe to the ranch’s newsletter to learn about upcoming opportunities. For other inquiries, you can email: info@mpgranch.com.
Dr. Phillip Ramsey, General Manager of the MPG Ranch, explains why and how the biological station propagates its own native plant seeds for use in the massive restoration project being conducted on the 15,000-acre ranch located east of Florence. Photo by Michael Howell.
Photos by Gus Seward help document the progress from 2010 (above) to 2019 (below) in the restoration of native vegetation on the MPG Ranch.
125 years of caring: enduring legacy of Marcus and Margaret Daly
One hundred twenty-fve years ago, Marcus Daly passed away at just 58, leaving a legacy that extended far beyond his success as a copper magnate. The Daily Intermountain called him “a man to whom Montana owes much, from a penniless immigrant to a millionaire, the man who never lost a friend, save for death.”
While Marcus helped build Montana’s mines, it was his wife, Margaret Daly, who ensured his legacy would live on in the Bitterroot Valley. In 1931, Margaret funded the construction and operations of Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital. Her goal was simple but profound: to ensure everyone in the Bitterroot Valley had access to exceptional health care, equipped with the latest technology and treatments.
Today, that vision thrives in Bitterroot Health, having grown into a thriving health system
with Daly Hospital, 14 clinics, over 900 employees, and a continued commitment to providing specialty care. Bitterroot Health was named one of the Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the United States (out of 1,388 rural hospitals nationwide) by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA), a distinction earned through excellence in quality, outcomes, and patient experience. The organization also received multiple American Heart Association awards, including Recognition for both the STEMI (heart attack) program, rural coronary artery disease care, stroke care and outcomes, and its “Baby-Friendly” designated Birthing Center, to name a few.
“Marcus died from kidney disease, so I imagine he’d be especially pleased that we recently opened a new Dialysis and Nephrology Clinic,” said Al Garver, Senior Director of the Bitterroot
Health Foundation. “I believe both Marcus and Margaret would be astonished but proud to see how the community they helped build has endured, grown, and earned many recognitions for excellence.”
From copper mines to cardiac care, the Dalys’ spirit of service lives on in every patient cared for, every life touched, and every new chapter written in the story of Bitterroot Health. Garver is hopeful that the legacy will continue to shine for another 125 yearsand counting.
To learn more about the Bitterroot Health Foundation’s fundraising and philanthropic work visit: www.bitterroothealth.org/Foundation
Find our online donation form here: www.bitterroothealth.org/GIVE or contact the Foundation Directly: (406) 375-4674.
TREES: Bitterroot Health Foundation hands of Festival of Trees
Continued from page 1
The money the trees raise goes back into the nonproft that made them minus a small administrative fee. Evans said some of these trees have gone for thousands of dollars at auction.
Any nonproft in the valley can participate, and according to Hartelius, there are over 400 nonprofts in the Bitterroot. To prevent nonprofts from creating an entire forest, the event has to limit how many trees can be entered. Evans said last year they had 28 trees, and in the past tried not to go past 30. The Daly Mansion has decided to limit the number of trees to 25 entries this year, and there are still open spots for groups interested in creating and entering a tree. The trees will be displayed inside the Mansion, and the community is encouraged to come and visit the trees.
According to Hartelius and Evans, some of the trees are incredible and
some groups go all out. Many even include ‘care packages’ with prizes included with the tree for when it goes to auction.
“It’s really fun to see the creativity these nonprofts put into these trees,” said Hartelius.
Evans spoke about the inception of the event, reciting the foundation’s mission statement, “Create a community of giving.” He explained that there are so many groups working to do good in the valley, it can be hard to get everyone to visit every event.
“If everyone had their own event [this time of year], you wouldn’t know where to go,” said Evans. This event was meant to bring them all under one roof and combine all the time and resources they would all use to help them achieve their goals.
For Evans, this event is really meant to “emphasize that we all need to work
together in this valley to make it this valley.”
The Festival of Trees will take place at the Daly Mansion on November 29, 30 and December 1. The Mansion will have several surrounding events going on at the Mansion during the festival, including Christmas parties, crafts, Santa, cookies and free family activities. Hartelius also wanted to highlight the Mansion’s Holly Jolly event, which is their annual artisan craft show. They will have handmade crafts and vendors on all three foors of the Mansion. There will be 35 vendors this year, and nearly all are local. Hartelius mentioned that this has been going for 10 years. The Holly Jolly event will take place
“
November 14, and 15 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The entrance fee will be $5 per person and children 12 and under enter for free.
Looking forward to the Festival of Trees, Hartelius said what she loves about the Mansion most is that “history doesn’t stop,” and, “the Mansion is part of so many people’s personal histories.” For her, this event will just solidify that history in so many more lives.
For those wishing to participate in the Festival of Trees, interested parties can contact the Daly Mansion at (406) 363-6004. The cut-of for entries is Monday, November 17. It is $100 to register a tree, and parties can register online or call the Mansion.
15th
Saturday, Nov. 22nd - Party with prizes & fun!
faith
THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN LIFE IS TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR.
At the end of your life, you will either go to Heaven or Hell.
According to the Bible:
In HEAVEN - You will have perfect PEACE, forever! In HELL - You will have PAIN and TROUBLE, forever!
Enter into the narrow gate which is for the saved people. (Matthew 7:13) For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to Hell where you will never have peace. Most people will choose the wide gate! Don’t let that happen to you!
Scripture about Peace (Isaiah 41:10)
“FEAR NOT - for there is nothing to fear. For I am with you. Do not look around you in terror and be dismayed for I am your GOD. Yes, I will strengthen you and harden you to diffculties - yes, I will help you.”
Get saved and know Jesus Christ as your Savior. Jesus will help you in this life and the next one. Friday, Nov. 14th 6 p.m.
Hunter check stations reporting bump in deer harvest
After
3 Mile Bazaar
slightly region-wide, and hunter trips through the stations are up.
The stations tallied 5,643 hunter stops during the first three weekends of the season, compared to 5,212 during the same period last year. Those hunters checked 88 mule deer, compared to 68 in 2024 and 188 white-tailed deer, compared to 168. Stations are reporting 180 elk, compared to 196 last year.
The check station near Darby has almost identical totals to last season at this point for elk and deer harvest and hunter traffic. At Bonner, elk harvest is a bit down so far, but the station has seen more deer this season than in the past few. Mule deer harvest, in particular, saw a bump over the weekend, compared to the first two.
The general big game season has almost reached its midway point. It began on October 25 and closes on Sunday, Nov. 30. Although wildlife check stations sample a relatively small portion
of the overall effort and harvest, they capture important trends and biological information, and by stopping to report a harvest or an experience, hunters are helping with wildlife management in Montana. FWP reminds hunters they must stop at all wildlife check stations that they pass, even if they have not harvested any animals.
CWD sampling l ocations
bump over the weekend as the first signs of
began,
H unters can help with chronic wasting disease (CWD) management by submitting samples from harvested deer, elk, and moose for testing. In west-central Montana, the wildlife check stations near Bonner, Darby and Anaconda are all collecting CWD samples, as well as specific CWD sampling locations in Drummond (Friday 10am-2pm; Saturday, Sunday and Monday from 10a.m.-dark), and at the Missoula FWP office (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5p.m.). For a complete list of stations and hours across the state, visit fwp.mt.gov/cwd. Hunter can also take samples themselves and mail them to the wildlife lab for testing. Although CWD testing is voluntary, samples from hunter-harvested deer, elk and moose are critical to FWP’s understanding of this fatal disease. Most big game hunting districts around west-central Montana are Priority Surveillance Areas for CWD, which are areas where FWP is making a concerted effort to gather more samples. All sampling is offered for free to hunters. Hunters play a key role in understanding CWD by providing data and in minimizing the spread by disposing of wildlife parts properly. Read more: fwp.mt.gov/cwd.
Sage Kamps with a mule deer harvested in Bitterroot Hunting District 270.
Hamilton bookstore adds yarn supplies
Since the closing of The Yarn Center, Hamilton crafters have relied on online retailers and trips to Missoula for fiber supplies. Now knitters and crocheters can see and touch a small selection of yarn and notions along with crafting books at Chapter One Book Store.
“We won’t be able to carry everyone’s favorite brands,” said Mara Lynn Luther, Chapter One co-owner and long-time knitter and crocheter, “but if you need to crochet your nephew a Griz hat for the game this weekend, we’ll be able to get you started.”
After talking to many community crafters Mara said, “the key elements that have been missed the most are, yarn, of course, but also notions like hooks and needles, access to classes, help with projects and connection to the crafting community.”
In order to help fulfill some of those missing elements Chapter One made room on the shelves for a small selection of wool and acrylic yarn from Seattle-based Cascade Yarns and kits with local yarn from Beautiful Simplicity and Old Barn Studios are available while supplies last. They have also been hosting classes, knitalongs, read-along book clubs and a weekly Bring-Your-Own-Project group.
Since the busy season has descended upon most retail spaces through the end of the year, people interested in classes should look at the calendar for January and February.
Other local shops also carry materials for crafters. The Paper Clip stocks supplies for 2D art like painting, coloring and drawing while also stocking lots of kids’ craft supplies.
Sweetwater Mercantile is getting stocked and ready for the holiday season with more beading kits and is also carrying Beautiful Simplicity yarn. Wildflower Quilts in Victor opened this past spring and carries fabric, patterns and notions for the quilter as well as embroidery floss. They also have a longarm quilting machine and quilters can watch Instagram and Facebook for classes and workshops.
Chapter One will be doing a Cascade Yarns order mid-November and when you pre-pay, they’ll give you 10% off your entire special order. Bring your current project or come in and get started on a new one with other crafty critters on Thursday evenings at 5:00. That’s also a good time to catch a group that might be about to help out with a mistake or a tricky spot in your pattern.
“The colors are so beautiful and being able to actually touch yarn before you buy it has been so inspiring to knitters already,” said Mara. “I can’t wait for more classes during the dark months.”
Chapter One Book Store is located at 252 W. Main in Hamilton.
Photos courtesy Chapter One Book Store.
Discord in the Montana GOP
You have probably heard in the news about discord within the Montana Republican Party. At issue is whether the party will remain a “big tent” coalition that welcomes a broad spectrum of conservative voices or is to become limited only to those who swear allegiance to a narrow, right-wing defnition of conservatism and obediently follow the party line. The ofcials now controlling the state party headquarters take the latter view and are actively engaged in eliminating those who will not kneel to their will. I am one who refuses to submit.
My issue with the newly installed Montana GOP establishment is set forth below in my response to party functionary Keith Regier, who recently asked me to complete a questionnaire that ostensibly would be used by a secretive committee to determine my worthiness for the state party’s endorsement in the June 2026 primary. (Previously, the state party has not endorsed primary candidates, leaving that decision to the voters.)
tra-party politics. Today’s toxic hyper-partisanship is causing citizens to view each other as enemies rather than as neighbors who simply disagree on some issues. When one’s political opponents are branded as hated enemies, fnding any common ground becomes increasingly difcult, if not impossible. The constitutional order put in place by our nation’s Founders cannot long survive in this political environment.
by David Bedey
“Chairman Regier, I must decline your invitation to submit the Montana Republican Central Committee (MTGOP) candidate questionnaire for review by the newly formed ‘Conservative Governance Committee’ that you chair. That said, many of the questions therein are likely to be of interest to my voters. I look forward to reaching out directly to them during the upcoming campaign season to explain my position on these (and other) issues.
“It is evident your committee has been created to efect a purge of the Montana Republican Party. Why else would you evade providing me the names of the committee’s members? And who could trust your objectivity when you have already contributed to candidates in the upcoming primary election? But one shouldn’t be surprised, given the stated objectives of the new MTGOP chairman and of various members of the right-wing Montana Freedom Caucus. Returning the questionnaire would lend credibility to this blatant efort to empower a cabal of party bosses who believe themselves entitled to defne what it means to be ‘Republican’ or ‘conservative’ and who believe that Republican legislators must obey their diktats. As a matter of principle, I must oppose this centralization of power.
“There is more at stake here than in-
“Regrettably, both of Montana’s major political parties are increasingly falling under the infuence of factions that value ideological purity over efective governance. The losers in this sad afair are everyday Montanans who simply want to live their lives in peace and expect their legislators to do the hard work necessary to solve problems for the good of all Montanans.
“I confess to being a traditional ‘Reagan Republican’ with a conservative disposition informed by thinkers such as the British statesman Edmund Burke. My record over four terms in the Montana House of Representatives—despite the willful distortions being put out by my opponents—bears out this assertion. I remain committed to restoring civility to our politics and to placing service to my fellow citizens over ideology or the demands of party bosses. It’s up to the voters in my district—not the state party—to decide if this is the kind of person they want representing them in Helena.”
Regier acknowledged receiving my letter but has had nothing more to say. Meanwhile, traditional conservative Republicans across the state, who are inspired by Lincoln’s wisdom and Reagan’s fortitude, are already being attacked with misleading, anonymous television ads and robocalls. This is not normal Montana politics. It is almost certain that Republicans will be the majority in the state legislature for the foreseeable future. The question for all Montanans to consider is who those Republicans will be. Dedicated, conservative public servants working for the good of all Montanans, or political puppets serving party bosses in Helena?
David Bedey is a representative of the Montana House for District 86.
HUDSON: rule of law should prevail
Continued from page 1
se in Ravalli County the convention had been held and ofcers were elected appropriately. Following Hudson’s fling of the writ of mandamus the central committee held the convention and new ofcers were elected. Hudson was elected as a delegate to the state convention.
“The reason this [process] is important is because there are only a handful of committees in the state who held these legal county conventions after the primary,” says Hudson. “If state leaders got themselves elected at state convention by the use of votes from delegates who hadn’t been duly elected according to the law, that’s a problem.”
“These people were used, the majority of these central committees were unaware, the Supreme Court had not yet ruled,” says Hudson. “Now that the Supreme Court has ruled, here’s the quandary. For most of the state, the past leadership terms have expired, and current leadership has not been elected in a manner consistent with state law. Who are the only people who followed state law and are they the true leadership of the party? The leadership that was improperly elected doesn’t even have the authority to call a new convention.”
Hudson believes the only legal solution at this juncture is for the party members who followed the law prior to the state convention and held legal reorganizations to meet and decide on appropriate action in accordance with Montana law, Montana GOP rules and Robert’s Rules of Order.
Hudson says the following questions need to be addressed: is current leadership acting outside the law on a daily basis? Are solicitations for money tantamount to mail fraud? Do donors have civil recourse against party ofcials who are misrepresenting
the party or misrepresenting themselves?
“Personally, I’m the biggest outlaw who comes through the door, but I’m willing to pay the price,” says Hudson. “But when it comes to public policy, you have to stay inside the bounds, or you don’t have a country. If I get to make up the rules as I go along, you no longer have governance, you don’t have a republic.”
He says his overall goal is trying to bring people together for a greater purpose. He says it doesn’t matter what your political views are, “what matters is the rule of law, the process.”
“This can be solved by party leadership stepping down and people who follow the law taking over,” says Hudson. “If you left it up to me, I would call the central committees that follow the law and I would ask that we engage committee members across the state on solutions, so that we restore the party’s legitimacy. But it’s not entirely up to me. I’m one person in a group of people in four or fve committees that I don’t know the total number of. The safest path is to reconvene, acknowledge legal fndings, install interim ofcers, and call for new convention to legally elect new ofcers. Sadly, I don’t think current party leadership is going to go willingly. I think that will take a court order. For that, somebody would have to fle an action.”
Hudson said at this point he really doesn’t want that person to be him. He has already spent about $40,000 on the previous lawsuit.
“I really hope others will step up,” he said. “What I’m trying to do is provoke some real thought. I think this has a lot of traction. I have a lot of faith in my fellow Montanans. I think most people when they know the right thing, they’ll do the right thing.”
New age of Orwellian dystopia
The White House is owned by the American people and stewarded by the National Park Service. The White House is considered the “People’s House” because it is the seat of American democracy, and a symbol of the nation for all Americans, representing the American government and its democratic ideals.
Unfortunately, the White House is no longer the People’s House since a criminal dictator occupies it, who hates democracy. An American citizen named Donald Trump and his MAGA cult members are destroying democracy, the Constitution, and even the People’s House literally.
We were warned this would happen by many people throughout history. James Madison, a Founding Father, is quoted as stating that if the nation is ever taken over, “it will be from within.” Carl Sagan, the astronomer, warned that the decline of America would come from a society unable to tell the diference between what is true and what feels good. Richard Nixon, the former president, expressed concern that, as with past civilizations, America could be subject to decadence that would eventually destroy it.
The occupant of the White House has enslaved not only his cult members but also controls Congress and has corrupted the judicial system. Under Trump, the American way of life has ended. Truth and justice no longer guide the nation; instead, it is guided by lies, corruption, criminality, and immorality.
Shame on the American people who put him in power, who do not know right from wrong or truth from lies. Shame on our judicial system and Congress for allowing a criminal to stay in ofce. Shame on our representatives who support our Commander-in-Thief dictator who cheats on his wives, is a convicted criminal who hires prostitutes, and is most likely a pedophile. Through our own stupidity, we have destroyed democracy, the rule of law, and our own freedom. Welcome to the New Age of Orwellian dystopia. Mark Snider Hamilton
Food insecurity?
The federal government shut down now because the Democrats will not allow the GOP to push through a budget bill without addressing the ACA subsidies’ expiring. Without those subsidies people’s health insurance premiums will double. This would afect thousands of Montanans and rural hospitals.
SNAP (formerly Food Stamps) funding runs out November 1st, even though there are safeguards against this in a fund that the administration is not allowing to be used in order to create a false pressure on the Democrats.
Tuesday I saw Legislative Representative Flowers state that Montana had funds available that could be used as a stopgap to pay for Montanans who are on SNAP. The same day, Gianforte was interviewed and said that SNAP was a federal program and if we used Montana funds we might not get paid back. I guess he’s being fnancially responsible even though he was so proud of his huge cut in income taxes for him and his rich friends that is going to put Montana Into defcit spending. He wants to be responsible!?
Opinion
SNAP and WIC go out to 78,000 Montanans. That’s close to 10% of our population who could likely go without eating.
Evan Schroedel Florence
Government shutdown
House speaker Mike Johnson announced he would cancel another week’s session. Johnson frst sent the members home on September 19. Staying out of session means not working on the budget that is overdue or hammering out the necessary appropriations bills. It means not working on fguring out a way to extend the healthcare premium tax credits. Over 80% of the people support continuation of these tax credits that help middle and low income people aford basic health care.
Why are the Congresspeople still getting paid? They are not paying the TSA agents or the air trafc controllers that they demand work with no paycheck. (That used to be called slavery.) Congress doesn’t work for us. They work for Corporate America, you know, the ones price gouging you at the grocery store, the ones raising your energy costs, the ones denying you health care you need just because they can. This is not the American Dream. It is the American Nightmare. Maybe waking up is not such a bad thing.
Keeping the House out of session also means not swearing in Representative Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ), who won election on September 23 and who will provide the 218th vote on a discharge petition to trigger a vote on a measure requiring the release of the fles the government has on the investigation of convicted sex ofender Jefrey Epstein. Is Epstein’s good buddy Donald Trump listed there? If not, why is this such a big deal? Is the House still out of session because of this? This is no excuse for giving Representatives a six week vacation while demanding others work without pay. Get back to work to pass funding bills so we can all get back to business.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has posted a video at airport Transportation Security Administration (TSA) lines featuring Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem saying that operations are impacted because “Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government.” Immigration lawyer Aaron Reichlin-Melnick commented: “Can you think of a single movie in which there is a video from the government denouncing its political opponents playing on a loop in public spaces in which that government was the good guy?”
Toddy Perryman Hamilton
A few gripes
Having recently seen an editorial comment from a lady discussing the price of gas, I would like to pose a question. Would somebody please explain to me why the price of gas in Missoula/Lolo is, and has been for years now, the highest price west of the Mississippi? We recently completed our annual trek to MN, this time for another granddaughter wedding, and the second we leave Missoula on the interstate, the price of gas starts dropping of. At $3.09.9 here we turned around several days later to fll up in Thief River Falls, MN for $2.62.9 and head home. It was a penny more for gas in Grand Forks, ND. Since there is a refnery at Billings you would expect
lower prices there but MN? In the old days it was said that the reason for the price being higher in Hamilton was due to the fact the gas had to be trucked in from Missoula where the Yellowstone Pipeline passes through. So why is it that we can fll up in Hamilton and count on paying at least two or three cents per gallon less? Somebody said it was gas taxes but I thought gas taxes were pretty much standard throughout the state and, correct me if I’m wrong, ND and MN are overall poorer states than MT. While I’m at it, another little thing that bothers me is those ruts that the highway department keeps putting in the middle of roads around here. I can see it may be justifed on a road like 93 where they cram the lanes together and expect drivers to miss each other by staying in their lane which is separated from oncoming lanes by two paint stripes a foot apart. On roads in other parts of the world similar to 93 you will see barriers down the middle like on Lolo Grade but not in MT.
I have asked the Dept for years not to put rumble strips in the middle of roads because they are of no earthly use except to irritate drivers every time you have to cross them. Oh, it’s a safety feature you say. 98% of the time crossing them is intentional and I don’t need reminding every time I make a left hand turn or pass another vehicle. Sometimes you may stray over there looking to the side or swatting a fy but you don’t need reminding that you are straying since you are aware of the oncoming trafc when you do it. So the only good use for the rumble strip being in the middle is to avoid a head on in the rare times you might fall asleep at the wheel or hit a patch of black ice. In those few cases, if there happens to be oncoming trafc, you would be dead meat long before you would come to and get back across that line.
As far as I’m concerned, those rumble strips are a waste of taxpayer’s dollars, not only to install, but because they cause early road destruction from freezing and thawing. Don’t believe me? Just take a drive up Lolo Creek sometime where they have been in place for three or four years, maybe even less. You don’t have to go far up there on that otherwise fawlessly smooth pavement before you will see at least two diferent patch jobs right down the rumble strips where the road surface has broken up.
Speaking of Europe, I always imagined lots of people and continuous towns until I got over there to see for myself. I was impressed with the fact that the countries we toured, eleven in all, have abundant farmlands and scattered towns but not the ag land subdivision sprawl you see here. They are taking pride in their lands and are prepared for the future whereas here we are shooting ourselves in the foot and, when the trucks no longer come out of California, we are going to be in trouble for sure. I read where people in eastern MT are banding together to protest and stop wind farms. Far as I could see their bottom line defense boils down to not in my backyard, I don’t want to look at them. Good luck with that. I also read where the county commissioners have shot down subdivisions on John Foley’s old ranch for ag related purposes. It’s about time. I have that issue here at my ranch and want to purchase more land that has recently come up for sale which I would include in my future conservation easement but I can’t afford it with irrigated hay land for sale at $400,000 per ten acre parcel. Nor can I fnd anyone willing to help me
by buying it and selling me a smaller part that I could aford. So I have no other choice but to watch as my ranch becomes a suburb of Missoula. When I bought it in the early 70s, I had fve neighbors, none within half a mile. Now look at it. Oh, for the real Montana winters of the past.
Mark Lewing Stevensville
Hate and anger
What is hate? I believe it’s one of Satan’s tools that is visible as we watch what goes on in this country of ours and the whole world for that matter on TV every day. Satan is at work every day to entrap us into the wickedness and snares of his. He already controls most of the world, Russia, China, North Korea, to name a few, and now he is working on us, the U.S. I can visualize our country going so deep into debt that our freedom and all that we own will be taken away from us and we will be under the rule of communism. Look it up, how it is in some of those countries, how it changes and how many millions of people died as a result, everything is available on Google.
I see so much bitterness in the political spectrum in our country, especially when it comes to the vile content that comes out of the mouths of some of our politicians. For some it’s nothing more than diarrhea from the mouth. Then what do you see in their eyes? Sometimes in an expression of anger there seems to be a ft of fre in the eyes.
Are not our politicians’ duties to be our servants who we elected them to be? I do not see any cooperation between parties, only hate and anger. Where’s the morality in doing your duty as a politician? As I see it every political issue has a moral side to it. There is no morality in Marxism that so many are falling into.
I believe that our forefathers used the inspiration from God to create the laws of our nation. I wonder how many of our politicians have any religious faith at all to guide them in decision making. I feel a sense of hope for the future with the forming of Turning Point USA that has ignited our young people for a change. It’s time for some of our oldies to go and recount their past [what have I done and what have I failed to do] as a regular in my thoughts as I lay me down to sleep, as there could be no tomorrow.
Roger Radermacher Hamilton
Save the West?
Save the West? Or, screw the West? Is the efort to vent the Ravalli County Republican brand based on honest ignorance?
Or, is it a deliberate deception? Anyone familiar with meat packing politics should know JBS, the largest global meat packer, gave $5 million to the 47th President’s Inaugural Committee. Especially on the heels of a $20,000,000 bailout for another South American beef exporter. Especially given Seldom Seen Senator Daines’ probable role. No, Tony, it is NOT Save the West. The Trump Agenda is SCREW the WEST.
That’s why the 47th President is “hot” on roading the last vestiges of timber in barren Wilderness Areas and National Parks. They are almost all in the West.
Jim Parker Hamilton
American Pipit, unfamiliar to many
If you are a serious birder, you most likely have seen the American Pipit. If you are a casual birder, only feeding birds in your yard, and rarely traveling to watch birds, this species may be unfamiliar. Older birders might know this species as Water Pipit. Its name changed in 1989 to denote two species with Water Pipit restricted to the Eurasian species.
The reason American Pipit is unfamiliar to many is its habitat is the Alpine Tundra ecosystem of Montana above 8,000 feet. You can find them in Glacier Park and the alpine regions of Western Montana such as the Flint Creek Range, Mount Hagin, and Tobacco Root Mountains. You can also find them in Alaska and the Arctic Circle at low elevations in true Arctic ecosystems. Our arctic zones in Montana are caused by elevation, not latitude, thus the term Alpine Tundra is used.
Alpine refers to an area without trees, above timberline with grasses, cushion plants and Krumholtz trees (slow growing and disfigured by harsh weather).
In the spring Pipits begin to arrive from their southern tier state wintering grounds with a few observations in March (19) which builds to 433 in April and 322 in May. They breed and nest in the alpine forbs and grasses above timberline with a cup-like nest with 3-7 eggs. My earliest record is March 21 at Harrison Lake and my latest sighting is October 27, at Warm Springs WMA.
There are three species of pipits within North America: Sprague’s, Red-throated, and American. Sprague’s is found in most of Montana’s grasslands east of the Continental Divide and is a species of concern due to loss of native prairie lands due to agricultural use and urban sprawl. Red-throated is not
found in Montana and is rare along the West Coast from California to Alaska. Their normal range is the Tundra of Eurasia.
American Pipits can be identified as a slender sparrow-like bird with long legs and thin black bill, pale brown on the upper sides, and a white eye ring. They have a long hind toe and toenail called a hallux. If you look carefully at my photo, you can see a hallux on the right leg. The dark streaks on the buffy breast suggest it is a dark breeding adult. Light adults show no streaking. White outer tail feathers show in flight. My photo was taken on May 28.
The easiest way to see this bird is to search mudflats in May and September during migration. You can see American Pipits on their breeding grounds at Logan Pass in Glacier Park or at the higher elevations of Beartooth
by Gary Swant
Pass during the summer months. I hope you will have the opportunity to add this species to your life list if you haven’t seen it.
As a side note, you might consider my “My Montana Birds” book as a Christmas gift. I haven’t ever had anyone say they didn’t enjoy it. You can order a copy by emailing me at birdmt@charter.net.
Good birding this winter season.
Friday, November 14th
Friday, November 14th
Adult Breeding American Pipit. Photo courtesy Gary Swant.
Sports
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Florence volleyball divisional champs
The Florence Falcons are the 2025 Western B Divisional volleyball champions. Florence defeated Anaconda 3-1 in the championship match on Saturday, November 8, in St. Ignatius to claim the divisional title for the third straight year.
Florence now turns their attention to the Class B State Tournament, where they are the West’s #1 seed. State volleyball is at the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse in Bozeman on Wednesday, Nov. 12 through Friday, Nov. 14. The Falcons play Townsend, the #4 seed from the South, on Wednesday at 10 a.m.
Florence was the 2024 Class B State runner-up, and the team has a core group of girls with state experience from the last couple of years. The team looks to be one of the favorites this year to take home a state title.
Florence senior setter Maggie Schneiter is the team foor general and junior outside hitter Emory Ralston is one of the hardest hitters in the state. Also expect major contributions from Taylor Pyette, Lexi Danczyk, Dia Jenkins, Kendyl Meinhold, Reese Briney, Alex Nelson, and Jaden Fisher.
Divisional recap
Florence took a straightforward and dominating road to the divisional title. In the first round on Friday, they defeated Plains 3-0 (25-8, 25-18, 25-11). For Florence, Emory Ralston had 5 aces and 10 kills, Maggie Schneiter had 10 kills
and 17 assists, Lexi Danczyk had 2 blocks, and Taylor Pyette had 15 digs.
Later on Friday, in their second game, Florence defeated Anaconda 3-1. This win sent them to the undefeated semifinal game early on Saturday morning where Florence
beat Missoula Loyola 3-1. Finally, in the championship game on Saturday afternoon, Florence defeated Anaconda 3-1. Florence won the first two sets relatively easily 25-15 and 25-15, then lost a tough third set 25-27, and finally won the fourth set 25-23 to win 3-1.
Hamilton volleyball divisional runner-up
The Hamilton girls volleyball team took 2nd place at the Western A Divisionals in Libby on Saturday, November 8. The Hamilton Broncs lost to the Frenchtown Broncs in the championship game.
“We played really well in divisionals,” said Hamilton head coach Nikki Schlesser. “We had a bit of a lull in competition in the weeks leading up to divisionals, so it was good to get out there and compete. We’re feeling revitalized going into the state tournament.”
With the result, Hamilton is Western A’s #2 seed in the Class A State volleyball tournament, which will take place in the Brick Breeden Fieldhouse in Bozeman on Wednesday, Nov. 12 through Friday, Nov. 14. Hamilton plays Laurel, the #3 seed from the East, on Wednesday at 10 a.m.
“We are feeling really good heading into state,” said Schlesser. “The girls have a lot of confdence. They realize this is the end of the road, all the hard work has led to this.”
The Hamilton girls didn’t make state last year, but took 3rd in 2023 and so the girls have state tournament experience. Hamilton’s foor general is 6’3 senior setter Aurie Duncan. Hamilton’s four other
seniors, Ciara Hanley, Jenna Ellis, Lundyn Murray, and Ashlynn McKern, were also integral to the 2023 team.
“Our seniors were an important part of our success at state in 2023 when we took 3rd,” said Schlesser. “These girls are starting to realize that this will be their last time playing volleyball as high schoolers, so they’re extra motivated to give it their all this week at state.”
Divisional recap
Hamilton had a long and winding road to the championship match in divisionals, as the Broncs played fve games in three days.
In their frst-round game on Thursday, Hamilton defeated Columbia Falls 3-0 (25-21, 25-18, 25-11).
This sent them to the second round on Thursday night where they defeated the #1 seed from the North, Bigfork 3-2 (19-25, 17-25, 25-16, 25-11, 1511).
“The Bigfork game was very pivotal for us,” said Schlesser. “We were down two sets, but we were able to turn it around and win three games in a row. That was huge for us. I feel like that was a big turning
point for us to go from a good team to a great team.”
The Bigfork win sent Hamilton to the undefeated semifnal game on Friday where they lost to nemesis Frenchtown 1-3 (19-25, 13-25, 25-21, 22-25). This loss sent them to the losers bracket where they faced Polson on Saturday and won 3-0 (25-15, 25-23, 2520).
Finally, this win sent them to the championship game on Saturday where they faced Frenchtown again. Hamilton needed to defeat Frenchtown twice to get the title, but Hamilton lost 0-3 (20-25, 13-25, 13-25), and earned the runner-up trophy.
Stevensville ends season at divisionals
In their frst round game on Thursday, Stevensville lost to Bigfork 0-3 (11-25, 14-25, 24-26). This sent them to the losers side of the bracket where they played Columbia Falls and lost 0-3 (19-25, 27-29, 17-25). This ends the season for Stevensville. They will lose some strong senior players, but have a good group of younger players with which to build on for next season.
The Florence volleyball team with their 2025 Western B Divisional Championship trophy on Saturday, Nov. 8 in St. Ignatius. Photo by Florence School Activities.
The Hamilton girls volleyball team with their runner-up trophy at the Western A Divisionals in Libby on Saturday, Nov. 8. Photo from Hamilton Schools.
Sports
by Scott Sacry Sports Editor
Wolves ground Falcons
The Florence Falcons football team hosted the Three Forks Wolves in the quarterfinals of the Class B State Playoffs on Saturday, November 8. It was a close game between two evenly matched teams, but in the end, Three Forks made more big plays than Florence, and the Falcons fell 20-28.
Three Forks quarterback Kanon Reichman, one of the best players in the state, is a threat both running and passing. Florence didn’t allow many big running plays on Saturday, but Reichman and Three Forks were able to make big plays in the passing game. Reichman threw four touchdown passes, including TD passes for 44 yards, 45 yards, and 67 yards. Reichman finished with 265 passing yards and 154 rushing yards.
Game recap
Th ree Forks scored on their first offensive play of the game with a 67-yard touchdown pass. Florence responded and drove down the field and scored on a Brody Duchien 6-yard pass to Levi Winters and Florence led 7-6 after the first
Florence’s Brody Duchien rolls out to make a pass in Florence’s quarterfnal playoff game against Three Forks in Florence on Saturday, Nov. 8. Photo by Scott Sacry.
quarter. Early in the second quarter, Florence’s Bridger Alexander sacked Reichman in the endzone for what appeared to be a safety, but the ball was ruled down at the 2-inch line. This was a pivotal call by the officials, as Three Forks then went the length of the field and scored to take a 14-7 lead.
Florence took their next drive all the way down the field and looked poised to score when Three Forks intercepted a pass and took it all the way back for a touchdown, although a Three Forks penalty negated the touchdown and brought the ball back to midfield. Florence had missed an opportunity and trailed 7-14 at halftime.
After halftime, Three Forks scored early to take a 20-7 lead. Then Florence’s Levi Winters intercepted a pass and ran it in for a 25-yard touchdown to narrow the gap to 13-20. Three Forks came right back and scored on a long Reichman pass, extending the Wolves lead to 28-13. Florence scored with under two minutes left in the game on a Duchien to Alexander touchdown pass to get Florence within a touchdown. But Florence’s onside kick was unsuccessful and Three Forks ran out the clock for the win.
The loss ends a successful 2025 season for the Falcons. Florence was one of the best Class B teams in the state. They finished with a 6-4 record, were the 6B conference champions, won a playoff game, and made the state quarterfinals. As always, expect Florence to reload and have a strong football team next season.
Broncs defeated by Rams
The Hamilton Broncs football team made the long trek east to Billings on Friday, November 7, to face the top-ranked Billings Central Rams in the quarterfinals of the Class A State playoffs. Hamilton played Class A’s #1 team tough, but fell short and lost 7-27. Hamilton had as good a start as could be hoped for. The Broncs took the opening drive the length of the field and scored on a 19-yard pass from quarterback Cooper Weston to receiver Kaeden Gum, and Ham -
ilton led 7-0 after the first quarter. Billings scored twice in the second quarter and Hamilton trailed 7-14 at halftime.
Neither team scored in the third quarter, so going into the fourth quarter Hamilton only trailed by a touchdown. Billings scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to solidify their lead, and Hamilton couldn’t make up the ground and lost 7-27.
Hamilton played the undefeated Rams closer than any team this
season. But outside of their opening drive, Hamilton wasn’t able to move the ball consistently and they only had 161 total yards for the game. On the other side of the ball, Hamilton wasn’t able to consistently stop Central’s potent running attack, as Billings gained 323 yards rushing. A valiant effort by the Broncs, but they couldn’t quite generate enough offense to stay with the high-powered Rams.
For Hamilton, Cooper Weston completed 12 of 26 passes for 110
yards and a touchdown. Running back Jude Widmer rushed for 29 yards. Receiver Jackson Lubke had 4 catches for 49 yards.
This ends a successful 2025 season for the Broncs, as Hamilton was one of the best Class A teams in the state. They finished the season with an 8-2 record, took 2nd in their conference, won a playoff game, and made the Class A State quarterfinals. The Broncs have a lot of returning talent and look to be a strong contender for a state title next season.
Class A soccer All-Conference & All-State
The All-State and All-Conference teams for Class A soccer were recently announced, and numerous Bitterroot Valley soccer players from Corvallis, Hamilton, and Stevensville were honored on the Southwest A Conference teams.
Boys The following Bitterroot Valley boys were given postseason soccer honors for the Southwest A Conference: All-State & First Team All-Conference: Haven Oshell, Sr., D, Hamilton; Eli Knight, Sr.,
M, Corvallis; Christian Yaskus, Sr., D, Stevensville; Otto Gantz, Fr., M, Hamilton; Hayden Warrington, Sr., F, Stevensville.
First Team All-Conference: Bode Pullum, Fr., M, Corvallis. Second Team All-Conference: Braden Drye, Sr., GK, Stevensville; Marihas Oshell, Sr., M, Hamilton; Jakob Wenck, Jr., M, Stevensville; Francesco Zamboni, Jr., D, Stevensville; Jacob Shobe, So., M, Stevensville; Tim Sigloch, Sr., M, Hamilton; Stephan Matveev, Sr., M, Hamilton; Fisher Goodrich, Jr., D, Hamilton. Honorable Mention All-Con -
The following Bitterroot Valley girls were given postseason soccer honors for the Southwest A Conference: All-State & First Team All-Conference: Annalise Lewis, Jr., M, Hamilton; Emma McKoy, Sr., GK, Stevensville; Kate Allen, Jr., F, Corvallis; Gianna Ruprecht, Sr., D, Stevensville; Greta Gantz, Jr., M,
Hamilton. First Team All-Conference: Addison Nobi, So., M, Stevensville; Ellie Hughes, Jr., D, Hamilton. Second Team All-Conference: Natalya Chvilicek, Jr., D, Stevensville; Madigan Hurlbert, Jr., F, Stevensville; Mia Faulk, Sr., GK, Hamilton; Shyanne Watt, Sr., M, Corvallis; Deci Endres, Fr., M, Stevensville. Honorable Mention All-Conference: Isadora Neal, 8th, M, Hamilton; Anya Hammil, So., D, Corvallis; Raina Hiesterman, 9th, D, Stevensville.
Florence’s Bridger Alexander sacks Three Forks’s quarterback in Florence’s quarterfnal playoff game against Three Forks in Florence on Saturday, Nov. 8. Florence lost 20-28. Photo by Scott Sacry.
Larry R. Bright
Larry R. Bright was born in Cheyanne, Wyoming to James and Viola Bright. He passed away of natural causes on November 1, 2025 at the age of 86 years old. He is survived by his wife, Gloria (married 25 years), sister Doris O., niece Kristin B. (great-nephew Hayden, great-nephew Camillo - preceded him in death) and his two children Jonielle B. (Joseph B.) and Patrick B. (Vickie B.). He has one grandchild Acacia P. (Cowan P.) and two great-grandsons with one on the way.
When his dad got out of the Army, they landed in Woodburn, OR and his dad started the frst blueberry farm in Woodburn. He graduated from Woodburn High School in 1957. He went on to go to school at Oregon State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Fish and Wildlife Management with a minor in Range Management.
Larry joined the Coast Guard in 1959 and served until 1967, which included serving in the reserves. He was a sharpshooter both with a rife and pistol. Larry worked for Oregon Fish and Wildlife for 28 years and then retired, so we thought. He did some ranch work in 1993 and then joined the Forest
Service starting in 1995 in Washington, Oregon and then Arizona. He retired again in 2009. He couldn’t stay away from work that long and did some volunteer work in OR for another year from 2013-2014.
Larry was also proud of his heritage, being part of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. He sat on a few councils and supported land management based on his professional experiences. He was passionate about preserving the land and animals, which included the natural cycle of things.
He was a quiet man, unless you got to know him and then his sense of humor took over. He taught himself to play the guitar and the Native fute. When they moved to Stevensville, you would fnd him on Wednesday nights at Cowboy Church, strumming his guitar.
He requested no services. In lieu of fowers, please donate to any non-proft of your choosing in his name. In the spring, the family will gather in John Day, OR to have a celebration of life. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com
Canard ‘David’ Meier
George A. Biddle
Stevensville - George A. Biddle, 84, of Stevensville passed away Wednesday, November 5, 2025 at St Patrick Hospital.
He was born on November 13, 1940 in Spencer, IN, the son of the late Joseph and Ruth (Close) Biddle.
George graduated high school in 1958 from Warren Central High School in Indianapolis. After graduation, he joined the U.S. Air Force where he served as a military policeman. After his honorable discharge, George moved to Seal Beach, CA where he met his wife, Donna. The two were married on June 30, 1963.
For 28 years George worked as a Captain for the California Department of Forestry. During this
Canard ‘David’ Meier, 78, of Hamilton, passed away Thursday, October 30, 2025. He was born in Corpus Christie, Texas June 25, 1947. He shared his life with three brothers and two sisters. The family called San Diego County home.
David joined the Navy at the age of 17. In his four years of service, three years were spent at sea, including Vietnam. He often wished the Navy would have been his career.
After his discharge, David entered a carpentry apprenticeship. His new mentor was a hardworking, non nonsense, talented, no short cuts teacher. David soon valued his skill and ethics; they re-
mained friends his whole career. David went on to be a valued fnish carpenter in much demand. David built two of his own homes and remodeled a couple more. David spent his free time buying and selling anything with wheels. His hands were always busy tinkering. He loved fxing and reworking anything and everything.
David was ’Dad’ to two children, a son David (deceased) and apple of his eye, a daughter, Betty. David was very proud to be called ‘Grandpa’ by six grandchildren. David is also survived by his wife Karen of 48 years.
time he received a bachelors degree in Fire Science.
George has always been very active in the community. He was heavily involved in coordinating youth sports and was always an active member in his church. George was a member of the Knights of Columbus as well as a tour guide for the St. Mary’s Mission in Stevensville.
George is survived by his daughter, Tawnya of Stevensville and his son, Kevin of Salt Lake City, UT; two grandsons and two granddaughters.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at the Post #94 American Legion Hall in Stevensville. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.
Patricia Lucille Lewis
November 2, 1942
She was born at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshville, Wisconsin. She lived with her family in Chili until 1953 when they moved to a small farm northeast of Neillsville. Patricia grew up playing in the woods, milking cows, and helping her father at the farm as she grew older. She lived there until 1961 when she married Jerry G. Lewis.
Following their marriage, they moved to Mountain Home, Idaho.
From there, they found their way to the Bitterroot Valley where they explored the wilderness, running outfitting expeditions down the Salmon River where Patricia kept the camp running and well-fed. In 1964, they welcomed their son, Shane, and shortly afterwards in 1966 they welcomed a daughter, Shannon, into the world. With this family, Patricia would make the Bitterroot her home forever. Her love for the outdoors culminated in 1984, when she had the honor of getting a Big Horn Sheep permit and succeeded, which gained her an entry in Boone and Crockett.
Through the years, Patricia worked various jobs in the Bitterroot and Missoula, from being a ranch hand to working in a plywood mill, selling Avon, to running her own cleaning business.
In 1985, Patricia and Jerry settled in a house on Dry Gulch Lane, in Stevensville, with a huge
yard and beautiful creek running through it. At home, Patricia took great pride in keeping a beautiful yard, growing a large, productive garden, canning and preserving tons of food. Anyone who had one of her pickles can attest to this. She also got immense joy out of sharing her knowledge of the outdoors, camping, and homemaking with her grandchildren, who she bragged about any chance she got.
Patricia is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Jerry G. Lewis, son Shane Christopher Lewis, sisters Audrey Schommer and Sandra Heinzen, brothers Danny and Dennis Heinzen. She is survived by her sisters Beverly James and Claudine Kirk, brother David Heinzen, daughter Shannon (Keith) O’Brien, grandson Chad O’Brien, and granddaughter Carli O’Brien (Madison Bolton).
Her sense of humor, stories, and shrewd perspective on life will be missed greatly, but fondly remembered, by her family, friends, and everyone who was lucky enough to cook over an open fire, sip a toddy, or share a table with her.
Special thanks to the caregivers and staff at Missoula Valley Senior Living, Partners in Home Care Hospice (Grandma says you’re the A-team!), along with the compassionate care of Just CremaDons.
At Patricia’s request, there will be no service.
Captain Paul A. Chapla
Stevensville - Captain Paul A. Chapla, CEC, USN, assumed command of the Naval Civil Engineering Laboratory on June 29, 1990.
A Lorain, OH native, Captain Chapla commenced his military career in 1957 by enlisting in the Naval Reserve. He earned an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1958 and graduated with the class of 1962, receiving his commission as an Ensign in the Civil Engineer Corps. He is also a 1972 graduate of the Armed Forces Staf College. Captain Chapla ‘s recent service history includes assignments as Vice Commander, Pacifc Division, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Pearl Harbor, HI, from August 1987 to June 1990; Commanding Ofcer, U.S. Navy Public Works Center, Subic Bay, Republic of the Philippines, from January 1985 to August 1987; Deputy Chief of Staf for Facilities, Naval Reserve Force, New Orleans, LA, from August 1982 to December 1984; Executive Ofcer, U.S. Navy Public Works Center, Guam from March 1980 to July 1982; Commanding Ofcer, Naval Construction Training Center, Port Hueneme, CA from January 1978 to March 1980; and Executive Ofcer, U.S. Naval Mobile Construction Battalion SIXTY-TWO, Gulfport, MS from May 1975 to July 1977.
Beverly A. Gideon
Missoula - Beverly A. Gideon, 86, passed away peacefully in the night after celebrating her birthday with family, Saturday, November 8, 2025, with her husband by her side at home. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
Judy J. Allen
Hamilton - Judy J. Allen, 86, passed away after an extended illness, early in the morning, Friday, November 7, 2025, with her husband by her side at the Marcus Daly/Bitterroot Health Hospital in Hamilton. Brothers Mortuary & Crematory are honored to serve the Allen family. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com.
Earlier assignments involving Seabee, public works, construction and facilities management duties included tours with the Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, Norfolk, VA; Ofcer in Charge of Construction, Republic of Vietnam; Commander, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Washington, DC; Naval Station, Treasure Island, CA; Amphibious Construction Battalion One, Western Pacifc Detachment, Yokosuka, Japan; and District Public Works Ofcer, Ninth Naval District, Great Lakes, IL.
His awards include the Legion of Merit (with gold star), the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (with gold star), and the Navy Achievement Medal (with gold star).
Captain Chapla is a registered professional civil engineer in the State of California and a member of the Society of American Military Engineers.
Captain Chapla is married to the former Sarah Craig Bullock-Webster of Bristol, England. Their son, BUCN Geofrey Chapla, served with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Four.
A Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 12:00 P.M. at the St. Mary’s Parish in Stevensville. A reception will follow at the Living Centre. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.whitesittfuneralhome.com.
Robert ‘Rob’ Danner
Stevensville - Robert Roy “Rob” Danner Jr., 78, of Stevensville passed away Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Bitterroot Health Daly Hospital in Hamilton. Services will be announced at a later date. Condolences may be left for the family at www.dalyleachchapel.com.
Thomas Trevino
Missoula - Thomas Trevino, 48, passed away Saturday morning, November 1, 2025 surrounded by family after a long, courageous battle with cancer. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com
Jean Rohde
Missoula - Jean Rohde, 102, passed away Sunday afternoon, November 2, 2025. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com
Dwayne Lee
Sula - Dwayne Lee, 78, passed away suddenly on the evening of Saturday, November 1, 2025 at home. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com
Helen K. Wiggs
Hamilton - Helen K. Wiggs, 83, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family in the morning of Friday, October 31, 2025. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary. com.
Sandra ‘Sandee’ Hughes
Hamilton - Sandra S. “Sandee” Hughes, formerly of Missoula, 83, passed away in the afternoon, Friday, October 24, 2025, at the Remington at the Sapphire Homes in Hamilton with her family by her side. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com
Cheryl K. Pearson
Hamilton - Cheryl K. Pearson, 77, passed away suddenly due to a cardiac episode in the morning, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at her home in Hamilton with her husband by her side. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com
Allen O. Waldbillig
Missoula - Allen O. Waldbillig, 68, passed away in the morning, Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at the St. Patrick Hospital with his sister by his side. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.brothersmortuary.com
Marjorie R. Howard
Corvallis - Marjorie R. Howard, 98, of Corvallis passed away Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at the Village Health Care Center in Missoula. Condolences may be left for the family at www. dalyleachchapel.com.
My friend Gerald doesn’t owe me any favors but I decided to ask him for one anyway.
Turns out there was this queen mattress, almost new, that my motherin-law didn’t need. Ours resembles a quilted relief map with hills and gullies you discover when you lie down.
My wife Jan called a month ago from her mom’s place in Cascade, near Great Falls on the Missouri, and asked in the impish tone I have come to know well, “Hey - are you up for a challenge?” And as usual, I took the bait.
by Chuck Stranahan
Flash forward: Gerald’s truck is newer than mine with a camper over a big-enough bed to accommodate a queen-sized mattress if we scrunch it a little.
“We’ll have to take your truck,” I explained. “I’ll take care of gas and meals and we can split the driving.”
Gerry fred back that his truck is an exotic new hybrid that runs on Brindle ‘Chutes, and gas wouldn’t be necessary – but I’d have to tie him a fy.
“I’ll make more than one, and throw in some Caddis Variants.” The deal was struck.
“Bring your fshing gear,” I said. “We can go up the Blackfoot and over Wolf Creek Pass, do a little scouting on the way and maybe fsh the Mo or the Blackfoot on the way back.”
It surprised me to learn that the Blackfoot was all new to him, despite the number of hours he logs on the Bitterroot.
The day was crisp and cool when we left Corvallis. The Bitterroot was unusually low but the trees were in full autumn raiment under the scattered wisps and pufs of clouds in an achingly clear sky.
“What a great place to live,” I said as I sipped some morning cofee. Gerry agreed and I added, “You’ll enjoy the Blackfoot.”
On the way up I pointed out Angevine on the lower Blackfoot. “”The trick here is to wait until the water comes down, and hoof it to get away from the crowds,” I told Gerry. He hoofs it for long distances on the Bitterroot.
“We might hit this,” I said as we passed Russell Gates Campground. “It’s empty, and there’s some good water right in the campground. We’ll check in
Ovando.”
We learned at Blackfoot Anglers that it was empty for a reason: while hoot-owl restrictions had recently been lifted, the water was still just too low. We’d be fshing for stressed and captive fsh in the deep runs around Russ Gates.
Blackfoot Anglers is in an old converted blacksmith shop next to a one-time saloon where early day arguments were settled with fsts or drawn guns. There is a stray bullet stuck in the wall of the café that now bears its name - The Stray Bullet. It serves the best ranch-style breakfast in the state of Montana.
We stopped at the Stray Bullet for lunch – and I realized that in all the years I’d been eating there, it was always breakfast before fshing, never lunch.
We visited the old Blackfoot Commercial Company on the other side of town, about ffty yards away. “Jan loves it here,” I told Gerry before we left Ovando.
We were losing fshing time and were about to lose more. Going over Wolf Creek Pass we en-
countered a herd of cattle coming our way. We pulled over. Soon we saw a mom and her two small children on a four-wheeler moving the cattle, and then her husband, in the saddle of a cow horse he handled with a harmony you rarely see, the way he moved those cattle.
There was something satisfying about watching that cattle drive, a throwback to what this country was a century ago and still is in places like this. Our fshing time was slipping away but we didn’t care.
We picked up the mattress late in the afternoon. Daylight was fading when we got back on the road. We took the freeway route home. We wrestled the mattress into the house and fopped it onto the bed around two-something AM, I thanked Gerry briefy before he left, and then fopped myself onto the mattress and slept.
Days are shorter and cooler now, and if Gerry and I are going to fsh we’d better do it fast. That means I’d better get behind the fy tying vise.
I owe one to Gerry, and don’t want to show up without his Brindle ‘Chutes.
Alexis Holland 406-240-9240 alexis.holland@bhhsmt.com
Blackfoot memories - for me and Gerry, maybe next year. Photo courtesy Chuck Stranahan.
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ibles at special sale prices. Celebrate the season in Virgelle, Montana. www. virgellemontana.com 800426-2926 / 406-378-3110
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FRESH EGGS from Howell’s Happy Hens are back! $5.00/doz. Pick up at Bitterroot Star ofce, 115 W. 3rd, Suite 108, Stevensville.
HOUSE FOR RENT
Two Bedroom log house for rent, fully furnished, located 3.5 miles west of Hamilton, quiet and peaceful surroundings, $2850 per month, including utilities. Also includes Washer/Dryer, Dishwasher, and Direct TV with HBO. Call or text (406) 360-6453 for more information. If there is no answer, call or text (406) 360-2644.
SECURE OUTDOOR
STORAGE. Ideal for RVs, boats, trucks, trailers. Fully enclosed with a secure access gate. Located on Grantsdale Rd. $35/ month. Call 406-360-2732.
Employment: Fulltime newsroom position with the Choteau Acantha weekly newspaper. Duties: writing/reporting, editing, page layout/design, photography, video production, social media/website management. Must be familiar with Microsoft Word, Photoshop, InDesign. Preferred bachelor’s degree in journalism or experience as reporter/ photographer or copy editor. Wages DOE, starting at $18/hour. Two weeks paid time of. Position available Jan. 1, 2026. Send cover letter, resume, writing/ photography portfolio, with three references to: Choteau Acantha Publishing Inc., P.O. Box 320, Choteau, MT 59422, or email to: acantha@3rivers. net. Call Choteau Acantha Editor Melody Martinsen at 406-466-2403. Position open until flled.
BATTERY FOR INOGEN OXYGEN SYSTEM, Model BA-300, recharge with Inogen-303, or 10300. Call (406) 777-3062 for more information.
FREE. LOOKING FOR A HOME FOR 14 HENS AND 2 ROOSTERS, mix of Bantams and Rhode Island Reds, currently laying around 6 eggs a day. Please call or text (916) 706-4964 if you are interested.
Legal Notices
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County
In the Matter of the Name Change of Alexander Efren Rangel, Alexander Efren Rangel, Petitioner.
Cause No.: DV-41-20250000372-NC
Dept. 1
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Alexander Efren Rangel to Alexander Caspian Frost.
The hearing will be on December 3, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 21st day of October, 2025.
/s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court
By: Catherine di Gleria Deputy Clerk of Court
BS 10-29, 11-5, 11-12, 11-19-25.
MNAXLP
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PETITION TO ABANDON A PORTION OF NORTH BLAKE STREET IN VICTOR TOWNSITE
The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners will hold a public hearing Monday, November 17, 2025 at 10:00 AM in the Commissioners Conference room (3rd Floor) at the Ravalli County Administrative Center located at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, Montana. The purpose of this Public Hearing is to take public comment on the Petition submitted by Kara L Andrews, (application No. 227) requesting to abandon a portion of North Blake Street in Victor Townsite; and to take action by Resolution.
If you have any questions, or would like to make a public comment due to your inability to attend this meeting, please contact the Commissioners through either of the following: 215 S. 4th Street, Suite A, Hamilton, Montana 59840 or by phone (406) 375-6500 or by email commissioners@rc.mt.gov.
Chris Taggart Commissioners Administrative Assistant BS 10-29, 11-5, 11-1225. MNAXLP
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BEFORE THE CITY OF HAMILTON ZONING COMMISSION, PLANNING BOARD, AND CITY COUNCIL
The City of Hamilton is proposing to update the following regulations and plans:
• Title 17 (Zoning) and Chapter 2.44 (Planning Board) of the Hamilton Municipal Code • City of Hamilton Zoning Map; and • Land Use Framework section of the City of Hamilton Comprehensive Plan (Growth Policy).
More information, including complete drafts of the proposed updates, is available at www.HamiltonZoningUpdate.com or by contacting the Hamilton Planning Department at (406) 363-2101, mrohrbach@cityofhamilton.net, or 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT.
Public Hearings
The City of Hamilton Zoning Commission and Planning Board will hold a joint public hearing to review, take public comment, and consider a recommendation to City Council on the proposed updates on December 1, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
The Hamilton City Council will hold two public hearings to review, take public comment, and make a decision on the proposed updates on Tuesday, January 6, 2026 and Tuesday, January 20, 2026 at 7:00 p.m., during its regular meetings.
Open Houses There will also be four public open houses for the public to learn more about, ask questions, and comment
on the proposed updates. Open houses will take place on:
• Thursday, November 13th from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. AND 6:00 – 7:30 pm.
• Wednesday, November 19th from 12:00 – 1:30 p.m. AND 6:00 – 7:30 pm.
All public hearings and open houses will be on the 2nd foor of Hamilton City Hall, 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT.
At the public hearings any member of the public may attend and make comment in person or remotely. Instructions for remote participation are available on the City of Hamilton website www.cityofhamilton.net, or by contacting mrohrbach@ cityofhamilton.net or cityclerk@cityofhamilton.net.
Comments prior to the Zoning Commission-Planning Board hearing may be submitted to the Planning Department at mrohrbach@ cityofhamilton.net. Comments after the Zoning Commission-Planning Board hearing may be submitted to the City Clerk at cityclerk@ cityofhamilton.net. Comments may also be mailed or delivered in person to 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT 59840.
The City will accept written protests from property owners against the proposals to update the City of Hamilton Zoning Map and/ or Title 17 (Zoning) of the Hamilton Municipal Code until Friday, January 2, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Pursuant to Montana Code Annotated 76-2-305 a protest may only be submitted by the owner(s) of real property within the City of Hamilton or by owner(s) of real property that lie within 150 feet of Hamilton city limits. The protest must be in writing and must be signed by all owners of the real property. In addition, a sufcient protest must contain 1. a description of the action protested sufcient to identify the action against which the protest is lodged and 2. a list of all owners of the property with the physical address. Signers are encouraged to print their names after their signatures. Proposed zoning amendments may not become effective except upon a favorable vote of two-thirds of the present and voting members of the Hamilton City Council if a protest against a change is signed by the owners of 25% or more of 1.) the area of the lots included in any proposed change or 2.) the lots or units 150 feet from a lot included in a proposed change. A person may in writing withdraw a previously fled protest at any time prior to fnal action by the City Council. Protests must be delivered to the Hamilton City Clerk, 223 South 2nd Street, Hamilton, MT 59840. BS 10-29, 11-5-25.
MNAXLP
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Jordan King, Jordan King, Petitioner.
Cause No.: DV-41-20250000371-NC
Dept. 1
NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Jordan Briann King to Jordan Briann Hastings. The hearing will be on December 3, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 21st day of October, 2025. /s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court By: Michelle Goldman Deputy Clerk of Court BS 10-29, 11-5, 11-12, 11-19-25.
MNAXLP
Daniel Browder, Esq. Browder Law, PLLC 217 North 3rd Street, Suite J Hamilton, MT 59840
Telephone: (406) 3613677
Facsimile: (406) 3612999
Email: browderlawmont@gmail. com
Attorney for Lile Gideon MONTANA TWENTY FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PATSY JENE LONGTINE, Deceased.
Cause No. DP-2025-125
Dept. No. 1
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that Lile Gideon 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, Lile Gideon, return receipt requested, c/o: Browder Law, PLLC, 217 North Third Street, Suite J, Hamilton, Montana, 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above Court.
DATED this 28th day of October, 2025. BROWDER LAW, PLLC /s/ Daniel Browder
Attorney for Personal Representative BS 11-5, 11-12, 11-1925. 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 TWENTYFIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT RAVALLI COUNTY IN RE THE ESTATE OF: FRED H. SPRINGER, Deceased.
Cause No. DP-41-2025128
Dept. No. 2
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred.
Claims must either be mailed to the Personal Representative, Kimberly Rockwell, 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 31st day of October 2025.
/s/ William J Nelson, Attorney for Personal Representative /s/ Kimberly Rockwell, Personal Representative BS 11-5, 11-12, 11-1925. MNAXLP
Naomi J. Cheeney
Cheeney Law, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840
Phone: (406) 363-9060
Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES R. PETTY, SR., Deceased. Case No.: DP-41-2025129 Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned have been appointed Co-Personal Representatives of the above-named Estate. All persons having claims against the Decedent are required to present
their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Kirk A. Petty and Charles R. Petty, Jr., the Co-Personal Representatives, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law, PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.
DATED the 29th day of October 2025.
/s/ Kirk A. Petty, Co-Personal Representative /s/ Charles R. Petty, Jr., Co-Personal Representative BS 11-5, 11-12, 11-1925.
MNAXLP
MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HOWARD WILLIAM EIMER, Deceased.
Probate No.: DP-2025122 Dept. No.: 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that H. Steve Eimer has been appointed Personal Representative 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 H. Steve Eimer, 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 11-5, 11-12, 11-1925.
MNAXLP
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
SALE Notice is hereby given to the persons hereinafter named and to whom it may concern. For enforcement of liens in the amount of $601 to Advanced Storage Solutions, located at 108 Westside Road, Hamilton MT 59840, will sell the contents of storage units #23, occupied by Lincoln Erickson, at auction to the highest bidder. Auction will be held at Advanced Storage Solutions, Unit #23 on Saturday, November 15th at 1 pm.
BS 11-5, 11-12-25.
MNAXLP
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
SALE Notice is hereby given to the persons hereinafter named and to whom it may concern. For enforcement of liens in the amount of $988 to Advanced Storage Solutions, located at 108 Westside Road, Hamilton MT 59840, will sell the con-
tents of storage units #58, occupied by Kiana Carter, at auction to the highest bidder. Auction will be held at Advanced Storage Solutions, Unit #58 on Saturday, November 15th at 1 pm.
BS 11-5, 11-12-25.
MNAXLP
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
SALE Notice is hereby given to the persons hereinafter named and to whom it may concern. For enforcement of liens in the amount of $780 to Advanced Storage Solutions, located at 108 Westside Road, Hamilton MT 59840, will sell the contents of storage units #36, occupied by unknown, at auction to the highest bidder. Auction will be held at Advanced Storage Solutions, Unit #38 on Saturday, November 15th at 1 pm. BS 11-5, 11-12-25.
MNAXLP
Naomi J. Cheeney Cheeney Law, PLLC PO Box 212 Hamilton, MT 59840 Phone: (406) 363-9060 Attorney for Personal Representative MONTANA TWENTY-FIRST JUDICIAL DISTRICT COURT, RAVALLI COUNTY IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PHILLIP ROBERT STOLBERG, Deceased. Case No.: DP-41-2025130
Dept. No. 2 NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned has been appointed Personal Representative of the above-named estate. All persons having claims against the decedent are required to present their claims within four months after the date of the frst publication of this notice or said claims will be forever barred. Claims must either be mailed to Kerry J. Stolberg, the Personal Representative, return receipt requested, at Cheeney Law PLLC, PO Box 212, Hamilton, MT 59840, or fled with the Clerk of the above-entitled Court.
DATED the 3rd day of November 2025.
/s/ Kerry J. Stolberg, Personal Representative BS 11-12, 11-19, 1126-25.
MNAXLP
Montana 21st Judicial District Court, Ravalli County In the Matter of the Name Change of Shifawn Jovana Beckner, Shifawn Jovana Beckner, Petitioner. Cause No.: DV-41-20250000395-NC
Dept. 2 NOTICE OF HEARING ON NAME CHANGE
This is notice that Petitioner has asked the District Court for a change of name from Shifawn Jovana
Lone Rock Adult Education is looking for instructors to teach classes that will begin on Tuesday, January 20 through Thursday, April 2, 2026. The hourly rate is $25 per hour, and you do not need a degree, only a passion for your topic. Applications are due no later than Friday, November 28, 2025.
Beckner to Shifawn Jovana Potter. The hearing will be on December 11, 2025 at 1:30 p.m. The hearing will be at the courthouse in Ravalli County.
DATED this 3rd day of November, 2025. /s/ Paige Trautwein Clerk of District Court By: Sarah Sargent Deputy Clerk of Court BS 11-12, 11-19, 11-26, 12-3-25.
MNAXLP
NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE Notice is hereby given to the persons hereinafter named and to whom it may concern. For enforcement of liens in the amount of $730, $545, and $1,640, Venture West Storage, LLC, located at 1008 Hwy 93 N. Victor, MT, 59875, will sell the contents of storage units C17, C37, B14, C35 and C36 occupied by Alicia Culbertson, Charley Porter and Mandy Greenwood, respectively, at auction to the highest bidder. Auction will be held at Venture West Storage, at the units listed above on Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. BS 11-12-25. MNAXLP
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PETITION TO ABANDON PORTIONS OF ROADWAYS NORTHEAST OF STEVENSVILLE OFF AMBROSE CREEK ROAD AND ILLINOIS BENCH ROAD
The Board of Ravalli County Commissioners will hold a public hearing Monday, November 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM in the Commissioners Conference room (3rd Floor) at the Ravalli County Administrative Center located at 215 S. 4th Street, Hamilton, Montana. The purpose of this Public Hearing is to take public comment on the Petition submitted by Steve Kamps of Rocky Mountain Skies, LLC, (application No. 225) requesting to abandon portions of roadways northeast of Stevensville of Ambrose Creek Road and Illinois Bench Road; and to take action by Resolution. If you have any questions, or would like to make a public comment due to your inability to attend this meeting, please contact the Commissioners through either of the following: 215 S. 4th Street, Suite A, Hamilton, Montana 59840 or by phone (406) 375-6500 or by email commissioners@rc.mt.gov. Chris Taggart Commissioners Administrative Assistant BS 11-12, 11-19-25. MNAXLP
